Backpack News

March 5, 2010

Principal’s Notes         

I would also like to remind you about the SSPP Annual Fund.  Every cent donated to this fund is used by the school for the school.  Check with your employer to see if they have matching donation funds.  If you did not receive an envelope in the mail, contact the school office and we will get you one.  We are encouraging our school families to designate part of your weekly tithe to the Annual Fund.  Simply mark on your tithing envelope the amount to Annual Fund.  It is still tax deductible and is not assessed by the diocese.  

The pre-registration deadline is today.  We are still accepting registrations for some grades.  I need to have the most accurate numbers possible in order to plan staffing for next year.  If the fee is a problem, please call me or the finance office during the school day.  Thanks to all who have already registered.  Please let us know if you are not returning next year.

The last day of the third quarter is March 12th.  Report cards will be available to view the following week.

The parish commissioned an energy audit to assess the need for A/C and heat in the parish buildings.  The final report is due in about 10 days.   The information will be presented to the diocese and parish leadership.  I will send you a summary as soon as it becomes available.

Unit 10 released next year’s school calendar.  They are starting on August 12th.  We will not start that early, but I do not have a specific date yet.  I will set the date sometime after the energy report is delivered.  If you have any specific suggestions for the calendar, please send them to me on Fast Direct.
           
Homework
If students are absent, it is school policy to not send homework on the first day (Handbook pg. 33).   Homework will be collected on the second absent day and can be picked up at the office at dismissal.  The students have the number of days missed to complete the missing work.  Planned absences are not included in this policy.

Student Of The Month
Congratulations to the following students who were awarded Student of the Month for February:

Young Authors
Congratulations to the following students who were awarded certificates for the Young Authors Contest:

St. Louis Symphony Picture the Music Contest
Congratulations to the students who placed.  Over 16,000 students participated in this contest.

SSPP Trivia Night
Our Trivia Night will be on Saturday, March 20.  The cost is $125 for a table (10 players to a table maximum).  Call the school office or Fast Direct Kris to reserve your table.  Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and close 20 minutes after the game ends.
The 8th grade will be providing babysitting in the school cafeteria during trivia.  This service is for potty trained and up children.  Adults supervised, organized activities will keep your little ones busy while you enjoy trivia upstairs.  Snacks provided.  Once children have been checked in, they will not be allowed to roam. 
Cost:  Donations to be used for 8th grade trip.  If interested, please call or Fast Direct Karen Numi – 345-5898 or
Katie Heaton – 345-4822.

Math-AThon
Our school is having a Math-A-Thon to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  Our goal in holding the Math-A-Thon is to help the children of the world who are stricken with diseases like cancer, AIDS and sickle cell disease.  In last week’s Friday Folder your child/ren will be received the Math-A-Thon booklet and registration form. Please read the information sheet included.  All money collected must be turned in to the office by Friday, March 19.  If you have questions contact Kris on Fast Direct or school office – 344-5450.

Auction Committee Update
For anyone interested in joining the Auction Committee, please join us Thursday, March 11 in the cafeteria at 6:30 p.m.  Kids are welcome.  Bring your ideas for this first planning meeting.  If you can’t make it but want to help, reach out to John or Amy Mersinger.  As a reminder, this year’s auction is Saturday, November 13 at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

Market Day
Order forms are due in the school office by March 16.  Phone and Internet orders are due by March 19.  Pick-up is March 25 from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. in Morris Hall.  For more information call Amy Ferguson at 593-8969.

Knights of Columbus Auxiliary Book Fair
The KC Ladies Auxiliary will be holding its 4th Annual Book Fair on Sunday, March 7th from 10:00 to 3:00 at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Highway 157 in Collinsville.  Half of the proceeds will benefit the Accelerated Reader Program at out school.  If you would like to donate your gently used books for this event, drop off boxes are located at our school, church and the KC hall.  Please no magazines, textbooks, or encyclopedias. 

Dates to remember
March 12        End of Quarter
March 18        NO BUSES AT DISMISSAL.
April 1            Early Dismissal at 11:15 for Easter Break (NO AFTERNOON BUSES)
April 2            NO SCHOOL (Easter Break)
April 5 through April 9 – NO SCHOOL (Easter Break)
April 21          Confirmation
April 28          Famously Yours Uniform Fitting (2:30 – 5:30 p.m. in Morris Hall)
May 2             First Communion
May 4             NO AFTERNOON BUSES.
May 6             Spring Fine Arts Festival for Grades 5-8 at 7:00 p.m. in the Gym.
May 18           Graduation
May 28           Last Day of School (This date may change depending on snow days used)