School Newsletter
November 8, 2019
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Dear Parents and Guardians of Presentation of Mary Community-
We had the honor of attending our first Panther Pride Auction last Saturday. Since we are new here we did not know what to expect, but we are here to tell you what an awesome experience it was. The ambiance was breathtaking and excitement filled the room as school parents, alums, teachers, parishioners, clergy, grandparents, friends, aunts, and uncles mingled. There was a lot to do! We found we could buy a raffle ticket for some great prizes or bid on some silent auction items while we walked from table to table. The bidding got quite competitive towards the end when some very tech savvy people had their phones set to the highest bid and then quickly hit submit right as the bidding closed. The dinner was served family style, and this allowed the great conversations to continue as everyone settled in to eat. The food was delicious! After dinner the auctioneer showcased the various “live” auction items. The bidding was fast and furious as the auctioneer and his assistants coaxed bidders to go higher and higher. Anticipation filled the room as we waited to see who finally won each item. Of course Father Charlie and Father Peter were cajoling each other about whose “dinner with the priest” would make the most money. Perhaps next year there should be a “dinner with the principal” and we will really see the bidding soar! Next, we explained how each item in the "fund a need” portion of the live auction would enhance teaching and learning at the school. And the bidding action during that certainly did not disappoint! As a result, we will install 3 new Smart Boards and re-imagine our tech lab so that 15 new laptops can be used for large group tech instruction. They will also be used for things like 3D science projects, virtual tours of the Vatican as part of religion instruction, or critiquing the various works of famous artists - all happening right in class. Today's education relies less on tech labs and more on the versatility of anywhere computing, and we are glad to be able to keep up with the times for the good of our students' educations.
As the evening drew to a close, we were awestruck by this community's generosity - fully and absolutely awestruck. The proceeds of the auction offset the cost of tuition in this year’s budget and as noted, enhance the teaching and learning in the school. We just can’t thank everyone enough for participating in this auction that helps us open the doors for anyone who wants to come to a school
where everyone knows your name
.
God Bless!
Gary Faust, Ed. S.
Mary Kane, Ed. S.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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Needed: Newspaper and Masking Tape
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The middle school art class is in need of newspapers and rolls of masking tape for an upcoming project. If you are able to donate, please bring items to the office with a note stating what they are for. Thank you for your assistance!
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To the Presentation community -
Another Halloween party is in the books. First, I would like to thank all the families who attended the party. It would not be a party without you!
Secondly, I would like to thank the school and parish center staff for the numerous facilities requests that this event demands. Your patience with this event execution is appreciated.
Lastly, but certainly not least, I would like to thank the volunteers (to those who signed up and those who just pitched in). From publicizing the event, decorating the gym, serving concessions, selling tickets, staffing the kids' games, and cleaning up, this was a collaborative effort all in the name of a kids' party.
My sincere thanks to all those who attended and had a part in pulling this off!
The fun does not end here...please mark your calendars for "Holiday Breakfast with St. Nick". The breakfast (with a photo opportunity with St. Nick) is Sunday, December 1st - approximately 9am-12pm. We hope to see you there! (We will be looking for Kenney Hall Christmas tree decorator volunteers for Friday, November 29th. Please look for the sign-up genius in a few weeks.)
Sincerely,
Vicky Boros
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Volunteers needed
Now that everyone has settled into their routines, we would like to engage a host of volunteers in the activities of Presentation. Teachers may need classroom helpers or chaperones for field trips, or we may need someone to help with the parties or weekend activities hosted by POPs. You probably have seen the requests for playground volunteers, which are still badly needed. We would love to have you here engaging in the life of the school. Volunteering helps us minimize tuition increases while maintaining an array of extracurricular activities for your children, plus it is a great way for adults to meet one another and continue to build the tight-knit community so many here enjoy. A student's grandmother recently shared how pleased she was that her son and daughter in-law have made such close friends from the Pres community. Volunteering does not always mean doing something on campus on nights or weekends. It could also involve some light administrative work like making copies, filling, or cutting out shapes for an art project. The opportunities are vast and we want everyone to feel like they can contribute in their own way, if they so desire.
For those volunteering with children present, remember you will need to attend safe environment training, sign a code of conduct, and submit a background check. To make that easy for you, we scheduled a safe environment training for November 25 from 6 - 9PM in the lower level of the parish center. Please click
here
for the VIRTUS account training registration and instructions. It is best to get this done sooner rather than later as you may need to go elsewhere to be trained and the opportunities may not coincide with your volunteering.
These credentials MUST
be on file prior to any volunteering with children.
If your volunteering does not involve children, you do not need these credentials. Or, if a grandparent or family member wants to visit a classroom without these credentials, they may do so on a limited basis. Please check with the principals for the specifics prior to the visit.
Thank you for considering this invitation. We are certain you will enjoy your experience.
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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.
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Please make sure to take some time out of your day to complete
this survey
put together by the Healey Foundation. They are hard at work to assist in making our school the best it can be for many years to come, but they need all of us to pitch in! The survey should be completed no later than Monday, November 11th. If 75% of our families respond by that date, students will earn an out of uniform day!
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Hot Lunch
Please note that our hot lunches come pre-packaged and Ms. Linda has to place the order for the day with the district office by
9:00 am
. If your student is going to be coming in later than that and will be needing a hot lunch, it is important that you contact Ms. Linda in the office to let her know. If your child comes later than 9:00 and the office has not been informed, they will not receive a lunch as we do not order extras.
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A huge thank you to all of those that helped make the 2019 Panther Pride Benefit & Auction a success! The Auction Committee did a fantastic job of planning an event that was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Thanks also to all of the volunteers, sponsors, and donors. We couldn't have done it without you!
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The office is in need of large, clear plastic totes to store extra uniform items. Thank you in advance for your help.
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Schulze Early Learning Scholarship Program
Applications for 202-2021 Now Open
The Schulze Family Foundation has created the Schulze Early Learning Scholarship Program to assist middle-income families in gaining access to excellent preschool programs for their children.
The Foundation firmly believes in and supports the strength of the academic experience, the caring community and the spiritual development that is provided by the Catholic elementary schools.
Scholarships will be awarded ranging from $500 to $3000 and will be sent directly to the preschool to pay for tuition.
You are eligible to apply if:
· Your child will be attending an eligible Catholic preschool;
· Your child will be in their last year of preschool in 2020-2021 and
· Your family is middle-income.
If you have questions, please contact:
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Applications for financial aid as well as Aim Higher scholarships for the 2020-2021 school year are now open. To be considered for Aim Higher, simply check the box for the scholarship while completing your TADS financial aid application. Contact the school office with questions.
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Do you know a student interested in theater? Then check out Ashland Productions! Click
here
for a flyer with information on their upcoming performances and how your child can be involved!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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Kindergarten - stickers of any shape and color
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!
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Curious about the latest news and events at Presentation Parish? See the most recent Parish Newsletter
here
.
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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.
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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.
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