PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION

MR. RIDDER’S REMINDERS –

Apr 4                Kindergarten Roundup for 2008-2009 Kindergarteners

Apr 4                “Spring” School Pictures – Appropriate Spring Attire Allowed

Apr 5 & 6           Tuition Commitment Weekend After All Masses in the Commons

Apr 7                 Meeting for 8th Grade Parents and Students going on Wash DC Trip @ 4:30

Apr 7- 25           Student Council Penny War to benefit the Lymphoma/Leukemia Soc.

Apr 12               Data Wiring Party 8:00am – 4:00pm

Apr 19               Archdiocese Math Contest at St. Patrick’s

Apr 26              Open House for Accepted 2008-2009 PreS (2 Day) Only Students

DID YOU KNOW…Jill Janke is the newly hired Art teacher, and is extremely excited about starting the Art Program? It will encompass all of the essential supplies to teach the students to be inspired and creative with an opportunity to excel with their artistic talents.  Every K-8th grade student will have Art at least once a week.  We expect the artistic talents of all students to be expressed throughout the building. Jill Janke is thrilled to hear that so many of our parents are willing to be of assistance with the Art program.  Also, for your information, Ms. Janke will become Mrs. Novak after she is married in July.

TUITION COMMITMENT IS THIS WEEKEND - Tuition Commitment Weekend is Saturday, April 5th & Sunday, April 6th.  One parent or guardian from each family is required to attend.  This will not be a time for payment; rather parents/guardians will make arrangements for their choice of payment plans for next year.  This year, we are offering a 10 month payment plan rather than 9 month.  If this is what you prefer, you must bring a voided check.  Please report to the commons area in front of the school office immediately after the weekend Mass of your choice.  Tours of the addition will be provided for anyone wanting to see the progress for themselves.

TUITION ASSISTANCE DEADLINES – Any families who feel Tuition Assistance may be necessary for the 2008-2009 school year must apply for the Archdiocese Children’s Scholarship Fund.  In order to qualify for St. Patrick’s Tuition Assistance, applicants must have first applied for the Children’s Scholarship Fund.  Applications for the Children’s Scholarship Fund are due by April 21, 2008, and applications for St. Patrick’s Tuition Assistance will be due by June 1, 2008.  All information is kept strictly confidential.  If you are in need of the Children’s Scholarship Fund Application and the St. Patrick’s Tuition Assistance Application, please contact our Business Manager, Vicki Payton, for the updated forms.  She can be reached at the parish office at 289-4289, or via email at vpayton@stpatselkhorn.org.  Completed forms are to be either emailed back to Vicki or in a sealed envelope to her attention.

KINDERGARTEN ROUNDUP –Kindergarten Roundup for incoming 2008-2009 Kindergarteners will be on April 4th.   There will be two sessions; 9:00 to 10:30am and 1:30 to 3:00pm. Students that are in the PreK classes should go to their normal class times, and they will be taken to the Kindergarten rooms to attend the sessions of Kindergarten Roundup.  PreK Students who are in the morning class will attend the morning session of Roundup. Those in the afternoon PreK class will attend the afternoon session of Roundup. Plan to pick up your child at the end of their PreK class as normal. If you are not enrolled in our PreK program, but are accepted in our Kindergarten classes for next school year, please plan to follow this…. last name, A - M should attend the morning Kindergarten Roundup and last name N – Z will attend the afternoon Kindergarten Roundup.

INTRODUCING A FEW MORE OF OUR NEW TEACHERS FOR 2008 – As we began introducing you to a our new teachers in last week of the Principal’s Notes, we continue to be excited at the wonderful prospects of what these very talented teachers will bring to St. Patrick’s in the years to come.  Several of the newly hired teachers served in just the last week or two as substitute teachers in our classrooms.  The positive response from the students and staff has only confirmed that the interview team made the best choices for our school.

SUSAN DOBEL – 6TH GRADE - I graduated in 2003 from Skutt Catholic High School.  I then attended Rockhurst University in Kansas City for a year, but missed home a lot and moved back to Omaha to attend Creighton University.  I graduated from Creighton in May of 2007 with a degree in Elementary Education.  I have spent this past school year substitute teaching while working on my Masters in reading at the University of Nebraska Omaha.

I did my student teaching and most of my practicum work in public schools. While it was a tremendous learning experience for me, it showed me that I do not want to separate my faith from my work.  A Catholic education is one of the greatest gifts I received from my parents. 

The first time I walked into St. Patrick’s, everyone was so welcoming.  The positive atmosphere made me feel comfortable right away and it was clear to me that St. Patrick’s was the place for me.  I am excited to teach in a place with such a strong sense of community. I have coached basketball at Skutt Catholic for the past two years and have seen how a strong faith background influences all aspects of a student’s character.  I am excited about sharing my faith with the students and I look forward to getting to know them and their families throughout the year. 

I grew up in Omaha and am the third of four children.  My parents still live in town so I get to see them often.

BECKY JOHNSON – TEAM TEACHER - In 1994 I graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln with a Bachelor’s degree in Education-Speech Language Pathology.  I then worked with adults with disabilities in a group home. In the fall of 1995 I attended Creighton University for two years and received a teaching certification.  I then began my professional teaching career in the fall of 1997.  I have been with Loveland Elementary for 10 wonderful years.  I started my position as a resource teacher for grades kindergarten through sixth grade.  I taught for a few years as a resource teacher and then switched to the kindergarten classroom.  I have taught kindergarten for seven years. I am now ready for my new adventure!

In my 10 years of teaching in a public school, I witnessed my students experiencing times of happiness, sorrow, separation and loss.  All experiences are a result of God’s plan and its essential children know that God always loves us no matter what.  I want to be able to reveal God’s love with my students; St. Patrick’s Catholic School provides me the opportunity to accomplish that with all my students. 

I am thrilled to become a member of St. Patrick’s staff.  I have waited for this opportunity and the time has finally arrived to become a member of this teaching staff. 

My husband and I have been blessed with 3 beautiful children.  Caroline, a second grader, and Jack, a first grader, are students at St. Patricks. Timmy, my four year old, attends preschool.  My husband, Jeff, is a first grade teacher for Papillion-LaVista Schools.  Education is very important to us, that is why we chose St. Patrick’s.   We enjoy family outdoor adventures and our quiet movie nights as well. 

LAURA VRANES – LIBRARY/MEDIA SPECIALIST - I have both my Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Library Science from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.  This will be my tenth year of teaching.  I started at Christ the King Catholic School and then moved to Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary in Omaha Public Schools.  While teaching at OPS I realized how much I missed teaching in a Catholic School.

I know that Catholic education provides a lot of excellent opportunities for students, staff, parents and the community.  Only in a Catholic school can you share your faith and your desire to help others.  I have found that parents share in the excitement and joy of learning and they value all that Catholic education provides their children.

I was so excited when Mr. Ridder offered me the opportunity to be a part of St. Patrick’s School.  Everyone at the school is so welcoming and friendly; I already feel like I am part of that staff.

I was recently married in October to my husband John.  We both love to read and I really enjoy shopping.  I enjoy spending time with my mom, my younger brother and his two daughters.  I am close to my nieces and they keep me very busy.  John and I also have a darling little puppy named Coco Chanel.

PARISH ELECTIONS – Parish Elections are scheduled for May 3rd & 4th, 2008.  You can be a part of the decision making process.  Candidates are needed to run for Parish Pastoral Council, RF Committee, and School Board.  Interested candidates should complete the brief candidate questionnaire form linked below.

CLICK HERE FOR PARISH ELECTIONS FORM

DATA WIRING PARTY – On Saturday, April 12th, from 8:00am to 4:00pm, (hopefully sooner) we are running data-communication lines in the lower level of the new building. This is a work community project that we can all do together that will save us over $20,000 in capital campaign funds.  All we need is you, your hard work ethic and a step ladder; no experience is needed.  This would be a great opportunity for student service hours. Don’t miss out on the fun. Please contact ridderd@stpatselkhorn.org if you and/or your spouse can help.  Babysitting will be available from 8 to 12 for those people that are interested in helping.

TA POSITIONS AVALABLE – With the growth of our enrollment, we will be adding a few Teacher Assistant Positions.  If you are interested in this position, please send a letter of application ands a resume to ridderd@stpatselkhorn.org.  A teaching certificate is not required.  We are searching for people who want to have a positive influence on others and a have a love for children.

NO BOOK FAIR THIS SPRING – As you know, we will be opening the next school year in the new addition.  Because the progress of the construction has been faster than anticipated, we will be unable to provide the space to offer the Scholastic Book Fair this spring!  With the growth and completion of the academic addition, we foresee book fairs to be a part of our school calendar for many years to come, especially as we will be displaying it in our brand new Media Center.  Thank you for your understanding!

2ND DAY OF SPRING PICTURES - On April 4th; we will be taking the second group of school pictures.  In the fall, the children were asked to wear their uniforms.  For the Spring pictures, the students will be allowed a dress down day and be able to wear Spring attire.  Pictures will be taken for each child, but it is optional to purchase a package.  With Spring pictures, envelopes will not be sent home prior to pictures being taken.  All students will have their picture taken and their portraits will be sent home a few weeks later.  After viewing them, you may decide to purchase them, or if not, you just send them back to school with your child. Students may ONLY wear their Spring attire on the day that their pictures are to be taken!  The policy for Dress Down Day will apply as stated in the Family Handbook.

Friday’s, April 4th Picture Schedule

8:20 – PreK A.M.

8:30 – 6th Nelson

8:40– 6th Simons

8:50 – 5th Boever

BREAK

10:00– 5th DeWald

10:10– 5th Dreher

BREAK

10:50 – 4th Brown

11:00 – 4th Magnuson

11:10 – 4th Wagner

11:20 – 7th Maline

BREAK

12:40 - PreK P.M.

THANKS FOR CALLING – A special thanks to all of you for calling the school office when/if your child/children will be sick or absent for the day.  Doing so truly helps us out, saves us valuable time and is much appreciated!  Please continue doing so when those unfortunate times occur.  You may do one of the following things: email your child’s teacher AND the school office at sgrewe@stpatselkhorn.org or feel free to call the school office @ 289-5407!

Thank You!

Because of your support,

The Magazine Drive was a success!

If you have any questions about your order call: (800) 678-2673

If you have subscriptions that need to be renewed

before next year or plan on giving the gift of reading

over the Holidays, you may do so online at:

WWW.QSP.COM

St. Patricks online account #:425052783

SCRIP INFO –Many thanks to Trevor Rutten (owner of RUNZA at 168th & Maple Streets) for allowing us to have a RUNZA night back on March 18th!  It was a complete success!  Mr. Rutten brought us a check for $408.75! Many thanks to all who came! Mr. Rutten would love to do another RUNZA night for us this fall!  Look for that announcement to come! Our SCRIP profit for the month of March is $602.50!  Our total SCRIP profit from June 2007 thru March 2008 is $8479.67! Please consider buying your SCRIP gift cards BEFORE you get gas or go to the grocery store this week! SCRIP is available at the Information Desk during school hours & after mass on the weekends! As always, any questions or orders contact Jane Chapman @ 553-6131 or email KCCJDC@cox.net. Thanks to everyone who buys SCRIP!

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART UPDATE - The Jump Rope for Heart totals for St. Patrick’s School this year are as follows: We had another fantastic year and I am very proud to say the kids raised a combined total of $8,376.46! WOW, they continue to amaze us year in and year out! This will be worth another $400 in PE equipment for St. Pats. Alec Raikar should be recognized as being the Top Contributor, raising $500.00. Several other students qualified for the trip to Disney World by raising in excess of $150.  They are below:  Jacob Gathje, Evan Nguyen and siblings, Sydney Schumacher, Carson Hunzeker, Noah Jeffrey, Brittany Witt, Emma Panowicz.  Thank you again for your continued support of the A.H.A. Way to go!

 2008 GIRLS BASKETBALL CLINIC –

Dates:                     Friday, April 18th and Friday, April 25th

Times:                    4:30-7:30 P.M.  (3rd-8th grade girls)

Location:                Twin Rivers YMCA (Valley, NE)

Entry Fee:              $35.00 per child

Coaches:                Chuck Valish, Nolan Reilly and Dan Maline

Description: The overall emphasis of this clinic is for the players to gain a better understanding of the basic drills and fundamentals of basketball. We will be teaching skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting and basic offense and defense principles. The first Friday of the clinic will be used for working on our basic basketball fundamentals. The second Friday is set for both team and individual competitions. These competitions will include a 5 on 5 round robin tournament within each grade level, an individual free throw contest, and hot shot shooting contests.

• Please note that due to the facilities we are using we have set a limit of 50 kids. The first 50 kids to sign up will be accepted.
• The deadline to have forms turned in is Tuesday, April 15th!!!
• ALL CHECKS CAN BE MADE OUT TO ST. PATRICK’S CHURCH
• Please submit your check to St. Patricks School in the main office area.
• If you have any questions about the clinic feel free to contact Chuck Valish at 402-314-0414

CLICK HERE FOR GIRLS BASKETBALL CLINIC REGISTRATION FORM

SPY NEWS - Middle School SPY Night – Next MS SPY Night is Sunday, April 6th from 6-7:30 pm in the Youth Room.

Confirmation Retreat Leaders – High School youth wanting to help lead the St. Pat’s Confirmation Retreats on either April 12th or April 19th should contact Kim Moritz at 289-0922 or Jenni Vankat at 359-1950 or jvankat@stpatselkhorn.org.

CoCo Key Water Resort – Mark your calendars for St. Pat’s Day at Omaha’s newest water resort on Sunday, April 13th from 2-8 pm.  Bring families and friends to get a jumpstart on summer!  Cost is $15 per person.  CoCo Key requires 1 adult for every 6 youth under the age of 17.  Tickets required for entry and sold after Masses on Sunday, April 6th or through the Youth Ministry Office until Monday, April 7th.  No tickets available after the 7th.

SPRING CLEANUP – Mark your calendars and please consider joining the grounds committee for a Spring Cleanup around the outside of St. Patrick’s School and Church.  The date will be April 26th.  Look for more information to come in Principal Notes.

IT’S A GREAT DAY FOR SCOUTING - Cub Scout Pack #650 would like to invite all Kindergarten through 5th grade boys to join Cub Scouts during our “Pinewood Derby Races” Saturday April 5th beginning at 11:00am in the Parish Center. Cub Scouts provides boys and their family’s fun and adventure in a program that builds character and instills values.  Your son will enjoy the satisfaction of achieving challenges, making friends and feeling good about himself.  He will learn the importance of doing his best, setting goals, and being a part of a group. Please join us Saturday April 5th to begin your adventure in Scouting!  Visit www.mac-bsa.org or contact Mike and Michelle Kieny at 493-3903 / mkieny@cox.net.

NOTES FROM RELIGIOUS FORMATION- VBS registrations are now available on the website.  They are also available in the church lobby or by calling the RF Office.

 7th Grade Parent/Student Reflection will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2008.  7th graders who plan to be confirmed in the spring of 2009 and their parent(s) should plan to attend on the 9th.  We will meet in the church at 7:30 p.m.  Time will be spent reflecting on the sacrament of Confirmation and also going over the expectations for Confirmation preparation in our parish.

Confirmation Candidate/Sponsor Retreat…On Wednesday, April 16, 2008, Confirmation candidates and their sponsors are asked to meet in the church at 7:30 p.m.  We will spend the evening reflecting on the Rite of Confirmation and the Eucharist.  If your sponsor is unavailable to attend, at least one parent should plan to attend with you.

Confirmation Interviews for Confirmation candidates planning to be confirmed on May 4th will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2008, from 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.  Candidates are asked to meet in the church.  Confirmation Pictures/Practice will be held Wednesday, April 30, 2008. All of the details regarding pictures and practice were sent home with Confirmation candidates last week.

Principal's Notes Deadline

Please submit all items/information in final form for Principal's Notes

by Tuesday, 8:00am to the school or email to:

ridderd@stpatselkhorn.org or kmoritz@stpatselkhorn.org

Archived Principal's Notes