A Message from Our Head of School

Dear OLG Families,

Our second week back at school has been wonderful! Students have settled into their new classrooms, and we are all settling into new routines that come along with the new building and new preschool. 

It was a blessing this week to have so many parents fill our school classrooms on our curriculum nights Tuesday and Thursday. I loved hearing our hallways filled with excited conversations and laughter as parents moved about from classroom to classroom. Thank you for attending and thank you for your support!

Without a doubt, it has been a great start to the new school year! Please continue to pray for our OLG school and parish as we get back to making Jesus known and loved, and join us at our Dedication Weekend next week, September 17 and 18 - more information below!

Together are we OLG, into the future joyfully!

Mike McGinty

Head of School

A Message from Our Principals

Thank you for attending Curriculum Nights this past week. We loved being able to welcome you to the new school year in our beautiful new gym, and the teachers enjoyed the opportunity to tell you more about their grade level/courses. These in-person events are an important part of our OLG community! Throughout both evenings, there was a strong sense of shared responsibility between parents and teacher, as well as a feeling of mutual respect and gratitude. The Holy Spirit is alive in our school, and we are off to a great start!

NWEA MAP testing is coming up beginning the week of September 19. We will share more about these tests and why the data is helpful next week. 

Julie Moran & Jim Dahlman

Elementary & Middle School Principals

2022-2023 School Events Calendar

To supplement our Academic Calendar, we are sharing an Events Calendar with all families that lists major events that you can expect and plan for during our school year.

Those that attended our Curriculum Nights were given a copy of our Events Calendar, however, we have made a few edits and additions. 

Click here to view the 2022-2023 School Events Calendar. For future reference, we will have both the Academic and Events calendars linked at the bottom of each Weekender.

K-8 September & October Release Days Extended Care

Sign-Ups Due Friday, September 9

We are accepting enrollment in the Our Lady of Grace Extended Care Program for the 2022-2023 school year and accepting sign-ups for September 26 and October 19, 20, and 21 Release Days.

Click here to enroll your student for Extended Care.

Click here to sign up for September an October Release Days.

Email Sharon Hierlmaier with any questions.

Bus Credits

Due Monday, September 12

Those outside of the Edina transportation area MAY be eligible for a credit to their TADS account for providing transportation for their children to and from OLG. Please be aware that not all districts provide this credit as some cities do not participate or will not provide funds for those who go to a religious school when they have a school of the same denomination within district boundaries. To be eligible for the credit to your TADS account, please complete the form(s) below by Monday, September 12. Credits received are based on attendance and are not sent to the school until the following school year. 

ALL FAMILIES applying for bus reimbursement must fill out the Transportation Reimbursement Form.

BLOOMINGTON FAMILIES must also fill out the Bloomington Schools Reimbursement Contract. It is imperative that Ellie Harristhal receive a copy of this additional form. Before submitting it electronically to Bloomington, please email a copy to Ellie at ellieharristhal@olgschool.net

LAKEVILLE FAMILIES must also fill out two additional forms, a contract and a W2 form. Both of these can be found here under the Non-Public Schooling. Please email a copy of the contract (not W2) to Ellie Haristhal (ellieharristhal@olgschool.net) before you submit.

Middle School Service Club (MSSC)

Tuesday, September 13 - Fill 1,500 Gift Bags for Dedication Weekend

Wednesday, September 14 - Sort Studies Weekly for Teachers

Sign up here!

Young Rembrandts Workshops

Young Rembrandts is offering some new courses this fall. Take a peek at what we are offering and register before workshops start!

Kindergarten through 5th Grade - Colorful Magic

Tuesdays, September 13 - November 1 - Flier - Registration Link 

Middle School - The Masters Pastel Class

Mondays, October 3 - 31 - Flier - Registration Link 

Secret Santa Photos - Handy Parent & Volunteers Needed

Secret Santa Photos are quickly approaching - October 8 and 9 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Slot sign-up coming soon. We have 2 amazing sets this year!

We are looking for a handy parent who is able to build us a Hot Chocolate stand like the one in this photo. Lumber will be provided by PSO. We just need this to be built – painting & décor will be covered by the committee.

If you are handy or know anyone who is please email Jenny Helmer. Construction needs to be completed by Friday, September 30.

We are also looking for some parent volunteers for the day of. Please check out our Sign-Up Genius to sign up for a slot.

OLG Spirit Wear Sale - Live Now!

Orders due by Monday, September 19

All purchases for Spirit Wear and uniform-approved sweatshirts are done via the Online Store. These are custom items made specifically for Our Lady of Grace. All products will go into production after the online store closes on September 19 and may take up to 4 weeks for delivery. No late orders will be accepted. No returns or exchanges will be possible. Please double-check the sizes that you have ordered. Happy shopping!

Click here to shop!

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to email Erica Hamilton or email Beth Kinneberg.

OLG Chess Club

Registration Due Tuesday, September 20

Join in on the fun for the first session of the 22-23 season learning this royal game! Each session has different material to learn. All level of students is welcome to our fun encouraging engaging club! All equipment and an afterschool snack are provided.

Click here for more information, meeting dates, and to register. Please contact Coach Veronica at wizardsofchess@gmail.com or 612-203-0118 with any questions.  

Grandparents & VIP Days

RSVP by Friday, September 23

Grandparents and VIPs (very important, non-parent guests) are invited to spend the morning with their OLG students on the following dates:

• Wednesday, September 28 - 5th & 7th Grades
• Wednesday, October 5 - 1st & 3rd Grades

The day involves: 

• 8:45 AM - Students meet their Grandparent(s) / VIP(s) in the Church Commons
• 9:00 AM - All School Mass
• 10:00 - 10:30 AM - Social, photos, classroom visits and hospitality
• 10:45 AM - Optional school tours for Grandparents and VIPs

Parents, please complete this RSVP form by September 23.

School Volunteers - Virtus Credentialing

All volunteers within the security doors during the school day must be up to date on Virtus credentialing. This also includes coaches and chaperones.

New Families: New families should have received an email with instructions from "jamiepohl@olgparish.org" on August 11. If you did not, check your spam folder or email Jamie Pohl for instructions.

Returning Families: If you want to find out if you are current on your Virtus Credentials, please log in to virtusonline.org. There is a box titled “Compliance History” and that will show you your latest dates (you must update every 3 years). If you are unable to log in please email Jamie Pohl. If you are currently receiving emails from Virtus about updates, please log in to complete.

If you are receiving update reminders, but no longer wish to volunteer, please email Jamie Pohl to stop the automatic Virtus emails.

Dedication Weekend Volunteers Needed

Saturday & Sunday, September 17-18

We can't wait to celebrate the opening of our new building and dedicating it to Our Mission of Making Jesus Christ Known and Loved. In order to have a great weekend, we are in need of many hands to help with various tasks around our campus. 

Please help us fill our Sign-up Genius slots on Saturday and Sunday. Thank you in advance for your help and generosity!

Parent School Organization (PSO) Meeting

Tuesday, September 13, 9:30 AM, Dining Room

All parents are welcome to attend our first PSO meeting and learn more about upcoming PSO events, as well as ongoing volunteer opportunities.

Grade Level Coffee Socials

Grab some coffee and spend some time getting to know other OLG parents with students in the same grade as your own. All socials are from 8:15 - 10:00 AM. For those socials in Grace Hall, that is the name of our new building's main entryway.

• 2nd Grade - Tuesday, September 13 - Grace Hall
• 3rd Grade - Thursday, September 15 - Dining Room
• 4th Grade - Friday, September 16 - Dining Room
• 5th Grade - Thursday, September 20 - Grace Hall
• 6th Grade - Thursday, September 22 - Grace Hall
• 7th Grade - Friday, September 23 - Dining Room
• 8th Grade - Date TBA February 2023

Cub Scout Kickoff

Thursday, September 15, 6:30 PM, OLG Fields (Rain Location: Cassidy Hall)

New and returning Cub Scouts (girls and boys in grades 1st-5th), join us on Thursday, September 15 at 6:30 PM for our kickoff pack meeting!

Egg drop, camping, pinewood derby, pancake breakfast, volunteering, sledding, special guests, and lots more in the year ahead - come to find out more information.

Click here for more information and a link to register. Email Peter Raih for more information.

1st Grade Parents - We'll need a hand running the 1st grade Tiger Den. Let us know if you're interested - it's a once in a lifetime opportunity!

A few of many reasons to put September 17 & 18 on your calendar... Dedication Weekend is for ALL AGES, not just the kiddos.

Party on the Quad - Get Tickets!

Saturday, September 17, 7:00 - 10:00 PM

OLG's Eden Avenue Marketplace

(Arts & Crafts Fair)

Saturday, September 17, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

New Building Tours

Saturday & Sunday, September 17-18

Checkout these and all 14 events that last all weekend long on our website! 

Grade Level Parent Nights Out

Edina Country Club Tennis House, 6:30 - 8:30 PM

As our students return to the classroom, it's perfect time to gather as parents to get to know one another and build community. Please join us for a casual and fun evening with light bites and cocktails at the Edina Country Club. More details to follow. Looking forward to meeting you in person!

• Kindergarten - September 21 - RSVP Here!
• 1st Grade - September 28 - RSVP Here!
• 5th Grade - September 29 - RSVP Here!
• 3rd Grade - October 5 - RSVP Here!
• 2nd Grade - October 6 - RSVP Here!
• 4th Grade - October 12

*Middle School Parent Nights Out will be in November, details are forthcoming. 

OLG Marathon!

Marathon, OLG’s biggest fundraiser, kicks-off on Friday, September 23 with a PepFest. This year’s theme is an OLG Tik Tok. All funds raised are tax-deductible and support our OLG School Teacher Assistants and the School Technology Fund.

Check out our calendar and stay tuned for more information coming next week and in backpacks on September 23.

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, October 1, 9:30 - 11:00 AM for the Marathon Celebration & Color Run - you and your family will want to be there!

Save the Date: OLG School Pancake Breakfast!

Sunday, September 25, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Drop by and join us! More details coming soon!

Save the Date: Moms of Grace Fireside Fall Social

Monday, October 3, 5:00 PM, Fireplace Commons

OLG Moms, you are invited to the incredible sisterhood that is Moms Of Grace!

Our first gathering will be in the new Fireplace Commons for a Fireside Fall Social. Come solo and meet some moms or join your friends. Please bring a beverage to drink/share. We'll have a few bottles of wine on hand, too! This will be a great season for us to grow in friendship, spirituality and community.

Join Our Parish!

Sunday, September 11, 10:30 - 11:20 AM, Dining Room

Interested in joining our parish? We are so excited to welcome you to the Our Lady of Grace parish community! Join us for a chance to meet our priests and other parishioners, get information about the parish, and register. Please email Mackenzie Duvall or call her at 952-999-9048 for more information.

Discovering Christ

Thursdays starting September 15, 7:00 PM, Dining Room

Every year, the RCIA process delves into Discovering Christ: an 8-part series that helps people enter into or renew a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, experience the love of God the Father, and be empowered by the Holy Spirit to live as God’s children. This year we're opening up the program for anyone to join! Wherever you are at, that’s where Jesus wants to meet you and help you take that next step. We are excited to walk with you on this journey! Visit our website for more information and to register.

Small Groups for Families with Young Children

Called to Motherhood Groups for Moms

Mondays Evenings, September 19 to May

Do you desire strong friendships with other moms just like you? Do you sometimes wonder about who you are as a woman, wife, and mother? Grow closer to God while meeting with other moms who want the same things as you – to raise great kids and have a strong and fulfilling marriage. Join Created to Believe: Called to Motherhood: A Catholic Small Group for Mothers of Young Children.

We meet twice a month between September and May at Our Lady of Grace. Cost is $60 and childcare is available for our Thursday morning group. For more information or to register, visit our website or email Elizabeth Mueller.

Becoming Provider Groups for Dads

Do you ever wonder if you have what it takes to lead your family in faith? What does it mean to Reign in Life through Jesus Christ? Is it something more than just attending Church on Sunday? Is it more than making it through life and just sneaking into heaven by the skin of our teeth? This formation series for men seeks to discover what the invitation of the Gospel, the invitation of the Church, has to offer them as sons of their Heavenly Father and in their vocation as husbands and fathers.

Groups meet twice monthly starting October 2022 through February 2023 at Our Lady of Grace. Cost is $60 per participant. For more information or to register, visit our website or email Kory LaCroix.

Alpha Marriage Course

Sundays, September 25 - November 6, 3:00 - 5:00 PM

Join other couples in a 7-part video series this fall! Childcare is provided and there is no group sharing - just intimate conversations between you and your spouse! Easy to make up a week if you need to miss one or two. Click here to learn more and register!

RISE & SHINE 2022

Thursday, September 29, 7:30 - 9:00 AM, Marriott Minneapolis Southwest

Join us for our annual fundraiser to benefit Our Lady of Grace Senior High in Ghana by raising money for scholarships to help send students to school. With capacity for 850 students, many scholarships are needed to support the poor and disadvantaged who desire a quality education. Visit our website to learn more and register.

Gathering with Father Kevin in Boston

Thursday, September 29, 7:00 - 9:00 PM, Quincy, MA

Father Kevin will be in Boston on Thursday, September 29 and is looking to spend time with any OLG connections in the area from 7:00 - 9:00 PM. A group will be gathering at The Irish Pub (51 Billings Road, Quincy, MA), a 26-minute ride on the Red Line from Downtown Boston. We’ll being going Dutch for this gathering (i.e. pay your way) as we connect and sample the local flavor of Boston. Please RSVP by Monday, September 26 by emailing Jane Riley Best or calling 952-999-9059. Spread the word!

STARS Are Out Tonight Community Party

Friday, September 9, 5:30 PM, Academy of Holy Angels

Join us for a family-friendly event that has activities for all ages, including free inflatable games, wiffle ball, soccer games, face painting, and more! There will also be food available for purchase. All middle school students who pre-register will receive a FREE STARS shirt of their choice at the check-in table. Middle school families will also receive free admission to the STARS vs. Orono football game at 7:00 PM.

Families can pre-register on our website at www.ahastars.org. 

Dance with the BSM Knightettes!

Sunday, September 11, 1:00 - 3:30 PM

All children ages 4 through 6th grade are invited to dance with the Benilde-St. Margaret's Dance Team. No dance experience is necessary and fun is guaranteed! Click here for more information and email Jenny Cornell with any questions. 

QUICK LINKS