October 17, 2012

Dear Parents,

The month of October has many causes that are espoused throughout the month. Known as the month of the Holy Rosary, it is also known as Respect Life Month. Another of the many causes is that of the Missions. The month begins with the feast of St. Therese, the Little Flower, who along with ST. Francis Xavier, is the patron saint of missionaries, even though she never left her convent. During this month, our students study about various mission countries to learn about the cultures and religious activities of these countries, and the work that missionaries do with the people. When this study is over, the children are asked to donate to the missions to assist with the work of these men and women. This Friday, we will celebrate the missions in our Communion Service and you are invited to join us in that celebration. Churches throughout our country will also observe Mission Sunday on October 21^st, so our timing is just right. We ask each child to make a donation of $1.00 and this money is then sent to the Holy Childhood Association, a mission group that uses its funds to assist children around the world. Please encourage your children to do something to earn this money so that it is a sacrifice for them and helps them to remember the sacrifices the missionaries make to serve the poor around the world.

In this week’s envelope, you will find the following:

1. Statements—Making payments every month is a great help to our budget. If you are behind in payments, we ask that every effort be made to bring your account up to date. Thank you!
2.  Conference Times—Many thanks to all who returned their forms on time. Please keep this form handy so you can remember your time. Conferences are on November 1^st and 2^nd.
3. Jr. High Dance Flyer—This is the first dance of the year. Please do not lose the flyer, as there are no extras.
4. Room Parents Letter—Last week all room parents should have received their party money. Enclosed is a letter explaining all responsibilities of room parents and the times for parties, etc. The teacher’s birthday is also listed on each letter.
5. Elks Clinic Letter—The Dixon Elks are hosting a FREE Clinic on October 25^th. Please read the letter enclosed for further information.
6. Box Tops Flyer/ Information and a Collection Sheet—Let’s all work to get to that 10,000 box tops goal!
7. Permission slip for Grade 2

A FEW NEW SPINS:

There are still 25 families who have not yet returned the Sexual Misconduct Volunteer Forms. Please remember that our Diocese asks that every family read these online and return the form to school. I must send these forms to the Diocese, so those who have not yet read these, please do so as soon as possible and return your form to school by this Friday, October 19^th.

Our Parish is sponsoring a Bible Study Class on Sunday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30 PM and repeating this class on Mondays from 10:00 to 11:30 AM. Childcare will be provided for the Monday time. Cost for the program is any donation you would like to make. For further information you may contact Mary Grace Crisham at 815-288-6408 or Janet Payne at 815-284-3768.

Please remember that this is the month of our PIE Sales through Market Day. There is still time to place a PIE Order or any other order online until Thursday, October 18th.  Please help us to make this a successful sale. Remember, ordering one pie makes you eligible for a drawing for a great dinner prize!

This Thursday, October 18^th, our Student Council is sponsoring their first Bake Sale of the year. Hopefully, there will be plenty of items to sell, and few raffle items as well. Everything is still a quarter each and money earned will go into the Student Council Treasury for future events for the students.

This Thursday, October 18^th, will also be a DRESS DOWN DAY FOR THOSE STUDENTS WHO HAD NO TARDIES IN GRADES K, 1, AND 2, FOR THOSE WITH NO OR ONLY 1 HOMEWORK NOTICES IN GRADES 3, 4, AND 5, AND FOR THOSE IN JR. HIGH WITH NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS OR UNIFORM NOTICES during the month of September. Please remember that for Dress Down Days, certain Dress Code Regulations still apply. Please check P. 22 of the School Handbook.

Last of all, many, many thanks to all who sent in such delicious goodies for our Grandparents Day Celebration. Everything tasted so good and everyone enjoyed the treats as well as the great lunch cooked up by our lunch ladies.  It was a great celebration!

As this first quarter comes to an end next week, let us continue to ask for God’s blessing on our children, our teachers, and you, our parents, that we work together for the good of our school.

Sincerely,

Sister Marcianne, S.S.N.D.