Parent Memo

November 20, 2009

Due to the very brief week next week there will be no memo on Tuesday. 

All information for next week and the following will be in this week’s memo.

The faculty and staff of St. Francis-St. Stephen’s would like to wish

all of our school families a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving. 

Please know we thank God for all of you every day.

Good News!

• After a year long rigorous self-study and three day observation by visiting independentally appointed educators, and the creation of an on-going strategic plan to move the school forward, St. Francis-St. Stephen’s School has been accredited by The Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools.   We are so very proud of our entire school community, and continue to work to provide the very best education we can to all of our students and families.
• Third and Fourth Grades have created two displays replicating significantly different communities of people living in New York State between the 1600’ and today.  The displays are absolutely wonderful.  If you get the chance to stop in and see them, please do!
• Seventh Graders learned more about the four evangelists when Fr. Bill created an “evangelist quest” on the altar at St. Stephen’s Church.  Students thank Fr. Bill for taking his time to teach them in such an interesting way!
• Third Grade student, Tayah Payne, swims for the Geneva Gators of the YMCA/  Last weekend she go her personal best times in the 25 yeard freestyle, the 25 yard butterfly and the 25 yard backstroke.  Tayah also won the backstroke event and qualified for states.  Way to go Tayah!
• Last week in the first grade classroom, Asa Belile shared his new book, The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks, by Stan and Jan Berenstain.  The first grade loved how Brother and Sister Bear did a Thanksgiving play in school.  First grade has now been working on a reader’s theater and have invited their families to hear their performance on Tuesday, November 24^th at 8:15 a.m.  Great job, Grade 1!
• Congratulations to Estaimation jar winners in Grade 2:  Elsa Lilly, Paige O’Brien, Murphy John.

Christmas Musical Video

Again this year we will offer for purchase a professional video of our Christmas Musical.  The video will again be done by David Stobie of Sleeping Dog Productions.  The price has not changed - $20 per DVD, and Mr. Stobie will do his best to get them distributed by 12/22, our last day of school.  Please see the order form that accompanies this memo.  All checks must be made out to Sleeping Dog Productions.

Week of November 23^rd

Monday:           Half-day with dismissal at 10:45.

Tuesday:          Half-day with dismissal at 10:45.

Week of November 30^th

Mon. Nov. 30    DeSales Entrance Exam @ DeSales for all 8^th Grade students.  Students should report to us and we will take them over for the testing.  This exam will be used to establish scholarships for the freshman class.

Tues., Dec.1     Penance Service Grs. 5-8 @ 12:45 p.m.

                        Bake Sale by Grade 1

Wed. Dec. 2:    Bake Sale by Grade 1

                        Student Council Candy Cane Sale will begin.  ($.25 a candy cane) Profits will be use to help provide for a needy family at Christmas.

There will be no lunches next week (November 23^rd and 24^th)

as both days are half days with dismissal at 10:45.

Menu for the Week of Novmeber 30^th

Monday:           Chicken Tenders

Tuesday:          Macaroin and Cheese w/ roll

Wednesday:     Cheese quesadilla w/apple

Thurs.:              Ziti w/ meatballs and garlic bread

Fri.:                  Pepperoni Pizza

Salads available everyday if pre-ordered.  Yogurt available for purchase.

The following are a list of events scheduled so far for December. 

We thought a little advanced notice might help.

Mon. Dec. 7:     Santa’ Secret Shop This Home/School sponsored event provides out students with the opportunity to buy inexpensive gifts for family members. (More information will follow)

Tues. Dec. 8:    Santa’s Secret Shop – continues

Thurs. Dec. 10:  Home School Association Meeting

Thurs. Dec.17:   Christmas musical @ 7:00 p.m. in St. Stephen’s Church  (Pray for good weather.)

Fri. Dec 18:       Progress reports issued.

Tues., Dec. 22: Christmas Parties – School closes for Christmas @ 2:15 p.m.

Reminder

School Banking takes place every Wednesday morning.