January
Principal's Message
Greetings!

I am always so proud of our successful 8th graders as they prepare for and take the high school entrance exam, select their preferred school, and embark upon a new chapter of their academic career. The Class of 2019 achieved an impressive High School Entrance Exam median score of 90 and earned $421,500 in merit scholarship offers from Cincinnati's competitive high schools.

We congratulate our 8th graders and will enjoy all the special highlights and traditions coming up in their last few months with us here at the Villa.
EDUCATION
In Computer Lab, 1st graders built skills and familiarity with Microsoft Paint to design Valentines cards - while enjoying Catholic Schools Week's PJ Day!
Traditional 3-year-old students observed cardinals from their classroom windows and created hand-print cardinal landscapes during their study of winter.
We are very proud of each our our students who participated in the 4-8th grade Geography Bee and Spelling Bee during the home room qualifying rounds and advanced to the school-wide competition. Congratulations to Geography Bee winner Alina Butcher (6th grade) and Spelling Bee winner Caroline Meisenhelder (7th grade) who will represent St. Ursula Villa at the city competitions.
Snowy weather provided an opportunity for 5th grade Outdoor Education students to study animal tracks on the campus and Nature Trails.
Traditional 4-year-olds learned about the winter season, read snowman-themed books, and designed and "dressed" snowman friends.
Everybody Counts Week offered opportunities for students to learn about and appreciate various disabilities and challenges. Junior High students and parents facilitated classroom activities, presentations, and discussions including experiencing the challenges of sensory impairment, and learning about how the ear works and hearing problems. The week culminated in a wheelchair basketball game sponsored by Villa Parents Organization.
Toddlers developed motor skills by using shaving cream and glue to add texture to these cute polar bear faces.
4th grade Science students tested different surfaces to explore the effect of friction on the speed of a rolling ball.
Traditional 4-year-olds learned how to keep bones healthy with good nutrition and exercise during a special visit from Dr. Brion Moran, an orthopedic surgeon and Villa parent. Dr. Moran's visit was part of the students' Community Helpers unit.
On PJ Day, 3rd graders posed with their "Dear Diary/Journal" entry where they used all five senses to describe the seasonal changes coming and answer the question "What Does Winter Mean to Me?"
FAITH
4th grade Religion students created dioramas depicting the life of St. Angela, the foundress of the Ursuline Order.
After our St. Angela Merici Feast Day Mass, 8th grader Sophia Qotb received the Ursuline Educational Network Community Service Award based on her outstanding commitment to Stepping Stones. Junior High Religion teacher Andrea Moeder and Sr. Margie Efkeman, OSU, General Minister of the Ursulines of Cincinnati, presented the award.
St. Ursula Villa launched an Ursuline Students of the Month program where primary, intermediate, and junior high teachers select students who are living examples of important characteristics of an Ursuline education. We commend Molly Heffernan (6th grade), Hailey Heidrich (8th), and Lucas Chlon (3rd) for demonstrating January's characteristic of "Live the Christ-Centered Spirit of St. Angela Merici."
Villa 8th graders joined the hundreds of students representing Cincinnati-area schools at the Annual Catholic Schools Week Mass at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Chains.
COMMUNITY
Parents attended "Crossing the Bridge" sessions which provided valuable information about the transition of 4-year-olds to Kindergarten and Montessori Kindergarteners to 1st grade. Teachers shared classroom procedures and routines, as well as developmental guidelines and recommendations.
In recognition of our school's commitment to Christian service, junior high students coordinated a toy drive during Catholic Schools Week. Toy donations benefited Cincinnati Children's Hospital's Rosie's Red Wagon Campaign to provide toys for young patients. Thanks to everyone who helped make this project a success.  
Villa Parents' Organization
VPO supported our Catholic Schools Week celebrations with Teacher and Staff Appreciation gifts and a delicious VPO-catered soup and sandwich lunch, as well as Student Appreciation Day's Movie and Popcorn Party.
Villa Boosters
These 4th graders enjoyed playing back-to-back home games at "The Nest" - the result of recent snow and weather cancellations. Remember Spring Sports Registrations end Feb. 1st!
Faculty Feature
Ms. Holly Jackson has taught Junior High Science at the Villa for 11 years. Ms. Jackson grew up in Cincinnati and loves spending time with friends and family, going to the movies, and watching Xavier basketball.
Other fun facts about Ms. Jackson:

  • Most Beautiful Place: Hawaii where she rode an underwater scooter (pictured)
  • Favorite Food: Pizza
  • Proudest Accomplishment: Recently earning her Master of Education in Reading from Xavier University
  • Why I love working at the Villa: “There are so many things I love about the Villa. I love working with students and see them grow and develop over the course of the year. I love the community atmosphere, the religious aspect, and my coworkers!"