St. Michael Catholic School: A Year of Impact
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June 9, 2023About two weeks ago, St. Michael Catholic School finished its inaugural year as a PreK-3rd grade school, the first of its kind in our area.
Throughout the year, Truth, Goodness, and Beauty flowed from classroom to classroom, from the sanctuary to the home. Countless hours were spent "educating the whole child" and building a community uniquely focused on preparing young people not just for life but life eternal.
Some of the highlights from the year include:- Nine school-wide service projects benefitting organizations like St. Vincent de Paul, Lee County Literacy Project, and local first responders
- One student receiving the Lee County Character in Action Award
- Hundreds of hours of intentional prayer, including weekly Mass, First Holy Communion, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, and class-led rosaries for the month of May
- Support from the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, state politicians, and local businesses through two ribbon cutting ceremonies
- Opportunities for the celebration of families, such as the start of the Family School Organization, Donuts with Dad, and Muffins with Mom
Families are reporting growth and renewal in their homes as well, based on their students’ formation at school. For example, in one family, the focus of their child’s car ride conversations pivoted from childlike gossip last school year to sharing their peers’ prayer intentions this year.
The Hufstedler family is seeing similar fruit. During their son’s third-grade year, which included lectoring at Mass, investiture in the brown scapular, and regular discussion about vocations, Braden certainly impacted his entire family’s faith life. “Braden’s example and spiritual growth has transformed our domestic church,” says Braden’s dad and recent Parish Council addition, Paulie. “It’s been absolutely remarkable and life-changing for all of us.”
“In our Vision statement, it reads, ‘We believe that the Redeemer of man, Jesus Christ, is the center of the universe and of history,’” says Principal Debbie Brooks. “This beautiful statement encompasses everything we are here to do at St. Michael Catholic School. It is in our daily routines, our lesson planning, our interactions with each other, and in the community we are building here to make sure that each child strives to reach his/her God-given potential by discovering their gifts and using them to make the world a better place.”
And when our students went into their communities to complete random acts of kindness, when students’ acts of charity were celebrated on the playing field and in the classrooms, and when parishioners were impacted by the students’ faithful worship of God in Mass and Adoration, there’s no mistaking that Jesus Christ has blessed the growth of our school.
As a matter of fact, in our main hallway, one can find a bulletin board outside Mrs. Brooks’ office which reads “Be it known that Christ is the reason for this school.”
Absolutely no one would object.
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve our school/church community in this special role,” says Mrs. Brooks. “To witness the spiritual and academic growth of our students this year has been the greatest blessing.”
