Turn Around and You Have Grown....

Last week I had an opportunity to take a good look at the end results of some of the work we have done at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel with young people. I had a chance to attend our Athletic Association's Opening Day ceremonies for both the clinic (under six) group and, a few days later, the older students. As some of you may know Our Lady of Mt. Carmel is known as "soccer country" and children begin to learn the game almost as soon as they can walk! The Athletic Association is an organization of our parish which gives kids a chance to learn the game and play in age groups against teams from other parishes all over the Archdiocese. The group is energized by the volunteer efforts of hundreds of parents and others in the community who give untold hours of time coaching, selling consessions and cheering for these little athletes.
Last week I attended the Clinic Opening Ceremonies so that I could see my grandson, who is five, begin his season. I must say that the concept of soccer is still a little foreign to him--"Why won't that orange team share with us?" " Where do I run to score a goal?" "Why can't we run past the cones?" he asks. These questions come up on a regular basis as we try to explain the differences between sharing vs. competing and rules vs. free play! The process of learning how to play on a team is a long one and we are just beginning.
While at the game last week, one of my jobs was to keep an eye on my other grandson, who is fourteen months old, so that his mom could help coach. I spent lots of time on the playground making sure that mulch was not eaten and on the field making sure that no one toddled into the field of play! In the midst of this wonderful but exhausting activity, I looked up and saw the bleachers full of parents, grandparents and friends. That is when the song "Turn Around" flew into my head and I began to think about accomplishments.
Rarely does a person talk about Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School or parish without using the word "family" within the first three sentences uttered. We are a community that values family. We are a community whose members treat one another as family. And, we are a community which instills that value in our young people. That value results in spending time with one another, respecting one another, supporting one another's interests, and affirming the contribution we each can make to better our individual families and the Mt. Carmel family. When I looked over at the bleachers last week, I was thrilled to see so many of our former students with their young children. They were cheering for them, coaching them, and teaching them. Right next to those young parents, stood the grandparents--those parents with whom I worked years before when their children (now the parents) were young.
Two notions crossed my mind at that moment. I was so proud of those young parents for choosing to be involved with their children in our community. I could see the love they had for those little ones and sense the sacrifices they are willing to make for them. I recognized that these parents were already setting an example of leadership and service for their children as they supported the soccer program. These are some of the values we taught them so many years ago in our school and in our parish. Faith and family go together and form the foundation for everything else. Service and leadership are the concrete ways we express our faith. I was so happy to see these grown-up former students and so proud of the parents they had become.
My second thought was more nostalgic. How could time have passed so quickly? How could these kids I knew have children of their own? That moment was a reminder to value all the minutes we have with our chldren. The words of that old ballad ring true--"Turn around and they are tiny, Turn 'round and they're grown, Turn round and they're young wives with babes of their own..." It is truly a gift to be able to see the wonderful parents my former students have become! I wonder how they got so old and I didn't??? Did I???

Opportunity Knocks and New Voices Resound

One of the positive aspects of my new job as President of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School is that I have the responsbility to share the great news about our school with others. Most of the time, I feel that I am "preaching to the choir" so to speak, because my listeners are often members of the Mt. Carmel community. I talk to parents, faculty, and students and often they already know the stories I am sharing. So, I was elated when Anna Renault, one of our Board members, invited me to be a guest on her blogtalk radio show. The topics included the benefits of Catholic education and, more specifically, the benefits of a Mt. Carmel education. I was in my glory!
Yesterday was the day that the live show aired. (Listeners can hear the show repeated at www.blogtalkradio.com/anna-renault/2011/09/06/kathysipes-)My excitement turned to nervousness when I discovered that the show was two hours long. All who know me would agree that I have the "gift of gab" but two empty hours looked fairly daunting as we prepared to begin! I should have realized that talking about all the programs available at our school and our great students could be a VERY long converstation! I also took some support help! Kevin McDonough and Kory Puller, our Student Government Co-Presidents, joined me for the on-air interview. Kory and Kevin added comments and personal anecdotes that were not only accurate and interesting but also affirmed all that we were highlighting about our school.
The two hours flew along as we talked about our goals for the students, the 95% who attend college each year, the college classes they can take before they graduate, the tremendous amount of service they do at every grade level,and the great faculty and staff that enable them to achieve success. Anna Renault was adept as she led us from topic to topic and emphasized many of the ideas we were sharing with personal anecdotes of her own.
Anna is an example of a "Mt. Carmel lifer!" Anna's mother taught in the elementary school. Anna and her siblings attended the elementary school and the high school, and she is now a member of the parish as well as a recent appointee to the School Board. She writes for the local newspaper and is a published author of an autobiographical book called Anna's Journey,which chronicles her life and faith journey as she battled several bouts of cancer. Anna credits Catholic education with her excellent writing skills. She also exhibits, without even realizing it, a true spirit of generosity,endurance,and commitment. I would like to think that some of those great qualities were nurtured at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel as well. We were so grateful that Anna invited us to share our Mt. Carmel story on her show yesterday. The opportunity she provided allowed us to tell a broader audience about the education available at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel--We serve children from six weeks old through Pre-School at The Caring Place Childcare Center. We serve elementary aged children from kindergarten through grade five in our Lower School and students grade six through twelve in our Upper School! Anna surely gave us the megaphone, and I think that Kevin, Kory, and I became the "voice!"
So, yesterday was a learning day for me! I discovered two important things: First, generous people, like Anna, provide opportunities when we least expect them. Secondly, I learned that when you have a great story to tell, filling up two hours is easy! I hope that you take time to listen to at least some of what we had to share! (www.blogtalkradio.com/anna-renault/2011/09/06/kathysipes-)

Seeing the Big Picture as We Begin--Again!

It has been a very long time since I wrote anything new in this blog but that doesn't mean that there hasn't been a great deal about which to write! Actually, so much has happened that I can truly say that the world has changed--at least mine has! Since I last wrote, our school community has dealt with the illness of some key faculty members, a restructuring of our school, a new adminsitrative model, eathquakes, tornados, and hurricanes!(Many of those things happened within the last several weeks!) So, I am sorry about my long absence, but I do think I have some stories to tell and my new appointment as President of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School (Pre-K through 12 including The Caring Place Child Care Center with little babies,too)gives me a perspective which will make those stories far-reaching and informative. I also hope that I can share some of the stories that touch my heart and allow you to get a glimpse of the special community we have at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. That brings me to today...
I have no doubt that our community is special because of the wonderful children and families that we serve. Today was the first day of school. It was delayed because of the recent hurricane which means all our efforts at gradual entry and easing into new routines was for naught. Today had the potential to be a "grumpy" day with folks disgruntled because of the obvious confusion that comes from plans gone amuck. I was so pleased to note that parents were happy and polite as they dropped off students in the midst of new traffic patterns. Children were excited to see their friends and make new friends. Teachers pitched in to make sure everyone was safe and in the right place! All this good spirit, I think, stems from our mutual goal of having a positve, faith-filled learning year for our students. That sometimes means we have to "get over" the little changes of routine to appreciate the big picture.
I have been described as a "big picture" person and that is where I am comfortable landing. Seeing the many gifts and talents of faculty is so much more important than checking off duty rosters. Seeing the goodness and potential in every student is a truer picture than focusing on their attitude of the moment. Understanding the mission of our school--to enable students to become all that God intended them to be--is more significant than focusing on unpulled weeds in the garden or new traffic patterns!
So, as I write to you, I will be the one who notices all the little things about life at our school but who also reminds you of the big picture. In the largest sense, we work to build a future where our children's lives are better than our own. It should be a world where they understand that part of their responsibility is to make that world a better place for everyone! Such lofty goals are worth all the effort, cooperation, and good spirit we can muster.
After one day done, I think we are off to a great year! We will continue to build a foundation of faith, scholarhship, and service for each of our students just as we have in the past. I invite you to read this blog and join me to hear about all the great things that will be!!!

Life Lessons in the Library

Did you ever walk into a convenience store and notice a sign that said, "No more than four teens allowed at a time" or something to that effect? Did that sign make you wonder exactly what had prompted the comment? Could it be the over-exhuberance of teens? Could it be fear of being overpowered by teens? Could it be the threat of theft or vandalism? I am not sure but I, for one, find signs like that not only insulting and disrespectful to our young people but also absolutely WRONG!!!!
I want to tell you a brief tale about four teens that I have come to know very well. Their story more than counters the slurs inherent in the sign I described. Their behavior, which is consistent and positive, more than balances any negatives created by their peers. Emily, Ally, Robbie, and Kelly are four Mt. Carmel seniors who elected to take an internship class called "Career and Leadership Development." For this class they have had to read, analyze,and discuss some materials on leadership, group dynamics, and organization. They are also required to create a project that puts this new knowledge and the inherent skills of managing people into action. What a grand job they have done!
All of these interns had been part of the great re-structuring project of last summer when they helped merge our elementary and high school libraries into one newly renovated learning space. Within this new learning space there is a children's room filled with what the interns refer to as "little kid books." The project was to provide a library experience, designed by the interns, for our kindergarten through second graders which would enable the little ones to visit the library, promote reading by sharing books, understand literature through activiites and discussion,and internalize the message of the book shared on that visit.
The interns started planning early in the year. Books (some favorites from years gone by) were selected. Activities were planned. A system for checking out books was devised. A calendar was created and invitations to the "little kids" were sent. Last week the first visits began.
Last Monday twenty kindergarten students marched in,took their places on a brightly colored carpet, and gazed in awe at Kelly, the very grown up "teacher" who read a story about the importance of sharing in families. Later in the week, Emily shared a story with first graders and noticed a little girl reading her newly checked out book--oblivious to everything and everyone around her. Emily, still a voracious reader, commmented that she had been a little girl "just like that" who loved books of every kind. Emily's story was about a man who loved a brightly colored coat which turned into a vest and then a scarf and then a button. She led a discussion about how we can hold on to those things that we love even when they change or look different. Of course,after that, there was much sharing about blankets and stuffed toys that had been battered by too many hugs! A day or so later Ally shared the story about a lady who swallowed a fly, a bird, a cow and a horse--Oh, my! Second graders made a collage and sang along with a youtube cartoon projected on a giant screen. Reading and technology was a grand combination! Today Robbie filled a rainy hour for first graders who learned a few word games a ended up designing a fanciful car for Ameilia Bedelia.
You probably think that I shared this project because of the excellent planning that went into it. True. You problably think that I am very proud of Emily, Ally, Kelly, and Robbie. True. You probably think that I am glad that all those little kids have books to take home and share. Also, true. Though all these statements are true, they are not the reasons I shared the project.
I shared the project because it reveals an important message about kids--the real lesson of this tale. If kids are given a chance to be leaders and provided with the skills necessary to successfully lead, they will rise to the occasion. If kids are given something valuable to do, they will do that task with respect and even love. If older kids are set up as role models for little ones, they will shine. As I watched my interns work on and implement their projects, I was touched by the energy they put into them, the care they took to accomplish their goals, and the sense of accomplishment they felt when the little ones enjoyed their lessons. I could glimpse the grown-ups they will be in just a few years--sensitive, knwledgeable, caring, generous. Though the interns shared valuable lessons, I think they learned some valuable lessons as well. "Don't eat flies, birds, cows or horses" must be near the top of the list but "Put your heart into what you do" has to be up there as well!

The Secret That All Good Teachers Know!

I know that you have probably heard the old adage about "starting out running." This school year at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel has started out racing, running, sprinting--or whatever the fastest motion word you can think of would be! Not only have I not had a moment to write a blog entry in a month, I feel as though I have hardly had time to take a breath or get any sleep. "Goodness!" you might ask, "What could be going on over on that campus?" Let me share just a little bit...
This year we restructured our school from two separate schools (one Pre-K through 8 and one 9-12) with a shared mission to one Pre-K through 12 school. Now, that may not sound like a big deal BUT just ask MSDE! Paperwork has been flying most of the summer and School Boards, parent groups, committees, and schedules have had to be changed. I believe that all this has been for the best and I sense that the enthusiasm on campus is more intense and positive than it has been in a long time. Bottom line, students at all levels are getting more attention and a stronger program than was possible before. That, of course, is a good thing!
Next, there is what I am calling "the technology issue." This year we were able to upgrade our entire infra-structure and add a great deal of state of the art equipment for our classrooms. We replaced old servers and added an additional T-1 line. We upgraded PC's in two computer labs, added several Smartboards, and purchased some VERY cool bundles which allow a combined tablet and document reader to transform a regular screen into an interactive board. Sounds grand, doesn't it? It really, really is BUT our wonderful Technology Director, Diana Fitzpatrick, had to have extensive back surgery. Guess when? It was a week before all the new equipment arrived. Close your eyes and imagine it!!!I am happy to say that mostly due to her great directions and generous spitit, we are finally almost fully functional but, oh, what a journey into cyberspace it has been!
And, then there is the new web site which will be magnificent once it is launched. The creators of the site at VIM Interactive call it a "monster" because of the huge amount of information it contains. Weeks of work for administrators and Tom Rose, our Development Director, MUST be completed by this week. Wait until you see this beautiful monster of ours! It is worth the wait and the work, but it has been work none the less.
And then, of course, there is the most important matter of getting students scheduled and into classrooms and the setting up of those classrooms and back to school meetings and parent conferences. All of ultimate importance in the educational cycle.
And then, of course, there is the beginning of althletic seasons, games galore, and this weekend (already) Homecoming. All of ultimate importance to kids, parents, and for the creation of great school spirit.
And finally, to the important secret that all great teachers know. Life in a school will always be hectic and overwhelming and too busy. The secret is that despite EVRYTHING else that is going on, the needs of the students have to come first! Those lessons have to be prepared and reflect the greatest expertise and competence of the teacher. Those papers have to be graded to give timely feedback to students who are setting new patterns for the year. Conversations must happen if a student asks for help or advice.
So then, of course, blogs have to wait. Web sites have to wait. Even expensive computer equipment has to wait. The personal interaction between teacher and student always takes precedence and that is what good teachers know and act upon. Mary Rocks in our kindergarden knows the secret. Donna Gmurek in third grade knows the secret. Cheryl Willanks in middle school knows the secret. Barb Petr, the chair of our English Department, knows the secret. Connie Flagg, our senior/senior advisor knows the secret. And, much to my delight as one of the leaders of our school, so do the other members of our faculty. I know that at Mt. Carmel, in every grade and at every level, the needs of our students come first! So, we will all have to continue to be patient regarding the other important tasks, challenges, and inititatives that appear on our "to do" lists. Our first priority must always be (and is) our children!

This May Be Our Year!

I believe there are no people in the world who are more superstitious than athletes! They wear the same socks for an entire season because they think that last victory had something to do with their foot garb. They always wear the same number and use it for raffle picks,email addresses, and other such choices. They often follow a ritual before and after games that has to do with what food they eat, the hours of sleep they get, and the sequence of prepartaions for a game. The top rule in all this lore is that you NEVER predict the outcome of a season or even a game before it happens. If you do and things don't turn out, you will be blamed forever for a loss! Since I am one of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel's biggest fans (and clearly not an athlete) I need to try to abide by these "rules of engagement." That said, I think that this may be our year. I cite a few recent happenings to prove my point.
Last week our varsity boys soccer team had its annual game with alumni. Our team has many experienced upperclassmen on it and they are really talented. They also really know the game and are great leaders to the younger players. They are coached by Drew Ganzzermiller, an alum--Class of 2001 or so, who experienced the sweet taste of a championship and is a great coach. Since I know the "rules" I predict nothing about the win/loss record that will come and I only know that I expect to be cheering for a LONG season! The reason I mention this event, though, has to do with the spirit of the team and that alumni game.
We had many alums return to play and they represented a broad span of graduation years. That said, many of these men are holding their own in the "stay in shape" department....some not so much. All came to give it their best and the old guys ended up winning in a shoot out. The game was completely good natured and fun as much as is possible for competitive athletes. Our varsity team could not have been more respectful of their elders on and off the field. The neat thing that happened , though, is that there were two pairs of fathers and sons who played against each other. Both fathers and sons seemed to revel in that fact. Vince Schiavone, one of our senior leaders, played against his Dad, Mike, an alum from 30 years ago. They both did a great job,Dad kept up and I think it was a bonding moment for them. As they walked off the field I think there was a gulp or two from a few of us. It was just one of those moments that you remember.
The other father and son duo had a little more drama. Mikey Krannebitter who is also a senior this year is a great goalie. Mike, his dad who graduated in the late eighties, is an offensive man. You can guess the scenerio--Dad dribbles down the field, figures out his shot, and one flies past the goalie. BUT, there is a whistle and the goal is called back. There is a little "discussion" about the call and then, history repeats itself and there is a flash of yellow. This was the funniest part of the game and we all enjoyed the little drama as it played out. I enjoyed even more watching Mikey and Mike walk off that field smiling from ear to ear.
As is true many times after a sports event, the end of the game is not the end of the evening. Many of us gathered at Harvey's Pub on Myrth Avenue in Essex. This place is a hidden neighborhood treasure and the burgers are heavenly. Harvey's is owned by the Schneehagen family who are also Carmel folks. Jon went to our elementary school and his sister Jill went through both schools. Jon and his Dad, Gary, are our women's soccer coaches. They allowed our Athletic Department to invade that evening to do guest bartending and literally take over the place. It was so much fun! Mike Naunton, who is always giving 150%, was a gracious servant to all, some of our seniors did a kareoke routine, alums joined us with family and friends, and several televisions blared the Ravens game. As I looked around that night, I felt that this little event really captrued what happens at our school. Our community is in so many real ways--intergenerational. Current students sat next to former students. Families were together enjoying each other's company. Faculty blended with coaches and parents and kids. This is the Carmel spirit I love and this is the spirit that will make this year our year!
School is ready to start and this week teachers came back for meetings, parents met them, and the lower and middle school students had their first days of school. In the midst of the many changes that happended--different rooms, changed schedules,revised agendas--everyone from youngest to oldest was upbeat, positive and willing to work together to make sure everything would work. As furniture was reshuffled and computers hooked up,positive and upbeat banter could be heard throughout our campus. Everyone was and continues to be willing to give it their best to work through transition and end up with what is best for our kids. This is the the Carmel spirit I love and this is the spirit that will make this year our year.!
So, let me clearly say that I am abiding by all the rules and superstitions of every athlete and Carmel fan. I do not predict the score of a game nor the outcome of a particular season. I can say, without a doubt, that the good spirit, dedication, and love of school, community , and family that I see everywhere--soccer field, school corridor, classroom, and even pub--can only result in a great year for us. I revise my statement--This WILL BE our year--in all the best ways!

The Faces of Generosity

I write this beneath a searing South Carolina sun. On one side of me I see my son attempting not very successfully to lure some fish from the surf. Glancing another direction I see my oldest grandchild splashing in the waves. Words like "respite,relaxation, reprieve" spill over me as I enjoy this much anticipated week of vacation. Thinking just a few days in the past, though, the word that comes to me , loud and clear, is generosity.
When I think of my summer experience this year at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, it is the word GENEROSITY that smacks me in the face. It is not the word that has such power, it is faces. This week I want to tell you about Carmel's faces of generosity. This is quite a challenge because the faces, each one, are unique and different from each other.
The first faces are adult. They are the faces of leadership, commitment, dedication and, yes...generosity. The first faces are those of Joe Bartenfelder and Russell Berk the owners of Bartenfelder and Chapel Hill Farms, respectively. Last Sunday they gave a tremendous gift to our school. They threw a fundraiser to help us launch a football program and generated $16000.00 plus for the cause. They also rallied helpers from friends, family, community, and the Bartenfelder campaign . The afternoon was a delight from beginning to end. There was a pig roast, animals for the little kids to see,feed, and pet and people with whom to chat and visit. It was a glorious afternoon and one which could have been shared with many causes. I was so tremendously grateful it was shared with us. This family atmosphere reflects the values of these community leaders. What is really important? The day said it all--family, friends, opportunties for our kids . Thank you Mr. Bartenfelder and Mr. Berk for setting a high standard for all of us as men of generosity and character.
The other faces of generosity I see are the faces of our students especially several seniors who have spent the summer at school with me. Our shared time does not reflect their best talents nor mine but it does reflect an understanding that our goals are not achieved without hard work that is low on glory and high on manual labor! Two of our students in particular, Ally Emerson and Kelly Aquilla, must have generated several hundred hours of service. They helped landscape the front of the school, clear a playground, merge two libraries into one, decorate several bathrooms, move lockers, and paint Cougar paws all over the place. There were several days that ended in exhausted "See you tomorrows" and many days that I was handed a list of chores to do before the next day--often involving buying things at Home Depot. Ally and Kelly were joined on many days by an assortment of friends and classmates who willingly lent helping hands. It was clear, though, that the vision we were following belonged to them. I am grateful for the generous service and hard work of all of all these kids and their sense of ownership. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel is clearly loved and owned by our students. Isn't that just as it should be?
I have enjoyed this week thinking in retrospect about our summer of generosity. It is filled with hard work but it is also filled with laughter. I see Ally and Conner Naunton (whose dad Mike, our Athletic Director, was a constant summer helper too) coverd in red paint. I see Emily painting Cougar paws on any space she could find. I see the dismay of several students who tried often in vain to get the fiction books in our new library space in the right order--Who packed these anyway??? What I really see are the faces of young people who are willing to fight and work for their community. They have integrated into their values the notion that what we value is worth all of our effort. I am so proud of our kids and I am so grateful for them. These faces of generosity are the faces that I have come to love and appreciate beyond measure.
So, as the sun sets, I smile at the memories of the faces of generosity that I have seen this summer at Carmel. Remembering them with gratitude, all is right with the world!