From the Desk of Mrs. Wolfe

Dear Our Lady Star of the Sea School Families,

Whew!  What a great week we have had this week, celebrating our Catholic School!  Many thanks to all who helped with the Pancake Breakfast last weekend – what a great crowd we had, and the food was delicious!  From there we moved to a fun Slipper Day, and a delightful Winter Concert put on by our entire student body.  Wednesday was a great time for all you sports fans, as the 8^th graders took on the teachers in volleyball.  Teachers won the first game by a comfortable margin, and the 8^th graders gave us a run for our money in the second game, but the teachers ended up with a second win.  I think the fans had as much fun as the players, supporting their teams with banners, “The Wave,” and lots of cheering!!  Thursday brought lots of hats, free dress, and food for the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank.  We’ll see if my office floor is completely covered by Friday morning – right now it’s Thursday, and we have about 12 sq. ft. of carpet still showing, so I gave the students one more day to bring in donations.  Next week I will be able to tell you about the results of our Spelling Bee, so stay tuned!    

Have a blessed weekend and week!

Jeannette Wolfe

Too Important to Miss:

• Mon. Feb. 6 – Mrs. Sullivan’s Birthday!!
• Tue. Feb. 7 – Bremerton Symphony Youth Concert field trip to BHS 9:45 AM
• Fri. Feb. 10 – Mrs. Cruz’s Birthday!
  Grandparents Day! Visit classrooms after 9:00 Mass; enjoy coffee and treats in the cafeteria downstairs from 10:00-12:00
  DISMISS AT NOON*
  *Fulcrum Applications Due in Main Office*
• Sun. Feb. 12 – Open House 12:30 -3:30 p.m.  Come visit classrooms and invite future students to come as well!
• Mon. Feb. 13– Club Picture Day
• Thur. Feb. 16 – Mr. Carpenter’s Birthday!!
• Feb. 17-20 – No School; President’s Day Weekend
• Wed. Feb. 22 – Ash Wednesday; school mass at 9:00 a.m. 

Fulcrum Tuition Assistance  Application Period for school year 2012-13 Deadline is Fri. Feb. 10!! 

If you haven’t already applied to Fulcrum, it is time to start thinking about next year’s registration process!  The Fulcrum Foundation’s application process is currently open for those who plan on applying for tuition assistance for next school year.

This year all applications need to be completed online by the family applying, or the TAP Coordinator (Mrs. Wolfe) – no handwritten applications will be accepted by the Foundation. 

To submit an online application, go to http://www.fulcrumfoundation.org/tuition 

Select the application for elementary (K-8) on the screen.  Fill in all required fields and click “Submit and Print.”  Submitting the tuition assistance application for online creates a submit ID in the upper left-hand corner of the application printout.  The submit ID includes the date of the submission and a unique 4-digit number.  It verifies that the online application has been received by the Foundation.

The application printout with the submit ID should be attached to required financial documentation in the final submission packet that is mailed to the Foundation by the school.  (Estimation for the online application time is about 5 minutes.)

Required financial information includes IRS forms 1040, 1040A or e-file.  Send only pages 1 and 2.  Do not send other forms or schedules A, E, etc.  For applicants with non-taxable income, copy documents such as 1099, federal or state aid, alimony, or child support.

Applications for assistance from Fulcrum must be submitted to the school office by NOON on Friday, Feb. 10, 2012 for consideration.

Please contact our Office Staff or Mrs. Wolfe if you have any questions about this process.

From the Desk of Mrs. Wolfe

From the Desk of Mrs. Wolfe

From the Desk of Mrs. Wolfe

Dear Our Lady Star of the Sea School Families,

Happy New Year!  I hope and pray that your Advent and Christmas seasons have been valuable times for your family and friends.  Today is not only First Friday, but also the Friday before the Solemnity of the Epiphany.  As Pope Benedict writes, “The Magi set out because of a deep desire which prompted them to leave everything and begin a journey.  It was thought they had always been waiting for that star.”  Especially at the beginning of a new calendar year, I feel a renewed sense of beginning a journey; resolutions are made, and we are refreshed and ready to continue to teach our students.  I expect these next few months to be very fruitful in terms of our students’ learning; not only in the academic area, but also in terms of learning about giving to others – service learning.  We are planning on running a huge canned food drive during Catholic Schools Week to benefit local food banks.  After the holidays, their shelves need to be restocked, and we want to help!  Students will begin collecting food the weekend of Jan. 28-29; you will hear more about the details as we approach the date.  Our staff has set a terrific goal, but I want the kids to hear about it first at next week’s Monday morning assembly!

Have a blessed week!

Too Important to Miss

From the Desk of Mrs. Wolfe

Many thanks to our tremendous volunteers who helped in so many ways during this busy month!  Our Advent Store was a huge success, thanks to the efforts of Mrs. Youngren and Mrs. Shetler and their bevy of helpers on shopping day!!  The prices were so right that they made an additional run for more merchandise between the morning and afternoon shopping times!  To those who donated items, treats, and time…thank you so much!!!

We are also thankful for the many contributions we received toward a new Mary statue for the garden.  You gave a total of over $1200 to the cause!  We are still in the process of locating a statue that will be the right size and price for our beautiful garden!

The results are in for the VFW essay contest entered this fall by our students in grades 3,4, and 5; of the 11 winners, 7 are from our school!!

In third grade, Alaya Browne placed first, Bryan Mortimore placed second, and Aliyah Morga placed third. 

In fourth grade, Maddie Shetler placed second, and Shen Stewart placed third.  In fifth grade, Eddie Chavez placed first, and Connor Youngren placed second.

Congratulations to you all for your accomplishments – we are very proud of you!  You can see their essays on our “Wall of Fame” showcase in the hallway outside the second grade classroom.  This will be an area where exceptional student work will be displayed, so please make sure you stop by occasionally to see the latest additions to the showcase.  We are very proud of the high quality work our students produce, and want to honor their achievements.

Speaking of achievements, you will see that the Friday Folder this week contains the names of students in grades 3-8 who made the Honor Roll this trimester.  Congratulations to all who achieved the levels of “Principal’s List,” “First Honors,” and “Second Honors.”  These students will receive their certificates in January when we get back to school. 

On behalf of Mrs. Panuco and her Kindergarten class, many thanks to all who contributed to the Corazon relief effort to help the children in Baja, Mexico.  The class was able to assemble 18 hygiene kits, and filled 2 more boxes with hygiene items and over the counter children’s medicine that will be much appreciated by the recipients!

I would like to leave you with an Advent Prayer that I love.  My prayer for you is for a blessed Christmas season for you and your family!

Dear Father in heaven,

Our hearts desire the warmth of your love and our minds are searching for the light of your Word. Increase our longing for Christ our Savior, and give us the strength to grow in love, that the dawn of his coming may find us rejoicing in his presence and welcoming the light of his truth.We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.

From the Desk of Mrs. Wolfe

Dear OLSOS Families,

I wish to thank all the students for participating in our first classroom competition with the Box Tops for Education!  I am happy to report that as a school we collected over $291.00 worth of Box Tops.  Way to go!!!

However, only one class gets to win the Free Dress Day! The class who collected $67.70 worth of Box Tops and winners of the classroom competition is……Mrs. Pierce’s 1^st grade class!!  Congratulations!! Just to prove to you that every single Box top counts, the 1^st grade class just edges out the 2^nd place class by only $1.80!!  1^st grade will find out from Mrs. Pierce when they will get their Free Dress day. 

Everyone, please continue collecting your Box Tops!  We will have another class competition sometime after the Christmas break.  Thank you again for your participation!

Tracy Hogg
Box Tops for Education Coordinator

Too Important To Miss

• Fri. Dec. 9 – School Mass at 9:00 a.m.
• Fri. Dec. 9 – Jr. High Faith & Fun Night
• Sat. Dec. 17 – “Best Christmas Pageant Ever” performance, 3:30 p.m. in the gym
• Sun. Dec. 18 – “Best Christmas Pageant Ever” performance, 12:30 p.m. in the gym
• Dec. 19 – Jan. 2 – Christmas Break
• Tues. Jan. 3 – Back to School

From the Desk of Mrs. Wolfe

Thanks to everyone who made my birthday such a special day yesterday!  I am truly blessed to part of such a supportive community of students, parents, and staff!  From the cards and gifts presented to me at the morning assembly, to the many birthday wishes I received all day long, the day was one I will long remember!  I found out that it was also Catholic School Principal Appreciation Day, so that was an added bonus!!

I want to send another big THANK YOU to all who attended our Veteran’s Day assembly last week, and especially to our Ms. Jordan, who was the “Director and Producer” of the event!  Our students were outstanding in their performances, whether they were singing or featured in the video, and we had an excellent group of students who decorated, met guests at the door, set up chairs, ran the equipment, etc.  But most of all, our thanks goes to you, our veterans, for your years of service to our country.

You will be receiving your student’s ITBS scores in the envelope along with your child’s report card when it comes home.  Students in grades 3, 5, and 7 also took the CogAT test during the testing window, and those results will come home as well.  The school’s overall results are on page 2 of this newsletter.

Too Important to Miss:

• Friday, Nov. 18 – end of First Trimester
• Sunday, Nov. 20 – Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ the King
• Wednesday, Nov. 23 – Dismiss at noon for Thanksgiving Break
• Sunday, Nov. 27 – First Sunday of Advent
• Monday, Nov. 28 – Back to School
• Friday, Dec. 2 –Report Cards go home
• BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION -CLASS COMPETITION CONTINUES THROUGH  NOVEMBER!!

Dance Ensemble Northwest
Presents

The Nutcracker

North Kitsap Auditorium
Friday, Nov. 25 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 26 at 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 26 at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 27 at 2:00 p.m.

Presale Tickets Available:
$15 Adults  $10 Students & Seniors
www.DENinmotion.org
InMotion Studio
Or a cast member

Ticket Prices at the Door:
$20 Adults   $15 Students & Seniors

360-779-7090
InMotion Performing Arts Studio

ANNOUNCING OUR NEW, IMPROVED, SCHOOL WEBSITE!!!!

 WE ARE VERY PLEASED TO INTRODUCE YOU TO OUR NEW SCHOOL WEBSITE AT    http://school.starofthesea.net

Please note – there is no “www” in the new address.

We hope you will find the site easy to navigate, and informational.  It will continue to be updated on a regular basis, and you should notice improvements in accessing more of our forms on line, locating current events on the main page, and seeing important links to other sites.

We value your comments, so please let us know what you think!  You can contact Jeannette Wolfe at jwolfe@sosbremerton.orgwith your feedback.  Thanks!

FALL, 2011 ITBS Scores

Score Type: National Percentile Rank 

Analysis:                       3% of scores 90+ NPR
                                    47% of scores 85-89 NPR                80% of scores above 80^th 
                                    30% of scores 80-84 NPR                            percentile
                                    14% of scores 70-79 NPR
                                      3% of scores 60-69 NPR
                                      3% of scores 50-59 NPR

From the Desk of Mrs. Wolfe

Have you enjoyed the beautiful fall weather we have been having?  I am so in awe of the myriad of colors I see on the trees as I drive to and from work each day, take a walk at home, or walk over to the church from the school.  It is so easy for us to take the beauty for granted, isn’t it?  I hope you have, or will, take some time to look around at your surroundings before that first really strong wind comes along and our leaves become “raking material!”

For the last several months we have been learning about and practicing the new responses in the New Roman Missal that will officially be in place as of Nov. 27 in every parish in the U.S.  I am so impressed with how well our students are learning the music and words, and I especially love the way our older students help the younger ones find their place in the booklet or the hymnal during Mass.  You are to be commended as well, for bringing your children to Mass regularly, and supporting the changes we are all experiencing!

Each year during this month, we become especially aware of the many blessings we receive, not just in November, but throughout the year.  Beginning with All Saints Day on Nov. 1, and continuing on through Veteran’s Day and into Thanksgiving, we realize how very much we have here in the U.S., thanks to our faith, our veterans, and our families.  In all circumstances, let us remember that Jesus is with us, and that the kingdom of God is among us. 

Too Important to Miss:

• Veteran’s Day Assembly – Nov. 10 at 2:30 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 11 – No School in observance of Veteran’s Day
• Saturday, Nov. 12 – First Reconciliation Retreat, 9-12
• PICTURE RETAKES, TUESDAY, NOV. 15 in the morning; JUST BRING IN THE ORIGINAL PACKAGE
• Friday, Nov. 18 – end of First Trimester
• Sunday, Nov. 20 – Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ the King
• Wednesday, Nov. 23 – Dismiss at noon for Thanksgiving Break
• Sunday, Nov. 27 – First Sunday of Advent
• BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION -CLASS COMPETITION CONTINUES THROUGH  NOVEMBER!

Check out these resources available in our school office:

• November Newsletter from the Missions Office of the Seattle  Archdiocese – contains a lovely Thanksgiving Prayer Service for families
• Maryknoll magazine for Fall, 2011
• Kitsap County Kids’ Directory

From the Desk of Mrs. Wolfe

This last week has been a busy one for our students and teachers as the annual Saints Museum Event approaches next Tuesday, Nov. 1!  The Museum will be located within the school this year, and you will receive a program when you arrive that will indicate what room each student will be in for their presentation.  Students in grades K-7 will be paired with a student from their “Buddy Classroom,” and our 8^th graders will serve as greeters and tour guides for our guests.

We are looking forward to many visitors that morning!  Please plan on attending Mass at 9:00 a.m. with our students!!

We will also provide refreshments in the cafeteria between 10:30 – 12:00.

We have now completed our ITBS testing for grades 3-8.  Our school has joined a Consortium with the Archdiocese that will not only allow us to compare our scores with those of other Archdiocesan schools, but will also provide us with data interpretation tools that we can use to get at the heart of each student’s areas of strength and areas that need increased focus.  The goal, of course, is to be able to help each child reach his/her full potential academically.  Remember that in addition to being Active Learners, our students also spend time daily learning to be Active Catholics and Active Citizens.

Too Important to Miss:

NO LUNCH SERVED ON TUESDAY, NOV. 1, DUE TO NOON DISMISSAL

• All Saints Party & Trunk or Treat – Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.
• Saints Museum, 10:30-12:00, Tuesday, Nov. 1, following 9:00 a.m. Mass
• Shriners Hospital Screening Clinic – 9-Noon, Nov. 5 at Harrison Hospital, 2560 Cherry Ave., Bremerton
• Veteran’s Day Assembly – Nov. 10 at 2:30 p.m.
• PICTURE RETAKES, NOV. 15 JUST BRING IN THE ORIGINAL PHOTO PACKAGE

LOOK WHO HAS ALREADY DONATED!!

Many thanks to the following families who have already met their SCOPE donation obligation:
Hernandez Family
Hofer Family
Jackson Family
Pauly Family
Pirak Family
Read/Tucker Family
White Family 

From the Desk of Mrs. Wolfe

One of the joys of holding our Book Fair here at OLSOS School was to find several shelves of books that were spiritual in nature, written just for kids.  That was not allowed to happen at my previous school!  As I perused the shelves, I found a book called, “Jesus Calling; 365 Devotions for Kids.”  As I thumbed through the pages, I quickly decided this was a purchase I needed to make. I’d like to share the thoughts contained within that book for today, Oct. 21.  It begins with a reference to Job 1:21; “The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away.  Praise the name of the Lord!”  The reflection then states,

‘You don’t like it when your plans are messed with.  You planned to go to the movies, but your parents said no.  You wanted to spend the summer goofing off, but you ended up babysitting instead.  You had a goal in mind, but I said, “Not now.”

When you don’t get to do what you want, you feel like stomping your foot and yelling, “No!”  But instead, you push your anger and frustration down inside you.  I want you to let that frustration out– to Me.  I’ll understand, and I’ll help you sort through it.  Then – and this is the really tough part – praise Me.

Remember that all good things – your possessions, your family and friends, your health and talents, even your time – are gifts from Me.  Thank Me for the good things I give you, but do not cling to them.  Be willing to let go of anything I take from you, including your plans.  But don’t ever let go of My hand!’

May you remember to hang on to Jesus’ hand as you receive what He has to offer you in this coming week, and encourage your children to do the same!  Our hope is truly in the Lord, isn’t it?

Ever Been to a Flashlight Corn Maze?

Make sure to visit Sunrise Farm in Kingston on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 7:15 – 8:45 p.m. for an opportunity to find your way through the maze with only a flashlight to help you out! 

Sunrise Farm is located at 11033 NE Tulin Rd, Kingston, WA, 98346.  Cost is $8.25/person: Parents are welcome to stay as there are many other activities at the farm.

Parents interested in arranging a carpool can contact Josh at 627-8925, or josh@starofthesea.net for a list of attendees.

Introducing electronic labels for education!!

Register your Albertson’s Preferred Card at www.eLabelsAddUp.com.  The school will earn 100 extra points as well as points from your everyday shopping!!

Get 500 Labels for Education Bonus Points when you buy 15 participating Labels for Education products  OR  Get 250 Labels for Education Bonus Points when you buy 10 participating Labels for Education products.

Too Important to Miss:

Please take a look at the following attachments included in this Friday folder:

• All Saints Party & Trunk or Treat – Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.
• Box Tops for Education Contest
• Shriners Hospital Screening Clinic – 9-Noon, Nov. 5 at Harrison Hospital, 2560 Cherry Ave., Bremerton
• Veteran’s Day Assembly – Nov. 10 at 2:30 p.m.
  

We will soon introduce our updated website!

In the next few weeks we will be unveiling our new and improved website!  Our hope is that it will be easy to navigate, and very user-friendly, as well as informational!  We appreciate all who currently rely on our website to get the most current information about what is happening at school.  Many thanks to Andrew St. Hillaire for all his work on the website, and to Martha Groneman for her work to keep the site up to date!