St. Pius X / St. Leo School Newsletter November 22, 2019
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ADVENT THEME

The season of Advent begins Sunday, December 1. Our school Advent theme this year is centered around "Celebrating Advent with a Wreath and Candles". The Advent wreath was first seen in Germany in 1839. It did not originate as an evergreen wreath, but was created from the wheel of a cart. It later was formed by evergreens to symbolize everlasting life in the midst of winter and death. The circle of the wreath is a reminder of God's unending love and the eternal life. Candles adorn the wreath. During Advent, the first candle on the wreath is lit on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. Another candle is lit each subsequent Sunday leading up to Christmas.

Week 1 Candle - "Prophet's Candle", which symbolizes hope

Week 2 Candle - "Bethlehem's Candle", which symbolizes faith

Week 3 Candle - "Shepherd's Candle", which symbolizes joy

Week 4 Candle - "Angel's Candle", which symbolizes peace

(Advent theme courtesy of Alice Gerraughty and Linda Harrison; details taken from Advent Wreath & Candles by Laura Richie)

HEARTFELT THANKS

Thank you to all school families, parishioners, and friends who donated money, household items, and clothing for the Karen refugee family. The family was from Thailand and arrived in Omaha last week. The family has settled into their apartment and are very appreciative of the kindness and generosity shown by so many.
(Cast members from Hairspray Jr)
SOCCER COLLECTION

The SPSL Soccer Club is currently collecting used soccer equipment. The club often receives requests for gently used equipment. Please bring items in good condition to the school office before the Thanksgiving break. Specific items they are looking for include cleats, shin guards, goalie gloves, goalie jerseys, and soccer balls, but they will also accept uniform items. Please make sure any items donated are in good condition.
St. Pius X / St. Leo School is a diverse community forming students in the Catholic faith to excel in academics and service to others.
IMPORTANT DATES
Thursday, December 12 - Grades 2 & 4 Musical and Girls Chorus - 7:00 pm - gym
Friday, December 13 - NOON DISMISSAL
FUNDRAISER RECAP

We are pleased to report the SPSL Fundraiser in October, "Journey To A Brighter Tomorrow", raised approximately $118,000 for the school! Of that total, approximately $23,000 is designated money for specific areas (e.g. Teacher Wish List, GIVE for virtual reality travel packs for the school, and the tuition drawing). The remaining $95,000 will be used according to the following plan established by the School Board:
  • 32% for Capital Improvements
  • 30% for the Regular School Budget
  • 20% for Technology and Educational Resources
  • 13% for Teacher Education and Classroom Stipends
  • 5% for St. Pius X / St. Leo Educational Endowment Trust Fund
SPIRIT WEAR REMINDER

Spirit Wear orders are due by Sunday, November 24. You can access the online store by clicking here . Many items woud make great Christmas gifts.
WAX MUSEUM

The 5th grade will present its Wax Museum on Friday, December 20, in the parish center. Please bring quarters to "activate" the scientists. The 5th graders will donate the quarters to charity. The schedule for the Wax Museum will be shared on the school website as we get closer to the date. We look forward to seeing you at the Wax Museum.
STRAIGHT FROM THE
HEART NEWS

Our faculty/staff were surprised with Halloween candy in October, teachers enjoyed a delicious lunch from Jimmy Johns at conferences, and this December our faculty/staff will be treated to a coffee or smoothie from Jo-on-the-Go and a sweet treat.

Straight from the Heart thanks you for your generosity!
PowerSchool is the school information system used at SPSL. Parents are encouraged to sign up for a PowerSchool account. 

Here's what you need to know:
  • You can log in to SPSL PowerSchool at: https://spsl.powerschool.com/
  • If you would like to have a PowerSchool Parent account set up for you, please contact us at powerschool@spsl.net.
  • For 3rd through 8th grade, PowerSchool provides student grades, class schedules, attendance and lunch balance. 
  • For Kindergarten through 2nd grade, lunch balances and attendance, are available on PowerSchool. 
  • PowerSchool can be accessed on your computer or using the PowerSchool app (use school code = TJWT) on your smart phone or tablet.

For help creating an account for your family, adding a student to your account, or for any other questions about PowerSchool, please contact Mary Kay Nelson at   powerschool@spsl.net  .  

MUSIC IN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Music in Catholic Schools (MCS) invites you to its Christmas concert on Sunday, December 8 at 5:30 pm in the Raynor Center at St. Margaret Mary Parish. Please join us for this festive joint school concert where St. Pius X / St. Leo School students will perform.
RESTAURANT NIGHT

Join the SPSL community at Godfather's on 108th & Maple Streets on Wednesday, December 18 from 5:00 - 9:00 pm. Godfathers will donate a percentage of the sales that evening back to our school.
HELPFUL LINKS FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE:

The following are a couple helpful health links. Please note that the nurse is here at school once a week. If you need to contact the school nurse, please call the school office at 402-551-6667.

Want to learn how the every day things you do – eating, reading, traveling, surfing the web, shopping, can earn money for St. Pius X / St. Leo School? Click here for a list of all our  on-going fundraising efforts.
p:402.551.6667
f:402.551.8123
6905 Blondo St, Omaha, NE 68104