What a great week it has been! The school building can be a quiet and lonely place in the summer, and I absolutely love it when faculty, staff, parents, volunteers, and students start coming back for the new school year. The campus came alive once again this past week as we welcomed so many people back: teachers on Monday for workshop week, New Preschool Parent Orientation on Monday evening, New K-8th Grade Parent Orientation on Tuesday evening, and over 1,000 students and parents on campus for Back-to-School Night on Wednesday. A very special welcome to our new students and families – we are happy you are here!

We are blessed to have a supportive, caring, and faith filled Our Lady of Grace community. We are ready for our 75th year of school to start on Monday with our first through 8th graders and then our preschoolers and kindergarteners joining in on Tuesday. We look forward to the amazing experiences and accomplishments that will unfold on campus during the 2023-24 school year.

Enjoy your last summer weekend before school starts!

Blessings to all,

Mike McGinty

Head of School

First Day of School Mass (1st - 8th Grade)

Monday, August 28, 2:00 PM

Parents are welcome to attend Mass with their students. Since it is a Mass day, shorts are not permitted, but modesty shorts under jumpers/skirts are allowed.

Parent Coffees

Stop by and mingle with other parents in your student's grade! All coffees will take place at 8:15 AM - 10:00 AM in Grace Hall on the dates noted below. Click here if you would like to help out with your class coffee.

• August 29 - Preschool (in Parish Dining Room)
• September 7 - Kindergarten
• September 11 - 1st Grade
• September 14 - 2nd Grade
• September 15 - 3rd Grade
• September 18 - 4th Grade
• September 19 - 5th Grade
• September 21 - 6th Grade
• September 28 - 7th Grade
• February (Date TBD) - 8th Grade

8th Grade Kickball

Wednesday, August 30, 5:30 - 7:00 PM

Further details will be communicated directly with the 8th grade families, but for now, 8th grade families, mark your calendars!

Curriculum Nights

Middle School, September 7, 6:30 - 8:00 PM

K-5th Grade, September 12, 6:30 - 8:00 PM

These parent-only nights allow you to learn about your child's upcoming year in the classroom as well as school events throughout the school year. Book your sitter now!

Health Forms

Annual Health Forms are due before school starts for all students. Updated Immunization Forms are due for students in preschool, kindergarten and 7th grade. Students who have medications at school must also submit forms. Click here for Health Forms and information.

Lunch Accounts

Before school starts, please click here to add money to your student's EZ App lunch account. The daily meal includes a drink and costs $5.50/student. Students will choose between two main entrees (hot entree or sandwich) and then will get two sides. At this time, we are not offering a la carte.

Click here for the menu and for more information.

Transportation Reimbursement

Due Friday, September 8

Families attending OLG School that do NOT live in Edina, Minneapolis, Richfield, or Mendota Heights may be eligible for a transportation reimbursement. This includes parents who carpool, use Eden Prairie busing, or other forms of transportation. Reimbursement, if any, will be distributed by the beginning of the next school year via TADS or check. Click here for the form.

School Supplies

The School Tool Box online store is a ship-to-home program that allows you to self-select items and have them shipped directly to you. Click here to place your K-8th grade order! Click here for the preschool list.

Label Fundraiser

Orders Due by Thursday, August 31

The OLG PSO is partnering with Name Bubble to order labels, and a portion of all sales go directly back to OLG PSO. Click here to order. 

Uniforms

Stop by Educational Outfitters or click here for all your uniform needs (including uniform-approved sweatshirts.) Click here for the uniform policy.

Band Start Dates & Schedule

Beginner Band starts on Thursday, August 31 at 7:40 AM and will meet regularly on Mondays and Thursdays. Intermediate Band (2nd year band students and beyond) starts Wednesday, August 30 at 7:40 AM and will meet regularly on Wednesdays and Fridays. Email Mr. Jensen to confirm your student's participation if you haven't done so already.

School Volunteers

All volunteers (including coaches and chaperones) within the security doors during the school day must be up to date on Virtus credentialing. The electronic sign-in system does not allow you to sign in if you are not current with Virtus.

New Families: New families should have received an email with instructions from "jamiepohl@olgparish.org" on August 18. 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 Virtus Credential dates (you must update it every three 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.

K-8 Extended Care

Extended Care is offered before (7:00 - 8:20 AM) and after (3:30 - 6:00 PM) school during the school year. Click here for pricing and to register.

K-8 Release Day Care (Full Day)

Register by Friday, September 8

Release Day Care is 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM. The mornings are on OLG campus, followed by a fun adventure in the afternoon.

• Monday, September 25 at Grand Slam - Coon Rapids
• Thursday, October 19 at Pinehaven Farm
• Friday, October 20 at Minnesota Zoo
• Friday, October 27 at the Science Museum of Minnesota

Click here for the registration form.

Young Rembrandts

Starts Tuesday, September 12, 3:15 PM - 4:45 PM

The September/October session costs $169/student and the November/December session costs $129/student.

Click here to register.

Building Amazing Marriages' Oktoberfest Date Night

Saturday, September 16, 6:30 - 9:30 PM

Willcommen to OLG's fall festival! Featuring Schell's Hobo Band! Beer, bratwurst buffet, and childcare included. Don't miss this fun date night. Tickets are $30/couple.

Click here to register. Prost!

Small Groups for Mothers of Young Children

Tuesday, September 26

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. Hosted by the Cana Family Institute, the groups each meet twice monthly, September through May. The cost is $85, and childcare is available for our morning group. Click here for complete details and to register.