September, 2011

But to those who did accept Him, He gave the power to become children of God... John 1:12

Ahh, September! It came quickly; we are already four weeks into the new school year and looking forward to the Labor Day weekend. It has been an incredibly busy four weeks with our academic and sports schedules. The hot temperatures and dry weather we have had has only made it more challenging. However, we are moving right along, and students and faculty are faring well.

This month is full of sports activities; please read the Fanfares for up to date schedules and information. They are sent to you every Friday, and they are also published on our website. Also, it is important to check your ParentsWeb regularly for updated class information including grades and assignments.

Several questions have come up about our allergy policy. We are an allergy awareness school. We have medical information and plans for all of our allergy students. The teachers and staff have been informed and trained on how to handle various situations in case of an attack. Because we have several children with peanut/tree nut allergies that are life threatening, we ask that students refrain from bringing products including nuts/peanuts for lunch or snacks. However, if a student does have a lunch containing peanuts/tree nuts, there is a table in the lunchroom specifically for them to use. They may have any friend/s join them. This keeps the product and residue at only one table, and we make sure that table is cleaned well after every usage. We also ask the students to wash their hands thoroughly after eating. The problem with the peanut/tree nut allergy is that an allergic child does not have to digest the food; he/she only needs to come in contact with it, and it can be life threatening. So, we ask for your understanding and thank you for your support. We have done a lot of research on this and think we have come up with the best solution for all. As far as the cafeteria food goes, we check all labels to make sure they are not nut contaminated, and the cafeteria staff also knows the students who are not only allergic to peanuts/tree nuts, but eggs, fish, etc. They monitor the students closely to make sure they are safe.

On Monday, September 12, CAG (Creative Arts Guild) is having a "meet and greet" for all of its members. They have sent out an invitation, and we would love to see a lot of people there. If you have not joined CAG, but would like to work with an organization that does so much for our school, you may contact Jennifer Conrad or any of our arts teachers.

All of our organizations are wonderful supporters of our school. We could not be who we are without them. Our Booster Club does a lot for our sports program; they, too, would like to have more people involved. To find out more, you may contact Todd Close. And we could not exist without our Home and School. Right now the Home and School is working on our Ram Run and Oktoberfest. They could use a lot more volunteers to help with this event; you may contact any Home and School officer for more information.

Our next $1 Out of Uniform Day is September 21st. August's proceeds went to the eighth grade. Thank you for your participation. We won't know who will receive September's until that day.

There is a sale of Innisbrook products going on now by the 8th graders to help pay for their retreat to Wesley Woods. The products are comparable to the Sally Foster products that have been sold in the past. If you are interested in purchasing quality holiday wrap or unique gift items, please contact an 8th grade student. This may be what you are looking for, and the proceeds are going to a great cause.

SAVE THE DATE: February 18, 2012. The three Catholic schools are working together to put on one big event to benefit all three schools. It is called "Chattigras", and you will be getting more information shortly.

I hope you have a safe and restful holiday and wonderful beginning of Fall. Thank you for all of your support.

God Bless,
Jeri McInturff