Prayers go out to the Newtown, CT community...

From hearing the Rachel's Challenge presentation just a week ago, it sickens me to see what has happened at the elementary school in Newtown, CT. I wanted to provide you with the information below to help your child in case they have heard about this tragedy today or of a future crisis situation. Hug your kiddos extra tight today!

From ASCA, here is what to do to help your kids during a crisis: 

• Be honest with kids and share with them as much information as they are developmentally able to handle.
• Listen to kids' fears and concerns, while reassuring them that they are safe going to their school. This world is a good place to be, but that there are people who do bad things.
• Limit exposure to television and the news.
• You, as parents, need to first deal with and assess their own responses and stress.
• Rebuild and reaffirm attachments and relationships.
• Try and keep routines as normal as possible. Kids gain security from the predictability of routine, including attending school.

Rachel's Challenge Recap

 The elementary assembly, "Linked Up" shared messages of using kind words. "Compassion is a feeling, Kindness is an action."

 "Rachel's Impact" left a very inspiring message to all our middle school students and later continued the discussion in training with small groups in the afternoon.

 Students decorated ornaments to go with our tree that we will be donating to St. John's Outreach Center.

 Students made fleece blankets for Compass House and the Lighthouse Women's Shelter in Buffalo.

Start your own chain reaction today! 

Thank you for everyone who came out to the evening presentation to hear more about Rachel's Story. It was a very special day.

Scholarships!

There are two scholarships out right now. Please come see me regarding more information on either one. Please be aware of dates.

1. Ladies of the Ancient ORder of Hibernians Annual Irish History Essay contest (grades 6-8). December 18, 2012 is the last day to submit this essay on Castles of Ireland-Location, Structure and Use.

2.  The St. Thomas More Guild announces it's 7th annual scholarship program for students attending catholic elementary and high schools for next year.  One $500 scholarship will be awarded to a student attending a Catholic elementary school, and one $1000 scholarship will be awarded to a student attending or entering a catholic high school. Please see me for an application. The deadline is February 15th. 

 

 

                                   

Rachel's Challenge at DeSales!

This Thursday, Rachel's Challenge will be coming in for two separate presentations (K-5 and 6-8). 

Our 7^th and 8^th graders will continue their discussion and training in the afternoon, while the Early Childhood through 6^th grade students worked on various service projects to benefit those less fortunate in our community. 

We will be donating a fully decorated Christmas Tree, complete with handmade ornaments from our students, to the Outreach Center at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.  Students will also make cozy fleece blankets that will help keep the clients of Compass House and the Lighthouse Women’s Shelter warm throughout these winter months.

While these presentations are for the students only, we would like to invite you to our evening portion of the event at the Palace Theater at 7pm. We hope to see you there!

5 Tips To Help Your Child Be Successful In School

We are already in second quarter grades right now! Here are some tips to help your child be more successful in school:

1.Read with your child every night.

2. Do not talk negatively about your child's teacher or about school. They will repeat it and develop the same attitude towards them and their studies.

3. Make sure your child is getting a good night's rest and eating breakfast every morning.

4. Ask your child how school was every day. Encourage a dialogue.

5. Teach your child to be responsible for their actions and their school work.

HS Admission Exam this Saturday!

Good Luck to everyone taking the Admission Exam this coming SATURDAY! If you have any questions, please contact your #1 choice school (where you are taking the exam at) before Saturday. 


-Make sure you arrive on time with the appropriate materials.
-Get enough sleep the night before the exam.
-Make sure you eat something healthy in the morning.
-Take your time-use process of elimination.
-Go with your gut instinct.


Breathe in through your stomach and relax-you will do great!!

Lockport Shadow Day on Friday

This Friday, students (who have signed up) will be able to shadow at Lockport High School.  Information for Friday:

• They will be partnered with a LHS student will follow their schedule from 7:30am-1:25pm.

• They may purchase lunch for $1.35 or they can bring a bag lunch. 

• Students must arrive by 7:30am and enter through the Locust Street doors. They will be directed to the auditorium where they will receive a "Welcome" from school administrators along with being paired with their shadow partner.

• Following 8th period (1:30pm), the partner will escort the student back to the auditorium where they will conclude the day. Parents should arrive no later than 1:25pm, park in the Locust circle (where students entered that day) and depart by 1:35pm. This is to ensure that all DeSales students are picked up before the arrival of the high school buses.