Tag Archives: Stephen Hart St. Mary

Feeling Grateful For 2024-25

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Today is Friday the 13th but it is not an unlucky day at St. Mary Catholic School. After all, it is the last day of school and how can it be anything less than a celebration? Okay, bad example—Sloan cried her heart out the last day of the 2023-24 school year. But I think this year she realizes that the end of school isn’t something to feel sad about but rather to feel proud of.

Unlike last year, Sloan (and Beau) was all smiles today.

What is there to be proud of, you ask? I think Sloan, Beau, and their classmates can be proud at making it through the 180-day grind, putting on their uniforms for 10 months straight, and tolerating Principal Hart’s dad jokes at the weekly “Monday Meeting” assembly. 😂

Sloan and Beau stand near the Mary statue on the St. Mary Catholic School (Spokane Valley) campus. I don’t think they will mind putting away the uniforms for the next couple months.

There is much to be proud of for the greater St. Mary Catholic School community as well. It was another year of academic excellence, striving for sainthood, and growing in faith. These pursuits all moved forward in a school environment where students attend mass, teachers go to adoration, and the principal embraces his role as a servant.

Another proud moment came when Beau graduated from preschool earlier this week.

Without question, the biggest draw for me at St. Mary—which is encapsulated in the points of pride I just mentioned above—is the mission to help students get to Heaven. And how can this mission be fully executed without the people inside the school who invest their energy and prayer into lifting our children up? The answer is easy: It can’t.

We love this school and love the people who work inside it.

I decided that I wanted to dedicate this 2024-25 St. Mary school year recap to a handful of people I feel especially appreciative of this year. These five individuals either helped my children grow directly, contributed to the positive culture at St. Mary, or made my own day brighter…

With Sidney and I both working, we feel bad that we have to send Beau and Sloan to St. Mary’s EduCare program both before and after school. Although extremely appreciative of the service, we wish we had more hours with the kids. With that said, I was always comforted by Mrs. Robin Gregory’s warmth and positivity when I dropped Sloan and Beau off in the gym each morning. I enjoyed our daily 30-second conversations and Mrs. Gregory’s ability to put a smile on Sloan’s face during those days when she woke up on the wrong side of the bed or sparred with her daddy on the way to school. 🙄

Beau poses with Mrs. Robin Gregory. It was always nice to chat with her in the morning.

Mr. Hart had the audacity to ask Mrs. Anne Mileski—owner of a thriving musical education curriculum business and music faculty member at two local universities—to serve as our school’s music teacher. Guess what? She actually said YES! As you can imagine, she transformed the program. The beauty, reverence, and just general technique Anne imparted on the kids was a blessing. My mom was blown away by the sophistication and coordination of the Christmas and Spring concerts. Additionally, Sidney has grown tired at the numerous times I have told her throughout the year that Sloan’s singing voice has improved tremendously (not that it was that terrible before 🙉 🎵). It truly is amazing what beautiful music can do to improve the morale and self-respect of a community. Needless to say, St. Mary is better because of Anne.

Mrs. Anne Mileski directs Sloan’s class during the 2024 St. Mary Christmas program. Sid and I are honored to call Anne a friend.

Our MVP goes to Mrs. Jordan Hoard. She went into the 2024-25 school year just as a classroom aide but was elevated to Beau’s Pre-K4 lead teacher after a small staff shuffle took place the second week of school. Mrs. Hoard graciously stepped up and did a better job than Sid and I could have asked for. With constant communication, enthusiasm, and the utmost respect for each student, we were so impressed by how she led the Pre-K4 classroom. From conducting great parent/teacher conferences to her creativity (alphabet days, anyone?) to teaching God’s lessons at a level the kids could understand, Mrs. Hoard exceeded our expectations. You are an inspiration, Jordan! 🙌

Mrs. Jordan Hoard came to the rescue and led the St. Mary Pre-K4 class. She did an absolute superb job. This photo is of Beau and Jordan after the preschool graduation.

The other day, I told Mrs. Alisha Roberts that it doesn’t matter what position she holds at St. Mary, our community just needs her in the school somewhere. But I guess her move from an aide to the office manager made perfect sense because the gatekeeper of a school needs to have the kindness and passion that Mrs. Roberts exuberates. What a pleasure it was to engage with her throughout the year! Whether I had a question, needed to excuse Sloan/Beau, or make alternative pick up plans it was always so pleasant and efficient dealing with Mrs. Roberts. She is a true favorite of our family and we are grateful for all she does for St. Mary.

Beau and Sloan take a photo with Mrs. Alisha Roberts, a true favorite of our family.

Finally, I want to pass on my appreciation to our principal, Mr. Stephen Hart. His leadership is valued and his commitment to the St. Mary mission is admirable. Stephen runs a school that is unapologetically Catholic and the resulting “product” (as Stephen would call it) is an education that I am confident, proud, and blessed to provide for my children. Stephen doesn’t have an easy job and he works extremely hard. Like I said earlier, he truly is a servant of the community and in my mind that makes him the best leader we could ask for.

Stephen Hart, principal of St. Mary Catholic School, welcomes Sloan on the first day of the 2024-25 school year. He has provided the school with incredible leadership that is driven by his truly authentic Catholic faith.

What a year it has been! These St. Mary students experienced some big worldly changes. A Presidential election was held, Pope Francis passed away, and Pope Leo XIV was chosen to lead the Church. These events will forever provide context for the 2024-25 school year but I hope everything that transpired within the actual walls of St. Mary provides the best memories and the most meaningful mechanisms for growth.

Sloan and Beau pose on the St. Mary campus after school.

Before I sign off, I want to shout out my fellow parents. Many of you are my good friends and many of you devote so much of your time and talent to the school. As I struggle to adequately give back to St. Mary, your positive example is not lost on me. Thanks for all you do!

A great part of St. Mary is not just the bonds that are created between the students but also the bonds between the parents. This photo is of Sloan and her classmates after their Christmas concert.

Alright, summer is here! As Fr. Mike Kwiatkowski told the children at today’s end-of-school mass, we can’t take a vacation from God during the summer because he doesn’t take one from us. What a great way to navigate the next 2.5 months. We are a PROUD St. Mary family and although we are going to savor summer, we can’t wait for next school year. Don’t Blink. 🙏

Golden Rings At St. Mary Catholic School

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Watch a “First Day of School” video of Sloan and Beau

It seems hard to believe, but our family started our FIFTH year at St. Mary Catholic School today. Sloan kicked things off in the Pre-K3 program in the fall of 2020 and now she is a big, bad second grader. More on that in just a moment.

Today was the first day of school for Sloan and Beau at St. Mary in Spokane Valley.

This “golden ring” year (get it?) for our family brings with it the most confidence and optimism for a school year yet. Principal and friend Stephen Hart introduced so many positive changes during his debut year in 2023-24 that the school couldn’t be in a better spot as the doors swung open this morning. Among the many improvements last year, the best part was just the overall embracing of a strong, devout Catholic culture. Thank you, Mr. Hart!

Stephen Hart, principal of St. Mary Catholic School, welcomes Sloan on the first day of the 2024-25 school year.

Okay, back to Sloan. She will spend her second grade year in Mrs. Abbie DeRuyter’s class. Sloan’s close-knit group of classmates will be joined by three new peers this year—all girls! I know our daughter looks forward to getting to know them while Sid and I are excited to welcome their parents and families.

Sloan sitting at her desk ready to start her first day of second grade.

Actually, we already know one of the “new” parents really well. The mom of one of the second grade newcomers is Mrs. Kristen Mead, the leader of the St. Mary Pre-K4 classroom and Beau’s teacher this year! With Beau’s Pre-K3 class in close proximity to Mrs. Mead’s class last year, we got to know her a little bit. We can’t wait for Beau to learn from her.

Beau sitting at his desk ready to start his first day of Pre-K4.

A big change for Beau from last year to this year is that his school day is now all-day. What better way to get him ready for kindergarten, right? Much to the satisfaction of mom and dad, Beau is still a napper so he will have to adjust his schedule a bit now that he is attending school all-day like a big boy.

My kids on our porch prior to their first day of the 2024-25 school year at St. Mary Catholic School.

One item that needed no adjustment on the schedules of my children was wake up time this morning. Sloan and Beau attended summer school at St. Paschal Educare the past couple months and were used to rising early. Because of that, there was no shock getting up at 6:30 a.m. for today’s first day.

It is going to be another great school year at St. Mary Catholic School!

Here we go! Another year at St. Mary Catholic School is underway and I know it will be a blessed one. Please pray for the teachers and students not just at my children’s school but everywhere. Don’t Blink.

Making Saints In 2023-24

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It was quite the scene in the first grade classroom on the last day of school. After mass this morning, the students returned to the room one last time to pack up items and say goodbye. Many of these 6-and-7-year-olds were crying and giving hugs. As the time arrived for us to go, I had to practically drag Sloan out of the classroom as she protested with tears in her eyes, “But daddy, I don’t want to leave.”

First graders in Ms. Lunsford’s class, including Sloan, say goodbye to each other after the last day of school on June 14, 2024. (photo courtesy of Paola Devila de Muela.

The vibe at St. Mary Catholic School was a little different this year and it extended far beyond just a tight-knit first grade class. With a new focus on the making of saints, St. Mary students were immediately challenged by a heavenly goal. From there, other more earthly goals like academic excellence and social growth fell right in line.

It was a blessing to walk these two across the parking lot and to their classrooms each day at St. Mary Catholic School in the Spokane Valley.

Both in my 2022-23 school year wrap up post and the entry I wrote on the first day of this school year, I outlined the potential that existed for the next 180 days. With new principal Mr. Stephen Hart reinvigorating St. Mary’s Catholic mission and two familiar teachers leading the classrooms of my children, I had high hopes—and I wasn’t disappointed.

St. Mary Principal Mr. Stephen Hart opens the doors for the first time during the 2023-24 school year. He ended up doing incredible things!

Sloan had an excellent year as a first grader in Ms. Emily Lunsford’s class. Although she made strides academically in Kindergarten, she struggled at times with jealousy and acting out. That all disappeared this year. Taking Mr. Hart’s charge seriously, my daughter made an honest attempt to be St. Sloan. Instead of going to the principal’s office for behavior, she was going to the principal’s office to pray. What more can I say? (Ha! I rhymed).

From her first day to her final day, Sloan had a fantastic school year.

Highlights of Sloan’s school year included being named Future Saint of the Week, proclaiming a reading at the first grade mass, being featured in the school promotional video, and performing in the talent show. Her reading efficiency and math prowess grew at the same immense rate as her pure and beautiful faith in God.

Ms. Emily Lunsford is a talented and devoted teacher who helped Sloan so much.

Beau also had a solid year. His St. Mary rookie debut in Mrs. Leanne Shaurette’s Pre-K3 classroom was loaded with cuteness and growth. We loved Mrs. Shaurette when she taught Sloan three years ago and the feeling was re-enforced this year. The tears in her eyes when we said goodbye immediately triggered my own.

Beau had a lot of fun this year and made many friends.

Highlights of Beau’s first year included making many new friends, being class leader, learning basic skills, and building a strong relationship with his fifth grade buddy, Savannah.

Mrs. Leanne Shaurette is very special to our family.

Perhaps the differentiator that makes St. Mary Catholic School so special is that students aren’t the only ones creating highlights. Parents are invited (and expected) to be involved. What a fruitful year it was for Sidney and me! From worshipping at school masses to serving as the guest reader in Sloan’s classroom to attending the school auction to helping out in class, it has been a lot of fun.

It was a year of fun events, opportunities to serve, and chances to grow closer to God.

But the best part of this past school year was the sense of community. As cliché as it sounds, St. Mary Catholic School is a family and the level of support that is championed equally by the staff, students, and families is downright special. How else do you explain teachers using their lunch period to attend Adoration so they can pray for the students? Many of our close friends are parents of Sloan’s classmates and it was nice to meet new parents from Beau’s class, too. It also helps to have a solid friendship and admiration for the school principal along with the man who oversees the entire St. Mary education program, Fr. Jeff Lewis.

Fr. Jeff receives the gifts from Sloan during a St. Mary School mass this year. Community members are always welcome at the school masses and they always foster so much joy.

Speaking of Fr. Jeff, his homily during today’s final school mass drove home an important challenge. He told the students that the arrival of summer vacation doesn’t mean a vacation from practicing our faith. Rather, it is an invitation to remain fired up with the Holy Spirit until school begins again.

Because, let’s face it, the making of saints is a year-round process. Don’t Blink.