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December 2014 PRESENTATION HIGH SCHOOL PARENT NEWSLETTER
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The Gift of Appreciation By Rosemarie Healy, Academic Dean Counselor Class of 2017
One of my very favorite Christmas songs is “Mary did you know?” It is a song that ponders whether Mary really knew from the beginning that her son, Jesus, was destined to be the Savior of the world. Maybe he was just one of those bright little boys who read early and had a magnetic personality? Could she foresee his path and ultimately his death and resurrection? Did she try to steer him away from his destiny out of fear for his life? Any mother would have. Do we really know what the future holds for our children? What career will they settle into? Will they be happy? How many of us project our own dreams and aspirations on to our children and then orchestrate their every decision to line up with OUR vision for their life? If I’ve hit a nerve with you, please do not feel alone. We all want the very best things for our children. But do we stop to validate the positive characteristics and traits that they are developing as they navigate adolescence? Do we nurture and foster the unique and fresh qualities they possess. Is your daughter patient? Patience is a virtue. Is she kind? There are many impatient and unkind people in the world. She should be praised. Is she unorganized, yet utterly creative and spontaneous- juxtaposed to your other very orderly and linear offspring? Do you value her for the gifts she brings to your family even if her room is abominable? Your bossy adolescent might become a charismatic leader. Your quiet introvert could be the next author of the great American novel. Some Christmas gifts are found under the tree but many others are disguised in our day to day communication with one another. Perhaps this Christmas we might acknowledge the wonderful gifts that each of our children bring to the family table. This year give your daughter the gift of appreciating who she truly is.
From the Board of Trustees
Our November Board meeting featured a demonstration of our new 1:1 iPad technology. Department chairs Dr. Andrea Duwel, Eric Buell, and student Sara Stith showed the Board some of the apps that are being used to enrich student learning and creativity. All the presenters commented how using the new technology has fostered more “organic” growth in additional applications that enhance learning and productivity. iPad apps are also helping teachers face the challenge of assessing whether students are truly understanding class material. For example, Eric Buell uses the Canvas app in his religion classes. Among other functions, Canvas administers unit exams electronically and automatically corrects the exam minutes after students take it. This saves Eric hours of correction time and he can also see if students understand the concepts immediately before he moves on. He can also see which students may need help. This near “real time” feedback is helping to ensure that the classroom pace more closely matches students’ understanding. As I write this, faculty is moving back into the first floor in the new building ahead of schedule and on budget. Exciting to think the project will be completed and in use very soon. On behalf of the Board – have a Merry Christmas and New Year! Fred Crary, President, Board of Trustees
Inside this issue DEPARTMENT UPDATES Campus Ministry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . College Counseling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Community Involvement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Department Spotlight: Religion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Performing Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Music Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dance Team. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Attendance Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Math and Science Colloquium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Special Student & Teach Shout-outs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Athletics: Varsity home games. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Booster Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . From the Parent Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Balloon & Starbucks Order Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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