Parent
www.stursulaschool.org
3937 Kirk Avenue • Allison Park • PA 15101
412 486-5511
St. Ursula
Festival
May 28
thru
June 2
NewsLetter
S
P
R
I
N
G
2
0
1
2
BRAVO!
An outstanding performance of the Broadway Junior show Willy Wonka, Jr” was given by
the student cast from grades 3 to 8. Based on Roald Dahl's timeless story of the world
famous candy man and his quest to find an heir to continue his candy-making, the story is a
stage adaptation by Leslie Briscusse and Timothy A. McDonald of the novel Charlie and The
Chocolate Factory. Words and music are written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley.
St. Ursula School cultivates the growth and
development of the whole student. In addition
to a challenging academic and catechetical
curriculum, students have opportunities at St.
Ursula unlike those at any other school. It is
the goal of this newsletter to capture the spirit
of the school by gathering information from the
various groups. The School Advisory Council
was created in August 2008 following Diocesan
Guidelines and is comprised of Student Life,
Budget and Finance, Enrollment Management,
Vision and Planning, Athletics Association, and
Fund Raising.
Together and with the assistance of many parent volunteers, the goal is to have a viable and
growing school fostering quality education and
firm Catholic faith since 1911.
St. Ursula School is a special place because of
the special people who teach, attend, nurture
and support the school.
This newsletter will be a source of information and
reference about the SAC, school fund raising, parentpowered volunteer groups and the St. Ursula Athletic
Association. It will be published in October, February
and May.
St. Ursula School Parent NEWSletter
Established 2001
Dana Eckel and Stephanie Lamperski, Editors
Mary Eckel, Jada Donato, Lynda Fischer, Susan
Michel, Susan McKee, Alissa Mote, Ginny Szafranski,
Amy Valenty, Jennifer Walko
©
Copyright St. Ursula School 2012
Mrs. Patty Cross creatively directed and choreographed a very entertaining production.
Professor Coury worked with the children on their songs and harmonies. Mrs. Mary Heyl
constructed great props such as the Pink Candy Boat and the Willy Wonka factory set with
the middle school students. Mrs. Diane Pontoriero and daughter, Eva Pontoriero, contributed
artistic pieces such as the Wonka gate, Wonka doors, and lollipops along with the help of
the students. Diann Ranallo worked the sound and music cues during many of the practices
and during the shows. Parents of the cast gathered costume pieces, and Mrs. Cross also
gathered prop pieces, costumes, and made the twenty-four Oompa Loompa headpieces.
Parents Ginny Szafranski, Ellen Davis, Tammi Skoff, Susan Michel, Lisa Scholl, Mr. and
Mrs. McLoughlin, Susan McKee, Jennifer Walko, and Greg Norman assisted in many ways.
Student crew Eric Hanson and Robbie Kalin were very helpful to Mrs. Heyl and in the running
of the show.
Matt M. played Willy Wonka with humor and ease at storytelling. Bridget M. sweetly portrayed
Charlie Bucket. Erica D. played a very funny and endearing Grandpa Joe. The love that the
Bucket family shared was portrayed by Mrs. Bucket (Melina W.) and Mr. Bucket (Meghan
M.), and the grandparents who hardly ever left the bed… Grandma Josephina (Emma F.),
Grandpa George (Sarah R.), Grandma Georgina (Alaina K.), and Grandpa Joe.
When The Buckets find out that Mr. Wonka is holding a contest to win a tour of his factory
and a lifetime supply of chocolate, they hope that Charlie will be one of the five golden ticket
winners. Act One showed the relationship Charlie had with his family and the audience
also met the children who won the first four golden tickets and their parents. Each of the
winners had bad habits... the overweight German, Augustus, was humorously played by
Riley M.; Melanie R. commanded the stage with her portrayal of a demanding Veruca; Violet
(Maggie B.) made everyone laugh with her gum chewing and Mike Teavee played by Luke S.
expressed his love of technology with energy.
In Act Two, Wonka led the golden ticket winners and their family guests (Mr. Salt played by
Amanda K.; Mrs. Teavee played by Mary C.; Mrs. Beauregard played by Caitlyn M.; and Mrs.
Gloop played by Nora M.) on a tour of the chocolate factory. Some of the rooms included
“The Chocolate Smelting Room”, “The Inventing Room”, “The Nut Room”, and “The ChocoVision Room”. The Oompa-Loompas played by third, fourth, some fifth graders and sixth
grader, Madison McCully, were workers in the factory who helped to tell the audience some
of the morals of the story in song and dance. In the end Wonka reveals that the tour was a
test of character and only Charlie succeeded because he told the truth. Wonka proclaims
Charlie as his successor as Charlie’s family and the whole cast join in a celebration complete
with giant party poppers shooting streamers.
Our director, Mrs. Cross, has volunteered many hours to put together her twelfth quality
full musical production in order that St. Ursula students can experience the benefits of
participating in theatre and the arts in education. A Broadway Junior Certificate of Excellence
was awarded to the school signed by the authors.
Classroom News
BULLETIN BOARD
2
Go Go Go JOSEPH!
Matt M. & Annessa D.
Two of our students recently performed in ACT
ONE Theatre School’s production of Joseph and
the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. While Matt
and Annessa were in two separate casts, they
both did a FANTASTIC job making their friends
and family very proud. Matt was the best Potiphar to ever hit Scotus Hall; he truly has been
given many talents. Annessa danced and sang
as a Wife, Egyptian, and Calypso Dancer; quite a
combination! With the support of their family and
friends, as the picture shows, these two will Go
Go Go……..
Fourth graders Madalyn M., Hannah V., and
Anna N. attended to support Annessa.
What beautiful music!
St. Ursula School
was well represented
at the piano recital
held on Sunday May
6th for the students of
Mrs. Gail Bankowski.
Treating the audience
to several selections
chosen for their level
of play were Anna
N., Hannah V., and Joseph V.. A simple reception
was held after the concert for family and friends.
WWW. Isn’t big enough to express our
gratitude
Jeanette Poorbaugh, along with husband Scott,
have been posting, running, and improving our
website for many years. Jeanette’s and Scott’s
expertise has made our website one of the best
around--whether private or public school. This
year their son Tom will graduate from eighth
grade and join his sister Jane (2009 St. U grad)
as esteemed alumi. We receive many positive
comments about our website from prospective
families, and even from other schools!
We extend our heartfelt appreciation, love, and
God’s blessings to the Poorbaugh family as their
children continue their education and service to
God and humanity.
Ready-K is KINDERGARTEN READY
It is so hard to believe our school year is almost over. We had a great year filled with
laughter, smiles, friendships, learning, and love. It is amazing to see how much each
child has grown and to see how much
he/she have learned! It has been a pleasure to teach these wonderful children this
year. We took our End of the Year Field
Trip to Reilly’s Farm on Friday, May 18th.
We rode a fun hayride to the blooming
strawberry fields and learned what it is like
to live on a farm. We learned about
strawberries, farm animals, and listened
to a terrific story about Suzy Strawberry.
The children ended the day with a picnic
lunch. The children have been working so hard practicing for our End-of-the-Year
Performance. The have been memorizing their lines, singing songs, and reciting a
special poem. They are really looking forward to seeing their friends and family there.
The children are ready for Kindergarten. The children have worked so hard throughout
the school year and have learned so many new and exciting things. They have grown
academically, socially, and spiritually. They are excited about moving on to Kindergarten
and continuing their love of learning. As we send our message for the final newsletter,
please allow us to thank all of our parents for their help and support throughout the
school year. It has been such a pleasure to teach the children and we will really miss
them! May God bless you and your family with a safe and happy summer!
Magical Moments
Kindergarten continues to amaze. Recently the children completed their writing
assessments for the school year. The papers delighted all who read them. Mrs.
Bridgeman and Mrs. Hofbauer have also
enjoyed watching the great progress
that the children have made throughout
the school year in reading and math.
Following Easter break the children
eagerly studied new life. The butterfly as
a symbol of the Resurrection delighted
the children as they studied metamorphosis. Water color butterflies and butterfly
life cycles brightened the walls of the hallway. Birds of Pennsylvania provided
beautiful student researched and colored
pictures. Students also created torn paper birds that flocked to kindergarten “tree.”
Between classes kindergarten practiced their lines for the spring kindergarten montage of
what they studied throughout the year. Songs and cheers enhanced their presentation.
Both teachers and students were blessed by a weeklong visit by former St.Ursula student,
Emily Spirk. Emily is studying early childhood education at the University of Dayton.
Though she is only a sophomore, she shows signs of being a caring and very competent
teacher. Even though her visit was short, Emily left a lasting impression. Whether it was
listening to enthusiastic readers, guiding the writing of student reflections about Mom for
Mother’s Day or just assisting throughout the school day, Emily did it with a smile.
The Adventure of First Grade
Mrs. Ranallo’s first grade class has the help of a website, Book Adventure, which helps
the students to keep track of the books they’ve read and rewards them for their efforts. It
tracks their results, and offers prizes to the children not only for how many books they’ve
read, but also how well they understood what they read. It motivates the students to
read both more frequently and more carefully. If the student reaches the monthly goal,
they receive a prize and a book. Since December, the first graders have read more than
550 books – and one student has read 90! With its innovative online approach, Book
Adventure is a fun and exciting way to encourage children, and begin a lifelong love of
reading. To commemorate the year, the students are working on a photo memory book
of first grade.
The students have learned many new skills, and had great fun along the way, but the end
of the year is approaching. Mrs. Ranallo is always sad to see her students leave,
because she always grows attached to them and will certainly miss them over the
Continued on next page
summer. But, she's glad that the great foundations they have learned in first grade will carry them through the rest of their school years. She
wishes them nothing but the best of luck!
Second Grade Buddies
The end of the year is filled with the usual flurry of our field trip to the Carngie Science Center and
Sports Works, field day, and the second grade student appreciation day. The children are also
preparing to perform Hansel and Gretel that they have worked on with Professor Coury. They
cannot believe that another year of school is almost completed! Where did the time go? The
second graders have grown so much in all ways that are important; physically, spiritually,
academically, and socially. From the very first minutes of Second Grade this class has worked so
very hard to learn more about their faith, all the new academics, and becoming a person with good
moral character.
Miss McKaveney remembers their first day of Kindergarten a few years ago and is very impressed
with the “BIG KIDS” that they all have become. The second grade has loved the opportunity to work with many other grades as buddies
throughout the year. Whether they were the younger buddies or the older buddies the class looked forward to the activity: quilts with 5th
grade, cinnamon ornaments with Kindergarten, shamrock project with 6th grade, and finally Stations of the Cross and planting with the 4th
grade. In a vote taken by the class their favorite thing this year however was designing their Leprechaun Catchers with their families and
writing their Leprechaun stories; (even though we did not have success catching a leprechaun). Well, maybe next year!
HAVE A SAFE, FUN, and FAITH filled summer!
The Adventures of Third Grade
Third grade has been busy baking. After reading the story, Jalapeño Bagels, each student had
the chance to be creative and make their own kind of bagels. They were so delicious Panera and Bruegger's watch out! We are also scheduled to take a fieldtrip with second grade
to the Carngie Science Center and Sports Works. We will be learning about things that glow at
the Illuminations Sensations class and then its game on as we head over to the Sports Works.
In honor of Earth Day we are attempting to germinate several maple tree seeds and each day
the students are measuring growth of roots and documenting all changes or the fact that there
are no changes. This is a great way for all of us to get used to the fact that science is mostly
observation yielding fewer results. We are excited to see how many trees we get to plant. The students are constantly interacting with the
animals in the classroom. We are learning so much about the geckos as they warm up to us. Spotty, who used to be very squirmy and shy,
will crawl into our hands. Stripes will actually eat crickets out of our hands. This is awesome because no crickets are left behind. We will be
doing our final weighing and measuring of Chip, Stripes and Spotty very soon and are excited to see their growth. We continue to do exciting
work and proudly display it on the wall. Please stop by and see us - there is always something going on in third grade.
A Page from the Life of Fourth Grade
Every year Mrs. Cross works on a puppet story called The Saga of Amy Boulder by Tim Merriman with the fourth grade students in Reading
class. It is one of her favorite stories because the class makes puppets of the characters and performs it for the Kindergarten students.
The story of the importance of saving our trees and taking care of the environment is presented in a fun way in the characters of Cyrus
Woods, Amy Boulder, Sam Squirrel, and Regal Eagle. Pictures of the puppet show with a paragraph about it appear on the St. Ursula Web
site. The author saw the fourth grade web page and wrote a personal note to Mrs. Cross and her class praising their creative efforts. Tim
Merriman wrote, “I am thrilled to know the story has a life out there in your classroom.” He signed and enclosed a novel he wrote with his
wife, Lisa Brochu, called, “The Leopard Tree” which won the Best Young Adult Fiction category in 2008 with Writer’s Digest’s International
Self-Published Books contest. Mr. Merriman also offered to donate a few copies of the book for our Library.
Middle School - Creative and Scientific
Blessed be all mothers
Who have come into our lives
Whose kindness, care and loving
Remain with us to guide.
The 5 & 6th graders made Mother's Day remembrances for their moms. They included poetry and a craft…While members of the robotics
team in grades 5-7, the Robovikings, have been meeting this Spring to sharpen their programming skills and finish their Food Safety themed
project: FOOD RULES! The team members created a giant board game designed for younger students that teaches them about healthy
habits regarding food preparation, handling, and storage.
Don't Miss A Beat! - in our Music Department
Ready K and Kindergarten are getting ready for the annual performances that will bring smiles to everybody’s faces.
While third through eighth graders worked hard on Willy Wonka, learning songs, enunciating and memorizing, the third graders were also
rehearsing on their recorders for the May 23rd, 7:00pm concert.
The students from second through eighth grades learn to lead Mass in song and all the students practice the hymns, sung parts of the mass,
and are able to fill the church with beautiful music every Friday morning.
3
Fundraising
Fundraising efforts
through May 1, 2012
4
Fund Raiser
Total
Family Payments
$
4,832.00
Good Search
$
46.47
*Market Day
$
621.36
Entertainment/Enjoy Books
$
2,290.00
Sportwear
$
176.25
Golf Outing
$
5,354.00
Box Tops
$
1,860.10
Paper Recycling
$
835.49
*Bingo
$
12,000.00
Cartridge Recycling
$
20.05
Benefit Nights
$
805.44
Dance-a-Thon
$
3,516.00
Innisbrook
$
1,226.00
Sarris Candy Sale
$
4,905.00
Mixed Bags
$
1,262.00
POG
$
31,000.00
*Lottery Calendars
$
3,649.00
*Target Credit Card
$
5K Run / Walk
581.73
May 26
*Monthly Scrip
$
1,163.10
*Church Scrip
$
3,246.25
*School Daily Scrip
$
9,789.00
Tri State Petroleum Grant
$
500.00
Tastefully Simple
$
500.00
Duquesne Light
Energy Program
$
2725.00
Total
$
92,904.24
SCRIP Program News
Get a jump on your family fundraising credit this summer! Don’t forget that Giant Eagle
certificates purchased through our SCRIP program at a 4% profit can be used to
purchase any gift card that Giant Eagle sells. You earn fundraising credit on your Giant
Eagle purchase at school and earn fuel perks on your purchase at Giant Eagle.
Our SCRIP program still offers us the most upside potential for fundraising. Whether
you have never purchased scrip, still need to raise some money toward your assessment, or are working on a tuition credit for next year, it’s not too late. Here are a few
ideas to get you started:
• Send in a check equal to your grocery bill for the week with your child. The
grocery certificates of your choice will be sent home the same day.
• Giant Eagle certificates work at Get Go so buy your gas with scrip too. BP
and Sheetz gas cards available also.
• Making home improvements or buying appliances? Don’t miss the chance
to make a huge dent in your assessment with just one big purchase. Sears,
Lowes, & Home Depot certificates are all available.
• Planning summer vacation? Scrip is available for many hotels, car rentals
and airlines!
• SCRIP is the only fundraiser that doesn’t cost you a dime to participate in
and once you start, you will see how quickly and easily your assessment
can be met.
New Daily SCRIP Coordinator
“As I take on the role as SCRIP Coordinator for the Daily SCRIP I know these are
big shoes to fill. For many years Ellen Davis (and often hubby, Jim) was involved in
keeping the program running smoothly. From setting up spreadsheets, to tracking
the cards, to placing orders with vendors, to filling the orders received from families
and all the twists and turns, she has done it all. It has been the biggest ongoing fundraiser since 1995 that has helped the school tremendously. Thank you Ellen for being
involved with this fundraising program and all you've done at St. Ursula.”
~ Beth Norman, Scrip Coordinator
Jill Hamlin, Susan Michel, Deanna Schneider, Amy Valenty 2012-2013 SCRIP Team
*Gift cards will be available in the office over the summer and at weekend masses.
Weekdays, call first to make sure Sister is in the office.
*Fund raisers ongoing through June 30. Final profit for the 2011-12 school year will be reported. Help us reach our goal! Many fundraisers
including SCRIP sales, paper recycling, and bingo continue throughout the summer. We appreciate the efforts of the chairpersons who
oversee our events. St. Ursula School is thriving because of you!
Thank You!
Faith Formation
First Holy Communion
St. Ursula second graders have been anxiously awaiting their First Holy Communion day for months. Finally, their big day arrived on the
sunny Saturday morning of May 12, 2012. They were certainly blessed with a beautiful day; sunny, and warm with not a cloud in the sky.
The presence of the Holy Spirit was felt in the church as the doors opened and 23 children; looking like angels began to walk down the
aisle. All the girls in their white Communion dresses and veils looked so angelic and the boys in their suits looked like the young men that
they are. Each child participated in the special mass. Some read the intercessions on the altar, others brought up the gifts for the Priest
to prepare for them and others honored Mother Mary with laying flowers at her statue. Fr. Dorsey and Fr. Strelinski officiated at the mass
and Fr. Dorsey's homily prepared the children by telling them a story from his childhood. There was a "kids’ table" that all the kids had to sit
at during special occasions at his house when he was a child. As they got older, each child was invited to sit with the adults at the "adult
table". He told them that in a sense, is what they were all doing today. They were no longer considered to be "sitting at the kids’ table,
today they were invited to sit at the "adult table". They are now able to go to communion, to sit at God's table, to receive Jesus. It was an
analogy that the children could relate to and understand. It was a beautiful inspiration to see the love in their hearts and the pride on their
faces as they received the Holy Eucharist and Precious Blood of Jesus. A very special thank you to Miss McKaveney, the second grade
teacher, for preparing their minds and hearts for this special occasion. And thank you to Mrs. Lale Virostek and Mrs. Gretchen Homer, our
Faith Formation coordinators for their contribution and expertise in the preparation of this beautiful spiritual day.
May the happiness of this celebration continue as you begin a new life with Christ. May you come with joy to His supper to the praise
and glory of God, the Father. May Christ touch your life through receiving the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist and give you inspiration
to know the will of God in your life, the courage to carry out God's work in the world, the grace to overcome temptation and avoid sin, the
encouragement to love others and the joy and peace of heart knowing that Christ lives in you. - Lynda Fischer
May is the Month of Mary - Pilgrimage to Medjugorje
As way of introduction, I am the proud grandmother of Sarah T., a St. Ursula Ready-K student. Each of our lives is a pilgrimage, a journey
of growth and discovery. Many of our faith have also taken side journeys, or pilgrimages, to places we believe God has reached out to
us in special ways. Some have journeyed to such spots as Lourdes, Fatima, or the Holy Lands. I recently completed a pilgrimage to the
mountain village of Medjugorje in the country of Bosnia-Hercegovia.
I first became interested in this site years ago when I first read that our Blessed Mother has been appearing to 6 visionaries there since
June 25, 1981. My first thought was that how marvelous it is that Our Lady has chosen to appear in our time. I read that her messages
to us, through the visionaries, is in complete harmony with the teachings of Jesus and consistent with the faith entrusted to us through
the Catholic Church.
I read of this particular pilgrimage to Medjugorje in the Pittsburgh Catholic newspaper last fall, and began to seriously consider the possibility of going there myself. The leader of the pilgrimage was Cathy Howe of Sts. Simon and Jude Parish in Greentree. She has made
numerous pilgrimages to Medjugorje and was able to share much information when I contacted her by phone. I also learned that she has
a good friend, Cathy Benvenuti, up here where I live in Franklin, PA, who has also journeyed to Medjugorje. That was a
valuable piece of information, as it is always helpful to know someone who has firsthand knowledge about something one is interested in.
Then things began to fall into place, although it was hard to believe I was planning a trip to such a distant location. I asked a few family
members to join me, but circumstances did not permit them to make such a journey. I suddenly realized I would be doing this on my own,
but I also realized that, surprisingly, I was comfortable with the idea.
The pilgrimage seemed far off when I first signed up in September, but the months dissolved one by one until the day in March when the
orientation for the trip was held, on the same day as Sarah's 5th birthday party in Pittsburgh. Two birds with one stone. Then April was
busy with family obligations and organizing and packing for the pilgrimage. Before I knew it we were gathering as a group of 37 pilgrims
at the Pittsburgh Airport ready to take off! My husband (Sarah's Pop-Pop) saw me to security and then I was alone... but not really alone
amidst this group of like-minded pilgrims.
The journey was long, but very much worth it as the events, sights and sounds of Medjugorje unfolded. There were the Joyful Mysteries
of the Rosary recited on Apparition Hill, English and Croatian Masses, talks given by two of the visionaries and by Franciscans priests,
Cross Hill, not to mention the skilled and knowledgeable guides and wonderful hosts at the places we stayed along the way. The most
rewarding part of the journey, however, is simply the knowledge that God cares for us so much that He sends His Mother among us to
guide us through these troubled times. Her instruction to pray, pray, pray for ourselves and our families is comforting indeed. We were
blessed to have Father Sean Francis of New Castle and Sister Barbara Jean Mihalchick accompany us on the pilgrimage. It was Father's
second trip and Sister's first trip. Interestingly, it was about half of the group's first pilgrimage to Medjugorje while the other half had been
there once, twice or several times before. There is something about Medjugorje that touches the heart and beckons.
For those seeking more information about Medjugorje, the official website is: www.medjugorje.hr
-Mary Elizabeth Eckel
5
Student Life
6
Student Life has been busy helping the children celebrate their very special family members these past few months.
Donuts & Dads
On Friday, March 16th many Dads, Grandfathers, Uncles, and Godfathers came together for a celebration of St. Joseph’s Day, a wonderful way to honor those so dear to the children. Many joined together in the cafeteria for donuts, coffee and juice; a great way to start
a very important day! Those able to stay were also invited to attend the school mass with the children.
Muffins & Mom
Just as a special morning was set aside for the important men in our lives, so was true for the
ladies. Friday, May 4th, brought together Moms, Grandmas, Aunts and Godmothers to share
quality time, tea, coffee, juice, Danish, donuts and create warm memories. After breakfast those
able to attend were also welcome to join the kids the school mass. A special seed packet favor
made to look like a tea bag was a delightful bonus for the ladies. Both events were very well
attended; clearly we are blessed with many wonderful, loving families. As the school year nears
to a close, please follow the school calendar for Student Life events. The End-of-Year picnic will
be here before we know it!
Teacher Appreciation
Tips from Parents 2012
“The one statement I have said to Adam since he was little is, ‘Do what you have to do first and what
you want to do second!’ It seems to work well with getting chores done as well as homework done.”
- Christine Larson
“When the warm temps in April roll around and it’s time for shorts, I cut Joey’s uniform pants, hem them
and since the knees are a little worn anyway, I can extend the use of the pants and not have to buy shorts.”
– Stephanie Lamperski
“The night before we lay out her uniform and we go over what the following day will hold - gym, church,
music, library or art.”
– Amy Balkovec
“Token system good for Rita’s Ices”
– Lisa Scholl
Have a safe and enjoyable summer!
Student Life
7
READY
Sarah's year of Ready-K, and first year of "real school", is nearly behind us.
I found this program by Googling preschool programs when she was just 2 years old. As a transplant to the
North Hills, I was unfamiliar with schools in the area, but knew at some point Sarah would be ready for more
than daycare could offer.
Being Catholic school educated myself, I was thrilled that one of the churches in the area provided a program
that fit my full-time, working mom schedule. Based on what I read online, I was impressed and I forwarded
the link on to my mom, a former teacher. She said it did indeed sound like a wonderful program.
Fast forward a year or so and I had a chance to speak with my next door neighbor about St. Ursula School.
Dr. Lamperski was outside doing yardwork one summer evening, and I asked him about St. Ursula School.
I knew his son attended since I saw him in his uniform waiting for the bus, but I did not know at the time just
how involved the Lamperski Family is at St. Ursula’s. Dr. Lamperski told me all about the benefits of St.
Ursula School and the positive experiences his family had over the course of 20 years. My mind was made up.
When the time came I submitted Sarah’s registration paperwork and she attended move-up day last May. When it ended she climbed
into the car and said, “Mommy, I just love my new school.” Every day for the next 3 months she asked me if it was time to go to “big
school.”
The day finally came. She wore a backpack much too big for her petite frame, but she was ready. I walked her to her classroom and
she waved good-bye. I looked at my little munchkin and replayed the last 4.5 years in my mind. I knew she was ready for this, but was
I? I’ll always be her mom, but I won’t always be the center of her world. There are only going to be so many boo-boos I can still fix with
a kiss. She’s growing up and her world is expanding.
As I think about the past year, I picture Sarah going through the lunch line (she loves to buy), I picture her sitting at the table listening
intently to her teachers (at least I hope it’s “intently”), and I picture her playing with friends (the girls - boys are yucky). She is thriving.
Thank you, Mrs. Patricca and Mrs. Evans, for a wonderful first year. We are so happy to be a part of the St. Ursula Family. -Dana Eckel
SET
St. Ursula provides students with a strong foundation
Anthony Szafranski and John Michel were among those honored at a Pine Richland Middle School ceremony celebrating Merit Scholars
on May 8th. They were joined by 4 other 7th and 8th grade students who also got their start at St. Ursula School. To be invited to the
ceremony, students had to obtain a cumulative GPA of 3.85 or higher for the 1st three quarters of 2011-12. – Ginny Szafranski
GO
To Our 8th Grade Graduates:
You have, without question, learned plenty about reading, math, writing, social studies and science like so many other middle school
students. But, because you were so fortunate as to grow up at St. Ursula School, you learned some other, very important life lessons.
I hope you will always remember…
• The co-ed soccer games played in sun, sleet, snow and rain, not always won, but always so much fun; winning isn’t everything.
• The 4th grade basketball team that didn’t know what the buzzer meant that went on to compete in the playoffs as 8th
graders; practice and persistence always pay off.
• Seussical, Honk, Alice in Wonderland, Willy Wonka and all the fantastic St Ursula productions; an appreciation of the arts is
invaluable
• Student Council, March for Life, cleaning the aquarium, setting up for the festival, reading, serving, and cantering at Mass; to whom
much is given, much is to be expected.
• The flood, the trailers and our remodeled school; when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
• Forensics, Band, Math Counts, & Robotics; God gives everyone gifts; your job is to make good use of them.
• Daily prayers, school Mass, Stations of the Cross, singing around the Advent wreath; your Faith is a living thing, it will only
thrive with practice and nurture.
• Sister Joanita, & the Teachers, Staff, Coaches and Parents who have helped you along the way; surround yourself with a caring,
community of friends and you will never be alone.
Congratulations! We are all so proud of the fine young people you have become. It has been a true joy watching you grow.
– Susan McKee
In Other News
8
SPORTS SHORTS
“This is the first year I had the opportunity to help with the 3rd and 4th grade girls’ developmental basketball program. What a great time
working with all the kids! I think the girls worked hard and learned a lot about the game. More importantly I think that all the girls had
FUN and that was the best part of the season.” -Stephen Mote
Third Grade Team with Coaches Mote, Norman, and Valenty
Our thanks to all the Coaches, their assistants, parents and to the kids for the great year of Sports at St. Ursula! Coach Scott Poorbaugh
has served his last year in the Basketball and Soccer programs as his son, Tom, graduates this year. Scott was always “on the ball”
communicating with everyone making sure the seasons ran smoothly. Thanks to Coach Jim Davis, as Erica graduates as well. We appreciate your your dedication!
LIBRARY NEWS
Read Me!
The St. Ursula School Library continued to grow and flourish under the watchful eyes of the Library Committee. More than 400 books
were added to our collection. Nearly all of the books were donated by school families and we thank you for your generosity. The library
committee continued to provide teacher support at library time for children in grades Ready-K, kindergarten, and 1st-4th. Parents attend library time each week to help the teachers shelve books, help the children find that perfect book to borrow, and then check out
the books to the children. Many thanks to Adriana Alatorre, Jennifer Walko, Lisa Scholl, Susan Michel, Jacqueline DiCaprio and Ginny
Szafranski for their volunteer hours this year.
The committee was busy with many fun events for our students this school year. Over 40 students participated in a Halloween story
time. We read spooky stories, made a great craft, played games and had a fun snack. We also brought the Scholastic Book Fair to the
school with a pajama party with more than 100 in attendance. The fair earned $1000 for the school plus over $400 for new books for
the library.
The library committee also sponsored a book swap to help families clean off their book shelves and get new books for summer reading.
It was a great year of reading!
We remind families that the children have checked out their final books for the school year. Please scour the house, backpack, and
locker to return your St. Ursula School Library books. We will be sending out notices towards the end of May. If you are unable to find a
book to return, we ask that you replace the book with a similar title or make a small donation to the library fund.
We are always looking for parent volunteers to help us with the library. The library is like a garden. It needs lots of TLC to weed out the
old books, keep the rows straight and organized, and bring in new books to brighten the library. We have volunteer needs during the
day to help at library time and once a month at night to help us clean the library and plan our events. Please consider joining us in the
2012-13 school year!
TEACHER APPRECIATION
Thank you Father Dorsey, Sister Joanita, Teachers, and Staff
A fantastic week was celebrated in appreciation for teachers and staff. Snacks,
prizes, games and a scrumptious luncheon were the highlights.
Thanks to Jill Hamlin and Ginny Szafranski who coordinated the week and the
volunteers who sent in great raffle gifts, food, and volunteered during recess
and lunch to allow the teachers to break bread together.
Mrs. Curilla, Mrs. Ranallo, Mrs. Cross
Scouting
9
Daisy Girl Scout Troop 51502
The First Grade Girls of Daisy Troop 51502 have continued working on the Journey “3 Cheers for Animals” Award in which they learn
about animals, how to care for them and to teach others what they have learned. The Daisies earned the Red Robin Award by taking
a field trip to a veterinary office to learn specific ways to care for a dog and then presented a teaching demonstration using a live dog.
This teaching presentation helped the girls to gain confidence and courage. The Daisies are now in the process of earning the Tula
Flower Award. The girls also enjoyed building a team papier mache robin as part of the award. The Daisy Scouts had fun dancing at
the Sock Hop Dance and learning about different countries at a Girl Scout Thinking Day Event. The Daisies are also looking forward to
doing some community service by planting flowers at Hartwood Acres, to bridging up to become Brownies and to attending Girl Scout
Day Camp this summer.
Junior Girl Scout Troop 50682
The Fifth Grade Girls of Junior Girl Scout Troop 50682 continued working on earning the Journey “Amuse” Award where they explore
the different roles that women play in society, explore the stereotypes that girls face, take action to stop stereotypes, and try out new
roles for themselves. The Junior Scouts earned the Speak Out Award by writing and performing a play about “busting” the stereotype
that “Girls are not athletic”. The girls also earned the Try Out Award by trying out some new roles for themselves. Our scouts rocked at
the Sock Hop Dance where they created and performed their own dance to “Rock’n Robin”. The girls also had fun learning about other
countries when they attended a Girl Scout Thinking Day Event. The Juniors enjoyed a overnight trip to the Zoo where they got to visit
behind the scenes with the lions and tigers, solve CSI mystery cases by examining the footprints, skeletal teeth, fur, feathers and scat
at various scenes to determine which animal was the culprit, go on an outdoor scavenger hunt to solve a mystery and of course sleep
overnight! The girl scouts are looking forward to doing some community service by planting flowers at Hartwood Acres, to completing work on their Bronze Award, to bridging up to Cadets and to attending Girl Scout Day Camp this summer where they will camp out
overnight in tents at Hampton Community Park.
The Juniors in Troop 50225 have been busy this year!
You may have seen them dancing the night away at the Hampton Sock Hop, delivering cookies to neighbors, or food to a local food
bank but what you didn't see happened late one night....The girls participated in an overnight offered at the Children's Museum of
Pittsburgh ~ Passion for Fashion where they met up with hundreds of other area Girl Scouts for a night of fun. They designed and silkscreened their own t-shirt, made many accessories, and even put on a fashion show. This summer the troop will be attending CORE
camp at Camp Skymeadow. The theme selected by the Troop is Take the Reins and the Juniors will be caring for and riding horses
while they are there for the three days. Look for Troop 50225 in the community as we begin working on our Bronze Award and we'll see
the other Girl Scouts at Hampton Day Camp in June.
Cub Scout Pack 674 .... Thanks YOU!
April was Scouting for Food month. Scouting for Food is a nationwide program designed to help local food banks. In addition to collecting canned goods and monetary donations at all masses the weekend of April 14th & 15th, boxes were placed at both entrances to
the school. With your help, the Pack was able to collect 32 boxes of food that will be donated to a local food bank. Once again cutting,
sanding, and painting those blocks of wood, the boys created rockets for the end of year picnic held at Mr. C's Pizza this year. (Thanks
Mr. Carothers!) It was an adventure for all as they sailed across the room.
Looking ahead, Pack 674 has been chosen to be the Color Guard at the June 21st Pirates game. Look for the boys on field with the
flags before the game during the National Anthem. This is a fun night out for the scouts and families. With fond memories and heavy
hearts we are saying good-bye to someone who has been an integral part of Pack 674, Mike Weakland. Mr. Weakland has been with
the Pack for many years and has done much to help the pack grow. We wish him and his sons the best of luck as they move on to
Boy Scouts at a local Troop. If you are interested in learning more about Pack 674 and Cub Scouting at St. Ursula, please access our
website at http://hstrial-pack674.intuitwebsites.com/ for more information.
Troop 51502
Pack 674
Troop 50682
A Look Back
10
(Not) Just the Facts!
St. Ursula newsletters from 25 years ago were recently unearthed and proved that the more things change, the more they stay the same!
Topics through the years remain constant – tuition, enrollment, parent groups, student activities, and service projects. Here are just a
few of the many interesting items from our past.
1985
• Our long-range planning committee was hard at work tracking prospective students and working on a new logo for the school.
They arrived at the year’s theme: “Enter to Grow – Exit to Serve” and we use this motto even today as part of our logo and
mission.
• Enrollment was 186 and Principal Sr. Joanita was in her second year at St. Ursula.
• The newsletter also announced the birth of Lillian Chambers to band director Mrs. Susan Chambers, who is still teaching at St.
Ursula today!
• Students enjoyed many of the same activities that our students enjoyed this year – Santa’s Workshop, Halloween parade, Pizza
Hut Book It!, and hoagie sales.
• 5th grader Joey Lamperski’s big sister Lorelei celebrated her fifth birthday in November of 1985. The Lamperskis have been part of
the St. Ursula family for more than ¼ of our 100 years.
1986
• Tom Saunders was painting classrooms and washing walls to prepare the school for a new year.
• The PTG planned a “breakfast with Santa” and “60s Oldie’s Dance”.
• The Lamperskis welcomed a new daughter Carolyn.
• There was a plea for Bingo volunteers.
• Lots of student activities – PJAS with 5 first place finishers, spring band concerts, spring musical, book fair, lunch with grandpar
ents, mathcounts, and the Post-Gazette’s stock market challenge.
• A change to the dress code – sweatshirts are now allowed!
• Students in 7th grade sent letters of encouragement to President Reagan and President Gorbachev at their summit and attempted
to correspond with other Russian teenagers. A student commented, “Even if they’re Communists, they are probably a lot like us.
They don’t want nuclear war any more than we do.”
• Computers became part of the curriculum for all grades.
1987
• A 5% tuition increase to $395 per student and $660 for two students.
• The “ride all day” passes for Kennywood were $9.
• The 1987-88 school year began with 156 students in K-8 and another 20 in pre-school.
• We welcomed Mrs. Mary Heyl to our teaching staff as the seventh year homeroom teacher.
• The first year for St. Ursula's Middle States Association accreditation.
1989
• Students in grade 8 in 1989 painted the Allison Park post office windows to celebrate Christmas.
• Our students continued to excel by placing in honors band, forensics, PJAS, and many other academic challenges.
• The school continued to benefit from the Giant Eagle Apples for the Students program. This program has been instrumental in
keeping our computer lab current.
1992
• St. Ursula started its extended care program in 1992 with Mrs. Karen Huber as director.
• Mrs. Cheryl Hofbauer was our 4-year-old preschool teacher.
• St. Ursula hosted a 6-school track meet for grades K-4. There were 280 participants!
• Tuition in 1993 was raised from $630 to $700.
• Teacher Mrs. Cross welcomed new baby Marissa to the family.
1995
• Our parent organization was active as ever in 1995, planning the Octoberfest Dinner and Auction, selling SCRIP, and running uniform
swaps, market day, hoagie sales and candy sales.
For 25 years three things have stayed constant.
First - Our students are AMAZING in their academics, extra-curricular activities, and service to the community. Every year our students
shine! Second - Our parent volunteers enrich the school community and help to make St. Ursula a very special place. From athletics to
fundraising to student life, our parents are deeply committed to the success of our school. And third - We are truly blessed to have our
outstanding teachers who go above and beyond just teaching. Forensics, musical, academic competitions and service projects are just
a few ways our teachers go that extra mile for our students. St. Ursula School has been blessed for 101 years and counting!
Editor’s Note: Thank you Susan Michel for a little piece of history and a trip down memory lane.
Sponsors
11
Thank You, Sponsors!
North Catholic High School
"
Chambers Music Studio
Primary Business Address
102 Spruce Dr.
Glenshaw, PA 15116
412 496-1006
Johnstonbaugh’s
4375 Gibsonia Rd.
Gibsonia, PA 15044
724 444-5660
pizzeria
Fast! Fresh! And Hot To Your Door!TM
Allison Park (412) 487-2446
Gibsonia (724) 443-8800
Pasquale's
We offer our students academic excellence and a wide variety of sports
and activities in a co-educational environment. Become a part of NC’s
thriving family!
Accepting applications for Class of 2016.
Affordable tuition with financial aid available!
•Bus transportation available from most surrounding communities!
Call NC’s Admissions Office for more information at 412-321-4823 Ext.
127. Visit us on the web. Search for “North Catholic Admissions” or
“North Catholic High School”
E-mail: [email protected]
Private music lessons available at both locations
Pizza • Wings • Salads • Hoagies • Calzones
"Excellence in Tradition since 1939"
Michael J. Saldamarco, Attorney at Law
Estate Planning & Administration • Business Law
& Incorporations • Real Estate Law
412-367-0446
[email protected]
ST. URSULA FAMILY SPECIAL REFERRAL
10% of fees charged will be donated to St. Ursula
School towards your fund raising assessment!
Refer friends/family and tell them to mention your name.