November 9, 2023

Dear St. Louis Families,

Today is the feast day for the dedication of St. John Lateran—a very happy day for our Church. In a sense, St. John Lateran is the parish church of all Catholics, because it is the Pope’s cathedral. The dedication of this basilica is a happy occasion for our Church because it reminds us of our beginnings, our unity. It stands as a monument to God and all that God does through the Church. We pray in a special way today for our Church community.

We have had a wonderful week, albeit a shorter week. A special shout out to our 3rd graders who designed and created simple machines to assist the elves in their baking dilemma and our 4th graders who spent today around a campfire eating s’mores and sharing their personal narratives. On Wednesday, we celebrated and honored our current military service members as well as our veterans during our weekly Mass. It was a true joy to see many families present and dressed in uniform—what a visible testimony to service, faith, and honor! Our student council hosted a reception following the Mass for our military families. What a blessing for us to be able to take part in a wonderful honor of service and sacrifice!

We have one full week of instruction next week before our virtual days Nov. 20-21 followed by our Thanksgiving break Nov. 23-27. Daily schedules and reminders for the virtual days will come in a Constant Contact message next Tuesday. If you need a device for home, please let your teachers know by Wednesday, November 15th so they can ensure those who need one have it to complete the synchronous instruction.

We are so grateful for our parent community and the partnership we share in the education of your child(ren). Know that we value these conference days and the ability to share with you about your child’s progress and growth. If you have not signed up for a conference yet, please reach out to your child’s teacher. Conferences are important.

Wishing you a blessed long weekend.

Peace,

Anne Dyke

Principal 

NOV. 14: Make-up Picture Day

Great American Photo will be at St. Louis on Tuesday, November 14 for any student who was absent on the original photo day. As a reminder, all K-7th students are required to wear the regular uniform (not PE) for photos. Eighth grade students have the option to wear their Sunday best for their graduation picture. Please let your child's teacher know if they will be having their picture taken on Tuesday.

DUE NOV. 15: Milk Orders for Trimester 2

Milk orders and payment are now due for families who have opted to order on a trimester basis or who would like to place a new order for the 2nd trimester. Families who paid in full for the school year, do not need to complete this form.

Please place Trimester 2 Milk Orders no later than November 15.

Christmas Cookies! Start ordering today!

Thanksgiving's around the corner and our 4th Annual Christmas Lights Tour will be soon after on December 9th. We are happy to be partnering with Maribeth's Bakery once again to offer Christmas cookie decorating kits as well as individual cookie kits. These cookies are great for some family fun or a gift for a neighbor or friend. All proceeds make it possible to provide the class Christmas trees and benefit the Annual Fund. Place your cookie orders HERE by Dec. 3rd.

St. Louis School offers many opportunities throughout the school year for our students and families to demonstrate our mission to Love, Learn, and Lead in our greater community. Every day, we challenge our students to be the face of Christ for someone else. During the school year, we will share opportunities meant to "Open Hearts" for others. These initiatives are optional and participation does not earn PTO volunteer points, but we hope your family may choose to take part in them simply to make a difference in someone else's day.

4th Annual Christmas Lights Tour - will your yard be decked out for the holidays?

Share the holiday spirit with St. Louis School & Preschool families. We need some merry and bright homes to include on our Christmas Lights Tour December 9th. Untangle those lights and sign up HERE by December 2nd to have your home included on the "Reindeer Run" or "Jingle Bell Jaunt."

Just 93 to go!

Please consider joining our campaign to provide 250 wreaths in honor of or in memory of a veteran.

If you are able to, gather your family and friends to lay the wreaths on December 16th.

Wreaths may be sponsored HERE before Nov. 28th.

Holiday Care Package Donations

St. Louis students will be assembling holiday care packages for our adopted soldiers. All school families are invited to donate toward these special care packages through the end of November. See the "Wish List" HERE.

SmartSocial.com

Last week we introduced our partnership with  SmartSocial.com. Chances are your child is already using social media. We believe it is important for parents to understand the potential issues and safety concerns that come along with the fun of the internet. 

1. If you haven’t claimed your complimentary membership, please click here to unlock access to the library of resources and upcoming live events.
2. If you already have access, click here to view the full library of resources and see what’s trending right now.

SmartSocial.com has a one-of-a-kind online program called Very Informed Parent (VIP). The courses teach parents and students:

• The dangers of social media (including screen time addiction, online predators, mental health issues, and more) 
• Tips for talking to students about technology and setting smartphone guidelines
• Popular apps for students (including step-by-step instructions to turn on safety settings)
• How students can use social media with a purpose (they’ll learn small tips to create a positive digital footprint to help them get into their dream college or land future jobs or internships) 

jcotnoir@stlouisschool.org | tmiller@stlouisschool.org | coconnor@stlouisschool.org

Nov. 10-18: Bishop Ireton High School Presents Clue: High School Edition

Bishop Ireton High School's Theater Arts Department presents Clue: High School Edition November 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 7:00 pm and November 12 at 2:00 pm, in Garwood Whaley Auditorium at Bishop Ireton High School, 201 Cambridge Road, Alexandria, VA 22314. Tickets and further information are available here. St. Louis alum Deacon Crenshaw plays the role of Mr. Boddy.

Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue Onstage: High School Edition is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery. In a remote mansion, as thunder and lightning fill the air, six guests have assembled for a mysterious dinner party where murder and blackmail are on the menu! When their host turns up dead, they ALL become suspects. Wadsworth, the butler, leads all your favorite board game characters (Miss Scarlett, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock, and Colonel Mustard) on a race to find the killer. Will YOU figure out…WHO did it, WHERE they did it, and with WHAT?!