January 13, 2014 JANUARY NEWSLETTER From the Principal: A NOTE ABOUT COMMUNICATION Happy New Year, In our effort to cut back on paper use I hope this newsletter finds you well after enjoying another holiday full of fami- and thus reduce our costs (and your ly, friends, and staying toasty warm. We begin the New Year grateful that St. recycling!), we plan to send our monthly Michael's School continues to provide an excellent, supportive environment for newsletter via email. If you don't our children to grow and learn. currently receive our communications In two weeks, we will begin our annual observance of Catholic Schools Week, via email, please call, email, or stop by the time set aside each year to celebrate Catholic education. The 2014 theme is the office and provide your email "Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service", which highlights the mission of Catholic schools to provide a faith-based education that supports the whole child academically and spiritually and prepares students for future success. This theme combines the concepts of God's light in the world and the light of knowledge we strive to kindle in our students. DRESSING FOR THE As a teacher and principal for many years, I've always felt that my first priority WEATHER is to teach children; followed by teaching curriculum. For the most part I've been able to hold on to that order of priorities. The freedom offered by our The weather is changing and temperatures Catholic setting allows us to have conversations with our students that a public are dropping. Dressing your child appropri- school setting doesn't allow. Through the education we offer them, our students should each see themselves as children of God, part of God's family, and gifted ately for the weather is important. Remem- with the ability to serve others. ber that this should include hats and gloves/ mittens, as well as boots in snowy or wet We want our students to see that they are valued and valuable. They have gifts to offer as citizens of the world with the ability to make that world a better place weather. Soon, we will also need snow for everyone. We want them to see that they have much to offer, and pants and scarves! Weather permitting, stu- each should be encouraged to feel "I can make a difference!", regardless of the dents will be sent outdoors for recess, as it many challenges in the world today. is important for the students to go out in the Our goal as Catholic educators is to lead our students to become the best they fresh air and exercise. can be: successful individuals, members of a community, and with a bright fu- ture ahead. This is at the very heart of our job description: to lead young people IMPORTANT DATES to an awareness of who they are, what they are capable of, and what they can become. January 20 The theme this year represents the special role of Catholic Schools and teachers in lighting the way through a faith-based education that supports the whole child in learning about and leading a fulfilled life. Our students, in turn, will "light the No School—MLK Day way" to a brighter future through leadership in their churches, communities, and families. To our parents, grandparents, and volunteers, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your gifts of time and talent help make our school successful and your partner- January 26-31 ship in Catholic education instills faith, values and expectations for academic and moral excellence in your children. Catholic Schools Week May God bless you always, Mr. Ken Schill CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service MONDAY Mix & Match Day 8:45 Pep Rally Kick-off 9:30 4th and 5th Graders will depart for the food pantry TUESDAY Hats/Crazy Socks Day (New hat and sock donations will be collection for donations to those in need) Dance the Day Away 2:15 Cozy up to a book WEDNESDAY Sports Day 1:15 Wacky Olympics THURSDAY Pajama Day 7:30 Parent Breakfast (HSA) 1:00 Movie FRIDAY Mass Dress Code 9:00 Bingo 1:00 Mass (Dismissal to follow – 2:30pm No ASAP) St Michael’s SCHOOL CANCELLATIONS OR POSTPONEMENT PROCEDURES School postponement and cancellation alternatives will be as follows: a. Hold school as normal. b. Open school but delay sending buses. c. Delay the start time in all schools by two (2) hours based on school start time St Michael’s School’s start time is 8:15, so when the opening is delayed two hours, school will start at 10:15 am. When school starts late, there will be no 8-11 Preschool classes. Full day Preschool classes will be held. Decisions related to the delayed opening or closing of St. Michael’s school will always be consistent with those made for the Grand Forks Public schools. Once school is in session, it will not be terminated until the regular closing time except in very severe weather situations. However, school buses may leave early. Radio, TV stations and Call One Now will be used to notify parents. The decision to close or delay school will be made as early as possible. Announcements are made on lo- cal radio stations: KNOX-AM, KKXL-AM, KCNN-AM, K-LITE-FM, KFJM-AM, KQHT-FM, KYCK-FM and TV stations: WDAZ (Ch.8), KVLY(Ch.11), KXJB (Ch.4), Channel 15 (School District Channel). Many of these media outlets also have web sites where the closure listings are posted. St Michael’s School will be using our Automated Calling system to call parents if school will be delayed or cancelled due to severe weather conditions. This call will be made as early as possible. Parents or guardians may always exercise their right to keep students home or pick them up early during stormy conditions. If an emergency situation should develop during the time school is in session, children will be cared for in school until the storm has subsided. If the bus is sent home early, note the following: a. Radio and TV stations and One Call Now will make the announcement of the departure time. b. The lead-time needed for the procedure is approximately one (1) hour. c. If conditions are dangerous, the bus driver must use common sense in discharging students that must walk a considerable distance. Drivers will have parents meet the bus or be on the lookout for their children. If the driver is unable to contact parents and conditions are dan- gerous, they will not let students off the bus but return to school and notify the principal. .