Alumni: When Does It Ever End?

This past week Our Lady of Mt. Carmel has been inundated with visitors. It has been wonderful to see our alumni come back to visit during the spring break of their colleges. Since 95% of our graduates go on to college, their midsemester break has become a traditional time for them to reconnect. The young women who return look a bit more polished and sophisticated. Young men are broader of shoulder and are often sporting their first ever beard,scruffy though it may be. That is where differences end. All of these recent graduates tell tales of courses they have loved, grade point averages that are respectable, and discuss career options and changes of major with their former teachers and administrators at out school. This past week we heard from a photography major at The Maryland Institute of Art, a political science and international studies major from St. Mary's College, as well as from several students in nursing, physical therapy,health care and related fields. We even got tickets in the mail from one of our alumna from the University of Southern California (a theater major) who is putting on a one woman show in Baltimore in a few weeks. Those of us at the school are elated to have these conversations and interactions. Seeing these graduates move forward with independence and success is one of the gratifications teachers share. I thought several times during these visits that our relationships last long after the final blessing of graduation is over. When do these connections end? I hope that they never do!
From the perspective of those of us who teach at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, as long as people remain who have known our former students certainly there are connections. Beyond that,though, there is a connection to the school itself that goes beyond individuals. Whether a former student attended in the sixties, the seventies, the eighties, the nineties,or in this new century, the experience of a small, nurturing yet challenging community where there is not only room to grow but an expectation to grow has been constant. In our fifty years of serving young people, the commitment to help them develop God's gifts and achieve success, happiness, and a life of faith has remained a priority. Our school has done her part!
In the past few weeks, in the aftermath of the school consolidation plan, there has been a great deal of noise made by alumni of various schools. It made me wonder if alumni really understand that they, too, have a responsibility to their former school that does not end. I wonder if alumni ever think about those expectations? If they do, is it only in a moment of need or crisis? Is it too often "too little too late?"
I believe that the first expectation of Carmel alumni is that they live their life in a way that reflects the values and information they have learned at Carmel. Are they good parents to their children? Are they leaders in their neighborhoods and communities? Are they using God's gifts in appropriate ways? Can we look at them and be proud of the adults they have become? I would hope that all our grads could answer, "Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!"
The expectations go beyond that. Are our alumni advocates for Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in the community? Do they articulate the news about the great education available at Mt. Carmel? Do they tell the same stories their teachers remember about how learning happens--sometimes the easy way, sometimes the hard way? Do they relate that in that process, they were never abandoned? If our alumni become advocates for our school in the community, they help make our school, small in size, stronger and less vulnerable to the econmic tides of the times. Our alumni need to "talk it up" about all that our small school is willing to provide in education of a young person's mind, and heart, and soul.
And, finally, our alumni need to support our school financially. When letters come asking for help with student scholarshps, Annual Appeals, or building projects, those alumni who have reached some success and security in their own lives need to give back. Being of service and supporting our community is a theme about which every Carmel student has heard. "It is not all about you, it is about our community, and building a better world," is a statement I have been making to kids for decades! Every Carmel alumni should be considering the extent to which they can support our school. As recent events have shown, it is too late to wait until crisis has descended. Now if the acceptable time!( If you haven't sent your Annual Appeal gift, now would be a great time to do so!)
I have come to be a believer that the world improves, if it does at all, a person at a time. Educators have a rare opportunity and responsibility to make that happen on a daily basis. But, help is needed from those who "get it." No one gets the importance of a Gospel based, Catholic education better than those who have benefitted from one. I know that our alums "get it!"
So, to get back round to the beginning-- The relationship between Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and her graduates--recent or not--never ends. It is also true that their relationship and responsibilty to our school never ends either. Live a "good" life, talk the good talk and dig into those pockets to support a wonderful school that supported you!

"Sometimes Ya Don't Know What Ya Got..."

Over the last day or so the first line to the lyrics of an old song has been running through my head. The tune is lost as are the words to the rest of the song. The part I remember is "sometimes ya don't know what ya got 'til it's gone." I have been thinking about how false these words ring in our present school situation.
This morning Archbishop O'Brien announced that thirteen schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore will not open next September but will be consolidated with other school communities. Many have suffered from enrollment decreases, the challenges of old buildings (some well over 100 years old!), money problems, and the changing populations in neighborhoods once filled with children. The plan was thoroughly done and based on solid research and projections. It is a valiant attempt to trim the number of schools so that there can be new growth and increased excellence in the schools that remain. The consolidation plan is an attempt to insure that Catholic education in Baltimore will thrive for now and for the future. This was quite a challenge! Given that painful challenge, there is no one involved at any level who does not know clearly and painfully what has been lost.
One of the great blessings of Catholic schools is that they are more than educational institutions. They are families in the best sense of that word. Certainly students learn not only the basics but also skills of leadership, lessons of faith, and the need to work for justice. All of this learning happens because of the relationships that exist within each school. Without sounding like a Pollyanna, I truly believe that where Catholic schools do their job, love abides. Educators love their kids. They love them enough to teach them, challenge them, go to all their games, chaperone their events, show up for advice sessions, retreats, and prayer services. They rejoice at the family celebrations of their students and support those same families when sadness comes to them. There is no end to the connections that bind one to the other--students,parents, teachers, administrators, priests and religious.
What happened today in Baltimore was not a failure of these relationships. In some cases the buildings failed and in many cases the finances failed but in no case was there a lack of love, caring, and dedication--one for the other--in those school families. That is why, though many realized that this day needed to come in one form or another or all could be lost, sadness abounds. I believe that for a time, that sadness must be allowed to happen and be respected.
It is the great hope that the children of these families who are now engulfed in loss,can find their way to a new Catholic school--a new family that will continue to teach, love, and nurture them. It will be in realizing that the Church is bigger than any one place and the spirit of one should permeate all, that will allow many to begin to move forward.
Something wonderful was lost today and everyone in our school communities knows it. Those who remain are obligated out of solidarity and respect to carry on the dedication, tradition, and excellence that have always been the marks of Catholic education. We also carry forward hope which is another mark not only of our schools but of our faith. Pope John Paul II said, 'There is hope for the future and its name is youth." We continue to teach, serve, and nurture our youth in schools of excellence knowing the great sacrifices and traditions that allow us to continue. We pray for those families and school communities who are grieving. We also pray that we always recognize and appreciate the blessings that we have in our school families and relationships--while we have them!

It's Flex Time!

We returned from the blizzard with a week's worth of late starts. In a high school that means that all classes meet but for a shorter amount of time. So, students straggled into school by 9:45 a.m. and met quickly with all their teachers for about a half hour each and then went home. It was the end of the winter sports season and games were squeezed in where they could be and tournaments were modified to meet time constraints. All in all, it was not a perfect week! BUT, it was a week and we did accomplish something and perhaps learned a lesson that will be important in days to come.
In life, we need to learn to be flexible! Though things do not always go the way we plan, wish, or hope, they do move forward. At that point, we either "go with the flow" as some say or we become disgruntled, angry, and frustrated. I think the path of flexibility is the best. So, at school, we flew through that short week and just finished a more "normal" week with only one late start. All the events that were postponed because of weather have been re-scheduled and everyone is looking forward eagerly to them. Things tend to work out!
In a week or so, there will be a huge announcement about the future of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. The report is the result of a great deal of research, analysis of current data about our schools, and deep reflection on the vision and mission of the schools as a whole. I am certain the the report will result in the need to change so that we can best meet the needs of our current students and our future students. The plan will generate high emotions and there will be mighty changes that should eventually result in a better, stronger system of schools.
At that point, there will be many educators who will need to not only be flexible, they will need to be energized to move forward and implement the changes (sometimes as unexpected and unpredicatable as several blizzards in one week!) that are called for with dedication, skill, enthusisam and faith. Learning the lessons of flexiblilty in little ways in life sometimes prepares us to handle the bigger changes as well. We need to remember that things tend to work out. It is also important to believe that in matters of faith, mission, and vision, the Holy Spirit does work!
As we continue to deal with this "winter to remember" with flexibility and good spirit, we will also be called upon to deal with the bigger issues of our lives in that same positive way. Things will work out according to "the Plan"--even if the plan is not ours but His!

It's F

Out of Signt, Out of Mind--Not Even in a Blizzard!

Yesterday at Mt. Carmel High School the excitement level was off the charts! It was Student Appreciation Day of Catholic Schools Week so kids were out of uniform. Baltimore County had decided early on to dismiss two hours early due to the impending snow. To top it off, Mr. Jim, our resident chef, decided to serve wings for lunch--What more could we all ask than the convergence of all these wonderful things!
So, we did enjoy the wings and then we all left early to await the snow. And, as we all know, the storm arrived with great force and now almost twenty-four hours later, it is still snowing!
Since I was snowed in this morning I decided to sort through some papers and straighten up a bit. I rediscovered letters that needed answering and bills that needed to be paid. I also found the Annual Appeal Brochure request that I received a week or so ago. When the brochure arrived, I looked at it rather carefully. It was eye catching and had great photos of students in both our schools. It also made a real plea to alumni and friends to support the schools. These are tough financial times for everyone, but Catholic schools have been especially hard hit because our families have been hard hit. At Mt. Carmel we continue to be firmly committed to providing a loving,faith filled environment where learning for a life time can happen. Our resolve is unwavering. The school, though, like everyone else needs to pay the bills--faculty deserve so much more than they receive, kids deserve the best that new technology has to offer, aging buildings need to be repaired, and then there is always BGE--Last month the high school gas bill alone was $10,000! I am aware of these facts and a million more that make me want to support our schools as much as I can. Yet, when that brochure arrived, I put it on the stack of "take care of this later" items and did not send my gift. That brochure may have been headed for the "out of sight, out of mind" stack had I not had some time this morning to rediscover it. I hope that each of you will rediscover that brochure and make a gift too. Our kids deserve the best and I believe that the education provided at Carmel--where heart, mind, and spirit are attended to each day--is the best! Be generous, my friends! Do not take Carmel for granted!
Now, there is another related issue that has been on my mind as I watched the snow accumulate and bury my car. There is no doubt in my mind that I will not be able to dig out until Monday which means no driving tomorrow and no Mass for me. I think that I am not alone. I know that these last several weekend storms have taken a toll on many people and businesses but I think that they must have taken the greatest toll on our Church. Please do not let your envelopes languish on the "out of sight, out of mind" stack of things to which you have to attend. Snow or not, the work of the Church continues. At Mt. Carmel, as at most churches, the only source of income comes from the generosity of our members. Whether we are present on Sunday or not, the bills need to be paid. Now, in addition to all the regular expenses, I am sure there are several whopping snow removal bills that have been added to the list!
So, I hope you are safe and snug and enjoying the beauty of this snowfall. I also hope that you are aware of the negative impact that can be part of the winter season on those institutions we know, love, and on which we depend. I hope that you have some time to sort things out ,too, and that you are generous to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Both our schools and our Church need the support of all of us!

Developing a Compassionate Heart--Right Now and Long Term!

I shared an experience last night with millions of other people as I watched "Help Haiti Now", a global plea for help for the Haitian people who are reeling from the catastrophic earthquake that happened there. I was touched by the sincerity of the artists and the stories of search, rescue, treatment and tragedy. I felt a lump in my throat at the sight of a sweet, shy little boy who could not stop coughing from dust from the rubble under which he had been trapped for eight harrowing days. He had been saved from the rubble only to find out that his parents were dead and he is now an orphan. By the time Justin Timberlake sang "Alleluia", I had made my pledge.
This past week at Mt. Carmel there have been many discussions about how we, as a Catholic school, can respond to this disaster. Our kids,sometimes rough around the edges in terms of social skills and fairly self-absorbed as most teens are,remain always generous of heart. Many of them have a sense of empathy well beyond their years--I believe because they themselves have had to bear sadness and loss already in their young lives. So, I knew they would have some great ideas to help and they did! The Campus Ministry group, led so lovingly by Missy Lawrence, our Campus Minister, has pledged the profits from our annual pre-Lenten pancake breakfast to the cause. This event which is scheduled for February 14, 2010, in the high school cafeteria is a ticket at the door event. Come join us for pancakes, sausage, and eggs, served by the best teen "cooks" ever. The kids have dubbed the event "Pancakes for Port-au-Prince" and I know the breakfast will be a success.
Two senior girls are spearheading a raffle based on guessing the number of lifesaver candies in a huge jar. They liked the idea of lifesavers for life saving! There are also plans for a 50/50 raffle at Report Card Conference Night and there is always the rather self-serving Tag Day idea where kids can get out of wearing uniforms for a day by paying a dollar to a worthy cause. I think that all our ideas together will be a compassionate response to a great need. Since 80% of the people of Haiti are Catholic, I think our choice of supporting Catholic Relief Services is a good one. This sad event provides a life lesson for all of us that stems from a recognition that we are all one family on this earth and we need to take care of one another.
In thinking about our immediate "right now" response to this tragedy, I was mulling over the importance of developing a sense of compassion and service for the long run--not just when catastrophe strikes. It made me think of a little event shared by the faculty and staff recently. Our pastor, Msgr. Bob Hartnett celebrated his thirtieth anniversary as a priest this year. In honor of this milestone, he treated the faculties and staff of the entire Carmel complex--elementary school, high school, parish--to lunch on our annual dual retreat day in November. Always one to enjoy a good party, I think the event pleased the Monsignor! I think his words at the event, though, reminded us all of something important. He thanked all of us for sharing in his ministry and allowing "good" to come from the work that we share. There is no limit to all that can be accomplished when leaders, like Msgr. Bob, create environments where the mission is shared. When many people can say--"Here we are compassionate." "Here we work together for the good of the weakest among us." "Here we worry about the needs of people rather than who gets credit for what is accomplished."--a place for potential miracles is created. For us at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel I think that mission includes sharing faith and teaching young people to grow in mind and heart so that they, too, can be leaders who work for "good."
In conisdering both these recent events, I think there is a solitary lesson to be learned. In a situation like the one in Haiti, there must be an immediate response that overflows with generosity and compassion. In every day life, especially when we are reminded by the great example of leaders who have made a committment to the long race of building a better world--person by person--we need to learn to be generous and compassionate in the LONG run. I think we'd all like to say, at the end, along with another great leader and example--"I have run the good race, I have fought the good fight..."
So, if you haven't already donated to our brothers and sisters in Haiti, do so. Plan to come join us for pancakes on February 14 from 8:00-12:00. Most importantly, think about how to respond to the work of each day with a compassionate heart.

Beginning Again

I spent this wonderful day off tying up loose ends. Still a bit saddened by the Ravens game over the weekend, I faced an equally dismal debacle when I gazed at my house this morning. There were remnants of Christmas all over the place as well as a stack or so of uncorrected exams. I always feel more in control of my environment when I make a list (though I know this is self-imposed trickery), so that is what I did. Now, several hours later, the last of Christmas has been relegated to the attic, the exams are graded, and I am thinking about what I need to jot down for my next list.
This time of year can be a little bit of a downer for everyone. The holidays are past, the weather is cold, it is dark both going to and coming from work and many New Year's resolutions have already gone by the wayside. I am a firm believer, though, in not giving in to these negative vibes. What we need to focus on is what is to come!
In a school, there is a great deal of time during these winter months given over to imagining what could be--How could we make programs better for students? How can we modifry schedules so that we can get the most out of every day? How can we use the resources that we have, limited as they may be, to help students be ready for the challenges they will face after graduation? Questions such as these certainly add excitement to what could be a down time of the year.
This week at Mt. Carmel we will be having a Strategic Planning meeting that will focus on several of these issues. The Planning Team is a group of about 25 dedicated people who have worked for the last several years to move our school into the future. The committee is composed of people who are dedicated to our school and who also have vision. They are community members, alums, students, faculty, Board members and parents. Every stakeholder group is represented. When a person leaves the committe, they are replaced by someone in the same stakeholder group so that all perspectives remain represented as we plan for the future. One of our big topics at our up coming meeting will be technology. We are ready to move into another phase of our plan as we renew/update our lease agreement. Thank goodness the price of some of the equipment is coming down because it is crucial that every student have access to resources that are "out there!"
We are so blessed at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel High School to have Diana Fitzpatrick serve as our Director of Technology. Diane is a real example of someone who is a life-long learner. She is constantly searching for new information and then sharing her discoveries with the faculty. She teaches at CCBC, too, and is able to offer some of our seniors two three credit courses in Multi-Media as electives. They get the benefit of her expertise right on our campus and get 6 college credits too! This is quite a deal,I'd say.
Recently, Diane has been working with the faculty so that they gain some new skills to use in the clssroom. The technology boom is here to stay and is moving forward exponentially. We are getting students ready for a world that is yet to be!
Knowing that our responsibilty in a Catholic school is not only to teach students to access all this new information but also to teach them to use these tools ethically with a focus on improving life in moral ways, adds several quite complicated layers to our task of education. Students (all of us really) have to consider issues of respect,privacy, collaboation and integrity as we journey down new roads and through uncharted territiory on the rod to the information society. It really is exciting to think about what the world will be like in the next decade or so--Think of all the changes in the last few!
As Catholic educators, we need to be committed to learning the most up to date techniques in order to allow our kids to grow to be their best--in both mind and heart! What an adventure remains!
I think I just talked my way out of my dismal, post holiday mood--There are wonderful adventures waiting just over the horizon! Now, if I could only learn how to use my Facebook account!