August 31, 2011

Dear Parents,

“...The Kingdom of God is like yeast...” Luke 13: 20

As our school year opened, I spoke to the children about the wonderful powers of yeast. Such a tiny little grain that can do so much when added to some flour and other baking ingredients to produce such goodness. This is a good comparison for our school, too, since as a small school, we mix with each other and good things happen. When Jesus used this item as a sign of the Kingdom of God, He surely thought of all the good that would come about when people used their talents and skills to share with one another. As a whole school community, let this be our goal as this school year moves along. With parents, teachers, students and the Spirit of God working among us, the end product will surely build up the Kingdom of God--like yeast in three measures of flour.

Last week’s Brown Envelope probably kept you reading late into the night. This week it is not quite so full, but there is a lot of material that needs to be reviewed, so here is the list:

1. Asbestos Letter--It is a requirement of our Diocese that you be informed that our building does have asbestos. It is contained and checked as noted in this letter.

2. Book Fair--Our first Book Fair for this school year will be here next week. A flyer is enclosed to give you some idea of some of the choices in this Fair. The prices are very reasonable and this is a great way to get your youngsters into the reading habit.

3. Sweatshirt Flyer--It’s time once again to order sweatshirts if your old ones don’t fit. We are using a new dealer and our new school logo is now on these shirts. The prices are LOWER too, so think about ordering because the cool weather will be here sooner than you think! Samples are available at school for you to view.

4. Drawdown Flyer--This will give you details about the meal as well as winnings, so get your ticket stubs and money turned in as soon as possible. Anyone needing more tickets can contact the office.

5. Father Leo Flyer--Be sure to mark your calendar for this evening of good fun, good food, and good times!

6. Scrip Flyers--You will find your totals for this year thus far along with a complete list of items you can order. You may want to get started thinking about the holidays. You will also find the local list in this envelope each week to remind you and encourage you to order. Every little order helps you reach your goal.

7. Home and School Connection--This flyer give you many good hints to help your child succeed.


NOTABLE NOTES:

Jr. High Students should remember to turn in their Permission Forms for the Special Olympics Field Trip next week. Drivers need to be contacted and arranged. Please have these back as soon as possible. Forms were given to students on Monday, August 29th.

Room Parents are needed for several grades this year. Grades 2, 5, 7, and 8 do not have any Room Parents signed for this year. Grade 8 only needs one and perhaps Grade 2 could do with one, though two are always helpful. Moms and Dads, won’t you sign to help? Call the office to volunteer your name. A letter regarding the duties of Room Parents is enclosed for all to consider volunteering for this important task.

In conjunction with the need for Room Parents, it is also time to collect Party Fees. The fee is $7.00 per child and this money is used in the following ways:
Covers Halloween and Valentine Parties
Covers surprise for the Teacher’ birthday
Covers treat at Christmas-Jan. 6th
The flyer mentioned above also outlines other events for which this fee is used.

Pack 196 in Dixon is conducting a Cub Scout Round Up. Boys in Grades 1-5 are welcome to join Cub Scouts. Parents of boys interested may contact Thomas Halla at 815-284-3308 or Scott Welty at 815-973-5279. Pack 196 will have a Fall Kickoff on September 6th, at 6:30 P.M. at their meeting location: First Presbyterian Church on East 3rd St. by the old Courthouse. Boys can join at any time of the year.

A flyer is enclosed for Jr. High Students for the first Dance of this school year. Students must have this paper to attend the dance. There are no extra flyers so your youngster must take care of this one. Copies are not allowed.

The official holiday that ends the summer season is this weekend. As we celebrate this Labor Day with our family and friends, let us thank God for the ability to work, and let us remember those who need to find employment these days. May St. Joseph, the patron saint of all workers, intercede for blessing on the work of your hands!

Sincerely,



Sister Marcianne, S.S.N.D.

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