PARENT BULLETIN
May 18, 2017
DAN'S BLOG 

I am excited to share breaking news of some new school staff hires for the 2017-18 school year! While we are still interviewing applicants for our reading specialist teacher position, we've hired the following three people.

 In the junior high, our new social studies teacher will be Andrew Weiss. Andrew is currently in his sixth year as a social studies teacher at a middle school in Rhode Island. Yes, Rhode Island! What brings him all the way across the country is his fiancé is starting her residency at the UW in Obstetrics this summer. To make things even more hectic and exciting, they're getting married in 10 days! Besides being a lover of history, Mr. Weiss has been a high school volleyball coach, an Eagle Scout, and is currently pursuing a Masters' Degree in school administration.
 
Our new teacher in room 1A this coming fall will be Samantha Helfen. She is receiving her Bachelor's Degree from Central Washington University next month with a double major - in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education. A native Washingtonian, Samantha herself is a product of another Seattle Archdiocesan school - St. Philomena in Des Moines. Besides currently student teaching a 1st grade class in the Kent School District, Miss Helfen had her earlier teaching practicum in China.
 
There will be a new instructional assistant who will take over for Maria Zambrano, as Maria changes her job title and responsibilities to director of all extra-curricular programs - which includes overseeing our new extended-day PreK program. Vicki Cam will be the KB and 4B assistant to Mrs. Samson and Mrs. Danforth. Some of you know Vicki as mother of 1st grader, Mika. Vicki has been a devoted faith formation teacher here every Sunday these past four years, co-teaching with her husband, Ken. Prior to that, Mrs. Cam served as a core team member for our parish's Lifeteen program.

Just as it's bittersweet to make these staff announcements - as the excitement of new staff arriving is mixed with the sadness of current staff leaving - it's bittersweet too as we approach graduation day for our 8th graders.  We are proud of our graduates, but we have to say goodbye to students who were with us, for the most part, for nine years. Moreover, some of them are the youngest or only children in their family, so when they graduate on June 1, their parents will be leaving us also! Of course, we know that "Once a St. Louiser, Always a St. Louiser!" But still... it's not going to be the same without seeing these parents listed below driving through the carpool lane daily next September, and without having them volunteer any more as CYO coaches, auction committee workers, room parents, and Halloween party helpers! We bid adieu and are forever grateful to these 8th grade parents whose youngest or only children are graduating on June 1:

Kevin & Katy Blair
Ron & Kim Bruce
Jason & Courtney Courter
Jim & Alyssa Darragh
Rick & Kate Gratzer
Peter Carels
Dana Greenlay
Jeff & Clarity MacNichols
Doug & Mary Manning
Andrew & Lisa Miller
Casey & Lore Morgan
Toby & Sue Richards
Larry & Kristy Rorie
Craig & Phuong Scukas
Snigdha Sinha
John & Julia Snyder
Fergus & Martha Stewart
Nino & Lisa Storniolo
Keith & Lori VanderZanden
Scott & Melissa Wiswall
Eduardo Zambrano
Maria Zambrano
 
Speaking of graduation, you don't need to be a parent of an 8th grader to attend one or both of the special ceremonies we have on June 1. At 9AM, the Graduation Mass is a wonderful way to send off our students in prayer. Then at 7PM, Commencement is when we bestow both diplomas and some awards to the students. All in the St. Louise community are welcome to attend.

Whether your child is graduating on June 1, or having to hang in there all the way until June 8, there are some tasks all school parents must make sure are completed in order to properly wrap up the school year in terms of fulfilling your contractual commitments to St. Louise. I appreciate you making sure all of these tasks are completed in the coming weeks!

c  By May 31, turn in to the school office your Auction procurement form - minimum $200 donation. (Please note that the minimum requirement increases to $250 after May 31.) You may also complete your procurement online.

 

c  By May 31, submit your required $20 per-family Auction "Grade Project Fee" online.

 

c  By June 8, if you haven't done so yet, log in your final Volunteer Hours completed for this 2016-17 school year until you reach the 40 hour minimum.

 

c  By June 8, inform Lola or Mindy in the school office if there is an error on your family information draft page for our 2017-18 family roster. (You're receiving this draft page in the Family Envelope.)

 

c  By June 8, have your minimum amount of Charger Card profits/contributions completed. You may find more information on Charger Cards here.  

 

c  By June 8, have at least your initial pledge to the Annual School Gift Campaign (ASGC) sent in to school. You may send in a check or choose to give online.  After logging in, click on the "Give a New Gift" link and then choose "ASGC."

 

c  By June 19, sign-up online for your volunteer job(s) you're interested in for the upcoming 2017-18 school year.


 

Thanks for reading,
Mr. FITZ

p.s.
 
I've asked 4th grader Lucy Flaat, 7th grader Mason Flaat, and 8th grader Tagan Flaat to take over for me this coming Monday, May 22, as I have to be gone most of the day away from school. So the Flaat kids will be the "PRINCIPALS FOR THE DAY." (Not so coincidentally, their generous parents, Chris and Ingrid, purchased this opportunity for their children at last November's Auction.) And the Principals-Flaat wasted no time in making some administrative decisions. They are going to put on an assembly Monday, and they are allowing grade K-8 students to come to school in free dress. Now the free dress comes with a "catch." It is PROVIDED that each K-8 student brings a $ donation that will be donated to the Smile Train Project. They are suggesting $2, but any donation will be accepted. The Principals-Flaat will hold a special assembly on Monday where they will show  the grade K-8 students a few videos such as this one to the students about Smile Train, to educate the student body about this worthwhile charity. The principals' goal is it encourage your kids to go home and educate their parents to perhaps donate more than just the $2. So if your grade K-8 child would like to wear free dress this Monday, please have him/her bring a $2 (or a like amount) to Monday's school assembly. Thanks, Lucy, Mason, and Tagan, for thinking beyond yourselves, and when given this opportunity to have "power," with coming up with a way to use it to help the less fortunate!
School Calendar
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TOMORROW AND THIS WEEKEND
 
Friday, May 19
  • Grade 6 - no school (after their 4 days at camp)
  • Grade 5 - early dismissal (after returning from Pioneer Farm by noon)
  • Deadline to register for Mother/Son Event (see article below)
Saturday, May 20
  • CYO Track Meet, 10AM at Highline Stadium
  • Congratulations to Father Fabian on the anniversary of his 40th Ordination!
      
NEXT WEEK

Monday, May 22
  • Free Dress for grade K-8 students ... with a catch! Students must bring a suggested $2 donation. See Dan's Blog above for an explanation.
  • Final School Commission and Parents' Club meetings of the year, 6:30PM
  • Tryouts for 2018 school musical for next year's 6th-8th graders, 2-4PM
Wednesday, May 24
  • Tryouts continue for 2018 school musical for next year's 6th-8th graders, 3-5PM
Thursday, May 25
  • Bake Sale - the May 18th Bake Sale was postponed and moved to this date
Friday, May 26
  • Science Showcase in the parish hall; parents may visit from 9am-12pm or 1-2pm

SAVE THE DATE
 
Monday, May 29
  • NO SCHOOL in honor of Memorial Day - let us remember those who died while serving our country; some special ceremonies in our area that families should consider attending on Memorial Day are held this day in Seattle and Renton, and Masses & tributes are held at the four Associated Catholic Cemeteries in Seattle, Shoreline, Kent, and Federal Way.
Tomorrow Is Your Last Chance to Register for the Mother/Son Event
Scarves Up! We are so excited for our annual Mother/Son event this year! Get ready to cheer on the Sounders to victory as they play the Houston Dynamo on Sunday, June 4. Our event begins at 5:30 p.m. and includes a catered dinner of hamburgers, hot dogs, and all the fixins' in one of the Sounders Lofts!  Come early so you can eat and get your pictures taken before the game!  Game time begins at 7, as we will head to our seats after dinner.
The final deadline to reserve yours seats is TOMORROW, FRIDAY, so click on the "Give a New Gift" link HERE to register. Then select "Mother/Son event" and list the names of all your family's attendees for whom you're purchasing tickets. Feel free to add in the comments-section the names of one or two families you would like to sit near.
We look forward to seeing you on the pitch! If you have any questions, please email Social Activities co-chairs, Teresa Brosche & Rebecca Ort.   
The 2017-18 School Calendar Is Ready to Print Out
          If you go to our school's website and click on the EVENTS section of the main page, you will bring up the monthly calendar. By either clicking on the right-arrow to scroll through the months, or clicking on the small-worded "Calendar View" on the far right-side of the page, you will be able to get to the July 2017 through June 2018 school calendars. Here you will see - and can print out - the various school events and vacations for the upcoming school year. In last week's red Family Envelope, you were given a quick-view, one-sheet calendar for you to stick on your frig at home.
The Victor family enjoyed Grandparents' Day.
Thank You, Hospitality Volunteers!
          We appreciated Kristy Charles and her Hospitality crew for serving coffee and donuts at last Friday's Grandparents' Mass reception, or for baking: Liz DeBord, Gabby Gonzalez, Sam Sudore, Sarah Pierce, Erika Clifford, Alice Shaw, Annabelle Gegus, Angeleigh Gregorios, Wendy Blank, PT Scukas, Jennifer Magnusen, Trinette Kuester, Rebecca Nightingale, Paula Hollerbach, and Suzie Sollars.
          Kristy and her co-chair Victoria Bermel are passing on the Hospitality chairperson reins, and we want to thank this dynamic duo for their friendly reception, efficient serving, and tasty refreshments at all our school events these past few years!
  
Please Sign Up Now for Your 2017-18 Volunteer Jobs
We have opened  up your access to the online link that welcomes you to sign-up for volunteer jobs for the 2017-18 school year. We are asking at this time for all returning school parents to note in which ways you'll be able to help out around school and with school events, committees, and fund raisers in the coming school year. This early sign-up helps the school staff and Parents' Club figure out if we'll have enough volunteer support to run our programs, and it helps you create your 40 hour (minimum) schedule for volunteering for next year.  You have until June 19, to note your jobs for the 2017-18 school year here at the 2017-18 volunteer jobs sign-up link.
If you have questions about the overall volunteer process, please contact the Parents' Club's Volunteer Coordinator, Marinell Zevenbergen. Remember, as we wind down this current 2016-17 year, by mid-June all parents must have  logged in online a minimum 40 hours. Thanks for giving your time!
  
AUCTION NEWS
 
Sponsorship Opportunities
Our hope and goal is to have as much as possible of the total cost of the auction underwritten through sponsorship. We need your help to make this happen!
Sponsorship opportunities are not only for current St. Louise families, they are for any person or business who supports the value of Catholic education and who believes in securing a strong future for children on the Eastside.
Please consider the gift of sponsorship to the 2017-18 Auction, and help spread the word to local businesses and families. Sponsorship allows more of the funds raised on auction night go directly toward helping our school. In exchange for sponsorship, you will have an excellent opportunity to build visibility and awareness of your business through verbal, visual and even social media recognition.
Take a look at the Sponsorship Opportunities below to see the sponsorship levels available, and the various ways your business will be promoted and advertised in return for your partnership with St. Louise School. Please contact Sue Richards for additional information.
✔ Check List
We have just a few weeks left of school and there is so much going on! To help make sure you meet all your auction commitments on time, here is a handy check list for you!
___  I have paid my $20 family art project fee - payments can be made online at stlouiseschool.org/auction by clicking on "art project fee-pay here". Payments due May 31.
 
___  I have met my $200 minimum procurement requirement and have completed either the Online Procurement Form  or have turned in a hardcopy Procurement Form  to the office. Deadline May 31. Don't delay - minimum goes up to $250 after May 31!
 
___  My kids will get to participate in Free Dress on June 5 because I went above and beyond the minimum and procured $300 or more by the May 31 deadline!
 
Procurement - Due May 31!
There are only 14 days left to procure items or make donations by the May 31st  deadline! Many thanks to all the many families who have already met their minimum requirement. We are so happy with the exciting items that have already been turned in!
If you still haven't donated, here are some of the things we would still LOVE to receive:
* Vacation Homes (Suncadia, Lake Chelan, Wistler, etc.)
* Premium Wine (value $50 or more)
* Xbox One S with Xbox One games
*Seattle Mariners Tickets
* American Girl Doll
* Jawbone Wireless Speaker
* Seattle Sounders Tickets
* Hoverboard
* GoPro Hero
* Seattle Seahawks Tickets
* Amazon Echo
* Portable DVD Player
* iPod
* Beats Headphones
* Nerf N-Strike Elite Rhino-Fire Blaster

Please note that we are unable to accept art, clothing, shoes, software, used items, or most professional services - included but not limited to haircuts, photographers, chiropractic care, or financial services. Items with a value of less than $25 are also not able to be accepted. For more information, check out our webpage.
 
There are still opportunities to underwrite some of our live auction and raffle items - for more details, please email auction@stlouiseschool.org . To see our complete wish list and gift registries, please visit our wish list.

 
Thanks for your participation in making Auction 2017 a success!
 
Our St. Louise School House truly rocks!  


3 Weeks Left to Complete Your Charger Card Requirement!

 

Order Cards You Will Need for Travel Plans

 

Credit Card "Fee Free" Week Starts Monday

 
 
 
With just 3 weeks until the school year ends, you need to make plans now to complete your Charger Card requirement!   The last day to purchase cards is the morning of June 8. Don't delay! Please contact us if you would like help with ordering, planning, or understanding how to meet your commitment. We are happy to help you make a plan that will fit your family's budget and habits.
 
 
Stock up for Memorial Day Weekend & Begin Planning Summer Trips
Order these cards you will need for your travels:
  • Hotels - Hyatt, Clarion Hotels, Comfort Inn, Econo Lodge, Quality Inn, Fairmont, Sleep Inn
  • Rental Cars - Avis, Budget
  • Air - Delta, Southwest
  • Travel - Disney, Princess Cruise
  • Gas & Auto - Chevron, Shell, 76, Texaco, Arco, BP, Safeway, Exxon, Circle K, Jiffy Lube, Sinclair, Sears Auto
 
 
Offering No Credit Card Fee Next Week
Charger Cards is offering ONE WEEK ONLY with no credit card convenience fee. If you order $100 or more of cards between May 22-26 using your credit card, there is no fee charged. This is a great time to buy Charger Cards with a credit card to earn miles and:
  • Complete your auction procurement! 
  • Stock up for summer travel plans
  • Complete your Charger Card requirement - a minimum of $125 earned rebate
 
 
We want to thank our hardworking, dedicated volunteers! Thank you, Chika Anyichie, Ahn Blaha, Robin Davidson, Kumiko Kincaid, Sharon Kussy, Lisa Miller, Gabby Schmidt and Kristina Yumul- Abueg! Thank you also to Dan Kirby for his support with website information!
 
The Charger Card team is looking for new volunteers to join their team for the fall Please email us  if you'd like to help! We need volunteers to help in these areas:
>    Help sell cards at the Charger Card office on Used Uniform Sale day (Thursday, August 3)
>    Help with weekly card inventory and fulfillment (Friday mornings starting in September)
>    Help sell cards on Sundays between Masses

 
For more information on Charger Cards and online ordering, please visit www.stlouiseschool.org/chargercards or email chargercards@stlouiseschool.org.
  
Charger Card Office hours: Fridays from 8:15-8:45am.
Calling Next Year's 5th-8th Graders
          Honk Jr ., a delightful adaptation of the beloved fable and the award-winning musical, is a heartwarming celebration of what makes us special, and it will be St. Louise School's musical to be performed in 2018 by our students. 
          Auditions will be held for upcoming 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th graders in the Parish Hall this    Monday, May 22, from 2:00-4:00,with call backs on Wednesday, May 24, from 3:00-5:00.   Interested students need to pick up their audition packets from Mrs. LB, noting that it requires signatures from their teachers and must be returned to Mrs. LB by tomorrow - May 19.
.
Book Fair
          Mrs. McIntosh wants to thank the parents, students, and teachers for supporting the St. Louise School Book Fair. Total sales were $10,315! That means our school library will receive $5,400 to purchase books to add to our circulation. Needless to say, the Book Fair was a huge success!
          A big thank you goes to the Book Fair volunteers: Alice Shaw, Angela Fernandez, Verene Woelfl, Carolyn Yepez, Michelle Kujath, Erin Aitken, Trina Sullivan, Trinette Kuester, Wendy Blank, Jacintha Vimal, Gabby Schmidt, Eleanor Alzona-Malabanan, Sharon Victor, Ruth Kerschbaumer, Amy Manne, Kristina Yumul-Abueg, Angeleigh Gregorios, Imelda Diaz, Emilena Heinitz, Jeannie Vahlsing, Samantha Helfen. Mrs. McIntosh greatly appreciated your help.
 
Soccer Registration Begins Today
           St. Louise's CYO soccer registration opens today. Go HERE to register. Soccer is open to all students who will be in grades K-8 this coming fall. The season starts at the end of August - please note this is before school begins.  If you have questions, please contact coordinators Maria Kelly-Dogget or Christie Allemand at  soccer@stlouise.org .
 

 

Parents Needed to Help with Field Day
          Our annual Field Day will be held on Tuesday, June 6, with the 7th graders helping to run outdoor games in which the grade K-5 students participate. Mr. Evans oversees the 7th graders, but he needs parent helpers for general supervision assistance and to work the water and first aid stations. If you can work from 9:45-2:15 on June 6, please email Mr. Evans to sign up. If you can only work a half-shift (the 9:45-12:00 grade K-2 shift or the 12:00-2:15 grade 3-5 shift), let him know, but priority for the 12 Field Day volunteer positions will first go to parents who can work the entire day.

Some of the 7th and 8th grade St. Louise boys who play lacrosse had some of their biggest fans visit their recent practice.