Letter From
the Principal
Dear St. Louis Friends and Families,
Here we are in Holy Week approaching the joyful promise of Easter! What a great time to be part of a Catholic School! During Lent we have All School Mass every Friday morning and Stations of the Cross every Friday afternoon. This last Friday, we were so blessed to have ten priests offering the sacrament of Reconciliation to all our sweet children. It is so nice to see our students entering into this sacrament with such openness.
We closed our annual school improvement survey and I want to thank everyone who participated! We value parent input and want to continuously improve. One question that was brought up was how do we find teachers? What are the required qualifications?
As soon as I am notified that there will be a teaching position available, I notify the Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Schools and Msgr. McArthur, Pastor of St. Louis. The education office at the diocese acts as a clearing house for all personnel. They receive applications and resumes from those who are interested in teaching in the Catholic Schools in Memphis. The Diocesan Human Resource Staff will post openings on the CDOM web site. Another source of possible applicants is the area colleges. We have close ties with CBU and often our teachers mentor student teachers from this University. I also keep a file of resumes that are sent to me throughout the year.
All applicants that Principals might be interested in hiring are interviewed; not only by the Principal of each individual Parish school and their administrative staff, but also by the Assistant Superintendent of the diocese. Often applicants are brought in to teach a lesson so that the administration can see the applicant interacting with an actual class.
All teachers must be licensed in their area of teaching or working on licensure. Experienced teachers are always preferred. Applicants must complete an application; provide a resume, copy of licensure or transcript, and three letters of recommendation, preferably from previous employers and supervisors. I always call the previous school where teaching applicants have taught to check on performance in the workplace.
Our teachers are required to continue their education throughout their career. All of our teachers must participate in 24 hours a year of professional development. We use our Distance Learning Center (DLC) to provide some of those hours as well as workshops and institutes that teachers select based on their interests. They are continually trying new ideas and working on improving their craft. One of my favorite jobs is going to observe in the classrooms. Our teachers are passionate about what they do and want only the best for our students. The teachers are the heart and soul of a school! We are so blessed to have so many dedicated teachers here at St. Louis.
Have a blessed Easter!
Sincerely,
–Mrs. Teddi Niedzwiedz, Principal
Important Dates
Apr. 2
Holy Thursday Dismiss 11:30 am
Apr. 3-6
Easter Break
Apr. 10
K-4 Field Day
Apr. 10
Junior High Lockout
Apr. 13
Confirmation, 7:00pm
the Cathedral
Apr. 14
Home and School Mtg. 6:30pm, Clunan Center
Apr. 16
8th Grade Dinner 7:00pm
Apr. 17
5-8 Field Day
Apr. 20-May 1
ITBS Testing
Apr. 25
First Communion Parent Mtg.
10:00 am
Apr. 29
Preschool Field Day
Apr. 29
Chic fil A Biscuit Sale
May 9
First Communion 10:00am
May 14
8th Grade Graduation 7:00pm
May 19
Preschool Spring Program
May 21
Kindergarten Graduation 9:00am
May 24
Last Day of School; dismiss 11:30
Junior High Students
Pen Essays
The 7th and 8th grade students were studying how to write a business letter and decided to enter a contest sponsored by the Library of Congress. The competition was a writing contest for students in grades 4-12 entitled Letters about Literature. The competition was divided into 3 different age groups ( grades 4-5, 6-8, and 9-12) Students were asked to reflect on a book they read and write a business letter to that author (living or dead) about how the book affected them personally. Letters were judged on both the state and national levels. The book could be a children’s book or a book they recently read. It was the student’s decision which book they chose.
Every student in the 7th and 8th grade wrote the business letter and entered the contest. The letters were reviewed and evaluated by the Humanities Department for the State of Tennessee. At the 7th and 8th grade level, 662 entries were received for Tennessee. One of our own students, Marc Anthony Marconi, won honorable mention for his letter to Audrey Penn author of the book The Kissing Hand. Only 32 honorable mentions were awarded. Marc Anthony’s letter will now advance to the state round of judging, where his letter will be competing with other winners across the nation. Congratulations Marc Anthony!
Fourth Grade
States Fair
On Wednesday, March 18, after 2 snow day delays, the 4th graders presented their State Projects. This project included writing a 3 page research paper, creating a display board, and dressing up as a person influential to their state. The students chose their states at random. They gathered information on each state and some even contacted representatives from their state and received items directly from their location. The class learned about taking notes, creating outlines and organizing information. The students were introduced to citing resources and creating bibliographies.
We learned so much about our amazing country during this project! Students learned where the first Starbucks was located and where Nike was created. We tasted cheese curds all the way from Wisconsin and sampled muffins baked by Martha Stewart herself! We met Margaret Mitchell, Bethany Hamilton, and George Washington.
Overall, the students were super excited about this project and learned so much. Not only did they learn about their state and others, they accomplished their first research paper.
Dorothy Day House and St. Louis Preschool
After hearing about the Dorothy Day House at the Home and School meeting, the preschool saw a perfect opportunity to teach the children a lesson about love for the month of February. They collected donations for the house and ended up with a huge amount of household supplies, gift cards, etc. for the families and children who are staying there. Each class also volunteered to spend an evening either providing dinner or dessert to the families. This has been a wonderful way for the children to experience the joy of giving and their reactions have been priceless. The Preschool will continue to adopt them each February, but if you are ever interested in helping out in any way, you can go to dorothydaymemphis.org to find out more about helping.
Paintballs, Projectiles, and Pastels
On Friday, March 20, 2015, eight of our teachers attended a workshop at CBU on project-based learning. The workshop, titled "Paintballs, Projectiles, and Pastels”, was sponsored by STEMM Co-LaB. Teachers applied the basic principles of scientific inquiry and design thinking integral to Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) education in collaborative breakout sessions to build project-based and problem-based lesson plans and develop assessment strategies to employ in the classroom.
Camp Invention 2015
Camp Invention is where BIG ideas become the next BIG thing! Join us as we celebrate our 25th year of reinventing summer fun!
In partnership with the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Saint Louis School is pleased to offer the nationally acclaimed Camp Invention program to children entering grades one through six. It’s an exciting, weeklong summer adventure with lessons that explore connections between science, technology, engineering and innovation. Children will work together to seek solutions to real-world problems, turn ordinary into extraordinary and sharpen critical 21st century learning skills while rotating through several fascinating modules.
This unforgettable week begins on June 15, 2015, when Lauren Hayden will direct the Camp Invention Illuminate™ program at Saint Louis School.
In the KartWheel™ module, children let their engineering skills glide them across the finish line as they build, enhance and upgrade their very own freestyle racing cart. Boys and girls will explore what it means to prototype a product from scratch as they become an entrepreneur during the Design Studio: Illuminate™ module. In the I Can Invent: Next Level Gamers™ module, participants will take apart broken or unused appliances using real tools to create a physical video game model in the 3rd dimension! Finally, in the Inducted™ module, personalized video challenges from National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees are introduced along with hands -on activities like constructing super-structure mega-towers, assembling out-of-this-world space rockets and so much more!
Local educators will facilitate program modules and enthusiastic high school and college students will serve as Leadership Interns ensuring that one staff member is in place for every eight children.
Register on or before March 20, 2015 to receive $25 OFF the base price of $220. Every registration includes a complimentary Camp Invention t-shirt. Availability is limited, so visit www.campinvention.org or call 800.968.4332 to secure your child’s spot today!
The Frog
Prince
The spring performance of the drama club was The Frog Prince. This year’s portrayal of the fairy tale delighted students and parents alike! In a St. Louis first, the SLS orchestra added instrumental accompaniment to the afternoon performance of the play. Eighth grade drama stars Rachel Baioni and Alyssa Donato led the production in their final appearance for SLS drama and eighth grader Allison Bryant was the co-director of the show. Narrator and lead vocalist Fontana Cary captivated the audience as did our frog prince, Mr. Mullins! Bravo to the entire cast, Lily McCrary, Mary Hunter Adair, Haley Lutts, Jacob Goughnour, Hadley Donaldson, and Lily Lee. Thank you to all of our actors and the stage crew (Mia Cervetti, Nora Burton, Emily Arangino, Trey Price, and Embry Bird) for a wonderful job!
Grandparents Visit Preschool
The preschool students welcomed their grandparents to campus on March 27. Both the PK and JK classes performed special songs for our guests. After a reception in the gym grandparents were invited to the classrooms to see the wonderful work the students are doing. Evie Neves and Julia Brownlee were even lucky enough to celebrate the day with their grandparents Mr.and Mrs. John Brown and their great grandfather Mr. Charlie Ford.
Science Fair-A Tradition of Excellence
The annual sixth grade science fair again received rave reviews from the outside judges regarding the quality of the projects and caliber of scientific research performed by our sixth graders. Students selected their project based on a scientific question. They then researched the topic and completed the scientific method to determine the results. The projects answered many intriguing questions including “Which Ground Cover Best Prevents Erosion?”, “How Does Height, Weight, and Gender Affect Balance?”, “Do Video Games Affect Blood Pressure?” and this year’s overall winner winning question “How Do Foods Trigger a Diabetic’s Blood Sugar?”.
Science Fair Winners
Overall Winners:
Mia Cervetti-1st place
Rachel Ward-2nd place
Chloe Webster-3rd place
6A Winners:
Mia Cervetti-1st place
Rachel Ward-2nd place
Celia Watson-3rd place
6B Winners:
Mickey Hossenlopp/Chloe Webster-1st place
Mary Hunter Adair-2nd place
Trey Price-3rd place
SLS Spotlight
- Congratulations to Anna Grace Barnett for being selected to the CBHS Pom team.
- Congratulations to Jack Scherson for tying for eleventh place in the state Geography Bee
Fifth Graders Win Exchange Club Contest
Mrs. Kirk’s 5th grade Language Arts class, participated in an essay contest sponsored by the Exchange Club of Memphis. The students were asked to write an essay in 100 words or less on “taking a bite out of crime”. They were asked to provide the measures they would take to help eliminate crime in our city. Each student completed an entry form and the essays were sent off to the Memphis Police Department for judging. The panel read the essays and made decisions on the winners. Madeline Tonole, Michael Ross, Alex Grusin, and Auden Brummer were all chosen as finalists! They were asked to interview for the part of police director and they all did so well!
Madeline Tonole was chosen to act as Police Director for the day. Michael Ross was chosen to act as Jr. Police Chief for the day! There was a luncheon/awards ceremony over spring break where Madeline and Michael were honored. Police Director Tony Armstrong and his Chief Assistant, Anthony Berryhill hosted our group. We asked questions about their roles as leaders. It was interesting to learn about their jobs, as well as ask other questions we may have.
The students were presented with a framed award, a coin, and a cash prize! They were also interviewed by News Channel 3.
Pick up your SLS yard sign in the school office. Thank you to Karen Almand for creating the design!
3rd Quarter Honor Roll
Highest Honors
4th Grade: Will Brownlee, Kaitlin Smith, Ava Wendt, Audrey Zweig.
5th Grade: Auden Brummer, Fontana Cary, Anthony Cestaro, Jane Fracchia, William Gossett, Alex Grusin, Michael Ross, Branic Swain, Ginny Tavoleti, Kaylie White, Jacob Wildman, Thomas Wilson, Maggie Wood.
6th Grade: Hayden Meadows, Jack Scherson, Celia Watson, Chloe Webster.
7th Grade: Ethan Cary, Marc Marconi, Charlie Moore, Ellie Navarre, Sarah Grace Price, Sarah Reno, Brittain Ross, Zachary White.
8th Grade: McKenzie Barnett, Karen Benedict, Allison Bryant, Anna Kate Cremerius, Alyssa Donato, Bridgette Groben, Claire John, Gracie Kitchens, Patrick Koch, Zach Lucchesi, Gerard Tavoleti, Robert Ward, Emily Wilson.
Honors
4th Grade: Lindsey Crossnine, Huey Ferguson, Asher Garrott, Jacob Goughnour, Anne Grimes, Mary Grimes, Lindi Hathaway, Baylor Hill, Alex Johnston, Lilly Lee, Gracie Leo, Trenton Lyons, William Moore, Melissa O'Neill, McKenzie Patterson, Emma Pratt, Hana Roberts, Katie Skinner, Mia Soefker, Walker Steinriede, Ava Trainor, Anna Kate Wade, Luke Wendt, Ben Wills.
5th Grade: Carrio Anthony, Caroline Baker, Grace Barksdale, Tyler Brimm, Hudson Carr, Anna Grace Cervetti, Grace Cestaro, Hadley Donaldson, Caroline Dorian, Johnny Drouillard, Madeleine Gaia, Katie Lamm, Kendyl Lockhart, Haley Lutts, Michael Novarese, Hunter Pratt, Ethan Soefker, Sophie Spencer, Andrew Wade.
6th Grade: Mary Hunter Adair, Ella Almand, Embry Bird, Nora Burton, Maria Cremerius, Matthew Durden, Cade Fick, Benjamin Floyd, Grace Goughnour, Kirk Hecht, Grant Herring, Ben Jones, Josh Jones, Lydia Koch, Sean Mullen, Brendan Phelan, Trey Price, Nicholas Quarles, Olivia Rouse, Dylan Smarra, Rachel Ward.
7th Grade: Phillip Benedict, Kaitlyn Broughton, Alexis Grace Connor, Zoie Couch, Katie Cunningham, Jackson Deneka, Cecilia DiMeglio, Katie Emery, Caroline Evangelisti, Sam Goodman, Harvey Gower, Amelia Hinton, Aidan Johnson, Carson Kane, Tom Lamm, Autumn Lee, Jackson Lyons, Andrew Martin, Maddie McGee, Maggie Montegut, Sarah Moran, Hughes Raiford, Emma Soefker, Spencer Stalnaker, James Strickland, Shelbie Wilkinson.
8th Grade: Madison Anton, Rachel Baioni, Anna Grace Barnett, Samuel Barnett, Michael Buchholz, Sophie Cervetti, Perry Gates, Catie Grusin, Mason Hall, Kara Kane, Garrett Knott, Max Marconi, Madelyn McCrary, Connor Saig, Reid Voss, Christian Ward.