Reflecting back on this past year, it is easy to grumble and moan about how difficult and challenging it has been. Nobody will deny that, but what about all the blessings that came out of the pandemic? More family time, fewer activities on the weekends, building relationships with neighbors and many more in our personal lives. In our school lives we have similar blessings, we pushed fast forward in our technological skills that exceeded our expectations, expanded our creative thinking and problem-solving skills, and created a deep appreciation for how school was prior to Covid. Overall, we learned so much and the anticipation of a "normal" school year with new programs in place has us eager for a fresh start.
"There is an appointed time for everything...God has made everything appropriate to its time, but has put the timeless into their hearts so they cannot find out, from beginning to end, the work which God has done" Ecclesiastes 3: 1,11
Before we look ahead, we always seem to have to say good-bye to some of our colleagues that are being called in a different direction. God has a plan for us all and we know He is calling the following Holy Cross educators to fulfill their next mission.
Mr. Christopher Patterson has been someone that has filled our school with engaging lessons in both fifth and sixth-grade classrooms over the past five years. He has been our Master of Ceremony for all our school assemblies and we will miss his sense of humor. Mr. Patterson has accepted a position at Cure of Ars next year and we wish him well in all his future endeavors.
Mrs. Emily Kroge has been a calm and gentle role model for her fifth-grade students for the past ten years. We have been able to watch her grow as a teacher, get married, and start her family at Holy Cross. We have been blessed to have her on our team and she has touched the lives of so many. We are sad to see her leave but are happy for her as she begins a new journey at Cure of Ars next year.
Mrs. Patterson has been a pillar of our community and Junior High team. She is full of wisdom and strength that has helped form so many Holy Cross students over the past thirteen years. The way in which she helps guide young adolescents with patience and kindness is one of a master teacher. Thank you for dedicating so many years to our school community. You will be missed and we wish you well as you explore new possibilities.
"As the Lord said to Moses...The LORD bless you and keep you!
The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!
The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!" Numbers 6:24-26
Departures create opportunities, so we are incredibly excited to announce Mrs. Amy Sells as our English Language Arts Junior High Teacher. Below is a brief introduction from Mrs. Sells:
I will be joining the wonderful staff of Holy Cross Catholic School for the 2021-2022 school year as the new middle school ELA teacher. I have loads of experience teaching and have even played a role in enrollment management in several schools. I have taught 1st grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, and 6-8 grade ELA. I have also taught several years of Preschool-8th grade Technology. I have been in Missouri public schools and multiple schools within the Archdiocese; next year will be my 19th year in the diocese as a teacher! I have been married for 23 glorious years to my husband Brian, and we live in Overland Park with our two sons, Blake who will graduate from Blue Valley West in a couple of weeks, and Terran who is a 6th grader at Pleasant Ridge Middle. I love my Catholic faith and choose to spread Christ’s message as a teacher in Catholic Schools. My favorite prayer is the Serenity Prayer, I super love tacos, and I never say no to chocolate!! I am so excited to be joining the staff of Holy Cross. I look forward to getting to know all of you really soon.
We are thrilled to have her join the team. Please help me in welcoming Mrs. Sells to our Holy Cross Community.
Our leadership team has been working diligently in selecting the best candidates for our open positions. Stay tuned for some exciting announcements about staffing and new programs very soon!
