February, 2011

February 1, 2011

Dear Parents/Guardians,

February 2nd is Groundhog Day. Let's all hope he doesn't see his shadow. January was a very "interesting" month weather-wise, and I really am ready for an early Spring.

My first piece of news for you is that we will be opening a four year old pre-school in the fall; we received the o.k. from the Department of Education last week. We are quite excited about this. Registration packets are in the making; however, if you don't want to wait for them, call Mrs. Hennen. Some brief information about it:

· Top priorities will be given to OLPH siblings followed by our Catholic Families.
· Tuition will be $500/month for an all day program.
· We will be taking $100 nonrefundable deposits.
· The lead teacher will be certified and qualified.
· The curriculum will be based on the State Early Childhood Development Program with an emphasis on preparation for, and transition to, our Kindergarten program.

Although February is a short month, it is packed with activities. Of course we are in the midst of Catholic Schools Week. The activities calendar has been posted on the website, in our Fanfare, and in the bulletin. Join us when you can. Most importantly, February 4th is First Friday. We always have a wonderful celebration at Mass, and you are always welcome and encouraged to attend when you can. This Friday will be even more special as we will be hosting a breakfast afterwards for all of our volunteers.

Other February events are:
· Parent-Teacher Conferences on February 9. Your teachers will be getting information out on this. They will be held from 3:00 in the afternoon until 7:00 in the evening. We encourage all parents to make appointments to come. They will be ten minutes each and we want your children to accompany you. If you think you need more than ten minutes; or, if you cannot make it that evening, please call your teacher to reschedule. Conferences are not only for students who are struggling in a class, but for all. Teachers and parents are partners in the children's education.

· Chick-fil-A Spirit Night on February 10.
· Half Day of School on February 11. This half day makes up for the evening parent conferences on February 9.
· $1 Out of Uniform on February 23.
· Catholic Schools Open House February 27. OLPH, St. Jude, and Notre Dame are having joint Open Houses in all three schools this day. Representative from Notre Dame will be here and we will have representation there. More information will be coming on this.

Of course, there will be basketball games throughout the month. Check with the Fanfare and website for dates and times. There have been changes because of all the missed games due to weather.

Our next year's school calendar has been sent to Dr. Morgan for approval. As soon as we get that, we will publish it. As in the past, we used the Hamilton County Schools Calendar to base on which to base ours.

Have a wonderful February,

Jeri McInturff