Principal's Corner

January 27, 2023

Catholic Schools Weeks is almost upon us! 

Don't forget to send in items for our snack bag collection. We will be putting these snack bags together on Wednesday and they will be donated to the Small Things Healthy Snacks Program. Please click here for the flyer. Here is what we need:

PreK and K: Juice Boxes
1st grade through 4th grade: Fruit cups, fruit snacks, or applesauce squeeze
5th grade through 8th grade: Pre-packed snacks, crackers, goldfish, etc.

We hope you can join us on Sunday, January 29th, for 9:30 mass at St. Johns and our Open House at 10:30. There will be refreshments and our Book Fair will be open in the Library.

On Monday, January 30th - We will be celebrating our Community with cards for shut-ins, police officers, and firemen. We will also be holding the school-level Religion Bee for participating students in grades 5th-8th. 

On Tuesday, January 31st - We will be celebrating our Nation - We will have a prayer service for our Veterans, service men and women, and anyone who serves or who has served.  Parents are also welcome to attend.

The prayer service will begin at 1:30 in the gym.  Students can wear a red, white, and/or blue shirt with gym sweatpants.

Cavalcade of Countries and Famous Pennsylvanians - Our 4th and 5th-grade students will be presenting their projects in the gym and the middle school students will have their Literature fair projects on display.  The display will be open from 5:00 until 7:00 Tuesday evening.  

On Wednesday, February 1st - We will be celebrating our Volunteers with a Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast starting at 9:00 in the Lower Church Hall.  If you are able to join us for the breakfast please fill out the link so we are able to get an accurate number of attendees. https://forms.gle/LpJGrwk18WDa7uN58 Please RSVP by Monday, January 30th.  Also, on February 1st, we will be holding a career day showcase.  As part of our Vocations appreciation, we are looking for volunteers to come in or virtually present to the students about their careers and advocations.  Please complete this link if you are interested in presenting. https://forms.gle/h5FQdjB7ydXMdE2f8 These presentations will begin at 10:30.  Please RSVP to present by Monday, January 30th.  

On Thursday, February 2nd - We will celebrate our wonderful students.  Students will enjoy a fun day of activities and a special treat from the Home and School Association.  Students may dress down.

On Friday, February 3rd - We will celebrate our dedicated and amazing faculty and staff.  We will start our day with our CSW closing mass starting at 9:00.  At the end of mass, we will have a special recognition for our faculty and staff.  The teachers will enjoy a lovely lunch arranged by the Home and School Association.  Thank you to all the parents who have already offered to come in and monitor lunch so that all the teachers can eat together and enjoy a little break.  In the afternoon, the students will have an assembly to close out our CSW celebrations.    

January 20, 2023
As we gear up for Catholic Schools week, we wanted to share with you a few more details and see if you are able to join us for some of our events throughout the week. 

We are still in need of a few speakers at Mass this weekend. We want to invite parish families to come see our school and all we have to offer at MPRCS. Click here to sign up or contact Mrs. S at ascarpignato@mpregional.org 

On Monday, January 30th - A Religion Bee at 10:45 in the gym.  We will be holding the school-level Religion Bee for the participating students in grades 5th-8th. 

On Tuesday, January 31st, we will be celebrating our Nation - We will have a prayer service for our Veterans, service men and women, and anyone who serves or who has served.  The prayer service will begin at 1:30 in the gym.  

Cavalcade of Countries and Famous Pennsylvanians - Our 4th and 5th-grade students will be presenting their projects in the gym and the middle school students will have their Literature fair projects on display.  

On Wednesday, February 1st, we will be celebrating our Volunteers with a Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast starting at 9:00 in the Lower Church Hall.  If you are able to join us for the breakfast please fill out the link below.  https://forms.gle/LpJGrwk18WDa7uN58

Also, on February 1st, we will be holding a career day showcase.  As part of our Vocations appreciation, we are looking for volunteers to come in or virtually present to the students about their careers and advocations.  Please complete the link below if you are interested in presenting.  If you know someone who may be interested please let us know and pass along the information.   These presentations will begin at 10:30.  https://forms.gle/h5FQdjB7ydXMdE2f8

On Thursday, February 2nd, we will celebrate our wonderful students.  Students will enjoy a fun day of activities and a special treat from the Home and School Association.  

On Friday, February 3rd, we will celebrate our dedicated and amazing faculty and staff.  We will start our day with our CSW closing mass starting at 9:00.  At the end of mass, we will have a special recognition for our faculty and staff.  The teachers will enjoy a lovely lunch arranged by the Home and School Association.  Thank you to all the parents who have already offered to come in and monitor lunch so that all the teachers can eat together and enjoy a little break.  In the afternoon, the students will have an assembly to close out our CSW celebrations.   

January 13, 2023
Catholic Schools Week - January 29th - February 3rd

Since 1974, National Catholic Schools Week is the annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. It starts the last Sunday in January and runs all week, which in 2023 is January 29 – February 3. The theme for National Catholic Schools Week 2023 is “Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service.” 

Our week will begin with the celebration of Mass at 9:30 AM, followed by the Open House and Bookfair.  The Open House is open for all to attend.  Come to Mass and the Open House in your school uniform and find either Mrs. Scarpignato or Mrs. Dempsey for a N.U.T pass.  Throughout the course of the week, we will be celebrating our Community, Nation, Volunteers, Students, Vocations, and Faculty and Staff.  

Catholic Schools Week is a great time for our school community to come together to celebrate what makes us unique and honestly who doesn’t like a week to celebrate.  Our students, faculty, and staff do amazing things and it is time to recognize how awesome our School truly is!  

January 6, 2023
As we welcome the month of January we introduce a new virtue to the students.  This month in our Virtues in Practice program, we learn in more detail about the virtue of Gratitude.  Gratitude is seeing everything as a gift and being thankful.  This month the students will learn about St. Francis of Assisi (PreK-2nd), St. Julie Billiart (3rd-5th), and St.Josemaria Escriva (6th-8th).  As the students learn more about gratitude in school, here are some activities that families can do at home together.  

• Before going to bed each night, thank God for ten things He gave you that day. 

• Every time you see something beautiful, say “thank you” to God.
• Write a thank you card to someone who helps you. 
• Take a nature walk. Look closely at God’s creations, large and small, and thank Him for each one.  

• Keep a gratitude journal: throughout the day, jot down things for which you are grateful, such as beautiful things you see, compliments, accomplishments, kindnesses, etc.  
• Make a “no whining” pact with your friends. Each time you catch them complaining, they have to say three things for which they are grateful.  
• Have a contest to see which of your friends can say “thank you” to the most teachers/parents during the day - but only earnest thanks count! 

Prayer:  
Mother Mary, when you met your cousin Elizabeth you sang a song of gratitude to God for His goodness to you.  Help us to remember that all good things are from God.  

December 16, 2022
This week marks the last week of Advent.  How quickly this time has gone by and the kids are growing more and more excited about the coming of Christmas.  This week we are looking at how to live love.  Love is the third and greatest virtue after faith and hope, the bible also refers to love as charity.  Charity can be defined as a wishing good will to someone.  

To live love as we move into the Christmas season is to embrace the example that Jesus gave us.  Keeping in mind those who need us to go a step beyond our duty - to choose love for them and of them, above and beyond our own interests.  

Act: During this last week of Advent make cards and send them throughout the Christmas season.  Yes, you read that correctly the Christmas season which lasts through the celebration of the Baptism of Jesus, is held in early January on the Sunday after Epiphany.  Write a little note letting your recipients know that you are praying for them and then be sure that you do.  

Prayer:  Jesus, help me to love like you. Amen 

December 9, 2022
The weeks of Advent are quickly passing us by and as we enter the third week of Advent you will notice that we light the Rose color candle and the Priest vestments are Rose color.  The third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is the Latin word meaning “rejoice.”

Our word for this week is Joy.  What brings you joy during this Advent season?  We prepare to experience great joy at the birth of Jesus Christ. In Christy Hicks Aydt's advent reflection, she writes about how Mary, Jesus’ mother fiercely proclaims her joy-filled and prophetic song, rooted in ancient wisdom. We are invited to remember this root and to radiate joy and sing her song with her, recalling God’s faithfulness.  At this point in the Advent season, we must be intentional about listening for the ancient wisdom we are invited to glean. The hustle and bustle of our culture at Christmas is noisy, busy, and demanding. People of ripened faith recognize Advent as the more fruitful and joyous time, a faith born through struggle, giving birth to God’s abundant life. https://uscatholic.org/articles/202212/a-reflection-for-the-third-sunday-of-advent-2/

This Sunday is a joyful reminder that our salvation is near. 


December 2, 2022
Advent Reflection Week 2 

At this point, our Elves have arrived in our homes, and the decorating and shopping frenzy has begun.  During the first week of Advent, we focused on the word Hope.  This week we will focus on the word Peace.  The Oxford dictionary defines peace as freedom from disturbance; tranquility.  We gain peace by honoring the dignity of every person.  Peace in our hearts grows as we work for a closer relationship with each other and with the Lord.  

Pope Francis in his homily spoke about how Christians can prepare for Christmas by building peace in one's soul, in the family, and in the world through humility.  Pope Francis is urging Christians to prepare themselves for Christmas this Advent season by being humble and trying to build peace in their soul, in their family, and in the world. 

Peace, the Pope said, is never still but always moves forward.  It starts with the soul, and after making its journey of peace, returns to the soul.  Making peace is a bit like imitating God. When He wanted to make peace with us and forgave us, He sent His Son to make peace, to be the Prince of peace. 

The Pope said to be a peacemaker one does not have to be wise and learned and study peace.  Peace is an attitude that Jesus speaks about in the Gospel.  Jesus glorifies God because he has hidden these things from the wise and learned and has revealed them to the little ones.

Pope Francis urged Christians to make themselves small, humble, and be the servant of others.  “The Lord will give you the ability to understand how to make peace and will provide you the strength to make it,” the Pope assured.

https://catholic.net/op/articles/5207/advent-a-time-to-make-peace-in-the-soul-family-neighbourhood.html

Think:  How can we prepare ourselves to share peace with others? How can you share peace with those around you?  

Prayer:  Jesus, I love you.  Thank you for the peace you bring to the world. Amen 

November 18, 2022
37 is the number of days until Christmas.  That seems just crazy, where did the months go?  Seeing that the next parent update will not come until the end of the first week of Advent I wanted to take a moment to introduce our Advent Theme.  Each week we will focus on a word, our words are Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.  The principal's message for the next few weeks will focus on preparing ourselves for the coming of Jesus.  

 As we approach this wonderful holiday season where we spend time with family and friends we also prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus.  This coming weekend we celebrate Christ the King Sunday or Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.  Christ the King Sunday is the last Sunday of the Liturgical year. The new Liturgical year begins the 1st week of Advent and most years falls the Sunday immediately after Thanksgiving.  Each year we set New Years' resolutions as we move into the new Liturgical year what prayer resolutions could you set?

Advent Reflection Week One 
Our first word for the First Sunday of Advent is Hope.  Hope is so much more than how we approach our wants.  The virtue of hope is a response to our desire for happiness.  Hope leads to true, eternal happiness, which flows from charity.  

Throughout the weeks of Advent, we hear in our readings and hymns “You do not know when the time will come”.  How do you feel when you do not know something?   

Mark 13: 33-37 challenges us to look beyond the here and now.  What gives you hope? How can we give hope to others this time of year?  

Prayer:  Jesus, there are so many people in our world who need hope.  Help me to embrace the hope that comes my way today, whether its something small or something big.  Amen.

November 11, 2022
New things around school…

At back-to-school night, I outlined some upgrades that were being made around the school.  Some of those upgrades include the new flooring in classrooms and office spaces and the new SMART Boards. 

One of the projects that we have been working on is the set up and use of our new student, volunteer, and visitor check-in system.  As we work to train our staff on using the system, we will be slowly implementing the system into our routine procedures.  Starting next week, we will be using the Raptor check-in/out systems for our students who are late or leaving early.  We will slowly move to have visitors and volunteers check in through this system.  We thank you in advance as we work through some of the glitches that may occur as we implement this new system to enhance our safety measures. 

November 4, 2022
During the month of November, we see signage or social media posts asking “what are you grateful for”.  Around the Thanksgiving table, this is a conversation that is had by many.  This is also a time that we focus on giving.  How fitting that our virtue for the month of November is stewardship.  Stewardship is returning to God the first fruits of your time, talent, and treasure.  Our lives are a gift from God.  How can we share with the poor and others in need?  How can we be like the Saints such as St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Blessed Far Angelico, or St. Joseph Moscati?  Try practicing this virtue at home with some of the home activities found in the Virtues in Practice Home Guide https://www.nashvilledominican.org/apostolate/evangelization-and-catechesis/virtues-in-practice/
Home activities:  
PreK-2nd 
Choose a way to practice taking better care of the supplies and toys entrusted to you at home or school.
Ask your parents if you can put some money in the poor box at church or in the Sunday collection.
If you take a dance class, show your latest routine to someone who is lonely or sad.  
3rd-5th 
Draw or paint a picture as a gift for someone who is sick or suffering 
Sing in the Church choir
Choose a new way to conserve resources or recycle
Dedicate to God the time and talent you spend in after-school arts, sports, or academic competitions.  Make a point to pray before each practice, rehearsal, game, etc., and as you strive for excellence, do it for Him and for your group/team.  
6th-8th 
Teach your favorite sport to a younger child who doesn’t know how to play.  
When things get busy we forget to pray, but it’s when we need prayer the most!  If you have a crazy busy day this month, deliberately set apart a few minutes for prayer.  Later, reflect on how that impacted your day.  

October 21, 2022
I would like to thank all the parents that came to our Home and School working meeting on Wednesday.  It was great to socialize and collaborate on some fun community-building events.  We are so grateful for the involvement of our families here at Mother of Providence and we are always looking for volunteers.  There are many ways to get involved during the day, after school, in the evening, and even behind the scenes. 

The time and talent that our parents are able to share is such a gift and helps to enhance the learning experience for our students.   Knowing that your time is valuable, we hope this invitation will empower you to come in and volunteer. Please feel free to contact me with a time to volunteer that is convenient for you. Thank you again for volunteering your time, gifts, and talents! Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our children.  We will value you as a volunteer, and appreciate your dedication to the children as a supportive aide, role model, and mentor. 

October 14, 2022
This week's message focuses on our virtue for the month of October.  The virtue that the students are learning about during the month of October is Reverence.  At its simplest definition Reverence is showing our deepest respect for things of God.  In class, the teachers are discussing and practicing the virtue of reverence.  In morning prayers this week I spoke to the students about how reverence goes beyond our actions when we pray or are in church but reverence for all of God’s creations.  Classes will also be learning about various Saints this month with the focus on the Saint’s lives and how they lived a life of reverence.  

Saints for the month of October:
PreK-2nd - Saint Hyacinth 
3rd-5th - Saint Tarcisius
6th-8th - Saint Margaret Clitherow 

As the children learn not just about the virtue but practice how to live the virtue we encourage you to practice the virtue at home.  Below are just a few ideas from the Virtues in Practice guide Parent Guide.
(https://www.nashvilledominican.org/apostolate/evangelization-and-catechesis/virtues-in-practice/)

Virtues in practice home activities:  

PreK - 2nd — Take a tour of the church - practice reverence as you walk through the church, whisper, and point out the statues, sanctuary, altar, tabernacle, sacristy, windows, etc.  Practice reverence to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist by genuflecting facing the tabernacle.  

3rd - 5th — Choose one of the following sacramentals and practice using it to open your heart to grace:   
Blessings: blessing before meals, blessing oneself with holy water, signing one’s children with the Cross at night or before leaving the home.
Blessed objects:  Bible, holy water, rosaries, scapulars, medals, crucifixes, statues, images, relics.

6th-8th — Practice reverence for Our Lady during the month of October.  Pray the rosary or the Memorare this month.

October 7, 2022
As we move throughout the course of the school year each week the principal's message will focus on a particular topic.  This week the topic is digital citizenship and cyber safety.  As a school, we are tasked with teaching students to become 21st-century learners.  With the advances in technology and the increased use of technology in our lives, it is important that we work to keep our students safe while they learn.  Mrs. Sabatini spends a significant amount of time at the start of the year teaching about digital citizenship and cyber safety.  Our students are immersed in technology earlier in life and at times can “run” circles around our own tech abilities.  Technology gives us the ability to connect with people through social media, gaming, email, and other various apps.  This ability to connect also can put our students/children in the position to be exposed to inappropriate content and strangers. The use of technology also has exposed students to people who are unkind.  I want to make sure that we are providing you with articles and sources that keep you up to date on some of the apps and sites students may be accessing and how we can continue to keep them safe.      

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/4-conversations-to-have-with-older-kids-and-teens-about-their-screen-time-habits

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/11-social-media-red-flags-parents-should-know-about

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/parents-ultimate-guide-to-instagram

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/parents-ultimate-guide-to-tiktok

September 30, 2022
The school year is in full swing and as we round the corner into October, I want to introduce to everyone a few of our most recent faculty and staff additions.  As many of you may know from the general session at Back to School Night, I have been subbing in the 5th grade classroom for the last few weeks, and although I am enjoying teaching the 5th and 6th graders, I am very excited to introduce you to our new 5th grade teacher, Miss Alexis Maskart.  Miss Maskart is a West Chester University graduate and has been working in Special Education for the last few years.  We are very excited to welcome Miss Maskart to our MPRCS school community.  

We welcome a few new additional staff members in our Kindergarten and Early Childhood Department.  Mrs. Betty Murray is joining our team as an Aide and will assist in the Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten classrooms.  Mrs. Joanne Pulcenella will be joining our PreK team on Thursdays and Fridays as Mrs. Markley’s afternoon aide and floating as needed in the morning.  

Ms. Rebecca Jones, a member of the DCIU staff, will be joining our team full time for the next 2 years as an onsite Math specialist.  She will be working with small groups, co-teaching, and pushing into classrooms to lend support and enrichment opportunities.  Having Ms. Jones on site was made possible from the money we received from EANS II grant (non-public school covid funds).  

September 23, 2022
As we welcome the fall season, we have many things to be thankful for and celebrate.  We are grateful for our teachers, staff, volunteers, parents, and stakeholders who make it possible for us to accomplish so much.  A special thank you to our facilities committee who have been meeting and getting facilities projects moving in our building.  Although some of these projects may not be visible they are essential steps in the overall big picture.  Thank you to our parents and volunteers that have been coming in to help with lunch and recess.  It is greatly appreciated.  If you want to get involved and have not signed up to volunteer please see the sign-up genius below or contact the office.  

A special Congratulations to our 7th grade students from Nativity BVM who received the Sacrament of Confirmation last night.  

Our students in 3rd-5th grade will attend a small group mass on Friday, September 30th at 8:45.  Our next whole school Mass is October 7th at 9:00.  At this mass we will recognize our Virtue of the month students and have the Installation of our Student Council.  Please join us! 

September 16, 2022
First, I would like to thank everyone who was able to join us for Back to School night.  It was great to finally have a “normal” back to school night.  If you would like to view the slides from last night’s general session click here.
  
Throughout COVID, we have received Grant Funding through EANS - Non-public funds.  With those funds, we have been able to update technology and provide additional DCIU supports such as a math specialist who will begin next week along with the opportunity for student workshops, teacher professional development, and parent information sessions.  To get a better idea of what our parents would like to learn more about, the DCIU has prepared a quick survey.  Please take a moment to fill it out.  Click Here. 

September 9, 2022
Dear Parents and Guardians,

I cannot believe we have already finished our first week of school.  The first few weeks of school are when the teachers spend a great deal of time working on classroom routines and expectations.  As we return this school year, we are returning for the first time with little to no COVID restrictions.  With that being said we are looking forward to having our parents back in the building volunteering and getting more involved.  

New this school year we will be bringing our virtues to life with a program called Virtues in Practice.  This program is a 3 year program that includes a virtue of the Month and Saint of the Month on a 3 year cycle.  Along with the school component, the program also offers a home component.  We encourage you to take a look at the program and follow along with us as we move through each virtue throughout the course of the year.  This year our theme is Year of Faith. 

More information about this program can be found at https://www.nashvilledominican.org/apostolate/evangelization-and-catechesis/virtues-in-practice/ 

We are very excited to announce that Mother of Providence has been recognized by the Office of Catholic Education as an Archdiocesan School of  Distinguished Instruction for Growth and Exceeding Potential.  

As mentioned in one of our summer communications Mrs. Scarpignato has been actively working on our Department of Human Services certification process.  We are anticipating a visit from our inspector from the Department of Human Services at some point this month.  This certification is very important for us to have as it will allow us to continue to offer CARES and Summer Camp.  With this process also comes additional requirements that we must put into place to remain in compliance. Some of these requirements include additional clearances to volunteer, particular health forms, and other documentation that was not previously required.  I thank you in advance for your patience as Mrs. Scarpignato works to complete this licensing process.