Holy Cross Catholic School

As we close another great year, it is hard to say good bye. We are sad to announce that our Literacy Coach, Kathryn Parker, is taking on a new role next year. Over the past two years her work at Holy Cross has been transformative. She has helped implement our new reading program that is aligned with the science of reading which helped increase our students English Language Arts knowledge. She administered the KELPA test and has helped identify our English Language Learners to ensure they received the best individualized instruction. We are so blessed that she shared our gifts with us these past two years. Holy Cross is so proud of you as you start your new role as an Instructional Design Coach in the Blue Valley School District.

Goodbyes are never easy and this one is especially hard. I have spent almost a third of my life at Holy Cross and during this time, I have grown so much personally, professionally and faithfully. During this time, I have had my three children, became a Doctor of Education and even endured the loss of a parent. I know God wanted me at Holy Cross through these major milestones because this was the perfect community to be a part of during those times in my life. Every person at Holy Cross has made an impact on my life which formed me into the person I am today. The best part of working in a Catholic school is that we believe that we will all be reunited again one day. These last thirteen years have been some of the best times of my life. My family and I are filled with gratitude for the love, support and encouragement we have received. As Winne the Pooh stated "How Lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard".

Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean, I'll miss you until we meet again. Thank you, Holy Cross, for all the wonderful memories and friendships.

Each year an award is given to one outstanding teacher on our staff. This person has been voted on and recognized by their peers. Because the Ursuline Sisters founded our school, and St. Angela founded the Ursuline Order, we have named the award after her. This year one teacher will be receiving this award. The following were statements written by the teacher’s peers:

-this person is so patient with students

-helps students grow in their faith

-such a good rapport with students

-its clear how her students love her

-she gently and firmly holds them to high expectations and the students strive to meet them

-she is consistent

-she is kind, helpful, thoughtful and loving

-leads by example and shows incredible grace to others

-a voice of reason while providing you with more to think about

-handles her classroom with such care

-students adore her and have grown so much this year

-displays excellence in teaching

-leadership qualities

-great classroom management

-a great role model for everyone

-upbeat and positive attitude

-team player

-does an excellent job preparing students for their sacraments

Our 23-24 Teacher of the Year Award goes to Megan Mandl

Our school is full of dedicated, faith-filled staff members that deserve to be recognized. We believe that it is important to recognize a staff member each year. Our staff member of the year award is named after Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. Saint Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton was a Catholic religious sister in the United States and an educator, known as a founder of the country's parochial school system. She was the first person born in what would become the United States to be canonized by the Catholic Church. She was known for her devoutness, her compassion, and her desire to help others.

This year one staff member will be receiving this award. The following statements are written by the staff member’s peers:

-kind and caring

-students are the priority, but the staff is a close 2nd

-problem solver

-no task she won’t take on

-gives her all to students and staff daily

-wears many hats

-helps students to be their best

-let’s every child know they are special

-great listener with wise advice

-provides great strategies for helping students succeed

-goes above and beyond

-makes sure everyone feels supported

-helps students advocate for themselves

-students feel safe and loved by this person

-when the preschool needed cleaning out, this person was the first to volunteer during the summer to tackle the project

-students know they can trust this person because they have earned their respect

-she is a positive role model for the students and staff…what would we do without her?

Our 23-24 Staff Member is Marian Petri

Deacon Tim and Ellen McEvoy volunteer their time each week to come teach Bible study to our third, fourth and fifth grade students. We are so blessed for their service and the willingness to share their faith with our students. Deacon Tim also helps prepare our students that have not received their sacraments and devotes many hours to teaching them during the school day. Thank you Deacon Tim and Ellen for sharing your gifts with us!

A graduate of University of St. Mary's with a Bachelor of Science in Education, Mrs. Sue Buzan is passionate about teaching and helping children grow both in knowledge and faith. Having attended Bishop Miege herself, and with her children and grandchildren following in her footsteps, Catholic education has been a cornerstone in her life, both personally and professionally. A significant portion of her teaching career has been in Catholic schools on both the Missouri and Kansas side, most recently as a 5th grade teacher at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic School. She deeply appreciates the gift of a Catholic education and the unique community at Holy Cross, which she has witnessed firsthand attending her grandsons', Liam and Grayson Kittle's school events. When she first heard about the open position she was excited to learn more about the opportunity as she has always admired the special sense of community Holy Cross has. Mrs. Buzan is looking forward to the start of the new school year and can't wait to meet everyone!

We highly recommend and encourage ALL of our students to continue their academic progress this summer. Each grade level team has created requirements for each grade level band. If the students complete the following requirements and have parent verification, they will receive a McDonald's lunch as a reward in the fall. If they create a single bingo on the summer bingo board, they will receive an ice cream.

Middle School Parents,

Holy Cross Catholic School middle school students are required to provide their own Chromebook device for use at school and at home for homework. This is part of their school supply list. It will be something they use multiple times a day, every day.

Below is a list of devices that would work for our system and what they will be doing in class. These are just a few options. You are welcome to choose whatever device you see fit for your child as long as it is a Chromebook. If you find another device and want to double check it will work please email me at lloeffert@holycrosscatholicschool.com.

Chromebook device options for Holy Cross Students:

Acer Chomebook Spin 513 Convertible Laptop

Acer Spin Chromebook

Dell Chromebook

HP Chromebook

HP 360 Chromebook

I would also recommend a carrying case for the chromebook. I have seen many chromebooks fall on the floor, get jostled around, and not cared for as well as we would hope. Having a case to place the Chromebook in while switching classes could increase the longevity of the device.

Students are required to have this device on the first day of school and it will be connected to the system for the duration of their time at Holy Cross.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Laura Loeffert

Technology Coordinator