Student Presentations
SCHOOL-WIDE STUDENT ASSEMBLIES
in conjunction with an adult education session for parents or teachers.
Schools that schedule an adult education session for parents or teachers may also schedule brief grade-level student assemblies at the time of the site visit.
I am unavailable for student assembly presentations on a “stand-alone” basis.
K-1-2 (20 minutes); 3-4-5 (40 minutes); 6-7-8 (60 minutes)
OR
K-1-2 (20 minutes); 3-4 (40 minutes); 5-6 (45-60 minutes); 7-8 (60 minutes)
OR
High School Assembly
Topics (K – 8)
Vocations, Advent, Lent, Pentecost, Christian Character (“Good, Better, Best”), “Mary Ways for All Our Days,” Discipleship, Eucharistic Devotion, Holy Week
ADDITIONAL TOPICS
Middle School & High School Students (Minimum 60 minutes)
1. Response-Ability – Explore the cornerstones of self-esteem, self-reliance, and resilience: (1) security/self-confidence, (2) autonomy/self-control, (3) initiative/responsibility, and (4) industry/competence. Students learn what personal practices can cultivate growth in these areas.
2. Members of One Family – Bullying is a non-issue when we recognize that we are all members of one family. Bullying, putdowns, hurtful teasing, and emotional isolation are non-issues when students practice discipleship and forgiveness. This presentation offers formative support in three areas: (1) personal dynamics of a bully, a victim, a bystander and a disciple, (2) strategies for teaching forgiveness, and (3) advice for victims of bullying.
3. Define Your “Dash"! -- The Linda Ellis poem, The Dash, concludes with this challenge: “So, when your eulogy’s being read with your life’s actions to rehash, would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash?” The punctuation mark between the dates of a person’s birth and death is the focus of this presentation. Students will consider key factors in "Dash" Development with age-appropriate focus on the attitude of "Love versus Like," Anti-Bullying and tips to develop a forgiving heart.
RETREAT EXPERIENCES
(It is unnecessary to schedule an "Adult Formation Session.")
Middle School . . . High School . . . Confirmation Class
Half Day (3 hours or less) = $600
Full Day (More than 3 hours) = $800
1. Life-Giving and Life-Blocking – Two Sides of Character Development (MINIMUM 3 hours)
CHARACTER, the distinguishing feature of personality and behavior that persists, regardless of outside pressure or personal temptation, is the focus of this retreat. Through powerpoint presentation, personal reflection, group sharing, and follow up activities for classroom and parent-share, students will consider the following topics: character development, self-worth, Gospel principles, relational skill development, Christian sexuality, and a process for decision-making. For a full-day retreat, afternoon exercises include guided prayer before the Eucharist, letter-writing to Jesus, and letting go of past hurts and mistakes.
2. Define Your "Dash" – Character Lessons From The Gospel (MINIMUM 3 HOURS)
The Linda Ellis poem, The Dash, concluded with this challenge: "So, when your eulogy's being read with your life's actions to rehash, would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash?" The punctuation mark between the dates of a person's birth and death is the focus of the opening conference. Subsequent sessions include: (1) Guided large group reflection on attitudes, behaviors, and consequences (Gospel ABCs) that are evident in the stories of the Wedding at Cana and Zaccheaus; (2) Small group application of "Gospel ABCs" to one of twelve Gospel stories; (3) Student oral reporting of character traits, positive or negative, that students recognized in the Gospel figures; (4) Conference: Key Factors in "Dash" Development with age-appropriate focus on the attitude of "Love versus Like", Bullying, Autonomy, Initiative, Industry and tips to develop a forgiving heart." For a full-day retreat, afternoon exercises include guided prayer before the Eucharist, letter-writing to Jesus, and letting go of past hurts and mistakes.
3. Mary – Mentor and Model for Teens (MINIMUM 3 HOURS)
Using Powerpoint slides of Mary-images as a backdrop for small-group discussion, students will identify qualities of Mary that emerge in the Gospels and draw parallels, hope, comfort, and support for their daily living. Students will be directed in the use of several creative Marian prayer exercises. Individually and corporately, students will reflect on the Rosary as a unique medium/tool for contemplation and imitation. For a full-day retreat afternoon exercises engage students in working with Scripture to create a personalized "character rosary."
4. Life-Lessons from Calvary (MINIMUM 3 HOURS)
Using Powerpoint slides of Jesus' Passion as a backdrop for conference and group discussion, students will identity personality characteristics and traits of Jesus that can shape their personal formation / character development. For a full-day retreat, afternoon exercises include applying "Gospel ABCs" to Gospel figures contained within the Stations of the Cross.
5. CONFIRMATION -- Confirmed To Be A Steward Of The Gospel (MINIMUM 3 HOURS)
STEWARD forms the focus of this retreat day. The retreat utilizes conference, private reflection, small group activity, and guided prayer to explore the application of Confirmation into daily Gospel living. Specifically the retreat will focus on the Gospel call: S – to be Spirit-filled, T – to Transform, E – to Evangelize, W – to Welcome, A – to Affirm, R – to Respond, D – to Defend Gospel values.