Spend Earth Day at the Zoo

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A trip to the zoo means more than a fun day with animals—it’s packed full of chances to learn about God’s world. Earth Day is a great opportunity to learn about our roles as caretakers of His creation, and what better place to do that than at your local zoo? Check out the reasons that you and your children should spend some quality time together at the zoo this upcoming Earth Day.

Why Learn About Zoo Animals?

God created everything on this Earth and as stewards, we must do our best to protect it. But seeing as we lose at least 10,000 species each year, it’s important for children to visit the zoo and develop a passion for animal and wildlife conservation. The zoo is a great place to learn about conservation projects, and it can also help them learn little ways to save the planet in their daily lives.

Before you plan your trip, take time to talk to your children about things they should pay attention to or ask questions about. While they might be excited about seeing their favorite animals in person, giving them focus points helps them understand the bigger picture.

Learn About Animal Families

Children can see the joys of the family unit He created within their own home, but are they aware that this family unit is also displayed in other animals? Children can see family values in some of the animals they may come across, such as with elephants. Talk to them about how these animals take care of their kids and ask them what they notice and relate to about these animal families.

Study Animal Habitats

Everyone needs certain conditions to live, and God designed animals to fit perfectly within their respective habitats. As you progress through the zoo, note how the habitat changes with each species. Children can begin to learn His design by seeing how certain environment can create an ideal living situation for each animal.

Remember to Stay Positive

Jumping straight to discussing extinction can be scary, especially for young or sensitive children. Instead, keep your questions and discussions focused on the positive; however, don’t discourage a developing passion if your child begins to ask deeper questions. Continue to focus on the beauty of nature and how your children play an important role in keeping it beautiful. They can begin to respect His creation by seeing the beauty of wild animals and their environment.

By combining understanding with respect, children can start taking steps to being a true steward, as He asks. St. Charles Borromeo, an Orlando private school, also cultivates an environment where children can learn to be respectful of the environment and those around them—a trait that will last them into their adult life. You can learn more about how we incorporate values into our education here.

Spend Time With Your Family This Easter Break

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Easter break is a wonderful time to relax and celebrate the Resurrection of Christ. As a College Park private school, St. Charles Borromeo understands how important it is to make time for your family, especially around Easter! Take a look below at some of our favorite activities that you and your family can do together this break.

Family Game Night

You can never go wrong with classic favorites like Monopoly, Sorry!, and Trouble. You can even throw a little spin on a classic like UNO by turning it into Spicy UNO. If all you have are a deck of cards, you can start a small Spoons tournament! No matter what you choose to play, family game nights are a great opportunity to spur some friendly competition and create unforgettable memories.

Craft Party

Arts and crafts help exercise your child’s creativity and self-confidence. Try picking up a crafts kit at a local bookstore, or check online for messy DIY ideas like polka dot slime or rainbow bubbles. You could even throw in a little bit of science into your craft day with these homemade bookmarks! Final products can be used as household decorations or as homemade gifts.

Bring Books to Life

Whether or not your kids are bookworms, it’s easy to transform a family-friendly book into a captivating performance. Have the parents take turns playing narrator. Then assign your children roles, making sure to give them plenty of props, costumes, and time to get in character. As you read the book, have your children act out what their character is doing, and repeat or summarize the lines their character says. Encourage creativity, ad-libbing, and humor! This is a great way to make the Bible memorable and relatable, so make sure to use favorite Bible story as well.

Volunteer Together

Look into local organizations to see where you and your family can pitch in, such as food pantries, senior rehabilitation centers, or places that your church has partnered with in the past. Volunteering can help create stronger bonds between family members while helping your children practice empathy, gain self-confidence, and learn that they can make a difference in the world.

We hope that you have some fresh new ideas and that you enjoy spending time with your family this Easter break! And if you’re looking for a College Park private school that offers faith-based education, including the significance of Easter, come visit us at St. Charles Borromeo. You can learn more about our curriculum on our about us page.

Pray Like the Pope

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If there’s one thing we know to be true, it’s the importance of prayer, especially around Easter. Taking moments out of our day to pray helps us be thankful for all that He has given us, and allows us time to reflect and consider opportunities where we can bless others. Easter is a great time to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus by praying Pope Francis’ nightly prayer.

First, begin by recounting everything from your day and continually ask yourself this question: “If I had stopped to slow down, where would I have seen God today?” This will help you give your prayer some depth and direction.

Once you have taken some time to talk to God and center your mind, try ending with this short, favorite prayer of Pope Francis: “Lord, if you want, you can make me clean.” Afterward, Pope Francis says he prays five Our Fathers, one for each of the wounds of Christ because Jesus cleansed us with His wounds.

You can begin to slowly incorporate this into your children’s nighttime prayers. Toward the end of their prayer, add, “Lord, if you want, you can make me clean.” Build on this over time, adding an Our Father every night until your child is able to recite all five.

Then, take time to talk to your children about the power of prayer and why the Pope’s prayer is important. Explain what it means to be made clean and how it relates to what Jesus did for us on Easter. Ask why someone may pray this at the end of the day, making sure you give your children plenty of time to reflect, ask questions, and offer their own insight. As the days progress, discuss the meaning of the five Our Fathers and answer any questions about their meaning. If your children are visual learners, it may help to have a crucifix nearby to help them focus and understand!

At St. Charles Borromeo, we incorporate prayer into our daily curriculum. We pride ourselves on creating an environment where students can work hard, play hard, and pray hard. If you’re currently looking for an Orlando Catholic school that prioritizes both education and spirituality, please consider visiting us. We cultivate a community where children can gain the strong foundation they need to grow into responsible adults who love and follow Him.

The Importance of Community Service

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Every summer, my church’s youth group has a local mission trip. Almost 100 teenagers from ages 12-18 sleep in the youth building from Monday through Friday, going out to volunteer at food banks, sort recycled soaps and discarded hygiene products, and do yard work for the elderly.

And you know what? Spots fill up almost immediately. This year, it took a record-breaking 5 minutes.

The students thrive on community service. They love helping and connecting with people, sometimes seeing the fruits of their labor, and sometimes knowing they will never see them.

There are many long-term benefits of children participating in and learning how to love community service. Take a look at just a few below.

Opportunity for Quality Family Time

Volunteering together creates opportunities to bond as a family. You can sit down together and share your experiences, discuss what you’ve learned, and brainstorm how to implement these lessons into your daily lives.

Future Success

Community service sets children up to become selfless, service-driven adults through learning empathy and the importance of caring for others. They discover passions they may have never known, such as removing plastic from the ocean or bringing clean water to impoverished countries, and they can build on that passion as they grow. Furthermore, they develop responsibility and commitment. These skills can be applied to friendships, education, and future careers.

Greater Sense of Self-Worth

In an age where so many people judge their self-worth based on the number of Instagram likes, it may seem difficult to teach children how to self-confidence. Volunteering can help. When children actively participate in community service, they learn that it doesn’t matter how young or small they may feel—they have the ability to change someone else’s life for the better. Community service increases a child’s confidence.

When children and youth volunteer, it benefits both them and the world around them. And if you’re looking for a Catholic school in Orlando where your children can be around others who believe in volunteer work, come visit us at St. Charles Borromeo. You can learn more about our curriculum and beliefs on our about us page.

What Should I Give Up For Lent?

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Lent is right around the corner. It’s a time for us to reflect on God’s sacrifice, sacrifice something of our own, and prepare our hearts to celebrate Easter. However, it can be difficult to decide what to give up—and what to encourage our children to give up. If you’re having trouble making this decision, take a look at these ideas.

Needs Vs. Wants

Instead of giving up a specific thing, consider the many things we buy that we don’t actually need. Throughout Lent, be picky about what you spend your money on, and help your children distinguish between what they want and what they need. Put aside the money you would have spent on “wants.” After Easter, you can donate that money to the organization of your family’s choice.

Avoid Negativity

Even the most positive people can spread negativity if they don’t actively watch what they say. Carefully watch how you speak about others. Avoid gossip, and if you’re tempted to say something judgmental, give a compliment instead.

Focus on Others

Get involved with a local food bank, implement eco-friendly practices, or volunteer at your church’s youth group. You and your kids can spend time with your church’s seniors and take them to breakfast, help them around the house, or drive them to the grocery store. During your prayer time, ask God to break your heart for what breaks His. This is a great time to teach your children about compassion, generosity, and selflessness.

Replace TV time with Prayer Time

The time we spend in front of the screen can easily get away from us. Instead of watching another episode, spend time with your family in prayer, read Bible stories to your children, or take time for your personal relationship with God through journaling or devotionals.

Goodbye, Soda

If you and your children drink soda often, replace it with water over Lent—you’ll feel healthier and more hydrated by Easter. If you tire easily of water, throw in different fruit combinations to give it a different taste.

We hope that you have some fresh new ideas on what you and your children can give up for Lent this year. And if you’re looking to enroll your kids in an Orlando Catholic school that observes these holidays as a community, consider visiting us at St. Charles Borromeo. You can learn more about our community on our about us page.

St. Charles Borromeo Celebrates Faculty & Staff For Catholic Schools Week

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Celebrate Catholic Schools Week 2018 is just around the corner! On January 28th through February 3rd, St. Charles Borromeo would like to take time to celebrate the brilliant, faith-filled community that works so diligently to create a wonderful learning environment for our students. As an Orlando Catholic school, we would especially like to take time to thank our faculty and staff. Unsure of ways you can help show appreciation for our faculty during this festive week? Here are a few ideas.

Build a Treat Basket

Handmade gifts are fun for kids to craft, and they’re always highly appreciated by the receiver! Find a small basket to fill with treats, and then break out the arts and crafts materials. Have fun coloring and decorating the basket—and maybe pack a note or two saying thanks. We’re sure it will put a smile on a faculty member’s face.

Create Recognition Signs

If your kids love arts and crafts but don’t want to work with a basket, consider making a recognition sign. This sign, decorated with arts and notes, can be hung on a teacher’s door as a personal thank you. It may also be a fun group craft idea, if your child and their friends want to combine their thank you messages on one sign.

Be a Parent Volunteer

Do you have some spare time during CSW? Being a parent volunteer can be an excellent way to help show appreciation for St. Charles Borromeo’s faculty and staff. Volunteering in the classroom during CSW can free up some time for faculty to enjoy a meal together and build greater bonds as a team.

We hope we’ve given you some ideas on how to celebrate the St. Charles Borromeo community during CSW!. As an Orlando Catholic school, we appreciate our faculty and staff for the time they spend making our school a great place to learn—and we appreciate our volunteers and students for everything they contribute to our faith-filled community! And if you’re currently looking for a Catholic school that prioritizes a student’s academic and spiritual growth, please visit us at St. Charles Borromeo. You can learn more our curriculum and community on our about us page.

4 Tips to Keep Track of Student’s Education Progress

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As a parent, your child’s educational growth is a top priority. But just signing off on report cards doesn’t give a full picture of how your child is growing academically. St. Charles Borromeo, an Orlando private school, cares about both the educational and spiritual growth of our students—and we know that parents play a huge part in a child’s future success. Here are a few tips that can help you monitor your child’s growth and ensure that they’re taking the right steps toward a successful future.

Show Interest in Their Day

Want to be aware of how your child is growing academically? Ask them. Create a habit of checking in with your child every day after school. And make these discussions into a time they will look forward to having. Make these conversations a productive, positive conversation that highlights their successes and helps them through their struggles. This will help you keep an eye on their growth while also giving you the opportunity to be a pillar of support.

Create a Stable Homework Schedule

Children are becoming involved in more and more extracurricular activities. While these activities can be great for their growth, they often cut into important homework time. When you establish a certain time each day for homework, it helps your child stay within a consistent, stable routine. This lowers any potential stress that can grow from juggling activities and academics, and gives them the valuable time they need for study.

Be a Parent Volunteer

What is one of the easiest ways to know how your child is performing in school? Be present yourself. While not everyone can commit to being a regular volunteer during the school day, assisting in the classroom from time-to-time can give you a more accurate representation of your child’s behavior and growth in the classroom.

Watch Report Cards

While a report card can’t tell the whole story about your child’s academic growth, it can help you pinpoint where they’re succeeding and where they’re struggling. Praise the areas where they’re already doing great and be present to give them support where they need some extra guidance.

Through active engagement with your child’s academic life, you’ll be able to better keep track of how they’re growing academically. St. Charles Borromeo, as an Orlando private school, highly values the growth of our students—both in their education and in their faith. If you’re looking for a private school that aims to give children the strong foundation they need to become respectable adults, consider visiting us at St. Charles. You can learn more about our school on our about us page.

Teaching Children to be Kind

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A parent’s top priority is to teach children kindness and help them grow into wholesome adults. The staff at St. Charles Borromeo has the same vision, which is why we provide children with these stepping stones to follow in God’s footsteps.

Be an Example

To raise kind children we must first examine our own behavior. We can tell them to play nice with others, but it’s by watching how we treat people that they learn the true meaning. Remember that children look at us to learn how to maneuver social situations, and by setting a good example, they just might follow your lead.

Be Kind to Them

Children often have a very simple way of voicing what they do and do not want to do. This behavior is okay for most younger children, but as they grow older we can use it as a stepping stone to teach empathy. A lot can be accomplished by validating their feelings, talking through them, and then offering another point of view.

Reward Excess Kindness

We learn early in life that there’s a level of kindness that’s expected from everyone. We don’t give accolades for cleaning dishes or paying compliments to friends. However, when a child goes above and beyond what’s expected it should be rewarded, such as when they do extra chores or offer to donate their Christmas toys to charity.

Kindness is something that children can pick up from many places in their lives—from their parents, their friends, and even their school.

If you’re currently looking to enroll your children in an Orlando Catholic school, consider visiting us at St. Charles Borromeo. Through attention to our students’ educational and spiritual needs, we give them a strong foundation they need to grow into smart, compassionate adults who follow Him. If you want to learn more about our curriculum, you can find out more on our about us page.

Which Holiday Side Dish Fits Your Personality?

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The community at St. Charles Borromeo hopes that you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving. While the turkey leftovers might have finally disappeared from your refrigerators, we know that it’s not quite time to let go of all of that holiday food! Based on your personality, here are the side dishes you should keep making for the rest of the season!

Sweet Potato

Do you like to bend the rules, but don’t like pushing the limit too far? Consider making a nice batch of sweet potatoes. Like you, this classic dish is versatile and unique. You can bake and stuff them with sour cream for a classic side dish, or get creative with melted cheese, spices, and a pinch of bacon bits. You decide how special you want this dish to be!

Cranberry Sauce

This is an easy favorite, especially for those with a sweet tooth. Cranberry sauce is a dependable holiday staple. You don’t have to worry about spending hours preparing it, because it’s just there, ready to be enjoyed, and you’re similar: you’re relaxed and laid back, and your friends know you’ll be there when they need you.

Stuffing

Sure, stuffing is a part of the main turkey dish, but we’ll let that slide for now. Just like we plan our holiday meals down to a tee, you plan ahead instead of going with the flow, and you prefer plans to be locked down in advance. Your friends and family know you’ll be prepared for whatever comes along.

Have you figured out which Thanksgiving side dish fits you? We hope it’s one of your favorite foods, and maybe one you’ll incorporate it into your Christmas dinner plans.

As an Orlando private school, we say our thanks to God for all that He has given. If you’re looking to enroll your children in a school that nurtures both their education and their spirituality, consider visiting us. You can learn more about our values on our about us page.

How to Parent the Catholic Way

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A church can’t give you a step-by-step guide on how to raise your children the right way. However, as Catholics, we have a different compass for giving our children the support and care they need to grow into emotionally and spiritually-healthy adults. Here are some tips for raising children under a Catholic mindset.

What is Catholic Parenting?

Is parenting as Catholics different than how those of other faiths may raise their children? To put it simply, yes. To understand how Catholic families raise children, refer to Archbishop Chaput’s Theology of the Body. This text reminds us that, as with most things in life, actions speak louder than words—it’s our interactions with our children that teach them how to think about their relationships, life, faith, priorities, and morality. As Catholics, we do not approach these subjects with a step-by-step guide, but with a Catholic vision. Let’s take a look at what that means.

A Catholic Family Embraces Embodied Self-Giving

Through our senses, we’re able to express love from one person to another. This can be through reminding our children we love them, acts of service, spending quality time with them, or showing affection. Better yet, all of the above! These actions allow children to feel God’s love in ways that are tangible. Parenting with a Catholic vision embraces these principles by choosing methods that are the most bodily-based expressions of love.

A Catholic Family is Intimate

The Theology of the Body says that families are to be “Schools of Love.” Love can be measured by intimacy—and a little bit of love is not enough to build a strong, intimate familial bond with your children. This means that Catholics will sometimes need to organize their priorities so that the family is spending enough quality time together. While it may be tempting to keep your children in as many activities as possible, make sure they’re not so plentiful that they’re lowering the amount of quality time you can spend with them.

When parenting with a Catholic mindset, the question is not “What works for me?” but “What mindset does God want me to have about our family?” This question will help lead you down the path of raising children who are emotionally-healthy, morally-strong, and who believe in following in God’s way.

As a faith-filled community, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School is committed to proclaiming the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. We are cultivating responsible, respectful, trustworthy individuals who are confident in their knowledge and compassionate in His service. If you’re interested in enrolling your child in an Orlando Catholic school and would like to see more about how St. Charles embraces a Catholic mindset in education, you can learn more on our about us page.