Newsletter - October 17, 2016

Dear St. Francis School Families,

“We are all
Pencils in the
Hand of God.”
                       - Mother Theresa

PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOKS: The 2016-17 Parent/Student handbook was sent to parents in last week’s envelope.  If you have not signed and returned the compliance form on the last page, please do so and return it to the school by Friday, October 21st. 

JMC INFORMATION: JMC information was sent in a previous newsletter.  There will be a test call and text on Friday, October 21.  

HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION: The minutes from the last Home and School Association can be read through on the school website by clicking here. They are also included in your weekly envelope if you signed up to receive a paper copy of the newsletter.
 
WATKINS: Watkins pick up will be on Saturday October 22 from 8 -10 a.m. in the parish hall.  The Parish Hall will also be open for 15 minutes following each Mass that weekend.  Thank you for all of your support with this fundraiser!  If anyone would be willing to help pack on Friday October 21, I would greatly appreciate it!!  I only have a few that have committed to help, and I need at least 6 to make this happen. Thank you for considering volunteering a few hours of your time.  If you can help, could you please contact Tina Hallock. 
                        
ALL-SCHOOL ASSEMBLY - OCT. 27: The Windy City Players will perform at St. Francis on Thursday, October 27th.

PICTURE RE-TAKES - OCT. 28: Our picture re-take day is scheduled for Fri., Oct. 28.  

SPECIAL HALLOWEEN BREAKFAST - OCT. 31: We have a tradition of celebrating Halloween with a special breakfast for students, complete with pumpkins carved by our fifth grade class.  More information will be sent as the date nears!

HALLOWEEN CANDY COLLECTION: Our school is excited to participate in Allina Health’s Halloween Candy Collection, an event that promotes healthy living, including candy in moderation, exercise and proper dental care.  On Tuesday and Wednesday, November 1 and 2, we will have a collection box at our school to collect candy donations (store-bought and individually-wrapped) from our students. The collected candy will be donated to a program that sends gift boxes to troops overseas. For each pound of candy collected, Allina Health will donate $1 to local food shelves, up to a total of $1,000. 
 
If our school collects the most candy (a “pounds per student” comparison based on the number of students at each school) of the participating schools in our area, we will win $250 to be used towards equipment to help improve the health of our school along with other health and wellness prizes from Allina Health.  We hope you will use this as an opportunity to talk with your children about the importance of eating candy in moderation, and to help them get excited about donating their surplus candy in a way that will benefit others. Thank you in advance for encouraging your children to participate in this program. 

WINE & WISHES:  Run for the Roses with Wine & Wishes!! Enclosed in this week’s envelope is a personal invitation for our event!!  Please share and invite your family & friends.  RSVP to reserve your spot today!  Space is limited, so please RSVP early!

Join us at our adult community event that includes wine & beer tasting, hors d'oevres, beverages, entertainment and live and silent auction items.  Visit our website for more details click here. 

We are still in need of volunteers, please give generously, and thank you!!  New volunteer opportunities added each week!  Click here to sign up.  Thank you!!!!!!!

NO SCHOOL:  There will be no school on Tuesday, November 1st in honor of All Saints Day.

END OF FIRST QUARTER: The first quarter ends on Thursday, November 3rd.  There is no school on Friday, November 4th.

STANDARDIZED TESTING: Second through fifth grades will participate in the diocesan standardized testing program beginning on October 31st and continuing through November 18th.  Teachers will let you know when their class is scheduled to take the test.

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES – NOV 10 & 17:  Parent-teacher conferences are required at the end of first quarter for all students grades 4YK through grade 5.  You will have your choice of two dates:  Thursday November 10 or Thursday November 17 and will be scheduled for a 15 minute conference with your child’s teacher between the hours of 3:00 and 7:00 p.m.  We will be using Volunteer Spot to sign up for conferences.  Look for the link soon to sign up.

ELLSWORTH GIFT BOX PROGRAM: The Ellsworth Gift Box program is currently looking for sponsors for families in the Ellsworth School District area.  Any families looking for assistance with holiday needs should apply at the latest, by November 14th.  Forms can be returned to any Ellsworth Community School district building office, attn: Ellsworth Gift Box Program.  Anyone interested in getting information can get it from the Ellsworth School District website, at the Ellsworth Public Library or the St. Francis website.

Have an awesome week!  Please call or e-mail if you have questions: 715-273-4391

Mary Gardas                        Jim Streifel
Head Teacher                      Administrator