Husam Mubarek, a former student of Mrs. Dunn is on leave from a tour of duty in Afghanistan.  “It’s not easy being away from my family, but it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make to protect our country,” said Husam, who has served for four years in the U.S. Air Force in Afghanistan.  One student asked Husam why he joined the service.  “I joined the Air Force because I’m very proud to be a part of the military,” he said. “As an American, it was tough, but my family always encouraged me.”

Husam saw plenty of smiles recently when he entered Mrs. Dunn’s classroom dressed in full uniform. For many students, it was the first time they’d seen a soldier anywhere but on television. It was especially exciting for Husam's brother Mohamed to see his brother come and speak to his fellow peers.   Husam also touched on how life in America differs from life in the Middle East. 

"Do soldiers have ice cream in Iraq?" the middle school students in Mrs. Dunn's class asked. They learned the answer during the surprise visit from a particularly significant hero, since Husam came to Mrs. Dunn’s class even before he went to visit his own family.  A surprised Mrs. Dunn, standing on her tiptoes gave Husam a hug. Arriving in full uniform, he shared his thoughts with the children.

"Do you have chocolate milk in Afghanistan?" wondered a sixth grade student. Husam explained that soldiers in his camp had the luxury of shelf-stable chocolate milk, which was not that great to drink.  He also said that it took him a long time to get accustomed to the food. He said his favorite lunch in Afghanistan was getting to eat what he called real American food each Sunday.  While soldiers do not have pets, he told the children that there are regular sightings of camels and foxes, as well as a pigeon with a broken leg that took a liking to their camp.

Husam also passed around a coin that he had received from the President.

The visit was orchestrated as a complete surprise for the children, especially for his brother Mohamed and Mrs. Dunn who did not know Husam would be returning home.

."Thank you for making this a better world," said an eighth grade student.

Mrs. Dunn said to the students that the most important lesson is getting the personal connection to someone serving the country in a time of war. "We've really focused on staying positive," she said, explaining that his visit has served as a valuable learning experience for her students.

Husam commented, "It feels good, now that my nerves have calmed down," he intoned, admitting that he felt nervous prior to walking into the classroom unannounced. A broad smile crossed Husam face as he stood and said good-bye.

SPECIAL STUDENT GIVES SPECIAL GIFT

Before...

...and After!

Third grade student Aundraya Pagan recently made an incredible sacrifice for a very worthy cause. After watching a special on the Disney Channel about children suffering with cancer and the loss of their hair, she donated over 10 inches of her own hair to Locks of Love. Her mother reported that “ while she loved her new look, she more so loved the fact that she was doing something and giving to someone who needed it more than she did. . She has never hade a haircut other than her ends being trimmed since she was 1. I am so proud of her for the selfless gift she gave….to someone else. I’m so glad to see that she is learning at school and at home as to what it means to give and do for others as Jesus taught us.” What a very special girl Aundraya is. After hearing about her generous gift, we proudly recognized her at morning prayer as an inspiration for our staff and students!

* * *

CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES AT PJP2

Pope John Paul II Catholic School has many clubs and activities available to our students. Participation provides students with enriching opportunities for additional learning outside of the scope of the classroom, while offering experiences in leadership, community outreach, working as part of a team, school spirit, compassion and responsibility, and identity within our school community.

STUDENT COUNCIL

President: Nicole Janusz

Vice President: Erica Muzzulin

Secretary: Julie Iskra

Treasurer: Aleksandra Malz

Class Representatives:

Grade 6: Jakub Karpiej

Grade 7: Sebastian Lacki

Grade 8: Philip Karas

STUDENT NEWSPAPER

The PJP2 Student Newspaper is published periodically throughout the year, and features stories written by students for students. This club meets after school and provides students with the opportunity to hone their writing skills while informing their peers about what is happening in the school community and beyond.

ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB

The Environmental Club encourages students to be better stewards of the resources God has given us. Each year, club members select and work on a year-long project. The club is also responsible for overseeing the recycling program within the building.

KITCHEN CLUB

The Kitchen Club is an after school club that meets once per month to teach students basic cooking and baking skills.  It is open to students in grades 5 - 8; different students are able to sign up each month.  Some of the treats made in the past include fudge, pumpkin pie, brownies and decorated cakes.  At our first meeting in October, each student made monkey bread for their snack and an apple coffee cake to take home and share with their family.