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Sister Stephanie Rivas, SP, received a special blessing from the Sisters of Providence on Aug. 23, as she enters her mission novice year (3rd in community). She also begins a new ministry at Central Catholic School in Indianapolis.
Sister Stephanie Rivas
As a newly hired Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) teacher for grades pre-k through 8th, Sister Stephanie is passing that blessing along with her gifts and talents to the children and staff at the school. She began her time at Central Catholic by building relationships with the principal, staff and students.
She likes that the SEL curriculum, called Friendzy, is both faith- and academic-based. Central Catholic is housed in one building. It serves about 250 students who begin and end their day with prayer. The Principal reads the Gospel message at assembly and Sister Stephanie enjoys weekly mass with the students.
Social and emotional learning
SEL helps develop skills students need for everyday life, like staying motivated, communicating effectively, practicing curiosity and working with others to solve problems. “SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions,” according to the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL).
This photo is our colorful welcome back to school sign, which shows the excitement. Above the welcome sign are handmade decorations featuring flowers.
“My role as a teacher can include helping to redirect a student who isn’t paying attention or helping a child who is sad. It’s about helping the children find ways to cope with emotions and stress,” said Sister Stephanie. The children feel comfortable expressing themselves to her.
“With the younger students, I have a paper that shows different faces. And they show me which one they are feeling. This helps them label their emotions,” said Sister Stephanie. There was a child who was upset because she had dropped her sandwich on the pavement at lunch and she was hungry. “After the child was able to express why she was upset, to brighten her day, I let her choose a sticker from my collection that I carry with me. Afterward, I was able to speak with the teacher about it and see how they could help.”
On the move
This is a photo of the gymnasium where morning assembly, breakfast, lunch, after care, and P.E. take place.
She doesn’t just serve in one classroom. Sister Stephanie moves between age groups, accompanying the children wherever needed. For example, she helps with kindergarten Physical Education on Tuesdays and Fridays by translating in class. The majority of younger children (about 80 percent) have Spanish as their first language. She has also helped teach art to 7th graders on Fridays, when the current teacher needed assistance.
Sister Stephanie wants to help teach children how to make the right decisions. “In my 7th grade class, I asked a boy to pick up a bottle that was left behind. He said, ‘It’s not mine.’ I rephrased the question, ‘What would be the right thing to do?’ And I got a different response. He picked up the bottle and recycled it. We had talked about the Gospel reflection that day – doing the right thing – so we were able to make that connection.”
This is the Art room/music room, which Sister Stephanie will be using on Fridays.
Sister Stephanie has an undergraduate degree in business management from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio. She also has a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Texas A&M.
Life with the sisters
She is also in her third year of formation with the Sisters of Providence. Director of Novices Sister Norene Wu said, “A sister enters her mission novice year having discerned what her gifts are and what employment and communal live-in opportunities are available with sisters.” When she’s not teaching at Central Catholic, Sister Stephanie lives with Sisters Barbara McClelland (director of Miracle Place), and Susan Dinnin, who cares for the elderly. The sisters are active with their parish. And Sister Stephanie joins in activities at Miracle Place when her busy schedule allows.
“Our life is a call for vocation. We deepen our prayer and faith in God and also consider how we can minister to others, through ministry,” said Sister Norene. Sister Stephanie has answered that call.
Diane Weidenbenner is the annual fund manager and donor relations for the Sisters of Providence Advancement Services office. She's also a Providence Associate.
I am so happy for you, Stephanie! Congratulations as you bring faith and love to the school community. I loved my years in education and pray you will find it fulfilling.
Sister Stephanie, you have just the right heart and temperament for your job there. I was a school social worker for several years, and you have just what it takes! What a blessing you will be at Central Catholic.
Thank you, Diane, for sharing this.
Stephanie, you’re just what Mother Theodore taught- “Love the children first and then teach them.
May your year be blessed! Kak
Stephanie, congratulations on your job. It sounds like you are doing a great job in something you love. Prayers for continued success in teaching the children and setting good examples in their lives.
Stephanie, I simply want to echo what Kak quoted from Mother Theodore. Your students and the staff will experience Providence through you.
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I am so happy for you, Stephanie! Congratulations as you bring faith and love to the school community. I loved my years in education and pray you will find it fulfilling.
Sister Stephanie, you have just the right heart and temperament for your job there. I was a school social worker for several years, and you have just what it takes! What a blessing you will be at Central Catholic.
Thank you, Diane, for sharing this.
Stephanie, you’re just what Mother Theodore taught- “Love the children first and then teach them.
May your year be blessed! Kak
Stephanie, congratulations on your job. It sounds like you are doing a great job in something you love. Prayers for continued success in teaching the children and setting good examples in their lives.
Stephanie, I simply want to echo what Kak quoted from Mother Theodore. Your students and the staff will experience Providence through you.