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Catholic News Herald

Serving Christ and Connecting Catholics in Western North Carolina

062217 earth daySALISBURY — Students at Sacred Heart School recently celebrated Earth Day with numerous projects and science lessons outside the classroom, including building bee boxes.

Middle school science teacher Hillary Shores coordinated the event, which featured guest educators: Danelle Cutting from N.C. Cooperative Extension Service, Sue Davis from Rowan County Bee Keeper Association, Sam Parrott from The LandTrust of Central North Carolina, Randy Cox from Rowan County Master Garden Association, Shannon Ellsworth from RSS-Horizons and Beth Stebe from Rowan County 4H Club.

Elementary students planted seeds and learned that plants need proper soil, water and sunlight. Middle school students worked in the sensory garden and planted a Japanese maple tree. They also planted milkweed to attract monarch butterflies. Students also learned about the importance of pollinators in nature, what to do if they encounter a wild animal, the intricacies of origami, and more.
“We are full STREAM ahead!” said Principal Tyler Kulp. “There are lessons of science, agriculture, math, engineering and religion blossoming everywhere. You can read about building a bee box or bird house in a book or you can get wood and hammers and just build one! Which one really teaches?

Our fourth-grade students are studying our state – instead of “reading” about the cash crops of North Carolina, these students came outside and planted cotton, soybeans, corn, sweet potatoes and tobacco. Learning in action!”

070717 st gabe teachersCHARLOTTE — Recognized by school families and staff for her exceptional dedication to Catholic school education, St. Gabriel School teacher Amanda McCallum received the Father Frank O’Rourke Award for Excellence in Teaching at the school’s Mass June 8.

This award is presented to one outstanding full-time St. Gabriel School teacher. Nominated by school families, staff and fifth-grade students, McCallum was selected for her positive impact on students, her commitment to the school’s mission and success, the qualities of faith and mercy she exhibits in her interactions with others, and her teaching practices.

In her 11 years of teaching kindergarten at the school, families and staff commended the exceptionally high standards she sets for students, the way she talks about Jesus and His presence in our lives, the time she makes for students past and present, her warm smile, and her enthusiastic participation in themed “dress down days.”

Herb and Tess Verbesey, members of St. Gabriel Church since 2001, established this generous $10,000 award in honor of St. Gabriel’s pastor for his 40-plus years of leadership, support and commitment to the Diocese of Charlotte Catholic schools.

Tess Verbesey, a guidance counselor at Charlotte Catholic High School for many years, and her husband are longtime supporters of Catholic education and created a similar award at Charlotte Catholic in 2007.

Their generosity reflects Pope Francis’ encouragement to teachers: “Thank you for the sacrifices you … make, and for the zeal and devotion with which you carry out your important task. It should never be forgotten, yours is a holy work!”

Pictured (from left) are Assistant Principal Patty Fischer, McCallum, Father O’Rourke, and Principal Michele Snoke.

— Darby McClatchy