But the music is not just for my students–it’s for me, too. In fact, I don’t think I could have made it these last two decades without the energy, enthusiasm and life-giving joy that music provides.

The following list of songs is from my personal “Affirmations” playlist. It’s not every song, but it’s most of them. Of course, it’s highly subjective. That’s why I’m hoping you’ll share some of your own favorites in the comments section at the end of the list. Here we go…

Nick’s Positive Songs for Use in the Catholic Classroom

The first thing you need to know is that my absolute favorite song of all time is “Over the Rainbow,” so I play that song quite a bit. I have over one hundred covers of the song, from country to alternative to dance remix versions, and everything in between. I think it’s the greatest song ever written. Period.

Second, there are several Catholic artists below that I want to draw your attention to: Matt Maher, Popple, Ceili Rain and Joe Hand. These artists are some of the best Catholic musicians working today, and I highly recommend any of their albums.

Finally, clicking on a song will take you to a page at Amazon.com where you can listen to a sample or purchase the song. All purchases help support the work of Catholic School Chronicle.

Ace of Base

• “Beautiful Life“
• “Life Is a Flower“

The Allman Brothers, “Blue Sky”

All American Rejects, “Move Along ”

Audio Adrenaline

• “King“
• “Big House“
• “Never Gonna Be as Big as Jesus“
• “Get Down“

Bachman Turner Overdrive, “Takin’ Care of Business”

The Beach Boys, “Good Vibrations”

The Beatles

• “Good Day Sunshine”
• “Here Comes the Sun”

Natasha Bedingfield, “Unwritten”

George Benson, “Breezin’”

Boston

• “Peace of Mind“
• “Don’t Look Back“

Caedmon’s Call

• “Sacred“
• “Thankful“
• “Lead of Love“

David Crowder Band

• “Here Is Our King“
• “Foreverandever Etc“

Casting Crowns

• “Lifesong“
• “In Me“

Chris Cagle, “What a Beautiful Day”

Steven Curtis Chapman

• “For the Sake of the Call“
• “Let Us Pray“

Chicago, “25 or 6 to 4”

Ceili Rain

• “Pencil in Your Hand”
• “Love Travels“
• “You Then Me“
• “Jigorous“
• “God Done Good“
• “100 Smiles an Hour“
• “Like a Train“
• “Stomp“

City on a Hill

• “God of Wonders“
• “Sing Alleluia“

Petula Clark, “Downtown”

Coldplay

• “Clocks“
• “Speed of Sound“
• “Square One“

Sheryl Crow, “Soak Up the Sun”

Des’ree, “You Gotta Be”

Hilary Duff, “Shine”

Electric Light Orchestra

• “Hold on Tight“
• “I’m Alive“

Emerson, Lake and Palmer

• “Fanfare for the Common Man“
• “Hoedown“

Tommy Emmanuel

• “Guitar Boogie“
• “Tall Fiddler“

Gloria Estefan, “Get on Your Feet”

Feist, “Mushaboom”

Five for Fighting

• “100 Years“
• “The Riddle“

Fleetwood Mac, “Don’t Stop”

John Fogerty, “Sugar Sugar”

The Go-Gos, “We Got the Beat”

Delta Goodrem

• “Believe Again“
• “Possessionless“
• “God Laughs“

Goo Goo Dolls, “Better Days”

Green Day, “Time of Your Life”

Vince Guaraldi Trio, “Linus and Lucy”

Joe Hand, “I Want to Worship You”

Patrick Hernandez, “Born to Be Alive”

High School Musical

• “Start of Something New“
• “Get’cha Head in the Game“
• “Breaking Free“
• “We’re All in This Together“

Enrique Iglesias, “Hero”

Joe Jackson, “Steppin’ Out”

Jars of Clay

• “Sunny Days“
• “Show You Love“

Jimmy Eat World, “The Middle”

Eric Johnson, “Cliffs of Dover”

Katrina and the Waves, “Walking on Sunshine”

Mat Kearney, “Nothing Left to Lose”

Kool and the Gang, “Celebration”

Kenny Loggins, “I’m All Right”

Matt Maher

• “You’re Grace Is Enough“
• “For Your Glory“
• “Shine Like the Son“

Chuck Mangione, “Feels So Good”

Martina McBride, “This One’s for the Girls”

Bobby McFerrin, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”

Tim McGraw, “Live Like You Were Dyin’”

Mercy Me, “I Can Only Imagine”

Jo Dee Messina, “Dare to Dream”

Hannah Montana

• “Life’s What You Make It“
• “Nobody’s Perfect“

Van Morrison, “Youth of 1,000 Summers”

Randy Newman, “You’ve Got a Friend in Me”

Newsboys

• “Something Beautiful“
• “Shine“

Nichole Nordeman, “Legacy”

Tom Petty

• “A Higher Place“
• “Learning to Fly“

Popple

• “Taming the Wild Robot“
• “Peanut Butter Sandwiches“
• “Binary“
• “Little White Square“
• “Papal Disco“

Dan Powter, “Bad Day”

The Pretenders, “I’ll Stand by You”

Rascall Flatts, “Life is a Highway”

Relient K, “Who I Am Hates Who I’ve Been”

Santana

• “Migra“
• “(Da le) Yaleo“

Joe Satriani, “Summer Song”

Joey Scarbury, “Theme from Greatest American Hero”

Sherwood, “The Best in Me”

Sister Sledge, “We Are Family”

Sly and the Family Stone, “Everyday People”

Smash Mouth, “All Star”

Starship, “We Built This City”

The Stray Cats, “Rock This Town”

Survivor, “Eye of the Tiger”

Switchfoot

• “Stars“
• “More Than Fine“
• “Golden“
• “This is Your Life“
• “We Are One Tonight“

Chris Tomlin

• “Sing, Sing Sing“
• “God of This City“
• “Indescribable“
• “You’re Grace Is Enough“

Train, “When I Look to the Sky”

The Turtles, “Happy Together”

U2

• “Beautiful Day“
• “City of Blinding Light“

Van Halen

• “Right Now“
• “Dreams “

Jaci Velasquez, “We Can Make a Difference”

The Ventures, “Hawaii Five-O”

The Wailin’ Jennys, “One Voice”

The White Stripes, “We’re Going to Be Friends”

John Williams

• Olympic Fanfare and Theme
• Main Title from Superman
• Main title from Star Wars
• Imperial March from Star Wars
• March from Raiders of the Lost Ark
  

Steve Winwood, “While You See a Chance”

Lee Ann Womack, “I Hope You Dance”

Weird Al Yankovic

• “The Saga Begins“
• “Ebay“

Other Soundtrack Music

• Theme from The Magnificent Seven
• Theme from Rocky
• Theme from Bonanza
• Theme from Peter Gunn
• Theme from The Pink Panther

This is a revised and enhanced version of an article I wrote for Teen Literacy Tips in August of 2007.

The following video is for them, and for everyone who feels exhausted from trying and trying, but not succeeding, and who feels like giving up. And I’m not just talking about students, either. Catechesis is a tough ministry, and sometimes it feels like we get nowhere. Modern culture isn’t exactly Catholic-friendly these days, so we can feel like our feeble attempts mean nothing in the grand scheme of things. But as you watch and listen to Nicholas James Vujicic, recall the words of the prophet Jeremiah:

“For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope.”

Thanks to Wes Fryer for sharing the video.

Mustache Math

There’s nothing like youthful enthusiasm, as these young teachers from Notre Dame’s ACE program demonstrate. I smiled for the entire 18 minutes watching this video. I especially liked Mustache Math at about 8:50. We need more Catholic teachers to share their stories like this. If you haven’t yet visited the website for Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education, I highly recommend it. What a great gift to Catholic education.

I’ve had the pleasure of being on the Notre Dame campus twice for ND Vision, but have never visited the ACE offices. The next time I go back there I will certainly be stopping in to meet the people behind this remarkable program.

ACE 16 from ACEatND on Vimeo.

To be sure, Catholic teachers are overburdened and rightly need to make teaching their number one priority; but it’s a shame that more don’t take the time to share their ideas and resources with the rest of the world. Blogging can take as much or as little time as you want, and can be as professional or informal as your personality and goals dictate. If you teach in Catholic schools, please consider starting a blog of your own.

Here’s the list of all the blogs by Catholic educators that I’ve been able to find. I’d love to be able to add to this list, so please let me know of any blogging teachers, administrators and catechists that I may have missed.

Teachers:

• BarbinNebraska – Barb Gilman, teacher and pioneer in social media for Catholic educators
• Being Catholic and Classroom Chronicles – Ann Lusch, high school teacher
• Catholic Teacher Man – Adam Thompson, English teacher at St. Thomas High School in Houston, TX
• Catholic Teacher Musings – Laura, a middle school teacher
• Catholic School Advocate – TJ D’Agostino, teacher
• edtech Vision – Colette Cassinelli, high school librarian and New Media teacher
• George Somers – Computer teacher in California
• Imagine and Teach – Ed Allen, assistant principal and theater program director at Cardinal O’Hara High School in Springfield, PA
• Mary’s World – Mary, K-8 music teacher in Dallas, TX
• NJ Tech Teacher Musings – Ann Oro, K-8 computer teacher
• Notes from McTeach – Karen McMillan, seventh grade teacher at Christ the King Catholic School in Northern California
• One Catholic Life – Yours truly, teacher and vice principal at All Saints Catholic School in Spokane, WA
• Scriptorium – Gregory Graham, technology director at Cistercian Preparatory School in Irving, TX
• A Second Grade Teacher’s Blog – Patti Harju, second grade teacher in Michigan
• The Teacher’s View – Paul Martin, high school English Teacher
• Techconnects – Nancy Caramanico, director of technology, Archdiocese of Philadelphia Catholic Schools
• What Is Your IT Vision? – Paul Wood, high school director of technology in Texas
• Yellow Brick Road – Patti Ruffing, technology coordinator in Pennsylvania

Principals/Administrators:

• Catholic Education – Michael Zelenka, principal at Incarnation Catholic School, Tampa, FL
• Catholic Educator – Faustin Weber, headmaster at John Paul II High School, Nashville, TN
• The Constant Learner – William Brannick, principal at Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergrast High School in Drexel, PA
• The Daily Saint – Mike St. Pierre, president of Morris Catholic High School in Denville, NJ
• President’s Page – Mike Khoury, president of Detroit Cristo Rey High School
• Principles and Principals – Jason Curtis, principal at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, NC
• Roy Petitfils – Administrator and counselor in Broussard, LA
• Souly Catholic H.S. – Charlie Roy, principal in Peoria, IL
• TADO: Teaching and Developing Online – Darren Cannell, administrator for Saskatoon Catholic Cyber School
• Work with Hope – Greg Dhuyvetter, superintendent for the Diocese of Orange, CA

Catechists:

• Catechetical Foundations – Mark Postma, Michael Tober and Adam Janke, credentials too numerous to mention!
• Catechist Corner – Carlos Torres, catechist
• Catechist’s Journey – Joe Paprocki, catechist and National Consultant for Faith Formation for Loyola Press
• Catechesis in the Third Millenium – William O’Leary, Director of Religious Education
• eCatechist – Dan Pierson, fourth grade catechist and former Catholic school teacher
• Engaging Faith – catechetical tips from Ave Maria Press featuring contributions from Mike Amodel, Karey Welde, Bob Hamma, Jared Dees, and Nancy Clemmons, SNJM
• Jonathan F. Sullivan – Director of Catechetical Ministries for the Diocese of Springfield, Illinois, co-chair of the Technology Committee for the National Conference of Catechetical Leadership
• To Know, Serve and Love – a catechist in New Jersey
• Liturgy and Catechesis Shall Kiss – Joyce Donahue, catechetical associate, Diocese of Joliet, IL
• The Religion Teacher – Jared Dees, Adolescent Catechetical Specialist at Ave Maria Press
• Riparians at the Gate – Jennifer Fitz, fifth grade catechist and homeschooling mom
• Scrutinies – Dorian Speed, catechist, homeschooling mom and former Catholic high school teacher
• RE Teacher: Catholic Religious Education Resources – catechist Bellinghamster from Bellingham, WA

President Obama Addresses Students in 2009

The Catholic Diocese of Madison, Wisconsin will allow its schools to air President Obama’s back-to-school speech this year, according to the Wisconsin State Journal. The article goes on to say that this is a reversal of last year’s decision not to allow the speech to be shown in Catholic classrooms. The diocese is not mandating the speech, but is leaving the decision in the hands of local teachers and administrators.

Last year the prospect of showing the speech generated controversy around the nation, with many schools and districts opting not to show it. The speech itself proved to be fairly benign, but there was quite a bit of discussion about the teaching materials provided by the Department of Education, and about the appropriateness of showing it during school.

What is your diocese saying about broadcasting the speech to your students? Anything? Has this come up in faculty meetings or water-cooler conversations? Will you be showing it in your classroom this year? Why or why not? If you’re a Catholic school parent, what’s your opinion?

Express yourself by leaving a comment below–and let’s keep it civil, please.

1. Say hello!
2. Shake their hands as they come in.
3. Give them a high five.
4. Lead them in a prayer service.
5. Give them each a blessing.
6. Welcome them in Pig Latin.
7. Say Hola!
8. Write a message on the chalkboard/overhead/digital screen.
9. Have a positive song playing as they enter.
10. Play a musical instrument.
11. Recite an inspirational poem.
12. Sing a happy song.
13. Give them each a piece of candy.
14. Give them a fortune cookie.
15. Scramble the words Welcome Back on the board and have them solve it.
16. Do a tap dance.
17. Play a clip from Dead Poets Society or another inspirational movie.
18. Have them punch a time clock as they enter.
19. Perform a singing telegram.
20. Give them each a holy card/bookmark.
21. Say Wilkommen!
22. Introduce yourself.
23. Teach them how to line dance
24. Yell, “Let’s get ready to rumble!”
25. Play “Zombie Nation” by Kernkraft 400.
26. Play a YouTube video.
27. Breakdance.
28. Take a picture of the class to remember their names.
29. Hand them a free pencil customized with your name.
30. Recite “Pioneers, O Pioneers” by Walt Whitman.
31. Ask all your online teacher friends to send well wishes and advice via Twitter, and read them.
32. Bring in a brown bag filled with objects that define you, explain the objects, then invite your students to do the same.
33. Laugh like a mad scientist (BWAH HAH HAH!).
34. Bring in plain donuts, frosting and cake decorations and invite them to decorate their own breakfast (or make one for a friend).
35. Have them introduce themselves.
36. Have them introduce themselves while doing jumping jacks.
37. Have them break through a big Go Get ‘Em poster, like a football team running onto the field.
38. Ask for their autographs for your autograph book of Future Famous People.
39. Read them one of St. Paul’s greetings such as 1 Corinthians 1:4-9.
40. Ask them to bless each other and you on this grace-filled day.

Be sure to add your own ideas by commenting below.

And, as a bonus, 10 ways NOT to welcome students back:

1. Show them a slide show of your summer vacation.
2. Tell them the results of your annual physical.
3. Hand them a discipline slip as they enter and tell them not to lose it, because they’ll probably need it soon.
4. Slap them on the butt and say, “Way to go! You actually got up in time to make it to school!”
5. Sit at your desk reading Retirement Planning for the Aging Schoolteacher
6. Assign them seats based on last year’s standardized test results, highest scores in the back, lowest scores in the front.
7. Play grunge music and start a mosh pit.
8. As they walk into your room, have your principal point out individual students who got in trouble last year.
9. Hand them a Christmas list so they can get working on your gift early.
10. And finally, point out the big countdown you’ve posted in the front of the room that marks the number of days until school gets out.

Better yet, get a bunch of students and teachers and make your own video like these schools did:

Parent-Teacher-Student Litany

Leader: Dear God of all creation, thank you for the marvelous gift of learning. We beg you to hear our prayers for our school life. Come into our midst, into our minds and into our hearts.

(After each of the following petitions, all respond, “Hear our prayer, O Lord.”)

For school boards and superintendents,
For principals and secretaries,
For custodians and bus drivers,
For librarians and cooks,
For teachers and learners,
For buildings and playgrounds,
For budgets and books,
For parents and families,
For assignments and grades,
For field days and field trips,
For book reports and homework,
For kindergartners and school aides,
For first graders and reading teachers,
For second graders and music teachers,
For third graders and school nurses,
For fourth graders and room parents,
For fifth graders and speech therapists,
For sixth graders and playground supervisors,
For seventh graders and assistant principals,
For eighth graders and resource people,
For freshman and activity directors,
For sophomores and coaches,
For juniors and drama teachers,
For seniors and counselors,
Keep us all under your loving care this year, Lord, and teach us to love one another as we learn from one another.

(After each of the following petitions, all respond, “Pray for us.”)

Mary, mother of all students,
That we may all be what God wants us to be,
That we may accept the responsibilities of learning,
That we may support our schools and teachers,
That we may perceive, judge and act wisely,
That we may grow in age and grace,
That we may furnish educational hope for all,
That we may change the world,
That we may make new friends and keep old friends,
That we may be patient with our students and teachers,
That we may keep our school clean and pleasant,

Come, O Holy Spirit, and fill the hearts and minds of your faithful. Grant us faith, knowledge and perseverance so that we may go forth and spread the Good News. Amen.

A Prayer for the First Day of School

Teacher: As school begins, Mary, we put this year in your hands. We pray that our class will emerge in June more educated, more prayerful and more compassionate to others.

All: Please pray to Jesus for us, Mary.

Teacher: That all children everywhere will experience loving teachers and enlightening classes,

All: Please pray to Jesus for us, Mary.

Teacher: That the school year will be filled with good friends, exciting school activities, and God’s love,

All: Please pray to Jesus for us, Mary.

Teacher: That we have a minimum of illness, unfinished homework and unkind behavior,

All: Please pray to Jesus for us, Mary.

Teacher: That we help new students to feel welcome these first days of school,

All: Please pray to Jesus for us, Mary.

Teacher: That we notice and are grateful for the many blessings God gives us this year,

All: Please pray to Jesus for us, Mary. Hail Mary, full of grace, hear our prayer for a school year that will please your Son, educate us, and help us to fulfill God’s plan for us in his world. Amen.

Today, web sites are too important to schools to be designed by a geeky teacher and his students. Catholic schools hire professional web designers or rely on parent volunteers with web design experience. Enter Lance Johnson and Adam Fairholm, the creative minds behind Catholic School Web Design, a web site dedicated to bringing useful web design information to Catholic schools. Though it’s only been around for three months, CSWD has already produced over a dozen helpful articles for Catholic school webmasters, including the following:

• Tips on Using Facebook for Catholic Schools
• Creating a Great Donate Page
• Subdomain Use in Catholic School Web Design

If you’re a Catholic school administrator, development director or web designer, pay CSWD a visit and subscribe to the RSS feed. You can also follow them on Twitter, too.