5/7/12 ANNUAL SCIENCE FAIR is this Friday.  This academic day has taken place at St. Joseph's School for more than 30 years.  Helping students to learn about the scientific method-understanding that a correlation does not automatically mean there is a cause/effect relationship between two events-or to think about whether or not variables have been controlled in an experiment-are both valuable life skills.  So much information our children will come in contact with will need to be viewed through the lens of the "scientific method" in order for them to know whether or not this information is valid.  Good Luck to our students in grades 4-5-6 as they present their projects to judges from throughout the Grand Rapids area who volunteer their time to interview each student about his/her project.  I consider the Science Fair project one of those great things we do with our students at our school!

4/22/12 PRESCHOOLERS AND EARTHDAY!  Many thanks to our Preschoolers who observed Earth Day by picking up garbage around our school and church property.  It is amazing to me that little people can do BIG things when they work together!

3/14/12 The MEGA-FIELD TRIP to Minneapolis and St. Paul overnight was a wonderful experience for students in grades 4-5-6.  This principal even climbed to the top of the rock wall at Base Camp-NOT a graceful or pretty climb, but I made it!  I am grateful to the teachers at our school who work so hard to make these kinds of enrichment experiences happen for our students-at ALL grade levels!  I also thank those many parents who took time to travel with us.  We could not do these things without the support of so many in our school and parish community. THANKS!

January 25, 2012  Faith. Academics. Service.   These three words succinctly describe the mission of our Catholic Schools. During this month we also celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King, and I wanted to share with you one of the many quotations ascribed to him: "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'  I am grateful to work in a school community where I see service to others daily.

December 6 One of the highlights of my week is going to Mass as a school community.  I have observed that behavior at Mass has improved this year; I believe this is, in part, due to our being on this site.  The students only have to walk upstairs to go to church-we are already feeling more "connected" to our church.  We are blessed to be here!

11:11 am on 11/11/11 We all applauded for this unique moment today at school.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if we truly appreciated each moment in our lives as unique? 

In my prayers today, I say thank you to the men and women who are veterans for their service to our country.

October 24: Showing children service in action-I know who does MUCH of the raking on our marathon day.  Not only am I grateful, but so are the many people we help each year.  I also believe that the example of service to others is something our children gain from this experience.  Thank you to each of you who make the commitment to be here (not always possible with work schedules, I know) and SHOW the children how we can help others in need.

October 2:  Pet Blessing and a special day with our Grandparents/Family Friends-heartwarming events, both of these.  I hope your family will be able to be a part of these days.  Please send a picture of a pet if you are unable to bring yours on Tuesday at 2:40 in the upper church parking lot.

September 27:  How wonderful to see so many of you at our Spaghetti Supper & School Open House!  This annual event is always delicious and fun.  I noticed after dinner that children, along with the parents who had signed up for cleaning, helped with clean-up by wahing tables and vacuuming. I think it is wonderful to see kids helping out when they can!

September 19:  MONDAYS, two times per month, will be the "White Envelope Day".  The first "White Envelope" went home today with LOTS of information.  We are trying Mondays this year in the hope that it will be an evening better suited to reviewing the information it contains than the weekends for you.  Let me know what you think!