Lumen News – May 7, 2020
Upcoming Important Dates:
Finals Week Schedule:
- Monday, May 18th: Friday “B” Schedule
- Tuesday, May 19th: Friday “A” Schedule
- Wednesday, May 20th: Friday “B” Schedule
- Thursday, May 21st: 9a Mass, 10a Advisory Check in, Last day of classes
- Friday, May 22nd: Last Day for Teachers (NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS)
- Tuesday, August 4th: Back to School Registration and BBQ
- Thursday, August 13th: Junior High Orientation
- Monday, August 17th: School Begins (Grades 7 & 8 only)
- Tuesday, August 18th: School Begins (Grades 9-12)
Principal’s Update:
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! Hats off to Danielle Rybicki and Tracy Ross who showered our teachers and staff with thanks and good will by hand delivering gifts and a cool yard sign to each of them. We also appreciate the Goodwin, Butcher, Ross, Renfro, Vargas, Thomson, Rybicki, Locke, Moriarty and Everard families who helped make a special “Thank You” picture collage for our teachers! I know your love and appreciation was widely felt and helped motivate our teachers in the final days of the school year.
Happy Commencement Week as well! From our 20+ vehicle “Senior Sunset Parade” caravan on Tuesday night around Anchorage to virtual Baccalaureate Mass and our Graduation video – debuting on Facebook and YouTube at 7p tonight – we honored the ten members of our Class of 2020 in style. We wish them fair winds and following seas as they go out to shine Christ’s light in the world.
Many thanks to all who logged into Monday’s Principal-Parent Forum. We enjoyed hearing your perspectives. After discussions with you, the students, and the staff, I have made a final decision regarding uniforms next year. As discussed, we will be modifying our uniform to allow Lumen-logoed blue polo shirts and khaki pants/skirts to be worn on all non-Mass days (M, Tu, W, and Fri). On Mass days (Thursdays) or when out in the community representing our school, students will continue to “dress up” with white oxford dress shirt, Lumen tie, khaki pants/skirt, and dress shoes. Ladies can still wear the Lumen plaid skirt.
Current students can continue to wear blue pants, blue skirt, and the blue oxford dress shirt until they graduate, or the clothes are no longer suitable for wear. New students will only need to buy khaki pants (skirts); blue polo shirts for non-Mass days and a white oxford dress shirt (short or long sleeve) and Lumen tie for Mass days. While both Lands End and Tommy Hilfiger carry the blue polo shirt with our logo, we are coordinating with a local vendor to carry this and other approved tops (e.g., blue fleece and sweaters for cooler winter days). Students who like the existing daily uniform (dress shirt with tie) are welcome to continue to wearing these, but it is no longer required except on Mass days and when students are out in public representing the school. As soon as a local vendor is secured, I’ll provide more detailed guidance but wanted you to know that the dress code will be “relaxed” a bit next year.
Finally, please set aside time during the last week in school for turn-in of textbooks and other materials, and to be able to retrieve any remaining items in the school (mainly junior high PE lockers). We will send out more detailed instructions next week, but please plan for the drop off to be organized by last name and occurring from 4-6pm on Tuesday, May 19 and Wednesday, May 20.
And on behalf of our school staff, have a blessed Happy Mothers Day!
Campus Ministry:
During this time of uncertainty and social distancing, stay connected through Christ.
Congratulations to our seniors as they are graduated this week! Thank you Sophia Dupras for reading at our Baccalaureate Mass, beautiful job.
Our small video meet up groups have taken a week off and will be back on nexts week for all students who would like to continue or join. Group leaders will be sending out follow emails this week.
Please contact Mrs. Loeffler if we can give support to students, parents and/or families. Social Distancing is becoming somewhat normal, but still has a real effect on all of us.
You are all invited to our virtual school Masses everyThursday at 9. Jon via Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stbenedictsak/
Prayer Spot
Please pray for
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Students, teachers and families who are working from home
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Medical professionals and first responders
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Those most vulnerable to illness
If you would like special intentions listed in Lumen News and Prayer Book of Intentions send them directly to Mrs. Loeffler. eloeffler@lumenchristiak.org
School Announcements:
End of Year Class/Day Schedule:
Tomorrow, May 8th will be a Friday “B” schedule with Periods 2, 4 & 6.
Next week will be a “normal” week with:
Advisory on Monday;
Periods 1, 3 & 5 on Tuesday;
Periods 2, 4 & 6 on Wednesday;
Mass at 9a on Thursday;
The week will end on a Friday “A” schedule of Periods 1, 3 & 5.
The last week of school will be:
Monday, May 18th: “B” Schedule – Periods 2, 4, 6
Tuesday, May 19th: “A” Schedule – Periods 1, 3, 5
Wednesday, May 20th: “B” Schedule – Periods 2, 4, 6
Thursday, May 21st: 9a end of year Mass then 10a Advisory check in to wrap up last details and say goodbye.
Summer Tutoring
Mrs. Gore has contact information for a West High graduate currently in his 3rd year at Yale who is offering tutoring over the summer via Zoom. He can tutor in the following subjects: Essay writing and argumentation; Critical thinking and logic; SAT prep strategies; College application advising; Elementary/Middle School Math and Science (some High School, depending on the subject); Elementary/Middle/High School reading and literature. Contact Mrs. Gore at lchs@lumenchristiak.org or text her cell at 907.227.9584 for more info.
End of Year Administrative Wrap Up and Fall 2020 Registration Prep!
Keep your eyes peeled for an email (hopefully by next week) from the Front Office with loads of End-of-Year & Next-Year info in it. It’ll be exciting for sure – not one to be missed : )
St. Benedict’s & Other Community Events:
St. Benedict’s Youth Group
Even though the school year is winding down, the St. Benedict’s Youth Group meets all summer. Stay in touch with Elise at emartinez@stbenedictsak.com to know what events are being planned!
Did you know…..
……that Catholic Social Services provides Supportive Services for Veteran Families? If you or someone you know is a veteran or has served at least one day of active duty in the military and is in need of rental assistance, CSS may be able to help. Learn more at their website: https://www.cssalaska.org/our-programs/homeless-family-services/veteran-services/?fbclid=IwAR1oqbnFfrNysUdaWwS-71E6tBgG_I78gTc46JkslP-eTuYt9Oeut4Utdl8
Do good, feel good:
Saint Francis House Food Pantry
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SFH is in need of:
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Breakfast items (oatmeal, breakfast bars)
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SFH is so grateful for the continued support of our community. We are starting to open up limited volunteering opportunities: packing food boxes for clients. If you are interested in packing food boxes, hours are Monday – Thursday 9:30a – 1:00p – 3 people max per day. Email Bronwen Nicholls at bnicholls@cssalaska.org with questions or to volunteer
Refugee Assistance and Immigration Services
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RAIS is in need of:
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Raised gardening beds
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Home Depot, Lowes, or Walmart gift cards to buy soil and supplies for raised beds. Contact Keenan at kplate@cssalaska.org for more information on how to donate.
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Lumen News – May 1, 2020
Upcoming Important Dates:
- Monday, May 4th – Principal Parent Forum, 7pm (Google Meet email invitation)
- Vehicle Parade for our Class of 2020 grads, 6pm (initial details below, more details to follow)
- Wednesday, May 6th – Baccalaureate Mass, 7p – See below
- Thursday, May 7th – Graduation and Commencement for the Class of 2020 – See below
Principal’s Update:
Greetings Lumen Families! What a week this has been! As our students continue in their distance learning, we took time on Wednesday and Thursday nights to hold individual 30-minute graduation processions for our Class of 2020 seniors. Our seniors were able to walk across the stage, receive their diplomas, switch their tassel, and throw their cap in the air, all the while surrounded by no more than 13 of their families and closest friends (due to state mandate on gatherings). All of these processionals were recorded by Laura and Clay Butcher and will be compiled into a video to be shown via our school Facebook page on Thursday, May 7th at 7pm. While our seniors walked across the stage, they will not officially graduate until next week, so we hope you will tune in next Thursday to watch the great video presentation and official graduation of our mighty Class of 2020.
Because we needed to pre-record our graduation processions, I had to move the Principal Parent Forum to Monday, May 4 at 7pm. You can join the Google Meet either by video or phone using the connection information below:
Meeting ID
Phone Numbers
(US)+1 601-803-2371
PIN: 775 504 421#
For the rest of Commencement Week next week, we are working to organize a vehicle parade on Tuesday, May 5th starting at 6pm from our school parking lot. We are still working out the details, but our tentative plan is to collectively meet at the school, and caravan along a route which will pass by the homes of our seniors. We don’t plan to stop, but will pass by honking and waving to show our support for our graduating class. More details to follow via email correspondence by Monday, but please save the date and time.
On Wednesday, May 6th, at 7pm, Father Tom will celebrate a Baccalaureate Mass in honor of the seniors from Lumen Christi as well as the seniors from St. Benedict’s Parish. This Mass will be livestreamed on the Lumen and St. Benedict’s Facebook pages. We hope you will join us online for this special and memorable celebration.
On behalf of the entire school staff, we hope you have a wonderful and blessed weekend! Enjoy the beautiful weather!
Campus Ministry:
During this time of uncertainty and social distancing, stay connected through Christ.
Many prayers for our senior class this final week of school! May God grant them wisdom and knowledge as they take their final exams, fortitude to carry them through the unique challenges of being graduated remotely, understanding and counsel that they will walk alongside those who are in need, and piety and fear of the Lord to keep them close to God as they go out into the world!
You are all invited to our virtual school Masses everyThursday at 9. Jon via Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stbenedictsak/
Prayer Spot
Please pray for
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Students, teachers and families who are working from home
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Medical professionals and first responders
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Those most vulnerable to illness
If you would like special intentions listed in Lumen News and Prayer Book of Intentions send them directly to Mrs. Loeffler. eloeffler@lumenchristiak.org
School Announcements:
Next Week’s Schedule
Next week, Friday, May 8th will be a Friday “B” schedule.
Summer Tutoring
Mrs. Gore has contact information for a West High graduate currently in his 3rd year at Yale who is offering tutoring over the summer via Zoom. He can tutor in the following subjects: Essay writing and argumentation; Critical thinking and logic; SAT prep strategies; College application advising; Elementary/Middle School Math and Science (some High School, depending on the subject); Elementary/Middle/High School reading and literature. Contact Mrs. Gore at lchs@lumenchristiak.org or text her cell at 907.227.9584 for more info.
St. Benedict’s & Other Community Events:
St. Benedict’s Youth Group
The St. Ben’s Youth Group got some good news this week in that they’re going to be allowed to meet (with social distancing requirements in place) for rosary walks, hikes or anything outdoors as long as it is not more than 20 people and we are still 6ft apart. This opens up many doors such as Youth Nights in person outside and more! Contact Elise Martinez at emartinez@stbenedictsak.com for more info and to join in on the fun.
Remember that all Lumen students regardless of Parish affiliation are welcome to join the St. B’s Youth Group.
Can you help?
There are many needs in our community, here are a few ways to lend a helping hand if you can:
Catholic Social Services: Refugee Assistance and Immigration Services
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RAIS is in need of raised garden beds. RAIS had planned to hold a class with clients and build them together, but due to COVID we are not holding in person classes. If you are interested in building a raised bed, please contact Keenan at kplate@cssalaska.org and he can help with sizing and instructions.
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RAIS is in need of one sewing machine. If you have a sewing machine to donate, please contact Keenan at kplate@cssalaska.org
Catholic Social Services: Homeless Family Services
HFS is in need of items for their Permanent Housing Boxes (all items must be new and unused, please label items HFS):
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Towels
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Toilet paper
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Paper towels
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Soap and shampoo
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Tooth brush/toothpaste
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Household items: plates, cups, bowls, silverware, pots and pans
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Cleaning Supplies
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Pillows, sheets, blankets
To keep staff safe while dropping donations:
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Donations are accepted from 9:00a – 4:00p on Fridays
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Donors can leave donations in the shopping carts at the 20th Ave. side of the Catholic Social Services building (3710 E. 20th Avenue).
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If you would like a receipt, you can email Molly Cornish at mcornish@cssalaska.org and we can scan and/or mail one to you.
Have a great weekend!
Lumen News – April 23, 2020
Upcoming Important Dates:
- Wednesday April 29th – Virtual Principal/Parent Forum, 7p-8:30p (email invitation)
- Wednesday, May 6th – Baccalaureate Mass, 7p – Details forthcoming
- Thursday, May 7th – Graduation and Commencement for the Class of 2020 – Details forthcoming
Principal’s Update:
Greetings Lumen Families! A couple of quick updates for you.
Thanks to the support of C+L Creative, Father Tom and I have produced a short fundraising appeal video to share with our community the impact of COVID-19 on our parish and school. We hope you take the time to watch it, prayerfully discern whether you are able to assist, and perhaps share with your friends and family. You can find the video, as well as a new “virtual tour” video, on our website here: www.lumenchristiak.com. Thanks to those families and friends of Lumen who have already answered the call!
We have had some parents ask about parent Share Hours and student Faith in Action/community service hours. Obviously, it is more difficult to complete these requirements given our current situation. We do not really have any Share Hour opportunities for parents at this point, but any faith in actions your son or daughter does complete can and should be documented. For example, if you take time with your family to deliver canned food to Catholic Social Services, or your son or daughter writes a letter of support to a sick or ill loved one, or they do some spring cleaning around the house or–better yet–the neighborhood, these can all count towards their requirements. We certainly expect our students to work hard towards their Faith in Action hours, but there is no way we can enforce. Thanks for working with your child to explore opportunities to put faith into action!
I am soliciting a few more opinions on our dress code for next year, and will have a formal answer to our community in next week’s Update.
Finally, please check your email inboxes for an important letter from me regarding tuition amounts for next year.
May God continue to keep you and your family safe and healthy.
Campus Ministry:
During this time of uncertainty and social distancing, stay connected through Christ.
Our student leaders are having their second small group sessions today. They are off to a good start. We have two group leaders still looking for interested students so let your kids know!
You are all invited to our virtual school Masses everyThursday at 9a. Join via Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stbenedictsak/
Prayer Spot
Please pray for
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Students, teachers and families who are working from home
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Medical professionals and first responders
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Those most vulnerable to illness
If you would like special intentions listed in Lumen News and Prayer Book of Intentions send them directly to Mrs. Loeffler. eloeffler@lumenchristiak.org
School Announcements:
Short & sweet this week!
Culinary Arts Lessons
Lessons #7 & #8 below will conclude our online Culinary Arts lessons for this semester. We can’t thank Alumni-mom Carol Sturguleski enough for going above and beyond to keep these lessons going! Hopefully your student (or you) have learned some new techniques and gained a bit of confidence in the kitchen. Thanks Mrs. Sturgulewski and Bon Appetit!
Next Week’s Schedule
Tomorrow is a Friday “B” schedule with periods 2, 4 & 6.
Next week, Friday, May 1st will be a Friday “A” schedule.
St. Benedict’s & Other Community Events:
St. Benedict’s Youth Group
The St. Ben’s Youth Group meets weekly on Wednesday nights at 7:00p. This week they played Martydom (the card version) via Zoom! Want to know what’s on the agenda for next Wednesday night? Reach out to Elise at emartinez@stbenedictsak.com for more info and to join in on the fun.
Remember that all Lumen students regardless of Parish affiliation are welcome to join the St. B’s Youth Group.
We’ve gone through some very basic cooking techniques in the past month: knife skills, cutting meat and vegetables, cooking with eggs, easy baking, and more. But where do we go from here?
If there’s a food you want to make, you can find a way to cook it. Just Google the name of the recipe. It’s even better if you specifically ask for a video–for example, Google “easy lasagna video,” and you’ll get all sorts of resources.
Another great solution is to take a look at what’s in your refrigerator, and go from there. For example, if I Google “easy chicken mustard carrots,” up pop a dozen recipes or more, using the exact ingredients I have on hand.
(Did you notice I used the word “easy” in both of those searches? That eliminates lots of complicated recipes!)
We do have some challenges currently. We aren’t going to the grocery store as often as we used to, and sometimes the ingredients we want can’t be found. Sam Sifton, the food editor of the New York Times, says, “There’s no following recipes strictly now. This is most excellent news for your cooking… Can’t make X because you don’t have Y? What might you use instead? How might you do it instead? Build the hack. Revel in your success.”
So don’t be afraid to be flexible. Take this recipe for a basic quiche. The recipe here calls for zucchini, but chopped broccoli is also great. You can use the cashews, or substitute almonds, or don’t use nuts at all. You can use a different cheese–Swiss, cheddar (not Parmesan or blue–the flavor is too strong), etc. I like to add a handful of smoked salmon. Chopped leftover smoked turkey or ham would be delicious, too. The egg/cheese ratio is important, because that holds everything together. But otherwise, play with this!
ZUCCHINI QUICHE
1 premade pie shell
1/3 c. chopped cashews
3 Tbsp. butter
2 small zucchini in 1/2-inch slices
1 c. chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1/4 tsp. dill or thyme
1 c. Monterey jack cheese, grated
3 eggs
Heat oven to 325 degrees.
Sprinkle the nuts in the bottom of the pie shell.
Melt the butter. Add the zucchini, onion and garlic and stir-fry until the pieces are soft. Add some salt and pepper to your taste. Put the vegetables in the pie shell. Sprinkle the dill on top.
Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the vegetables. With a whisk or fork, mix the eggs in a small bowl until you don’t see any streaks of egg white, and pour the beaten eggs over the cheese. Bake 45 minutes. Let set 5 minutes before cutting. Serves 4.
Finally, here’s a recipe that might come in handy in the next month or two, when rhubarb starts popping up all over town. This is my family’s traditional summertime dessert, and it’s always a little different, but always delicious! When we have blueberries or raspberries in season, we’ll add a handful of those. You can also make it using apples, but reduce the sugar in the fruit mixture to 1/3 cup, as apples are already sweet. And although the recipe says not to use instant oatmeal, there have been desperate times when I’ve ripped open a packet or two of flavored instant oatmeal, and it works! (Again, cut back on the sugar, as those packets are pretty sugary.)
Alaska Rhubarb Streusel Crisp
For fruit mixture:
4 cups rhubarb cut in 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
For topping:
1 c. flour
1/2 cup oatmeal (not instant/microwave kind)
1 c. brown sugar
1 stick melted butter (1/2 c.)
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Grease an 8×8 or 9-inch baking pan or pie pan.
Combine the rhubarb (and berries or whatever fruit you want to toss in), flour, sugar and cinnamon, and put in pan.
Combine flour, oatmeal, brown sugar and butter and mix it well. Sprinkle it evenly over the rhubarb mixture.
Bake at 375 degrees for 35 minutes. Delicious with ice cream!
Lumen News – April 17, 2020
Upcoming Important Dates:
- Wednesday April 29th – Virtual Principal/Parent Forum, 7p-8:30p (email invitation)
- Wednesday, May 6th – Baccalaureate Mass, 7p – Details forthcoming
- Thursday, May 7th – Graduation and Commencement for the Class of 2020 – Details forthcoming
Principal’s Update:
Our week 4 of distance learning is coming to a close, and our students continue to impress. When you think that our community pulled this together in less than two weeks, it is really quite amazing. Our teachers continue to learn and improve their online instruction, and we are committed to assisting each and every one of our students adjust to this new learning method. This was a big topic of discussion at the Parent-Principal Forum on Wednesday. If your son or daughter is struggling, encourage your son or daughter to use the office hours our teachers have set up. Ask to see your student’s Google Classroom page and see how they manage assignments, requirements, etc. The best thing parents can do is to go directly to your child’s teacher for assistance. Send an email and perhaps, even set up a virtual parent-teacher conference. Just because we are physically distant doesn’t mean that our relationships have to be. Our teachers, myself included, stand ready to assist in whatever way that we can.
Some additional highlights from the Parent Forum:
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Father Tom and I are producing a “spring appeal” video highlighting where our finances stand as a parish and school. We hope you will watch and consider our message.
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You will see a tuition letter emailed early next week. Unfortunately, we will be increasing tuition next year, but I hope that my rationale and explanation resonates within your family.
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We are actively planning a virtual Baccalaureate Mass on May 6th to celebrate Mass and recognize our Class of 2020 graduates. This will be shown via Facebook Live. More to follow on this event as well as the Graduation and Commencement ceremony scheduled on May 7th. We are currently working on the details.
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Our Drama team is working on a plan to record a “Reader’s Theater” version of the play they have been practicing. More to follow, but hopefully this will be a community wide viewing in middle May.
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We will be launching a spring marketing campaign via social media to encourage more families to come to Lumen. Our marketing team will be developing a “virtual tour” for our website that allows prospective families to “check us out” from the comfort of their couch. We ask that you help us SHARE our good news with all your contacts and friends in the community.
And finally, thanks to all of you as parents who are working diligently to keep your students on track. We know that at times it isn’t easy for you, or your student. On days when your student may be feeling particularly overwhelmed, just remind them to be thankful they’re not my daughter Emily.
Have a blessed weekend!
Campus Ministry:
During this time of uncertainty and social distancing, stay connected through Christ.
A most blessed Easter Week to each of you! St. Benedict youth groups meet weekly via Skype. You can find more information below or at the St. Benedict Parish website.
Prayer Spot
Please pray for
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Students, teachers and families who are working from home
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Medical professionals and first responders
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Those most vulnerable to illness
If you would like special intentions listed in Lumen News and Prayer Book of Intentions send them directly to Mrs. Loeffler. eloeffler@lumenchristiak.org
School Announcements:
HELP! I’m a Parent – Not a Teacher
It’s always helpful to know that when times are hard, there is support to be found. Please take the time to download and read the flyer below from our colleagues at the National Catholic Education Association – It really is helpful information.
Culinary Arts Lessons
Culinary lessons continue courtesy of Alumni Mom Carol Sturgulewski. This week’s lessons are below. Please share them with your students – or tackle them yourselves!
Bunny, Bunny
Speaking of culinary lessons – not! We’re happy to report that Jidore the school rabbit will be moving to a new forever home. Thanks to 8th grader Kallen and the rest of the Cain family for keeping Jidore out of Mr. Bauzon’s stewpot.
Next Week’s Schedule
Next Friday, April 24th will be a Friday “B” schedule with periods 2, 4 & 6.
Art Challenge (for the art challenged?)
They say laughter is the best medicine and it’s amazing what people with time on their hands have been posting to the internet during this time of quarantine. From videos of parents lip synching Donna Summer’s famous song “I Will Survive” while homeschooling their kids, to memes about social distancing and hoarding toilet paper, it seems there’s something for everyone in the “now that’s funny” category.
In the spirit of fun, we’re tossing a contest out there, the idea borrowed from the Getty Museum in New York. The Getty challenged people to re-create famous works of art at home, most with hilarious results! If you or your family want to try your hand at this, please do so and email your picture by next Wednesday night to Ms. Gore at lchs@lumenchristiak.org or text it to her at 907-227-9584. The winning entry will get a shout out in next week’s Lumen News! Note that you can get lots of ideas by Googling “Getty Art Challenge” but here are a couple of examples to get you thinking. Keep in mind this is just for fun, this is not an assignment for students by any means!
“Woman with her Harp” (or vacuum!)
“Yawning Man” (in his bathrobe!)
Picasso’s “Pi-catso”
“Lot and his Daughters” (with the bathroom rug)
St. Benedict’s & Other Community Events:
St. Benedict’s Youth Group
A message from Elise Martinez, St. Ben’s Youth Group Minister:
“We have Youth Night tomorrow over skype at 7pm! It will be an easter party with games, BYOCandy and more! Skype Link: https://join.skype.com/TqNJKT9nKgue
Last Sunday’s Project YM was outstanding! Fr. Agustino brought his personality and a personal story to emphasize the reality of Christ’s resurrection ‘in the flesh!’ If you or your teens missed it and want to get prepared for Divine Mercy Sunday: check out the replay here: https://projectym.com/live/replay/?ck_subscriber_id=474236676
It was a blast having a bit of a family focused ProjectYM Live. This week we return to teen focused with parents encouraged to journey alongside. The dynamic Brian Greenfield will be our speaker this Sunday with Mary Castner leading worship.”
Remember that all Lumen students regardless of Parish affiliation are welcome to join the St. B’s Youth Group. Contact Elise for more info: emartinez@stbenedictsak.com
Have a great weekend! Don’t forget to cut & paste Mrs. Sturgelewski’s cooking lessons below, into an email for your student, and then to scroll down to review the NCEA flyers below (in Spanish and English).
BEEF BROCCOLI STIR-FRY
The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 ½ tsp. cornstarch
¼ tsp. baking soda
½ pound flank steak or round steak
2 Tbsp. hoisin sauce
2 tsp. Asian chili-garlic sauce (like sriracha or whatever spicy sauce you have)
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
3 cups broccoli (don’t use the stems)
2 garlic cloves
Cut broccoli florets (the flower-like tops) into 1-inch pieces.
In medium bowl, blend 1 Tbsp. water with the soy sauce, cornstarch and baking soda.
Cut steak into ½-inch slices against the grain. Add to soy sauce mixture. Let sit 10 minutes.
In another bowl, use a fork or whisk to mix the hoisin sauce, chili-garlic sauce and ¼ cup water.
When beef is ready, heat oil over medium-high for one minute. Add beef evenly and let it sit 1 minute. Cook, stirring occasionally, 2-4 minutes. Remove beef from pan using a slotted spoon, and put it in a bowl.
Put soy sauce mixture, broccoli and garlic in the hot pan and return to medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thickened and broccoli is tender, about 5 minutes.
Stir beef and plate juices into skillet and cook 1 minute. Serves 4.
TWENTY-MINUTE STEAK FAJITAS
You can use 1 ½ Tbsp. premade taco or fajita seasoning, or: mix the following:
2 tsp. ground cumin
2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
2 Tbsp. vegetable or olive oil
2 large bell peppers
½ large onion
6 ounces mushrooms (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb. flank steak, skirt steak, sirloin, or round steak
3 Tbsp. lime juice
8 small flour tortillas
Measure the taco seasoning into a small bowl, or make your own by mixing the first five ingredients above. Set aside.
Cut peppers, onions and mushrooms in thick slices. Mince garlic. Set aside.
Thinly slice steak against the grain.
Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add 2 Tbsp. of oil, let it heat for a minute, and then add the sliced vegetables. Cook about 5 minutes, stirring frequently but not constantly. Add half the seasoning mix and all the minced garlic. Cook 2 more minutes.
Remove the vegetables from the pan and set on a plate. Return the skillet to the heat. Add the steak to the hot skillet and sprinkle in the rest of the seasoning mix. Cook, tossing the meat constantly, until it’s browned—2-3 minutes for medium rare. For well done, add another 3 minutes, but it might be tough!
When the meat is cooked, add the vegetables back to the pan. Drizzle in lime juice and toss.
Serve on warm tortillas with sour cream, guacamole or salsa. Serves 4.
Culinary Arts Lesson #6
DICED CHICKEN STIR FRY
Food for Thought, Robert Capon
1 slice fresh ginger (thickness of a quarter)
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 cup cabbage, diced
½ cup fresh mushrooms, diced
¼ cup canned water chestnuts, sliced
¼ cup chopped celery
½ cup bamboo shoots
12 snow peas
2 boneless skinned chicken breasts
Peanut or vegetable oil
½ cup chicken broth
2 Tbsp. cold water
Cut up all the vegetables and have them ready next to the stove.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water.
Cut chicken breasts into bite-size pieces (cut each breast in three strips lengthwise, then across).
Heat a wok or large frying pan hot, then add 2 Tbsp. oil and keep heating. If it sputters when you drop a bit of garlic in, it’s ready. Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry 10 seconds.
Add vegetables, and stir-fry 30 seconds. Add the chicken broth. Cover and boil for 2 minutes. Put mixture into a bowl.
Heat the pan very hot again, add a little more oil, then the chicken, and let cook 1 minute without stirring. Begin stirring and cook until the pieces are starting to turn golden and are cooked through, about 5 minutes. Return the vegetables to the pan and bring it to a boil. Add the snow peas. Add the cornstarch mixture and stir until it thickens.
Serves 4.
Here’s another chicken stir-fry that adapts itself to whatever you have on hand. You can also make this with pork instead of chicken.
ORANGE STIR-FRY CHICKEN
½ cup orange juice
1 ½ tsp. finely grated or chopped orange zest (the orange part of the peel, not the white part)
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
½ tsp. salt
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 ½ tsp. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. cornstarch
2 Tbsp. cold water
2 boneless skinned chicken breasts
Peanut or vegetable oil
In a small bowl, mix orange juice, zest, soy, salt, garlic and brown sugar. Set aside.
In another small bowl, mix cornstarch and water. Set aside.
Cut chicken breasts into bite-size pieces (cut each breast in three strips lengthwise, then across).
Heat a wok or large frying pan hot, then add 2 Tbsp. oil and keep heating. If it sputters when you drop a bit of garlic in, it’s ready. Add the garlic and stir-fry 10 seconds to flavor the oil.
Add the chicken. Let it cook 1 minute without stirring; then cook and stir until the chicken is no longer pink inside, 5-7 minutes. Add the orange juice mixture and stir until it bubbles. Add the cornstarch mixture and stir until it thickens.
(You can easily add vegetables to this dish. Stir-fry them in oil about 3 minutes, until tender but still crunchy. Put them aside in a bowl, then put the pan back on the stove, add more oil, and cook the chicken. Return the vegetables to the pan when you add the orange juice mixture.) Serves 4.
Lumen News – April 9, 2020
Upcoming Important Dates:
- Friday, April 10th – Good Friday – no classes (“Attend” your choice of Good Friday Service)
- Monday, April 13th – Easter Monday – no classes
- Wednesday, April 15th – Parent/Principal Forum, 7pm. See below for details.
Principal’s Update:
I hope you are having a blessed Holy Week and looking forward to the Triduum and the Resurrection. This is a very special week, to be sure. As Mrs. Loeffler mentions below, we might not be able to attend liturgies together, we can stay connected through the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Our third week of online distance learning has wrapped up, and overall, I think our students, teachers, and parents are doing very, very well. A couple of observations to consider for next week:
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Teachers work hard to try and post a weekly schedule on Google Classroom by Sunday or Monday for each class. Students should make it a part of their DAILY (Monday-Friday) routine to check into their Google Classroom to see course requirements, updates, and teacher notifications.
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If students are getting overwhelmed with the large number of email notifications, they can turn them off. Directions to do so are here: https://support.google.com/edu/classroom/answer/6141557?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=en
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If students are getting overwhelmed with tracking assignments, we encourage them to use the Lumen planner issued at the beginning of the year. Most of our students use it as an organizational tool very effectively when in school–it is just as effective at home.
Next week, our teachers are committed to online learning right along with our students. The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) had to cancel their in person annual conference in Baltimore, but have established a virtual conference. This means all of us are able to “attend”! From April 14-16, each of our teachers will develop professionally alongside fellow Catholic school educators from around the country. Some sessions teachers have already signed up for include:
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Integration of Effective Assessment into eLearning
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Raising Digital Kids
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The Space Between Us: Closing the Gap on Digital Learning
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Meeting the Needs of All Learners
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Preparing Resources for Remote Learning
Following the conference, we will share the best practices and lessons together as a faculty and staff in order to continue to provide a solid “Faith, Family, and Virtual Excellence” for our students!
Finally, I want to renew my commitment to hosting quarterly Principal-Parent Forums so that I can share directly what’s happening with the school, listen to your thoughts and feedback, and answer your questions. I will host a virtual Forum next Wednesday, April 15th at 7pm. We will send out Google Meet login directions next week, but plan to settle in with your favorite beverage and connect with other parents from our Lumen community. I hope to “see” you there!
On behalf of our school staff, we hope you have a blessed rest of your week.
Campus Ministry:
During this time of uncertainty and social distancing, stay connected to each other through Christ.
Today we begin the Holy Triduum, in the most unique circumstances most of us have ever experienced. One of our students likened this Lenten season as being truly like Jesus’ time in the desert because we are physically separated from our communities, alone, and lacking the spiritual nourishment that comes with being together. As we move through these next few days towards Easter Sunday, let us be one with Christ in His suffering, isolation, and mission. On Easter Sunday let us be joyous that He came to redeem us and remember that through Him we will arise from out of all darkness. The link below has some great resources and information to enrich Holy Week for you and your family. Peace to you all during this Holy Week!
https://bustedhalo.com/ministry-resources/embracing-holy-week-at-home
For Archdiocesan Holy Week Mass “Live Stream” links, click here: https://www.archdioceseofanchorage.org/easter/
Prayer Spot
Please pray for
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Students, teachers and families who are working from home
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Medical professionals and first responders
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Those most vulnerable to illness
If you would like special intentions listed in Lumen News and Prayer Book of Intentions send them directly to Mrs. Loeffler. eloeffler@lumenchristiak.org
Lumenary Drive:
Yes – the Lumenary Drive is still a thing! As the long winter comes to an end, know that we want to finish strong and charge across the finish line that’s in sight….not limp across it with a whimper! We can do that with your help because we’re less than $900 from our goal. No amount is too small and every amount helps. If $25 is what you can do, wonderful. If $250 is what you can do, that’s wonderful too. If $2.5 million is in your budget – please drop that in a bag at the school and Ms. Gore will come and pick it up herself and get it straight to the bank. She promises. Seriously tho, we’re nearly there and while nearly 65% of Lumen families have participated in the drive, we still would love to have 100% participation and giving on line is as easy as pie – just click here: https://www.osvonlinegiving.com/199/DirectDonate/2946 Thank you for giving and helping – before you know it we’ll be across that finish line.
School Announcements:
Culinary Arts Lessons
As mentioned last week, the lessons and menus from our Culinary Arts Intensive are now available to all students and their families. See below for the installments 3 & 4 and get those kids cooking.
Bunny, Bunny
Mrs. Craig is sad to ask, but she needs to find a permanent home for our beloved science rabbit, Jidor. She will no longer be able to keep him as she begins maternity leave and is looking for a loving family for him to join. Mr. Bauzon offered to let Jidore come and live in his stew pot but we know there’s a better place for Jidore for sure. Please contact Ms. Gore or Mrs. Craig directly: acraig@lumenchrsitiak.com if you’re interested in adopting this wonderful pet.
Next Week’s Schedule
There is no Advisory Check in on Monday, April 13th (no school as we celebrate Easter Monday).
Next Friday, April 17th will be a Friday “A” schedule.
As a reminder, the on-line class schedule has been posted to our website and is available here: https://lumenchristiak.org/
St. Benedict’s & Other Community Events:
St. Benedict’s Youth Group
All Lumen students regardless of Parish affiliation are welcome to join the St. B’s Youth Group.
The St. Ben’s vibrant youth group is still full steam ahead – join them on line and via Skype for 7pm Wednesday night get togethers! For Skype links, email Elise Martinez at emartinez@stbenedictsak.com.
Additional Youth Group gatherings include the ProjectYM Live Youth Nights (every Sunday 4-5pm) and Divine Mercy Chaplet (Mondays at 3pm). Reach out to Elise for more information, or connect up through Facebook and Instagram.
Click here for FB:
https://www.facebook.com/stbensakyouth/?__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&eid=ARA3QWDXHTFM5fU33H9_18QnaFKOylvZPhDw-JEoocACLgae5AB2fhBifRX5Z5HRLDp66Ly5mQDHktTt or search up “St Bens Youth AK” on IG.
Community Needs
The Lumen community has always been generous – parents, teachers, staff and students all rising to the occasion to help when asked and give when they can. During this extraordinary time there are many in our community with extraordinary needs. Let’s keep our tradition of student “Faith in Action” and parent “Share Hours” strong by helping out however we all can:
Clare House Shelter for Homeless Women & Children
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Clare House is in need of:
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Baby wipes
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Tooth paste
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Shampoo and conditioner
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To keep clients, staff and donors safe, here’s how to drop off donations to Clare House:
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Donations must be new and unused
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Donations are being accepted from 10:00a – 5:00p, 7 days a week
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Donors are asked to call ahead to Clare House at 907-563-4545 ext. 100
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Staff will leave a receipt outside door before you arrive if requested
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Please ring the buzzer and communicate through intercom when you arrive at Clare House (4110 Spenard Road, Anchorage, AK 99517)
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Staff will instruct you to leave the donation outside the door of Clare House
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Once you have walked away and are at a safe distance, staff will collect donation
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Saint Francis House Food Pantry
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SFH is in particular need of:
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Breakfast items (oatmeal packets are preferred)
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To keep clients, staff, and donors safe, here’s how to drop off donations to SFH:
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Donations must be new and unused.
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Donations are being accepted from 9:00a – 4:00p on Fridays
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Donors can leave donations in the shopping carts at the 20th Ave. side of the Catholic Social Services building (3710 E. 20th Avenue). If you would like a receipt, you can email Molly Cornish at mcornish@cssalaska.org and we can scan and/or mail one to you
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Bean’s Cafe
Bean’s has an emergency need for BLANKETS and is holding a blanket drive tomorrow, Friday, April 10th.
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Twin sized or smaller blankets only (those are the only ones which can be accommodated through laundry services.
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Only new or those laundered in high heat and bagged can be accepted.
Please drop off any donations tomorrow, April 10th at the Sullivan Arena parking lot (1600 Gambell / 16th Avenue side) from 10 am- 12 pm and again 2 – 4 pm. This will be a drive-thru style drop off, and you will receive a tax-deductible donation slip.
Thank you – and Happy Easter!
2 cups coarsely chopped cooked meat, such as kielbasa sausage, pork or chicken sausage, or 1/2 cup cooked crumbled bacon
FRENCH TOAST
Joy of Cooking
4 eggs
½ tsp. salt
1 cup milk
½ tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
8 slices thickly sliced bread
Butter
In a pie pan or flat-bottomed bowl, beat the eggs just until mixed together. Add salt, milk, vanilla and cinnamon.
Working one slice at a time, dip the bread into the egg mix. Let it sit for a minute to soak up egg, turn it over, and let sit another minute.
Heat ½ Tbsp. butter in a frying pan (preferable non-stick). When the butter is melted and sizzles, lift the bread out of the egg mix using a slotted pancake turner. Let extra egg drip off, and then slide the bread into the hot butter. When the bottom is golden, flip it and brown the other side. Repeat with remaining slices of bread.
Serve with syrup, jam, applesauce, cinnamon sugar, fruit, peanut butter, etc. etc. Serves 4.