Dixon E. has grown up in the Most Blessed Sacrament community. He was baptized at MBS, and has been a student at the Academy since Pre-K 2. Now a fifth grader, Dixon has already begun to distinguish himself as an exceptional student and classmate. For example, Dixon has already made the AMBS Honor Roll in both of the first two trimesters this year. Given the fact that he is a big reader who loves the Harry Potter series, Dixon says that reading is his favorite subject in school. Though he has enjoyed the work of many writers, he said that Roald Dahl is his favorite author, particularly his book The BFG. Dixon also enjoys drawing, and says that he enjoys AMBS because “I get to learn in fun ways and I get to spent time with friends. It is great to be at AMBS.” His teacher, Mrs. Brizzolara, describes her student this way: “Dixon’s remarkable academic talents shine through in many ways. His smile gleams whenever you see him. He is a kind, compassionate friend to his peers, always acting with gentleness and thoughtfulness. Dixon has only supportive and positive words for his classmates and always steps in to lend a hand whenever he perceives a need. Dixon cares deeply about the quality of his work. He demonstrates great perseverance with every activity to ensure that it lives up to his high standards. Dixon also imbues his creativeness and personal style in everything he does. Dixon’s warmth, gentleness and compassionate nature will also bring him a lifetime of fellowship and friendship. Awesome job, Dixon.”

The Aquinas Middle School’s Xavier House saluted the Military in May. Led by Patricia M., Head of Xavier House, they hosted various events for the school community. From May 10th through May 21st, Xavier House collected donations of wipes, protein bars, instant soup, chewing gum, snacks, mouthwash and drink mixes for the 2-113th Infantry Regiment, New Jersey National Guard. They hosted a dress down day on May 12th where students wore camouflage, red/white/blue or insignia of any Military branch. They decorated a bulletin board showcasing family members who serve/have served and honored them during daily prayers. To conclude the event, Xavier House members set up tables around school celebrating the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard and National Guard on May 26th with crafts, American flags and raffles.

The Student Council's bulletin board reminds all students of our daily anti-bullying pledge: "I will not bully others, I will not stand by while others are bullied, I will report and deal with bullying whenever I see it, because I have the power of ONE. Remember, what you do and what you say can make or break someone's day. Have a great day!"

The Aquinas Middle School’s Xavier House saluted the Military in May! Led by Patricia Mazzola, Head of Xavier House, they hosted various events for the school community. From May 10th through May 21st, Xavier House collected donations of wipes, protein bars, instant soup, chewing gum, snacks, mouthwash and drink mixes for the 2-113th Infantry Regiment, New Jersey National Guard. They hosted a dress down day on May 12th where students wore camouflage, red/white/blue or insignia of any Military branch. They decorated a bulletin board showcasing family members who serve/have served and honored them during daily prayers. To conclude the event, Xavier House members set up tables around school celebrating the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard and National Guard on May 26th with crafts, American flags and raffles.

This is #spartanservice! Ms. G and the Transitions/Kindergarten class chose the Archdiocese of Newark's Mercy House as their service project. From April 12th through April 30th, the students collected donations of pajamas and undergarments for children and adults. The AMBS community was incredibly generous! In addition to collecting donations, the Transitions/Kindergarteners also led the school in prayer each day, by praying the Our Father, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the AMBS anti-bully pledge. They hosted a zoom Q&A for the school to watch, with Cheryl Riley, the director of Mercy House. To learn more about The Corporal Works of Mercy, the children drew their interpretations with Mr. Jim, Art & Design teacher at AMBS.

To reflect and prepare for the Lenten season, our school had 5 Reflection Wednesdays. Each Wednesday had a theme, liturgical color, dress down day and activity. Wednesday, March 24: Reflection, purple, homeroom door decorating contest. Wednesday, March 31: Easter, red, the meaning of Easter. Wednesday, April 21: Renewal, green, The 7 Days of Creation. Wednesday, April 28: Saints, gold, dress as your favorite Saint. Wednesday, May 5: Pray the Rosary, blue, honor the Blessed Virgin Mary

To celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph, Mrs. Gall and the 1st grade class made gift bags for the Sisters of St. Joseph Villa. The school donated assorted toiletry items and activity books for the retired Sisters. The 1st graders also hosted a Zoom Q&A with Sister Rose Marie of Most Blessed Sacrament Church. Pope Francis proclaimed "Year of St. Joseph" with the Apostolic Letter "Patris corde" ("With a Father's Heart"). Pope Francis recalls the 150th anniversary of the declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. To mark the occasion, the Holy Father has proclamied a "Year of Saint Joseph" from December 8, 2020 to December 8, 2021.

Ms. Curriero and the 3rd grade class hosted a donate to dress down day and plush raffle to support The Seeing Eye in Morristown, NJ. They also decorated the school with hand-drawn flyers. Each class watched videos from The Seeing Eye on the wonderful work they do. These incredible 3rd graders raised $1500.00 for the puppies!

The Student Council gave shamrock stencils to the school for decorating. Kindergarten - 2nd graders received shamrocks to color. Grades 3-8 wrote quotes from St. Patrick and words of encouragement for their fellow classmates. ☘️

6th grader Sean B., organized a book drive to support St. Anthony’s School, a community elementary public school located in Cape Coast in the Central Region of Ghana, West Africa.

For Catholic Schools Week, AMBS celebrated the community! Students donated a can of soup to dress down in their favorite sports jersey.  Donations went to support the St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry. 

For Catholic Schools Week "Celebrate the Nation", the Student Council hosted a Q&A with the mayor of Franklin Lakes. Mayor Bivona answered questions on his role as mayor, the impact of Covid-19 and how best to serve the community. Thank you Mayor for all you do!

For Catholic Schools Week, the theme for Wednesday was "Celebrate the Nation". We had a dress down day of red, white and blue + crazy hair day. Student Council hosted a patriotic "AMBS Got Talent" video shown to all classrooms. The acts were all so good, it was hard to select a winner - therefore, it was a tie and all students received flag pencils!

The officers and representatives were inducted into office on Wednesday, February 3rd during Catholic Schools Week. Congratulations!

Mr. Conwell, Mr. Quintilian and Mrs. Ramdath recognize the leadership of Michele C. and Patricia M. as they are pinned as Head of Houses.

Thank you Mayor Bivona for answering questions about Franklin Lakes and how government leaders can serve their communities!

Congratulations Student Council Officers & Representatives!

This month’s AMBS Student Spotlight features Patricia M., an 8th grader who is Head of the Aquinas Middle School Xavier House. Nominated by her teacher, Mr. Kevin Quintilian for her “positive behavior, attitude, and maturity, coupled with the fact that she is persistent, dedicated, and motivated to excel in all that she does.” Congratulations Patricia!

Thank you Ms. Wetzel and Ms. Mazzacca for your many years of service to the Academy of the Most Blessed Sacrament. We miss you and wish you well!

Month: December 2020 / Led by: Mrs. Manzo and the 4th grade class / For: MBS Giving Tree / Project: collecting gift cards for Giving Tree tags / Donation: 66 gift cards