Catholic School City Life

When I tell people I'm from Florida (and lived in Arizona for a few years), they always look at me with a puzzled face (especially during the winter stretch) and ask, "So, why do you live in Chicago?"

I came because my sister came first - it was hard to be as far away from family as I had been in Phoenix, so I figured I would move to where Marisa was or move home to Florida. I pursued Chicago (where one of my friends helped me get my foot in the door for an interview for a fourth grade position at the school he worked in), and the rest, as they say, is history.

This would prove another Catholic school that formed me in so many ways, many of which I may never know or realize. During my time at ICSJ, I worked with many skilled and devoted colleagues. Our principals held us (and the students) to the highest standards of excellence, and it felt like we were always on the cutting edge of curriculum, scheduling, PD, etc.

I gained two more years of experience co-teaching fourth grade with three incredible women, and then I had the opportunity to take on the position of middle school religion teacher. I'm sure many people (including my mother) questioned my sanity for switching to middle school, but it was such a good decision, and I am forever grateful to my principal for recognizing my gifts and passion for teaching the faith and for giving me that chance.

As I taught the students, I learned more and more about the Catholic faith - the whats and the whys behind different teachings, rituals, and prayers. I deepened my appreciation for the saints, especially in helping students prepare for Confirmation, and I made time for Bible studies outside of school in order to learn more so as to better help my students. I asked so many questions (and am grateful for friends and priests who helped me find the answers), and I fell deeper in love with our faith. While many students still protested at the thought of going to Mass and didn't always see eye to eye with the Catholic teachings, I sincerely hope that I planted a few seeds over those five years teaching middle school.

It was also over my time at ICSJ that I was supported by my principal in my Remick program courses, and where I was given many opportunities for professional development and leadership experience. I would be remiss if I didn't mention my volleyball girls - we spent 5 years together on the court, and I will never forget the lessons I learned from them, and I can only hope they learned a few things (not just about volleyball but also being young women of faith) from me and my co-coaches.

Thank you, ICSJ, for seven years of learning and deepening my faith. Thank you for helping me strive for excellence in my teaching and in fostering my leadership skills among my peers.

(Please pray for this year's ICSJ 8th graders who will be receiving the sacrament of Confirmation this weekend - I know they have been working hard, and I can't wait to celebrate with them!)

4th grade teaching team

never wear black pants when doing a Valentine's Day craft with cocoa powder...

more fourth grade fun - learning the regions (and having people send postcards from around the USA)

In 2017 I was blessed to sponsor this young lady for her Confirmation

I lost my heart in Arizona...

"You're going to Phoenix."

Arizona? I've never really traveled west of the Mississippi, except for that one trip to Denver.

Who knew that living and teaching in Arizona would change my life?

ACE did.

Where else would I have rallied the students to wear yellow to celebrate Roald Dahl's birthday?...

Or baked 6 giant cookies shaped like Arizona for students to frost to demonstrate knowledge of the different geographical parts of the state?...

Or had parents help me create the magical world of Narnia for our novel read aloud?...

Where would my heart have grown so many sizes because I had fourth graders who were eager to learn, live, love, and pray - students who challenged me to learn and love more?

And had school parents (now friends) who did the same?

Amazingly, the Salesians (the sisters this time) had found their way into my life again. And, we had Holy Cross priests too. It was the best of all worlds. And it was mine to be a part of for three years. Leaving SJV was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do because I was ingrained in the community, and my heart belonged to each of the students I had taught (and those in sign language club too).

Thank you, SJV, for supporting me as a first (and second and third) -year teacher. I learned so much from my colleagues and from my students. You helped me develop and polish my craft and gifts. You were an unbelievable home away from home. Thank you for welcoming me into your school and hearts - a piece of my own heart will always be with you.

ACE at ND, FTW

Growing up, I always wondered what the fascination was with Notre Dame. Why was everyone an Irish fan even if they hadn't attended?

Fortunately, I had the opportunity to discover firsthand when I enrolled as a student as part of the Alliance for Catholic Education's Master of Education program (and later as part of the Mary Ann Remick Leadership program). And so, my Catholic education journey continued...and this time, it would lead me into teaching (and, eventually, leading) in Catholic schools (but those schools are saved for the next blog posts).

What a gift to study along such talented and devoted men and women pursuing their own MEd. The fact that we had incredible Holy Cross priests, daily dorm/chapel Mass, retreats, and many havens, including the Grotto, at our fingertips was truly a blessing. To quote Tom Dooley, "Do the students ever appreciate what they have, while they have it?" I'm not sure we ever truly could...at least, I know for me I tried but fell short. Still, the faith formation was tantamount, and while I could have pursued teaching through other channels or programs, my education would not have been the same.

If putting into words what Holy Family and St. Pete Catholic did for me was hard, expressing the value of my experience at Notre Dame (and with the amazing individuals I met, lived with, and worked with there) is going to be nearly impossible... but I'll try.

Here are just a few things I learned:

1. I learned that the foundational part of teaching comes from building relationships with your students. Our professors modeled that with us and helped us build relationships with one another. As my dad always reminds me, "Your students won't care how much you know until they know how much you care." ACE encouraged creativity, divergent thinking. The program energized us and gave us resources to run our own classrooms. I loved our elementary content classes, mostly because of my fellow classmates in there with me - so much joy and zeal.

2. I learned the true definition of community by living with five of the most fun-loving, creative, adventure-seeking, and crazy (which I say with nothing but love!) people I've ever met. They helped me find balance between work and personal life. They helped me expand my cooking repertoire. They helped me perfect my dance moves. They shared their cars without question whenever I needed to borrow them. They taught me how to depend on others, how to accept help, and how to trust more deeply. ACE would not have been the same without them. (It's been way too long since we've all been together, so I can't wait for Pat's wedding this summer - reunion!)

So, we borrowed some shopping cards, and when it was time to return them, we (naturally) had a shopping cart race.

Graduation weekend - ACE Phoenix at the Backer

This group Halloween costume was my favorite - we knew how to have a good time

Maggie's baptism!

3. My first efforts in organizing and managing fundraising came during my time at Notre Dame as well. In my second year, we hosted the annual ACE marathon in Phoenix for my school. The ACE marathon was not only a great excuse to keep up my long distance running (which I do to this day) but also a way to get involved with running for a cause. That marathon weekend in 2010 was definitely one of my all-time favorites - we had a great turnout, my sister and I ran a good race, and we supported SJV! I'm pretty sure these lessons in fundraising will help me as I continue in Catholic school leadership...

4. When life hands you a tremendous group of friends and colleagues, stay in touch (both on professional and personal levels). Yes, we grew together through educational means and social outings, but ACE truly helped us grow together on a spiritual level. Retreats, daily Mass, prayer before classes, Holy Cross priests...ACE formed our hearts just as much as (if not more than) our minds, IMHO. While I don't do the best at staying in touch with many of these folks on even a not-so-regular basis, it's always a true joy when we cross paths at weddings, conferences, trips to various cities, etc. (And, luckily, I live in the same city as a handful of these folks, so that has brought much joy as well!)

5. God may be calling you...listen! Notre Dame has played a huge role in helping me find my vocation (in job terms; in life terms, I'm still figuring that one out) - for not once, but twice, I was formed through an ACE program, the second time as a school leader (with 29 other amazing leaders and friends). It took some time, but enough people directed comments (which, at the time, I thought were just off-hand) to me over the years suggesting that I go into school leadership that I decided to apply for the Remick program. Over the course of the two year program, I learned from both professors and peers about the three pillars of spiritual leadership, instructional leadership, and executive management...and I'm still learning (from the best(!) at my current school). Again, to be formed as a leader through a Catholic program was key, in my opinion.

First ACE 15, then RLP 15. <one million heart explosions>

RLP graduation weekend (July 2018)

RLP graduation (July 2018)

Thank you, Notre Dame and ACE, for growing me as a Catholic school educator and leader. Our hearts (at least mine) do, forever, love thee.

Salesian in High School, Salesian for Life

Our parents gave us a choice for high school - the IB program at the public high school across town or St. Petersburg Catholic (formerly Bishop Barry (for boys) and Notre Dame (for girls) when our mom attended).

We chose St. Petersburg Catholic. Even as a rising high school student, I had a deep desire for Catholic education (and smaller class sizes, probably).

And it wasn't just a Catholic high school - it was Salesian. Our principal, Fr. Lou, embodied his order's charism in everything he did and especially in how he ran our school. We held monthly Mass in the gym, we attended grade level retreats, we had an annual "Mary Help of Christians" day on the feast of Don Bosco, we had weekly afterschool Mass days assigned to each sports team in season, and tons more. Our principal had a wonderful rapport among the students, faculty, and families. We always got a kick out of his weekly Friday afternoon announcements, when he would give us the reminder that "you don't have to do bad things to have a good time."

It was in high school that my desire to become more involved in service and social justice really grew and developed. I joined the Respect Life club, and one of our annual events was to bring meals and sing carols to shut-ins at Christmas time. I participated in a week-long service trip called "Gospel Roads" the summer after high school - it was in New Jersey with other Salesian students from around the eastern part of the country. We went out to soup kitchens and food warehouses; we prayed and reflected. We witnessed so much need, not just for material things but also for human compassion. It was incredible.

It was also in high school that I grew spiritually and as a leader, largely as a result of my participation in (and later leadership at) the Salesian Leadership Retreats. I remember wanting to attend so badly my senior year - we had to write essays to apply and be nominated by our teachers. And then, we waited. I also remember being nervous about traveling so far away from home and meeting many new faces from around the country. But, as soon as I got there, I realized I had nothing to fear because we were all made to feel at home right away. I grew in confidence and faith that week on retreat in October, and I was nominated by my peers to go back in March as a leader on the same retreat (that would be put on for high school juniors). It was on that retreat when I gave my first witness talk - I was so nervous...but when I was done, Fr. Greg (who chaperoned from our school) said, "What exactly were you nervous about? You were great." (Thanks, Fr. Greg.)

I did the normal high school stuff too - I played volleyball and soccer, participated in the drama troupe and school plays, enrolled in National Honor Society, attended football and basketball games, was co-salutatorian (with my sister, of course), and did other things... My sister and I found our place with a small, tight-knit group of friends who I still see whenever I go home to Florida. We pray for each other in good times and in bad. I am so grateful for their continued gift of friendship.

I know I would not be where I am today without the gift of Catholic education in high school. I am grateful for the opportunities I was blessed with and the friends I made, as these things and people helped shape me into the person I am today. The Salesian charism/way of life is written on my heart, and it's been an important part of my own teaching and leadership experience.

Thank you, SPC, and, as always, Go Barons!

October Salesian Provincial Leadership Retreat (2003)

some of my dearest friends to this day (and now their own kids!)

summer boating excursion with high school friends

with our beloved principal, Fr. Lou, at Tiffany's wedding!

School Musical, "The Pajama Game" (Fall 2003)

Tommy's wedding!

Everything I Need to Know I Learned in...Catholic Elementary School

Holy Family Catholic School - what a truly incredible place. 

It's probably impossible as an elementary student to fully grasp the impact a school and its teachers have had on you as you're growing up. (I'd place a wager that it's hard for many of us as adults to do that too!)

I think of all of my school leaders (Sr. Regina and Sr. Flo) and teachers - Miss Ferguson (& Mrs. Schultz), Mrs. Crabtree, Mrs. Miner, Mrs. Bridge (& Sister Melanie), Miss McKenzie, Mrs. Chase, Mrs. Hosack, Mr. Greenough, Miss Kessler, Ms. Brinsko, Mrs. Fair, Coach Mac, Mrs. Apple, and more - they gave me (and my classmates) strong foundational skills in math and reading, social studies and science, music and art, but I even more remember the love, joy, energy, and compassion with which they taught each day. They didn't just teach the Catholic faith; they lived it.

Many of these teachers were the role models and inspirations for my own career in teaching. Luckily, I've stayed involved somewhat in the parish and school over the years (my parents are still parishioners, and my mom still works at the school), so I've had the opportunity to be able to thank some of them as I've grown older, but I honestly can never say enough. But I hope they know how much they have meant to me and countless others who have been fortunate to be called their students.

My heart is so full remembering the sporting events, annual jog-a-thons, Christmas carol sing-a-longs, music and mime ministries, melodramas, book folder projects, art fairs, book fairs, student leadership board... I could go on and on with many an anecdote or memory, truly - so many opportunities for learning, growing, and loving. But I'll leave it at this for now.

So, thank you, Holy Family teachers and staff, for your amazing dedication to your students and families. Thank you for giving me a firm foundation in both faith and knowledge; thank you for helping to mold my conscience and my character. Thank you for inspiring me to pursue a career in Catholic education and our ultimate goal as Catholics, heaven.

Go Falcons!

Here are a couple of snapshots from the good old elementary school days. I should have asked my mom to scan and send more pictures - I'm certain she has some gems...

My Week-long Ode to Catholic Schools

As a product of Catholic schools all of my life (minus a brief 4 year stint when I attended a public university for college - but still managed to spend a great deal of time at the Catholic Student Union) and as an educator in Catholic schools for 10+ years, I'm a huge proponent of Catholic education. That's why, even in the midst of the craziness of Catholic Schools Week (between dress down days and assemblies, Masses and competitions), I'll admit that I love it.

Catholic schools are a treasure.

(I'm not trying to boast.)

They prepare kids beyond measure

with what matters the most:

They teach both heart and mind;

Students always come first.

They learn how to be kind,

For truth and knowledge they thirst.

It's more than scores on a test

(Though, those do matter a bit)

Did this student try his best?

Did that young lady show grit?

It's somewhat hard to express*

what Catholic education is worth

So, in terms rather simple, it's

a great gift from God on this earth.

*especially in rhyme ;)

(Clearly I had some poetry-writing stored up since I didn't do my usual Christmas card poem this year...)

Anyways...If you've been a follower of this blog for awhile (or if you've just happened upon it from time to time), it's likely no surprise to you how much my posts focus on Catholic education. Back during CSW 2017, I shared the witness that I gave to my students and school community during the homily about why I'm invested in Catholic education. While I was in grad school with the Remick program, I wrote about how I have fallen in love with Catholic education (my very own "What Would You Fight For?"). And the posts have gone on...

This Catholic Schools Week I've decided to give a small shout out to the Catholic schools I've had the blessing to either attend as a student or work at as a teacher/leader by posting a short reflection each day. I hope if you've had the opportunity to attend a (or many) Catholic school(s) throughout your childhood (or if you currently work in one) that you take a few moments this week to reflect on your own experience and to pray for Catholic schools around our country, especially those currently struggling to keep their doors open, those working to expand access to many through school choice legislation, and those that act as safe havens for students in need.

Happy Catholic Schools Week 2019!

Joy...always

Who would have thought that getting 8 teachers together to learn a 2 minute dance in the school's musical production of "Mary Poppins Jr" would be so supercalifragilisticexpialidocious? (Sorry, I had to throw that descriptor in somewhere.)

But seriously - Educator life goal of making a cameo appearance in the school play complete. (But hey, if the opportunity presents itself, I'll do it again in the future...just sayin'...it doesn't have to be a one and done thing.)

Check out the whole dance HERE. :)

Best bloomin' chimney sweeps around, eh?

What strikes me about this group of fabulous educators, led, of course, by our principal (third from the left), is the constant JOY they emanate and the energy they bring each day to their classrooms and lessons. In a Catholic school, joy should always be what grounds us in the education of minds and hearts.

And I think as we prepare for Catholic Schools Week, we need to remember this. It's likely, from time to time, that many of us will lose that sense of joy, even if ever so briefly. (Trust me from personal experience on this one.) We get caught up in deadlines, paper grading, student misbehavior or frustration, lack of time, too many meetings, parent communication, etc. etc. etc. And then, we get disheartened, frustrated with ourselves and our students, and we wonder, Am I really cut out to be a teacher? (Spoiler alert: The answer is most likely yes.)

To be joyful is a choice, and it comes from first being filled with joy from knowing and loving God, letting our hearts be filled with the Holy Spirit. It comes from Mass, and prayer, and time, and commitment. It comes from surrounding ourselves with good people, others who have discovered their same God-given purpose in Catholic education. And it comes from helping our students recognize and find that same joy in their own relationships with Jesus.

So, as we gear up for Catholic Schools Week, we need to lift one another in prayer to our Father and ask that He fill our hearts with joy and gratitude so that through our work as educators we continue to make Him known, loved, and served.

Hold On (& Slow Down)...It's Sunday

Sundays have a way of reminding me to slow down.

Ok, so I got up at 6:45, but that was because I wanted to sip my coffee slowly and read my book before it was time to go to Family Mass across town where I teach. The sun wasn't quite awake yet, and everything in my apartment was quiet...except for the hissing of the radiators. Soon, I had the coffee percolating, my breakfast ready, and my book open. I was drawn into the author's portrayal of her family's experience as Jews in Poland during WWII, not wanting to believe the horrific acts done to innocent lives by those in positions of power. Still, I read on...

Mass wasn't till 10am (though, I knew I would have to leave at 9:15 to err on the side of caution), so I was able to take my time getting cleaned up and ready, listening to one of my favorite podcasts on low so as to not disturb my roommates.

I took a quick stroll up to the corner to drop off a few birthday cards in the mailbox, and then I was off to church. The sun was shining, my podcast was playing, and there weren't too many cars on the road. (Though, some of the cars I found in front of me were moving along rather slowly.) I must admit, it's quite a difference to head to school on the weekend, without having the immediacy of a school day's tasks looming in front of you.

The parking lot was relatively empty - that was probably because I arrived 15 minutes early. As I stepped out of my car and started walking toward the church, an elderly woman asked if she could borrow my arm to cross the street over to the church side. I obliged, introducing myself and telling her that I work for the school. She then introduced herself, explaining how she is a retired teacher and now does tutoring and consulting in education. It was, all in all, about a three minute interaction, but it brought a smile to my face to have that conversation.

I was surprised to see so many students at Mass, many of whom waved or came over to say hi. Most of the school families present had a child (or two) in our upcoming school play, and those children had parts at Mass today as ushers and greeters. During Mass, our pastor prayed a special blessing over those students and wished them well for their performances this weekend. I love seeing so many kids at Mass - it's truly getting to see them in another light besides the hustle and bustle of the school day.

On my way home, I spoke to my parents on the phone. They've been pretty busy recently (as have I), so it had been awhile since we talked. As I drove down Lakeshore Drive, I looked out and saw several runners and walkers on the trail, and I decided a jog in this weather might be a good decision. So, after I hung up with my parents, I put on my running gear, protecting my hands and ears from the cold, and headed out the door. It was meant to be a short three miler, but it was such a beautiful day, especially with the sun shining and only a light breeze (not a driving force of wind) that I ended up going about five miles instead. It felt good, even the parts when I had to run through the snow, where the trail had not yet been shoveled/plowed. 

As I sit in my living room, having just finished some leftover shredded chicken and cheese tacos (and a little bit of dessert), I am ready to pick up my book again and relax until my women's prayer group tonight. 

There is a lot going on at school these next few weeks as we get ready for Catholic Schools Week, so there is probably something I could/should be working on to prepare...but for now, it's Sunday, our day of rest. School, worries, and other tasks can wait. For today, I can be content to take it slowly.

Instant Success

My graduation from the Notre Dame Remick Leadership Program was in July...but it took me awhile to think of a graduation gift that my parents wanted to get me. (Understandably, there was quite a bit that was happening right afterwards - my sister's wedding, a change of schools and position, the start of the school year...)

But right after Thanksgiving I decided what I wanted - an Instant Pot. Thanks to the combination of Cyber Monday and a snow day I was able to get quite a deal on it. So, technically I bought it...but then my parents paid me back.

I'll readily admit that it stayed in the box until today. I wasn't ready to read the instructions before the Christmas break, as there was too much going on between school and personal commitments. (Heck, I didn't even get a chance to practice my guitar during that time.) Over the break, though, I browsed Pinterest and started my own board of recipes to try, and I picked a chicken curry one to make first. (My board also has some tips and tricks, so you can be sure I read up on those blogs and sites ahead of time.)

Seeing how I got back from Michigan at a rather decent hour, which allowed for a grocery run in the daylight (even if it was overcast), I decided today would be the day when I would put the Instant Pot to the test and see what all the hype is about.

These were the steps I took to Instant Pot success:

Step 1: Take Instant Pot (and accessories) out of box.

Step 2: Read instruction manual. (This is where I diverge from the other Foyles in my family who take the instruction manual only to throw it over their shoulders.)

manuals are important

Step 3: Prepare ingredients. (I made a mistake here and could not cube the chicken because it was still frozen, but it all worked out in the end because the chicken still cooked and it saved me some chopping.)

Step 4: Follow the instructions on the blogpost. (And make sure you know which button is which on the device.)

Step 5: Step back and let the pressure cooker do its thing. (This was slightly frustrating the first time, as the Instant Pot is not quite as instant as you might think.)

Waiting for the pressure cooking to finish

Prepare yourself mentally and physically (step away from the pot) for the part where the steam lets off.

Check out the steam from this sucker! 

(5 sec video - turn sound on)

Step 6: Let the steam clear and the pot cool before serving. Then, enjoy!

chicken curry over cauliflower rice = success!

The chicken curry dish was quite tasty (even though it wasn't as thick as I would have liked), so I'd be interested in trying it again at some point in the future. And I'll consider this first try a success! I definitely want to explore some soup options in the coming weeks and see how those go, and apparently you can hard boil eggs in this gadget, so that's exciting.

I can't instantly say anything along the lines of "Instant Pot changed my life," but who knows...maybe it will one day. Till then, I can honestly say that I'm satisfied with my graduation gift. (Thanks mom!)