Month: June 2016

Principal’s Message

This week I wish to share with you a couple of additional changes in staffing for the upcoming year.  After sixteen years as our Pre-Kindergarten Director, Mrs. Kardaras has decided to resign from her position in order to be able to devote more time to her family and to pursue other opportunities.  I want to thank her for her leadership and for creating a program that is widely recognized for providing our youngest learners with a wonderful introduction to the world of learning.  Our Pre-Kindergarten is truly a nurturing and joyful environment and Mrs. Kardaras is credited with fostering such a warm and supportive atmosphere for the children.  We wish her God’s continued blessings and success as she begins this new phase in her life.

I also want to inform you of the fact that Mrs. Karen Davey, Pre-Kindergarten assistant, will also not be returning in the fall.  Through her years in the program, Mrs. Davey has also been a strong contributor to the success of the Pre-Kindergarten.  She has partnered closely with Mrs. Kardaras and shown great care for the children.  Her strong organizational skills and attention to detail will certainly be missed.  Her departure from the Pre-Kindergarten will afford her more time for her other work as a writer.  We thank her for her goodness and wish her every good blessing!
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I wish to extend a special invitation to all families to attend the events planned in celebration of Graduation Day.  All of the students will gather in the church at9:30 a.m. on Friday, June 10^th to observe the Pass-it-On Ceremony, an annual tradition and prayer service during which the 8^th grade students “pass on” their leadership role to the rising 7^th grade class as symbolized by the handing on of the 8^th grade honor medals.  Following a special breakfast for the graduates, at11:00 a.m. the 8^th grade students will participate in the Walk of Honor, a custom by which all of the students in grades K-7 line the hallways and applaud for the graduates as they exit the building for the final time as students.  The celebration culminates with a Mass at 4:00 p.m. followed by the Graduation Ceremony and a reception in the Parish Activities Center.  I hope that you and your family will be able to join us for some of these special moments as we congratulate our 8^th grade students.

Important Reminder:  As Graduation will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 10^th, school will dismiss at noon for students in grades K-7. Extended Day services will remain available.
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After weeks of unpredictable weather and more than our fair share of rainy days, we were truly blessed with great conditions for yesterday’s Field Day.  I want to thank the many parents who attended and served as volunteers.  Such a large undertaking would not have been possible without the support of many hands.  I want to extend a special word of thanks to the following faculty & staff for all of their efforts:

Mr. Redman (P.E. Teacher) – For organizing all of the events and for even introducing some new activities to keep the experience fresh and exciting for our students.

Mrs. Coyle (Librarian) – For scheduling and overseeing all of the logistics related to the Accelerated Reader surprise which is always a highlight for the children.

Mrs. Matner, Mrs. Marsengill, Mrs. Werling & Mrs. Speicher (Kitchen Staff) – For preparing the lunch and literally taking it on the road to provide for our students, staff and parents.

Mr. Andre, Mr. Paul and Mrs. Hayde (Maintenance Department) – For coordinating the delivery of equipment, tables and the all-important ice cream!

Mrs. Roth (Substitute Nurse) – For providing top notch care for students who were injured or not feeling well throughout the day.

Summer Learning Program 2016

Grade K
Learning Packets: Designed by the Pre-K team, these packets will be distributed to parents.

Grade 1-2
Summer Book: This is a wonderful series that has been used in the primary grades in recent years.  It includes diverse activities that target a variety of areas, including reading, math, science, social studies, and religion.  The Summer Book will be due on Friday of the first week of school and credit will be given to all students who complete the work.

Ordering Information: Summerbook Company
305 Lyndale Drive
Hartsville, SC 27804

1-877-684-8502 (Toll Free)                                                     www.summerbookcompany.com
Note: Order the Summer Book for the grade level that your child will begin in September.  For example, students in Kindergarten this year should complete the Summer Book for 1^st graders.)

Grades 3-5
Math Packet & 2 Accelerated Reader Books
The teachers will distribute math packets that provide reinforcement of skills acquired this past school year.  After reading two Accelerated Reader books, students are asked to complete the corresponding AR tests upon their return to school.  These summer assignments will be due Friday of the first week of school and will be considered part of the first quarter participation grade.

Grades 6-8

Reading
Students are asked to choose ONE of the books listed below that corresponds with their grade level. Each grade level will read a novel that directly relates to material they will be studying in social studies.  Students are asked to read the book and complete a multiple choice assessment on the novel at the beginning of the year.  The assessment will relate specifically to the story, characters, setting, and history of the novel.  This is not an optional assignment. Additionally, students will write an essay in social studies class to be submitted to Mrs. Slovenkay.  This assignment will serve as a writing sample at the start of the school year.

 Rising 6th graders:

·  Voyage with Jason by Ken Catran

·  Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare

·  The Egypt Game by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
Rising 7th graders:

·  My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier

·  The Secret of Sarah Revere by Ann Rinaldi

·  Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson
Rising 8th graders:

·  The Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank

·  Devil’s Arithmetic by Jane Yolen

Math
The Middle School Math Team will require students complete ten mini lessons/assignments over the course of the summer.  These lessons/assignments will be accessible through Google Classroom beginning June 17, 2016 and should be completed by Friday, August 26, 2016.  All students are asked to submit responses via Google Classroom.  Students new to All Saints Catholic School in the Fall will be provided a hard copy.

Immunization & Health Records Requirements for 2016-2017
To the parents of Pre-K students arriving in Fall 2016:
The State of Virginia requires parents of Pre-K students submit the following:

1.    An immunization form must be in the child’s record by the date of the child’s admission.   The first day of Pre-K is Wednesday, September 7th, 2016.

2.    Immunizations must be recorded and dated on either the Health Dept. form (MCH 213F or MCH 213G) or a physician’s form, include the child’s name, and be signed or stamped and dated by a licensed physician, the physician’s designee, or an official of a local health department.

3.    For all immunizations a child receives after 7/1/16, the form must contain a statement (typed or handwritten) that the child is adequately immunized.
The current Form MCH213G is available at the following website:
http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/11/2016/04/schoolform.pdf

If your child has any chronic health conditions, such as food or substance allergy or asthma, the necessary forms are available under “Education” and the “Parents” portion of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington website.  Click on “Forms.”  Be sure to submit an Authorization Form for the medication along with the Action Plan for the condition.  All medications must be brought in by the parents, not by the child.  If a child needs an Epi-Pen, please bring two per prescription dosage recommendations.

To the parents of Kindergarten students arriving in Fall 2016:
A new Physical Exam is necessary, dated less than one year from the time of admission. Kindergarten begins on Monday, August 29^th.  This Exam should be on, or accompanied by, the Virginia Department of Health form MCH 213G.  (See the website above for the form).  Tip:  Print out the MCH213G and hand it to the physician before the physical exam for this year, if possible, so as to avoid an additional charge to complete it outside the office visit.  The Physical must include all the immunizations required by the Commonwealth of Virginia as indicated by the chart on the following website:

http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/requirements/

Stewardship Shares ~ Year End Totals
Families are reminded to submit payment to the office for any unearned Stewardship Shares by Friday, June 3^rd.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, READ!
With less than a week to go, activities are shaping up for this year’s Behind the Scenes Summer Book Fair at Bookworm Central.   Mrs. Coyle and Mrs. Geary will be directing an All Star Production featuring Blockbuster Books, Oscar Winning Educational Games and the hottest summer titles that everyone will want to read!  Bookworm Central located at 12193 Livingston Rd, Manassas, VA 20109 will open their warehouses just for the All Saints community on Saturday June 4^th, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.  What a great way for students to see firsthand behind the scenes this local business which provides literacy opportunities throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.  Be sure to come out and be part of the All Star Cast at Bookworm Central! The library will receive a 25% book profit off of all purchases.

Carpool Network 2016-2017
All Saints parent Mr. Jim Griffin has once again volunteered to serve as a carpool coordinator. If you are interested in a carpool for your children, please email the following information to allsaintscarpool@hotmail.com and Mr. Griffin will put you in touch with other families in your area who have expressed an interest in carpooling.

Name:
Address:
Phone Number:
Preferred email contact:
Number of children you need transported:
Number of spaces in your vehicle for transporting others:
Prefer to drive morning or evening, or no preference?

Please be aware that the above information will be plotted on a map with a private URL that is only available to All Saints parents who have expressed an interest in carpooling.  The URL will be emailed directly to you and will not be available any other way or discoverable by any search engine.
Recognizing that parents are solely responsible for determining transportation arrangements to and from All Saints Catholic School, the school assumes no role in this process and neither recommends nor endorses any particular carpool arrangements.  In the unfortunate circumstance of an accident or injury, the parent’s own personal automobile liability is primary in the event of a claim.  Nonetheless, the school values the collective efforts of parents and is pleased to support this initiative by communicating the opportunity to parents.

Chess Club – Seeking Volunteers for 2016-2017
Do you enjoy chess and are you seeking opportunities to be more involved in our school community?  The Chess Club is need of new moderators for the upcoming school year.  We thank Mr. and Mrs. Kreitzer who have served in this capacity for the past several years and who remain available to share details about the program with parents interested in learning more.  For more information, please contact them at kreitzers@me.com.

Box Tops for Education
Parents, Teachers and Students…we’re on the last stretch of collecting box tops for the 2015-16 year. Since the last submission, we’ve collected 7,462 box tops. To date, that is a record for All Saints! Please look in your pantry, your neighbors pantry, and ask relatives to look in their pantry for any and all box tops. Please do not save them until next year. We cannot turn in expired box tops. Turn in any and ALL box tops in by June 10^th, even if it’s just one little box tops. They add up quickly. Thank you all for such a great year!
IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Pre-Kindergarten Openings for 2016-2017
Openings are still available in the Pre-Kindergarten Program for four year old students for the 2016-2017 school year.  This is a great opportunity for families in our community who may be hoping to send their child to All Saints but have heard that openings are limited due to high demand.  Please invite families who may be interested in the Pre-Kindergarten program to contact Mrs. Joyce D’Eugenio at (703) 393-1490 or jdeugenio@allsaintsva.org for more information.

Remember, current parents who refer families into our program may earn up to $400.00 in tuition credit per year through our New Student Referral Program!
END OF YEAR INFORMATION
School Supplies Program
It’s supply time!!  I know we’re almost done with the 2015 – 2016 school year, but we’re already looking ahead to this fall!!  Online supply orders are now available and will be open through July 15^th. You can order your child’s school supplies and have them ready and waiting for you when you arrive for orientation!!  Kindergarten students no longer need to purchase seat sacks at orientation as they are available as part of their new supply pack!!  Middle School students also no longer need to pay for locker shelves and a lock if they already have them.  They are no longer included in the supply pack. However, they ARE available as a separate item and can be purchased individually as needed!!  1st – 4th grade parents can also purchase replacement seat sacks online as needed instead of paying at orientation!!  Please see the attached flyer for more information including the website and code for our personal supply list!!   The EPI Online School Supply Order Information Form is linked below.  If you have any questions please email Rebecca Johnson atRLJohnson29@gmail.com

Extended Day Program
Extended Day services will continue for the next two weeks and be available before and after school through Thursday, June 16^th.  There will be no Extended Day Program on Friday, June 17^th.  All students will dismiss at11:00 a.m. following the Closing Mass & Awards Ceremony.  Please make arrangements for your children to be picked up if you anticipate being unavailable at that time.

Report Cards
Report cards and awards will be issued on the final day of school, June 17^th.  Since the office will have a record of your child’s final grades at the close of the year, you may retain these cards.

Medications
All medications must be picked up from the clinic no later than Thursday, June 16^th.  Since students are not authorized to carry medication, it is necessary for parents to visit the clinic to pick up medications prior to the close of the year.  Medications remaining after the final day will be discarded.

Summer Office Hours
The school office will remain open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. during the months of June and August.  Should you need to contact school personnel during the summer months, please do not hesitate to leave a message on the answering machine or contact us via email.  We will make every effort to assist you in a timely manner.
Important Dates for the Upcoming Year

·  Orientation Day (Students and parents are invited to visit the school, meet new teachers, and pick up supply orders.) – Friday, August 26^th.

·  10^th Annual Back-to School Barbecue hosted by the PTO – Friday, August 26^th (5:30-7:30 p.m.)

·  First Day of School ~ Noon Dismissal (Grades K-8) – Monday, August 29^th

·  First Day of Pre-Kindergarten – Wednesday, September 7^th

Upcoming Events

Thursday, June 2^nd

·  Final Day of Pre-Kindergarten

Friday, June 3^rd

·  School Mass & Virtues Award Ceremony (8:30 a.m.)

·  Safety Presentation by Manassas City Police Department for Grades 6-8 (2:00-2:45 p.m.) – Cancelled

Saturday, June 4^th

·  Algebra I Exemption Exam

·  Book Worm Book Sale (9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)

Monday, June 6^th

·  Race for Education Awards Ceremony (8:30 a.m.)

Pizza with the Principal
Movie & Popcorn Parties
Tuesday, June 7^th

·  Last Day of Title I Classes

·  Gold Medal Readers Celebration (1:30 p.m.)

·  PTO Executive Board Meeting (7:00 p.m.)

Wednesday, June 8^th

·  2^nd Grade Field Trip to National Basilica

·  8^th Grade Ice Cream Social

Thursday, June 9^th

·  8^th Grade vs. Faculty/Staff Volleyball Game (2:00 p.m.)

Friday, June 10^th

·  Graduation Day

Pass-it-On Ceremony (9:30 a.m.)
Graduation Breakfast (10:00 a.m.)
Walk of Honor (11:00 a.m.)
Noon Dismissal
Graduation Mass & Ceremony (4:00 p.m.)

·  Deadline: Payment in Full with 2% Discount for 2016-2017
Links

·  LIGHTS CAMERA READ Bookfair flyer

·  Pre-Packaged School Supplies Order Information

·  Mr. P’s Girls Basketball Camp

·  2016 Field Day Flyer

·  2016 Spotlight On The Arts Summer Camps

·  Pilgrim Virgin Statue Sign-Up