First Grade Class Prayer
Thank you God for Jesus, family, pets, water, food,
 shelter, friends, school, books, and teachers.
We pray for the people in our lives to try their best and be happy.
Amen
 
PRAYER PARTNERS:  Please join us as we lift up Mrs. Brockman and our First Grade students in prayer during the month of February. Shay Behnam, Ettalane Jean, Jack Loberg, Mabel Loberg, Beckett Platson, Boyer Rohl, Henry Schmidt, Mason Thoner, Christopher Wisniowski.
 
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 March, we will be lifting up Ms. Avery and our Kindergarten students in prayer.
 
FOLLOWING IN JESUS’ FOOTSTEPS
 
VIRTUE AWARDS FOR BEING HONEST:
Honest – You tell the truth.
 
Honest people will lead a full, happy life.  Proverbs 28:20
 
Kwintyn Wisniowski, Christopher Wisniowski, Fallon Brenner, Theodore LaFave
 
VIRTUE AWARDS FOR BEING HELPFUL:                                                                             
Helpful – You find things that need to be done and do them.
 
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
 
Mabel Loberg, Claire Bregman, Walter Rewolinski, Markus Lorentz
  
3YK and 4YK – CAUGHT SHOWING CHARACTER:
Honest - Landon McCabe, Zoey Molberg
Helpful - Bevyn Harris, Dayla O’Neil

 
REGISTRATION FORMS FOR NEXT SCHOOL YEAR: We begin taking registrations for next school year today, January 30, 2023, and will continue through Friday, February 17.  Each child who will attend St. Francis School next year will need to have a completed Registration Application Form and Tuition Payment Plan on file.  These forms are included in today’s envelope for those families who will have children in grades K-5 next school year.  Please complete and return as soon as possible, but no later than Friday, February 17 so we can budget the curriculum.  4YK registration information will be available to incoming families. There is tuition assistance available to help those in need of financial support.  An anonymous donor does not want the cost of tuition to inhibit your child from attending our school and may be able to help cover part of your tuition amount.  Please contact Mr. Matzek or Fr. Olson for more information about tuition assistance for next year; all inquiries will be kept confidential.
 
ST. FRANCIS PRESCHOOL: St. Francis School will be offering three 3-year-old preschool class options next year; 3 day class M/W/F, 2 day class T/Th or a 5 day class M-F.  Classes are held from 8:05-11:00 AM with Wrap-Around options for the afternoon. Registration will open up Monday, January 30. If you’d like more information please contact our school office at 715-273-4391. Priority will be given to families who choose the 5 day class as well as families who are parish members. Choice of days will be honored on a first come basis so please register early. Enrollment numbers will be capped in order to ensure adequate staffing and programming to meet student needs.
 
LEARN WITH FRIENDS PROGRAM: Any family who brings a new student to our school will receive $1,000 off their annual tuition and their friend (new student) will also receive a reduction of $1,000. Any current family can bring up to two friends. The tuition discount will be good for as long as the existing student and new student are enrolled.
 
REMINDER ABOUT ABSENCES, APPOINTMENTS, & LATE ARRIVALS: If your child will be absent due to illness or arriving late due to an early appointment, etc., please call the school office by 8:30 am. on the morning of the absence/late arrival. Because the answering machine is on 24 hours a day you will be able to call any time before 8:30 am. According to diocesan directives, we must have a written excuse, indicating the date, reason for absence, and parent signature from the parent/guardian kept on file for each absence/late arrival or tardy. An email will also suffice and is the preferred method of the administration.
 
CONSERVATION POSTER CONTEST WINNER: Congratulations to Grace Baker who won the Conservation Poster Contest in the 2nd & 3rd grade division for our county!  Her entry will represent our county at the area contest on February 1st.  Good luck at the next level Grace!
 
D.A.R.E. STARTING FRIDAY, JANUARY 27: Brette Huppert, Pierce County D.A.R.E. Officer, will begin teaching the D.A.R.E (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) curriculum at St. Francis on Friday, January 27. The primary goal of D.A.R.E. is to teach effective peer resistance and refusal skills, so that adolescents can say “no” to drugs and to their friends who may want them to use drugs.  The secondary goals of the program are to build students’ social skills and enhance their self-esteem, as these are believed to be linked to adolescent drug use.
 
The curriculum is concentrated in the fifth grade with a 45 minute class once a week for 12 weeks.  Grades K-4 will meet with Officer Brette as time permits.
 
SCHOOL COLOR FRIDAYS: Students are encouraged to dress in school colors, blue and white, on Fridays. Show your school pride!
 
JANUARY AND FEBRUARY PRAYER SERVICES: In Fr. Olson's absence there will not be weekly school Mass. There will be a weekly prayer service at 8:30am held in the parish hall led by our students. 
 
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK - JANUARY 29 - FEBRUARY 5, 2023: Catholic Schools=FAITH, EXCELLENCE, SERVICE. Through Catholic Schools Week we will focus on the value a Catholic Education provides and its contributions to our church, our community, and our nation. 
 
A complete schedule of activities and dress themes for Catholic Schools Week was sent home last week and is attached to this email for your reference.
 
SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR: THURSDAY, JANUARY 26 - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3: St. Francis is holding an in-person book fair in the school meeting room, Thursday, January 26-Friday, February 3. The classroom teachers will let students know which day their class will attend the fair. There will also be daily opportunities for students who bring money to shop during recess. On Saturday, January 28th, the Book Fair will be open after the 5:00pm Mass and on Sunday, January 29th, during the Catholic Schools Week Open House. On Wednesday, February 1st, the Book Fair will be open during Books and Breakfast beginning at 8:30am.
 
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES: Mid-year parent-teacher conferences are not mandatory and are requested by a teacher or parent. Teachers will be contacting parents directly if a conference is needed. Conferences will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2023 from 4:00-6:00 pm.
 
Please remember that you can view your child’s grades (Grades 3-5) in our JMC program.
 
BAKE SALE - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10: Be sure to bring your sweet tooth to the 5th grade Bake Sale to be held February 10, 2023. February’s theme will be Valentine’s Day!  Please remember to send money with your child to purchase goodies.   Each bake sale item can be purchased for 50 cents.  Thanks for supporting our graduating class and their end of the year celebration!
 
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20 - NOW A SCHOOL DAY: Students will have class on Monday, February 20 due to our multiple snow days.
 
GR. 5 - MUSIC CLASS – FOLKTALE – TUESDAY, MARCH 21: As part of our music curriculum, our fifth grade students study a folktale and incorporate a variety of musical instruments into the telling of the tale. Fifth grade parents are invited to attend the presentation of the folktale Apple Dumplings in the Parish Hall on Tuesday, March 21 from 2:30pm. The presentations will last approximately 15 minutes.
 
DR. SEUSS DAY – WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1: We will celebrate Dr. Theodore Seuss’ Birthday on Wednesday, March 1.  The actual day is Thursday, March 2nd but our K - 2nd will be on a fieldtrip that day. Please wear comfy clothes or pajamas on Wednesday, March 1. 
 
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM FIELD TRIP (K-2nd Grade) - THURSDAY, MARCH 2: On Thursday, March 2nd our Kindergarten through 2nd Grade classes will be going on a field trip to the Minnesota Children’s Museum. Permission slips and requests for parent chaperones are included in the monthly envelopes for those classes. Please complete and return by Wednesday, February 8.
 
NO SCHOOL - DIOCESE INSERVICE - FRIDAY, MARCH 3: There will be no school on Friday, March 3. Our teachers will be attending a diocesan inservice that day.
 
SPRING BREAK - MARCH 6-10: Students will not have classes during the week of March 6-10 due to Spring Break.
 
PLANTMOBILE - MONDAY, MARCH 13: On Monday, March 13 the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum will be coming to St. Francis to present their plantmobile to our students in K-2nd Grade.  Thank you to Emily Loberg for providing this educational experience for those students!
 
ELLSWORTH SENIOR CENTER - TUESDAY, MARCH 14: On March 14th St. Francis students in grades 3-5 will be going to the Ellsworth Senior Center to perform for them as part of their March Together Tuesday event.
Permission slips are included in the monthly envelopes for these classes. Please complete and return by Wednesday, February 8.
 
SACRAMENTS: 2nd grade students will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion this school year. First Reconciliation will be held on March 16 and March 23. First Communion will be on Sunday, April 16, 2023.
 

 
HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION NEWS
 
UPCOMING HOME AND SCHOOL MEETING -THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023:  Our next Home and School Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 9 at 7:00pm
 
CARNIVAL NEWS: Grand raffle tickets are currently being sold. Please continue to sell them.  If you need more tickets please contact the school office.  We would like to have all tickets sold and money turned in by February 1st.  The drawing will take place at the Glow Dance on February 3rd.  Please plan to join us for a fun evening!
 
GLOW DANCE - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3: Save the date for an evening of dancing, family fun, and memories of Marlee May! The Glow in the Dark Dance will be held Friday, February 3, 6:00-8:00 pm in the Parish Hall. Carnival raffle winners will be announced at 7:00 pm. Family admission $30 and individuals $10. Meals will be provided and are included in the cost. Ice cream floats and other goodies will be available for purchase. Everyone is welcome!
 
ST. FRANCIS SCHOOL GALA – APRIL 22, 2023
I pledge allegiance to the band…of dueling pianos featuring Trey Grimm and Dan Satterburg that will be performing live during the “School of Rock” Gala on April 22, 2023 to celebrate St. Francis School’s 75th Anniversary! The School of Rock will be in session beginning at 5 pm in the St. Francis Parish Hall for an evening of live music, dining, raffles and games, silent and live auctions, and a moving pledge. We encourage you to abide by the school dress code of distressed denim, leather jackets, and rock t-shirts. Tickets are available online at stfrancisellsworth.org/gala and in the St. Francis School Office.
 
Enclosed in your white envelope today, please find a parent letter that outlines the ways that you can help make the Gala a success!  We are asking each school family to donate at least one bottle of wine ($15 minimum) for a wine pull.  In addition, we are asking each school family to volunteer their time, become a sponsor, make a monetary donation, or donate an item for the auctions.  Please return the enclosed “Family Donation Form” in your child’s white envelope.  We are also looking for more parents to join the Gala Committee. All are welcome at our next meeting on February 23 at 6 pm at Common Man. Thank you!!!
 
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Jan. 29 - Feb. 4 - Catholic Schools Week
Jan. 26 - Feb. 3 - Scholastic Book Fair
Feb. 3 - Glow Dance from 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Feb. 8 - Fifth grade Growing in Love for all fifth grade students and parents 6:00-8:00pm
Feb. 9 - Home and School Meeting
Feb. 10 - 5th Grade Bake Sale
Feb. 17 - 2023-2024 Registration Forms and Tuition Statements Due
Feb. 20 - Now a school day
Feb. 22 - Virtue Awards for Patience and Kindness
Feb. 23 - Parent-Teacher Conferences by parent or teacher request
Mar. 1 - Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Celebration
Mar. 2  - Children’s Museum Field Trip (K-2nd)
Mar. 3 - No School - Diocesan In-Service
Mar. 6 - 10 - Spring Break
Mar. 13 - Plantmobile
Mar. 14 - Grades 3 - 5 to the Ellsworth Senior Center
Mar. 16 - 2nd Grade First Reconciliation (6:00pm) - First Choice
Mar. 20 & 21 - 5th Grade Folktale
Mar. 23 - 2nd Grade First Reconciliation (6:00pm) - Second Choice
Mar. 24 - End of 3rd Quarter
 
May God Bless Our St. Francis Families!!  Please call or email if you have questions: 715-273-4391  mmatzek@stfrancisellsworth.org

Mr. Mark Matzek
St. Francis School Administrator 

St Francis School ~ January Newsletter

Third Grade Class Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for the new year. In the New Year help us to listen and obey our parents and teachers.  May we be thankful for what we have, and continue to love one another as God loves us. Wherever we are, help us to be kind to everyone around us. Amen. 

PRAYER PARTNERS:  Please join us as we lift up Miss Schmitt and our third grade students in prayer during the month of January. Claire Bergman, Nathaniel Huppert, Adelyn Loberg, Natalie Matzek, Hailee Thoner, Deni Truttman.

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 February, we will be lifting up Mrs. Brockman and our First Grade students in prayer.

FOLLOWING IN JESUS’ FOOTSTEPS 
VIRTUE AWARDS FOR BEING CONTENT:                                                                    
Content – You are not greedy or always wanting things

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

Stevie Kolosky, Mason Thoner, Grace Baker, Deni Truttman, Samantha Augustine, Walker Loberg

VIRTUE AWARDS FOR BEING OBEDIENT:
Obedient – Doing what you are told and doing it right away

If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow his commands given today, the Lord your God will set you high above the nations on Earth.  Deuteronomy 28:1

Trystan O’Neil, June Feuerhelm

3YK and 4YK – CAUGHT SHOWING CHARACTER:
Content - Quincy Groth-Olson, Davis Ryman
Obedient - Raleigh Birkel, Nettie Brunner

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM: Many thanks to Mrs. Wescott and our students who performed a beautiful Christmas program - The Christmas Chronicles. You can view the program anytime on the St. Francis Youtube channel: https://youtube.com/live/K4BCRiMk6mc?feature=share

KC CHRISTMAS POSTER WINNERS: Congratulations to these students whose entries won top prizes in the Knights of Columbus Christmas Poster Contest.  The posters of the first place winners in grades 1-4 are eligible for the diocesan level of the contest, and will be sent to La Crosse.

                  Kindergarten        Grade 1                     Grade 2     Grade 3       Grade 4                        Grade 5
1st Place    Axel Bergman      Mabel Loberg               Fallon Brenner     Adelyn Loberg      Cooper Moldenhauer    Walker Loberg
2nd Place  Andi Molberg        Ettalane Jean               Cedrec LaFave    Natalie Matzek     Julia Schmidt                Markus Lorentz
3rd Place   Payslee Calleja    Christopher Wisnioski  Trent Acker          Claire Bergman    Walter Rewolinski        June Feuerhelm
                Grace Turvaville

FIFTH GRADE THANK YOU!:  The 5th grade class at St. Francis School has spent the Fall learning about local food insecurity and the challenges many people face trying to earn enough money to feed their families.  Today, our fifth grade students delivered 176 pounds of food and $268.22 to the Ellsworth Food Pantry and learned that they get 225 visits each month which includes over 100 children.  Thank you St. Francis School Families for your generosity!  You have made a difference in many lives this Christmas! 

GIVING TUESDAY:  Thank you to all the school families who helped make Giving Tuesday a huge success, whether by contributing monetarily, sharing Facebook posts, forwarding on emails, or spreading the word by other means. Because of your engagement, we raised a record breaking $6,050. THANK YOU!!!

POTENTIAL INCOMING 4YK STUDENTS AND REGISTRATION FOR NEXT YEAR:  We will begin our registration process for next year in early January with a mailing to potential 4YK students.  If you have a child who will be 4 years of age by September 1, 2023, and would like to receive registration materials for St. Francis School, please send me your child’s name and birth date as soon as possible.  If you know of a family in our area who might like to receive registration information for any grade, please contact the school office with the contact information.  Registration materials will be sent home with our current students and to potential 4YK students in January.  Thank you for your help in spreading the good news about our school!

REGISTRATION FOR NEXT YEAR:  Registration forms for our present students will be sent home in January.

FIFTH GRADE CLASS TRIP TO THE FOOD PANTRY – MONDAY, DECEMBER 19:  On Monday, December 19 our fifth grade class will be delivering your donated items to the food pantry.  

PRESCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM - MONDAY, DECEMBER 19:  Our Preschool Christmas Program will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, December 19 in the Parish Hall. 

4YK  WINTER PROGRAM - TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20:  Our 4YK Winter Program will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, December 20 in the Parish Hall. 

PAJAMA DAYS:  Grades 4YK-5 will have pajama day on Thursday, Dec. 22.
                             3K will have pajama day for each section-Wednesday, Dec. 21 and Thursday, Dec. 22

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

WI TAX SCHEDULE PS - PRIVATE SCHOOL TUITION:  WI tax Schedule PS is used to claim the subtraction for tuition paid for your dependent child to attend a private school.  The subtraction is available for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2014.  The form requires the name, address, and federal employer identification number (FEIN) of the private school where your child was enrolled during 2022.  For St. Francis students, you will need to use:  St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 264 S. Grant Street, Ellsworth, WI 54011.   Reminder: In order to claim tuition expenses on your 2022 tax return, payments must be received by the school office no later than December 31, 2022.

TUITION STATEMENTS:  Tuition Statements can be printed from JMC for tax purposes or contact the office to have it printed for you.  End of the year statements will be mailed at the beginning of January.

JANUARY AND FEBRUARY PRAYER SERVICES:  In Fr. Olson's absence there will not be weekly school Mass. There will be weekly prayer services at 8:30am held in the school led by the students.  Watch for our Prayer Service Schedule coming home soon. Everyone is welcome to attend.

SCHOOL COLOR FRIDAYS:  Students are encouraged to dress in school colors, blue and white, on Fridays. Show your school pride!

END OF SECOND QUARTER - FRIDAY, JANUARY 13: The second quarter ends on Friday, January. 13.
NO SCHOOL - Monday, January 16, 2023.

BAKE SALES IN THE NEW YEAR:  Be sure to bring your sweet tooth to the 5th grade Bake Sales to be held January 20, 2023 and February 10, 2023.  Please remember to send money with your child to purchase goodies on those days.   Each bake sale item can be purchased for 50 Cents.  Thanks for supporting our graduating class and their end of the year celebration!
   
4YK SCREENING - WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25: There will be no school for our 4YK students on Wednesday, January 25 due to Early Childhood Screening.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK MASS & OPEN HOUSE: We will kick off this week with a special Mass and Open House on Sunday, January 29, 2022. Open House will be held from 9-10:00 AM and 11:30 AM-1:00 PM.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK - JANUARY 29 - FEBRUARY 5, 2023: Catholic Schools=FAITH, EXCELLENCE, SERVICE. Through Catholic Schools Week we will focus on the value a Catholic Education provides and its contributions to our church, our community, and our nation.  
● Sunday, January 29, 2023: Celebrate our Parish! The 10:30 Mass will center around Catholic Schools.  Everyone is invited to attend the St. Francis School Open House after Mass.
● Monday, January 30, 2023: Celebrate Our Community
● Tuesday, January 31, 2023: Celebrate the Students
● Wednesday, February 1, 2023: Celebrate the Nation
● Thursday, February 2, 2023: Celebrate Vocations
● Friday, February 3, 2023: Celebrate the Teachers, Staff, and Volunteers and Glow Dance

SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR: THURSDAY, JANUARY 26 - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2:  St. Francis is holding an in-person book fair in the school meeting room, Thursday, January 26-Thursday, February 2. The classroom teachers will let students know which day their class will attend the fair. There will also be daily opportunities for students who bring money to shop during recess. On Saturday, January 28th, the Book Fair will be open after the 5:30 Mass and on Sunday, January 29th, during the Catholic Schools Week Open House. On Wednesday, February 1st, the Book Fair will be open during Books and Breakfast following Mass. 

BOOK FAIR VOLUNTEERS:  We are looking for volunteers to help with the book fair. Volunteers are needed on Saturday, January 28 after 5:30 Mass, Sunday, January 29th from 9-10 AM and 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM during the Catholic Schools Week Open House, and Wednesday February 1st after the 8:30 Mass. We will also need volunteers during the week for a couple of hours at a time. Please contact Shari Turvaville at gusturv@bevcomm.net,  if you are willing to help. Thank you so much.

HISTORY IS ALIVE:  Once again, our 5th grade students will present their historical biography research projects during our Catholic Schools Week Open House on Sunday, Jan 29th (right after the CSW Mass).  During these presentations our students “become” George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and many more! We hope you’ll all come to view their projects. Through their hard work and creativity, history truly is “ALIVE”!

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES: Parent-teacher conferences are not mandatory and are requested by a teacher or parent. There will be more information in our February newsletter.
Please remember that you can view your child’s grades (Grades 3-5) in our JMC program.  

HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION NEWS

UPCOMING HOME AND SCHOOL MEETING -THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2022:  Our next Home and School Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 9 at 7:00pm

Save the date for the Glow Dance on Friday, February 3 from 6:00-8:00 pm. Carnival raffle prizes to be pulled at 7:00 pm. More information to come. 

CARNIVAL NEWS:  Grand raffle tickets will go home with students before Christmas break.  Please watch for them in your child’s backpack later this week.   There will be two tickets and information about this fundraiser in the envelope.  Each family is encouraged to sell two of the $100  raffle tickets. Family get-togethers over break is a great time to sell these! 

CHURCH/COMMUNITY NEWS

CHRISTMAS MASSES:
Christmas Eve: 4:00 PM
Christmas Day: 8:30 AM; 10:30 AM

DATES TO REMEMBER: 
Dec. 19 - Preschool Christmas Program at 10:00am
Dec. 19 - 5th grade to the Food Pantry
Dec. 20 - 4YK Winter Program at 10:00am
Dec. 21 - Virtues Awards for Obedient and Content
Dec. 23 - Jan. 2 - Christmas Vacation
Dec. 25 - Merry Christmas!
Jan.   3 - Classes Resume
Jan. 20 - 5th Grade Bake Sale
Jan. 13 - End of Second Quarter
Jan. 16 - No School
Jan. 17 - Beginning of 3rd Quarter
Jan. 25 - Virtues Awards for Honest and Helpful
Jan. 25 - 4YK Screening - No School 4YK ONLY
Jan. 29 - Catholic Schools Week Mass and Open House
Jan. 29 - Feb. 5 - Catholic Schools Week
Feb.   3 - Glow Dance
Feb.   9 - Home and School Meeting
Feb. 10 - Parent-Teacher Conferences by parent or teacher request
Feb. 21 - No School - Teacher In Service

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

ADVENT SEASON: “For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace”. Isaiah 9:6.

There is no better way to celebrate the Advent season than attending Sunday Mass! Fr. Olson has asked for school families to light the Advent Wreath at the start of each Mass. The 4 Sundays of Advent are Nov. 27, December 4, Dec. 11, and Dec. 18. The wreath will need to be lit for all of the Masses-Saturdays at 5:00 PM, Sundays at 8:30 AM, and Sundays at 10:30 AM. To sign up, please call the Parish Office 715-273-4774.

Week 1, Hope
Dear Jesus, you are the hope in our messy world. This Advent, help us to slow down, listen to your voice, and focus on what’s
really important. We place our hope in you as we prepare our hearts to celebrate your birth on Christmas. Amen. 

Week 2, Peace
Dear Jesus, you entered our world on Christmas as the Prince of Peace. This Advent, as we strive to become the-best-version-of-ourselves, fill us with a deep and abiding peace. Help us share that peace with everyone we encounter, especially those who need it most. Amen.

Week 3, Joy
Dear Jesus, help us focus on you during this busy season. May we stay aware of the joy you bring into our lives. We want to find you in the everyday moments and come with hearts of gratitude to your manger on Christmas. Amen.

Week 4, Love
Dear Jesus, may the light of your love always shine in our hearts. As Christmas draws closer, we marvel at your great love for 
us. Let your love transform every aspect of our lives and touch everyone we encounter.  Our hearts are open to you, Jesus. Amen.
 
                                             FOLLOWING IN JESUS’ FOOTSTEPS
 
We 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 ATTENTIVE:                                                                         
Attentive – I watch and listen carefully.
“My child, pay attention to what I say.  Listen carefully to my words”.   Proverbs 4:20
 
Hudson Hansen, Jordy McHardy, Natalie Matzek
 
3YK and 4YK – CAUGHT SHOWING CHARACTER:
Attentive - Norrah Kinneman, Gabriel Wisniowski, Landon Soley
 
CHRISTMAS CARDS:   Send us your Christmas Cards!  We would love to add your family to our St. Francis Families Christmas Card Display.  You may send your card to school with your child or mail it to:
St. Francis School
244 W. Woodworth
Ellsworth WI, 54011
 
Thank you and Merry Christmas!
 
TUITION PAYMENT REMINDERS:  Tuition payment reminders for Preschool, Wrap Around Care and Eagles Nest are included in monthly envelopes today for those with outstanding balances.   Payments need to be sent to the school office by Friday, December 2.  If further assistance is needed please contact the school office by Friday. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
 
TUITION ASSISTANCE:  St. Francis families with students in Kindergarten - 5th grade are eligible to receive tuition assistance. Please contact the school office by Wednesday, December 7th if you are in need of assistance for the 2022-2023 school year.
 
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 Nov. 28 - Dec. 16. Please give what you can to help everyone in our community have enough to eat during this Holiday Season. Please see the green flier included in your monthly envelope for more information. Thanks so much for your generosity!  
 
GIVING TUESDAY - NOVEMBER 29: Tuesday, November 29 is Giving Tuesday – a global day of giving dedicated to supporting causes that make a positive impact on the world around us. St. Francis School has made a positive impact on thousands of children by grounding them in faith, kindness, respect, and academic excellence for 74 years! Our goal is to raise $5,000 to purchase several large items that the school needs to replace, including three computers ($2,000), stainless steel lunch trays and bowls ($1,000) and two adjustable outdoor basketball hoops ($2,000). Thanks to your generosity during previous Giving Tuesday campaigns, the school was able to purchase three new color printers and a new copier/fax machine. Let’s do this together again! Donations can be made online at www.stfrancisellsworth.org/giving-tuesday or checks can be sent to St. Francis School at 244 W. Woodworth St., Ellsworth, WI 54011. Thank you for your generous support of our school!!
 
POTENTIAL INCOMING 4YK STUDENTS AND REGISTRATION FOR NEXT YEAR:  We will begin our registration process for next year in early January with a mailing to potential 4YK students.  If you have a child who will be 4 years of age by September 1, 2023, and would like to receive registration materials for St. Francis School, please send me your child’s name and birth date as soon as possible.  If you know of a family in our area who might like to receive registration information for any grade, please contact the school office with the contact information.  Registration materials will be sent home with our current students and to potential 4YK students in January.  Thank you for your help in spreading the good news about our school!
 
SCHOOL COLOR FRIDAYS:  Students are encouraged to dress in school colors, blue and white, on Fridays. Show your school pride!
 
REGULAR SCHOOL DAY - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8:  St Francis will have school on Thursday, December 8.  Students will be attending Mass to observe the Holy Day, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. There will not be a school Mass on Wednesday, December 7.
 
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15:  Grades K-5 will present our annual Christmas Program on Thursday, December 15 at 6:00 p.m. in the church.  We will have a reception in the parish hall immediately following the program. Please join St. Francis Home & School Association in the Parish Hall for treats and punch after the Christmas Program. Treats and punch provided by H&S. A dress rehearsal for K-5 will be held Wednesday, December 14 at 1:00pm.  This is open to anyone who would like to attend.
 
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS CHRISTMAS POSTER CONTEST:  Students in grades K-5 have been invited to participate in the annual KC Christmas Poster Contest.  Students will complete these posters at school and they will be displayed at the Christmas Program. Winners will be announced at the Christmas Program on Thursday, December 15th.
  
FIFTH GRADE CLASS TRIP TO THE FOOD PANTRY – MONDAY, DECEMBER 19:  On Monday, December 19 our fifth grade class will be delivering your donated items to the food pantry. 
 
PRESCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM - MONDAY, DECEMBER 19:  Our Preschool Christmas Program will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, December 19 in the Parish Hall.
 
4YK  WINTER PROGRAM - TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20:  Our 4YK Winter Program will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, December 20 in the Parish Hall.
 
CHRISTMAS VACATION:  Christmas vacation will start on Friday, December 23.  Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 3.
 
YOUTH CONSERVATION POSTER AND SPEAKING CONTESTS: Attached with this newsletter you will find more information about the 2023 Youth Conservation Poster and Speaking Contests.
 
WI TAX SCHEDULE PS - PRIVATE SCHOOL TUITION:  WI tax Schedule PS is used to claim the subtraction for tuition paid for your dependent child to attend a private school.  The subtraction is available for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2014.  The form requires the name, address, and federal employer identification number (FEIN) of the private school where your child was enrolled during 2021.  For St. Francis students, you will need to use:  St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 264 S. Grant Street, Ellsworth, WI 54011.   Reminder: In order to claim tuition expenses on your 2022 tax return, payments must be received by the school office no later than December 31, 2022.
 
TUITION STATEMENTS:  Tuition Statements can be printed from JMC for tax purposes or contact the office to have it printed for you.
 
END OF SECOND QUARTER - FRIDAY, JANUARY 13: The second quarter ends on Friday, January. 13.
NO SCHOOL - Monday, January 16, 2023.
 
EARLY CHILDHOOD SCREENING: The Ellsworth Community School District will hold a child development screening (children entering 4YK Fall of 2023) day on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 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, February 15, Wednesday, March 22 and Wednesday, April 26.
 
 
HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION NEWS
 
UPCOMING HOME AND SCHOOL MEETING -THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2022:  Minutes from our last meeting are included in the white envelope. Our next Home and School Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 9 at 7:00pm
 
Please join St. Francis Home & School in the Parish Hall for treats and punch after the Christmas Concert on December 15. These will be provided by H&S.
 
Save the date for the Glow Dance on Friday, February 3 from 6:00-8:00 pm. Carnival raffle prizes to be pulled at 7:00 pm. More information to come.
 
CARNIVAL NEWS:  Plans for the fun week of activities to replace this year's carnival are underway. Letters went out recently to potential sponsors to explain these changes. Due to a few setbacks, Grand Raffle tickets will be sent home with students before Christmas break. We will be in need of parents to volunteer for several of the fun week activities. Watch for more information to come.

DATES TO REMEMBER:
Nov. 29 - Giving Tuesday
Nov. 30 - Attentive Virtue Awards following Mass
Dec. 8 - Mass to observe the Holy Day, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
Dec. 14 - Dress Rehearsal for Christmas Program at 1:00pm
Dec. 15 - Christmas Program at 6:00PM
Dec. 16 - Food Drive Donations Due
Dec. 19 - Preschool Christmas Program at 10:00am
Dec. 19- 5th grade to the Food Pantry
Dec. 20 - 4YK Winter Program at 10:00am
Dec. 21 - Virtues Awards for Obedient and Content
Dec. 23 - Jan. 2 - Christmas Vacation
Dec. 25 - Merry Christmas!
Jan. 3 - Classes Resume
 
May God Bless Our St. Francis Families!!  Please call or email if you have questions: 715-273-4391 or Kathy Swanson principal@stfrancisellsworth.org