Mini-Walk for the Homeless is October 21
🐂 🐂 🐂 Welcome to Day House! 🐂 🐂 🐂
Join us on October 21 to help raise awareness and financial support for N Street Village. For those new to HTS, N Street Village is the largest provider of housing and supportive services for women experiencing homelessness in DC. Our mini-walk nd coincides with the organization's own SHERO Walk, which will take place October 15.
We have a fundraising page under the HTS Team Page to collect donations on the SHERO Walk's website at this link. As in previous years, 100 points go to the Houses with the most participation and the most money raised. Thank you for helping Day House assist those who need it!
Here are 5 fast facts about Dorothy Day:
Dorothy Day was born November 8, 1897
Dorothy Day was an American journalist
Dorothy Day was a social justice activist
Dorothy Day founded The Catholic Worker movement in 1933
Dorothy Day lived her life doing the Works of Mercy
Dorothy Day
November 3 is our Day House Day!
🐃 Show your Day House spirit like these bison, who are ready to take on the world! And of course, wear your orange.
Hi Day House Herd, 🐃
Please enjoy this video that Ms. Bradley found, which expresses gratitude in a really special way. We hope you enjoy it!
Points Challenges
These points challenges can be completed for house points at any time unless there is a specific deadline included in the challenge details.
Make a Friendship Bracelet for our Sister Parish in Haiti
Invite your friends and family members to make friendship bracelets with you for students at our sister parish in Haiti. Then, bring them to school or mail them to the address at the bottom of the instruction sheet. Click here for instructions.
Send an Encouraging Note to a Parishioner
More than a few of Holy Trinity’s parishioners are in need of cheering up. Members of House Day are known for their kindness. For this points challenge, we invite you to put kind thoughts onto paper in the form of a note to a parishioner. If you have lost the email with parishioner addresses that Ms. Moore sent, let her know, and she will resend it to you.
Make a Kindness Calendar
One way to make gratitude a daily habit is to have a calendar that has prompts for you to follow. Here is an example.
We challenge you to create your own kindness calendar. Print out or draw a calendar for the month of your choosing, and write an action on each day ("Write a thank you note to HTS' maintenance staff for keeping our school sanitized during the pandemic," "Do the dishes for mom without being asked," "Compliment a friend," etc.).
Decorate and color your calendar and hang it up. Then take a photo of it and send it to Ms. Moore. For bonus bonus, take some photos (or ask your parents or siblings to take photos of you performing) your acts of gratitude.
You can set up daily recurring reminders on your phone so you don't forget to complete your daily act of gratitude!
Write a Letter about Climate Change
On October 4, we celebrate the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, who loved nature and animals and lived among the poor.
Global warming means our Earth is in danger. It also means that animals and people are in danger. As the Earth gets hotter, it gets harder and harder to stay safe and have enough food to eat.
Saint Francis showed us by example how to follow in Jesus’ footsteps and love all of Creation. It is now up to us to lead by example and take action to protect the planet.
Even though you're not yet old enough to vote, did you know that you can still contact our country's leaders and ask them to stand up for the things you care about? Tons of kids have written letters about global warming to Congress (the group of people who make laws for the United States).
Holy Trinity students show their gratitude for all that God has created. In honor of St. Francis of Assisi, we encourage you to think about how grateful you are for our Earth and then write a letter to Congress asking for action to protect the planet from global warming. Write your letter, decorate it, and either bring it in to school and show it to me OR take a photo of it (so that we can read the whole thing) and send the photo to Ms. Moore.
Then, mail your letter to this address:
1901 N. Moore St.
Suite 1108
Arlington, VA 22209
This is the address of the representative in Congress who lives closest to Holy Trinity. He will receive your letters, and we hope he will take action on climate change!
A few tips:
Look at the examples of letters here: https://climatemuseum.org/climateartforcongress
If you want to review how humans are causing climate change and why it’s bad for the Earth, the News section of the 4th grade website has some good information: https://sites.google.com/htsdc.org/4thgrade/news?authuser=0
The videos on this website are also great: https://ourclimateourfuture.org/videos/
Hi Day House,
Here are two points from gratitude researchers Jeffrey Froh and Giacomo Bono:
Acts of kindness that inspire gratitude are usually done on purpose, with intention. Someone has noticed us, thought about what we need, and chosen to do something to meet that need. Reflecting on the intentions behind these acts deepens our sense of gratitude.
Each act of kindness has a “cost" to the person who performs it. The cost may be time, effort, something that was given up, or a financial cost. When we understand those costs, we gain a deeper appreciation of the person who acted in a caring way.
The kindness we experience from others is something we can replicate by ourselves being kind in intentional ways.
Knowing your character strengths will help you be “a person for others” on a daily basis. As an aside, research has also shown that people who know their character strengths and use them on a regular basis are happier. (If you don’t know what character strengths are, they are qualities that help you to be successful and be a better person.)
To take a free quiz to find out your character strengths, click here.
Once you know your character strengths, you can use them this week (and into the future) to overcome challenges, have great relationships with your family, teachers, and friends, brighten other people’s day, and help people in need.
March 14, 2021
Congratulations to our two Day spirit shirt finalists, Ava and Nora! Both girls earned 5 points for their artistry. Day also earned 50 points for having the highest participation in the contest.
This week, we celebrate Saint Joseph’s Day. You will see an altar set up in the main upper school entryway. Please bring in a loaf of sliced bread to place on the table in front of the altar. The bread will be donated to the hungry.
Please take some time to reflect on having passed the one year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic in our area. Below is a prayer for you to say as you look to God to continue guiding you during this difficult time.
Your teachers are grateful for the patience, determination, and positivity you have shown throughout the past year!
Loving Creator,
We asked for strength, and you gave us difficulties to make us strong.
We asked for wisdom, and you gave us problems to solve.
We asked for prosperity, and you gave us purpose and brains to use.
We asked for courage, and you gave us fears to overcome.
We asked for patience, and you gave us situations where we were forced to wait.
We asked for love, and you gave us troubled people to help.
We asked for justice, and you called us to be just and lead with integrity.
Lord, we have received nothing that we asked for or wanted.
And yet, we received everything that we needed.
For this we give thanks.
Amen.
Prayer by Colleen Hanycz, Ph.D., incoming president at Xavier University in Cincinnatti
February 14, 2021
The reflection below asks us to think about how you can “love as Christ loved” and show that love to your classmates, friends, family members, and even people you don’t know. Let's extend Valentine's Day into the rest of this week and show love everywhere we go!
"We all must discern our vocations in this life, but may we never forget that we are all called to a common vocation of Love.
Our other “titles” in life are secondary to our primary calling to Love as Christ Loved.
Within the vocation of Christ-like Love we will find that our other roles in life are whole. We can’t be an effective student, daughter, son, brother, sister, athlete, artist, or musician without approaching that vocation in the context of our greater vocation of Love.
May we all take our vocation of Love to heart today and every day."
Reflection adapted from Coffee with Saints
Spirit of Abundance, God of Grace, Mother of Hope,
We pause now to remember those stories that are all around us,
but so often passed over –
those stories that when told are shared because
of what someone is, not who they are.
This month in our nation's character
is Black History Month.
Help us to realize that black history is
all our histories.
May the day come when these stories
are so widely taught that no month need
be separately divided.
We know this day will not come until we as a people
make different choices.
We pray now for those new choices.
Amen.
February 2024
This month is Black History Month. After learning about the African-American experience in your classes, take a moment to reflect on the experience of being black in America.
How are things different for black Americans than for Americans of other skin colors?
How can you be a “person for others” during this time when there is still so much racism?
How can you be proactive and not just reactive when it comes to modeling God’s love for all human beings?
The prayer to the left is an abridged prayer shared by Jesuit college Xavier University. We pray that we find the space and courage to fully honor our African-American brothers and sisters, not just during Black History Month but all days of the year.
February 1, 2021
In honor of Thursday's Arrupe Day, this week’s reflection is a story from Fr. Arrupe’s time in Latin America. One thing you may not know about Father Arrupe is that he was person who first called on us to be "people for others." Fr. Arrupe's commitment to social justice is at the core of Jesuit education.
While in Latin America, Pedro Arrupe celebrated the mass in a suburban slum, the poorest in the region. Fr. Arrupe was moved by the attentiveness and respect with which the people celebrated the mass.
Afterwards, a man invited Fr. Arrupe to his home. The man’s home was a run-down shack. The man invited Fr. Arrupe to observe the setting sun with him. After the sun went down, the man explained that he was so grateful for what Arrupe had brought to the community. The man wanted to share the only gift he had: the opportunity to share in the beautiful setting sun.
This story reminds us that just because we are young or poor, it doesn't mean that we don't have gifts to give. Our gifts may not be things we've bought, but they can be just as meaningful to the recipients. They don't even have to be physical items!
Think about what gifts you can give to your friends, family, and teachers this week. Can you cheer up someone who's having a tough day? Can you give a compliment? Can you offer to help with a tedious chore or task?
January 25, 2020
Welcome back to our first full week of hybrid school, herd 🐂 , and 70th Happy Birthday to Fr. Gillespie!
A reflection on the radio made us think of Day House. Three faith leaders (a bishop, a rabbi, and a minister) were asked to speak about how they find hope in tough times.
The rabbi, Shmuel Herzfeld, offered this piece of wisdom: "Our faith teaches us that the first thing we're supposed to do when we wake up every morning is to spend time expressing our gratitude, to find something that we're grateful for ... We all need to be waking up every single morning and saying, how can we make a difference in other people's lives? How can we be a source of positive energy? How can we be a source for good in this world ... ?"
Let's make it a goal to take one minute each morning this week to express our gratitude for something and think of a way to be a positive presence in the day ahead.
January 18, 2020
Today we celebrate and honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who calls upon us to play an active role in making sure that everyone is treated equally. He also challenges us to find peaceful ways to demand change and have conversations with people who don't have the same opinions as we do.
Holy Trinity students are "people for others." This week, think about how you can honor Dr. King with your actions.
If you see someone being teased or left out, stand up for that person or invite that person to join you. It isn't important to be "cool." It's important to have a good heart.
If you see that someone is being made fun of for his or her accent, hairstyle, or skin color, point out that although parts of us make us seem different, other parts of us are the same. We are all children of God, and God loves each one of us equally and just the way we are.
Lastly, think about the things you have for which you're grateful. Good doctors, a warm home, a nice school, and a safe neighborhood might be some of the things on your list. For a long time, laws and personal prejudices have made it difficult for African-Americans to have many of the things most white people have. Organizations, governmental representatives, and even kids just like you are working to make sure African-Americans have the same opportunities that white Americans have. Talk to a parent or teacher to learn about ways you can help. Remember what our House founder Dorothy Day teaches us: it is not the responsibility of just the government or the Church to help people in need. It is ALL of our responsibility.
January 11, 2020
Here's a Monday Motivation from Coffee with Saints.
"Work, trials, and sacrifices that come from love feel so different than those which come from angry obligation. When we give out of love... the Lord repays our cost with Grace. The cost, the work, the trial, and the sacrifice becomes a source of life."
Let’s try to fill our tasks with love this week. Whether you are working on homework or sacrificing free time to help your family members or call a grandparent, think about why you’re doing what you’re doing and try to have a positive attitude. Let’s think about how we can approach our responsibilities and choices with love!
January 4, 2021
Welcome to Flight 2021, Herd! 🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂
We are prepared to take off into the new year.
Please make sure your Attitude and Blessings are secured and locked in an upright position. All self-destructive devices should be turned off at this time.
The captain has cleared us for takeoff.
Destination: GREATNESS!
December 14, 2020
Happy third week of Advent, when we celebrate joy. Joy is a powerful motivator. It can help us keep going even when there are big challenges or difficult things we're going through.
This week, think about when you feel joy and how you can give joy to others.
You probably feel joy when you receive something that you really want or someone pays you a really nice compliment. Do you also feel joy when you give something to someone else? What about when you share something with a friend? Does it make you feel happy to know that you can share something that will bring joy to another person, too?
Congratulations to Ann P., whose social justice poster placed 2nd in the school-wide contest! Ann's poster is displayed alongside other finalists' and winners' in front of Holy Trinity Church.
December 7, 2020
Greetings, Day House Herd! 🐃
Happy Second Week of Advent. This week we celebrate peace.
Ways our HTS community can encourage peace:
If you see someone being left out, invite him or her to join you. If you see someone picking on a classmate, stand up for that classmate.
If one of your siblings is annoying you, what could you do instead of shouting at him or her?
If you see things that separate people in your community (political views, access to money/food vs. lack of access, etc.), how you can act to bring people together?
If you need inspiration for acts of service, check out what Luca (Arrupe) did for fire fighters and emergency medical personnel in DC: he raised nearly $7,000!
November 30, 2020
This week, we have a reflection inspired by Pope Francis’ recent essay.
Let us be thankful for the medical personnel and caregivers who dedicate their lives to others each and every day, not only because they better and in many instances save the lives of people we love, but because they are examples of the love that God has instilled in each of us and asks us to share with others.
As Pope Francis writes in this essay, "Whether or not they were conscious of it, their choice testified to a belief: that it is better to live a shorter life serving others than a longer one resisting that call. That’s why, in many countries, people stood at their windows or on their doorsteps to applaud them in gratitude and awe. They are the saints next door, who have awakened something important in our hearts, making credible once more what we desire to instill by our preaching.
"They are the antibodies to the virus of indifference. They remind us that our lives are a gift and we grow by giving of ourselves, not preserving ourselves but losing ourselves in service."
Take time this weekend to reflect on how we, too, can make the choice to become antibodies to indifference. How can we live the Works of Mercy? How can we make service not just a box to be checked but an integral part of our everyday lives?
In case you need a reminder, the Spiritual Works of Mercy are
-encouraging others in finding God,
-helping others to learn from and correct their mistakes,
-comforting people who are sad,
-forgiving others,
-avoiding being bitter,
-and praying for others.
The Corporal Works of Mercy are
-providing food, drink, shelter, and alms (donations) to those who need it;
-visiting the sick and burying the dead;
-and visiting prisoners.
November 16, 2020
Hi Day House Herd, 🐃
Thank you for helping to make Day Day fun and for showing your house pride. A special thanks to Ms. Moore for organizing activities and communications and Mr. Gilbert for showing his creative costume spirit. The winners of the Day Day contests are posted on the Day Day Results page.
Did you know that practicing gratitude has been shown in various studies to make you a happier person? This week’s points challenge aims to help you do just that. For this points challenge and a few others, click Points Challenges at the top of this page. There is no deadline.
November 2, 2020
Hi Day House!
There's one week left before House Day Day! We're excited to tell and SHOW the rest of the school how important gratitude is and how we can take action together to better the lives of others.
This week, Ms. Moore shares a few things you can do on a daily or weekly basis to get into the habit of practicing gratitude. Click here for a printable kindness calendar to inspire daily actions (you can also create your own!).
We are thankful for YOU and all you do for your teachers, friends, families, and communities!
IMG_7284.movOctober 31, 2020
Hi Day House Herd, 🐃
Enjoy this note from your house captain! She has encouraging words as we earn points all our way to the top. Hope all of you Day members had a wonderful Halloween!
zoom_0.mp4October 5, 2020
Hi Day House Herd, 🐃
Welcome to Week 7! Today is National Do Something Nice Day. Think of something nice and do it for someone else.
This week, we have a terrific reflection on Gratitude from Ms. Fuccillo. Remember to wear your house shirts on House Meeting days, enter the Social Justice Poster Contest (see details above), and contribute as you are able to (with the help of a parent) to Shero, the virtual walk for the homeless.
September 28, 2020
Hello Day House Herd, 🐃
Welcome to Week 6 at Holy Trinity School. You have shown great determination already by going to your classes, participating, and doing your work well each day. We are filled with gratitude for you!
This week, we have a pep talk from our House Captain. Our House Captain is an 8th grader who models being a "person for others." Her caring and outgoing spirit are just two of her many gifts.
Please enjoy this week's video and remember to look around you with gratitude by Finding God in All Things.
DAY HOUSE VIDEO.movDay House Video - September 21.mp4September 21, 2020
Hello Day House Herd, 🐃
Welcome to Week 5. In celebration of the International Day of Peace, please enjoy Ms. McGowan's (2nd grade teacher and peace advocate) mentor video. Try to think of ways you can be more peaceful at home and school this week (and always).
Let's make it a great week!
BisonTalk101.mp4September 14, 2020
Greetings Day House Herd, 🐃
Enjoy this week's terrific field trip with Mrs. Devlin to a bison farm in Culpeper, Virginia, and remember to be a person for others – by helping at home, helping your classmates, and showing gratitude to your families and teachers.
Let's make it a terrific week!
September 7, 2020
Hello Day House Herd, 🐃
Welcome to our Weekly Day House updates. Let's show our Day House spirit by remembering to wear our orange house shirts or any orange shirt on House Days.
Let's make it a terrific week!
Make Gratitude a Daily Habit
A 2019 study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that gratitude is linked to happiness by age 5. This means that practicing gratitude from a young age will help us grow up to be happier people.
Look for the extraordinary even in the ordinary. If the sunset is particularly beautiful, comment on it. If the sound of your little sister's laughter warms your heart, tell her. Encourage your friends and family to look for awe-inspiring moments and share them with you.
Here are a few gratitude activities that will help make gratitude a daily ritual:
At lunch or dinner, take turns with your friends or family members sharing one awesome thing from your day.
Every Sunday evening, write down one nice thing you will do for someone this week.
Use gratitude conversation starters to prompt reflection on a daily basis.
Use this kindness calendar to inspire daily actions.
Before going to bed, share with your family members three things you appreciate about them.
March 21, 2021
For our reflection this week, we borrow from the Salesian tradition and make a Preparation of the Day. Think about the below questions as you calm yourself, consider the week ahead, and ask for God's guidance.
Where in my life am I in need of forgiveness?
Where is God calling me to give more of myself?
How can I work to improve my relationship with God during this season of Lent?
Let’sspend the week showing God’s love by sticking up for others in honor of House Romero, whose house day is Thursday!