Dear Parents/Guardians, 10.20.2009

Student Bibles

Yesterday, we hosted a Bible ceremony and prayer service in which all students in grades 4-8 were given their own Bibles. These Bibles will be of vital assistance as we implement the Archdiocesan religion curriculum and our own grade level objectives. They are freely given and all students are expected to respect and use them appropriately. In years to come, we will hold yearly ceremonies in which we give the Bibles to the 4th grade students.

Important Letter re: Student Health

Please see the red letter in today’s folder concerning a recent diagnosis of scabies. All students’ clothing should be laundered and families should stay alert for any intense scratching amongst our children.

High Schools

HFS Chicago Scholars High School Fair- Monday, October 26, from 6:30-8:15; located at 1900 W. Taylor. I encourage interested 7th and 8th grade families to attend.

Also, it was great to see so many of our recent graduates today as they came back to present information on their current high schools to our 7th and 8th graders.

Student Contests

A new requirement among our staff and school for 2009-10 is that every grade must enter at least one outside contest (essay, poster, math teams, etc.) during the school year. We have had great success in contests during recent years and want to increase our students’ overall exposure to competition and to give them an opportunity to show off their skills. We have had winners for 2 straight years in the City of Chicago’s DuSable Essay Contest and last year had 3 winners in the VFW essay competition. By providing more opportunities for students we look to continue our past success.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Next week you will receive a form that outlines the possible times for the mandatory parent/teacher conferences on Sunday, November 8. We hold our conferences on Sunday so that families are able to more easily attend. The times will range from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. with an hour lunch break from 12-1. On the form you may check off which time slots are best for you. We will meet as a staff to schedule and then you will receive the exact time of your conference(s) on the same form when we send it back on Tuesday, November 3. If you have questions, please call Mr. Bennett or speak with your child’s teacher.

Red Ribbon Week

Red Ribbon Week in school is a week dedicated to the message against drug and alcohol addiction and abuse. We have several activities planned including a prayer service, gift giveaways, a “Wear Red” day with school picture and several other events focused on prevention strategies. All students are invited to wear red on Tuesday, October 27 for a Red Ribbon Week school picture.

Halloween Fun Fair

Next week’s Halloween Fun Fair is an exciting way for children to celebrate Halloween for an hour in school. All students are welcome and invited to wear costumes (no masks as this presents a safety issue) and every child will have an hour to spend at the Fun Fair. The schedule will be as follows: Preschool – 8:30-9:30; K-2 – 9:30-10:30; 3-5 10:30-11:30; 6-8 11:30-12:30. Each child will get 10 free tickets used to play carnival-like games. You are welcome to send in money for your child to get more tickets. They will be 25 cents a ticket.

Remember that all students and families are invited back Friday night for the continuation of the Fair from 6-8:30. If you are interested in learning more or would like to volunteer for the event please see the numbers on the back of today’s letter.

Girls Volleyball and Co-ed Floor Hockey

If any students in grades 4-8 are interested in either girls volleyball or co-ed floor hockey. Please let Mr. Bennett know as soon as possible.