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July 20, 2022
Dear School of St. Mary Families,
Last week, I entered the Primary Grade Center as the assistant principal and exited as the interim principal. I was as surprised as all of you were at the need to fill this leadership role. While I never expected to be in the position to accept, I know that the twenty-five years I have devoted to building the Primary Grade Center prepared me to gracefully make this transition. With humility and passion, I am ready for the challenge. Three of our grandchildren attend the School of St. Mary, so I have a vested interest in continuing the established tradition of excellence at both campuses. While initially daunted by the enormity of the task, I know, “With God, all things are possible.”
My promise to you is that I will take care of your children and our faculty. Fr. Mike and Fr. Radley will continue to feed our souls and spread inspiration. The teachers and assistants will continue to work their magic, nurturing students academically and socially. Our support staff will strengthen us. You will continue to love and encourage your boys and girls, working amicably with our entire staff.
Since I have been blessed with twenty-five years of learning, serving, and leading at the School of St. Mary, many of you already know me. For those who do not, I am a wife, mother, and grandmother, living in this community and attending the Church of St. Mary. I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and hold two graduate degrees in education from Barat College and National Louis University. Most of my teaching time at SOSM has been spent in second grade, but I have also worked in preschool, kindergarten, first, and sixth grade.
Opening a school each fall is always exhilarating for teachers and administrators. Much work goes on during the summer months to enrich both our physical structures and curriculum.
At the Primary Grade Center, the entire roof has been removed and is about to be replaced. We also have created a space for our new music teacher.
At the Upper Grade Center, tremendous thought has been devoted to reorganizing the second-floor library, STEAM lab, as well as the Chill Room and intervention spaces. You will also see some newly carpeted hallways.
Students in kindergarten through fifth grade will enjoy a new version of our Wonders language arts program with enhanced writing and phonics instruction as well as a more responsive electronic platform.
Most importantly, we will place increased time and effort in social-emotional learning under the mantra of RESPECT, a new, home-grown curriculum developed in partnership with our social worker and teachers. We intend for the entire community to come together around the shared common value of respect - for children, parents, teachers, staff, clergy, and facilities.
Please know, I am humbled by your trust and support. As a team, we can accomplish great things.
God bless,
Kathy Thompson