Everest Academy Lemont Blog

During this month of February the students are learning about the virtue of Flexibility. Flexibility teaches us to develop the confidence and ability to recognize temptation and find our way out of situations that are not good, as well as welcome good things that may be difficult at first. Being flexible means knowing how to “stretch” our hearts as well as to “stand strong” for Jesus. This month’s mission teaches kids to ask themselves, “Would Jesus be happy to do this with me?” The mission of the month especially focuses on having your children ask this question about the TV shows they watch or the computer games they play. If Jesus would not be happy watching it with them, they can learn to “stand strong” for Jesus and change the channel or turn it off. If he would be happy, they can remember to ask him to share it with them! Some tips for living Flexibility at HOME: • During a meal or car ride with your children, discuss with them the TV shows they watch. Ask them some questions to help them analyze the character traits that they see. • When saying night prayers as a family, ask your children if they were able to stand strong for Jesus at any time during the day. Did they act and turn off the TV if it was necessary? Did they try to do what the teacher was asking even if others weren’t? • If your child is trying to make a decision, remind them of the criteria. “Would Jesus be happy to do this with me?” This will help them to develop a strong conscience. • In K4J, the character that symbolizes the conscience is called Spark. Encourage your child when you know they are capable of following their conscience by telling them, “You have a strong conscience. I know you will do what is right and be on Spark’s team.” • Saint Clare is the patron saint of television. Read her story for a bedtime book or find a movie about her life for your children to watch.

Here are some other tips for living Thankfulness at home:

• During family meals, share with each other things that you are thankful for.
• Before bed, help your child remember to thank God for all the specific things he gave them that day, including the harder lessons they learned.
• Encourage your child to help lead prayers before meals or other prayers that you say as a family.
• Say a decade of the rosary together as a family once a week to thank Mary for being our Mother who is always watching over us.
• Help your child (and yourself!) remember to write thank you notes to others who have shown you kindness.
• Pray a prayer for vocations every night during bedtime prayers, reminding your child to thank Jesus for all the people you know who have brought you closer to him through following their vocation.
• Invite your pastor or other priest, consecrated, seminarian, or nun that you know to dinner to thank them for their generosity.

This past fall several Everest Academy students competed in the annual Art Contest sponsored by the Lemont Loves the Arts committee. This year's theme was "My Dream Is..." An Open House to present the winners was held on December 6, 2011. An awards ceremony for all 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will be held on January 18, 2012 at the Lemont Arts Center at 1243 State Street in Lemont. We are very proud of our students' talent, creativity and imagination. Students were judged by experts in each particular art category and according to age group: K-2, 3-5, 6-8. Congratulations to the following winners: James Beecher (Grade 7) - 3rd Place, Fine Arts Hector Delgado (Grade 1) - 1st Place, Photography Julia Delgado (Grade 5) - 1st Place, Fine Arts Blake Duffy (Grade 3) - 1st Place, Fine Arts Cassandra Hamilton (Grade 4) - 3rd Place, Literature Caylee Hamilton (Kindergarten) - 1st Place, Fine Arts Keiren Hamilton (Grade 2) - 2nd Place, Literature Brett Looby (Grade 3) - 1st Place, Computer Generated Art John Paul Ramirez (Kindergarten) - 2nd Place, Literature Hannah Yep (Grade 5) - 2nd Place, Photography Julia Delgado (Grade 5), Jessica Janus (Grade 5), Hannah Yep (Grade 5) - 1st Place, Music Group

Throughout the week there will be different activities related to the theme of Catholic Schools Week: “Catholic Schools: Faith. Academics. Service.” This year's theme focuses on three priorities that Catholic schools establish that make them stand out from other educational institutions. Children are taught:

• Faith - not just the basics of Christianity, but how to have a relationship with God
• Academics - which in Catholic schools are held to very high standards to help each child reach his or her potential
• Service - the giving of one’s time and effort to help others, which is taught both as an expression of faith and good citizenship

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK ACTIVITIES

Monday, January 30 | “Everest Loves Our Students”

Main Activity: Libby Thomas as Principal for the Day Faculty and Staff will carry out activities to show their appreciation to the students. Appointed Principal for the day, Libby Thomas, will have a few special activities to be announced.

Tuesday, January 31 | "I Know and Love My Faith"

FAITH

11:15 | Baby Blanket Apostolic Project (Preschool and 7^th/8^th grade class) 1:30-2:50 | Catechism Contest

Wednesday, February 1 | “Teacher Appreciation Day”

ACADEMICS

10:45 | Students' Presentations to all teachers. 11:00-11:45 | Students vs Teachers in Kickball and Basketball 12:00 | Early Dismissal | Note: Please pack extra snack for your child(ren)