S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0theN E W S L E T T E R O F S T. E D W A R D S C H O O L , N E W I B E R I A , L A

A s c h o o l f o u n d e d by S t . K a t h a r i n e D r e x e l i n 1 9 1 8

PANDA-MONIUM

Recognition awardedSt. Katharine Drexel Award

Presented at the Third Grade Closing Ceremony, the St. Katharine Drexel Award was awarded to Jaelle Joseph, Morgan Schopp and Sophia Comeaux. This award is the highest award presented at St. Edward School. Recipients must have demonstrated outstanding personal growth during the school year as well as being concerned Christians, friends, leaders and most im-portantly, their actions must show love and respect for all people. These are the qualities that enabled St. Katharine Drexel to live her mission, and they are the very same qualities that St. Edward School was founded upon 101 years ago. This year the St. Katharine Drexel Award was given to Jaelle Joseph from Mrs. Foret’s Class, Morgan Schopp from Mrs. Lewis’ Class and from Coach Freddie’s Class, Sophia Comeaux. All three honorees will continue their edu-cation at Catholic High School in the fall.

2019-20 Educator and Supporter of the Year The honorees for the 2019-20 Supporters of the Year are Jenny and Jonathan Schopp, and the Educator of the Year is Mrs. Gretchen Brown. Gretchen Brown, Educator of the Year, has been teaching PK3 at St. Edward School for 9 years. She has been married to Mike for 24 years and they have three children, Madeline, Elise and SES alum Gunnar. Prior to joining the Panda Family, Mrs. Gretchen taught at St. Joseph in Jeanerette. With an un-mistakable smile in her voice, she can best be described as a visionary, one who is dedicated, enthusiastic and incredibly efficient. To her, SES is like family, where everyone is always willing to help. Mrs. Gretchen loves that she can pray with her students and staff members every day and she says, “I thank God for answering my prayers and placing me just where I need to be, at such a won-derful Catholic school.” There is no doubt her passion for education is making a difference in the lives of little Pandas and we are blessed to have her at SES! Servant leaders, Jenny and Jonathan Schopp, Achiever/Supporters of the Year are familiar faces on campus as well as behind the scene supporters of all things SES. For this dynamic couple, Catholic education is a priority and often when they are giving back, their 3 children are right there with them; SES alum Meyer, along with 2 Pandas; Morgan and Madison. Jenny is a former PTO Officer and can be found in the morning helping with car line and the AR lab. She has been instrumental in getting the SES Parent’s Ministry started and together she and Jonathan juggle their schedules to make it all happen. Jonathan is an appointed member of the SES Advisory Council where he shares his expertise serving on the Finance Committee, in addition to representing our region on the Diocesan Advisory Council. When asked what this selection means to them, they replied, “It is such an honor. It’s easy to say ‘yes’ to a school who has given us so much. We could never possibly attempt to give back what we have received from SES! It’s a privilege to be a part of this great Panda Family.” And we are privileged your family chose SES!

Award recipients pic-tured above are from top left, Jaelle Joseph from Mrs. Foret’s Class and Morgan Schopp with her teacher Mrs. Lewis. Pictured at right is Sophia Comeaux and teacher, Coach Freddie.

St. Edward SchoolWhere All Are One In Christ

175 Porter Street New Iberia, LA 70560

(337) 369-6764—phone(337) 369-9534—faxwww.sespandas.com

ADVISORY COUNCILAngelique N. Valteau President Dusty Hulin Vice-President Shimeka Sampy Secretary Jenee Broussard Jill Broussard Will Comeaux Margaret Green Michael Landry Jonathan Schopp

PARENT/TEACHER Organization

St . Edward School does not discr iminate on the basis of race, creed, sex, or national origin in i ts admission pol ic ies or educational programs.

PAGE 2 SPRING/SUMMER 2020

Eleanor Murphy Parks Citizenship Award

Feeder School Merit Scholarship

Given by Catholic High School to an incoming 4th grade student from St. Edward School, this is a one-year, full tuition scholarship. The recipient demonstrates a willingness to help others without being asked, treats others with respect and understanding, practices Catholicism and shows eagerness to share faith. Most importantly, this student exemplifies the CHS motto, Acta Non Verba, (Action not Words) with Christ-like characteristics and honorable traits. This year’s re-cipient from Mrs. Foret’s Class is 3rd grader, Zye Landry. Zye is the son of Joseph and Ashley Landry.

Started by Helen Von Dolteren-Fournier in honor of her dear friend, Eleanor Murphy Parks, this monetary award is presented annually to one stu- dent in each grade, PK3 - 2nd grade. The Award is given to students who show great citizenship by representing the best of being a panda both in the school and

community. Recipients are chosen based on their attitude, academic per- formance, overall character, spirit and service. A portion of the funds awarded are allocated to the student’s tuition the following school year and the remaining is used for a gift card which is presented to the student for a sweet summer treat.

Award recipients above are from left: PK3 Lillian Robichaux, PK4 Carter Brooks, & Kindergarten Ezry LeBlanc. At left are: 1st grade, Juliet Mason and 2nd grade, Griffin Valls.

Karen F. Bonin Principal Jennifer Reynolds Assistant Principal Fr. Thomas H. Vu Pastor Raymond Derouen Deacon Steve Rogers Deacon Sheila C. Hall Secretary Melissa Dworaczyk Dev. Director

Jenny Comeaux President Nicole Guidry Vice-President Joleigh Hulin V.P. Development Jennifer Hebert Secretary Allison Colley Treasurer

Third Grade Spirit & Religion Awards

Spirit Stick Award Winners are from left: Peyton Clement, Scarlett Sargent & Bennett Minvielle.

Religion Award Winners are from left: Zye Landry, Peyton Dore & Olivia Gaspard.

PAGE 3 SPRING/SUMMER 2020

Curriculum Corner A word from Assistant Principal/Curriculum Coordinator

Jennifer Reynolds

Technology Talk

A word from Technology Coordinator Melanie Molbert

Lenten Mission

Families raise over $800

This year’s Lenten Mission supported Catholic Relief Services Lenten Program, CRS Rice Bowl. Joining Catholic communities throughout the U.S., students put their faith into action through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Monies donated through this program support the work of CRS in roughly 45 countries each year. In honor of our Pastor, Fr. Thomas Vu, whom students affectionately call Padre, Vietnam, Kenya and Honduras were chosen as the countries to benefit from the proceeds raised. Drawing on the gospel story of Mark 6:30-44 in which Jesus feeds the multi-tudes, students were re- minded that they too can make a difference in the world by sharing their unique God-given gifts with others. Many personally sacrificed treats and did chores to earn money for the mission.

What a year it has been! The year started by cele-brating the thousands of minutes read by the many Summer Reading Program participants. Those stu-dents in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades even got the added bonus of using these books to get a head start in our Accelerated Reader program. This program is under-way again this summer! Each Panda has a goal of either reading or being read to for 1,000 minutes. Reading is the single most important skill an elementary stu-dent can develop. Please encourage your Pandas to read on their own, or snuggle with them and read their favorite book to them! Once students in 2nd and 3rd grades met their goals in the Accelerated Reader program, they met me in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Lab before school. They had a blast building structures with magnets, designing and racing cars, figuring out how to make electrical circuits work, putting together internal organs in a human torso, understanding earthquakes, programming mice to com- plete a maze, using a microscope and so much more! Students really enjoyed this hands-on laboratory. Delving into a new math curriculum was another great undertaking. In addition to developing traditional math skills, they began to deal with more word prob- lems and deeper thinking. They even got new math tools to use for hands-on application. It was great to see all of those lightbulb moments in the classrooms! As we look ahead to next year, I am very excited about our new programs. We are planning on adopting two new reading programs. One will focus on de-veloping students phonics and phonemic awareness. These will be used in addition to our existing Superkids and Reading Street programs. We will also be in- corporating a new science program in 2nd and 3rd grades called Mystery Science. Our kids know Mystery Doug, who has been providing science teasers to our students for years. The Mystery Science program is a full curriculum developed on Doug’s inquiry based approach to learning. Although the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders threw all of us for a loop, our staff and families finished the year strong. The support you have shown us during this time has been tremendous. From the email messages, to the feedback you provided to our

(Continued) assistants as they called each of you, we cannot thank you enough for the love and support that you shared with us during this time. The commitment to Catholic education in our community is inspiring. THANK YOU!

Whether behind the scenes or in the public’s eye via social media posts, technology is fast becoming an integral part of the educational process at St. Edward School. Like schools all across the country, the stay-at-home orders in March moved SES into virtual learning and how fortunate we were to be ahead of the game because of the commitment made to im-prove technology a few years ago. This school year has been exceptionally busy and it began with disposing of the old computer equipment in the Accelerated Reader Lab and equipping it with 30 plus new Chromebooks. In addition, a new “easy to navigate” school website was designed and our presence on social media continues to grow. In fact, Facebook has over 3,000 fol-lowers in a few years and we continue to share on Instagram, Twitter and even have a SES Pinterest site with useful pins for parents. Working with the teachers we designed classroom Google Sites (basically informational sites that took the place of weekly, paper newsletters) which became crucial in the aid of distance learning this spring. And as the educational process became virtual, Accel- erated Reader was made accessible, teachers taught using personal instructional videos and even Mrs. Karen shared a virtual weekly message. In fact, St. Edward School held its first ever virtual awards ceremony for K - 3rd grades. Looking ahead, I am certain technology will become more integral to the educational process and I look forward to all that is to come!

PAGE 4 SPRING/SUMMER 2020

Congratulations!St. Edward School Alumni graduate from CHS!

*—Honor Graduate +—National Honor Society

b—Beta Club S —Salutatorian

Nicholas Austin Begnaud Madison Michele Bienvenu * Caroline Elizabeth Bigler Camille Alece Bonin Lauren Michelle Bonin Jean-Paul Boudreaux * Blythe Elise Breaux Parker Anthony Breaux Gabrielle Elizabeth Butler *+ Preston Duhe Cestia Hunter James Champagne *+ Grant Mitchell Darby Hayden Reese Dartez Drake Adam Dore’ Thomas Michael Dore Keith Joseph Dupuy Mackenzie Gates Gardner William James Gary

Aniston Marie Goetz Craig Michael Gonsoulin, Jr. Madeline Gaile Grabert Avery James Guidry Cameron Elise Hebert *+b Chloe Kathryn Hobbs Emma McKay Hoffpauir *b Kennedy Alexis Holleman Madison Elizabeth Hulin* Conner Michael Judice Noelle Marie Judice John Michael Landry Tyler Matthew Landry John Lee LaRive b Tristan Michael LeBlanc Emma Theresa LeGros *+ Caroline Clare Lipari *b Tyler Grace Lissard *+

Hallee Elizabeth Mire *b Jonah Michael Peltier Anna Elizabeth Pham *+bS Shelby Garland Primeaux Mary-Catherine Claire Segura Ja’Lyn Gabrielle Sigue * Emma Elizabeth Smith *+b Mary Katherine Anne Talley Benjamin Paul Tarantino Alex Gabriel Thibodeaux Ben Michael Thibodeaux Lidia Marie Trappey b

In loving memory of SES Alumnus, Grace Elizabeth Gonsoulin

2019 - 20 St. Edward Fund exceeds $29,000

Principal’s Club $500+

Panda Circle $250+

Sustainer $100+

Contributor List from 1/11/20 - 5/26/20

Edward Morrell Society $1000+

Sherdell & Robert Breaux Cypress Fabrication Services

Katherin & John Bordes Jenee & Marcus Broussard Alfred Dickson

Cindy & Ross Landry Jenny & Provost Minvielle Angela & Paul Trahan

In memory of Ryan Trahan & Jacques Leonard Aimee’ & Matthew St. Cyr

Anonymous Vivian & Larry Berges Mr. & Mrs. Michael Cormier, Sr.

Elise & Blair Faucheaux Jessica & Floyd Frederick Lillian & David Fremin Liz & Ed Granger Patricia & Paul Landry Janine & Craig Thomson

Sustainer - continued

Anonymous (2) Mr. & Mrs. Nolan Broussard Bailey, Aaron & McKenzie David Debbie & Don Defelice Stephanie & Ben Drinkwater Terry A. Frederick Margaret Gonsoulin In memory of Fr. Wilson Matt Lois Spencer Hawkins Nelwyn Hebert Walker Hidalgo Kelly & Joshua Perello Kenneth Roy Esther J. Vargas Catherine & Dean Wattigny

SES Alumni Association is Looking for YOU!

In January, the SES Alumni Association Board of Directors met for the first time. This diverse group represents years of SES Alumni and they look forward to serving in this capacity. Pictured below is: (from left to right) Gwen Kelly, Mary Hockless, Tayrene Jeanlewis, James Russell, Jr. Jeanne Escuriex, Deacon Roland Jeanlouis, Susan Dupuy, Kallie Landry, Peggy Jean-Batiste and Tamara Anthony. Not pictured are: Zach Indest and Rose Joseph. If you are a SES alum, please share your name and email address by going to alumni@sespandas.com. Someone will be in touch with you. Thank you!

Friend $1+

PAGE 5 SPRING/SUMMER 2020

Rhett Michael FaucheauxTaylor Rae Fowler *+ bGarrett Thomas GuiberteauJada Michelle Jester *Krystin Alexis JoletJacob Morgan JudiceElizabeth Marie LaBicheJacob Anthony LanassaCourtney Claire LandryDiallo Duplantis LandryMaggie Claire Landry *+ bRidge Christopher LeBlancTiffany Mei-Qi LeBlanc bMary Elizabeth LIssard V*+ bMadison Claire Medver *+ bMadeleine Clare MorrisMcKayla Nicole Narcisse

Sr. Michelle Callanan and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament Endowment Fund

Endowment Gifts directly supporting the work of St. Katharine DrexelGifts listed were made between January 11 - May 26, 2020

MEMORIALS

In memory of Elsie DarceyPatrick & Karen Bonin Simon & Linda Freyou

In memory of Rita “Tita” Posey Clark

In memory of Geraldine “Jerry” Delcambre

In memory of Adrienne Emmer Duhe’Patrick & Karen Bonin

In memory of Kenneth DuboisRoger & Melissa Dworaczyk

In memory of Dorothy “Dot” Escuriex

Patrick & Karen Bonin Carole Landry Jerry & Jennifer ReynoldsIn memory of Alton DarbySimon & Linda Freyou

Patrick & Karen Bonin The Duhe’ Family Roger & Melissa Dworaczyk Rita Girouard - Coastal Timbers Carole Landry

In memory of Betty FreyouSimon & Linda Freyou In memory of Ernest Freyou

In memory of H. A. Fontenot

Simon & Linda Freyou

Simon & Linda Freyou

In memory of Lorayne Falterman

Simon & Linda Freyou

In memory of Jim GrigsbyRoger & Melissa Dworaczyk

In memory of Wayne FreyouPatrick & Karen Bonin Simon & Linda Freyou

In memory of Darrell JudiceSimon & Linda Freyou

In memory of Dan LaBiche

Simon & Linda Freyou In memory of Dianne & Smitty Simon & Linda Freyou

In memory of Elaine LandrySimon & Linda Freyou In memory of Charles & Judy LanieSimon & Linda Freyou In memory of Ronnie LasseigneSimon & Linda Freyou In memory of Hugh LeBlancRoger & Melissa Dworaczyk

In memory of Tylan OrpheSimon & Linda Freyou

In memory of Arthur B. PrattRoger & Melissa Dworaczyk Simon & Linda Freyou

In memory of Helen PolkPatrick & Karen Bonin Cardinal Services, LLC Roger & Melissa Dworaczyk Charlene Guillot Carole Landry Jerry & Jennifer Reynolds Jerry & Beverly Shea, Jr.

In memory of Mike KimballMark & Susan Musso

In memory of Ann L. TaylorPatrick & Karen Bonin

In memory of Harriet & George SchwingSimon & Linda Freyou

In memory of Jerry Shea, Sr.

Dr. & Mrs. Michael Lorio

In memory of Linda Trahan

Simon & Linda Freyou

In memory of Wayne TrahanSimon & Linda Freyou In memory of Jean WattignyPatrick & Karen Bonin Simon & Linda Freyou

In memory of Jim Ferry

Simon & Linda Freyou

In memory of Evelyn Ruth Hill “Chick” MillerKaren Bonin

Patrick & Karen Bonin

Bidding a Fond Farewell After 38 and 36 years respectively, the St. Edward Faculty and Staff bid the fondest of farewells to 1st grade Teacher, Prinella Fruge’ and Custodian Gerald Broussard. Both are retiring after many wonderful years at SES and will forever be a part of our Panda Family! May the spirit of St. Katharine Drexel always remain in their hearts!

PAGE 6 SPRING/SUMMER 2020

Beautiful Branding abounds in the Parish…

During Catholic Schools Week every family was gifted with a new SES yard sign. In addition, families with newborn babies were given precious SES bibs to welcome them to our school family.

Distance Learning St. Edward School faculty and staff adapted beautifully and dedicated themselves to providing sound instruction as students began their journey of distance learning. Our amazing parents supported the students and teachers along the way. Uploaded videos, classroom Google Sites, and many virtual elective activities made stay-at-home orders easier for all! Thank you to our amazing Panda Family! WE DID IT!

Celebrating Catholic Schools Week Mass

Celebrating Volunteers & Supporters

Celebrating Mary in May

PAGE 7 SPRING/SUMMER 2020

19

YIR20

Year in Review

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Permit #119

New Iberia, LAPANDA-MONIUM175 Porter StreetNew Iberia, Louisiana 70560

the

2020 - 21 School Year to Begin in August

1ST- 3RD GRADE STUDENT ORIENTATION — 8:10 a.m. to NOON

FIRST FULL DAY OF SCHOOL FOR 1ST - 3RD: Friday, August 7

Wednesday, August 5 - - - - - - - - Last Names: A - K Thursday, August 6 - - - - - - - - - - Last Names: L - Z

PARENT ORIENTATION:PARENTS OF PK3 & PK4 STUDENTS,

PARENTS “NEW” TO SES & ANY INTERESTED RETURNING PARENTS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4 at 6:00 PM

Parents will be notified of specific days for PK3 & PK4 & KINDERGARTEN

Student Orientations in late July via email. Students will attend on either Wednesday, August 5,

Thursday, August 6, or Friday, August 7

PK3 & PK4 STUDENT ORIENTATION — 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

FIRST FULL DAY OF SCHOOL FOR PK3 & PK4 & K STUDENTS: Monday, August 10

Planning “as usual” until further notice.

PLEASE PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE START TIME FOR THESE DAYS!

KINDERGARTEN STUDENT ORIENTATION — 8:10 a.m. to NOON