Snowy Survivors: First Grade Visits Blanford Nature Center

Earlier this month, the first graders had the opportunity to spend the day at Blandford Nature Center where they learned how animals survive in Michigan during the winter months.  While the students were expecting a snowy, cold outdoor adventure in February, they were greeted by warm temperatures, no snow, and plenty of sunshine.  Thankfully, the teaching staff helped them learn about animal survival, even though there was no snow on the ground.

While at the nature center, students engaged in a simulation game where they learned how bears store food during the warm months so they can survive the winter months.  Students met Tullulah the American toad who assisted in their understanding of how some reptiles burrow in mud for the winter months.  A walk through the woods and a meadow gave students the opportunity to look for clues showing an animal had been present.  And finally, students studied animal skulls and pelts to determine which nativeMichigan animals are carnivores, herbivores, or omnivores.  

The morning spent at Blandford was a compliment to the Life Science lessons first graders have been enjoying this trimester.  In reflecting on their time at the nature center, the first graders shared that they enjoyed visiting the live animals and participating in the simulation.  With the sunshine in the bright blue February sky and the smiles beaming on the faces of the first grade students, it is safe to say it was a fantastic experience for all!

"Willy Wonka Can, The Candyman Can"

Our performing arts program at All Saints Academy is growing steadily, as are the skills of our performers! For our third production, we welcomed students in grades fifth through eighth to try out, and we welcomed the fourth graders to join as we needed a second chorus to round out our production of Willy Wonka Jr. Our cast did not disappoint! I am so proud of them and their growth. Our costumes as well as our AMAZING prop pieces brought this show to a new level! Some of my fondest memories I have had over the last many years come from directing musicals, and it was an exciting challenge to bring musicals to ASA when I was hired three years ago to be part of the staff.

A production such as this could not come to life without the pool of talents of many. To all those who helped, I extended a sincere and deep thanks. We were blessed to have such a community at ASA. Our show had a professional backdrop rented from a production company in California, full size gates to the factory, a full size pink candy boat, a chocolate fountain, a large TV, a candyman stand, and so much more. What a cast- from our squirrels, to Oompa Loompas, the grandparents to Wonka, the Candyman to Phineous Trout, the parents and their children, they were all great. Our “golden ticket winners” were memorable. Our Augustus was delightfully round, our Violet exploded so well, our Mike Teavee appropriately screen-obsessed, our Veruca aptly spoiled and Charlie unendingly kind.  All of these memories were captured by a professional photographer and videographer. You can see a few photos here. We really felt like we were all “flying,” not just Grandpa Joe and Charlie.

We were lucky enough to receive an endowment from St. Alphonsus at the onset of our program three years ago to get us started. We are so grateful! Since then, we have created a self-sustaining program and now hold it in the performing arts center at Kenowa Hills High School. Having a production such as this at our school is such a gift. I truly believe in the transformative power of the performing arts, and I encourage all children to try it at least once. You will make so many memories and learn so much about yourself. Our cast spent endless hours learning their songs, cue, choreography, and lines. They became closer and grew in their talents. Former ASA students (and students from before I was here!) came back to help, visit, and volunteer.

From our “candy factory” concessions, to meals, to props, to hair, to make-up, to sets, and everything in between ... A production such as this could not happen without such supportive parents! Again, I extended my thanks. To our over 1000 attendees and show ticket holders, thank you! We hope you enjoyed the show as much as we did putting it on for you. As they say, the candyman can ‘cos he mixes it all with love and makes the world taste good.

Photo credit to our amazing photographer, Jamie Geysbeek Photography

Catholic Schools Week Review

Catholic Schools Week is a week to celebrate Catholic education across the United States. Started as a joint program between the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in 1974, the celebration week begins on the last Sunday of January each year.  This year NCEA's theme for Catholic Schools Week was "Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community".  NCEA encouraged the 6,400 catholic elementary and high schools in the United States to host special masses, open houses or other activities to focus on the value that the schools provide to their students, staff members, families, parishioners and communities.  

At All Saints Academy Catholic Schools Week we had a busy week celebrating our core values of Faith, Learning, Loving and Serving.  We Packed the Pews at St. Alphonsus, dressed as saints, played (or watched) staff vs students in volleyball and basketball - twice! Third graders attended mass at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, K-8 students attended mass together at St. Alphonsus, and early childhood students had 'the big kids' visit their classrooms for snack time.  To round out the week, students that sold 50 or more raffle tickets in the fall were able to throw a pie in the face of a staff member.  

Third grade after Mass with the Bishop

Mrs. Schneider got pied!

8th grade vs staff basketball game

8th grade team huddle

K-8 picture at St. Alphonsus

Preschool dance party around the Cross

Bingo with students from both campuses

Bingo with students from both campuses

Check out our Facebook or Instagram pages for more pictures of the week.

Welcome Dr. Tyrrell!

 Hello ASA Families,

I am excited to join ASA as an instructional coach for both campuses. In my first week, I have enjoyed meeting the teachers and getting to know the students. My own children love hearing the delightfully funny stories from some of the younger students at ASA. 

My family and I moved to Grand Rapids in 2021 when my husband became the President of Catholic Central. We were excited to move to a Diocese that has schools that are inclusive of all learners. We were familiar with West Michigan since my husband’s family has a cottage in Grand Haven, which we love to visit during the summer. My children are 16, 14, 11, and 8. 

While I was most recently an Assistant Principal, prior to working in administration, I was a high school history teacher. I am currently a student at the University of Notre Dame, working on a Masters in Educational Leadership. I will finish that program this summer. I cannot wait not to have homework on the weekends!

Please feel free to reach out to me at mtyrrell@asagr.org. In just a few days, I can already see and feel the wonderful spirit and culture at ASA. It is a privilege to serve this community. 

• Marygrace Tyrrell