We want to thank Bishop Farrell for his first visit
to The Highlands School today. The
Bishop will return for graduation to celebrate Mass and award the diplomas
to our graduating seniors in May. We
appreciate the turnout today of parents, alumni and other friends of the
school. The Bishop was very
appreciative of the warm reception he received from The Highlands School
community.
THS
Auction Gala: Thanks
to everyone who attended, participated or volunteered for the 2008 Auction
Gala. The final tabulated results
are not yet available. However we are very pleased with the tentative
results.
Parent
Survey:
We will close the Parent Survey on March 17. If you have not had the opportunity,
please complete the survey by click on the following link:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=zu3vT94ztbi0op2X3hWPAw_3d_3d
Monica
Ashour Honored: Mrs.
Monica Ashour will be honored at Bishop Farrell’s 15th Annual
Catholic Pro-Life Dinner on April 5 at the Hilton Anatole. Mrs. Ashour will be receiving the Bishop’s Pro-Life Award for Civic
Action for her wonderful example, not only diocesan-wide, but
state-wide in training students in advocacy. For ticket information contact www.prolifedallas.org.
School
Main Office during Spring Break: THS Main Office will be open Monday,
March 17 to Wednesday, March 19 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Summer
School: THS announced the Summer School
curriculum in last week’s Weekly.
Please visit THS website for more details.
Re-enrollment:
We
are doing extremely well in our reenrollments and new applications in our
Admissions Office for next year. Thanks to all families and friends of the
school for sending us some outstanding referrals. Keep up the good work of
telling The Highlands School story.
Congratulations
Mrs. Tammy Tran! You are the recipient of a $500.00
Work of Heart Award. We appreciate everything you do for The Highlands
School.
Nominate someone deserving for the Work of
Heart:
info@catholicfoundation.com
Bernice
Engel’s Field Trip Testimonial
I want to share an
overview of yesterday’s Middle School field trip:
At the beginning of
the day, I was rethinking the wisdom (sanity) behind the decision to take
ALL 6th - 8th grade boys AND girls, but as the day
unfolded I was honored to be in the presence of these wonderful young men
and women. Here are some highlights (bragging points):
The 8th
graders lead the pack: I assigned my
8th grade girls as ‘class leaders’. They were given the responsibility
of collecting all money, taking attendance in the morning, and doing roll
call for bus loads. They were GREAT!
Several 8th
grade boys lead the sports. They were in charge of obtaining
equipment from the PE department, keeping track of them, and returning them
at the end of the day. Thanks! I can’t imagine not having been
able to play sports on such a great day.
At the
performance: We arrived 15 minutes early and
had to wait in the foyer of the auditorium. Again, my nerves kicked
up. But they all stood around like young men and women and waited
patiently. Once we were allowed in and were seated, they maintained
their poise. I even heard them turn around and carry on GREAT
conversations with students from other schools. There were conversations
like: “Are you allowed to wear make-up?” “No” “Wow, I would DIE if I
couldn’t” “No, actually, you’d live.” Or “Do you like to wear
uniforms?” “Yes, it is one less thing to worry about”. Of course,
there were rude comments sent our way from the other students, “You look
like Harry Potter” “You look ridiculous” not to mention the LOOKS and
pointing. It was hard to turn the other cheek, and at times we
faltered, but as a whole our kids maintained great control. I am also
proud to say that I passed out candy (one per student) while waiting for
the buses to arrive. Each child thankfully accepted the small Jolly
Rancher and one student (a boy) went around with an empty bag and collected
the wrappers!
At the park:
Yet another “What were you thinking?” moment. 90 hungry (starving!)
middle school kids descending on a wooden playground currently being used
by moms and young children enjoying a quiet, warm afternoon. However,
as the buses unloaded I kept hearing “What can I help with?” “Can I
carry that for you?” “What else needs to be brought to the table?” =
the fruits of our formation!!
My 8th
grade girls quickly took the lead and organized the crowd. They had
the classes line up single file around the perimeter of the table.
Then Bob quieted them (it only took a second) and we all prayed. It
was an impressive sight! The 8th grade girls and I passed
out pizza for each class. Instead of the ‘normal’ hoarding of food, I
kept being asked “How many may I take?” “Thank you!” “Thanks”
“Please pass me a plate.” “Thank you, for the pizza.” “Thanks.” “May
I have another piece?” etc. They were wonderful.
To be honest, we
debated over taking them to separate parks, but this was a VERY positive
experience. They ended up playing a great game of basketball (the
girls SMOKED the boys!!), playing tag, and just hanging out carrying on
great conversations.
When it came time to
leave, I once again was surrounded with questions like “What can I help
with?” “Can I carry that for you?” “What else needs to be
brought to the bus?”
Upon our
return: Enumerable “Thank
you’s”. I showered them with praise and hope that you will
do the same.
I know that
sometimes we can get stuck in the rut of complaining about all that needs
to be improved, but let’s take the time to pause and thank God for the
blessing of these wonderful young men and women and ask that He continue to
strengthen us so that we stay focused on our mission: formation,
formation, formation because the fruits are too precious to pass
up.
Much thanks to Bob,
Frank, Adam, Angela and Sarah! It was a pleasure working with you.
Bernice
Vocation Action
Network will host Third Sunday of the Month ADORATION FOR VOCATIONS,
Palm Sunday, March 16, 2008. What an excellent way to begin
Holy Week! Father Frank Formolo, LC, will expose the Blessed Sacrament
and offer Benediction. Charlene Alexander, Consecrated woman of
Regnum Christi, will give a short testimony of her call to Consecrated
life. Adoration begins at 7:00 P.M. and ends at 8:00 P.M.
This Lenten opportunity is open to ALL families and takes place in the Chapel
at The Highlands School. Please join with us to “…ask
the Master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”
Questions can be directed to: Alden and Connie Kielhorn--
972-570-9129.
Save
the Date:
Marriage Renewal Retreat scheduled for Saturday, May 10, 10:00 am at The
Highlands School. The retreat master
will be Fr. Alfonse. More
information will be coming from Eve Cook.
Family Variety Show DVD’s On Sale: If you would like a DVD of this year’s Family Variety Show, please
make your request at the Main Office.
Fill in the form and pay your $10 (cash or check).
Lost Item at the Gala: At THS
Gala last Saturday, one of our parents left his coat at the Hyatt
Hotel. Lyn LaMothe, from the Auction Committee, Richard Owen and
Hotel Security have been informed of the lost item. The item is a full-length dark grey wool
gentleman’s coat. If you locate it,
please call THS’ Main Office at 972.554.1980.
Thank you for your help.
Holy
Week Talks & Reflections: Click here
for more information and details.