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St. Clare Dinosaur Dig

June 09, 2023

St. Clare of Montefalco Catholic School


Dear Board Members,

The year has been enormously busy. We are anxiously awaiting many end-of-the-year school activities like First Communion, Confirmation, class picnics, and 8th grade graduation. The support that your board provides for our school is so appreciated, as it will insure that we can keep one of our favorite teachers in a small classroom setting.

St. Clare of Montefalco has a welcoming feeling that many visitors comment on as soon as they walk through the front door. Artwork, positive and faith-focused messages, and photos hang on every wall throughout the school and in classrooms. Each morning after prayer, our halls are filled with song from the kindergarten and first grade classes singing welcome songs or at lunchtime from the older students practicing in the choir room. It is common to see our parish members volunteering during lunch with small groups of students on math and reading activities. Our students love this time with their “Falcon Buddies”. Both our lunchroom coordinator and playground coordinator stay well beyond their official work time to spend time in classrooms helping the kids and teachers. The most common expressions heard among staff members is “How can I help you with that?” or “Let’s work on that together” or “Don’t worry I’ll show you how to do that”.

This spring, our first and second grade teachers arranged a Dinosaur Dig Day in which the students rotated around from group to group as paleontologists and discovered all sorts of treasures. Journals were used to record their discoveries and students dressed in their favorite dinosaur attire. That same week, the students had a “Camp Day’ in class. Desks were draped in tablecloths as a tent, the Smartboard became the “fire”, kids brought towels and flashlights, read their favorite books, made s’mores, and told stories.

Our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders participated in a “Living Museum” at school during Open House. Each student spent two weeks researching a person of interest, then dressed up as that person and gave a presentation to family, staff, and visitors. This project-based learning activity allowed students to fine-tune their research and public speaking skills in a very creative way.

The interactive and unique experiences our students have in our diverse school could not happen without your continued financial support. We truly appreciate the generosity you show our school. We have included photos of these events for you to enjoy.
Many Thanks and God Bless,

Sarah M. Hensien

Principal, St. Clare of Montefalco