Head for the Day is an event that was sold at last spring's live auction and serves as a community service day in support of a deserving East Dallas organization. This year's theme is the Wilderness/Great Outdoors, and eighth grader Gatlin Shore will serve as Head of School for the entire day! Gatlin will enjoy lunch with his predecessor and successor, Mark Crotty, open the day with a personal broadcast on Crusader Live, and generally revel in the glory of being top dog for the day! Best of all, the whole school will get to join in on the fun, with special surprises during the day and a Wilderness/Great Outdoors-themed free-dress day. Students may come dressed as a fisherman, hunter, hiker, camper or anything outdoorsy. Just remember to follow the free-dress guidelines on page 53 of the student handbook. Stay tuned for information about Gatlin's community service collection.

 

 

Family Movie Night

When: Thursday, October 6, at 7:00 p.m.

Where: On the soccer field

Bring a picnic blanket and join us the evening before Conference Day for an outdoor viewing of a family movie, fellowship and lots of fun. The Crusader Club will sell concessions: hot dogs, popcorn, chips, sodas and candy. Proceeds will fund project materials for the 2012 Crusader Club Cares Day.

 

 

Suds 'n Buds

When: Thursday, October 13, at 6:30 p.m.

This dads-only social is a great opportunity to get to know other Crusader Club members while enjoying an outdoor buffet and beverages at the home of a fellow St. John's dad.

 

 

St. John's fall Carnival is thrilled to announce that Cary Pierce will appear in concert on the Main Stage during Carnival! Cary is an accomplished singer and songwriter who represents one half of the alternative rock band, Jackopierce. Cary also happens to be the leader of St. John's very own CRU, a group of Middle Schoolers who gather each week to sing hit pop songs under Cary's tutelage. Rumor has it that some very special young guests will join Cary on stage, so prepare to have your bobbysocks rocked!

 

 

Carnival Wristbands 411

Want the quick skinny on making the most of this year's Carnival? It all begins with your Carnival wristbands, which are now available online for purchase>> And this year, you've got to ask yourself this question: BLUE or GOLD? That's because two types of wristbands are being offered to Carnival devotees: BLUE for $10 and GOLD for $25. Which one is right for you?

 

Feeling BLUE?  

Blue is best for adults and young children. A blue wristband is the right choice for Carnival-goers who plan to pass up the premium attractions in favor of more mellow pursuits. A blue wristband also entitles the lucky wearer to play old-fashioned midway games, sample a Taste of the Tailgate AND attend the Cary Pierce concert. All for only $10! Wow!

 

Or ready to go for the GOLD?

All that glitters is definitely gold, which is the best choice (and best value) for Carnival-goers who plan on doing it all! Gold wristband wearers enjoy all the benefits of Blues, PLUS unlimited turns on the Super Slide and other premium midway games, unlimited face painting and airbrushed tattoos, AND one can of Silly String AND one hot dog meal combo (not necessarily at the same time).

 

Whichever way you decide to go, choose quickly, because prices go up $5 per band on the day of Carnival.

 

 

New PA Meeting Format with Featured Speakers

This year's PA meetings will not only cover the business and plans of the PA Council, but will also feature a short presentation from a topical speaker from our school staff. In September, fourth grade teacher Amy Wilson shared her insights on brain-based learning, including ways to foster confidence and self-motivation in kids. In October, drama specialist Tom Parr will talk about the integrated drama program. We hope you'll join us at the next PA meeting on October 18.

 

 

Auction Launches Website

Mark your calendar for Friday, March 2, 2012, and plan on a fabulous night of fun at Union Station. Get ahead of the train by checking out the new Auction website>> 

  

 

New Spirit Items on Sale

As impossible as it may seem, the mercury WILL eventually drop below 70 degrees. Prepare now for the coming cold snap by purchasing your favorite cold-weather spirit items and be sure to check out the other new merchandise at the online spirit shop>>

 

 

Grandparents Day

Note that the time and date of Grandparents Day have changed this year. Please tell your child's grandparents or those attending that the event will be the afternoon of Friday, November 18. Invitations will be mailed in October.

 

 

Box Tops Collection Date

If you've been collecting box tops, be sure to send them to school with your child. Students in the Lower School homeroom and Middle School advisory that turn in the most Box Tops by September 30 will win free Slurpees from 7-Eleven.  

 

 

Ways to Get Involved

Book Fair -- Volunteers are needed for set up on October 1 and to work the Book Fair during the week of October 3. Contact Jeannie Courtwright if you are interested.

 

Sunshine Committee -- The Sunshine Committee is looking for volunteers to help with small acts of kindness to brighten the day of community members in need. These acts of kindness can be as small as purchasing a greeting card or as large as preparing a home-cooked meal. Contact Julie Hartin if you're interested.

 

Auction --To keep the Auction train rolling, we need LOTS of volunteers. Whether you can spare a few minutes or a few hours, there are jobs big and small that you can help us with. It's a great way to get involved and hang out with old and new friends alike. To climb on board just toot your horn by contacting our Auction Chairs:

 

Valerie Adams

Sanka Stalcup

Angela Thornhill 

Mary Anne Walters

 

 

To the school and teachers for a fabulous start -- a recovery from a flood -- a wonderful back-to-school picnic (despite the heat!) -- and informative open houses. It is going to be a great year!

 

To our "crazy talented" parents...

 

Stacy Puddy and Leslie Irwin for a great start for Spirit!

Kara Name and Tana Parsons -- fabulous job on Uniform Resale.

All parents who supported Wishing Well -- the teachers can't wait.

Jennifer Turner and carpool volunteers -- for keeping traffic going!

Heather Stubbing and lunchroom crew -- for helping our kids get fed.

Erin Foster -- for helping the school find a new caterer! Yum!

Stephanie Taylor and Laura Crain -- for welcoming our new families and keeping them informed over the summer!

Kristi Bare and Stephanie Taylor -- for the first St. John's 101. What a success!

Elizabeth Hamilton -- for organizing, recruiting and supporting our grade and classroom coordinators!

All parents who helped with flood relief -- it was a team effort!

Julie Hartin and Neoma Twining -- for pitching in with Sunshine needs.

Traci Beasley and Val Adams -- for an awesome Teacher Appreciation Lunch!

Kim Horton -- for coordinating a truly insightful speaker.

Adele Weber -- for communication coordination (and writing!).

 

 

Mark your calendar for these events.

 

October

The Round-up at the Reading Rodeo Book Fair: October 3 - 7

Donuts with Dads (Book Fair event for pre-k - first graders and dads): October 5

Crusader Club Family Movie Night: October 6

Teacher Appreciation Lunch: October 7

PARENTS' NEWS: October 12

Crusader Club Suds 'n Buds (evening social for dads at a committee member's home): October 13

PA Meeting: October 18

Carnival Coat Collection: October 24 - 28

Carnival T-shirt Spirit Day: October 27

Monthly Box Tops Collection Day: October 28

Playin' It Old School Fall Carnival: October 29

 

November

PARENTS' NEWS: November 9

Crusader Club Dads 'n Kids Breakfast: November 11

Grandparents Day (Friday before Thanksgiving): November 18

Monthly Box Tops Collection Day: November 30

 

December

PA Meeting: December 6

PARENTS' NEWS: December 14

Semi-annual Box Tops Collection Day: December 16

 

January

Auction Gift-giving Party (parents only): January 5

Uniform Resale: January 9

PARENTS' NEWS: January 11

PA Meeting: January 24

Crusader Club Cares Day: January 28

Monthly Box Tops Collection Day: January 31

 

February

PARENTS' NEWS: February 8

Teacher Appreciation Lunch: February 14

PA Meeting: February 21

PA Speaker Series (Mandy Griffith on Internet safety): February 23

Monthly Box Tops Collection Day: February 29

 

March

ALL ABOARD! Auction: March 2

PARENTS' NEWS: March 14

Teacher Appreciation Lunch: March 23

Crusader Club Breakfast (Comerica economist as speaker; dads only): March 30

Monthly Box Tops Collection Day: March 30

 

April

PA Meeting: April 3

PARENTS' NEWS: April 11

Games Day: April 27

 

May

Crusader Club Classic Golf Tournament: Date TBD

PA Meeting and Volunteer Recognition: May 8

PARENTS' NEWS: May 9

Semi-annual Box Tops Collection Day: May 9