Dear Parents/Guardians, 1.24.2012

Catholic Schools Week

Next week is Catholic Schools Week, one of the favorite weeks of the year for many students and staff members! A detailed calendar for the week is on the back of today’s letter. Please note the scheduled dress down days for students that are planned that week.

A few descriptions: Family Game/Trivia Night is an event that is open to all school families. We will have different board games available for children and family members to play. There will be food and drinks for sale. We’ll also feature a trivia game with each class’ families forming their own team. The winning class earns a pizza party for that grade’s students.

Staff Luncheon – Next Wednesday, February 1

Everyone on the school staff has always loved the luncheon that is provided by the school families each year. In advance I want to thank those who will send in food that day for the staff. Any dishes are appreciated and can be sent in in the morning next Wednesday or delivered during the day. The luncheon is done in 2 groups starting at 11:00 and running until 12:45.

Open House – Friday, January 27

On January 27 we will host an Open House for PreK through 2nd grade. All current and prospective families are welcome to come and visit their child’s next classroom and meet the teacher. You can visit for a few minutes or a few hours, whatever is best for you.

Please also spread the word to other families you know with school age children. If someone you refer comes to the Open House you will get 2 free hours of volunteer credit.

2012-13 Registration and Tuition Information

Registration and enrollment for next school year (2012-13) will begin officially next Tuesday. The registration form will be in next week’s folder. The first full week of registration is reserved exclusively for current school families so that you have the opportunity to guarantee a place in next year’s class for your child. On February 7 it will then open up to all families and spaces can no longer be guaranteed for those who wait. All classrooms will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis until they reach capacity.

Here are the tuition amounts and other numbers for the coming school year for new families and those current families who register after March 1.

2012-13 Registration: $80 per child

2012-13 Tuition per child: Preschool - $4,590 Kindergarten-8th Grade - $4,300

2012-13 Fundraising per family: $300

2012-13 Volunteer Hours: At least 14 hours per family

If you are a current family that registers before March 1 there are several discounts. First, registration will be only $60 per child. Next, your tuition for next year will be equal to your 2011-12 tuition plus a stipend. The stipends are $80 for one child, $130 for 2 children, and $180 for 3 or more children. The only exceptions or instances that would need clarification are if your number of children in the school will be different next year than it is now (going from 1 child to 2 for example) or if you have a child going from preschool to Kindergarten. Please see Mr. Bennett if you fit into either of those categories.

If you are planning to register for next year it definitely makes the most sense for you to do so before March 1. Please contact Mr. Bennett if you are unsure of any of these numbers or have any questions.

Extended Day Clubs

So many people have sent in forms requesting after school music classes or lessons. Ms. Fox has been sending home letters describing the situation to families and what the choices are. If you indicated an interest in after school musical instrument lessons but did not receive a letter from Ms. Fox yet please contact Mr. Bennett.

Volunteer Opportunities

We are looking for anyone who may be interested in speaking during a Mass at either St. Sylvester or St. Mark’s churches in the coming weeks. A template can be provided if you prefer to have something pre-written. It is for 3-5 minutes but will earn you 3 hours of volunteer credit! Contact Mr. Bennett if you are interested or want to know more.

Tax Letters - In today’s folder you will find tax letters for both tuition and extended day care in 2011.
2012 Catholic Schools Week

Sunday: Community of Faith

11:30 Mass at St. Sylvester Church

Monday 1/30: Learning is Fun

Prayer Service at 9:00

Dress down - Students can dress down in their pajamas

Time for DEAR (Drop Everything And Read)

Students can bring in pillows and blankets for this DEAR time

Tuesday 1/31: Teamwork

Dress down – Students can wear articles of clothing from their favorite sports team

Classroom buddy activities

Posters for school-wide contest due

Wednesday 2/1: Staff Appreciation

Dress – Students wear their regular school uniforms

Classroom activities

Luncheon for teachers and aides – provided by families’ donated food

Thursday 2/2: Family Appreciation

8:30 all-school Mass

Dress down – Students wear matching colors with their buddy classes (each teacher will share what their class’ colors are)

Family Visitation – all family members are welcome to visit their children’s classrooms between from 8:20-11:45

Midway Point Awards Ceremony – in school’s basement gym after returning from Mass

Family trivia night at 6:00 in Schwinn Hall – all are invited

Friday 2/3: Student Appreciation

Dress down – all students wear their gym uniforms

School Olympics at 9:00 – all students are placed on different, multi-grade level teams and compete in fun games throughout the entire morning