January 9, 2013

Thank you for all of your prayers and warm wishes.  They must be working because I feel tremendous!

Going forward, I will be giving brief updates on a web-site called Caring Bridge.  This letter will be devoted to school news.  I would like school to be as normal as possible.  I should be able to keep a pretty regular schedule.  As usual, do not hesitate to call me about any questions or concerns (217-4684).   

I want to applaud our Notre Dame staff!! They have been extremely supportive!  As you already know, your children are in extremely capable and caring hands.  I have watched them work through difficult times in the past, and the children have always remained the top focus.  This will not change.  I have walked through each classroom.  Mrs. Kohl  (fourth grade) was doing a great job teaching (on the smart board) about articles (not newspapers).  Do you know when to use "a" and "an" vs. "the"?   Mr. Parmentier, in seventh grade math, was teaching about the difference between "similar" and "congruent" shapes. The seventh graders thought Mr. Parmentier and I had very "similar" shapes.  

Security: Teachers and staff will be reviewing our lock-down procedures at tomorrow's staff meeting.  Officer Jed Bradley will be coming on January 17th to tour both the MS and ES buildings, and provide ND with an assessment.  As you may know from my previous letter on security, we have already made changes (everyone must wear a visitor badge, no exceptions etc.) and I anticipate there will be more after we receive Officer Bradley's report.  After the assessment, we will review it with staff/teachers and then he will return to observe ND lock-down procedures (probably after-school).  We will do a lock-down drill with students after teachers/staff are comfortable with the procedures.   

Just a reminder...you must enter and exit the school buildings at the designated door.  Visitors must sign in and out in both the ES office and MS office.  We  have visitor badges in the offices, and we expect all parents/volunteers/visitors and SCRIP buyers to wear them.  Please do not open the door for anyone (even if it is a relative).  Each person must be buzzed in by Jenny or Susan. We need to know who is in the building. Thank you for your cooperation!   Your children are our most precious assets, and we will do whatever is possible to protect them.   

It is a New Year so don't forget to sign-up for your service hours.  Each school family is required to volunteer once per trimester in the lunch room, on the playground with the elementary school students, or escorting and supervising with middle school students.  I know it can be an inconvenience, but I do think is good for families to see what happens on the playground and in the lunchroom.  I certainly enjoy seeing you!!  Family Service Hours are due April 30, 2013.  Click here for more information.  

As we return from break, our school will be preparing for National Catholic Schools Week(CSW):  Jan. 27-Feb. 2nd.  Click here for more information about how you can help with the preparation.

JUMP WITH JOY,

 Additional Links:  

Click the link for the Talent Show form (due in the office Jan. 12th)

Talent Show  

Click the link to sign up for the Jan. 27th 9:00 Mass:
January 27th Mass Sign-up genius   

Click the link to sign up to pray the rosary with the McCormick residents Jan. 28th-Feb. 1st at 4:30 p.m.:
Pray the rosary with McCormick residents    

Jan. 27th Open House @ ES from 10:00-1:00 

If you would like to make a donation, have service or prayer opportunity questions or want information to help out with additional activities for Catholic Schools Week please contact Jen Budde at jamjanbudde@att.net or 337-6614.