November
Principal's Message
Greetings!

We have much to be thankful for at the Villa. Our students learn and grow academically, spiritually, and socially, and our families support and engage in many special activities on and off our campus. It is a blessing to be part of this extraordinary community.

I hope you enjoy a wonderful holiday with your family, friends, and loved ones.

Happy Thanksgiving!
EDUCATION
2nd graders demonstrated their creative and persuasive "Turkeys on Strike!" writings, composed from the perspective of a turkey with compelling reasons why they should NOT be eaten for Thanksgiving.
Congratulations to these Art students whose works were displayed at the Hyde Park Art Show!
Manor House students participated in "A Morning on the Farm" and rotated through different farm-related activities including making "Magic Milk" and experimenting with eggs to demonstrate the strength of an "ovoid" shape, a visit by Farmer Gloria and her Sunrock Farm animals to educate students about where their food comes from, and "Farm Bingo" which reinforced students' identification and matching skills.
6th grade Science students diagrammed the physical and mechanical layers of the Earth.
Students previewed books and created their "Wish List" at the school library's Scholastic Book Fair.
Traditional Kindergarteners celebrated the 50th day of school by learning about what life was like in the 1950’s, dressing up in the era's attire, playing 50’s themed games, dancing at a sock hop, enjoying root beer floats, and counting to 50 by 1’s and 10’s.
On the Nature Trails, Outdoor Education students looked for different types and colors of leaves then covered the leaves with paper and rubbed with crayon to highlight details of the leaves’ veins. Some students arranged the leaves to create shapes or added faces to make them into animals or monsters as an additional creative activity.
FAITH
1st graders learned about and dressed up in a saint's likeness, then led a "saintly" procession during our All Saints Mass.
2nd graders continued their faith journey toward First Communion by participating in First Reconciliation with their classmates and with the support of their parents.
The entire Villa community gathered for a Thanksgiving Prayer Service to recognize our many blessings and participate in a food drive to benefit Childhood Food Solutions.
All students brought in food items to provide critical meals to needy families. After the Prayer Service, more than 100 bags were assembled by the 6th grade for delivery.
6th graders researched saints and wrote a biography with facts such as when and where they were born, what they did in their life, and when they became a saint - with their research accurately cited. Students also described what they admire in the saint.
COMMUNITY
The 8th grade focused on respecting their elders during the first trimester of music classes. Students learned how familiar music can help those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia by watching the documentary "Alive Inside." They then prepared a Veterans Day concert for the residents of Brookdale Senior Living Center, after which they spent time sharing music with residents and leading sing-a-longs of familiar songs.
Generous Manor House families helped make Christmas more special for children in need by donating to our toy drive and supporting our partnership with Inter Parish Ministry.
S everal hundred Villa parents and students enjoyed the 9th annual Indian Hill Winter Club Family Party, a popular sign-up event offered through Villabration . This fun community family evening featured ice skating, hockey, broom ball, crafts and games, as well as great food and beverages. Click here to view photos from the event.
This fine group is a portion of the Junior High students who toured prospective parents and families at our Open House and earned rave reviews about their poise, confidence, and love for the Villa.
Villa Parents' Organization
November is another busy month with VPO providing refreshments for the school Open House, 2nd grade's First Reconciliation, and Manor House Donuts for Dads. Click here for more Donuts for Dads photos.

VPO is preparing for the holidays with the 2nd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Thursday, November 29 in the Main School Courtyard from 6:00-7:30 pm. Join us for treats, crafts, and special guest appearances to get everyone in the Christmas spirit - Villa style!
Villa Boosters
Villa basketball has begun for 3rd - 8th grade boys and girls with impressive pre-season tournament play. Congrats to these 5th graders for winning the St. Susannah Tip-Off Classic tournament! Go, Eagles!
Faculty Feature
Ms. Chrissy Thurner has taught 2nd grade at the Villa for 2 years. Ms. Thurner grew up in Cincinnati with two older sisters and a younger brother and graduated from University of Dayton.
Other fun facts about Ms. Thurner:

  • Favorite Place: "Leland, Michigan where I have spent every summer since I was born." (Ms. Thurner is seated at left in the above photo)
  • Favorite Food: Any and all pasta
  • Favorite Movie Quote: "in this life, you don't have to prove nothin' to nobody but yourself. If you haven't done that by now, it ain't gonna never happen" - Rudy
  • Why I love working at the Villa: “I love that the faculty and staff are so welcoming and that everyone is willing to lend a helping hand when needed."