Monthly Message
Summer Happenings/ Back to School
Welcome Back to School!
Greetings!

It seems impossible we usher out August today and, last week, we welcomed students back to campus for another year of instruction, faith formation, and service. This year’s Ursuline school theme is, “Without doubt, you will see marvelous things.”

Over the summer, our campus was full of activity, with more than 425 children participating in 37 camps. This Monthly Message highlights some of those camps while showcasing our first days of the new school year.

Speaking of activity, over the next several months, the board and I will self-reflect and study our 2015-21 strategic plan that just concluded. Now that we have realigned the school's administrative structure and prepare for accreditation, it is the ideal time. Studying the outcomes allows us to evaluate and measure key focus areas to make prudent governance decisions and devise a pathway for determining a future course of action centered on evidence-based teaching and student learning practices. This strategy will provide sustainable growth for the school and assure St. Ursula Villa remains recognized as the premier elementary school focused on developing the whole child.

I look forward to sharing the marvelous things happening at the Villa each month, and I thank you for your continued partnership. Together, we educate and help each child reach their full potential.

Sincerely,
Kent Halaby, President St. Ursula Villa
Sisters Mark New Beginning
July 1 marked a new beginning for St. Ursula Villa and St. Ursula Academy as the Ursuline Sisters of Cincinnati transitioned sponsorship, making each school an independent Catholic school in the Ursuline tradition.

A touching ceremony was held on June 8, where President Kent Halaby presented
Sr. Margie Efkeman with a certificate that dedicated the Manor House chapel in honor of the Ursulines.
Over the summer, Camp Villa offered an array of camps ranging from reading and writing workshops, computer coding, outdoor exploration, soccer, dance camps, and more.
Princess Ballerina campers show a craft they made. During the camp, students learned dance routines, shared princess stories, and made special crafts. On the last day, parents were treated to a mini-dance recital.
Jack Hermans lead our soccer camp where a record number of kids participated - 68 campers ranging from K - 6th grades. The camp provided a wonderful start-up for children beginning their fall SAY season (Soccer Association for Youth).
Family Fun in the Sun Party at Cincinnati Sand Volleyball Club
Getting in one last family fun activity before the start of the school year, more than 200 families gathered for an afternoon of sand and beach volleyball, jumping in a bounce house, building sandcastles, and exchanging some vacation stories. Thanks to host families - Butcher, Carley, Fucito, Hass, and Scarpitti for planning a great event.
On Monday, Aug. 17, St. Ursula Villa hosted a New Parent Orientation and Reception in the Multi-Purpose Room. The evening was followed by current and new parents gathering in the courtyard to socialize and meet the new Academic Leadership Team. What great fellowship happened that night!
President Kent Halaby addresses new parents at New Parent Orientation
Parents L to R: Molly Porter and alumni Spencer and
Alex van der Zee
New parents L to R: Daniel and Aubrey Tirpack and Jeffrey and Mackenzie Pater
New Faces at the Villa
You will see some new faces in classrooms and hallways this year as we welcome new faculty and staff. Shown are (L to R) Julie Althaver, Director of Development and Communications; Emalee Ridgeway, Ursuline Campus Minister; Julie Scherer, Main School Principal; Dina DeZoysa, 1st grade assistant; Rebecca Moran, Librarian; and Mia Chawner, 4th grade teacher.
On August 23, students met their teachers, set up lockers, unloaded school supplies, and topped off the day with ice cream cones during the Meet and Greet event.
Transition Days
Preschool through Kindergarten students acclimated to their classrooms in small groups during Transition Days, August 25-27. Our students settled into new routines with back-to-school activities and became familiar with their classmates and teachers as we launch another great year!