Heartbeat
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK... |
By Principal Bob Hamm
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This month we conclude our series on Positive Parenting. We will look at some things that you as a parent might do to help your child acquire a positive attitude. 1. Conditioning&emdash;Make sure that the messages you send, both verbally and nonverbally, are positive. Examples of verbal: "Thank you." "That was an excellent idea." Examples of nonverbal: hugs, loving touch, pleasant expressions. 2. Role Model&emdash;Set the example. Be a positive role model for your children. Try to look for the best in every situation. Feel good about yourself. Example: If you run out of gas on vacation, use the time to take pictures of the countryside or of buildings. 3. Reinforcement&emdash;Use positive reinforcement frequently. Catch your children doing things right and reward them. Example: When children perform their chores without being reminded to do so, don't overlook their accomplishments. Express your pleasure&emdash;give praise, recognition. Constantly emphasize the good things they do instead of the bad. 4. Climate&emdash;Provide a positive climate in your home. Make your home attractive, comfortable, and orderly. Another aspect of a positive climate is interaction between family members. Expressions of caring, loving, and concern let each person know that he or she is valued, accepted, trusted, and respected. 5. Multimedia&emdash;Encourage the reading of quality literature. Read to your children frequently, and provide informative books for them to read. Help them select TV and radio programming that are appropriate for their age. Provide opportunities for such things as listening to quality music, attending art galleries and museums, and seeing dramatic presentations. 6. Support&emdash;Show interest in your children's world. Be an active part of the PTG, visit the school, help with their homework, and attend special activities at school. Your interest and support will help foster a positive attitude. If your children are involved in a sport, be there to see them play, don't just drop them off and pick them up later or get someone else to do it for you! 7. Responsibility&emdash;By giving children responsibility we can let them feel important and valued. Give them tasks that they can carry out successfully. Make sure that the task is appropriate to the age level of the child. For example: A child may have the responsibility of making his bed every morning. Don't expect a five-year-old to make his bed as well as a 12-year-old; the important thing is to expect the child to do his best, and for him to know that you hold him accountable for the completion of the chore. 8. Birds of a Feather&emdash;Provide opportunities for your children to be in the presence of others, both peers and adults, who have positive attitudes. Remember that you are known by the company you keep. If you do this when your child is young, when they are older and seek out their own friends, they will seek out people with positive attitudes. 9. Self-Talk&emdash;Teach children to take time as they prepare for their day. Suggest to them such thoughts as, "I've really studied my spelling," and "I'm going to get a good grade." At the end of the day, recap good things that have happened. Planned use of positive self-talk in the morning and at night develops the habit of spontaneous use of positive self-talk throughout the day. Happy parenting! |
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FEW PEOPLE KNOW THE FACTS Bob Hamm Did you know that today in the United States, the average age of a homeless person is nine? This also means that the average homeless person is a child! Over one-third of homeless families have an open case for child abuse or neglect; one out of five have lost at least one child to foster care. Nearly half of the homeless children either have witnessed or have been subjected to violence in their home. Over half of all homeless children have never lived in their own home. Over 40 percent have been homeless more than once. Can you see why we must take a stand now? Without extreme intervention this is not going to get better. In the past 11 years that Stand Up For Kids has been on the streets, the situation has gotten much worse! So, if you've been waiting for a time to get involved, this is the time. During the coming days please remember this: Children are the reason! And, every day is the season! |
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YOU BE THE CRITIC Bob Hamm One of our eighth grade students, Adam Bussell, has been selected as one of ten finalists in the Union-Tribune "You Be The Critic" program. From September 14 through October 19, Mrs. Valenti received Union Tribune newspapers on Thursdays with the arts and entertainment section. Using these newspapers, she had her students read reviews, commentaries, feature stories, letters to the editor, advertisements, comic strips, etc. to learn such concepts as point of view, characterization, fact and opinion, observation and setting. These concepts helped the students write a live theatre review. From all the entries throughout San Diego, a panel of Old Globe Theatre representatives chose the best 150 reviews. Ten finalists were selected from these 150 participants. These ten finalists will participate in an oral interview. Each finalist will receive a three-play weeknight Season 2001 Old Globe Theatre subscription for two. The winner will receive a ten-day, all-expense paid trip to Germany in the spring of 2001, in conjunction with Parade magazine. Adam wrote his review of the play "Trojan Women" performed at the Old Globe Theatre. Congratulations to Adam! We are all very proud of you! |
BIBLE BEINGS
Deacon Giles
I had several brothers, all older than myself. Of all my brothers, my father loved me best. With my brothers, I tended the family sheep. Often, I would share my dreams with my brothers since I loved to dream. The dreams usually related to my brothers, showing me to be special. My brothers were very jealous of me and wanted to kill me especially when my father gave me a coat of many colors.
After waiting awhile, a chance to kill me finally came along. Their plans would have succeeded except for a kindhearted brother who sold me into slavery to Egyptian slave traders who took me into Egypt. God was watching over me and arranged for Pharaoh to take me into his household after having interpreted a dream concerning an upcoming famine.
A long time later, there was a famine in the area and my brothers went to Egypt to acquire food for their families. Seeing my brothers once again made me feel very happy. Since I was in charge of the food, I recognized my brothers who didn't know who I was. Finally I made myself known to my brothers who went back to my father and brought him into Egypt. This allowed my entire family to be reunited at last in Egypt.
Who am I, and where am I in the Bible?
Answer to last month's Bible Being: Queen Esther
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BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION
Congratulations to the fifth grade for winning the Box Tops for Eduction contest for the month of November. The fifth grade brought in 49 box tops and earned one free dress day as a reward. SHA received $22.35 total from all classes who participated in this program for the month of November.
Thanks to all! Please continue to send in your box tops
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Bob Hamm A big "thank you" to all of you who helped make Thanksgiving truly a celebration for the homeless children of our community. Because of your generosity, we were able to provide plenty of food items for their Thanksgiving dinner. We were also able to send them a check for $400! Stand Up For Kids continues to rely on our Sacred Heart Academy family, and we are pleased that we are always able to come through for them. Thank you! |
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STUDENT POETS Bob Hamm Two of Mrs. Colvin's third grade students received first and second place awards recently in the KPBS Reading Rainbow Writing Competition. In this contest, entered by over 1,000 local school children, students were to write poems about heroes. Alex Navarro wrote the first poem. His poem received the Gold Award and Alex won a $100 savings bond for his first place entry. Here is his poem: My Hero Tony Gwynn is a baseball player. He practices every day. When he runs, hits, or throws, He tries his best in every way. He's dedicated to his Padres team He helps others learn how to play. San Diego is his city and home. We hope he's here to stay! Jarred Davidson wrote the second poem. His poem received the Silver Award and Jarred won a $50 savings bond for his second place entry. Here is Jarred's poem: Travis Pastrana Travis jumps so very high, His motorcycle flies through the sky. He accelerates really quick, Then he pulls a moto-whip. He is my hero because he can Fly through the air like Superman.
(Travis Pastrana is one of the youngest motocross riders today. He practices every day and he wins almost every contest. He is only 17 years old.). One of our fourth grade students, Clare Parme, recently had her original poem published in the "Peanut Gallery" section of the San Diego Union-Tribune. Here is Clare's original poem, which she wrote about her grandmother: Gone From My Sight There my Grandmother lay, Sick and confused every day. My mother's tears are of sorrow, Then the same tomorrow. This is terrible for goodness sake! But the worst is to come when I awake... I hear my mother in a voice so sad, I knew it was bad. "My mother is dead," That's all she said. Today she will see the light, Forever gone from my sight.
Congratulations to all our outstanding poets. |
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BABY BONNETS Bob Hamm One of the PTG projects is making and selling bonnets for newborns. The bonnets are something the baby can wear home from the hospital, be used at First Communion, and carried by a bride when she is married. The bonnets are all handmade, which means that someone has to make them by hand! The PTG needs volunteers to help make these bonnets. This is a good way for you to earn volunteer points. Please call Lori Kretz at 225-1250 if you will be able to help make bonnets. If you would like to purchase a bonnet, please order it as far in advance as possible. REWARD Lost: an 18-inch gold chain with a small Saint Christopher. It may have been in the boys bathroom. Reward given if it is returned. Please see Rosalie Covey or call her at 280-0868.
HELP FOR THE NEW YEAR Do you need someone to watch the children so you can finish the last minute Christmas shopping, wrap presents or dance the night away on New Year's Eve? Many of our SHA seventh and eighth grade students are available for babysitting now and throughout the year. Consult page 27 of your handy school directory for a list of student babysitters. HAPPY NEW YEAR! The editor and publisher of the Heartbeat hope that the joy and blessings of the holidays are with you now and throughout the new year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
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THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS Submitted by Bob Hamm (A more spiritual version of the famous Christmas story) 'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the town, St. Joseph was searching, walking up roads and down; Our Lady was waiting, so meek and so mild, While Joseph was seeking a place for the Child; The children were nestled, each snug in their beds, The grown-ups wouldn't bother, there's no room they said; When even the innkeeper sent them away, Joseph was wondering, where they would stay; He thought of the caves in the side of the hills, Let's go there said Mary, it's silent and still; The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow, Made pathways of light for their tired feet to go; And there in a cave, in a cradle of hay, Our Savior was born on that first Christmas Day! The Father was watching in heaven above, He sent for His angels, His couriers of love; More rapid than eagles God's bright angels came; Rejoicing and eager as each heard his name; Come Power, Come Cherubs, Come Virtues, Come Raphael, Come Thrones and Dominions, come Michael and Gabriel; Now fly to the Earth, where My poor people live, Announce the glad tiding My Son comes to give; The Shepherds were watching their flocks on this night, And saw in the heavens an unearthly light; The Angels assured them, they'd nothing to fear, It's Christmas they said, the Savior is here! They hastened to find Him, and stood at the door, Till Mary invited them into adore; He was swaddled in bands from His head to His feet, Never did the Shepherds see a baby so sweet! He spoke not a word, but the shepherds all knew, He was telling them secrets and blessing them too; Then softly they left Him, The Babe in the hay, And rejoiced with great joy on that first Christmas Day; Mary heard them exclaim as they walked up the hill, Glory to God in the Highest, Peace to men of good will! By Sister St. Thomas, B.N.D. de N
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NEXT HEARTBEAT The next Heartbeat deadline is noon on Friday, January 19, 2001. Please e-mail your articles to vthaxton@aol.com or leave a disk with your article in word format in the Heartbeat file in the school office. |
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PTG PROFILES This month, we have three PTG representative profiles, one from a longtime SHA family member, one from a brand new SHA family member and one who has been around for about four years. From newest to oldest, no, most senior, here we go... Kathleen Kohut by Van Thaxton Kathleen Kohut has only been at Sacred Heart Academy since March, but that has not stopped her from jumping in and getting involved. So, she has helped in the classroom, gone on field trips, helped with the Big Event and has now taken over making the hot lunch program successful. What Kathleen likes most about SHA is the community spirit, to which she has greatly contributed. Kathleen is married to Robert Kohut who is retired from Aetna Life. They have been married for 12 years. The Kohuts have one son, Kelley, age 6 and in first grade. He enjoys music and currently takes piano lessons. Kathleen adds, "Kelley is a genius and the sweetest and most loving child on the face of the earth. But then...I am his mother!" The Kohuts also have a beta fish, which Kathleen really likes because of the low maintenance. Kathleen grew up in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and attended Widener University in Philadelphia, PA. She is employed as an infection control practitioner for Sharp Health Care, which means she knows lots of things we would just as soon not hear about. For fun, Kathleen likes to go to the movies, shop for antiques and watch ice hockey. "Go Red Wings" she says. Her favorite movies are from the 1930s and 1940s but admits she has seen too many to have a favorite. Her favorite foods are hoagies and cheesesteaks (her geographical "roots" are showing) and Asian food, especially Vietnamese food. A dream vacation would be to shop for antiques in London. You thought that necessity was the mother of invention. Well, what you didn't know is that Kathleen is the mother of invention! She said that when her son was born, she thought the "Earth Mother" in her had awakened until she almost went crazy staying at home. After a full year off work, she returned to work part-time. But in the meantime, she invented a baby product, The Stroller Strap, which is being marketed nationally by the Infantino Company here in San Diego. The Stroller Strap is a band with three toys that is fastened by Velcro to the stroller, car seat or any other baby device. The band contains three toys, also affixed by Velcro and which can be interchanged for variety. She said that the whole process of getting a product to market was eye opening. "It is absolutely astounding to me that new products ever make it to market, given all the "hoops" one must jump through." She attributes her success in this to the help and support of her husband, as well as "a lot of plain old luck." Van Thaxton by Charlene Ables
Each month, Van Thaxton spends many hours planning, editing, and writing the Heartbeat. This month, she agreed to appear on the other side of the news print for a change. We are indeed fortunate to have such a talented and accomplished individual as Van volunteering for SHA in so many capacities. Recently retired from the practice of human resource consulting, she has taken on the colossal job of cochairing the Big Event&emdash;SHA's premiere fund-raising and social event of the year! In addition, she lectors at church, helps with the monthly Senior Lunches, feeds the homeless and needy with an organization called Loaves and Fishes, is a member of the Childrens' Hospital Auxiliary, and works with the San Diego Crew Classic&emdash;coordinating the catering for this year's successful event. (A common theme&emdash;feeding people!) Born in San Francisco and raised in Walnut Creek, California, ("quite possibly the best place in the world to shop!") Van earned her graduate and undergraduate degrees from San Diego State University. While Van is a relatively "recent" San Diego transplant, Bill her husband of 14 years, is a third generation San Diegan with roots firmly planted in the Point Loma community. "Real estate" is a term with a special meaning to the Thaxtons. Not only has Bill devoted ten years to his career selling and leasing shopping centers for Flocke & Avoyer Commercial Real Estate, he first became smitten with his future wife during a chance meeting in a real estate office 19 years ago. As Van recalls, "I was working in a real estate office as a receptionist. Bill came in to deliver some documents, and I pretended that the person he came to see was on the phone so we could talk. After about 45 minutes, I pretended that the person he came to see was finally off the phone and sent him back. The next time Bill came to the office, we went through this again. Eventually, he got up the courage to ask me out. We married a short five years later." Another happy result of this union is a great kid, Joseph Benjamin Thaxton who is eight years old and in the third grade. Joseph was a go-getter right from the start! Immediately after his birth, this vigorous young man reached out, grabbed the scalpel from the surgical tray, and tussled with not one but TWO nurses before finally relinquishing the scalpel. (A future surgeon, perhaps?) Actually, Van and Bill's "first child" is a fat orange tabby cat named Loco, whom the family adopted from a veterinarian's office. A true survivor, Loco had already used up one of his nine lives when he went to his new family, having survived a coyote attack at the tender age of three months. A multi-talented individual, Van's passion is painting. (Her work is currently on exhibition at Red's Gallery in Point Loma.) Van also loves to walk in the morning with her friends. She recently learned to ride her bike again after a nearly 20-year hiatus, and plans to ride more when all of her limbs are working properly. Her favorite movie comedy is Waiting for Guffman. She loves salmon, shrimp, and almost anything lemon (her lemon bars are famous). And, don't forget the coconut macaroons! More than anything, Van wants someday to visit the Tuscany region of Italy. Her greatest achievement so far? "Having our child has been nothing short of a miracle. By far, this has been the greatest achievement and joy of my life." Charlene Ables by Van Thaxton
Charlene Ables has been at SHA for nine years and during that time, she has held nearly every imaginable job on the PTG board. To wit, she has been PTG president, vice president, secretary, Big Event silent auction chair, auction program chair, room parent, and classroom helper. In addition, for as long as I can remember, she and her husband have taken on the enormous task of preparing the school directory each year and, of course, she is my partner in crime as the publisher of the Heartbeat. In case you did not know, Charlene is the one responsible for the super layout and design of the monthly newsletter we know as the Heartbeat. What Charlene likes most about SHA are the excellent, caring teachers, being part of a small community with the common purpose of Catholic education, and the Core Knowledge curriculum. Charlene has been married to her college sweetheart Ken for 21 years (but they married when they were 12). They met on a blind date and were immediately taken with one another. Ken is a marketing manager at Hunter Douglas Window Fashions in Poway. Charlene works part-time as a self-employed project manager doing layout and design work for The Ken Blanchard Companies in Escondido. She also volunteers as a Brownie troop leader for SHA third graders and is on the Board of the St. Augustine High Booster Club. Charlene was born in Chicago and moved to California when she was less than a year old. She attended UCSD where she received a B.A. in philosophy. The Ables are the proud parents of two beautiful (sorry, Steve, and handsome) children. Their eldest, Steve (SHA class of 1998) is 16 and a junior at Saint Augustine High School. Michelle is 8 and a third grader at SHA. Oddly enough, both children share the same birthday, June 14th, Flag Day. The editor will resist the obvious jab at this juncture. The family also includes "Stretch," a Cocker Spaniel/Basset Hound mix who previously resided in a shelter and adopted them ten years ago. What Charlene likes to do most is exercise walk with her friends (leaving from school most Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays), read (she is a voracious reader) and play Bunco (she is in two Bunco groups). The book that has made the greatest impact on her is Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. She says that this powerful and inspiring book related Frankl's struggle to find reasons to live during five yeas in Auschwitz and other Nazi death camps. She also appreciates the writings of Maya Angelou and Barbara Kingsolver. Charlene's favorite movie is Annie Hall and her favorite type of food is Mexican&emdash;and chocolate. She loves to travel to London, New York City, Santa Barbara and the Sierra Nevada mountains. The Ables family recently returned from an invigorating trip to New York City where she went to a Bruce Springsteen concert and dined at a restaurant that served only peanut butter sandwiches (gourmet, of course). As soon as her feet hit the ground in San Diego, she was dreaming of a trip back to the Big Apple. DENNIS, THIS ONE'S FOR YOU! Bob Hamm We are now nearing the end (hopefully) of a two-year project to build a new addition to our school. From the very beginning two years ago, one person has been with me every step of the way, guiding and directing me in the right direction: Dennis! Too many times I found myself saying: "Dennis, what do I do now?" or "Dennis, is this how this is supposed to be done?" or "Dennis, can you tell me what this means on these plans?" Dennis was always there for me with the right answers. Without him, this project would have been one giant nightmare. His expertise in the construction business was invaluable to me throughout this process. He knew what to look for, what questions to ask, how to make known what we wanted accomplished, and made sure that it was accomplished correctly. Sometimes I found myself trying to make decisions without consulting him, but soon learned that was the wrong thing to do! Thankfully, he was here for me every step of the way! Too many times things happen, and everyone is pleased with what happened, but have no clue about the hours of planning, work, and frustration that went into the project. I just want every SHA family to know how fortunate we are to have Dennis as a vital part of our team here. He makes things run smoothly and, often with very few "thank yous." I know that I, for one, will never take him for granted again. The project now is almost done and, believe it or not, Dennis and I are still speaking to each other! We are still good friends, and I thank him for that! Dennis, you are the best! Thank you! |
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NEW YEAR'S DAY |
School Resumes 8am Mass-4th gr. |
8am Mass-6th gr.
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8am Mass-7th gr. |
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8am Mass-5th gr. Prin. Adv. Comm.-7pm |
8am Mass-4th gr. |
8am Mass-6th gr. Holy Childhood speaker in all classes. Stand Up For Kids collection day |
8am Mass-7th gr. |
8am Mass-8th gr. |
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Martin Luther King Day NO SCHOOL |
8am Mass-4th gr. |
8am Mass-6th gr. Stand Up For Kids collection day
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8am Mass-7th gr. 4th gr. to Voyages of Discovery-SD Harbor |
8am Mass-8th gr. |
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NO SCHOOL Diocesan Teacher Inservice Day |
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8am Mass-6th gr. Stand Up For Kids collection day |
8am Mass-7th gr. |
8am Mass-8th gr. End of first semester |
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8am Mass-5th gr. |
8am Mass-4th gr. Report Cards go home |
8am Mass-6th gr. Stand Up For Kids collection day |
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Sacred Heart Academy
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