Counselors are Here to Help

by Cyan Channel

February 24, 2020

Counseling is a way for students to help themselves so that, even if they are struggling, they can continue to function and motivate themselves to move forward. You can help yourself focus and get where you want to be in life because Providence St. Mel will help you reach your future goals.

At Providence St. Mel, a student instantly feels the family-like connection that exists. Teachers and counselors care about their students and believe they can do great things, no matter where they are in their learning journey.

“I try to introduce myself to new students to make sure that they know who I am in case they need anything,” said Counselor Theresa Cullen.

“Very much like a doctor, I talk with a student and let them tell me what they perceive is the problem,” said Counselor Marsha Spight. “I just get them to share what is on their heart.”

Our counselors make sure every student knows that they can talk to someone about their problems. I know from experience that in the morning, if you need to talk to someone, you can talk to Ms. Cullen.

“During advisory or lunch... or if it’s an emergency... come to me whenever,” said Mrs. Cullen.

The mindset of the counselors is to remember that students have a life outside of school and some things can affect how you work at school and can cause you to struggle.

“There are certain categories that can affect them: death or illness in their family, their family is struggling financially, or the student may be struggling in academics,” said Mrs. Spight.

So if you feel like you need to talk to someone, don’t hesitate to get counseling.

“My goal is to figure out what's wrong with a student and to help them figure out a way to handle their problems and situations,” said Mrs. Cullen.

Sometimes a student's problems might be right in front of them and the counselor can guide students and give strategies to help with issues that might need more than one session.

“It makes me more concerned about the future of young people and the pressures that they have to face,” said Mrs. Cullen.

It’s nice to know that these counselors are really concerned for their students. It makes being at Providence St. Mel comfortable and less stressful.

Mothers Inside and Outside The Classroom

by Arion Hills

February 24, 2020

According to the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, “Children who are given more affection during their childhood end up having a happier adult life with less stress.'' A good relationship with your parents or guardians can be a lifelong support system. They sacrifice themselves mentally and physically to make sure we get the things we need, and sometimes even the things we just want.

The Providence St. Mel staff is made of many mothers. Preschool teacher Emina Rebronja, 2nd grade teacher Ashley Brailsford, and 5th grade teacher Stephanie Taylor even have their children attending Providence St. Mel. Every mom has had a different experience and went through many stages with their kids.

“Being a mom has made me more selfless and taught me to make sacrifices. It has also helped me grow up. My favorite part of being a mom is when my children do good things,” said fifth grade teacher Stephanie Taylor.

She feels like she has something to do with their success. Ms.Taylor wanted to become a mother because she wanted to give back the love that she received from her mother.

“Even though she is not with us anymore, my mother's love still inspires me to become the best mom I can be,” said Ms. Taylor.

Kindergarten teacher Julie Jovan has been working at PSM for 19 years. Her mother has been a role model and influence on the way she lives her life today.

“I had the most amazing upbringing. God gifted me with the best mother and father combo. I grew up saying my whole life I wanted to be three things - a wife, a mother, and a teacher - because of the love I received from my parents. Being a mom has affected every aspect of my life,” said Mrs. Jovan.

Lower school aid Cecily Meers has recently earned her grandma card.

“The two things that I learned from my kids were patience and compassion. They taught me how to work with them on their pace and time - not letting me speed up or go too slow for them. They showed and taught me compassion by the love they gave me,” said Ms. Meers.

Our mothers and guardians work hard and make sacrifices so our lives can be better. There are not a lot of people willing to do that, so let them know you appreciate it.

If for nothing else, you should say “Thank you.”

Different Backgrounds, Same Purpose

by Tailan Miller

February 24, 2020

Religion teacher Ted Boswell was born in Kentucky and lived in many places including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Japan, and Africa. Athletics director and counselor Teresa Cullen was born in Michigan, and she also lived in Ohio and Oak Park. Spanish teacher Mara Starr was born in Guatemala.

All these teachers came from different places and backgrounds, but now they are all teaching at Providence St. Mel.

“I heard about Providence St.Mel from a previous PSM teacher, and she told me there was an opening right after another school canceled on me,” said Mr. Boswell.

After calling for the opening here at PSM, Mr. Boswell got the job.

“It seemed like an important mission that needed doing,” said Mr. Boswell.

Mrs. Cullen has been here for 23 years. She has been a role model for students to look up to when they need help.

“I came to PSM because I thought it would be a good resume builder. I planned to stay a few years, but I found the environment refreshing, and I really enjoyed the students,” said Mrs. Cullen.

Mrs. Cullen has had many roles at PSM.

“I came here as a counselor, but I got moved to being a coach. I coached for many different sports teams such as basketball, cheerleading, track, softball, volleyball, and most people would not have known, but a swim team,” said Mrs. Cullen.

Right now, Mrs. Cullen really enjoys her work as a counselor.

“It's not about me; It's about seeing young people have the opportunity to become successful in life. Young people are my future,”said Mrs. Cullen.

Mrs. Starr grew up in Guatemala city with her dad. Her parents divorced when she was five, but as a child her parents worked very hard to get her the things she needed.

“I grew up in a civil war. It didn't affect me as a kid, but once I became a teen, I saw lots of injustice of a corrupt government,” said Mrs. Starr. “The army and the guerillas were fighting. We had to go downstairs, and they were killing all of my friends. I was tired of seeing rich people take advantage of the indigenous people.”

This helped create a spark in her life to want to help children and the teens of this age because learning and having discipline helps us in life to deal with the world and the problems that it creates. Years later, after moving to Chicago, she was looking for a job and PSM was just the right one for her.

“I did not know of the school. When I learned about it, I liked how Mr. Adams had a passion to help the community,” said Mrs. Starr.

Mrs. Starr also volunteers outside of school.

“I love to help the community,'' Mara Starr.

All of the faculty have different stories, but now they are all here with one mission, to help children to be successful.

Spotlight on Four Teachers

By T.J. Ervin

May 10, 2019

Providence St. Mel hires quality teachers, and they sacrifice a lot for the sake of the students and their success in high school as well as their transition into college. Let’s take a look inside the lives of Humanities teachers Dan Wessel, John Hansen, Owen Pelzer, and Carolyn Stopka - their past, what they like to do outside of work, and their future aspirations.

“Five kids keep me busy. I have coached softball, baseball, and basketball at various levels, but I love teaching kids,” said Mr. Hansen.

All four of these teachers have taught at Providence St. Mel for four or more years, but they were not always teachers. Mr. Hansen used to be a lawyer at a big law firm in downtown Chicago, Dr. Wessel used to work as a Social Security Disability Adjudicator, and Mr. Pelzer was just coming out of college when he began his teaching career.

“I never dreamed of being a teacher, but later in life gravitated toward the field for its unique combination of intellectual and social engagement,” said Dr. Wessel.

Like any person who has a job, they also participate in things outside of their career field, such as volunteering or participating in events or traveling.

“When I’m not at work, I make a point to see my family and friends, go to concerts and discover new bands, travel, read, cook, volunteer, and learn about new concepts,” said Mr. Pelzer.

History teachers have their dreams and aspirations for traveling to places where they teach about in the classroom.

“Africa is the place I would go; I would love to go to Kenya, South Africa, or Egypt. I would also love to see Madagascar, go on a safari to see the wild life and since I am interested in history, I would love to see where it all began,” said Mr. Hansen.

Teachers, if given the opportunity, would love to travel to places where they will feel a special connection to the times that came before them.

“As a history teacher, I would love to visit Athens and immerse myself in the experience of ancient Greece,” said Dr. Wessel.

Dr. Wessel enjoys spending his time outside of work with his kids.

“These days most of my activities involve taking my kids to the library or park. I do, on occasion, like to see live music,” said Dr. Wessel.

Ms. Stopka’s life consists of both vocal performance and teaching.

“One part of my life was work and the other part was music, but I wish it was filled with spending more time with family,” said Ms. Stopka.

These four teachers live a daily life trying to balance work life and free-time, and to them, it is worth it.

Into A Butterfly

By Dallas Wilson

May 7, 2019

Like a caterpillar, a freshman starts off small and with the help of teachers they are able to flourish and spread their wings.

Many teachers have been able to spend time with students outside of the class, on and off the court. Teaching students becomes less of a job and more of passion and a calling.

“I have seen students mature from freshmen who need to be supervised at all times to mature, independent, seniors who understand the importance of a quality education. I feel great satisfaction when I connect with PSM students after they graduate from PSM and see what amazing individuals they have become. It makes my job worthwhile when I see the success our graduates make of their lives,” said high school counselor Teresa Cullen.

When students enter as freshman, they don’t realize how much teachers watch them and pay attention to their progress. Teachers are able to reflect and look back on the things that they have taught their students, and it is pleasing to know that it helped the students prepare for their journey.

“Seeing students grow in so many different ways is one of the joys of teaching. I've seen students in this senior class grow in their academic skills like writing and thinking,but also in their study management skills, their relationships to others, their behavior in class, the way they relate to teachers, in sports, and music and other extracurricular activities, their religious faith, the way they cope with difficulty/pain/sorrow, their character --- and in their humor, I'm happy to say,” said religion teacher Ted Boswell.

Art classes allow students to take a break throughout the day and use the creative side of their brains.

“I am the proudest when I see students grow in their character. I’ve seen a lot of the senior’s hearts and character grow. As freshman, I saw students like Jada Massey and Dallas Wilson as quiet and unimpressed with their own work, and now I see them as helpful and talented designers who care. It is safe to say that students and teachers learn from one another, and are also able to create valuable relationships that are important even after high school,” said art teacher Melissa Beaty.

This is a bittersweet moment, all of the students will be missed. You now have the tools to spread your wings.

“I want to say that I love you all, and I am here for you if you need me. I hope my method of reality therapy has had an impact on you,and I wish you nothing but the best! Do not lose your joy for life and make sure that you look out for each other. The best way to find happiness is to help others,” said Ms. Cullen.

Building The Foundation For Change

By Alyssa Goodwin

February 28, 2019

“With God's help, we will either find a way or make one.” Providence St. Mel has made it clear that God plays a large role in the function of the school and curriculum. Former PSM student Marshall Hatch has come back to Providence St Mel to illuminate this message by teaching the seniors in the new morality class. This reverend, organization founder, and teacher plans to impact PSM and the African American youth for a better future.

“Education is the foundation of the society. I firmly believe that to educate means to draw out what is already in a learner or a student. Education is not education without critical thinking and building character,” said Mr. Hatch.

Mr. Hatch’s teaching style can be considered unconventional. Instead of starting off with a written arrival, he asks students how they are, what they are praying for and gives them different prompts to write about. Then, he goes into a lecture/ debate teaching style where students use critical thinking and background knowledge to build on what they’re learning.

“Character and spiritual development are what I really want to bring to PSM. A lot of times we expect students to be robots: to sit down, pay attention, do well on the SAT and ACT, but what we don’t do is check on the wellness of students and see what’s going on in their mind and personal life. So what I hope to do is strengthen that component that is a foundational pillar in the mission statement “With God's help,” said Mr. Hatch.

Since Mr. Hatch is fairly young, he believes that he can be the bridge to connect to both the younger and older generations. Many of his students feel as though he is really relatable because of his experiences.

“He's a teacher who is respectful to your personal beliefs, while also encouraging you to better yourself. I feel more connected to him in the sense that he recently just experienced what we now are experiencing, and I like that he's more open with the realities of growing up as a teen in the City of Chicago,” said morality student Jada Massey.

Besides being a teacher, Mr. Hatch also is the founder of The Maafa (meaning “the great disaster”) Redemption project. The foundation’s overall goal is to transform West Garfield Park one life at a time by reconstructing the lives of troubled African American men on the westside. He talks a lot about self help and wellness and improving oneself before they can help the community.

“Mr. Ervin always talks about the spirit of excellence, especially for oppressed groups like ours. It’s a message that you have heard it repeatedly; you’ve heard Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King, and W. E. B. Dubois talk about the spirit of excellence. The work that we as a black community have to do is to build institutions like this one in order to initialize that spirit of excellence. So imagine if we had hundreds of PSM’s across the city. Envision the effect it will have on our people. It’s a part of the reframing process of the damage and trauma that has been distraught on our people,” said Mr. Hatch.

Mr. Hatch wants to build and push the notion of education. One day he wants to expand the Maafa project into a school. Overall he believes education and teaching the youth is one the most important parts to making this world a better place. For now, he will start with teaching his students in morality and the Men in his organization.

“Investing in education is the first step to fixing this world. The people we’re training now are leaders of tomorrow so we have to invest in education,” said Mr. Hatch.

PSM Alumni Back Again As Teachers

By Caylan Gates

February 28, 2019

Most people can’t wait to until their last days of high school. They dread the teachers, the homework, just walking through the front doors makes them upset. However, those who attend Providence St. Mel don’t have this same feeling. Students realize that the skills they gain from attending this institution help them thrive in life. To these former students, Providence St. Mel is a forever lasting home.

Mr. Ervin, Ms. Taylor, Mr. Hatch, and Mr. Browns all attended or graduated from Providence St. Mel. They are all back now to teach the future PSM alumni. Many things have changed for them now as teachers versus when they were students. However, one thing that kept them all close to home was their love for their school and education.

“I believe in the mission of Providence St. Mel: giving our African American students the gift of education and being able to change their lives for the better,” said 5th grade teacher Ms. Taylor.

Ms. Taylor graduated from PSM in 1984 - 35 years ago. A lot has changed since then.

“Of course the building is beautiful. It did not look like this when I was a student here. The neighborhood has changed. There was a lot more violence. Mr. Adams was my principal, and he was very protective of his students,” said Ms. Taylor.

Although the physical part of the building has changed drastically, the mission has always remained the same, “to find a way or make one.”

“I would say the best part is how interesting it is to be a part of the process and the mission that I was also brought up in. The support that I had as a student continues as a teacher,” said high school STEM teacher William Browns.

Mr. Adams has been through the highs and the lows dealing with Providence St. Mel, but he has always stood firm on education. No matter who graduated or attended PSM, most people knew that education was key.

“It’s a good feeling that comes along with it. To see a student being able to say “oh I see it” - it literally brings tears to my eyes,” said Mr. Browns.

Alumni and those who attended Providence St. Mel come back because of the inspiration that they were affected by as students. Many of them had to overcome obstacles in high school, and that motivated them to become teachers.

“I always say that I see myself as a student and as a teacher. If I can make it through, then you can. I am able to tell the students that I made it,” said Ms. Taylor.

Providence St. Mel has become not only a precious institution, but a sturdy foundation for students all over the city of Chicago to count on as a safe, caring, and model of education. PSM is lucky to have teachers who willingly come back to continue the legacy.

Thanksgiving Assembly

An Interview with the Director

By Dallas Wilson and Messiah Martin

December 13, 2018

The Teacher That Succeeds

By Lauren Leggett

November 7, 2018

The attentive students follow her as she paces back and forth across the classroom. Listening to her every word, they mark her advice and nod to her affirmations. They then bow their heads and say the Lord’s Prayer. They finish and turn their attention to the board that has a lesson written about how periodic table elements are all around us. Ms. Mixon’s class has begun.

Sharon Mixon, though currently a middle school teacher, has held a variety of roles at Providence St. Mel for over 30 years. She has not only taught lower, middle, and high school classes, but in the past, she has taken on the roles of general department chair, lower school department chair, and even campus minister.

“I can’t think of a job I haven’t done,” Ms. Mixon laughingly remarks.

Despite the long number of years she has worked at PSM, Ms. Mixon still carries the same amount of purpose, passion, and positivity while instructing her students. Everyday she teaches lessons that ensure the children are not only learning, but enjoying it as well.

5th grade student Aaliyah Igess had Ms. Mixon as a teacher last year and recounts the wonderful experiences she had in her class: “She showed me learning can be fun....We learned something new and interesting everyday!”

Ms. Mixon is able to resonate with her students and make all subjects from English to Mathematics amusing.

“We did a cool project where we made songs about homophones,” said 5th grade student Morgan Harris, who also had Ms. Mixon the previous year.

On top of that, she instills fundamental values such as hard work, kindness, and our obligation as individuals to make the world a better place.

“She always said we should do the best that we can in school. She said become strong, honest leaders,” said Ms.Mixon’s current 6th grade student Tylar Pernell.

Ms. Mixon recognizes and appreciates the power she has to change the lives of her students. However, she also realizes how they have in turn made an impact on her.

“I carry with me the courage and determination of each student, no matter the age. I have learned so much from my students!”

As Ms. Mixon continues her years at Providence St. Mel, it is important that we honor her dedication to the education of her students and the immense contribution she has been to the school.

50 Years Running

By Zakiya Calhoun

May 8, 2018

She is the longest standing instructor at Providence St. Mel. She has been here since 1968 - 50 years. Her position has changed a number times, but she has always made the same positive impact on the students she has come across. Do you know who she is?

Ms. Renee Kallok has been with Providence St. Mel for a very long time. We want to honor her 50th year by telling her story and examining her beautiful inspiration of past generations and those to come.

“Throughout my years of teaching, I have taught Chemistry, Physics, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Precalculus and Calculus in the math/science areas. I have also taught Morality and Psychology,” said Ms. Kallok.

She has a lot of history under her belt. Currently, she is the school’s college counselor, helping a variety of students with all of their college needs. Previously, she worked with computer programs and coordinating events.

“The timeline is vague, but probably about 6 years later I began working as the college counselor, and at one point was even the assistant principal,” said Ms. Kallok.

Fresh out of college, she wanted to work with high school students. She has touched so many lives and believes that the students are responsible for her long career at PSM.

“I have learned much from the students who have crossed my path; I am hoping that I also might have touched some lives,” said Ms. Kallok.

As we know, Ms. Kallok has seen many generations of students flow in and out of this school.

“Since I don’t have children of my own, I am very proud at each graduation and even prouder when students return and tell me about all they have accomplished in their lives,” said Ms. Kallok.

Even now, students have a great appreciation for Ms. Kallok. They see her as a true counselor that helps guide them to the next level.

“I love and appreciate Ms. Kallok because of her dedication and encouragement over the years. She would do anything for her students as long as you ask her in a timely manner. LOL,” said Senior Nasira Curry-Muhammad.

“[Ms. Kallok] has been a great impact on me during senior year because now I am able to afford education at a knowledgeable college. I would love to say, ‘thank you so much’,” said Senior Aryell Cantrell.

“[Ms. Kallok] has impacted my personal life and senior year because she has become my safe haven. She sees my worth when I don’t, and that helps me to keep striving,” said Senior Jasmine Smith.

Ms. Kallok has said she has become a better person because of the relationships and bonds formed at PSM. Seeing how Ms. Kallok has been here for so long, some wonder if she thinks her job is complete.

“As long as I am at PSM, my job is not complete. Each new group of students has goals for their futures; it is my job to help them move forward in their lives to meet their goals,” said Ms. Kallok.

The bottom line is that Ms. Kallok is a beautiful, graceful individual who we should honor. We should be thankful for all of her hard work and effort of teaching us and guiding us throughout our lives.

“I will always be thankful for my years at PSM – they have been years filled with some hard times, but in the end, when dealing with the lives of young adults, well worth the effort each and every day,” said Ms. Kallok.

A Farewell and a Welcome

By Emani King

May 8, 2018

Students and teachers form a bond over the years, so that they come to know each other personally. Sadly, there will be one of our very own leaving us.

Chemistry teacher Donald Van Beek will be leaving at the end of this school year. He will be replaced with PSM alum and former AP Chemistry student, William Browns Jr.

“I have mixed feelings. I will miss the students and the teaching, however, I expect to enjoy my new lifestyle which will be less demanding,” said Dr. Van Beek.

Mr. Browns is honored to have the chance to replace his former AP chemistry teacher.

“He was the main reason why I got into chemistry. I was in his AP chem class. It's crazy because I was only trying to visit him, and then it turned into me replacing him,” said Mr. Browns.

To have the opportunity of becoming the new chemistry teacher is a huge step in Mr. Browns’ eyes.

“It's interesting. It’s an honor to come back into the system. When I got here in 5th grade, it was a good awakening to be introduced to a new curriculum. It's exciting to be on both sides; to be a student and a new teacher now. I see both sides of what they were teaching me, and now I use it,” said Mr. Browns.

To have an AP chemistry student now taking over his classes must make Dr. Van Beek proud. He has many reasons why Mr. Browns is ready to become his replacement.

“One reason is that he has the same passion for chemistry like I do, and that is a very important part of teaching. In addition, I have seen him interact with students and teach in a classroom, and I believe he has what it takes to make great teacher,” said chemistry teacher Dr. Van Beek.

Teaching at PSM for nine years had to have an impact on Dr. Van Beek. The connection that he has made with students has changed him for the better.

“I have mixed feelings. I will miss the students and the teaching, however, I expect to enjoy my new lifestyle which will be less demanding,” said Dr. Van Beek.

The students have changed his views on life for the better. He will take this wherever he goes.

“I have developed a broader perspective on life, and I have become less judgemental,” said Dr. Van Beek.

Most teachers think retirement is relaxing and not going to work. Dr. Van Beek has a different view of what he calls retiring.

“I plan to do four things: First, teach part time at the college level. Second, tutor students at both high school and college level (I am already doing some tutoring). Third, I want to do more volunteer work than what my current schedule allows. Fourth, I plan to do more fun things such as play more golf and travel more,” said Dr. Van Beek.

We, the students and staff of Providence St. Mel, would like to say, “Thank you for being our chemistry teacher and coworker. We hope that you have a good time in your retirement. Come back for a visit!”

Sharing the Theater Experience

The Illinois Theater Fest

By Emani King

March 2, 2018

The Illinois Theater Festival is the biggest festival of this kind in the world. High schools students come from all over Illinois to watch and perform different musicals and plays. They also participate in workshops that help them become better actors and actresses. The festival took place at Illinois State University this year.

“The events are on campus, but we stay in a hotel. We take over the campus from Thursday afternoon to Saturday afternoon,” said Choir Director David Baar.

Dr. Baar takes students to theater fest every year.

“I keep bringing students back to this event because they can really see what is possible to do in theater, but also to feel pretty good about what we are able to accomplish at PSM,” said Dr. Baar.

The students that went were Sophomores Richard Harrison, Malik Epps, Aiyannah Tasker Lewis , and Makayla Watts and Seniors Ryan Coleman, Brianna McDonald, Niara Richards, and Dwight Kilgore. They participated in workshops, saw musicals, met new people, and each had their own take on how they enjoyed it.

"I participated in workshops such as improv and comedy, and I saw student productions of musicals,” said Senior Ryan Coleman.

Some of the musicals that they saw really inspired and changed their views on how to perform.

“I saw productions such as Seussical the Musical and We Will Rock You. I especially enjoyed the latter because it was an homage to classic rock and contained songs by the band Queen,” said Ryan.

Seussical the Musical and We Will Rock You were both high school productions, but there was also a professional production.

“The professional production of the Festival, Big Fish, not only had amazing singers, but also impressive staging such as characters being dragged off into the air. The experience allowed me to meet and engage with new people in a college-type setting,” said Ryan.

Sophomore Richard Harrison was one of the students that attend the festival two years in a row.

“I only took one workshop last year and that was dancing. That workshop mostly taught me to stand out and not hide in the back,” said Richard.

He thinks that people who love to act and perform should go to this festival. It would be great practice and you can learn different ways to improve your acting.

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity! You will have lots of fun and see great shows. Also it would be a good bonding experience with your peers,” said Richard.

Honoring Those We Love

By Zakiya Calhoun

April 24, 2017

First graders and their grandparents work on crafts on Grandparents Day. Photo by Ahmari Dantzler.

It was those days in lower school that were the most fun, those days where you could show off your favorite toy or that person that made your life exciting. The days when you could tell your whole class how awesome your grandmother or grandfather is, or when you could say proudly that your relative fights for our country.

Grandparent’s day and Veteran’s day are annual days at Providence St. Mel. On

Grandparent’s day, lower school students ask their grandparents to come to school with them for an hour to speak to their grandchild's classmates about something important to their lives. On Veteran’s day, veterans come to visit and tell about the experience in the armed forces. On these days loved ones share information that can inspire a younger student’s life.

“Young children often have a very special connection with their grandparents, and we have Grandparent’s Day to celebrate that relationship,” said 3rd grade teacher Julia Wohlgemuth.

This day is a great experience for lower school students to learn of their grandparents’ experiences. It’s good to be in an environment where children can learn from their history and grow into a better individual.

“Grandparents Day is a special celebration that hopefully creates positive and lasting memories of a fun day with someone they love,” said Ms. Wohlgemuth.

On grandparents day, children introduce their grandparents to their classes, create and present a thoughtful project about them and for them, and share a treat with them to let them know how much they appreciate their presence in their grandchild’s life.

Veterans day is an annual day in February when lower school students invite any of their relatives who are in or were in the armed forces to come to their classrooms. Veterans are encouraged to dress in full uniform, present their area of service or armed forces career and any and all accolades earned while serving our country.

After an armed forces family member presentation, the children work with them and any other family members to create valentine cards. These cards are then collected by Lower School Chair Julie Jovan, and then dropped off at a local Veterans’ Home for Valentine’s Day.

“The LS faculty and staff feel these events positively affect the children in lower school, and their families, because we’re taking time to acknowledge and distinguish the importance of these amazing individuals in our lives in making our world a better place, a better time and a better people,” said Mrs. Jovan.