October 19, 2014
Dear St. Raphael School Families and Parishioners,
We have completed the 1 ^st Quarter of this school year, and we are very proud of our students’ hard work so far. Report Cards will be open for viewing on Fast Direct by the end of the school day on Friday, October 24 ^th. Parent Teacher Conferences will be held the following week, on Thursday, October 30 ^th.

We’ve added some new things to our front lobby at school, and I encourage you to notice them next time you’re at school. We have displayed a banner that was specially created for SRA two years ago for Catholic Schools Week. It is a beautiful depiction of symbols of St. Louis, St. Louis Hills, and the Holy Spirit. We’ve included some information about the banner from the local artist, so please take a look next time you’re here.

We’ve also added wonderful photo portraits of Pope Francis in the front lobby, and in our upstairs hallway. Monsignor Breier got these portraits from the Vatican, and they are a great reminder for us to follow in Pope Francis’s footsteps. His gentle tone, and inviting and accepting attitudes are just what our world needs in these trying times.

Our featured teacher this week is our Second Grade Teacher, Ms. Stephanie Amsler. Ms. Amsler is a recent graduate of Rockhurst University with a Bachelors Degree and Teacher Certification in Elementary Education. Within a few minutes of meeting Ms. Amsler and hearing her talk about her relationship with God, and the importance of keeping that love for God at the center of our lives and our learning, I knew she was right for St. Raphael! As a first year teacher, Ms. Amsler is planning many challenging and engaging lessons for her students in every subject. Our 2 ^nd Graders can be seen working individually, in small groups, and conferencing with Ms. Amsler throughout the school day. She has transformed the Second Grade classroom into a world of learning, with her “anchor charts” displayed all about the room; these anchor charts remind students of what they have learned and are there for their reference all the time. As Father Samson remarked after visiting Ms. Amsler’s classroom, “I wish school had been like this for me. All the learning is so transparent to the kids – it’s wonderful!” We are so blessed to have Ms. Amsler begin her teaching career here with us at St. Raphael!

Please remember to keep sending in those new or gently used winter items for our Winter Wonder Wear drive, and please continue to keep our students and teachers in your prayers.

Peace and Blessings,
Kim Vangel
Principal