Parent Newsletter: 12/5/2016
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Attendance Hotline: (651) 925-8777
A Message from the Director of Athletics

Dear Parents, 

Welcome to another winter sports season. Already we have been blessed with the great news of the new Berens Strength and Conditioning Room. We are all so grateful that Saint Agnes has such wonderful benefactors who give without any thought of reward. We also are experiencing record participation numbers this winter at all levels of athletics from grade school, junior high and high school.

The high school girls basketball team is off to a great start and will play at home tonight, December 5, against Christian Life at 7:00 PM. Wrestling opened the season with wins over St. Thomas Academy 42-39 and St. Croix Lutheran 51-30, and lost a close meet to Edina 39-34. They host Columbia Heights this Tuesday, December 6, at 6:00 PM. The co-op hockey teams are also in full swing and the boys basketball team opens this Friday, December 9, at Heritage Christian Academy. Tip-off is 8:00 PM.

If you haven't yet had a chance to see our new website for Aggie Athletics, visit us at  aggieathletics.org (or access it from the school's homepage by choosing the athletics tab). As always, you can find team schedules on the athletics calendar, which includes game times, opponents, and links to maps for all away events. We will soon be adding features such as 'Where are They Now' and fan photo contests.

Be sure to familiarize yourself with our athletics handbook. It outlines athletic department objectives and policies, eligibility requirements, communication, and expectations for athletes, parents, and spectators. You'll note that any questions that arise should be directed to the coach first. If you cannot reach the coach, please contact Mr. Streitz for high school sports and  Mr. Thompson for grade school and junior high sports.

I would also like to encourage you to give back to the athletics department by volunteering at our home athletic events. We are always in need of people to work the ticket and concessions area at high school games, and this helps us keep athletics fees at an affordable rate. Please visit our volunteer page to learn more. You will find it under the Aggie HQ tab on the athletic website. 

Sincerely, 



Mike Streitz
Final Exam Schedule for Grades 7-12
Final exams will be held Tuesday,12/20, through Thursday, 12/22.   Download the schedule here.
Christmas Toys & Food Pantry for School Families
A generous benefactor has donated a number of Christmas toys for school families who may need a a little extra help this year.  If you wish to take advantage of this opportunity, please contact Mr. John Ernster at (612) 247-0456 to set up a time to review available items. Please arrange a time when children will be occupied and only parents are present. 
 
Mr. Ernster also manages the Saint Agnes School Food Pantry. This free service is provided for any current Saint Agnes School family with financial need, and is restocked almost weekly during the school year. It is open most Wednesday afternoons, but you may contact Mr. Ernster for specific hours of operation or to make alternate arrangements.
Spirit Store Open on Wednesdays & Fridays Before and After School
Many new items have just arrived, including youth and toddler sized Aggie logo full zip sweatshirts and knit winter gloves. 
We have many other items as well, including ΒΌ zip pullovers, hoodies, jackets, tackle twill sweatshirts, sweatpants, baseball caps, stocking hats and much more.

Stop by the concessions stand in the UAC on Wednesdays and Fridays before and after school, or make an appointment with Joseph Olson at (612) 310-3063. 

Cash, checks or credit cards accepted.   
Sophomore Retreat: Tuesday, 12/6
The annual sophomore retreat is led by NET Ministries and will be held on December 6. The retreat will be held in Schuler Hall (lower level of the church) and students must be in full uniform this day. Lunch will be provided. Please contact Mrs. Rachel Kemp with questions or dietary restrictions so that we can plan accordingly for lunch.
Raffle Turn-In Day #2 is This Wednesday, 12/7!
The second raffle turn-in day is this Wednesday, December 7. Any student who meets the $100 quota by 9:00 AM on this day will be entered in a drawing for Aggie stocking hats or mittens for K-6 and entered into a drawing for $10 gift cards with candy for 7-12. Raffle tickets and money may be turned in to K-6 homerooms or 7-12 first hour classes.
Support Student Music at Saint Agnes This Advent Season! 
Madrigal Singers at St. Paul Hotel

Students have been hard at work preparing music for the upcoming concerts and performances. 

Take a look at what's on the schedule and support student music at one of the many upcoming events!

Concerts are free and open to the public. Some include a free will offering opportunity and we thank you in advance for your continued support of the Saint Agnes music department.   

Friday-Saturday, 12/9-10: Madrigal Singers at the St. Paul Hotel
The Madrigal Singers perform carols from  5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Lobby Bar

Sunday, 12/11: Piano Recitals by the Students of Virginia Blackstone 
Held in the UAC choir room at 1:30 (group one) and 3:00 PM (group two).  See the flyer.

Saturday, 12/17: Band Concert by Grades 6-12
Held  at 7:00 PM in Bandas Gymnasium. Directed by Mr. Rick Peters.

Sunday, 12/18: Lessons & Carols Choir Concert by Grades 5-12 & Saint Agnes Strings
Held at 4:30 PM at the Church of Saint Agnes. Directed by Mrs. Donna May and Mrs. Hannah Grant.

Wednesday, 12/21: Concert by K-4 Music Students
Held at 7:00 PM in Bandas Gym.  Directed by Mrs. Mary Truran.
Saint Agnes K-8 Swim Team Registration Closes This Friday, 12/9
The deadline to join the K-8 Swim Team is this Friday, December 9. Registration information may be found online here. The season begins on Saturday, January 7, and the team will practice on Fridays from 4:30-6:00 PM and Saturday from 3:00-4:30 PM at Hamline University. There will be 3-4 regular season meets, plus CAA Prelims and Finals. Competitive swim experience is not needed, though students must be able to swim the length of the pool without stopping.Download the registration form or contact Mr. Hank Kemp with questions.
Youth Wrestling for Boys in Grades 3-8 Begins on 12/12
Saint Agnes Youth Wrestling is for boys in grades 3-8 and is a great introduction to the sport. No experience is necessary. Practices and parent meetings begin at 3:00 PM on December 12 at Maternity of Mary-St. Andrew School ( 592 Arlington Ave W ). To learn more,  download the flyer  and register today Contact: Mr.Cummings , (612) 516-3326.
Junior High Student Council Clothing Drive Ends 12/16
Students in grades 7-12 are collecting donations for Sharing and Caring Hands from now until December 16. Items needed include mittens, gloves, socks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and shampoo. Donations may be brought to the main office during regular school hours. 
Saint Agnes School Red & White Benefit Prep in Full Swing!
The annual Red & White Benefit is not only the major fundraising event of the year, but a most enjoyable evening. Last year, a sell-out crowd of 500 guests attended in support of Saint Agnes School. Held in the UAC, profits will be used for scholarships and programs outside the scope of the budget, and will also help put the finishing touches on the Helene Houle Auditorium. 
 
You are invited to support the Red & White Benefit by attending, donating, or volunteering:   
  • Invitations will be mailed after Christmas. Please plan ahead to fill a table with friends!
  • Donations of new items for the silent auction are requested. Gift cards, electronics, tickets to sporting or music events, hotel or cabin stays, and theme baskets are very popular. After Christmas sales are a great time to shop. Items may go to the main office during regular hours. 
  • Volunteers are needed in a number of areas from pre-planning, setting up, working the event or clean up. This is a fun crew and an exciting event to be a part of. Learn more and sign up here.
With your support, we can make this our most successful event yet! Please contact  Mary Appel with questions or visit the website to learn more about the annual Red & White Benefit.
Saint Agnes Drama Club Presents "The Audition" on Sunday, 1/15
Saint Agnes Drama Club students will present "The Audition," a short play by Don  Zolidis, on Sunday, January 15. Directed by Mrs. Tricia Roddy, the performance will be held at 7:00 PM in Gruden Gym. There is no charge, but a free will offering will be taken in support of the club.
Save the Date for the Father/Daughter Dance: 1/21
Save the date for this year's Father/Daughter dance. Young ladies in grades 9 through 12 are invited to attend with their dad, grandfather, godfather or other male role model. Watch the newsletter for more information on how to attend or volunteer for this annual event. 
Support the Twin Cities Catholic Chorale & Purchase Christmas Cards
The TCCC will sell this year's beautiful edition of its Christmas card after all Masses through December 18 in Schuler Hall. Dr. Virginia Schubert's book, To Sing With the Angels, is also for sale. It is an excellent history of the Chorale. All proceeds benefit the TCCC.
Amazon Smile: Select Saint Agnes as Your Charity of Choice! 
As you prepare for Christmas, please remember to choose Saint Agnes School as your charity of choice when making purchases with retailers, credit cards, or online services that offer the opportunity to support a non-profit organization, such as Amazon Smile.
1st Qtr After School Care Fees Added to TADS Accounts
The first quarter after school care fees have been added to TADS accounts. Payment is due with your next scheduled payment, on or after December 1.  You should have received an email with the amount and date due. Please contact Sandy Veal at (651) 925-8815 with questions.
Aggie Siblings Featured on "From the Top" & in the Catholic Spirit

Students Emma (9th) and Jacob (6th) Taggart were featured on yesterday's national broadcast of "From the Top", recorded earlier at the Ordway Center for Performing Arts. 

Before the duet, they were interviewed by host Christopher O'Riley. Hear the interview and listen to the full performance here.

In addition to music, both enjoy competitive athletics. Emma participates on a junior Olympic track team and Jacob has played All-Star Little League.  


The Catholic Spirit also ran a story on the dynamic duo and filmed a short video of them at the piano .   


Congratulations to Taggart Squared! 
Host KoAm Exchange Student Next Semester
Hosting a KoAm exchange student is much like having an adopted son or daughter, a semester or a year at a time. 
There is an 8th grade boy looking for a host family next semester. By being a KoAm Host Family, your family will be able to discover a new culture in your own living room. In return, share America with an exchange student and make a difference globally!  
 
"We loved being able to provide a home and family experience in America with kids that loved learning and teaching each other their cultures." - Host Family, MN

Exchange students arrive with round-trip airline tickets, full medical insurance, tuition, school fees and spending money for the duration of their stay. They reimburse any expenses and show appreciation to the host family with a monetary gift. To learn more, contact Nicole Riebe at (952) 217-5510 or (651) 468-8691, or National Coordinator Haewon Park at (800) 521-6640. Apply online at www.koameduall.org.  
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The Parent Newsletter is a weekly publication of Saint Agnes School. 

  parents@saintagnesschool.org    |  651-925-8700  |   www.saintagnesschool.org