Principal's Newsletter
From the Desk of Ms. Clark
March 28, 2019
Dear Parents,
At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves learning disabled children, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question.
"When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?"
The audience was stilled by the query. The father continued. "I believe, that when a child like Shay comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes, in the way other people treat that child." Then he told the following story:
Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, "Do you think they'll let me play?" Shay's father knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but the father also understood that if his son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging.
Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and, getting none, he took matters into his own hands and said, "We're losing by six runs, and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team, and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning."
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the outfield. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as his father waved to him from the stands.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base, and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.
At this juncture, let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game?
Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible. Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball. However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least be able to make contact.
The first pitch came, and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly toward Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.
The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game. Instead, the pitcher took the ball and turned and threw the ball on a high arc to right field, far beyond the reach of the first baseman. Everyone started yelling, "Shay, run to first! Run to first!" Never in his life had Shay ever made it to first base. He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled. Everyone yelled, "Run to second, run to second!"
By the time Shay rounded first base, the right fielder had the ball. He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions and intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head. Shay ran toward second base as the runners ahead of him deliriously circled the bases toward home. Shay reached second base. The opposing shortstop ran to him, turned him in the direction of third base, and shouted, "Run to third!"
As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams were screaming, "Shay, run home!" Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the "grand slam" and won the game for his team.
"That day," said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, "the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world."
Every day our students are reminded of the Jesus’ Great Commandment: Love your neighbor as yourself. We know that this is not always easy. The students learn ways to put this commandment into action. Our mission is that the children’s faith formation will guide their own decision making which is paramount to their own growth as successful and confident Catholic leaders.
Please pray for our teachers and students as we enter the final months of our school year. As we enjoy opening day for baseball season and the beautiful spring weather, may we begin each day with enthusiasm becoming ever more aware of Jesus’ presence in our lives.
God’s blessings,
Ms. Clark
Summer Uniforms
Game Show Time
Our school's episode is scheduled to air on Fox on Friday, April 5th at 6:30pm. Set your DVR because we know our parents will be kicking back in 80's style at our Gala. This episode will also be repeated at noon on Monday, April 8th.
Tune in to see our school and who finishes in first place in this game: the students or the teachers? Also- the winning team has decided to donate their winnings to Mrs. Kane! Don't miss it!
Scholarship and Financial Aid Information
Important information and applications for need-based grants and merit-based scholarships are now available.
Please visit the Scholarships & Financial Aid tab on the AOP Catholic Schools website to access the online applications for the Maguire Scholars Program, Howley Family Foundation Scholarship and all other opportunities available.
You are invited!
Guest Readers
Go Fly A Kite
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Students will not be permitted to participate on school field trips and other school activities if there is an outstanding tuition balance.
Parent Association
Alumni Spotlight
He was named a Temple Scholar and awarded the Mount St. Mary's Trustee's Scholarship. Michael is a senior at Archbishop Wood High School, and we thank AWHS for sharing this awesome news! We are so proud of Michael and his accomplishments.#ProudToBeSKD
Free Money for Our School
Please be sure to participate in the following to help raise "free" money for our school:
- Box Tops for Education
- Giant Rewards
- Smile Amazon
- NEW this year- Shoparoo
Important Dates to Remember
4/3: Stations of the Cross 2pm
4/4: 8th Grade Retreat Day
4/5: Mass 9am / SKD Gala - Southampton Room
4/10: PreK Information Night 6pm
4/11: 8th Grade Class Picture / Confessions for grades 3-8
4/12: SKD Toddler Playgroup
4/14: Passion Play 7:30pm
4/15: Passion Play 7:30pm
4/17: 11:45am Dismissal
4/18: NO SCHOOL, Holy Thursday
4/19: NO SCHOOL, Good Friday
4/22: NO SCHOOL, Easter Monday
4/23: Classes Resume
About Us
Email: advancement@skdschool.org
Website: skdschool.org
Location: 1053 Holland Road, Southampton, PA, United States
Phone: 215-357-4720
Facebook: facebook.com/SKDSchool/
Twitter: @skdschool