From The Principal's Desk

2012-02-10T16:51:00.000-06:00

February 8, 2012

Dear Parents,

Another Catholic Schools Week is officially over, but not forgotten. The posters the children made of their future dreams show a variety of careers that will require many years of study beyond the grade school years. The foundations laid here academically will be very helpful to our youngsters as they continue to pursue their dreams. As the year moves on, it is our goal to continue to nurture their Faith Life as the Church Year moves to the Lenten Season, Easter, Pentecost and the return to Ordinary Time. Our youngsters will continue to be urged to give of their service and it is hoped that the example of you, their parents, will be an inspiration to them. We continue to ask God’s Blessing on all that we do so that the Faith Life of our students, their academic growth, and their service to others continues to grow each day.

Congratulations to the Auction Chairpersons for a wonderful evening of fun and fundraising. While final figures are not yet available, the evening was a great success in both areas. This fundraiser is our biggest and needs the cooperation of all families if it is to continue to be successful.

As mentioned in last week’s letter, we are working with the parking lot situation. Some changes have been made and this week a diagram is enclosed for your use and to assist you in understanding how you are asked to enter the lot and to leave it. Currently, there is no longer an adult present in the Pavilion in the morning. The children have been reminded that their task is to sit at the tables and that ball playing and running around are not acceptable. Mrs. Bontjes will be available with a STOP Sign to lead all students into the building at the west end door. Students who are late are also to go to the west end door to enter the building. No students, except preschoolers and their parents, are to enter at the center doors. Parents are asked NOT TO PARK in the area closest to the Pavilion so that the buses can pull around and exit. Your cooperation and patience is appreciated.

The Jr. High Dance that was scheduled for February 10th at St. Mary School in Dixon has been canceled to allow those who wish to attend the Father Daughter Dance at St. Andrew’s in Rock Falls to have that special night with their dads. The Jr. High Dance will be rescheduled after Easter.

Please remember to sign for our Pint Size Hero Blood Drive. This program is to encourage you as parents to sign to give blood at our school. Your children will then receive a small thank you gift from the Red Cross to show their appreciation for your donation. Our youngsters will be staffing the welcoming table and the snack area, but Red Cross Personnel will be in charge of all other areas. We currently have 16 blood donors and our goal is at least 35. Last year, we had 42 pints donated, and it would be great to top that goal. There are many slots open as yet, so please send in your form or call the office to register. Every effort will be made to put you in the slot you desire. At this time of the year, the Red Cross is usually very desperate for blood donations and every pint helps!

Market Day Forms are enclosed in this Envelope. You will note there is a special drive on for desserts this month, so see the flyer for incentives for those who order. You could take care of your Easter Desserts with just one order!

Statements are also enclosed for this month. Again, please note your totals and how much should be paid by this time of the year.

The Health Department has sent a letter to parents regarding the many cases of whooping cough that have been reported lately. Because of this, students entering 6th and 9th Grade will be required to have a Tdap Vaccination along with their school physical this year and in future years. Please read the information carefully and contact the Health Department or your doctor with any questions you may have. Students who do not have this vaccination will be excluded from school until the immunization is provided.

Registration for Freshmen entering Newman Central Catholic High School will take place on February 27th at the Holloway Center, with a meeting following. Fees must be paid at this time. Please see the enclosed flyer for further information. The necessary forms have been mailed to parents and you are asked to have these all filled out ahead of time to speed the registration process.

PRINCIPAL’S POINTS:

There are still several families who have not returned their pre-registration forms. If you cannot find the form, please send a note telling us if you intend to return to St. Anne’s next year as this affects our budget preparations.

Flyers are enclosed form the Y regarding programs that are available.

Newman High School is also sponsoring a Baseball Clinic. Papers with more information are available in the office. This program is for boys only.

The Student Council will be sponsoring a Bake Sale this Thursday, February 9th, and there will be some raffle items available also. This day is also the DRESS DOWN DAY for those who had no tardies in Grades K, 1,and 2, for those with 1 or no homework notices in Grades 3, 4, and 5, and for those with no detentions or late assignments or uniform notices in Grades 6, 7, and 8.

Parents are reminded that the end of the SCRIP Program for this year is March 31st. You are asked to have met your goal set at the time of Commitment by this date. No extensions will be given. If your goal has not been met, you will be asked to pay the amount due to meet that goal. This will need to be paid before the Easter Break, which will begin on April 5th. Please make every effort to meet your SCRIP Goal.

Congratulations to our 35 students who improved /maintained their grades through the second quarter. Their BUG Shirts arrived and were given out this past week. Please encourage your child to continue to work hard to earn this award through good work and the formation of good study habits.

Class pictures are also enclosed in this envelope.

May God bless and reward you for your support of all our efforts.

Sincerely,

Sister Marcianne, S.S.N.D.

2012-01-23T09:46:00.000-06:00

January 19, 2012

Dear Parents,

Catholic Schools: Faith, Academics, Service

In just a few weeks, St. Anne School will join with nearly 7,000 Catholic Schools across the nation to celebrate who we are, what we do, and why we do it. The theme for this year’s celebration is shown above, and this week, I would just like to highlight the first part of that theme--Faith. Catholic Schools were first started in this country because of a need to pass on the Catholic Faith. In the beginning of the educational system in this country, public schools were able to teach some religious truths, but they were not the truths professed by Catholic Families. St. Elizabeth Seton and Bishop John Neuman both recognized a need for children and families to have a place where they could learn their Faith and practice it more fully. That reasoning has not changed in our own times. One of the main reasons Catholic Schools exist today is to assist you, the parents, in the practice of the Catholic Faith. It is not just the main teachings of our Faith that are passed on, but how to live them in one’s daily life--from cradle to grave! The children in our care are given the opportunity to pray and are encouraged to practice the virtues they learn about in their religious studies. So, as we prepare for this year’s celebration, let us take time to be grateful for the ability to have a Catholic School in our parish so that the Faith may be passed on from one generation to the next.

This week begins the second semester of this school year. It can be a time for the children to start over if the first semester did not go well. It can also be a time to continue to do well as new materials are introduced daily to students. Report cards will be coming home this Thursday in a new Brown Envelope. Hopefully, you made a New Year’s Resolution to check that envelope each time it comes home and return it to school with your child as soon as possible!

In this week’s Envelope you will find the following:

1. Report Cards--Please be sure to sign the envelope and return just the envelope to school.

2. Information on the Learning Fair for Grades 6,7, and 8

3. Information on the Young Authors’ Program for all grades--I strongly encourage you to have your youngsters get their imaginations in gear and write a short story. We have some very talented writers in our school and their stories are so interesting to read.

4. Climbing Higher Flyer--If extra help on study skills is needed, or tutoring, you will find this to be a very good program.

5. Dance Flyer for Jr. High Students

6. Permission Slip for Grades 3 and 5 only--This is their half semester reward for great work.

7. Six Flags Reading Program--Since students read for Book It!, that same materials can be used for this program. Please encourage your child to participate. Read and follow directions and you can help your child be a winner in many ways.

PRINCIPAL’S POINTS:

On Friday, January 20, we will have our annual Geography Bee. The Bee will begin at 1:00 P.M. and this year, to help the contestants overcome their nervousness, the audience will be in the Callahan Room, and the contestants in Church. We will use the new video system so all can see the contest as it develops and the youngsters may not be quite as nervous, having all those faces staring at them.

Our Valentine Parties, though several weeks away, will begin at 1:30 P.M. on February 14th, for those of you who are Room Parents. This year, I forgot to say anything about Christmas Treats, which could have come on January 6th. I don’t believe any class had a post Christmas Party, so hopefully, you have some funds to spend for Valentine’s Day.

While the information on the Learning Fair is enclosed for the Jr. High Students only, I have also enclosed some information for students in Grades K through 5. It is very useful if a student works on a Learning Fair Project starting in the early grades. Then, when getting into the Jr. High Grades, it is not as difficult to continue, but with more research and guidance in how to do a report paper. At the early grades, projects do not have to be as involved or intense as they are in the Jr. High, but it does give the student practice in putting together a project. The same goes for the Young Authors Program. Students can write very simple stories in their early grades, and they can see their own growth as they progress in their writing skills. I encourage all families to think about these projects and to encourage your child to also think about them

As part of our Catholic Schools Week Celebration, we will be having a Spirit Day on Monday, January 30th. Students will be allowed to wear any of the items in our new Spirit Wear collection. We are currently getting a new order ready and hope to have items here as soon as possible, so please come in or request an order blank if you would like some of these new items.

Our Awards Assembly will be held on January 27th after the 8:15 A.M. Mass. Awards will be given for the BUG Program, the Geography Bee, Book It!, Accelerated Reader and Honor Roll.

Please remember to get your Market Day Orders in and don’t forget to keep up your SCRIP Orders. Our Auction is coming fast, and there are great items on display at school as well as those special raffle items, too. Tickets are available and you will want to get your table together for a great night of fun.

Many thanks to all who have returned their Preregistration Forms. If yours has not yet been sent in, please try to return it as soon as possible. It is a great help as I work on the budget for the next year.

Last of all, thank you for your many prayers and concern for Sister Lorraine. Sister is now at home and doing well--just taking it easy and resting for awhile. Your prayers are deeply appreciated.

May God continue to bless us all as we work together to enrich the Faith Life of each student and family.

Sincerely,

Sister Marcianne, S.S.N.D.

2012-01-10T13:19:00.001-06:00

January 11, 2012

Dear Parents,

“...they found Him in the Temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions...” Luke 2 : 46

This story from the Gospels is usually read on the feast of the Holy Family and it says something about Jesus as a Teacher. He was not just listening, but asking questions, and the Gospel goes on to say those around Him were astounded at His answers. Mary and Joseph, too, were probably a bit surprised by the praise given to their son. But Jesus went home with them and they became His teachers for the next period of His life. When Jesus began His public ministry, He shared knowledge from His Heavenly Father, but also from His earthly parents. Today, you are your child’s first teachers. As our Mission Statement states, we are here to assist you in the important task of educating your children. Your job begins at the time of their birth and in some cases even before that, and we only come into the picture about 3, 4, or 5 years later. As Catholic Schools Week approaches, it is good for us to review and renew our dedication to this important task and to continue to partner in this endeavor for the growth of all our youngsters in their Faith and knowledge. Mary and Joseph’s example played a great part in His learning and it must be so with us as we work together to educate for the future.

This week brings the end of the first semester of this school year. In many schools, it is a policy that students are denied participation in tests and other activities if tuition payments are not up to date. While this is not our current policy, it is important that families have their tuition payments up to date--that is, at least half of this year’s current tuition should be paid by January 15th. Please check your statement carefully, and bring your account up to date if it is not yet at that stage.

In this envelope you will also find these flyers:

1. Box Top Flyer for a new contest--We recently received a check for over $500.00 based on tops sent in by the December deadline. It is hoped that by April 1st, we can amass a a great many more for another check in May.

2. PRESCHOOL SCREENING FLYER--Those with young children are encouraged to have your child screened at this event.

3. Scrip Order Form that shows your up to date total. Please remember that your total commitment must be reached by March 31st of this year. Half of the amount over your total will go towards your next year’s tuition.

4. Permission Form for Grades 7 and 8 to go to the Nursing Homes for Mass with Father Mike.

5. Campbell Soup Flyer--The company is running a special during the month of January. There were special coupons in last week’s coupon flyers of ways to earn extra points. If you have these or use them, please send them to the office in your Brown Envelope.

6. Intent T o Return Form--As budgets are being prepared, it is important to know who will be here next year. Please fill out this form and if you know of families who are seeking to enter school, please list their names. If they come to St. Anne’s, you will receive a deduction on your tuition for the next school year.

PRINCIPAL’S POINTS:

As many of you know, the Riley Family has continued to deal with the illness of their son, Mitchell. This often involves spending much time in Madison or commuting back and forth several days each week. Earlier this year, Mrs. Betty Frantz, a friend of the family and former St. Anne Parent, has offered to coordinate meals for the family when they are home in Oregon. If the holiday season found you too busy to offer, perhaps now that things have settled down a bit, you could offer to prepare a meal for the family. If you would like to do this, it would be much appreciated. The Frantz Family is willing to pick up the meal here at school or at your home, if desired. Please feel free to call Betty at 815-732-7154 to find out dates available and to make any arrangements.

You may also be aware that there was a slight accident on our parking lot last week. Luckily, injuries were minor. However, because of this and concerns of “almost hit...”, there are going to be some changes in the morning and afternoon parking configuration. The lot itself will be off limits to all car traffic in the morning, after school, and during the day. All parents are asked to pull in at the Rectory Driveway, drop your children off at the small walkway and pull out onto Dixon Avenue. If you feel you must wait with your child, you will need to park near the Rectory or down Dixon Avenue. No exceptions will be made for rainy or snowy weather. The children can walk to the Pavilion and from there into the school building. The area where the teachers park their cars may also be used, though you will not be able to drive through, but will need to pull in, park and pull out. It is the safety of our children that is our first concern. The buses will be the only vehicles that will be allowed on the parking lot for pickup and drop-off. Barriers are going to be installed to assist with the traffic flow. Your cooperation and concern for the safety of our children is much appreciated.

The Dixon Elks Lodge is sponsoring a FREE Orthopedic Diagnostic Clinic for children with bone, joint or back problems. This clinic will be held on Thursday, January 26, 2012 from 8:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. at the KSB FOOT AND ANKLE CENTER, 215 EAST 1st, Suite 310, in Dixon. Appointments must be made by calling 1-800-272-0074 between 1:00 and 4:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. The Elks also provide limited assistance with children’s other medical problems and information on this can also be obtained at the above number. Your family physician can make a referral and the age limit is up to 21 years of age.

Our school auction is coming up very soon and the committee has been very busy. The theme is one of Mardi Gras and you are welcome to dress up for the event which is being held at the Elks Club this year. Tickets are $30.00 each and you can now purchase them in the office. The school window is taking shape and you can see lots of goodies there. Check the Face book Site for more information, too. Word has it that the Art Classes are making Mardi Gras Masks that will be for sale the night of the Auction. There will also be Dancing Music after the Auction to prolong the fun evening, so get your group together and prepare for a great time ! Please turn in your 50/50 Ticket money and anyone who can sell more, just call for extra tickets.

Next week, The Right to Life Committee will be coming to our school to speak to the children in all classes about the sanctity of life. The message will be positive and they will be bringing fetal models for the children to see--the same ones that were in our school lobby last year. They will have some items for the children as a means of supporting the pro-life message.

An order for the new Spirit Wear will be placed this Friday. A day has been set during Catholic Schools Week for the youngsters to wear the new Spirit Wear so please get your order in ASAP!

It may be Ordinary Time in the Church year, but there are always extraordinary events going on at St. Anne, and they are always fun and exciting! May God be with us and bless us with success in all our endeavors.

Sincerely,

Sister Marcianne, S.S.N.D.

2012-01-04T10:39:00.000-06:00

January 5, 2012

Dear Parents,

“The Lord bless you and keep you!
The Lord let His face shine upon you and be gracious to you!
The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!” Numbers 6: 24-26

With these words, the Church begins the readings of the New Year. This is also our wish for you. It is our hope that in this New Year, you and your family will grow closer to our Lord through family prayer-taking time each night to join with your children in a simple prayer of your choice, through attendance at Mass each week, hopefully as a family as much as you can, and through the celebration of reconciliation both at home by saying “I’m sorry” and through the Church’s celebration of this sacrament. As our Second Grade Class prepares to receive this sacrament for the first time this year, let it be a reminder to you of the time you came with your children for the first time, and the joy you saw on your child’s face as they celebrated the forgiveness of the Lord. In these three small ways, you and your family will find great joy and peace in this new year!

This first letter of this short week is just to remind you of coming events:

All four girls of our Eighth Grade will be going to Newman High School on January 13th for the High School Tour and testing. A permission slip is enclosed in their envelopes. The bus will take them to Newman and return them to school at 1:30 P.M.

St. Anne School has early dismissal on January 13th at 1:00 P.M. The Newman Bus to Oregon will not run that day.

Our annual auction is quickly approaching. The Auction Committee will be meeting at school on January 9th at 6:00 P.M. If you have signed to work this fundraiser, you are expected to be at this meeting. Anyone else interested in assisting with the Auction can also come to this meeting.

Parents are reminded to send in the stubs and money for the 50/50 Tickets. There are still a few families who have not turned in their tickets. The Committee would like to get the word out on the amount of the prize and having all our school tickets sold would be great. It is hoped that more tickets can be sold so if you are a good seller, just let us know if you want some tickets to sell.

The first order of our new Spirit Wear has arrived. If you would like to place an order, please ask for an order blank and one will be sent home to you. We will have a Spirit Day during Catholic Schools Week and look forward to seeing students in the new items.

Market Day Pickup is today, January 5th, and workers are reminded to be here to assist with the orders.

SCRIP is once again available. Remember to check your totals as the deadline for the school year is March 31st. Hopefully, you are close to reaching your goal!

One last reminder concerns students’ dress for outside. Please remember that students are outside in the Pavilion in the morning unless the weather is 20 degrees or below, including the wind chill. They also go outside for recess periods. Please be sure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather.

God bless you and your family in the New Year!

Sincerely,

Sister Marcianne, S.S.N.D.

2011-12-19T16:14:00.000-06:00

Christmas

‘Twas the first day of August when all through the school
The classrooms were shiny--new desks arrived, too.
The principal and secretary were back at their tasks
Each teacher returned to prepare for her class.

Parents came too-both mom and dad,
That school was starting, they were very glad!
New teachers, new faces came that first day
Everyone ready to work and to play.

September brought its share of fun
A new book fair rated number one
For parents, a Drawdown and Cooking Show, too,
Was fun for guests and the kitchen crew!

October was quiet, testing was done,
Grandparents Day brought more great fun.
Snacks were served, Bingo was played,
Grandparents went home, but the kids all stayed.

A Veteran’s Program headlined November
So the children would learn to always remember
The sacrifices made for the freedom we share
With hope that it can be spread everywhere
Thanks were given with food and toys brought by all the girls and boys
A Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morn brought out the brave, not the forlorn!

Advent came to begin a new year
No special theme this year did appear
New wording at Mass made us all pause
‘Twas not a gift from Santa Claus!

A party for children four through eight--The Student Council could hardly wait
But joy and gladness did abound as St. Nicholas brought small gifts around.

As Advent Candles each week were lit,
Children were reminded bit by bit
Of Who it was they waited for,
Who it was brought blessings galore

They learned of Mary, the stainless one, soon to be Mother of God’s Son
Joseph, too, was talked about--a man so quiet and devout--
As parents they prepared in silence and joy for the birth of this very special boy
Who came on earth good will to bring, about Whom myriads of angels sing
In Him alone can Peace be found
By us it must be spread around

So now as Christmas time is here,
Be an Apostle of good cheer
Let others see the Christ in you ,
And be like Christ in all you do.
The love of Christ you willingly share
Will lead to Peace everywhere.
Your own heart also will forever know
The fullness of joy God came to bestow!

May the Peace and Joy of that First Christmas
be yours now and throughout the New Year!

2011-11-30T13:38:00.000-06:00

November 30, 2011

Dear Parents,

“Jolly old St. Nicholas, lean your ear this way...”

You may have expected a more religious tune as the opening of this letter, but St. Nicholas is a very important figure in this season of Advent. His story dates back to the 4th Century, to the time of his imprisonment for his Faith and his service to others as a bishop. Hence, the colors of red and white, so associated with modern Santas, come from those that a bishop wears, and the giving of gifts from the story of Nicholas’ sharing his own wealth with others. It is a tradition in many countries that children put out their shoes the night before his feast which is December 6th, and little trinkets are placed in them as a prelude to the giving of gifts at Christmas in memory of God’s gift of Jesus to us. In some cases, a piece of coal--yes, coal-- is sometimes placed in a shoe or stocking as a reminder that one has not been very good and may need to show better behavior before the feast of Christmas. As a child, I do remember seeing a piece or two in my stocking a few times as did my brother! Today, Nicholas can be a reminder to us to be a people who know why we are celebrating this Advent Season--to prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ in a deeper way into our hearts and family homes. He can also remind us of the many ways we can give of ourselves these busy days--through our helpful attitudes, our smiles, and patience in the midst of a busy world. Let yourself be a child again and live in the spirit of St. Nicholas!

St. Anne School is going to celebrate this jolly saint with a St. Nicholas Party this Saturday, December 3rd, from 9:30 to 11:30 A.M. This party is for children ages 4 to 8 years old and our Student Council will be hosting this event. There will be treats, a movie, some craft time, and everyone will have something to take home to their family. There is even a rumor that St. Nick may show up, too. The event will be supervised so you are free to leave your children and do your own thing for a few hours. However, we do ask that you be back by 11:30 A.M. to pick up your children. This Saturday is also the day of our monthly adoration, so you may want to also spend a few minutes in the Church in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and pray for all children, born and unborn, that they truly have the opportunities to enjoy the life God has given to them.

The Dixon Senior Center is also sponsoring a workshop that same morning, but they are charging--ours is totally free, so think about sending your child to join us.

As usual, there are several flyers in this envelope, so here’s the list:

1. Lunch and Helper Menus for the month of December--Please call the office if you can give some time.

2. Riley Flyer--As you may know, the Riley Family continues to cope with the illness of their older son,Mitchell. This involves many trips to Madison and other family situations. Their younger son, Brett, is one of our seventh grade students. Mrs. Betty Frantz has offered to coordinate meals for the family and the enclosed flyer gives a fuller explanation of her proposal. Please do what you can to assist.

3. 50/50 Flyer--Only 20 families have turned in their 50/50 Tickets as yet. We ask that you please make every effort to sell your tickets and send in the stubs and money as soon as possible. The totals will be published soon and it is hoped that we can give away a large sum of money. That can’t happen unless everyone turns in their stubs and money receipts. Also, tickets will be sold at the Dixon Christmas Walk. If you can assist with that, please call Missy Helfrich at 973-0321.
4. St. Andrew’s Youth Group is sponsoring an evening of fun for our Jr. High Students. A flyer/permission slip is enclosed for Jr. High Students and must be returned signed, with money, by December 7th, to assist the group with planning.

5. Scrip totals are also enclosed for all families. Remember, you are asked to meet your total by the end of March. Please consider purchasing some Scrip for your Christmas needs.

6. Market Day Flyer--Please note that the pickup date will not be Jan. 2nd, but a new date which is still being decided with the company.

PRINCIPAL’S POINTS:

On December 8th, which is a holy day of obligation, our Parish will once again host an evening of Prayer for Life. It will begin at 7:00 P.M. after the 6:00 P.M. Mass and continue until 12:00 Midnight. All families are encouraged to spend some time this evening to pray for an end to abortion and a greater respect for life.

The Box Tops Contest is set to end on December 9th, so please be sure to turn in all your Box Tops by that date and then start saving for the spring contest. Be sure your family name is on your turn in sheets and bags.

One last item involves our Lunch Program. Lately, several children have been bringing items to be heated in the microwave. As of this letter, that can no longer be done at school for the following reasons:
1. Items brought from home and kept in a lunch box, even with a cooler, can produce bacteria and even when heated, this may be a health hazard to your child.
2. Lunch is served with a minimum number of servers, and it is difficult for one of them to leave the serving line to heat an item.
3. The child has to wait a longer time until lunch is served to all the other children and then has a more limited time to eat their own lunch.

Therefore, we ask that items no longer be sent to be heated in the microwave . We are thinking of the health of your child in this matter, and also of our need to comply with regulations from the Health Department. Your cooperation and understanding in this matter is greatly appreciated.

May God bless you in the Advent Season and draw you ever closer to Himself.

Sincerely,

Sister Marcianne, S.S.N.D.

*

2011-11-10T13:46:00.000-06:00

November 9, 2011

Dear Parents,

Today, the Church celebrates the dedication of a church--the Church of St. John Lateran in Rome. There are only three such feast days in the Church Year. So why celebrate a Church Dedication? We are constantly saying the Church is really the people of God--not the buildings. In this case, the building is a rather important one--it is the Pope’s Church. Many think St. Peter’s is the main Church of the Catholic Faith, but it is the Church of St. John Lateran where many popes have been consecrated and which today stands as the spiritual home of all the people who form the Church. This particular Church is a very imposing building, with statues of Jesus Christ, John the Baptist, John the Evangelist and the twelve Doctors of the Church adorning its main facade. It has been rebuilt several times, with the current structure in place since the Seventeenth Century. It speaks of the love and dedication of many who worked to build it, many who continue to maintain it until this present day, and many who come to worship there as an expression of their Faith. It can also serve as a reminder that we are the people of God, and as such, we should be aware of how we treat one another. The love and respect that went into the building of this magnificent Church should remind us to show that same love and respect to one another for the Living God is present in each of us as it is in that Church. Let this be one of the reasons for our celebration this day.

I would like to thank all the parents who came to the Conferences last week and kept to time slots so well. It is a great help to our teachers to meet with you and learn a little more about your child, and for you to meet with the teachers to share how your child is doing in school.

I would also like to congratulate our Fourth Grade Students and their parents for all their work on the Architectural Projects. This is the first year the students have worked on a project and they all did a fabulous job.

Congratulations are also due to Ana-Kate Phillips who sold the most pies for the last Market Day Order. She will choose a $50.00 Scrip Card (with her parents) as her prize for this feat. Justin Kanzler is also congratulated for coming in second place and may come for a $25.00 Scrip Card with his parents. The Second Grade Class sold the most pies based on percentage of children and pies sold, and they will receive a pizza and ice cream party in the near future. Many thanks to all who ordered as it brought in a grand total of $1,067.14, bringing our Market Day total to $1,916.37-- over one third of the year’s goal in just three months.

This Thursday, November 10th, at 10:00 A.M., our children will be putting on a program for Veterans’ Day, followed by our annual Turkey Dinner. We have invited the veterans who come to stay for dinner with our children. Invitations were sent to the VFW, the American Legion, the Armory and in our parish bulletin so it is hoped that many will come to celebrate with us as we honor them. Parents are very welcome to come for the program also, but we are hoping a video will also be made so it can be viewed by others. We are planning to feed the veterans, but we cannot feed all parents--sorry!

Several weeks ago, each family received their set of 50/50 tickets. We thank those who have turned them in so quickly as we really want this drawing to be a great sum! If you have not yet sold your tickets, or tried to sell them, please try to do so as soon as possible. You will find a note form Mrs. Helfrich, chairperson of this event, in this Envelope. Please do not wait until the last minute to sell these tickets.

Statements are also in this week’s Envelope. We ask each family to please make every attempt to keep your payments up to date. This is a great help to our School Budget.

Other enclosures include the following:

1. Permission Slip for Grade 3 to go to the Nursing Homes for Mass with Father Mike

2. Notice about Pertussis (Whooping Cough) from the Health Dept.

3. Important News Flyer from the SCRIP Program

4. Newman Catholic High School Flyer--Newman Catholic High School is sponsoring an Open House and Breakfast on Sunday, November 20th from 7:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. A flyer is enclosed with more information. St. Anne School has been invited to have a booth at this event as a means of advertising our school also. Please come and support the cause of Catholic Education.

PRINCIPAL’S POINTS:

The Band Program will begin this Thursday at St. Anne School. If you intend to have your child participate, please make arrangements with Program Coordinator Becky Ryerson at 815-626-4278. It is hoped that parents will take advantage of this program. As promised, every effort will be made to place students for their lessons during the music or lunch periods. This is the last call for the program. If there is no response, it is possible the program will be dropped at our school for this year.

Just a reminder that Newman Catholic High School is sponsoring its annual Ladies Luncheon on Sunday, November 13th, at the Post House.

In closing, on behalf of the Dixon Food Pantry, may God reward you for the very generous donations given for our annual Food Mass. It filled the front and back seat of the Chairperson’s car plus the entire trunk. Thank you for sharing your blessings!

Have a week of many blessings!

Sincerely,

Sister Marcianne, S.S.N.D.

2011-10-07T14:49:00.000-05:00

October 5, 2011

Dear Parents,

“...America, America, God shed His grace on Thee...”

With the Institute Day for our staff on Friday, and the Columbus Day Holiday on Monday, families have the opportunity for a long weekend. And, sometimes, if the weather is cooperating, the event that gives us this long weekend often gets overlooked. The Columbus Day Holiday was set up to remind us of the discovery of this country by Christopher Columbus as he searched for a route to India. Those first explorers of this country were well intentioned, but also brought with them some problems as they explored, and sometimes exploited, the land and its people. Yet, in all these years, our country has been blessed in many ways, and this holiday, somewhat like Thanksgiving, should give us time to pause and consider our many blessings as citizens in this land. As you enjoy time with your family this weekend, perhaps it would be good to take a few moments to thank God for the blessings which the United States and all of North America enjoy, and to ask God to continue to help us be a nation that seeks the good of all its people as well as searching for ways to help all its global neighbors.

This week’s envelope has just a few items:

1. Market Day Flyer--This is the Pie Month Flyer, so an extra form is enclosed so you can take orders for the coming holidays. Please be sure to check out the letter from the Chairpersons regarding how prizes will be awarded this year.

2. Scrip Totals--The Chairpersons are trying to keep you updated on your totals so that you don’t get caught in the spring with a low total.

3. Room Parents Money and Class Lists--First parties will be coming soon! Please remember that your money amount has to last for all the activities listed on the Room Parent Responsibilities Sheet sent home earlier. Plan wisely.

4. Girl’s Soccer--Newman High School is starting a Soccer Team for girls for Spring of 2012. Notice is enclosed in 8th Grade Envelopes only.

5. Letter regarding a special program offered to 7th and 8th Grade Students-- Our Spanish Teacher, Mrs. Vock, has some special opportunities to assist students. Please return the form below so that we have an idea of interest and drivers.

6. Letter regarding the 50/50 Drawing

NOTABLE NOTES:

School Pictures will be taken next Friday, October 14th. Forms and information were sent home last week and you are asked to have those forms in the office before Picture Day. Picture Day is not a dress down day, but rather a DRESS UP DAY. Jeans are not allowed that day, and in most cases, boys can simply wear their uniform slacks and a shirt of their choice. Girls have a little more leeway in their wearing apparel. School pictures are placed on Student Folders and it is always good to have a great picture that can be used for publicity purposes also.

New families will find a copy of the Sexual Misconduct Norms of the Diocese of Rockford enclosed in this envelope. You are asked to read this booklet and to sign the VOLUNTEER FORM AT THE BACK OF THE BOOK, and return just the form to school. This is a Diocesan Requirement for all families.

Many thanks to those families who have sent in notice that they have taken the online Protecting God’s Children Course or will be taking it. Once you take the course, please send in your certificate, and I will mark you and return the certificate to you. This is also a Diocesan Requirement and we are checked as to whether all families have cooperated.

With the cooler weather coming, the time for shorts to be packed away will soon be here. Our school deadline for shorts and skorts is October 15th, and students are asked to be in slacks as of that date. Skirts and jumpers may continue to be worn by girls. Turtlenecks may also be worn from that date on until the spring as needed.

The 7th and 8th Grade Boys Basketball Team will have their first practice on October 11th at 4:30 P.M. at St. Mary’s Gym.

As mentioned earlier, there is no school at St. Anne’s on Friday, October 7th and no school on Monday, October 10th. October 7th also happens to be the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. Perhaps you and your family can find a few moments to pray a decade or two of the Rosary on this feast day as a means of thanking God for all the blessings we experience in this country.

Sincerely,

Sister Marcianne, S.S.N.D.

2011-09-29T08:50:00.002-05:00

September 28, 2011

Dear Parents,

“...St. Michael, the Archangel...”

Michael, Gabriel, Raphael--when some people hear these names, they may think of Ninja Turtles about whom a movie was made a few years ago. But long before these cartoon characters had these names, God’s great Archangels were in the business of battling the woes of the world. Michael, God’s Warrior, battles with Satan in the Book of Revelation; Gabriel, God’s Messenger, delivers the good news of the coming Messiah to prophets in the Old Testament and to Mary, Joseph and others in the New Testament; and Raphael, God’s Healer, delivers wellness to Tobias and his family in the Old Testament. Their feast day comes up this week on September 29th, and that of all the Guardian Angels is celebrated on October 2nd, though this year, it falls on a Sunday and so, will not receive the attention it should. These Spirit Guardians watch over us and continue to carry our prayers and messages to God each day. Through our prayers to these angels, the evils of our time continue to be fought and will be overcome. We have that on God’s Promise--not on some cartoon characters!

Special thanks to Sharon Phelps and her Cookout Crew and to all who sent in desserts for the Cookout. A total of $ 1,190.50 was made at this first Cookout--a great amount!

Special thanks to Sandy Halla and Dianna Brady for their work with Market Day, too. With the first two sales, a total of $849.23 has been earned thus far in profit-- a good start towards the goal of $5000.00.

The Auction Committee has also started selling 50/50 Tickets for the drawing to be held at the Auction on February 4th. If you would like some of these to start selling so that we have a great 50/50 Drawing, just call the office and we will gladly send some home to you.

As the economy changes, more people are seeking aid from the Food Pantry. On October 5th, there will be a STOCK OUR FOOD PANTRY COLLECTION by students of the public and Catholic High Schools. Items needed are listed on the enclosed flyer. Please be generous and send your items to school on or before October 5th. Items will be collected here as well as on home porches.

Another enclosure comes from U.S. Cellular. You can help our school by getting a voting code and then voting each day for our school, giving us an opportunity to win some money. If interested, please follow the instructions on the flyer. This contest closes on October 6th at midnight, so if you’re going to vote and encourage friends to vote for us, do it quickly!

School pictures are coming up and a flyer is enclosed for this event. Please be sure to turn in your form with check so that it is in school before Picture Day which is October 14th.

Lunch and Helper Menus are also enclosed. Please be sure to read the back of the Lunch Menu Flyer for some news about new menu items.

Scrip has obtained a few more local businesses for our program. Be sure to note the Scrip flyer that tells that Huffy’s and Phillips 66 are now available. Huffman’s Car Wash is also coming on board and will give 10% to our Scrip Program. Remember, the Scrip Schedule runs from April 1 to March 31 and you are required to make your goal by March 31st. Please do all you can to purchase Scrip on a regular basis.

Students are traveling and so permission slips are enclosed for the following grades:

Grade 4--Students will be going on the Architectural Tour of Dixon. They are to go directly to St. Mary School that day, but drivers will be needed to bring them back to St. Anne School after lunch.

Grade 3-- Students will be going to Outdoor Stewardship Class.

NOTABLE NOTES:

St. Andrew Parish is sponsoring a Breakfast Buffet on Sunday, October 16th from 7:00 to 11:30 A.M. A variety of breakfast items will be available for a great price.

A note is enclosed to all the families who have not attended a Protecting God’s Children Program. You are asked to take the program online and turn in your certificate. It will be returned to you when it has been recorded on my listing to show that you are in compliance with our Diocesan Policy. Instructions were sent home in last week’s envelope and it is very simple and probably takes about an hour versus the three hour presentation given at school. Thank you for attending to this matter as soon as possible.

Thirty days has September, and they are almost gone. May the coming month of October bring new joys and blessing to you and your family.

Sincerely,

Sister Marcianne, S.S.N.D.

*

2011-09-29T08:50:00.001-05:00

September 21st, 2011

Dear Parents,

‘”...Jesus said to him, ‘Follow Me’, and he got up and followed Him...” Matt. 9: 9

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Matthew, one of the twelve Apostles. It is interesting to note that besides the four fishermen-Peter, Andrew, James, and John-- Matthew is the only other apostle whose call is described in the Gospels. Jesus walks by his tax collector booth and simply commands that he follow, and the amazing thing is, Matthew leaves everything and does! He was different from the other apostles in that he worked for the Romans in a job the Jewish People hated--a tax collector. Yet, he is noted as one who wrote one of the first accounts of Jesus’ life, with emphasis on how Jesus fulfilled the many Jewish prophesies. Matthew reminds us that Jesus calls people from many different walks of life to be His followers. Jesus continues to call us today to be faithful followers, no matter what our role in life may be.

These next weeks, our youngsters are being called to be test takers. Some of the classes have started taking the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills and other classes will focus on them next week. Please be sure your child has some breakfast and gets a good night’s sleep as these help them to do well in their studies, not just during testing times, but always. We will make snacks available for the testing weeks so that those brains can stay on track. It would be good to discuss how important these tests are with your child so they try their very best. You will find a flyer with some test skills that will prove helpful not just for the ITBS Tests, but for testing all year.

Other enclosures include the following:

1. Procedures on how to access the online program of Protecting God’s Children. If you have not taken a Protecting God’s Children Course, you need to do so and can do this online. Simply follow the procedures and once you have participated in the program, send your form to the office so that it may be recorded that you took part. By the end of October, anyone who has not participated will be notified.

2. Climbing Higher Flyer--Perhaps you have need of some extra tutoring for your child. if so, this program offers great help.

3. Letter from the Riley Family--Perhaps you have heard that Mitchell Riley, brother of Brett and son of Phil and Dawn Riley, has had a relapse of his cancer. The family is asking for prayers on Mitchell's behalf and a letter with a prayer is enclosed.

4. Cookout and Market Day Reminders--This is for those who will be working these events.

5. Room Parent Obligations--A Room Parent is still needed for Grade 8. Many thanks to all who have stepped up to assist in the classes. Hopefully, the list of responsibilities will help you.

6. Ice Hog Ticket--These come to our school free and you can use them as you wish.

NOTABLE NOTES:

Our cookout is this coming Friday and Saturday and the committee would like some desserts to put out with the various food items. If you can do a little baking, just bring your items to Dixon Food Center on Friday Morning.

The local High Schools of Dixon and Sterling--Catholic and Public--are again collecting food to stock up the food pantries of these cities. The pickup will take place on October 5th. Items needed include peanut butter, canned fruits and veggies, macaroni and cheese, noodles, etc. Please do all you can to support this project.

St. Andrew School is selling Nexus Calendars. If interested in purchasing one at $25.00 per calendar, call their school office at 815-625-1456.

Parents are reminded to encourage their Jr. High Youngsters to attend the bonfire and fun evening on September 25th from 6 to 8:30 P.M. This is for all our 6th, 7th and 8th graders and is just the beginning of some great activities for our youth.

Pleaser remember that our Magazine Drive ends today, but we will accept orders until Friday of this week. I also encourage you to send in the post card booklets and/or to order online if you choose to do so. Thank you also for supporting our Book Fair. I hope you found books that will be a means of strengthening your child’s reading skills as well as stretching their imagination.

Many thanks to all who came to our Home and School Meeting last week. It was good to see so many families there, and to hear about the success of our early fundraisers.

Many of you have been asking about our Grandparents Day Celebration this year. It will be October 28th and more information will come home closer to that day.

The coming of autumn brings a new kind of beauty to our world. May you enjoy God’s artistic handiwork!

Sincerely,

Sister Marcianne, S.S.N.D.

*

2011-09-15T16:44:00.001-05:00

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.

*

2011-09-15T16:42:00.000-05:00

September 7, 2011

Dear Parents,

...And Mary kept all these things in her heart...Luke 2:51

This month of September has three feasts of our Blessed Mother--her birthday on Sept. 8th, her name day on Sept. 12th, and the feast of her sorrows on Sept. 15th. Very little is known about Mary’s birth, but the feast is placed nine months after the feast of the Immaculate Conception. The same goes for her name day. Many families choose names for their children for various reasons, and St. Anne and St. Joachim probably had a special reason for naming their child, too. As one thinks about the life of the Holy Family and the many activities Mary and Joseph did with the young Jesus, one has to wonder about the thoughts that filled Mary’s heart as she watched her young son grow. She surely prayed daily that He would be all that God wanted Him to be. You who are mothers must also keep many things in your own heart as you watch your children grow. On these coming feast days, ask out Blessed Mother to guide you as you strive to help your children be all that God wants them to be.

It is hard to believe that we are into our third week of school, and that our first major fundraiser is this Saturday Night. Once again, all families are reminded of their responsibility to sell the Drawdown Tickets and get the stubs and money turned in as soon as possible. This fundraiser raises $15,000.00 towards the $75,000.00 that is the Home and School’s commitment to the budget, and it is important that it be a great success. With everyone’s cooperation, it will be, so please do your part by selling those tickets and getting the returns in by Thursday, if possible.

Next week the 15th of the month arrives, so tuition payments are due. Your statement is enclosed and all families are asked to be on time with payments. This is another great help to the budget, especially these first months when so many bills associated with the opening of school are due.

As you know, our school uses the Teacher Ease Program as another means of communicating with parents and students regarding grades and other issues. All parents are asked to send in their e-mail address so that contact can be made with you by teachers and this office as needed. If your e-mail address has changed or you have not yet submitted your e-mail address to the office, please be sure to send it in as soon as possible. It will be entered into our system and then you will receive a message with directions on what to do to access your child’s information.

Our Market Day Program has a goal of $5,000.00 this year and so you will find the next Market Day Flyer, the schedule for the year, and other helpful information in this envelope. If you have not tried any Market Day products, this may be a good time to begin. The money earned in this program also goes towards the $75,000.00 that the Home and School must earn to assist with the school budget.

Our Magazine Drive begins today and you will find a packet in your Brown Envelope. There is information on how to order online and how to send back the packets with names of people who do not live close that could be contacted via mail. Every child who turns in one of these packets gets an opportunity to try for a gift card, so I hope you will encourage your child to fill out these booklets and return them to school. It would be great to reach our goal of $5,000.00 this year. Remember, magazines make great gifts and encourage reading at every level. If your children see you reading, they will develop that love for reading, too.

NOTABLE NOTES:

The cold weather brings a reminder to get your sweatshirt order in as soon as possible. We would like to place an order very soon.

You are also reminded to send in Milk Money for your child. All milk money should be paid as soon as possible.

Our Home and School Meeting is scheduled for September 13th at 6:00 P.M. This meeting is for parents only and after the meeting, you will have the opportunity to visit your child’s classroom and see how things are going. Hopefully, a report on the Drawdown’s success will also be available at that meeting. Our Book Fair will also be open the night of the meeting, so you may want to browse and find some good reading for yourself or your youngsters.

Project Discovery begins this week, and every child has been placed in a class for each quarter. Some classes had to be rearranged and every effort was made to place students in a class they chose and hopefully would enjoy. Changes are not always possible, so please give the class a chance before deciding this is not a good class for your child.

Be sure to mark your calendar for next week’s Cooking Show on Friday evening. Father Leo has a good message for all families and the food will be fantastic! Some helpers are needed and if you can give a hand, please contact Jill Hill.

Birthdays are always fun to celebrate, so with your family, celebrate Mary’s Birthday in some way. Our Lady will certainly enjoy your efforts to wish her a Happy Birthday, and she will hold you and your family in her heart!

Sincerely,

Sister Marcianne, S.S.N.D

*

2011-08-30T16:28:00.000-05:00

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.

*

2011-08-30T16:26:00.000-05:00

August 24, 2011

Dear Parents,

...Let the children come to me and do not prevent them...” Luke 18:16

With these words, Jesus welcomed the children and blessed them, even though He was tired and His Apostles tried their best to keep them away so that Jesus could rest. But Jesus always had time for the children, whether they were sick or healthy. He enjoyed visiting with them because of their innocence and trusting spirit. As parents and educators, we, too, need to take time with our children to help them maintain their innocence and to help them develop a trusting and faith-filled attitude as they grow. To assist you in this task, you will find a flyer that gives several suggestions on how you as a parent can give your time and attention to your child to assist with their academic learning and in these letters home, suggestions will come that will assist you in their spiritual upbringing. We thank you for entrusting your child to St. Anne Catholic School and for your willingness to work with us on this most important task. With the help of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will do our best to teach as Jesus did.

Each week to help us with this goal, this Brown Envelope will come home with information on events, fundraising and other important items. You, as parents, are asked to read this information, fill out whatever is necessary, sign and date this Brown Envelope and return it to school by Friday of each week. You can return tuition money in it, lunch money, notes, etc. and that way everything comes back to school in one convenient way. The main letter is also posted on my blog at our school web site. The oldest child in each family is given the task of bringing this Envelope home and returning it to school. This builds a sense of responsibility in your child and it is hoped they take this task seriously. This first envelope contains much information so HAPPY READING!:

1. The Mass Schedule--The schedule for the whole year is enclosed. The children--and God, too, I think-- enjoy having their parents at the school Masses. It is hoped you can join us.

2. Lunch Information--The August and September Menus are enclosed along with other information about our Lunch Program. A few helpers are still needed during these first months of school, so if you can give an hour or two, please call the office.

3. School Handbook--Each family is asked to once again go over the items in the Handbook with your children and to sign the form enclosed and return it to school by September 2nd. Every family is responsible for having an awareness of this school information.

4. Playground Duty List--Playground Duty is one responsibility that is shared by each family. You will find a listing for the entire year and you are asked to highlight the days your family is responsible for playground duty. You are asked to be at school by 11:15 A.M. and to remain until play time is over at 12:15 P.M. If you cannot fulfill your duty, a $25.00 fee must be sent to the office to pay for a substitute for you.

5. Project Discovery--The information for this year’s Project Discovery classes is enclosed. You will also find an envelope for the $10.00 Fee that is asked of each child. This fee helps to pay for items for the program. A letter is attached explaining the purpose and goals of this program. The program will start on the Wednesday after Labor Day and it is hoped that all forms will be returned as soon as possible so that children can be assigned to classes.

6. Revised School Calendar--There were some changes in the school calendar sent out last June so a revised copy is attached. Your copy of the official calendar is also enclosed. Please support our sponsors and do use the Subway Coupon that is in the calendar.

7. Max Dollars for Education Flyer--If you are a County Market Shopper, you can help our school by registering your County Market Max Card. This must be done each year and our school does receive a check for funds earned. The program runs from August to December and you can have your friends and relatives also sign up as long as you give them our school number which is 778. Please note that this is over and above what is earned through the Scrip Program.
8. Scrip Order Form--This form will be enclosed on a weekly basis to assist you in ordering Scrip to meet your goal. In a forthcoming Envelope, you will receive a posting on how far you are as of this time. Please remember that the Scrip Program runs from April 1st to March 30th for the current School Year. Half of any amount over the goal for which you signed is then earned towards the next year’s tuition.

9. Milk Fees and Payment Envelope--Milk fees for the year are listed for Kindergarten, Grades 1-8, and for Preschool. An envelope is attached for your convenience and you are asked to pay by the year or half semester.

10. Magazine Drive Flyer-- Our Magazine Drive will begin early in September this year so that holiday orders can be sent out in time. The flyer is just a reminder and more information will be coming soon.

NOTABLE NOTES:

Please remember that our Drawdown is on September 10th this year. Each family received their three $ 100.00 tickets last May and you are asked to turn in your ticket stubs and money as soon as possible. The Drawdown is early to beat all the football games and give a great head start on fulfilling the fundraising goal of the Home and School Association.

Our first school Book Fair of this year will be coming up also in early September. A great selection of new books will be available for our young readers!

Vision and Hearing Screening will be done on August 29th at our school. Please try to be sure your child is in school that day.

Be sure to check out our school website--www.stanneschooldixon.org--for other information about our school. Help us spread the good news about St. Anne School by sharing this website with your friends and neighbors.

As we begin this year, we thank our summer maintenance crew for the great job of polishing up our school and to our Home and School Association for the new desks which were purchased for our Kindergarten, First and Second Grade. Everything looks great and we all look forward to a wonderful year!

May God continue to bless us all as we work, play, and pray together for the good of our children.

Sincerely,

Sister Marcianne, S.S.N.D.

*

2011-08-16T13:01:00.001-05:00

August 1, 2011

Dear Parents,

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good…” Psalm 118

Anytime is a good time to give thanks to the Lord, and the start of a new school year is such a time. As the year begins, we welcome new staff and new families to our school and ask God’s blessing as we work together for the benefit of these children God has placed in our care.

We welcome to our staff Mrs. Audra Bates, who will be teaching English and Literature to our Jr. High Students. We also welcome Mrs. Zully Vock, who will be teaching Spanish to all grades, and Mrs. Angie Crowson, who will be teaching art to all grades. We are pleased to have all of these new staff members as well as our returning staff. We look forward to a great new year!

The year will begin on August 24^th with dismissal at 11:00 A.M., with all students in uniform beginning on that first day of school. We are praying for a cool down in the weather department by then!

Our school day begins at 7:50 A.M. with the first bell. Students are expected to meet at the Pavilion and to walk into school to their classrooms. Prayer begins our day at 7:55 A.M. and ends our day at 3:00 P.M. An Aftercare Program is available and runs from 3:00 to 5:30 P.M. daily except on days when there is early dismissal or emergency dismissal. The fee for Aftercare is $6.00 per day per child and includes a snack and a drink as well as supervision by certified personnel. The Aftercare Program will begin on August 25^tth, the first full day of school.

Here are some other important dates to assist you in preparing for this New Year:

August 10--Registration and Fee Payment--8: 00 A.M--12: 00 P.M., 1:00--6:00 P.M.

August 11--Registration and Fee Payment--8: 00 A.M.--12:30 P.M.

August 24--First Day of School--Dismissal at 11:00 A.M.

August 25--26--Full days of school--Dismissal at 3:00 P.M.

Registration for Preschool will take place on these same days.

If you are unable to come to register on the above days, please call the office @815-288-5619 to arrange for another time. Please do not come before August 10^th, as forms will not be available.

When registering your children on August 10^th and 11^th, please be prepared to do the following:

1. Sign the Emergency Form

2. Sign the Textbook Loan and Asbestos Forms

3. Pay Book Fees and one month Tuition Fee

4. Purchase Assignment Tablets--Grades 2 through 8 @$4.50 each

5. Sign for various school volunteer events--library helpers, lunch helpers, room parents, etc.

6. Bring in the necessary physical forms required for your child—eye, dental, etc.

7. Bring in Baptismal and Birth Certificates if registering for the first time

There will be a Uniform Exchange this year. ONLY THE SCHOOL UNIFORMS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR EXCHANGE. Please do not bring any other items of apparel. Clean uniforms may be dropped off at school anytime after Thursday, August 4^th, with your name on an envelope attached to each item and a suggested price. If your clothing is sold, the money will be sent home to you in the first Brown Envelope. Clothing not sold will be returned to families. New uniforms must be purchased through Educational Outfitters at 16310 S. Lincoln Highway in Plainfield, or through their website, www.educationaloutfitters.com. The school code for St. Anne School is IL 0792. The phone number is 815-436-7777. Please do not use any other store, as they do not carry our required clothing.

This year, our school is having a PRACTICE CRISIS DRILL ON AUGUST 22^ND WITH ALL STAFF AND TEACHERS. We ask that families do not come to school that day to make payments or to conduct any other business. Your cooperation is appreciated.

In giving thanks to the Lord, we also want to give thanks to our maintenance staff that worked so hard this summer to shine up our building. We are grateful to Mr. Kent, and to Todd Nelson and Alex Strum who assisted him this summer. The building looks great and will soon be ready to welcome your children.

Let us together continue to ask God’s blessing on this New Year as we work to educate our children in their Faith and in the many academic areas needed to live in our global society. May these August days continue to be full of good times for you and your family. See you soon!

Sincerely,

Sister Marcianne, S.S.N.D.

August 1, 2011

Dear Parents,

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good…” Psalm 118

The year will begin on August 24^th with dismissal at 11:00 A.M., with all students in uniform beginning on that first day of school. We are praying for a cool down in the weather department by then!

Here are some other important dates to assist you in preparing for this New Year:

August 10--Registration and Fee Payment--8: 00 A.M--12: 00 P.M., 1:00--6:00 P.M.

August 11--Registration and Fee Payment--8: 00 A.M.--12:30 P.M.

August 24--First Day of School--Dismissal at 11:00 A.M.

August 25--26--Full days of school--Dismissal at 3:00 P.M.

Registration for Preschool will take place on these same days.

If you are unable to come to register on the above days, please call the office @815-288-5619 to arrange for another time. Please do not come before August 10^th, as forms will not be available.

When registering your children on August 10^th and 11^th, please be prepared to do the following:

8. Sign the Emergency Form

9. Sign the Textbook Loan and Asbestos Forms

10. Pay Book Fees and one month Tuition Fee

11. Purchase Assignment Tablets--Grades 2 through 8 @$4.50 each

12. Sign for various school volunteer events--library helpers, lunch helpers, room parents, etc.

13. Bring in the necessary physical forms required for your child—eye, dental, etc.

14. Bring in Baptismal and Birth Certificates if registering for the first time

Sincerely,

Sister Marcianne, S.S.N.D.