RAMbler Blog

Thanksgiving is coming up and this is what I learned. The first Thanksgiving lasted three days. Also, there was no turkey. The pilgrims didn’t wear black with belts on their hats. The pilgrims shot off guns in the sky so the Indians came. The pilgrims invited them to eat but there were so many people, some of the Indian men went and killed some deer. Also, Thanksgiving was in October! That is what I learned about Thanksgiving. ~ Thomas Duncan

My class has recently read about the first Thanksgiving. We learned about what all had happened. It’s very different from the story they tell you in kindergarten. On the first Thanksgiving, they had celebrated it in October, and they didn’t really think of it like we do. They thought of Thanksgiving as a festival, they shot off guns and wrestled. In our modern-day Thanksgiving, we give thanks to everyone and what they have given us. We eat turkey and meat. The natives and pilgrims had eaten fish and deer. We don’t wrestle or shoot off guns. We sit down at the table and talk to family members. We also celebrate Thanksgiving in November. Both Thanksgivings are amazing either way. You get to spend time with friends and family, I think that is amazing. ~ Lissie Edwards

The first Thanksgiving with the pilgrims and the Wampanoag was very different that it is now. It is different because the pilgrims and the Wampanoag wrestled, shot off their guns, and ate many different foods than we eat, now. Some examples of the food are: fish and other sea life, goose, duck, deer, and all kinds of fruits and vegetables. Not only did they eat different foods, they also feasted for three days in October. The first Thanksgiving was started to give thanks and be thankful for others and to celebrate the pilgrims making it through the winter. That is why Thanksgiving started; to be thankful for God, the new land, and peace between the Wampanoag. I think the first Thanksgiving was fun and exciting. It was a sign that the pilgrims were going to be successful. I think it’s also an important holiday to celebrate because we need to thank everyone and be thankful. The pilgrims and Wampanoag made all of this possible. ~ Genevieve Gardino

Happy Thanksgiving! My class has recently talked about our Thanksgiving versus the early Thanksgiving with the pilgrims. The pilgrims Thanksgiving is a little different from ours, now. Back then when the pilgrims had Thanksgiving, they would feast for three days. Unlike us, we only feast for one day, well maybe. I think we do feast for over one day because of leftovers. The pilgrims also had different food than us. They had fish, eels, lobster, crab, oysters, and a lot of other seafood. That’s kind of odd. That’s not your traditional Thanksgiving. You normally have turkey, pie, casserole, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and much more. They would also fetch and hunt deer. On my Thanksgiving, I go to my grandparents’ house. I go and eat so much food. Me, my brother, Palmer, and my cousin, William sometimes play football outside. Even though Thanksgiving isn’t my favorite holiday, I still love it. You can love so much about it. I think you can learn so much about the pilgrims in the early ages. And learn so much odd history. Happy Thanksgiving! ~ Stratton Harris

The first Thanksgiving was a little different from today’s Thanksgiving. First, they didn’t call it Thanksgiving. Abraham Lincoln wanted everyone to celebrate it during the Civil War to help unite the nation. And, we don’t know if they ate turkey! They also didn’t wear the clothes most people imagine. And when the natives heard gunshots coming from the pilgrims, they went to see what was going on. They realized that the pilgrims were shooting off their guns to celebrate the new colony. Then they invited the natives. But they didn’t have enough food so the natives went hunting for food. That feast lasted several days. Our Thanksgiving lasts only one day. ~ Grant Old

Today we are comparing and contrasting Thanksgiving to the pilgrims’ first Thanksgiving. The Thanksgivings are alike because there is a feast with a lot of food and family. We always thank God for our gifts and pray for people who passed away. Today, we give thanks to everyone who comes and God who made our lives. Now, to contrast the Thanksgivings: they didn’t have turkey or pumpkin pie. It was first in October and was a harvest feast. They ate things like deer, instead of pie. Today, some tribes say it’s a day of mourning for the people who died in the creation of America. ~ Joseph Walters

My class just learned more about Thanksgiving. On Thanksgiving, they had friends from a tribe called Wampanoag. They ate seeds, cabbage, carrots, turnips, onions, lobster, eels, oysters, and fish. At my house for Thanksgiving, we have turkey, stuffing, and a salami, cheese, and crackers platter. On the first Thanksgiving, they also had corn for bread and pudding. They might have eaten pumpkin but not pumpkin pie. For dessert, they had gooseberries, strawberries, and plums that had been picked and dried in the Spring. ~ Marie Walters

Happy Birthday Holy Rosary School…

Holy Rosary Catholic School was 66 years old in September.  In 1954 this new school in east Memphis opened its doors. The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, KY welcomed the new students.

My life at Holy Rosary began in the fall of 1956. I was in a new city and a new school. I entered the same front doors by the office the children walk through today. After entering, I would turn left and go down the ramp and went into the first door on the right. It was Mrs. McDowell’s 3rd grade class, and she made me feel welcomed.  As all children, I was happy to go out to recess and meet my new friends. We walked out of the classroom turned right and walked about 15 feet and went outside. Yes, this new school building ended not far from the end of the hall ramp.

In only two years, Holy Rosary was already having growing pains. In the fall of 1957 Holy Rosary rented classrooms at a new school named St. Louis on White Station Road. It was exciting to ride the HR school bus to and from St. Louis for that school year. We left the campus at 8:15 and left St. Louis at 2:30. Yes, there was a HR school bus for early morning drop off and after school pick up for all grades. Eventually, there were 2 school busses.  In the fall of 1958 the 6 new classrooms were filled quickly.  In fact in 1959, my 6th grade was packed. The classroom was half 5th and half 6th with about 25 on each side of the classroom. The room was packed! But Sr. Bernard Joseph ran a tight ship and you could hear a pin drop anytime during the day. During my 7th grade year, a new building was added on the west side with a covered walkway.

After graduation from 8th grade, the Fr. Wiley Gym was added. The building was named after the first pastor of Holy Rosary Church. There was a convent in the area that is now called Spalding Green. The two-story addition of classrooms and library completed the school. Finally, the rectory was replaced with the newest gym and offices. The campus has grown over the last 66 years and with each addition student life was enhanced.

My years attending Holy Rosary were very special. Every day every student attended mass at 11am. I believe we all had our own personal missal and followed the mass written in Latin and English. The nuns and teachers wove our faith in every subject we studied. We learned about lives of the saints and were encouraged to do our best.

Even today I still see classmates from grade school. I know their children and now I see these old friends on Grandparents Day.

I have always been grateful for my Catholic education. Just like the parents of today, for 66 years parents have chosen to make the sacrifice to send their children to Holy Rosary. It is still a privilege to give this gift of Catholic education.

Thanks for letting me share my mini walk through my HR years.

Happy 66th Birthday Holy Rosary School and may you have another 100 plus.

We have had a good experience with Distance Learning.  We engage the class through Google Classroom as much as possible. We are teachers - we can handle any obstacle thrown our way.  We are resilient.  We are islands in the stream, we rely on each other. As with any new situation, it takes time to get used to. The “new normal” has been a gradual thing, we are slowly getting used to everything.  If you add a little bit of change at a time, it gets easy to carry any burdens. The parents are being extremely caring and considerate.  They are being patient with all of our technology problems and helping us work through all of them together. They are fantastic!! ~ Mrs. Lawler

In the days leading up to in-service, I was very nervous.  I was nervous about learning new technology programs, trying to balance teaching distance learners and in-person learners at the same time, and of course, trying to keep myself, my growing baby, and my students safe during these Covid times.  While things have not been easy by any means, the collaboration and support among my department of teachers has been incredible.  This situation has really brought us closer together as we help each other adjust to this new style of teaching and the obstacles that we encounter daily.  Above all else, the way that the teachers have come together, has been a nice reminder of what a special place Holy Rosary is to work.  We’re more than a department… we truly are a family. ~ Mrs. Hogan

I think overall, distance learning is going well. Having Google Classroom is fantastic, we are lucky that we are 1 to 1 with our laptops, otherwise getting classwork to the distance learning students would be a lot to figure out. One aspect of distance learning that I like is how the students are learning how to be more self-sufficient and work independently. Some of the challenges I face every day are traveling from room to room, finding enough time to work closer with the students, and technology issues, but the thing I have learned most from this experience is flexibility. The parts of this situation we are in that I like the least are anxiety about germs, not being able to work in small groups and not being able to work as closely with students that are at home. The best parts are the added technology, awareness of procedures for cleanliness and the different options for at home or in school. ~ Mrs. Bourquin

I really enjoy being back with the students. I was amazed at how quickly I was able to recognize faces and learn new faces despite the masks. I love being able to talk with the students, joke with them, tell stories, etc. It has been incredible to see the dedication the virtual students have towards their learning and their ability to adapt to the "new normal." It is a learning experience for all of us! ~ Mrs. Bledsoe

After over 35 years of teaching, I must say I did not know I would ever be in a situation like the one Covid-19 has provided. Since I have taught so long nothing shocks me, but this is a very interesting time. Each day brings new situations. I must say, I have gone through many emotions while teaching so far. First, I was happy to “see” all the students even though it is with masks and from six feet! I am overjoyed to be at Holy Rosary with people I have worked with for MANY years. Students and friends are great! Next, I am frustrated that I am technologically challenged. I am one of those people who will always push the wrong button, post in the wrong class, or delete something that I did not know I deleted. I feel there are many things from me wandering around in some cloud somewhere. I have issues texting, so you know I have computer issues; however, I have felt relief because my students, coworkers and children have come to my rescue. Let’s just say, I have provided many laughs. I have felt exhausted at times because the teachers are traveling from class to class, and I am not in shape! Wearing tennis shoes has helped that issue. I get panicked because I can’t see, so I know the distant learners have seen my eyeball at times because I get so close to the camera. But the one feeling I can say that I have felt since day one is pride. I am proud of Mr. Mullis who has been the driving force in getting us back to school. I am proud of my co-workers who have spent countless hours in and out of school.  I am proud of my friends and daughter who answered endless questions about computers and help solve my problems! Most of all I am proud of Holy Rosary. We stepped up to the plate and hit a home run even though no one could watch because they could not be in the stands! ~ Mrs. Young

Angie Acerra ~ The Learning Center

Angie Acerra comes to Holy Rosary from Christ the King Lutheran School where she had worked since moving to Memphis in 2008. She is single and lives with her best friend Lyda. Her parents are James and Kathy Acerra of Mountain Home, Arkansas, and has one brother, Alex who lives in Mount Vernon, Ohio.

She is an avid Arkansas Razorback fan, and enjoys watching most sporting events. She enjoys reading and crafting and loves Dr. Pepper, Vitamin Water, and chocolate! 

Angie has completed her first 30 hours of Orton Gillingham training and has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from Williams Baptist University.

While working at Holy Rosary, she looks forward to working with a team of people that want what is best for each student and is looking forward to meeting so many members of the Holy Rosary family throughout her time here. Angie’s favorite scripture passage is also her teaching verse: "The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith." 1 Timothy 1:5.

Welcome to HRS, Angie!

Kristen Crone ~ 2K

Kristen Crone is no stranger to Holy Rosary. She worked in our summer camp and after care programs, and was a substitute teacher here for about 10 years. She had also been a 2K teacher at SAA-SDS for almost 4 years. She lives with her 4 year old dog, Penny, and her parents, brother, and sister-in law are all in town and love Holy Rosary!

She enjoys crafting and going to just about any Memphis sporting event: Tigers, Grizzlies, 901 FC, and the Redbirds! And she loves the Chicago Cubs!

Kristen has a Bachelors in Liberal Studies in Education and a Masters in Teaching, both from Christian Brothers University. She is most looking forward to teaching her sweet 2K students how much fun school can be! “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

Welcome “back” to HRS, Kristen!

Molly Cunningham ~ The Angel Program

Molly Cunningham is one of our new teachers in the Angel Program. She likes to shop and read and spend her time with her husband Randy, daughter Sierra, granddaughter Malyah, step-son Rusty and grandbaby Riley.

She has worked at Methodist University and Methodist LeBonheur Hospitals.

Molly has a Bachelors in Education with a Human Development concentration in schools and society, and an Associates Degree in General Education Studies. She has finished her first year of graduate school.

She is looking forward to building long lasting relationships at Holy Rosary while accomplishing goals for her Masters program.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son that whomsoever believes in Him, shall not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Welcome to HRS, Molly!

Lauren Luna ~ The Learning Center

Lauren Luna was born and raised in Memphis and recently returned back to the city with her husband Jacob and their Goldendoodle, Maggie, after living in St. Louis, Missouri for the past three years. She graduated with her Bachelors of General Studies with minors in Education, English, & Psychology from the University of Mississippi and received her Masters in Teaching with a concentration in Secondary Science from the University of Memphis.

While in college, she worked at Holy Rosary as an aftercare teacher, substitute, and Angel program teacher. In St. Louis, she taught high school biology and science electives and served as the science department chair and a mentor teacher. She completed dyslexia training this summer with the Simultaneous Multisensory Institute of Language Arts (SMILA) in preparation for her new position.

She is looking forward to working in The Learning Center with middle school and having a more individualized approach to teaching. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13.

Welcome “back” to HRS, Lauren!

Ela Melhado ~ Spanish

Ela Melhado comes to the Holy Rosary family from Honduras. 7 days after arriving in Memphis in 2017, Ela and her family were looking for a church to attend. Her GPS led them to Holy Rosary Catholic Church from Collierville! She remembers watching the families on the soccer field that day and thinking how wonderful it would be for her children to attend Holy Rosary. Two months later, Ela and her husband found themselves entering the Holy Rosary parking lot after scheduling a tour, not realizing it was the same place they had been two months before. It was meant to be.

Ela’s husband is Kenneth Melhado, and he works for the Honduran Consulate in Atlanta. They have three children, Kenneth Alfonso in 7th grade, Mia Fernanda in 3rd grade and Maria Isabelle in 4k, all at Holy Roasry. Ela loves to cook but does not like to unload the dishwasher! She enjoys dancing and crafting.

Ela has an Associates degree in education, and was in her third year for her ESL Bachelors degree before moving to the US.  She taught ESL for 13 years on the preschool, elementary and junior high levels in Honduras. She just finished her medical interpreting training at the University of Memphis.

Ela is most looking forward to growing in faith, as a person and professionally, and being able to impact her students' lives in a positive way to help them become better human beings, but most importantly to be able to learn from all of them. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11. “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take a refugee in him.” Nahum 1:7

Welcome “back” to HRS, Ela!

Lauren Perrine ~ Music

Lauren Perrine is a native Memphian and proud Memphis Tiger fan!  She has a daughter, Nancy Kate, who will be a sophomore at St. Agnes and a son, Will, who is in 8th grade at Holy Rosary.

She has been a member of a choir most of her life. She remembers she could not wait until 5th grade because that was the year she could join the choir at her elementary school.  As an adult, she began to branch out as a soloist for churches throughout Memphis and the Diocese.  In 2016, she decided to return to the University of Memphis and pursue a degree in vocal performance. She auditioned and was granted a full talent-based scholarship to attend the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music and perform in the University's opera program.  She appeared on stage with the University in five performances with principal roles in Benjamin Britten's Albert Herring, Aaron Copeland's The Tender Land and W. A. Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro and was awarded the prestigious Ethel Maxwell Memorial Scholarship given to outstanding current music students. She also appeared on stage with Opera Memphis in two performances including a named role in Giacomo Pucini's Suor Angelica.  For the past four years, Lauren was a staff singer at St. John's Episcopal church where she was a soloist and member of the Chancel Choir and the Memphis Chamber Choir and assistant for the Memphis BoyChoir both based at St. John's. 

She loves to cook and entertain family and friends. She is most looking forward to hosting a big party as soon as the pandemic is over!

Lauren is very excited to begin her career at Holy Rosary!  She believes that music adds so much enjoyment to people’s lives and has the unique ability to soothe hearts and minds. On beautiful days Lauren loves to look up to the clouds and think about meeting the Lord in the air and joining the heavenly choirs of angels. She believes music can teach us so much about the love of God and she cannot wait to share that love with the children of Holy Rosary. "Then we, the living who remain, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and thus we shall be always with the Lord." 1 Thessalonians 4:17.

Welcome “back” to HRS, Lauren!

Rhiannon Thomas – 1st Grade

Rhiannon Thomas started her career in education as a first grade teacher in the Jubilee Schools at St. John where she taught for 4 years. She then went to St. Patrick’s as principal for 3 years, and then back to St. John as principal for one year. When the Jubilee schools announced their closure she opted to stay in Catholic schools and went to Incarnation as principal for the last two years.

She’s been married to Greg Thomas for 16 years. In 2015 he was ordained a deacon and he currently serves at Incarnation. They have a 7 year old son, Jaxon who is in 2nd grade at HRS.

Rhiannon has attended Catholic schools from 1st grade through graduate school. Her Bachelors and Masters degrees are from Christian Brothers University. She has received the St John Neumann Outstanding Service Award and Christ The Teacher Award for the Diocese of Memphis. 

She is so excited to be part of the HRS family! Her heart has always been in the classroom; building relationships and guiding students as readers and thinkers. Rhiannon believes everything happens in our lives for a reason. And while we may not be able to understand it in the moment, it is all part of God’s plan.

“For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Welcome to HRS, Rhiannon!

Charity Webb – The Angel Program

Charity Webb is another one of our new Angel teachers. She enjoys swimming, watching movies, traveling the world and spending time with her son, Cornelius Martin, Jr., her step daughter, Riley and her fiancée, Cornelius, Sr.

Charity worked at Baptist Desoto for 10 years and has a Masters Degree in Special Education with a concentration in Instruction and Curriculum Leadership. She is getting married in December of this year and is most looking forward to getting to know everyone at Holy Rosary!

 “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” 1 Corinthians 10:12

Welcome to HRS, Charity!