Nazareth Academy - Archives


	Catholic School For Tomorrow Celebration Posted May 1, 2009 Thursday, April 23rd saw Nazareth Academy celebrate through liturgy being named one of twelve national Catholic Schools for Tomorrow. Bishop David Fellhauer served as celebrant of the service and was assisted by Fr. Stan DeBoe.
Dignitaries and guests were many, and included Jackie Gloor, Representative from Congressman Ron Paul’s Office; John Quary, Superintendent of Victoria Diocese Catholic Schools; and Sr. Evelyn Korenek, General Superior of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament. An official proclamation from Governor Rick Perry’s office was also sent to the school recognizing the accomplishment. The week prior, specifically Wednesday, April 15, at the National Catholic Educators Association (NCEA) conference in Anaheim, California, the official presentation of the award was made to the twelve select schools. The Muzeo in Anaheim was the setting, and Nazareth (the only school from Texas) was proud to be formally named a Catholic School for Tomorrow. Diocese of Victoria Schools Superintendent John Quary, Nazareth Academy Principal Scott Kloesel, and Nazareth Academy Teachers Dana Howard and Sherry Kainer were on hand to accept the award. The award recognizes not only the hard work of students, teachers, and staff both past and present, but also the benefits students receive from the well-rounded educational experience of Nazareth Academy Catholic School. The Nazareth Academy Show has benefited me because this is an opportunity I would not receive at another school. The skills I have learned will help me in my career, as most jobs now have something to do with technology. 8th Grader Neil Z. The Nazareth Academy TV show has benefited me by making me feel more comfortable talking on camera. It has made me a more outgoing person. The skills I have learned will also be helpful to me in my future career path. 8th Grader Mary G. The Nazareth Academy Show for me has been a wonderful experience. I have learned all about editing and Final Cut Express. I also learned how to work many different cameras. I feel that the experience of working on the Nazareth Academy Show will help me in the future. I love working with people and I love being on TV. The show is great because we can always redo a shot. We all mess up, so it is great to know that I can always redo it. I think it is great that we have the Nazareth Academy Show because it lets the students at N.A. express themselves and be whoever they want to be. 8th Grader Marion H. To me, the Nazareth Academy TV Show is a major advertisement for our school. Kids watch the show and see how interesting and fun our school is. The show has also taught me to be responsible. Filming has also taught me things I can use in the future. I have learned about still and motion pictures, reporting, and editing. I love the technology, especially the cameras and editing software on computers. This is because of the N.A. show and the opportunities I have received to film and create an awesome show. 8th Grader Charles H.

	1st Annual Spring Fling Posted Monday April 20, 2009 On April 18, 2009, Nazareth Academy celebrated the first ever Nazareth Academy Spring Fling. Hundreds of families and friends of Nazareth Academy braved the bad weather and gathered in the gym, playroom, and cafeteria to have a little fun.
Just like the old days, the Nazareth Academy halls were covered in confetti. Many years ago, the annual Fall Festival was held on the Nazareth Academy school grounds. As a child, one of my best memories was looking forward to cracking confetti eggs on all my friends' heads during the Fall Festival. We all looked forward to it every year. No one was safe. When the planning stages for the new Spring Fling began, I somehow wanted to capture that same feeling I had as a child and have everyone, including my own children, feel it too. What I came to realize is that it was not totally about the confetti eggs, but it was more about the fun atmosphere and family environment that was created. I would love to acknowledge everyone that helped out during the planning stages and implementation of the Spring Fling, but it is impossible to remember them all. Thanks again to all the volunteers and patrons of the 1st Annual Nazareth Academy Spring Fling. See you next year. Bill Beck P.S. While strolling through the gym to make sure everything was running smoothly, I was passed by a screaming 5th grader who was being chased by another screaming 5th grader with a bright, shiny confetti egg in hand ready to fly. Maybe it was about the confetti eggs after all. Spring Fling Committee Bill and Mancie Beck Doug and Tonya Seiler Lisa Kristynik Allen Livingston Sister Mary Jean Charles Slaten Cherise Bludau-Branch

	5th Grade Visits Space Center Posted Monday April 6, 2009 The Nazareth Academy 5^th grade class toured NASA Space Center Houston on Wednesday, March 11, 2009.
When we got to NASA we split up into groups. I was with Mrs. Wall. The first thing that we did was go look inside a model of what a space shuttle looks like in the cabin. Then we went downstairs. Our group was not alone. Mrs. Miller’s group was also with us. We saw a few presentations. We went on a tram tour which took us to see Apollo 17, which they were unable to launch a few years back. When we got back from the tram tour we went to gift shop #1 where we purchased items. After that we ran into another group. With them we had a drink and a snack. Then we went to gift shop #2. A few minutes later all the groups got together and were on our way home. We would also like to thank the parents and grandparents that took their own time to help out. Story by 5th Grader Colton S.

	Best Buy Teach Award Nazareth Academy Catholic School, on Monday, March 2, 2009, was officially announced as a Best Buy's Teach Award recipient.
This is the fourth consecutive year Nazareth has won the Teach Award, having won previously in years 2006, 2007, and 2008. Best Buy's Teach program recognizes and rewards schools that make learning fun by integrating interactive technology into the K-12 curriculum. The selection process for this award is extremely competitive (thousands of schools across the country applied), and Nazareth Academy is honored to have won. As part of the honor of winning this year, Best Buy has awarded Nazareth Academy $4,000. Four laptop computers were purchased with the funds. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES website) there are 95,615 public elementary and secondary schools in the United States (2002-2003 statistics) and 29,273 private elementary and secondary schools (2001-2002 statistics). The significance of Nazareth Academy winning this award is evident. There certainly are GREAT things going on at Nazareth Academy! Best Buy’s Teach Award was available to accredited public and private nonprofit elementary, middle and secondary schools located within 50 miles of a United States-based Best Buy store. Winning schools use their Teach awards to extend, expand or enhance their interactive, technology-based programs.

	NJHS Inductees Posted Monday May 25, 2009 On Thursday, May 7, 17 students were inducted into the Nazareth Academy chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. The Nazareth Academy chapter requires a student to maintain an grade average of 90 or better and exhibit good conduct as rated by their teachers.

	1st Communion Posted Monday May 25, 2009 A group of Nazareth Academy 2nd Graders received their first communion during a special mass this past week.

	Religion Award Winners Posted Tuesday May 12, 2009 Congratulations to the 8th graders who received the Diocesan Religion Award. The Award ceremony was lead by Bishop David Fellhauer during evening vespers at Our Lady of Victory Cathedral. Honorees from schools throughout the diocese were in attendance. Nazareth Academy had 27 honorees attend the ceremony.

	Nursing Academy Posted Thursday April 30, 2009 Friday, April 17th saw seven Nazareth Academy students participate in the third annual Nurse Academy hosted by the Pecan Valley Area Health Education Center. NA 8th graders took active part in taking blood pressure, administering injections and starting IV drips.

	Nazareth Academy Talent Show Posted Tuesday April 7, 2009 Over 15 acts performed at the Nazareth Academy Talent Show on Friday, March 27. From singing to karate to hula-hooping, Nazareth Academy is full of talented students. Congratulations to all of our participants for having the courage to perform.

	PSIA Winners Posted Thursday April 2, 2009 Nazareth Academy students represented their school this past weekend during the PSIA Event in Fredricksburg. Our students brought home 33 placement ribbons and 6 of our students qualified for the State PSIA Event. Click here for a complete list of winners.

	Warrior's Weekend Posted Friday March 27, 2009 Mrs. Conti's Art Class prepared banners for the Warrior's Weekend event in Port O'Connor to be held Saturday, May 16th. A total of 24 banners were created by Nazareth Academy students to honor and support our wounded veterans. For more information visit www.warriorsweekend.org.

	Competition Cheer Squad Posted March 3, 2009 Congratulations to our competition cheer squad! Cheerleaders and Drill Team I would like to thank each and every one of you for doing a great job this school year. Your dedication to the squad has been fabulous. We achieved new routines, performed at a basketball game, and like always, opened the first day of school with a pep rally. I have enjoyed being the coach and took forward to succeeding again next year. Thank you, Kim Marshall Competition Cheer Squad Congratulations to our competition cheer squad! We are so proud of you. You have some so far in a short period of time.. You placed 1st twice and placed 4th in Nationals! Great Job! 8th Grade - Shayla M, Emily B, Blair B, Ashley K, Madalynn K, Hannah G, Olivia C, Clara A, Kaley B, and Katie D. 7th Grade - Alyssa B, Ashley H 6th Grade - Erika G Check out more pictures of the Cheerleaders, Drill Team, and Competition Cheer Squad here.

	BoxTops For Education Posted January 21, 2009 At the beginning of the 2008-09 school year, renewed interest was taken in the BoxTops for Education program at Nazareth Academy. Jill Sills, a Kindergarten mom, volunteered to coordinate the program and injected new life into it. This past week, all of our efforts were rewarded with a check for over $1400. For more information on the BoxTops for Education program visit their website at www.boxtopsforeducation.com.

	Best Buy Teach Award Posted Wednesday March 11, 2009 Nazareth Academy Catholic School, on Monday, March 2, 2009, was officially announced as a Best Buy's Teach Award recipient. This is the fourth consecutive year Nazareth has won the Teach Award, having won previously in years 2006, 2007, and 2008.

	Nazareth Academy Guitar Hero Posted Thursday March 5, 2009 Nazareth Academy student, Nicholas V, received a Paul Reed Smith guitar from David Grissom which was awarded by the Austin School of Music. This is a great accomplishment for Nicholas as a person & as a musician, we are very proud of him....

	"Catholic School For Tomorrow" Posted February 21, 2009 Nazareth Academy has been named one of twelve national “Catholic Schools for Tomorrow” for the year 2009. The Catholic Schools for Tomorrow honor is sponsored by Today’s Catholic Teacher magazine along with SMART Technologies, Hershey’s, RCL Benziger, The Solution Tree, and Sakura of America. The award is in its twelfth year, and annually recognizes twelve Catholic schools nationwide for innovation in education. Nazareth Academy is the only school in the state of Texas to receive the award for year 2009, and will be honored along with the eleven other award winners at the National Catholic Educational Association conference in Anaheim, California April 14th-17th. Nazareth Academy earned this prestigious distinction by including cutting edge technology in the curriculum that is related to their monthly television series known as “Jetstream: The Nazareth Academy Show.” The television series is an enrichment aspect of the school’s curriculum and provides an unmatched educational benefit for students. From operating digital camcorders, learning interview skills, creating news reports, editing digital audio and video via computer, creating voiceovers, soundtracks, and text animations, to improving classroom skills of writing, grammar, public speaking, and research, not to mention the organizing and planning that is essential to a successful project, Nazareth Academy students learn it all. The academic and “real life” experiences students receive in creating the production will no doubt benefit them in the future. Congratulations Nazareth Academy Catholic School, a 2009 national Catholic School for Tomorrow award winner.

	Scholarships Awarded Posted February 22, 2009 The 2009 St. Joseph High School Partnership Initiative scholarship winners are: Eric A, Mary G, Ashley K, Charlie H, and Nachieli S.

	Dental Health Month Posted February 22, 2009 The staff from Dr. Shuttlesworth's office visited with our students to promote Dental Health Month.

	"Operation Curb Appeal" Posted February 20, 2009 It is amazing what a small group of parents can accomplish in 3 days. With the Annual Open House approaching, a small group of parents put their heads together and planned and implemented "Operation Curb Appeal." With their goal to pressure wash the school and the surrounding sidewalks, as well as spruce up the front flower beds near the entrance of the school, this small group volunteered time, money, and sweat to see that goal become a reality. This project would not have been possible without the hard work of the following groups of parents, students, and teachers. Phase I Volunteers include: Charles and Jan Slaten, Allen Livingston, Bill Beck, Scott Kloesel, and Annette Howard. Phase II Volunteers include: Charles Slaten, Allen Livingston, Bill Beck, Scott Kloesel, Sister Ann Meletio, Sister Mary Jean Bludau, Sister Lillianne Janda, Jay and Annette Howard, John Beck, Matthew Partain, John and Melissa Parks, David Marshall, Vince Seger, Shane Morris, Doug Seiler, Bill Murphy, Brian Ellis, Frank Bolech, and several students. We have a few more "thank yous" to hand out. Thanks to the Sisters for providing lunch and beverages to all of the workers on all three days and thank you to Morres Van Beveren with MW Rentals, Jason Brannan, and Tony Holladay for the discounted/donated equipment. One last thank you goes out to Allen Livingston and Charles Slaten for putting the whole thing together. If you would like to donate your time or equipment for the next Parent Work Day, please contact Bill Beck at hsa@nazarethacademy.org.

	Service Appreciation Posted February 10, 2009 A special ceremony was held to honor the Victoria: Fire Department, Police Department, Sheriff Department, Department of Public Safety, and Hospital Volunteers. The Choir sang, gift baskets were given, and a special speech was given by Student Council President, Nachieli S.

	The Bailey Family Performance Posted February 5, 2009 The Bailey Family are a local family group that perform Bluegrass Gospel Music. They held a mini concert for our students during Catholic School's Week. For more information on The Bailey Family, visit www.the-bailey-family.com.

	NA Alumni Visit The School Posted February 4, 2009 Nazareth Academy graduates celebrated Catholic Schools Week by visiting with and speaking to our students. Thank you N.A. graduates for remembering us, and coming back to Nazareth!

	Pinewood Derby Winners Posted February 2, 2009 Nazareth Academy's Cub Scout Pack #108 participated in the Annual DeLeon District 2009 Pinewood Derby & Scouting Extravaganza this past weekend, Jan 31st at the Victoria Mall. We are very pleased to announce that our Pack represented NA extremely well with several of our scouts making the final rounds of the race and two placing in the finals. Congrats to all our boys who worked hard for weeks preparing their cars for the race.

	Catholic Schools Week Posted February 1, 2009 The 2008-09 Catholic Schools Week kicked off with a school wide pep rally. As part of their service, the 8th Grade took a trip to the Children's Park in the Vine Street Complex. They spent the morning picking up trash and giving the park a good cleaning. It was hard work, but also fun! The 7th grade class spent the afternoon cleaning up the neighborhoods around the school. The week was not all about work. Grade levels also partnered up for some fun. Overall it was another great Catholic Schools Week at Nazareth Academy.

	Choir Performs at St. Joe Festival Posted January 29, 2009 Nazareth Academy Choir of Angels at the St. Joseph Family Festival. Check out more Choir photos here.

	2009 Kid's Discovery Fest Posted January 28, 2009 On Saturday, January 24, 2009, our Nazareth Academy Band and Cheerleaders marched in the Kid's Discovery Fest sponsored by the Victoria Children's Discovery Museum. Our band has participated in previous years and our cheerleaders were invited to march this year. Nazareth Academy 8th grader, Sarah E. is Junior Miss Victoria.

	Nazareth Academy Billboard Posted January 28, 2009 The Nazareth Academy marketing committee, which is comprised of Nazareth Academy parents, is proud to unveil the upcoming Nazareth Academy billboard. The billboard will be displayed by Lamar Advertising. The cost to produce the vinyl for the board was donated by an anonymous Nazareth Academy parent. All photos and designs were a result of time donated by Randy and Laura Pollard with L-Ann Imaging. A big thank you goes out to all donors and sponsors of this tremendous project.

	BoxTops For Education Posted January 21, 2009 Thanks to supporters like you, America's schools have earned over $250 million in 12 years through the BoxTops for Education program. At the beginning of the 2008-09 school year, renewed interest was taken in the BoxTops for Education program at Nazareth Academy. Jill Sills, a Kindergarten mom, volunteered to coordinate the program and injected new life into it. This past week, all of our efforts were rewarded with a check for over $1400. Thanks to all of you who have worked so hard collecting BoxTops (as well as water bottle labels and soup labels) and please continue to bring them in. We hope to collect another big check before the school year ends. For more information on the BoxTops for Education program visit their website at www.boxtopsforeducation.com.

	Kohl's Store Makes Donation Posted January 20, 2008 While preparing for the Fall Festival, the HSA Board came across a great community based program sponsored by Kohl's. Through the "Kohl's A-Team Program", associates form teams of 4 or 5 members to volunteer at an event. Kohl's supports the team's participation with a $500 corporate grant given directly to the sponsor of the event. In this case, the event was the Nazareth Academy Fall Festival. A group of 5 or 6 local Kohl's employees spent 3 hours at the 2008 Fall Festival working the food prep line and various game booths. We received our $500 check from the Kohl's corporate office this past week. A huge thank you goes out to all that participated and we look forward to working with Kohl's stores in the future.

	Cheerleaders Win 1st Place Posted December 15, 2008 The Nazareth Academy Competition Cheer Squad: Clara, Alyssa, Kailey, Emily, Blair, Olivia, Katie, Hannah, Erika, Ashley H., Madalynn, Ashley K., and Shayla won 1st Place in the Cheer America Corpus Christi Holiday Championship. The girls have been working with Coach Calvin Parker. Mrs. Kim Marshall is the Cheerleader/Drill Team sponsor.

	3rd Grade Holds Wedding Reception Posted December 12, 2008 Mrs. Kainer's 3rd Grade recently read the book "Sarah, Plain and Tall". Mrs. Kainer, like all Nazareth teachers, loves to make class enjoyable for the students. Mrs. Kainer realizes that if the students are having fun learning, their productivity will be that much greater. In "Sarah, Plain and Tall" two of the characters, Jacob and Sarah, get married. Thus, Mrs. Kainer's class celebrated their marriage with a reception complete with cake!

	Blessing of the Pets Posted December 3, 2008 Father Stan of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church shared with Nazareth Academy students a special blessing brought to us by St. Francis of Assisi – the blessing of the animals. Students enjoyed watching all of the different pets receive this blessing. There were all different kinds of pets such as: cats, dogs, turtles, fish, and hamsters. Holy water was sprinkled on the animals and a prayer was led by Father Stan. N.A. students are very lucky to have Father take time to lead this event for us.

	Veteran's Day Parade Posted November 24, 2008 Several of our Nazareth Academy clubs participated in the annual Veteran's Day Parade. The Nazareth Academy band and drill team marched in the parade as well as Jr. Miss Victoria, Nazareth Academy 8th grader, Sarah. Our Choir of Angels also performed on the Victoria County Courthouse steps throughout the day.

	Nuclear Energy in Victoria Posted November 11. 2008 Nazareth Academy 8th grade students Marian H and Charles H have created a 4-minute video report on the proposed nuclear plant here in Victoria County. The students' goal was to create an objective, non-biased report that addressed the major fears concerning nuclear energy, and to aid the people of Victoria in making their own decisions as to whether to support the building of the plant or not. Knowing that research of the topic beforehand is important in being able to ask intelligent questions during interviews, the students utilized the Victoria Advocate print edition; attended the Exelon community information meeting; took a trip to the site of the proposed nuclear plant; and researched the internet (SpeakUpVictoria.com, the Victoria Advocate Online, and the Exelon website). Marian and Charles then spoke to individuals who were against the nuclear plant, including Mr. John Figer, spokesman for Texans for a Sound Energy Policy; as well as Mr. Bill Harris, Exelon Community Outreach Manager. In all, the students filmed close to two hours of footage that they had to edit down to 4-minutes. Marian and Charles created the report due to the motivation of the YouTube/Pulitzer Organization's "Project: Report" competition. They had each previously entered the first round of the competition last month with their own video reports on local community members they felt the world needed to know about. Though they did not finish in the top 10, they were offered the opportunity to participate in Round 2 of the competition, which requires a 4-minute or less story about something happening in the local community that has a world-wide impact. Marian and Charles decided to tackle the issue of the proposed nuclear plant here in Victoria County. Congratulations to these two 8th grade students on a job well done. The report may be viewed here.

	Fun Day in the Park Posted November 6, 2008 The Choir of Angels performed at the annual "Day in the Park" along with several other Christian musicians from around the state. They were honored by being asked to sing twice and the day was one of fun, good fellowship and wonderful music. This event takes place every October, so watch for the date next year. Thanks to all those who came out to support the choir and enjoy the day. Thanks, especially, to the parents who came to man the booth and cook the hot dogs. The food was good and the parents are the best.

	6th Graders Visit the Doghouse Posted November 5, 2008 Six grade students visit the Dorothy O'Connor Pet Adoption Center on Sept. 30. Students were treated to demonstrations by dogs, "Charlie" and "Chevy." They were given a tour of the dog and cat facilities and were taught about responsible pet ownership.

	Adopt-A-Nun Visit Posted November 3, 2008 The 6th grade of Nazareth Academy continues once again this year with the Adopt-A-Nun program. Each 6th grader is assigned to a sister living at the Incarnate Word Convent. Tuesday, Oct. 28 saw the students visit with their sisters for the first time.

	Volleyball Parents Honored Posted October 29, 2008 On October 20 prior to the A-Team volleyball game vs. Trinity, each member of the A-Team honored their parents by reading a meaningful statement they each wrote, and giving them a rose. This is a tradition at Nazareth Academy, as the girls do this before the final home game of the season. Nazareth won the game 25-5, 25-18.

	Fall Festival a Huge Success Posted October 28, 2008 The 2008 Nazareth Academy Fall Festival was held on Sunday October 5 at the Victoria Community Center. An estimated 3000 guests enjoyed a day of food, family, and fun.

	Cub Scouts Adventure Weekend Posted October 24, 2008 Our Cub Scouts enjoyed an adventurous weekend on October 18-19. They joined up with other Cub Scouts from around the area at Camp Mauritz in Ganado, Texas. The boys participated in Camping, Canoeing, Shooting BB Guns, Archery and many other fun and exciting activities. All of our boys had a great time.

	3rd Graders Visit Seguin Posted October 22, 2008 Story by 3rd Grader Mary Lisa M. The 3rd and 4th grade classes went to a field trip to Seguin, Texas, on Oct. 13th for an Agricultural Awareness Fair. The all-day trip taught us about raising animals, growing crops, saving water, and farm and electrical safety. We learned about farm animals, nature, and wild animals, like coyotes, deer, birds, and hogs. When we were learning about chickens, we each got to hold a baby chick that was only a few hours old. The presenters showed us about caring for horses and raising rabbits, pigs, sheep, and goats. We also learned about the differences between dairy cattle and beef cattle. Later, they taught us about growing cotton and showed how it is separated from the cotton seeds. One of the things that was really cool was where a woman was telling us how they sewed and made cloth in the olden days. The room had a big machine that was used for weaving. We got to see how honey bees make honey and how the beekeepers collect it. There was a butterfly garden full of honey bees and a garden with flowers, vegetables and herbs. We also learned about saving water and the difference between ground water and run-off water. One of the best areas was on electrical safety. A display was set up showing a miniature farm with tiny electrical wires on poles. They showed how people can be electrocuted if they are not careful. Little dolls were used with real electrical power showing sparks. All of the kids thought the field trip was really fun. This event was sponsored by the Victoria County Farm Bureau.

	Nazareth Academy Drama Queens Posted October 20, 2008 Nazareth Academy is proud to announce a new feature for our students, by our students. 8th graders Sarah E, Mary G, Jodie G, Nicole S, and Blair B have formed a production and playwright group. Known as The Drama Queens, these five students will be creating positive role plays from which elementary students can learn values and good behavior. These role plays will be available as video podcasts on the iTunes store (they are free). Please go to iTunes and type "Nazareth Academy" into the search box. Then click on "The Drama Queens: Positive Role Plays" button. Please take some time to view The Drama Queens' 1st role play creation. You may find it by opening iTunes and doing a search for Nazareth Academy, or you may use the following link: Nazareth Academy Drama Queens

	Principal For A Day Posted October 16, 2008 On October 8 second grader Blake H. served as Principal of the Day. His grandfather won him this honor in the Fall Festival live auction. Blake performed various duties throughout the day. Blake's first decision as principal was to give all of his 2nd grade classmates a free snack during lunch. Mr. Kloesel took Blake and four friends to lunch at his place of choice (Incredible Pizza). He performed his job so well that he had many, including Mr. Kloesel, wanting him to take the position full time!

	YouTube: Project Report Posted October 15, 2008 Two Nazareth Academy 8th graders, Marian H and Charlie H, have submitted entries into the YouTube "Project: Report" competition. The contest is hosted by YouTube in conjunction with the Pulitzer Organization. Their requirement was to create a video news report of 3 minutes or less profiling a member of the local community they feel the world should know about. They each came up with their own subjects and questions, took the school's camcorder, and organized their own filming (Marian had help from classmate Sarah E while Charlie had help from his sister), then transferred, edited, and created voiceovers for their footage on the computer. Check out the Nazareth student entries: 8th Grader, Marian H. 8th Grader, Charlie H. The Nazareth Academy Video Journalism class is just one part of the well-rounded education Nazareth students receive.

	Food Prep Begins for the Fall Festival Every year, parents, students, family, sisters and teachers come together a week before the festival to begin preparing the food for cooking on Sunday morning. The actual planning starts about 2 months before the festival with the food committee. As we get closer and closer to the day of the festival, the hours become longer and the work becomes harder. This past Thursday, the real work began. With the help of many parents, students, family, sisters and teachers, the process for preparing the dressing, sweet potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy was started. There are just a few more long days (and a really long night) ahead, but it is well worth it. We have volunteered for a good cause, our children.

	Nazareth Students Gather Donations for Hurricane Victims Nazareth Academy learned through the Victoria Advocate as well as NewCenter25 that approximately 90 individuals from Texas City had taken shelter at Hearthstone Assisted Living Center here in Victoria. Concerned with their well-being after the devastation of Hurricane Ike, Nazareth Academy students initiated a clothing drive for these individuals in need. The response was tremendous. Special thanks to all who participated in donating clothing.

	Teachers Receive Special Gift Posted October 7, 2008 This past week, Matthew & Elisa Partain from ADMARK and Steve Branch & Cherise Bludau-Branch from the Prescription Shop donated customized tote bags for all of our teachers. The bags were presented to the teachers by Dodge B, Reese B, and Sydney P.

	Student of The Month Posted October 7, 2008 Each month we recognize one of our students as the "Student of the Month". 5th Grader Emily H. is our September "Student of the Month". She will receive a a carry bag donated by Matthew & Elisa Partain of ADMARK.

	I Do Not Like Green Eggs and Ham Kindergarten under the leadership of teachers Amy Gwosdz and Deven Grones put fun into learning! After reading the Dr. Seuss book Green Eggs & Ham, the class actually tried it! Most agreed that it was actually pretty good.

	Duke University Academic Talent identification Program Congratulations to the following 7th graders who have earned recognition from the Duke University Academic Talent Identification Program: Seth H, Rachel H, Rachel I, Kimberly P, Travis S, Matthew S, Kristin S, and Douglas W. This program is now beginning its twenty-ninth year and is the largest program of its kind in the nation, representing participation from 6,000 junior high and middle schools in the Duke TIP 16-state region. The Talent Search identifies academically talented 7th graders based on standardized test scores achieved while attending elementary or middle school. Due to their achievement, these 7th graders now have the opportunity to take the college entrance SAT along with seniors in high school seeking college admission.

	Dancing With the Jets is Back! Dancing with the Jets is back! Mr. George Blaha of Blaha's Dance Studio once again has agreed to give the Nazareth Academy 6th, 7th, and 8th graders Ballroom Dancing lessons as part of Physical Education class. The ten days of lessons include the Waltz, Fox Trot, Swing, Merengue, and Two-step. Ballroom Dancing is a great form of exercise. It not only serves as a different and creative part of the Nazareth Academy P.E. class, but it also helps develop the students' social skills. Whether it is Spanish at all levels, a student-produced television series, or Ballroom Dancing in P.E., Nazareth Academy strives to provide the best well- rounded education in Victoria.

	1st and 2nd Grade Visit The Zoo Story by 2nd Grader Brodie B. (With help from dad.) First we saw the White-Nosed Badger, I think. Oh, maybe it was a White-Nosed Coat. They are very good climbers. Then we saw the Bobcats. Bobcats are excellent hunters. We then went to the Grey Foxes. During the day, I had 2 buddies (1st Graders) but one of them, the girl, went with her momma. The North American Otter is an excellent swimmer. He swims back and forth in his house. The porcupine was next. He is pokey and hurtful. Now we saw the badger. He has big claws to dig and scratch people. We then saw a bunch of other animals and then went inside for a show. During the show, one of the birds got loose and landed on my friend's head. It was very funny, but he was kinda scared too. My friend and the bird. Today we also saw the stinky Tapir, a Green Iguana, who eats bugs, a Jaguar and a Tiger. Whenever I visit the zoo with my family, my dad always picks on the tiger and then the tiger jumps up a growls and scares my dad. I like going to the zoo with friends and had a good time.

	8th Graders Participate in Operation Worship Story by 8th Graders Ashley K. The eighth graders at Nazareth Academy are starting off an extraordinary year by participating in "Operation Worship." In Operation Worship, each eighth grader was given a bible in which they wrote a personal message to a soldier fighting in the war. Hannah G., an eighth grader, says "I think Operation Worship is a good idea because it helps the troops keep God in their lives and lets them know that people are out there to support them and are praying for them." Our service men and women make many sacrifices for us, and this is a small way the eighth grade could repay them. We would also like to thank Mrs. Mary Louise Allen for graciously getting the bibles for us from the Bible Bookstore. This is just another way that Nazareth Academy shows that we are "Jets for Jesus." For more information visit www.operationworship.com.

	8th Grade Retreat Story by 8th Grader Nachieli S. As most of you probably know the 8th graders recently went on our 8th grade retreat! At the retreat we gained more trust in each other, better friendships, and learned other's strengths and weaknesses. We also had a girls session and a boys session. Speaking from the girls side I can honestly say that we gained a great friendship between us all. We also learned that it is ok to open up and share some deep stories of ours without worrying what others say or think. Once the session was over we left united. As for the guys, well I guess that you will just have to ask them. Later on we all decided on Operation Worship which is something that we all agreed on to support our troops! With the help of Sr. Mary Jean and Mrs. Allen we were able to receive 43 bibles donated from the Bible Book Store. What you do with these bibles is you go buy as many as you need or want, then you go home, write a message in it for our soldiers and then take it back to the store and they will send them to our troops in Iraq. We also made food packages to serve 300 families through Christ's Kitchen. We got together and each of us made a bag with rice, one with black beans, and one with seasonings. Then we put them into a brown bag to be taken to Christ's Kitchen where they will give them out. The last day we of course had mass! We also had the privilege of Bishop Fellhauer celebrating mass! But what is a retreat without fun and games right? During the retreat we had water games like a water ballon toss, a race with squishy balls, and of course a pool which everyone was jumping into! And I can't forget the food! It was all so delicious! It is truly amazing what a two day retreat can do!

	Cub Scouts Meet During Summer Vacation During the Summer vacation from school, several Nazareth Academy boys have been participating in fun and educational activities as part of Pack 108, the Cub Scouts. The Cub Scouts portion of Pack108 was resurrected this summer and have been meeting semi-weekly over the last few months. The boys have participated in a variety of activities at the school including running relay races in the playroom and shooting vinegar/baking soda pop corks on the playground. This past week, the boys also learned about the proper care of the US flag and ended the meeting by creating a geyser with Mentos and Diet Coke. It is something that has to be seen to be appreciated. Over all, the boy shave had a great summer vacation with their friends and look forward to meetings that will be held throughout the school year. If you are interested in becoming a Cub Scout, talk with one of the current Cub Scout parents and they can point you in the right direction.

	Readin', Ritin' and Reelin' Fishing Tournament Story by 8th Grader Madalynn K. When summer is almost gone, I know what time it is… fishing time! On August 1st and 2nd in Port O’Connor, the Knights of Columbus Holy Family Council 9088 hosted the 6th annual Readin’, Ritin’ and Reelin’ Fishing Tournament. On Friday, the event kicked off with a delicious bar-b-q pork steak meal and a live and silent auction. There were many people there including some students and alumni from Nazareth Academy! We all came out to show our appreciation to the Knights for benefiting our school. As the night rolled on, the live auction began. There were many hand-crafted items donated by people from Victoria including some of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament. There were many items up for grabs including a fishing rod and a Jet for Jesus t-shirt and cap. On Saturday, the fishing tournament began. There were a record 52 teams participating in the tournament. As everyone brought in their fish, the weighing began. Then they started the fish fry using all the fish that the caught. As always the fish fry was delicious and the winners were announced. As the day came to an end, Nazareth Academy was once again helped by the KC’s!

	1st Day of School 2008 August 18, 2008 kicked off another great year for Nazareth Academy. Summer is over and it is tine to get back to the business of teaching, building, and serving in the spirit of Christ. Take a look at some of the fun activities and demonstrations of school spirit that took place on the 1st Day of School!

	Alicardi Field Clean-Up A Huge Success A huge Nazareth Academy thank you to everyone who came out to Alicardi Field Saturday morning, August 16th. The number of helpers participating was phenomenal. I’ve never seen so many weed eaters! Due to your efforts it only took a very short time for the field to be readied, and it looks terrific. Thank you again. You have made a difference for Nazareth Academy.