Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are about to conclude another school year. Hopefully you have seen your child/children grow spiritually, academically, and emotionally. We thank you for all your support throughout the year. There is a story in the book Stories for the Extreme Teens' Heart called "Rocks to Inspire" by Stephen Covey that can help all of us as we prepare for the less hectic days of summer.
"A high school science teacher wanted to demonstrate a concept to his students. He takes a large mouth jar and places several large rocks in it. He then asks the class, "Is it full?" Unanimously the class replies, "Yes!"
The teacher then takes a bucket of gravel and pours it into the jar. The small rocks settle into the spaces between the big rocks. He then asks the class,"Is it full?" This time there are some students holding back but most reply, "Yes!"
The teacher then produces a large can of sand and proceeds to pour it into the jar. The sand fills up the spaces between the gravel.For the third time, the teacher asks, "Is it full?" Now most of the students are wary of answering but again many reply, "Yes!"
Then the teacher brings out a pitcher of water and pours it into the jar. The water saturates the sand. At this point the teacher asks the class, "What is the point of this demonstration?"
One bright, young student raises his hand and then responds, "No matter how full one's schedule is in life, he can always squeeze in more things!"
"No," replies the teacher, "the point is that unless you first place the big rocks in the jar, you are never going to get them in the jar. The big rocks are the important things in your life- your family, friends, personal growth. If you fill your life with small things - as demonstrated by the gravel, the sand, the water - you will never have time for the important things."
So what are the important things in your life? Hopefully, your family and god are at the top of your list. Make sure to spend plenty of time with both this summer.
On behalf of the faculty and staff at Saint Jerome School have a good, safe summer.
