MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Aug 23rd    2nd through 4th Grade Curriculum Night (2 sessions) at 6:30 & 7pm

                  State of School Address in the church (2 Sessions) at 7:00 & 7:30pm

26th            Parish Carnival 1:30-5:30pm

28th            K-1st Grade Curriculum Night (2 sessions) at 6:30 & 7pm

                  State of School Address in the church (2 Sessions) at 7:00 & 7:30pm

Sept 3rd     Labor Day – No School

EDLINE IS BEING UPDATED – We are in the process of upgrading the online Edline software.  Please be patient as we will be up and ready to go for all parents to look at the teacher pages and their student’s grades in a week.  Thanks as we make this means of communication a bigger and better tool for all at St. Patrick’s to use. Teachers will continue to email information weekly.

INFORMATION ON THE NEW BUILDING PROGRESS – Our building process for our classroom addition is well underway. Now that the dirt has been hauled out, we had plans to begin laying the footings this week. However, the rain created a delay in getting this accomplished.  For your information, we will be constantly updating pictures of the progress on our website www.stpatselkhorn.org   Also, the success of the campaign needs to continue for this building process to be successful and complete.

FAMILY HANDBOOK -There are approximately 100 families who have not turned in the Family Handbook Acknowledgement Form.  The children of these families will not be allowed to use the computers in the school until this form is turned in to their teacher.  The handbook can be found on the school webpage and the form is linked below for you to print and sign. We also sent the form home with the oldest and only of each family today. Parents—please take time to go over this handbook and simply sign the form that is available for you.  Not doing this hinders the education process that we expect your child/children to achieve.  Thank you so much for those of you that have complied!

FAMILY HANDBOOK ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM

HEELY SHOES AT SCHOOL ARE NOT ALLOWED! – Any style/brand of shoes with wheels can NEVER be worn on our campus; before, during or after school.  So please take a few minutes to make sure your children understand this. 

INTERNET/PUBLICITY PREFERENCES – If you do not want your child’s picture or name appearing in any type of media or publications for St. Patrick’s School, would you please contact the school office with your preference by August 31st.

WANT TO TEACH YOUR KIDS RESPONSIBILITY?  – Kids learn from mistakes as we do/have.  If they forget an assignment or their lunch, it is okay to let them “deal with the consequences”.  They will remember to plan ahead and bring their homework home if they have felt the discomfort of “forgetting”.  They will remember to bring their lunch if they prefer cold lunch or their homework, if we as parents do not “fix” the problem for them.  Understand that this is why we discourage bringing things to the office after you have dropped the kids off for the day.  Returning to school after dismissal is also strongly discouraged.  When kids forget their lunch, they will be provided a hot lunch.  When they forget their homework, their teacher will help them work through how to handle the situation in the future.  By not “fixing” the problem, you ARE teaching your child responsibility. We all appreciate you supporting us as we work together to teach your child (ren) responsibility.

LOOKING FOR COMPUTERS - Over the past years, we have been fortunate to receive many quality computers from Mutual of Omaha. Sadly though, it is looking as if this good fortune may not continue.  Therefore, if you are a part of a large company and you would be interested in helping us, we are in need of desktop or laptop computers.  They must be at least a Pentium IV and capable of running Windows XP 2003.  Please contact Don Ridder @ 289-5407 for any information.

CARPOOL ARRANGEMENTS- There cannot be any more changing of lots from here on.  The lot that was originally assigned for the members of your carpool is the lot you must stay with for the school year. Because of the number of spaces in each lot, we can not allow people to park in another area after the carpool form has been submitted. This is creating a lot of confusion for the students as well as the teachers monitoring the groups that go to each area.  The parking lot is emptying out completely in about 5 minutes because of everyone’s cooperation. We thank you for this! Safety for the children is our main concern.

2006-2007 YEARBOOKS ARE HERE - Yearbooks were sent home last week.  If you are in need of one we still have some to purchase.  Please send a check for 16.00 c/o St. Patrick’s Home and School and a yearbook will be sent home in your child’s backpack. (If you ordered a yearbook and did not receive it please contact Staci Witkowski at ladybug97@cox.net)

ROOM PARENTS - We need several more room parents. We need room parents for Pre-S T-Th AM and PM, and Pre-K M-W-F AM and PM (we have on AM person and that is all. We also need room parents for Mrs. Hotovy, and Mrs.Weist (2nd grade), Mrs. Peal (3rd grade), Miss Magnuson (4th grade), Mrs. Dreher, and Mrs. Boever (5th grade), and Mr. Maline (7th grade). Interested parents can contact Keri Sitzmann-Robey at mksrobey@cox.net. Thanks!!!

LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS - Are you looking for a great way to make a difference at St. Patrick’s?  The school library is in need of volunteers to help with checking in/out books, book maintenance, shelving books, Birthday book Club parties, helping students during their check out time, and much more.  Ideally, we are looking for consistent help, but even if you can only spare a little bit of time, we appreciate it.  Please contact Anne Kalkowski at akalkowski@stpatselkhorn.org if interested or print out a volunteer sheet on the Library Media Center page on Edline and return to the school office. 

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS - Summer vacation is over and the new school year is here. How about volunteering at our school's Welcome Desk?  Some of last year's volunteers are returning (Thank You!), but we are in need of more help.  Our goal is have someone at the desk throughout the school day.  If you're interested, please contact Melinda Macdonald at 965-9676 or omahamacdonald@cox.net.  It's a great way to meet fellow parents and parishioners!  If you can't commit to a certain day or time, think about becoming a sub!

EXTENDED CARE ASSISTANT POSITION OPEN – Our wonderful Extended Care Director, Dana Gerten, is seeking an assistant that loves to care for children in her program before and/or after school for a few hours Monday through Friday when school is in session.  The hours are Monday through Friday from 6:30am – 7:45am and/or 3:15pm – 6:00pm.  If you are interested send your letter of application and resume to Mr. Ridder at ridderd@stpatselkhorn.org.

DEHUMIDIFIERS NEEDED – If anyone has a dehumidifier they would like to donate to the school, please contact the office at 289-5407.  We are in need of 2.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING AT ST. PATRICK’S You can get your initial Safe Environment Training here at St. Patrick’s…This will be available in the Parish Center on Saturday, October 13th from 9am to Noon.  If you have already received you initial training, you can get re-certified on Tuesday, September 18th from 6:30 to 9:00pm.  Anyone who works with children must have this training.  Please attempt to have that training as soon as possible.  If you plan to attend, please call the school office and let them know @289-5407.

FIRST HOME & SCHOOL MEETING - Our 1st Home and School meeting will be Tuesday, Sept 4th at 7p.m. in the gym entrance.   We will be discussing potential changes in our SCRIP program, YOUR money donations, and a few more minor things to get the school year off to a great start.  We will have childcare available for 2.00 per child for the night.  We have some new and fresh ideas to share and vote on.  Please mark your calendars and plan on attending!  A prize drawing will be held so don't miss your chance to win FREE St. Pat's apparel!!!!! 

We Will See You There!!!

Staci Witkowski

Home and School President 07-08

It is expected to hit St. Patrick’s

October 16th and continue through October 23rd.

Mark your calendars and stay tuned

                         to the forecast for more information.

ROSARY CLUB- Will begin a few weeks.  Watch the Principal's Notes for further details.

GIRL SCOUTS - Calling any 4th grade girl interested in joining a Girl Scout Troop!  A new troop is forming and will be meeting on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month after school.  Please contact Mary Petersen at 719-6208 if you're interested. The first meeting is scheduled for August 23rd.  A lot of fun and exciting things are planned; we hope you will consider joining!

HY VEE SMILES – Beginning in August, our school has the opportunity to win up to $5,000 through Hy Vee’s “Smiles for Education” program.  Each week for 10 weeks, Hy Vee will hold a drawing to select 10 winning students, for a total of 100 winners by the end of the program.  Each of those students will receive a Dell Inspiron 1501 laptop computer, and each of their schools will receive a donation of $5,000 from Hy Vee.  We encourage parents, teachers and staff from our school to join in the “Smiles for Education” program by visiting their local Hy Vee store and registering their students’ names for the drawing.

ALTAR SERVER TRAINING - It is time to train the 5th (or ANY interested 6th through 8th graders who have not been trained) in the ministry of altar server.  We consider this an ongoing part of their liturgical catechesis.  They will be trained not only in what to do, but in why they do it.  We hope it will enhance their understanding of the Mass. Ministry at the altar by servers represents a long liturgical tradition.  These servers enhance the quality of celebration for the whole gathered assembly by taking part in processions and by ensuring that all items required for the celebration are available at the appropriate moments.  It is a ministry that teaches dignity and reverence, and enhances the understanding of ritual moments in our Church.After training, the young people will be given the opportunity to take a larger role by being scheduled to serve at parish Masses.  This is not required, of course, but we highly encourage participation.  We hope that you will discuss it as a family and offer to be scheduled as an altar server.  A commitment form will come home after training. Training will take place during the school day.  Parents, you are invited and encouraged to talk with me about serving.  You’ll be in a better position to understand what serving entails and offer your support for this ministry. 

Thank you for your attention!   Michael J. Willis  mwillis@stpatselkhorn.org 359-1951) Director, Worship & Liturgy

THE PARISH CARNIVAL IS THIS SUNDAY - The St. Patrick's Parish Carnival is Sunday. The carnival will be held from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm and promises to be as exciting and as fun as ever!  We will have plenty of games, prizes, inflatables, face painting, food, and more!   We will also feature special appearances by The Amazing Arthur and Poppin' Penelope!!!  Make sure to mark your calendars...you will not want to miss this wonderful event! PLEASE HELP!!!!! We are still very much in need of volunteers to help with set up and tear down for the carnival on Sunday.  If you are able to assist in this area, please contact Jen at   218-9186.

ST PATRICK’S FAMILIES - CALLING FOR CAKES, PIES AND TREATS - OH MY!!! -  We need many treats for the cake walk at the carnival this Sunday. 

If your last name begins with….

 A-M please bring a cakes

 N-Z  please bring individually wrapped treats (ie: cookies, brownies).  Please either bring them into school yourself or send it with your child to school this Friday or you may bring them to Mass on Sunday –   Tables will be available for you to drop them off at both places.

TREASURE JARS FOR CARNIVAL - Treasure jars and gift donations for the carnival may be left at the school entrance on Friday during the school hours.

BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION - Welcome to another year of Box Tops for Education. I’d like to give a little history of St. Patrick’s Box Tops for Education participation. We are currently ranked 7th in the State of Nebraska. Last school year, we received a total of $2609 from “Box Tops for Education”. Since beginning the “Box Tops for Education” program, St. Patrick’s has received $10,154. That is FREE money that is deposited into the Home and School account and is used for various school projects that benefit the school community.

This year for every 5,000 individual Box Tops for Education (that is the equivalent of $500) that we receive all of the children of the school will be allowed a dress down day. So start sending those Box Tops for Education into school with your children. Any questions, contact Diane or Matt Anielak at danielak@stpatselkhorn.org or 699-9411. Thank you in advance for your participation in this very worthwhile program.

SAVE THE DATE! The 1st Annual Spokes 4 Folks - Spoketober Fest Charity Bike Ride hosted by St. Patrick’s Men’s Club is taking place on Saturday, September 22nd. The proceeds from this year’s event will go to Parishioner Kathy Sprague. Do you love to bike ride? Sign up for the 13, 26 or 40 mile ride as an individual or find three friends to make up a team. Don’t want to ride but want to help as a volunteer or a sponsor? Contact Shawn Ovenden at home: 498-8877. Check out the website at www.spokes4folks.com for more information.  If anything, come and attend the Pancake Breakfast that morning here at St. Patrick’s!  Enjoy the Ride!!

SEARCH, DISCOVER AND SHARE – Interested in joining Cub Scouts?  Cub Scout Pack #650 wants you!  Contact Cub Master Mike Riddle @ 492-8485 or  michael.j.riddle@wellsfargo.com

THANK YOU TO THE WOMEN’S CLUB – Thank you for their recent donation of funds to purchase additional Bibles for use in the 5-day school and RF program.  These bibles are also available for use by adults who meet for Bible Study or Mom’s.

LITURGY OF THE WORD FOR CHILDREN - Liturgy of the Word for Children will resume the weekend of September 8th/9th.   Additional volunteers are needed as Leaders of the Word, Music and Shepherds for the 5:00 p.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Liturgies.  For additional information regarding the responsibilities associated with the Ministry, please call Mary McMahon at 289-4947 or email mmcmahon@stpatslekhorn.org.  An in-service for all volunteers new to this ministry will be held on Thursday, August 30, 2007 @ 7:00 p.m.  The in-service will be held in the school lobby.

DISCIPLESHIP MENTORS NEEDED- Additional Discipleship Mentors are needed to coordinate a total of three service projects for a group of approximately eight Confirmation candidates from the 5-day school and RF program.  (Two adult mentors per group.)  Mentors will coordinate all aspects of the projects, including Field Trip Permission Forms, contacts with the service site and parents.  Mentors will also provide direction and support to the candidates during the service experience and the journaling that follows.  All mentors are asked to attend an in-service on Thursday, September 13, 2007, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., along with a Mentor/Candidate Reflection on Wednesday, September 26, 2007 from 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

CONFIRMATION CANDIDATE/SPONSOR MEETING - Tuesday, September 4th, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  If you are new to the parish, or missed the parent/candidate meeting in April and plan to be confirmed in the spring of 2008, please plan to attend.  Time will be spent reflecting on the Sacrament of Confirmation and reviewing the requirements for Confirmation in our parish.  Please make arrangements to attend this evening of reflection as no other times will be scheduled.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR ST. PATRICK’S 3RD ANNUAL TASTE – A FOOD AND WINE EXPERIENCE - Saturday, November 17th. Committees are forming now for this fun event. If you are interested in helping out, please contact one of the following:

   Christina Butler, 289-9787 or ecbutler@cox.net

   Michele Zadalis, 965-8449 or rzadalis@cox.net

We are also looking for generous restaurants and businesses to donate food samples for the evening of November 17th. If you own a restaurant/business or have a “connection” to one and would like to help us out, please contact Christina or Michele.

Principal’s Notes Deadline

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

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

ridderd@stpatselkhorn.org

Archived Principal's Notes