Closing Remarks from Principal Diane Katz:
I saw this quote, “No one can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” (Unknown) I know that over the 41 years of teaching, I would have loved to have “do-overs.” I screwed up. But as a Christian and my commitment to God in my Calling as a teacher, He gave me a new day to learn from those mistakes and move His kingdom forward in the classrooms and schools I served in.
For the past 30 years, I have served here at St. Paul, a fantastic school! I have come to the end of a joyous and fulfilling ride of service. So many students have impacted my life here at St. Paul for the better. This group of 168 students is no exception this year. Thank you for sharing your kids with me. Thank you for all your support and encouragement over the years.
I come now to the next phase of my life with my husband down in Florida to help with his health. I don’t know quite what the Lord has in store for me there, but I am determined to make Him my all and all. I will follow His lead in this unknown.
I pray that you keep the Lord your focus throughout your summer activities, time with the family, and time spent in worship of our Lord and Savior.
May the Lord send His Angels to keep you safe and in His care! I love you all!
LOVE and LOGIC
Most families at some point experience power struggles between parents and kids. These struggles can create tension and stress for everyone in the family, and they do not help us nurture a respectful atmosphere within the family. One technique for defusing power struggles, as well as alleviating stress, is the simple act of asking questions.
Which is more powerful, a question or a statement?
Saying, “Stop behaving that way,” is more likely to create resistance than saying, “Can you save that behavior for later?”
“That’s too expensive. I’m not buying it,” will probably create more of a battle than, “How are you planning to pay for that?”
“Take out the trash. I’m not taking you to your friend’s house until you do,” stands a better chance of starting a protracted argument than, “When do you suppose I’ll be willing to take you to your friend’s house?”
Many times, a thoughtful inquiry has a far greater impact on our kids’ thinking and behavior than a statement. Why is this?
Statements tend to create resistance.
Questions are more likely to create thinking.
Why are questions so powerful? Do they cause our minds to search for closure in the form of answers? Does the brain have less energy to fight when it’s busy pondering a question?
Examples of strategic questions include:
• When do I allow kids to enjoy treats?
• When do I listen to kids?
• Who needs to decide what type of life you have? Can I make sure that you have the skills you will need to get a job, or is that something that is really up to you?
• What do you think might happen if you don’t let me know where you are? If you ran into a serious problem, how would I know where to find you in order to help?
• When I pick up your toys for you, who gets to keep them?
• How can you prove that you are ready to drive the car?
As our children get older, will they need even better decision-making skills than we needed when we were their age? Are the consequences of their decisions far more serious than they were even a decade ago? Are there more life-and-death questions today? How will our children get good at thinking?
Sometimes it’s smart to tell our kids what to do, but will we enjoy fewer power struggles if we keep this to a minimum?
What’s another benefit of asking questions? When we ask questions, we communicate a very powerful and loving message:
I know that you can think! I believe in you!
I-READY TESTING – This week students finished up on their 3rd I-Ready testing. Scores were overall very good. We saw a lot of improvement. This testing process is very hard, and scoring is very hard. If your child scored right at grade level, they are doing very well. Results will be included with the final report cards.
PTL REMINDERS:
5B’s BBQ Fundraiser – To wrap up the school year and kick off summer, we have another 5B’s BBQ Fundraiser scheduled for Sunday, May 23rd from 11:30-1:30. For $13, meal options include 2 chicken quarters, 2 pork chops, or a combination of both. Hot dog meals are available for $5. All meals will include baked beans, coleslaw, applesauce, and a dinner roll with butter.
This will be a drive-thru event. Payment will be accepted that day; cash or check made out to St. Paul Lutheran School.
Pre-ordering is requested but not required and can be done at the following link: tinyurl.com/May23rd5Bs
All financial obligations need to be taken care of by 5/27, Thursday, for your child to receive their report card.
Thank you.
School dismissal on Thursday is at noon. We will begin dismissal at 11:45 A.M.
We will have extended care in the morning ONLY on the last day of school.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Honor Diane Katz – 5/22-23 in all services
Field Day – 5/25 A.M.
Talent Show – 5/25 P.M.
Awards Day – Gr. 6-8 in Sanctuary, 5/27, 9 A.M. on Facebook Live
Closing Service – 10 A.M., 5/27 on Facebook Live
Noon Dismissal – 5/27 – Last Day of School
Graduation – Thursday, 5/27, 7 P.M.
Honor Mrs. Wyeth - 6/5-6 in all services
Fees and Records Day for next school year – 7/21, Wednesday, 8 A.M. to Noon; 4 P.M. to 8 P.M.
2021-2022 School Year begins – 8/18 – Half-Day
YEARBOOK ORDERS
A link was sent to all of you to order your yearbook for $25. Please go to ybpay.lifetouch.com and order by 5/31/21. Our ID Code is 13798221. It will be a beautiful book of memories
Mrs. Diane L. Katz, Principal
St. Paul Lutheran Church and School
85 S. Constitution Dr.
Aurora, Illinois 60506
Phone: 630-896-3350 Ext. 601
Email: dkatz@stpaulaurora.org
Website: www.stpaulaurora.org
I saw this quote, “No one can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” (Unknown) I know that over the 41 years of teaching, I would have loved to have “do-overs.” I screwed up. But as a Christian and my commitment to God in my Calling as a teacher, He gave me a new day to learn from those mistakes and move His kingdom forward in the classrooms and schools I served in.
For the past 30 years, I have served here at St. Paul, a fantastic school! I have come to the end of a joyous and fulfilling ride of service. So many students have impacted my life here at St. Paul for the better. This group of 168 students is no exception this year. Thank you for sharing your kids with me. Thank you for all your support and encouragement over the years.
I come now to the next phase of my life with my husband down in Florida to help with his health. I don’t know quite what the Lord has in store for me there, but I am determined to make Him my all and all. I will follow His lead in this unknown.
I pray that you keep the Lord your focus throughout your summer activities, time with the family, and time spent in worship of our Lord and Savior.
May the Lord send His Angels to keep you safe and in His care! I love you all!
LOVE and LOGIC
Most families at some point experience power struggles between parents and kids. These struggles can create tension and stress for everyone in the family, and they do not help us nurture a respectful atmosphere within the family. One technique for defusing power struggles, as well as alleviating stress, is the simple act of asking questions.
Which is more powerful, a question or a statement?
Saying, “Stop behaving that way,” is more likely to create resistance than saying, “Can you save that behavior for later?”
“That’s too expensive. I’m not buying it,” will probably create more of a battle than, “How are you planning to pay for that?”
“Take out the trash. I’m not taking you to your friend’s house until you do,” stands a better chance of starting a protracted argument than, “When do you suppose I’ll be willing to take you to your friend’s house?”
Many times, a thoughtful inquiry has a far greater impact on our kids’ thinking and behavior than a statement. Why is this?
Statements tend to create resistance.
Questions are more likely to create thinking.
Why are questions so powerful? Do they cause our minds to search for closure in the form of answers? Does the brain have less energy to fight when it’s busy pondering a question?
Examples of strategic questions include:
• When do I allow kids to enjoy treats?
• When do I listen to kids?
• Who needs to decide what type of life you have? Can I make sure that you have the skills you will need to get a job, or is that something that is really up to you?
• What do you think might happen if you don’t let me know where you are? If you ran into a serious problem, how would I know where to find you in order to help?
• When I pick up your toys for you, who gets to keep them?
• How can you prove that you are ready to drive the car?
As our children get older, will they need even better decision-making skills than we needed when we were their age? Are the consequences of their decisions far more serious than they were even a decade ago? Are there more life-and-death questions today? How will our children get good at thinking?
Sometimes it’s smart to tell our kids what to do, but will we enjoy fewer power struggles if we keep this to a minimum?
What’s another benefit of asking questions? When we ask questions, we communicate a very powerful and loving message:
I know that you can think! I believe in you!
I-READY TESTING – This week students finished up on their 3rd I-Ready testing. Scores were overall very good. We saw a lot of improvement. This testing process is very hard, and scoring is very hard. If your child scored right at grade level, they are doing very well. Results will be included with the final report cards.
PTL REMINDERS:
5B’s BBQ Fundraiser – To wrap up the school year and kick off summer, we have another 5B’s BBQ Fundraiser scheduled for Sunday, May 23rd from 11:30-1:30. For $13, meal options include 2 chicken quarters, 2 pork chops, or a combination of both. Hot dog meals are available for $5. All meals will include baked beans, coleslaw, applesauce, and a dinner roll with butter.
This will be a drive-thru event. Payment will be accepted that day; cash or check made out to St. Paul Lutheran School.
Pre-ordering is requested but not required and can be done at the following link: tinyurl.com/May23rd5Bs
All financial obligations need to be taken care of by 5/27, Thursday, for your child to receive their report card.
Thank you.
School dismissal on Thursday is at noon. We will begin dismissal at 11:45 A.M.
We will have extended care in the morning ONLY on the last day of school.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Honor Diane Katz – 5/22-23 in all services
Field Day – 5/25 A.M.
Talent Show – 5/25 P.M.
Awards Day – Gr. 6-8 in Sanctuary, 5/27, 9 A.M. on Facebook Live
Closing Service – 10 A.M., 5/27 on Facebook Live
Noon Dismissal – 5/27 – Last Day of School
Graduation – Thursday, 5/27, 7 P.M.
Honor Mrs. Wyeth - 6/5-6 in all services
Fees and Records Day for next school year – 7/21, Wednesday, 8 A.M. to Noon; 4 P.M. to 8 P.M.
2021-2022 School Year begins – 8/18 – Half-Day
YEARBOOK ORDERS
A link was sent to all of you to order your yearbook for $25. Please go to ybpay.lifetouch.com and order by 5/31/21. Our ID Code is 13798221. It will be a beautiful book of memories
Mrs. Diane L. Katz, Principal
St. Paul Lutheran Church and School
85 S. Constitution Dr.
Aurora, Illinois 60506
Phone: 630-896-3350 Ext. 601
Email: dkatz@stpaulaurora.org
Website: www.stpaulaurora.org
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