January 24, 2008

Calendar Update: 
The faculty and I would like to meet a second time in February in order to plan for the rest of the year.  Therefore, we will have a second Faculty Meeting on Friday, February 8^th.   On Friday February 8^th we will have an 11:15 Dismissal.  I share with you the beautiful words Mrs. Bertino wrote on her Class Notes this week:  “THE SHOCK OF THE SCHOOL'S CLOSING ONLY GIVES US INCREASED DETERMINATION TO GET THROUGH THE HURDLES OF THIS REMAINING YEAR WITH PRIDE IN  WHAT WE HAVE ALREADY ACCOMPLISHED AND FAITH IN WHAT GOD IS PREPARING FOR EACH AND EVERYONE OF US. WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT NOTHING WILL STAND IN THE WAY OF ACHIEVING OUR GOALS WHETHER THEY ARE HERE AT SHPS OR ELSEWHERE. AS WE SHARE THIS DIFFICULT TIME TOGETHER WE WOULD LIKE TO ASSURE YOU THAT WE WILL CONTINUE TO TEACH AND FULFILL THE OBLIGATIONS WE MADE TO YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN IN SEPTEMBER, 2007.

THANK YOU FOR BEING SUPPORTIVE PARENTS AND THE UNDERLYING SPIRIT OF WHAT TRULY MADE SHPS A GREAT SCHOOL AND FAMILY.” 

 Please be sure to mark this Calendar Change on your personal calendar.  Thank you for understanding.

Catholic Schools Week

• I hope I will be seeing all of you at our Catholic Schools Week Breakfasts next week!  Our Catholic Schools Week Breakfasts begin at 8:00 a.m. next week.  We will begin with prayer shortly after 8:00 a.m.  After breakfast you will be welcomed to your child’s classroom.  You should be well on your way by 9:00 a.m.  It is so, so important that each child has some significant family member to join him/her for breakfast.
   

• Next Friday, February 1^st, is an 11:15 Dismissal Day for a Faculty Luncheon Meeting.  This will be preceded by our 10:15 First Friday Liturgy being offered for Faculty, Staff, Volunteers and Alumni.   Please come and join us!
   

• Also, next Friday, February 1^st is Teacher Appreciation Day at SHPS.  Once again I suggest that you send a note or a card or some expression of gratitude to your child’s teachers – these incredible people who are so committed to providing a superior all around education for your child.
   

• Did you send in the Volunteer Appreciation form that went home last week?  We don’t want to leave you out!!!
   

• Please take note of the flyer regarding the Dress Guidelines for Student Appreciation next Tuesday.
   

• Weeks ago we sent home a brightly colored Family Sign for you to complete with your child.  Have you sent it in to school yet?  Tomorrow is the last day.
   

• Be sure to ask your youngsters about the special activities each day of the week – some wonderful events have been planned by our teachers to help celebrate our Catholic School!

• 2^nd Quarter Report Cards will be sent home next week in the Thursday Packet to all families whose financial obligations are up-to-date. Please be on the lookout.  Once you review the report please discuss progress or lack thereof with your youngster.  The signed yellow copy is to be returned on Friday, February 1^st. 
   

• Midterm Exams are never sent home.  Teachers may review exams with students so that they may note areas of strength and weakness.  The exam grade is 20% of the second quarter grade.  However, attached to the report card will be a separate sheet letting you know how your youngster did on the midterm exams.  Please look for this paper, sign it and return it to the homeroom teacher.   Please know that each teacher gave the students a detailed review sheet for the exam and spent considerable class time reviewing for exams using the review sheet and other materials.

Please take note of the list of school Open Houses that are included in this packet.  I hope you will take advantage of these.  As I said in my note yesterday, “If the Open Houses occur during the week and you wish to take your child, your child will be excused to go with you.   However, please know that making available this list to you is not to be seen as a recommendation on my part.  It is up to you, the parent, to go and see and ask questions. 

You have copies of previous year’s ITBS scores and report cards.  However, we will make available to you a copy of your youngster’s record card which includes the ITBS scores.   Many schools will have a recommendation form for you to bring to your child’s teacher which will be mailed directly back to the particular school.  Other schools may not.  Principals may call and check on the students and the parents’ record in paying tuition.    Each school to which you choose to apply may have a different process.

This is an anxious time for you and your youngster.   Children need the security of stability and routine.  I know you want your child settled; yet I ask you to let your youngster have closure here at Sacred Heart Private.   It is educationally and emotionally sound to have them remain here for the rest of this academic year, to finish the year with their friends and teachers so that after the tears we can all spend time together as a school family rejoicing in all that Sacred Heart Private has been for 74 years and celebrating our proud history.”

We can do this together!