7 minute read
Together, We Bloom
COVER STORY: HOPE BLOOMS AT ST. PHILIP’S!
Physics tells us that when the Earth’s axis tilts toward the sun that is when we experience the changing of seasons. Our movement closer to the sun’s direct rays, ushers in summer and a renewal of brighter days ahead. Warmer temperatures bring about the season of blooming flowers, blossoming trees, and a reminder that at St. Philip’s, we BLOOM TOGETHER!
Despite what we have experienced over the last year and a half, we know that there is beauty in the midst of chaos. The continued support from so many of our partners and friends during such an unusual time has been an encouraging reminder of how beautiful change can really be. Where flowers bloom, so does hope. And our hope is that despite what is going on in the world, no child, youth, or neighbor will leave St. Philip’s without being watered in the best way.
No matter the crisis, our volunteers and donors ensured St. Philip’s and its community thrived in these unprecedented times. Much like the planet’s tilt, we have had to learn to be flexible in our movements. If nothing else, these last few months have taught us the art of "the pivot." Damages from a grueling winter storm and an ongoing pandemic, reminded us to lean into God’s unchanging hand and this has been a season to source our faith and celebrate our friends, knowing that He is always in control. As things continuously change, it is easy to forget to take good care of yourself. Wellness Wednesday, an internal initiative, was launched to encourage total body well-being for all faculty and staff. Each Wednesday, they received an email with information about how to better care for the mind, body, and spirit in this stressful time. Information consisted of a monthly theme and scripture to think, pray, and meditate on. Additionally, theme related activities, recipes, and songs are shared. Many thanks to the many thoughtful members of Friends of St. Philip’s who have sponsored several Wellness Wednesday activities.
St. Philip’s is immensely grateful for all those who have chosen to join us in sowing seeds of change; cultivating an environment that thrives and transforms our world by FAITH, EDUCATION, and SERVICE. Together, we rise from the waters. Together, we bloom!
AT A GLANCE: CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Our school currently serves 200+ students in grades PreK2-6th (ages 2-12) who benefit from St. Philip’s rigorous, nurturing, and dynamic Christian-based education.
6th Graders Pushing Through the Pandemic
This year’s graduating class missed out on what most students look forward to during their St. Philip’s experience -- the 5th grade Civil Rights trip, the 6th Grade Grand Canyon Trip, athletics, plays, and long, tight hugs as students and teachers alike embrace their last year as one class.
Makeda is a sixth-grade student who was in-person since the first day of the 2020-2021 school year. She says she missed being able to see all of her classmates in one place, and having a normal recess and lunch. Meanwhile, Jillian, the sixth-grade class president, was virtual for the entire year. She enjoyed learning online, but one thing they both have in common is the lack of social interaction with their peers.
“It really has been different because I haven’t been able to see my friends as often. We don’t get to see everyone every day in class,” explained Makeda. “We don’t get to move around to our classes anymore. We just stay in one class all day and sometimes it gets a little restless.”
Although the pandemic changed the daily routine for our students, they stayed the course and made the best of their situation. Teachers went out of their way to reach each child where they were whether that be virtually, or in-person. “Overall, my last year at St. Philip’s has been great,” said Jillian. “The teachers really teach the lessons very well and it was very organized, which helped me have a good year.”
There were differing opinions on virtual learning and inperson learning. Makeda preferred in-person learning because it was hard for her to focus at home, and she wanted a little more normalcy in her school life, although it wasn’t completely what she was used to. St. Philip’s left the learning option up to families, and what they felt was safest and best for them. Jillian and her family made the decision to remain virtual as they felt it was the safest option.
“I prefer virtual learning. My mom, dad, and sister were working virtually from home, so virtually was the option to keep my family safe,” explained Jillian.
Jillian and Makeda have been able to find the positives in the pandemic. They said their last year at St. Philip’s was a humbling experience and it opened up their eyes to everyday things that they took for granted, such as simply walking through the hallways with their classmates. They also found some benefits in the classroom. The sixth graders started using new software that they think is beneficial for all students now and post COVID.
Jillian and Makeda are also sad they have to leave St. Philip’s, but they are excited about the great things that lie ahead. Next year, Jillian will be attending Bishop Dunne Catholic School and Makeda will be attending The Hockaday School. Both credit St. Philip’s for their readiness as they embark on their new journey as students at new schools and in new environments.
“I have been here for a while and St. Philip’s teaches you a lot of things you wouldn’t learn in other schools,” said Makeda. “You learn a lot about your culture and AfricanAmerican history. I also want to do something in the field of science when I get older, and I feel like I’ve learned a lot here that will help me later.”
Makeda Jillian
2020-2021 Academic Highlights!
Early Childhood:
• One to one technology for all students • Teaching Assistants provided academic intervention and support • SEL- Social Emotional Learning for all grades and updated curriculum
Lower School:
• Day trips to NASA: Houston Space Center and Sky
Ranch • Virtual and In-Person Black History Heritage
Program
Middle School:
• Day trip to Holocaust Museum and San Antonio • Financial Literacy with Chase bank • Student design thinking collaboration with Good
Shepherd School • Kids in the Kitchen cooking program in After School
Enrichment Program • Project Based Learning Program
On the Move with St. Philip’s Specials Classes
In order to keep our students, faculty, and staff safe this school year, our leadership decided it would be best for students to remain in their classrooms throughout the day. This called for St. Philip’s “specials” teachers (Librarian, Performing and Fine Arts teachers, and Spanish teacher) to move from class to class for instruction instead of hosting students in their classrooms.
“It has been a 180-degree shift,” explained 1st-6th grade Spanish instructor, Jorge Perez. “From waiting for my students to going from classroom to classroom. There is a need for a different timing of everything that happens to include setting up and then disconnecting, going back and forth, hoping the Internet is working in every room, working with different set ups in every room, and coordinating with the teacher in each room.”
Our specialty teachers are used to having their own rooms, filled with art, instruments, technology, and visual elements to ignite the excitement of learning while in their class. For some, it’s not so much of a disruption. “I enjoy change and thrive in dynamic environments and I have learned to scale things down a bit in terms of what the students can realistically complete in a given amount of time,” said Art Teacher, Jennifer Kindert.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 caused many schools across the nation to either eliminate or shorten time in specials classes. At St. Philip’s, the arts are a significant part of our curriculum. Our leadership deemed it necessary for the most well-rounded experience for our students. “I think getting rid of these classes is a mistake,” commented Perez. “I am convinced that STEAM without the A is a very limiting proposition. We need to have specials if we want graduates to be well-rounded individuals. Dance, theatre, music, and world languages provide the ingredients that make education more meaningful. Society without these elements would be incomplete.”
