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Parent Newsletter: 5/15/17
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Attendance Hotline: (651) 925-8777
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Headmaster's Update
Director of Advancement for Saint Agnes Named
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Jean Houghton to the p
osi
tion of Director of Advancement beginning July 1, 2017. She will be overseeing all aspects of advancement - including admissions, alumni relations, communications, marketing, and m
ajor event planning (including Red & White), among other things. Mrs. Houghton began her
career at Saint Agnes School in 2007 as a parent volunteer in the library. After many were impres
sed by her talents, she was hired as the admissions director in 2008 and worked in admissions until 2012. From there, she moved to the advancement office, at which time she became director of donor relations f
rom 2012-present. Prior to her time at Saint Agnes, Mrs. Houghton worked as a corporate business consultant with McDonald's Corporation from 2000-2007, and she won top consultant awards each of her years there. She attended the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities), where she studied Speech/Communication. We are so blessed to have someone of her talent and capabilities here at Saint Agnes, and we look forward to her direction and supervision of an area so critical to the success of Saint Agnes.
Important School Choice Legislation
The end of the Minnesota Legislative session is a week away! Saint Agnes is eager to support the Minnesota Catholic Conference (MCC) and the Minnesota Independent Schools Forum (MISF) in advocating for scholarships to help Minnesota children be able to attend the school of their choice (including Saint Agnes). Opportunity for All Kids (OAK), an education choice advocacy group in Minnesota is working with us and other independent schools across the state to support this initiative, called "Opportunity Scholarships." We have a great opportunity to pass "Opportunity Scholarships" into law with your support. Please visit
www.oakmn.org and scroll to the bottom of the page to select "Join the Coalition" or
contact lawmakers here. You may also
learn more about how to get involved.
First Communion
Congratulations to the second graders who made their First Holy Communion this past weekend. Thank you to their teachers Mrs. Vance and Mrs. Johnson, and to Religion Specialist Mrs. O'Hern for the formation and guidance they gave in preparation for this important Sacrament. Take a look at some of the photos from parent Mike Ekern.
Prom
The 2017 Saint Agnes prom went off without a hitch this past Saturday evening. It was nice to start a new tradition of the grand march in the auditorium! Thank you to all the students who looked splendid in formal attire and conducted themselves in just as dignified a manner. A special thank you to Mrs. Richtsmeier for pulling off an excellent event for the students.
Screen Time and Adolescents
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Screenagers
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We would like to call our parents' attention to three different articles/videos (and one book) about the impact of screen time on our children (especially teenage children). One from 60 Minutes is called "Brain Hacking." Another is a video documentary called "Screenagers" done by Dr. Delaney Ruston.
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PBS News Special
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In addition, PBS issued a news special on "The Drug-Like Effect of Screen Time on the Teenage Brain."
Finally, I can recommend a book called Glow Kids: How Screen Addition is Hijacking our Kids and How to Break the Trance.
Parking in Front of School
The City of St. Paul recently approved a handicapped parking spot in front of the school. Sometime as soon as this summer, the city will be putting up signs just in the front of the handicapped curb entrance in front of the main entrance to the school. We are grateful to the city for their help in this important matter! |
Saint Agnes School Philosophy of Education
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End of Year Events & Academic Dates
Please mark your calendars for these important end-of-year events and dates:
- Senior Banquet - Thursday, May 18, at 6:00 PM in Schuler Hall
- Academic Convocation - Monday, May 22, at 1:45 PM in Helene Houle Auditorium
- 7-12 Baccalaureate Mass - Thursday, June 1, at 11:00 AM in Upper Church
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Early Dismissal
- Thursday, June 1, at 1:00 PM
. K-6 will have pepperoni pizza for lunch.
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NO AFTER SCHOOL CARE
- Thursday, June 1
- Senior Picnic - Thursday, June 1, following Baccalaureate Mass in church parking lot
- Graduation - Friday, June 2, at 7:00 PM in Bandas Gymnasium
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Concert Tonight Mon., 5/15: Grades 2-4 at 7 PM
Join students in grades 2 through 4 in the Helene Houle Auditorium tonight, May 15, as they present "Virtues: A Musical Journey" under the direction of Mrs. Mary Truran. The concert begins at 7:00 PM. Please drop children off at 6:30 PM in the UAC. Grades 2 and 3 will meet in the high school choir room and grade 4 in the high school band room. After the program, students may be picked up in the same rooms. Please have students in full uniforms. Dress shoes may be worn to tonight's performance.
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5/6 Band & Choir Concert: Wednesday, 5/17, 7 PM
The 5
th/6th Grade Band & Choir will perform a concert under the direction of Mr. Peters and Mrs. May on Wednesday, May 17, at 7:00 PM in the Helene Houle Auditorium. The concert is free and open to the public.
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Senior Banquet Volunteer Waitstaff Still Needed: This Thurs, 5/18
Waitstaff is still needed to serve at the Senior Banquet scheduled for this Thursday, May 18, in Schuler Hall. Freshman parents and students traditionally volunteer for this event but all help is welcome. The Senior Banquet is an opportunity to honor each graduate as commencement approaches. Additional details and time slots may be found here.
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Junior High Fun Day, Saturday 5/20
Junior high students are invited to join us for a day of games of all kinds on Saturday, May 20, from 12:00 to 4:00 PM. The cost is $2.00 and snacks will be provided. Please contact Mr. Jeff Duresky or Mrs. Eileen Douglass with questions.
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Honor Mr. Blonigen & Mrs. May with a Tribute by 5/20
In preparation for the retirement celebration on June 6, please write
a short message or share a special memory about Mr. Blonigen and Mrs. May here
. Feel free to share this link with other family or friends who might wish to contribute. The deadline for messages is Saturday, May 20.
An open house retirement gathering for Mr. Blonigen and Mrs. May will be held on
Tuesday, June 6, from
4:30 to 7:30 PM in the
UAC.
Families, parishioners, alumni, former faculty, past parents and friends of Saint Agnes are most welcome!
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8th Grade Church Models On Display Starting Sunday, 5/21
The 8th grade church models -- historic churches in the Archdiocese -- will be on display for viewing after all Masses at the Church of Saint Agnes on Sunday, May 21,
in Schuler Hall. Please come and see the wonderful work of the students!
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7-12 Choir Concert & Reception: Sunday, 5/21, 4:30 PM
The
7-12 Choir Concert will be held this Sunday, May 21, at 4:30 PM in the Helene Houle Auditorium. The Junior High Choirs, Concert Chorale, and Madrigal Singers will sing under the direction of Mrs. Donna May.
Mrs. Hannah Grant and the Saint Agnes String Ensemble will also perform.
Volunteers needed! There will be a reception following the concert and choir parents are asked to volunteer their time or donate items. Please see the Sign Up Genius link to find out what is needed. Please contact Lili Karadza with questions: (651) 455-4652.
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You're Invited! Academic Convocation is 5/22
The 2017 Academic Convocation will be held in the Helene Houle Auditorium on Monday, May 22, beginning at 1:45 PM. Academic recognition and awards will be presented to students in grades 7-12. Parents are welcome to attend as we celebrate student accomplishments.
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Summer Series Registration Deadline Extended to 5/22!
Due to popular demand: registration for K-12 students, parents, alumni and past parents has been extended to Monday, May 22. Sign up today! Run through the offerings with your child(ren) and register to secure a spot. Please note the discounted pricing of $15 for alumni, parents, and parents of alumni!
Featured student offerings include: Keyboarding; Athletic Camps; Writing Camps; Minnesota History Camp; Museum Madness; Less Stress, More Freedom - Study Skills & Homework Strategies; Guys & Gals' Retreats and Personal Finance.
Adult/Alumni offerings include: Book Reading/Discussion; Women, Wine & Portraiture; Catholicism Clashes w/ Contemporary "-isms"; America - Faith & Culture; Training Our Children for Academic Success for grades K-6 and 7-12.
Learn more about the 2017 Summer Series
!
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7-12 Final Exams Begin on Tuesday, 5/30
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Job Opportunities for Aggie Students, Alumni & Parents
Sweet Martha's Cookies at the MN State Fair
Gary Olson, co-owner of Sweet Martha's Cookies, stopped in to offer our students a chance to apply for a job at the Great MN Get Together! They have worked with other schools and would like to include our students in this opportunity at their popular cookie stand. They only hire in-house references, so it is great that they want our students to apply! Must be 16 years of age.
Apply online with Sweet Martha's Cookie Jar
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Warners' Stellian
Warners' Stellian is looking to hire six part-time warehouse associates for the summer to join their team. They hope to fill these positions as soon as possible! Make sure to include Sinat Agnes in the "referred by" field of the application. The warehouse is located one mile north of Saint Agnes, just off of Dale and Atwater. Download the Warners' Stellian application.
Donald's Uniform Store
Donald's Uniform is hiring for full and part-time positions with flexible hours. Students, college students and parents make great employees because you are familiar with our uniforms! Email Barb Williamson or call her at (651) 288-9301.
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Fishing Gear Needed!
Mr. Olson, Mr. Crompton and Mrs. Appel will again be leading a group of high school students on a science and engineering trip to the BWCA this June. Help us expose these students to the joys of fishing! If you have any extra fishing poles and tackle that you are willing to donate or allow us to borrow, please contact Mr. Olson.
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3rd Qtr After School Care Fees Due
Third quarter After School Care fees are due with your next scheduled TADS payment
(on or after 5/5/17). Emails containing the amount and due date were sent to all families on April 27-28. Please contact
Sandy Veal with questions: (651) 925-8815.
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Please Bring Cafeteria Accounts Current by 6/1
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Box Tops for Education Due 6/1
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Used Uniform Sale is Tuesday, 6/20
Save the date for the annual Used Uniform Sale! It will be held in the UAC Commons on Tuesday, June 20, from 7:00 to 8:00 PM. Please also consider donating your gently used uniform items for students at all levels.
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College Application Boot Camp: 8/7-8/10
Boot Camp is a four-day, intensive workshop to jump-start the college application process, ensuring that students are on-track as they begin their senior year.
Incoming seniors (class of 2018) will complete at least one application, write and revise application essays, complete an activity resume, discuss college majors and careers, attend group workshops, meet with a guidance counselor as needed, visit a college campus, and talk with college admissions representatives. Cost is $90. Contact
Mrs. Rachel Kemp
with questions.
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Register for 2017-18 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Registration is now open for 17-18 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at the Church of Saint Agnes. Non-parishioners and school families are encouraged to sign up.
There are three sections available per week for 3-6 year-olds:
Tuesday mornings from 8:00-9:30 AM or 10:00-11:30 AM, and Wednesday mornings from 10:00-11:30 AM.
Please register online.
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