December newsletter

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