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 | Through our partnership with Step Into Art Epiphany students visited the Sackler Museum in Harvard Square. Here they learned about and discussed different paintings.
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Always Learning     January 2013
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Welcome to Epiphany School
Greetings!
Even if you are only an occasional reader of Always Learning, this is one issue not to miss. It seems almost incredible that a little school like ours could be influencing school menus across the Commonwealth, hosting exchanges with South Africa, and participating in mission trips to places as far away as Haiti.
When I was a child, I did not appreciate all the blessings I had in my life, and I doubt these children at Epiphany do either, but maybe that is O.K.? We certainly can expect our students to say thank you and to be grateful, but how can they possibly understand what it all means? They probably can't, but I hope, pray, and even expect that as adults they will reach out in love to help others as they have been helped, and in fact I have been at this long enough to see that hope realized in Epiphany's graduates who are such marvelous people. Can a child understand what it means for his mother to get up at 5:30AM to get him dressed and ready day after day after day? Can a student really imagine what it's like for a teacher to work all week only to then correct papers through the weekend? Can any of the children here truly understand what you all do to help? Maybe not, but together by doing all that we do, by "never giving up," we are helping each one of them rise up to their God-given potential.
Enjoy this issue of Always Learning, which is jam-packed with interesting news, and please know we all appreciate all you do to help make these great things possible.
Your Grateful Fan,
The Rev. John H. Finley IV
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 | | Jillyon, Junior, LaToya, and Jaden enjoy the T ride to the Sackler Museum. |
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For more information about Epiphany
 | Kuhrell takes his time to perfect his art on canvas.
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Cici working hard on her canvas painting.
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Great Meals are Cooking in Epiphany's Kitchen
 | A bowl full of Chef Sue's delicious Harvest Chili. All veggies and a hit with Epiphany students!
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Principal Ms. Sanchez enjoys a healthy meal with a group of Epiphany students.
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Healthy and nutritious meals tend to cause pouts and cries for pizza from children. Most of us know vegetables are not usually a kid's the number one pick. Our Chef Sue, however, has found a way to please those picky taste buds while still providing meals full of veggies and nutrition. Thank goodness, for it would be an even longer day for our students if their bodies were not full of brain food!
Chef Sue has done a tremendous job in partnering with local food organizations as well as local farmers and vendors to obtain fresh produce. The variety of fruits, vegetables and dishes provided to Epiphany students is impressive. Kale makes it into veggie gumbo. Pretzels replace bread crumbs on "popcorn" chicken, and vegetarian meals are the norm at
least 2 times a week. In addition to the nutritious entrees, Chef Sue has introduced a salad bar, and there is fruit on every table.
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The most popular white board in the school. The one that tells us what is cooking.  | |
A delicious bowl of fruit is always centered on each table. Students love the sweet treat
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In partnership with Project Bread, our kitchen is also working with Chef Didi Emmons from Haley House to test recipes for Project Bread's School Program. Every Wednesday, Chef Sue and Chef Didi try a different recipe and ask Epiphany students for feedback. Their feedback determines which recipes will be used in schools all over Massachusetts next year.
Shaleah Matthews shares, "At first, I hated the new food but now I have grown to like it. I love being in my classroom and walking into the hallway to smell the delicious Harvest Chili. The smell is delightful. As soon as lunch hits it is like a
dream come true. Putting the spoonful of Chili in my mouth is like putting a million bucks in my pocket. The combination of healthy ingredients is to die for and the cornbread Chef Sue makes is extremely good. I LOVE this dish, and I always make sure I know when Chef Sue is going to have it on the whiteboard. I hope you enjoy it!"
Interested in trying an Epiphany meal? You can always schedule a visit and join us for lunch, or try this recipe at home. It is Shaleah's favorite!
Epiphany Harvest Chili (Delicious Vegetarian Chili)
Serves 4-6
Ingredients:
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Chef Sue and Shaleah enjoy a bowl of Harvest Chili.
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1 Can of Black Beans
1 Can of Garbanzo Beans
1 Can of Red Kidney Beans
2 Cups of Frozen Corn
1 Medium Sized Butternut Squash Cubed (Can use sweet potato as substitute)
2 Tbsp of Tomato Paste
1 Red Bell Pepper Sliced
1 Green Bell Pepper Sliced
1 Large Onion
3 Garlic Cloves Crushed and Minced
1 Jalapeņo (Red or Green) minced
2 Cans of Whole Tomatoes
1 Ŋ Tbsp Cumin
1/3 Cup Brown Sugar
2 Cups of Veggie Stock
3 Tbsp Chipotle in adobo
Directions:
Sautee onion and garlic in a pot. Add cumin, jalapeņo, and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes. Add tomato (squeeze tomatoes as you are adding them) add chipotle, brown sugar, veggie stock. Cook for 20 minutes to reduce liquid. Add Beans, Corn and Peppers to the pot. Add Salt to your taste. Cook for 15 minutes. Add butternut squash. Cook until butternut squash is tender approximately 20-30 minutes. This recipe can also be cooked in a slow cooker, cut stock down to one cup and add ingredients; cook for 5-6 hours and enjoy.
Serve and garnish with cilantro or chives.
If you would like sour cream as a topping you can use plain Greek yogurt as a healthy substitute.
Enjoy!
Chef's note: This dish can be easily frozen and saved for a lazy rainy day. It tastes just as good!
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Travels to Haiti
 | Haiti is solidarity, courage, hope.
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St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church, a loyal supporter of Epiphany, recently traveled to Haiti on its annual mission trip. This year 2 Epiphany Teaching Fellows joined the group from St. Dunstan's thanks to the rector of St. Dunstan's, the Rev. Mark Mckone-Sweet, who also teaches religion here at Epiphany. They spent one week in Cap- Haītie learning about the current struggle of this nation. Below is a reflection from Isabelle Philippe an Epiphany First Year Teaching Fellow.
Never in a million years would I have imagined being offered the opportunity to embark on another mission trip to my parents' homeland since my last trip to Haiti in 2008. When Mr. Finley posed the idea of collaborating with St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church for their annual mission trip to Haiti, the excitement was overwhelming. I was certain at that moment that Providence would lead me back to the country of my forefathers so that I could have a second chance at serving others and contributing to the population at large. A life-changing, eye-opening, and awe-inspiring journey awaited me. Following this adventure, I would never view life through the same lens again.
 | | Ms. Celius and Mr. Phillipe standing in front Palais Sans Souci, a historic monument |
Three years after the devastating earthquake of January 12,
2010 rattled Haiti, it was surprising to witness hundreds of thousands of people still suffering from its effects. The six-hour car ride from Port-au-Prince to Cap-Haītian exposed us to the severity of most living conditions and the country's lack of reparation. Despite the heart-wrenching sights, I was most inspired by the strength of the Haitian people. The high-spirited nature and joyful countenance they were able to maintain in spite of their situation signified hope. The students of College Saint-Esprit, a K-12 school located in the heart of Cap- Haītien, were an absolute joy to meet. Their innocence coupled with their zeal for success compelled the mission team to raise money towards academic scholarships. We also painted the bare walls of two classrooms which served to be an absolutely rewarding experience. What were once ill-lit, somber classrooms were now transformed into bright, attractive learning environments.
If I could turn back the hands of time, I would, without a doubt, relive this experience all over again. Haiti is where my heart resides. Haiti is where I desire to live a life of service. Haiti is my home.
Ms. Phillipe has shared through conversations that this experience has made her more grateful for the Epiphany community. She recognizes that it is a safe place full of opportunities and wishes that every child, especially those in Haiti has access to such systems of support.
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Stepping to the Beat
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Thulani Madondo shakes hands with Ameen during a Kliptown Gumboot dance performance.
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Epiphany School had the pleasure of hosting the Kliptown Gumboot Dance Group from South Africa on Friday, January 25th. Kliptown Youth Program's mission is to eradicate the poverty of mind, body, and soul and to fight against the disadvantages imposed on the children of Kliptown by providing educational support and after school activities. It seeks to develop young and dynamic individuals who are willing to contribute effectively for the betterment of their community.  | | Kliptown dancers give Epiphany students a preview before their performance. |
Kliptown Youth were given a tour and the opportunity to learn about life at Epiphany. The young people from Kliptown and Epiphany students then shared a meal and exchanged stories.Epiphany students relished the opportunity to hear about South Africa and their cultural traditions. Questions regarding language, every day activities, and schooling were a part of the conversation. The Kilptown Gumboot Dancers then performed for our community through song and dance. The room was full of energy as the Gumboot dancers stomped. Everywhere you turned you could see Epiphany students' arms and legs moving to the beat.  | |
Even while singing in a different language the Kliptown dancers find a way to make their performance interactive.
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Here is a reflection from Epiphany 8th grader Wendy Laracuente:
Last Friday, the Kliptown Gumboot Dancers from South Africa came and performed in front of the whole school. I really enjoyed watching them step, especially in their rain boots. Watching them step made me realize that ANYONE can step after they explained that it only took them one week to learn the steps that they performed. I found that to be incredible.They explained that "Gumboot Dancing" is cultural so many of them already knew the basics. It was great to watch them perform because they did not just step they also sang. I really enjoyed hearing them sing. They sang very well. They looked comfortable singing and stepping. They were extremely engaging. I really liked that they showed us a variety of step dances, everyone in the room was captivated by their performance. I also thought it was really cool that Thulani Madondo, the Executive Director, was named a CNN Hero, he was very happy about that. The Kliptown Gumboot Dancers were incredible, and they kept the audience interested in their steps the whole time. At the end of their performance they taught Epiphany students some steps from their performance. I enjoyed watching them and I hope that they can come again, or perhaps I can visit them in South Africa!  | | Kliptown Gumboot Dancers perform at Epiphany |
Want to see more pictures and videos? Check out our facebook page! |
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Gala 2013!
Please join us on Friday, April 12, 2013 for Strong Roots, a celebration marking Epiphany School's 15 years of educating and serving economically disadvantaged students and families. The 2013 Epiphany Gala will be fresh and vibrant, and we will give thanks to the many people and organizations who have helped shape and sustain Epiphany and its successes. Together we are a school that never gives up on a child. For more information please click here to visit our website.
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Epiphany School | 154 Centre Street | Dorchester, Massachusetts 02124
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