School Newsletter: October 16, 2021

We just concluded our MAP assessments in the areas of Reading, Language Arts and Mathematics. I am grateful for the effort put forth by our students as these summative assessments require much focus and endurance for true representation of academic growth. Your child’s teacher will be able to share these results with each family at your upcoming conference or within the first trimester report card. 

As the year progresses, we are establishing our student body council that has always been part of our school community. Mrs. Kilgallen will be heading up the elected officers and representatives from grades 3-8. Their list of responsibilities include leading morning prayers, fundraising, organizing service projects, presenting to groups, setting up events, writing student newsletters, and more. We invite students to make this commitment to serve their peers, the Church and the community at large. Furthermore, your ability to present yourself and communicate effectively will be heavily encouraged as part of our new curriculum. Class representative and student council speeches have been extended in hopes of seeing greater participation.  I truly look forward to hearing well written brief speeches by many of your children. *Please see the schedule below. 

Finally as both volleyball and cross country came to a close, I want to thank again the athletes and coaches for their commitment to honor the gift of physical movement through teamwork and graciousness while tackling the finer points of both sports.      
 
IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• School Lunches: If your child is opting for school lunch, we encourage you to send them with extra food/snacks as we are finding our older students are still hungry after finishing their lunch.  We are only able to provide 1 lunch per student.  
• Saints Museum Costume Bins: The school has a limited number of Saints costumes available to borrow for our Saints Museum.  If you would like to look through the bins, please contact the school office to schedule an appointment.
• School Mass Uniform Reminder:  All Kindergarten - 8th grade students are required to wear a white polo and school sweater every Friday for Mass.  Students out of compliance with this policy will receive a dress code violation.
• The Fulcrum Foundation tuition assistance application for the 2022-2023 school year is available online at fulcrumfoundation.org 
  • The application is due by January 7th, 2021.  This year’s application fee is $35.
  • If you require assistance with this application, please call the school office to schedule an appointment anytime before December 10th, 2021. 

*This application MUST be submitted by any family that will be applying for parish assistance. 

• Parent Conferences (Oct. 20-22)  
  • Wednesday's conference will be held for Kindergarten - 4th grades only from 12:45pm to 4:30pm. Please sign-up for a time slot through your student/s class sign-up genius sent out by teachers this week.
    • There will be no middle school conferences on Wednesday.
  • Thursday conferences will be held from Kindergarten - 8th Grade from 1:00pm to 7:30pm.
    • Middle school conferences held in the cafeteria on a drop-in basis.
    • Childcare will be in the gym after 5:30pm if needed.  
  • If you cannot attend this mandatory conference, please contact your teacher for possibly another date. 
  • Star Care will be available for our Kindergarten - 8th grade students during conferences until 5:30pm, then until 7pm on Thursday in the gym.
• As the weather gets colder, please send your child with a uniform sweater and a coat. In addition, please have your child ready to exit your vehicle at your drop off location with a coat, backpack and water bottle.  This will allow the flow of cars to move swiftly.

UPCOMING DATES
Oct. 17th- 6th Grade will be hosting hospitality after 8 & 11 am Masses (Students who help out may have free dress on Monday, Oct. 18th
Oct. 19th- Parents’ Club Meeting in Ctr Rooms 1 & 2 at 7pm (childcare provided)
Oct. 20th – 22nd- Conferences (Noon Dismissal)
Oct. 26th-  Aquinas Classical Academy’s Information Night at 6:30pm in  the John Paul II Youth Center 
Oct. 29th- Saints Museum-  NO STAR CARE
Nov. 3-  5th-8th Grade students can wear Life Runner shirt in support of the protection of the lives of the unborn
Nov. 5- First Friday Family Formation Night featuring Dr. Naughton on Reclaiming  the Lord’s Day in Camerman Hall at 6-8pm (childcare provided) with potluck for all (these count as parent hours)
*Student Council deadlines: Written Speeches- Wed., Oct. 20th; Speech Presentation- Mon., Oct. 25th; Elections- Wed., Oct. 27th                                                                                                                                                                      

​CATHOLIC LIBERAL EDUCATION IN ACTION
In our new Art course with Mr. Ogilvie (grades 5-8), classes practiced seminar style discussions on visual inspirations and how these are gifts from God. Some students referenced viewing sunrises, hiked landscapes, and sun shining through stained glass windows of our own church. In addition, this first week of art focused on how to improve one's drawing skills. “Mark making”, our basic ability to be purposeful and controlled in our application of pencil to paper, is key to developing skill. These exercises promoted fine motor skill, hand-eye coordination, focus, and discipline. Mr. Ogilvie is a wonderful addition to our liberal education staff.

​SPORTS RESULTS  
Volleyball
B Team (3-1 record) W 25-17, 25-10
A Team (1-3 record) W 25-21, 25-13