September 24, 2008

Picture Day: Picture Day is Monday, September 29^th. Remember that students must come in uniform. Be sure they are wearing their correct uniform. Spring Pictures will be taken and the students may wear their own clothes at that time.

Lunch Orders: The October lunch order forms are in this week’s envelope. Return them with the money by Monday, September 29th. They are accepted on a first come first served basis and we can only take the first 70 orders.

Uniforms: Remember that all students must be in the correct school uniform by next Wednesday, October 1^st. The new patches have arrived. They can be purchased for $5.00 for Dennis clothing from last year.

Extended Day Program: Second Notice EDP invoices are enclosed. Please return them with your payment by Friday, September 26^th in order for your child to remain in the program.

Mid-term Progress Reports: Progress reports will be going home in the Brown Envelopes next week. Watch for them, discuss them with your children, sign them, and return them to the teacher. They will keep you informed of your children’s progress thus far.

October Calendar: The October calendar is enclosed. Please put it in a place where you can refer to it. We will be attending Mass twice a month – one of these will be presented by the students (7^th grade is next). The grade that does the school Mass will also do a Sunday Mass the same month. I encourage all the students to participate. Permission slips for the Sunday Masses will be sent home. If you sign your child up to take part, please be sure that he/she is there. The parish will be holding a pancake breakfast on the same Sunday the students lead Mass. I hope all the parents will remain for Mass and attend the breakfast. It will help to strengthen the parish/school relationship.

Safety Update: I want to thank Mr. Lamar (Skip) for his hard work and ingenious ideas to improve the safety of our lunch tables. He devised a method of ensuring that the tables stay in place. He is also working on fixing the mechanism that enables the tables to go up and down. While we are still looking at modernizing and updating the kitchen and tables, this will keep the children safe until we do.

Communication: Some of you have mentioned that you have e-mailed the teachers and not had a response. The teachers are having issues with their computers and e-mail and we are in the process of upgrading our computers (thanks to an anonymous donor). If your e-mail to a teacher is not answered, you can send me a copy at principal@callingallfriends.com and I will be sure to pass it on. I will let you know when our system is operating properly.

Non-violence Program: The non-violence program that the 5^th -8^th graders attended was very well done. It gave the students a new prospective on some of their behaviors and taught them that some of the things they do “are not just joking around.” The teacher workshop gave the teachers valuable information to help their students and the parent session was very informative as well. Holy Cross Ministries will continue to work with the students on the issue of bullying and peaceful interaction with their peers.

Professional Educators’ Day: The faculty attended many workshops on Monday, September 22^nd. While there were a variety of speakers giving presentations on a number of topics, I think Fr. Norman’s keynote presentation was the most memorable part of the day. He spoke about “Faithful Citizenship” and the ways we should remember to bring the principles of Catholic teachings into the daily proceedings in our school. Perhaps the most valuable piece of information he reminded us of is the effect our actions have on our students. They will remember what we do much longer than they will remember what we teach. Modeling the behaviors and values we want to see our see our students practice is crucial.

This leads me to wonder what message the students are receiving at dismissal. I have noticed parents treating one another very rudely while waiting to pick up their children. When you double-park or idle your car in front of the school waiting for your children to come out of the building, you are preventing others from getting in to get their children. It would be better to park your car properly and walk to the front of the school or drive around the block until your children come out. I realize everyone wants to get their children quickly, but the traffic jam that is caused is not safe for anyone’s children. When you shout at or make rude gestures at other parents who are trying to pick their children up too, you are sending your children a message. Our faith teaches us that Jesus lives in each one of us and we should treat each other as if we were interacting with Jesus Himself.

Smith’s Earn & Learn Program: Enclosed is a flyer about this program. On the reverse side you will find a flyer explaining a similar program that Dan’s has.

Family Activities: Family groups (lead by 8^th graders and containing students from each of the other grades) have been organized. Family group activities will begin in October. It is a wonderful way for the students to get to know one another.

Thank you Keller Williams: We re having an appreciation luncheon on October 24^th to thank the Keller Williams volunteers and the donors for our summer painting project. Please watch for information on how you can help the HSA with this event.

Halloween: Halloween falls on a Friday this year. We will be having our traditional Halloween parade again this year. More information will be forthcoming.

Babysitter for Hire: I received this notice from one of the Judge students who is a past student of OLOL (He also volunteered his services for our summer painting project.):

“Hello Lourdes parents. My name is Jeff Scott and I am looking for a baby-sitting job. I have much experience baby-sitting all age groups and I know basic first aid and I even am certified in CPR. I love being around children and as I said before I will baby sit any age group. I will be available Saturday evenings starting the weekend of October 4^th. If you would be interested in my services or want a night out on the town or an evening dinner with a spouse or companion, please contact me at my home phone number at 801-322-5288 or on my cell phone at 801-520-9640. Thank you!”