Our HSA and Sweetheart Dance committee certainly outdid themselves in bringing Oz to the Gathering Hall. With rainbows, poppies, glittering emerald green, the yellow brick road, the Wizard, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion and even a light up tornado; they did not miss a detail. The love for our children and giving them an amazing experience to remember was evident everywhere you looked inside and out of the Gathering Hall. Even the treats and drinks were on theme to bring glowing smiles. Of course dancing with dad or their special person made it an evening they won't soon forget and to put that just right ending to the evening, our very own Wizard of entertainment and fun, Monsignor, handed each girl a rose as she left for the evening.

We want to thank 8th graders, Ryan, Damien, and Bennett for stepping up to take their place as the Lion, Scarecrow, and Tin Man adding another element of surprise for our young ladies and dads.

That's not all! This was a night where community, family, and going above and beyond for our children all came together. After our girls and dads left, our dance committee got busy to help prepare for the arrival of our middle schoolers. Our HSA graciously welcomed our older students to gather together for a few hours of dancing, treats, and just hanging out. We were excited to see we had close to 100% attendance from grades 6-8. They had a wonderful time and when the night finally ended at 10pm; the Gathering Hall had spent the evening being a place of magic and fun for so many of our students; and you realize how blessed we are to be part of the SRS Family.

Our deepest gratitude to Mrs. Sirois, Mrs. Ferreira and the entire team of volunteers; our children are definitely loved and cared for by many!

It wasn't the new floor, or the other updates Monsignor pointed out in the church, that had our children smiling and feeling like they were back home; instead it was that familiar feeling we get each time we gather in church to pray, sing, and spend time with Jesus. On Ash Wednesday, while many Catholics went to mass, received ashes and began their Lenten Journey; our school community did that and gave extra thanks to God for bringing us back together to celebrate mass with Monsignor and our fellow students, faculty, family, and friends from the parish. As we begin our journey we are reminded the importance of walking in Jesus' footsteps. His example of compassion, kindness, respect, teaching, and most of all, love for one another.

On Friday we gathered together to introduce our theme for Lent and the remainder of the school year. The children are being asked to put JOY in every day - RESPECT for Jesus, Others, Yourself. We discussed what this sounds like and looks like. Students were asked to reflect on the ways they might not be showing respect in word and action, and then identified what they could do and improve upon. We talked about the importance showing respect for Jesus through following the commandments, spending time with him each day in prayer, attending and participating in mass, and always showing respect when we use God and Jesus' name. We also talked about sharing our faith with others and encouraging them to follow Jesus. We discussed how important it is to take responsibility and accountability for the way we treat others. How we should take a pause before we say or do something and think about how it will affect others in 5 minutes, 5 days, and even 5 years from now. Is what we are saying and doing kind, helpful, necessary, inspiring to others; and of course being reminded to say WWJD (What would Jesus Do) in that moment. We are always an example to others; will we be a good or a bad example. Finally we talked about respecting ourselves. Do we eat healthy, exercise, listen and watch things that are appropriate; do we take care of ourselves, do we stand up for ourselves in a respectful way. We reminded them that if someone is asking them to do something they know is wrong, or something they don't want to be a part of; or if someone is making them feel bad through words or actions, they need to say something right when it happens and it's not tattling. If we see or hear something that hurts us or others we need to tell an adult right away. It is a lot to remember but we hope with more discussions and activities, hearing it each day, having reminders on our lockers and in our classrooms. Putting JOY in every day will become a habit for all.

Yesterday our Class of 2023 began the quick 100 days to graduation countdown. It seems like a lot of days, but we see how fast the year has already gone by. In just 99 days, our 8th graders will join our long list of alumni! During their celebration yesterday, the spent time reminiscing about their primary and middle school experiences. We also have three members of the class (Cecilia, Lela, and Katie) who started their school journey at St. Rose Preschool. Join us as we pray blessings upon our Class of 2023 as they continue to experience their "lasts" of middle school and prepare for their firsts of high school.

"He has made everything beautiful in its time." Ecclesiastes 3:11

The dates for the IOWA/CogAT Standardized Testing has been changed to March 6-17. Students cannot study for these tests; but should review test taking strategies to help them work through each day's test.

The best way to help your child be prepared for these tests:

• Make sure they get a good night's rest
• Encourage them to eat a healthy and hearty breakfast each day
• Arrive to school on time; we begin testing immediately following prayer and announcements at 8:05am; tardy students will not be allowed into the classroom as testing will already have started. They will wait in the library until classes begin at 10am and then will be responsible for make-ups
• All testing and make-ups have to be completed by March 17 so please be sure your child is on time and in attendance at school each day during the testing period
• Consider packing them a little extra for snack the next two weeks; they will be extra hungry by 10am from anticipating the testing and giving their all during testing
• Finally send them with a calm, positive attitude; tell them all we (parent and teacher) expect is for them to do their best. We will reinforce this prior to testing each morning.

Thank you for your cooperation and support in working with our teachers to help our students work through the next few weeks with minimal stress and test anxiety.

Dear Lord,

You forgive the sins of all who are truly sorry. Create and make in us clean hearts, that we, humbly confessing our sins and knowing our brokenness, may receive your forgiveness and blessing; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.