​Dear St. Francis School Families,                                                        

4YK Class Prayer
 
Dear Jesus, we pray for our 4YK students this week. We pray that they continue to bless others with their smiles, helpfulness, and kindness. Help them continue to learn and grow.  Thank you for friends, family, outside time, toys, and fun times. Thank you for other people. Help them care for other people on a daily basis. We also pray that they have a safe and enjoyable summer.  In Jesus Name we Pray, Amen
 
Please join us in prayer for our 4YK Class
 
We all need to seek God in prayer with our joys, worries, and thankful moments.  Thank you for being a prayer partner for our school.   This week we will be lifting up our 4YK Class in prayer ~Samantha Augustine, Adeline Dopp, Sawyer Francis, Ryland Hines, Theodore LaFave, Lillian Martin, Cooper Moldenhauer, Ella Murphy, Ellyse Nelson, Trystan O’Neil, Walter Rewolinski, Kate Rohl, Lyla Soley, and Griffin Thompson.
 
Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.   Jeremiah 29:12
 
PRAYER PARTNERS:  Next week, we will join together in prayer for all our St. Francis Students and Families Congratulations to our fifth grade students who will be crossing over to the middle school next year. We ask God’s blessings for you, and want you to know that you will be missed!
 
WALK FOR VIRTUES UPDATE:  Congratulations on the Walk for Virtues!  We held our all-school assembly this morning to hand out the feet and recognize top achievements. Our new total is $10,459!  Thanks, everyone, for your great support.  This is a great fundraiser to get involved in as 100% of the funds raised stay at our school, and are used for annual technology costs.

Our top student for donations is Austin Peterson, grade 5, at $670.00!!  He is followed closely by Walker Loberg, Kindergarten, at $650.00.  Awesome job!!!

The fifth grade met my challenge of raising at least $100 per student and walked to Dairy Queen on May 8th for a treat on me.  I am very grateful for their leadership.
 
The energy put forth by the students in walking is simply amazing!  Many students were recognized today for tying the school mileage record for their grade, or being among the miles recognized for their grade.  Students - you are the best!
 
SPRING PROGRAM AND ART SHOW:  Thanks to all who were able to attend our Spring Concert & Art Show!  It was a wonderful presentation by Mrs. Penton and our students.  Thanks to all who brought food for the reception, and to the many people who helped with clean-up afterwards!  Special thanks to our Home & School Officers and their husbands for serving the beverages, and taking care of the food!
 
LAST DAY EARLY RELEASE FORM FOR GRADES K-5:   In today’s envelope is a form to let us know how your student(s) will be going home the last day of school.  We need all families to complete the form and return by Wednesday, May 30. 
 
SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST:  Our student supply list for next year is included in your weekly envelope
 
2018-2019 SCHOOL CALENDAR:  The 2018-2019 school calendar is included in today’s packet for your reference. 
 
Please note:  The Back-to-School Night is scheduled for Tuesday, August 21 from 4 - 7 p.m.  School Pictures will be taken on this evening.  Classes begin Tuesday, August 28.
 
2018-2019 EVENTS CALENDAR:  The 2018-2019 events calendar is included in today’s packet for your reference.
 
FOOD SERVICE ACCOUNTS:  Please check your family’s food service account to make sure you have enough funds in it to finish the year.  Quite a few bills went out in today’s newsletter.  Report cards will not be issued to anyone with a negative balance. If your family will have children at St. Francis next year, any positive balance will be carried over for next year, otherwise a check will be mailed to you. Please call if you have questions (715 -273-4391), or need help accessing your account balance.  Thanks.
 
CONGRATULATIONS - PIERCE PEPIN POSTER CONTEST WINNERS: We have two winners in the Pierce Pepin Poster Contest!
             Jianna Jean - Third prize for the 4th-5th grade level - $15 cash prize
            Gretchen Hallock - Third prize for the 2nd-3rd grade level - $15 cash prize
           
GR. K & 1 - CARPENTER NATURE CENTER – MAY 25:  Kindergarten and First Grade students will take their field trip to the Carpenter Nature Center Friday, May 25.  Students will leave at 12:30 and return by 2:45.  Parent chaperones are asked to please come to the office to check-in by 12:20.
 
MEMORIAL DAY - MAY 28 - NO SCHOOL:  Students do not have classes Monday, May 28, due to our observance of Memorial Day.
 
GR. 5 – MASS OF COMPLETION AND TREE PLANTING – MAY 30:  Our fifth grade Mass of Completion will be at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 30.  After Mass, our fifth grade students will be planting a tree in memory of their class.
Following the Tree Planting, we will have a light brunch reception for the fifth grade class with their parents.
 
ORDER FORM FOR LAST DAY PICNIC LUNCH: All food orders from the Youth Group must be turned in, with payment, no later than Wednesday, May 23.  Make checks payable to St. Francis Youth Group.
 
GRADES K-5 - LAST DAY OF CLASSES/MASS/AWARDS CEREMONY - JUNE 1:  Our last day of classes for kindergarten through fifth grade students will be Friday, June 1.  This day will include our all-school Awards Assembly in our church immediately following the 8:30 a.m. Mass.  Our fifth grade class will take on their parents in the annual softball game, and we will have our usual picnic lunch (bring your own or order in advance from the St. Francis Youth Group).  Students will be dismissed at 12:30.
 
We will use the following schedule:
 
              8:05                Classes begin, as usual.
              8:30                Mass, and Awards Ceremony
            10:00                Recess (approximate time, 15 minutes of recess will follow the awards ceremony.)
              10:15                Return to classrooms for cleaning, final projects.
         11:00                Annual softball game.  Fifth grade students versus their parents.
            11:45                Picnic lunch
            12:25                Return to classrooms for report cards & summer farewells
            12:30                Dismissal for those students going home with parents
              1:00                Dismissal for those students riding a bus.
 
Please note: in the event of significant rain, announcement would be made in church at the end of the Awards Ceremony regarding adjustments in the schedule for the remainder of the day.  Most likely we would omit the softball game, and move the picnic lunch to 11:00 in the lunch room.  Students would then be dismissed at 11:30, with those riding buses being dismissed at 1:00.  This adjustment would be made so that the food ordered from the Youth Group would not be wasted.
 
Cheese Curd Festival Voluntary Fundraiser: The Ellsworth Chamber is recruiting volunteers to help with this year's Cheese Curd Festival. They will donate $10/hour back to us for each hour volunteers work on behalf of our organization. Plus, we also earn a share of their profit from the sales of deep fried cheese curds at the event! Last year over $4000 was donated to local non-profits. Please consider working a shift or two on behalf of St. Francis. Signup at: http://signup.com/go/xbKmEjX
 
ST. FRANCIS FAIR STAND:  We would like to give you the opportunity to work at the St. Francis Fair Stand.  A list of all the days and times are included in the weekly envelope today.  Look the list over and sign your name on the day and time you would like to work at the fair stand.  Please return the sheet in your envelope by Wednesday, May 30.  We think you will have fun and you will get to meet some wonderful parishioners.  Fair Committee
 
WORLD YOUTH DAY:  Sign up now for World Youth Day – Ellsworth, Friday July 20/21st!    Join friends 4th to 12th gr. at St. Francis for less than 24 hours of outdoor water fights/games, mission work, Family Feud, James Bond, bonfire, camping and outdoor movie, lighted pilgrimage/adoration, right here in Ellsworth! You’ll find the permission slip and flyer enclosed or visit the parish website at https://www.stfrancisellsworth.com/  Friends DO NOT need to be St. Francis parish members to attend – ALL ARE WELCOME!
Contact Cheryl Kaufer goshawk@bevcomm.net for questions or if you would like to volunteer your help!!!  WE NEED YOU!
 
ST. FRANCIS VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (VBS):  VBS will be held from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm, Monday through Friday, July 16 - 20, 2018 for children who will be completing 4YK through 4th Grades. The cost is $35 per child with a $55 family maximum which includes a VBS T-shirt for each child registered.  Each day will include crafts, games, snacks, music and Bible centers as well as large assemblies and skits.
5th grade Volunteers Needed: Youth who have completed 5th grade and up, and adults, are encouraged to sign up to volunteer for various jobs for VBS.  All volunteers will receive a free VBS T-shirt. Sign up sheets can be found on the back of the VBS Registration Forms.  
Reminder: A convenient way to Register is by sending your registration, payment and/or volunteer form back to the school office before the school year is finished.  Forms can also be found on the St. Francis Website, at each entrance to the church and on the wall near the Rel. Ed. Office in the Parish Hall.  Any questions contact Joan Foley, 715-338-1199 or Colleen Belland, 715-273-4279.
 
TASTE OF TUSCANY – JUNE 1::  The Ellsworth Community School District Foundation will be holding their annual Taste of Tuscany Fundraiser on Friday, June 1 starting with a 4:30PM social half hour followed by a buffet from 5:00-8:00PM at Vino in the Valley.  The Foundation has been very gracious in awarding grants to our students and staff at St. Francis (3rd Grade was awarded $500.00 for the science of hatching eggs, 4th Grade was awarded $1000.00 for educational robots that teach programing, Kindergarten was awarded $315 for STEM engineering kits and Technology was awarded $1000.00 for a projector and robots). As you can see from what they have awarded us over the last couple of years, attending this fundraiser would be great way for us as parents and parishioners to show the Foundation how much we appreciate their support.  Tickets are $35.00 a piece and include a buffet dinner that is amazing, music, wine tasting, school art exhibit, a silent auction, hay rides and an amazing atmosphere.  Tickets may be ordered by sending your payment to the school office.  Checks can be made payable to the Ellsworth Community School District Foundation. 
 
 
DATES TO REMEMBER:
May 21 - 5th Grade visit to EMS
May 22 - Staff Appreciation Brunch
May 23 - Self-Control Virtue Awards following Mass
May 24 - Ambulance Visit (Grade 3)
May 25 - Carpenter Nature Center (Grades K and 1)
May 25 - 2018 Senior Walk at 8:30 – Congratulations 2018 Senior Graduates!
May 28 - Memorial Day (No School)
May 30 - 5th Grade Mass of Completion and Tree Planting
May 31 - Last Day of School for 4YK ONLY
June 1 - Last Day of School K - 5 (Half Day)
 
If you have any questions please call or e-mail me: 715-273-4391 or cbuckel@stfrancisellsworth.org
God’s Grace be With You
Chuck Buckel
Principal

Dear St. Francis School Families,                                                                                 

Kindergarten Class Prayer
 
Dear Lord, thank you for watching over our kindergarten class.  We pray that our families, friends, and teachers  continue to guide us as we grow and learn. We also want to ask God to support us in learning self-control as  we work on using kind words and kind voices with each other. We also want to thank you, God, for the gift of friendship. Throughout this school year we have been growing and learning about what it means to be brothers and sisters in Christ.  We are thankful for the time spent together as we grow in our faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
 
Please join us in prayer for our Kindergarten Class
 
We all need to seek God in prayer with our joys, worries, and thankful moments.  Thank you for being a prayer partner for our school.   This week we will be lifting up our Kindergarten Grade Class in prayer ~ Levi Acker, Arie Christensen, June Feuerhelm, Tate Francis, Ben Johnson, Walker Loberg, Markus Lorentz, Anna Puhrmann, Aaron Riester, Lane Rohl, Zachary Shafer, and Grace Turvaville.
 
Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.   Jeremiah 29:12
 
PRAYER PARTNERS:  Next week, we will join together in prayer for our St. Francis 4YK Class.
 
WALK FOR VIRTUES UPDATE:  We have a few more students who need to turn in their Walk for Virtues money, then we will have our all-school assembly to distribute the feet and announce top mile and top dollar students!
Our total, as of last Wednesday, is $10,449!!
 
HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE SIGN-UPS:  Enclosed you will find a sign-up sheet for next year’s committees. We ask each family to sign up and actively participate in at least one Home & School Committee. Please return forms by Wednesday, May 16. Thank you!
 
2017-2018 YEARBOOK ORDERS:  Orders are being taken for this year’s yearbooks.  As in the past, the yearbook will be delivered next September, allowing us to include photos through the last day of school!  The price for the all-color, 28 page, soft-cover yearbook is $20.00.  You can order your yearbook online at YBPay.lifetouch.com with the Yearbook ID Code: 1934618. You may also send your payment to school.  Please make checks payable to St. Francis School.  You may write one check for all of your children.  Please place your order by Friday, May 18. Included in your weekly envelope today is a list of families that have already ordered a 2017-2018 yearbook.  (This list also includes Program DVD orders.)
 
PICNIC LUNCH - MAY 15:  Mrs. Brooks and Mrs. Place have planned a picnic lunch for us on Tuesday, May 15.  Students are encouraged to bring a beach towel to sit on as we plan to eat outside! (weather permitting)
 
GRADES 4YK - 5 - ELLSWORTH PUBLIC LIBRARY FIELD TRIP - MAY 17:        4YK through grade 5 students will have the opportunity to take a field trip to the Ellsworth Public Library Thursday, May 17 to learn about summer reading programs. 
 
GR. 5 CLASS TRIP TO VALLEY FAIR - MAY 18:  5th grade students will take their class trip to Valley Fair on Fri., May 18. 
 
STAFF APPRECIATION BRUNCH:  Our Home & School Association will sponsor a light brunch for the staff of our school Tuesday, May 22.  There are some ways parents could help with this!  Please see the enclosed request for help from
Katie Feuerhelm, Vice-President.  Thank you!
 
GR. K & 1 - CARPENTER NATURE CENTER – MAY 25:  Kindergarten and First Grade students will take their field trip to the Carpenter Nature Center Friday, May 25.  Students will leave at 12:30 and return by 2:45.  Parent chaperones are asked to please come to the office to check-in by 12:20.
 
Kindergarten                                                                       Grade 1
Katie Acker                                                                           Megan Hines
Evie Christensen                                                                 Adriana Holst
Gabe or Katie Feuerhelm                                                  Angie McHardy
Amy Loberg                                                                          Andy Murphy
Amanda Lorentz                                                                  Tom O’Neil
Scott Riester                                                                         Caitlin Turner (with Sophia)
Shari Turvaville                                                                    Thia Rewolinski
Jenny Tweet
 
MEMORIAL DAY - MAY 28 - NO SCHOOL:  Students do not have classes Monday, May 28, due to our observance of Memorial Day.
 
GR. 5 – MASS OF COMPLETION AND TREE PLANTING – MAY 30:  Our fifth grade Mass of Completion will be at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 30.  After Mass, our fifth grade students will be planting a tree in memory of their class
Following the Tree Planting, we will have a light brunch reception for the fifth grade class with their parents.
 
ORDER FORM FOR LAST DAY PICNIC LUNCH:  An order form were sent home last week for those families who
would like to order food for the last day of school, June 1, rather than bringing their own picnic lunch.  Please include payment with your order form and return no later than Wed., May 23.  Make checks payable to St. Francis Youth Group.
 
GRADES K-5 - LAST DAY OF CLASSES/MASS/AWARDS CEREMONY - JUNE 1:  Our last day of classes for
kindergarten through fifth grade students will be Friday, June 1.  This day will include our all-school Awards Assembly in our church immediately following the 8:30 a.m. Mass.  Our fifth grade class will take on their parents in the annual softball game, and we will have our usual picnic lunch (bring your own or order in advance from the St. Francis Youth Group).  Students will be dismissed at 12:30.
 
We will use the following schedule:
 
              8:05                      Classes begin, as usual.
                  8:30                      Mass, and Awards Ceremony
                10:00                      Recess (approximate time, 15 minutes of recess will follow the awards ceremony.)
                10:15                      Return to classrooms for cleaning, final projects.
                11:00                      Annual softball game.  Fifth grade students versus their parents.
                11:45                      Picnic lunch
                12:25                      Return to classrooms for report cards & summer farewells
                12:30                      Dismissal for those students going home with parents
                  1:00                      Dismissal for those students riding a bus.
 
WORLD YOUTH DAY:  Sign up now for World Youth Day – Ellsworth, Friday July 20/21st!    Join friends 4th to 12th gr. at St. Francis for less than 24 hours of outdoor water fights/games, mission work, Family Feud, James Bond, bonfire, camping and outdoor movie, lighted pilgrimage/adoration, right here in Ellsworth! You’ll find the permission slip and flyer enclosed or visit the parish website at https://www.stfrancisellsworth.com/  Friends DO NOT need to be St. Francis parish members to attend – ALL ARE WELCOME!
Contact Cheryl Kaufer goshawk@bevcomm.net for questions or if you would like to volunteer your help!!!  WE NEED YOU!
 
ST. FRANCIS VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (VBS):  VBS will be held from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm, Monday through Friday, July 16 - 20, 2018.  VBS is for children who will be completing 4YK through 4th Grades. The cost is $35 per child with a $55 family maximum.  Each child will receive a VBS T-shirt.  Each day will include crafts, games, snacks, music and Bible centers as well as large assemblies and skits. Registration forms were sent home last week.
5th grade Volunteers Needed: Youth who have completed 5th grade and up, and adults, are encouraged to sign up to volunteer for various jobs for VBS.  All volunteers will receive a free VBS T-shirt. Sign up sheets can be found on the back of the VBS Registration Forms.  Registration, Payment and/or Volunteer forms can be returned to the school office until the school year is finished.  Forms can also  be found on the St. Francis Website, at each entrance to the church and on the wall near the Rel. Ed. Office in the Parish Hall.  Any questions contact Joan Foley, 715-338-1199 or Colleen Belland, 715-273-4279.
 
TASTE OF TUSCANY – JUNE 1::  The Ellsworth Community School District Foundation will be holding their annual Taste of Tuscany Fundraiser on Friday, June 1 starting with a 4:30PM social half hour followed by a buffet from 5:00-8:00PM at Vino in the Valley.  The Foundation has been very gracious in awarding grants to our students and staff at St. Francis (3rd Grade was awarded $500.00 for the science of hatching eggs, 4th Grade was awarded $1000.00 for educational robots that teach programing, Kindergarten was awarded $315 for STEM engineering kits and Technology was awarded $1000.00 for a projector and robots). As you can see from what they have awarded us over the last couple of years, attending this fundraiser would be great way for us as parents and parishioners to show the Foundation how much we appreciate their support.  Tickets are $35.00 a piece and include a buffet dinner that is amazing, music, wine tasting, school art exhibit, a silent auction, hay rides and an amazing atmosphere.  Tickets may be ordered by sending your payment to the school office.  Checks can be made payable to the Ellsworth Community School District Foundation. 
 
DATES TO REMEMBER:
May 15 - Picnic Lunch!  (Remember to bring a beach towel)
May 16 – All School Picture (Remember to wear school colors!)
May 16 - Home and School committee sign-ups due
May 17 - Library Visit (Grades 4YK - 5)
May 18 - Valleyfair Trip (Grade 5)
May 18 - Yearbook Order due
May 22 - Staff Appreciation Brunch
May 23 - Self-Control Virtue Awards following Mass
May 24 - Ambulance Visit (Grade 3)
May 25 - Carpenter Nature Center (Grades K and 1)
May 28 - Memorial Day (No School)
May 30 - 5th Grade Mass of Completion and Tree Planting
May 31 - Last Day of School for 4YK ONLY
June 1 - Last Day of School K - 5 (Half Day)
 
If you have any questions please call or e-mail me: 715-273-4391 or cbuckel@stfrancisellsworth.org
God’s Grace be With You
Chuck Buckel
Principal

Dear St. Francis School Families,                                                                                  May 7, 2018
 
 
1st Grade Class Prayer
 
Dear God,
Thank you for Miss Miller as our teacher and our classmates as our friends.
Please help us remember to take Jesus to recess with us. In Jesus Name we pray,
Amen
 
 
Please join us in prayer for our 1st Grade Class
 
We all need to seek God in prayer with our joys, worries, and thankful moments.  Thank you for being a prayer partner for our school.   This week we will be lifting up our 1st Grade Class in prayer ~ Taelyn Hines, Ellie Holst, Oskar LaFave, Bentley McHardy, Charlie McMahon, Carter Moldenhauer, Eian Murphy, Brielle O’Neil, Sophia Oricchio, Emmie Pechacek, Gretta Rewolinski, and Vander Truttman. 
 
Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.   Jeremiah 29:12
 
PRAYER PARTNERS:  Next week, we will join together in prayer for our St. Francis Kindergarten Class.
 
WALK FOR VIRTUES:  My thanks to each person who helped to make our Walk for Virtues a great day for our school!  The children put forth amazing effort as they worked to achieve their goal, encouraged along the way by our fantastic and creative group of teachers!  Our weather was perfect, and the group of parent volunteers was wonderful as ever!  Thank you!
 
            All pledge money was due today.  Early tallies indicate we will raise $10,062.00 through this fundraiser!! The following are the class averages.  After all pledges have been collected, we will hold our all-school assembly to announce our top mile winners and top pledge winners.  The feet will be distributed on that same day!
 
                                    Grade 5:           $200.08 average per student      (Way to go, student leaders!!)



 
                                    Kindergarten:    $147.16 average per student                                 
                                    Grade 2:           $141.18 average per student
                                    Grade 3:           $  96.33 average per student
                                    Grade 1:           $  87.83 average per student                             
                                    Grade 4:           $  83.92 average per student
                                    Grade 4YK:       $  67.14 average per student
       
 
Does your company have a matching funds program?  These are some area companies that have matched funds in the past!  Check with your HR department. 
 
3M, AIG, Ecolab, General Mills, Johnson Controls, Marathon Oil, Medtronics, MN Mutual Life, NSP, Pillsbury, Ralston Purina, Red Wing Shoe, Securian, St. Paul Companies, St. Paul Travelers, Thomson West, UPS, Wells Fargo, Xcel

 
 
 
HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE SIGN-UPS:  Enclosed you will find a sign-up sheet for next year’s committees. We ask each family to sign up and actively participate in at least one Home & School Committee. Please return forms by Wednesday, May 16. Thank you!
 
 
 
2017-2018 YEARBOOK ORDERS:  Orders are being taken for this year’s yearbooks.  As in the past, the yearbook
will be delivered next September, allowing us to include photos through the last day of school!  The price for the all-color,
28 page, soft-cover yearbook is $20.00.  You can order your yearbook online at YBPay.lifetouch.com with the
Yearbook ID Code: 1934618. You may also send your payment to school.  Please make checks payable to St. Francis
School.  You may write one check for all of your children.  Please place your order by Friday, May 18.
 
4YK - CARPENTER NATURE CENTER - MAY 8:  Our 4YK students will take their field trip to Carpenter Nature
Center on Tuesday, May 8.  Students will depart at 8:15 and return at 10:15.  Parent chaperones are asked to please come to the office to check-in by 8:05.
 
4YK
Maria Dopp
Ron Francis
Mike Gaustad & Patti Gaustad (with Ellyse)
Elise Gregory
Megan Hines
Lisa Murphy
Thia Rewolinski
Brittany Thompson
 
MASS SCHEDULE CHANGE:  We will have school Mass on Thursday, May 10 instead of Wednesday, May 9.  We will be having an all-school program practice on Wednesday morning.
 
SPRING PROGRAM/ART SHOW - MAY 10:  We will present our Spring Concert & Art Show Thursday, May 10 at 6 p.m. in
the parish hall.  Our 4YK students will present their songs at the beginning of the program, and will then be invited to join their
parents in the audience for the remainder of the concert. 
            Each family is asked to bring some type of food (cookies, bars, cheese & crackers, veggies & dip, etc.) for the reception that will follow.  Weather permitting, we will hold the reception outside!
            We will have a K-5 dress rehearsal Wednesday, May 9 at 1:30 p.m.  This is open to anyone who would like to attend. 
 
CHRISTMAS/SPRING PROGRAMS AVAILABLE ON DVD:  Our Spring Program will be recorded and placed on a DVD along with our Christmas Program from last December.  If you’d like to purchase a copy of the DVD ($25 each) and haven’t already, please complete the order form that was sent out last week, along with payment by Wednesday, May 9.  DVDs will be sent home prior to the end of the school year. 
 
LIBRARY BOOKS – DUE MAY 11:  All library books will need to be returned by Friday, May 11 so the books can be inventoried before the end of the school year.  Thank you!
 
PICNIC LUNCH - MAY 15:  Mrs. Brooks and Mrs. Place have planned a picnic lunch for us on Tuesday, May 15. 
Students are encouraged to bring a beach towel to sit on as we plan to eat outside! (weather permitting)
 
GRADES 4YK - 5 - ELLSWORTH PUBLIC LIBRARY FIELD TRIP - MAY 17:        4YK through grade 5 students will have
the opportunity to take a field trip to the Ellsworth Public Library Thursday, May 17 to learn about summer reading programs. 
 
 
GR. 5 CLASS TRIP TO VALLEY FAIR - MAY 18:  Fifth grade students will take their class trip to Valley Fair on Friday,
May 18. 
 
GR. K & 1 - CARPENTER NATURE CENTER – MAY 25:  Kindergarten and First Grade students will take their field trip to the Carpenter Nature Center Friday, May 25.  Students will leave at 12:30 and return by 2:45.  Parent chaperones are asked to please come to the office to check-in by 12:20.
s do not have classes Monday, May 28, due to our observance of
Memorial Day.
 
GR. 5 – MASS OF COMPLETION AND TREE PLANTING – MAY 30:  Our fifth grade Mass of Completion will be at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 30.  After Mass, our fifth grade students will be planting a tree in memory of their class
Following the Tree Planting, we will have a light brunch reception for the fifth grade class with their parents.
 
ORDER FORM FOR LAST DAY PICNIC LUNCH:  An order form is included in today’s packet for those families who would like to order food for the last day of school, June 1, rather than bringing their own picnic lunch.  Please include payment with your order form and return no later than Wed., May 23.  Make checks payable to St. Francis Youth Group.
 
GRADES K-5 - LAST DAY OF CLASSES/MASS/AWARDS CEREMONY - JUNE 1:  Our last day of classes for kindergarten through fifth grade students will be Friday, June 1.  This day will include our all-school Awards Assembly in our church immediately following the 8:30 a.m. Mass.  Our fifth grade class will take on their parents in the annual softball game, and we will have our usual picnic lunch (bring your own or order in advance from the St. Francis Youth Group).  Students will be dismissed at 12:30.
 
We will use the following schedule:
 
8:05   Classes begin, as usual.
8:30 Mass, and Awards Ceremony
10:00  Recess (approximate time, 15 minutes of recess will follow the awards ceremony.)
10:15  Return to classrooms for cleaning, final projects.
11:00  Annual softball game.  Fifth grade students versus their parents.
11:45  Picnic lunch
12:25   Return to classrooms for report cards & summer farewells
 12:30   Dismissal for those students going home with parents
1:00  Dismissal for those students riding a bus.
 
ST. FRANCIS VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (VBS):  VBS will be held from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm, Monday through Friday, July 16 - 20, 2018.  VBS is for children who will be completing 4YK through 4th Grades. The cost is $35 per child with a $55 family maximum.  Each child will receive a VBS T-shirt.  Each day will include crafts, games, snacks, music and Bible centers as well as large assemblies and skits. Registration forms are being sent home this week.

5th grade Volunteers Needed: Youth who have completed 5th grade and up, and adults, are encouraged to sign up to volunteer for various jobs for VBS.  All volunteers will receive a free VBS T-shirt. Sign up sheets can be found on the back of the VBS Registration Forms.  Registration, Payment and/or Volunteer forms can be returned to the school office until the school year is finished.  Forms can also  be found on the St. Francis Website, at each entrance to the church and on the wall near the Rel. Ed. Office in the Parish Hall.  Any questions contact Joan Foley, 715-338-1199 or Colleen Belland, 715-273-4279.
 
BAND SIGN-UP:  The 6th Grade Band Sign-up Night will be Monday, May 7 from 3:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. in the middle school band room.  This is for our current 5th graders and incoming sixth graders.  There will be two music companies there for instrument rental.
 
ELLSWORTH IN-TOWN BASEBASE/SOFTBALL:  Coming in June is our Ellsworth In-Town Baseball/Softball Program. Our May 15th registration deadline is approaching fast so please sign your child up ASAP. For more information, please visit https://www.ellsworthpanthers.com/prepbaseball.
 
TASTE OF TUSCANY – JUNE 1::  The Ellsworth Community School District Foundation will be holding their annual Taste of Tuscany Fundraiser on Friday, June 1 starting with a 4:30PM social half hour followed by a buffet from 5:00-8:00PM at Vino in the Valley.  The Foundation has been very gracious in awarding grants to our students and staff at St. Francis (3rd Grade was awarded $500.00 for the science of hatching eggs, 4th Grade was awarded $1000.00 for educational robots that teach programing, Kindergarten was awarded $315 for STEM engineering kits and Technology was awarded $1000.00 for a projector and robots). As you can see from what they have awarded us over the last couple of years, attending this fundraiser would be great way for us as parents and parishioners to show the Foundation how much we appreciate their support.  Tickets are $35.00 a piece and include a buffet dinner that is amazing, music, wine tasting, school art exhibit, a silent auction, hay rides and an amazing atmosphere.  Tickets may be ordered by sending your payment to the school office.  Checks can be made payable to the Ellsworth Community School District Foundation. 
 
DATES TO REMEMBER:
May 7 – Walk for Virtues Pledge Money due
May 7 - Gala Meeting from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
May 8 - Carpenter Nature Center (4YK)
May 9 - Dress Rehearsal for our Spring Program (1:30 p.m.)
May 9 - DVD Orders due
May 10 - School Mass (instead of Wednesday, May 9)
May 10 - Spring Program (6:00 p.m.)
May 11 - Library Books due
May 15 - Picnic Lunch!  (Remember to bring a beach towel)
May 17 - Library Visit (Grades 4YK - 5)
May 18 - Valleyfair Trip (Grade 5)
May 18 - Yearbook Order due
May 23 - Self-Control Virtue Awards following Mass
May 24 - Ambulance Visit (Grade 3)
May 25 - Carpenter Nature Center (Grades K and 1)
May 28 - Memorial Day (No School)
May 30 - 5th Grade Mass of Completion and Tree Planting
May 31 - Last Day of School for 4YK ONLY
June 1 - Last Day of School K - 5 (Half Day)
 
If you have any questions please call or e-mail me: 715-273-4391 or cbuckel@stfrancisellsworth.org
God’s Grace be With You
Chuck Buckel
Principal