CHARLOTTE — More than 60 teachers took a break from preparing for the start of school to come together for a luncheon Aug. 18 to be recognized for their innovative MACS Education Foundation grants. Each teacher was presented with a MACS Education Foundation plaque to hang outside their classroom, a certificate of recognition and a special gift.
“These teachers thought outside the box and applied for and received a Grant for Educational Excellence so that they could bring innovative ideas and new technologies to their classrooms,” said MACS Education Foundation Director Heather Moeller. “We want to thank them for making our Catholic school system the best school system in our area.”
Not only were teachers present, but also principals, donors and MACS Education Foundation volunteer board members.
“We volunteer our time to set up this luncheon every year because we care about promoting academic excellence in our schools,” said MACS Education Foundation board member Jenny Loden, “and we believe these teachers and their grants are the keys to that excellence.”
Patrick Engel, MACS Education Foundation board chairman, said, “When I first became a parent at St. Patrick Catholic School, the PTO made a very compelling case for financial support and we were happy to assist. However, Principal Debbie Mixer was also a strong advocate for the MACS Education Foundation. The more I learned about the foundation, the more I wanted to get involved.”
“This is a unique opportunity to support the entire MACS system, and the awards luncheon today is a demonstration of how thoughtfully allocated grant dollars and our teachers’ imaginations can lead to innovative approaches to education and make our entire school system stronger.”
Besides recognizing the grant winners, the MACS Education Foundation holds the annual luncheon as an opportunity for teachers to share ideas and best practices across schools. Many grants start in one school, find success there, and then migrate to other schools the next year.
“We have many outstanding, creative teachers in our schools. Applying for a grant through the MACS Education Foundation indicates their desire to continue to grow professionally and implement new ideas to enhance their teaching,” said Dr. Janice Ritter, diocesan schools superintendent.
Every school in the MACS system received grants. The grant topics range from using interactive music technology to building with LEGO robotics.
To see a full list of grants, go to www.macseducationfoundation.org/grants.
— Colleen Karnas-Haines, Special to the Catholic News Herald
CHARLOTTE — Two students at St. Gabriel Catholic School have been diagnosed with shigellosis, a gastrointestinal infection caused by the bacteria Shigella.On Thursday, St. Gabriel and Mecklenburg County Health Department officials alerted parents to the cases and distributed information about the infection, its symptoms and how to prevent the spread of the bacteria.
Shigella, which is found in human feces, is one of the leading bacterial causes of diarrhea and is spread hand-to-mouth. Besides diarrhea, the non-life-threatening infection may cause fever, nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps. Severe cases are treated with antibiotics, and people who contract the illness usually return to regular activity in five to seven days.
The students, both kindergartners, contracted the infection at separate times, one last week and the other this week, said Diocese of Charlotte spokesman David Hains. Both cases were reported to the local health department after the children were diagnosed by a doctor.
They are being kept at home while they are being treated with antibiotics. They will not be allowed to return to school until 48 hours after their symptoms disappear and a stool sample tests negative for the bacteria.
St. Gabriel School officials informed parents Sept. 15 with a letter and an email blast.
Parents of kindergarten students were invited to a meeting Friday morning at the school, so school officials could answer questions.
School staff has been disinfecting common areas where the bacteria can be spread through touch, such as doorknobs, and the school nurse is reviewing with all kindergartners how to wash their hands properly.
County health officials recommended that all students, parents, teachers and staff wash their hands frequently, particularly "prior to touching food/beverages/ice, before meals and after toileting, diaper changing, and participating in outdoor activities."
"Strict attention to hand washing is essential to prevent the spread of this illness," the county health department advised.
Parents who suspect their children may be infected have been told to notify their medical provider and keep their children home until they are symptom free for 48 hours.
"I know this news may cause some anxiety but please try to remember that common sense prevails. If your child is ill, keep them at home," said school nurse Sarah Smith in the letter to parents. "Continue to reinforce good handwashing techniques and frequent handwashing as well as proper bathroom etiquette."
About 500,000 cases of shigellosis are reported annually in the United States, according to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention's website.
Young children are the most likely to get the infection, the CDC website said, but people of any age can be affected.
"Many outbreaks are related to childcare settings and schools, and illness commonly spreads from young children to their family members and others in their communities because it is so contagious," the website said.
— Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor