School Newsletter
November 22, 2019
Principal's Page
Dear Parents and Guardians of Presentation of Mary Community-

This week we celebrated the feast of The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary's parents brought her as an infant to the temple to thank God for bringing her into their lives and to dedicate her life to serving Him. Father Peter surprised the students with donuts and the staff with a delicious lunch to celebrate our namesake - thank you Father!!

How appropriate that this feast day is so close to Thanksgiving. We live in a place that sets aside an entire day to reflect upon being grateful for all of the blessings bestowed upon us. And just as Mary's parents thanked God and dedicated her to Him, we must also thank the Lord for our bounties and dedicate our lives to His service.

Here at Presentation, we have so many reasons to give thanks. Our students come every day to a place full of love that is staffed with people who give entirely of themselves to help the children grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually. In turn, the students continually impress us with their hard work and kind attitudes. It is truly a blessing to be a part of this wonderful community.

We hope that you find some time during this upcoming break to relax and enjoy your families. Take a moment to look around you and realize the multitude of gifts in your life. We know you are certainly a gift to us.

God Bless and Happy Thanksgiving!

W. Gary Faust, Ed. S.
Mary Kane, Ed. S.
Attention all Box Tops collectors! The Box Tops for Education program is starting to phase into a digital-only format. Box Tops is changing to fit today's families. The new and improved Box Tops mobile app uses state-of-the-art technology to scan your store receipt, find participating products and instantly add Box Tops to your school's earnings online.
Visit their website here to learn more and download the app today!

Please note that if you would prefer not to install the app once the program is fully digital you can still raise money for Presentation. Simply turn your receipts into the school office noting that they are for the Box Tops Program and we will scan them for you!
The Old Box Tops Clips

Traditional Box Tops clips are being phased out of production, but may continue to be found on many products throughout the store. You can still clip and send them to school.
Every valid Box Tops clip is worth 10¢ for your school.  Make sure each one has a clearly visible product acronym and expiration date.
The New Box Tops Labels

Eventually the Box Tops program will become digital-only. Participating brands are starting to change their packaging from a traditional Box Tops clip to the new Box Top label.
If you see this label, use the new Box Tops app to scan your receipt. Box Tops are still worth 10¢ each for your school. The app will find participating products purchased at any store and instantly add cash to your school's earnings online.
Presentation School and Parish Present:
A Holiday Breakfast with visits from St Nick….a Presentation Tradition!

Sunday, December 1st 9:00am-12:00pm
Kenney Hall

Breakfast includes: Scrambled Eggs, Pancakes, Ham, Sausage, Cheesy Potatoes
Beverages: Coffee, Juice and Milk

Cost for breakfast: $8-Adults, $5-Kids (ages 5-13), Kids 4 and under are free!

Santa Claus will be available for photos and a small surprise for the kids!

Professional photographer available for a digital image, cost $5.

Hosted by Knights of Columbus Father Finley Council
and P.O.P.S. (Parents of Presentation Students)
Interested in Volunteering?

Presentation is offering a safe environment training on November 25 from 6 - 9PM in the lower level of the parish center. Please click here for the VIRTUS account training registration and instructions. These credentials MUST be on file prior to any volunteering with children.
Winter Weather Procedures

With the snowy season just around the corner, we are asking families to please be aware of school closings. Presentation follows District 622, which means that if the district is closed, Presentation will be closed. Notifications will be sent to families via email, and will also be announced on the website, social media, and will be included in the local news channels listings of school closures.
Advent Service Project

This year for our Advent Service Project, we will be collecting items for Caring & Sharing Hands in Minneapolis. There will be an informational letter sent out next week to families. If you happen to do some shopping this weekend, the items most needed are:

Toilet Paper
Personal Hygiene Products
Hats
Mittens/Gloves
Socks

Thanks in advance for your generosity!
The Catholic United Financial Raffle will be starting is just around the corner! Be on the lookout for more information on this awesome yearly fundraiser.

2019-2020 Referral Program

Know someone looking for a great school community? Send them our way - we would love to meet them and show them all Presentation has to offer! When they register, tell them to mention your name and your family will be credited $250 for each family you refer!  
Click here to view November lunch menu

Please keep your lunch account current.
Log into:

All money for lunch accounts must now be entered online, cash or checks will no longer be accepted.

Please contact the school office if you are having trouble logging in.
Dynamic Pay

 Dynamic Pay is a great and easy way to earn money for yourself as well as for Presentation School! A Dynamic Pay membership grants you access to gift cards from numerous retailers, and all come with a rebate! 
Questions? Email Mary Davini for more info.
Please note that due to Thanksgiving Break in November and Christmas Break in December, there will be no Presentation Night at The Plaza Theater for either month. These fun family nights will start up again in January of 2020!
SPORTS
Swim Team
 
Registration is open for the 2020 Swim Team. The Swiminators swim team is open to boys and girls Kindergarten – 8 th  grade. The Swiminators is a joint swim team consisting of swimmers from five schools: Presentation, St. Jerome's, St. Peter's, St. Jude of the Lake, and Transfiguration.
 
The Catholic Athletic Association swim season begins in early January. There are 1-2 practices a week and usually 4 meets for the season. The season concludes with qualified swimmers going to the CAA finals at the U of M Aquatic Center the last week of March.  
 
The only requirement to join the swim team is the ability to swim 1 full length of the pool without holding on to the side or standing up in at least one stroke. Even a doggie paddle is acceptable. The swim team is not swim lessons. However, the coaches will work with the swimmers to improve stroke, endurance, starts, turns, etc. 
 
The Swiminators swim team differs from many other sports as the meets are not required. Swimmers are encouraged to swim in the meets, but can choose to swim in as many or as few as they would like. Many of the swimmers successfully participate in other sports simultaneously.  
 
Swimmers that choose to swim in the swim meets will compete with swimmers in their age group: 2 nd grade and under, 3 rd /4 th  grade, 5 th /6 th  grade, 7 th /8 th grade. Swimmers will compete as individuals and may also swim as part of a relay team.  
 
To indicate your interest in joining the swim team, please follow this link.   

Congrats to the North St Paul Polars volleyball team! They took 3rd in the state tournament. The team included 5 former Pres volleyball players: Val L. (‘18) Maddie W. (‘18), Maddie W. (‘19), and Bria S. ('16). The team is also coached by a Pres alum - Stephanie Blanda (‘97). Stephanie was also named Section 4AAA Coach of the Year.

We participate in the Catholic Athletic Association. For the most current schedules and locations, please refer to their website at:  http://www.stpaulcaa.org/index .
Looking Ahead
WANTED
Preschool - Outdoor Winter Clothing: coats, snow pants, boots, hats, gloves, mittens

Kindergarten - stickers of any shape and color

First Grade - big binder clips, file folders, 4 small 3-M command strip hooks

Middle School Art - Newspapers and Rolls of Masking Tape

Office - Large, clear plastic totes

Please bring donations to the school office with a note labeling who they are for. Thank you!

Have something you'd like to add to the "Wanted" Section? Email Mary Davini
Curious about the latest news and events at Presentation Parish? See the most recent Parish Newsletter here .
Our Mission: The purpose of Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary School is to provide a Catholic community that fosters the religious and academic development of the individual student in a safe and welcoming learning environment.
Our Philosophy: Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary School creates a supportive Catholic community committed to the Gospel message that calls us to faith, service, and worship. An environment of respect, peace and justice fosters an appreciation of God’s gift of life in all people. Each student is empowered to develop their own potential, which will lead to excellence in academics, athletic activities and the fine arts.