The halls were decked and the seats were filled at the Jesuit Middle School of Omaha’s 2008 Christmas Program on Thursday, December 18. In addition to individual homeroom performances, the JMSO Swing Choir debuted two new songs: “Mary Had a Baby” and “Go Tell It On the Mountain,” complete with accompanying sign language signals. Also new to the program was a performance with authentic African instruments, done by the fourth grade.

Approximately 100 guests packed the school commons area, compared to years past when only a dozen or so people showed. Now more than ever, parents and other family members and friends are able to attend the mid-day festivities. Attendance at the grandparent luncheon, quarterly awards ceremony and annual sports banquet also continues to grow.

Following the program, students and guests were treated to Christmas cookies, hot cocoa and apple cider thanks to Barb Baratta and friends at Creighton University’s Jesuit Kitchen. The kitchen crew donated their time, as well as goodies, in lieu of a staff holiday party. They also donated a tree for the outdoor playground facility in memory of Rev. Jim Egan, S.J.

For more information on the Jesuit Middle School of Omaha, please call Principal Tony Connelly at (402) 346-4464.

Students in the seventh grade at the Jesuit Middle School of Omaha (JMSO) had a chance to put their science knowledge to the test this week as they dissected fetal pigs for the culmination of their anatomy unit. With the help of their teacher Mr. Mike Mansour, student-teacher Mr. Tom Sander and three Creighton University Medical School students, the young men were able to pair up and explore the ins and outs of the pig. The pigs were purchased with a grant from the Health Careers Opportunity Program, a program designed to increase the number of individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds in the health and allied health professions, as well as to encourage science and technology teaching in the classroom. “This is just one way that we use hands-on teaching at JMSO,” said Mansour. “The students really enjoyed this unit and the lab was a great way to put the subject matter to use.”

For more information about the Jesuit Middle School of Omaha, please call Principal Tony Connelly at: 402-346-4464.

Students in the fourth grade at the Jesuit Middle School of Omaha (JMSO) decided to “dig a little deeper” into their class reading book Holes with a production of ‘lost scenes’ from the novel written by Louis Sachar. The book tells of an unlucky and later wrongly convicted boy named Stanley Yelnats. As a punishment for his crime, Stanley could either go to jail or Camp Green Lake—even though there was nothing camp-like about it. While at the camp, which was in fact a juvenile detention facility, the warden made each “camper” dig a hole five feet deep by five feet wide by five feet long every day, seven days a week. What Stanley and the rest of the boys don’t know is that they weren’t just digging holes for punishment; they were searching for the buried treasure of local outlaw, Kissing Kate Barlow. Together with their teacher Missy Bolin, students re-created five scenes that the book said actually happened, but you did not get the full details of what actually took place with the characters they were about to portray. Every student participated in the skits, which were complete with costumes and props. “The young men did a great job getting into character and performing,” said Bolin. “I’m really proud of them for working so hard!”

The young men at the Jesuit Middle School of Omaha (JMSO) celebrated Thanksgiving a week early with an event honoring special family members: their grandparents. Over 150 people attended the sixth annual Grandparent Luncheon, including JMSO students and staff. Students whose grandparents are deceased and/or live out of state celebrated with other special family members in their lives.

The winner of the 2008 Isaiah Award was also announced. Its inspiration came from Isaiah 43:4 —“You are precious to me and I love you and give you honor.” Recipients are chosen by the JMSO Leadership Team of Fr. Jim Michalski, S.J. President; Principal Tony Connelly and Kirk Trotter, Dean of Students. Criteria for the award are based upon: raising a second/third family, community service, volunteer work, active church member and Gospel values. Past winners include Mrs. Estelle Pearson, Mr. and Mrs. George (Jacque) Sacks, Mr. and Mrs. Emil (Dorothy) Sekera and Mrs. Cherylene Leffall.

This year, Mrs. Helene Shannon, grandmother of Kamren Shannon, was the recipient of the Isaiah Award. Helene is First Lady of the church Greater Saint Paul Church of God in Christ, where her husband Joseph is Pastor. In addition, she volunteers with the Fesda After-School Learning Center and is involved with the youth ministry program at Greater Saint Paul. She was also very instrumental in the decision to have Kamren attend JMSO, which later resulted in additional students from Greater Saint Paul to attend. If one had to describe Helene in one sentence, her daughter Annette Shannon-Faulkner said it best: “All youth who come in contact with my mother find her a loving grandmother figure and always an encouraging word.”

Guests were welcomed by JMSO Student Council President Michael Nelson, followed by an opening prayer by Fr. Jim. Food for the luncheon was provided with cost-saving donations by: Bob Orsi, Jr. of Orsi’s Bakery, Diane and Johnny Ingram of Time Out Foods, David at Skeets Ribs and Chicken, Big Mama’s Kitchen at 45th and Bedford Street and Long John Silvers of Bellevue. Also, a special thank you to: JMSO Parents Advisory Board led by 2008-2009 president Brian Mills and Principal Tony Connelly and all of the JMSO staff/student families who brought food, drinks and/or paper products for the event.

Students wrote essays about their grandparent and why they are important in their lives. Although all of the entries were wonderful, only one essay from each class could be chosen to be read at the luncheon. This year’s winners, as announced by Principal Connelly: Kaz Nicholson, fourth grade; Kris Young, fifth grade; Ryan Bartee, sixth grade; Dakota Lieb, seventh grade and Todd Wright, eighth grade.

From Misc Pics

Students at the Jesuit Middle School of Omaha (JMSO) gathered for their weekly prayer service on Wednesday, November 12 to continue to pray for President-Elect Barack Obama. That week’s theme, which was selected by the eighth grade class, was titled “Protect Our Leaders and Trust in the Lord” and centered on the scripture reading from Psalms 31: 1-14. Each student then read a meaningful quote from some of Obama’s recent speeches, followed by a reflection and petitions. Responses included:
• “I pray that Barack Obama does well as our President. I also pray that he and his family remain safe.”
• “I pray that our new President makes Godly decisions to help this country get back to the way it used to be.”
• “I pray that Barack and the members of his cabinet make good decisions to help the people of this country in these hard economic times.”
• “I pray that everyone will accept Barack as President.”

For more information about the Jesuit Middle School of Omaha, please call 402-346-4464.

From Misc Pics

Students at the Jesuit Middle School of Omaha (JMSO) gathered in the school commons area for a celebration of “Presidential Proportion” on Wednesday, November 5 to rejoice in the victory of President-Elect Barack Obama. The young men were treated to a slice of cake, featuring a portrait of Obama himself, as well as ice cream and soda. Each student and teacher also received an Obama campaign sticker.

While the students got to have their cake and eat it too, they also watched Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech in its entirety, as well as Barack Obama’s acceptance speech. As both speeches played on, the young men clapped and cheered for a sight they thought they would never get to see in their lifetime: an African-American President.

Fifth grade student Brandon Simpson said that he was “excited to see Dr. King’s speech. It made you realize how important things really are.” Looking back on last week, Kirk Trotter, Dean of Students, said: “We turned a page in history. That night, parents talked to their kids and told them that there is a lot opportunity in this world and they really can be what they want to be.” Emmanuel Agbeletey, a sixth grade student from Ghana and has only been in America for a short time, said that the election “made him feel good.” Principal Tony Connelly was happy with the day’s celebration. “We thought we would bring more attention to this election, as 97% of our youth are African American. This is a significant time for our students and our country. It shows them that America is really moving in a positive direction in race relations and that moving beyond the color of skin and looking more at the content of one’s character is what really matters.”

For more information about the Jesuit Middle School of Omaha, please call 402-346-4464.

From Honor Roll Pics

Academic Honor Roll Students (L-R): Kris Young and Barry Jackson, seated. Tyler Franklin, JaVon Minton, Andrell Sherrod-Lewis, Brandon Simpson, James Overton, James Scott and Majeric Ashley, standing.

Students at the Jesuit Middle School of Omaha (JMSO) were recognized for their academic and citizenship performance at the first quarter awards ceremony on Tuesday, November 4 in the school commons area. Nine students were on academic honor roll and 34 students were on citizenship honor roll. Academic recognition requires the young men to have A’s and B’s in every subject. Citizenship honor roll recognizes the young men who receive 10 or fewer ‘yellow cards’ during the nine week semester. Yellow cards are similar to a demerit system followed at many parochial schools.

The students who earned academic honors are pictured. The following students earned citizenship honors: fourth grade— Victor Castro, Christopher Coleman, Tony Hall and Barry Jackson; fifth grade— Demetri Clark, Da’Vion Grigsby, Abraham Mhlanga, JaVon Minton, Andrell Sherrod-Lewis, Brandon Simpson, Lamont Sims and Kris Young; sixth grade— Emmanuel Agbelety, Ryan Bartee, James Overton, Darvelle Robinson and Lucas Shelton; seventh grade— Erick Cortez, Dakota Lieb, Brian Mills, DeAngelo Peak, James Scott, Jermaine Suggs and Nathaniel Williams and eighth grade— Valentin Castro, Ronnell Davis, Jomar Ingram, Taylor Johnson, Mikey Leach, Brian Littlejohn, Ki-Jana Moore, Mike Nelson, Josh Willis and Todd Wright.

Those who attend JMSO are guided by the Catholic principles and five basics of Jesuit education: Gospel values, academic excellence, self-discipline, religious diversity and the concept of Men for Others. JMSO also prepares its graduates socially and spiritually for a lifetime of leadership and acceptance into a college preparatory curriculum.

Daily attendance levels at JMSO also continue to be high. Congratulations to the following students for earning Perfect Attendance Honors: fourth grade— Mikal Robinson; fifth grade— Demetri Clark, Da’Vion Grigsby, Andrell Sherrod-Lewis, Brandon Simpson and Amar Whitaker; sixth grade— Emmanuel Agbelety, DaJaun Lester and Armand Robinson; seventh grade— Erick Cortez, Khalil Grant, Jermaine Suggs and Nathaniel Williams and eighth grade— Jemar Berry, Taylor Johnson, Mikey Leach and Ki-Jana Moore.

For more information on the Jesuit Middle School of Omaha, please contact Principal Tony Connelly at 346-4464.

Two students in the fifth grade class at the Jesuit Middle School of Omaha (JMSO) have an extra reason to work hard during the last few days of the first quarter, thanks to the “Student Spotlight” section in the commons area. The idea for the Student Spotlight came about at staff meeting as a way to recognize student accomplishments both in and outside of the classroom. Their picture and a quick biography are placed in the main entryway of the school.

From Misc Pics

Lamont Sims is new to the JMSO community. His favorite sport is football and plays on a youth team here in Omaha. He also enjoys reading, especially the book “Avengers.” When he’s not playing football or doing his homework, he likes to watch Jim Carey movies. Sims, who said that the best thing that ever happened to him was “being a student at JMSO,” hopes to attend Harvard University and become a successful person in life. Lamont is the son of Nicole and Rodney Hall.

From Misc Pics

Abraham Mhlanga is also new to the fifth grade class. Both he and Lamont enjoy their math class, taught by Principal Tony Connelly. Abraham is also very active and enjoys his physical education class here at JMSO. When he’s not reading books from the “Harry Potter” series, he likes to use the Internet for research, especially to learn more about his favorite celebrity, Fifty-Cent. In addition, Abraham would like to attend Creighton University and become a teacher. He is the son of Franchel Patton, who Abraham notes as “the best dad ever.”

We currently have openings in the fourth and fifth grades! Call Principal Tony Connelly today for more information 346-4464.

From Misc Pics

Every Wednesday, students at the Jesuit Middle School of Omaha (JMSO) attend a prayer service in the school commons area. Each class takes turns preparing and conducting the service for the entire school. They select the theme, music, scripture passages and petitions. The sermon is given by Fr. Jim, another staff member or a visiting minister.

Typically, two to three students provide a reflection on the scripture reading for the day. However, at the prayer service on October 23, each member of the sixth grade class provided their own reflection on the theme: “Why Am I Here?” followed by a touching homily from their teacher, Mr. Mike Mansour. Student responses included:
• “I am at Jesuit so I can get a better education, good grades and get a great learning experience.”
• “I am here because God chose me and my mom and dad want me to have a better education.”
• “I am at Jesuit so I can be respectful to others and be ‘someone’ when I get older.”
• “I am here because I have the privilege of doing so.”
• “I here at Jesuit to get a great education and work on improving my attitude.”

The homily, delivered by Mike Mansour was a very moving one. He explained his educational background and how he came to be a teacher at JMSO. Mansour, a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, began his teaching career in the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) Program and was later placed at a K-8 school in Tulsa, Oklahoma as a physical education teacher. Although Mansour is an avid athlete, this was not the teaching position he had in mind. Never the less, he made the best of it thanks to a comment from one kindergartner, who said: “Mr. Mansour, you’re the best P.E. teacher I’ve ever had.” Mansour, who thought to himself, “Kid, I’m the only P.E. teacher you’ve ever had,” kept that message in his head and heart as he continued his teaching career at Tulsa and as he found his way to the Jesuit Middle School of Omaha. At JMSO, Mansour began as the computer teacher and after some staff changes, he became the fifth grade homeroom teacher. Now, three years later, he is the sixth grade homeroom teacher, middle school science teacher and advanced math moderator. In summary, Mansour told the audience: “I’m supposed to be here, you’re supposed to be here. It’s all part of God’s plan. We care about you and the person you turn out to be.”

From Misc Pics

For the past month, students in the sixth grade class at the Jesuit Middle School of Omaha (JMSO) have been studying ancient Egypt in their World History class. Topics covered included the pyramids, the Nile River, pharaohs, temples, mummification and King Tut just to name a few. The unit concluded with a project to construct a realistic pyramid that would later be judged by their teacher, Mr. Brian Lindley. The students were graded on their creativity, ability to follow directions, authenticity, etc. Submissions varied in both weight and stature, with most students using everyday household items including candy, sugar cubes, cardboard and even foam. Congratulations to the following students who won first, second and third place in the contest: Tajon Campbell, Michael Joiner and Darvelle Robinson. In addition, Mr. Lindley commends the class for all of their hard work and determination to complete the unit and project. Thirteen out of the 15 students received an A and the remaining two B’s.