Back to School - Survey Says...

My students completed a survey during the first part of class today. As you can see, it's pretty open-ended, so I wasn't sure what kinds of responses I'd get.

Here were some of my favorites:

Who is the person you most respect?

   - God

   - Abraham Lincoln

   - my parents

   - Fr. Pat

What is something you are afraid of?

   - suspension over heights

   - a torturous death

   - bugs

   - spiders

   - doing bad in school

What is your favorite prayer?

   - the meal prayer

   - The Hail Mary (in Spanish)

What is one thing about the Catholic faith that most confuses you?

   - how God just made people

   - I am confused about heaven - what it looks like and if I'll see anyone I know

   - the Catholic family tree

   - how everything was made

   - why God doesn't talk to us using words

   - how Jesus and God are the same, yet Jesus is God's son

   - that Mary never had original sin - did she ever sin?

   - nothing really confuses me that much

What is one thing about the Catholic faith that most excites you?

   - That we can pray to God for hope

   - Tasting the body and blood of Christ

   - Mass

   - the promise of heaven

   - that I can be forgiven and protected by God

   - when we die we will see God

What is one of the MOST important things you want me to know about you?

   - I am awesome.

   - I pay attention in class.

   - I make mistakes because I'm not perfect.

   - I like to learn.

What is one thing you expect of me as your teacher?

   - I expect you to have a little fun

   - To teach me great things

   - That you can have fun when we do during class

   - That you are inspiring and a good role model

   - very understanding and fun!!!

   - no pop quizzes (please)

   - to not give a lot of homework

   - to be awesome and to give me good grades

   - to help me succeed in religion

   - Just do what you do :)

I really only spent a whole class period with both six grades today. I saw 7th grade for about 10 minutes after advisory - we were putting together binders as a homeroom - and I didn't even get a chance to see the 8th grade, except during lunch.

But I think the kids are ready to be back from summer break, and I think they are ready to learn.

And, I must say, I very much appreciate the opportunities I have built in throughout the day to breathe, reflect, and prepare. (It's so much different from last year in that respect - I don't feel the constant go, go, go!)

Only one more day till the weekend - That's probably a good thing...