Pirate Scavenger Hunt

Ahoy, mateys!

 Earlier this month, the Ambassadors hosted a pirate scavenger hunt for some of the primary students. The students gathered after school and enjoyed an hour-long pirate soiree. They sported eye patches, hunted for treasure, and munched on a few snacks. While there were a few scallywags in the group, both the younger students and the Ambassadors had a blast with this pirate adventure!

Gearing up for fun: the Ambassadors help fit eye patches on the participants.

Blood Drive

 On Wednesday, November 9th, you can save a life and help OLS students by giving just one hour of your time. The Home & School Association is sponsoring a blood drive, and we're counting on you to help make it a success! The Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center, which provides blood for the entire SSM hospital system, will conduct our drive, and they will provide a grant to our school if we donate at least 20 units on the 9th.

First-time donors and seasoned veterans alike can make a difference by donating. We appreciate advance appointments, but walk-ins are welcome, too. Sign up for your donation appointment either online or by replying to this message.

YOU make a difference. Thank you for your generosity to OLS and to the St. Louis region.

Farewell, Class of 2015!

This year's 8th graders were a top-notch crew.  They took on responsibilities like crossing guard, office aide, and primary helpers, assisting the primary teachers with various jobs.  They worked with their parents to organize a trivia night and weekly pizza lunches.  They completed service hours, both for the school and for the broader community.  In all these tasks, they set an example for the younger students, showing them how to live out the OLS mission.
 

OLS bid a fond farewell to the Class of 2015 at their graduation last weekend.  The newest alums celebrated in style at their beach-themed extravaganza.  It was a wonderful sendoff for a terrific group of students.

Congratulations, Class of 2015!!  We will miss you!

OLS Ambassadors

 
Last week, the OLS Ambassadors enjoyed their end-of-year celebration.  The Ambassadors are 7th and 8th graders who take on a number of leadership roles in the school.  From giving school tours to volunteering at events, these hardworking students provide an invaluable service to the OLS community.  They tackle these additional responsibilities while still balancing their schoolwork, athletics, and family responsibilities not to mention membership in other clubs and organizations.  Their positive attitude and willingness to be role models for the younger students is truly inspiring.

We want to thank our graduating 8th graders for their dedication and encourage our 7th graders to rest up this summer for their big leadership year in the fall!

Family Groups Tackle Twister

At OLS, family groups are a key component of the students' social development.  These mixed groups of students in all grades, K-8, are lead by the faculty.  By gathering monthly, family groups foster friendships across grade levels, serve as leadership opportunities, and create unity through the school.

Last week, the family groups gathered to share lunch and enjoy recess together.  Inclement weather forced indoor recess, but that didn't dampen the fun. 

The Rockin' Ryans play a lively game of Twister.

 

Inspiring our Student Leaders

The Ambassadors and ProLife Club with Coach John Parker.

Earlier this month, the OLS Ambassadors & ProLife Club had the opportunity to meet "Coach" John Parker, a life coach and motivational speaker from St. Louis.  Coach Parker came to their meeting and talked to the students about leadership, overcoming adversity, and responsibility.  An ex-football player and coach, he used his experiences on and off the field to motivate our young leaders.

Buddies Share Christmas Stories

Our 7th and 2nd graders recently teamed up to celebrate the Christmas season.  The junior high students joined their 2nd grade buddies to share a snack and read some Christmas stories.  Divided into pairs, the younger students enjoyed listening to Christmas tales such as The Night Before Christmas and Santa Calls.

Listen in as one of our students reads Olive, the Other Reindeer to his buddy:

A Day in 8th Grade

Social hour: the 8th graders take a break from their studies to enjoy lunch together.

Follow an OLS eighth grader for a day, and you will find them working in small groups in science, playing in the school band, studying and researching independently in the computer lab, performing various jobs throughout the school, and socializing as a large group at lunch.  These students lead the rest of the student body by their example, and what a fine example they provide!

Student Reporter News: Family Group Lunch and Recess

This edition of Student Reporter News recaps a recent family group activity.  Eighth graders Sam S. and Samantha L. explain family groups and describe their recent event.

Mrs. Ryan's family group poses for a picture before the kickball game.

 On Wednesday, October 29, 2014, the kids at Our Lady of Sorrows got together with their family groups.  Family groups are groups with kids from every grade in the school, except preschool, led by almost every teacher in the school.  We got together with our family groups to eat lunch and go out to recess together.  It was a fun time to interact with other kids from different grades.  I learned more about each kid in my family group which was really fun. -- Sam S.

Gathering up for some kickball.

This recent Wednesday, October 29, our school had a Family Group Lunch.  This luncheon was very fun and all students took part in the games at recess.  I really enjoyed this luncheon because it allowed even kindergartners to play the same game as kids my age.  I heard from lots of kids that they had a great time and really enjoyed their lunch and recess.  I am in Mrs. Siekerman's family group and as one of the two eighth graders, I helped all the little kids get set at lunch and also have a great time playing kickball at recess. -- Samantha L.

One of the older students pauses the game to help tie her teammate's shoes.

Top 20

The 7th grade class takes a special course called Top 20. In it, students learn ways to think, learn, and communicate effectively. One of our first lessons this year concerned their “roadblocks” to success.

Students identified and devised methods of overcoming the common pitfalls of junior high life.   Ask a 7th grader if they are above or below the line today!

Buddy System

At OLS, children learn responsibility and the importance of teamwork by working cooperatively with other students.  In our buddy program, each upper-grade student is paired with a student in the lower-grades, and the pairs work together on various projects during the year.

The fifth grade and kindergarten classes recently met for their first buddy activity.  The students worked on a project that helped them get to know each other, marking the beginning of a long friendship.  Through these activities, the fifth graders develop their leadership skills, and the kindergarteners make a friend who will guide them throughout the school year. The students enjoyed working together!