September 16, 2019

Reflection

Jesus chose apostles to help him with his work.  He calls all of us to work together to help him with his work.  Since it is still the beginning of our new school year let us see how we can share our time and ideas, and encourage each other.  Jesus tell us in the gospel of Luke how to love each other. Luke Ch. 6: 27-28, 31-33, 35. 

We remember Pope Cornelius and Bishop Cyprian on September 16.  These two friends lived at a time when the rulers were killing Christians.  Many people left the church because they were afraid they would be killed.  Pope Cornelius was a gentle man.  He encouraged the people who remained faithful to the church to forgive those who left it.  Bishop Cyprian was a brave African and a famous teacher.

We remember Julian on September 17.  She was a holy woman who lived in Norwich, England.  People came to her for spiritual help.  She had religious visions.  In one vision she saw a tiny nut in her hand.  She thought it would disappear because it was a so small, but it did not. Julian saw that it was a symbol of all creation.  It lasts and always will because God loves it.

We can look at these holy people and find something in their lives to help us to love God by being kind, caring and reaching out to help others, even those we do not like.

Please remember in prayer those who are sick, especially Father Mink, Ms. Carmen, baby William Kelley and all the sick of our parish.  Our First Responders and Armed Forces need our prayers every day.  Please pray for them. 

SCHOOL NOTES

Thank you to all the parents who came to to Back to School Night on Tuesday. It was wonderful to see you. And special thanks to Cristalyn Johnson who has resumed her pretzel transport operation, bringing much joy to the students on Friday. 

This week and next we will be conducting Star Math and Reading testing for grades K-8. The online assessment is computer adapted and takes about one half hour. These results will be used by teachers to provide a baseline for instruction and support. Parent reports will be sent out later this month. We will be testing 3x this year according to diocesan policy. The next window is February 3-14 and the third window will be May 11-22.

Wednesday is class picture day. Even though it is a gym day for some classes, everyone should be wearing their regular school uniform.

Thursday is individual picture day; this is an optional uniform day. If students have gym class on Thursday, they should be sure to bring or wear sneakers. 

The following week, September 23-25 is the Follet School Book Fair. Fliers will go home in this week's Friday folders. This is our first time using this company for our book fair, and we expect fewer trinkets and more quality books that align with our AR reading program and our school library system. One neat new feature is that parents can purchase Follett gift cards if they prefer this to sending in cash with their child.  Summer McMenamin (summermcmenamin@gmail.com) is coordinating this book fair for H&SA and she will be sending around a signup genius next week for volunteers. Follett provides a little incentive-- parent volunteers will get a discount on their purchases!

Reminders

Car Line: MORNING -- Please do not get out of your car if you are in the car line. This is a drop-off/pickup line only. If your child is not able to get out of the car on his/her own and walk into school, please park on one of the nearby streets, being careful not to block a neighbor's driveway. And please cross only at the crosswalks. The second crossing guard should be reporting for duty this week. AFTERNOON -- We now have two teachers and additional safeties working the afternoon car line. We are getting to know the cars and parents in the afternoon car line, but please continue to use the blue name card on the windshield of your car so that Ms. Fergo and Ms. McLain can identify you. If someone other than a parent will be picking up your child, please let the school know and ask the driver to have some form of identification. 

Walker Door: If you are picking up your child on Union Street, please get out of your car and wait on the Union Street sidewalk where the teachers on duty, Mrs. Donilon and Mrs. Lopez, can see you.   

Amazon Smile: Amazon Smile is a simple and automatic way for you to support St. Ann's every time you shop, at no cost to you. Next time you want to make a purchase through Amazon, sign up for Amazon Smile via this Amazon Smile link. Save it to your favorites or bookmark it.  That way, every time you buy, Amazon will donate 0.5% to St. Ann's. It's just that simple!

Volunteers needed

Paperwork: We need background checks on any adult family member who wants to spend time with our children in school or at a school-sponsored off-campus event. The cost is $30 and they are good for 5 years. Please contact Pat Walker at pwalker@thesaintannschool.org if you are interested. 

 Follet School Book Fair: Sept 23-25. Summer McMenamin (summermcmenamin@gmail.com) is coordinating this book fair for H&SA. Look for signup genius if you are willing to volunteer a few hours during the school day.  Follett provides a little incentive-- parent volunteers will get a discount on their purchases!

Lunchroom:  We still need volunteers. Use Sign-Up Genius to let us know when you will be coming.  Please consider if you or another family member can help out.

4H Club:  Mrs. Sarah Berninger will offer 4H on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.  She is looking for eight parents to help; the commitment is only one day.  Please remember that in order to volunteer you must have a signed Volunteer Covenant and a cleared background check on file with the Diocese.

More Useful Information

2019-2020 St. Ann School Calendar: Attached here is the detailed St. Ann School Calendar for 2019-20. Please note that changes may occur to this calendar during the course of the year, so check back periodically.

2019-2020 Diocesan Calendar: Attached here is the Diocesan School Calendar for the 2019-2020 school year.