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Greetings!
Peter Keating likes to say that "everyone at Epiphany is sacred." What that means to me is that everyone is important, not just the kids but also the parents and the teachers, and especially the volunteers. It is not easy to volunteer at Epiphany; we do better with a cactus than an orchid, but luckily we are blessed with many, many people who have come here to help. See below to read about two great Epiphany programs that are only possible thanks to the hard working volunteers.
I have read that someone in need once wrote the following: "If you have come here only to help me, you are wasting your time, but if you know that your freedom is somehow linked to mine then let us work together." I know, personally, that I am a better man for being part of Epiphany, and I know that is true for many who volunteer here as well. Thank you all. I rising tide should lift all boats.
Your Grateful Head of School,
The Rev. John H. Finley IV |
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D.E.A.R. Life Skills
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Samira Pontes
Epiphany Graduate
Senior at Regis College
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My name is Samira Pontes. I am an Epiphany graduate, and I am currently finishing my senior year at Regis College. As I think about the programs that currently exist at Epiphany, I also reflect on what Epiphany was like when I was a student here. Epiphany School has always encouraged a love for reading, and one way in which it fosters this with its students is by having students participate in Drop Everything And Read (D.E.A.R.). During my time here students enjoyed D.E.A.R. because it was designated time to read a book that was not assigned, and we had the option of choosing what was of interest to us. As a requirement to go to the next grade, students must read 20 books on their own, and D.E.A.R. gives them the opportunity to reach this goal.
Beyond D.E.A.R., I was also lucky to be here when the Skills Program was just beginning. I can now see how it has grown and what a difference it is making in the lives of the current students. Skills focuses on literacy and reading comprehension. Each Skills class is made up of four to five students, all roughly at the same reading level who, meet to discuss a particular book. The Skills program helped me become an analytical and critical thinker, tools which have proved valuable both in school and life. During these group meetings students discuss a book and identify specifics of a plot such as conflict and resolution, as well as character traits, and how they might indentify with a character. Skills also allows for students to reflect on their own character traits and how this influences their own behavior. Skills classes can only be so small because it is taught by a well-trained group of generous and very talented volunteers and interns of the school.
Having seen the beginning of this program and seeing where it is today, I am glad to see how Epiphany continues to promote the love of reading and development of important skills through innovative programming. I know this program definitely elevated my level of reading, and I greatly appreciate Epiphany's dedication to students like me.
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Students reading during D.E.A.R.
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New Initiative- First Bosses
Exposing students in high school to possible career paths can help them identify what they might like to do when they grow up and what they may not like to do. With this in mind, Epiphany is introducing a "First Bosses" program for its graduates during Spring break, April 16-20. The "First Bosses" program aims to provide authentic career exposure for Epiphany graduates who are in high school. Students work for free for a "First Boss" over their April break to learn valuable employment skills and insight into a possible career. We are looking for people who would consider being a First Boss (mentor) to an Epiphany graduate. Please contact Laura Coleman at lbcoleman_99@yahoo.com if you are interested in learning more and how you might get involved. If you have an interest, we can definitely support and coach you!
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You can help Epiphany by: 1. Contacting Laura Coleman at lbcoleman_99@yahoo.com to be a "First Boss" 2. Click here to make a donation 3. Visit us! 
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Featured Art:
Fifth Grade Artwork
Fifth graders chose from Landscape, Seascape, Still Life, Portrait, and Self Portrait to guide them in creating a piece of artwork on a canvas panel.
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Students examined the artistic techniques of Faith Ringgold and Eric Carle.
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Each fifth grader worked individually on their center panel, and collaborated on connecting each other's borders with patterns.
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We invite you to visit our School to see our students' complete works of art.
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