"Positively"

There are so many things that make our school a great place to be — as a staff person, a parent, and, especially, as a student. The number of positive events and activities is a source of pride, whether they happen at school or involve a St. Jerome student outside of school. The purpose of “Positively” is to share some of those happenings and to allow you to share our pride, and to celebrate the possibilities when we live with a “can-do” spirit.

June 2008

We’ll begin with a BIG congratulations to Julia Pumphrey, one of our 6th grade students who recently received an Honorable Mention from the South Shore Chapter Mass Citizens for Life. Julia’s 2008 Pro-Life essay was selected from among many fine entries for recognition. Julia is the oldest of 5 lovely young ladies and her example is one we all can appreciate. We are proud of you, Julia!

The 8th grade students have been wrapping up their academic experience at St. Jerome with many social activities. With pride we share the good news that all students have been accepted into the high schools of their choice and will be enrolled at Notre Dame, Archbishop Williams, Boston College High School, Woodward, and Weymouth High School. Scholarships were received by many of these talented teens. We wish them every success as they move on in their academic careers. Good luck!

A very special mention is given to the second grade students, who received their First Communion and became full members of our Church on May 3. They added so much to the school’s May Procession on May 22 as they wore their First Communion attire while we crowned Our Blessed Mother, recited the Rosary and offered Benediction. We know Our Lord will watch over and bless them as they continue to grow in His love and follow His ways.

The annual St. Jude Hospital Math-a-Thon provided yet another opportunity for our students to offer service. Many of the students participated, and the top fundraiser was Brittany McCulloch who has consistently ranked at the high end of the list throughout her years at St. Jerome. We thank her and all the children who participated to help find the cure for childhood cancers. As Jesus reminded us, “whatsoever you do for the least of my brothers, that you do unto me.”

It is with deep gratitude that we salute the specialists at our school who add so much to the total experience our students enjoy. Mrs. Howley directed a fabulous spring extravaganza, showing us how much fun classical music can be. Miss Katie keeps things moving in the gymnasium and has been encouraging and rewarding good sportsmanship each week. The computer lab is buzzing with everything from Marco Polo’s journeys to anticipated summer fun writings. Mr. Clarke has kept the library classes entertaining, engaging and educational. He conducted his weekly trivia contests and the 8 best in grades 5-8 found themselves competing in front of a live audience on May 23. Congratulations to Sierra Flanagan, Kelli McCarthy, Richard McAllister, Christina Berlen, Patrick McCarthy, Nicole DiPietrantonio, Colin Monahan, and Billy Cavanaugh, who all demonstrated the knowledge that can be gained through reading!

Merci beaucoup and mille grazie to Mr. Fred Sheehan and Mr. John Peruzzi, who have added so much enrichment and culture to the lives of our 5th and 8th grade students through the teaching of French and Italian. They have truly demonstrated the value of volunteerism and their commitment to our students has made us all richer.

Lights, camera, action!

The curtain went up on another amazing production as 56 students in Grades 3-8 performed scenes from many famous movies and shows, including Finding Nemo, Shrek, The Polar Express, The Candy Man, and Spongebob Squarepants. It was a lively show with lots of singing and action. The eye-catching scenery was made by the students and one of the scenes (Shrek) was written by our own Patrick McCarthy.

After the final bow, we honored the 8th graders who will be moving on to bigger stages and presented flowers to Marissa Baglione, Sarah Brennan, Brittany McCulloch, Maggie Norton, and Sarah Petriella. We know they will find themselves in the footlights again!

The evening wrapped up with a delicious family pizza party and lots of happy reminiscing. The teacher directors, Mrs. DiVito, Mrs. Madden, Mrs. Navin, Mrs. Puleo, and Mrs. Santry all agree they had as much fun as the kids did (and maybe more!) They pass along their thanks for the generous and beautiful “Plants.”

We send a special thanks out to Mr. Ed Carson, who videotaped so many events at our school this year, from the Mr. St. Jerome Contest to the Christmas and Spring shows, and finally the Drama Club production, “Lights, Camera, Action.” We will treasure the memories he helped preserve for us.

We are very excited to be welcoming several new families to our school for September. We hope they will feel welcome and offer them our support in any way that we can help. An invitation has been extended to new students entering Grades 1-7 to join us for our two summer theme weeks. We know this opportunity to mingle with future schoolmates will make their transition in September that much easier.

Thank you to all those who volunteer in any way to make our school safe and special. We are grateful for your help. Thank you to all the school families for the many ways you show your commitment to making and keeping St. Jerome School a strong Catholic and academic environment. We couldn’t do it without you!

Have a wonderful summer. God bless.