New Beginnings
"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success." - Henry Ford
As I end my first full week at Mother Teresa High School I cannot tell you how blessed I feel to have entered into such a wonderful community. The staff has been extremely welcoming, kind, and patient as I begin my journey as principal of Mother Teresa. The students are amazing, talented, and again extremely welcoming. I have also had the chance to meet some of the parent community and can tell you it is nice to see parents as partners as we all work together for student success.
Mother Teresa Valentine Outreach
I am enriched daily by the wonderful things I have witnessed in my short time at the school. The teams I watched, the meetings I have attended, and the privilege of getting to know our students and staff while watching them in action makes me truly understand what a special place God has sent me at this time in my career.
I had the opportunity to visit our students who were involved in the Valentine Outreach Program at Longfield's Manor on Friday; this was an overwhelmingly emotional experience at the end of a week that was extremely hectic. Watching our students interacting and demonstrating such compassion, love and tenderness with the seniors was extremely inspiring - students living and bringing to life our "Catholic Graduate Expectations." Our chaplain, Martha Dougherty, puts this experience into these words:
Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing, some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Heb. 13:2
- "I was a school teacher for thirty years and this reminds me of the wonderful students in my charge." - "I'm a retired police officer and had to sell my house. It's nice here. Look at these kids all dressed-up. Look at them dancing with everyone." - "I love this old-time music --- look the kids are singing along!" - "Martha, my grandparents are in Kenya and I rarely see them. This makes me feel closer to family." - "Miss, this just feels so good."
This afternoon something significant happened to some of our students and staff. They were found dancing and cheering, hooting and wooting, and eating and drinking with the residents at Longfields Manor. Indeed students were dressed to the nines and danced with residents at the nursing home. The opening quotes are actual comments that some of the residents and students said to me as we sipped juice and ate cookies - all provided by the students.
The Mother Teresa Valentine Outreach took place Friday afternoon. This, as many of you know, is an amazing opportunity for teens and seniors to come together and celebrate love. The students prepare for at least a month in advance by learning how to waltz, bake cookies, and prepare gifts for the seniors.
What I witnessed Friday were people engaged in the Living Word. Young people showering love and attention on senior citizens. Senior citizens were welcoming and embracing young people whom they have never met. Everyone was laughing, dancing, eating, and singing. You would have been proud of our youth. Truly there is hope for God's reign when our next generation of leaders chooses to spend leisure time dancing with elders.
What has been your experience of youth engaging the world? What have you witnessed your teen doing to be the "Living Word?" I would love to hear your stories and perhaps share them with other parents.
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Transitioning to Mother Teresa High School continues to be a very overwhelming journey as I attempt to get to know the students, staff, and the community let alone the job. It is a very different experience from my former job as Safe Schools Principal.
I am looking so forward to my time at Mother Teresa and hope as this second semester progresses I will have an opportunity to meet you, work with you, and get to know your wonderful children. I fully believe it takes a village to raise a child and I look forward to working in our wonderful village community known as Mother Teresa.
Reminders
Report Cards went home on Thursday, February 10th for all students.
Grade 7 & 8 Parent-Teacher Interveiws are this Thursday, February 17th. Early dismissal for all students will be at 1:50 pm.
Grade 8-11 Parent Information Night on Thursday, February 24th at 6:30pm. Come out and find out about course selection and option sheets. All option sheets will be due to homeroom teachers on Friday, March 4th, 2011.
I look forward to welcoming you and meeting you at these events.
Mrs. Mary Ellen Agnel
Principal
Mother Teresa High School