March 3, 2017
                                                                                                           
From the Office of the Principal
Dear Parents and Stakeholders,

Happy March Madness! As we enter into the month of March and as we close in on the end of the third quarter we are getting closer to our Open Campus period for our seniors only. Today, members of our academic leadership team met with seniors during advisory period to discuss Open Campus and take any questions they may have. We passed out the form that must be signed by a parent/guardian and the student and returned by  March 17th. Here is the link that contains the form and also the guidelines and rules. Open Campus will start  March 28th. Thanks for your help in working with us as we provide a more flexible schedule for your seniors fourth quarter.

Just a reminder that during the school day all students must enter and leave through the receptionist doors. Thanks for your help!

We are getting many questions about next school year's schedule. We will have it available mid-March. Thanks!

Lastly, thanks to everyone for a great month of February and I Love to Read Month. We had great participation and results from the month. Although the month is over thank you for continuing to read with your children. We will draw for winners of I Love to Read Bingo next week!

Blessings on a great weekend and go Crusade rs!



Adam Bemmels

   
All School News
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
There will be NO School on Monday, March 20, AND Monday, March 27. 

SPRING CONFERENCES will be held on Monday, March 27, from 4-8pm.  To sign up for K-5 conferences, click here. 6-8 conferences are a come-and-go format in the Lower Campus gym, 4-8pm. High school conferences are by appointment. Please email teachers to set up a conference time.

LOYOLA'S LENTON OUTREACH
We will be collecting money to help with building a home for families in need in San Lucas, Guatemala. The cost to build a home is $1150, which will provide lumber, a cement floor and a tin roof.
How can you help? ★ Tithe and donate 10% of your allowance, money you receive as a gift, or earnings during Lent... ★ Skip a snack or a soda once or twice a week and contribute the value... ★ Do special errands or jobs at home to earn a contribution... ★ Skip the purchase of something you really don't need and donate the price... ★ Commit to making a donation each week during Lent... Donation bins are located in each classroom (PS-5) and in your Theology class for (6-12) Last day to donate will be April 14, 2017.

RE-ENROLLMENT NIGHTS
If you would like help with the re-enrollment process, assistance will be available during conference times:
Monday, March 6,  4-8pm,  Upper Campus 
Wednesday, March 8, 4-8pm, Upper Campus 
Monday, March 27, 12-7:30pm, Upper Campus 
Monday, March 27, 4-8pm, Lower Campus 

I LOVE TO READ DOOR WINNERS
Mrs. Rentschler for Elementary
Mrs. Ruehle for Intermediate
Mr. Schultz for High School
Thanks to all who participated!




DISRUPTION WEEK/WEEK WITHOUT WALLS
Many of you have seen the term "disruption week" on the school calendar for March 21-24. This was noted because many of the high school students will be gone on the band and choir trip that week.  It was also intended as a good time to schedule family vacation or college visits. It was thought that this would be a great opportunity to provide our secondary students with learning experiences that they may not typically get in their everyday classrooms- family consumer sciences, mechanics, building, science research projects, business experiences, etc. The week's special activities/expectations are geared toward our high school students, however as we get closer to the week, we will make final plans and share with parents. To read the detailed email that was sent to high school families, click here.

NHS- SLEEPOUT FOR HOMELESSNESS
Loyola's National Honor Society will raise awareness of homelessness in the Mankato community by hosting "Sleepout for the Homeless" on Saturday, March 4, starting at 8pm on Loyola's Upper Campus, 145 Good Counsel Drive. National Honor Society members will be sleeping outside overnight in cardboard boxes to bring attention to the issue. Parents, teachers, students and community members are welcome to join them, and are asked to provide their own cardboard boxes, blankets and a minimum donation of $50. All proceeds will be given to  The REACH Drop-in Center, an organization for homeless youth in our community.


#TESTIMONIAL TUESDAY
A while back we sent a survey to current students, parents, and alumni asking for their thoughts about Loyola. We've compiled their comments and will be sharing them in a series called  #TestimonialTuesday on Facebook, and we'll share them here as well.


A MESSAGE FROM OUR PARISHES:
In order to receive a tuition grant from your respective parish for the 2017-18 school year, parishes are requesting that families complete and submit a Parish Grant Affiliation and Parish Involvement Form . In order to ensure that your LCS Smart Tuition account accurately reflects your Catholic Parish Grant, please be sure to return this form directly to your respective parish office no later than Friday, March 3. Please contact your parish office if you have any questions.

As a courtesy, we have attached a copy of the Parish Grant Form here

RE-ENROLLMENT FOR 2017/18 
Enrollment information for the 2017-18 school year is now available.

For 2017-18 Tuition information, click here 

To access the online re-enrollment form for 2017-18, click here https://loyolacatholicschool.schoolforms.org

For instructions on how to complete the online
re-enrollment process, click  here 

If you would like to request tuition assistance, click here:  https://smartaidforparents.com

OPEN HOUSE, PRESCHOOL-GRADE 12
Our next Open House is scheduled for March 14, 5:30-7:30pm. Please spread the word to family and friends! Current families are welcome! Come and find out what to expect in your child's grade next year!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

We are looking for volunteers to help with our Open House on March 14! Click here if you are able to help.

KINDERGARTEN ROUND UP


Kindergarten Round up: Session 1: Friday, March 10, 9:30-11am, Session 2: Friday, March 10, 12:30-2pm,  Session 3: Tuesday, March 14, 6-7:30pm. Please spread the word to your family and friends who may be interested in Loyola!

Because our Kindergarten and Preschool teachers will be greeting and hosting new families, there will be no school for Kindergarten and Preschool/PreK that day. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

VIRTUS TRAINING
If you need to complete another Virtus session there are four scheduled in the near future.  They are:  Saturday, March 11, 9:00 A.M. and Wednesday, March 22, at 6:00 P.M.   All sessions will be held on the Upper Campus of Loyola Catholic School. 
(A person needs to attend another VIRTUS session if you had training prior to 2016 or if you have never attended a VIRTUS session before.) Please pre-register by going to:  virtus.org.  Please call or email secretary@loyolacatholicschool.org
  or 388-0600 with questions.  


LUCKY 20 RAFFLE IS HERE!

Next week we will be launching Lucky 20 - Loyola's one and only annual raffle! Watch for proxy tickets next week along with a letter explaining the details of the raffle.  This is an opportunity for our school to raise $100,000!

 
GOLF CLASSIC






Save the Date: Monday, May 15, 2017, Mankato Golf Club
Four-person scramble golf event friendly enough for the weekend golfer but challenging enough for the competitive player!  Registration information coming soon!

HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION NEWS
Next meeting:  March 7, 6:30pm, Upper Campus
Stay connected to Loyola's Home & School Parent Association in a way that works best for YOU:
Check out our link on the Loyola website    Join our Facebook Group   Click  here  to JOIN our  email list.
Activities News
SPRING SPORTS PARENT MEETINGS
Parent meetings for spring sports will be held in the Upper Campus Gym on the following dates:

Wednesday, March 8
 5:15PM-  Track and Field
6:00PM-  Softball

Wednesday, March 15
  5:30PM-  Baseball
  6:30PM-  Golf

BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS
GIRLS BASKETBALL
The girls take on Springfield in Lake Crystal tonight at 6pm.

BOYS BASKETBALL
The boys host M/T/ML/GHEC at 7pm on Monday, March 6, Lower Campus gym.

YOUTH BASKETBALL
The Loyola 6th grade boys team won the Hutchinson tournament last Saturday. Congratulations!
SPEECH
Loyola tied for 2nd place (with St. Peter) in the Team Sweepstakes last week. Individual results:
First Place
Brennan Houlihan - Discussion
Luiza Flores - Storytelling
Second Place
Sadie Blace - Discussion
Third Place
Holly Huyhn - Extemporaneous Reading
Caroline Cardenas - Informative Speaking
Anna White - Original Oratory
Fourth Place
Duram Kelly - Creative Expression
Vincent Benzmiller - Extemporaneous Speaking
Fifth Place
Matthew Gartner - Extemporaneous Speaking
Sixth Place
Marina Kerekes - Extemporaneous Reading
Matthew Bach - Original Oratory


GIRLS VOLLEYBALL COACH 
Loyola is seeking a varsity volleyball coach starting with the 2017/18 school year. For more information, click here



UPCOMING GAMES/ACTIVITIES- CLICK HERE
In this newsletter
Elementary School News
Intermediate School News
Secondary School News
Quick References
ATTENDANCE LINE:
507-386-5312
Preschool News
DADS AND DOUGHNUTS
One of the most highly anticipated days of the year!


PRESCHOOL CONFERENCE SIGN UP
 
Preschool/PreK parents: Click here to register for spring conferences.

PRESCHOOL OPTIONS 2017/18
Registration is now open for preschool.

 *2 day morning 3 year olds:
Tuesday, Thursday: 8am-11am
*3 day morning 3 & 4 year olds:
 Monday, Wednesday, Friday:  8am-11am
*5 day morning 4 & 5 year olds:
 Monday-Friday:  8am-11am
 *5 day afternoon 4 & 5 year olds:
 Monday-Friday:  12pm-3pm
 *5 day Pre-K  4 & 5 year olds:
 Monday-Friday:  8am-2:55pm

For 2017-18 Tuition information, click  here 
To access the online re-enrollment form, click here  https://loyolacatholicschool.schoolforms.org
For instructions on how to complete the online 
re-enrollment process, click  here 
If you would like to request tuition assistance, click here:  https://smartaidforparents.com
Elementary News
4TH GRADE  VISIT TO LOWER CAMPUS
4th graders will visit the 5th grade on the Lower Campus next Thursday, March 9.  This will be an opportunity for the 4th graders to experience life as a 5th Grader.  There will be planned activities for the 4th and 5th graders to do together and the 4th  graders will join in recess and lunch.  The Lower Campus looks forward to their visit! 

K-5 CONFERENCES
Conferences for kindergarten through grade 5 will be held on Monday, March 27. Click here to reserve a time.

6-8  Conferences are open in the gym from  4-8 pm
9-12  Conferences are appointment only

SCIENCE ON SATURDAY
The science departments at Gustavus Adolphus College are pleased to invite 1 st  - 6 th  grade students to Science on Saturday,  on  March 18th, 2017  from  8:00am to noon  in the Nobel Hall of Science on the Gustavus campus. Students will have the opportunity to observe and participate in science demonstrations and experiments led by Gustavus students from the Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Geography, Botany, Neuroscience, and Biology Clubs.  Parents are welcome to stay for the event. Click  here  for more information.

The MSU Theater Department was here to visit yesterday.  They presented The Wind Thief, which tells the story of three female pirates who sail around looking for treasure and then sharing it with those in need.  Lessons: perseverance, kindness, forgiveness, and it's OK to ask for help.



3-5th GRADE SCIENCE FAIR
The Elementary Science Fair for grades 3-5 will be here before we know it.  The Regional Science Fair is Saturday April 29 at MSU, and we would love to have many Loyola students participating. Here are some dates to be aware of:
  • Thursday, March 16-Elementary Project Approval Form due at school. The research plan is an outline of the project the student plans to complete. This form is to be completed before actual experimentation begins and may be turned in at any time up to the deadline. Students who do projects involving vertebrates or human test subjects may have additional forms to complete.
  • Friday, March 31- on-line Registration, fee and T-shirt orders due
Click  here for a copy of the information for the fair.  If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Mack, Mrs. Sizer, or Ms. Ruehle.
Intermediate News
5th GRADE SPRING CONFERENCES
Monday, March 27, 4-8pm Click here to sign up

6-8 GRADE CONFERENCES
Monday, March 27, come and go format, 4-8pm
Lower Campus gym.
 
4TH GRADE will visit the 5th Grade on the Lower Campus next Thursday, March 9.  This will be an opportunity for the 4th graders to experience life as a 5th Grader.  There will be planned activities for the 4th and 5th graders to do together and the 4th graders will join in recess and lunch.  The Lower Campus looks forward to their visit! 
 
UPCOMING CHOIR CONCERT - The Grades 5-12 Choral Concert will be held on Tuesday, March 14, at 7:30 P.M. in the Chapel on the Upper Campus (immediately following the Open House).   Grades 5-8 choir members are asked to be there at 6:45 P.M. to rehearse.  Students should wear black pants or a skirt and a white blouse or a shirt. The 7/8 Choir may wear a black or white shirt.

LOWER CAMPUS YEARBOOK
We are now taking online orders for yearbooks. If you would like to order online, please go to:  www.loyolacatholicyearbook.com . There will be order forms coming home with your student in the next week or so. Deadline to order will be  March 31 !  Yearbooks are $15 and will be delivered before the end of the school year. 

Photos Needed!
The Yearbook staff is on the lookout for pictures that have been taken this year at various events. If you have any photos that were taken at school, sporting events, school activities, concerts, etc., please send them to Mrs. Stahl  astahl@loyolacatholicschool.org or add them to our Dropbox site
Thank you for allowing us to use them in our book.

8th graders (and parents of 8th graders):
The Yearbook staff is looking for pictures of the 8th grade students when they were little (3-6 years old). Please send a photo to school (to be scanned) or email a photo to Mrs. Stahl astahl@loyolacatholicschool.org so we can put it in the yearbook. Your photos will be returned. Please send them to school (or email) by  Friday, March 10. 

SCOLIOSIS SCREENING will be held Thursday, March 30, for students in Grades 6-8.  Please see this letter from the District School Nurse, Jan Derksen-Roth.  If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Martinka at rmartinka@loyolacatholicschool.org.  

6TH/7TH GRADE RETREAT TO WOLF RIDGE
Loyola 6/7th graders will be going  to Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in Finland, MN. This is an excellent opportunity for our students to grow closer together and have a unique experience. This will also help the students to build cohesion, experience team building, and sharpen leadership skills. The dates of the retreat are Wednesday April 19th, Thursday April 20th, and Friday April 21st. The cost of the retreat will be covered by Loyola; there is no additional cost for families. All 6th/7th grade parents should have received an informational email. Details can be found  here
PLEASE NOTE : If medication is needed for morning, or night time for your student, a medication "envelope" or "envelopes" can either be picked up from the Lower Campus office or can be sent home with your student.  The medication envelope asks for the name of the student, the name of the medication and dosage, and the date and time to be given.  This includes both prescription and non-prescription medication.   An envelope must be filled out for each medication and dosage time; i.e. if a medication is given both morning and evening, then two envelopes are needed. The medication consent form would also need to be filled out for both prescription and non-prescription medications.  Please return the envelopes with medication to the office by Thursday, April 13.  Please contact the Lower Campus office ( rmartinka@loyolacatholicschool.org ) with any medical concerns for your student.

SUMMER SOLUTIONS
workbooks are now available for order for Grades K - 8 in Common Core Math, Common Core English and other help workbooks for your student for $14.99 each.  They are ordered directly, paid for and shipped from Simple Solutions.  Help your child stay one step ahead this summer.  Click  here for the flyer.

3-5th GRADE SCIENCE FAIR
The Elementary Science Fair for grades 3-5 will be here before we know it.  The Regional Science Fair is Saturday April 29 at MSU, and we would love to have many Loyola students participating. Here are some dates to be aware of:
  • Thursday, March 16-Elementary Project Approval Form due at school. The research plan is an outline of the project the student plans to complete. This form is to be completed before actual experimentation begins and may be turned in at any time up to the deadline. Students who do projects involving vertebrates or human test subjects may have additional forms to complete.
  • Friday, March 31- on-line Registration, fee and T-shirt orders due
Click  here for a copy of the information for the fair.  If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Mack, Mrs. Sizer, or Ms. Ruehle.

Loyola Pre-Contest Band Concert
Featuring the Loyola 7th & 8th Grade Band and Loyola Concert Band
Sunday March 5, 2017 7pmUpper Campus Gym
Report time for students is 6:30 for warm-ups.
7th/8th Attire:
Gentlemen: Black shoes, BLACK SOCKS, Black pants, White button down dress shirt, Ties optional but recommended.
Ladies: Black dress shoes (either flats or pumps, no platforms please), Black skirt or pants (skirts must go down to the knee or worn with leggings), White dress top.

Large Group Contest
Monday March 6, 2017
USC in Wells
All HS Band members will perform as well as a small group of 7th/8th grade students.

STEM SUMMER CAMPS FOR GIRLS
Click here for information on the Minnesota Center for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence options for STEM camps for girls, grades 6-8 and 9-12.

EXPLORSCHOOL
ExplorSchool is a full-day, two-week summer experience for rising 5th, 6th and 7th graders who are looking for a summer challenge. This is your chance to dive into your favorite topics - from acting to chemistry, mock trial to robotics, environmental studies to studio art. Click here for info.

MINNESOTA INSTITUTE FOR TALENTED YOUTH
Experience the perfect mix of academic challenge and summer fun. At MITY, you will have the opportunity to experience life on a college campus and challenge yourself academically with MITY's two-week summer program, EYM (Expand Your Mind.) EYM students are rising 8th graders, freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors. Click here for info.
MINNESOTA SCRUBS CAMP
Students in grades 5-12 who have an interest in a health profession may find Minnesota Scrubs Camp an excellent opportunity to learn more about these careers.  The dates, ages and cost of the camps vary depending on the location Assistance for students with a financial need may be available.  Scholarship applications are on the registration website. Remember, this camp fills up fast!  Register  here
Questions?  Contact Stephanie at:  stephanie.zojonc@mnsu.edu
Secondary News

OPEN CAMPUS FOR SENIORS
Open Campus begins March 28, 2017. Return this signed form by Friday, March 17, 2017.

Open Campus is available to seniors only.Open Campus applies to lunch hours, study halls, and advisory blocks (does not apply to TA responsibilities and Independent classes).


 
Loyola Pre-Contest Band Concert
Featuring the Loyola 7th & 8th Grade Band and Loyola Concert Band
Sunday March 5, 2017  7pm Upper Campus Gym
Report time for students is 6:30 for warm-ups.
Attire:  Gentlemen: Black shoes, BLACK SOCKS, Black pants, White  dress shirt,  Black Tie.
Ladies: Black dress shoes ( flats or pumps), Black skirt or pants (skirts must go down to the knee or worn with leggings), White dress top.

Large Group Contest , Monday March 6, 2017
USC in Wells
All HS Band members will perform at contest as well as a small group of 7th/8th grade students.
We will depart from the High School in the morning and return to the High School before dismissal.

Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors:  We have a special guest coming next week to talk about apprenticeships.  Stacey Karels, who is President of the Mankato Building Trades, will be with us during the advisory time this coming Tuesday, March 7th from 1:02-1:52 pm.  We have 10 categories of apprenticeships related to construction available to us in the Mankato area.  Apprenticeships allow a person to "earn while you learn".  This is a way to have a career with no student debt!  Come to the Flex Room during advisory this Tuesday if you would like more information.  

Juniors and Seniors:  The St. Thomas rep will be visiting Thursday, 3/9, at 10:00am.  Please get a pass from Mrs. Arians or Mrs. Kirschner if you plan to attend.
Juniors:  Camp College will be offered at Bethany on July 10-11th.  The purpose is to help students with the college application process.  Students who are first generation college students, students from low income areas, and rural students will be given first priority; however, any junior interested can apply.  They have workshops on financial aid and scholarships, college essay writing, and info on the admissions process in addition to other college topics.  This camp is free!  Our Megan Hillesheim attended last year and loved it! Application due date is March 15th.  For more information, go to

Juniors:  Zap the ACT will be offered one more time this spring.  It will be on Saturday, March 18th at East HS.  To sign up, call 387-5501 or register at www.mankatocer.com

Juniors:  Monday, March 20th, also possibly April 14th (Good Friday), or Ap ril 17th (Monday),  are the last 3 weekdays that we don't have school and college students probably will be on campus, so they would be good days for college visits.  You want to get your visits in when students are around campus.  Ideally, you want to get visiting in by the end of April and apply to colleges late summer or early fall to set yourself up so that your senior year will focus on scholarships and financial aid.  

Juniors and Sophomores:  Minnesota Business Venture, held at St. Cloud State July 9-14 or St. John's campus July 23-28,  is an outstanding week long summer camp for the excellent price of $150 (if registered by April 19th.) It is a leadership camp for any student, and an especially excellent networking experience for anyone interested in business for their future.  Our Colton Corcoran attended last summer and had many good things to say about it. Check it out at www.bestprep.org   Scholarship help is available.

Juniors, Sophomores, and Freshmen:  Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth (MITY), held at Macalester's campus in St. Paul, offers over 30 classes this summer during the weeks of June19-30 or July 10-21.Go to www.mity.org  for more information and application forms. Financial aid is available.

Seniors: Mark your calendars: Diocese of Winona High School Baccalaureate Mass
Wednesday, April 26
11am Mass with Bishop Quinn followed by lunch
Queen of Angels Church, Austin, MN
More details will be sent in a mailed invitation from the Diocese. 

STEM SUMMER CAMPS FOR GIRLS
Click here for information on the Minnesota Center for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence options for STEM camps for girls, grades 6-8 and 9-12.

Grades 9-12:  Scrubs Camp registration begins Sunday, Jan. 15.  The dates for Mankato's Scrubs Camp is June 19-21, 2017.  Cost is $150.  Students on free and reduced lunch can apply for a scholarship with the program, and other Loyola students who have a financial need can speak with Mrs. Arians.  Remember, this camp fills up fast!  Our students who have an interest in the medical/health science field have found this to be an excellent experience to expand their knowledge of the field.  Students can use this experience as a job shadow if they want.  Here is the link to the registration:   http://www.healthforceminnesota.org/scrubs-camp-scholarship-info/

Grades 9-12:  The Career Center keeps a file of the summer opportunities that are sent to us.  Please contact Mrs. Arians if you have an interest in looking at that file.

Important Dates


3/5 9pm Scrip order due

3/7 6:30pm Home & School Meeting, Upper Campus

3/10  9:30-11am (Session !)  and 12:30-2pm (Session 2) Kindergarten Round up
NO SCHOOL for Kindergarten and Preschool/PreK

3/11 9am VIRTUS Training,  Upper Campus

3/14 5:30-7:30pm Preschool-grade 12 Open House, Upper Campus

3/14 6-7:30pm Session 3 Kindergarten Round up

3/19 9pm Scrip order due

3/20 No School

3/21-24 Week Without Walls (high school)

3/22 6pm VIRTUS Training, Upper Campus

3/27 No School