Catholic schools report
Catholic schools report
Wednesday Nov 09, 2022
Wednesday Nov 09, 2022
On this episode of the Post Podcast, Holy Family Elementary Fourth grade teachers Maddy Quimby and Teresa Schrant share information about the ongoing Gifts in a Jar fundraiser.
Tuesday Oct 11, 2022
Technology upgrades benefit Holy Family Elementary students
Tuesday Oct 11, 2022
Tuesday Oct 11, 2022
On this episode of the Post Podcast Holy Family IT director Duff Watson shares information about recent technology upgrades in Hays Catholic Schools.
Monday Oct 03, 2022
TMP-Marian students prepare for future with career exploration programs
Monday Oct 03, 2022
Monday Oct 03, 2022
On this episode of the Post Podcast Thomas More Prep-Marian counselor David Zachman stops by to talk about career exploration programs in the Hays Catholic Schools.
Transcript:
EDITORS NOTE: Transcripts are provided by an automated service and are not verified for accuracy.
James Bell
Preparing for life after high school is more complicated than ever, for our Catholic schools report, Thomas More Prep-Marian, counselor, David Zachman stops by to share ways that they help prepare kids for the future on this episode of the Post Podcast,.
David Zachman
seniors need to be filling out college applications, it's time to start financial aid that just opened up October 1, so and then the juniors need to be getting ready for that sophomores can be looking into it. So yeah, basically, once they get into high school, we're we're trying to get him directed towards what do you think? And how can we help you get there? Very cool.
James Bell
You know, and one of the things I think that's got to be influencing this is the conversations that are around, you know, the, basically the discovery of do we want to do a four year traditional college degree? Or do we want to go into a tech school? Do we want to do some sort of alternative training, maybe military, there's so many options, and it seems like the schools are just getting better and better at kind of directing those kids into what makes sense for them, rather than a one track fits all kind of function,
David Zachman
right? Well, even even the workforce has changed a number of years ago. A lot of people thought, well, if you just everybody goes and gets a four year degree, that's kind of the way you need to go. But the workforce has changed. But the number of people who have a need degrees from a four year program that hasn't grown, it's still about a third of the workforce. So the middle range, I guess, where students need some sort of technical or other preparation, that is what has really grown. So more than high school, but not necessarily a four year degree. So and getting students to figure that out. That's, that's the trick. That's
James Bell
my bet. So let's talk about this. So one of the ways that that kind of that this comes about is these individual plans of study, and I'm gonna let you just kind of open this up. And tell us a little bit about how this kind of
David Zachman
works. Sure, a number of years ago, the State Department of Education just said, We want all schools to offer and create an individual plan of study for all their students. It doesn't have to be the exact same thing, but we want all of them to have certain pieces, we want it to be an electronic portfolio, so they can access it from anywhere. We want them to be able to take Strength Finders, and to do career interest surveys to find out more about who they are and what their strengths are and how that might fit with a job. And then we want them to be able to kind of plan accordingly with what kind of classes then do I need to take in high school that will help me complete that, and even into the beginning of their college. So those are the four things that the state of Kansas said, we need to do. And of course, we a lot of us were doing those things even before but it wasn't in quite such a uniform format format across the state. So that's kind of a general outline of what we're what we're trying to do.
James Bell
Very cool. Well, let's first talk about these electronic portfolios, because that's, that's something that's come up. You know, since I was in school, we didn't have portfolios at all, we barely had electronic I think we had some some computers computers in the school, but maybe a few handful and that we were fighting over. So let's kind of talk about the details. This starts when they're, again in the freshman level, doesn't it?
David Zachman
Yes, it does, at least a TMP it does. But I know that the electronic portfolios can go down into grade school, also. So they can even start with some very basic, very beginning career things as very young children. Our electronic portfolio is called Zelo X e ll Oh. And at each grade level, the students have certain lessons and they build on each other. So that you know, for the freshmen, they're learning about their personalities and what kind of study skills they can learn different kinds of career things. And then as they work up through high school, they learn more about work values and lifestyle, choosing a college even for the seniors, then we get into job interviews and and maybe career backup plans. Because as we know, the things that we think about and what we want to do that doesn't always work out. So what else can you do? What else are you thinking about? Not quite be so zeroed in on? I can only do this and that's the only thing possible. They're always related things and so we try to try to get them to think about some some variety. Also.
James Bell
It's pretty rare that people stay in one career track through their entire lives at this point, too, isn't it?
David Zachman
Oh definitely. It is You know, it's rare for students to just stay in college, in the original major that they started in, they tend to change two or three times they tend tend to change schools. So let them know that I think that's one of the things that that is my biggest challenge is students think, well, when we're talking about this, I have to decide, and I have to get it right. And it life doesn't work that way. I've had a number of students that kind of had that had their whole lives figured out. And after one semester in college, they changed directions, different major, and, and it worked out very well for him. So it's a it's a process, I guess, not just a checklist.
James Bell
Yeah, then you but you, and I kind of think about back to, again, my school education and the tools that we had. And one of the things I remember was like, you know, the paper, you did the bubble test, and it would kind of tell you, like, hey, this might be a good career track or that one. You know, I'm wondering what the equivalent is nowadays for that?
David Zachman
Absolutely. That's one of the first things that students take with this electronic portfolio is something called matchmaker. And it works just like the Holland or some of the other tests that you took. But instead of bubble sheets, you're clicking on answers on a on a computer. And basically, what it does is the same thing, it takes what you like and what you're interested in, and it matches it up with a career. And the people in that career said, Well, these are the things that I like, and I want to do. And so it just puts those two together. And it really just says, here are some things that are a good fit for what you like, and students. And sometimes parents say, but I don't want to do that. This isn't telling you, you have to do it, it's just saying, these are things that you like, think about some of these kinds of careers. And once we kind of narrow it down, we should be able to find something that's a better fit. So that's the idea of the matchmaker. And then of course, we add to that other things, their personality, their skills, again, all just pointing them into a direction. And it actually even summarizes it forum and says, These are the things the careers that really fit your interests in your skills the best. If you want to do something else completely different, you certainly can.
James Bell
Very cool, you know, and I think you know, even having that, that guidance on that direction, at any point, your life is gonna be really helpful, whether or not you want to go that route, just having that insight is so valuable.
David Zachman
Sure. There are just so many jobs, so many different careers, new jobs that are being created in the future that we don't even know about right now. So how do you prepare for those kinds of things. And I think one of the best ways to career for to prepare for that is just a good education and improving those, sometimes they call them soft skills are transferable skills, just being able to work with people and communicate with them and be assertive, and be organized, all of those kinds of things that will allow you to, to transfer and change and adjust and adapt with the job market.
James Bell
Yeah, well, and it also keys into the educational experience too. Because if you're kind of on a track, you're thinking, you know, I think a specific job, like maybe a welder, for example, you know, if you're kind of have that mindset, you enjoy it, you know, you that might be something you're good at, that's going to completely just shift that educational track, both in the school and then post secondary, right?
David Zachman
I would say so. Once students kind of target in on something, whether it's a welding a technical skill, or something that requires a another degree, they can always diversify and move into related areas. But sometimes we just don't know about those related areas. And so again, broadening that perspective and getting students to look at things, you know, in smaller communities, we see doctors and nurses and lawyers and policemen and teachers, but we don't always see a lot of the other maybe high tech or unique fields that that are great options for students.
James Bell
Yeah, absolutely. And I love that piece of the evaluation of it. So as they're building those, those core schedules, they may be like going back to welding just because it's top of mind now for me, anyway, you know, like, Hey, I saw that, that sounds cool. I should try that out. And then they get in there. And they they have that hands on experience, and maybe in a in the spring class and find out now this is not actually as exciting as cool as I thought it was going to be. And there
David Zachman
are things of course, students can take college credit classes in high school. We have students that go to NC K for classes for several hours a day. And a lot of them experience exactly what you were talking about. I really thought this is what I wanted to do. And some are very happy with it and want to continue on with it and others say this isn't what I thought it was. And so by the time they've get out of high school, they already have some experience And they've already sometimes narrowing down what you don't want to do is as important as what you do want to do. So giving them those experience opportunities, job shadows, being able to go to colleges and and just check those out sometimes even just for a day can help broaden those horizons and experiences.
James Bell
Now, we want to talk about some of these activities that are coming up, that will help them on that track. But before we go, any other things we want to hit on about that? That four piece kind of direction that you're giving them a TMP,
David Zachman
it's really just about giving students information, and then help them them helping them choose their path. Of course, the original idea was students would have this done in junior high, and then they would just follow that path through high school. But, of course, people change their minds and they continue to grow and change. So we've learned that that's just an ongoing process. And we need to be able to adapt and change with the students sinteres. One of the things that we spend quite a bit of time on at TMP, Marion is helping students to choose their classes for four years. And of course, that will change too. But giving them a focus, helping them say, Well, what is it you want to accomplish? What is your goal? What kind of a curriculum? Do you want to choose a curriculum to just graduate from high school? Do you want to choose a curriculum to help you meet qualified admissions? So you can go on to a four year public university? Do you want to meet the scholars curriculum, so you qualify for a state of Kansas scholarship. And once they've kind of chosen, this is my goal, then we can get them in the correct classes, so that they can meet that goal. And we don't have any surprises when they're seniors and say, but I didn't take this class. And I needed it. If we choose the path, and we choose the goal, and we match classes, that should be right on target. Excellent. I think you also asked sorry, I kind of went off the back there. But yes, about some other activities that we do. We start off the year with just goal setting, helping students choose what's most important to you and, and making good goals. We haven't go to college and career conferences, Hays high sponsors, one and they're kind enough to invite us to go to that. So kids can go and talk to a variety of college, military, technical representatives. And they're all right there for them. So it's very convenient, they get a lot done, sophomores do reality you, which is a wonderful experience. And in they get a profile. And in less than two hours, they have a budget, and they have to try to figure out how to make that budget work for him and get a car and pay their bills. All of those kinds of things are just kind of helped the students focus a little bit more and learn the lessons in high school. So they'll be ahead of a game once they get out of high school.
James Bell
Love that. That's another tool that you know, it would have been so cool to have seen that when we were when I was I think you're a little bit older than I am when I was in school, but I see that now. And like what an eye opener every time those kids get to do that reality based training. They're like, Oh, I didn't even know
David Zachman
I think they learn more in that hour maybe that maybe I shouldn't say this out loud. But they they learn more in that hour than I can teach them in an hour's just because it's so real to them. I don't have enough money. I gotta get a second job even though it's just a simulation. It's and child cares, really expensive. And a Kitson thinking about all those real life things that are such valuable
Tuesday Sep 20, 2022
Thomas More Prep-Marian readies for Homecoming festivities
Tuesday Sep 20, 2022
Tuesday Sep 20, 2022
On this episode of the Post Podcast Thomas More Prep-Marian Alumni Director Wanda Billinger shares details of this year's Homecoming festivities.
Transcript:
EDITORS NOTE: Transcripts are provided by an automated service and are not verified for accuracy.
James Bell
Thomas More Prep-Marian has another homecoming celebration on the way. Alumni Director Wanda Billinger stops by to share the details on this episode of the Post Podcast.
Wanda Billinger
Homecoming is my Christmas. I love just seeing all the people coming back graduates and their families that just the camaraderie, but everybody's doing what's going on. It's just fun. No, absolutely.
James Bell
You guys have I'm just a I'm sure a regular slew of events for this weekend right
Wanda Billinger
we do we do. To start off our our bonfire is Thursday night at eight. They'll introduce the homecoming candidates and all of that kind of stuff. The SticO pick the theme of SOR s o ar and that stands for strength, ownership, acceptance and respect. For homecoming candidates are landing Rosina and Julian Juliana bio Ballman. Landon is the son of Travis and Jill worth class of 96, Rosina and Juliana is the daughter of Justin and Michelle Baldwin. Michael Hale and Jenna Schleyer. Michael is the son of Steven and the late Amy Hale and Jana is the daughter of Mike and Michelle 97. hurtle Slayer. Cade Harrison's Sophia Alan Kay is the son of j and Chris Harris. Sophie is the daughter of math class of 2001 and Lindsay is in the class of 2003 Steinert Ellen Jensen, brule and Janessa Peiffer Jensen is the son of Jeff class of 94 and Julie classic 96 Mater Brule. And Janessa is the daughter of Jay in the late Bobby Peiffer Garrett photo and the Aaron Shelby Garrett is the son of Brian class of 90 and Amy and Aaron is the daughter of Eric. Okay. Garrett is the son of Brian class of 90 and Amy photo. And Aaron is the daughter of Eric class of 92 and Kelly class of 1992. Photoshop Adobe. Those two are first cousins. And then this year we have picked Jean and Teresa flax are our grand marshals. Everybody knows them both. Jean was our football coach and idea TMP and he's now think He's the assistant principal at Holy Family.
James Bell
And then he was he was on with us. And then
Wanda Billinger
Theresa F Flex is a former teacher at Holy Family. So two very, very, very good people. They help us out with so many things. So I told you about the bonfire and then Friday we have open house at school and we'll do school tours. We'll be selling our TMP apparel also. So if anybody needs any clothing for the night, they can come out to school and buy it. Four o'clock is the parade lineup. 530 is the parade begins seven o'clock is the football game versus Scott city. And we're thrilled to know as of right now, yay. Sounds weird saying that. was played really hard. And then nine o'clock we have our individual class reunions. I won't go through all the world class reunions are big, takes too long. But if they want to call out to TMP at the Alumni Office, we'll be able to give those to that's also on our website. And I don't know what TMP website.
James Bell
I tell people nowadays, if you just Google's tip. Yeah,
Wanda Billinger
all you have to do. It's very easy. I can even do that part. We have those all listed. And this Your Honor classes 50, your class of 72, the 40 year class of 82. And the 25 year class of 97. My babies in that class. Oh yeah. It's 25 years. She's in her 25 year class for you and my son just turned 50 this year. So I'm feeling pretty old right now. We're doing we will we will announce our point of light awards this week, which I can't tell you that right now. But our other awards that we're going to be doing at halftime are the Distinguished Alumni Award. And this year's winner is dawn and Deb Klaus Dawn is the class of 69. And we're going to do the 21 year cause Gerald 78 and Rosie hemorrhage event. They got the distinguished alumni award last year they were unable to attend they had planned to do something in Colorado and they were doing our jack shrimp Spirit Award. And those awards are Keith words Shelton rents and Terry roath. They built my trailer that I pull my clothing around football games and stuff. And Randy 74 and Nadine 74 Gottschalk so that's what I got for homecoming. Very cool. So we have a lot of, you know, come out to school, we'll, we'll take him around and show him you know, the new all the new things going on. We're going to be they're starting gonna start a renovation of the third floor for the sixth graders that are be coming over here in this next school year. So a lot of things happening at school, all positive things so we're just working away hoping everybody comes back this weekend. Seems we have a lot of entries in the prayer pray it's gonna be long allow countries
James Bell
I You know, I like laundry.
Wanda Billinger
I do. It's crazy.
James Bell
I was I was talking to somebody just the other day, when I lived down in Oklahoma. I interviewed in a small town outside of the metro. And he'd grown up in the metro. And he he said something to me. He's like, when I moved here as a young man, it was very exciting to me to learn that parades are a real thing. Like when you grow up in a big city, and then probably even some smaller communities, too, but, you know, I think it's very special. We have the ability to do this parades, and they're so in haze, they're so well attended. And everybody gets so excited.
Wanda Billinger
You come down seventh, you turn the corner on 17th Street, and you look down and you're going, Oh, my God. I mean, it's just from there to the pool, to the swimming pool at the other end. I mean, it's crazy. But you know, these communities around here, like your basketball games in your football games for like, Ellis Victoria here. Everybody goes, there's nobody in town. You know, everybody's at the football games or the basketball games. I mean, it's entertainment, but you support everybody and it's just fun. Absolutely. It's fun when you play somebody that's close, like wrestler, you know, all those places, because we're so well attended on both sides. And it looks, it's great. The atmosphere was fun. Absolutely. Then our second thing I want to talk to you about is our military appreciation. This Following that is the following Friday night after homecoming.
James Bell
Okay, so this is the The weekend looks like September 29 and 30th.
Wanda Billinger
Right, right. We will have a dinner in the dining hall at 630. Anybody who was in the military, who attended TMP or anybody that has gone are the cadets rather SGMA cadets, and anybody who is a TMP grad who's in the military, you're welcome to come, we will have a supper. And they will hand out the the vets hand out the jerseys to the football players. It's really it's just, it kind of gets to the heartstrings. I'm emotional about stuff like that. So I really love that part of it. And then Fridays, the game and then we bring everybody in the military in their divisions, like if it was Navy, Army, Marines, all those we lined them up together and they marched out onto the field. And then we do a little program type thing. And it's just honoring them. Who wouldn't be for our military, we wouldn't be here. Absolutely. Pretty much. Pretty simple and whatever. But we really appreciate all that they do. And being rsj ma cadets being our school for so long as a military school just brings a little special that escapes us, I think.
James Bell
Absolutely. Yeah. And I love that you can honor the history of that. The Military Academy, you know, alongside the current kind of mission. We
Wanda Billinger
had a crack platoon back in the day who marched in Denver. I think also in Kansas City. They won national awards. Oh, wow. It was really special. That very cool.
James Bell
Well wonder anything else that we want to hit on before we go?
Wanda Billinger
Well, ice will be coming around the corner. I'll be starting to bug you. A couple of months I'll be out begging again. So the thing I seek to do best. Other than that, just thank everybody for their support. Come out. Have a good time. Haven't join us on our everyone's
Tuesday Aug 23, 2022
Students and staff settle in for academic year at Holy Family Elementary
Tuesday Aug 23, 2022
Tuesday Aug 23, 2022
On this episode of the Post Podcast Holy Family Elementary principal, Rachel Wentling and assistant principal Gene Flax share updates from the school as the year begins.
Transcript:
EDITORS NOTE: Transcripts are provided by an automated service and are not verified for accuracy.
James Bell
Holy Family Elementary in Hays has kicked off the school year, principal Rachel Wentling, along with Assistant Principal Gene Flax, stopped by to share some updates on this episode of the post podcast.
Rachel Wentling
Instead of going well feel like we're starting to hit that. That coasting mode. Good in
a routine. Yeah.
James Bell
Love to hear that. You know, we talked about this every year as you guys kick off the year, but down there Holy Family, you got a theme every year and I'm wondering this year, maybe a good way to start this is what are we thinking for this year?
Rachel Wentling
So this year, we are our virtue for the year is hope. And so we're using a scripture that those who hope in the Lord will soar on wings like eagles. So we're really focusing on that soar word, virtue of hope, but we're kind of using that soar as an image for the students to, you know, to really, you know, challenge them to rise up and to do the best that they possibly can to fulfill their potential. Then at the diocesan level, Mr. Jeff Andrews, our superintendent has been really focusing on the Lord, it is good that we are here. So recognizing that it's good that we're all together.
James Bell
Yeah, you know, it's it. Think about those kiddos now that are in like, first second grade, they're gonna miss that pandemic. And then those older kiddos that experience they had, it's gonna be so different. And of course, all of the educators are going to remember that. And and I would think there's, I know it's in my world. I just continually remain grateful that we're not dealing with that, as well, or, you know, continuing and hopefully never have to do anything like that again. But
Gene Flax
absolutely. I don't think people realize just how setback much of a setback those two years were, it was a huge, huge gap in there. And I think that personally, I've noticed that those kids that those young kids that weren't in school, aren't as receptive, maybe if they're the adults outside, as well as those that have been in school. But those that missed that first year. Really, it really affected. Yeah,
James Bell
I mean, the everything at that age is such a progression, and you have one little setback and not named a little setback, and this is a huge setback, but every setback kind of impacts the rest of their educational experience. You faces meet a lot. Yeah. Well, anyway, as on a more positive note. How's everybody getting back into the schools room? Enrollment? Looking good?
Rachel Wentling
Yeah, enrollment looks good. We have you know, we have openings throughout the building, but we have real nice class sizes and our preschoolers are starting today. We've got a nice group this morning getting started. So yeah, I feel like we're in really good shape this year.
James Bell
With with those preschoolers, I bet that's just a madness. Every year, my little boy, he's starting to send my preschool down to Tiger tots. And they're here to meet some of the other kids. And I just think about all those little four and five year olds, we get together for the first few times, and just the fun and excitement that is just permeated, but probably also a lot of nervousness with little kids. Right.
I think it runs the whole gamut.
Gene Flax
I think you find out really quickly, who's got siblings at home and who doesn't, because there is that pecking order, so to speak. And, and but it's exciting. And like some of those kids came in just thrilled this morning. Some of them came in a little bit apprehensive.
Rachel Wentling
Yeah, there's always a few tears. And I have to say that I am overly impressed with our kindergarteners. I thought our kindergarteners rocked it last week, they were we lunch is always the hardest part with kindergarten when they haven't done lunch before. And you know, I think By the third day, they were they really didn't need our help anymore. And that was I just was really impressed. They did a great job. So it's been fun, love, love watching them. Just their minds are just sponges and they just grow and develop and where they are at the beginning of the year. And where are they at the end of the year. It's It's amazing. I think that's why people who work in schools love working in schools because you just watch that growth and development and it it's a lot of fun. Yeah,
James Bell
it's just got to be tremendously rewarding to just every day is a new, every little benchmark or checkmark you get to get with those kids probably just warms the
Rachel Wentling
heart. Yeah, those light bulb moments are really important. And for
Gene Flax
me going into the classrooms on a regular basis, when they first learn how to read and Mr. Flex. Come listen to me and that's like said rewarding. I don't know if that's even the proper word. It's so fulfilling to me. And but it's fun. Like I said, watch him grow. Incredible.
James Bell
So yeah, you're into the first week he's kicking off his second weekend you're Back to School Bash and With can in conjunction with a TMP, right, how'd that go?
Rachel Wentling
Um, I was blown away with the event that they put together the number of activities for the kids was they had a blast. Mr. Flax was a little bit more over. I was with the volleyball scrimmage. I had a daughter playing volleyball. But I think you were over with the younger kids.
Gene Flax
Yeah, there were more bounce houses than I've ever seen. And my grandchildren is what through Him and through Him and through Him and through Him and, and, but there were activities for I think every age group basically and well attended excitement. And I didn't think it was extremely hot, which was a positive. So, but I'm not gonna lie to you. I was apprehensive last year of having this Back to School Bash. I had never been to one since I was not coaching. And so I had nothing to do with him other than coaching football. Right. It's that time. So but it's I think it's something that was needed to be brought in back in and a lot has been brought back hadn't I don't know if it's ever totally left. But the the way it's grown? I think it's really incorporated the whole both schools very well.
Rachel Wentling
Yeah, we are parents, they put a lot of pictures on our Facebook posts. We have asked them and it sounded like our our students had an absolute blast and my high schoolers, they had a great time too. So I think Job well done to Kim stick line and Joe rose with the TMP advancement office. They kind of headed that up. But Amy and Brian church are the hFB volunteers that kind of support the the grade school side and wow, they just knocked it out. It was great.
James Bell
Awesome. Yeah, we had Joe and Kim with us last week, and they kind of give us a little preview of that event. And it really did sound fun. And what I always love about events like that with the Catholic schools here in Hays is it's it's inclusive, it's not just your students or your you know, affiliations, it's open to the community. And that's something that I think is really special for Hayes, that we have two independent school systems that are really just so connected and concerned about each other in the community and work together. So
Rachel Wentling
well. Yes, everybody was invited. And we had a lot of community businesses and members who made it possible. So yes, it's definitely an inclusive event. It's for everybody to be there to really, you know, to kick off to celebrate the start of the school year.
James Bell
Very cool. And then we get to talk about this. You've got your parent info night that is coming up. Oh, looks like tomorrow, right?
Rachel Wentling
Yes, it is. Yeah, well, you know, every year we invite all the parents to come in, they hear a message from me, then we send them to their teachers. They get to hear from the homeroom teachers, the rest of us are just around to answer questions and be a presence to just help everybody, you know, get what they need for to kick off the school year.
Gene Flax
And it's really big for me, and the fact that Well, I think Rachel too, and the fact that a lot of these parents we had in high school at DMP when we were both there. And so just the reminiscing may be so to speak. Was it a lot of fun?
James Bell
I was hearing the other day about? Well, it was a matter of fact, it was it was my preschool instructor. She's on that generational gap where now she is taking care of little kids of kids that she took care of, you know, X amount of years ago, and I don't know it's gonna make you feel a little old. But also, it's gonna be like years old. And believe me, like, yeah, I've got I've got friends now that they've got high schoolers that are getting they're coming into college. And and I'm feeling that too. But it's got to be like, I don't know, how do you describe that feeling to get to that second generation and know that you've impacted a family at that point for so long?
They do grow up?
Rachel Wentling
Yeah. For those who don't know, Jean, and I worked together for 12 years at TMP, and we were assistant principals together for five of those years. And we were on discipline duty together. We were good cop, bad cop.
James Bell
I can't imagine which was,
Rachel Wentling
Well, I think it would switch depending on the situation. Sometimes I was bad cop. And I think we still do that from now even
we do. Yes.
Rachel Wentling
But um, we I would say I think Jean would agree with this, that it is one of I think our greatest blessings when our students, our former students, entrust their kids to our care. That is a a wonderful blessing to us. And we're so grateful for that and get to see them grow up and become professionals, you know, from when they were in high school. And you once again, it's just like the preschoolers and kindergarteners and those little kids watching them grow and develop. We love watching our former students grow up and develop and yeah, you know, it does the time I marches on. But I think it's fair to say I think we probably both still feel like we as young as we were when we started teaching. For the most part,
Gene Flax
I do feel younger. Now, it's more relaxed atmosphere for me than it had been for years. But I got the best of both worlds because I get to work with young kids, but I also have six grandkids in the school. So what a blessing. Absolutely.
James Bell
Okay, so this event coming up, tomorrow night, you're going to talk about update your policies and procedures and show them in the classrooms. But anything else that that you think that folks out there listening, maybe need to know about that event before? Rolling?
Rachel Wentling
Yeah, we love to see parents, we want to see you, we know that your child's education is a partnership with us, it's not, you know, us versus them, sort of, we want to see you there, this helps strengthen that relationship. And that partnership, our IT director will be there to scan parent fingerprints, if that's how they're able to get themselves into the building during the school day. So probably an important thing to have on record. It's one of those things you have to come in person to do, we cannot do that online. So he'll be there to he'll be set up. And we just love seeing parents have great conversations and answer questions. So please, please come We look forward to meeting with them.
Gene Flax
And our school can't function without the parent involvement, their volunteerism and stuff like that. And so it's an opportunity to try to coerce parents into getting more involved in their students education.
Rachel Wentling
Yeah. So it's, uh, yeah, that's a great night. Looking forward to it.
James Bell
Very cool. Again, let's kick it off. Does it does everybody need to be there at seven or is that a stagger can open house feel?
Rachel Wentling
Every we start at seven in the gym, and then all dismissed after my prep portion of the evening to their home rooms, there's two sessions. So if they have four kids in the school, if they come with two parents, they can potentially get to four homerooms.
James Bell
Okay, so make sure you there by seven if you're if you want to attend that by any and do attend, because that's going to be an important way to help kick off the year. Yes. All right. Well, we've got about a just under a minute or so left. Any other last thoughts or anything else we want to hit on before we go?
Well, we're one day closer to winter.
That's my hot blooded friend over there.
James Bell
So they're sneaking back up. I think it's gonna hit 90 today. Oh, is it was
Rachel Wentling
beautiful this morning. Wow. That I went out early this morning. Needed a jacket. That was great. Yeah. So going off in the evenings call is around the corner. Yeah. No, we're happy to be back in school. I think it's always I think letting the seeing the summer come to an end is always kind of a, you know, there's a sadness associated with it. But I do think that there's a certain amount of satisfaction when we're all back into a routine. The kids are doing what they're supposed to be doing learning and everything is back and right and normal again.
Gene Flax
I think the teachers are excited. I think the kids are excited. We're gonna have a great year.
Tuesday Aug 16, 2022
Hays Catholic schools kick off year with Back 2 School Bash
Tuesday Aug 16, 2022
Tuesday Aug 16, 2022
On this episode of the Post Podcast Thomas More Prep-Marian's Kim Stoecklein and Joe Roth Share details of the upcoming Back 2 School Bash.
Transcript:
EDITORS NOTE: Transcripts are provided by an automated service and are not verified for accuracy.
James Bell
Hays Catholic schools we'll be kicking off their year with a Back to School Bash from the Development Office Kim Stoecklein along with Joe Roth stopped by to share some of the details now on this episode of the Post Podcast.
Joe Roth
The Back to School Bash presented by Astra bank and five was started about three years ago and it's just our way to celebrate the beginning of a new school year and help the faculty staff students and parents get it Scott excited for the upcoming school year. There's going to be activities for all ages, including a hot dog feed that's presented by Astra bank laser tag presented by Hermann physical therapy, there's going to be multiple bouncy houses for all ages, but sponsored by Jeff Pinkney, CPA and Danny Dinkle and Associates. There's a giant rock climbing wall that's presented by Diamond Jewelers and DW home improvement. the dunk tank once again is back and that is sponsored by the TMP StuCo. And the first 200 People at the Back to School Bash are going to receive a free snow cone, courtesy of sunrise agribusiness.
James Bell
Nice so many good community sponsors. You know this one of the things I love about the Catholic schools here in Hays is it's not you know, it's inclusive. It's everybody in and is supported. And I think even the folks over USD 49 help support it. And I love to hear that there's so many community sponsors helping you out to get the school year started off right down there. I love that. So again, I don't know if you want to share some of the details when when is this event.
Kim Stoecklein
It's coming this Friday, August 19. And we're starting it off at 545 Father Andy hammock, he is actually coming out and going to do a great blessing for our sports teams and for the grotto just started out and then we're actually ending it at 9pm with a phone dance party. So that's new to the bash this year. We have a big foam machine coming. So we're super excited about the dance party. Yeah, and it's dark. So it's gonna be on the phone goes in the dark glows in the dark, and the people will have glow sticks for everybody. So I'm hoping it'll be a lot of fun.
James Bell
It's gonna make some good pictures. I bet I
Kim Stoecklein
so yeah, I hope it'll be dark enough. And everybody will glow. So that's yeah, we're looking forward to that for sure. We still are looking for volunteers. So if anybody wants to get involved, please contact our office at anytime. And you get a free T shirt from God logo. So that's exciting.
James Bell
That's why I volunteer for things. Yeah. Volunteer, you get the t shirt. But that's very cool. If people are interested in volunteering, what's the easiest way for them to get a hold you guys?
Kim Stoecklein
They can call the advancement office and just ask for camera tmp.
James Bell
Okay, easy enough. Yeah, very cool. And then, you know, again, you know, like, with the Catholic schools, I say this and I already said this, but it's not inclusive. Correct? Yeah. Or it's all inclusive. Yes, everybody,
Kim Stoecklein
everyone to come enjoy this event. You know, it's free, thanks to our amazing sponsors and our support. So we don't want just our schools, we want everybody to come enjoy this, this great event. We're having some new bouncy houses coming from a different company this year, so it's not gonna be the same bouncy houses that you see all over. So we're super excited. Yeah. Very cool.
James Bell
Kids love those bouncy houses. Yeah, I drive by and it'll be like a birthday party. my four year old. He's always in the car. And he's like, pull over and I'm like, no, man that's on our bouncy house. So it's nice private party. Sure. But yeah, it's gonna be a lot of fun having those kiddos there? Yes. Um, and maybe for the high school kids high school kids can can they do bouncy houses, there's that tool? Well, we've
Kim Stoecklein
tried to kind of cater to all ages. So that's where the rock climbing wall comes in. I mean, this thing is huge. And they bring it in on a truck. So we're super, super excited about that. There'll be some Foursquare volleyball setup for them. So we try to have activities for all ages. So it's not just the little kids. So yeah, we're super excited.
James Bell
Very cool. Very cool. Well, you know, as this kicks off the year it was the school year started yet or are you guys going to class next? I don't really I don't remember the dates. I know USD 49. Starting soon, but I don't even know when and that's embarrassing to have.
Kim Stoecklein
So our Holy Family, the little kids, they started this morning, they have a half day today. We have some first students, our new student orientation for our high school today and then tomorrow will be their first official day with everybody in the school. So it's an exciting time. We love when the students come back and the faculty come back. It's just Yeah, it's a really great time. We're excited to start it off with a big bash.
James Bell
Absolutely. Love it. Love it again. This is coming up this Friday. 545 All right, phone dance party kicking it
Kim Stoecklein
off. prayer service kicking off we can do the phone dance party till the end because it's got to glow.
James Bell
Well, that's fair enough. Yeah. Alrighty, guys, well, anything else the public needs to know or that we want to talk about before we go.
Kim Stoecklein
I think that's it. We just want to thank all our sponsors. And again, the support from the community has been amazing. We couldn't do this without you. So thank you so much to everyone who's helped me
Friday May 13, 2022
TMP-M graduation approaching as Hays catholic school year ends
Friday May 13, 2022
Friday May 13, 2022
On this episode of the Post Podcast, Thomas More Prep-Marian principal Chad Meitner shares information about the upcoming high school graduation as the end of the year approaches.
Transcript:
EDITORS NOTE: Transcripts are provided by an automated service and are not verified for accuracy.
James Bell
Thomas More Prep-Marian is getting ready for their graduation, principal Chad Meitner stops by to share with us some of the details on this episode of the Post Podcast.
Chad Meitner
It's the end of the year craziness. But yeah, nothing out of the ordinary. We have our last days of school, the 18th of May is our last day at TMP, Marian. But actually the seniors get out May 16. Couple days hopefully will bonus for them. Junior High gets out May 17. One day early. So yeah, it's starting to get to that last week.
James Bell
Very cool. And we're gonna talk a lot about that. Before we get there, though, last time, or maybe it was two weeks ago. I know either way, though. The ACE auction wrapped up. And from what you were telling me just right before we went on, it went really well this year, right?
Chad Meitner
Oh, yeah, it goes, it goes well, every year and this year was no exception. And it's, you know, within a lot of economic factors that we all hear a lot about we there's always a question mark, how's it going? How well will it do this year compared to past years? And, you know, we're still getting in bills and donations. So we don't have final numbers. But it's, it's really looking good. And it could possibly be one of the best ever, which is exciting.
James Bell
Yeah, I love to hear that. And I, as I already mentioned to you just a little bit ago, before we got on Erin, we were talking to Sarah earlier in charitable giving right now is is kind of a hard thing for people to do. So it's amazing to hear that people stepped up and really helped out the Catholic school during that HBase auction, because that's one of your big fundraisers for the year, right? Yes, it's
Chad Meitner
for our operations for any capital needs. You know, that's how we have to tackle it. And so for people who've always been so generous, near and far, we just continue to have to just say thank you with humble gratitude, because it's a great school, it's a great asset for our community. And it wouldn't be possible without so many people pitching in what they can, you know, some give a little, some give a lot, but it all helps us achieve our mission.
James Bell
Absolutely. So as we mentioned, we're gonna talk a little bit about the year we got, well, gosh, you say, what was it the 16th?
Chad Meitner
Yeah, for the SR 16. Like, one week away?
James Bell
Yeah. What so how's it how's the year went this year,
Chad Meitner
it's been a great year. I mean, of course, it's been a more normal year than the last two, because we've just been able to go about our business without any anything the out of the ordinary particularly. And so this senior class, who's a class who's seen, you know, the, they were sophomores when they lost their their spring like every other student did in the spring of 2020. And then they were part of last year where it was masks for most of the school year. And so this year, it was kind of coming out from all that and more of a celebratory feel, which is good because teenagers tend to not always be the most positive optimistic personalities. And so for them to be so grateful and thankful and take advantage of the opportunities they had is refreshing because we as adults know that you need to be thankful to appreciate those gifts that you're given to make life more enjoyable. So yeah, one week left and well there's a lot to squeeze in and that week, but the graduation will be May 22. So basically a week from this coming Sunday, and they we have to do finals they have to do we have award ceremonies, not just for the seniors but for all junior high and underclassmen students as well coming up this week and concerts and and of course spring sports don't stop they're still rolling all the way through till even Memorial Day weekend. So busy, busy time.
James Bell
You know, I I'm curious. And Pardon my ignorance. Everyone knows I'm not much of a sports fan. I wonder what sports you know, the day you have down there at TMP during the spring? I know baseball is probably one of them. Right? Basically,
Chad Meitner
we have quite a few for school our size, which is which is great for our kids, because you can come to a small school and get engaged in a lot of different ways. And that's I think that's part of the recipe of our success is that the kids almost have to get involved in that pushes them to to better themselves and get out of their comfort zone. But yeah, sports got baseball, softball, we do have a girl soccer. We have boys golf in the spring girls golf in the fall. We have track and field. What am I missing? I think that was everything. So lots of different activities in junior high they have track and field where basically entire student body goes out. Always, school days when we have Junior High track meets is interesting because you only have about 30 kids left in school and the rest of them are at the track meet. But again, those those keep the kids busy and gives them a little reprieve when they can get outside when the weather cooperates and get away from the schoolwork a little bit and just be with the friends and working out and being outside.
James Bell
No, absolutely. Yeah, and that's exactly this year. So it's just been so rough because of the weather has been crazy unpredictable. It's always unpredictable out here but it's been even this year, even a little bit more.
Chad Meitner
I feel like the wind even for Kansas right I think the wind has been even a little above average for us this time of year and early on. It was really windy but dry. but it was still so windy that we had to postpone a lot of events. And then we did start to get some rain, which was much needed. And we're thankful for that. But those that rain did also postpone some events. So we're going to, we're trying to squeeze them in as much as we can here this these last weeks is if they weren't busy enough. But it's good. That's what the what helps us wrap up this school year and style is that everybody can have these these opportunities to show what they can do and have a good finish to the school year. And this graduating class, this the class of 2022 is every year, it's interesting, because each class has their own personality. Well, this class it was, the word that pops to mind is just work ethic hard work this, these kids work extremely hard. And, you know, I look at just the academic is one metric of that this class has just under half of the students have a 96% or higher GPA. That's the equivalent of a 4.0. So when you almost have half of your class, get a 4.0. That, that shell that tells you a lot about how hard they work, because academics is not all about how smart you are. It's about organized. It's about good parenting. It's about our curriculum at TMP, Marian. And it's about how hard these kids work. So we're I'm excited to celebrate the class of 2022. Because of a lot of things, in their, their willingness to work hard is one of them.
James Bell
Yeah, that's incredible. And especially considering what you mentioned a little bit ago, everything that that class had to deal with, over the last four years to build come. That's, it's, it's incredible. I can't even imagine, like how proud everybody is of that group.
Chad Meitner
Yeah. And to think, well, maybe there's a big drop off, the very worst GPA is 82%, which that comes out to over 3.0. So, you know, you could argue maybe grade inflation, but you know, these are the same teachers we've had for quite a few years, these teachers care about kids, but they're not going to let kids just pass on by with gaps in their understanding or gaps in their, their study skills. So, you know, I said it's combination of the curriculum, good parenting, and then just great work ethic. And it's, it's fun to see see him have success and hope that translates into success after high school.
James Bell
Absolutely. You know, and for those kiddos that are wrapping up the year, they got to come back I imagine this time of year, they're thinking about all of those things that they accomplished and got out of their way. And then but also thinking about that break. And then what comes up next year as well.
Chad Meitner
Yeah, everyone thinks about the break. And that's our theme this year has been finished strong, particularly for the seniors, because they're the ones that get the senior itis and you know, they've got the most to feel like celebrating. But everybody too. It's like, okay, we've got a week. But that doesn't mean we're done. And you know, a lot of times you get students say, well, well, gosh, there's only like three days left? Can we just not have school, we're not doing as much as we usually do. And it's like, well, there's got to be a last day at some point, no matter when that date is you're going to come up to it thinking can't we just finish. So you've got to get to the finish line. And you know, finishing strong is, is what you will be most proud of a couple of weeks down the road than if you just skip the last couple of days and don't do your work. And then you spend the whole summer looking at how you dropped the ball there at the end. And we don't want that we want them to enjoy their break. And how do you do that you finish strong so that you can really enjoy the break and be proud of what you've accomplished?
James Bell
Absolutely. Again, you want to share those dates, the graduations coming up. I've already forgotten. Yeah,
Chad Meitner
that's may 22. It's Sunday, May 22. The Baccalaureate mass, which is a big part of our graduation ceremony is that Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, and that is at 2pm, on the 22nd. And then we have graduation in the Fieldhouse at 4pm. Two hours later. So everyone is of course invited if you have a graduate or know the families of a graduate, come to the field house and celebrate with us. And there's parties all the weekend before Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the of the weekend. And then we'll have project graduation, which is our safe party site for our seniors. That night of graduation, the 22nd. And we'll have activities and games, they're going to be over at the fort, big shout out to the fort for helping us host our seniors on that night. And we'll keep them busy all the way till two o'clock in the morning. And after that weekend, even an 18 year old will be exhausted. I'm pretty much guarantee that
James Bell
absolutely. But well any other last thoughts or anything else you wanna hit on before we go?
Chad Meitner
No, just you know, again, it's it's such a privilege to be in this community that supports Catholic education and education in general. And we're so we're so excited to be finishing up the year but please come out. If you can't do an awards night. We have the concert, the band concerts, the choir sings and then we have awards after that. So It's a nice evening of just celebrating all the students accomplishments from academics from faith formation to leadership, sports, all those things. It's a great time of year tiring, but it's it's worth celebrating. These kids have done amazing things and we all should be proud of
James Bell
Thomas More Prep-Marian is getting ready for their graduation, principal Chad Meitner stops by to share with us some of the details on this episode of the Post Podcast.
Chad Meitner
It's the end of the year craziness. But yeah, nothing out of the ordinary. We have our last days of school, the 18th of May is our last day at TMP, Marian. But actually the seniors get out May 16. Couple days hopefully will bonus for them. Junior High gets out May 17. One day early. So yeah, it's starting to get to that last week.
James Bell
Very cool. And we're gonna talk a lot about that. Before we get there, though, last time, or maybe it was two weeks ago. I know either way, though. The ACE auction wrapped up. And from what you were telling me just right before we went on, it went really well this year, right?
Chad Meitner
Oh, yeah, it goes, it goes well, every year and this year was no exception. And it's, you know, within a lot of economic factors that we all hear a lot about we there's always a question mark, how's it going? How well will it do this year compared to past years? And, you know, we're still getting in bills and donations. So we don't have final numbers. But it's, it's really looking good. And it could possibly be one of the best ever, which is exciting.
James Bell
Yeah, I love to hear that. And I, as I already mentioned to you just a little bit ago, before we got on Erin, we were talking to Sarah earlier in charitable giving right now is is kind of a hard thing for people to do. So it's amazing to hear that people stepped up and really helped out the Catholic school during that HBase auction, because that's one of your big fundraisers for the year, right? Yes, it's
Chad Meitner
for our operations for any capital needs. You know, that's how we have to tackle it. And so for people who've always been so generous, near and far, we just continue to have to just say thank you with humble gratitude, because it's a great school, it's a great asset for our community. And it wouldn't be possible without so many people pitching in what they can, you know, some give a little, some give a lot, but it all helps us achieve our mission.
James Bell
Absolutely. So as we mentioned, we're gonna talk a little bit about the year we got, well, gosh, you say, what was it the 16th?
Chad Meitner
Yeah, for the SR 16. Like, one week away?
James Bell
Yeah. What so how's it how's the year went this year,
Chad Meitner
it's been a great year. I mean, of course, it's been a more normal year than the last two, because we've just been able to go about our business without any anything the out of the ordinary particularly. And so this senior class, who's a class who's seen, you know, the, they were sophomores when they lost their their spring like every other student did in the spring of 2020. And then they were part of last year where it was masks for most of the school year. And so this year, it was kind of coming out from all that and more of a celebratory feel, which is good because teenagers tend to not always be the most positive optimistic personalities. And so for them to be so grateful and thankful and take advantage of the opportunities they had is refreshing because we as adults know that you need to be thankful to appreciate those gifts that you're given to make life more enjoyable. So yeah, one week left and well there's a lot to squeeze in and that week, but the graduation will be May 22. So basically a week from this coming Sunday, and they we have to do finals they have to do we have award ceremonies, not just for the seniors but for all junior high and underclassmen students as well coming up this week and concerts and and of course spring sports don't stop they're still rolling all the way through till even Memorial Day weekend. So busy, busy time.
James Bell
You know, I I'm curious. And Pardon my ignorance. Everyone knows I'm not much of a sports fan. I wonder what sports you know, the day you have down there at TMP during the spring? I know baseball is probably one of them. Right? Basically,
Chad Meitner
we have quite a few for school our size, which is which is great for our kids, because you can come to a small school and get engaged in a lot of different ways. And that's I think that's part of the recipe of our success is that the kids almost have to get involved in that pushes them to to better themselves and get out of their comfort zone. But yeah, sports got baseball, softball, we do have a girl soccer. We have boys golf in the spring girls golf in the fall. We have track and field. What am I missing? I think that was everything. So lots of different activities in junior high they have track and field where basically entire student body goes out. Always, school days when we have Junior High track meets is interesting because you only have about 30 kids left in school and the rest of them are at the track meet. But again, those those keep the kids busy and gives them a little reprieve when they can get outside when the weather cooperates and get away from the schoolwork a little bit and just be with the friends and working out and being outside.
James Bell
No, absolutely. Yeah, and that's exactly this year. So it's just been so rough because of the weather has been crazy unpredictable. It's always unpredictable out here but it's been even this year, even a little bit more.
Chad Meitner
I feel like the wind even for Kansas right I think the wind has been even a little above average for us this time of year and early on. It was really windy but dry. but it was still so windy that we had to postpone a lot of events. And then we did start to get some rain, which was much needed. And we're thankful for that. But those that rain did also postpone some events. So we're going to, we're trying to squeeze them in as much as we can here this these last weeks is if they weren't busy enough. But it's good. That's what the what helps us wrap up this school year and style is that everybody can have these these opportunities to show what they can do and have a good finish to the school year. And this graduating class, this the class of 2022 is every year, it's interesting, because each class has their own personality. Well, this class it was, the word that pops to mind is just work ethic hard work this, these kids work extremely hard. And, you know, I look at just the academic is one metric of that this class has just under half of the students have a 96% or higher GPA. That's the equivalent of a 4.0. So when you almost have half of your class, get a 4.0. That, that shell that tells you a lot about how hard they work, because academics is not all about how smart you are. It's about organized. It's about good parenting. It's about our curriculum at TMP, Marian. And it's about how hard these kids work. So we're I'm excited to celebrate the class of 2022. Because of a lot of things, in their, their willingness to work hard is one of them.
James Bell
Yeah, that's incredible. And especially considering what you mentioned a little bit ago, everything that that class had to deal with, over the last four years to build come. That's, it's, it's incredible. I can't even imagine, like how proud everybody is of that group.
Chad Meitner
Yeah. And to think, well, maybe there's a big drop off, the very worst GPA is 82%, which that comes out to over 3.0. So, you know, you could argue maybe grade inflation, but you know, these are the same teachers we've had for quite a few years, these teachers care about kids, but they're not going to let kids just pass on by with gaps in their understanding or gaps in their, their study skills. So, you know, I said it's combination of the curriculum, good parenting, and then just great work ethic. And it's, it's fun to see see him have success and hope that translates into success after high school.
James Bell
Absolutely. You know, and for those kiddos that are wrapping up the year, they got to come back I imagine this time of year, they're thinking about all of those things that they accomplished and got out of their way. And then but also thinking about that break. And then what comes up next year as well.
Chad Meitner
Yeah, everyone thinks about the break. And that's our theme this year has been finished strong, particularly for the seniors, because they're the ones that get the senior itis and you know, they've got the most to feel like celebrating. But everybody too. It's like, okay, we've got a week. But that doesn't mean we're done. And you know, a lot of times you get students say, well, well, gosh, there's only like three days left? Can we just not have school, we're not doing as much as we usually do. And it's like, well, there's got to be a last day at some point, no matter when that date is you're going to come up to it thinking can't we just finish. So you've got to get to the finish line. And you know, finishing strong is, is what you will be most proud of a couple of weeks down the road than if you just skip the last couple of days and don't do your work. And then you spend the whole summer looking at how you dropped the ball there at the end. And we don't want that we want them to enjoy their break. And how do you do that you finish strong so that you can really enjoy the break and be proud of what you've accomplished?
James Bell
Absolutely. Again, you want to share those dates, the graduations coming up. I've already forgotten. Yeah,
Chad Meitner
that's may 22. It's Sunday, May 22. The Baccalaureate mass, which is a big part of our graduation ceremony is that Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, and that is at 2pm, on the 22nd. And then we have graduation in the Fieldhouse at 4pm. Two hours later. So everyone is of course invited if you have a graduate or know the families of a graduate, come to the field house and celebrate with us. And there's parties all the weekend before Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the of the weekend. And then we'll have project graduation, which is our safe party site for our seniors. That night of graduation, the 22nd. And we'll have activities and games, they're going to be over at the fort, big shout out to the fort for helping us host our seniors on that night. And we'll keep them busy all the way till two o'clock in the morning. And after that weekend, even an 18 year old will be exhausted. I'm pretty much guarantee that
James Bell
absolutely. But well any other last thoughts or anything else you wanna hit on before we go?
Chad Meitner
No, just you know, again, it's it's such a privilege to be in this community that supports Catholic education and education in general. And we're so we're so excited to be finishing up the year but please come out. If you can't do an awards night. We have the concert, the band concerts, the choir sings and then we have awards after that. So It's a nice evening of just celebrating all the students accomplishments from academics from faith formation to leadership, sports, all those things. It's a great time of year tiring, but it's it's worth celebrating. These kids have done amazing things and we all should be proud of
Monday Apr 25, 2022
2022 ACE Auction underway
Monday Apr 25, 2022
Monday Apr 25, 2022
On this episode of the Post Podcast Thomas More Prep-Marian advance director Troy Ruda shares information about the 2022 ACE auction and dinner.
Transcript:
EDITORS NOTE: Transcripts are provided by an automated service and are not verified for accuracy.
James Bell
The Hays Catholic Schools Ace auction is firing up this week advancement director with Thomas Moore prep Marion Troy Ruda stops by to talk to us about that and more on this episode of the Post Podcast.
Troy Ruda
Yes, and we're excited this year, because for the past two years, let's see, two years ago, we canceled all together and went fully online. And then last year, we tried to bring just a small group of people back together, but the auction was still online completely. And then this year is the first year that we're going to be a full in person auction with a portion of it being online and a portion of it being in person and the oral auction that that folks are accustomed to. So it's gonna be fun to have it. Welcome everybody back into the LBL in your Fieldhouse, very cool. I
James Bell
love that. And you know, it's it's so neat to me, as you know, we're all kind of coming out of the pandemic, to hear about all of these organizations are these things like this fundraisers that have really kind of embraced the digital along with the in person?
Troy Ruda
Yeah. If you would have asked us three years ago, would we ever take the auction online, we probably would have said, Heck, no, it would have been a hard no for us. Because it was so successful the way that we were doing it. But the circumstances forced us into a response of learning how learning how the online auction can work. And it turned out really well, I don't know that we'll ever go back to the full in person auction where you have to be there because this is able to let so many more people become involved around the world if they would like to. So it didn't, it just all of the supporters can come out. And so the online has its, you know, we learned something in the last couple of years on on how we can, how we're going to be able to go forward in the future with this auction.
James Bell
Yeah. But you know, in the but the online to me, it never takes away from the excitement, the energy of doing something in person. So let's talk some details, right, because people are coming back and you've got some tickets still available for this event, right?
Troy Ruda
We do. There are a few tickets left to attend the in person auction, which begins on doors open for that at five o'clock on Saturday, at the Albion, your Fieldhouse there on the campus of TMP Marian. So if you would like to attend those tickets, the general admission seating is $100 per person. And that gets you a bid number to be able to bid on the oral auction items, as well as your dinner and beverages for the evening as well. And then finish off the evening with cinnamon rolls that are made by our kitchen. And there's also some fun games and things that throughout the evening that you'll be entered into, to win some prizes as well for attending. So if you would like to still attend, you're welcome to you can contact our alumni office at the school, and they'll get you set up with tickets.
James Bell
Very cool. Very cool. So you know, overall, you know, maybe we should back this up a little bit. This ace auction, it really is. It's one of those things that we talked about this all the time on the Catholic schools report how important these fundraisers are, because this is operating costs. And, you know, it's you guys do amazing things for the community and for the schools that you need these funds to keep it going.
Troy Ruda
Yeah, so there's two components to the auction. And it does benefit both Thomas Moore prep Marion as well as Holy Family Elementary, a portion of the funds that we raise will go to the operations at Holy Family. So when you support the auction, you'll support both schools. And so the two components of the auction are the operational fund itself, which is going to be the ticket sales and what and the the revenue that's generated by the items and the raffle tickets and those things and then everything that pretty much everything that's outside of the item was item number 60. Item List. Item number 60 is what raises funds for capital need of the school that are outside of the general operating budget. And we can talk a little bit about what that is this year. So traditionally, the auction will raise with both of those components over $700,000 for all of the things that all of the things that are going on. So it is a major. It is a major component of of our schools budget every year.
James Bell
Wow. Yeah, I want to talk about that. I am 60 though because that is such a cool program every year and you know, I'm curious what this year what what that's going
Troy Ruda
towards Well, I before before we talk about this year. I'd also like to talk about a big success that we're going to have coming this summer that started last year's auction. Last year's auction was to raise funds to begin repaving the the roadwork, the roadways at the school. It's an extremely expensive proposition. To raise to fund the entire project of the roadways would be about $1.7 million to do all of the parking lots and the driveways there. So we were able to raise money for phase one through last year's auction and see if worth on. Our maintenance team is putting up a banner today that we'll see from Wall Street that says coming coming summer of 2022 the first phase and so right after graduation you'll see machinery out there tearing out the entrances of 17th Street and Hall all the way past the field house and then making the round and going all the way down to on Victory Road to where we connect with a Laughlin. So that's going to be a huge, that's a huge thank you and a huge success for the funds that were given last year at ACE item 60. It always takes us about a year's lag, because we can't go forward with contracts and things until we have the funds raised. So once we get the funds raised, and we know that we have those, then we can go out to contractors and get the project actually scheduled. So it's about a year lag from when we raise the funds to when the project is going to start. So this year, we will be in advance of moving the sixth graders from Holy Family Elementary to TMP in the fall of 2023. We need to add classrooms to the junior high floor to accommodate the approximately 50 or more students that will be bringing into the into the junior high. So we will be using we will be renovating an unused wing of the third floor of the school. It used to be the dorm rooms where the Capuchin Franciscans lived when we had residents on campus. Since the captions moved out that wing has been unused and it's still the it's still the dorm rooms that they slept in. So now those rooms will all be taken out and three new classrooms will be added. And the existing restrooms that are there will be renovated into a new boys and girls restrooms. So that's pretty exciting for this year, because not only are we going to be able to welcome those sixth graders onto our campus, we're going to be able to have a little bit of room to move around at Holy Family that's busting at the seams. As well as, as those sixth graders are going to be able to have that junior high experience, which is going to be pretty, pretty fun to see them over there and they're ready by the time they get to sixth grade at Holy Family, they're ready to they're ready to go. So it'll be really fun to welcome them. The other great part about the item number 60 Is that when you give $1 to that that dollar turns into two, because we do have matching funds available from the DOJ on albino Dreiling trust, and they're matching all of the gifts that go into item 60. So your $1 becomes two your $100 becomes 200 so you can do double the you can make double the gift with their double the impact with your gift item number 60.
James Bell
Yeah, I love that. That's so great for for the school and for the county as well.
Troy Ruda
So we're you know, if if the funds are available, we'll begin some of the demolition work this summer. And then the completion of the work on the classrooms next summer at the summer of 2023.
James Bell
Awesome look forward to that. You know it's funny in the huge conversation right now in Hayes's is the USD 49 bond issue and, and how expensive it is. And it I think, for a lot of folks, when you when you put dollars like that on on on just projects like fixing the roads, it's like Holy smokes, I know, no wonder we talk about such big amounts, because it's just so expensive to get anything
Troy Ruda
these you think three classrooms, right. And it's not like you're building a whole new building with three classrooms and two bathrooms, it's estimated at over $492,000 Just to do those three classrooms. And it's just to do that now. It's everything is incredibly expensive. But you know, there's no signs that it's gonna get less expensive. You know, two years ago, two, three years ago, almost now, when we had a project to build the Learning Commons. I mean, all it was was tearing out and building a room, right? Building a big open room, in theory. It was it was approximately the same amount as it's going to be to do three classrooms. And that was almost three years ago. Wow. So there's no sign that it's going down.
James Bell
All we can do is help support things like the ASR.
Troy Ruda
That's exactly right. And you know, these are just great things for for the for the mission of, you know, of Catholic private education. And it's one of the great things that make Hayes great is the diversity of education that we have in our, in our city. Plenty of success to go around.
James Bell
Absolutely, absolutely. Well, anything else folks should know about this ace auction before we go? Yes. The
only other thing that I want to say is, raffle tickets are still available, as well. The raffles are a huge part of the auction for $100, you can get a ticket to win a nearly brand new car from autoworld a 2022. I believe it's a Hyundai beautiful car. So $100 will win your raffle ticket. There's also two $5,000 drawings. There's, I believe, to $2,000 drawings, or maybe just one $2,000 drawing and for $1,000 drawings. So you can purchase your raffle tickets if that's the only way that you can be involved in the auction. That's a great way to do it. And the raffle tickets are always, always a great thing for us. The other thing too, is that the online auction will be available to preview starting today, later this afternoon. So later this morning, we'll have it online, you'll be able to go to Hayes Catholic schools.org Just click on the menu and you'll see ace 2022 Click there and it'll take you right to the auction. You'll be able to preview all the items and register stir yourself with a bitter number. The actual online auction to be able to start bidding on will be this coming Friday, at nine o'clock, we'll kick that off with a chamber chat there at the field house. And we'll have an open house all day long. So anybody that would like to come out and see the items in person that they're bidding on their welcome to that we'll go, I believe until five o'clock on Friday. The other cool thing that we're going to do is if you come to the open house, and you would like to see the area that the competition's used to live in, it's an area that most people were never allowed to go into. And so if you would like to see that area, that's going to be turned into the classrooms, we'll be able to take you over there. And we'll have an open house in that area, as well as what's going to be renovated. So that's starting at nine o'clock on Friday, we'd invite anyone to the campus that would like to come. And then the other thing I want to mention is if you have bought a ticket to attend to the auction, you do not need to register yourself for the online auction. We'll do that for you. And you'll get a text message on on how you can with a link you can click right into so you have the same bidder number for the online as well as the in person. It's taken care of. Yeah, I love that. Yep. So we're excited. It's gonna be a busy week. But it's one of those things I told. I told the team over there in the advancement alumni office today as like, you know, this is the week that you get to enjoy the fruits of your hard labor. It's gonna be a hard week and it's gonna be a lot of hard work. But every once in a while, I'll step out and look at the great successes and look at how amazing of a project this is. And look at the big picture rather than just faced with the challenges all the time because if it's it's a really hard week, but it's also should be a really fun rewarding week.
James Bell
Absolutely. Very good. Again, more information. If you're curious about that on the website, right?
Troy Ruda
Yep. Hays Catholic schools.org Just click on menu
Monday Apr 04, 2022
As preparations begin for next year Holy Family accepting food donations
Monday Apr 04, 2022
Monday Apr 04, 2022
On this episode of the Post Podcast Holy Family Elementary office manager Toni Whitmer stops by to share the latest from the Hays Catholic Schools.
Monday Mar 28, 2022
TMP-M readies for ACE Auction
Monday Mar 28, 2022
Monday Mar 28, 2022
On this episode of the Post Podcast, Thomas More Prep-Marian alumni director Wanda Billinger shares information about the upcoming ACE auction.
Monday Jan 24, 2022
Major elementary school fundraiser scheduled for Sunday
Monday Jan 24, 2022
Monday Jan 24, 2022
On this episode of the Post Podcast, Holy Family Elementary Annual Chili Supper and Bazaar co-chairs Ryan Pfannenstiel and Jessica Acosta stop by to talk about the event, scheduled for Jan. 30.
Tuesday Jan 04, 2022
TMP-M kicks off spring semester
Tuesday Jan 04, 2022
Tuesday Jan 04, 2022
On this episode of the Post Podcast Thomas More Prep-Marian principal, Chad Meitner stops by to talk about the start of the spring semester.
Transcript
James Bell Thomas More Prep-Marian in Hays is set to kick off their spring semester this week principal Chad Meitner stops by to talk to us about that and more on this episode of the post podcast
Chad Meitner Ready or not, it's time to get back into the swing of things. Our teachers are actually an in service training, as we speak, are working hard to prepare for the kids who come back tomorrow. So I doubt any students are listening this early. But if you are, I'm glad to hear you're already up and about Adam, you're getting ready for tomorrow.
James Bell They're not up. I wouldn't be up if I was them anyway. No, no, no, no, but that's very cool. You know, and we talked, you know, as you were wrapping up the semester, bad or no back in I think late November, and things are going pretty well in the school year. Right. I mean, overall.
Chad Meitner Yeah, yeah, we've talked a little bit about, you know, it's still the pandemic COVID issues, but yet, it's much more manageable. And I would say a light version of what we had in 2020 21. school year. So it's, it's yeah, things are rolling right along. And it's into that point where you don't have to think about all those things that can go wrong. You're just more focused on the routine things that are happening, like, you know, we're getting ready has school starts up tomorrow, we've, of course, the activities quickly follow. We'll have wrestling on Thursday, and in basketball starting on Friday, right away this week. And that's good, because you never want too much unstructured time for any of us, especially for our teenagers and our students who who do better when they're interacting with each other and doing activities.
James Bell Oh, sure. And especially Yeah, you know, I feel like those the athletics, you know, all of the activities kind of keep you busy. But the athletics, especially for those athletes that are that they hit that downtime, they kind of like, Oh, what do I do with myself, you know, and it's, it's really easy to just like, let it slide. And then you got to fight your way back into conditioning.
Chad Meitner Oh, if you've been in out for sports at the high school level, you know, that that Christmas time period where you're just all you do is kind of practice but then you're also celebrating, so you're eating a lot of rich foods and sleeping late. Yeah, coming back to get in the swing of things is a little bit of a shock. But once you get back into it, it's nice. And it's the fun time of the basketball season. I think it's when you start getting in the league games, and it's a little more exciting. So the kids will have home games to go to little kids to the big kids, they all come out and it's nice to get in the Fieldhouse and have some excitement to get together again.
James Bell Yeah, absolutely. But it's not just athletics, you've got some, you know, the academic activities kicking up as well, right?
Chad Meitner Oh, yeah, those those will kick in as well. We've got chess team, our chess team pretty much competes every Saturday, which that's a sacrifice in itself. If you think about it in high school and junior high, given up you're not every Saturday, but during the season, almost every Saturday to go compete. And of course, there's still a lot of online tournaments. It's kind of a holdover from COVID that I think people like because you're not having to travel as far. Sometimes we travel all the way to Lawrence or which Topher tournament, so there's still some in person tournaments, but they also still do a lot of virtual tournaments in our schools. So they have won this Saturday, scholars bowl that's kicking off as well. They've had some early season events, but the scholars bowl kick right and get right back into it. They have a tournament in Hutchison the JV does next Tuesday. So yeah, whether you're athletics or academics, it's time to get back and focus on that and get into that routine. Very
James Bell cool. And you guys have some, some extra curricular kind of special events coming up that we want to talk about as well. A march for life, I believe is coming up. Oh, here in a couple of weeks, right.
Chad Meitner Yeah, that's a that's a big deal. For us. It's an annual pilgrimage, I'd say because it's, it's yeah, it's an experience. It's like a field trip. But it's also kind of a spiritual growth activity for our kids, right to say, we're put on this earth to not just be about ourselves, but to be about our community and our fellow man. And so that's an opportunity for the kids to get on a bus together, go on a long bus ride, which you know, us older folks, maybe don't think a long bus ride sounds exciting, but for the kids to get out of Hayes to get out of Kansas, to go see a part of our country to do it as a community. And then to do it for a good cause to say, hey, we're out here to support life and all of its stages and all of its forms. And so they'll head off to DC they'll get on the bus on January 19. And they'll get back on the 23rd that Sunday and then jump right back into school. Very cool.
James Bell And what are like a beautiful time of year to go to DC I mean, I know a few we're out you're out there in July August. Well, yeah, I mean, oh, hopefully but that he that humidity out there who?
Chad Meitner Yeah, who gets you? Yeah, as long as you don't get like a big snowstorm coming in DC is a beautiful place even in January. Sometimes you get some mild, sunny days and it's beautiful and so the kids get to go out in March. See a lot of the sights that that you see on TV and that are really important to the history of our country. And so it's an educational, a religious, a community activity all in one. Awesome.
James Bell And I think we also want to talk a little bit about this. The monarch, Fred Day is coming up later on in January, right?
Chad Meitner Yeah, actually two days. So this is a big piece of news for anybody who's got a fifth, sixth, or even seventh and eighth grader, who is maybe in the running to attend Thomas Moore prep Marian. A lot of times if if they're not already attending Holy Family, they might be considering where they're going to go to high school or junior high. And so this is the day to come check us out to come meet the teachers to meet some of the other students. We run them through different activities, get them exposed to some of the sights and sounds of our school, and hang out with have lunch. And so it's just a great way there's it's no commitment, right? Like, if you come to monarch for a day, you're not signing up to attend. But it's a great way to come in and see what it's all about and decide, hey, this is what's best for for my child. That's why we exist is to help the family raise their children in the faith and in those academics. So yeah, the dates for the sixth and eighth graders, if you've got a grandchild, or a child who's in the sixth, seventh, or eighth grades this year, on January 14, we will host them, all you have to do to sign up is call the office at the school, six to 56577. And let us know their name and their age. And we will get them signed up. We'll pair him up with in a small group, and they will have a great time. Fifth graders, it's never too soon to start thinking about hey, what your future is. So fifth graders have a day special for them on January 21. Same format, eight to noon, we can get kids their transportation, we can help get them back to their school, their current school after lunch, so that the family doesn't have to take off work. Come pick them up and take them back. We can handle that with our buses and our Suburbans. Just again, let us know at the school at the office and we'll sign him up. Perfect.
James Bell Yeah, get in there. Check it out. I mean, this and one of the cool things we always talk about here we are on the Catholic schools report is that sense of community that you mentioned, because you guys have just it's such a it's a tight knit group. And, you know, the faith pieces there. But it's also you know, it's just a it's a tremendous celebration of locals coming together and I just I love the admin atmosphere and the attitudes down there at both TMP and and holy family.
Chad Meitner Yeah, we want to we want to strive to welcome everybody and like, right our faith is leads us to say we want to treat everybody with dignity, respect, and we would love to have folks come to our community. It's not a closed community by any means. If you don't know anything about TMP, Marian or haze, maybe you're just recently in the area. We would love to let you get to know us a little better, because we think we've got a lot to offer. Absolutely. It's an incredible educators standard as well. Oh, yeah. A fantastic staff and faculty. You know, we're pretty blessed because a lot of those folks, they're doing it not just as a job to get a paycheck. They are doing it because they believe in the mission. They they believe that God has called them to do what they're doing. And what what better person to have teaching your children than someone who's in it fothose reasons.
James Bell Absolutely. Well, sir, we've got to get over to news, weather and sports but any last thoughts before we go?
Chad Meitner No, but just we're excited to get started. I hope everyone's had a great Christmas season and looking forward to hopefully some nice nose that give us moisture but that keep the roads clear and stay safe.
Wednesday Oct 20, 2021
Holy Family Elementary raises over $80,000 during Cajetan Cash fundraiser
Wednesday Oct 20, 2021
Wednesday Oct 20, 2021
On this episode of the Post Podcast Cajetan Cash fundraising chair Olivia Becker shares the results of the fundraiser.
Monday Oct 11, 2021
TMP-M students learn value of soft skills with new intuitive
Monday Oct 11, 2021
Monday Oct 11, 2021
On this episode of the Post Podcast, Thomas More Prep-Marian principal Chad Meitner shares updates from the school.
Monday Oct 04, 2021
TMP-M‘s new website a resource for students, parents and more
Monday Oct 04, 2021
Monday Oct 04, 2021
On this episode of the Post Podcast, Thomas More Prep-Marian counselor David Zachman shares details about the school's revamped website.
Monday Sep 27, 2021
Technology helps keeps area Catholic schools running
Monday Sep 27, 2021
Monday Sep 27, 2021
On this episode of the Post Podcast Holy Family Elementary technology director, Duff Watson shares the latest in technology news from the area Catholic Schools.
Monday Sep 13, 2021
TMP-M readies for homecoming
Monday Sep 13, 2021
Monday Sep 13, 2021
On this episode of the Post Podcast Wanda Billinger shares information about the upcoming Thomas More Prep-Marian homecoming.
Wednesday Aug 18, 2021
Hays Catholic schools to host Back to School Bash
Wednesday Aug 18, 2021
Wednesday Aug 18, 2021
On this episode of the Post Podcast, Thomas More Prep-Marian advancement director Troy Ruda and Kim Stokcklein share information about the upcoming Back to School Bash.
Wednesday Feb 17, 2021
Annual search for scholarships for graduating seniors ongoing
Wednesday Feb 17, 2021
Wednesday Feb 17, 2021
On this episode of the Post Podcast Thomas More Prep-Marian school counselor, David Zachman shares information about the ongoing search for scholarships for high school seniors.
Monday Jan 18, 2021
Holy Family Elementary annual chili supper set for month end
Monday Jan 18, 2021
Monday Jan 18, 2021
On this episode of the Post Podcast Holy Family Elementary chili supper and bazaar co-chairs Jessica Acosta and Ryan Pfannenstiel share details for this year's event.