October
Principal's Message
Greetings!

October has wrapped up and autumn is definitely in the air. I am pleased to share the various lessons and activities of this busy month and celebrate the many ways the Villa demonstrates the importance of education, faith, and community.
EDUCATION
Spanish students have been discussing el Día de los Muertos, The Day of the Dead, and the traditions of this important Mexican celebration. These Kindergarteners created a paper version of a traditional decoration - las calaveras de azúcar, or the sugar skulls.

Students in other grades completed similar activities using the same calaveras which were added to the hall bulletin board and classroom display. Junior High students made an "ofrenda" or an altar to remember deceased loved ones or personal heroes in the tradition and hope that their spirits will come visit on November 2nd.
Traditional 3-year-olds learned about carving and decorating their classroom pumpkin.
Kindergarten through 6th grade Field Day featured activities on the Villa Way, courtyard, Multi-Purpose Room, and gym. Our annual Field Day is a full day of fun and games led by Gym teacher Ms. Hake, assisted by 7th graders, and enjoyed by everyone!
8th Graders explored the story of Creation from the Book of Genesis by creating quarter circle detailed depictions of what occurred on each day. 
Villa Math students celebrated Metric Day on 10/10, learning about the metric system and using it to measure results of activities and games.
Traditional Kindergarteners strengthened their math skills in hands-on activities through this lesson in one-to-one correspondence.
The 4/5/6 Musical Club and Choirs performed "Annie, Jr." to their classmates during school and an evening performance to a packed house which raised $624 for CancerFree Kids.
Montessori Kindergarteners' Art class project involved creating a "blob painting" ghost with white tempera paint.
FAITH
A Villa tradition for more than 20 years, the 3rd grade celebrated a Mass and Pet Blessing in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. Parents, pets, and students gathered on the Manor House lawn for a special morning. 
A group of 8th graders spent a morning at Matthew: 25 Ministries sorting clothing for distribution to areas devastated by recent hurricanes.
COMMUNITY
Parents of 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds connected with friends old and new at the annual Manor House Wine and Cheese event.
St. Ursula Villa has received a grant to purchase twenty additional trees to enhance our campus and Nature Trails, an integral part of our Outdoor Education program. Special thanks to the Scouts and volunteers who spent part of last Saturday October 27 to help plant the trees.
More than 500 Grandparents and Special Friends visited classrooms and shared a wonderful morning with "their" Villa student. To view our photo library of the event, click here.
1st and 5th grade "buddies" share activities throughout the year, such as designing and carving a pumpkin.
Main School students and parents viewed adorable costumes donned by our 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds during our traditional Halloween parade on the Villa Way.
Villa Parents' Organization
The VPO graciously hosted Grandparents & Special Friends Days at both the Main School and Manor House by greeting and assisting our visitors. The VPO always enjoys showing off our amazing school and beautiful campus this time of year! Thank you to the VPO and all who volunteered or joine d us for what is always a highlight for the Villa students.
Villa Boosters
The girls volleyball season was a huge success and we are very proud of their accomplishments on the court. Congratulations the 7th grade team coached by Junior High teachers Ms. Moeder, Ms. Moormann, and Ms. Jackson for earning GCCYS league and division championships. We also recognize our 8th and 6th grade teams as runners-up in the GCCYS league championship.
Faculty Feature
Ms. Debbie Ellis has been with the Villa for 11 years, currently as Assistant in Ms. Rouse's Traditional 3-year-old classroom. She has two daughters, both Villa alumni: Jennifer '01 and Jillian '02, and two grandsons.
Other fun facts about Ms. Ellis:

  • Grew up in: Pitttsburgh, PA.
  • Favorite Book: Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
  • Favorite Food: Asian
  • Most Beautiful Place: Florence, Italy
  • Why I love working at the Villa: “The people here are phenomenal. We are a family who all have the same mission - the welfare of the children."