The Morning Star Weekly Newsletter Vol 6, Edition 8 9/28/2021
Morning Star School Mission Statement

Rooted in the Gospel and strengthened by the sacraments, the mission of Morning Star School is to provide a unique, inspiring education empowering students with learning differences to achieve their full potential.
Dear Morning Star Families and Friends,
We had a wonderful turnout for our Morning Star Fall Clean-Up Day. It was by far the most families we have ever had, thank you. It was so nice driving up to the school Monday morning and seeing the manicured landscaping. The high schoolers are extremely pleased as well, their lunch area in the peace garden was beautifully done. We hope to have another clean-up day in the Spring if you were unable to join this one. Again, thank you to all the families, students, teachers, and Swisher employees that were able to participate. It is greatly appreciated! Please enjoy some of the photos that were taken Saturday.

God Bless,
Elaine Shott, Principal
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Project Chance T-Shirt Day
Thursday, September 30th, is Project Chance T-shirt Day! Students and teachers who have purchased a T-shirt may have a dress down day wearing their Project Chance T-shirt. If you do not have a Project Chance T-shirt, you may still have a $1 dress down day. All proceeds are donated to Project Chance. 
Noon Dismissal
Friday, October 1st is a noon dismissal day. After school care will be available that day.  
Literacy Night
Tuesday, October 5th at 6:30 pm, Literacy Night will be held for all grades, K-12. Please RSVP to Jontai Binder at ap@morningstar-jax.org by Friday, October 1st.
Picture Retake Day
Thursday, October 7th, is picture retake day. Anyone who was absent for picture day last month will have their picture taken.

If you were not happy with the pictures you received, you MUST return the package of pictures you purchased with the word RETAKE on the envelope to the office as soon as possible. But, please keep the card in your student's school picture envelope and return all of the photos.

If you would like to purchase your student's pictures click HERE and enter the portrait ID and access code you received on the card in your student's school picture envelope.
REMINDERS
MSS Clothes Closet
If you have clean, gently used, uniforms you would like to donate please send them in to the school at any time. These uniforms will be donated to those who need them. There will be no money exchanged.

If you need any uniforms, email Amy Martinenza at amyccrrmm@yahoo.com or send a note to your child’s teacher. Include the item, size and quantity you need.

To view types of uniform items available, click HERE
Get Ready for Cooler Weather
Please remember to put names on sweaters, coats and jackets. Also, don't forget that students must wear proper MSS logoed sweaters,sweatshirts, jackets, and sweatpants.

To purchase new uniform items click HERE
ON CAMPUS
Sister Elise Awarded the Benemerenti Medal!

Sister Elise has been with Morning Star School in Jacksonville for a number of years. She works in the front office and teaches religion to our primary students. 

Sister Elise was recently awarded the Benemerenti Medal by Pope Francis. This honor was created by Pope Gregory XVI in 1832 and originally awarded to soldiers within the papal army as a military honor. It was later extended to the clergy and laity for specialized service to the church and its members. This award is only granted after a recommendation by our own Bishop Estevez is made, and then reviewed through the office of the Vatican. Very few of these medals have been given, making it a true honor to, not only, be nominated, but to be awarded the medal. 

Prior to coming to Morning Star Sister Elise worked as a first-grade elementary teacher for ten years before becoming the principal at St. Pius. Over the twenty-seven years as principal, she faced many challenges, the biggest being funding the ever-growing school. The most rewarding part of her job was having prior students return as adults to visit and enroll their own children. There were times throughout her tenure where they had fourth generation students coming through their programs. 

Please join Morning Star School in congratulating our own Sister Elise for her hard work, dedication, and prayerful service to the Diocese of St. Augustine!  
HIGH SCHOOL NEWS
MSS Homecoming Court
MSS 2021 Homecoming Court included a prince and princess for grades 9,10,11 and a queen and king from grade 12.
HELP US RAISE MONEY FOR MSS!
WHEN SHOPPING ON AMAZON SHOP ON AMAZONSMILE INSTEAD!
SELECT MORNING STAR SCHOOL AS YOUR FAVORITE CHARITY AND
A PORTION OF YOUR PURCHASE WILL BE DONATED TO OUR SCHOOL!
If you shop on Amazon, make sure you shop on AmazonSmile. It's exactly the same Amazon you love but a portion of your purchase price will be donated to our school each time you shop!

1. Visit AmazonSmile
2. Select Morning Star School of Jacksonville as your charity of choice and start shopping! 
3. Bookmark the AmazonSmile link and use it each time you shop with Amazon!  (Proceeds will only be donated if you are logged into AmazonSmile).
Download the Box Tops App Today!
Box Tops is a great way to earn fundraising dollars! And now there is a new phone app which makes it easier to earn points for our school! Shop as you normally would, then simply scan your store receipts to find participating products. The app will automatically credit your school's Box Tops earnings online. It's a much easier way to help us earn dollars.

Download the new Box Tops App HERE.
Watch a video about the new process HERE

You may still clip Box Tops and send them to school. Physical Box Tops clips are being phased out of production but may continue to be found on many products throughout the store.

A FEW THINGS TO REMEMBER...
  • Turn in your box tops weekly. They do expire.
  • Be sure to NOT cut the code off. We cannot use it if the code is missing even one of the digits.
  • Place them in a zip lock bag and send them in with your student.
SUBMIT A STORY
If you have a great story, please share it with us. We love showcasing the many talents of our students and their families. To submit a story, click the button below.
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