Alumni Memory: Beth Haig Seright

Today we hear from Beth Haig Seright, a member of the class of 1972, who formed lasting friendships with her OLS classmates:

"I couldn't pass up the opportunity to thank OLS for my friends for life. Our ladies group is even named after Our Lady of Sorrows. We are the SSSS Girls: Second Saturday Sorrows Sisters, and like the name, we get together on the second Saturday of most months. Nothing fancy, just fun. We even plan trips together.

The SSSS Girls during a recent Saturday gathering.

We graduated in 1972 and are family. We celebrate joyous occasions and mourn together in dark times. We've married, had families, and currently are becoming new grandparents.

Fortunately, we had a wonderfully close class. We've had reunions, and we often make plans to get as many classmates together as we can. Our memories of OLS, our parents, and our teachers all made lifelong impressions on us. I wouldn't have it any other way."

We'd love to share your OLS memories, too! Send us an e-mail or comment on this post.

Alumni Memories: Mary Ryan

Today we have the first installment in our alumni series:

"My name is Mary Ruth Jacobsmeyer Ryan, and I graduated from Our Lady of Sorrows in 1936. In August of 1928, I turned five years old and started kindergarten at OLS. My kindergarten teacher's name was Mrs. Reed, but I only had her for one week. At the beginning of my second week of kindergarten, we were lining up to come in from recess when Sr. Delphina, the first grade teacher, saw me. She came up, grabbed me by the collar, and told me that I was going to be in first grade because I was too tall for kindergarten! Nobody thought it was odd at the time to skip kindergarten and be in first grade at five. So, in May of 1936, when I graduated from OLS, I was only 12 years old.

I'm sorry to see the school close. I have such fond memories of my years there."

Do you have any memories to share from your time at OLS? We'd love to hear them! Comment on this post, send us a Facebook message, or e-mail olsorrowsblog@gmail.com.

Modern Day Parables

The 7th graders recently performed skits they wrote that modernized well-known parables. One group retold the parable of the net, changing the setting to a modern bakery. The other group retold the parable of the wedding feast set in a current day junior high school. The 7th graders invited the kindergartners, first, and second graders to watch their skits. At the end, all danced together at the "feast" or party! All are welcome!

7th vs. 8th Volleyball Game

Yesterday to kick off our Catholic Schools Week celebration, the 7th and 8th grades faced off in a volleyball game while the younger students and faculty cheered them on. Though the 8th grade had the advantage of more subs, the 7th grade played with spirit and enthusiasm. Both teams had a blast, and their fans loved cheering them on!

Today, the fans and players will be reversed during our PeeWee football games. Parents are welcome to come watch the excitement at 12:30. Pics to come!

Pro Life March

On Friday, while Catholics from across the nation gathered in Washington DC to march for life, our students held their own march at school. Led by the 1st graders, the entire school processed in silence in support of all life. They first marched through the classroom hallways and then headed to the gym where the school community prayed a decade of the rosary together. Their silent procession and prayerful support of the Pro Life cause serve as a beautiful example of the faith life at OLS.

Mastering Multiplication

Ms. Schweiss's third graders are hard at work mastering their multiplication facts. They know that repetition is key to learning, so they take turns quizzing each other with their multiplication flash cards.

Celebrate our History, Share your Story!

Calling all alumni: as we say goodbye to our beloved school this semester, help us celebrate our proud history! We'd love to collect and share YOUR memories, stories, photos, and reflections from your time at OLS. Comment on this post or send us an e-mail at olsorrowsblog@gmail.com to participate in this project. We look forward to hearing from you!

Open Gym @ SJA

Join us for our next community-building Open Gym! We'll meet at St. Joan of Arc on Friday, January 27th from 6:30-8:30. If you're able, bring a snack and a 2-liter to share. See you there!

How To Book Reports

At the end of last quarter, Mrs. Huelsing's second graders worked on book reports on a nonfiction book. Specifically, they chose books that taught them how to do something. After reading the book, the students followed the instructions, created a special item, and brought it to show the class. Students chose a wide array of items to create: a wooden bench, wax gifts, origami churches, and a paper mache globe, among other things.

Black & Gold Tournament

The Annual OLS Black & Gold Tournament is in full swing! If you're looking for a fun family night of basketball, stop by Faenger Hall any night through January 20th. Admission is $2/adult, $1/child, or $5/family. Concessions available for purchase, too. See you there!