02 - Bishop Leibold Prospective Families at Springboro Pike, Dayton, OH 45449 US - In Their Own Words - Testimonials

From Kathy Kargl, Parent of a First Grader

Our son has had such a great experience at BLS (as have his parents!) with both Kindergarten and First Grade.  We have watched him grow from a playful Kindergartner – telling us all about “Circle Time” and the “centers” he visited each day – to an excited First Grader, asking to be taken to the library to check out books to read on his own.  He had the opportunity to read several times for school Masses last year, a big step for someone who is not at all comfortable in front of a crowd.  We are certain that the everyday faith experiences our son has at school – not just in his religion class – will continue to help him grow as he prepares in Second Grade for First Reconciliation and First Communion.

As parents, we have enjoyed the opportunity to be involved with the school through volunteering for his teachers and helping on field trips.  Being able to be in his Kindergarten classroom and helping other teachers outside the classroom has been an insightful experience for us.

We are so pleased with our decision to become a Leibold family.  We really enjoy the great sense of community, both inside the school walls and out, between the children, teachers, and parents, all helping us to reinforce the values we teach at home.

From John and Deb Jansing, Parents of Three BLS students      

One of the greatest assets of BLS is its sense of community and familiarity.  The size of the school is perfect in that it allows our kids to get to know each and every one of their classmates, from kindergarten through 8^th grade.  These students are not simply acquaintances – they become a family.  Through their school, church and sporting activities, the kids learn to respect and love one another.  From a parents’ perspective, there certainly isn’t too much more you can ask of a school… 

A Parent’s Comment from the Spring 2007 Parent Survey

I could say many wonderful things about my child’s education at Bishop Leibold School.  I appreciate the teachers’ commitment to excellence, and the overall sense that my child’s academics are really preparing her for the future.  I do, however, believe that my child learning and experiencing the Catholic faith at BLS is what I value most.  (And at the end of our lives, that is all that will matter!)

Teachers

Why do I love teaching kindergarten at Bishop Leibold School?

 I love teaching Kindergarten here because we have a wonderful school that forms a faith community of parents, teachers and children.  Each year, new parents enter our school, perhaps not knowing anyone.  I see them being welcomed and made a part of this community.  We encourage our parents to become helpers in the classroom.  We have a strong group of volunteers, which gives parents the opportunity to be a real and special part of their child’s education.

I like having many ways for parents to be a part of kindergarten: a kindergarten orientation breakfast for parents and children, classroom volunteers, Kindergarten Kickoff, Harvest Halloween show, Dads Night, Moms Night, a weekly homework assignment, newsletters, field trips and a special visit during your child’s VIP week.

I love being able to share God’s great love with my children by weaving religion into the all areas of our hands-on curriculum and daily life through praying, singing, Bible stories and finding the simple wonders God gives us each day.  It is a privilege to be a teacher who helps children start their formal education in a Catholic school that is dedicated to helping each child be the best he/she can be.

- Mrs. Jill Coudron, Kindergarten Teacher

Why I Choose to Be a Catholic School Teacher

Every year I tell my students why I chose to be a teacher in a Catholic school.  I tell them it is because I love teaching, and because my Catholic faith is so important to me.  I have the privilege of sharing that faith and practicing it with my students across all of the subject areas I have taught throughout the years.  I get the opportunity to help the children to understand that Catholicism is a way of life, not just something we put on when we go to Mass on the weekend and at school during the week.  Our faith has had a major impact on world history and has solid lessons to teach us when dealing with matters of faith, morals, and science today.  I always stress to the children that our faith is the most important reason that we are at Bishop Leibold School.  I feel that I am very blessed to play a role in this very important ministry to the Church.

- Mrs. Sandy Martin, Sixth Grade Teacher

Students

From Michael Orr, 2007 BLS Graduate

My memories of BLS are of an incredible school with incredible educators.  It has been a moral and educational cornerstone for me.  The teaching staff is absolutely amazing.  In my nine years there, from kindergarten to eighth grade, I have not once had a teacher I didn't like.  They do a wonderful job in every subject, especially religion classes.  BLS offers traditional Roman Catholic values that create a basis for the growth of good moral fiber and character.  Looking back now, I realize I am really going to miss BLS, but I know that they have set down for me an academic and spiritual platform on which I can build a productive, God-based life.

Alicia Hansen, Fifth Grader

At Bishop Leibold it’s really easy to make friends, join clubs, and get a great education.  I learn so many new things everyday, about my religion, my life, my future, and my goals.  At Bishop Leibold, I can learn what is most important in my life, and what I should be focusing on daily.

Every Wednesday we go to Mass, and I like that we get to go to Mass every week.  Each class gets to plan two Masses a year.  The students can help by being a greeter, being a server, reading during mass or reading the greeting, or singing in the choir.  We go to Mass on all holy days, too.

At Bishop Leibold, everyone can be involved in so many activities.  For example, I play soccer, basketball, and volleyball.  Or you could spread spirit with the cheerleaders, help us run the mile in track, hit a grand slam in baseball, or make even par in golf.  The Eagles are awesome at sports!  But if you’re not into sports, we have extra-curricular activities for everyone.  I am also in Rosary Club, Quest, and Choir.  In Rosary Club, we make rosaries for the classes and for the troops in Iraq.  Quest is an after school math and science club.  In choir, we sing at Mass every Wednesday and practice during Flextime on Tuesdays.  If these are not your “thing,” you could rock with the band, be creative with the yearbook committee, play with numbers in Math Counts in junior-high, or become a Leibold Leader.

Bishop Leibold is a school of excellence and we strive towards being our best everyday.  We all set goals for ourselves.  Mine are staying on the Honor Roll, improving in my sports, and becoming the best singer I can be.  I wish everyone would go to Bishop Leibold because we treat everyone equally - it is really easy to make friends- and we have tons of fun.

From Melanie Hingsbergen, Second Grader

In Second Grade, I enjoyed art and our teachers.  I liked making my First Communion and our field trip to the Dinosaur Museum in Cincinnati.  BLS is special because I've made lots of new friends.

From Tom Hingsbergen, Second Grader

I liked recess and Math, playing with my friends and learning.  Art is fun.  The teachers are great!  And I liked walking to Dairy Queen at the end of the year.