The Mercy Momentum Prayer Knowledge Service

SUMMER, 2008 Volume 12, Issue 3

Principal’s Preface Earth Matters at OLOM s we stand at start of a new school year we A find ourselves also on the threshold of a year dedicated by our Holy Father to honor the Apostle Paul. Our Lady of Mercy School, along with all other schools in the diocese, will study and strive to emulate St. Paul in his dedication and fervor in spreading the Good News of our savior, Jesus Christ. The letters of St. Paul to the earliest members of the Church carry messages for twenty- Seventh grader Taylor first century followers as they did for first century Lemoine and followers. They carry messages for adults and for fourth grader children in the school setting. Jack Poss As St. Paul challenged the Romans (Romans 12: work together 4-5) to remember that “…in one body we have during the final stages of many parts, and all the parts do not have the same recycling function, so we, though many, are one body in paper. Christ and individually parts of one another.” We are challenged to come together as a community with shared goals and the realization that the tudents at Our Lady of Mercy School spent success of the whole is dependent on each of the S many hours during the school year exploring parts performing its function. Accepting how their actions affect our Earth. This is not to say responsibility, working beyond the comfort level, that all Mercy Blue Jays have gone completely green, and holding oneself accountable lead to tasks but certainly that steps were taken at all grade levels accomplished and goals achieved in service to the to stress the importance of being kind to the Earth Body of Christ. and its resources. Science classes at Our Lady of Mercy School In his letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians served as the platform to truly make Earth Day one 12: 3-7) St. Paul stated, “There are different kinds of of awareness for students. On April 22, 2008, sev- spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are enth grade students served as instructors for stu- different forms of service but the same Lord; there dents in grades 1-6, by hosting sessions in regard to are different workings but the same God who recycling. A simple, yet effective activity, demon- produces all of them in everyone. To each strated the process of recycling paper through a individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given method students at all grade levels could under- for some benefit.“ We are challenged to seek out stand. Under the guidance of their Science teacher, the gifts in ourselves, develop those gifts to their Mrs. Nessie Galliano, seventh grade students shared fullest, and use them to serve our God from whom a “hands on” activity that stressed how recycling im- they came. We are challenged to recognize and pacts our earth. With minimal materials, student respect the gifts of others, though they may be instructors guided attendees through the process of different from our own, in the realization that each recycling paper. of our gifts is meant to be a part of the whole, the Following a closing session on how to properly wash one’s hands, Mrs. Galliano explained to each Body of Christ. group that “Everything you do today is for your fu- Continued on page 3 Continued on page 2

400 Marquette Avenue  Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806  225-924-1054  Fax 225-923-2201 2 MERCY Motivates Earth Matters adventure as they learned about mineral classifica- Continued from page 1 tion and identification. It was a hands-on opportu- ture”. Students were offered simple suggestions for nity for students to gain additional knowledge of reducing waste, and for being more energy efficient. Earth science while studying this unit in Science A simple suggestion to conserve water is to turn off class. The students’ finds included dozens of min- the water while brushing one’s teeth. The sugges- erals, which they were allowed to take home follow- tions offered were ones that students can effec- ing the activity. tively execute in their daily lives. Students left each In more detailed units that stretched beyond the session with the understanding that the responsi- parameters of Earth Day, first grade students ex- bility of keeping the Earth clean belongs to every- plored the Rainforest and the Earth’s water. These one, and that individual efforts that foster conserva- lessons were incorporated into science and reading tive solutions, will greatly and positively affect the classes, and resulted in knowledge gained in regard future generations. to the importance of conservation. Learning about Mrs. Brandi Aydell’s fourth grade students con- the Earth’s oceans helped to introduce lessons structed “Garbage Sculptures” which were created about sea creatures, pollution, the weather, differ- using materials brought from home. The materials ent forms of water, and the properties of matter. In that would have otherwise found their way to the later units, first grade students learned about or- trash, were transformed into art pieces that were ganic foods as well as Louisiana products. The most displayed in the fourth grade hallway of the school. detailed study included the strawberry, and with All students learned about the importance of Earth creative writing that included some “Berry Fun Po- Day and the three R’s - reuse, reduce, and recycle. etry”, students began to understand and appreciate Diamond Del’s Mining Adventure, a mobile gem more fully some of what our “local” earth has to mine equipped with flumes and flowing water, ar- offer. The unit regarding strawberries culminated rived at Our Lady of Mercy School in late spring. with a field trip to pick strawberries at Blahut This activity offered fifth grade students a unique Strawberry Farm in Holden, Louisiana.

First graders in Ms. Sherry McLaughlin’s class had fun while learning about the Earth’s water. Front row: Hannah Stears, Camille Fremaux, Tia Nix, Gina Ward, Grace Lachney, Caroline Johnson. Second row: Philip Tullier, Lane Bishop, Alexander Elliot. Third row: Kaytie Blanchard, Sydney Melder, Ryan Harrison, Alex Harrison, Olivia Clark, Nareg Moutafian. Back row: Kylle Poiencot, Joseph Price, Francis Dinh, Eli Addesse, Michael Degeyter, Ethan Roberts, Grant Ruffino, Sherry McLaughlin. MERCY Merits 3

The Coastal Roots Nursery Program enables stu- dents to become well informed about issues of Students of the Year coastal stewardship, as well as actively participate in coastal and wetland restoration projects. Our Lady of Mercy School is currently a participant in the Louisiana State University Coastal Roots pro- gram. In November 2007, all eighth grade students from Our Lady of Mercy School traveled to Fon- tainebleau State Park in St. Tammany Parish for a restoration planting trip. The students planted long- leaf pine and southern bald cypress seedlings that had been maintained in the school’s nursery, as part of the Seedling Nursery Program for Wetland Restoration. The students of Our Lady of Mercy School were 5th Grade 8th Grade well informed and actively engaged in creative pro- James Isacks Jeannie Vicari grams regarding the Earth throughout the school Congratulations to Our Lady of Mercy’s Students year. Students progressed while gaining an under- of the Year, James Isacks (5th grade), and Jeannie standing of the importance of appreciating and con- Vicari (8th grade). serving the Earth’s precious resources. Through Each year, Our Lady of Mercy School, in conjunc- simple means, students were given the opportunity tion with the Catholic Schools Office for the Diocese to explore the importance of their responsibility to of Baton Rouge, selects its Students of the Year. One practice the preserve and conserve theories that student is selected from the 5th grade class, and one will protect and ensure the availability of resources student is selected from the 8th grade class. These for future generations. students then compete against other 5th and 8th graders in the area at the Diocesan level. Principal’s Preface To be nominated and ultimately chosen to be Continued from page 1 Student of the Year is quite an honor. Candidates St. Paul encouraged the Philippians (Philippians for Student of the Year must, by their actions, exem- 2: 3-4) to become one by serving others rather than plify our school’s motto of Prayer-Knowledge- self. “Do nothing out of selfishness or out of Service. In doing this, candidates are screened for vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more their academic endeavors, their involvement in important than yourselves, each looking out not for their school and in the community, their involve- his own interests, but (also) everyone for those of ment with their church, and the leadership they others.” We are challenged to put our own desires have shown at school and elsewhere. aside for the needs of others and the benefit of the Congratulations to these two students on their whole, the Body of Christ. outstanding work, and a thank you for representing What lessons do these readings from Paul have Our Lady of Mercy School. for the beginning of the school year? St. Paul challenges us, adult and child, whatever part we play in the Body of Christ that is Our Lady of Mercy In the News . . . School, to work hard and expect that the work will Each year, the Advocate’s Educational Services De- not be easy. He challenges us to respect one partment host a Current Events Rally for students another and insist that those around us do the in grades five through eight. The purpose of the same. He challenges us to put the needs of others Current Events Rally is to encourage an under- first with faith that our needs will be fulfilled. standing of current events and our representative If we accept these challenges and maintain our form of democracy. Almost 80 students attended efforts throughout the school year, we will progress this year’s rally on April 3-4, and 2008 winners toward fulfilling our mission “…to provide a from Our Lady of Mercy were: Catholic foundation for a life of prayer, knowledge, 6th grade/3rd place, Marianne Konikoff, and 7th and service.” grade/2nd place, Alex Say.

School sweatshirts are available by order only. There will be a form available at the website, and forms will be sent home on the first day of school. Please note that the deadline is MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 2008, and that shirts are ordered only once a year. Questions? Please call 225-927-2341. 4 MERCY Moments

Loads of Activities to Close Out the 2007-08 School Year

Highest Academic Achievement Awards went to eighth grad- Pre-K students Annabella LeGrange, Guiliana Cedotal, and ers Paige Pocorello and Alex Gaudin, pictured with princi- Bailey Fereday have fun dressing as farm animals on this pal Carolyn Guidry. special day in the classroom!

The seventh grade volleyball team challenged the faculty on Seventh and eighth grade students had a great time at the last day of school during the annual Student/Faculty Youth Legislature. Students attended this mock legislative Volleyball Game. All were winners with both teams win- session held in March, 2008 at the Old State Capital. Stu- ning one match each!! Pictured are, Grace Mikesell, Mary dents ran for office, proposed legislation, argued bills, and LaHaye, Clair Chapman, Emily Mitchell, Kaitlyn Rothkamm, voted on laws. Two Hall of Fame bills presented by Our Emily Lewis, Natalie Garcia, Arianna Campesi, Madeleine Lady of Mercy students were signed into law. Congratula- Jeansonne, and Ashley Cook. tions to these students on representing our school so well!

Congratulations to the Our Lady of Mercy 8th Grade Class of 2008 Stephen Anderson, Evan Ashy, Layton Barbay, Marisa Bardwell, Jacob Bordelon, Wesley Bordelon, Chloe Boston, Garrett Breedy, Conner Bueche, Patrick Buzbee, Eden Camp, Luke Canella, Matthew Cavell, Maddi Childers, Victoria Chustz, Jackie Creaghan, Hayden DeBate, Elliot Diel, Austin Dixon, Amanda Doran, Allison Franklin, Alex Gaudin, Trey Gaudin, Lindsey Giacone, Michelle Gremillion, Anne Grout, Berton Guidry, Logan Hamilton, Brennan Hammett, Francesca Hilderbrand, Abi Hodges, Alise Hodges, Jacob Humphreys, Sarah Jones, Anna Kennedy, Meghan Kurz, Jenny Landry, Anna Langlois, Bonnie Langlois, Brad LaVergne, Christian Marchiafava, Michael Marcin, Dakota Martin, Allyson Mayeux, Kaitlyn McFarland, Madison Miles, Olivia Miller, Brit- tany Mitchell, Matthew Mix, Sage Montero, Alex Morales, Kevin Orr, Paige Pocorello, Julia Price, Brian Rees, Emily Robb, Kristyn Saffiotti, Baylor Schexnayder, Mady Schmidt, Andrew Simon, Laura Catherine Smith, Kennedy Smothers, Victoria Taravella, Ash- ley Tarleton, Emily Theriot, Mary Thrower, Stephanie Toups, Brian Tullier, Jeannie Vicari, Andrea Villa, Alex West, Cassidy Woolie, Allison Youngblood, and Taylor Zambito. Wishing all of you much success in high school!! MERCY Moments 5

Eighth graders Jeannie Vicari and Elliot Diel were chosen First grader Kaytie Blanchard does a great job with the for the honor of crowning the Blessed Mother during the manicures while pampering moms who visited the May Crowning ceremony. Mother’s Day Spa hosted in all first grade classrooms.

Pictured left to right: Tina Villa, Christina Babin, Angie It’s “all smiles” in Ms. Stephanie Fereday’s Pre-K room on Champagne-Masden, Carolyn Guidry, Ginger Lively, and the last day of school. All in their Sunday best, Kevin Kirsten Steintrager take a break during the NECC Technol- Parnell, Sidney Laney, Nicholas Holloway, Dell DeLage, Kel- ogy Conference held in San Antonio, Texas in July 2008. sey Taylor, Kendyl Gipson, Caleb Woods, and A. J. Mon- These administrators and faculty members attended the tagnino are happy as they get ready for their End of the three-day conference, and brought back the newest ideas Year Program. Looks like these students are ready for Kin- for integrating technology into the classrooms. dergarten!

Class of 2008 - Graduation Memories 6 MERCY Moments

Livening Up the Learning at Our Lady of Mercy In late Spring 2008, Our Lady of Mercy School cient in their operation of equipment, and the stu- installed 16 StarBoards in classrooms for grades 5-8. dents responded to the technology in the same ea- Each classroom was equipped with a StarBoard, a ger manner. The StarBoard technology consistently projector, and a drop-down screen. Acquisition of brings new life into classroom presentations, as it these StarBoards was made possible through the allows the presentation of course contents and State’s Classroom Based Technology Fund, which is notes, as well as providing access to the Internet used to support the effective use of technology in during class. teaching and learning. Those goals are now being “Our Lady of Mercy continues to provide a pro- met at Our Lady of Mercy, as the StarBoards help gressive learning environment utilizing state of the provide opportunities for students to learn through art tools for instruction”, as stated by the school’s interactive lessons. principal, Carolyn Guidry. The installation of addi- The StarBoards arrived equipped with educa- tional StarBoards on campus was included in the tional software, and can also be used with other plans for Summer 2008, as well as in the long range software installed on the teacher’s computer. The goals at Our Lady of Mercy School. The positive re- combination of educational software, and the crea- sponse by students and teachers to the interactive tive endeavors of very resourceful teachers, served technology has been very encouraging, and the dy- students well as they returned from the school’s namic capabilities of such technology will provide a spring break. The teachers became quickly profi- new generation of resources and teaching methods.

Our Lady of Mercy School Launches New Website

Take some time to visit www.olomschool.org and you'll recognize that it’s the same address . . . but it’s got a whole new look!! This isn’t just your same old website anymore!! With lots of new features, new faces, and a user friendly style, this site will serve Our Lady of Mercy fami- lies, and prospective fami- lies, very well. Technology has changed so much of the way things are done today, but at the root of it all site is up and functional, we will incorporate new should be convenience. The site has been designed features as well as improve on the ones currently with all of you in mind, and we look forward to operating. With your help, this should be one of the feedback on how this tool is benefiting you. At the greatest tools available to keep you informed and same time, we want to know how it can be arranged involved with the happenings at Our Lady of Mercy to better serve you. Keep in mind that although the School. MERCY Makes Memories! 7

FUN Walk Festivities Will Kick-Off Soon!

A Romp Through the Swamp

Do you remember the 2007 FUNKY FUN Walk, and all of the great fun that day?? Well, if you had fun walking to those funky tunes, you should really have a blast as we take A Romp Through the Swamp this year! If you can’t remember all of the details from last year, that’s fine . . . but you can’t forget the fun! The kick-off visit from Austin Powers, the music, the costumes, the prizes . . . and of course the financial benefits for our school. Can’t forget that FUNKY FUN in 2007, and we are expecting Festivities begin on August 25th at 2:30 PM with FUN that’s great in 2008!! Get your walking shoes ready, an assembly to kick-off this year’s event . . . just and join us as we take A Romp Through the Swamp on Oc- can’t imagine who will make an appearance for this tober 15th. We’ll make new memories as we support our one! The FUN Walk will be held on Wednesday, Oc- school! tober 15th, and it will be here before we know it. A style, and this is your advance notice to get your packet with all event details will be sent home on gear ready now! It will all be there . . . Fitness, August 25th, but we’ll be celebrating Louisiana Friends, Funds, and FUN!!

Christian Life Awards Students Qualify for State Fourth Nine Weeks Recognition K-1 Alex Richard Meghan Crump K-2 Daniel Meche Mary Catherine Carville Twelve Our Lady of Mercy School seventh grad- K-3 Daniel Barfield Ashley McGuire ers who were invited to participate in the 2007-08 K-4 Walker Ridge Elaine Casselberry Duke University Talent Identification Program, have 1-1 Nicholas Saurage Lauren Vukovics received ACT/SAT scores which have qualified them 1-2 Fremin Stonaker Abigail Hillis for state recognition at Duke sponsored recognition 1-3 Kylle Poiencot Olivia Clark ceremonies. 1-4 Landon Gage Blythe Kelly-Atol Students who received invitations to the state 2-1 Coleman McNiece Emma Callegan ceremony are: Tyler Davidson, Michael Doiron, Alex 2-2 Brandon Bourgeois Meagan Dragon Hebert, Jonathan Hoffmann, George Jeha, Emily 2-3 Cameron Foster Aubrey Adams Krzystowczyk, Amanda Lally, Taylor Lemoine, Con- 3-1 Daniel Johnson Elise Harmon nor Nelson, Hayes Robert, Alex Say, and Allie Young. 3-2 Marshall Kellerman Tamra Manfredo 3-3 Tre’ Nix Madison Ruston Our Lady of Mercy School 4-1 Cole Bergeron Heather Edwards has been chosen by the readers of 4-2 Thomas Nguyen Nicole Jones Baton Rouge Parents Magazine, 4-3 Colin Mix Mary Katherine Audiffred as the 2008 Family Favorite, 5th Joel Avery Marisa Noonan in the category of 6th Chris Hebert Tiyena Brown Favorite Private School. 7th Jake Forshag Annie Peek Go Bluejays!! 8th Berton Guidry Allison Youngblood Alumni8 News . . . MERCY Alumni News

Lynne Chapman (2006), a rising junior at St. Jo- Five From Troop 12 Earn Eagle Rank seph's Academy, participated in the 2008 Intel Inter- Five members of Boy Scout Troop 12 have earned national Science and Engineering Fair, May 11-16 in the rank of Eagle Scout. Fewer than 2 percent of Atlanta, Georgia. Lynne and project partner Candice Scouts in the United States earn their Eagle award. Schwartzenburg, won the American Meteorological We are proud that these Our Lady of Mercy Society Award, fourth place, and fourth in category School alums have accomplished this outstanding for their team project in Environmental Science. achievement. Lynne was honored prior to the June 25th meeting Class of 2003 - George Farhat / 2007 graduate St. of the Metropolitan Council, when she and the Michael the Archangel High School other winners from the school were recognized by Class of 2004 - Matthew Canella, III / 2008 gradu- Mayor-President Kip Holden, who proclaimed them ate of Redemptorist High School honorary Mayor-Presidents for the day. Class of 2004 - Scott Gianelloni / 2008 graduate of Catholic High School Matthew Stewart (2004) was named Salutatorian Class of 2004 - Michael Tullier / 2008 graduate of of the 2008 Class of St. Michael the Archangel High Catholic High School School here in Baton Rouge. Matthew graduated on Class of 2004 - William Verrett / 2008 graduate of May 19, 2008 and will attend Millsaps College in Catholic High School Jackson, Mississippi, having been awarded the If you have any news to share, please e-mail your informa- Presidential Scholarship and the Presidential Ser- tion to [email protected], or mail it to OLOM vice Award. Matthew plans to pursue a degree in School Development Office at 400 Marquette Avenue, Ba- Psychology. ton Rouge, LA 70806.

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The Mercy Momentum is published by the Our Lady of Mercy School Development Office. Story ideas, Student or Alumni news, OLOM sports updates, or address changes should be sent to: 400 Marquette Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70806 (Attention: Mari Buzbee) Information can also be sent by e-mail to: [email protected]