The school is extremely quiet today with the lower school end of year conferences underway. Quiet was not the case on Monday as a member of Sciurus carolinensis managed to disrupt classes in the lower school. Sciurus carolinensis refers to the species of squirrels known as the grey squirrel or eastern grey squirrel. One of them failed to read the warning labels and managed to get the wrong way across a power line. The resulting short circuit knocked out one leg of power to the church and school. Our "CSI" team of students drew chalk outlines at the scene of the crime, and took several pictures to document the incident. Now as I think back on Monday, two things come to mind. The first is how well the students reacted to the situation. The second is the imagination of the students in recording the event. Once again, St. Vincent's students give proof to what a great group of kids they really are.

Reminders for the week:

Tonight is the annual Sports Banquet.

Monday, May 21 - Dining for Dollars - IHOP at 2710 S. Hwy 121
Tuesday, May 22 - Grades 1-3 to Artisan Theatre for Charlotte's Web
Wednesday, May 23 - Middle School Finals begin
Thursday, May 24 - Party for Mission Central
Friday, May 25 - School Eucharist - dress uniforms required

Be sure to check ParentsWeb for the latest calendar updates. Click on the calendar tab for the most current calendar. We also post most calendar entries to our website at www.svsbedford.net . You will find information about upcoming events at school and maps to events which are off-campus.

Our awesome music teacher, Susie Fergus, has done it again! Last night at the Family Arts Night, parents, staff, and students were entertained with music and dance. We started with a recorder concert, followed by a hand bell concert. After that we enjoyed watching the students dance. To make the evening more enjoyable, parents and teachers were recruited to learn some of the dance steps. Dean Reed, Mrs. Thornton, and even the Head of School were invited to join in the dances. Everyone had a good time, and the students were still talking about the event this morning. The community of St. Vincent's is truly blessed to have such a talented music teacher, as well as the parents and staff who are always willing to participate with the students.

Reminders for the week:

Friday is the end of year conferences for the lower school students. The teachers have sign up sheets available so you can schedule a conference. There is no school for the lower school students on Friday. The middle and high school students will have regular classes on that day.

Friday is also the annual Sports Banquet.

Click here to see a printable copy of our Summer Program offerings. We are able to offer early care beginning at 7:30 am for K - high school students for an extra $5 per day. The deadline for enrolling is May 18.

Be sure to check ParentsWeb for the latest calendar updates. Click on the calendar tab for the most current calendar. We also post most calendar entries to our website at www.svsbedford.net . You will find information about upcoming events at school and maps to events which are off-campus.

Tuesday was the first day of May, also known as May Day. Mayday is also a distress call, and if you listen closely, you can probably hear the students and teachers saying "mayday". By the time May rolls around, everyone is tired, a little grumpy, and ready for school to end. Well, maybe that is just me. Luckily, we hold Field Day during the first week of May, and it is a good way to get the students ready for the last month of school. The kids are competing on teams in various events. The most popular events seem to be the ones involving water balloons. The sun is shining brightly and everyone is having a great time. The school will be ready to make the dash to the end of the school year.

Reminders for the week:

Saturday is the PSIA State Meet at TCU.

We also have an Eagle Project work day on Saturday, and middle school and high school volunteers can earn community service hours helping out.

The 8^th grade leaves for San Antonio on Wednesday.

Friday is Muffins for Mom for the Pre-K classes.

Click here to see a printable copy of our Summer Program offerings. We are able to offer early care beginning at 7:30 am for K - high school students for an extra $5 per day.

Calendars are interesting. Our school calendar is especially interesting. It seems like we pick out a day and try to cram as many activities as possible into that day. We did that back in the fall, and today was another one of those days. We started the day in chapel by recognizing the accomplishments of our chess and track teams. Shortly after chapel, the Pre-K and Kindergarten classes went on a field trip to Pennington Field where they got to tour the facility and do some gymnastics work outs. The fourth grade class operated Alex's Lemonade stand today and the third grade had their annual Pioneer Day activities. To top the day off, the Fort Worth Zoo brought several animals over for Zoo Day in the gym. Today was another great day at St. Vincent's.

Reminders for the week:

Friday is Spirit Day, Field Day, and our annual Volunteer Breakfast. Please join us for breakfast in the Library on Friday.

Saturday is the PSIA State Meet at TCU.

We also have an Eagle Project work day on Saturday, and middle school and high school volunteers can earn community service hours helping out.

Click here to see a printable copy of our Summer Program offerings. We are able to offer early care beginning at 7:30 am for K - high school students for an extra $5 per day.

Be sure to check ParentsWeb for the latest calendar updates. Click on the calendar tab for the most current calendar. We also post most calendar entries to our website at www.svsbedford.net . You will find information about upcoming events at school and maps to events which are off-campus.

Once upon a time one of my classes completed their work for the day. They started a discussion about the longest word in the English language. The usual words were brought up, and the students were feeling pretty smug about what they knew. I finally looked up and told them they were all wrong. They looked at me and said "OK, what is the longest word?" I went to the board and wrote the word smiles. They complained that there were only six letters in the word. I told them to take a look at the word and you will see there is a mile between the two s's. You can only imagine the groans I received. Well, I bring up the word smiles because you see a lot of those around St. Vincent's. I know I cannot help but smile when I am around our younger students. There is just something about them that brings out a smile. The older students (and all of the teachers) have smiles on their faces because there are only 27 school days left. Smiles are something we like to cultivate all year long, but it seems to be easier this time of the year.

Reminders for the week:

We celebrate Earth Day on Monday.

Monday is Dining for Dollars at Spring Creek in Bedford. Come have some great food and support SVS at the same time.

The choir performs at Parc Place on Tuesday.

We will have a band concert on Thursday.

Alex's Lemonade Stand will be selling lemonade on Friday during the lunch periods.

Friday is Zoo Day in the gym.

Click here to see a printable copy of our Summer Program offerings. We are able to offer early care beginning at 7:30 am for K - high school students for an extra $5 per day.

Be sure to check ParentsWeb for the latest calendar updates. Click on the calendar tab for the most current calendar. We also post most calendar entries to our website at www.svsbedford.net . You will find information about upcoming events at school and maps to events which are off-campus.

Kathleen Kent, a national bestselling author, visited our school on Thursday. Several middle school students got to hear the story of how she came to write her books. At the end of her talk, she remarked about how responsive and engaged our students were during her talk. This is the type of comment we hear often about all of our students, not just the middle school students. We never have to worry about being seen in public with the St. Vincent's kids - they always make us proud.

Speaking of proud, I watched several proud dads as they were entertained by their children for our Donuts for Dad day. The children really enjoyed having their dads in the classroom with them.

Reminders for the week:

Students are taking Stanford tests all next week. Please make sure they are well rested each day.

Friday, April 20, we will have a School Eucharist and dress uniforms are required. Everyone is invited to join us.

Click here to see a printable copy of our Summer Program offerings.

Be sure to check ParentsWeb for the latest calendar updates. Click on the calendar tab for the most current calendar. We also post most calendar entries to our website at www.svsbedford.net . You will find information about upcoming events at school and maps to events which are off-campus.

Last Tuesday after the tornado warnings, I walked through the school to see how everybody was doing. The picture in each classroom was the same - everybody got back to work as though nothing had happened. As I watched the classes get busy, I thought about how fast the year has gone by. It is hard to believe that May is just around the corner. When we come back after Easter, we will have only 36 school days left in the year. We have a lot to do between now and the last day of school. We start Stanford testing on April 16 (Kindergarten gets a head start as they begin next Thursday). Field Day is the first Friday in May, and then May will pass by like a blur. In between Field Day and the last day of school, we have many activities scheduled. Better hang on to your hats - it is a fast ride to the end of the school year.

Reminders for the week:

School is out on Friday as we observe Good Friday.

No school on Monday as we celebrate Easter.

The Kindergarten classes begin taking the Stanford Achievement Test on Thursday.

Next Friday is Spirit Day. Students may wear Spirit Shirts and jeans.

Friday is also Donuts for Dad for the Pre-K classes.

Note: Coffee with the Head of School on Wednesday has been canceled.

Be sure to check ParentsWeb for the latest calendar updates. Click on the calendar tab for the most current calendar. We also post most calendar entries to our website at www.svsbedford.net . You will find information about upcoming events at school and maps to events which are off-campus.

03/30/2012

My wife asked me recently what a typical day at St. Vincent's was like. I thought about her question for a while. Finally, I told her that when I had a typical day, I would let her know. While my response was somewhat facetious, my answer was not far from the truth. The administrative staff and I handle all types of situations every day so that school continues to operate smoothly. Our goal is to make sure that the teachers and students have a "typical" day. Most of the credit goes to Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Rogers. They work very hard to make sure the school is safe and productive. If you get a chance, say hello to them.

Reminders for the week:

A work day is scheduled at St. Vincent's on Saturday. This is a good opportunity for students to earn some community service hours.

Next week is Holy Week at the church and school.

Twelve Oaks will not be serving lunch on Tuesday. Please send a lunch with your child.

School is out on Friday as we observe Good Friday.

Be sure to check ParentsWeb for the latest calendar updates. Click on the calendar tab for the most current calendar. We also post most calendar entries to our website at www.svsbedford.net . You will find information about upcoming events at school and maps to events which are off-campus.

The teachers are investigating replacements for our reading program for the lower school. With any curriculum purchase, there are several publishers and programs to review. When contacting publishers about program offerings, we make sure that the publisher understands we are a private school with very high expectations for our students. By letting the publishers know this, they are able to suggest advanced level material than they would ordinarily recommend. Our goal, of course, is to keep St. Vincent's as an education leader. We are able to do this because we know our students can handle the challenge of higher level materials.

Reminders for the week:

Monday is Dining for Dollars at the Chick-fil-A at 460 Grapevine Hwy in Hurst. Come have some great food and support SVS at the same time.

Annual health screenings will be given on Wednesday, March 28, from 9 am to noon.

Be sure to check ParentsWeb for the latest calendar updates. Click on the calendar tab for the most current calendar. We also post most calendar entries to our website at www.svsbedford.net . You will find information about upcoming events at school and maps to events which are off-campus.

I often wonder who learns the most at school - the student or the teacher. Now, I am not talking about subject matter knowledge, but how individuals see and solve problems. Quite often at St. Vincent's, a student will see a problem or question in a completely different light than you do. When that happens, you sit back and go hmmm, I never thought of it that way. I know our teachers deserve credit for inspiring individual thought, but the real tribute goes to the quality of our students at St. Vincent's.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Spring Break!

Reminders for the week:

Next week is Spring Break.

Report cards will be issued on Wednesday, March 21.

Friday, March 23, we will have a School Eucharist and dress uniforms are required. Everyone is invited to join us.

Be sure to check ParentsWeb for the latest calendar updates. Click on the calendar tab for the most current calendar. We also post most calendar entries to our website at www.svsbedford.net . You will find information about upcoming events at school and maps to events which are off-campus.

Several years ago my wife and I purchased a tree for our yard. When they came to plant the tree, I asked them not to stake the tree because I had read somewhere that staking a tree makes it weak and spindly. A few days after the tree was planted, a storm blew through town. After the storm, I checked the tree and to my horror, the tree was leaning at about a 45 degree angle. We called the nursery to come and stake the tree. I asked the man how long we should leave the tree staked. He told me I should leave the tree staked long enough for it to take root properly. After a sufficient time, I cut the cords holding the tree so that the tree could stand on its own and grow stronger. The tree was now able to withstand the storms we often get around here. We do a similar thing here at St. Vincent's School. We want our students to learn how to be independent so they can weather the storms that come their way. We teach the children how to resolve conflicts on their own. We help them cut the cords so they can stand up strong and tall. After all, if they can't stand up to the squalls, how will they stand up to the big storms they will face?

Reminders for the week:

The Book Fair begins Monday in the library. Be sure to come by and check out the selection of books.

Next Friday is Pi day for the middle school. .

Be sure to check ParentsWeb for the latest calendar updates. Click on the calendar tab for the most current calendar. We also post most calendar entries to our website at www.svsbedford.net . You will find information about upcoming events at school and maps to events which are off-campus.

Only 60 classroom days remain in this school year. Let that soak in for a minute. I know I find it hard to believe. It seems like we just got back from Christmas Break last week, but it has already been almost two months. Time does seem to pass by quickly here because we stay so busy during the year. Not only are the students busy in the classroom, but our students are also involved in sports, chess, talent shows, and, this week, in scholastic competitions. As busy as we are, we are going to look up, and it will be the end of school.

Thank you to all the parents, faculty, and staff who worked so hard to make the auction such a great success this year. I have heard nothing but positive feedback about the location, the decorations, the food, and the auction itself. Thanks also to everyone who attended the auction.

Reminders for the week:

The middle school students have opted to go to Urban Air Trampoline Park in Southlake instead of having a school dance. The event takes place tonight from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the Urban Air Trampoline Park. Check the website for a map to the location.

The PSIA District Meet will be held Saturday with the first contest beginning at 8:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Denton. Check the website for a map to the location.

Don't forget Dining for Dollars at Café Italia this Monday from 5 - 9 pm. There are two locations so be sure to check the map on the website for the correct location.

Next Friday is Spirit Day. Students may wear Spirit Shirts and jeans.

Mrs. James asks for donations of old books you may have at your house. She will be taking the books to a book swap, and she says any type of book will do.

Be sure to check ParentsWeb for the latest calendar updates. Click on the calendar tab for the most current calendar. We also post most calendar entries to our website at www.svsbedford.net . You will find information about upcoming events at school and maps to events which are off-campus.

Our sixth and seventh grade classes performed the play "Adrastus" during Open House and again this morning for the fourth and fifth grade classes. Maren Miller, a graduate of St. Vincent's, wrote the play, a Greek Tragedy, for a project at Oakridge School during her freshman year. The play is based on scattered references to its main characters in ancient Greek literature. The students performed flawlessly. The talents our students have, both past and present, never ceases to impress me.

Our chess tournament last Saturday was also a big success. The tournament consisted of 140 players. St. Vincent's won team trophies in all 3 sections entered, and we had several individual trophy winners. Way to go chess club!

Reminders for the week:

St. Vincent's is hosting a Daddy/Daughter dance on Sunday in the Parish Hall from 2-4 pm.

Friday is a School Eucharist and dress uniforms are required. Everyone is invited to join us.

Remember our annual auction scheduled for Saturday February 18. There is still time to purchase tickets for the car raffle and the auction. You can purchase tickets at either school office or the church office.

Re-enrollment is underway for all current families. As a reminder, the last day to receive the reduced tuition rate is February 15.

Our annual Talent Show occurred last night, and many of our students performed. We had musicians, singers, dancers, and even cheerleaders. I have a lot of admiration for the children who get up and perform before an audience. At that age, performing for an audience would be the last thing I would consider doing. Our kids here have a lot of talent, and they have a lot of self-confidence. And, on the sports side, our middle school girls were runners-up in the regional basketball tournament while the middle school boys took first place!

Remember our annual auction scheduled for February 18. Tickets for the car raffle are only $100, and they are selling fast. We limited the raffle to only 500 tickets, so be sure to get your ticket before they are gone. You can purchase your ticket at either school office or the church office.

Reminders for the week:

St. Vincent's hosts our annual Regional Chess Tournament on Saturday in the gym.

Last call to complete our Summer Program Survey. If you have not yet responded, please take time to log in to ParentsWeb and take the survey. Your opinion matters.

Grades K - 5 are planning on attending a showing of Disney's Aladdin Jr. at the Artisan Theatre on February 21. If you have not yet paid for the admission ticket for your student(s), please do so as soon as possible so we can finalize payment to the theatre.

By now you should have received your invitation to the annual auction. If you have not, please contact the school office for a reservation card. If you have received your invitation, please fill it out and either mail it or bring it by the school office. We need to formalize our catering requirements for the event.

Re-enrollment is underway for all current families. As a reminder, the last day to receive the reduced tuition rate is February 15.

Open House is Thursday at 6:30 pm in the Parish Hall. If you know anyone looking for a great school, invite them to attend our Open House.

The lower school celebrates Valentine's Day with parties next Friday.

 Be sure to check ParentsWeb for the latest calendar updates. Click on the calendar tab for the most current calendar. We also post most calendar entries to our website at www.svsbedford.net . You will find information about upcoming events at school and maps to events which are off-campus.

Last night the girls elementary basketball team played a great championship game against an older, more experienced team. We lost the game, but the girls never gave up, and everyone of them hustled the entire game. They represented the real spirit of St. Vincent's School in the sportsmanship they displayed. The spectators in the stands could tell they were having a good time in spite of the score of the game, we certainly enjoyed the game. Thanks, girls.

Remember our annual auction scheduled for February 18. Tickets for the car raffle are only $100, and they are selling fast. We limited the raffle to only 500 tickets, so be sure to get your ticket before they are gone. You can purchase your ticket at either school office or the church office.

Reminders for the week:

Thanks to all of you who have responded to our Summer Program Survey. If you have not, please take time to log in to ParentsWeb and take the survey. Your opinion matters.

By now you should have received your invitation to the annual auction. If you have not, please contact the school office for a reservation card. If you have received your invitation, please fill it out and either mail it or bring it by the school office. We need to formalize our catering requirements for the event.

We also sent out re-enrollment packets for all students. Be sure to look over the information in the packets, especially the dates for receiving discounts this year.

Our annual Talent Show takes place next Thursday night at 6:30 pm in the gym.

Next Friday is Spirit Day. Students may wear Spirit Shirts and jeans.

St. Vincent's hosts our annual Regional Chess Tournament next Saturday in the gym.

Be sure to check ParentsWeb for the latest calendar updates. Click on the calendar tab for the most current calendar. We also post most calendar entries to our website at www.svsbedford.net . You will find information about upcoming events at school and maps to events which are off-campus.

Our chess club continues to win trophies in the tournaments they enter. The club entered 4 teams in the Lake Country Christian School tournament. All 4 teams won trophies with the K-3 team taking first place. The other teams all won third place trophies. Tyler Lane won a first place individual trophy in the K-3 section. None of this happens without the dedication of volunteers, especially our chess club sponsor, Maureen Cushing. St. Vincent's will be hosting a tournament on February 4, so we can expect to hear a lot more good news from the chess club.

Remember our annual auction scheduled for February 18. Tickets for the car raffle are only $100, and they are selling fast. We limited the raffle to only 500 tickets, so be sure to get your ticket before they are gone. You can purchase your ticket at either school office or the church office.

Reminders for the week:

By now you should have received your invitation to the annual auction. If you have not, please contact the school office for a reservation card. If you have received your invitation, please fill it out and either mail it or bring it by the school office. We need to formalize our catering requirements for the event.

We also sent out re-enrollment packets for all students. Be sure to look over the information in the packets, especially the dates for receiving discounts this year.

Monday is Dining for Dollars at On The Border in Bedford. Come have some great food and support SVS at the same time.

Friday is Western Day. Our program gets underway in the gym at 2:15 pm. Western Day is always a hoot, and we have some special events planned for our program this year.

Be sure to check ParentsWeb for the latest calendar updates. Click on the calendar tab for the most current calendar. We also post most calendar entries to our website at www.svsbedford.net . You will find information about upcoming events at school and maps to events which are off-campus.

Do you realize what great coaches we have at St. Vincent's? Well, parents from other schools have noticed. They have commented on how well-coached our teams are. Not only do our teams win games, but they also exhibit great sportsmanship and respect for the other teams. This behavior and attitude are learned from their coaches who, by the way, also exhibit the same behavior during games. I am proud of how our teams represent the school, but you, the parents also deserve recognition. I have heard comments from parents at other schools about how friendly we are, and how welcome we make other teams feel when they play at our school. Our school community is the best!

Remember our annual auction scheduled for February 18. Tickets for the car raffle are only $100, and they are selling fast. We limited the raffle to only 500 tickets, so be sure to get your ticket before they are gone. You can purchase your ticket at either school office or the church office.

Reminders for the week:

No school on Monday as we observe Martin Luther King Day.

Middle School Spelling Bee on Wednesday, January 18 after chapel.

Friday is a School Eucharist and dress uniforms are required. Everyone is invited to join us!

Be sure to check ParentsWeb for the latest calendar updates. Click on the calendar tab for the most current calendar. We also post most calendar entries to our website at www.svsbedford.net . You will find information about upcoming events at school and maps to events which are off-campus.

01/06/2012

The most interesting days in the life of a school are the first day of the school year and any time we come back from a long break. I am fascinated by how quickly the students get back into the school routine. The reports I am hearing from the teachers indicate that the students settled in and got busy after our long Christmas Break. A lot of credit goes to students, but also to the teachers who were prepared for the new semester. During my time in the business world, I always felt like I needed to be retrained after a long break.

By now I hope you have seen information about our annual auction scheduled for February 18. This auction is shaping up to be one of our best, and the car raffle makes it even more exciting! Tickets for the car raffle are only $100, and they are selling fast. We limited the raffle to only 500 tickets, so be sure to get your ticket before they are gone. You can purchase your ticket at either school office or the church office.

Reminders for the week:

Spelling Bee on Tuesday, January 10.

Be sure to check ParentsWeb for the latest calendar updates. Click on the calendar tab for the most current calendar. We also post most calendar entries to our website at www.svsbedford.net . You will find information about upcoming events at school and maps to events which are off-campus.

The first week of school went by fairly smooth. The students went right to work and have settled back into a normal school routine. I always find it interesting to observe the children taking on new responsibilities. The fourth graders have safety patrol duties and the fifth graders are chapel helpers and also take care of the flag each day. The new middle school students find themselves taking part in the chapel services. There is always some initial awkwardness as they learn these new roles. The fun part for me is watching them take on their new roles and become seasoned veterans in just a few short weeks. Giving the kids the opportunities to grow and take on new responsibilities is an important part of the life of St. Vincent's School.

A few reminders for this week:

If your child has not yet turned in the Code of Conduct sheet with all the signatures, they need to take care of that by next Wednesday. Also, take time to review the Parent and Student handbook found on our website.

The north door to the lower school remains locked until 3:30 pm. Please use only the south door and check in with Mrs. Johnson before entering the halls prior to 3:30 pm.

Next Thursday is the Band Parent Meeting in the Parish Hall at 6 pm. We will also have class meetings for Pre-School through 5^th grade beginning at 6:30 pm.

Next Friday is Spirit Day. Students may wear Spirit Shirts and jeans.