PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION

MR. RIDDER’S REMINDERS

July 22                Monthly Payment Withdrawn

July 30                3 X 3 Basketball Tournament

Aug 7                  Get Set for School 1:00 – 5:00pm Parish Center

Aug 15                Back to School Night for Kindergarten – 8^th Grades

                            5:30-6:00pm Last Names A – H

                            6:00-6:30pm Last Names I – P

                            6:30-7:00pm Last Names Q - Z

Aug 17                First Day of School for Kindergarten – 8^th Grades

                           Kindergarteners Attend 8:05 - Noon with Lunch thru Aug 19^th

Aug 18                PreS Open House

Aug 19                PreK Open House

Aug 22                First FULL Day of School for Kindergarteners

                           Boo Hoo/Whoo Hoo Kindergarten Parents Breakfast 8:15am Boland Hall

                           PreK First Day of School

Aug 23                PreS First Day of School

                           6:30 and 7:00 in the PC 5^th – 8^th Grade Curriculum Night

Aug 25                6:30 and 7:00 in the PC and then to church 2nd – 4^th Grade Curriculum Night

Aug 26                Parish Golf Outing

Aug 28                Parish Carnival

SCHOOL OFFICE SUMMER HOURS & PRINCIPAL"S NOTES - The school office will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. until August 9th, Principal’s Notes” will resume on a weekly basis beginning on this week Please refer to the school website as it is being updated every day. If you have any questions, feel free to email Mr. Ridder, Mrs. Moritz or call the school office.

SUMMER SCHOOL REGISTRATION BEGINS - Summer School will be August 1^st – 5^th from 8:00am until 11:00am. Dress is summer casual. This class is intended to be a brush up to get the students ready for the upcoming school year. Emphasis will be placed on reading, writing, and grammar, as well as the review of math concepts. Parents should register for the grade their child will be entering in the fall of 2011.  The list below tells what teachers will be teaching and to the right you can find a link to their registration form.  Please make checks payable to the teacher. 

Ms. McGinty       Kindergarten Summer School Form

Mrs. Kill             1ST Grade Summer School Form

Mrs. Hotovy        2ND Grade Summer School Form

Mrs. Peal           3RD Grade Summer School Form

Mrs. Miller          4TH Grade Summer School Form

Mrs. DeWald      5TH Grade Summer School Form

“GET SET FOR SCHOOL” – On Sunday, August 7th, we will have “Get Set for School” from 1:00 – 5:00pm in the Parish Center.  On this day, class lists will be posted and parents will learn who their child’s teacher is.  Families will open their lunch accounts, register for Extended Care, pay for membership along with signing-up for volunteer projects with Home & School, approve your entry in the school directory, and shop the Used Uniform Sale.  At least one parent from each family is expected to attend.  It is not necessary for children to attend this event. Students can come Monday, August 15th to “Back to School Night” to meet their teachers and drop off school supplies.

1:00-2:00            All New Families to St. Patrick’s School

2:00-3:00            Last Names Beginning with A – H

3:00-4:00            Last Names Beginning with I – P

4:00-5:00            Last Names Beginning with Q – Z

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT IS MONDAY, AUGUST 15TH– This evening allows students, along with their parents, to bring their school supplies in to their classroom and say a quick hello to their new teacher. This event is completely optional.  We ask that all children be accompanied by an adult.

5:30-6:00            Last Names Beginning with A – H           

6:00-6:30            Last Names Beginning with I – P

6:30-7:00            Last Names Beginning with Q – Z

ST. PATRICK’S SCHOOL WEBSITE – The school website has been updated with the new school year (2011-2012) information.  Tuition, School Supply Lists, Home & School information and other items have all been updated.  If you have bookmarked the St. Patrick’s school website on your computer, please be sure to hit the refresh button so you get the most updated information.  The same goes for “Principal Notes” or others items on the webpage!  Open the bookmarked page, then press “Refresh” every time you open the site.

2011-2012 FAMILY HANDBOOK POSTED ON FRIDAY - The 2011-2012 Family Handbook will be posted on the school web site by Friday afternoon.  All parents/guardians and students are expected to read and follow the entire handbook.  There are several changes to acknowledge.  The main procedures or changes to note are:

• Addition of Exploratory Classes
• Participation in Extra-Curricular Activities
• End of School Year Financial Obligations
• Security System
• Student Birthday Recognition
• Uniform Policy – Note that trendy hair accessories are not allowed that include feathers or distracting colors/cuts.

Family Handbook Acknowledgment Forms will be distributed at “Get Set for School” where all parents/guardians and students will be asked to sign that they have read and expect to follow the procedures the handbook in its entirety.

MARKETING/SHARING OUR PHOTOS! – St. Patrick’s School is always looking for ways to market our school and tell the community about events taking place in our school.  If you would not like your child’s picture to be a part of any of our marketing tools, such as in the Omaha World Herald, Catholic Voice, or The Douglas County Post-Gazette, please inform the office, so we do not include your child’s picture. 

PAPERWORK NEEDED - Health information listed below for students should be turned into the school office by August 1, 2011 if you have not previously submitted it. Please refer to the Family Handbook for additional information.

• PreS and PreK - Birth Certificate & Immunization Record
• Kindergarten – Birth Certificate, Physical Exam, Visual Exam, & Immunization Record if you have not submitted this already.
• 7^th grade- Physical Exam and Immunization Record
• Out-of-State Transfer Students - Physical Exam and Immunization Record that meets Nebraska requirements.
• ALL STUDENTS – Verification of 2^nd Varicella (Chicken Pox) vaccination if the School Nurse, Mrs. Friedt, notified you that your child needs it.

We MUST have a copy of each child’s Birth Certificate, Immunization Record and Baptismal Certificate (if this sacrament took place at another Parish) before your child(ren) can attend school. 

***The above documents are required by the state of Nebraska for school attendance.  These documents must be turned in, signed off as complete and accurate by office staff and the school nurse before your child is allowed to attend school at St. Patrick’s School in August.  Please plan ahead and get this information into the school office so your child will be able to start school on August 17th. 

PRES/PREK MORNING OR AFTERNOON – Emails were sent out to parents June 27^th indicating what their child’s class assignment is for PreS or PreK.  If you did not receive an email, please contact the school office and let us know. Please understand that every attempt is being made to meet the preference for morning and afternoon sessions but it is NOT guaranteed in order to balance out the class sizes. Thank you for your flexibility and support.

TWO PART-TIME EXTENDED CARE ASSISTANT POSITIONS NEEDED – We have two openings for part-time positions in the Extended Care Program for the 2011-2012 school year. If you or someone you would recommend would be interested in this position, please contact Dana Gerten, Extended Care Director at dgerten@stpatselkhorn.org.

MONTHLY PAYMENT PLAN DELAYED – Due to the power outage that we experienced in the Elkhorn area yesterday, we were unable to submit the monthly payments to the bank as originally planned.  This month’s payment will actually be withdrawn on Friday, July 22^nd.  Please email Vicki Payton if you have questions at vpayton@stpatselkhorn.org. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause.

WELCOME DESK VOLUNTEERS – CALLING ALL PERSPECTIVE WELCOME DESK VOLUNTEERS – We need your help!  We are looking for a volunteer for each afternoon while children are still in the building for after school activities from 3:00 – 6:00pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. You could volunteer once a week, or once every two weeks or what works best for your schedule.  Don’t miss out; this could be a lot fun for you. If you have a friend or relative that might be interested, please let us know.  If you or someone you know are interested, please email Dan Van Anne at dva47@hotmail.com.

ARE YOUR KIDS “BORED” ALREADY WHILE ON THEIR SUMMER BREAK? – We can use their help! If your child is a responsible, hard worker, give us a call! We have many projects going on around the school getting ready for the fall. We ask that the students that volunteer be going into 6th, 7th, 8th grade or above. We do ask that you call first to make sure that we need that type of help on a day that they are available. Do not drop them off without talking to the office first. This can count for service hours at their various high schools or for part of the sacrament requirement. This is also a great way for them to take ownership of their school. Call the school office at (402)289-5407 if your kiddos can help.

SCRAPBOOKING - Are you creative and willing to help with the St. Patrick’s School scrapbook?  We are in need of some assistance in placing all of our awesome newspaper articles in a scrapbook so prospective families and current families can view all of our great accomplishments!  All of the articles are in order and ready to go, we just need some volunteers to help put it together.  If you are willing to help, please contact the office at (402)289-5407 for more details.

USED UNIFORM DONATIONS – The next Used Uniform sale will be, Sunday August 7^th.  If you have uniforms in good condition that you would like to donate, please contact Suzanne Kahnk at skahnk@otcvs.com or 402-289-5420 to arrange pick up or drop off prior to the sale.   We currently have a waiting list & are in need of size 14 plaid, sweaters both medium & large & short sleeved shirts in good condition.

CARNIVAL NEWS - SAVE THE DATE – St. Patrick's Parish Carnival is set for Sunday, August 28 from 1:30-5:30 PM. We are still in need of some "carnival" type toys and trinkets. ! Look around your house - we would love them for the carnival!  One mom's trash is another kid's treasure at the carnival!!!! A box marked “carnival” donations will be placed in the entrance of the school for you to deposit your items. If you have questions or would like to volunteer, contact Jacquie Schumacher at 201-1183 or email jacquieschumacher@cox.net or Tammy Olson at olsonp1@cox.net.

2011 FALL BASKETBALL SESSION - Registration is now open for the 2011 Fall Basketball Session for parish youth grades K-4.  The grades will be separated as the following:  Kindergarten, 1st/2nd grade boys, 1st/2nd grade girls, 3rd/4th grade boys, 3rd/4th grade girls.  The season runs October 22nd - December 10th.  For any questions regarding this session please contact Scott Kubicek:  carrie.kubicek@cox.net. For questions regarding online registration please contact Katie & Brent L'Heureux at lheureux03@yahoo.com.  Cost is $30 for YMCA members, $60 for Non-YMCA members.  Registration will end September 17th and late registration fees will apply after the 17th.  To register please go to: http://new.stpatselkhorn.org/athletics/athleticsindex.cfm

SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING – ALL staff and volunteers must be Safe Environment Trained as required by the Archdiocese of Omaha to be around children in any capacity. This includes but is not limited to volunteering in any way around the school, coaching, sponsoring clubs, etc. The following information will tell you when, where and how you may take the training classes.

Initial Training

The next trainings at St. Pat’s for Safe Environment Initial Certification are Wed. Aug. 3^rd from 6:30-8:30 pm in Boland Hall and Saturday, Aug. 20^th from 9:00-11:00 am in Boland Hall.  To register, contact Jenni Vankat, Safe Environment Coordinator, at jvankat@stpatselkhorn.org or 402-289-4289 x1527.

Recertification Online Training

The Archdiocese has released a new Safe Environment Online Recertification program.  Since the initial certification was good for five years many people will need to renew their certification this year.  This online program was created so individuals may complete the training at their convenience.

The training takes approximately 60 minutes to complete.  Below are the steps to access the online recertification and other key points to acquire recertification.

1.    Go to the Archdiocesan website - www.archomaha.org

2.    Select the “Safe Environment” tab.

3.    Click on "Recertification Online Training" to get started.

4.    Follow the instructions.  Note:  You will have to create a login and password for yourself. 

• Once training is completed, you must print and fill out:  1) the Online Recertification Registration form, and 2) the Notification, Authorization and Screening form.  Mail the two completed forms to the Safe Environment Records Office.  (The address is noted on the Recertification Registration Form.)
• The training fee is $12 for volunteers and $15 for employees.  
• Once the fee and paperwork are received, processed and validated by the Archdiocesan Safe Environment Office, a Safe Environment certification card will be mailed to you

Questions… contact Jenni Vankat, Safe Environment Coordinator, atjvankat@stpatselkhorn.org or 402-289-4289 x1527.

SCRIP gift cards will be available for purchase after all masses during the weekend of July 23^rd/24^th.  Educational Outfitters has joined our SCRIP program just in time to purchase school uniforms.  They are offering $20 gift cards with 5% going back to the SCRIP program.  Anyone who redeems an Educational Outfitters gift card before August 31^st will be entered into a drawing to win a $50 gift card.

The Scrip program is “going green”.  We will be offering an online ordering option with automatic bank withdrawals so no more writing checks.  We are also going to cut down on paper use by sending Scrip gift cards home in reusable envelopes.  More information will be provided at “Get set for school” on August 7^th.  If you have any questions please contact Amy Hansen at 402-689-4141 or hansenhome@cox.net or Julie Drueke at 770-833-6517 oromahadrueke@msn.com.

BUSINESS OWNERS, GET YOUR NAME OUT THERE - The St. Patrick's Athletic Committee is planning for its 10th annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament to be held on Saturday, July 30th.  Last year this tournament had 125 teams registered and brought over 1000 people to St. Patrick's.  If you or your business would like to be a sponsor of this year’s event please contact Mike Meyer at mrmomm@cox.net or 402-965-4231. Sponsors will be featured on the event website, on the t-shirts, and will have a variety of other promotional opportunities.  See more details at the event website at:  www.elkhorn3on3.com.

RETREAT OPPORTUNITY

July 25-29, 2011: Annual Silent Retreat for the Members of the Pro Sanctity Family and Friends

with Retreat Director, Fr. Paul Hoesing, 

Vocation Director of the Archdiocese of Omaha.

St. Benedict Center, Schuyler, Nebraska.

Total retreat cost: $300 - The retreat is a first come, first basis. Let us know if you wish to attend, starts Monday evening to Friday morning.

CONVENTION

July 29-31, 2011: National Pro Sanctity Convention, Friday Evening to Sunday Afternoon

St. Benedict Center, Schuyler, NE and closing at Pro Sanctity Retreat Center, Elkhorn, NE.

Featured presenters include: Msgr. Andrew Vaccari, National Pro Sanctity Spiritual Advisor; Fr. Timothy Gallagher, OMV,  Author and National Speaker; Deacon James Keating, Ph. D., Director of the Archdiocese of Omaha Permanent Diaconate Program and Director of Theological Formation at the Institute of Priestly Formation; and Mr. Omar Gutierrez, Special Assistant for the Archbishop of Omaha; Mr. Jim Carroll, Executive Director of Spirit Catholic Radio.  Final Registration Cost: $230 Double; $245 Single. Early Bird Special by June 1, 2011: $210 Double; $225 Single.

For on-line registration:

WWW.PROSANCTITY.ORG

or contact Teresa at psm@prosanctity.org or 402-289-2670

Principal's Notes Deadline:

Please submit all items/information in final form.

Principal's Notes deadline is Tuesday by 8:00am to the school or email to

ridderd@stpatselkhorn.org or kmoritz@stpatselkhorn.org

Archived Principal's Notes