July 17, 2007

Dear Parents,

    Summer is swiftly passing and soon the new school year will be upon us. The theme selected for this school year by the NCEA is "Catholic Schools Light the Way." Our school theme will be based upon a goal identified in our strategic plan adopted last year: "Royals Are- Respectful * Responsible * Reverent."

It is our goal to emphasize this in all relationships. The faculty and staff realize the importance of family as the first and principal educators of their children. Family and school working together to reach this identified goal will bring the surest path to success.

    In order to begin the new school year addressing this goal, three separate forums will be used. First, the teacher and staff in-service on August 15th will focus on this goal and means to achieve it, as well as policies in the teacher and student handbook. Students will be brought to the gym on the first full day of school, divided by grade levels, for an orientation that will involve an explanation of our school goal, as well as an overview of disciplinary policies outlined in the student handbook.

    As parents, your role cannot be overemphasized in order to achieve success. Therefore, new this year, all parents are asked to attend an orientation meeting prior to the start of school.

  • August 14, 7 pm, Social Hall: Parents of students, grades 1-5. At least one parent should attend.

  • August 16, 7 pm, Social Hall: Parents of students, grades 6-8. If you have children in both lower and   upper grades, you need only attend once, preferably the middle school meeting. If you are unable to attend either night, you must call the school office and schedule a meeting with the classroom teacher.

    We request that children not attend these meetings due to space constraints. (The exception to this is all 6th graders and new middle school students. These students should attend on August 16 and meet in the science classroom at 7 pm. They will receive a brief orientation, locker information, and a course schedule. They will also have a brief run through of their classes.)\

    The Parent Orientation Agenda will include:

  • Distribution of the Family Envelope containing all required forms for the school year.

  • A review of dress code and discipline policies.

  • A review of the respect, responsibility and reverence education component.

  • Completion of the lunch envelope for the first two weeks (or more, if you wish) of school. Overview of lunchroom policies.

Parents of students in kindergarten and preschool will have an orientation with those teachers, and therefore do not need to attend the meetings above.

 

    Many of you have asked about the playground situation and because we had not heard from the insurance company until last Friday we were not able to give you much information. We will receive disbursement from insurance towards the replacement of the playground structure, however, this amount will not be enough to replace the structure to the prior complexity. We also need a structure that will withstand the rigors of several hundred children each day for many years, as well as one that will accommodate a good number of children at any one time. It will be necessary to raise some additional funds to accomplish these goals.

    A committee has been formed and has begun to work on this situation. Mr. Homan has agreed to take charge of this project. We will have one fundraiser that will involve the children, a Walkathon, on August 31. We will also have a fundraiser that will involve the entire parish/school community, the details of which remain to be finalized. The remains of the current structure will be excavated and cleaned up before school begins in August.

 

    At this time we welcome to our school the following new teachers:

  • Miss Anna Sophia Krenzke- music, band and choir. Miss Krenzke recently received her masters degree from Valparaiso University.

  • Mrs. Jenna Corson will teach 5th grade in addition to Mrs. Waning. Mrs. Corson is a graduate of Ball State University.

  • Mrs. Nicole Suvar will teach middle school science and 6th grade math. Mrs. Suvar is a graduate of Indiana-Purdue University.

  • Mr. Homan will continue to teach 4th grade, but also assumes the title of Lead Teacher/Assistance Principal. Mr. Homan has been involved in a training program sponsored by the Diocese for the last two years. Mr. Homan will assume some administrative responsibilities assigned to him, particularly in my absence from the building. He has greatly assisted in some administrative duties assigned to him over the summer.

Enclosed with this letter are several important documents:

  • Updated calendar (also on the website)

  • Supply list for each grade (also on the website)

  • Immunization requirements

  • Lunch menu letter and Free & Reduced Lunch Application

  • Dress Code Policy. Students must be in uniform when school begins on August 20. Uniform shorts may be worn through September 30. We ask each parent to make sure that your child's clothing complies with our policy. A reminder that all students grades 5-8 must wear a belt with slacks that have belt loops. The administration reserves the right to enforce the dress code as written and make final determination regarding the style of clothing worn. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

USED UNIFORM SALE will take place August 4 (4-7 pm), and August 5 (10 am- 1 pm). If you are able to help with the sale, please call Eileen Fenker at 484-6981. Donations of clean uniform clothing are appreciated. If you would like to sell your used uniforms you may do so with 50% of the profit going to the church.

School Office Hours: August 6 - 17 will be 9 am- noon, and 1-3 pm.

Thank you for entrusting the education of your child to us. We remain committed to serving our school community to the best of our ability. I look forward to seeing each of you in August. A reminder that dismissal is at 11:30 am on August 20, and After Care will not begin until August 21.

 

God Bless You,

 

Mrs. Jordan

Marsha A. Jordan, Principal