JAZZ, BLUES AND RHYTHM

The opening was “Mission Impossible” and the closing was “New South Africa.” In between were wonderful melodies played by the Cathedral Prep band that entertained us on Tuesday, May 10. Directed by Mr. Jacob Malec eighteen young men with lots of rhythm and talent shared their love of music with us. If you like jazz and blues then you had to be delighted with the pieces that were played. Some of the songs featured the jazz ensemble and others the percussion ensemble. Some of the students played solo numbers on their saxophones, drums, guitars, marimbas and vibraphones.The program was not only enjoyable but educational as Mr. Malec explained some of the instruments and how they are played and the sounds they produce. There is no question about this one – everyone enjoyed “all that jazz.”

Sr. Martha, CDS

WELCOME TO WELLSVILLE

This Spring a group of Harborcreek students arrived at St.James School to present the Wellsville Program to grades K – 3. The Wellsville Program incorporates the ideas of good health along with feeling good about yourself and others. The concepts of “Eat healthy stuff”, “Move around enough”, and “Believe in you and me” were presented through a wide range of activities such as skits, songs, exercises, and books in the first session. The second session focused on “Doing the right thing”, “Including Others”, and “No Bullying”. The students also learned how to deal with feelings – anger, embarrassment, etc. It is an excellent program that is enjoyed by the students. At the end of the program the students are given a pledge to sign that embodies the lessons of Wellsville. It is a step in making our world a healthier and happy place!

Mrs. Norton

ALL ABOUT BIRDS

As a unit in their Life Science class, 7^th graders spent April studying birds. They learned some common bird calls by listening to a CD, kept a bird-watching chart, and drew birds of Pennsylvania. In May they will go bird-watching at Presque Isle.

Special thanks to Mrs. Lisa Danko, a Gannon biology professor, entomologist and ornithologist, for her presentation on May 3 entitled “All About Birds.” Mrs. Danko used Powerpoint to show ways to identify birds and some of their specific characteristics. She shared many fascinating ideas about birds. Flamingos once flourished in North America, but are now extinct here due to human abuse. Chickadees are very friendly birds and will eat seed out of your hand. An extinct Argentine bird had and 11 foot body, a wingspan of 25 ft., and feathers that were 6 ft. long.

We are grateful to Mrs. Danko for sharing her knowledge and helping us to appreciate our feathered friends.

Sr. Mary, CDS

APRIL SHOWERS

4 year old preschool showered me with interest and excitement while participating in a hands-on science experiment during the month of April. “April showers bring May flowers” is a phrase we are all familiar with, but we were surprised to see the showers taking place inside of the classroom!

After filling a baking pan with ice we held it over warm vapor provided by a kettle of hot water. After the pan sat above the vapor for a bit of time, we saw some changes beginning to occur. Drops of water began to form on the bottom of the pan and, before long, the drops began to fall! It was raining in preschool!

Preschool learned that when warm water vapor is suddenly cooled it will cause water drops to fall to the ground. This is a process similar to what happens on a rainy day, which we are very familiar with! So, although we did not need umbrellas, we did have rain in preschool!

Mrs. Brady

ExpERIEnce Children’s Museum

Where can you be a Crime Lab Detective? A customer or a checkout person? A star on stage? An aerodynamics or aquatic engineer? Or meet Recycle Michael? ExpERIEnce Children’s Museum and Grades 3 and 3A did that and experienced much more such as: a cave, a train, magnets, aquariums, a bubble machine. In their own words: “I like the plasma ball because when I touched it, it looked like purple electricity going in my hand.” Recycle Michael” would pitch bottles in the trash can. The trash bags were a “Challenge” to lift! The bubble machine made some feel as if they were “floating.” The Store was a popular place too, buying and selling.

For those who loved a “challenge” and liked to “solve mysteries”, being a Crime Lab Detective was the best. First, they heard “the breaking news.” The crime was a break-in theft. There was a full scale crime scene. Clues were noted. Next students went to the Interrogation Kiosk to listen to statements made to the police.Six lab stations helped analyze fingerprints, DNA, tread marks, hair, thread, and handwriting; students went back to the crime scene to check things out. Finally, after deciding who was the guilty party, they could check at the Solution Kiosk!

The most popular exhibit, however, was the water table. Water running downward at a slight angle with removable slots to channel the water’s flow proved the most inviting. They could build mazes and obstacles and channel the water so ducks and boats could race.One student wanted to force the water to flow backwards (not quite!) Thinking out loud, one said, “If I do it this way, such and such will happen.” And, observing another child’s innovative pattern said, “How did you do that?” Another said, “I just like the feel and smell of the water!”

Finally, through this delightful expERIEnce, much was learned.

Sr. Rita, CDS

ONLINE SAFETY PRESENTATION

The presentation was a real eye-opener – powerful and practical. The speaker was Senior Supervisor Special Agent Elaine Surma who was the assistant to Gov. Tom Corbett while he was state attorney general. She continues to work in the PA District Attorney’s office and specializes in computer crimes, especially those involving juveniles. Spec. Agent Surma’s presentation was given to 7^th and 8^th graders on May 9, and they are still talking about it. She detailed cybercrimes, identity theft and stated that copying music from I-tunes is no different from stealing CD’s off the shelf. She warned of online predators and told of two PA girls – Christina, a 6^th grader went with an online “friend” and was killed. Alicia – 8^th grade – met her online “friend” and was tortured. Gabrielle – 8^th grade – is in juvenile detention for making an online threat to girls who harassed her.

Students came away with new knowledge of the dangers of social media. Many said they intend to change their online conduct, and a few said they are deleting their Facebook page. Perhaps Spec. Agent Surma saved someone from much trouble. We thank her for a very timely and important message.

Sr. Mary, CDS