A Tale of One School Open House

I could have just posted a tweet with a picture and a clever comment of a typical wonderful day, but I wanted to dedicate a little more because I felt it deserved it.  First off, this is not, in the slightest, a marketing gimmick or a ploy for the boys’ school.  If I’ve learned anything in the past few years is that no two people have the same experience with any particular institution.  I’ve heard people wax poetic about the boys’ previous school while it leaves a seriously bad taste in my mouth.  Conversely, I’ve heard some minor complaints about policies and such at the boys’ current school.  I, on the other hand, have no other feelings but contentment and peace.  It’s all about perspective and everyone is different.  Click here for more...

Here is the rest of the text just in case the link doesn't work. (Sorry, no additional pictures)

I implore all parents looking for a place to educate their children, to please look for a place that educates the whole child in a way that leaves you at peace—meet the Staff, talk to the Principal, & finally use your parental instincts (it’s wiser than you’ll ever  give it credit for). Seek a higher standard for education and the existence of a high moral code (I’m sure this can be found whether in public or private institutions).  If it doesn’t look or feel right, don’t hesitate to look elsewhere—especially if you live in a city that has plenty of options, as I’m Blessed enough to.

My boys are thriving and happy. I love being able to write that sentence.   And as I watch them play their roles at this year’s Open House & document everything for memories sake, I can’t help but feel pride for their achievements and pride for the choices the Husband and I were strong enough to make.  The day began with an early Mass in which my 4^th Grader (as a member of Student Council) represented himself and his school by lecturing the First Reading and doing an excellent job. His brother, my 6^th Grader, was asked to be an Usher for the service.  The Mass was lovely led by the one & only dynamic Pastor, Fr. Joe. The students played various roles and some of the older students represented themselves and their community with so much dignity and poise.  Throughout the Mass, everyone could see the main message of the school for its students–serve others and strive for excellence–the very values I endeavor to instill in my sons.

 After the Mass, we were able to visit all the classrooms, the Book Fair, the computer lab and the Science Fair (featuring works by the students in 5th-8th grade).  This is my favorite part of Open House because I get to see what the kids are up to & what the teachers take pride in–displaying their most treasured works in Art, Science, English & Math.  It is during this time that the personalities of each class shines through.

 I was so humbled and filled with pride when the 2nd Grade teacher told the Husband & I that she wishes she was able to teach our boys because they are so exceptional. (We enrolled in this school as my youngest was entering the 3rd Grade and my oldest was entering the 5th).  What a beautiful compliment to hear and I’m truly proud of these boys.

 We have so much to look forward to in the years ahead having met & interacted with the Junior High teachers and I’m excited at the experiences & challenges my children will face.  They will learn and grow and I’m Blessed that they are in a great environment and we seem to have found “home”–a place we are meant to be (in a Parish and in a School).

If you’re in the Lakewood, CA area or the Greater Long Beach area, give this school, St. Pancratius Parish School a look. It’s a Catholic Preparatory EK-8 Program, with daycare and after school extracurricular activities. Meet the energetic Principal and dedicated Staff & see if it’s a good fit for you and your child. And no matter what part of the world you’re at, shop around for the right school.  And really, never stop expecting excellence from those that educate our children.

Catholic Schools Week is off to a great start in my neck of the woods and I’m a Blessed parent. ♥♥♥♥


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