Student Activities
Students have the opportunity to participate in the following:
- Award Assemblies
- Yearbook
- School Choir and Morning Star Sensations
- Fall Festival and Spring Fling
- Student Council
- Woodman Speech Contest
- Thanksgiving Feast
- Christmas Program
- Liturgies & Prayer Services
- Intramural Athletics and Field Day
- Community Service
- Annual Gala
- School Safety Patrol
- Electives
Each month, students are recognized for exhibiting excellence in academics, work habits, and behavior. By achieving success, students gain greater confidence and set higher academic and personal goals.
The yearbook staff is composed of interested students and two teacher sponsors. The yearbook staff organizes and plans all aspects of the yearbook, such as picture taking, layout, captions, and the cover design. Students use a digital camera and learn creative techniques for making a yearbook that captures the unique essence of Morning Star School.
The school choir and Morning Star Sensations singing groups provide opportunities for students to perform at a variety of venues. These performances include singing at Mass, and singing and dancing at local malls and nursing homes during the holidays as well as at the Christmas Play and at the Morning Star School Annual Gala.
During the school year, the Fall Festival and Spring Fling events give students an opportunity to express their creativity while enjoying a variety of fun activities.
Student Council provides an opportunity for junior high students, who fill eight elected positions, to plan and facilitate activities and services for Morning Star School. The Student Council plans and implements events for students and teachers on special occasions. They help mentor their peers and gain leadership skills. Part of their responsibilities includes planning raffles, selling drinks and snacks, and sponsoring free dress days. Student Council uses money it raises to help purchase educational items and equipment used by the special education instructors.
The Woodman Speech Contest is a great way for students in the Intermediate, Junior High Prep, and Junior High classes to develop key planning, preparation and speaking skills while learning about a famous person, place or event. Each year, these students receive assistance from their teachers and speak before their peers. The finalists give their speeches in front of a panel of judges and the students. The Woodman Speech Contest has proven a great way for children to build communication skills and their self-confidence.
Each year, Morning Star School plans a great Thanksgiving celebration which includes a special meal prepared by students, teachers and school staff. Turkeys are barbequed on grills while students in each class prepare a dish to be shared with all who attend. The Thanksgiving Feast is a nice way for children and teachers to work together, to enjoy fellowship with one another and to share thanks for the many blessings we have received.
Every student participates in the Annual Christmas Play. Some students have speaking parts, others sing in the choir and others are narrators. All students are able to display their talents and have fun entertaining their family and friends.
Students attend weekly Mass at Most Holy Redeemer Church. Morning Star School students actively participate in Mass. Selected students perform some of the readings, sing, and present the gifts to the priest. Throughout the school year, children at Morning Star work with teachers to create prayer services that all students participate in.
Older students have an opportunity to try out for the Most Holy Redeemer intramural basketball, volleyball and track teams. This enables older students with an interest in sports to pursue that interest by competing in inter-parochial youth team sports. This is one of the areas where Morning Star School and Most Holy Redeemer School students are able to join together in a common activity.
Under the guidance of the Morning Star School Physical Education Instructor, all Morning Star students prepare for a day of track and field activities. Field Day is held toward the end of the school year. Each student participates in two to three activities based upon their interest and skill level. Activities students choose from include the 50-yard dash, 100-hard dash, standing broad jump, flex arm hang, team relay, ball toss and hurdles. All students receive ribbons for their accomplishments during the annual Field Day event.
Caring for the poor and needy in our community is always a concern for the Morning Star School family. Students and school staff work together to collect items for families in need. We help distribute Thanksgiving baskets, make contributions to the Most Holy Redeemer Church food pantry and to other social services agencies such as Metropolitan Ministries. Some children in the chorus participate in Christmas performances for the elderly living in assisted living homes. The students are able to be participants in activities that help build a just, holy and peaceful society.
Each year, Morning Star School volunteers work closely with the school staff and with parents to plan an entertaining fund-raiser for the school. The Annual Gala is designed to celebrate Morning Star School and to bring awareness to supporters and potential supporters of the wonderful education offered through the school. The evening includes an overview of Morning Star School, a guest speaker and a very professional musical program put on by the Morning Star Sensations student singing and dancing group. Children with an interest in singing, dancing and performing for an audience have the chance to cultivate their performing skills. The entertainment by the children is the highlight of the evening and is what attracts many to return to the event every year.
Students in the Transition, Intermediate and Junior High level classes are able to participate in the Morning Star School Safety Patrol program if they demonstrate the appropriate attitude and ability to perform the duties of this position. The safety patrol program provides the children with an opportunity to help others, learn the importance of traffic safety, build leadership/team skills, and enhance interpersonal communication skills.
Intermediate level students and upper level students are able to participate in various electives during the school year. The types of electives vary from year-to-year. Recent electives have included yearbook, chess and checkers, model building, wood working, photography, cooking and acting/drama.
Tampa, Florida 33612