School Newsletter
February 21, 2020
Principal's Page
Dear Families,
 
In the past few weeks our community has experienced much loss. When this happens sometimes we wonder or ask, “What can I do?” because we know as Catholics we are called to act on our faith. Depending on the relationship, the doing can be quite overt and you know exactly what will touch the hearts and souls of a grieving family. God love those who do things like put together baskets with blankets and all of a grieving child’s favorite things, or steps up in a similar big way anonymously. But then there might also be Catholics who are not so close, are unsure of what to do, and yet want to be supportive and want to act so they ask, “What can I do?” Pray! Someone told me once that I needed to pray for them because they were too weak to pray, that I needed to pray for the two of us. So I did. I thought I should be doing more but no, they just wanted to know that I was praying when they were too distraught to pray. They knew that my prayers would keep God’s eye on them, that God would know they needed comforting, and that they needed Him even when they could not express it themselves. In our heads we know that God knows all things at all times and will know a person’s needs when they are grieving, but when the heart aches it may overshadow the head, so there is comfort in knowing that someone will pray and alert God to their needs. Let us as a Catholic Community continue to pray for the hearts that ache, asking God to provide that heart with all of the comfort and love needed. As Father Peter often reminds the children at Mass, let us always be praying for each other.

Panther Prayers!   

W. Gary Faust, Ed. S.
Mary Kane, Ed. S.

News From the Advancement Office

Hello Everyone,

Registration for next year is underway! Register your children as soon as possible for next year and remember to sign up for financial assistance as well. Our Director of Advancement, Sam, has been meeting with the heads of CSCOE, Aim Higher, and Catholic Community Foundation to discuss how we can receive more money here at Presentation. Many of these organizations are looking for registration numbers for next year, so please enroll your child today. Thank you again for supporting Presentation and choosing us to provide your child with a Catholic education.
 
Sam Rita, Director of Advancement
Raffle Update

We have 9 days left to sell raffle tickets! As of today, we have brought in a total of $11,235! That's just shy of 75% of our goal! All tickets, sold or unsold, MUST be turned in by March 2nd!! Want to sign up to sell at Mass this weekend or next? Check out this SignUp Genius to grab a spot.

We're doing great, keep up the good work!

Please also note that all children that have met their $150 personal goal can wear Spirit Wear (or blue and yellow) Monday, 2/24 & Monday, 3/2.
2020-2021 -Registration

 Registration for the 2020-21 school year is now in progress. It will be run from Feb. 3- March 2 . If you register by March 2 your registration fee will apply to your 2020-21 tuition. If not, it will be an additional charge. What a great incentive to register today!
 
Please register now at  https://www.mytads.com . If you have any questions please contact our Director of Advancement, Sam Rita,at  srita@presentationofmary.org
Thanks to those who asked questions thus far. We have or are working on answers.  
Summer Program
 
Registration for the summer care program will go out on Monday, February 24 to those who expressed a need for this program. If you have not yet expressed a need to us but do want to register, please contact the school office ASAP. Registration will be due on March 23 so we can set up staff schedules and the sign up calendars.
Presentation's 4th Annual Beer Bust!!!

When: Saturday, April 25th, 3-7pm
Where: The Half Time Rec
1013 Front Ave
St. Paul, MN 55103

Cost: Tickets are $5 ahead of time and $10 at the door. Ticket purchase gets you all the beer you can drink during the bust. Tickets are available for purchase in the school office, at The Half Time Rec, or you can ask Mary Davini or Tracy Aguirre.

Other Fun Happenings: Live music by Roger Allen Band 4-7, $6 taco or cheeseburger baskets, bocce ball court in the basement, chances to enter prize drawings, and the fellowship of other Presentation families!

Want to get involved? We are looking for prize donations, volunteers, and people to sponsor kegs ($100 per keg - split it with a group of friends!).

Contact Mary Davini (651-274-6238; mdavini@presentationofmary.org ) or
Tracy Aguirre (651-335-1277;  tracy.tasefullysimple@hotmail.com ) to inquire about opportunities.
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Children's Mass this Sunday, February 23!

Please join us at the 10:30 Mass this Sunday. Students from school will be the lectors and gift bearers. Any students that attend are encouraged to wear their uniforms to show of pride in Presentation of Mary School.
State of the School Meeting

Please join us for a State of the School Meeting on Thursday, March 19 at 6:30 PM in Kenny Hall. Hear updates from SAC, the canonical administrator, principals, Director of Advancement and the Healey Foundation. 
For more information or to RSVP:  https://chestertonscv.org/
VIP/Young Lady Dance Thank You!

A thank you to Specialty Floral (North St. Paul) for the affordable price of our corsages, which kept our admissions price reasonable.

A big thank you to Fr. Peter and all the staff at Presentation who made this evening possible by granting us access to the gym/storage areas and by loaning us supplies.

A bigger thank you to all the volunteers who decorated the gym, worked the night of the event, and cleaned up afterwards. Without you, this event would not have been possible. All those girls are truly appreciative of your assistance. You know how to throw a wonderful party!!

A huge thank you to all who attended the festivities. Hopefully you and your princess/young lady had a fun evening together.

Sincerely - 
P.O.P.S. (Parents of Presentation Students)
Vicky Boros

P.S. We’d also like to thank Vicky Boros for all of her time and effort behind the scenes, ensuring that the girls had a wonderful evening. What a special Event! Mary and Gary 
Volunteer Needed!

We are in need of a volunteer to cover Ms. Linda's lunch from 11:45 - 12:25 on Thursdays. Must be VIRTUS trained. Please contact that office at 651-777-5877 if you are interested.
Presentation Church has already begun planning for this year’s Spring Craft Sale!

Do you or someone you know have interest in being a vendor?

Past vendors have offered jewelry, needlework, wood art, handmade crafts, paintings, children’s items, lotion and soaps, bakery items, stationary, and more!

Click THIS LINK to print or share this registration form!

Click here for further information about the event.
Auction News

The 2020-21 Auction Committee met this week and began planning for our next auction. While we are excited for all the possibilities, we are also anxious about the exit of some very important members of the committee. For many years the auction has benefitted from the talents and guidance of Erin Hargrove and Michelle Hoemann. Both members will no longer be able to serve on the committee and we are looking for new people to fill some important roles. Without a robust and representative committee, the auction could not go forward. We are hoping you will consider volunteering your time and energy to help make this annual event live on. Know that both Erin, Michelle and committee members have agreed to mentor new committee members as it may seem daunting to volunteer for something you know nothing about.

There are many ways to participate and many positions to fill. Please consider whether the auction might be a way for you to contribute to our Presentation Community. Serving on the committee meets your family's 25 hour volunteer commitment and gives you an opportunity to plan one of our best attended and most successful events.

The auction provides a vital stream of funding for our school. Without it, there would be a noticeable loss of funding and perhaps a large increase in tuition. Please help us keep our school strong and growing and join the auction committee. 

Sincerely,

The Auction Committee
Presentation Night at The Plaza Theater

Our next movie night will be Wednesday, February 26th at 6pm. The movie will be Frozen 2. For each ticket sold, $2 will be donated to Presentation School. Hope to see you there!

The Plaza Theater
1847 Larpenteur Ave E.
Maplewood, MN 55109
No Busing or Hot Lunch!!

Please note that on Tuesday, March 3rd there will be no Maplewood bus and no hot lunch as District 622 will be closed. The St. Paul bus will still run.
Macalester Basketball Youth Camps

Macalester College  will host 2 youth basketball camps this summer. They will take place June 22-26 and August 3-7 for boys entering grades 4-8. There is a discount for families that sign up on or before March 1st. 
 
For further details check out the website: 2020 Youth Basketball Camps
Reminder for Box Tops collectors! The Box Tops for Education program is transitioning 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 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!
Have some Box Tops that you have clipped? Attach them to this fun collecting sheet and turn them in!
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.
Click here to view February 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.
Looking Ahead
WANTED
First Grade - Kleenex!

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
Want to keep up on the latest happenings at Presentation Church?
Click here for the latest parish newsletter.
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.