 Message From the Principal
Dear Parents, I hope you enjoyed a restful and recuperative weekend. The prevailing comment upon returning after the long weekend was, "I really needed that break." The teachers, school and parish staff enjoyed a fulfilling retreat on Friday based on the letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, about spiritual gifts. We discerned how best to maximize our strengths (talents!) to enrich our community and ourselves. With renewed energy from retreating and relaxing, we all continue our Lenten journey. Congratulations to the eighth graders and their parents on the success of their high-school applications. Many of the students were accepted to multiple schools and now have choices to make. We are very proud of the class of 2013! The opening of the Middle School Musical is just a few days away! Make sure that you have your calendars marked for the performances of Beauty and the Beast, Jr.: Thursday, February 28 at 7pm; Saturday, March 2 at 7pm; and, Sunday, March 3 at 2pm. All performances are held in Egan Hall. See today's article for ticket information. Mrs. Katie Franklin, director and the middle school students have been rehearsing diligently. Each year's performance is outstanding! Don't miss this opportunity to see the talent in your middle school shine! We will have all-school prayer on Monday mornings at 8:20 sharp, during Lent in Egan Hall. Staff will be stationed at the 79th Street crosswalk to assist students. You are asked to ensure your students arrive promptly to participate in this Lenten prayer. We would love to have you join us, as well, for these opportunities to pray with your children! Stations of the Cross begin tomorrow in the Church at 2:30pm and continue each Friday through Lent. You are welcome to join us. Bennacht, Bernadette O'Leary Principal |
 TICKETS ON ADVANCE SALE NOW! "Beauty and the Beast, Jr."
Come see the "tale as old (and as charming!) as time!" The Middle School, under the direction of Mrs. Katie Franklin will present "Beauty and the Beast, Jr."
Thursday, February 28 at 7:00pm
Saturday, March 2 at 7:00pm
Sunday, March 3 at 2:00pm
Tickets are $5.00/adult and $3.50/child at the door. Pre-sale tickets may be purchased for $4.00/$3.00. Please use the attached Order Form and return with your check to the school office by Tuesday, February 26. Don't miss this classic tale. All ages will enjoy this professional-level production!
| |
|
Rainbows is a facilitated peer support group for children and teens dealing with grief due to a loss or change in the family. A Rainbows group is now forming for St. John students, to be held on site after school, facilitated by Susan Denning. There is no fee for this after school activity. Visit the website for more information. To register, please complete and return the attached registration form to the school office. Questions? Please contact Susan Denning at susanden@aol.com.
|
 OPERATION RICE BOWL
Each year Catholic Relief Services asks families to consider Operation Rice Bowl. Operation Rice Bowl invites us to pray and fast in solidarity with those who are hungry around the world and give sacrificial donations to help those in need. Once a week, your family can eat a smaller meatless meal and donate the difference saved to Operation Rice Bowl. Students were given cardboard Rice Bowls last week, for collecting Lenten sacrifices. These sacrifices may be turned in at the Holy Thursday service, at the Easter service, or to the school office to be forwarded to CRS. Visit www.crsricebowl.org for additional resources to use at home such as recipes, prayers and information on some of the countries supported by CRS.
|
 Grade Six Lenten Service Project
Students in grade six are collecting materials for Operation Gratitude, a charitable organization that assembles and ships care packages to soldiers serving overseas. Sixth graders will be collecting things all throughout Lent, and then shipping them to Operation Gratitude after Easter. All students are invited to join in the project. Attached is a list of materials needed by the soldiers. Students may bring items to Mrs. Edwins' class, Room 25 now through March 29.
|
 SPELLING BEE RESULTS
Congratulations to all students who competed in the Spelling Bee. Special recognition goes to:
Juan H., Grade 6 - First Place
Jack H., Grade 6 - Second Place
Zoe N., Grade 7 - Third Place
Juliet R.-O., Grade 8 - Third Place
The first place winner will represent St. John School in the upcoming regional competition, to be held at Town Hall this spring.
|
|
 "Sometimes when you sacrifice something precious, you're not really losing it. You're just passing it on to someone else."
|
|
Important Dates
| 
|
Friday, February 22
Stations of the Cross, 2:30pm, Church
Monday, February 25
All school Lenten prayer, 8:20am, Egan Hall
Wednesday, February 27
Pizza for Lenten Operation Rice Bowl
Thursday, February 28
Middle School Musical, 7pm, Egan Hall Friday, March 1 Stations of the Cross, 2:30pm, Church Saturday, March 2
Middle School Musical, 7pm, Egan Hall
Sunday, March 3
Middle School Musical, 2pm, Egan Hall
|
 Playground Help Needed During Lunch Recess!!
Mrs. Dahlgren needs YOUR help! Please spend some time with students during the lunch hour recess. Contact Mrs. Dahlgren at floribunda51@yahoo.com today! It's great fun and so important!
| |
SCRIP
|
|
ChuigeLá Fhéile Pádraig!
(St. Patrick's Day approaches!)
Remember Scrip for your celebration - food, decorations, green beverages - all can be had through Scrip! Give us a call, drop us an email. We'll help you make it a great celebration!
|
Hot Lunch 
|
| 
Want more information on ordering? View the video attached. Friday, February 22 Spaghetti w/Marinara sauce, crispy garlic bread
Monday, February 25 Buttered noodles w/Parmesan, sweet peas & carrots Tuesday, February 26 Pig in a blanket, oven roasted red potatoes Wednesday, February 27 No "NoJunk" service today: Pizza for Lenten Operation Rice Bowl fundraiser lunch Thursday, February 28 Pasta Cabonara w/bacon & peas, fresh baked focaccia stick Visit "Menus" for extended menus. |
|
|
Club News
Watch for more information regarding Chess Club and Journalism Club in the coming weeks.
Tech Club Signup
Come learn the art of software development and build cool video games using the Scratch programming language! New this session will be the use of the "Super Scratch Programming Adventures" book and experimenting with new features in the Scratch 2.0 Beta such as motion sensing game controls, similar to the Kinect. Tech Club will meet 3:15 - 4:45 on Tuesdays from March 19 - May 21. Parent volunteers are needed to help out: The parent signup page is open now. See the signup page for more information, especially if you have a fifth grader interested in Tech Club. Fifth grade Tech Club openings will be determined by how many parents are available to help. On Monday, Feb. 25 at 7:00 PM the signup form for students in grades 5 - 8 will be open on the school website. Space is limited. Registrations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis.
| |
Join with the community, enjoy a bowl of soup and bread. Soup suppers will be held each Friday evening in Lent, at 6pm in Egan Hall. Free will donation to benefit Operation Rice Bowl. Suppers will be hosted by grades as follows:
February 22, Grade 6
March 1, Grades 4 and 5
March 8, Grades 2 and 3
March 15, Grades K and 1
March 22, Grade 7
Stations of the Cross will follow in the Church, at 7pm.
| |
 Grade 6 Outdoor Education Meeting Scheduled
Mark your calendars!
Monday, March 4, 7pm, Egan Hall
Learn about the wonderful adventures your students will have at Camp Hamilton. Outdoor Education at Camp Hamilton is part of the Science curriculum for students in grade six. Outdoor Education takes place May 7-10, 2013.
| |
|
Thank You Corner
Thank you to the following for their help with Facilitation: Gretchen Swanson, Paul Gleeson, Sue Gleeson, Joanne Jepson, Maha Sarhan, Steve Berlage, Lori Williams, Sheila Connolly, John Ward, Joan McDonagh, Peg Snyder, Theresa VerWey, Doug Smith, Peter Flanagan, Patty Mayhle, Lisa Cardus, Kelly Kennedy, Shannon Manley, Glorilyn Maw, Sawsan Clark, Anna Phillips, Alec Strigen, Dan Pelfrey, Teresa Wilson, Mary Willison, Caroline Thompson, Cheri Wolf, Lily Laemmle, Marcey Flood, Colleen Mounsey, Rachel Berryessa, Cara Young, Jennifer Paris, Michelle Branley, Susan Slonecker, Cary Cary, Susan Denning, Dan Kovacich, Kari Mae Miles, Richard Stewart, Mike Martinez, Mary Wiseman. Special thanks to Mike Martinez for coordinating our volunteers. Your assistance during Facilitation is vital to the success of Fair Share! Thank you!
Is there someone you wish to thank? Send your "thank you" to
Diane Crockett
for publication.
|
|
|
|
"Avoid Crying Bully" from Love and Logic Institute - link here.
|
|
|
