...I am a huge Notre Dame fan for many reasons.

And if you watched the game last Saturday, (a big win over Texas A & M), there were some things that really stood out. I'm not talking about the game itself like the strategies and "X's and O's" of the game. I am talking about the post conferences by both the players and coaches. I have added a few things I watched below. The messages they are sending out are phenomenal.

The overall process was a study in delayed gratification. Through the years, there have been slight modifications to the original experiment. But small different variables showed similar outcomes.

Personally, what I found humorous (but also thought-provoking) were the attempts at kids to try and do anything to keep their minds off of the treat in front of them. It's interesting because the mental processes going on in the children's brains (trying to be patient) are being actively displayed in their physical behaviors.

In reading more about this study, you will find an interesting detail: When the adult is explaining to the kids about the incentive, she NEVER says how long she will be gone (could it be 30 seconds, a minute, 25 minutes?) This was done intentionally so kids didn't have an "internal clock" and just "wait it out".

It's all about those brain functions and trying to teach our children risk/reward! It takes time!

If you saw the postgame ND interview last week with QB Riley Leonard, you would know what I am talking about. It is a GREAT read for any young athletes (or even if you are not).

Next week, Wednesday morning, we will be taking time after announcements to do a remembrance for the individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Even though that particular day was a day of the loss of life for citizens, firefighters, medics, policemen, and general first responders, our subsequent military involvement also had an obvious tragic toll on families and friends.

We will do the Pledge of Allegiance, our National Anthem, and give other fitting tributes. If you would like to participate in some way, especially members of our military community and first responders, please let me know.

We would like to invite all members of our community to join us that morning as we remember and offer prayers for those who lost their lives.

We will begin approximately at 8:00 AM surrounding our Flag Pole on the south side of school. If weather doesn't cooperate, we will be in our gymnasium. As always, please let us know if you have any questions.

After discussion with my teachers and staff, moving forward with our water bottle situation, it can be summed up with one simple phrase "no metal, no straws". The following pictures below are examples of acceptable bottles. We will begin this on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16.

And kids last year were sneaking in soda and energy drinks. Please be mindful of what your kids put into them in the morning. Thank you for your cooperation.

Again, this only applies to 5th - 8th grades.

Please see the attachment below from Bishop McGovern for the annual Blessing of the Harvest. This year the event is in Bartelso, Illinois.

We would like to remind parents not to drive into the parking lot when the cones are up. Obviously, this is a safety issue for our kiddos and we would like to keep them safe while they are outside for recess or PE. Thank you!

Mr. Norrenberns again coming up with some fun activities for PE Class!

Mr. Norrenberns was also honored to speak with the Mt. Carmel Illinois Youth Football players and parents this past Wednesday evening discussing how God is with them both on and off the field.

To wrap up their science lesson on living and nonliving things, the 3rd grade made dreamcatchers this week.

It is required that all Catholic Schools and Parish School of Religion Programs offer to children (PreK to

grade 12) within those programs, an age-appropriate presentation addressing issues of body safety. This program is also in compliance with Erin’s Law regarding sexual abuse prevention. More information is in the attachment below.

Again, to repeat what I mentioned in my email, only send in the form if you wish for your child NOT TO PARTICIPATE.

As always, please reach out if you have any questions. Thank you!

New Families (and new Volunteers) at HCS:

Just a reminder, to volunteer at the school (class parties, field trips, etc.) there are certain child protection requirements of the Diocese of Belleville that need to be completed including volunteer application, online course, and background checks. All requirements must be completed prior to volunteering at the school.

To receive information on the requirements and necessary forms to be completed, please email Mrs. Elmore at mary.elmore@holychildhoodschool.com

*Nothing too crazy going on next week, but we are just beginning to get into the "thick of it." A few dates coming up:

September 17 - HOPE Meeting

September 19 - $1 Dress Down Day

September 20 - Feeding God's People (Spirit Wear Day)

September 23 - IOWA Testing / 7th & 8th Grade Parent Meetings

September 26 - Picture Day

September 27 - PreK & K Field Trip

If you are a newer family and need details, don't worry...information will be coming. Keep your eye on our newsletters!

Basketball and Volleyball schedules are up on the calendar: Athletic Calendar (google.com)

8th grade girls beat ICS last night with a 3-0 shutout. Brielle Wheelen had a hat trick. Parochial record stands at 2-1-1.

...we tend to have some "worldly" travelers. I want to thank Mr. Gryga for bringing back some HI-CHEW candies back from Japan.

Now if anyone wants to bring back Swiss chocolate, England tea, or Italian spaghetti.... Make sure you bring back enough for the entire school!!

It looks like we will be blessed with some great weather this weekend. Thank you to who will participate, work, and simply come to enjoy the day.

Thank you to Dr. Taube for organizing the entire event and to Andrew Kellerman helping as well!

Also thank you to Roland Barkau Memorial Golf Course for letting us have the course for the day!

Hopefully you saw the email from Mrs. Timmerman earlier this week.

Sept. 10 – Mums orders due w/ money (7th & 8th Grade)

Sept. 13 – Mums to be picked-up from school 10-3:30

Sept. 23 – parent meeting 6:30-8pm

~6:30 – 8th grade parents

~7:15 – 7th grade parents join (8th grade parents, please stay)

Washington DC updates

As I have stated in the past, the Growth Concept requires students to not "take the easy rode." Sure, taking the easy rode will give you success, but that is where your growth ceiling will stop. It is our job as teachers and parents to help guide our kids through the failures of growth and provide them the necessary tools to help persevere.