A Message from Our Head of School

Dear Parents,

We have had a wonderful first week of school! It has been such an inspiring beginning to the school year and a joy to see over 110 preschoolers and over 700 K-8th graders grace our hallways this week. Additionally, we extend a very special welcome to 121 new families!

Our OLG students and families remind me every day of why Our Lady of Grace School exists. We are here to serve our community, to form and educate students, to bring families together, but most of all, to make Jesus Christ known and loved. I'm so grateful to faculty and staff, parents, students, and to Father Kevin and the entire parish staff for working hard to make the start of this school year such a success. 

I look forward to an excited and blessed school year with everyone! Together are we, OLG, into the future, joyfully!!

Mike McGinty

Head of School

A Message from Our Elementary School Principal

Our elementary students had a great first week of school! Elementary students cover a wide range of ages and developmental levels. 

For our youngest students, one of the important things about the first week is taking steps forward in independence by getting to the correct classroom and negotiating all the parts of the day with their peers and teachers. These young children should be proud of their first week of school. The teachers delighted in learning about their students this week and began planning for how to help each individual child succeed this year! 

For our older elementary students, one important thing that happens the first week of school is further developing executive functioning skills by guiding each student to reflect on how they interact with their classmates, teachers, and education. Teachers then guide students on establishing positive healthy mindsets and planning and prioritizing goals for themselves for the year. These students should be proud of the goals they are setting and the positive (growth) mindsets they are practicing.  

We look forward to telling you more about each grade level at Curriculum Night! 

Parents of elementary students, please join us next Tuesday, September 6, at 6:30 PM. We will begin in the Parish Activity Center (gym) in the new building.

Julie Moran

Elementary School Principal

A Message from Our Middle School Principal

We had a wonderful first week of school! We were able to gather as an entire middle school on the bleachers in the new gym to pray together and address all middle school students at the same time! The message was simple: you (the students) are beloved sons and daughters of God, you are good, you are enough, you are a gift, and God has amazing plans for you.

The teachers at Our Lady of Grace recognize the inherent dignity all our students have, that they have been made in the image and likeness of God, and are committed to working with your children to help them become better versions of themselves. Thank you for entrusting your children to our care, and by the grace of God, your children will flourish this year!

Parents of middle school students, please join us for Curriculum Night next Thursday, September 8, at 6:30 PM. We will begin in the Parish Activity Center (gym) in the new building.

Jim Dahlman

Middle School Principal

Drop-Off / Pick-Up Thank You & Reminders

Thank you all for a great first week of school drop-offs and pick-ups! From our K-8 Carpool line to Preschool Parking lot and Buses, there is a lot to coordinate, but we appreciate your help in keeping our children safe and managing the flow!

A few reminders as construction continues: 

• Carpool line is one-way from Eden Ave. to W Frontage Rd. - Continue to turn right out of the back alley as no exiting is permitted to the left due to construction, preschool parking, and busing
• Yield to students walking and biking - Your extra caution is so appreciated
• Yield to buses - They are on a tight schedule and we value their relationship with our school. Give them plenty of space and time on our tight roads
• Review our map and directions - Available here on our website

We are looking forward to the opening of the roundabout and will share updates with you as we have them.

Party on the Quad on Saturday, September 17

Discounted Tickets Through Tuesday, September 6

Join us for this 21+ event featuring curated food selections from Chowgirls Classic Catering, craft cocktails, beer, wine, and music by premier Twin Cities cover band, Power of 10.

Tickets are on sale now and include all entertainment, food, and beverage service. Did we mention the bonfires and bags? What a night it will be! Click here to learn more.

Tickets: $35 before September 6, $40 after September 6 or at the door

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 or 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.

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.

Join Middle School Service Club (MSSC)

Middle School Service Club (MSSC) is for Middle School students who want to serve above and beyond the required Religion Service Hours. This year MSSC events DO NOT count for Religion Service Hours. We want to serve our school, parish & community, but most importantly, just have fun. Questions, contact Jamie Pohl, Anna Lima, or Angela Brown. We are also looking for 2-3 parents to join our planning team! Sign up here!

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!

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 thse socials in Grace Hall, that is the name of our new building's main entryway.

• Kindergarten - Thursday, September 8 - Dining Room
• 1st Grade - Friday, September 9 - Grace Hall
• 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

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.

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!

As OLG Saints, Stewards, and Scholars you'll find a little bit of each at our upcoming Dedication Weekend!

Painting with Preschool Open House

Saturday & Sunday, September 17-18

Middle School Plays & Reunions

Saturday & Sunday, September 17-18

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
• 3rd Grade - October 5
• 2nd Grade - October 6 - RSVP Here!
• 4th Grade - October 12

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

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.

Volunteer to Be a Mass Greeter!

Info Session: Wednesday, September 7, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Are you looking for ways for you, your student or your family to get involved at OLG? If you're friendly and welcoming, then the OLG Greeter Ministry might be for you!

Greeters are the front line of our Church’s hospitality ministry and play a very important role at OLG. Greeting is a fun way for families and students to serve the Parish! Plus, Middle Schoolers can earn service hours through greeting! 

Join us on September 7 for a reception for all past, present and future greeters to learn more about the Ministry and kick-off the year! If you have any questions or would like to know more about the Greeting Ministry, please contact nlrighini@gmail.com. Click here to sign-up as a greeter.

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 or Thursday Mornings, September 19 & 22 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.

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.

2023 OLG Men's Club Gala: Save the Date!

Saturday, February 4, Interlachen Country Club

Save the date and keep an eye out for more information coming soon!

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! Register by September 2 to guarantee a t-shirt, click here for more information, and email Jenny Cornell with any questions. 

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