PARENT BULLETIN
August 25, 2016
DAN'S BLOG  
The teachers and staff are SO EXCITED to be just a few days away from St. Louise Parish School's 56th year of providing an excellent education with a Catholic foundation! Some school faculty are beginning their first year at St. Louise (just like some of you parents), while other staff are well beyond double-digits for how many years they've been St. Louisers (just like some veteran parents), and yet they are ALL thrilled it's the start of a new school year!
  
Do you know how you can assure I personally will also be thrilled and will have a very delightful start to school ...and it doesn't involve handing me a chai latte when you see me out at morning carpool...? Simply make sure your child has the proper hairstyle on that first day (length, natural coloring, etc.). You may go here to find our Uniform Policy which explains what makes for the proper hairstyle.

You'll see below a listing of our new teachers and staff, and you'll get a chance to meet them this Monday at Passport Day. Remember, Passport Day (opening day) begins in the parish hall (underneath the church) at specific times depending on your family's last name. Each family must have at least one parent traveling throughout the campus with their child(ren) on Monday morning, meeting various teachers and staff while getting the passport stamped.  Thanks for cooperating with Passport Day procedures on Monday by CHECKING IN FIRST at the PARISH HALL with your bag full of school supplies and your child in his/her school uniform, and then waiting for my brief welcome and directions. We'll give your child his/her very own "passport" and ask your family to travel through the campus, gathering stamps on the passport while meeting staff and finding locations. There is a mandatory stop near the church for children's photos (siblings are to be together in this photo) and an optional stop in the central wing hallway to purchase Charger Cards or Charger Gear (hoodies and track jackets).

By the way, this Monday I emailed all school families our "Family Roster" and "Class Lists," so you'll know which teacher you'll be meeting as part of Passport Day. If you did not receive this email, please contact Lola or Mindy in the school office so they can verify our email-list is accurate.

You'll be receiving this Parent Bulletin every Thursday throughout the school year. You'll notice there are ways you can control your subscription if you want to add a work email address to receive it, for example. Just make sure at least one of your family members stays on our distribution list, and please take time every Thursday to read through the Bulletin - even if you can't get to it until after the kids go to sleep Thursday night. A well-informed parent is an engaged parent. And an engaged parent's child will more likely be successful in school.

Should you ever have a possible article/topic you'd like me to include in the Parent Bulletin, please email me. This would include if your older children who are alumni of St. Louise have a high school or college accomplishment worth bragging about. The same goes for photos. If you have a fun pic of your kids at a CYO game, or doing some service/charity work, or participating in an extra-curricular program, please send it to me, and I'll insert it in an upcoming Bulletin.
  
Thanks for reading,
Mr. Fitz
  
p.s.
The Parents' Club and Hospitality Committee are hosting a "Parent Coffee" in the school library on the second day of school - Tuesday - from 8:30-9:30AM. After you drop off your kids this coming Tuesday morning - whether you'll be tearing-up or cheering - please come upstairs to the library for beverages and breakfast treats, and to meet new and returning parents.
  
School Calendar
        Please subscribe to the school calendar. You may also subscribe to receiving updates from a teacher's individual webpage by choosing your teacher here, and then clicking on the +Subscribe link.
    
COMING UP...
  
Friday, August 26
  • School office is closed.
Saturday, August 27
  • Lake Hills Neighborhood Fair at the Church of the Resurrection on Main Street; stop by from 10AM-4PM for fun kid games and to say "hi" to us in the St. Louise School booth.
  
LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK...
  
Monday, August 29
  • It begins! Passport Day starts in the Parish Hall. Please arrive according to the schedule you'll find below in this bulletin.
  • Grade 7-8 Parents' Curriculum Night at 6:30PM in the Library. Each junior high family should have at least one parent attend.
Tuesday, August 30
  • Grades K-8 begin classes.
  • Grade K-1 only dismiss at noon.
  • Parent Coffee from 8:30-9:30AM in the Library.
  • Grade Pre-K Parents' Curriculum Meeting at 9:00AM in the Pre-K room (adults only)
  • Kids' Club begins both morning and afternoon sessions.
Wednesday, August 31
  • Pre-K begins classes only for "A-M" students.
  • Volunteer Recess Supervisors' Meeting, 8:30AM
  • Prayer service at 11:00AM for grades 1-8; parents invited.
  • Grades K-1 only dismiss at noon. 
Thursday, September 1
  • Pre-K begins classes only for "N-Z" students.
  • Room Parents' Meeting, 8:45AM
  • Grades K-1 only dismiss at noon.
  • Kindergarten Parents' Curriculum Night at 6:30PM in the main building. Each kindergarten family should have at least one parent attend. (adults only)
  
Meet our Newest Additions to the School Faculty & Staff
        We are excited to introduce these new faces you'll be meeting soon as we begin a new school year! Thanks for welcoming them to our wonderful St. Louise community when you visit them on Passport Day - Monday, August 29.
 
  
Laura Leach is joining the St. Louise staff as one of our development directors, after serving in numerous roles as a St. Louise volunteer including School Auction Co-Chair and Parents' Club President. Laura and her family have been part of the St. Louise Parish and School co mmunities since 2009, when they relocated from Portland, Oregon to Bellevue. She and her husband, Rob, have three children, all of whom have attended St. Louise School; the two oldest are St. Louise graduates, and the youngest is currently a student in the 6th grade. A graduate of Santa Clara University, Mrs. Leach worked previously in Human Resources.
 
 
 
Amy Thielman is our new St. Louise School bookkeeper.  She began her accounting career at Ernst & Young as an auditor.  During her time at Ernst &Young she received her CPA designation.  Prior to Ernst & Young Mrs. Thielman received her B.A. from the University of Washington Foster School of Business with a concentration in Accounting. Amy lives in Bellevue with her husband Jeff, and three children, Maddie, Tyler, and Cooper - whom either graduated from or are currently attending St. Louise.  When she is not driving her boys to soccer and Maddie to her horse, she likes to run, hike, and most of all ski in the winter.
 
 
  
Kathy Kirby , a few years after graduating her fourth and youngest child from St. Louise  School, returns this year as the school's instructional assistant in kindergarten and 4th grade.  Kathy and her husband, Dan, previously received the school's "Volunteer Extraordinaire Awards" for their 14 years of fantastic support as St. Louise parents. Now that their children have graduated and grown, both parents are employed at St. Louise - with Dan being our I.T. support person. Three of the Kirby kids are attending three different colleges, with the fourth to graduate this June from Mt. Si High School. Kathy, who lives in North Bend, enjoys sewing, reading, arts and crafts, and watching her children play soccer. 
 
   
 
Sharilyn Lux is beginning the Spanish language program in our junior high department this fall, after teaching an after-school "Spanish club" to younger students here in prior years. She was born and raised in Kirkland, and received her Bachelor's Degree in Law and Justice from Central Washington University. Spanish came as an accompaniment to a love of travel, and Sharilyn received her post baccalaureate in Spanish from the University of Washington.
Mrs. Lux has studied in Guatemala and Peru and is actively involved with improving literacy in Guatemala. She lives with her husband and their son Jared in Snoqualmie. Outside of family, she loves to be with friends, walk, travel, work in the garden, and she enjoys volunteering at the community homeless shelter with her family.
Favorite Bible verse is 1 Corinthians 13: 4:
"Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud."
 
 
 
Victoria Kroon, who taught 1st grade last year at St. Pius in Mountlake Terrace year, is making the transition to 2nd grade at St. Louise this year. She received her B.A. in psychology from Gonzaga University in 2013 and went on to receive her Masters of Arts in Teaching from Seattle Pacific University in 2015.  Miss Kroon grew up attending Catholic school and knows first-hand the value of a Catholic education. She has three brothers and two dogs and enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, shopping, exercising, and baking.
Favorite Bible verse is Hebrews 11: 1:
"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see ."
 
 
  
Nicole Fleury, who loves working with 1st graders because of all the joy, fun, and enthusiasm they bring to the classroom community, will be in St. Louise's room 1B this fall. She was born and raised in San Diego and attended the University of Portland for her undergraduate degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education and French Studies. Upon graduating, Miss Fleury spent a year teaching English abroad in France, and she loves sharing her passion for French language and culture with her students and friends. After her year in France, Miss Fleury returned to the University of Portland for her Master's in Education with a reading endorsement and then taught first grade for two years at a Catholic school in Ogden, UT.  Miss Fleury enjoys baking, watching movies, and traveling to new places, both near and far.
Favorite Bible verse is 1 Thess. 5: 16-18:
"Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus."
 
  
 
Alex Gallant will begin his fulltime teaching career here in 2016-17 as our 7th and 8th grade language arts teacher. He received his B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication from Arizona State University, and then completed his Master's in Teaching degree from Northwest University with his student teaching experience at Inglemoor High School. Mr. Gallant was born and raised in the Puget Sound area and attended Eastside Catholic High School. He is a huge Seattle sports fan and enjoys spending time rooting on the local teams, coaching baseball, and still playing baseball himself in a local adult league during the summer months. He currently resides in Sammamish.
Favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 41: 10:
"Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand."
 
 
  
  
Janice Terrell is excited to have the opportunity to teach 1st grade at St. Louise. She comes to us after teaching 1st grade, preschool, and reading at St. Matthew in Shoreline. Born and raised in Southern California, Janice received her BA degree in Art History and her teaching credentials from the University of California, Riverside. Miss Terrell has a background in early childhood education, computer science, and children's theatre. Her family include three children, a grandson, and two little dogs. In addition to teaching, Miss Terrell is an artist who paints and draws, and so it's natural for her to incorporate art, theatre, music, and movement in her lessons. In her free time, Janice enjoys reading, music, going to museums, walks on the beach, and learning new languages.
Favorite Bible verse is Psalm 118: 24:
"This is the day the LORD has made. Let us rejoice in it and be glad."
 
 
Chris Evans - himself a graduate of St. Louise School - is so excited that he is able to "come back home" to the community that helped raise him, to be the St. Louise P.E. teacher starting in 2016.  Chris had spent the previous 12 years teaching p.e. at St. Brendan School in Bothell. A fun fact from Mr. Evan's days in high school at Eastside Catholic, where he played football, basketball, and baseball, is that Mr. Fitz's brother was Chris's basketball coach. All his years involved in athletics inspired Mr. Evans to seek a degree in Physical Education from Eastern Washington University where he later went on to also earn a Master's in Education. Besides teaching at St. Brendan, Chris earlier taught in the Bellevue School District and coached five different sports at four different high schools. Chris, and his wife, Katie, enjoy hiking.
Favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 16: 3:
"Entrust your works to the Lord, and your plans will succeed."
 
  
  
Val Cervantes begins teaching 5th grade at St. Louise this August. She was born and raised in Iowa, and graduated from Iowa State University with a BS in Elementary Education and a K-8 Social Studies Endorsement. Mrs. Cervantes taught as a Reading Support Teacher last year for the Muscatine Community School District where she worked with small groups of students with various learning abilities in grades PK-5. Mrs. Cervantes moved to Seattle after her June, 2016 marriage to her husband, Nick, who works for Microsoft as a software engineer. Val enjoys rollerblading, reading, music, playing volleyball and tennis, and cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones. She is passionate about her faith, family, and education.
Favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 35: 4:
" Say to the fearful of heart: be strong, do not fear! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you. "
 
  
  
Kaitlin Casey will be one of our new 2nd grade teachers this year.  She graduated from Northwest University summa cum laude with a degree in elementary education, and certifications in elementary education and middle school humanities.  Before arriving at St. Louise, Ms. Casey taught kindergarten at Holy Family in Kirkland, but she also has experience teaching pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Ms. Casey loves second grade, and is excited to be instrumental in this formative year with her students.  In her free time, Ms. Casey enjoys reading, walking her dogs, and spending time with family and friends.
  Favorite Bible verse is Hosea 2: 19-20:                           
"And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the Lord."  
  
  
PASSPORT DAY - opening day - MONDAY, AUGUST 29
  
On Monday, August 29, all school families - each grade PK-8 student and at least one of his/her parents - are to gather in the parish hall at their assigned start time (based on the first letter of your last name).** This gathering will include a welcome from Principal Mr. Fitz and directions for how students and their parents are to take approximately 60-90 minutes to walk around the school campus together to tour the various school rooms, to meet the teachers, and to put away school supplies in desks. While doing this, each student will have a "Passport" which must be completed and turned into a box in the gym before the end of the morning. (We will give prizes later in the week to 5 students whose completed Passports we randomly draw from the box.)   
 
Assigned Times
  
Beginning at 8:30 a.m. , school families whose last name begins with D-J (students and at least one parent) are to head to the parish hall so the students may pick up their "Passports." You will then walk around the school campus as a family to tour the classrooms, to meet your teachers, and to put away school supplies in desks. Also outside the church front entrance, students will have their photos taken for the Auction. Each student's completed "Passport" will then need to be turned into the gym. You will most likely be finished and able to go home before 10:00.  
  
Beginning at 9:15 a.m. , school families whose last name begins with K-P (students and at least one parent) are to head to the parish hall so the students may pick up their "Passports." You will then walk around the school campus as a family to tour the classrooms, to meet your teachers, and to put away school supplies in desks. Also outside the church front entrance, students will have their photos taken for the Auction. Each student's completed "Passport" will then need to be turned into the gym. You will most likely be finished and able to go home before 10:45.
  
Beginning at 10:00 a.m. , school families whose last name begins with Q-Z (students and at least one parent) are to head to the parish hall so the students may pick up their "Passports." You will then walk around the school campus as a family to tour the classrooms, to meet your teachers, and to put away school supplies in desks. Also outside the church front entrance, students will have their photos taken for the Auction. Each student's completed "Passport" will then need to be turned into the gym. You will most likely be finished and able to go home before 11:30.
  
Beginning at 10:45 a.m. , school families whose last name begins with A-C (students and at least one parent) are to head to the parish hall so the students may pick up their "Passports." You will then walk around the school campus as a family to tour the classrooms, to meet your teachers, and to put away school supplies in desks. Also outside the church front entrance, students will have their photos taken for the Auction. Each student's completed "Passport" will then need to be turned into the gym. You will most likely be finished and able to go home before 12:15.

 **Please note that "mentor families" to newly enrolled school families are welcome to attend the session that corresponds with the new family's last name, so that the two families may tour together.  Students should be in full school uniform on Passport Day. (However, sweaters/fleece do not have to be worn if it's too hot.) Students should also bring all school supplies, including their p.e. shoes in a durable, plastic or washable bag. The supplies list is on the school website under the "Resources" link.
You're Invited!         
  
Join Principal Dan Fitzpatrick, Vice-Principal Mike Fuerte, Librarian Cherie McIntosh, and members of the Parents' Club Board for a back-to-school coffee event.
 
When: This Tuesday, August 30, from 8:30 - 9:30 am
 
Where: School Library - 2nd floor across "the bridge"
 
Parents' Club invites all parents - new and returning - to meet fellow St. Louise School parents as we celebrate a new school year.

The Charger Card office will be open so you can pick up some Charger Cards, too!
 
Take a few minutes after the bell rings and you say goodbye to your child, to enjoy some
coffee with your fellow parent community. See you Tuesday morning!
 
Last Chance to Sign-Up for Cross Country
          St. Louise's CYO soccer registration has ended, but there is still time to sign-up for cross country.  Soccer and cross country teams are created for all grade K-8 students. Register for CYO sports on the St. Louise Parish website: http://stlouise.org/122. 
          Cross Country practices will begin on Friday, Sept. 2, and will be held through the first week of October from 3:30-4:45 on Tuesdays at Lake Hills Park and Fridays at Robinswood Park.  There are 3 meets, and all will be held on Sundays at 2:00 at Lake Sammamish State Park in Issaquah: Sept. 25; Oct. 2; Oct 9. If you have questions, please contact the coordinators of St. Louise cross country, Amy Wilken, at amynwilken@comcast.net.
          Soccer teams are either beginning practices in the coming days or will begin in September. If you signed up for soccer and your coach has not contacted you, please email soccer coordinators Maria Kelly-Dogget or Christie Allemand at soccer@stlouise.org.
 
   These girls had a great time running last year on the St. Louise cross country team.
Are You a Room Parent and/or a Volunteer Playground Supervisor?
        We greatly appreciate parents who volunteer to be Room Parents and/or Playground Supervisors! These two volunteer roles both require some instruction, and thus, we have meetings coming up that parents who volunteered for these jobs must attend.
         If you are a Room Parent, please choose to come to one of the following 30-minute meetings in the St. Louise Room (central wing hallway): Thursday, September 1, 8:45AM -or- Tuesday, September 6, 6:00PM. If you have any questions, please contact Mike Fuerte.
        If you are a Playground/Recess Supervisor, and you missed the first option for a meeting date this past Tuesday night, the other choice is to attend this coming Wednesday, August 31, at 8:30AM in the St. Louise Room. If you have any questions, please email Trina Legnon.
New Hot Lunch Vendor Begins Taking Orders
        Lunch Ladies Catering will be the outside vendor our school will be using to provide school lunches for the 2016-17 school year. Registration and ordering has begun, with the first day of lunches being Tuesday, September 6. Ordering can be done weekly, monthly or daily by 8pm for the next day.
          Lunches will cost $4.50 plus tax. Each lunch will come with the main entrée and either fruit or vegetables depending on the main entrée. Lunch Ladies will be offering four cold items each day and two or three hot items each day. A large size on any of the items can be purchased for an additional $1.00. Ala carte items are also available for $1.00.
        Please visit their website www.lunchladiescatering.com  to see samples of their food and packaging for the new school year. On the St. Louise School website under the "Resources" link, you'll find all the information that you will need to know to be able to register for on-line ordering. It's really easy to use but should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Wendy at Lunch Ladies: 425-444-9573 or w-szabo@hotmail.com .
  
  
 
Welcome Back
Up & Away is just 11 weeks away and we are grateful for all of the support our community has offered! As the school year kicks off, here are some important things to remember and some items to check off of your list!
 
Passport Day
Stop by this Monday and see us at the Auction table out in front of Church after your kiddos' memento photos have been taken under the trees! We'll stamp their passport and answer any questions you might have regarding this year's BIG EVENT!
  • Get your Passport stamped!
  • Pay your auction grade project fee if you haven't already - just bring a check or credit card - $15 per child!
  • Drop off any promised items with us!
Mark Your Calendar
Up & Away will be held on November 12th - make a note on your calendars! We will fill the ballroom at the Seattle Marriott Bellevue, so you'll want to purchase your tickets as soon as they go on sale in October!
Important Dates
  • September 15th - All items are due to the Auction office, all procurement forms need to be completed and turned in, auction grade project fees need to be paid (price goes to $25/child after this date!).
  • October 6th - Invitations arrive at home via the Red Envelope!
  • November 2nd - RSVPs due (first come, first served - buy early to guarantee your spot!)
  • November 7th - Preview Week!
  • November 12th- Up & Away, A Red and Black Soiree at the Seattle Marriott Bellevue.
Up & Away we go!

Julianne & Esther
All Grade 1-8 Students to Turn in "Summer Homework"
         The REQUIRED summer math and reading assignments involving Khan Academy and novels to read - which were given out this past June (posted online here) - are to be completed and turned in to your child's new teacher on Passport Day - August 29.
        Additionally, 1st and 2nd graders have their own unique packets of "summer work" to complete and return.
Charger Gear and Friday Hoodies to Be Sold on the First Day
        Our Charger Gear team will be selling "Friday spirit wear" on Passport Day, Monday, August 29.Stop by the central wing hallway (near the Charger Cards office) between 8:45 and 11:45 AM on the first day of school to purchase St. Louise-logo hoodies and track jackets. Remember, on Fridays your kids may choose to wear these Charger Gear "spirit wear" every Friday during the school year in place of the traditional red sweater or fleece sweater.
          Also on sale in central wing hallway the morning of Passport Day will be gym bags, PE shoe bags, and other Charger Gear items. Stop on by and bring cash or your checkbook please.
What do 8th graders Jack, Jack, and Aydan do just days before beginning their final year at St. Louise? Go to a Mariners' game and cheer them on to a come-from-behind victory!

If you have great pics like the one above of your St. Louise kids, email them to Mr. Fitz throughout the school year, and he might have space to put them in future Parent Bulletins.
We'll Re-Open Our Sales Office this Monday Morning
Although the Charger Cards sales office is typically open only on Friday mornings, we'll be open this Monday morning - on Passport Day - for a few hours of sales! Stop by the office window in the central wing hallway (right after Mr. Fitz hands you your passport in the parish hail) and we'll be selling Charger Cards from 8:30-11:30AM.
  
Additional volunteers are need to help Charger Cards with weekly card inventory on Friday mornings and/or help sell cards on Sunday mornings between the Mass times. Contact Charger Cards' co-chairs,  Kathy and Darlene , for more information on this volunteer opportunity.
  
With the school year beginning, Charger Cards would like to help you with plans to reach your minimally-required rebate and earn rebates to reduce next year's tuition. Email us and we can help you understand the program and the many options to purchase. We will be happy to help you develop a "plan" for your family based on your current shopping habits and budgeting.
  
  
  
Have You Considered a Standing Order
Place an order for basic stores you use monthly, such as grocery and gas. Send postdated checks with your order, and your cards will be delivered during the first week of each month. This is the best way to set a budget, determine your needs, and met your Charger Card requirement. Place a Standing Order before September 30, and include at least one "groceries or gas" category store, and we'll give you a $5 Starbucks gift card free with your first order! You can find the Standing Orders from on our webpage.

If you go to the Charger Cards webpage, you'll also see a video and step-by-step information on everything you need to know about Charger Cards. Please take some time to educate yourself on this fund raiser in which every school family is required to participate. 
 
Thanks in advance for making Charger Card purchases a regular part of your shopping/budgeting plans!
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