SCHOOL CHOICE SCHOLARSHIP LOTTERY WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 30, 2012. IF NO LOTTERY IS NECESSARY THEN ENROLLMENT WILL BE DONE ON A FIRST COME/FIRST SERVE BASIS UNTIL ALL GRADE LEVELS ARE FULL.
February 2011
Dear Parents,
Registration for current school families and parishioners will be in March. Registration for non-parishioners will begin on April 1st. Remember to ensure a spot for your child(ren) registration is important. Please contact the parish office at 493-4553 if you are unable to register in March. Additional registration and fee information will be sent home soon. St. John the Baptist School will have a K & P-K Open House on Sunday, February 26th from 11:00 am- 12:00 pm. Following the open house, the P-K & K Informational Meeting will be held at 12:00 pm in the school library.
Burger King Sales begin January 31st. The booklets are being sold for $3.00 each. Through your efforts we hope to raise the funds necessary for some new technology such as computers, document cameras, and projectors for the school. We encourage each student to sell 10 books ($25.00 in profits). There will be prizes and awards given to the students for selling their books. Thanks for your efforts and a special thanks to Mrs. Sovine for the hours spent on organizing this undertaking.
Remember to buy your Scrip certificates. The Scrip Office is open Tuesday and Friday school mornings from 7:30-8:15 am. When you purchase Scrip you can earn 75% of the profit money toward your next year’s tuition. The Scrip calendar year runs from April 1st-March 31. There is still time to earn Scrip tuition credit money for next year’s tuition expenses. It is a great way to earn cash to help with your tuition costs and not have to spend time on fund raising activities.
We are still collecting Campbell soup labels and General Mills’ box tops. Please clip and save these items. We will use the proceeds to buy needed school equipment. Mrs. Summers, the Box Tops’ coordinator, would like to say thank you to everyone who helps out with the Box Tops Program. We recently received a check for $775. Mrs. Doust handles the Campbell’s labels. Remember that the Campbell’s labels need the UPC part of the label not the front. Thanks to all the coordinators and their helpers!
The science fair this year will be held on February 16th. Set up will begin Thursday morning in the gym. Judging will take place during the school day. Good luck to the participants.
The School Board is reviewing policies in the Student Handbook. If anyone has any questions, concerns, or changes that they would like to share, please send your comments to the school in care of the School Board by the end of February. Also, the School Board is beginning their search for 3 new members for next school year. If you are interested in running for a position on the school board, please contact Christy Kayser.
In closing, thank you to all who make Catholic education a reality: parents, teachers, students, caring adults, and everyone who shares their love and support with St. John’s School. Catholic education is a sacrifice, but in the long run, it’s worth it. Remember Catholic Schools =Faith, Academics, Service!
Student Council has two spirit shirts that were ordered in the school office without names. If you did not receive your shirt, please contact the school office (749-9903).
Respectfully,
Janice L. Comito
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January 2012
Dear Parents,
We will be celebrating Catholic School’s Week beginning January 29, 2012. It is a wonderful way to celebrate the importance of Catholic education. This year’s theme is “Catholic Schools Faith, Academics, Service.” Please watch for more detailed information on the activities being held that week later during the month of January. The annual “You Can Lend a Hand” Campaign will begin around Catholic Schools Week. Each student is asked to sell 10 coupon books at $3 each. Fifty cents from each booklet is for printing and expenses, but the $2.50 profit is used at St. John’s. Please try and sell your books. However, if you cannot sell all the books sent home to your family return them as soon as possible so that they can be sold by other student families. We use the money for technology and last year’s funds will be used to purchase a new server and 7 new classroom computers for the school. This year it would be great if the school could purchase some more document cameras and interactive boards for the classrooms.
The finance/tuition committee will be finalizing the tuition and fee costs for the 2012-2013 school year soon. A letter explaining the cost of tuition, registration, and books will be sent home after the budget has been finalized. Please keep a look out for it. Remember that there is financial aid available for those who need help. Contact the parish office (493-4553) with any questions you may have regarding tuition costs and/or financial aid. Also, buying HASA scrip can help defer the cost of tuition for your family (75% comes back to your family). School registration days will be held in the school’s library in March. Please watch for the dates and times in future newsletters.
HASA was busy during the month of December. The school community enjoyed “Kris Kringle’s Market,” and “Breakfast with Santa.” Thanks to all who donated their time and energy to these HASA events.
Please have lunch order forms into school by noon on Tuesday due dates if you are ordering lunches. Students may purchase milk daily by paying as they pick up their milk in the lunchroom.
At this time there is no school Monday, January 16th for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. If there is a weather cancelation between now and January 16th, school will be in session to make up the day.
School resumes on Monday, January 2, 2012. There will be no bus service available.
Thank you for keeping the positive flow of information going between home and school. If you ever have any concerns or questions, please contact your child’s teacher immediately. May God bless everyone in this brand new year 2012!
Sincerely,
Janice L. Comito
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December 2011
Dear Parents,
It is hard to believe that the holiday season is upon us again. I hope that everyone has an enjoyable and blessed Christmas. Please keep the calendar handy for reference throughout the month. Many of the classrooms are planning special programs or activities during the holiday season.
Please pay close attention to the following reminders. They are important policies and procedures that are often forgotten in the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
1. Please mark or label your child’s clothing as this helps in the quick return of lost items. (Lost & Found pile is growing daily)
2. Students will be outside for recess unless the temperature is 15 or below.
3. Delays and Cancellations due to weather: follow East Allen County Schools. In case of an emergency only for St. John’s, please listen for St. John the Baptist School in New Haven.
4. Important custodial papers need to be turned into the school office for student records.
On Wednesday, December 21st the annual school Christmas Program is being held. Please come and join us at 1:00 pm for “Christmas Music”. It is a wonderful experience when over 300 children’s voices join in prayer and song. Students may be signed out after the program in their classrooms.
The Student Council is sponsoring a “Birthday for Jesus” collection for the Women’s Care Center. They are collecting baby clothes and items as well as maternity clothes. These items will be donated to the Center for mothers and their babies. This service project helps the students focus on the reason for Christmas…the baby Jesus’ birthday.
Father Seculoff will have reconciliation for the students in grades 2-8 at school in December. There will be an All School Holy Day Mass on December 8th at 8:05 am.
The Athletic Board is sponsoring its annual Holiday Tournament on December 17, 18, 20, and 21. Basketball games will be held in the community center gym. Come out and support your favorite team(s).
In closing I would like to say “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year” to the community from all the faculty and staff at St. John the Baptist. May God bless your family.
Sincerely,
Janice Comito, Principal
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November 2011
Dear Parents,
Thank you for your support and involvement at St. John the Baptist School. The students are working hard and enjoying a Christ-filled education. I would like to personally thank every parent and/or volunteer who is helping make the education available at St. John’s the best it can be. We did well at the McTeacher Night on September 26th. The funds will be used to buy reading materials for the students to use in their classrooms.
St. John’s School received a Grade A/Exemplary Rating from the Indiana Department of Education for 2011. Our students continue to demonstrate growth in mathematics and language arts in grades 3 through 8. Remember that our school goal for this year focuses on reading skills: comprehension, accuracy, vocabulary, phonics/word study, and fluency.
Thanksgiving is coming and with it comes the annual collection of nonperishable foods for the St. Vincent DePaul Society. The men and women of the St. Vincent’s Society work quietly behind the scenes helping people in need. Encourage your student to bring in some food items before the Thanksgiving Mass on November 23rd. The collections for the Community Harvest Food Bank and the Ave Maria House went well in October. Thank you for your generous support.
Please continue to save you BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION and CAMPBELLS LABELS. These programs give financial support to St. John’s at no additional cost to school families. Remember to purchase SCRIP Certificates (75% of the profits are returned to you for tuition). It is especially easy to buy Scrip gift certificates as holiday and birthday gifts for family and friends. Scrip hours are Tuesday and Friday morning from 7:30-8:00 or after the 9:30 mass on Sundays. We are also collecting used printer cartridges and old cell phones. These items are redeemed for money and help the school keep up with the rising cost of paper.
Please post the November calendar that is enclosed for easy reference. There will be no school on Friday, November 4th, Thursday, November 24th, and Friday, November 25th. Komet Hockey Tickets are still available for the game on November 6th at 5:00 pm.
Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held at school on October 31st through November 3rd. Reminder: Every Wednesday students are dismissed at 2:15 PM, please try and be here on time. Thank you.
Congratulations to our Fall Sports Teams. They worked hard and represented St. John’s School with pride and sportsmanship. Go Raiders!!
Enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday and remember to thank God for our many blessings.
Sincerely,
Janice L. Comito, Principal
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October 2011
Dear Parents,
I have enclosed a calendar of events for the month of October. I hope it is helpful in planning your family’s schedule. The school year is going well. The students are engaged in many new and exciting activities. Please feel free to call your child’s teacher at school and set up a time to visit. You are welcome to come and see what we do. Many students really enjoy a visit from mom or dad.
The end of the first quarter grading period is Friday October 21st. Also, every Wednesday dismissal is 2:15 pm for teacher collaboration time unless the weather causes a school delay. Teachers have staff meetings for curriculum, reading plan, and teacher sharing after school on Wednesdays. The early release was instituted to ensure the teachers had non-supervision time to collaborate on school needs.
There will be a HASA meeting on October 4, 2011 beginning at 6:30 pm. Important information will be shared regarding upcoming HASA events and school news. HASA plans on having a guest speaker share ideas for packing healthy and child-friendly school lunches. Please make plans to attend.
Teacher Assisted Study Sessions are on Tuesday (gr.1-4) and Thursday (gr.5-8). These sessions are by teacher request. However, if you feel your child would benefit from TASS, contact the teacher(s), and he/she can set your child up for TASS.
Please continue to send in your Box Tops for Education, Campbell’s Points, empty printer cartridges, and Tyson labels. These items are located on merchandise that you use and can help St. John’s School with donations of money and equipment. Thank you for taking the time to save and send in these items. The last Box Tops for Education package sent in netted the school $750!
Please be aware that the students need to have jackets, coats, etc. available for recess. Indiana weather changes suddenly, and then many students are cold outside when they come unprepared. School policy states that when the temperature or wind-chill is 15 degrees or below, recess will be held inside. Any other time the students will be outside to get some fresh air and exercise.
St. John’s encourages all our families to continue to buy Scrip. The profits help keep school costs down: families receive 75% back for tuition assistance and the parish has 25% to use for school improvements and supplies. Please make it a habit to plan ahead and purchase Scrip as often as you can. The Scrip Office is open Tuesday and Friday before school, Thursday evening 6:00-6:30 pm, and Sunday after the 9:30 Mass.
Thank you for choosing St. John the Baptist School.
Sincerely,
Janice L. Comito
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September 2011
Dear Parents,
I hope the school year is going well for everyone. The faculty at St. John’s is trying very hard to help each individual student achieve their own personal best. Encourage your child to always give 100% to everything that they do at school.
I want to thank you, parents, for choosing St. John’s for your child’s education. If at any time you have a question or concern, please contact your child’s teacher or the school office. Without parental support our school community could not thrive and grow. A contact list with teachers’ phone extensions and e-mails was available Move-In Night. Hopefully, this will help keep the lines of communication open. If you did not pick up a list, let the school office know, and one will be sent home. May God bless all of you during the school year.
Please remember that each student’s safety is our primary concern at arrival and dismissal times. Patience is needed. Encourage your child to walk quickly into the building in the morning and return to his/her vehicle at dismissal. A child wandering between parked and moving vehicles is extremely dangerous. Thank you for following the parking and driving guidelines sent home earlier.
The September calendar is enclosed with this letter. Please remember that the ½ hour early collaboration dismissals on Wednesdays begin on September 7, 2011 and continue until May 16, 2012. EACS has decided to use 3 hour delays this year. This will allow the schools to avoid cancellations and weather make-up days. When EACS has a 3 hour delay school will begin 3 hours late (10:50 am). The school day will be extended 1 hour to ensure the students have enough instructional time for a full day. Dismissal will be 1 hour later than usual (3:40 pm). If EACS has a two hour delay school begins at 9:50 am and dismissal is at 2:40 pm. If EACS has a three hour delay school begins at 10:50 am and dismissal is at 3:40 pm.
Picture day is Monday, September 12th. Students may dress up for their photos in non-dress code clothing. Please remember to keep the clothing modest and appropriate for your child’s age level. (No bare midriffs, short-short skirts, etc.) Students who do not normally attend school on Monday (P-K 3) will have their pictures taken on Tuesday, September 13th. All picture order forms must be turned in before pictures are taken if you wish to order the photos. Information will be coming home soon about ordering pictures.
The cafeteria ladies would like your help. They are asking for donations of pre-packaged food to give to students who forget their lunches. The food must be individually packaged by the manufacturer. Any donations would be greatly appreciated.
Please send in immunization records for your children if you have not already done so. The State of Indiana requires all schools to keep accurate records on file for every enrolled student. Our school nurses are in the process of updating all the student records, and need their immunization information.
Again, thanks for choosing St. John the Baptist Catholic School and have a great year!
Sincerely,
Janice L. Comito, Principal
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August 2011
MOVE-IN DAY FOR GRADES 1-8
Students and parents are asked to bring all of the student’s school supplies and attend an orientation meeting before school on Monday, August 15, 2011. The classrooms will be open between 5:00 and 7:00 pm for the students to move-in their stuff before school starts. The teachers will be available to help the students move-in and answer any questions you may have. We hope this makes the transition from summer break to the first day of school easier for everyone. The emergency cards, school handbooks, and various forms will be available at this time to get a jump start on all the records before school begins. These forms are available in the cafeteria during Move-In Night from 5:00-7:00 pm. Please be sure to stop at the cafeteria and fill them out. See you the evening of August 15, 2011.
OPENING DAY
Grades 1 through 8:
TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2011, St. John’s begins. Grades 1-8 will ALL begin class at 7:50 am and end the day at 1:00 pm. Wednesday, August 17, 2011 classes will be held from 7:50 am to 2:40 pm. No EACS bus service is available on August 16th . EACS bus service begins on Wednesday, August 17, 2011.
Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten
Kindergarten orientation will be on Tuesday, August 16, 2011. Kindergarten classes begin on Wednesday, August 17th. Pre-Kindergarten classes begin on Monday, August 22nd or Tuesday, August 23rd. Separate mailings are being sent to all parents with children in either program.
Hepatitis B vaccinations are required for all incoming KINDERGARTEN students. The law, effective July 1, 1999, requires all incoming kindergarten students to receive the hepatitis B vaccination, which consists of three shots over six months. All incoming kindergarten students must have at least begun the first of the three shots needed by the first day of school. For more information about free hepatitis B vaccinations call 424-SHOT.
All medical information forms must be turned into the school before the first day of student attendance. Any student without the correct immunizations will not be allowed into the classroom.
SCHOOL CALENDAR
Attached is an updated St. John’s school calendar. Depending on snow days, this calendar is subject to change in the future. Please note the dates when St. John’s will be in session and EACS will not. On these dates no bus service will be available.
WEATHER DELAYS
Remember, when poor weather looks as if it may close or delay school, St. John’s follows East Allen County Schools on the radio or television. In the event that St. John’s needs to close or delay without following EACS, please listen for the announcement to state St. John the Baptist, New Haven.
LUNCHES
Please pack cold lunches for your children during the first week of school. Milk will be available beginning on Tuesday August 16th. Lunch program information and order forms will be available during Move-In Night. Free and reduced applications will also be available at that time. Remember to check the box asking for textbook assistance; this means the state will reimburse the school for some of your child’s book bill in the spring of 2012. Please fill them out and return as soon as possible. Applications may be turned in at any time during the school year if your income status changes. The hot lunch program start up information and menus will be available at Move-In Night. Orders are to be turned in by noon on Tuesday every two weeks. Lunches must be ordered in advance.
DRESS CODE REMINDERS/UPDATES Grades K-8
Used uniforms available at Move-In Night.
Streaked, highlighted, and dyed hair is not allowed for students. No color enhancements-professional or homemade. Please take the time before school starts to change back to your naturally beautiful hair color if you have colored your hair over the summer.
Also, just a reminder that make-up is not to be worn at school. We increasingly have had younger and younger students wearing make-up. This has been excessive at times. It simply is not necessary. You are beautiful just the way God made you! Thank you.
A word about shorts length. Please be modest in your dress. Shorts should be at least mid-thigh in length. If in doubt, please go for the longer look.
Sandals are not allowed. This is for all students Pre-kindergarten through 8th grade.
Finally, not everything can, nor should, be put into a school handbook. Modesty, common sense, safety, etc…may require that we ask a student, or group of students, to change their appearance or an article of clothing. This is done in the best interest of the school and student(s). We’ll always try to be fair and nice about it. Please comply when asked. A complete uniform code is in the school handbook; please refer to it. Thank you for your cooperation.
VOLUNTEERS
Please remember that Diocesan Policy requires all workers, volunteers, and coaches who work with parish children to attend an annual meeting on safety guidelines and procedures. The Diocesan safe environment video will be shown during Move-In-Night at 5:00 pm and again at 6:00 pm. Background checks, receipt of Diocesan volunteer policies, driver’s license and proof of car insurance are required of all parents who plan to drive for field trips or help in the classroom. Thanks.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Lists were sent home last spring for school supplies, which will be needed the first week of school. We have enclosed another copy for your convenience.
HOMEROOMS AND ROOM ASSIGNMENTS
Returning students were notified regarding their homeroom assignments in the final report cards. New students can find out their placement by phoning the school office.
CHILD CARE
A childcare booklet will be available at Move-In Night or the first day of school. If interested in using the service, please fill out the application form and return the form as soon as possible. Karen Fox is the director of the extended care programs and can answer any questions about the program you may have.
BUS INFORMATION
Forms are available in the school office for those who wish to use the Central Lutheran Bus Service. This bus services families in the Tanglewood and Highland Terrace subdivisions and the area north of the Maumee River. Please contact the EACS transportation department for bus service in the district area. The school office has all necessary bus forms available.
MEDICATION PERMISSION SLIP
You will receive a medication permission slip for those children who need to take medication on a daily basis the first week of school. For example, if your child must take a daily allergy medicine, the medicine must be stored in the office and a medication information/permission slip must be on record. Please turn in the form and medication to the office during the first week of school.
CUSTODIAL PARENTS
Please turn into the office copies of all custodial court orders. Schools are required to know who has custody, and who is entitled to pick-up students besides the custodial parent/guardian. For your child’s safety, please inform the office as soon as possible. St. John’s is not responsible for any mix-up when no paperwork is on file for your child.
DROP-OFF AND PICKUP PLAN
You will find the plan for dropping off and picking up students attached to this letter. I ask your cooperation in following the drop-off and pickup plan to ensure the safety of students and adults. I understand that time is precious before and after school, but please take an extra minute or two and ensure the safety of both the students and the adults. Remember to drive slowly on and around the school grounds. Thank you for your cooperation!
FACULTY ROSTER
Pre-K 3 and 4 – Mrs. O’Shaughnessey P-K aides- Mrs. Wyss and Mrs. Tuttle
Grade 1 – Mrs. Huffman Kdgn- Mrs. Patton Grade 7/8 – Mrs. Hoffman
Grade 1 – Mrs. Rumschlag Grade 4 - Mrs. Busch Grade 6/7/8 – Mrs. Tucker
Grade 2 - Mrs. Doust Grade 3 – Mrs. Ammer Grade 7/8 – Mr. Crisp
Grade 2 - Mrs. Gabet Grade 6/7/8 – Mrs. Smith/Mrs. Pflueger Computer- Mrs. Schuckel
Grade 3 – Mr. Pranger Kdgn- Mrs. Wiggins Grade 4 – Mrs. Weikel
Music- Mr. Sundberg Library – Mrs. Kawiecki Resource – Mrs. Beuchel Aide: Mrs. Zuber
Band – Mr. Newman Art – Mrs. Givens Grade 5- Mr. Kindler
Grade 6- Mr. Pepe Office: Mrs. Roper, Mrs. Collins Music- Mrs. Fenker
IN CLOSING
Mr. Heddens and his staff have worked hard all summer to make the school look great. All the floors got several coats of wax. Thank them for all the work they have done to make St. John’s shine. The school also had new lighting and some boys’ restroom remodeling done over the summer. Be sure to take a look at the improvements.
Please remember that classes for St. John’s students begin on Tuesday, August 16th with dismissal for grades 1-8 at 1:00 pm. EACS bus service will not be available until Wednesday, August 17, 2011.
Enjoy the rest of your summer and we’ll see you throughout the school year.
Sincerely,
Janice L. Comito and the Staff of St. John the Baptist School