The MERCY Momentum Prayer Knowledge Service

SPRING, 2011 Volume 15, Issue 2

Our Lady of Mercy School provides Catholic foundations for a life of prayer, knowledge, and service. Principal’s Preface Youth Legislature 2011 The hour is now approaching Mardi Gras 2011. This Catholic tradition celebrates the preparation for the Lenten season. This traditional preparation for Lent reminds me that we move through life always waiting for something. Lent reminds us of our Lord‟s sacrifice and Resurrection for each one of us. This time of year finds us giving up or sacrificing chocolates, television, fried foods or Facebook for a short time in our relatively long existence. Before Lent began, I talked with our students for a moment after mass one day about the act of sacrifice. I encouraged the students that along with giving up their computer games or arguing with their siblings, they could also „do‟ something. I challenged them to more fully participate in mass. Most of our students are very well behaved in mass. They know appropriate behavior during mass. Before our classes move across campus to enter Social Studies teacher George Cunningham and eighth grade Church, teachers make sure that students take care of student Elizabeth Metzger make preparations for the annual personal needs. They know that they should only Youth Legislature session. Preparation was key, as Elizabeth was selected as the Outstanding Legislator for the session. leave mass in an emergency situation. We also bring tissue with us in case of emergency. We try to make A total of 55 students in 7th and 8th grades, attended sure all personal needs are met so that students and Session 7 of Youth Legislature 2011 at the Old State Capi- teachers can more fully participate in the liturgy. tol on March 16-17. The following served as officers or Singing in mass has been described as praying double- were elected to the Youth Legislature Hall of Fame: time. I try to make sure to sing, because I can always Cabinet Members: Lizzie Vukovics, Commerce Secretary; use more prayers. Our students singing in unison sound and RaeDiance Fuller, Lt. Governor. angelic! Participation in prayers during mass and House and Senate Officers: Anne Marie Barfield, Senate responses are what our school community could President Pro Tem; Madeleine Gremillion, Senate Secre- practice. Our students are not quite as prolific as tary; Madeleine Richard, Speaker of the House; and Chan- adult worshippers. This is where I request your dler Miles, House Sgt. at Arms. assistance. Please help encourage your child to Bills inducted into the Hall of Fame / signed into law: practice the responses during weekly masses with you Ready, Set, Stop? Katie Vukovics and Anna Deshotels so that they know and understand them. These responses are practiced within Religion classes. Brain- Service for TOPS. Elizabeth Metzger and Martha Hall compatible learning research shows that learning Offender Rehabilitation. Jacob Juge and Daniel Grant practiced in real life situations is more powerful. Get off the Couch, America! Mary Margaret Strange and Continued practice of responses in weekly masses will Sydney Small improve understanding and knowledge of the learner. Students Elected into the Hall of Fame: Chandler Thank you for allowing Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Lemoine, Martha Hall, Jacob Juge, Anna Deshotels, Eliza- School to assist you in your role as primary educator. beth Metzger, David Toups, Michaela Mitchell, Bella St. Together we will succeed in forming strong Catholic Amant, Patrick Campesi, Hadley Guidry, Tres Hawkins, foundations for a life of prayer, knowledge and service James Isacks, Annabelle Laville, Mary Margaret Strange, Andrew Young, Marisa Noonan, and Lizzie Vukovics. in your child. God bless! Special thanks George Cunningham, Lead Sponsor, Tina Villa and to Sandy Rothkamm and Connie Young for serving as co-sponsors of this outstanding group.

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2 MERCY Momentum Uplift Committee = Faculty and Staff Involvement

The Our Lady of Mercy School Uplift Committee was formed in the late 1990‟s with a mission in mind . . . to “lift” the spirits of our school family when they are in need. Over the years, the committee has participated in helping our school faculty and staff during happy or diffi- cult times. Weddings, births, illnesses, or during periods of family bereavement . . . these are all times when a little extra lift is truly appreciated. Funds for the committee are generated through annual dues and the support of parent organizations. Keeping true to the sense of celebrating even the small things here at Mercy, sometimes the lift occasion- ally arrives when it is just time to have a little FUN. For members of our faculty and staff, that fun usually coin- cides with pay day! Each month, the dedicated committee plans creative activities to involve all members. With positive goals in mind, these activities spark a sense of shared fun and community among the members. Serving as the planning committee for the 2010-11 school year are: Jerri Trahan, Wendy Coniglio, Kelly Forbes, and Amanda Martin. At the onset of football season, tailgating was the predominant theme. Great prizes for some lucky mem- During February, members were heart healthy! Pictured bers included ice chests, snacks, pom poms, and gift above are faculty members Michelle Newman (1st place) and cards. During the fall, drawings were held randomly Carol Giurintano (2nd place) who walked the most steps in a throughout the school day for holiday treats such as tur- day. They were awarded gift baskets filled with healthy keys and pumpkin pies. Holiday dinners were provided to treats. all through the generous support of parent organizations. Some of the activities planned do require a bit of involvement among faculty and staff members. American Heart Month was celebrated in February, and all members were given pedometers to track their steps as they went about their day. The gym was available on February 15th, and music was provided for walkers who wanted to walk the extra steps towards their heart health awareness. Walkers were given water bottles, and participants‟ names were placed in drawings for additional prizes. March Madness swept the country on March 14th, and the Mercy campus was no exception. During “Mercy‟s March Madness”, committee members were invited to participate in a free throw contest held throughout the day. On March 15th, the Final Four included faculty members Cheryl Marchand, Julie Modica, Michelle Newman, and Kirsten Steintrager. These four battled it out until the next elimination between Marchand and Modica, which resulted in Julie Modica as the free throw cham- pion!! As it is certain that some stories have come home in regard to some of the “not so ordinary” behavior among faculty members on these special days . . . hopefully, this has helped to serve as a brief explanation for such! A special thanks to those who plan these special times for eve- ryone, and to the parent organizations who lend additional support to these activities. These gestures are in- deed “uplifting”!

Congratulations Pi Day Winners! 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders participated in Pi Day activities by estimating the number of candies in a container. The winners were the following: 2nd Grade - Hailey Griggs, 2-3; 88 Lifesavers 3rd Grade - Sarah Sansovich, 3-2; 182 Jelly Beans Calm and cool, Resource teacher Julie Modica prepares for 4th Grade - John Covington, 4-3; 64 Tootsie Rolls that winning free throw as students cheer her on during re- cess. MERCY Momentum 3 Magnolia Mound Field Trip Pre-K and Community Helpers

Second graders demonstrate great teamwork as they work Pictures can be deceiving, but we are happy to report that together during this activity at Magnolia Mound Plantation. no Pre-K students were taken away in the Sheriff’s unit!! A Students enjoyed a field trip to this historic site recently, visit from E.B.R. Sheriff’s Department, provided the oppor- and spent their time actively experiencing life as it was in tunity for students to explore the unit while studying com- the past. Hands on learning brings this part of history to life. munity helpers.

Christian Life Awards Christian Life Awards Second Nine Weeks Third Nine Weeks

PK-1 Molly Tittlebaum Brooks Wright PK-1 Ella Grace Cunningham Hunter Ullrich PK-2 Virginia Lee Sam Priddy PK-2 Haleigh Quistgaard Paul Catalanatto PK-3 Addison Forbes Jude Daniel PK-3 Ava Tittlebaum Aiden Acosta PK-4 Catherine McCrary Nick Daquanno PK-4 Greta Hoffman Mason Polk K-1 MacKenzie Millet Aiden Green K-1 Avery Guillot Gabe Smith K-2 Emma Clare Coniglio Johnny Mansur K-2 Parker Sims Nolan Levy K-3 Shelby Soileau Trent Schexnayder K-3 Irina Tenev Kristophe Sauviac K-4 Emma Lanclos Roman Vaccaro K-4 Olivia Pinell Jack Randow 1-1 Burgin Rome Loudon McGuire 1-1 Mia Colbert Joseph Tate 1-2 Kate Uffman Caleb Zerangue 1-2 Anna Kate Greco Jonathan Beale 1-3 Adrianne VanDuzee Seth Andrus 1-3 Franchesca Ruiz Clayton Werner 1-4 Claire Cunningham Lucas Gawarecki 1-4 Maggie Rodgrigue Charlie Fremaux 2-1 Ella Hambrice Peyton Salvant 2-1 Sarah Degeyter Evan Bourgeois 2-2 Brooke Shiflett Cade Clary 2-2 Sophia Paz Mikey Albarado 2-3 Haley Griggs Jon Priddy 2-3 Ruby Kadair A.J. Montagnino 3-1 Eleana Miller Zach Lindrew 3-1 Olivia Guilbeau Jack Nodier 3-2 Lucy Laville Cade Monte 3-2 Addie LeDoux Daniel Meche 3-3 Ashley Graves Alex Richard 3-3 Kaitlyn Barnett Jack Rollins 4-1 Gina Ward Stephen Kadair 4-1 Shelby Aydell Caleb Stewart 4-2 Emily DeSoto Collin Hedges 4-2 Veronica Phan Francis Dinh 4-3 Adeline Roemer Manning Bergeron 4-3 Ryan Harrison Colin Woods 5th Lauren Campbell Dalton Polito 5th Clare Barfield Briggs Brian 6th Kaitlyn Dolye Kyle Beadle 6th Karley Doyle Michael DeSoto 7th Elizabeth Garner David Toups 7th Katie Vukovics Kenny Hingle 8th Hope Bovard Jacob Juge 8th Mae Anne Mangaoil Chuck McGoey Faculty and Staff Recipients: Amanda Martin Candi Quinn 4 MERCY Momentum Winter Activities Kept the Students Busy!

In conjunction with the annual Lenten 4th Grade Retreat, students of Our Lady of Mercy School completed the day’s activities with the blessing of the St. Joseph’s Altar. Located at the Our Lady of Mercy Church Parish Activity Center, the altar was constructed by parent volunteers, with donations of items from families at that grade level. Students placed their items on the altar on the morning of the retreat. Gina Ward, Francis Dinh, Sarah Grace Smith, Colin Woods, and Harrison Say, stood before the altar as they awaited the blessing of the altar at the close of the retreat.

In January, second grade students celebrated First Reconciliation as a part of First Eucharist preparation.

During Art class, students proudly display their personal il- lustrations depicting the work of Louisiana-based artist, George Rodrigue. Most famous for his “Blue Dog” series, students give you a quick glimpse of their interpretations of his Students in Ms. Liz Doyle’s kindergarten class celebrated the 100th Day of School with many special activities artwork before the pieces are displayed for all to see! throughout the day! Pictured with students are assistant Candie Quinn (left) and teacher, Ms. Liz Doyle (right). MERCY Momentum 5

Who Wore it Better??

In January, second grade students celebrated First Reconciliation as a part of First Eucharist preparation.

During a recent Spanish class, students were responsible for finding a traditional recipe, and presenting information about its country of origin. Some of the students pre- pared the recipes and shared the treats during class. Sombreros were optional, but Lionel Nosacka, Chuck McGoey, Elizabeth Nguyen, and Victoria Jones have to ask . . . Students in Ms. Liz Doyle’s kindergarten class celebrated the 100th Day of School with many special activities Who Wore it Better??? throughout the day! Pictured with students are assistant Candie Quinn (left) and teacher, Ms. Liz Doyle (right). 6 MERCY Momentum Fourth Graders Study the Middle Ages

Fourth grade students enjoyed participating in a “Medieval Day” on February 28th . Celebrated as a culminating activity to their study of the Middle Ages, students spent the afternoon in the gym enjoying various activities at stations guided by parent volunteers. As with all festivals in Louisiana, this Renaissance Festival concluded with a feast presented in royal fashion by the parents. Above left, Veronica Phan and Kayla Mayo smile as they finalize the details for their activity. Center, Cole Wright and Marie Claire Dalmau prepare armor fit for royalty. Above right, students partake in the royal feast which fea- tured items such as grapes, chicken, bread, sweets, and sparkling soda! Physical Education Classes Enjoy Tennis Demonstration

A representative from BREC (pictured in photo on the right) recently visited our campus during Physical Education classes, to spark interest in lifetime sports among the students. Presentations were made during three class periods, and students were given the opportunity to have a first-hand look at the game of tennis. Pictured above left, P.E. teacher Laurie Aicklen, joins in as she demonstrates some basic tennis skills for students. MERCY Momentum 7 Krewe of Kindergarten Celebrates Mardi Gras at Annual Parade

Rain or shine, the Krewe of Kindergarten always rolls!! A change of plans included moving the parade indoors, but this didn’t spoil the fun for kindergarten students. While King Dwight Robinette and Queen Emma Englade presided over the festivities, our Blue Jay mascot and the O.L.O.M. cheerleaders encouraged spirit, the 8th grade band members provided great music, and floats rolled while providing parade- goers with lots of goodies! The day had all the ingredients for a great parade . . . But hopefully next year, we leave the stormy weather out of the recipe!! The MERCY Momentum Non-Profit Organization Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School U.S. Postage PAID 400 Marquette Avenue Baton Rouge, LA Baton Rouge, LA 70806 Permit No. 13

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MERCY Students Hard at Work!

Congratulations to the following students who have quali- Congratulations to the following students who have quali- fied for the 4th/5th Grade Duke Talent Identification fied for the 7th Grade Duke Talent Identification Pro- Program (T.I.P.): gram (T.I.P.): 4th Grade: Bailey Ardoin, Shelby Aydell, Jake Carpen- Mary Katherine Audiffred, Thomas Broussard, Patrick ter, Ryan Chatman, Olivia Clark, Evan Cupit, Emma Campesi, Claire Cordell, Taylor Dottley, Elizabeth Gar- Daniel, Michael Degeyter, Emily DeSoto, Josh Duncan, ner, Joseph Gaudin, Claire Hadlock, Kenneth Hingle, Emma Englade, Myles Fabre, Wilson Fields, Jacob Christopher LeBlanc, Ethan LeBleu, Lindsey McDonald, Finley, Camille Fremaux, Jonathan Greer, Alex Harri- Anthony Messina, Michaela Mitchell, Ashton Morales, son, Collin Hedges, Spencer Heitman, Caroline John- Jamie Nguyen, Thomas Nguyen, Delanna Poiencot, son, Stephen Kadair, Blythe Kelly-Atol, Thomas Kiefer, Mary Catherine Reinschmidt, Emily Rumfola, Whitney Kayla Mayo, Sydney Melder, Kamron Page, John Perez, Say, Ysabella St. Amant, David Toups, Devin Tullier, Kylle Poiencot, Andrew Priddy, Adeline Roemer, Chan- Madeline Van Pelt, Katie Vukovics, Tyler Werner. dler Row, Grant Ruffino, Mussie Samuel, Harrison Say, Sarah Smith, Marshall St. Amant, Celeste Stewart, Fre- Math Tournament Results: min Stonaker, Phillip Tullier, Zachary Vicari, Gina 4th Grade: Spencer Heitman, 1st Place, Team Event; Ward, Cole Wright. Zachary Vicari, 3rd place, Team Event; Adeline Roemer, 5th Grade: William Beale, Elizabeth Bowie, Madeline 4th place Free Response and 4th place overall. Chenevert, Kayla Darsam, Megan Gremillion, Robert 5th Grade: Nicola Pocorello, 3rd Individual Multiple Hadlock, Gabe Hardy, Allie Hayes, Tyler Hendricks, Choice; Emily Shore, 6th, Free Response and 6th overall. Jane Jeha, Peter Laville, Andrew Pinero, Nicole 6th Grade: Eric Anderson, 1st Free Response and 1st Relay Pocorello, Satcher Pugh, Olivia Schexnayder, Nate Team Test; Jack Dean, 2nd Multiple Choice; Daniel John- Semmes, Ollie Smith. (A current 5th grader who enrolled son, 2nd Relay Team Test; Austin Lachney, 5th Multiple in the 4th/5th grade Talent Search last year does not re- Choice; Marissa Lally, Honorable Mention Multiple Choice apply.) and Christian Snow, Honorable Mention Free Response.

The MERCY Momentum is published by the Our Lady of Mercy Catholic 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]