Newsletter (Archived): Newsletter 821 - Oct 15, 2008 - Oct 22, 2008 [Archive]
The Living Rosary
Holly Hariel (First Grade) See more Living Rosary pictures on the website in photo albums!
From the Principal
Dear Parents,I was a bit disappointed in the turnout we had for the sessions for the Annual Development Drive. Seven families out of the 266 in the school were represented excluding the Advisory Council members who attended each session. It was very good to speak to those individuals. I thank Advisory Council members for their dedication. Since we had so little participation regarding future improvements to the school, this is what has been decided.
My guess is that it will take $6,000.00 or $7,000.00 to minimally renovate each classroom in the main building. The main expense will be to place central air units and heaters and to run the duct work. It would be helpful to drop the ceilings and redo the lighting. The walls and flooring also need attention. Central heating and cooling units would decrease the noise level in the classrooms created by the window units and substantially improve the learning atmosphere in the classrooms. The number of classrooms we will be able to renovate will be determined by the amount collected in the ADD. We have two areas cooled by central units now, the Administrative Offices and the workroom and Mrs. Brennan’s first grade classroom which are located next to one another. These areas had units installed before my arrival. Next year’s pre-k, kindergarten, and first grade classes will be across the street in a new building. Those classrooms will be state of the art. When those students reach second grade, they will have to return to this building. I believe we need to provide an optimum learning environment for all the students. If any parent wishes to meet with me to see exactly what I am describing, I will welcome you.
I ask that each of you be as generous as possible and that you participate to the extent of your ability. These funds will be spent and will be spent as I described above. We ask that you forward your donation by the end of next week, October 24th. There is a chance we might be able to have some of this work done over Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays with the funds that are available.
I want to thank Mrs. Dyer for her preparation of the students for the Living Rosary held yesterday in church. She had large numbers of the students involved and all were very quiet and respectful. You can be proud of your children.
—Dr. Gerard Toups
Calendar Events
Calendar for the Week:October 15 - Report Cards
October 16 - Reconciliation Grade 6
October 17 - No School
October 20 - 3:30-5:30 Parent/Teacher Conferences
October 24 - 8:30 Mass
October 24 - Spirit Dress or Fall Fest T-Shirts
October 24 - 12:00-2:00 Fall Festival
October 25 - 7:00-10:00 H&S Sock Hop (5-8 Grade)
October 27-31 - Red Ribbon Week
Longer School Days
Rather than add days to the calendar, 15 minutes will be added to the school days beginning tomorrow, October 16 and ending March 31.
Haley Faciane, Madison Gill, Maria Guay Home & School News - 2nd Annual Fall Fest
It’s getting closer!The SJS Second Annual Fall Festival will take place on Friday, October 24, from noon till 2 p.m.
PreK through Fourth Grade students will be entertained with games, prizes, face painting, and several really big inflatables! Armbands for participating in this event will be $10 which included unlimited game and inflatable play and four tickets to be used for refreshments. Extra tickets will also be sold for 25 cents at the Festival for anyone who doesn't purchase an armband or for additional refreshments.
Fifth through Seventh Grade students will have a Field Day behind the Notre Dame Center run by St. Thomas Aquinas Students.
Eighth Grade students will have the distinct privilege of hosting the games for PreK-4 Grades.
All students are asked to bring in one home-made treat to be sold at the concession stand. These may be sent in a Ziploc bag the week of the Festival (October 20-24). Suggestions include brownies, cookies, rice crispy treats, cupcakes, or muffins.
If you have an idea for fun or would like to volunteer to help, please call Jeanine Wisecarver at 985-386-9405.
Fall Fest Reminders
*** PreK-4th Grades: Please label shoes with first and last names as they will have to take them off to jump on the inflatables.*** All Grades: Please send in homemade treats next week, October 20-24. These treats are shared with all grades.
*** Adult volunteers are needed! Please call (985-386-9405) to volunteer.
Jourdan Cheek (third grade) 
Cody Majeau and Brady Nunez SJS Flag Football
Please see the attachment in today’s Crusader Connection for the SJS Flag Football schedule for the month of October.The NIAL Tournament will be held November 4-5 at Christ Episcopal School in Mandeville.
Everyone is encouraged to come out and cheer on our Crusaders
Sock Hop
The Home & School will hold a Sock Hop on Saturday, October 25, from 7:00-10:00 p.m.
This event is for students in Grades 5-8 only. Students are welcome to bring a non-SJS friends in that age range.
A parent must sign the child in and out of the gym.
The entry fee is $5.00.
The concession stand will be open to sell hot dogs, popcorn, candy, and soft drinks.
There will be a costume contest with prizes going to first and second places. No hand-held props (swords, brooms, guns, etc.) will be allowed. Any costume with blood, gore, bloody masks, etc. will not be allowed.
A photographer will be on site to sell pictures.
Youth Basketball
Registration forms for Ponchatoula Youth Basketball are available in the school office.This is for ages 5-18. Registration dates are October 18 & 25 at the Community Center
Morgan Sibley (third grade) See more Living Rosary pictures on the website! Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on Monday, October 20, from 3:30-5:30.If you do not receive an appointment time in your child’s report card, but would like to meet with the teacher, please come to school during the hours listed above.
If you need more time or would like to confer on a different date, please contact the office.
St. Paul Quote of the Week
For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.2Tm 1:7
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