First Grade Class Prayer
Dear Lord, Thank you for helping me be a good person. 
We pray for our families and friends to be kept safe. 
Please help us continue to share the good news of Jesus. 
In Your name we pray. Amen.

PRAYER PARTNERS:  Please join us as we lift up Mrs. Brockman and our First Grade students in prayer during the month of February.  Trent Acker, Grace Baker, Fallon Brenner, Ruby Feuerhelm, Matthew Gaard, Cedrec LaFave, Jordy McHardy, Easton Rohl, Macy Rohl.

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 Miss 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
Lily Anderson, Henry Schmidt, Ruby Feuerhelm, Julia Schmidt, Lane Rohl, Eian Murphy
 
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
Beckett Platson, Mason Thoner, Matthew Gaard, Nathaniel Huppert, Ryland Hines, Gretta Rewolinski
 
 3YK and 4YK – CAUGHT SHOWING CHARACTER:
Honest - Adryk Mark, Lucy Mewes
Helpful - Roman Birkel, Graciella Gaard, Kamille Leonard
 
REGISTRATION FORMS FOR NEXT SCHOOL YEAR:  We begin taking registrations for next school year today, January 24, 2022, and will continue through Wednesday, February 13.  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 Wednesday, February 13 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 Mrs. Cormican or Fr. Olson for more information about tuition assistance for next year; all inquiries will be kept confidential. 

WISCONSIN PARENTAL CHOICE PROGRAM UPDATE:  Thank you to everyone who responded to the income eligibility survey. For the upcoming 2022-2023 school year, St. Francis will NOT be participating in the CHOICE program. If you responded, “Yes” to the income eligibility question, please be sure to reach out to Mrs. Cormican or Fr. Olson for tuition assistance. 

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 8:30-11:00 AM with Wrap-Around options for the afternoon. Registration will open up Monday, January 31. More details can be found on our website! If you’d like more information please contact our school office at 715-273-4391. 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. 

ST. FRANCIS PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: St. Francis 3YK will be hosting an open house for interested families on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 from 4:30-6:00 PM. Parents and their incoming or prospective students should come see what St. Francis Preschool is all about. Please help spread the word.

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. In addition, you are also required to send a dated and written note explaining the reason for the absence with your child on the day they return. 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.

TUITION PAYMENTS DUE:  Tuition statements are being sent home today for families who selected Plan 2, reminding you that payments were due January 15.  If you haven’t sent your January payment, please do so by Wednesday, January 26.  Thanks for your prompt attention to this financial responsibility. If you need assistance please reach out to Mrs. Cormican

JANUARY AND FEBRUARY PRAYER SERVICES:  In Fr. Olson's absence there will not be weekly school Mass. There will be weekly prayer service at 8:30am held in the school led by the students with the following schedule:
Wed. January 26, 2022 - 2nd grade
Thurs. Feb. 3, 2022 - 4th grade/Feast of St. Blaise - in church with Deacon Marty Kulak
Wed. Feb. 9, 2022 - 3rd grade
Wed. Feb. 16, 2022 - 2nd grade
Wed. Feb. 23, 2022 - 5th grade

DRESS CODE: Please remember to dress appropriately for Mass/Prayer Service days. Sweat pants, shorts with leggings, ripped jeans/clothing, and hoodies are not acceptable in God’s House and especially if a student is on the altar taking part in the Mass. Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter. 

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK - JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 6, 2022: 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.  We will kick off this week with a special Mass and Open House on Sunday, January 30, 2022. Open House will be held from 9-10:00 AM and 11:30 AM-1:00 PM. All school Mass will be at 10:30 AM. 

A complete schedule of activities and dress themes for Catholic Schools Week is included in your monthly envelope today. 

SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR: THURSDAY, JANUARY 27 - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4:  St. Francis is holding an in-person book fair in the school meeting room, formerly known as the KC room, Thursday, January 27- Friday, Feb. 4th. Students will be able to shop during the school day the week the Book Fair is open.  The classroom teachers will let students know which day they are going to the Book Fair.   On Saturday, January 29th, the Book Fair will be open after the 5:30pm Mass and on Sunday, January 30, during the All School Open House. On Thursday, February 3, after the celebration of St. Blaise, the Book Fair will be open during our Books and Breakfast. The Book Fair will also be open prior to the Home and School Meeting on February 3rd from 6:00-6:45pm.
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 30th (right after the CSW Mass).  During these presentations our students “become” George Washington, Anne Frank, and many more! We hope everyone will come to view their projects. Through their hard work and creativity, history truly is “ALIVE”

D.A.R.E. STARTING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3: Police Officer Chad Koranda, Pierce County D.A.R.E. School Resource Officer, will begin teaching the D.A.R.E (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) curriculum at St. Francis on February 3. 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 Chad as time permits. 

SCHOOL COLOR DAYS - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4 and MARCH 4: Students are encouraged to dress in school colors, blue and white, on Friday, February 4 and Friday, March 4. Show your school pride! 

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, Feb. 10, 2022 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 11: Be sure to bring your sweet tooth to the 5th grade Bake Sales to be held February 11, 2022. 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!

NO SCHOOL - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21:  Students will not have class on Monday, February 21.  This is a district-wide in-service day.

GR. 5 - MUSIC CLASS – FOLKTALE – THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24:  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 The Cat and the Rat in the Parish Hall: Thursday, February 24 at
2:00 p.m.  The presentations will last approximately 15 minutes.

DR. SEUSS DAY – TUESDAY, MARCH 1: We will celebrate Dr. Theodore Seuss’ Birthday on Tuesday, March 1.  The actual day is Wednesday, March 2nd. However, this is a Mass day and Ash Wednesday so it is not appropriate for St. Francis School to hold a celebration on Ash Wednesday. Please wear comfy clothes or pajamas on Tuesday, March 1.  More information will follow.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM FIELD TRIP (K-2nd Grade) - FRIDAY, MARCH 4:  On Friday, March 4th our Kindergarten through 2nd Grade classes will be going on a field trip to the St. Paul’s Children’s Museum. More information has been sent out to parents by the classroom teachers.

SPRING BREAK – MARCH 7-11:  Students will not have classes during the week of March 7-11 due to Spring Break.

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. 

YEARBOOK: Yearbook Online Ordering is open! Visit https://ybpay.lifetouch.com to order. Our ID code is 1934622.


HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION NEWS
UPCOMING HOME AND SCHOOL MEETING -THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022 at 7:00 PM.: This meeting will be held both at school and through Google Meet. 

‘TRAVEL THE WORLD’ CARNIVAL UPDATE: Hello families!  The amazing Travel ‘Round the World Carnival is just days away! Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has sold and purchased Grand and Traditional Raffle tickets. Your support is greatly appreciated. There are still volunteer opportunities for the day available so please sign up through the links sent to you. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to get to know your St. Francis friends 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. 

ST. FRANCIS SCHOOL GALA – APRIL 23:
Gather up your lederhosen and dirndls, the “Ein Prosit” Oktoberfest Gala will be held on April 23 in the St. Francis das Bierzelt located in the St. Francis School parking lot! We invite you to join us beginning at 4 pm for live German music, a biergarten, a soft pretzel bar and a German buffet. Try your luck at our raffles, enjoy a game of hammer-shlagen or cornhole, and place your bids on our silent auction, class projects, fund-a-need and premier auction. The evening will culminate with an event program that spotlights special guest speakers, videos of our students, and a moving pledge drive. More information will be coming home Feb. 9, 2022.
 
We are also looking for more parents to join the Gala committee. All are welcome at our next meeting on February 17 at 6 pm at Broz Bar. Thank you!!!

CHURCH/COMMUNITY NEWS
BreakOut for Grades 1-5: Our St. Francis High School Youth Ministry Team, under the direction of our Director of Youth Ministry - Cheryl Kaufer, is planning a second  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 February 2 from 5:45 to 7:00 pm in the Parish Hall. This is during the same time as this month's ”Growing in Faith”  session, for adults, with Father Billy Dodge presenting on the Eucharist!  BreakOut includes Praise and Worship Music (learning and singing the songs), a presentation about the lives of some saints, short faith testimonies, and a game where the children will  learn about the Miracles of Jesus.  Please bring your grade school child for BreakOut, while you attend the Growing in Faith Session in the Church.  There is also preschool childcare available in the Parish Hall Meeting Room during this time.
 
DATES TO REMEMBER: 
Jan. 26 - Virtues Awards for Honest and Helpful
Jan. 27 - Feb. 4 - Scholastic Book Fair
Jan. 30 - Catholic Schools Week Mass and Open House
Jan. 30 - Feb. 6 - Catholic Schools Week
Feb. 3 - Home and School Meeting
Feb. 6 - Carnival
Feb. 10 - Parent-Teacher Conferences by parent or teacher request 4:00-6:00pm
Feb. 11 - 5th Grade Bake Sale
Feb. 13 - 2022-2023 Registration Forms and Tuition Statements Due
Feb. 21 - No School - Teacher In Service
Feb. 22 - Preschool Open House from 4:30 - 6:00pm
Feb. 23 - Virtue Awards for Patience and Kindness
Feb. 23 - Fifth grade Growing in Love for all fifth grade students and parents 6:00-8:00pm
Mar. 1 - Dr. Seuss’ Birthday 
Mar. 4  - Children’s Museum Field Trip (K-2nd)
Mar. 4 - School Color Day
Mar. 7 - 11 - Spring Break
Mar. 23 - Carpenter Nature Center Field Trip (4th & 5th Grade) - watch for more information soon
Mar. 31 - 2nd grade First Reconciliation
Apr. 20 - First Communion Family Meeting
Apr. 22 - Roller Skating at Skateville - Burnsville, MN  (K-5th) - watch for more information soon
April 23- “Ein Prosit” Oktoberfest Gala
May 1 - 10:30am Mass- 2nd grade First Communion

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

Mary Cormican - Principal 

Third Grade Class Prayer

 Dear Lord, Thank you for the gift of the new year, and for our friends and families. 
We pray that everyone may have a fun and blessed New Year. We pray that everyone will be healthy, and travel safely during this winter season. Lord, help us to grow closer to you each day. In Your name we pray. Amen.


PRAYER PARTNERS:  Please join us as we lift up Miss Schmitt and our third grade students in prayer during the month of January. Samantha Augustine, Adeline Dopp, Ryland Hines, Theodore LaFave, Cooper Moldenhauer, 
Ella Murphy, Ellyse Nelson, Trystan O’Neil, Walter Rewolinski, Kate Rohl, Julia Schmidt, and Lyla Soley.

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
 
Sophia Oricchio, Levi Acker, Ellyse Nelson, Deni Truttman, Jordy McHardy, Mabel 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
 
Bentley McHardy, Ben Johnson, Lyla Soley, Boyer Rohl
 
3YK and 4YK – CAUGHT SHOWING CHARACTER:
Content - Colton Hannegraf, Payslee Calleja
Obedient - Mariella Petersen, Lane Mewes
 
 
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM: Many thanks to Mrs. Wescott and our students who performed a beautiful Christmas program - The Mighty Messengers. 
 
You can view the program anytime on the St. Francis Youtube channel: https://youtu.be/3xNZL_swhrQ
 
 
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.
 
                   Grade 1               Grade 2                  Grade 3                 Grade 4                   Grade 5
1st Place   Fallon Brenner      Natalie Matzek     Samantha Augustine     Anna Puhrmann       Gretta Rewolinski
2nd Place  Cedrec LaFave     Adelyn Loberg       Ella Murphy                   Ben Johnson            Taelyn Hines
3rd Place   Macy Rohl            Hailee Thoner        Ellyse Nelson              Levi Acker          Bentley McHardy
 
BAKE SALES IN THE NEW YEAR:  Be sure to bring your sweet tooth to the 5th grade Bake Sales to be held January 14, 2022 and February 11, 2022.  The theme for January will be “Snow” and February’s theme will be Valentine’s Day!  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!
              
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, 2022, 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 send me or call me 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 THANK YOU!:  The 5th grade class at St. Francis School has spent the Fall learning about the challenges many people face trying to earn enough money to feed their families.  After learning how many of our friends and neighbors use the Ellsworth Food Pantry helps each month, the students decided to have a Holiday Food Drive to benefit this program.  On December 17th, our fifth grade students delivered 454 pounds of food and $519.59 to the Food Pantry.  We could not have done this without your generosity!  You’ve made a huge difference in the lives of so many this Holiday Season!
 
JANUARY AND FEBRUARY PRAYER SERVICES:  In Fr. Olson's absence there will not be weekly school Mass. There will be weekly prayer service at 8:30am held in the school led by the students with the following schedule:
Wed. January 5, 2022 - 3rd grade
Wed. January 12, 2022 - 4th grade
Wed. January 19, 2022 - 5th grade
Wed. January 26, 2022 - 2nd grade
Thurs. Feb. 3, 2022 - 4th grade/Feast of St. Blaise - in church with Deacon Marty Kulak
Wed. Feb. 9, 2022 - 3rd grade
Wed. Feb. 16, 2022 - 2nd grade
Wed. Feb. 23, 2022 - 5th grade

SCHOOL COLORS DAY - FRIDAY, JANUARY 7:  Students are encouraged to dress in school colors, blue and white, January 7.  Show your school pride!

4YK SCREENING - WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12: There will be no school for our 4YK students on Wednesday, January 12 due to Early Childhood Screening.

END OF SECOND QUARTER - FRIDAY, JANUARY 14: The second quarter ends on Friday, Jan. 14.

NO SCHOOL - MONDAY, JANUARY 17:  Students will not have class on Monday, January 17.  This is a district-wide in-service day.

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES: Parent-teacher conferences are not mandatory and are requested by a teacher or parent. Teacher requests will be sent out in January. Conferences will be held on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022 from 4:00-6:00 pm. Please remember that you can view your child’s grades (Grades 3-5) in our JMC program.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK - JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 6, 2022: 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.  We will kick off this week with a special Mass and Open House on Sunday, January 30, 2022. Open House will be held from 9-10:00 AM and 11:30 AM-1:00 PM,
Sunday, January 30, 2022: 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 31, 2022: Celebrate Our Community!
Tuesday, February 1, 2022: Celebrate the Students!
Wednesday, February 2, 2022: Celebrate the Nation!
Thursday, February 3, 2022: Celebrate Vocations!
Friday, February 4, 2022: Celebrate the Teachers, Staff, and Volunteers!
Saturday, February 5, 2022: Carnival preparation
Sunday, February 6, 2022: Celebrate Families! CARNIVAL
 
SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR: THURSDAY, JANUARY 27 - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3:  St. Francis is holding an in-person book fair in the school meeting room, formerly known as the KC room, Thursday, January 27- Thursday, February 3. Students will be able to shop during the school day. The classroom teachers will let students know which day they are going to the book fair.   On Saturday, January 29th, the Book Fair will be open after the 5:30 Mass and on Sunday, January 30, during the All School Open House. On Thursday, February 3, after the celebration of St. Blaise, the Book Fair will be open during our Books and Breakfast. The book fair will also be open prior to the Home and School Meeting on February 3rd from 6:00-6:45pm.

BOOK FAIR VOLUNTEERS:  We are looking for volunteers to help with the book fair. Volunteers are needed on Sunday, January 30 from 9-10 AM and 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM during the All School Open House. We will also need volunteers during the week for a couple of hours at a time. Please contact Sandy Karlstad at skarlstad@stfrancisellsworth.org 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 30th (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”!

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. 

NO SCHOOL - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21:  Students will not have class on Monday, February 21.  This is a district-wide in-service day.

GIVING TUESDAY: Thank you to everyone who has donated through Giving Tuesday. The original cause was an updated copier for the workroom. This is now being donated by Coordinated Business Solutions/The Oricchio Family. Thank you very much to Coordinated Business Solutions for this generous donation.

YEARBOOK: Yearbook Online Ordering is open! Visit https://ybpay.lifetouch.com to order. Our ID code is 1934622.

HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION NEWS

INFORMATION FROM  NOVEMBER 22, 2022 MEETING: A draft of the minutes from the November 22, 2021 meeting is included in today's envelope. 

UPCOMING HOME AND SCHOOL MEETING -THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022 at 7:00 PM.: This meeting will be held both at school and through Google Meet. 

‘TRAVEL THE WORLD’ CARNIVAL UPDATE: Hello families!  We hope everyone enjoys their Holidays. As is tradition, families are asked to sell raffle tickets. The tickets are not included in today’s monthly envelope but the ticket packet will be sent home with your child soon. You will be notified through a JMC text the day the tickets go home.  Thank you for your efforts in selling these raffle tickets.  Be ready for classroom sign-ups  when arriving back from Christmas break.

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. 

CARNIVAL NEEDS: We still need board games and gift cards for prizes.  Please keep the Carnival in mind as you are shopping after-Christmas sales. 
 
CHURCH/COMMUNITY NEWS
Ellsworth School Foundation Murder Mystery Dinner: The Ellsworth School Foundation is hosting the “Till Death Do Us Part” Murder Mystery Dinner on January 29 at 7 pm at the Ellsworth High School Cafetorium. Tickets are available for $40 at the Ellsworth High School Office. Proceeds from the event help to fund the Foundation’s EXCEL grants. These grants are awarded to teachers throughout the district to provide innovative learning opportunities to students, including right here at St. Francis School.
 
DATES TO REMEMBER: 
Dec. 22 - Virtues Awards for Obedient and Content
Dec. 23 - Jan. 2 - Christmas Vacation
Dec. 25 - Merry Christmas!
Jan. 3 - Classes Resume
Jan. 12 - 4YK Screening - No School 4YK ONLY
Jan. 14 - 5th Grade Bake Sale
Jan. 14 - End of Second Quarter
Jan. 18 - Beginning of 3rd Quarter
Jan. 26 - Virtues Awards for Honest and Helpful
Jan. 30 - Catholic Schools Week Mass and Open House
Jan. 30 - Feb. 6 - Catholic Schools Week
Feb. 3 - Home and School Meeting
Feb. 6 - Carnival
Feb. 10 - Parent-Teacher Conferences by parent or teacher request 4:00-6:00pm
Feb. 21 - No School - Teacher In Service
Feb. 23 - Fifth grade Growing in Love for all fifth grade students and parents 6:00-8:00pm
Mar. 7 - 11 - Spring Break
Mar. 31 - 2nd grade First Reconciliation
Apr. 20 - First Communion Family Meeting
May 1 - 10:30am Mass- 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

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.

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. 28, December 5, Dec. 12, and Dec. 19. 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. You can sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1WAXMeyqTxT0GJF_4MDBAGsTfeQEcP8vgOpyf7OgOiV0/edit

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

Ettalane Jean, Fallon Brenner, Hailee Thoner, Cooper Moldenhauer, Walker Loberg, Taelyn Hines
 
3YK and 4YK – CAUGHT SHOWING CHARACTER:
Attentive - Benson Wesser, Odin Bergman, Kwintyn Wisniowski
 
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
PO Box 250
Ellsworth WI, 54011
 
Thank you and Merry Christmas!
 
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, 2022, 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 send me or call me 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!

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. 

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

NO SCHOOL - WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8: Students will not have classes on Wednesday, December 8 as we observe the Holy Day of Obligation, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Mass will be held at 7:00 p.m.

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 3YK and K-5 will be held Tuesday, 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. 

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS CHRISTMAS POSTER CONTEST:  Students in grades 1-5 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 9th.

ELLSWORTH FOOD PANTRY FOOD DRIVE:  Thank you for your support thus far, but we need a LOT more food to give our friends and neighbors in need of a hearty holiday meal. Monetary donations are accepted as well. 5th grade will be accepting donations through Dec. 15th. Keep them coming! Give, Give, Give!

FIFTH GRADE CLASS TRIP TO THE FOOD PANTRY – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17:  On Friday, December 17 our fifth grade class will be delivering your donated items to the food pantry.  

CHRISTMAS VACATION:  Christmas vacation will start on Thursday, December 23.  Classes will resume on Monday, 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 2021.  For St. Francis students, you will need to use:  St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 264 S. Grant Street, P.O. Box 839, Ellsworth, WI 54011.   Reminder: In order to claim tuition expenses on your 2021 tax return, payments must be received by the school office no later than December 31, 2021.

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 14: The second quarter ends on Friday, Jan. 14.

NO SCHOOL - Monday, Jan. 17, 2022

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES: Parent-teacher conferences are not mandatory and are requested by a teacher or parent. Teacher requests will be sent out closer to the date.  Information for parents that wish to request a conference will be in next month’s newsletter.
Please remember that you can view your child’s grades (Grades 3-5) in our JMC program.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK - JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 6, 2022: 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.  We will kick off this week with a special Mass and Open House on Sunday, January 30, 2022. 
Sunday, January 30, 2022: Celebrate our Parish! The 10:30 Mass will center around Catholic Schools.  Everyone is invited to tour St. Francis School after Mass.
Monday, January 31, 2022: Celebrate Our Community!
Tuesday, February 1, 2022: Celebrate the Students!
Wednesday, February 2, 2022: Celebrate the Nation!
Thursday, February 3, 2022: Celebrate Vocations!
Friday, February 4, 2022: Celebrate the Teachers, Staff, and Volunteers!
Saturday, February 5, 2022: Carnival preparation
Sunday, February 6, 2022: Celebrate Families! CARNIVAL

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. 

WINTER WEATHER-DRESS CODE: Students need to wear jackets, snow pants, a hat, mittens, and boots during the winter. 
 
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

UPCOMING HOME AND SCHOOL MEETING - MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22 at 7:00 p.m.:  The Home and School meeting originally scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021 has been moved to Monday, Nov. 22, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.. It is still an option to listen to the meeting via Google Meet. Please send your gmail address to: principal@stfrancisellsworth.org before 6:00 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 22, 2021 so an electronic invite can be sent to you. Thank you. 

UPCOMING HOME AND SCHOOL MEETING -THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022.

‘TRAVEL THE WORLD’ CARNIVAL UPDATE: Hello families!  The Grand Raffle Tickets and Traditional Raffle tickets will be going home the first or second week in December.  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. 

CARNIVAL NEED: We are looking for prizes for kids between $5-$10.  Please keep us in mind as you are Black Friday shopping and Christmas Shopping.   
  
DATES TO REMEMBER: 
Nov. 24-26 - Thanksgiving Vacation
Nov. 25 - Happy Thanksgiving!
Dec. 3 - School Color Day
Dec. 7 - Dress Rehearsal for Christmas Program at 1:30 p.m.
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. 17- 5th grade to the Food Pantry
Dec. 22 - Virtues Awards for Obedient and Content
Dec. 23 - Jan. 1 - Christmas Vacation
Dec. 25 - Merry Christmas!
Jan. 3 - Classes Resume
Jan. 26 - Virtues Awards for Honest and Helpful
Jan. 30 - Catholic Schools Week Mass and Open House
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