Letters to the Editor
Accolades for St. Rose of Lima School
To the Editor:
As I reflect on what the Christmas season means to me, I realize that Christmas is a time of joyful giving and service to others. The advent wreath stresses love, joy, peace, and hope that brings us to the birth of Christ our Savior. Most people seem happier and more eager to be of service to their neighbors, churches and schools during this Season. Still, I wanted to take a moment to share with you how I have observed this joyful spirit of service every school day at St. Rose and what it has meant for our family personally.
I have been blessed to see these high expectations and traits stressed daily at Saint Rose of Lima School and Church in Schulenburg.
Mrs. Gallia, the principal, and her administrative assistant, Jenne Macon, along with the PE teacher, Sandy Zaruba (who is a”Johnny on the spot” caregiver and assists in so many varied ways) in addition to the wonderful staff and employees, all truly demonstrate these traits. From the beginning of the day to dismissal time, the students are shown genuine concern and interest by these many adults in service to them. When I visit special events, it is apparent that students and staff treat each other with genuine respect. There is also a desire for all children to succeed and feel important as seen in several activities such as the monthly First Friday assemblies, pep rallies on game days and Thursday morning masses. The assemblies and pep rallies provide an opportunity to express accolades for Individual students or groups in each grade level, and recognition of monthly birthdays. Students are in charge of presenting the programs as well as the grade level cheers. Everyone participates and congratulations are shared.
At Thursday a.m. mass, I have been able to see how much respect and pride the students show to each other as they interact in many activities such as reading from the lectern, leading music, passing out songbooks to everyone, serving at the altar or participating in presenting basket goods on the alter steps for special events. In addition, student buddies from the upper grades are assigned to students from a lower grade and they sit together at mass and the assemblies and also at other special times throughout the week. A sense of ‘kinship’ develops between these buddies is seen at playground time as well as dismissal as they greet one another.
The physical facilities of the school are challenged in that buildings are separated by a public street. None the less, a well thought out plan to enforce safety and security has been developed and is tightly followed by staff, students, parents and visitors.
Our time at St Rose of Lima School has come to a close as our grandson has transferred to a distant school district; however I’m deeply moved by the impact this school has had on all of our family. His Kindergarten teacher, Ms Rachel is such a gentle and kind role model to her class as she sets up consistent rules and procedures that allowed them to become independent and successful students.
My prayer is that in the future many other families are able to attend and participate in this remarkable school and enjoy its staff. It is one that is noteworthy and they will be remembered.
God’s Best to them.
Dianne Raef Flatonia