Fourth Grade Class Prayer
Dear Lord, please watch over farmers as they bring in the harvest, athletes as they compete with determination and sportsmanship, animals to be protected throughout winter, teachers and everyone in schools to stay healthy, people with sickness or injury to heal, hunters to stay safe, newlyweds to have a happy life together, government workers serving their people and problem-solving with other countries of our world, everyone who has died so that their souls will make it to Heaven. Please hear these prayers and give strength and comfort to all people. In your Name, Jesus, Amen.

PRAYER PARTNERS:  Please join us as we lift up Mrs. Huebel and our Fourth Grade students in prayer during the month of November. Levi Acker, June Feuerhelm, Ben Johnson, Walker Loberg, Markus Lorentz, Anna Puhrmann, Aaron Riester, Lane Rohl, and Grace Turvaville

During the month of December, we will focus on Advent and the Christmas season.  

All Saints Day -Monday, Nov 1, 2021-NO SCHOOL

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. 
For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; and His faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 100:4-5

In honor of All Souls Day, November 2nd, you are invited to join in our Annual Prayerful Remembrance. If you wish to participate, please write the names of your departed relatives and friends on the enclosed form and return it.  These names will be placed in a basket on a table near the St. Francis statue. We will also have the Parish Book of the Dead displayed near the St. Francis statue. You can return the form to school or place it in the basket which will be set up near the St. Francis statue.  During the month of November, we will pray as a community during Mass for our loved ones who have gone before us.  We hope that you will all join us in this wonderful St. Francis tradition.

November 3, 2021: Fr. Olson’s monthly “Growing In Faith” session will be held on Wed. Nov. 3 from 6:00-7:00 in the church. There is also BreakOut for Grades 1-5: This year our St. Francis High School Youth Ministry Team, under the direction of our Director of Youth Ministry - Cheryl Kaufer, is planning a large group Youth Ministry event called BreakOut for Grades 1-5. All St. Francis Children in Grades 1 - 5 are invited (including those who attend SF School and those who attend SF Religious Ed.).  This BreakOut session is planned for November 3 from 5:45 to 7:00 pm in the Parish Hall. This is during the same time as Father Olson’s monthly ”Growing in Faith”  session, for adults, in the church.  
BreakOut includes Praise and Worship Music (learning and singing the songs), a presentation about the lives of some saints, short faith testimonies by High School Team Members, learning about the Life Of Jesus Craft Project and how to use it to become an evangelist for Jesus and a game.  Please bring your grade school child for BreakOut, while you attend Father Olson’s Growing in Faith Session in the Church.  There is also preschool childcare available in the Parish Hall Meeting Room during this time. See you on Wed, Nov. 3!

FOLLOWING IN JESUS’ FOOTSTEPS
We will celebrate our virtue awards during Mass each month. Please help us continue to celebrate our virtue award winners at home and in your prayers.  

VIRTUE AWARDS FOR BEING DILIGENT:                                                                      
Diligent – I start fast, work hard, and finish strong.

Rylan Morud, Natalie Matzek, Theo LaFave, Markus Lorentz, Brielle O’Neil

VIRTUE AWARDS FOR BEING GENTLE:.
Gentle – I speak quietly and touch softly
 
Breelyn Krause, Grace Baker, Adeline Dopp, Aaron Riester, Oskar LaFave
 
 
4YK - CAUGHT SHOWING CHARACTER:
Diligent - Axel Bergman
Gentle - James Anderson
 
3YK - VIRTUE AWARDS:
Diligent- Teagan Harter and Kaden Koch
Gentle - Ila Hoyer and Kayden Hager 
 
TUITION ASSISTANCE: Tuition Assistance will be applied to the accounts of our families who have requested assistance and have paid at least half of their tuition. Please contact Mrs. Cormican by Wednesday, November 3rd if you are in need of assistance for the 2021-2022 school year.
 
PENNY WAR: Thank you to everyone who participated in the Penny War.  We will hold a Penny War once/year the second week in October. Start saving those coins again.
 
HALLOWEEN BAKE SALE - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27:  Everyone remember we have our first bake sale on Wednesday, Oct. 27 at 2:30pm in the Parish Hall.  Please send money in an envelope, for your children to purchase some sweet treats.  Each “goodie” will be 50 cents.  All Proceeds will go toward the 5th grade’s end of the year graduation event. Thank you for helping make this a successful event! Mrs. Swanson and the 5th grade class thank you! 
 
PANTHER PRIDE - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28:  Wear purple for Panther Pride to support the football team moving on to round 2 in the playoffs.
 
HALLOWEEN PARTY/SPECIAL HARVEST BREAKFAST - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29:  Please remember costumes must be St. Francis School appropriate. No blood/guts/gore.  No weapons/props of any kind. Costume parade around the parking lot at 9:00 AM. We will also have a special Harvest Breakfast for students on Friday, October 29, complete with pumpkins carved by our fifth grade class.  Please see the enclosed flyer for more information.

END OF FIRST QUARTER:  The first quarter ends on Friday, October 29.  Thank you for all of your support during this first quarter. Overall it has been a good start to the school year. 

TRUNK OR TREAT - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31:  Come visit Mrs. McHardy and Mrs. Plahn during “Trunk or Treat” as they hand out candy. If you would like to donate some candy, please drop off at school. More information about “Trunk or Treat” is below under Church/Community News. 

ALL SAINTS DAY – MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1 (NO SCHOOL):  There will be no school on Monday, November 1 in honor of All Saints Day.

SCHOOL COLORS DAYS - NOVEMBER 5 AND DECEMBER 3:  Students are encouraged to dress in school colors, blue and white, November 5 and December 3.  Show your school pride!

VISION SCREENING - TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9:  Vision Screening for 4YK - 2nd grade will be on Tuesday, November 9.
THANKSGIVING VACATION - NOVEMBER 24 - 26:  There will be no school on Wednesday, November 24 through Friday, November 26 for Thanksgiving Vacation.  Classes will resume again on Monday, November 29. 

NO SCHOOL - WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8: Students will not have classes on Wednesday, December 8 as we observe the Holy Day, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9:  Grades 3YK and K-5 will present our annual Christmas Program on Thursday, December 9 at 6:00 p.m. in the church.  We will have a reception in the parish hall immediately following the program.  Each family is asked to bring some type of food (cookies, bars, cheese & crackers, etc.) for this reception. A dress rehearsal for K-5 will be held Wednesday, December 7 at 1:30 p.m.  This is open to anyone who would like to attend.

4YK  WINTER PROGRAM - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16:  The 4YK Winter Program will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 16 in the Parish Hall. 

CHRISTMAS VACATION:  Christmas vacation will start on Thursday, December 23.  Classes will resume on Monday, January 3.

HOLIDAY FOOD AND FUNDS DRIVE:  Our 5th Grade Class at St. Francis is sponsoring their annual Holiday Food and Funds Drive to benefit the Ellsworth Food Pantry.  In October alone, our local pantry served 394 of our friends and neighbors.  Please give what you can to help everyone in our community have enough to eat during this Holiday Season. Please see the enclosed flyer for all the information!
Thanks so much for your help!   Mrs. Swanson and the 5th Grade Class
 
SACRAMENTS: 2nd grade students will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion this school year. There will not be a Parent Reconciliation Meeting but parents will be receiving a parent guide for Reconciliation. First Reconciliation will be held on March 31, 2022. There will be a First Communion Family Meeting on April 20, 2022. First Communion will be on Sunday, May 1, 2022. 

WEATHER-DRESS CODE: With the cooler temperatures please be sure students are dressing accordingly. Morning recesses are still chilly so jackets, hats, and mittens should be worn. Tennis/closed toe and closed heel shoes need to be worn outside for recess and PE and no more sandals/crocs as they are hazardous when running on the blacktop. 

WEATHER RELATED SCHOOL CLOSINGS:  You will be notified by the St. Francis JMC system about school closings.  Also, the Ellsworth district will continue to publicize any school closing or delayed starts on these radio/television stations, as well as the district website www.ellsworth.k12.wi.us

KCUE   1250 AM - Red Wing, KSTP, Channel 5 - Mpls./St. Paul, WCCO  Channel 4 - Mpls/St. Paul, KARE Channel 11 - Mpls./St. Paul, KMSP   Channel 9 - Mpls./St. Paul

In the event of a two hour delay, St. Francis 3YK and 4YK  students will not have classes. Eagles Nest Before School Care will open at 9:00am in the event of school being two hours late.

EARLY CHILDHOOD SCREENING: The Ellsworth Community School District will hold a child development screening (children entering 4YK Fall of 2022) day on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at the Ellsworth Elementary School.  This is a wonderful opportunity for you to learn about your child’s development in speech/language, gross motor, fine motor and play skills.  During the screening your child will participate in a playgroup where social, communication, motor and early learning skills will be observed.  In addition, your child’s vision and hearing will be screened. Appointments are required.  For an appointment, please call Tina Hallock at 715-273-3912. The district will also have child development screenings on Wednesday, January 12 and Wednesday, April 6.

HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION NEWS

HOME AND SCHOOL MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021  at 7pm: This meeting will be in person at school. Efforts for the meeting to also be virtual are being made along with possibly having child care. More information will be coming closer to Nov. 18.

‘TRAVEL THE WORLD’ CARNIVAL UPDATE: Hello families!  The Grand Raffle Tickets and Traditional Raffle tickets will be going home soon. Please keep your eyes open for them!   The envelope will have a value of $225 so PLEASE look for it and keep the envelope in a safe place.  Every family will be asked to sell at least 2 Grand Raffles and 5 packs of Traditional Raffle Tickets.   Thank you from the Carnival Committee.

MORE CARNIVAL UPDATES: Please be sure to save the date of Sunday, February 6, 2022 for the Carnival. This is at the end of Catholic Schools Week so it will be a fantastic way to end the celebration. The Carnival is in need of additional committee members and volunteers. Help is needed for calling sponsors, and the decorating committee. This is a fantastic opportunity and follows along with the survey questions of: St. Francis School has many different ways for me to be involved; Parents can volunteer in many ways in the school; The school helps families get to know other families within the St. Francis Community. Please let the school office know you are interested in helping with the Carnival. 

CHURCH/COMMUNITY NEWS
 
ST. FRANCIS TRUNK OR TREAT: Please join us for “Trunk or Treat” on Sunday, October 31st from 4:00-7:00 pm in St. Francis School Parking Lot.  Please bring your kids to trick or treat while youth and adults dress up and hand out candy!!! Please bring a canned item and/or money for the Pierce County Pantry Food Shelf.  All are welcome!!!
 
ST. FRANCIS PARISH MITTEN CAMPAIGN: St. Francis Parish Mitten Campaign will begin the week of October 16-November 28. This year along with mittens, the collection will include gloves, mittens, scarves, and hats. The donated items will be delivered to the Pierce County Food Shelf to assist our neighbors in the Pierce County Community. A Collection Box marked for your items will be placed at the back of the church or you can bring them to the school office. God Bless you for your generosity.
 
DATES TO REMEMBER: 
Oct. 27 - Gentle and Diligent Virtue Awards following Mass  
Oct. 27 - 5th Grade Bake Sale
Oct. 28 - Wear Panther Purple
Oct. 29 - Harvest Breakfast/Halloween Parade around the parking lot-9:00 AM
Oct. 29 - End of 1st Quarter  
Oct. 31 - Trunk or Treat 4:00-7:00 PM
Nov. 1 - All Saints Day - No School 
Nov. 2 - Beginning of 2nd Quarter 
Nov. 3 - Growing In Faith with Fr. Olson: If God is Good and Great, Why Is There Suffering? 6:00 PM in the church
Nov. 5 - School Color Day
Nov. 9 - Vision Screening For 4YK - 2nd Grade
Nov. 17 - Attentive Virtue Awards following Mass
Nov. 18 - Home and School Meeting 7:00 PM
Nov. 24-26 - Thanksgiving Vacation
Nov. 25 - Happy Thanksgiving!
Dec. 3 - School Color Day
Dec. 7 - Dress Rehearsal for Christmas Program at 1:30PM
Dec. 8 - No School - Holy Day of Obligation
Dec. 9 - Christmas Program at 6:00PM
Dec. 15 - Food Drive Donations Due
Dec. 16 - 4YK Winter Program in the Parish Hall
Dec. 23 - Jan. 1 - Christmas Vacation
Dec. 25 - Merry Christmas!
Jan. 3 - Classes Resume
Jan. 30 - Catholic Schools Week Mass
Jan. 30 - Feb. 6 - Catholic Schools Week
Feb. 6 - Carnival
Feb. 23 - Fifth grade Growing in Love for all fifth grade students and parents 6:00-8:00 PM
March 31 - 2nd grade First Reconciliation
April 20 - First Communion Family Meeting
May 1 - 10:30 2nd grade First Communion

May God Bless Our St. Francis Families!! Please call or email if you have questions: 715-273-4391 or
Mary Cormican - Principal principal@stfrancisellsworth.org

PRAYER PARTNERS:  Please join us as we lift up Mrs. Swanson and our Fifth Grade students Taelyn Hines, Oskar LaFave, Bentley McHardy, Charlie McMahon, Carter Moldenhauer, Eian Murphy, Brielle O’Neil, Sophia Oricchio, Emmie Pechacek, Gretta Rewolinski, and Vander Truttman  in prayer during the month of October.

Don’t worry about anything: instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Philippians 4:6

During the month of November, we will be lifting up Mrs. Huebel and our Fourth Grade students in prayer.

WHAT'S NEW: 
 *Eagles Nest Before and After School care will return to the Parish Hall starting Monday, October 4, 2021. Please use the Parish Hall doors. 

*As always, if you need to contact us please do not hesitate to call the office (715) 273-4391.  

ST. FRANCIS SCHOOL VIRTUES PROGRAM:  St. Francis School has had a strong tradition of promoting  virtues. Virtues are defined as ‘behavior showing high moral standards’. The virtues/character traits St. Francis School has historically embraced are: Obedience, Gentleness, Attentiveness, Honesty, Helpfulness, Patience, Kindness, Forgiveness, Diligence, and Self-Control. We will continue to teach and follow these same traits. 

Here is a little catechism lesson pertaining to virtues. In Roman Catholic ethics, seven virtues apply to human beings’ actions and their relationship with God. These seven virtues affect human beings in the material and the spiritual aspects of life. All of us can acquire the four cardinal virtues: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. The three theological virtues include faith, hope, and charity. God grants the theological virtues, which lead to Him. Without God’s grace, we cannot attain faith, hope, or love.

How is all of this applicable? Updates to the 2021-2022 Student-Parent Handbook explained that virtues help us habitually do what is good.   Students at St. Francis are asked to demonstrate the following personal development standards and their relational virtues everyday:

 STANDARD  VIRTUES
-Respects Authority -Attentive, Obedient
-Respects Other Students -Gentle, Honest, Helpful, Patient, Kind, Forgiving
-Respects the Learning Atmosphere -Attentive, Honest, Self-Control, Perseverance, Kind
-Respects Property -Gentle, Attentive, Honest, Patient, Self-Control
-Displays Verbal Self-Control -Patient, Attentive, Diligent, Self-Control, Honest
-Displays Physical Self-Control -Gentle, Self-Control, Patient, Kind, Honest
-Accepts Responsibility for Own Actions -Self-Control, Obedient, Forgiving, Perseverance
-Obeys Rules Outside of the Classroom -Honest, Content, Obedient, Kind, Self-Control
-Listens Attentively -Attentive, Diligent, Content, Honest, Perseverance
-Follows Directions -Patient, Attentive, Obedient, Diligent, Self-Control
-Completes Assigned Work on Time -Obedient, Attentive, Diligent, Content, Perseverance
-Works Well Independently -Self-Control, Attentive, Obedient, Patient, Diligent
-Strives for Quality Work -Perseverance, Attentive, Self-Control, Diligent

Starting in October we will focus on one or two specific virtues/traits school wide. When a student is observed to be using behavior exemplifying any of the above virtues/character traits, they will be recognized with either a footprint or butterfly on the wall in the parish hall. These symbols will recognize high moral behavior pertaining to any one of the virtues/traits at any time the behavior is observed and it will not necessarily be the virtue or trait of focus for that month. 

Certificates will be presented monthly at school Mass for grades K-5. If your K-5 student will be receiving a certificate at Mass, parents will be notified prior to the date of the Mass so you have the opportunity to attend and celebrate with your student if you are able. 3YK and 4YK students will be presented with their certificates in school.

EHS HOMECOMING - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1:  Remember to Dress In Purple and White. See additional information regarding the parade within this newsletter. 

 SCHOOL PICTURES:  School pictures have arrived and are in today’s envelope. If you would like a retake, please return the full picture envelope to the school office no later than Thursday, October 7. Picture retakes will be taken first thing in the morning of Tuesday, October 19.  

TUITION STATEMENTS (K - 5th):  Please remember to view your statement at any time in JMC.  https://stfrancis.onlinejmc.com If you have any questions, please contact the office. 

REMINDERS:  
Any time your child’s after school destination is someplace other than their usual destination, he/she needs a dated, written note signed by parent/guardian or you can send an email to the school indicating the change. We understand things may change at the last minute but please try to have changes to the office no later than 2:00 PM the day of the change.

On the rare occasion that you need to park your car during morning drop-off, please park in the center of the parking lot and not within the drop-off line of traffic.  Also, please remind your student(s) to walk in front of your car once they are dropped off. 

Breakfast is served from 7:45- 8:00 AM. We will never deny a student breakfast but if a student arrives at breakfast right at 8:00 he/she will be asked to bring their breakfast to their classroom. Instructional time begins at 8:05. No students will be allowed to remain in the cafeteria so they do not miss any instruction. 

CELEBRATION OF THE FEAST OF ST. FRANCIS/PET BLESSING/SCHOOL COLORS DAY - MONDAY, OCTOBER 4: The feast day of our school and Parish Patron Saint, St. Francis of Assisi, is Monday October 4.  This day is always a great celebration for our entire parish!  Please read the Pet Blessing directions   enclosed in today’s envelope and discuss with your child what your Pet Blessing Plan is. We can’t wait to see all of you (and your pets) on Oct. 4.

FOURTH GRADE STUDENTS WILL RECEIVE THEIR BIBLES – WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 29, 2021.  The Knights of Columbus will be presenting our fourth grade class with their Bibles on Wednesday, Sept. 29 during Mass. Parents if you are unable to attend, Mass will be live streamed.

4YK ONLY (NO SCHOOL) - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6: Our 4YK students will not have class on Wednesday, October 6.  This includes all 4YK students in the district. 

GR. 5 FIELD TRIP TO NILSSEN’S GROCERY STORE - Thursday, OCTOBER 7: 
On Thursday October 7th, our 5th grade class will once again visit Nilssen’s as part of their unit on local poverty.  Each student will create a menu for a week and try to “purchase” all those foods for under $25.00, and proving how hard it is for many in our community to make ends meet. This is the beginning of our upcoming Holiday Food Drive for the Ellsworth Food Pantry. Look for more info on the Holiday Food Drive coming in November! The permission slip for this field trip is in today’s white envelope. We will need a couple of chaperones for this field trip. All chaperones must have completed Safe Environment and pass a background check through the Diocese of LaCrosse.  Please reach out to Mrs. Cormican for information on Safe Environment. Permission slips are included in today’s envelope. Please return the signed permission slip no later than Friday, October 1, 2021.

PENNY WAR: week of Oct. 11-15
We will be hosting a Penny War between the classes the week of Oct. 11-15 to raise money for the Ellsworth Public Library. The basic premise of a penny war is that students bring spare change to school for a set period of time, in this case it is for one week, and the class that nets the most money is rewarded. 
Each penny is worth one point and counts ‘positively’ toward the class's point total; each silver coin or paper bill gets points based on its value (a nickel is worth 5 points, a dime is worth 10, etc.) but counts ‘negatively’ toward the total. So in a competition between classrooms, students who want their class to win will place all pennies into their own bucket and place silver coins and paper bills in other classroom buckets. 

GRADES 4th and 5th to the MN Zoo-Friday, Oct. 15
On Friday, Oct 15th, our 4th and 5th graders will be traveling to the MN Zoo for a field trip about the varying earth environments.  Field trip permission slips are in today’s white envelope. We will need a number of chaperones. To volunteer, please contact the school office, or your child’s classroom teacher. All chaperones must have completed Safe Environment and pass a background check through the Diocese of LaCrosse.

SCHOOL PICTURES RETAKE DAY - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19: If you are not pleased with your child’s photographs, you may return the entire package for a re-take.  Picture retake day will be Tuesday, October 19.  The class composite will be sent after retakes are completed. . If you wish to have your child’s photo retaken, please return the complete original package to the office by Thursday, Oct. 7.

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES – Tuesday, Oct. 19 and Thursday, Oct. 21 Parent-teacher conferences are required in the first quarter for all students grades 3YK through grade 5.  This year conferences are scheduled for two evenings, Tuesday, Oct. 19 and Thursday, Oct. 21 from 4:00-7:00 PM.  All conferences will be held by a scheduled appointment lasting 15 minutes in length. Conference Sign Up Link will be coming soon from your child’s teacher or JMC. Conferences will be held in person. Please express your  preference for either Tuesday or Thursday to your child’s teacher. Families with multiple children will have conferences scheduled as close as possible. 

5th GRADE BAKE SALES RETURN - Oct. 27
We are excited to once again be able to have 5th grade bake sales!  The proceeds from these sales help fund the 5th grade class’s end of year graduation event (TBD). On the 27th, each 5th grade student will bring 24 home baked items to sell to their classmates in grades K-4 and wraparound care.  Each item is priced at $ .50.  Please send some money for your child to spend at our bake sale that day.  Your child’s classroom teacher will have further directions about bringing money for this sale.  Thank you for your support of the 5th grade class!

SPECIAL HARVEST BREAKFAST and Halloween Celebrations: Friday, OCTOBER 29:  We will have a special Harvest Breakfast for students on Friday October 29, complete with pumpkins carved by our fifth grade class.
Students will be allowed to dress for Halloween at school. Please no witches or devils but skeletons and other mildly scary things are OK. Students are encouraged to dress up as their favorite Saint but also favorite Avenger characters or other costumes are fine. NO PROPS of any kind including swords, wands,etc. 

END OF FIRST QUARTER:  The first quarter ends on Friday, October 29.

2021-2022 STUDENT DIRECTORY:  This year’s directory of our school families is included in today’s packet.  If I’ve made an error for your family, please let me know.  Also, if your address, telephone, or e-mail changes during the year, please send a note of the change to my office and update your info in your JMC account.  Thanks for your help!

     
 HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION NEWS

Our 2021-2022 Home and School Officers
Emily Rohl- President
Elise Gregory- Vice President 
Emily Loberg - Secretary
Ashley Nelson - Treasurer I
Tom Wisniowski - Treasurer II

Thank you to all the parents who attended the first Home and School meeting of the 2021-2022 school year.  What a great turnout! The minutes will be available on the school website. Our next meeting will be held Nov. 18th at 7:00 PM in person with a possible virtual option as well. Contact me via email or by phone and texts are fine! wilkense@yahoo.com (715) 529-1955.
 
We would like to invite all families to participate in the Homecoming Parade. Ride on a float or walk along and hand out balloons or treats! Meet at the bus garage Friday, Oct. 1 at 4:30. Then of course, go to the game and cheer on our Panthers!
 
On Saturday, Oct. 9th, at 10:00 AM, we will be having a get-together at Happy Earth  Apple Orchard. Pick apples, eat donuts and hang out. Thank you to the Wisniowski family for hosting this! We hope to see you and your kids there! Happy Fall.
 
CARNIVAL NEWS: Hello families!!  We are excited to bring you Carnival 2022 back in person this year.  It will be held on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022.  We will continue to sell the raffle tickets (Traditional and Grand) so look for those to come home in November.  More Carnival information will be coming in the near future.

COMMUNITY EVENTS
Homecoming Parade Oct. 1, 2021
The parade will leave from the west side of the high school, head to Piety St., go past Ellsworth Elementary and end at the Middle School. 

Ellsworth Baseball and Softball Association (EBSA)
Save the Date: Saturday, October 9, 2021 from 9:00 AM to noon. The EBSA will have a third party conducting  skills assessments at the Browns Field Complex in Hager City, WI for the 2022 Spring Travel Softball Season. The season does not officially start until April/May of 2022 with games in May/June/July but plans are to conduct registration this fall to determine teams before winter which allows for off season training and plenty of time to organize coaches, plan tournaments, order uniforms, and do team fundraisers, etc. 
To sign-up for the assessment, visit https://forms.gle/dPk1VkZbjWEwX5rx6. There is no cost associated with the assessment. Actual registration to play for the 2022 season will be forthcoming. This assessment is for all players including those who are currently playing or who wish to start playing competitive travel fast-pitch softball in 2022. Travel fast-pitch softball is currently open to girls ages 8-16 in the Ellsworth School District. Registration fees to actually play Spring travel softball will be $250.00 (same as previous years but when registration opens up you will have the option to pay half this fall and half in the spring. There is a volunteer hour requirement as well. Note: This is NOT for the in-town recreational softball league held in Ellsworth in July. If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Acker at lackerj37@gmail.com or ebsa00@gmail.com

"Once Upon a Library" Gala - October 23, 2021
You're invited to a once-in-a-lifetime gala event to celebrate and financially support the Ellsworth Public Library. The “Once Upon a Library” event will take place virtually with silent and premier auctions, a fund-a-need drive, and pledge, October 19-23, culminating in an in-person grand gala on Saturday, October 23 to be held pre-construction in the future home of the library at 388 Main Street in Ellsworth.
 
The building’s fundraising campaign is in the final phase; however, it’s the funds from this event that will finance the furnishings and exterior landscaping. The event hopes to raise $200,000 to cover these additional costs and make the new library a source of pride in our community for generations to come.  
 
It's sure to be the social event of the year for our community! For more information, to make a donation, or purchase gala tickets, visit their website at: https://www.friendsofepl.org/gala

DATES TO REMEMBER: 
Sep. 29- 4th Grade Students receive their Bibles at Mass.
Oct.1 -    Homecoming Parade. All St. Francis students can participate in the parade. 
Oct. 4 -   Feast of St. Francis ~ Mass and Pet Blessing/School Color Day
Oct. 6 -   4YK ONLY - No School-this is Ellsworth School District Wide
Oct. 7-    5th grade-Field Trip to Nilssen’s
Oct. 15 - 4th and 5th grade trip to the MN Zoo
Oct. 19 - Picture Retake Day 
Oct. 19 - Parent-Teacher Conferences  4:00-7:00 by appointment. (Please use Parish Hall doors.)
Oct. 21-  Parent-Teacher Conferences  4:00-7:00 by appointment. (Please use Parish Hall doors.)
Oct. 22 -  No School for students
Oct. 27-  First 5th grade bake sale
Oct. 29 - Harvest Breakfast
Oct. 29-  Halloween Celebrations
Oct. 29 - End of 1st Quarter  
Nov. 1-   No school for students-All Saints Day
Nov. 2 -  Beginning of 2nd Quarter-All Souls Day
Nov. 24-26 - Thanksgiving Vacation

May God Bless Our St. Francis Families! Thank you for your support of our students and staff.  Please call or email if you have questions: 715-273-4391 or Mary Cormican- principal@stfrancisellsworth.org 

Prayer for Beginning a New School Year
Thank you, Lord, for Your divine protection over our children. 
Keep them safe as they travel to and from school. 
We stand on Your Word that no weapon formed against them will prosper. 
We thank you that Your angels stand guard over them and surround them like a shield. Guard their hearts and minds. Cover them as they navigate this new school year and guide them in the right direction.   In Jesus’ name, Amen                                 

Dear St. Francis School Families,
As we start a new school year, I would like to thank all of our St. Francis families for your support, because without it we would not exist.  As a staff, we are excited and looking forward to the new year!

Again this year, we will use the large white envelope as a monthly communication system. They will be sent home with the oldest child in your family who attends St. Francis School on the last Monday of each month (3rd week in December).   You, as a parent/guardian, are asked to read the information enclosed, complete any requested forms, permission slips, etc., DATE AND SIGN THE ENVELOPE, and return it (along with any forms) with your oldest child by Wednesday of that week. If there is no school on a particular Monday the envelope will be sent home the following day that we are in session.  Newsletters will also continue to be sent out via email each month.  Menus will be emailed and posted on our school website. Newsletters from the office will provide important school information for each month with more classroom specific information coming from your classroom teacher.  Also, we will be sending text message reminders as the dates draw near to help parents stay informed.  Anyone who would like information added to the monthly newsletter, including committee members, will need to submit that information to Amy Matzek by the 20th of the month prior.
 
SCHOOL COLOR DAY - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3:  Students are encouraged to dress in school colors, blue & white, on the first Friday of each month, beginning September 3rd..  Show your school spirit!

NO SCHOOL - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6:  There will be no school on Monday, September 6, 2021 as we observe Labor Day.

MASS SERVING SCHEDULE:  Students who have received the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion and are in at least 3rd grade are able to serve at school and weekend Masses. Our Mass Serving Schedule will be emailed and sent home with your child soon.

YEARBOOK SIGNING – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17:  Our 2020-2021 yearbooks have arrived!  We will have a yearbook signing activity on Friday, September 17.  We’ll have some autograph sheets available for those who do not have a yearbook to be signed. 

“SEE YOU AT THE POLE” - WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22:  On Wednesday, September 22, 2021 we will participate in the nation-wide event “See You At The Pole.” The theme this year is “Just Pray”, taken from James 4:10. Right after Mass we will meet as a Parish/School community at the flagpole in front of school to lift up our prayers. We hope you and your family will join us! 

DIOCESAN TEACHER INSERVICE - NO CLASSES - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24:  St. Francis students will not have classes on Friday, September 24, 2021 as this day has been assigned as a Diocese of LaCrosse Faith In-Service Day. Some St. Francis staff members already participated in a Faith In-Service Day on Saturday, August 7, 2021.

SCHOOL COLORS DAY/CELEBRATION OF THE FEAST OF ST. FRANCIS/PET BLESSING - MONDAY, OCTOBER 4: The feast day of our school and parish patron saint, St. Francis of Assisi, is Monday, October 4.  This day is always one of great celebration for our entire parish!  We will attend 8:30 a.m. Mass on Monday (we will not have school Mass on Wednesday that week) and students are encouraged to show their school spirit by dressing in school colors: blue and white.  We do not permit face paint or hair color on any school color days.

We will have a special blessing of animals, following the Mass, on the grassy area east of our church.  This will include our Preschool and 4K Students. You are welcome to bring an animal to be blessed after Mass and to be taken home again immediately following the Pet Blessing.  Please, no pets or animals inside the school or church. You may also bring a picture of your pet if transportation for your pet to return home immediately isn’t available. 

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19 AND THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21:
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held Tuesday, October 19 and Thursday, October 21, 2021 from 4:00-7:00 PM. At this time conferences will be held in person with the flexibility of holding virtual conferences if warranted. All conferences will be by appointment. Scheduling information will be shared soon. 

NO SCHOOL - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22:  No school for students on Friday, October 22, 2021.


HOME AND SCHOOL NEWS
ST. FRANCIS HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION:  Each Catholic school in the Diocese of La Crosse has a Home & School Association whose purpose is to be a vehicle by which parents, teachers, pastor and school administrator are able to collaborate and enable one another to develop a faith community and teach the young by living witness.  Some schools in our area might call an organization like this their PTA (Parent-Teacher Association).
According to our diocesan guidelines, the purposes of our Home & School Association include:
 
1) To act as a support group for the school and its employees and students,
2) To offer, through well-planned programs, information of special interest to parents which will assist them in
    fulfilling their responsibilities in the Christian formation of their children,
3) To provide opportunities to build community among parents, students, school employees, and the pastor,
4) To provide a setting in which parents may be of service to the school and where faculty may be of service to
    parents,
5) To offer a limited number of fund raising activities with the approval of the school administration for the
    support of the school.

HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER AND DUES:  Please see the enclosed Home & School
Association Newsletter from HSA President Emily Rohl which includes information regarding our
Home & School Association and Dues.  An envelope is included in today’s packet for paying dues.  Please return by Wednesday, September 8.  Thank you!

HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION MEETING - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9:  The Home and School Association will hold its first meeting of the year at 7:00pm on Thursday, September 9th, 2021 in the Parish Hall. If you have a topic you would like addressed or a question, please submit to President Emily Rohl, wilkense@yahoo.com. We encourage all to attend. 

HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION CARNIVAL-SAVE THE DATE: Please save the date on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022 for the Carnival. 

ST. FRANCIS SCHOOL GALA – SAVE THE DATE:  Please save the date on April 23, 2022 for the “Ein Prosit” Oktoberfest Gala! Gather up your lederhosen, we’re celebrating St. Francis School’s 75th Anniversary with our biggest gala yet in the St. Francis School das Bierzelt (beer tent) located in our parking lot! Spread the word to alumni, staff and families past and present to join us in merriment! Watch for tickets to go on sale in March. Prost!  

ALUMINUM CANS:  Our Home & School Association collects and redeems aluminum cans throughout the year.  We have a trailer for this purpose, parked in the parking lot behind our church.  You may place your bags of aluminum cans in the trailer at your convenience.  If the trailer has been taken to be emptied, you may leave your bags of cans in that area in the parking lot.  Please make sure that your bags are closed securely and DO NOT include other types of aluminum especially that with food in it, as our entire load is penalized if such items are found.  Thank you for saving your aluminum for our school!

PARISH NEWS
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION:  Welcome back to our St. Francis Religious Education Programs! If you are new to this, we welcome you and are happy you are joining us!  Wednesday Classes start September 8 for:  Grades 1- 5 (those students not attending the St. Francis Catholic School), at 5:45 pm.   Grades 6 - 11 are scheduled from 7:00 to 8:30 pm.  Sunday school for children ages 3 - 5, including current Kindergarten Students, is held during the 10:30 am Sunday Masses.
Please join us for the Religious Education Open House and Registration on Wednesday, September 1, anytime between 3:30 and 8:00 pm in the Parish Hall.  There will also be Youth Ministry Tables with information regarding Youth Ministry activities and trips planned for the coming year. Please contact Joan Foley,  cfoley@dishup.us or 715-338-1199, if you have any questions.


COMMUNITY NEWS
FALL DANCE CLINIC:  The EHS Dance Team will be hosting a Dance Clinic Friday, September 17th. Registration forms are included in your monthly envelope and are due by Friday, September 3rd.  The clinic is offered to students in grades K-5th grade.


DATES TO REMEMBER: 
Sept. 1 - First Day of School/Paperwork Due
Sept. 3 - School Colors Day (Blue and White)
Sept. 6 - No School - Labor Day
Sept. 9 - Home and School Meeting at 7:00pm
Sept  17 - Yearbook Signing
Sept. 22 - “See You At The Pole”
Sept. 28 - EHS Service Day: St. Francis School will benefit from the high school students’ hard work.
Oct. 1 - EHS Homecoming Parade and Football Game
Oct. 4 - Feast of St. Francis ~ Mass and Pet Blessing/School Color Day
Oct. 19 and Oct. 21 - Parent-Teacher Conferences (4:00 - 7:00) - watch for more information soon
Oct. 22 - No School - Teacher In Service

May God Bless Our St. Francis Families!!  Please call or e-mail if you have questions: 715-273-4391 principal@stfrancisellsworth.org

Mary Cormican
Principal