Just a note to say Hello!  Madalyn asks me about Holy Cross and her pre-k teachers all the time.  We often talk about the school and the things she did while there.  The foundation of learning she received from Holy Cross has given her a wonderful start as she continues to excel.  She really misses Holy Cross and Morgan City LOTS.  Even though we are now in a larger city with a lot to do, she would rather have the fun/friends in Morgan City.  But she is adjusting well.  She plays soccer and LOVES it.  She is making new friends but often looks at the photos from Pre-K. We just wanted to say hello and have a wonderful holiday!

                                                            Ginger Butts

                                                            mother of Madalyn, former PK4 student

                              Christmas, 2004

Dear Ms. Marino and Mrs. Bergeron,

I just wanted to tell you how pleased I am with the progress that Liam is making.  I expected him to get a good solid education from your school; but what he has learned in such a short time has far exceeded my expectations.

I was lucky enough to witness about 10 minutes of class time on Grandparents Day and Ms. Marino; you are wonderful with those children.  They were entertained as well as were being taught.  I found myself wanting to join in and participate in the lesson.

Liam comes home every day telling me something he learned at school.  He makes patterns with his toys and he is actually making charts and graphs without realizing he is continuing to learn away from school.  He will line up his toys and say which ones he likes best and which he likes least.  We, as parents, can teach our children morals and the value of life, family and friends; but Holy Cross helps to deepen those teachings daily and for that I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  He is learning his school work as well as learning how to be the best person he can be.

Thank you.

                                                        Sincerely,

                                                        Jeanne' Olds McCloy

                                                        mother of Liam, Kindergarten

                                                        October, 2004

    "Good morning, everyone!  I was asked to speak to you today about the teachers here at Holy Cross, and the mere fact that I'm standing up here with my sweaty palms and shaky voice is a huge witness to how honored I felt to be entrusted to talk about these wonderful and dedicated women.  My oldest son, Matthew, is only in the first grade, so I haven't had the opportunity to get to know most of the teachers here personally yet.  That gave me pause for a moment, because I felt in order to extol the virtues of these hard-working ladies, I would have to know more about each of them.  But then I realized that I do know all of them.  They are inside of the children that I know, and talk with, and see here at Holy Cross every day.  I have watched these children pray together, work together, and play together.  They are bright, happy children who enthusiastically embrace life, and are always ready to learn more and do more for each other and for people they don't even know.  They were taught about God, and His son, Jesus Christ, and are always encouraged to strengthen that relationship which enables them to show compassion for those less fortunate than themselves and to love all people even when some of those people don't seem to love them in return.  I do know all of these women and so do you!

    Being a teacher is hard work!  I find it utterly exhausting, and I haven't spent more than one hour in a classroom here, ever.  The children don't make allowances for bad days.  Teachers have to be on their toes at all times. And when I say teachers, I mean all of the women that come here every day for not nearly enough money, with smiles on their faces ready to embrace and/or tackle any and all challenges that come their way.  I admire their professional skills, their dedication, and their enthusiasm, but most of all I admire their capacity to love.  I feel it every time I walk on campus, and it amazes me.  In these often frightening times of metal detectors and security guards at the doors of most schools, these teachers have created an environment of peace and love.  That is truly remarkable!  I know I speak for all of the parents when I say thank you so much, teachers, for all that you do for our children!  I look forward to working with all of you in the future.  I pray that you continue to find fulfillment here at Holy Cross, and may our good and gracious Lord bless you always.  There is nowhere else Tim and I would rather send our children.  Thank you!"

                                                                      Catherine David

                                                                      mother of Matthew, Grade 1, and Rebecca, PK4

                                                                      All School Mass, Teacher Appreciation Week, May, 2004

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Holy Cross Elementary School

2100 Cedar Street, Unit 2

Morgan City, LA 70380

(985) 384-1933

e-mail: holycrosselm@htdiocese.org