Barrister 01-10-13 New Year`s.pub

Transcription

Barrister 01-10-13 New Year`s.pub
St. Thomas More School
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Principal’s Newsletter
“Prefer nothing to the love of Christ.”
January 10, 2013
Servant of God Vico Necchi
YEAR OF FAITH
Our Patron Saint
St. Benedict and St. Scholastica
Remember us, 0 God; from age to age be our
comforter. You have given us the wonder of
time, blessings in days and nights, seasons and
years.
Bless your children at the turning of the year
and fill the months ahead with the bright hope
that is ours in the coming of Christ. You are our
God, living and reigning, for ever and ever.
Amen
STMS
NEWS ...
“A glad heart is excellent medicine.”
Words cannot begin to express my gratitude for
the many cards, letters and gifts I received from
families during Christmas. Your many kind
words just reinforce how very PROUD I am to
be ministering as Principal of St. Thomas More
School!
Fri., January 11
May each of you go often to the Bethlehem of
your heart and visit the One who offers you
peace.
Wishing each of you a shining New Year filled
with laughter, light, and love.
SPIRIT WEAR DAY
Mon., January 14
Principal
NO BUS SERVICE
SCHOOL AS USUAL
MATH FINAL EXAM 6-8
Market Day 5:00-6:00 Pickup
To Jesus through Mary,
May every kindness find its way
back to you.
NO BUS SERVICE
SCHOOL AS USUAL
Tues., January 15
Wed., January 16
Thur., January 17
Fri., January 18
Mon., January 21
ENGLISH FINAL EXAM 6-8
SCIENCE EXAM 6-8
HISTORY FINAL EXAM 6-8
RELIGION FINAL EXAM 6-8
NO SCHOOL (Semester Ends)
NO SCHOOL (Dr. King Birth)
FOR YOUR CALENDAR
"We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of
fear." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
NO SCHOOL
St. Thomas More School will not be in session
on the following days, as stated on the school
calendar.
Friday - January 18, 2013
End of Quarter and End of Semester
Monday - January 21, 2013
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. Birthday
TALENT SHOW:
The Talent Show is coming up in
April. Start thinking of an act that
you would like to perform. We are
looking for a variety of acts –
instrumental, tumble, dance, juggle,
magic act, group act, etc.
The Talent Show is open to students in Grades 5 – 8.
Lyrics to any songs used within the act must be printed out
and approved by Mrs. Vargo (Rm. 211) See Mrs. Vargo
for a sign-up form.
A VERY INTERESTING FACT
Many Religious Vocations have come from families who
pray the Rosary together as a family on a daily basis.
Hey Kids
Friday is
SPIRIT WEAR DAY!!!
Wear your
St. Thomas More clothing!
NO JEANS
You may wear STM Sweat Pants
Parental
Reminder…
NO bus service will be
provided on Friday,
January 11, or Monday,
January 14. All children
must be brought to
school.
Monday, January 14, 2013
GYM
5:00 PM
The Principal Heard This for
Himself!
As I passed around the school today, I
saw sooooo many hands in the wishing
to be called upon! Heard children
reading aloud, laughter, teachers
participating in all of the FUN, and the
Principal, too!!!
I will be out of the building all day
on Friday attending a meeting for all
Catholic School Principal’s in the
Diocese. Please say a prayer for us.
SEMESTER EXAMS FOR GRADES 7 AND 8 ARE NEXT
WEEK!
20% OF SEMESTER GRADE!
Math Examinations Monday, January 14, 2013
English Examinations Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Science Examinations Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Comp. Apps. Examination–
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Religion Examinations Thursday, January 17, 2013
History Examinations Thursday, January 17, 2013
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Dear Parents/Guardians of children attending St. Thomas More Roman Catholic School:
Happy New Year to all! I pray my morning rosary each morning at 5:00 AM that Jesus showers all of our families with an
abundance of His Grace.
I wish to share some very important issues of School Security with all of you. Sadly, our totally "Open Door" policies have had
to be tweaked a bit. We still want to see you, but for the sake of safety for all of the children, at BOTH the Weis Center and the
"Big School," we ask that all parents/visitors follow these safety precautions to the letter. We, as a school, must now report any
breach of security to the Munster Police Department.
When wishing to enter school, you must be buzzed in. Please, for whatever reason you have, you must go directly into the Main
Office of STM School and sign in, and receive a Visitor's Pass. When you walk up the ramp to enter, what is called the
ACADEMIC WING (to get to a classroom or gym) you now must be buzzed in that door. No admittance will be granted unless
a person has first registered as a visitor.
What if a child has an appointment with the Doctor? The parent goes immediately into the Main Office where the
Administrative Assistant will call the classroom and have your child come to the Main Office.
What if my child is in the gym, after school, waiting for his/her bus, and I decide to stop and pick him/her up instead of him/her
riding the bus home. May I just go to the gym doors and go into the gym and get my child? No. Again, for the safety of all
children, you would need to come to the Main Entrance, go into the Main Office, and an Administrative Assistant will gladly
call for your child to come to the Main Office. I know this may sound difficult, but safety must come first.
Please allow me to tell you of some the security measures we have in place. As I stated in The Barrister, I am unable to list all of
the measures, for if I were to do that, we would have no security. I am sure you agree.
The brown doors leading into school, from the ramp, require opening from the Main Office. These doors are locked
when students are present.
The Gym has a new fire alarm, siren (signifying a school lockdown is in place), strobe light (if for some reason the siren
is not heard) and a connection for the teacher to reach the Main Office.
New fire alarm installed outside of the Solar Room.
Cameras installed in various areas of the building
Sirens have been installed throughout the Academic Wing signifying a school lock down is in place.
Classroom doors are always locked from the outside.
Emergency Personnel Buttons (Panic Buttons), which go directly to the Munster Police Department, have been installed
in various areas of the building. Personnel involved have been trained.
Children going to morning KIDS TIME: Morning KIDS TIME is from 7:00 – 7:45 AM. Children must enter through
the KIDS TIME doors outside. PARENTS: Please be mindful of driving/backing up as little children don't always
look.
Please remind your child (ren) that they are NEVER, for any reason to open a locked door for anyone --- Mom/Dad …
that does include you.
This should give you a nice calm feeling that your children are being protected by STMS. We dearly love the children and want
no harm to come to them. Yes, these security measures include BOTH the Weis Center and St. Thomas More School.
With all of the new security throughout the building, students/parents will no longer be
permitted to enter school in the evening to get forgotten assignments, books, etc. Custodial
Services are no longer permitted to admit students/parents after school hours.
Students: Please make sure you have ALL of your materials in your backpack before leaving school.
Principal
The following letter was received by me
before the tragedy, and before the major
security changes. Yes, this letter made me
feel real good. I want to share it —especially the last part …
“ Hi Chet, In your very busy and sometime frustrating world, I think
it might serve you to hear some good feedback.
First of all my daughter, name removed, and her family are still
living with us as their new home is being built in Munster. She
drives her children to school every morning and drives back at noon
to pick up her youngest in Pre-School, she then returns at the end of
the day to pick up her children. So essentially, she makes three
round trips from another city every day.
Despite all of this monotonous driving, she feels that it is definitely
worth it! She believes she made the right choice in selecting St.
Tom's! She is very pleased with the education that her children are
receiving at St. Tom's.
One other item: I was talking to my granddaughter name protected,
who is in second grade, she told me how much she liked her
teachers and her classmates, but she also mentioned something that
I thought was very interesting. She stated that another reason she
liked St. Tom's is that it is "safe place". I think that says a lot about
your school. Think about it, what would prompt a second grader to
conceptualize safety?
Have a good day!
Parent Name”
Campbell Soup label/box top
collection is under way...
The Campbell Soup label/box top collection is
under way. We are running a contest again this
year. The classroom collecting the most will win
a pizza party. The competition is running
through February 1, 2013.
Boxes have been placed in
each classroom for easy
collection.
Speaking of
School
Security …
Parents: When you come to Scouts, Athletics, or
anyother evening program, please require your smaller
children (for those who bring them) to remain with
you. We can’t have children running down the halls. If
a child were to fall on his/her head the outcome would
NOT be a good one. Bring materials with which they
can play. Thanks so much!
You have been called to teach. This is a vocation, a Christian vocation…There, at your teacher’s chair
and desk, God has called you by name to an indispensable service to the truth. Blessed PP John Paul II
WHAT IF IT SNOWS
St. Thomas More School very seldom
closes due to weather.
Andrean High School is hosting an Open House for prospective
students and their families on Thursday, February 7, 2013 from
5:30-7:30 PM. Come meet the Andrean family! Administration,
faculty and staff will be available for questions, and tours of the
building will be given by our students. Please enter through
Entrance L in the back of the school. Any questions, please contact
Admissions Director, Dawn Wojkovich @ 887-5281 ext. 228 or
dwojkovich@andreanhs.com.
Here is the “rule of thumb” … IF THE
SCHOOL TOWN OF MUNSTER
CLOSES, STMS WILL BE CLOSED.
Always listen to radio
WJOB 1230 AM
Please do not call the rectory or Parish
Office. They, too, listen to WJOB 1230
AM.
Dear Parents,
Yearbook order forms will be distributed to your children this week. All yearbooks must be purchased in advance. The yearbook sale will
run through FRIDAY, JANUARY 25th.
You will see on the form that Lifetouch has offered a number of package upgrades if you are interested. If you wish to purchase the standard soft cover yearbook without upgrades, place your order under the “Create Your Own Package” option. The price of the standard soft
cover yearbook is $16.00.
Please note that all checks must be payable to “LIFETOUCH”. You also have the option of ordering your yearbook online. Online information appears on each form.
Thank you in advance for your order.
Yearbook Committee
FATHERS &
DAUGHTERS OF
GRADES 4 - 8
Please place the following date
on your
calendars:
Our annual Father/Daughter Dance
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013
The Lake County Nurse will
be in the building January
22, 23 and 24th for vision
testing. She will probably
test first grade, third grade,
eighth grade and all new
students in that order.
6th grade Quarter Examinations
take place all next week. Please
make sure your child has a good
breakfast, each day, and comes to
school ready to demonstrate
SUCCESS!
SIX FLAGS …
READ to SUCCEED
The Six Flags Six Hour Reading Club is an
exciting part of READ to SUCCEED. Students in grades
K to 6 are eligible to participate in this
FREE
Program—all they have to do is complete
at least six hours of recreational reading!
Each student who accomplishes this goal is
eligible to receive one FREE admission
ticket valid at participating SIX FLAG
theme parks. Forms coming home Friday.
Cut off date is February 26, 2013
In light of heightened security at St. Thomas More School, what is the new policy about morning and after
school ?
MORNING PROGRAM: Doors open at 7:00 AM. A member of Kid’s Time personnel will there to greet the
child, and collect the fee. The Morning Program lasts until 7:45 AM. Please have your child ring the doorbell, pull open door upon hearing the buzz sound.
BEGINNING AT 7:45: ( Please, not 7:43) All children may enter the Main School Doors, and proceed to
their classroom. Parents are asked NOT to enter the Academic Wing without a Visitor’s Pass provided by the
Main Office.
AFTER SCHOOL Program: No change in procedure, as the school is locked.
Please keep
our
Father Mike ,
in your
prayers, as
he is on his
well
deserved
vacation .
Thanks!
Catholic Schools Week 2013 Monday, January 28th — Friday, February 1st, 2013
We are making preparations for Catholic Schools Week 2013 and would like to give you a sneak peak at some
of the activities that we are planning for the week. As always, we will have many collections to help those in
need as well as continue our tradition of Special Persons Day. Due to increased security, please look for a
separate email with the date and details soon from our school office. We will be strictly enforcing a new
procedure for all school visitors on that day with more specifics relayed after the Christmas break.
Sunday, January 27th— Open House (9:00 a.m. until Noon)
We need lots of families to participate as greeters and helpers on the morning of the Open House. If you can
Here’s what will be happening during the week: Students will be treated to a musical performance by American Eagle Productions
A special service project will be launched to cheer veterans
Collections will be taken as follows:
• Collect gently used CLEAN blankets for area shelters
•
Collect food for St. Vincent De Paul
Collect new toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Collection of change in the Pennies for Pets
We are looking for volunteer parents who can give a couple of hours on any of the days during Catholic
Schools Week. If you can help, please email Pam Pasyk at ppasyk@stm-school.com.
•
Andrean High School
Entrance exams are January 12th and
February 2nd.
All students enter through the
main school entrance (blue
canopy).
All incoming freshmen are required
to take the exam before admittance to
Andrean High School for the 20132014 school year.
Bring $30.00 for the test fee and two
#2 pencils.
Early sign ups are
encouraged in the Bishop Noll office before
the test date.
Early registration is $20. Walk-ins the
morning of the test cost $25 for registration.
No calculators
allowed.
No pre-registration
required.
We ask parents and
students to arrive by
7:45 so that testing can
begin as close to 8:00
AM as possible.
For more information contact Dawn
at
(219) 887-5281,ext.
228 or dwojkovich@andreanhs.com.
Students take the Terra
Nova, and the duration
of the test is generally
3 to 3 1/2 hours.
Use T.R.I.P…..It Pays
How much are you paying for tuition? Below is a list showing the dollar amount of credits earned by people using
T.R.I.P. from May through December 2012. These amounts do not even include credits earned from programs like
Market Day or Entertainment Book or Cookie Dough sales.
Families earning credits ranging from $0.70-$24.99
Families earning credits ranging from $25.00-$49.99
Families earning credits ranging from $50.00-$74.99
Families earning credits ranging from $75.00-$99.99
Families earning credits ranging from $100.00-$149.99
Families earning credits ranging from $150.00-$199.99
Families earning credits ranging from $200.00-$249.99
Families earning credits ranging from $250.00-$299.99
Families earning credits ranging from $300.00-$399.99
Families earning credits ranging from $400.00-$499.99
Families earning credits ranging from $500.00-$599.99
Families earning credits ranging from $600.00-$699.99
Families earning credits ranging from $700.00-$799.99
Families earning credits ranging from $800.00-$899.99
Families earning credits ranging from $900.00-$999.99
Families earning credits ranging from $1000.00-$1448.38
25
19
10
9
11
10
12
6
9
3
4
0
2
0
0
5
Many school families are not paying the full amount for tuition. Are you?
To learn “All About T.R.I.P.” and how to start using it, go to www.stm-school.com (T.R.I.P. Information) or call
Susan Anglin at (219) 844-2178.
__________________________________
TRIP users donating credits to
Total
SCHOOL ENDOWMENT, TECHNOLOGY, OR
ANGEL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
14
$ 268.44
OTHER FAMILIES’ TUITION ACCOUNTS
11
$2108.11
Buy your Kohl’s cards next week to pay your bill when it’s due; earn more tuition
credits—next week only!
From 1/12/13 through 1/18/13 Kohl’s will increase from 4% to 5%, and from 1/12/13 through 1/28/13, Lane Bryant
(can also be used at Fashion Bug, Catherine's, and all other Charming Shoppes stores) will increase from 6% to 8%
Remember … T.R.I.P. helps YOU.
Use T.R.I.P.
We as parents, especially as Catholic parents, need to balance discipline and we may have to overlook some
minor infractions committed by our children. The goal after all, is to raise children to become good Catholic
adults who will ultimately get to heaven.
Parenting can be very stressful. Whether you are a stay at home parent or a working parent, a
single parent or a married parent, mother or father, parent of one or several children ,
remaining cool and calm and full of energy can help you get through the day. How do we get
so tense? When we are worried, anxious, hurried etc. our body begins to feel tense. This is a
natural reaction. Our body has been given the signal to prepare to respond to a threat.
In today’s busy world we are often bothered by numerous things. This is known as stress.
We can handle stress by learning to cope with thoughts and events so they no longer are
stressful. We can also learn to relax. When we practice relaxation, we are able to reduce the
stress level in our body. Eventually our body becomes relaxed and will return to its normal
state. Getting to a level of relaxation does not necessarily require that you join a gym, a
special group or go to a spa. Something as simple as deep breathing, listening to music or a
walk alone can bring one’s stress level down. Here are some additional ideas to help reduce
stress:
Get up fifteen minutes earlier in the morning. The inevitable morning mishaps will be
less stressful.
Prepare for the morning the evening before.
Don’t rely on your memory. Write down appointment times.
Make duplicates of all the keys you use.
Be prepared to wait. A paperback can make a wait in the post office line almost pleasant.
Allow 15 minutes of extra time to get to appointments.
Eliminate (or restrict) the amount of caffeine in your diet.
Say “No! Saying “no” to extra projects, social activities and invitations you know you
don’t have the time or energy for takes practice, self-respect, and a belief that
everyone, everyday, needs quiet time to
relax and be alone.
Unplug your phone.
Simplify.
Get enough sleep.
Learn to live one day at a time.
Every day, do something you really enjoy.
Don’t forget to take a lunch break.
Schedule a realistic day.
Become more flexible.
Make friends with non-worriers!
S.T.M. LUNCH MENU – WEEK OF JANUARY 14, 2013
Daily Ala Cartes: Salads—Large-$2.30; Small-$1.85
Yogurt--$0.70
Milk--$0.50
Monday, Jan. 14
Sloppy Joe OR
Chicken Patty Sandwich
Curley Fries
Corn/Peas
Peaches
Milk
Tuesday, Jan. 15
Hot Dog/Chili Dog
Baked Beans
Carrot Sticks
Pears
Fruit Snack Bag
Milk
Wednesday, Jan. 16
Pepperoni Pizza
Mixed Salad/Corn
Fresh Fruit
Cookie
Milk
Ala Carte Sandwich: $1.55
Ala Carte Hot Dog: $1.25
Ala Carte Pizza: $1.55
Monday Volunteers
Leticia Kotso
Gina Boleski
Renee Shaver
Tuesday Volunteers
Richard Evans
Sandee Whittemore
Amy Lee
Wednesday Volunteers
Susan Bleza
Joy Chronowski
Anita Hemingway
Thursday, Jan. 17
Pancakes/Syrup
Sausage Patty
Potato Triangle
Choice of Juice
Pineapple Tidbits
Milk
Friday, Jan. 18
NO
SCHOOL
Thursday Volunteers
Michael Smith
Diane Mikrut
Brenda O’Shea
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Menu subject to change.
Hot Lunch Prices: Student - $2.00; Adult- $2.60
Cash or Checks made out to STM are accepted.
Families with more than one student eating hot lunch are encouraged to send in ONE check (or cash) in one envelope.
Money will be divided between siblings accordingly.
There is a $-10.00 charge limit per account. If students do not bring in money after 5 charges, they will not be allowed in
the hot lunch line until payment is made. However, students will be offered a cheese sandwich if they have nothing else
to eat.
Students should turn in payment in a SEALED envelope labeled with the following information: LUNCH MONEY, STUDENT FIRST AND LAST NAME, TEACHER NAME, AMOUNT ENCLOSED.
Check the Barrister for the weekly menu and volunteer list.
Go to www.cafeprepay.com to check student account balances and to make credit card payments.
ADMINISTRATIVE ADDITION TO STUDENT/
PARENT HANDBOOK
PLEASE ADD TO PAGE 23 OF CURRENT HANDBOOK:
PARENTS: AS YOU CAN WELL IMAGINE, AT THE END OF A SCHOOL
DAY THE MAIN OFFICE IS EXTREMELY ACTIVE. Parents coming in
needing information, phones ringing, students entering to hand in
something as well as teachers needing the assistance of the
Administrative Assistant are just some of the activities.
As you know, we have only ONE School Administrative Assistant in
the Main Office. Although excellently trained, Mrs. Steele is not able
to do all things, for all people, as they may want/need at the time. As
a result, the following policy will be in effect at St. Thomas More
School beginning Monday, January, 14, 2013.
CHANGE OF PROCEDURE BY PARENT:
Should a parent/guardian need to change a method by which his/her child should come home
(bus, parent, grandparent, etc.), or have an important message given to their child by Mrs.
Steele, the parent/guardian must call the School Office, (219) 836-9151, by 1:00 PM.
Changes in transportation, etc. can not, and will not, be made after 1:00 PM. This important
policy is another method of School Security which has been put into effect to protect ALL
children of St. Thomas More School.
If a child is on school grounds needlessly at 3:15 PM, the child will be sent to Kids Time.
Yes, this will apply immediately as of January 14, 2013!
Thank you for your support, and immediate cooperation with this newly written policy.
Principal St. Thomas More Magazine Fundraiser
Sale Dates:
Monday, February 4th
Through
Monday, February 18th
Prizes:
Any student who sells two items will win a life
changing Chillin’ Penguin and lanyard. For each
additional two items sold, the student will win another
life changing collectible penguin. Bonus candy bars
will be awarded with each penguin on first turn in
day only, Wednesday, February 6th.
Any student who sells 7 items will receive
super cool rear view glasses!
Reach out Address Booklets:
Booklets:
Fill in with seven names and addresses and receive
PENGUIN AND LARGE CANDY BAR
Remember these names will not be added to a mailing list!
Booklets are due Wednesday,
February 6th. Prizes will be
awarded immediately!!
Cash * Cash * Cash
Any student who sells 5 magazine subscriptions will
receive a cash envelope. For each additional 5
magazine subscriptions sold, they will receive
another cash envelope. Every envelope is
guaranteed to be a cash winner. The denominations
in each envelope will be $1, $5, $10, $20 or $50.
There is no limit to how much cash you can win!
The top selling student/family will receive
a $50 bonus in addition to all of their
envelopes. Must sell 20 subscriptions to
qualify
Completed Orders
All order forms and money must be turned in
by Monday February 18th. Please leave the
bottom pink copy with the person ordering
the magazine. This is their receipt. It has
tracking instructions. Turn in the top two
copies.
All checks made payable to:
GREAT AMERICAN OPPORTUNITIES.
FIRST TURN IN DAY
Wednesday, February 6th. Turn in order forms
along with the reach out booklets and prizes will
be awarded immediately for both.
The profits (50%) from this magazine drive
will go to individual credits for each family.
The prizes will not take away from these
credits; they are awarded from the company.
Questions
Call Great American Opportunities at
1-800-251-1542 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
CST Monday-Friday
ONLINE STORE:
STORE:
If anyone has out-of-town relatives, they can order
hundreds of items such as college licensed items,
wrapping paper, gardening products, bath and body
products, and many other items directly online. Log
onto www.gaschoolstore.com and enter your school
code of 2521359. These items will then be sent
directly to the person ordering them. Items ordered
online during the two weeks of the sale WILL count
towards the prize program.
St. Thomas More Parish
Re-Gifting Expo
January 19th & 20th After all Masses
For those who have been given much, much is expected!
Food•Fun•Fellowship
Something for the kids, too!
Don’t
Hesitate!
Participate!
All that you do comes
back to you!
No need to
bring a gift …
you already possess it
and the Expo will be an
opportunity for you to
find out how you can
share your gifts that
have been given to you
by the Lord.
es
Raffl lue
a
$50 V s will be
asket
ass!
Gift B ter each M
af
ize
raffled Grand Pr nd
0
e
$10
at the
d
r
a
C
Gift he Expo!
of t
Informa
ti
on
Learn ab
o
u t th e
n e a r ly 5
0 minist
ries
that supp
ort our
church f
amil
commun y &
i ty .
Plan to attend
the Expo
and learn how
to become
more than just a
church member!
St. Thomas More School & Religious Ed Students,
During the Expo, bring nonperishable food items to the Gym
Childre
for the
n’s
St. Vincent De Paul Food
SVDP Fo
od
Pantry and help win a Pizza
Collecti
Party for your classroom
on
(the class that
donates the most
wins!) Watch for more information to
be sent home soon.
There’s more to do
than sit in a pew!
Come & listen to our wonderful
St. Thomas More Choirs
as they perform during the Re-Gifting Expo
Friday, January 25, 2013
5: 00 P.M. to 7: 00 P4.M.
MUNSTER HIGH SCHOOL
8808 Columbia Ave., Munster
~~~
Proceeds To Benefit
Local Community Groups
ADULTS: $8.00
CHILDREN: (12 & Under) $5.00