From the principal's desk......

Welcome to Villa Madonna Academy Elementary and Junior High School.  This school year, we will be focusing on the theme of Peace.  As you enter the doors to our school, you will notice the peace signs that remind you that our school is a place of Peace.  Walking through the hallways, you will see the word Peace written in different languages…you will also notice the peacefulness of our teachers and students.  This trimester, we will focus on Peace by looking at the Benedictine Values of Hospitality and Respect.  Teachers at Villa model these values in morning meetings and throughout the school day to help students integrate the values into their daily lives. 

This year, back to school is especially exciting because the teachers have planned many activities for the students both inside and outside of the classroom.  One special activity the teachers have been planning is working with artist in residence, Michael Lippert.  Many may remember Michael Lippert from last year when he worked with students in grades 3-6 on our performance, Livin’ like a Benedictine.  This year, Michael is back at Villa with the help of an anonymous donor and from the funding from a grant.  He will be working with students in grades K-8 on two performances titled, This Schoolhouse Rocks, which will incorporate math, science, social studies, and language arts concepts into the performance. 

Service learning activities intrinsically support and enhance the mission of Villa Madonna Academy.  Teachers and students are already working hard to integrate service learning into the curriculum and provide students with the opportunity to participate in service learning experiences.   VMA Elementary and Junior High students will be given the opportunity to help in service on the Villa Madonna Campus.  These service opportunities will be helping the Benedictine Sisters at the Monastery, Convent, Guest House or in the Infirmary as well as helping the residents at Madonna Manor.  Teachers and students will work in collaboration with one another and with Children’s Inc. and our B.E.S.T. partner, National City Bank of Crescent Springs, to provide and promote service within our school and community.

Students in grades 1-6 attend a weekly enrichment class.  The classes offer students additional exposure to art, music, cultures, and physical education.  This school year, a drama piece has been added to enrichment.  Deondra Means from The Children’s Theatre will be working with students.  In grades 1-3, Mr. Means will be working on positive self images through role playing activities, etc.  All students in grades 1-3 will have the opportunity to work with Mr. Means on a rotating schedule.  In grades 4-6, students that have signed up for the drama enrichment will work on ‘celebrating diversity.’  The teachers, students and I are very excited to add drama to our enrichment program!

Many wonderful and exciting things are happening at Villa Madonna Academy!

Soshana Bosley

Elementary and Junior High Principal