Spirit of Abundance, God of Grace, Mother of Hope,
We pause now to remember those stories that are all around us,
But so often passed over,
Those stories that when told are shared because
Of what someone is, not who they are.
This month in our nation's character
Is Black History month.
Help us to realize that Black history is
All our histories.
May the day come when these stories
Are so wildly taught that no month need
Be separately divided.
We know this day will not come until we as a people
Make different choices.
We pray now for those new choices.
May we come to see a day where the prison system
Becomes redemptive, not punitive.
A day where the legal system learns to focus more squarely on the facts,
And the not colors of our skin.
A day where our schools are as well funded, as the needs demand.
May our role models be allowed to excel when they thrive,
And not be taken down for their rich heritage.
We know this will require a shift in power.
And this can be scary for some.
Give those full of fear - hope.
May we come to know grace,
So that our hearts will not be hardened to the pain around us.
There are so many beautiful stories needing to be told.
And we need to get the chance to hear them.
Widen our vision so that the history that is shared this month,
And every month,
Come to be known as our history too.
We are most human when we see the humanity in others. AMEN

- Author Unknown

This year, all of our 8th graders are going to Saint Mary's High School and are at different stages of the admissions process.

Last weekend, many of our students took the Saint Mary's High School Placement Test (virtual) and the PSAT.

The SMHS placement exam will help the counselors, parents, and students select the best courses for freshman (9th grade) year and beyond.

The PSAT will give each student information about their individual academic strengths and challenges. When each child receives their results, they will also receive a customized tutorial plan based on the PSAT test scores to help each student improve. In addition to the PSAT being referred to as a practice SAT used in the college admission process, the scores are also used to encourage students to take Advanced Placement classes which may interest them, allows colleges and universities to send information about their campus, and it begins a professional academic relationship with the College Board. In the 11th grade, the PSAT is a scholarship competition. The results should be returned to our students within the next two months.

St. George School students are required to complete a minimum of 10 hours of community service each year in the 7th and 8th grade (total of 20 hours - at least 10 each year). This is a requirement for our Religion class and a requirement to complete the Sacrament of Confirmation. Please know that this is a minimum. Students who would like to compete for scholarships and admission to universities should participate in many more service projects than what we are asking.

Students must receive approval to receive credit for a community service event in advance from their teacher or the school principal.

St. George School is partnered with the UOP Chase your dreams mentoring program. Undergraduate students from the Stockton Community that are attending UOP are mentoring our 7th and 8th grade students to prepare them for high school and college life. Because of the pandemic, one of the main topics is motivation and emotional well-being. The students meet once a week via Zoom.

The mentors are also leading monthly workshops for parents on a variety of topics related to college-readiness.

Thank you UOP, John Chase, and the Community Involvement Program students!

When night has fallen
When fear is common
Still You're calling me
When faith is lost
And my hope exhausted
You will be my strength

When my mind says I'm not good enough
God, You're enough for me
I've decided I'm not giving up
You won't give up on me
You won't give up on me

Your love is holding on
And it won't let go
I feel it breaking out like an echo
Your love is holding on
And it won't let go
I feel it breaking out like an echo

Echo in my so-o-o-o-oul
So-o-o-o-oul

In every season
You keep repeating promises to me
Now there's no stopping
What you have started
Till it is complete

When my mind says I'm not good enough
God, You're enough for me
I've decided I'm not giving up
You won't give up on me
You won't give up on me

Your love is holding on
And it won't let go
I feel it breaking out like an echo
Your love is holding on
And it won't let go
I feel it breaking out like an echo

Echo in my so-o-o-o-oul
So-o-o-o-oul
In my so-o-o-o-oul
So-o-o-o-oul

When my mind says I'm not good enough
God, You're enough for me
I've decided I'm not giving up
You won't give up on me
You won't give up on me

Your love is holding on
And it won't let go
I feel it breaking out like an echo
Your love is holding on
And it won't let go
I feel it breaking out, breaking out

Your love is holding on
And it won't let go
I feel it breaking out like an echo
Your love is holding on
And it won't let go
I feel it breaking out, breaking out

Echo in my so-o-o-o-oul
So-o-o-o-oul
In my so-o-o-o-oul
So-o-o-o-ouloul