November
Principal's Message
Greetings!

We have so 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 truly 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 researched and presented information about the different states within our nation.
Preschoolers created turkey masterpieces and painted with forks to create the effect of feathers.
Traditional Kindergarteners celebrated the 50th day of school by wearing 1950's-inspired attire, listening to music from that era, enjoying root beer floats, and counting to 50 by 1's and 10's.
3rd grade Math students built arrays to show the Commutative Property of Multiplication.
Used in the Montessori C classroom, this "anatomy apron" helps children learn names, shapes, and locations of body organs as well as develop body awareness.
Manor House students participated in Farm Day and traveled from one classroom to the next experiencing an exciting morning filled with "all things farm." They played Farm Bingo, graphed which farm animals are their favorites, explored properties of milk and the strength of eggs with science experiments, and learned about and groomed farm animals. Farmer Messa from Good Green Earth Farm introduced our students to an adorable pig, a lamb, baby chicks, a bunny, and a goat.
1st graders prepared for a Thanksgiving feast by making delicious pumpkin pies!
4th grade Language Arts students created unique book reports by designing t-shirts about their selected book.
The 50/50 Club is a huge achievement in Gym class! This special trophy goes the homeroom of a Kindergarten - 3rd grade student who jumps rope 50 times without missing.
FAITH
First Reconciliation is the next step in our 2nd graders' faith journey. They prepared for and received this sacrament with their classmates and with the support of their parents.
St. Ursula Villa commends Annemarie Wolfer (6th grade), Ada Schapman (Montessori Kindergarten), and Andrew Jennings (8th grade) as our Ursuline Students of the Month. They were selected for demonstrating "The Dignity and Gifts of All Students" - this month's Ursuline characteristic.
St. Ursula Villa faculty are all reading the book Leadership from the Heart: Guidance from Angela Merici and discussing its message and applications at a monthly book group.
COMMUNITY
Our 10th annual Indian Hill Winter Club Family Party was a fun community evening featuring ice skating, hockey, broom ball, crafts and games, as well as great food and beverages. More than 100 Villa parents and children enjoyed this popular sign-up party offered through last year's Villabration.
Manor House families helped make Christmas more special for children in need by donating to our toy drive. We provided more than 125 toys and games and continued our strong partnership with Inter Parish Ministry.
6th graders coordinated a food drive to assist children and families facing “food insecurity.” After our Thanksgiving Mass, Ms. Karen Jahnke, a Childhood Food Solutions volunteer, thanked the generous Villa community and described the organization’s effort to provide food bags filled with specific, calorie-dense items such as peanut butter, graham crackers, fruit-and-grain bars, macaroni and cheese, and fruit snacks. 6th grade students collected the items, filled the bags, included hand-written notes, and loaded 85 sacks of food to needy children and families. 
Villa Parents' Organization
In November the VPO provided drinks and cookies for the 2 nd grade and their families who attended First Reconciliation. VPO also provided refreshments and information about the school community to all the families that came through the Open House on November 10th. 
VPO is busy preparing for the 3 rd annual Christmas Tree Lighting which will be held on Tuesday, December 3 rd from 6 – 7:30. Don’t miss this special event that kicks off the Christmas season and allows the entire Villa community to celebrate the blessings of the season together.
Lastly, Elves Shelves is just around the corner. It will be on December 6 th this year and there are still many open spots for volunteers. This is such a fun event for the kids and the volunteers alike. It is a great way for our students to choose presents on their own for all of their family members. If you are interested in helping as a shopper, wrapper, or cashier please watch for our Sign-Up Genius link coming soon!
Villa Boosters
The Boosters held our first Sports Recognition Night for all fall sports and summer baseball. Our guest speakers Kent and Robby Wellington shared memories of their athletic experiences at the Villa and their mission to "Have fun, Play Hard, Play Smart, and Most Importantly, Have Fun!"
Faculty Feature
Ms. Andrea Moeder joined St. Ursula Villa in 2007 and has taught Junior High Religion and 4th & 5th grade Advanced Enrichment Math for 13 years. She grew up in Cincinnati, and lives on the West Side with her husband and 3 boys: Jack (4), Lincoln (3), and Eli (6 months).
O ther fun facts about Ms. Moeder:
  • Favorite Food: "I like ALL food, but pasta is my favorite!"
  • Favorite Book: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
  • Hobbies and Interests: "I like working out on my stationary bike, reading, and hanging out with my boys."
  • Favorite Movie Quote: "There's no place like home." from The Wizard of Oz
  • Most Beautiful Place: "My husband and I traveled to Europe with a group of friends a few years ago and I thought Italy was the most beautiful of the countries we visited."
  • Why I Love Working at the Villa: "I love the community at St. Ursula Villa. My colleagues and the students I teach are like no other. My job here has never felt like 'work' and I am happiest when I am teaching."