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A Message from the Dean of Academics
Dear Parents,
I hope you and your family are having a blessed Christmas season and Happy New Year! We are excited to have the students back in the building to begin Second Semester.
Please read the following academic update closely, as it contains important information regarding grades, schedules, academic honors, and the upcoming Freshman Placement Test for all current 8th graders.
K-12 Semester 1 Report Cards
Semester 1 report cards were made available to download and print via Educate/Cornerstone on Saturday, January 6. You may access your child's final grades for fall 2017 as well as previous report cards in Educate/Cornerstone. Please follow the directions below to access report cards online.
- Log in to Educate/Cornerstone (if you lost your password, choose "forgot password" under the log in; contact the main office with other log in issues)
- Select "report cards" under your student's name
- Select the red Adobe PDF icon for the latest term (2017-2018 Semester 1)
- You may save and print the document once it opens
NOTE: As last year, printed copies of report cards are available only upon request; please contact the main office at 651-925-8700. We will print and mail home final report cards in the summer after Semester 2.
K-6 Successful Learning Behaviors
Please see the full definitions for K-6 successful learning behaviors below. These are assessed by homeroom teachers on report cards as follows: (4) Consistently, (3) Frequently, (2) Sometimes, and (1) Rarely.
- Respectful: Treats classmates, teachers, and adults with respect and courtesy
- Responsible: Follows directions, obeys rules, and can be relied upon by peers and adults
- Engaged: Displays an active and enthusiastic pursuit of learning the material in and out of class
- Expressive: Communicates his/her own ideas and emotions honestly and appropriately with others
- Attentive: Listens carefully to classmates and adults; observant of transitions between activities
- Organized: Uses time wisely; uses materials and space with care; observant of expectations and deadlines
- Diligent: Works carefully and thoroughly in class and on written work (homework, projects, tests, etc.)
7-12 Semester 2 Schedules
Semester 2 schedules for students in grades 7-12 are available on Educate; we provided printed copies of schedules upon arrival in the UAC Commons for all 7-12 students this morning.
7-12 Semester 1 Academic Honor Roll
Freshman Placement Exam: 8:00AM Saturday, January 20
The Freshman Placement Exam is required for all current 8th graders in order to best determine placement in 9th grade courses. It is also required to qualify for certain merit-based scholarships. All current 8th grade students must take the Freshman Placement Exam. The test consists of four 30 minute sections and will be finished around 11:30AM. Parents are welcome to stay in our commons area during the test. We will offer a brief overview of what a transition to high school looks like for students and their families, as well as a discussion about our financial aid packages and potential scholarships. There will also be time for a Q & A session with our Director of Admissions, Mr. Joseph Olson.
Our students will be testing with other prospective 9th graders on that day. Students need only to bring a calculator and #2 pencils. Extra supplies will be available. Juice, coffee, and donuts will be provided by the Admissions Office! Please contact Mr. Olson with any questions at 651-925-8803.
We look forward to seeing you and your students again this week!
Sincerely in Christ,
Michael Adkins
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A Fond Farewell
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
On January 17, we must bid adieu to Patrick Menke, our long-time Director of Business Affairs for Saint Agnes Church and School. He has accepted a position a mere 4 blocks away from his home in West Saint Paul, serving at the Church of St. Joseph. St. Joseph's will be receiving a man of great ability and energy. I wish to extend, on behalf of Saint Agnes, my sincerest gratitude for Patrick's dedicated service of over ten years. His tenure at Saint Agnes began at a critical juncture and his contribution was especially beneficial for the school's growth and vitality.
Below you will find a "goodbye" message from Patrick.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Rev. Mark Moriarty
I've been fortunate in life to have found work that not only provides for my needs, but has been incredibly rewarding. I've been especially grateful being surrounded by so many over the years who have approached their work as a response to God's will, as service, often requiring sacrifice. I came to Saint Agnes ten years ago during a very challenging season for the parish and school. I never imagined what would unfold over these years, and how God would use the gifts of so many to further His plan. It has been an honor to have been part of this amazing 'story' at Saint Agnes and to have witnessed firsthand God's generosity.
In a similar spirit today, I feel called to serve elsewhere. I will be the new Parish Administrator at the Church of St. Joseph in West St. Paul, only blocks from my home. I will start this new position later in January; my last day here will be January 17th.
In my role at Saint Agnes, I have been blessed to have come to know so many beautiful families; it is truly a special place. I am grateful that my three daughters will continue to attend Saint Agnes, and my wife Bridget and I will assume the sole titles of parents and volunteers within the school community.
Thank you for your support throughout these past years, and for your prayers for me and my family in this transition ahead.
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2018-19 Tuition Rates/Re-Enrollment
Today, all Saint Agnes School families should have received an electronic notification from TADS regarding enrollment for the 2018-19 school year. Please pay particular attention to the dates for re-enrollment, since the two-week window begins today and ends on January 21. Kindergarten acceptances are in process, and acceptances for Grades 1-11 will begin January 22.
Parents and guardians who log into TADS/Educate will see the new tuition rates that have been set for 2018-2019. Please see the attached letter from Dr. Ferdinandt and Fr. Moriarty for more information. This letter will also be arriving in the mail over the next couple of days. If you have questions about re-enrollment, please contact Mr. Joseph Olson in the Admissions office at 651-925-8803.
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K-12 Open House Tomorrow! Tuesday, January 9
We are excited to welcome a group of prospective families to Saint Agnes this Tuesday evening for an Open House beginning at 6:30PM. Since our current families are our best ambassadors for the school, feel free to pass along that information to people you know who might be interested in attending Saint Agnes School beginning next school year.
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Catholic Schools Week Begins January 29
At the end of January we will have our annual Catholic Schools Week (K-6) and Snow Days (7-12) festivities. Look for details to come in next week's newsletter.
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No School/Offices Closed in Observance of MLK, Jr. Day
As previously published, there is no school and offices are closed on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, January 15. Classes resume on Tuesday, January 16.
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Final Raffle Turn In is This Friday, January 12!
The final raffle incentive turn in date will be Friday, January 12. Anyone who has sold $300 or more by this date will have a chance to win a $150 Visa gift card (one K-6 winner and one 7-12 winner). Students who have already earned spirit wear may wear their shirts on Thursday, January 11 as a special reward. After this turn in date, all remaining tickets and money should be turned in at the main office by February 10.
Thank you all for your hard work! Remember, 100% of funds raised stay right here at Saint Agnes! Please contact Tawnee Nasseff for more information.
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Reservations for Red & White Benefit Accepted Until January 17 or Sold Out
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Health Information for Families
It's flu season! Remember to keep your student home if he or she:
- has a fever of 100 degrees or more during the previous evening/night or in the morning. Temperatures should be below 100 degrees for 24 hours, without use of fever-reducing medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- has vomited or had diarrhea during the previous evening/night or in the morning.
- has been placed on antibiotic therapy for bacterial conditions (e.g. strep throat or pink eye). Students must be on medication for at least 24 hours before returning to school.
- has a rash that may be caused by a disease. If the cause is unknown, check with your family physician before sending your student to school.
If student is at home sick, please call the school attendance line daily (651-925-8777) to report the reason for absence.
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Morning Drop-Off and Afternoon Pick-Up Reminders
Now that snow has arrived, please review the drop-off and pick-up procedures:
- Vehicles should only travel eastbound on Lafond Avenue.
- Curb space is reserved for immediate drop-off and pick-up only; please make use of all space between Door #1 and the main entrance.
- Always park in the main lot (across the street from the front steps of the church) if you are entering the building.
- Drivers may not use the small lot between the church and school for drop-off or pick-up.
Once teachers release students to parents at dismissal, parents are responsible for the safety and well-being of their children.
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Handicap Space in Front of Main Office
Please note that a handicap sign is now located in front of the main office. A handicap permit is required to use this space. Your respect and observance of this new parking space (particularly during drop-off and pick-up hours) is most appreciated!
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Tuesday, January 9 - K-12 Open House
Friday, January 12 - Final Raffle Ticket Turn In Day
Saturday, January 13 - Father Daughter Dance
Sunday, January 14 - Musical Fair | One Act Play
Monday, January 15 - No School, Main Office Closed - MLK Jr. Day
Thursday, January 18 - Memorial of Saint Agnes (School Observation) K-12 Mass
Sunday, January 21 - Memorial of Saint Agnes (Parish Observation)
January 29 - February 2 - Snow Days/Catholic Schools Week
Wednesday, January 31 - K-6 Virtue Assembly (Led by Classroom 3A)
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Musical Fair - THIS SUNDAY, January 14
A sure sign of warmer weather to come is the upcoming musical season! This season begins with the Musical Fair, this Sunday, January 14, at 1:30PM in Gruden Gym. Be the first to hear the big announcement, get a jump-start on paperwork, and enjoy some fellowship and refreshments. Door #1 will be open for you. It is going to be a spectacular musical season - You will not be disappointed!
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K-8 Swimming Begins in January
There is still time to register for the K-8 boys and girls swimming program! Practices begin January 17 and are held at Hamline University. See the attached flyer for more information or
contact Coach Kemp
with questions and follow this link to register.
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Lunchroom Volunteers Needed
We are in need of daily lunch volunteers in the cafeteria from 10:30AM to 1:30PM. Work once per week, once per month, or whenever it fits into your schedule! If you are available during the school day and would like to join our lively, hard-working crew, please contact Annette Beaudry at (651)-925-8826. All volunteers will need to be up-to-date with the Essential Three Requirements. Learn more about these requirements here.
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A Friendly Reminder on Dressing Children for Winter Recess
Parents, when your children head out the door in the morning, please make sure that they have sufficient clothing to wear outside for recess during the day: hats, scarves, mittens/gloves, sweatpants and/or snow pants, etc.
Recess is held outside every day, except for situations when the administration determines conditions to be unsuitable for outdoor play. Minnesota winters can be cold, but children thrive when they have the opportunity for fresh air and outdoor play all year long!
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After School Care Sign-Out Update
Beginning January 8, parents will sign students out of After School Care on an iPad. Upon arriving to pick up a student from After School Care, parents will receive an Access Code/PIN which they will use to sign-out their child(ren). Teachers and staff will be available the first few weeks of this new system to help parents with the transition. Please use this guide to learn more specifically how to sign-out a student.
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After School Care Hours
Please note that beginning January 8th, the K-6 After School Care pick-up time changes from 5:30PM to 5:00PM. Please plan to pick up your student(s) at this time as there is a $15 late charge. Thank you!
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Freshman Placement Test - Saturday, January 20
This exam is required for all current 8th graders in order to best determine placement in 9th grade courses. All current 8th grade students must take the exam. Plan to bring a calculator and #2 pencils, and to arrive by 7:50 AM. The test will conclude around 11:30 AM. Breakfast, juice and coffee will be available before the exam.
Parents are welcome to stay in the UAC Commons area during the test. We will offer a brief overview of the transition to high school, as well information on financial aid packages and potential scholarships. Please
contact Mr. Joseph Olson with any questions at (651) 925-8803.
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Winter Athletic Photos - Wednesday, January 10
High School Winter team and individual photos are scheduled for this Wednesday, January 10. The photo shoot schedule is listed below. Forms are available from this link or the athletic office. Everyone has their picture taken regardless of whether they order prints or not.
3:00 Wrestling
3:15 Girls Basketball, Varsity and Junior Varsity
3:30 Boys Basketball, Varsity, Junior Varsity and C Squad
3:45 Cheer
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Father/Daughter Dance - Saturday, January 13
All girls in Grades 9-12 are invited to attend with their father or male role model on Saturday, January 13. The event features a variety of music and dances complete with expert instruction, an elegant dessert buffet, and professional photos.
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Drama Club One Act Evening - Sunday, January 14
Saint Agnes Drama Club presents One Act Evening on Sunday, January 14 at 7PM in the Helene Houle Auditorium. Students will perform two one-act plays with a brief intermission:
Complaint Department and Lemonade and
Death of a Dead Guy.
There is no charge, but a free will offering will be taken in support of the club.
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Summer 2019 Trip to England and France
The History Department is sponsoring a trip to Paris, Normandy, and London in June 2019. This travel opportunity is open to all students currently in Grades 8-11.
If interested, please plan on attending an informational meeting on
Thursday, January 18 at 6:30PM in Room 250.
Please contact Mrs. Lori Dumas
with interest or questions.
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