Principal’s Corner
“O come let us adore him…”
Dear Parents/Guardians,
In 2 ½ weeks we will have completed the first semester of the 2009-2010 school year. Incredible how fast the time goes. I know when my children were small I could not wait until they hit all the milestones of childhood; time seemed to move so slowly. How our perspectives change as we grow older!
Even though this is a short month, it is jammed packed with events. First of all, our middle school students will be taking mid-term exams. They should know their schedules and the information that will be covered. For any questions you have on any assignments check with Parents Web. If you cannot find the information there, contact the teacher.
We are in the midst of soccer tournaments this week. Congratulations to all of our students who participated in this sport. Basketball starts this next week. We have games scheduled for our gym on December 10 and December 15.
Also, this week is our Book Fair. If you are looking for a special gift, this may be the place to shop.
Our Evening with Santa is Friday evening, December 4, after the First Friday mass and fish fry. This is always a great evening sponsored by the Home and School Association.
Tuesday, December 8, is the feast of the Immaculate Conception. This is a holy day of obligation, and there will be an all school mass. Also, December 8 will be the last day this month to order Scrip Cards.
All of the students are involved in preparing for our annual Christmas program. This year, due to popular demand, we are bringing it back home to OLPH. It will be held in our gymnasium on Wednesday evening, December 16 at 7:00 P.M. This Christmas program is a long standing tradition, and every year it has gotten better; we are looking so forward to it this year.
We have “Giving Trees” throughout the campus with “ornaments” of opportunities to help those who are in need. Please take one or more of these ornaments to help bring a better and happier Christmas to someone this year. Purchase the gift and return it to us unwrapped, and the eighth graders will do the rest.
Our last day of school before the Christmas break is December 17. The students will return January 6. To keep up with all the dates and events, read the Fanfare that is posted and updated weekly on the website: www.myolph.com.
The faculty, staff, and I wish all a Blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Sincerely,
Jeri McInturff
12/8/09
11/3/09
November, 2009
Principal’s Corner
November 2009
Give thanks to the Lord, who is good, whose love endures forever. Psalm 118:29 Dear Parents/Guardians,
The days are shorter, the leaves are colorful, and the temperatures are cooler. We are already in the month of November and in our second quarter of the school year. It has been a very busy, but productive school year so far.
We are starting this month with a busy First Friday. We will be celebrating All Saints Day, and our elementary students will be researching and representing their favorite saints. Join us for mass. First Friday masses are always so inspirational, and this one will be even more as we have our “parade of saints”. On Friday evening, the Knights will be holding their fish fry after the 5:30 mass, and our Home and School will be sponsoring a fun Family Bingo. All donations will benefit our Spanish program.
On November 19th we will be hosting a kindergarten open house for prospective students. If you know of anyone who should be getting an invitation to this, please notify Teresa Hennen. This open house is to acquaint new parents with our school and program. They will be invited to visit the kindergarten classrooms, tour the school, and join us for lunch where they will have an opportunity to get all their questions answered.
Our last day before the Thanksgiving Holidays is November 24. Because the Bishop has given us an extra day off, we will not return until Tuesday, December 1. When we come back, we will only have 2 ½ weeks of school before our Christmas Holidays and these 2 ½ weeks will also end the second nine weeks or the first semester.
Time is flying by. Please help us to help your children be successful. Frequent ParentsWeb and our website (www.myolph.com) to keep updated on your children’s progress and on the events and happenings at school.
This is the month for reflection and giving thanks. I am so thankful to be here at O.L.P.H. and to have the support of such a wonderful school community. Without you we could not do what we do, and because of you we are improving all the time.
Have a wonderful month and holiday.
Jeri McInturff
10/15/09
October, 2009
Principal’s Corner
October 2009
Transitions are almost always signs of growth, but they can bring feelings of loss. To get somewhere new, we may have to leave somewhere else behind. –Life’s Journeys according to Mr. Rogers
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I looked at my calendar this morning and realized we are already seven days into October and at the end of the first nine weeks. This year seems to be going faster than ever, and I don’t want to think it is because of my age. I much prefer to think it is because we are having such a good year, and things are going so well.
We had a lot of rain in September; but in spite of it we had a very active month including our wonderful carnival. Now we are being hit with the flu; however, we don’t appear to be as bad as other schools. Let me assure you again, that any child who is out ill will have plenty of time and help to make up missing work. Report cards are going out next week, but if a student has been out and has not been able to get work in, he/she will receive an incomplete which will change when the work is completed.
Our football, volleyball, and cross country teams did very well this season. Congratulations to all of the participants, and thank you to all the coaches. We have one more football game this Friday (Oct. 9) evening at Notre Dame. This is our homecoming game, and we will have a cook out and other activities. There is no cost to anyone; so, come on out and enjoy. Soccer season is beginning; our first game is scheduled Oct. 27.
This month is another busy one. Please check the website (www.myolph.com) and Fanfare for all the dates and particulars. This week, alone, we have the Living Rosary, Blessing of the Animals, Homecoming Football Game, and our first school dance of the year (Saturday).
Next week our 8th graders go to Wesley Woods for their retreat; remember them in your prayers. The following week is our Fall Break—there is no school October 20-23. The annual Oktoberfest will be at the Market on October 25; join us for fun and tasty brats.
Our first parent conferences are scheduled for the end of the month. You will be receiving information on this shortly; we encourage all parents to attend them.
Bishop Stika has sent out another video for our students. The teachers are showing this to them in their classes, but I want to give you an opportunity to view it. Go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPoP6idhPpY .
As always, I am so thankful for all of you and your support.
Have a wonderful and healthy October,
Jeri McInturff
October 2009
Transitions are almost always signs of growth, but they can bring feelings of loss. To get somewhere new, we may have to leave somewhere else behind. –Life’s Journeys according to Mr. Rogers
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I looked at my calendar this morning and realized we are already seven days into October and at the end of the first nine weeks. This year seems to be going faster than ever, and I don’t want to think it is because of my age. I much prefer to think it is because we are having such a good year, and things are going so well.
We had a lot of rain in September; but in spite of it we had a very active month including our wonderful carnival. Now we are being hit with the flu; however, we don’t appear to be as bad as other schools. Let me assure you again, that any child who is out ill will have plenty of time and help to make up missing work. Report cards are going out next week, but if a student has been out and has not been able to get work in, he/she will receive an incomplete which will change when the work is completed.
Our football, volleyball, and cross country teams did very well this season. Congratulations to all of the participants, and thank you to all the coaches. We have one more football game this Friday (Oct. 9) evening at Notre Dame. This is our homecoming game, and we will have a cook out and other activities. There is no cost to anyone; so, come on out and enjoy. Soccer season is beginning; our first game is scheduled Oct. 27.
This month is another busy one. Please check the website (www.myolph.com) and Fanfare for all the dates and particulars. This week, alone, we have the Living Rosary, Blessing of the Animals, Homecoming Football Game, and our first school dance of the year (Saturday).
Next week our 8th graders go to Wesley Woods for their retreat; remember them in your prayers. The following week is our Fall Break—there is no school October 20-23. The annual Oktoberfest will be at the Market on October 25; join us for fun and tasty brats.
Our first parent conferences are scheduled for the end of the month. You will be receiving information on this shortly; we encourage all parents to attend them.
Bishop Stika has sent out another video for our students. The teachers are showing this to them in their classes, but I want to give you an opportunity to view it. Go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPoP6idhPpY .
As always, I am so thankful for all of you and your support.
Have a wonderful and healthy October,
Jeri McInturff
9/2/09
September, 2009
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Our first month of school this year seemed to go extremely well with an exception of a few scheduling problems. Students, parents, and children all seem to be very happy. It is hard to believe that we are already almost in the middle of the first nine weeks.
The first thing I would like to address is the H1N1 influenza. I know you have heard and read a lot on this subject, especially with school opening. I attended a meeting last week at the Health Department for school administrators, and was given the following information. Yes, they do expect an outbreak in our schools; however, they do not recommend school closings unless there are so many absences that it affects our program. It is generally a 3-5 day illness, but no one should return to work/school until he/she is fever free (without the aid of medication) for 24 hours. Meanwhile, we are to be vigilant with hand washing and sanitizing. We are taking every effort to be proactive. If your child does miss school because of this or any other illness, know that he/she will have plenty of time to make up any work. We will work with the children to help them understand the concepts and complete the activities/assessments. If by some chance we do have to close school, you will be notified.
We are now using the RenWeb system for attendance, lunch, scheduling, and communication through emails and parents web. You should be able to view homework assignments and grades. We are still tweaking some of the above, and we are now working to get the Parent Alert System as we want it. Thank you for your patience. We know at times it has been confusing. Don’t hesitate to call us with a question or problems with it. Note: The easiest way to get on Parents Web is to go to our website, www.myolph.com , and click on the link for Parents Web.
There are a lot of activities going on this month:
Our first month of school this year seemed to go extremely well with an exception of a few scheduling problems. Students, parents, and children all seem to be very happy. It is hard to believe that we are already almost in the middle of the first nine weeks.
The first thing I would like to address is the H1N1 influenza. I know you have heard and read a lot on this subject, especially with school opening. I attended a meeting last week at the Health Department for school administrators, and was given the following information. Yes, they do expect an outbreak in our schools; however, they do not recommend school closings unless there are so many absences that it affects our program. It is generally a 3-5 day illness, but no one should return to work/school until he/she is fever free (without the aid of medication) for 24 hours. Meanwhile, we are to be vigilant with hand washing and sanitizing. We are taking every effort to be proactive. If your child does miss school because of this or any other illness, know that he/she will have plenty of time to make up any work. We will work with the children to help them understand the concepts and complete the activities/assessments. If by some chance we do have to close school, you will be notified.
We are now using the RenWeb system for attendance, lunch, scheduling, and communication through emails and parents web. You should be able to view homework assignments and grades. We are still tweaking some of the above, and we are now working to get the Parent Alert System as we want it. Thank you for your patience. We know at times it has been confusing. Don’t hesitate to call us with a question or problems with it. Note: The easiest way to get on Parents Web is to go to our website, www.myolph.com , and click on the link for Parents Web.
There are a lot of activities going on this month:
- Our first Friday will be celebrated with a “red mass” in honor of the Holy Spirit. This will be an out of uniform day for the students as long as they wear red tops.
- No school September 7—it is Labor Day. Enjoy!
- Pictures will be taken the 17th. These will be in uniform for our yearbook.
- There are several volleyball, football, and cross country events going on this month. A pep rally will be held the 24th to recognize the players and celebrate our participation.
- On the 26th the Outback (football) Bowl will be played at OLPH. In conjunction with this, we are having our school carnival. There are many exciting plans for this day as well as the return of alumni.
For more information on the any of the above and any other activity at our school, go to our website and read the weekly Fanfare. This publication is updated every Friday.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Jeri McInturf
5/6/09
May, 2009
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I am late with this Principal’s Corner, and I apologize. I spent last week with the eighth graders in Washington, D.C. This week I am trying to catch up on everything, and I am not doing a very good job at it.
First of all, let me tell you that the Washington trip was great. The students were fantastic, and we came home exhausted. I am looking forward to seeing their scrapbooks.
This month is going to fly by with all of the special activities, field trips, and exit ceremonies. The teachers are working very hard to wind the year down and keep their sanity. We are also in the midst of interviewing teachers for the new school year. We have had over 20 applicants; most are very qualified and would be great for the school. Making the final decision is going to be very difficult; we will let you know the results once the process is completed.
This has been a very good school year with a lot of accomplishments:
• We have worked very hard on improving our strategies and strengthening our curriculum.
• We have asked for your input and have implemented many of your suggestions, and we are working on others.
• Our students have had many successes and recognitions both academically and athletically.
• We continue to make improvements and additions in technology.
• We have had more parent involvement.
Unfortunately, this has also been a year we have had to make some tough decisions. It is going to be a very emotional final week for us as we have to say good-bye to our colleagues who were victims of our budget cuts. They all will be very much missed.
I wish the very best for our eighth grade students as they begin their new journeys in high school, and I look forward to seeing the rest of our children return in the fall.
Have a wonderful and safe summer.
God Bless,
Jeri McInturff
I am late with this Principal’s Corner, and I apologize. I spent last week with the eighth graders in Washington, D.C. This week I am trying to catch up on everything, and I am not doing a very good job at it.
First of all, let me tell you that the Washington trip was great. The students were fantastic, and we came home exhausted. I am looking forward to seeing their scrapbooks.
This month is going to fly by with all of the special activities, field trips, and exit ceremonies. The teachers are working very hard to wind the year down and keep their sanity. We are also in the midst of interviewing teachers for the new school year. We have had over 20 applicants; most are very qualified and would be great for the school. Making the final decision is going to be very difficult; we will let you know the results once the process is completed.
This has been a very good school year with a lot of accomplishments:
• We have worked very hard on improving our strategies and strengthening our curriculum.
• We have asked for your input and have implemented many of your suggestions, and we are working on others.
• Our students have had many successes and recognitions both academically and athletically.
• We continue to make improvements and additions in technology.
• We have had more parent involvement.
Unfortunately, this has also been a year we have had to make some tough decisions. It is going to be a very emotional final week for us as we have to say good-bye to our colleagues who were victims of our budget cuts. They all will be very much missed.
I wish the very best for our eighth grade students as they begin their new journeys in high school, and I look forward to seeing the rest of our children return in the fall.
Have a wonderful and safe summer.
God Bless,
Jeri McInturff
4/3/09
April 2009
Principal’s Corner
April 2009
And he departed from our sight that we might return to our heart, and there find Him. For He departed, and behold, He is here. - St Augustine
Dear Parents/Guardians,
The time we have left in this school year is disappearing quickly. These next two months are going to be incredibly busy. As you know, this first week of April our students are taking the IOWA Basics Tests. The week has been going well. As a reward for doing well, there will be an out of uniform day on Wednesday, April 8th.
Our eighth graders have been busy and will be through the rest of the school year. They have been practicing the Living Stations for the two major presentations. One will be Friday evening, April 3rd, for the parishioners; the other will be for the school on Holy Thursday at 1:45. If you have never attended this production before, you need to. Every year this is an incredible experience; our religion teachers do a wonderful job organizing and producing it, and our eighth graders always amaze us with their portrayals and devotion. What a wonderful way to start the Easter Season!!
Our Easter Break begins on Good Friday and lasts through April 20. On the calendar it states that we return on the 20th, but Bishop Stika has extended that until the 21st. He (Bishop Stika) was at our school on April 1 and met some of the staff and children. He said that he would like to give us an extra day off, and we graciously accepted. So, again, there will be no school Friday, April 10th through Monday, April 20th. We will return Tuesday, April 21st.
On Wednesday, April 22nd, Father Mike will be “arrested” right after the 8:15 mass for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. So, if you have ever had a desire to see Father “taken away”, this is your opportunity. To “get him out of jail” go to https://www.joinmda.org/MyLockup/MyHomepage/tabid/54102/Participant/olphparishsecretary/SID/3070345/Default.aspx to find out how.
As you know, Madeleine Rogers is retiring this year after 40 years of teaching at OLPH. We are having a special celebration for her at the 5:30 mass on April 25 followed with a reception. You are all invited.
April 27 is the departure day for the 8th graders to Washington, D.C. I will be going with them. Leslie Fox will be the administrator in charge for that week. Have a wonderful and Blessed Easter and Easter Break.
God Bless, Jeri McInturff
April 2009
And he departed from our sight that we might return to our heart, and there find Him. For He departed, and behold, He is here. - St Augustine
Dear Parents/Guardians,
The time we have left in this school year is disappearing quickly. These next two months are going to be incredibly busy. As you know, this first week of April our students are taking the IOWA Basics Tests. The week has been going well. As a reward for doing well, there will be an out of uniform day on Wednesday, April 8th.
Our eighth graders have been busy and will be through the rest of the school year. They have been practicing the Living Stations for the two major presentations. One will be Friday evening, April 3rd, for the parishioners; the other will be for the school on Holy Thursday at 1:45. If you have never attended this production before, you need to. Every year this is an incredible experience; our religion teachers do a wonderful job organizing and producing it, and our eighth graders always amaze us with their portrayals and devotion. What a wonderful way to start the Easter Season!!
Our Easter Break begins on Good Friday and lasts through April 20. On the calendar it states that we return on the 20th, but Bishop Stika has extended that until the 21st. He (Bishop Stika) was at our school on April 1 and met some of the staff and children. He said that he would like to give us an extra day off, and we graciously accepted. So, again, there will be no school Friday, April 10th through Monday, April 20th. We will return Tuesday, April 21st.
On Wednesday, April 22nd, Father Mike will be “arrested” right after the 8:15 mass for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. So, if you have ever had a desire to see Father “taken away”, this is your opportunity. To “get him out of jail” go to https://www.joinmda.org/MyLockup/MyHomepage/tabid/54102/Participant/olphparishsecretary/SID/3070345/Default.aspx to find out how.
As you know, Madeleine Rogers is retiring this year after 40 years of teaching at OLPH. We are having a special celebration for her at the 5:30 mass on April 25 followed with a reception. You are all invited.
April 27 is the departure day for the 8th graders to Washington, D.C. I will be going with them. Leslie Fox will be the administrator in charge for that week. Have a wonderful and Blessed Easter and Easter Break.
God Bless, Jeri McInturff
3/4/09
March 2009
Principal’s Corner
In distress you called, and I rescued you; Unseen, I spoke to you in thunder. Psalm 81:8
Our virtues for the month of March are Faith and Trust; how appropriate this is for our journey through lent and for the beginning of our last quarter for the year. This quarter ends the 12th of March, and then it is downhill from there. Remember there will be no school on March 13th as this is a teacher in-service day.
The week of the 16th we will administer the COGAT tests. Only grades 3,5, and 7 will be taking them. COGAT stands for cognitive abilities test, and it is part of our IOWA Basics testing. The achievement testing will begin on the 30th of March.
The 5th and 8th grades are also scheduled to take the NCEA ACRE test on the 19th and 20th. But, because of the ordination of our Bishop, we are changing the date to March 23rd. This test is published by the National Catholic Education Association and will give us information on how we are doing in our Catholic teaching compared to other schools nationally.
For the Bishop-elect’s ordination, we have two buses with 73 middle school students and 6 adults going. There will be a live webstream of this event, and I will send out the information as I receive it.
Our third annual Sugar ‘n Spice Ladies Brunch is March 28. Dr. Ruth Queen Smith will be the guest speaker. I can attest personally that she is wonderful. I brought her in a year ago to do my teachers’ retreat after hearing her at the principal’s retreat earlier. Every teacher walked away impressed with her. If you have never been to one of the brunches, you have missed a special treat; it is a great time for all. In addition, our religion department will benefit from it.
I addressed the Home and School meeting the other night about the changes that are coming. Many of you weren’t there; so, I would like to repeat some of what I said. Part of what I reported also addressed concerns brought up through the input sessions. I went over a list of changes the last three years including the environment, programs, addressing special needs of students, improving communication, professional development for teachers, etc. At present we are proud of the incorporation of more critical thinking skills, use of technology, student involvement/responsibility, transition programs, more field studies, more parent involvement, more accountability, etc.
Some of the data I shared was:
• Formative assessment in reading (grades 1-8) shows an average grade equivalency growth from August to January of 1.7 yrs and in math 1 grade level.
• 31% of the A Honor Roll for the second quarter at Notre Dame High School is former OLPH students.
• 32% of the B Honor Roll for the second quarter at Notre Dame High School is former OLPH students.
• Of the 32 eighth graders who took the Notre Dame entrance exam, 13 (41%) scored in the 90 percentile (nationally) or above composite score. The average composite score was in the 73 percentile (nationally). Our highest scores were in English followed by science, math, and reading.
• 28 of the junior candidates for Notre Dame’s National Honor Society are from OLPH.
Our future plans include converting to a new communications system which will be more user-friendly, cost effective, and comprehensive than what we are using now. St. Jude, Notre Dame, and OLPH will be on the same system. In addition, we will be acquiring the Parent Alert System with this.
We are also building an outside classroom in conjunction with the Arbor Day Foundation under the guidance and supervision of Mr. Stovall and Mrs. Melton. You will be hearing much more about this exciting project.
Unfortunately, our future plans also include changes to our personnel. In order to keep tuition to a minimal increase (2%) next year’s staffing will be:
• There will be 2 homeroom teachers for every grade.
• One office position eliminated. Admissions and tuition will be under the direction of Mrs. Hennen.
• Elimination of our interventionist. Mrs. Hetzler will be helping out in this area.• Elimination of one religion teacher. Qualified and certified classroom teachers will pick up this.
• Elimination of the Spanish program as we know it. Thanks to our Hispanic parents, we are working on offering Spanish in some sort of form; we just are not sure yet how.
• There will be no raises for the staff.
Of course, if there is an opportunity to keep something we are eliminating, we will happily do so; if there is a need to make more changes, we will. Teachers will continue to raise the bar of high expectations and deliver quality education academically, spiritually, physically, and morally.
Have a great month,
Jeri McInturff
In distress you called, and I rescued you; Unseen, I spoke to you in thunder. Psalm 81:8
Our virtues for the month of March are Faith and Trust; how appropriate this is for our journey through lent and for the beginning of our last quarter for the year. This quarter ends the 12th of March, and then it is downhill from there. Remember there will be no school on March 13th as this is a teacher in-service day.
The week of the 16th we will administer the COGAT tests. Only grades 3,5, and 7 will be taking them. COGAT stands for cognitive abilities test, and it is part of our IOWA Basics testing. The achievement testing will begin on the 30th of March.
The 5th and 8th grades are also scheduled to take the NCEA ACRE test on the 19th and 20th. But, because of the ordination of our Bishop, we are changing the date to March 23rd. This test is published by the National Catholic Education Association and will give us information on how we are doing in our Catholic teaching compared to other schools nationally.
For the Bishop-elect’s ordination, we have two buses with 73 middle school students and 6 adults going. There will be a live webstream of this event, and I will send out the information as I receive it.
Our third annual Sugar ‘n Spice Ladies Brunch is March 28. Dr. Ruth Queen Smith will be the guest speaker. I can attest personally that she is wonderful. I brought her in a year ago to do my teachers’ retreat after hearing her at the principal’s retreat earlier. Every teacher walked away impressed with her. If you have never been to one of the brunches, you have missed a special treat; it is a great time for all. In addition, our religion department will benefit from it.
I addressed the Home and School meeting the other night about the changes that are coming. Many of you weren’t there; so, I would like to repeat some of what I said. Part of what I reported also addressed concerns brought up through the input sessions. I went over a list of changes the last three years including the environment, programs, addressing special needs of students, improving communication, professional development for teachers, etc. At present we are proud of the incorporation of more critical thinking skills, use of technology, student involvement/responsibility, transition programs, more field studies, more parent involvement, more accountability, etc.
Some of the data I shared was:
• Formative assessment in reading (grades 1-8) shows an average grade equivalency growth from August to January of 1.7 yrs and in math 1 grade level.
• 31% of the A Honor Roll for the second quarter at Notre Dame High School is former OLPH students.
• 32% of the B Honor Roll for the second quarter at Notre Dame High School is former OLPH students.
• Of the 32 eighth graders who took the Notre Dame entrance exam, 13 (41%) scored in the 90 percentile (nationally) or above composite score. The average composite score was in the 73 percentile (nationally). Our highest scores were in English followed by science, math, and reading.
• 28 of the junior candidates for Notre Dame’s National Honor Society are from OLPH.
Our future plans include converting to a new communications system which will be more user-friendly, cost effective, and comprehensive than what we are using now. St. Jude, Notre Dame, and OLPH will be on the same system. In addition, we will be acquiring the Parent Alert System with this.
We are also building an outside classroom in conjunction with the Arbor Day Foundation under the guidance and supervision of Mr. Stovall and Mrs. Melton. You will be hearing much more about this exciting project.
Unfortunately, our future plans also include changes to our personnel. In order to keep tuition to a minimal increase (2%) next year’s staffing will be:
• There will be 2 homeroom teachers for every grade.
• One office position eliminated. Admissions and tuition will be under the direction of Mrs. Hennen.
• Elimination of our interventionist. Mrs. Hetzler will be helping out in this area.• Elimination of one religion teacher. Qualified and certified classroom teachers will pick up this.
• Elimination of the Spanish program as we know it. Thanks to our Hispanic parents, we are working on offering Spanish in some sort of form; we just are not sure yet how.
• There will be no raises for the staff.
Of course, if there is an opportunity to keep something we are eliminating, we will happily do so; if there is a need to make more changes, we will. Teachers will continue to raise the bar of high expectations and deliver quality education academically, spiritually, physically, and morally.
Have a great month,
Jeri McInturff
2/3/09
February, 2009
February 2009
Take delight in the Lord, and he will grant you your heart’s request. Psalm 37:4
January ended so nicely with our Catholic Schools Week. Thank you so much to everyone for making it such a success.
February is a short month, and a busy one. We started the month with a weather scare, but all was well. If we should have to close school during the day due to hazardous weather, we will post it on the TV stations and on our website, plus we will email you. If need be, we will call. But, we are grateful that we did not have to do that today.
Once again I appeal to you to follow our dismissal routine in the afternoons. The crossing guard asked me to remind you that unless you have a kindergartener, you should be pulling out of the back of the gym. She is having a very difficult time controlling all the exits. From a safety issue, we cannot allow children to be walking to cars unsupervised. Some children are leaving the buildings and walking to cars in the circle and/or parking lots by themselves. If there is not a parent meeting them when they are dismissed from the buildings, we must insist the students go to the gym and wait for the parents there. In the mornings, I am still seeing children walk from parking spots to the ramp by themselves. Many times they are darting between cars that are dropping other students off at the ramp. Please, help us keep your children safe.
Important information: Monday, February 9th, is scheduled for parent/teacher conferences. These conferences will be held from 3:30 P.M. until 7:30 P.M. If your teacher has not contacted you for an appointment, but you want one, call or email the teacher. School on Friday, February 13th is a half day. The afternoon was originally scheduled for the parent/teacher conferences, but we think we will get better response to have them in late afternoon and evening on the 9th. There is no school on Monday, February 16th; this is President’s Day.
Also, to accommodate parents who work and cannot come during the day, we are having another kindergarten Open House for perspective parents of 2009-10. This will be held on Wednesday, March 4th from 6:00 P.M -7:00 P.M. If you know of anyone who may be looking to send their children to kindergarten next year, tell them about this opportunity to get to see and hear what we have to offer.
Ash Wednesday is February 25th. There will be a Home and School meeting after the Ash Wednesday evening mass. This will be an important meeting; more information will be going out on this.
There are many things we have done in the past 3 ½ years to enhance our curriculum and make our academics stronger and more engaging for our students. One of them is to incorporate more field studies. These are opportunities for students to get real world experiences and hands on learning. Unfortunately, the economy has really put a damper on this, and the costs of buses have almost become prohibitive. However, Home and School has really stepped up to the plate. They realize the importance of field studies and how expensive they have gotten; so, Home and School is donating funds to each class to offset the expense. So, every time you purchase a SCRIP card and/or support the Home and School fundraisings in any way, you are helping your children. Thank you so much to the Home and School officers and to you for all you do.
On March 19th, Bishop-Elect Stika will be installed as Bishop of Knoxville. He would like as many school children there as possible. We are planning to take the 6th-8th grades to this wonderful event, and we will be using the Home and School donation and other funding to pay for this. There will be an area reserved for the students at the Knoxville Convention Center. More information will be going home as we finalize our plans. If parents want their other children to attend this event, they are welcome to take them. More information on all the plans will be sent out as they are made. The Diocese has asked for a count of people who might be going from our school/parish so they can make suitable arrangements. Therefore, we will be taking a head count in a few weeks.
Appropriately, the virtue for the month is “love”. The thesaurus gives many synonyms for this word, and often we use it without putting any thought into its meaning. But, the true meaning of this virtue is shown by our actions more than our words. Sending your children to OLPH, supporting our staff and programs, and volunteering your time to assist us are a few ways you have modeled this virtue. Know that we are very grateful and appreciative.
God Bless,
Jeri McInturff
Take delight in the Lord, and he will grant you your heart’s request. Psalm 37:4
January ended so nicely with our Catholic Schools Week. Thank you so much to everyone for making it such a success.
February is a short month, and a busy one. We started the month with a weather scare, but all was well. If we should have to close school during the day due to hazardous weather, we will post it on the TV stations and on our website, plus we will email you. If need be, we will call. But, we are grateful that we did not have to do that today.
Once again I appeal to you to follow our dismissal routine in the afternoons. The crossing guard asked me to remind you that unless you have a kindergartener, you should be pulling out of the back of the gym. She is having a very difficult time controlling all the exits. From a safety issue, we cannot allow children to be walking to cars unsupervised. Some children are leaving the buildings and walking to cars in the circle and/or parking lots by themselves. If there is not a parent meeting them when they are dismissed from the buildings, we must insist the students go to the gym and wait for the parents there. In the mornings, I am still seeing children walk from parking spots to the ramp by themselves. Many times they are darting between cars that are dropping other students off at the ramp. Please, help us keep your children safe.
Important information: Monday, February 9th, is scheduled for parent/teacher conferences. These conferences will be held from 3:30 P.M. until 7:30 P.M. If your teacher has not contacted you for an appointment, but you want one, call or email the teacher. School on Friday, February 13th is a half day. The afternoon was originally scheduled for the parent/teacher conferences, but we think we will get better response to have them in late afternoon and evening on the 9th. There is no school on Monday, February 16th; this is President’s Day.
Also, to accommodate parents who work and cannot come during the day, we are having another kindergarten Open House for perspective parents of 2009-10. This will be held on Wednesday, March 4th from 6:00 P.M -7:00 P.M. If you know of anyone who may be looking to send their children to kindergarten next year, tell them about this opportunity to get to see and hear what we have to offer.
Ash Wednesday is February 25th. There will be a Home and School meeting after the Ash Wednesday evening mass. This will be an important meeting; more information will be going out on this.
There are many things we have done in the past 3 ½ years to enhance our curriculum and make our academics stronger and more engaging for our students. One of them is to incorporate more field studies. These are opportunities for students to get real world experiences and hands on learning. Unfortunately, the economy has really put a damper on this, and the costs of buses have almost become prohibitive. However, Home and School has really stepped up to the plate. They realize the importance of field studies and how expensive they have gotten; so, Home and School is donating funds to each class to offset the expense. So, every time you purchase a SCRIP card and/or support the Home and School fundraisings in any way, you are helping your children. Thank you so much to the Home and School officers and to you for all you do.
On March 19th, Bishop-Elect Stika will be installed as Bishop of Knoxville. He would like as many school children there as possible. We are planning to take the 6th-8th grades to this wonderful event, and we will be using the Home and School donation and other funding to pay for this. There will be an area reserved for the students at the Knoxville Convention Center. More information will be going home as we finalize our plans. If parents want their other children to attend this event, they are welcome to take them. More information on all the plans will be sent out as they are made. The Diocese has asked for a count of people who might be going from our school/parish so they can make suitable arrangements. Therefore, we will be taking a head count in a few weeks.
Appropriately, the virtue for the month is “love”. The thesaurus gives many synonyms for this word, and often we use it without putting any thought into its meaning. But, the true meaning of this virtue is shown by our actions more than our words. Sending your children to OLPH, supporting our staff and programs, and volunteering your time to assist us are a few ways you have modeled this virtue. Know that we are very grateful and appreciative.
God Bless,
Jeri McInturff
1/9/09
January 2009
January 2009
But there will be glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good….Romans 2:10
Happy New Year! I wish everyone a blessed, healthy, and peaceful 2009. It was good to have an extra day off; however, I hope none of you have been adversely affected by the rain/flooding.
First of all, I would like to update you on the Strategic Plan progress. The core group met right before the holidays and looked at the data we received from you in the input sessions. One of the main areas you indicated for us to focus on is communication. This is an area we have been working on and are trying to improve. As a matter of fact, it is part of our SACS School Improvement Plan. Two years ago we began sending you quarterly “Letters of Expectations” from every teacher. This year we have added the “Year at a Glance”. These documents are to inform you of the standards, lesson/unit topics, skills, and assessments that will be taking place in your students’ classes. The Friday Fanfare has been the document we use to keep you informed on events and news of the week. We just updated our website to make it more user-friendly and have added sections such as a parent corner, the counselor’s corner, and student work. As of this month, every teacher (1st-8th grade) will be posting on edline to keep you updated on your students’ progress and activities in their classes. Last year we experimented by having our Parent-Teacher conferences in the evenings as well as days so we could meet with more parents; you gave favorable feedback; so, we are continuing that this year. I personally am trying to keep in touch with you better through more frequent emails. In addition, we have begun to post school news in our Sunday bulletins.
Later this semester we are going to be changing our communications system. This new program is also going to be used by Notre Dame and St. Jude. Some of the schools in Knoxville have already begun using it, and their staffs and parents love it. It will combine all of our individual programs and should make communication easier. You will be updated as this becomes a reality. Meanwhile, we will continue to work on creating better ways of communication; we know how important this is not only for our parents and students, but for the community. Please take advantage of what is offered, and do not hestitate to contact the teachers or me; remember your input is important to us.
This month is going to be another busy one, and it is going to fly:
• Report cards will go home next Wednesday, January 14th, and awards will be given on Friday the 16th.
• Family Honor is being held the 16th and 17th. If you have a 7th or 8th grader and haven’t signed up for this yet, I encourage you to do so. This is an excellent program, and we have gotten great reviews and praises about it from families who have attended in the past. If you have any questions about the program, Mrs. Haywood or Mrs. O’Boyle can answer them.
• Monday, the 19th is Dr. Martin Luther King Day. There is no school.
• Wednesday, the 21st, our 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students are going on a wonderful field study to Atlanta to see two wonderful exhibits. Mrs. Meinert and our middle school staff have worked hard to create this wonderful experience for our students.
• Wednesday, the 21st, is also the first Home and School meeting for 2009. Please plan to attend.
• The week of January 26th is Catholic Schools Week. We have a great week planned for the students. You will be getting more information on this from the religion department.
• Friday, January 30th, is our second open house for kindergarten. If you know anyone who is interested in sending a child to our school, invite them to attend or to get in touch with us for more information. Dr. Morgan, our superintendent, is planning to be here for this occasion.
Academically, we are working on getting our fifth and eighth graders ready for the TCAP writing assessment in February. This test will be given February 3rd. This is the first time we are using TCAP; in the past we have taken the IOWA writing assessment. However, we never received the data or the feedback we were looking for. Because this is the first time we are using this assessment, we are not sure what kind of feedback we will be getting, but we will use it as a baseline and go from there.
Also, in February, we will have our second Parent-Teacher conferences. These will take place the 9th from 3:30-7:30. Please mark this on your calendars.
As always, I appreciate your support. Without it, OLPH could not be the school it is; with it, we become better and more successful all the time.
Sincerely,
Jeri McInturff
But there will be glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good….Romans 2:10
Happy New Year! I wish everyone a blessed, healthy, and peaceful 2009. It was good to have an extra day off; however, I hope none of you have been adversely affected by the rain/flooding.
First of all, I would like to update you on the Strategic Plan progress. The core group met right before the holidays and looked at the data we received from you in the input sessions. One of the main areas you indicated for us to focus on is communication. This is an area we have been working on and are trying to improve. As a matter of fact, it is part of our SACS School Improvement Plan. Two years ago we began sending you quarterly “Letters of Expectations” from every teacher. This year we have added the “Year at a Glance”. These documents are to inform you of the standards, lesson/unit topics, skills, and assessments that will be taking place in your students’ classes. The Friday Fanfare has been the document we use to keep you informed on events and news of the week. We just updated our website to make it more user-friendly and have added sections such as a parent corner, the counselor’s corner, and student work. As of this month, every teacher (1st-8th grade) will be posting on edline to keep you updated on your students’ progress and activities in their classes. Last year we experimented by having our Parent-Teacher conferences in the evenings as well as days so we could meet with more parents; you gave favorable feedback; so, we are continuing that this year. I personally am trying to keep in touch with you better through more frequent emails. In addition, we have begun to post school news in our Sunday bulletins.
Later this semester we are going to be changing our communications system. This new program is also going to be used by Notre Dame and St. Jude. Some of the schools in Knoxville have already begun using it, and their staffs and parents love it. It will combine all of our individual programs and should make communication easier. You will be updated as this becomes a reality. Meanwhile, we will continue to work on creating better ways of communication; we know how important this is not only for our parents and students, but for the community. Please take advantage of what is offered, and do not hestitate to contact the teachers or me; remember your input is important to us.
This month is going to be another busy one, and it is going to fly:
• Report cards will go home next Wednesday, January 14th, and awards will be given on Friday the 16th.
• Family Honor is being held the 16th and 17th. If you have a 7th or 8th grader and haven’t signed up for this yet, I encourage you to do so. This is an excellent program, and we have gotten great reviews and praises about it from families who have attended in the past. If you have any questions about the program, Mrs. Haywood or Mrs. O’Boyle can answer them.
• Monday, the 19th is Dr. Martin Luther King Day. There is no school.
• Wednesday, the 21st, our 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students are going on a wonderful field study to Atlanta to see two wonderful exhibits. Mrs. Meinert and our middle school staff have worked hard to create this wonderful experience for our students.
• Wednesday, the 21st, is also the first Home and School meeting for 2009. Please plan to attend.
• The week of January 26th is Catholic Schools Week. We have a great week planned for the students. You will be getting more information on this from the religion department.
• Friday, January 30th, is our second open house for kindergarten. If you know anyone who is interested in sending a child to our school, invite them to attend or to get in touch with us for more information. Dr. Morgan, our superintendent, is planning to be here for this occasion.
Academically, we are working on getting our fifth and eighth graders ready for the TCAP writing assessment in February. This test will be given February 3rd. This is the first time we are using TCAP; in the past we have taken the IOWA writing assessment. However, we never received the data or the feedback we were looking for. Because this is the first time we are using this assessment, we are not sure what kind of feedback we will be getting, but we will use it as a baseline and go from there.
Also, in February, we will have our second Parent-Teacher conferences. These will take place the 9th from 3:30-7:30. Please mark this on your calendars.
As always, I appreciate your support. Without it, OLPH could not be the school it is; with it, we become better and more successful all the time.
Sincerely,
Jeri McInturff
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