November 2022

As I look back on this month focusing on being thankful and appreciative of our blessings, I am overwhelmed with gratitude at all that was accomplished! 

It has been two years since we were last able to hold the in-person portion of our Harvest Moon Festival and there was much to be done in preparation.  It took many volunteers to successfully pull everything together!   I am so grateful to all of our families who donated items, bought basket raffle tickets, bid in the auction and joined us on the day of the event. I want to extend a special thanks to those who agreed to chair a committee including Shannon Hoffman, Ali Magnuson, Lauren Thedieck, Ariana Dolan, Kate Conklin, Katie Haden, Megan Casady, and Laura Cirone. Their organizing and executing efforts were amazing! Many additional thanks also goes to our room parents in putting together some spectacular baskets. Final totals indicate that we have $17, 000 which will mainly be used to start a fund specifically geared towards bringing in more enriching community programs for our students (such as Farmer Minor and his pig, Daisy). What a blessing!

Speaking of community opportunities, it was wonderful to have Ms. Bobbie Jo and her pet chameleon, Franklin, visit us. As we did with other animals last month when celebrating St. Francis, we learned what is required to care for a pet like Franklin. Our children heard all about the type of food he eats, where he likes to live, and also how to tell what he is feeling (ask your preschooler if he/she remembers what color Franklin changes when he is happy!). We also had an unexpected opportunity to have a visit from 2 dogs from the local animal rescue, Saving Grace. Not only were the children able to learn about how Saving Grace takes care of animals who don’t have a home, but they were able to deliver the dog biscuits that they had previously made. Both of the furry friends gobbled up those tasty treats! 

I am so happy that our students were able to participate in several acts of service this month to share appreciation and kindness to others. From decorating baffles for houses being built by Habitat for Humanity to making cards for veterans our preschoolers were busy! I’d like to especially thank the Persak family for make a special delivery to the local VA hospital with the cards. Finally, many of our classes took part in hanging the paper ornaments on the parish Advent Giving Trees. By doing so, they assisted the parish in collecting items for those experiencing great need during the upcoming holiday season.

With the season of Advent beginning already last weekend and only three weeks until our holiday break, the classrooms will surely be bustling with special activities and projects to remind us to whom we should always give thanks for all of our blessings, our Lord and Savior. I look forward to celebrating this season with you all!

With Joy & Hope,