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Dear Friends,
We cannot talk about education without talking goals and purpose. What is it that we are trying to achieve as educators? What is it that we are trying to achieve as parents?
Fortunately, at Saint Patrick Academy, we are blessed with the clarity of a mission. The lofty goal of our educational program is to inspire children to be fully alive, equipping them with a hope-filled worldview so that they might live as witnesses to all that is good, beautiful and true.
As a faculty and staff, we are constantly reviewing our curriculum and teaching methods. The calling we have to teach obliges us to reflect. How are our example, our teaching methods, and our curriculum materials furthering our mission?
To this end, after much research, we are happy to announce that students will encounter an enhanced Social Studies / History curriculum next year. Beginning in Third Grade, students will study the Ancient World. Fourth Graders will continue with an exploration into the Medieval World. The scope for Fifth through Eighth Graders will remain the same; however each class will use new materials more closely aligned with our mission, especially with regard to imparting a hope-filled worldview. Within our new curriculum, students will also find an enhanced Geography program.
Saint Patrick Academy welcomes your feedback and support. As a follow-up to our beginning of the year survey, here is an opportunity to let us know how your experience was at Saint Patrick Academy this year.
Please find reminders below.
May Virtue: Humility
Awareness that all our gifts come from God and appreciation for the gifts of others
MON: Happy Memorial Day / No School
TUES: Regular Uniform
WED: Regular Uniform, Open House at 8:30am / Lands' End uniform sizing at Noon / Humility skit with 7th Grade at 2:15pm
THURS: PE Uniform
FRI: Regular Uniform, Teacher Appreciation Day (click for a fun volunteer opportunity)
PIZZA / LEXIES
Today is the last day for our Pizza & Milk Lunch program. The Lexie's Burger lunch program has been extended to June 7th.
OPEN HOUSE / COME AND SEE
We will be having an Open House from 8:30 until 11:30am next Wednesday, May 30th.
INTRODUCTION
We are very pleased to introduce our newest faculty member: Mrs. Deborah Brown. Mrs. Brown will teach Fifth and Sixth Grade Language Arts and History next year. She will be observing at our school on Tuesday of next week. Here is a snapshot of Mrs. Brown's impressive achievements:
- Education: Mrs. Deborah Brown holds NH Certification in Elementary Education (K-8) from Franklin Pierce University. She holds a Highly Qualified Teaching Designation (HQT) in grades (K-6). Additionally, she is certified in Special Education as a Paraprofessional II. Mrs. Brown’s BA Degree is from the University of Arizona, where she received a four year academic scholarship.
- Experience: A former VP in banking on the Seacoast, Mrs. Brown switched careers to become a teacher, and is now answering the call to promote Catholic education. She comes to us from North Hampton School, where she held teaching and support positions in General and Special Education (Pre-K -8th), was a Middle School Case Manager, a 7th and 8th Grade certified Educational Associate, and a Social Studies and Student Government Advisor. She taught various grade levels during the ESY Summer Program and was also a Title I tutor at NHS.
- Mrs. Brown believes in the importance of building strong relationships within her school and broader community. She understands that connecting with students engages them to be life-long learners. She is both excited and committed to implement a faith-filled curriculum and continue to create a unique interactive classroom environment that promotes citizenship inside and outside Saint Patrick Academy. To her, teaching is "a passion; not a profession."
- Outside of school, Mrs. Brown is the primary caregiver for her Mom who lives with her, her husband Chuck (“Charlie Brown, he’s a good man”), her son Kyle, and their Golden Retriever, Nutmeg “Meggie.” She enjoys antiquing and spending time in her two favorite places: the Seacoast beachest and the Arizona desert, both places where she feels at home.
BAND
We are looking into starting a Band next year! Do you know of a good teacher? If so, please let us know.
TESTING
Please know that we are always able to run norm-referenced assessment tests via our Star 360 program. At the end of the year, students in Grades K-8 will take their third Star 360 assessment, and students in Grades 2-8 will take their first MAP test. Both of these tests are used by teachers to track growth.
H2O
Reminder: please make sure your child is equipped with a water bottle each day!
TEACHER APPRECIATION LUNCHEON: Friday, June 1st
Please help us provide a gift and a great luncheon for our amazing teachers! On Friday, June 1st, parents will cover the classrooms so that our teachers can enjoy a leisurely lunch with the friendship of their co-workers.
As a convenience to families, we are combining the Appreciation Luncheon with any end-of-the-year teacher gifts. It has become customary for our families to collect and combine at the end of the year for the teachers. We are asking that this be done at the time of the luncheon.
Each staff member will be given a gift bag at the luncheon filled by parents.
Let's show our appreciation! Please send your donations to the front office clearly labeled for this event.
GRADUATION: Monday, June 11th
We are looking forward to some very special events.
SUNSCREEN / BUG SPRAY
If they see fit, parents are requested to put sunscreen and/or bug spray on their children before coming to school. Teachers can apply sunscreen in the classroom, but need written permission to do so.
THE LAST FEW BIG EVENTS
- June 1: Teacher Appreciation Day
- June 7: Field Day at Community Campus
- June 11: Graduation Mass at 9:30 AM with a 6:00 PM Ceremony
- June 12: Kindergarten Farewell at 1:00 PM
- June 13: Last Day / Noon Dismissal
LANDS' END
On Wednesday, May 30th from 12 - 4, Lands' End will be here with samples and sizing of our Saint Patrick Academy uniform.
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As always, please let us know if you have any questions. We are here to help.
God Bless,
Mark Schwerdt
Head of School |
