E Happenings - April 11, 2024

Dear Families of Epiphany School,

Yesterday, our 3rd through 5th grade students were able to experience a wonderful presentation on Grace and Courtesy, a showcase of our 4th grade performing arts curriculum. Mrs. Fritz, our Performing Arts and Rhetoric teacher at Epiphany, worked with Mrs. McGrath’s class over the last month to write and develop skits centered on various topics. Topics which 4th graders tend to battle in their comportment and relationships with one another. Some of these areas included walking in the hallway, interrupting the teacher, playing at recess, including peers in activities and events, picking teams, and teasing.  It’s important to note the topics were selected by our 4^th grade students themselves. Mrs. Fritz worked with them to develop the dialogue, blocking and presentations for each scenario. The skits included both a “right” and “wrong” way for students to act in each scenario. The audience identified the various virtues at work in each presentation. It was an engaging, prayerful and thought-provoking experience for all, and a big step forward in the introduction of grace and courtesy at Epiphany.

The desire for G&C integration came from our elementary teachers and, during the year, we tailored our classical education professional development with the University of Dallas to explore best practices.  The G&C presentation yesterday was the start of an initiative to transform the hearts, minds and culture of our school in how we relate to and work with one another.     

Grace and Courtesy concepts include, but are not limited to:

• Greeting someone

• Asking a question  

• Welcoming a visitor

• How to shake hands  

• Solving a disagreement  

• Serving food

• Standing in a line  

• Choosing a work

• Walking in the classroom  

• Using quiet voices  

• Using materials appropriately  

• Taking care of our belongings  

• Requesting privacy  

• Using the restroom

• Listening to directions 

• Respecting personal space

On the surface, these concepts may seem simplistic, but I would ask each reader to give pause to how we, as adults, sometimes fall short of many of the topics listed above.  If we, as adults, fall short of effectively modeling grace and courtesy, how can we possibly expect our students and children to develop the ability to master these important skills for life.  To that end, we will ask for your partnership in this initiative so what we impart at school comes from a united front.  These relational topics are so important for our students, especially “post Covid”, where students all over the world have struggled at times to reconnect socially over the last two years of getting back to “normal”.

On April 29th we will once again be working with the University of Dallas to engage in a deep dive in G&C and begin a framework of topics for each grade level from preschool through grade eight.  With our focus on virtues, Theology of the Body and grace and courtesy, we endeavor to uphold the dignity of the human person, and affirm effective communication, self-control, self-advocacy, respect, gratitude, humility and the recognition that all are created in the image and likeness of God. 

A big thank you to Mrs. Fritz and our 4th graders for a creative and meaningful presentation yesterday.

In Christ,

Steven J. Cunningham, Principal

School News

Tuition agreements will be sent to school families on Friday, April 26. Please check your inbox for this important email from TADS. All agreements must be signed by Friday, May 3, to be considered for acceptance for the 2024-2025 school year. If you have any questions about your agreement, please email Ann Evans at aevans@epiphanymn.org for assistance.

E Summer provides quality care, with opportunities for students to explore their own interests while developing valuable friendships. E Summer offers a wide variety of age-appropriate recreational and educational activities that may include gym time, outdoor play, arts and crafts, science, language arts, math, group games, Daily Adoration and Prayer, onsite and offsite field trips and so much more.  *Find our E Summer flier below in Important Information section below. 

Click the link below to register your child. Deadline to register is Friday, May 17.

• Register for E Summer Here

The deadline to order your 2023-2024 yearbook for your PreK - Grade 8 student(s) is Friday, April 12.  Contact yearbook@epiphanymn.org with any questions.  *Find our yearbook order link below in Important Information section below.

Grandparent’s Day has become one of Epiphany School’s favorite traditions! At this event, grandparents are invited to celebrate Mass, share breakfast, and spend time with their grandchildren in our school. This year, Grandparents’ Day will take place on April  25^th and April 26^th, starting with the 8:00 am all-school Mass.

To register for Grandparents’ Day, please contact Beth Herman either by phone (763-754-1750) or by email (BHerman@Epiphanymn.org).

Please have the following information available when registering:

• The preferred date of attendance (Thursday, April 25 or Friday, April 26)

• Name of all grandparents that will be attending.

• The mailing address of each grandparent attending.

• The name and number of grandchildren that will be dining at the breakfast. 

• The email address of school parents whose students/grandparents (parents) will be attending. *Just a friendly reminder that grandparents and grandchildren are invited to eat together at the Grandparents’ Day Breakfast. Parents are encouraged to volunteer at this event to ensure its success