Author: Janis DeVore

One of the exciting changes at All Saints this year has been the introduction of “Middle
School Houses.” At the start of the year, all students in grades 6-8 were randomly
assigned a “house” named after a particular saint. Through weekly house meetings
each Friday, the students have participated in team-building activities, social
interactions and outreach to the local community. Additionally, the “House Moderators”
have had an opportunity to provide one-on-one guidance and academic coaching to the
students in their group.

One of the results of this initiative has been a stronger sense of belonging for our middle
school students. In the years ahead, the students will remain members of their “House”,
continuing to strengthen their relationships with one another while welcoming an
incoming class of sixth grade students each year.

As we approach the end of the school year, the Middle School Houses are sponsoring
an outreach project to benefit the Mother of Mercy Free Medical Clinic in
Manassas. For Mother’s Day they will be collecting grade-level donations and creating
“new mother bags” that will be made available to those in need. Our middle school
students will be collecting these items between April 29 – May 8, after which they will
organize and evenly distribute items into care packages for new mothers.

Your generous support of this outreach project will greatly benefit the ministry of the
Mother of Mercy Free Medical Clinic as they provide care to those less fortunate in our
community.

The following is a list of requested grade-level donations:

• Pre-Kindergarten – 2 Bottles of Baby Wash/Shampoo
• Kindergarten – New Receiving Blankets/Baby Blankets
• Grade 1 – Diapers/Baby Wipes
• Grade 2 – Diapers/Baby Wipes
• Grade 3 – New Burp Cloths
• Grade 4 – New Packages of Onesies
• Grade 5 – New Newborn Clothing (0-3 months)
• Grade 6 – Swaddle Blankets
• Grade 7 – 2 Sets of New Pacifiers
• Grade 8 – New Baby Bottle Feeding Sets

Our own Mrs. Stefanie Horgan was a featured speaker at the National Catholic Educator’s Association Annual Conference, April 23-25, 2019.  Mrs. Horgan co-presented with a former colleague on two topics.

• Advanced Google in the Classroom encouraged participants to discover new methodologies for integrating technology into the classroom. The presentation focused on the world of website creation and the best use of hyperdocs with examples of cross application projects in real classrooms. Participants were introduced to the concept of digital portfolios for students to provide them with the necessary tools and skills to use technology as well-rounded, educated adults. Google’s suite of applications has allowed All Saints to meet the high demands of the curriculum while maintaining student engagement. Through the introduction of G-Suite into our repertoire, All Saints has enhanced differentiation instruction for learners.
• In the sessions entitled Literature Inspired STEAM Units, teachers explored how to use read-aloud books and stories to inspire STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art, and Math) units. Making connections across subject areas and exploring concepts with hands-on projects and activities allows students to expand their learning and stay engaged in lessons. With the growth of jobs in the technology and engineering fields, students need to have exposure to these skills to help them succeed in careers. Studies show that project-based and hands-on learning increase student engagement and retention of concepts. The STEM/STEAM/STREAM movement provides students with these skills and opportunities. By designating the ‘R’ as Religion, Catholic educators are also able to incorporate ideas and studies that reflect our faith.Mrs. Horgan shared, “My goal as a speaker is to continue to encourage teachers to challenge students to think in new ways and to use new resources. Using literature to inspire STREAM lessons provide students with the ability to explore some of their favorite books and stories and to see them in new and exciting ways.” 

On behalf of All Saints, we would like to thank Mrs. Horgan for her willingness to share her knowledge on these topics with Catholic school teachers from around the country during the NCEA Conference.

As part of our Year of Kindness activities and recent focus on “kindness to the community,” All Saints students made a special presentation to the Manassas City Police Department to show our appreciation for all they do for our community.

Students in every grade level took part in activities to thank the members of the police department for their service and partnership with our school. A framed poster was signed by students in Pre-Kindergarten through 2nd grade, students in 3rd – 5th grade made large-size class cards, and middle school students assembled baskets of snacks with positive messages written on each treat.

The presentation was made at the end of our National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony to tie-in with the importance of leadership as exemplified by the members of the Manassas City Police Department.

Students at All Saints Catholic School are featured in an article about the Little Medical School and Little Veterinarian School written by Marianne Weaver for the April 2019 issue of Bull Run Mountain Neighbors.

The Little Medical School and Little Veterinarian School are hands-on, interactive programs designed to introduce students to the field of medicine. Offered as afterschool STEM activities, third grade students have the opportunity to participate in Little Medical School and fourth grade students take part in Little Veterinarian School. These fun and engaging programs are offered through a partnership with Beth Ross, former All Saints parent and President of Little Medical School – Northern VA.

See the featured article below, including feedback from our school community:

“A Little Medical Training at All Saints” – by Marianne Weaver, Bull Run Mountain Neighbors.

We are thrilled to announce that Mrs. Suzanne Blair, All Saints Art Teacher, has been selected by the Prince William Chapter of the Catholic Business Network (CBN) to receive one of two 2019 Catholic Teacher Awards.

This special honor, which will be awarded at the CBN-PW Chapter Meeting on April 10, 2019, is presented to teachers who represent excellence in teaching demonstrated through the creative engagement of students, proven leadership, and a commitment to serving others. Ms. Katherine Bidinger, Special Education Teacher at St. John Paul the Great High School in Potomac Falls, was also selected for her outstanding work as a Catholic educator.

Excellence in Art Education
As an artist with two decades of experience teaching art, Mrs. Blair enthusiastically provides All Saints students with a strong foundation in art. With an appreciation for the abilities of each child, Mrs. Blair gently guides her students step-by-step through each project, the result of which are magnificent examples of student work that showcase their personal expression.

The All Saints Art Room is a vibrant learning space where students are truly engaged and provided with ongoing opportunities to work with a wide range of media. With access to a kiln and a beautiful space dedicated to the study of art, Mrs. Blair’s classroom is much like a workshop where she and her students work diligently to create beautiful masterpieces.

We wish to congratulate Mrs. Blair on receiving this award and let her know of our appreciation for her efforts in guiding, teaching and inspiring our students!

As part of our “Year of Kindness,” we will continue with Kindness to Community.  Our focus is now on community helpers.  The school will be adopting the City of Manassas Police Department and all grades will participate in showing our gratitude and appreciation for everything they do for our community.  The classes will all participate in different aspects of a gift to the police department.  At home you can talk with your children about all the helpers in our community and how you can show kindness to them.

Also, our kindness to community “confetti house” is touring the classrooms this week. The students will fill it with kindness confetti that represents all the different “kindness to community” activities they have done in December, January and February (i.e. food pantry donations, toy drive).  It has been great to see all the different ways the students have given back to the community.