Wrap Bracelets Earn Money For School

In the past two years, St. Brigid school has generated nearly $20,000 selling handmade bracelets in a simple, yet very effective fundraiser. Barbara Jerome, longtime St. Brigid parent and volunteer, is the creator and manager of this fruitful enterprise.

“The idea was inspired by my sister, Eileen,” Mrs. Jerome relates, explaining how her sister brought a bracelet with her when visiting Maine three years ago. “Eileen researched the supplies needed and the construction technique via the internet.” Before long, she had learned how to make the bracelets and found the activity enjoyable. “It was relaxing for me—like knitting is for a lot of people.”

The idea to sell the bracelets as a fundraiser was born when she gave one of the bracelets to a St. Brigid staff member as a thank you gift. Mrs. Jerome makes each bracelet herself. “I don’t like to sit still,” she says, “so having something like this to do works great for me!”

Initially, the jewelry was offered for sale directly from the school office, but as the project built momentum Mrs. Jerome wanted to expand the base of potential customers. She began forming relationships with local shops that would not only increase the money earned but also forge valuable school-community partnerships.

“Collette Warner is the owner at Rapid River Boutique in Freeport and she bought a supply of the bracelets the day I stopped by to show them to her,” she recalls. “With that success, I then went to Bliss Boutique in the Old Port and showed the bracelets to Michelle Marchesi, who was equally enthusiastic and supportive.”

The shop owners also helped refine the design of the bracelets, working with Mrs. Jerome to improve and diversify the offerings. Even the store supplying bracelet materials helped out. “The people at Caravan Beads on Forest Avenue in Portland also played a big part in helping the project to be successful,” she adds. “They taught me about tweaks to be made to make the bracelets better.”

For Mrs. Jerome, this community connection has been a major benefit of the fundraiser.

“It’s really heartwarming to see how the people of our community—both St. Brigid, and the larger Greater Portland community—will support their own.”

St. Brigid School would like to extend our gratitude to Mrs. Jerome for this wonderful project. Thank you for your generosity and support of our school community!

To get more information about purchasing a bracelet, contact the school or visit Rapid River Boutique or Bliss Boutique.

Care Committee Offers Support For Those in Need

The Care Committee, headed by St. Brigid parent Lisa Crowley, can provide assistance and support to members of our school community. The goal of the group is to strengthen our community, support each other through simple acts of service, and contribute to our children’s education and faith.

“If you have a need due to the birth of a baby, illness, death, change in job status, or for a reason you don’t want to share, please let one of the moderators know through email or a phone call, and we will organize help,” the group’s mission says. “If you would like to remain anonymous, let us know. We will adhere to the strictest confidentiality.”

“We have helped with meals for people who have lost loved ones and for people with a new baby at home,” reports committee member Stacey Hughes. “We have visited people in the hospital and have sent sympathy cards from the St. Brigid community. We have also provided babysitting to people who have medical appointments.”

For those who wish to help, a Yahoo group is available to join. While the committee is not an official St. Brigid School group, there are already 19 members and the ranks continue to grow.

There are two ways to help the Care Committee. The first is by simply identifying a need. If you know of someone in our school community who has experienced a loss, a job status change, illness, or some other serious life event, please bring it to the attention of the committee. Again, privacy and anonymity will be honored.

You can also join this group of caring and thoughtful individuals and offer your time and assistance. “This is also such a great way to introduce or continue teaching your children about acts of community building and caring for one another,” Mrs. Hughes says.

To contact the group with a need or to help out, email Lisa Crowley (lisacrowleyslp@gmail.com) or Stacey Hughes (staceyledoux70@yahoo.com). Those interested in joining can also subscribe to the Yahoo group at stbscarecommittee-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Students Collect Gifts for Needy Children

The Metro Toy Bus visited St. Brigid School on Wednesday, December 12. Enthusiastic students from grades Pre-K through 8 filled the bus with toys to be given to needy children this holiday season.

For several years now, the Stuff a Bus toy campaign has sent a city bus to the school just before Christmas. Children bring unwrapped gifts and pile them on the bus seats. This year, students marveled at the number of toys that had been collected.

“Look at all of it!” exclaimed a pre-kindergartener as he placed his item on top of several others. Meanwhile, older children lined up outside the bus with armfuls of toys.

“Somebody’s going to have a very merry Christmas,” one of them said, hefting an Easy-Bake Oven up the bus steps.

St. Brigid Student Wins International Writing Competition

Jesse Rodrigues, 8th-grader at St. Brigid School, was one of fifteen students selected to receive the prestigious Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award for 2012. His poem “Fire Knows” had been submitted by a teacher at the school. He was the youngest person among those chosen—and one of only three American recipients. 

As a winner of the competition, Jesse attended an awards ceremony in October at the Royal Festival Hall in London. There, he met the judges and read his poem to the audience. Following the ceremony was a slam poetry presentation. “[It was] stunning,” he recalls, “and certainly inspired me to continue writing poetry.”

“My mother and I spent the rest of our week exploring and enjoying the city of London,” Jesse continues. “We saw the major attractions, of course: the British Museum, King’s Cross, and the Globe Theater. We also explored some of the lesser-known sights of London on small, guided walking tours with charismatic guides.”

Jesse describes his time overseas as being somewhat overwhelming. “In the end, both my mother and I felt that London was absolutely too huge for just a one-week visit. We hope to return soon.”

The winning poem:

Fire Knows

Fire knows the wood's secrets
as they hold their heated deliberations

Fire knows how to warm
chilled hands, chilled feet, chilled faces

Fire knows how to dance and sway
to the sounds of the night

Fire knows how to belch and cackle
exactly when you don't want it to

Last, but not least, fire knows how to die with a flourish
A flame, a spark, a winking coal

then cold, hard, black, silence

Grandparents' Day

On Wednesday, November 21, grandparents and special friends of St. Brigid School students visited the school for a morning of worship and entertainment. The day began with a Mass of Thanksgiving, during which the entire school offered thanks to God for the blessings of the past year. 

Following Mass, the guests were invited to the gym for refreshments and a musical show. Pre-kindergarten through second grade students sang songs for the appreciative crowd. Anna Fournier, our liturgical music teacher, accompanied the children on the piano, and the third grade choir performed.

Book Fair Draws Students and Parents

Deanna Contrino, St. Brigid’s school librarian, reports that the annual Scholastic Book Fair has been successful, but it’s not over yet. Parents will still be able to purchase books online until December 5 by visiting our school’s area of the Scholastic website (click here).

“If we sell a thousand books,” Mrs. Contrino added, “I’ve promised to dye my hair pink!” 

Students swarmed the Fr. Hayes Center lobby in search of good reads. A wide selection of books was available for every age level, from classic picture books and teen fiction to popular new chapter book series. 

Staff Interview: John Dunfee, Technology Teacher

Here we will feature interviews with members of the school staff, learning about their experience and approach to education. This week we hear from John Dunfee, who teaches computer classes at St. Brigid and manages technology needs for the entire school.

Q: What kinds of work experiences did you have before joining our school staff?

A: I enlisted in the Marine Corps right out of high school and was trained as a helicopter mechanic while stationed in California. I went on to study math and engineering at Villanova University, and became a programmer for the Department of Commerce just outside Washington, D.C. Later, I returned to work for the military at a Marine Corps Air Station in Cherry Point North Carolina, helping create an online way to streamline the investigation of engineering problems in military aircraft. I then went back to school to get my master’s degree from Boston University in Management Information Systems. After coming to Maine, I worked for several years in the health care industry, in a computer programming capacity.

Q: What are your major goals for the school’s technology program?

A: First, I want to further develop the incorporation of technology into every classroom as something that’s used far more frequently. Second, I want to help both teachers and students to feel more comfortable learning new computer skills. Another priority is to keep including my faith and the teachings of the Catholic Church in my instruction. Finally, I want to continue improving our computer lab and keep us as up-to-date as possible in terms of equipment and curriculum.

Q: What do you think are the most important technology skills for our students to master before graduating from St. Brigid?

A: The main thrust of my teaching and instruction revolves around keyboarding; the students really need to be able to type quickly and accurately to be prepared for high school. Next would be the use of Microsoft Office applications -- email, word processing, spreadsheets and presentations. The last one is file management, because once they learn the basics, they should be able to navigate any computer. 

Seventh Grade Learns Money Skills Through Classroom Economy

This year, grade 7 is piloting the My Classroom Economy program, a financial eduction curriculum provided at no cost by a national investment company. The goal of this activity is to teach and reinforce real-life money management skills.

In late September, students were excited to learn that they are going to be “paid” for jobs performed in the classroom, and that they will be able to use that money to bid on items in a monthly auction. They can also get bonuses for various good deeds and for performing well on tests and quizzes.

The excitement was tempered by the fact that they also have to pay rent for the use of their desks, a monthly electricity bill, and can be fined for certain offenses. An annual income tax is also due on April 15.

Students began by applying for jobs, some of which require recommendations from previous teachers. Once jobs were assigned, training took place for those roles that required particular skills. For example, each class needs four bankers, each of whom oversees several “clients” - cashing paychecks, putting money in savings, and collecting bills. Another sought-after job was that of Police Officers, who can serve students with fine tickets at the discretion of the teachers. Having a job is required. Each job earns a monthly paycheck ranging from $650-$850.

Even the highest-paying jobs aren’t earn enough to cover the bills, which can go as high as $1150 per month before any fines. In this system, gaining bonuses and avoiding fines are important in order to make ends meet. Students may also come up with business ideas, subject to teacher approval, for earning additional money.

The monthly auction day is the main reward for participating in this project. Both traditional and silent auction formats are used. Students bid on donated items ranging in value from pencils to iTunes gift cards.

Further information can be found at myclassroomeconomy.org.

Donated Computers Placed in Classrooms

John Dunfee, technology teacher, is in the process of placing a large number of donated computers in the classrooms of St. Brigid School. The machines include both laptops and towers with flatscreen monitors.

“While some need repairs and maintenance first,” Mr. Dunfee said, “it’s important for us to get this technology into the hands of students so they can have daily access.”

Teachers and students are using the computers for a variety of purposes. Some classrooms use the computers as part of their center-based learning, while others reserve them for word processing or online research needs.

Fifth Grade Service Projects

This Thanksgiving, fifth grade students at St. Brigid learned about giving back to their community by collecting food for the needy. The children held a canned goods drive, asking friends and family to send in non-perishable goods. Over 180 items were donated.

The much-needed food was given to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank so the less fortunate could experience God’s love as expressed through the charity of our children and their families.

Come to Our Book Fair!

The Scholastic Book Fair will be held at St. Brigid from November 20 through November 28 (closed for Thanksgiving break November 22-25). Each class has a scheduled time for visiting the fair -- check with your child's teacher for more information.

The online Book Fair will be open from November 28-December 5. Click the image -- or click here -- to visit the site and browse or purchase books.

Veteran Speaks to SBS Students

As part of the third grade's study of Veterans Day, a very special guest speaker was invited to give a talk about his service in the military. Jerry LaPointe, U.S. veteran and longtime friend of St. Brigid School, visited last Friday and spoke to students about his time in the Army and Air National Guard.

Mr. LaPointe was drafted in 1960, and left in 1979 after 19 years of service.

First, third and seventh grade students gathered to hear Mr. LaPointe speak about the history and observance of Veterans Day. He then discussed his personal military experience and answered questions about what it is like to be in the Armed Forces. During the visit he also showed the children his uniforms and insignia.


Mr. LaPointe has worked in the school for over 12 years. At the end of the talk, he was presented with a giant card signed by grateful students who have received his help.

8th Grade Hosts Latin American Fair

Our 8th grade students recently hosted a Latin American fair. Each person was required to present information about Latin American history and culture. Other classes in the school were invited to visit and view the displays.

Learning With Technology

At St. Brigid school, we're using technology in a variety of ways to enhance learning. Our school is equipped with laptops, desktop computers, and projectors for use by students and teachers.

Our older students began the year learning keyboarding. The ability to type quickly and accurately is a key 21st century skill. To determine the ideal words per minute a student should be able to type by the end of the school year, we multiply five times the grade level of the child. The classes then receive age-appropriate instruction in proper posture and finger positions, along with games to reinforce the new skills.

Our youngest children, in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and first grade, primarily use technology for the enrichment of the larger curriculum. These students learn the basics of computer use through hands-on experience with educational websites and software. As the classes progress, kindergarteners and first graders also learn basic word processing and other relevant skills that form the foundation for future learning.

Mr. Dunfee, one of our technology teachers, has formed an after-school computer club for grades 3-5. That will provide small groups of kids to experiment with more advanced skills. Planned activities include computer disassembly and repair, robotics, iMovie, presentations, animation, and spreadsheets.

Fall Community Service Projects

The students and staff of St. Brigid School actively seek opportunities to serve our community. This fall, several classes participated in community outreach projects designed to reinforce the value of serving others as a way of serving God.

• The Pre-K classes are working on a food basket for a needy family.
• Pre-K, kindergarten and first grade students went to Park Danforth to trick-or-treat and entertain the elderly residents.
• Grade five is collecting monthly food donations for St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen. They also created inspirational bookmarks that were sent, with their prayers, to inmates at the Maine State Prison in Warren.
• In grades two, three and seven, students designed thank you cards for the veterans at the Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough. 

Celebrating All Saints' Day

On Thursday, November 1, members of the St. Brigid School community celebrated All Saints' Day. Second grade students dressed as saints, and each student presented highlights of their saint's life.

It was standing room only in St. Joseph church as Fr. Jim Lafontaine presided over the All Saints' Day Mass. After a brief introduction, child came forward to tell the crowd about the accomplishments of his or her chosen saint.

Some of the numerous saints mentioned:

• St. Madeline, founder of the Society of the Sacred Heart
• St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, who established the first Catholic school in America
• St. Patrick, who used a shamrock to explain the Trinity
• St. Peter, the apostle who was crucified upside-down
• St. Lucy, patron of the blind, who has been called the "bringer of light"

"This is better than Halloween," one child remarked, "because my saint was a real person!"

First Grade Pumpkins and Halloween Festivities

Both of our first grade classes studied pumpkins this past October as part of their Halloween celebrations.

Mrs. Flaherty's class performed a scientific experiment involving fall objects. Students examined pumpkins, leaves, pine cones and similar items and recorded their predictions as to whether each one would sink or float. The test was done with objects of different sizes and colors. The children were surprised to learn that a pumpkin will float regardless of its size. Later, they mixed red and yellow paint to paint their pumpkin drawings.

Ms. Smith's class held the 24th Annual Pumpkin-Decorating Contest. Each child worked with his or her family to decorate a pumpkin as a storybook or cartoon character. The display became part of the class Halloween festivities. As always, visitors were delighted by the creativity of the designs.

Both classes visited Park Danforth to do some trick-or-treating, introducing themselves to the residents with both their real names and the Spanish version of their names.

Upon returning to school, Ms. Smith's class found a huge mess in their classroom. Apparently the Great Pumpkin had visited while they were away, and had given an award to each and every pumpkin!

Halloween Gallery

Harvest Fair Gallery

In spite of a foggy start, this year's Harvest Fair drew families and community members together for a day of fun and bargains. Highlights included a 5K run, kids' run, raffles, a bungee trampoline and climbing wall, pony rides, book and craft sales, and plenty of food.

Grade 5 Science Activities

The fifth grade has been learning to identify species by examining their physical characteristics. On Tuesday, September 25, they took an unusual exam. Instead of paper and pencil tests, the students trekked down to the pond in Evergreen Cemetery. They had to identify at least six species of trees and use data from water/mud samples to rate the water quality in that ecosystem.

Searching through mud and water samples, macro invertebrates were grouped by species, the species were grouped by sensitivity to pollutants. Upon returning to the classroom students used their data to conclude that the water quality was fair. Many thanks to Deborah DuDevoir, the mother of fifth grader, Caty, who provided the equipment, lab sheets and expertise for this activity.

We also brought back with us, for a temporary visit, Sir Isaac Fig Newton, a newt who is vacationing on a lovely rock surrounded by water, plants and insects from his home. Each class also has been keeping a fish bowl with aquatic insects, larvae and fish.

Our next venture is to the Gulf of Maine Resource Institute on October 30 to complete our unit on life sciences by exploring the ecosystem and economy of Maine's Gulf.

- Jan Libby, 5th Grade Teacher

Ringing in the Year of Faith

On Thursday, October 11, students and staff of St. Brigid School gathered to literally ring in the Year of Faith.

Pope Benedict announced the special year last October, describing it as "a moment of grace and commitment to an ever fuller conversion to God." The observance begins on the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council. The same date marks the twentieth anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Year of Faith concludes on the Feast of Christ the King on November 24, 2012.

As passers-by looked on, St. Brigid School students and faculty rang celebratory bells at exactly noon on the opening day. Students brought bells of every kind; even the church bells rang at the appointed moment. Hundreds of schools and churches shared in this worldwide event, ushering in a year of renewed evangelization and charitable efforts.

8th Grade Retreat

On September 7, 2012, the 8th grade went on their annual opening of school retreat. Following the first Mass of the year, we walked to St. Pius X to join Father Jim. This retreat was one of reflection and discovery led by Father Jim. We shared our past difficulties and hopes for the present and the future. We drew shields that highlighted out strengths, our supports, and our aspirations. We wrote a confession that we were not proud of, and we went outside and burned them to let them go. We shared of ourselves and learned about ourselves and others in our class. We had a pizza lunch and some recreation at Payson Park. It was a great beginning to the all-important 8th grade year.

- Sue McCuller, 8th Grade Teacher