St. Isidore School Newsletter😁

February 27, 2019 - Walking Together in Faith

Love - St. Valentine

Dear St. Isidore Families,

“Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.” —Maya Angelou

The month of February offers a great reminder that the concept of love is broad, and that as humans we express and experience it in many ways. We end this month’s discussion on LOVE with the concept of Self Love . Self love is finding appreciation and acceptance for one’s true self. It is forgiving yourself for any shortcomings or failures and choosing to celebrate your strengths and accomplishments. At times, it is putting yourself first, a concept that feels odd for a parent. Remember you are one of God’s children, unique and beautiful, and by choosing to love yourself, you can better love those around you.

Report Cards Go Home Today

Second trimester report cards go home today. It’s important to review them with your children. Think of a report card as a conversation starter, a way for children to talk about how they’re doing, what’s easy or difficult for them, and how you can help them do better. Report cards need to be signed and returned by Thursday, February 28 (tomorrow).

Carpool Safety/Reminders

Please remember, parents are not allowed to park, drop off, or pick up students in the Ministry Center parking lot before or after school. The Ministry Center parking lot is available to parent volunteers during the day. As always, student safety is our top priority, and your patience is appreciated.

Lately we have seen an influx of students wearing smart watches to school and bringing in lunches from unapproved vendors. Only deli sandwiches are allowed (i.e., Subway, Jersey Mike’s, Domenico’s, Togo’s, etc.) Please remember that both are against our school policy. Thank you for your continued cooperation.

Important Parent Information

As mentioned previously, I am frequently updated on dangerous teen trends. At last week’s Diocesan Principal Meeting, several new popular Internet/social media trends were discussed. I encourage you to familiarize yourself with these concerning trends, monitor your child’s phone, and discuss the dangers of them with your child. Click the following links to learn about the Momo Challenge and other popular challenges . They are scary.

Auction Time

Tomorrow is the last day to purchase your auction ticket! The auction is the biggest fundraiser of the year and is a great way to build community while supporting SIS. Click here to purchase your ticket today. In today’s Family Envelope, you will find information on the popular Tuition Raffle and this year’s Fund-A-Need. This year’s Fund-A-Need will go toward campus security. Every donation, large or small, will directly support

St. Isidore School and the safety of our students! I thank you for your generosity. Click here to donate.

Our 6th grade students left for Caritas today. We are excited for their adventure and hope the sun decides to shine. We will welcome them back this Friday. I look forward to seeing many of you tonight at 5:30 p.m. for the Family STEAM event. Pizza will be served promptly at 5:30 p.m., and the STEAM activities will begin at 6 p.m. in the Bensen Center.

God bless,

Maria Ward

Principal

Important Dates

Wednesday, February 27 - 6th grade leaves for Caritas. Report cards go home. STEAM Night 5:30pm.
Friday, March 1 - All School Mass (led by grade 8). 6th grade returns from Caritas.
Tuesday, March 5 - Happy Birthday Fr. Gerry!
Wednesday, March 6 - Ash Wednesday. All School Mass 9am (led by teachers).
Thursday, March 7 - March B-day free dress.
Friday, March 8 - All School Mass (led by grade 5). Talent Show at 1:15pm in the Cardelli. Parents are welcome to attend.
Saturday, March 9 - Auction, SIS Gala at 6pm.
Wednesday, March 13 - Registration begins.
Thursday, March 14 - Band Concert 6pm.
Friday, March 15 - NO SCHOOL due to Diocesan Staff Day.
Monday, March 18 - NO SCHOOL due to Pastor Holiday.

Prayers

Please pray for all those who are suffering or are in need of our thoughts and prayers, especially the Vitzthum Family's uncle - Brad Goforth and Rita Edwards. May God keep them in His tender, loving care.

PTG

Last chance to get Auction tickets! The deadline to buy tickets for the auction is this Thursday (tomorrow). Click HERE to purchase tickets.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship opportunities for the St. Isidore Gala are still available. Please contact the sponsorship team if you are interested. Thank you for all those who have already sponsored our school. More information and forms can be found here. Click here to view current sponsors.

Sponsor Shout Out: This week's sponsorship shout out goes to Copper Level Sponsor Eye Care Associates of the San Ramon Valley . ECA provides personalized medical and optometric eye care for the entire Tri- Valley region. They are proud supporters of St. Isidore School and we are thankful for their generosity! We encourage you to visit Eye Care Associates for all your eye care needs.

Message from the Bookkeeper

FACE (Family-Aid Catholic Education) Tuition Applications

FACE applications for the 2019-20 school year are now available and can be filled out on-line by going to www.faceofoakland.org

and clicking on “Interested in Applying for a Grant?” You will see the FACE guidelines and a link that will take you to the FACTS website to fill out the application. FACTS is now the third party vendor used to process and analyze all FACE applications. On-line applications need to be submitted to FACTS by March 8, 2019.

The BASIC fund also offers financial assistance. The Basic fund is open to families with at least one child who is attending private school for the first time. The earlier you apply the better your chances are of receiving a scholarship. Families applying for new siblings for the first time, must submit an application by March 15, 2019. Applications are available in the bookkeeper’s office or can be downloaded at : www.basicfund.org/apply

Library Corner

Book Fair, 2019! Attention Parents! It is time to unleash your inner dinosaur! Our DINO-mite book fair is coming and we need your help! We have multiple parent pep hour opportunities. Click here to explore SignUpGenius and excavate some roarsome ways to make this year’s book fair t-riffic!

Attention 5 ^th Grade Students! The book fair also has many opportunities for your 5 ^th grader to receive service hours. Leave no stone overturned! Click here to sign up your dinosaur/dinorette! Stomp, Chomp Read and Roar! Here come the dinosaurs!

SIS Family Highlight

Way to go pack 804! Congratulations to the 5th grade boys in pack 804 ( Danny Accardo, Matthew Angerame, Andrew Coutches, Matthew Dwinell, James Kuuskraa, Calvin McCall, Luke Recktenwald and Ryan Smiley) on their recent bridging from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. They all achieved the arrow of light award, the highest rank in Cub Scout s.

Did you Know?

Every year, our 8th grade students write daily Lenten reflections.

These reflections help us to prepare for the coming of Easter and enhance our spiritual life. To sign up to receive these reflections, click here . Feel free to forward the link to others who may enjoy them as well. Reflections will begin on Ash Wednesday, March 6th.

Random Act of Kindness

Random acts of kindness are deliberate attempts to brighten another person's day by doing something thoughtful, nice, and caring. Go out and spread kindness SIS. Please let the office know if you do or witness a RAOK.

Vincennes University student Andrew Cohen’s random act of kindness for a fellow student during inclement weather has gone viral on social media. Cohen, a business administration major, saw a fellow student in a wheelchair across the parking lot headed towards class in the rain with his service dog and no umbrella. Cohen quickly ran to help the student by offering his own umbrella as shelter and walked him to his next class. The two had never met before.

Looking to support this year's auction? Consider doing a Random Act of Kindness and sponsor a "teacher ticket" for the Gala. Click here to purchase. The last day to purchase an auction ticket is Thursday, February 28th. Thank you for your support, kindness and generosity!

Challenge Success

Technology Tips for Parents: Prohibit devices at the dinner table; this is sacred family time which should be preserved.

Scrip

Scrip News... Click here to order!

Did you know that next week is Ash Wednesday? Let’s not sacrifice SCRIP during the season of Lent, and maybe even add Soup Kitchen to your list and make someone else’s daily routine a bit easier. Meatless Fridays? Chipotle-veggie bowl and burrito. Mountain Mike’s cheese and veggie pizza. Norm’s big salads. Cheesecake Factory and California Pizza Kitchen have pages of options. Whole Foods, sushi and a whole grocery store full of options. Thank you for shopping with Scrip!

Calling all Amazon shoppers! St. Isidore School is excited to now be participating in the AmazonSmile Account Program. The AmazonSmile Foundation kindly donates 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice. To designate SIS as the organization of your choice please click here .

Parish News & Notes

Final photo call for the Church Directory! If you were unable to attend one of the photography sessions for the St. Isidore Church directory during the summer please consider taking advantage of one of the following photo sessions. Click here for further information.

Student Leadership

The Lenten season is coming soon, so let us prepare our hearts and minds for this sacred time. Our theme this year is, “Look to the Cross.” Students and parents, if you have any ideas or suggestions regarding this year, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our leadership advisors, Mrs. Devine and Mrs. Lettire, as well as the leadership team, will make sure to acknowledge your comments at our meetings. Written by: Gianna Pacas (publicity leader)