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

Fourth Grade Class Prayer
Dear Jesus, please help people in the hospital that are suffering.  May they feel God's love & comfort, feel better and be healed.  For all the people in Ukraine that are also suffering to feel God's love and comfort.  For food and water for those who can't get it easily.  Help them find the nourishment they need.  And, for our families, especially for safe travels over the upcoming holiday seasons.  In Your name we pray, Amen.

PRAYER PARTNERS:  Please join us as we lift up Miss Hanley, Mrs. Kulow, and our Fourth Grade students in prayer during the month of November. 

Samantha Augustine, Theodore LaFave, Cooper Moldenhauer, Ella Murphy, Trystan O’Neil, Walter Rewolinski, Julia Schmidt, and Lyla Soley.

During the month of December, we will be lifting up Miss Schmitt and our Third Grade students in prayer.

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.

Alex Bergman, Jack Loberg, Trent Acker, Hailee Thoner, Julia Schmidt

VIRTUE AWARDS FOR BEING GENTLE:
Gentle – I speak quietly and touch softly

Noah Behnam. Shay Behnam
 
PRESCHOOL & 4YK - CAUGHT SHOWING CHARACTER:
Diligent - Ira Brunner, Tristan Field, Ruston Huggett
Gentle - Sophia Behnam

THANK YOU!! from The Happy Earth Orchard
We just wanted to send our thanks and gratitude to all the St. Francis families who came to the orchard on October 8th for the Home & School family outing.  We always have a blast hosting the St. Francis families and this year was no different.  It was a beautiful fall day where we gathered together in community! The proceeds from the day raised $56 for the school.  Thank you again to our St. Francis community for your support.    Blessings, The Wisniowski Family (Tom, Shawn, Christopher, Kwintyn, and Gabriel)

ALL SOULS DAY - NOVEMBER 2:  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 form in your monthly envelope 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.

TUITION ASSISTANCE: Tuition Assistance will be applied to the accounts of our families who have requested assistance. Please contact Father Olson by Wednesday, November 2nd if you are in need of assistance for the 2022-2023 school year.

FREE LUNCH FRIDAY:  A couple of our parishioners have volunteered to pay for the school lunches on one day a month.  The students will be choosing the menu items for that day.  In October, the 5th grade students picked their favorites.  For November, our 4th graders have chosen their favorites. “Free Lunch Friday” will be November 11.  A huge Thank You to our generous volunteers that are making this possible and helping our families in a special way. 

SPECIAL HARVEST BREAKFAST AND HALLOWEEN CELEBRATIONS - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28:  We will have a special Harvest Breakfast for students on Friday October 28, complete with pumpkins carved by our fifth grade class. See the flier attached to this email for more information.  Teachers will send home separate information about their classroom Halloween parties. Students will be allowed to dress for Halloween at school. Please refrain from sending your child in a witch or devil costume.  Thank you!  We will have a costume parade at 8:30am in the parking lot.  Everyone is welcome to attend.

END OF FIRST QUARTER:  The first quarter ends on Friday, October 28.     

NO SCHOOL - MONDAY, OCTOBER 31: No school for students on Monday, October 31 for Teacher In Service.

TRUNK OR TREAT - MONDAY, OCTOBER 31: Everyone is welcome to join the fun at Trunk-or-Treat on Monday, October 31st.  Please send donations of candy to the St. Francis School Office.  If you'd like to dress up and distribute candy, there is always room for more!  Contact Cheryl Kaufer if interested. ALL ARE WELCOME to attend this event. Spread the word!

REGULAR SCHOOL DAY - TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1: St. Francis will have school on Tuesday, November 1.  Students will be attending Mass to observe All Saints Day. There will not be a student’s Mass on Wed. Nov. 2.

REPORT CARDS:  Report cards will be sent home on Thursday, November 3.

FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN FOOD PACKING - 3RD-5TH GRADE - WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9: 
Our 3rd - 5th Grade students will be packing food at Feed My Starving Children on Wednesday, November 9.  The bus will leave St. Francis at 9:45, getting to Eagan approximately 11:00.  Then the students will have a bag lunch.  From 11:30 - 1:15 our students, staff, and chaperones will be packaging food. At 1:15pm we will return to school.  

Please remember to send a bag lunch with your child.  This field trip is free through a generous donation for the bus but if you would like to send a donation with your child to Feed My Starving Child, it would be greatly appreciated!  To learn more about FMSC, visit their website at https://www.fmsc.org.
MINNESOTA SCIENCE MUSEUM ASSEMBLIES - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18: On Friday, November 18 the MN Science Museum will be presenting an Engineering Assembly for our students in Kindergarten - 5th Grade.  We are looking forward to this wonderful experience for our students. 

THANKSGIVING VACATION - NOVEMBER 23 - 25:  There will be no school Wednesday, November 23 through Friday, November 25 for Thanksgiving Vacation.  Classes will resume again on Monday, November 28. 

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 student’s 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.  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 14 at 1:00pm.  This is open to anyone who would like to attend.

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

4YK  WINTER PROGRAM - TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20:  Our 4YK Winter Program will be held at 10:00am 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.

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 close to 400 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 watch for a flier in the near future. Thanks so much for your help!   

WEATHER-DRESS CODE: With the cooler temperatures please be sure students are dressing accordingly. Morning recesses are chilly so jackets, hats, and mittens should be worn. Tennis/closed toe and closed heel shoes need to be worn outside for recess and Phy-ed.  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 
Apps are also available from all of these news outlets.

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.


HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION NEWS
HOME AND SCHOOL MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10:   Our next Home and School Meeting will be held on Thursday, November 10 at 7:00 in the Parish Hall.

CARNIVAL NEWS:  Although we are not having the traditional carnival this year, we are currently working on many fun events to take place during Catholic schools week. We will continue to sell the grand raffle tickets and those will be going out to families around the end of November, hopefully before Thanksgiving break.

For those of you that weren’t aware, it was decided at the end of last year to move the carnival to the fall of the year.  We will have a new carnival in the fall of 2023…stay tuned!  

CHURCH/COMMUNITY NEWS
St. Francis Catholic Church is celebrating 125 years of ministry to the Ellsworth community! We invite all St. Francis School families to join us on Friday, November 11 at Tattersall Distilling in River Falls for an Anniversary Jubilee. Doors will open at 5 pm for hors d’oeuvres, live music, dinner, and an event program. Tickets are available to purchase at stfrancisellsworth.com/jubilee or in the Parish Office. 

DATES TO REMEMBER: 
Oct. 28 - Harvest Breakfast and Halloween Celebration
Oct.28 - Custom Parade (8:30am)
Oct. 28 - End of 1st Quarter  
Oct. 31 - NO SCHOOL - Teacher Inservice
Oct. 31 - Trunk or Treat 4:00-7:00 PM
Nov. 1 - All Saints Day Mass - students attending
Nov. 1 - Beginning of 2nd Quarter
Nov. 9 - 3rd - 5th Grade Field Trip to Feed My Starving Children
Nov. 10 - Home and School Meeting (7:00pm)
Nov. 18 - Minnesota Science Museum Assembly
Nov. 23-25 - Thanksgiving Vacation 
Nov. 24 - Happy Thanksgiving
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. 20 - 4YK Winter Program at 10:00am
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
Mrs. Beverly Miller - Interim Principal principal@stfrancisellsworth.org