Dear St. James/Seton Catholic School Community,

We are excited for our first 5K run tomorrow!  Thanks to all who have signed up to run, walk, or volunteer.  The race provides us with a financial benefit as we hope to raise funds for the school.  But, there is an additional benefit of building community and providing a chance to gather as a school and community of friends.  And, we also have been able to discuss with the students the benefits of being physically active.  I want to thank Mrs. Howard for all of her tireless work in preparing for the event, so many details need to be sorted out and Mrs. Howard has done exceptional work.  We also need to thank Mr. Meyer and Mrs. Lenz for all of their help in making the race a reality.  So the race is a great event for us for a variety of reasons, we will hope the weather cooperates, but the race will proceed rain or shine! 

Congratulations to our 8^th graders who received the Sacrament of Confirmation last night at St. James, and last week at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.   It is exciting to see students take this step in the faith.  The sacrament serves as a reminder of God’s love to us adults as well.  Thanks to Mr. Westra, Ms. Kusek, our pastors, sponsors, and parents for all the help in getting students ready for the Sacrament.

It can be difficult to keep students focused this time of year.  The warmer days with more sunlight are certainly welcome, but can be a distraction.  We ask for your help in keeping your student’s focus on school and school work.  Our teachers will teach until the end, will review and cover new information, so student effort and focus is vital.  We appreciate your parental help and support.  And, don’t forget the new Math expectation- students are to have addition and subtraction mastered by the end of 2^ndgrade, and multiplication and division mastered by the end of 4^th grade.   

As I shared earlier the Genius Hour will be a part of SJS next school year.  I’m excited to see how this will help our student skills.  The Genius Hour is a new idea in education that allows the students to investigate and develop projects that they feel passionate about.  Teachers are there to help guide the process, but it is largely a student driven process.  These are skills we want students to have in the real world—be self motivated and create their own plan.  Be on the look out for more info as we will embrace the Genius Hour as much as possible at SJS next year.  The overall goals are to help students to be excited about learning, explore their passions, and to encourage creativity and motivation. 

A few dates to remind you of: the Girl Scout fundraiser for Bethlehem House will end on Monday May 1^st.  There is no school the 5^th of May for staff School of Faith.  There is a May Crowning event for the whole school on May 12^th at 8:15, all are welcome.  Field Day is May 16^th.   Thanks for all you do.

                                                                                                Peace,

                                                                                                William Kelly

                                                                                                Principal