American Province Ministry Connections June 2021

As is our custom, this June edition will be the last one until the Fall. While this piece “closes” the ’20-’21 MC year, in many ways this particular onset of summer feels more like an opening instead of closure. What more can be said about the impact of the pandemic on our lives? Essays, articles, books, and more have described life and living, and each of us could well pen our own version of what this Covid experience has wrought. On behalf of our American Province, the ministries represented in these monthly pieces have forged ahead despite all the limitations bestowed on them. Their monthly stories have offered us hope and courage, and now that restrictions are lifted for all the vaccinated, perhaps a feeling of renewal and ‘reopening” rather than closure is our dominant sentiment. Either way, the Society is grateful for the dedication of the women and men in our Sponsored and Co-sponsored ministries who forged ahead with what we came to articulate as our theme for the Chapter, “a spirit of courageous hope and joy we envision the future.” We are blessed beyond measure to share our mission and move into the future with our amazing colleagues all over the country!

Washington School for Girls (WSG)   Dr. Beth Reaves - Head of School http://www.washingtonschoolforgirls.org/

Teddy Visits Washington School for Girls

Like many other schools, WSG is working to mitigate the challenges that have come as a result of COVID-19. With careful planning, we have begun integrating some of our students back into the school. In addition to prioritizing student-teacher interactions, recess is also at the forefront. Building interpersonal relationships are key to successful engagement, learning, and establishing a sense of belonging; therefore, our staff continues to incorporate safe, yet creative group play.

Our students have been extremely excited to reconnect with each other and spend time together. During recess, we encourage activities based on socializing, teamwork, and exercise, each of which the girls have missed so very much. Teachers are close by to facilitate reunions among old friends as well as help students foster and build new friendships.   Recently, our staff used recess as a time to surprise students with an old visitor, Teddy. Teddy is a miniature horse that the girls have grown to love! It was wonderful to see them interact with so much confidence and excitement. We are grateful to one of our third-grade teachers, Ms. Sullivan, for putting this event together. After meeting Teddy, the girls enjoyed arts and crafts inspired by the horse’s visit.   In many ways, COVID-19 has changed the way in which we operate; however, WSG remains committed to igniting the joyful pursuit of learning. While this journey has been unpredictable, we celebrate each milestone that we overcome. We will continue to make deliberate efforts to restore a sense of normalcy, as we support our students and families. This journey has been challenging, but we thank our community for their unwavering support.

Hope Partnership for Education    Rose Martin, RSM - Executive Director  http://www.hopepartnershipforeducation.org/

I recently learned that one of our students was chosen to present her resolution at the culminating Student Ambassador World Affairs’ Council virtual summit. I remember the first time our students participated in this event and how nervous they were about interacting with so many different schools. Then I passed the Graduate Support Office where I met encountered one of our alums. She had just received honors for the end of the year report period and was chosen as “Best Virtual Citizen” for her entire school. When asked what she did to achieve the award, she said, “I always greet everyone, and I’m involved in lots of extra-curricular activities – all via zoom.” I remember how many of our high school alumni have gone on to win honors after Hope. Afterward, I ran into Ms. Leah, our Art Teacher, and two eighth-graders who were collecting weeds to use in their printmaking. I was able to compliment them on some exemplary artwork that had just been hung. I remember the gradual development of the Arts at Hope and how we’ve discovered so much talent through the years. These past twenty years at Hope have been about thousands of incidents like these that reflect small signs of progress, significant moments of pride, and sure signs of growth. Hope has been all about relationships held sacred in the longing for growth, commitment, success, compassion, and pride. Whether the relationships are with students, teachers, co-workers, board and committee members, neighborhood members, donors, or supportive colleagues – they are in service to lives lifted through the gift of education – education offered in an environment of respect, excellence, compassion, inclusivity, joy and of course HOPE.

Sponsored Ministries of the Society of Holy Child Jesus  Casa Cornelia Law Center * Providence Center Co-Sponsored Ministries of the Society of Holy Child Jesus South Central Los Angeles Ministry Project (LAMP) *  Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep * Hope Partnership for Education *  Cristo Rey New York High School * Washington School for Girls    ~ ~ ~   Ministry Connections is a monthly publication highlighting ministries sponsored or co-sponsored by the Society of the Holy Child Jesus.