I will wholeheartedly admit that when I received the list of students whom I would be interviewing for Confirmation today I was slightly disappointed. These were 8th graders who I did not really know, ones who were kind of on the quiet side, ones who I considered out of all of them didn't care as much about their faith.
One girl in particular I was worried about. And, as we got ready for her group's turn, she informed me she had not brought her service journal for our religious ed director/Confirmation coordinator. I told her I would write her name down so he knew to follow up with her tomorrow, and I thought rather sarcastically to myself, This is going to be fun.
The first question I asked to break the ice, as it seemed rather low stakes to me, was about who they had each picked as their Confirmation Saint and why. Responses were similar, as names, on a whole, were chosen to honor a relative or because the Saint had stuck with them from a younger age. When everyone else in this particular group had shared, the girl (whom I had my doubts about) spoke up. She said, "This may seem like a silly reason (at which point my head jumped to, Oh boy, she chose the name because it sounded cool - I've had that happen before)... but I took the name Novena because it represents how the Apostles waited nine days for the Holy Spirit and I need to learn how to wait in my life for the Holy Spirit because I need it, especially as I go to high school."
I think my jaw dropped.
(And, if I could have kicked or slapped myself, I would have.)
As my conversation with the students continued, she shared about the influence of her grandma's faith on her own life and for her desire to be more involved in the parish. She was so genuine, and her thoughts were so deep.
How had I been so judgmental? (And why, in the past, have I prided myself on not judging people?) Here I was thinking because she got in trouble in school and didn't always get the best grades academically that she didn't have much of a faith life; yet, I would wager her faith is stronger than mine.
I was both deeply saddened and humbled by our conversation. I had underestimated one of our students, and she showed me through her thoughtful reflection and honesty how much of her heart and mind that I had not yet seen this year. And I know today was still only scratching at the surface.
I knew that I failed as a school leader today, even if it was on the inside where no one else could see but me. But I also knew I learned a valuable lesson - never underestimate or throw out anyone, especially a student. Everyone has something to say, and people are often not who they first appear to be without taking the time to get to know them.
And everyone needs someone to believe in them, ask the right questions, step back, and watch them shine.
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Saturday, February 2, 2019
My Big, Fat...Catholic Confirmation
I've always found it wonderful at Confirmation at ICSJ that the entire row goes up with each Confirmandi and sponsor for the presentation to, and anointing by, the Bishop. It's such a beautiful witness of faith and community. The Bishop speaks to each student, and his words are full of such wisdom and hope (trust me from years of listening in by sitting in the front row) that it is good for the whole group to hear what is said.
This year we celebrated the Confirmation of students I taught in 6th and 7th grade. Every group of students is special, but this particular group holds a significant space in my heart. I taught many of these students' siblings and have known the families for quite some time. I tended to go to their sporting events more than the other classes (except my own volleyball girls, of course), and they were always so creative and inquisitive.
Now, this event had been on my calendar for a long time, and I wouldn't miss it for the world. But I would be lying if I didn't say when I actually won the Hamilton lottery for that evening that I didn't have second thoughts about ditching the Mass and going to the show instead.
When it came down to it, though, I declined the tickets. It may sound crazy (and I won't judge you for thinking so), but if I wasn't at Confirmation I would have spent the whole night thinking about the students and Mass anyways. And what fun would that have been at Hamilton? (Plus, in all fairness, I've seen it twice...I've just never won the lottery before!) I believe I made the right decision - the Mass was such a blessing.
If I had to take a guess, the average amount of family/guests for each student was between 5 and 10, with some students surrounded by nearly 20 people. (It almost seemed like some unspoken contest to see who had the most people...kidding.) I knew it was going to be a challenge to find a seat - I didn't want to get stuck all the way in the back - but, as fate would have it, one my the students asked me to sit in her row. I fit easily, as it was just her and her mom - her sponsor (and other extended family) live out of town and it was not possible for them to travel. I was honored to sit with them, and I also was invited to walk up to the Bishop with them, where her 8th grade religion teacher met us and served as the stand-in for her sponsor. The Bishop talked about her smile as a sign of joy, one of the fruits of the Spirit. His words touched me, and I hope they touched her as well, as she was one of those students who never seemed quite content with accepting some Church teachings. And something else brought me nearly to tears - during the Alleluia, she did the sign language that I had taught them last year. I can't believe she remembered it! (Just goes to show how much movement sticks with you, I suppose.)
I envy ICSJ for ending Catholic Schools Week with Confirmation Mass - it's so appropriate, so perfect. It's a true celebration of the Catholic faith in our young people. (Come Holy Spirit!) I'm so proud and so incredibly happy for them. I pray that they continue to excel and to pursue deeper understanding of their faith in high school, which is an exciting possibility considering many will be going to Catholic high school. :) Love and prayers for those kiddos - keep it up!
While it was amazing to witness the Sacrament, see students, and catch up with the families at ICSJ, I was just the tiniest bit sad. I realized how much I miss those kids, my coworkers, my pastor, and the school families. But I also realized that I had moved on for a reason and that I am starting to find that same sense of community and support at my current school now too.
Speaking of my current school...Catholic Schools Week, overall, was a success - it just was slightly disrupted due to the midweek subzero temperatures. The kids enjoyed the dress down days and activities, to be sure. But here are my two quick highlights:
1. I received two notes, one from a friend who works for ACE and one from a previous student, which truly put me over the moon. As a teacher, it is rare to see the fruits of your labor, so the kind words relayed by my friend and written by my student were such a gift. I love hearing how my students are doing, and I love learning about their successes.
This year we celebrated the Confirmation of students I taught in 6th and 7th grade. Every group of students is special, but this particular group holds a significant space in my heart. I taught many of these students' siblings and have known the families for quite some time. I tended to go to their sporting events more than the other classes (except my own volleyball girls, of course), and they were always so creative and inquisitive.
Now, this event had been on my calendar for a long time, and I wouldn't miss it for the world. But I would be lying if I didn't say when I actually won the Hamilton lottery for that evening that I didn't have second thoughts about ditching the Mass and going to the show instead.
When it came down to it, though, I declined the tickets. It may sound crazy (and I won't judge you for thinking so), but if I wasn't at Confirmation I would have spent the whole night thinking about the students and Mass anyways. And what fun would that have been at Hamilton? (Plus, in all fairness, I've seen it twice...I've just never won the lottery before!) I believe I made the right decision - the Mass was such a blessing.
If I had to take a guess, the average amount of family/guests for each student was between 5 and 10, with some students surrounded by nearly 20 people. (It almost seemed like some unspoken contest to see who had the most people...kidding.) I knew it was going to be a challenge to find a seat - I didn't want to get stuck all the way in the back - but, as fate would have it, one my the students asked me to sit in her row. I fit easily, as it was just her and her mom - her sponsor (and other extended family) live out of town and it was not possible for them to travel. I was honored to sit with them, and I also was invited to walk up to the Bishop with them, where her 8th grade religion teacher met us and served as the stand-in for her sponsor. The Bishop talked about her smile as a sign of joy, one of the fruits of the Spirit. His words touched me, and I hope they touched her as well, as she was one of those students who never seemed quite content with accepting some Church teachings. And something else brought me nearly to tears - during the Alleluia, she did the sign language that I had taught them last year. I can't believe she remembered it! (Just goes to show how much movement sticks with you, I suppose.)
I envy ICSJ for ending Catholic Schools Week with Confirmation Mass - it's so appropriate, so perfect. It's a true celebration of the Catholic faith in our young people. (Come Holy Spirit!) I'm so proud and so incredibly happy for them. I pray that they continue to excel and to pursue deeper understanding of their faith in high school, which is an exciting possibility considering many will be going to Catholic high school. :) Love and prayers for those kiddos - keep it up!
While it was amazing to witness the Sacrament, see students, and catch up with the families at ICSJ, I was just the tiniest bit sad. I realized how much I miss those kids, my coworkers, my pastor, and the school families. But I also realized that I had moved on for a reason and that I am starting to find that same sense of community and support at my current school now too.
Speaking of my current school...Catholic Schools Week, overall, was a success - it just was slightly disrupted due to the midweek subzero temperatures. The kids enjoyed the dress down days and activities, to be sure. But here are my two quick highlights:
1. I received two notes, one from a friend who works for ACE and one from a previous student, which truly put me over the moon. As a teacher, it is rare to see the fruits of your labor, so the kind words relayed by my friend and written by my student were such a gift. I love hearing how my students are doing, and I love learning about their successes.
2. For teacher appreciation day, the student council made mugs and brought donuts to the whole staff. As one of the students gave me mine, she smiled and said, "I made yours." I love it!
I have been blessed with more than I ever deserve to be - God is good. I pray that I can pay it forward in large and small ways, day in and day out, even when I get frustrated or upset.
Our lives are truly a gift. We, myself included, need to live in such a way that shows we believe that.
Friday, February 1, 2019
Catholic School Leadership 101
I didn't plan to leave ICSJ at the end of the 2017-2018 school year...but when an opportunity to work with an incredible Catholic school leader falls in your lap (I'm forever grateful, Greg!), you take a chance, apply, and pray.
I won't lie, it was a tough couple of weeks discerning whether to even apply in the first place and then, if I got the job (after the two rounds of interviews) if I should take it. A handful of friends were incredibly helpful in helping me think through the pros and cons, whether in person or on the phone (or even via email) - I couldn't have done it without them...or, at least, it would have been quite a bit more difficult and less clear.
And it was a hectic time of year - volleyball season was ending, I was getting ready to run a marathon, and I was having my year-end teacher evaluation meeting with my principal. But it all worked out, my principal was extremely supportive, and everything wrapped up quite nicely.
Going into the school year, I wasn't sure how I would feel to be out of the classroom after doing it for ten years. (It was going to be a change, that was the only sure part.) I knew I would be younger than many of the teachers I would be leading, but I also knew that my principal would be an amazing mentor and that she believed in me. And the first semester turned out pretty well. I know I made some mistakes - there's always opportunity for growth and learning - and I'd like to think I did at least a few things right. When friends ask me what I miss most about teaching, I not so jokingly reply that I don't miss the grading or lesson planning. (There, I admitted it.)
I've had the opportunity to walk with students in good times (e.g. girls' basketball championship, pizza with the principals, school play, etc.) and in hard times (e.g. poor behavior choices, death of student family members). My principal makes the bulk of the decisions, but she consults me quite a bit, and I'm learning the ins and outs of our Southside community. I truly believe I'm learning from the best.
As Catholic Schools Week comes to a close, I can't imagine not being in Catholic education. As the ACE Academies so succinctly put it, our goals for our students are college and heaven - and what more noble goals can there be?
Please continue to pray for our Catholic schools across the nation, our students, faculties, leaders, and families - may God strengthen us all in wisdom and love as we strive each day to make God known, loved, and served to all we meet.
I won't lie, it was a tough couple of weeks discerning whether to even apply in the first place and then, if I got the job (after the two rounds of interviews) if I should take it. A handful of friends were incredibly helpful in helping me think through the pros and cons, whether in person or on the phone (or even via email) - I couldn't have done it without them...or, at least, it would have been quite a bit more difficult and less clear.
And it was a hectic time of year - volleyball season was ending, I was getting ready to run a marathon, and I was having my year-end teacher evaluation meeting with my principal. But it all worked out, my principal was extremely supportive, and everything wrapped up quite nicely.
Going into the school year, I wasn't sure how I would feel to be out of the classroom after doing it for ten years. (It was going to be a change, that was the only sure part.) I knew I would be younger than many of the teachers I would be leading, but I also knew that my principal would be an amazing mentor and that she believed in me. And the first semester turned out pretty well. I know I made some mistakes - there's always opportunity for growth and learning - and I'd like to think I did at least a few things right. When friends ask me what I miss most about teaching, I not so jokingly reply that I don't miss the grading or lesson planning. (There, I admitted it.)
I've had the opportunity to walk with students in good times (e.g. girls' basketball championship, pizza with the principals, school play, etc.) and in hard times (e.g. poor behavior choices, death of student family members). My principal makes the bulk of the decisions, but she consults me quite a bit, and I'm learning the ins and outs of our Southside community. I truly believe I'm learning from the best.
As Catholic Schools Week comes to a close, I can't imagine not being in Catholic education. As the ACE Academies so succinctly put it, our goals for our students are college and heaven - and what more noble goals can there be?
Please continue to pray for our Catholic schools across the nation, our students, faculties, leaders, and families - may God strengthen us all in wisdom and love as we strive each day to make God known, loved, and served to all we meet.
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