When I first arrived on the campus of St. Michael’s to meet the community, it was the day of our annual Art Expo. Of course, at the time, I had no idea what Art Expo was, but I knew that it was a culminating event in the school year, and the buzz on campus was one of anticipation and excitement. There were volunteers everywhere. Parents were working together hanging art, ferrying projects from art rooms to assigned locations around campus, and being available to help Mrs. Faltico and Ms. Monsma (read more)

On Tuesday afternoon, the Student Center was filled with alums who returned for the annual José Rincon Memorial Basketball Game. There were boys and girls from high school and college who came to not only play some spirited games against our current students and faculty but also simply to be on campus, back in the community that they feel very much a part of. This annual gathering honors the memory of a member of our community whose young life ended much too soon. José was a member of the Class (read more)

As the final weeks of the school year slip by at increasing speed, it’s not unusual for us to become a bit nostalgic, remembering when our St. Michael’s “seniors” were young elementary students just starting out. Like all good parents, teachers and administrators also want to impart words of wisdom, advice, encouragement, and care, knowing that in a few months our graduates will begin again in the large world of high school. Today, I listened to an inspiring address to eighth-grade students and senior scholarship winners at the Casas Adobes (read more)

One of the joys of the work that I do is observing teachers. Sometimes the observations may be in the classroom as they impart knowledge. Some of the best observations, however, take place throughout the course of a day: in the courtyards, in the hallways, in offices, going to and from Chapel, after school, or perhaps in the early morning hours before the bell rings. These observations tell much about our culture at St. Michael’s. For our youngest students, the greetings at the door or a quiet, reassuring presence on (read more)

At my previous school, I had a parent who was passionate about our school and the fabulous experience her two girls were having. From the small classes and the teachers who personally knew her children to the academics and character formation that were part of our daily chapel services. Whenever she would go to the grocery store, to the library, or shopping at the mall, she had her girls wear their school uniform or their SAES sweatshirt to advertise the school. People would stop and compliment her girls which was (read more)

Next week, our campus will be rather quiet. In the wee hours of Saturday and Sunday mornings, sleepy-headed middle school students will be boarding buses and planes to travel to the East, to the West, and to the Four Corners. Following closely behind on Tuesday, the fifth graders will travel to our state capitol in Phoenix. We send them out not only for experiential learning in American and Arizona history and government, marine biology, and archeology, but also as ambassadors from St. Michael’s. It is a magnificent experience that we (read more)

Truthfulness…telling the truth…not lying…being honest…authentic. This month, as we head into our final weeks of school, our value of the month is an important one for our students. Truthfulness. When asked what that means, students responded with the most widely understood definitions, which included not lying, telling what really happened, and being honest. Of equal importance in our consideration of truthfulness is being authentic, being true to yourself, and being who really are rather than someone you think others want you to be. In the culture that many of our (read more)

W O W!! Our annual spring gala is just around the corner. Do you have your tickets? If not, you still have time to be a part of a dazzling white on white event that promises to be not only fun but a terrific benefit event for St. Michael’s. The gala committee has worked long and hard in preparing for the event and I, for one, can hardly wait to celebrate the night with our community. Tickets can be purchased on line, in the office, or from Lonnie Reese. Anything (read more)

I’m often amazed when people who are not familiar with day-school communities assume that our students “live in a bubble.” A friend who is a priest even commented to me some years ago that these kids don’t experience real life. And so I begged to differ. Even in small schools, students experience the realities of life. In our Episcopal schools, we are diverse, and we celebrate that fact because it is real life. Our diversity includes students of different races, colors, religions, economic levels, countries of origin, languages, family structures, (read more)

With our return from Rodeo Break, we have begun three very busy months that will carry us through the third trimester and the end of the school year. It is always amazing to me that we reach this point so quickly. As we begin this third and final trimester, our students have the opportunity to regroup, refocus, and renew their commitment to the work they are called to do. The question I often ask a student is this: “Are you giving one hundred percent to your learning?” The temptation sometimes (read more)

Two weeks ago, our capital campaign, Charting Our Course for the Future…A 21st Century Plan, was launched into our public phase. I hope that many have taken the opportunity to not only read the brochure but also view the video, which can be found on the St. Michael’s website. Large-scale drawings can be seen on display across from the Foundations Courtyard, and our students who have seen the plans are quite excited about the facility improvements that will take place. This plan also will include support for both our scholarship (read more)

We’re wearing our hearts on our sleeves these days…and on the posts…and on the doors…and finding them in our mail boxes here at St. Michael’s. Hearts are everywhere as our honoring of Valentine’s Day approaches. Perhaps this is just another Hallmark holiday, but I think that in the midst of winter days and chilly nights, there’s something refreshing and warm about spreading a little love around our world. Take for example the number of Valentine’s Day cards and hearts that have flowed into the office this week for our dear (read more)

And we’re off…Charting Our Course for the Future!! I’m thrilled to be able to share some very exciting news with you. Several years ago, St. Michael’s was approached by a local family foundation with a grant opportunity to benefit our school. As a result, conversations began both with the staff and the Board to identify areas of greatest need that would serve to strengthen our program for the future. Through our internal conversations, a feasibility study within our larger community, and the advice and direction of a fundraising consultant, a (read more)

Lights…camera…action! We are counting down the days until the curtain rises for the annual St. Michael’s musical. This year, our students will present Mary Poppins to what we hope will be a packed house on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Since September, our students and staff directors have worked tirelessly, well almost tirelessly, on a production that will surely bring the house down. Dr. Antista and Mrs. Faltico have done their magic once again to bring out the superb talent of our third through eighth grade thespians. Our teachers have given (read more)

Most mornings during the week, I try to be front and center, greeting the students and parents as the day begins. Behind each child comes the backpack, loaded with homework, projects, lunches, and the supplies of the day. Some are light in weight, others are overloaded and much too heavy to carry alone. Some carry completed homework and assignments. Others hold something incomplete, crumpled up, or forgotten in the complexity of the previous evening. Often these backpacks are symbolic of what our students, and sometimes teachers, carry into the day. (read more)

The church bell tolled bright and early on Monday morning as we welcomed students, parents, teachers, and staff back from the Christmas holiday. It was good to return to our routines and resume our community activities. In our opening chapel / assembly, we discussed the opportunity we have at school to set “New Year’s” resolutions for the second time. Following an academic calendar, everyone was encouraged to set goals for the year as we began in August. Now, we have a second chance to renew those goals or to set (read more)