September 14, 2011

Dear Parents,

“... By Your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world.”

Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Triumph of the Cross. The feast itself is in remembrance of the finding of the Jesus’ Cross by St. Helena, mother of the Emperor Constantine. Constantine then built the Church of the Holy Sepulcher over the spot where the Cross was found. To the early Christian Church, the cross was not an item of veneration as it was a symbol of death for many who suffered for their faith by dying as Jesus did. But time has changed our thinking as now the Cross is one of the main symbols of our salvation. Every Catholic Church has a crucifix, many people wear a cross or crucifix as a sign of their faith, and daily we sign ourselves with this valuable symbol. Perhaps this evening, as your children go to bed, you could sign them on their forehead with the sign of the cross as a remembrance of what was done on the day of their Baptism. This would be a great reminder of how our salvation was won.

As September moves on, the days and nights are getting very busy. Our Drawdown is over and we have had a report on its success at our Home and School Meeting last night. We end this week with our evening with Father Leo and some great burger tasting. Hope you can make this event --remember, it is free and there will be great food and fun for all.

Enclosed in this week’s envelope is information on the following:

1. First Cookout of the Year--Sept. 23 and 24th. A flyer is enclosed and you are free to duplicate this for your place of business. Desserts will be offered for a donation, so if you would like to make something, like cookies or cupcakes, etc., just bring them to Dixon Food Center and Mrs. Phelps will be there to accept them on Friday Morning. Those who signed to work this event will find notices in their envelopes.

2. There are several Permission Slips in this Brown Envelope:
Grade 2--Permission slip for the Nursing Home Masses
Grade 8-- Permission Slip for Springfield Trip
Discover Dixon Project Discovery Group--Permission Slip for visits

There is also a Permission Slip for Grade 2 to attend the Newman Homecoming Parade on Sept. 23rd. I usually go to this event, but there is an all day meeting for Principals that day in Rockford, so I have asked Mrs. Papoccia and her 6 little girls to represent our school at the parade that day.

3. Flyer from the YMCA

4. Flyer from the Girl Scouts--For girls only, of course


NOTABLE NOTES:

Thanks to all who volunteered to serve as Room Parents, but we are still in need. Grades 7 needs 2 Room Parents and Grade 8 needs one. I am aware that these classes involve a little more activity because of graduation, etc., but do you really want these poor little Jr. High students to be without room parents for this year? Please step up and volunteer!

Also, all are reminded to please send in the $7.00 fee for parties as we would like to distribute this to those who have signed as Room Parents. Once we have all Room Parents, a list with responsibilities will be sent home to all.

Beginning on September 19th, our students will be taking the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. These tests are very important for several reasons, and you are asked to talk with your children about trying their very best. We will provide snacks for the children during this week to keep their brains fresh. Please try to see to it that they get plenty of sleep these days also.

Our Book Fair is currently ongoing and so is our Magazine Drive. Books make great gifts for Christmas and buying now and hiding them may be a great way to get ahead of the holidays. Our book fair prices are really good and you will find some great deals.

Every family is required to attend a Protecting God’s Children Program. This can now be done online. Type in WELCOME TO ROCKFORD DIOCESE in your search bar and then on the left side, you will see a box with several links, one of which is the Protecting God’s Children Link. Click on that and further instructions will be given to you. You must send in a form to school stating that you have participated in this program. In early October, notice will be sent to those families who have not yet taken part in this program. It is a requirement for all families since all are responsible for volunteering at our school.

One last request for all parents involves our parking lot. First of all, may I remind all parents to please drive carefully when bringing or picking up your children. Children do not always watch what is going on and we don’t want to lose even one of our students to an accident. Secondly, when you come for Playground Duty or to assist in the kitchen, may I ask that you park by Father’s House or by the area where teachers park each day. This will give the children a free blacktop on which to play and your car may not get “bumped” with balls or other play equipment. Thank you for your cooperation in these matters.

As the feast of the Cross of Christ is celebrated, we are reminded that we all have little crosses to bear. Let us remember that we do not carry them alone, but that our Lord is always there to help us.

Have a very blessed week!

Sincerely,



Sister Marcianne, S.S.N.D.

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