Principal's Newsletter                                             July 02, 2009

Summer Update

Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but a manner of traveling. 

We continue to sell fireworks scrip in the school office to be used at our own Knights of Columbus booth located in the school parking lot just off of Arden Way.  You will receive 15% credit towards your fundraising commitment.  We also have other scrip available for your convenience.  We will be in the school office from 7:30am-2:00pm today and 7:30am-noon Friday. 

Facilities Update
Due to dry rot, the need for safety, and age, the breezeways of our 2^nd-5^th and Computers-8^th had to be replaced.  This came as no surprise and we had been planning, providing a Scope of Work to several contractors, taking bids, and setting up a schedule.    All the construction has stayed on schedule and we are very, very pleased with the result.  The front breezeway, facing Arden Way, did not need to be replaced, however, it was necessary to do some work to make it acceptable.  We are pleased that the Diocese has provided a loan to the parish to make this work possible.  The parish will be taking up a second collection once a month to help offset the cost of the loan.  I am sincerely grateful to the parish and our entire community for making this work possible, especially in these tough economic times.   

We have made the decision to provide a classroom for our lower grade Science program grades 1-3.  We are currently updating the Extended Art room beside our 2^nd grade classroom.  This room will also be used for Resource/MERC tutoring, and small group work.  We are installing blinds, bookcases, new tables and chairs, and all the other items that are needed for a classroom.  In this room as well as several others, we are also installing new whiteboards.  A security blocking cover is also being applied to our classroom windows/doors where necessary.  All floors are being stripped and waxed and detail cleaning is being done and painting around campus has been scheduled.

Cost Saving Measures!
We continue to work hard to find ways to keep our costs down.  As we consider different options, we welcome any feedback you may have or ideas that you think the school could benefit from.  We have several state workers and others who have seen their job descriptions change or altered and many others who have seen their hours reduced or cut entirely.  Within a few weeks, I will be sending home information on the upcoming school year, Back to School Night information, updates on our planned fundraisers, bios of our new staff, and important dates for the year.  WE WILL COMMUNICATE AS MUCH AS WE CAN BY E-MAIL.  It is extremely important that you update your contact. information as whenever necessary with the school.

New policy for 09-10 school year

Again, EVERY family MUST purchase $100 worth of scrip each of these four quarters:
April 15, 2009-July 15, 2009
July 16, 2009-Oct. 15, 2009
Oct. 16, 2009-Jan. 15, 2010
Jan. 16, 2010-April 15, 2010

Depending on the SCRIP that is purchased, a % of your purchase will be credited towards your fundraising dollars.

We carry Raleys/Belair, Safeway, Arco, Shell, Home Depot, Sams/Walmart , LaBou, Brew it Up, Ettore’s, Leatherby’s, Starbucks, Fireworks, and much more…

Staff E-mail Links
Select a name from the list below and click to send e-mail to that staff member.
Note: Links will launch your e-mail program.

Parent Club Information
The work of Parent Club and your involvement are critical to our success.  Not just for our financial stability but as we build our community together, get to know each other and support our children’s education.  Your involvement through time, talent, and treasure is very, very important.  Each school family is required to complete 15 hours working on a Parent Club major fundraiser.  Several are looking for your help at his moment!!  Scrip is always on-going and if you would like to help out with scrip please contact Amy Rogers at rogers91@sbcglobal.net   Innisbrook, our gift wrap fundraiser kicks off at the beginning of the school year as well.  If you would like to help out with this fundraiser, please contact Tracy Balestreri at tracy@bertoluccis.com   Also, the Parish/School Festival is scheduled for Sept. 12^th.  Mark Tilton, our chair is looking for help with this event.  If you would like to help out in any capacity, including “manning” booths on the day of the event, please contact Mark at mtilton99@hotmail.com

Share The Good News!
Ben and Angela Olson are the brought parents of a baby boy, Boston, born 9:54pm on June 30th.  He weighs 7 lbs. 1 oz, and is 19-1/2" long.  Dad, mom, and baby are doing great.   We are very excited to add this little bundle of joy to our family.