TO DREAM… is to think of something wonderful … to consider a cherished wish for the future … to formulate a goal … to live with a sense of meaning that fills your mind and stirs your soul. The most recent focus in Classroom Connections has been on amazing “dreamers” and their contributions to the world. Students in Second through Fourth Classes have been discovering fascinating stories behind various inventions in the worlds of:

•  FOOD — They snacked on Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, drank Coca-Cola and ate an ice cream cone, and learned the stories behind frozen Birdseye vegetables, Popsicles, chocolate chips and Life Savers.
•  MEDICINE … They studied anesthesia, antiseptics, x-rays and vaccinations. Louis Pasteur, Edward Jenner and Jonas Salk worked tirelessly so we might all live in a better world—and we’re grateful we no longer have to “bite the bullet”!
•  COMMUNICATION … From the printing press to the iPhone, the students discovered ways to communicate, emulating the technique of Gutenberg, sending messages using Braille and Morse Code, and being awed by the story of Alexander Graham Bell and his work with the deaf.
•  TRANSPORTATION … Some of the children studied air currents and tried to fly a glider for more than 12 seconds (the duration of Orville and Wilbur Wright’s first flight). Others designed aerodynamic rockets to launch higher than 41′ into the sky (the height of the first launch by Robert Goddard). They imagined cruising around in Karl Benz’s first motorized carriage or Henry Ford’s Model T.
•  TOYS & GAMES … How fun to learn about the toy designed by the son of Frank Lloyd Wright … the story behind the Teddy Bear … that the Danish words LEg GOdt mean “play well” in English … the original purpose of the Slinky … and the inspiration for Silly Putty, the Ferris Wheel, Scrabble, Duncan’s yo-yo, and the Frisbee.

Most importantly, according to Mrs. George, the children examined the thoughts and ideas of some of the most amazing dreamers of all times: Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Edison, Marie Curie, Albert Einstein and Steve Jobs. What common values did they share? How did they live their lives with purpose? What can we learn from them? Each student has been challenged to discover a passion, to persevere, to make the world better for future generations—to be a DREAMER.

Rocket Launch with Mr. Robert Powell of St. Louis Science Center
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Studying Inventions in Classroom Connections
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QUOTES
Quotes from Famous Inventors

Hooray for green thumbs! Our Primary students recently harvested and snacked on the lettuce they planted early in the spring. Throughout the course of the school year, the garden has been instrumental in teaching the children about a plant’s growth cycle. The students were involved in all aspects of gardening: tilling the soil (with help from Eighth Class friends), planting, cultivating and picking the crops. They’ve planted pumpkins, sunflowers, broccoli, lettuce and more. Special thanks to the families who’ve signed up to tend the garden over the summer. 

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The 76 members of the Class of 2012 are taking part in traditional end-of-year activities at ASH. On Thursday, May 17, liturgy at 1:30 p.m. will be followed by the May Crowning and Maypole Dance. The Eighth Class Prize ceremony will get underway on Friday, May 18 at 9:30 a.m. in Rauch Memorial, with dismissal following. Graduation on Sunday, May 20 will begin with a 2:30 p.m. liturgy at St. Charles Borromeo Church followed by Graduation and Alumni Induction ceremonies. Then, as a group, the Eighth Class will make its last visit to the Shrine of St. Philippine Duchesne before the final performance of the Maypole dance. All families and friends are invited to gather for well wishes at the Graduation Reception in the White Center. Congratulations, Class of 2012!

View the tribute slide show, created by Mr. Storjohann, that was presented at the Graduation Dinner.

Four hundred guests attended Sunset on the Serengeti, our 38th annual Chemin de Fer auction, on May 5. View photos and read more about our African safari at ASH.

Thirty-five Second Class students received their First Communion on Saturday, April 21 in the Shrine. The students have spent this year learning about the parts of the mass as well as about the immense love Jesus has for us through the gift of Eucharist. The pews were filled with family and friends as prayers and songs raised the rafters. Congratulations to all of the First Communicants, their parents and teachers.

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The Metamo4ic Math Center recently brought their “Math 2 U” program to our Third Class students. Classrooms were turned into fun math learning centers where students experienced math games and hands-on activities including manipulating robots, walking through paper, creating 3D shapes and tessellations, and playing giant board games. This was a fun and exciting way to learn about math all around us!

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