Every Wednesday, students at the Jesuit Middle School of Omaha (Jesuit) attend a prayer service in the school commons area. Each class takes turns preparing and conducting the service for the entire student body. They select the theme, music, scripture passages and petitions. A sermon is then given by Fr. Jim, Fr. Neitzke, another staff member or a visiting minister.

On Wednesday, March 30, students were led in prayer and listened to a homily from the Most Reverend George J. Lucas, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Omaha. This service was organized by the eighth grade and their teacher, Mr. Brian Lindley. The theme, “Importance of Sacrifice,” focused on the reading from Romans 5: 1-9 and reflections from two students followed.

Struje Robinson said that “sacrifice is important to me because Jesus sacrificed his life for our sins. Sacrificing things may be hard, but at the end, something will come out of it that can help you in life. Sacrificing things will let Jesus know that you are worthy when he tells you not to do something.”

Emmanuel Agbeletey said that “sacrifice means a lot to me because the sacrifice of Jesus is what saved the human race. God sacrificed Jesus, His one and only son to save us. Sacrificing will make you stronger and more faithful to God.”

Jesuit, located at 2311 North 22nd Street, is now accepting applications for the 2011-2012 school year! Applicants must have good conduct and academic records. Interested families can contact the Principal, Mr. Patrick Rusca, at (402) 346-4464 for enrollment information. Please visit our website, www.jesuitmso.org

The Jesuit Middle School of Omaha offers young males an education rooted in the five basics of Jesuit education: Gospel values, academic excellence, self-discipline, religious diversity, and being “Men for Others.” Jesuit is a Catholic school founded in North Omaha through extensive grassroots community engagement, but we welcome students from all ethnic and faith backgrounds.
We define success as producing graduates with well-developed minds and hearts who go on to graduate from high school and college and give back to the community. Our ultimate goal is to see our students become leaders who not only succeed academically, but also change society for the better. And we are succeeding! On average, by the time our students graduate, they raise their national test scores by 20% and perform above grade level. We boast a 97% attendance rate. Our graduates have a 98% high school graduation rate, compared to 52% nationally for minorities. Most importantly, 63% of our graduates go on to college.

We are currently accepting applications for the 2011-2012 school year! Applicants to Jesuit must have good conduct and academic records. Also, tuition is paid on a sliding-fee scale and no student is ever turned away because of tuition. Interested families can contact Principal Patrick Rusca at (402) 346-4464 for enrollment information.

The young men at the Jesuit Middle School of Omaha (Jesuit) celebrated Thanksgiving a week early with an event honoring special family members: their grandparents. Over 150 people attended the eighth annual Grandparent Luncheon, including Jesuit students and staff. Students whose grandparents are deceased and/or live out of state celebrated with other special family members in their lives.

The winner of the 2010 Isaiah Award was also announced. Its inspiration came from Isaiah 43:4 —“You are precious to me and I love you and give you honor.” Recipients are chosen by the Jesuit Leadership Team of Fr. Jim Michalski, S.J. President; Fr. Tom Neitzke, S.J., Principal and Kirk Trotter, Dean of Students. Criteria for the award are based upon: raising a second/third family, community service, volunteer work, active church member and Gospel values. Past winners include Mrs. Estelle Pearson, Mr. and Mrs. George (Jacque) Sacks, Mr. and Mrs. Emil (Dorothy) Sekera, Mrs. Cherylene Leffall, Mrs. Helene Shannon and Ms. Mary Rollins.

This year, Ms. Stephanie Williams, grandmother of sixth grade student Chad Alioth was the recipient of the Isaiah Award. Stephanie is often seen at all of the practices (track, football, etc.) at the Boys and Girls Club and supports the team with bake sales and even assists with practice. In addition to raising Chad, she often babysits her nieces and nephews and provides a loving, mothering touch wherever she is. Williams was recently made an honorary member of the Black Divaz motorcycle club and works with their fundraising endeavors.

Emcee for the afternoon was fourth grader Henry Lewis and the opening prayer was given by eighth grader Devante Ingram. Food for the luncheon was provided with cost-saving donations by: Diane and Johnny Ingram of Time Out Foods, Big Mama’s Kitchen & Catering, Long John Silvers of Bellevue and Hy-Vee at 52nd and Center. Also, a special thank you to our Parents Advisory Board led by 2010-2011 president Maria Summers; Principal Neitzke and all of the JMSO staff/student families who brought food, drinks and/or paper products for the event.

Students wrote essays about their grandparent and why they are important in their lives. Although all of the entries were wonderful, only one essay from each class could be chosen to be read at the luncheon. This year’s selections were from: Zane Nichols, fourth grade; Alejandro Rodriguez, fifth grade; Shannon Brewer, sixth grade; Andrell Sherrod-Lewis, seventh grade; and Lucas Shelton, eighth grade.

he Jesuit Middle School of Omaha (Jesuit) hosted an Open House for new students and their families on Sunday, March 13 in the school commons area. The event, which offered dinner and guest speakers, was attended by approximately 50 people and organized in conjunction with Recruitment Director Tony Connelly, the Jesuit Leadership Team and members of the Parents Advisory Board (PAB).

Potential students and their families had the opportunity to tour the school, visit with staff members and participate in a Q&A session. Guest speakers included: current parent Michelle Grigsby and her son, seventh grader Da’Vion, graduate (and cousin) Terry Grigsby, graduate Chuma Nnawulezi and past parent and current Jesuit Board Member, Genevive Core.

The speakers used their time at the podium to share how JMSO shaped their lives or the lives of their son. “Sending my son to Jesuit as an incoming fourth grader was one of the best decisions I made as a parent,” said Core. “Jesuit did more than advance my son’s mind and heart. Jesuit prepared him for high school and beyond. I thank God that Jesuit taught my son to be a leader, love his neighbors, work as a team, step out of his comfort zone, and reach for his goals. Jesuit still has a great influence by allowing my son to come and visit and help around the school. He begs me to allow him to come back.”

Jesuit, located at 2311 North 22nd Street, is currently accepting applications for the 2011-2012 school year! Applicants must have good conduct and academic records. Interested families can contact Principal Patrick Rusca at (402) 346-4464 for enrollment information.

Tuesday, February 7 marked the beginning of the Mentoring Program at the Jesuit Middle School of Omaha (Jesuit) as students, parents and mentors gathered for dinner and various welcome activities. Currently, seven of the 10 eighth graders signed up for this first-year program and have been matched with a mentor.

The foundation of the Mentoring Program, led by Director of Admissions and Instructional Resource Facilitator Tony Connelly, is to pair Jesuit students with another successful adult role model that provides encouragement and support as the student pursues both his short and long term goals. It’s another important adjunct to student success as each mentor works together with the home and the school.

Congratulations to the following mentors as they begin their journey with the eighth graders: George Achola, Matt Johnson, Scott Paul, Roderick Riley, Shedrick Triplett, Willie Weddle and Troy Wharton. For more information about our Mentoring Program, contact Tony Connelly at 346-4464, x18 today!

The Jesuit Middle School of Omaha (Jesuit) welcomed one of its own back to the gymnasium for an inspirational talk about education and success on Thursday, February 10 and of course, a free throw contest. Josh Jones, a 2004 graduate of Jesuit and current sophomore on the Creighton University men’s basketball team, spoke to the young men about the importance of education and succeeding in life and how Jesuit helped him become the man he is today. Assistant Coach Steve Merfeld also accompanied Jones and spoke on behalf the basketball team and what a testament Jesuit is in the community.

Jones, who recalled many stories from his five years as a student, spoke of a time not too long ago that he was in the stands listening to a Creighton basketball player speak to his school. For him, it was Kyle Korver and Assistant Coach Len Gordy. “I was sitting right there where you are, dressed in your white shirt, blue pants and dress shoes. I raised my hand and told Coach Gordy that I would play for Creighton one day – and here I am,” said Jones. He also told the young men that even though this school can be hard, you may not always like all of the homework and the discipline, that the people here really care about you and want you to do your best. “This school prepared me both academically and socially for high school,” said Jones.

In addition, Josh presented Fr. Jim Michalski, S.J. with a signed basketball, thanking him for everything over the years. Josh spent many weekend afternoons in the school gym shooting around and perfecting his game, as his home growing up was directly across the street. “Fr. Jim let me come in day after day and practice. That helped keep me off the street,” said Jones. However, this visit wouldn’t have been complete without a trip to the free-throw line. Jones, along with several students, challenged Athletic Director Kirk Trotter to a short contest.

Jesuit, located at 2311 North 22nd Street, is now accepting applications for the 2011-2012 school year! Applicants must have good conduct and academic records. Interested families can contact the Principal, Mr. Patrick Rusca, at 346-4464 for enrollment information. Please visit our website, www.jesuitmso.org

Every Wednesday, students at the Jesuit Middle School of Omaha (Jesuit) attend a prayer service in the school commons area. Each class takes turns preparing and conducting the service for the entire school. They select the theme, music, scripture passages and petitions. A sermon is then given by Fr. Jim, Fr. Neitzke, another staff member or a visiting minister.

The service on January 5 was orchestrated by the seventh grade, with the theme of “Faith in Action.” Students were led in prayer and listened to a homily by Pastor Keith Dusheke from Atonement Lutheran Church. Pastor Keith spoke of the days reading, James 2: 1-4 and 14-18 and highlighted how this particular passage is of great meaning to our students at every stage in life. Listed below are excerpts from two student reflections:

Kris Young: This scripture says to me that you should not treat people in different ways because of their appearance. You should also show your faith by actions. You cannot show that you have faith simply by saying it. I will work harder at treating everyone the same. I should also show that I have faith by giving the poor food or clothes and not worry about how people look.

Martaloni Rush: This scripture says that we should treat each other the same. It doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor; famous or not famous. Everyone should be treated with love and respect. God put everyone on this earth so they could get along, not brag about what they have to other people who don’t’ have the same things. Treat others as you would like to be treated. I interpreted the second scripture to mean that you should always give to those in need. If they don’t have food, donate and be generous. If they don’t have clothes, help them and give them clothes. Think about what it would be like if you didn’t have any of those items. Put yourself in their shoes and their life for a moment.

Every Wednesday, students at the Jesuit Middle School of Omaha (Jesuit) attend a prayer service in the school commons area. Each class takes turns preparing and conducting the service for the entire student body. They select the theme, music, scripture passages and petitions. A sermon is then given by Fr. Jim, Fr. Neitzke, another staff member or a visiting minister.

The service on March 2 was organized by the fifth grade and their teacher, Ms. Maggi Vacha, with the theme of “Working Together for a Stronger Community.” Students were led in prayer and listened to a homily from Vanessa Ward, Senior Pastor at Afresh Anointing Church. She is also CEO of The Body of Christ International (TBOC), an active member of the African American Empowerment Network and Empower Omaha Covenant, as well as a volunteer at North High School.

Ward spoke to the young men about the “Light of Christ” and how it shines within them. She told the story of how she lived in a high-risk neighborhood and how she took the necessary steps to make her family and community safer. Over the years, Pastor Ward worked together with area leaders, friends and neighbors to “turn up the light” and make positive changes in North Omaha. Her collaborative efforts resulted in neighborhood block parties that are still active today. “We need to decide for ourselves how we want to live our lives and be carriers of hope. We need to start loving one another and build a community filled with Jesus’ love,” said Ward. Following the service, the fifth graders treated Ward along with her family members who were in attendance, to a small reception in their classroom.

Jesuit, located at 2311 North 22nd Street, is now accepting applications for the 2011-2012 school year! Applicants must have good conduct and academic records. Interested families can contact the Principal, Mr. Patrick Rusca, at (402) 346-4464 for enrollment information. Please visit our website, www.jesuitmso.org

On Thursday, February 24, students at the Jesuit Middle School of Omaha (Jesuit) celebrated Black History Month with a special assembly titled “Our Life, Our Culture, Our History.” Family and friends of the young men filled the school commons area to watch as students sang songs, read inspirational speeches and gave informative presentations on people and events relating to Black History. Sixth grade teacher Mike Mansour also premiered the seventh installment of the student made “Lost In Time” video series – this one dedicated to the memory of Kamren Shannon.

Guests were welcomed by Lucas Shelton and led in prayer by Struje Robinson, followed by a scripture reading from Armand Robinson. Guest speaker for the day was Creighton University senior/volunteer tutor Divine Shelton. Surprise guests included the famed Meadowlark Lemon and the Harlem All Stars, who were in town for a special basketball event that evening.

The program began with the fourth graders sharing what they learned (and more) about Frederick Douglas from a recent presentation by actors from the Durham Museum, followed by the fifth grade class singing “Amen” by Jester Harison. The seventh graders then set the stage for “The Wall Comes Alive III” where students came to life as characters from the Black Achievement Wall in their classroom. Performances included impressions of Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Jr., George Washington Carver, Jesse Owens and Bill Russell. The eighth graders focused their presentation on notable African American poets, sharing autobiographical information and reading notable works. And last but not least, guests were wowed by the sixth grader class video “Lost in Time 7,” a short biographical film on Black History in Omaha, made and produced by Mansour.

Jesuit, located at 2311 North 22nd Street, is now accepting applications for the 2011-2012 school year! Applicants must have good conduct and academic records. Interested families can contact the Principal, Mr. Patrick Rusca, at 346-4464 for enrollment information. Please visit our website, www.jesuitmso.org

‘Twas the day before Christmas break and all through Jesuit Middle School, the students and teachers were finishing their duel. “Who would donate the most?” one student asked. “I bet it will be us,” he said with a laugh. As it turns out, they donated equal, leading to next year’s contest: the sequel.

For nine years, the students and staff of the Jesuit Middle School of Omaha (Jesuit) have contributed to the Omaha World-Herald’s Goodfellows Program. A collection jar is started before Thanksgiving and continues through the Thursday before Christmas break. Collections started out strong with a little friendly competition between the fourth and fifth grade classes.

Students are asked to donate the money they would otherwise use to purchase candy, soda and other personal items to the Goodfellows jar. JMSO staff members also encourage student donations by offering a ‘match program,’ where they will match dollar-for-dollar the amount donated by the students. The 2010 contribution from the students and staff of JMSO was $200.00 and was taken directly to the World-Herald offices by school President Fr. Jim Michalski, fourth grader Christopher Marion and fifth grader William Worthington.

The Goodfellows Program offers assistance to those in the metro-area who need help paying rent, utility bills, transportation needs and various other situations. One hundred percent of the funds donated help those in our own community—the World-Herald covers all administrative costs.

Donating to the Goodfellows Program provides the young men at Jesuit with a true example of “Men for Others,” one of the Five Basics of Jesuit Education. Students are reminded during each morning assembly that donating “small change will make a big change” in the lives of those in our community.

Our school, located at 2311 North 22nd Street in the old Butler-Gast YMCA building, provides a Christian education for young men in grades four through eight who aspire to build strong character and earn a college degree. Founded in 1996 and sponsored by the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), this private, independent Catholic school provides a unique, personal learning environment for young men in the fourth through eighth grades. For more information, please visit our website: www.jesuitmso.org