Dear Kristy,

Where did November go? Although the month was shorter, the school days were action packed. As I reflect on all the wonderful news in the November Villa View, I am reminded of how blessed we are with St. Ursula Villa's incredible faculty and staff who make it all happen! We are thankful for the dedication and enthusiasm they bring to the classrooms each day! Enjoy a small glimpse of these amazing learning experiences in our November Villa View.

Jody Sedler

Interim President

On Election Day, 2nd graders created voter registration cards, counted ballots, and held in-class elections.

Traditional 3-year-olds learned about the first Thanksgiving and how the Pilgrims and Indians shared a meal of thanks together. As a culminating activity, the children selected their favorite Thanksgiving foods to color, cut, and paste to "fill their plate."

Montessori Kindergarteners did a pumpkin study. They measured, weighed, drew, and carved their pumpkins, then turned them into pumpkin volcanos with colorful foam "lava" by pouring vinegar into baking soda, dish soap, and food coloring.

1st graders made delicious pumpkin pies for their classroom Thanksgiving feast.

Our 4th and 5th graders discovered that a Cyclones hockey game is a great educational field trip. Between the plays, the announcer taught about different ELA, Science, and Math topics that related to the hockey game, such as the kinetic energy generated by a 108-miles-per-hour hockey puck could power a cell phone for 15 minutes. The students also loved seeing themselves on the Jumbotron and catching prizes from the t-shirt cannon!

As part of their study of Ohio pioneer life, 1st graders experienced day-to-day activities like trading pelts, weaving baskets, and using a flint to start fire as the early settlers did.

Physical Education preschool class uses scooters and other equipment to develop motor skills and upper body strength - and have fun!

3rd graders applied their knowledge of the design process, inclined planes, pulleys, and scientific method to create "Marble Arcades."

Kindergarteners discussed Thanksgiving, turkeys, and the many things for which they are thankful.

7th grade Science students used a hands-on activity to work with ionic bonding. They color-coded ions and created the bond by placing the positive and negative ions together until they were balanced and completed the puzzle.  

Each month, 8th grade student leaders visit homerooms and present information about the nine Characteristics of an Ursuline Education as well as that month's focused characteristic.

1st graders researched a saint and shared what they learned with their classmates. On All Saints' Day, they dressed as their saint and led the procession into Mass.

Ms. Wolfer led 3rd graders in a Religion lesson about saints and praying to them for intercession.

Our 2nd graders received the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time, an important step in their faith journey. The wonderful celebration of God's love and mercy included a student-led play on the Story of the Prodigal Son.

Our entire student body attended a special Advent Prayer Service, led by the 5th grade. We all enjoyed the songs and music, as well as a liturgical dance and depiction of the Angel Gabriel's visit to Mary.

November's Ursuline characteristic of focus was Development of the Whole Person. Students in each homeroom nominated peers who best exemplify the characteristic. We congratulate the following students who were chosen as Ursuline Students of the Month:

1st Grade: Emma Coffaro and Emica Mehicic

2nd Grade: Noah Selker and Caroline Carullo

3rd Grade: Lydia Betz and Ada Schapman

4th Grade: Grace Carullo and Lucy Birck

5th Grade: Charlotte Cassady and Ainsley Parchman

6th Grade: Sam Sweeney & Charlotte Gibbs and Oshi Jones & Anthony LaRosa

7th Grade: Laila Schlotman and Peter Supinger

8th Grade: Michael LaRosa and Donovan Fucito

Villa Boy Scouts Troop 80 joined troops throughout the city "Scouting For Food" and collecting non-perishable food items. The boys gathered, sorted, and loaded cans and boxes for delivery to Norwood Food Pantry.

In Art class, students designed Annual Fund banners to be displayed on campus and promote this important school initiative.

We celebrated the beginning of the holiday season with the Saint Angela Merici Society Christmas Party. Current and former Villa parents enjoyed a festive evening in the beautifully decorated Manor House.

In November, the VPO provided drinks, snacks, and cookies for the 2nd grade and their families who attended First Reconciliation. VPO also provided refreshments and information about the St. Ursula Villa school community to all the prospective families who attended the November 12th Open House. VPO is busy preparing for Elves Shelves on December 5th and 6th. Elves Shelves is a great way for our students to choose presents on their own for all their family mmebers. There are many open volunteer spots - don’t miss out on this special event that is fun for kids and volunteers. If you are interested in helping you can sign up here.

Villa parents did their part to cheer the girls' 4th, 5th, and 6th grade team when they played in the SAY State Soccer Tournament. Coached by Natalie Geier Cohen and Kristian Scarpitti, the team made a great run at the tournament but lost in the first round. Congrats, Eagles!

Faculty Guess Who?

Our amazing Villa faculty are full of interesting facts and surprises! Can you guess who:



1) Earned a student pilot's license at 17 years old and has flown an airplane solo?

2) Has appeared in 90 community theatre roles since childhood?

2) Played tennis in high school and college?

Answers:

1) Tricia Scherer, Traditional 4-year-old teacher

2) Tim Rogers, Junior High Language Arts teacher

3) Catherine Smith, Traditional Kindergarten teacher