GUARDIAN ANGEL SCHOOL, ORAN, MO

Guardian Angel School

Oran

Guardian Angel School is a symbol of the spirit of co-operation and sacrifice shown by all the members of the Guardian Angel Parish.

Guardian Angel School is dedicated to the formation of the whole person: spiritual, emotional, physical and intellectual. The child is introduced to and grounded in the basics of education: religious doctrine, practice and tradition, and secular learning of language arts, math, science and the fine arts.

Discipline is an important value developed at Guardian Angel School. Self-discipline aids each student to integrate learning with life experience and enables the student to grow and develop wholesomely, better able to accept and share his/her giftedness.

The Catholic education of the children in grades one thru eight in Guardian Angel Parish was made possible when the first Guardian Angel Parish was built in Oran and dedicated on May 30, 1894.

Under the direction of Father Francis Brand, the first floor of the church contained two rooms that were used as classrooms and living quarters for the pastor.

A man and woman of the parish were the first teachers in the first school. They were ably directed and aided by Father Brand's successor, Father George Koob, who was assigned to the parish in July 1894 to July 1897.

In July 1897, Father Michael Helmbacher arrived in Oran to begin his memorable career as pastor of Guardian Angel Church. Father Helmbacher was a man of progress. During the forty-six years he spent in this community, he was constantly seeking to have the newest and best facilities for both church and school.

One of the first important moves was to contact the Benedictine Sisters of Jonesboro, Arkansas, requesting them to teach in the parish school. He realized that the education, especially, the religious training of the children, could best be provided by these women who had consecrated their lives to God in order to bring His teaching to those who know Him not. The Benedictine Sisters conducted the school from 1899 until 1901.

The Adorers of the Blood of Christ, who teach in the school today, began their assignment at Guardian Angel School in September, 1901. Sister Bartholomew and Sister Olivia were the first two A.S.C. Sisters to teach in the school.

Year by year, the enrollment became greater, so that two classrooms were no longer sufficient to comfortably accommodate all the students. In 1907, the present spacious rectory was erected. This permitted the entire first floor of the old building to be used for school purposes. But it was still several years before enough Sisters were available to handle the long-needed expansion.

Finally, in September of 1916, four Sisters were assigned to teach in the school. Among those returning was Sister Bartholomew, who, having served as principal from 1901 until 1914, again returned to assume that position.

Now there was a teacher for each two grades. Each day the students received the learning and training necessary to prepare them to live not only as outstanding citizens of their community and nation but also as loyal and obedient members of their Church.

From the very establishment of the parish school, all the standards and requirements of the State of Missouri have been met and complied with, so that every child who attends Guardian Angel School is assured of receiving as well-rounded an education as he/she could receive at any school in the State.

In 1917, the new Guardian Angel Church was dedicated. The removal of the church fixtures from the second floor of the school enabled the space to be used for recreational purposes on rainy days. In later years kitchen facilities were installed so that each day of school every child who wished, could receive a well-prepared hot lunch.

During the years from 1917 to 1922, there were six Sisters assigned to Guardian Angel School.

In 1939, Father Helmbacher decided to affiliate his school with the Oran Public School system. Under this arrangement, Guardian Angel became a supplementary public school with the teaching Sisters' salaries being paid by the local school district. The school remained under the jurisdiction of the Public School Superintendent until 1953, when it again reverted to its status as a parochial school.

Another important event in the history of the school was the appointment of Sister Alfreda Hefti as a full time music teacher from 1943 to 1950. Besides instructing the various grades in singing, she found time to give lessons in playing piano, violin, as well as other musical instruments. In a few years, she gathered together a number of her pupils and formed an orchestra.

Land was bought for the purpose of building a new school while Father Herman Macke was pastor. Lack of funds and materials during war years postponed the building of the school.

A new school was built under the pastorate of Father Aloysius Poepsel. On January 7, 1957, the new school, the present school building, was put to use. The roomy and well-lighted gymnasium was a welcome addition.

Recently, Guardian Angel School has had three years of experience in the sharing of a principal with another school. In 1985, Sister Theresa Maria Braun was principal of Guardian Angel's and of St. Augustine's in Kelso.

In 1987 and 1988, Mr. Ed Noll was principal at Guardian Angel School and St. Ambrose in Chaffee.

In 1986, the school was under the leadership of Sean Holian from Galway Co., Ireland. Sean Holian introduced the students to the sport of soccer.

Today, Guardian Angel School has five full time lay teachers, a Sister as principal and part time teacher, and a part time secretary.

Guardian Angel School and Oran Public School share a spirit of cooperation and concern to help all students in matters that are acceptable by law for the building up of community.

Students who have a learning disability, a language or speech disability receive educational help from teachers of the Oran Public School system, who are experts in the field.

Together the two schools are trying to inform students of the dangers of drugs and alcohol. The DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) project is in our curriculums.

There is a part time teacher for the remedial reading and math students made possible through Blue Hills Homes Corporation granted by the Federal by-pass law.

Students in grades five through eight, who have a musical talent and with parents' approval, take part in the Beginners and Junior High Band of the Oran Public School.

Guardian Angel School has a Board of Education. Some of the functions of the Board are to formulate policies that assist the school in fulfilling its role, and that are consistent with regulations from the Diocesan School Office and the Missouri State Department of Education. The Board assists in making decisions relating to the planning, operation and maintenance of educational facilities and equipment. It gives advice in the coordination of parochial educational activities. It promotes loyalty to the pastor, principal and teachers. It promotes good public relations as regards the school with persons and groups in the local community. The Board meets regularly on the first Monday of each month.

There is a Home and School Association whose purpose is to help parents and teachers acquire a profound appreciation of the ideals of Catholic Education, to promote clearer understanding of the mutual educational responsibilities of parents and teachers, to encourage the home and school to a greater degree of cooperation in discharging their responsibilities, to study the neighborhood's environmental conditions which influence children's behavior, and to help parents reach an agreement on the best solution of common problems of children's behavior. The Association helps to lesson the financial burden of running a school. The regular meetings of the Association are held on the third Thursday in each school month.

The members of the St. Ann Sodality and St. Joseph Sodality of the Guardian Angel Parish also share in the spirit of developing and strengthening an attitude of service in the students. At the end of each school year, St. Joseph's Sodality presents an Effort Award to the 8th grade graduate who consistently puts forth the most effort. At the same time St. Ann's Sodality presents a Christian Award to the 8th grade graduate who has shown a true Christian attitude.

It takes many parts to make a whole! An important part to the make-up of Guardian Angel School is its volunteers.

Teacher aides come on different days each week to assist the teacher in a variety of ways. One way the aide helps is by grading papers and running off copies for instructional purposes. Another help is the cutting of letters and designs which are used in the learning environment of the classroom. At other times the aide will work in a one-on-one or small group situation. This enables those who may be having trouble in a certain area to get the extra help they need. These individuals also accompany the teacher and students on walks to and from the library.

Each year, individuals volunteer their time and produce a nice Halloween party for the students. Goodies are brought from homes and games of interests are developed for each grade level.

During the past years, the Christmas Musical Program has been able to happen due to those who have given their time and talent. A lot of creativity and thought has gone into directing young actors and actresses. Scenery and dress-up have both given that extra something to each musical production. We are graced with a special individual who leads these musical productions with the piano or guitar.

Athletics is an important part of our whole as a school. Those who help from our student's skills and sportsmanship are not only helping the students for that particular season but are giving them something that will last a life time. We also want to remember those who carpool the students to practices and games. This includes field trips as well.

The volunteer services given to Guardian Angel School are many and have not all been listed above. Each individual should know that no matter what the task, it adds to the well-being of the school. Each contribution aids each student and gives that student a goal for which to strive. Thank you, volunteers. You are a valuable asset.

Guardian Angel School tries to develop a sense of personal responsibility by helping the children recognize responsibility for their own actions and realize that accepting or rejecting these responsibilities affects them and others.

This school year, as an entire school project, every month students work on a particular virtue.

During the month of September, Christian courtesy was chosen.

October found neatness receiving much concentration. Neat handwriting, neat desks and lockers, neat classroom floors, and no littering were what our students tried to provide.

Cleanliness, exercise and good health were focused on during November. Students performed commercials to send the message of what good health should be to their fellow students.

Students were chosen from each grade who exemplified courtesy and neatness for that particular month. The principal awarded them with certificates and a small token.

More students will be recognized for their work as we continue each month working on our virtues.

One objective of the school is to make use of occasions for bringing the students together to share prayer, work, and fun as a community.

On the first Thursday of each month, the school recognizes those students who celebrate their birthdays that month.

These honored students, teachers, and staff sit at the decorated "Birthday Table" at lunch time. Every month a teacher decorates the table seasonally. A small treat or token is given to the honorees. The entire student body greets the honorees with a song called, "Prayer of Blessing".

Everyone likes to celebrate his/her birthday. "The Birthday Table" provides enjoyment and recognition to everyone.

Each month there is a school assembly for the purpose of celebrating special prayer, awarding of certificates for special honors, and playing of some game.

Our school newspaper, the GUARDIAN ANGEL JOURNAL, is the responsibility of the seventh and eighth grade students. The staff is headed by an eighth grader as editor, and a seventh grader as co-editor.

A number of reporters from both grades write articles for the paper, which is issued quarterly. Students from other grades often submit articles or stories to be included in the newspaper.

After the material is gathered, the articles are proofread by the editors and approved by their teacher. The typists then go to work on the computers, typing and printing the available articles.

Finally, the layout crew begins piecing together the typed stories in an organized format, while the illustrators add appropriate drawings. Black and white photographs, taken by the two photographers on the staff, of sports and other school activities are included in the finished product. After final approval from the teacher, copies are made and distributed to the student body.

From start to finish, it's a team effort involving cooperation and hard work from everyone in the two grades. The final result is a publication they can all be proud of.

Guardian Angel sports program is an extra curricular activity. It is one part of the physical and emotional formation of the student.

The school offers basketball, volleyball, cheerleading and sometimes soccer to students in grades six thru eight. Students must maintain an overall academic grade point average and have a satisfactory grade in conduct in order to participate in the school sponsored sports.

The Guardian Angel Sports Program had a successful 1990-91 basketball season. Guardian Angel's success was not measured by its won/loss record, but by its overall teamwork and sportsmanlike attitude. The athletes and cheerleaders of the sports program spent many extra hours working as a team and developing proper sportsmanship. Also, many parents helped contribute their time and energy in helping the program reach its potential.

The basketball team was led and directed by Bill Anderson with Brian Vogel assisting him. Coach Anderson instilled discipline and proper conduct into his ball team. The cheerleading sponsor was Mrs. Tracy Holland who spent many hours practicing with the cheerleaders. Both of these individuals volunteer their time and assist the program.

The school's volleyball season begins after the basketball season. David E. Eftink is the volunteer coach for this sport.

An important objective in Guardian Angel School is that religion classes be given priority in teacher preparation, creativity, liturgy preparation, attitude formation and value, and growth in prayer.

Our school day begins and ends with prayer. The participation in the Liturgy of the Eucharist is a special time of the school day. For Thursday's Liturgy of the Eucharist, each classroom takes its turn in preparing a special celebration of this great event.

Religion is a subject that is taught each school day.

A retreat day for the eighth graders is a day set aside to give these students moments to reflect on their importance, on what God means to them, on the important values in life through the guidance of a director.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 1

This year the theme for Catholic Schools Week is KALEIDOSCOPE OF PEOPLE.

The above article shows that many people help build a sense of Christian Community in Guardian Angel School. Guardian Angel School is proud of the efforts of the parishioners of Guardian Angel Parish, the staff, the students, the diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, and the community of Oran in providing for the uniqueness of each child by helping each child to grow and develop as much as possible as a child of man and of God.

Catholic Schools Week would not be complete without special activities to mark the occasion. Students anticipate these events with great excitement!

This year the week will begin with a special children's Mass on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. The school will prepare readings, songs and processions in which children will participate.

Monday's activity will raise school spirit. It will be "Guardian Angel Day"! Students will be encouraged to wear the school colors, red and white. School buttons will be distributed to students for them to wear.

Tuesday, will be "Open House". This gives parents, grandparents, and friends an opportunity to see their children in action. They are welcome to come and go among the classrooms between 9:00-11:00 in the morning and 1:00-3:00 in the afternoon.

Wednesday is "Hat Day". Students will wear silly hats and be judged in a hat contest. The children will vote on their favorite hat and five winners will be chosen.

On Thursday, we will have the school's usual Mass celebration for the children.

The Mission Carnival will bring Catholic Schools Week to a close with a bang! It will be held on Friday, February 1, from 1:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Grandparents are invited to attend and have fun with the students.

Students will donate good used toys, books, and games to use as prizes. Each classroom will make three carnival games. In addition to games there will be food-sampling, fortune-telling, and pinatas. The students alternate working in their booths and playing the games. Each game costs 5 cents. Each student may spend no more than $1.00. Students win tokens that can be redeemed for the prizes. All money collected will be donated to a Mission.

The Staff of Guardian Angel School

Father Normand Varone - Pastor

Sister Jacinta Willenborg - Principal and Teacher

Sondra Hulshof - Teacher Grs. 7 & 8

Lori Pineiro - Teacher Grs. 5 & 6

Saundra Hasenkamp - Teacher Gr. 4

Diana Siebert - Teacher Gr. 3

Tracy Holland - Teacher Grs. 1 & 2

Charlene Hoefler - Remedial Reading & Math Teacher

Glenda Owen - School Secretary

Norman Mitchem - Maintenance Man

Virgie Hahn - Cook

Agnes Moore - Cook

A retreat day for the eighth graders is a day set aside to give these students moments to reflect on their importance, on what God means to them, on the important values in life through the guidance of a director.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 1

This year the theme for Catholic Schools Week is KALEIDOSCOPE OF PEOPLE.

The above article shows that many people help build a sense of Christian Community in Guardian Angel School. Guardian Angel School is proud of the efforts of the parishioners of Guardian Angel Parish, the staff, the students, the diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, and the community of Oran in providing for the uniqueness of each child by helping each child to grow and develop as much as possible as a child of man and of God.

Catholic Schools Week would not be complete without special activities to mark the occasion. Students anticipate these events with great excitement!

This year the week will begin with a special children's Mass on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. The school will prepare readings, songs and processions in which children will participate.

Monday's activity will raise school spirit. It will be "Guardian Angel Day"! Students will be encouraged to wear the school colors, red and white. School buttons will be distributed to students for them to wear.

Tuesday, will be "Open House". This gives parents, grandparents, and friends an opportunity to see their children in action. They are welcome to come and go among the classrooms between 9:00-11:00 in the morning and 1:00-3:00 in the afternoon.

Wednesday is "Hat Day". Students will wear silly hats and be judged in a hat contest. The children will vote on their favorite hat and five winners will be chosen.

On Thursday, we will have the school's usual Mass celebration for the children.

The Mission Carnival will bring Catholic Schools Week to a close with a bang! It will be held on Friday, February 1, from 1:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Grandparents are invited to attend and have fun with the students.

Students will donate good used toys, books, and games to use as prizes. Each classroom will make three carnival games. In addition to games there will be food-sampling, fortune-telling, and pinatas. The students alternate working in their booths and playing the games. Each game costs 5 cents. Each student may spend no more than $1.00. Students win tokens that can be redeemed for the prizes. All money collected will be donated to a Mission.