School Newsletter
January 10, 2020
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The Feast of the Epiphany: Did you see, hear and know?
This week we celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany, a feast that alerts us to the close of the Christmas season as we know it, but leaves us with a sense of hope and appreciation that comes with the incarnation.
We can imagine the three kings saying, “Do you see what I see? A new brilliant star."
Here at Presentation we saw that during the Christmas break, 10 painters came in and painted Kenny Hall , the hallways, and the stairs. As the kids reported, they “made the steps real shiny. And did you know that the black strips on the steps keep us from slipping?” Indeed the students appreciated the brightness of the new paint, but liked the shine on the steps more. We wish you could have heard the oos and ahhs and we look forward to hearing more at our upcoming open house on Sunday, Jan. 26.
Perhaps the kings said, “Do you hear what I hear?” A
knowing
to follow
The middle school students had an epiphany moment when they experienced their new schedule. They expressed a value to having more time for class demonstration, participation, dependent, and independent practice in the core subject areas. This has been encouraging as we want to offer the best environment possible for teaching and learning.
And finally the kings may have said, "Do you know what I know? This is indeed God the son."
We were very excited to showcase our PreK-8 Program to prospective families yesterday at our Kindergarten Information Night. After the preschoolers completed a craft and had a snack, they were reunited with their parent(s) and presented as the Presentation Class of 2029. Yes, 2029! We anticipate having a bigger kindergarten class than the 8
th
grade class graduating this year, which validates the gift and hope of the Epiphany for Presentation School.
Go Panthers!
W. Gary Faust, Ed. S.
Mary Kane, Ed. S.
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Summer Program
An interest survey for the summer program will be distributed shortly. We hope everyone will respond promptly so we can commence with the planning and decision-making. We need to add at least three more staff persons in an effort to meet insurance and archdiocesan safe environment requirements. If you or anyone you know is looking for summer work, please have them contact Mary or Gary at
principal@presentationofmary.org
. Hours are flexible.
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Do you know anyone looking for a fun and engaging preschool program?
Presentation of Mary Discovery Center offers high-quality childcare serving children ages 3-5 at Presentation of Mary School. We are happy to announce a toddler program will also be opening in the fall 2020. Teachers all have a four-year degree and are licensed in early childhood education, and our nine unique classroom environments highlight hands-on learning.
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VIP (Very Important Princess/Young Lady) Dance!!
We are considering hosting a VIP Dance for Presentation female students in preschool - 8th grade and an important male in their lives (dad, grandpa, uncle, godfather, family friend, etc.). Before we can confirm this event, we need YOUR opinion! Please complete this survey about the dance no later than Monday, January 27th. Please complete it whether or not you have interest in this event as it will help us get a fuller view of opinions. The survey is only two questions long so it will really only take a minute of your time!! Thank you!
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APPOINTMENTS ARE OPEN!
FREE DENTAL CARE FOR CHILDREN IN NEED
Friday, Feb. 7 & Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020
Give Kids a Smile
is a free charitable dental event, brought to you by Minnesota Dental Association and the Minnesota Dental Foundation, for kids (typically ages 3-18) who face barriers to accessing dental care.
Right now, volunteers across the state are working hard to get ready for Give Kids a Smile. We need your help to get the word out!
WHEN IS IT?
February 7 and 8, 2020
(Note: Some clinics may hold events on alternative dates.)
LOCATION?
Volunteer dental clinics statewide.
HOW ARE APPOINTMENTS MADE?
Families can locate a participating clinic by visiting
www.mndental.org
/gkas
or by calling United Way 2-1-1 (simply dial 2-1-1). They can then contact the clinic directly to schedule an appointment.
Because this program is focused on providing dental care to children who face barriers to accessing dental care, families will NOT be asked any eligibility questions.
Thank you for helping us inform low-income families about this important opportunity to
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The Grunch
Inspired by
The Grinch Who Stole Christmas
,
The Grunch
tells the story of Rudy Grunch, a grumpy 6th grader who always feels like an outsider. When the entire school gets excited about the annual school musical, he comes up with a perfect plan to ruin it for everyone; he'll steal the sets, costumes, and lights the night before it opens. But will the spirit of theatre prevail?
Students in grades 3-8 are invited to register to be a part of this production. Registration is open from January 6- 20, and the cost is $70. There will be 24 to 28 rehearsals (starting 2/3/20) held at Presentation to prepare for a run on the Maplewood Community Center stage. Ashland directors will run rehearsals and instruct students in singing, dancing, and acting. All who register will get a spot in the show; auditions will be held for those that want speaking roles.
Questions? Interested in helping as a volunteer?
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Altar Servers Workshop and Appreciation Dinner
On Wednesday, January 29th an Altar Server Workshop and Appreciation Dinner will be held at 6pm in the church. We invite all children grades 4-12 to participate. This is for experienced Altar Servers as well as those that are interested in becoming an Altar Server. Please see
this letter
for further information.
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Have you completed your service hours??
A reminder that each family needs to complete and track 25 hours of service by the end of the school year. Completed forms can be turned in to the school office. Call the school office if you need a tracking form or ideas on how you can help!
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The deadline for Aim Higher Scholarship applications for the 2020-2021 school year is fast approaching! When applying for financial aid through your TADS account, you simply click on the Aim Higher Scholarship box to apply. Call the school office with any questions. We don't want any of you to miss out on this wonderful opportunity!
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Catholic United Financial Raffle!
The Catholic Schools Raffle, sponsored solely by Catholic United Financial, is a fundraiser in which multiple schools in the Upper Midwest participate and sell raffle tickets for $5 each for a chance to win a number of prizes (the list of prizes can be found at
https://www.catholicunitedfinancial.org/raffle/prizes/).
Presentation of Mary School participates in it each year. The amazing thing about this raffle is that one hundred percent of the money that is raised comes right back to Presentation! The raffle will begin on January 17th and run through March 1st. Tickets and information will be coming home with students soon. Families are also given opportunities to sell tickets before and after Presentation masses, as well as at a few local parishes that help support the raffle. Keep you eyes peeled for the SignUp Genius offering selling time slots. There will be a fun all-school prize if we reach our goal of $15,000, and students can also earn individual prizes for selling their allotted amount of tickets!
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Click
here
for a sign up form.
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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! If they enroll and attend the first day of school next year, your registration fee will be waived.
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Click
here
to view January 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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Basketball:
The Presentation boys basketball team hosted St. Peter’s on Monday. They won with a score of 53-9, bringing their record to 3-1. Anytime Presentation gets to play St. Peter’s it’s a fun event. A number of the kids play together on teams outside of school in North St. Paul, so competing against one another is always something they look forward to.
There are only 5 regular season games before playoffs. All of their remaining regular season games are at home, so come on out and cheer them on. As a reminder, up to date schedules can be found
here
.
1/13 - 4:00pm
vs. New Life Academy
1/23 - 4:00pm
vs. Mounds Park Academy Blue
1/27 - 5:00pm
vs. Trinity of Hudson
2/3 - 4:00pm
vs. St. Patrick's of Hudson
2/10 - 4:00pm
vs. Mounds Park Academy White
Swimming:
The Swiminators swim team will be starting with their first practice tonight! Presentation has great participation again this year. Look for updates on upcoming swim meets in the near future.
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
.
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Preschool - Outdoor Winter Clothing: coats, snow pants, boots, hats, gloves, mittens
Kindergarten - stickers of any shape and color
First Grade - egg timers, digital timers, colored pencils
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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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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