December, 2013

"Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus." Luke 1:31

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Wow, December already!  I am sure it is my imagination (or my age), but this year seems to be flying by much faster than previous ones.   And, because Thanksgiving was late this year, we rolled right into Advent, and December will be over before we know it.  So, please take time from your busy schedules to enjoy the Advent season while preparing for the coming of Jesus. 

Just as your personal time is going to be busy, the next three weeks of school will be also. 

·         We begin with first reconciliation for the second graders.  It will take place on Thursday evening (December 5^th)  at 6:00.  This will also be the date and time for our Parish reconciliation. 

·         December 6^th is our Virtue mass, and of course, this is First Friday.

·         Saturday, December 7^th is going to be busy as we have plans for all grades.  Breakfast with Santa will be here that morning, and reservations can be made at http://vols.pt/Lw8JDJ. (More information is in the Fanfare and on our website).  Also on Saturday is the Middle School Dance held at the Knights' (Council 610) hall at 313 Sylvan.  (Again, more information is in the Fanfare.)

·         December 12^th is the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  We will have an all school mass on that day. On Friday, December 13^th , we will have only the middle school mass.

·         December 15^th is the deadline to turn in the Angel Tree Gifts.  Thank you for your generosity.

·         December 18^th is the $1 out of uniform day.

·         December 19^th is our annual Christmas program which begins at 6:00 P.M.

·         December 20^th is our last day before the holidays.  Dismissal will be at 11:30.

The third grade is doing a Service Learning Project and collecting pennies for the Philippines.  They are researching and learning all about the country as well as about typhoons.  The donations will be collected until December 17^th, and it will be turned over to the Catholic Relief Services for the victims. 

Good News!  We are becoming more technological savvy and are now offering online lunch payments.  This is only an option; you may continue to make your payments as you always have.  But, if you are interested, here is how it works, and you can do it immediately.  The payments are made through your ParentsWeb account.  You have the ability to make the payments via a credit card or an eCheck. You do not need to apply or qualify for the service in advance.  RenWeb charges convenience fees for Pay Now, and these fees are applied to each transaction   Charges for eChecks are $0.85 per payment, and credit card payments are 3.75% of transaction amount.  Master Card, Discover, and American Express are accepted.  Visa does not allow any school to charge parents credit card convenience fees. 

Chatti Gras is February 15^th, and tickets are now on sale.  This is a great time for all and a big fundraiser for the three Chattanooga Catholic Schools.  Before January, the price of a ticket is $60, but after the first of the year they go up to $75.  I know you all want to join in the fun and attend; so, save some money and buy your tickets early.  I hope to see all of you there. 

Your sons may have come home yesterday talking about wrestling opportunities at Notre Dame.  The Notre Dame coach came and talked to all boys from 1^st-8^th grade, and he gave out information.  If you are interested, but need more information, do not hesitate to call Notre Dame; the coach's name is Nathan Wehunt. 

As we enter the end of the first half of the school year, the middle school students may be having exams in some of their classes.  Ask your student/s about them; check their planners; and check ParentsWeb to help keep them focused and prepared. 

Finally, I wish you all a wonderful December and a very Merry Christmas.  May your year of 2014 be full of God's blessings.

Sincerely,

Jeri McInturff

November, 2013

One of them, realizing he had been healed, returned glorifying God in a loud voice.  Luke 17:15

Principal's Corner

November 2013

Dear Parents/Guardians,

For the month of November, our virtue is Gratitude which is appropriate because of the Thanksgiving Holiday.  Too often we take everything for granted and do not acknowledge, much less give thanks, for all of our blessings.  Let me start off with giving thanks to you for your trust in and support of OLPH.  We have had a great year so far, and we could not have done it without our parents/guardians who are the primary teachers of our students; it truly takes a village.

The first quarter is over, and it was quite a busy and eventful period.  We are now into the second quarter which I suspect will go as fast, if not faster, that the first.  November started out today with our celebration of All Saints Day.  Our first through fourth grade students, who dressed as saints, put smiles on all of our faces.  Today's all school mass got our day started in a wonderful spirit.  I want to repeat what I have stated many times?if you have never joined us for an all school mass on Friday mornings, you need to try to attend one.  I promise you will enjoy it and feel good all day long.

Soccer is the sport of the month.  So far, our middle school (7^th & 8^th grade) team has done a remarkable job.  Our younger (5^th & 6^th grade) team has a lot of new players and is improving with each game.  Come out and help us cheer on both teams. 

The eighth grade is holding a Yard Sale on campus November 9^th.  They are taking donations for this on the 8^th; you may take your items to the stage in the gym.   Receipts can be given for your donations for tax purposes.

If you recall, we had a Home and School meeting scheduled for October with a guest speaker on internet safety.  We had to postpone that meeting because the speaker works for the government (FBI) and was not able to address us during the furlough.  The meeting has now been rescheduled; it will be held on the 13^th of this month.  There will be babysitting, and the class which has the highest percentage of parents attending the meeting will receive a Hungry Howie pizza party.  This should be a very informative and interesting meeting; so, please plan to join us. 

Every year, OLPH helps Catholic Charities with their Thanksgiving Food Drive.  Every grade level is asked to donate a food item for this drive.  The lists are posted on the doors of the classrooms as well as in the office.  We are sending out information on this in our Friday Fanfares, and it is posted on our website.  Please help us help a family enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.

Mrs. Curtiss always makes a wonderful Thanksgiving lunch for us and invites parents to attend.  This year it is being held on November 21^st.  It will cost $5 for visiting adults and $3 for visiting children.  It does not cost extra for our students.  This is important:  Reservations MUST be in by November 18^th.  This is a huge undertaking for the cafeteria staff, and they must have numbers in advance to be adequately prepared.  In the past we have had hurt feelings because people would show up and they could not eat due to no reservations; or, reservations were called in after the deadline, and we would have to refuse them.  Therefore, if you know you wish to join your student for lunch on November 21^st, PLEASE call in your reservation now.  We will NOT take reservations after the 18^th. 

November 15^th is an in-service for the teachers of all three Chattanooga Catholic Schools.  Therefore, there will be no school for the students. 

Our last day for classes before the Thanksgiving break is November 26^th.  School will resume Monday December 2^nd. 

ChattiGras is February 15^th, and tickets are now on sale.  We encourage all of you to join us in this event for a wonderful time and cause.  ChattiGras benefits the three schools: OLPH, St. Jude, and Notre Dame.  You will be receiving a lot of information on this through several communications.  Any questions or information you have regarding ChattiGras can be addressed to Mrs. West at cwest@catholicweb.com.

The faculty and staff of OLPH wish all of you a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving Holiday. 

God bless,

Jeri McInturff

October, 2013

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee...

 

Principal's Corner

October 2013

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Happy Fall!  The weather has been absolutely gorgeous, and hopefully it will continue through the month of October for all of our special events.  We had an incredible day last Saturday for our "Choo Choo Football Game".  Thank you to all who came out and supported it.  Our volleyball and Cross Country seasons are finished as of this week, and our football team has only a couple more games.  Congratulations go to all our teams and our cheerleaders for a job well done.  Also, a large thank-you to all of our coaches for their hard work and time; we could not have the wonderful program we have without our coaches.  Already,  our soccer team has begun practicing, and it won't be too long before the basketball teams begin.   Time is really flying. 

The virtue for the month of October is Sincerity.  This virtue will be introduced and celebrated at mass on Friday, October 4^th.  Also, on this day, we will be celebrating the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi with the blessing of the animals on our football field.  Originally, we set the time for this blessing at 2:20; however, Father Jim has a conflict, and it will now take place at 1:00.  Students will be going back to classes after the program. 

There is a Home and School Meeting at 6:00 on October 9^th.  There will be a guest speaker on internet safety that should be very informative and interesting. Please join us.  The class with the highest percentage of parents in attendance will get a Hungry Howie's Pizza Party. 

The Diocesan in-service for our teachers is October 11^th in Knoxville; therefore, there will be no school for the students.

The end of the first nine weeks is Oct. 10^th.    It is hard to believe that ¼ of the school year is already complete.  We will be giving out report cards to you at our parent Teacher-Conferences on Wednesday, the 16^th.  Your teachers should be contacting you about making appointments for these conferences which will start at 3:00 and go through the evening.  We encourage the students to join you for these conversations.  Because of the conferences being on Wednesday evening, there will be a half day of school on Friday, October 18^th.   

The Living Rosary, led by the eighth grade, will take place in the gym after mass on that Friday, October 18^th.  This is always a very nice prayer gathering, and you are invited. 

Saturday the 19^th is a very important event for our school?The Ram Run.  This is the largest fund raiser sponsored by Home and School, and it coincides with the Oktoberfest held at the Market.  OLPH will have a bratwurst booth both Saturday and Sunday at the Oktoberfest.  We traditionally have great food and long lines; the proceeds from the booth go to our Annual Fund.  We need your help and/or participation at either or both of these events.

Fall Break is the week of October 21^st, and I know we will all be ready for it.  When we return on the 28th, October will be about finished.  The Home and School will be holding their "Trunk or Treat" on the 26^th, and our elementary students will be having their parties on the 31^st. 

October 31^st will also be the last day to wear shorts (and blue skorts for the elementary girls).  If you have any questions about the uniform, the information is in the handbook and on the website. 

Remember that scheduled events can possibly change.  The Friday Fanfare always has the most recent and up to date information.  Also, if there are any changes or additions to our calendar we post it on the website as well as Parents' Web.  Sometimes we have last minute cancellations of sports or other events, and we may send out a "Parent Alert" .  If you get any phone calls from the school, we always try to leave messages.  Please listen to the message before calling us back.   

One last thing, and I hesitate to mention this again. But, on morning drop offs, students should not be walking across the driveways or parking lots unattended.  It is getting darker in the mornings again, and it is easy for a student dressed in a dark uniform not to be seen.  Please help us keep your children safe.  Either drop them off at the ramp by the gym doors or walk them to the ramp or doors.    I know that many of us are in a hurry in the mornings, but the safety of your children is worth the extra couple of minutes.    

Thank you for all of your support, and have a wonderful October.

God bless,

Jeri McInturff 

September, 2013

How beautiful it would be if each of you, every evening, could say: Today at school, at home, at work, guided by God, I showed a sign of love towards one of my friends, my parents, an older person! How beautiful!
At Confirmation Mass in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis

Principal's Corner

September 2013

Dear Parents/Guardians,

 

Here we are already in September.  Our first weeks of school have gone very well.  A very big "Thank You" to all who have helped with the various events of August?New Family Dinner, Home and School Meeting, Scrip Sales, and Campus Cleanup.  All of your help, dedication, and support are greatly appreciated. 

 

September's calendar is another full and busy one.  The eighth grade will be very busy this month as they will be celebrating the first Virtue Mass, their F.O.C.U.S. mass, and their retreat at Camp Lookout.  This is just the beginning of a very busy year for them.

 

On September 13^th, school will dismiss at 11:30 (there will be no lunch served nor after care) to provide time for travel to Sevierville for the Eucharistic Congress celebrating the 25^th anniversary of the Diocese of Knoxville.  Friday night is devoted to the youth with a youth mass, a chat with the Bishop and Cardinal Rigali, and a youth concert.   Plus they will have breakout sessions on Saturday.  The adult sessions begin Saturday morning with prayer and breakout sessions throughout the day.  It ends with mass that evening.  I, personally, am looking forward to the keynote address by Cardinal Dolan.   

 

Pictures of students in uniform and Fall sports will be taken on Monday, September 16^th.  On September 18^th, we will have our $1.00 out of uniform day, and on the 19^th is our first

Chick-Fil-a Spirit Night. 

 

Our parent groups are still looking for persons to be involved.  The Creative Arts Guild (CAG) is meeting on Monday the 23^rd.  This group helps to finance many of the needs of the visual and musical arts programs and they also help with financing students to attend plays, concerts, museums, etc.  They would love for you to join them at Longhorn Restaurant at 6:00. 

 

Our Fall sports are off to a good start.  The schedule of games and meets are in the Fanfare weekly; we would love to have everyone in attendance to cheer on our students.   

 

As always, I very much appreciate all you support.  Have a great September. 

 

God bless,

 

Jeri McInturff

August 2013

See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God.  1John 3:1

Principal's Corner

Dear Parents/Guardians,

It is that time of the year already!  I hope that you and your children enjoyed the time off. 

Welcome back to those of you who are returning, and welcome to those of you who are new to Our Lady of Perpetual Help.  Also, I am asking you to help me welcome our new staff members:  Mrs. Barbara Haimelin is my new administrative assistant; Mrs. Maggie Burns is our new seventh grade language arts teacher (Mrs. Ann O'Brien will be teaching fourth grade while Miss Laura Goodhard is now in second); and Miss Raquel Crumley is our new art teacher. 

August is going to be a very busy month (actually, all of our months turn out to be quite busy), and it begins with Monday, August 5^th.  If you are a new family to our school, please join us for a get acquainted dinner on August 5^th at 6:00 P.M.  This is sponsored by our Home and School, and its purpose is to help you become acquainted with some of the other families and staff members as well as get some information to help you become more comfortable.  I look forward to seeing all of you that evening. 

Tuesday, August 6^th, is registration day.  Reminder:  You will need several checks?we are not on credit cards yet; I am sorry about the inconvenience. Registration will be held in the gym from 7:30-noon. 

The first day of school for the students is August 8^th, and for everyone, except Pre-K and Kindergarten, it is a full day.  Friday the 9^th is our first all-school mass for the new school year.  Our traditional "Red Mass" (Mass of the Holy Spirit)  will be the following Friday, August 16^th, and all students may wear a red shirt with their uniform bottoms or jumpers.  Our first official $1 out of uniform day is August 21^st.  To welcome the middle school students (6^th-8^th grades) back, the parents have organized a dance for them at the Knights of Columbus Hall on the 10^th.  More information will be given out during registration. 

If you are a returning family or a new family, we highly encourage you to join an organization to help us become a better school.  The Creative Arts Guild helps us to maintain our wonderful art and music programs.  They also provide funding for our students to attend various arts performances and exhibits.  This organization maintains St. Cecelia's Closet of used uniforms to help raise funds while providing a great service to our families.  Their first meeting is August 12^th, and they would love to have you join them.  More information about the meeting will come out in the Fanfare.

Home and School is an integral part of OLPH.  They provide so many things for our students, teachers, and families.  When you pay your dues, you become a member, but they can use more manpower.  Being a Homeroom Parent is one of the many ways you can be an active part of the group.  There is a meeting for Homeroom Parents on the 19^th.  There are two times set so that working parents as well as stay at home parents can meet.  The times are at 2:00 and 5:30.  On August 21^st we will have our first official school-wide Home and School Meeting.  This will also be our school's Open House.  More information will be coming home on this; we hope to see you all there.

You probably have noticed  the new addition to our campus.  Thanks to Home and School, we now have a new outdoor space for our middle school children.  Thanks to Mrs. Meinert, we are creating our Stations of the Cross meditation area.  Thanks to all the teachers, students, and volunteers, our Nature's Place is in full bloom.  We love all of these and other areas of our campus, but maintenance is needed to help keep everything accessible and looking good.  We are going to have a workday on Saturday morning, August 17^th.  We need as many people as we can get.  Mrs. Cissy West will be sending out information on this--please plan to be here that morning to help us. 

Whew!  There is a lot of information in this letter.  You will be getting your calendar/handbook at registration, and all of the dates are in there.  Also, the Fanfares are sent out every week as well as posted on our website.  Please take time to read them as the information is always updated as needed.

I look forward to seeing all of you next week.  Thank you for all of  your support; I am truly blessed to be part of this community. 

God bless,

Jeri McInturff

May, 2013

No one has ever seen God.  Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us.  I John 4:12

Dear Parents/Guardians,

It is here!! It is the end of the school year already.  Where has all the time gone?  It wasn't too long ago that I was just beginning my tenure and this year's 8^th grade students were in 1^st grade.  Now they are getting ready to leave us and start a new journey.  Congratulations to the class and to you, the parents, who have nurtured and supported them through their elementary and middle school years.   The eighth grade Class Night will be Wednesday, May 15^th.  During this event awards and recognitions will be given.  The Celebration Mass of Graduation will be Thursday evening, May 16^th. 

Other important dates for the month of May are:

·         May 10^th the BVM awards will be given during all school mass.

·         May 10^th is our volunteer appreciation brunch after mass.

·         May 17^th is the date for the end of the year celebrations for our Pre-K and our Kindergarten.

·         May 22^nd is the "Growing in Faith" celebration and retreat for the 7^th grade.

·         May 23^rd is our Field Day.

·         May 24^th is our last day of school, and it is a half day. 

Also during this month our transition meetings are taking place.  These meetings are with your child's next year teachers to give you some information about what to expect. 

As always, there will be some changes next year.  As most of you know, Mrs. Pack and Mrs. Meinert are retiring.  Ms. Laura Goodhard will be going to 2^nd grade and Mrs. Ann O'Brien is going to 7^th grade.  We are now in the process of interviewing for the openings in art and 7^th grade language arts.  Another change next year is going to be in the school uniforms.  Next school year, the blue polos (instead of the white)  will be worn by the  6^th graders as well as the khaki pants (instead of the blue ones)  just as the 7^th and 8^th grade students wear now.  The 5^th-8^th grade girls will have the option to wear a new skort instead of the skirt.  The skort is in the same plaid as our skirts and may only be gotten at Educational Outfitters.  We are phasing out the skirt, and this process will be completed in 4 yrs.  At that time the skort will not be an option, but it will be mandatory.  We are also making changes in the shoes.  Although brown leather loafers and tie shoes are still an option, we are no longer allowing the deck/boat (Sperry) shoes.  They have been too dangerous and sloppy.  We are; however, adding some color options to the tennis shoes.  In addition to the all white tennis shoe, we are allowing all black and all gray.  Our Friday dress code is going to be more in line with the other Diocesan schools.  Our middle school boys will be wearing a white oxford shirt and school approved tie, while the girls will be wearing their skirts/skorts with white oxford shirts and knee socks.   This is just a summary of the changes.  Our uniforms in the CAG closet are still available. Attached is the formally written up dress code that will be in your handbook.  This gives you more details and information. 

We received our TCAP Writing and our IOWA test scores back, and you will be receiving them with the report cards.  As expected, the scores are lower than they had been in the past.  However, our composites are still above the national average.  If you recall, they are newly normed tests and they match the Common Core Standards which we are now implementing.  We will be analyzing the data and making adjustments to our curriculum maps so that we continue to be a school of high academic standards and expectations.    

 Some miscellaneous information:

·         A flyer went home about a soccer camp at UTC headed by their soccer coach J.D. Kyzer.  If you are thinking about sending your child to this camp, please write in OLPH in the "school affiliation" line.  They will be donating some of the registration fees back to us.

·         Tomorrow, May 4^th, the Junior League of Chattanooga is having a free public event at Coolidge Park entitled "Kids in the Kitchen" which is geared to healthy eating and lifestyles.

·         For Field Day this year, Mrs. Mohler is bringing her Gyro-X-treme ride.  There will be a $5.00 charge to ride this as it is a fundraiser for the rising 8^th graders.  This is an option;   it is not required.  More will be coming out before Field Day.      

I wish you all a wonderful and safe summer.

God bless,

Jeri McInturff

April, 2013

And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.  Matthew 28:20 

Dear Parents/Guardians,

 Happy Easter; I hope you all had a wonderful holiday.  If you were unable to attend our Living Stations, you missed a wonderful and moving performance. There are only six more weeks of school--unbelievable.  However, these six weeks are going to be incredibly busy.   

First of all, if you have helped with the grooming of Nature's Place, thank you.  Right now it looks gorgeous with all the flowering trees and spring flowers.  The students have been planting in their class boxes and using the grounds for various learning and fun experiences.  We are so glad that the weather is finally allowing us to get out there. 

Next week the eighth graders will be going to Washington, and I will be going with them.  I understand that the Cherry Blossoms are just beginning to bloom; so, we may be fortunate enough to witness these beautiful trees at the height of their season.  Keep us in your prayers for a safe trip.

One of the biggest events and most popular traditions of OLPH is Grandparents' Day.  This will be taking place on April 26^th.  All of the grandparents should have gotten invitations by now.  If we missed your child's grandparent/s, give us a call so we can remedy it.  This day is always wonderful, and we always have a packed house.  Because we want all of our grandparent guests to be comfortably seated and have enough to eat, we ask that reservations are made--this is important.  We also ask that parents of the students do not accompany them unless the grandparent needs assistance.  I wish we had a larger space to accommodate more people, but we don't.  So, thank you for your understanding.    

Congratulations to our second graders.  They will be making their first communion on Saturday, April 27.  Please keep them in your prayers. 

After many requests from parents, we have arranged to have Spanish offered as an after school enrichment.  There is a meeting on Wednesday, April 10, 2:30 in Mrs. Morrison's room with the instructor.  Mrs. Mantel is coordinating this, and you may reach her at mmantel@catholicweb.com.  Also, there are some summer camp offerings at OLPH this year.  You will find the information attached to this letter.  Mrs. Danielson is coordinating this, and you may reach her at edanielson@catholicweb.com.  

 Other happenings this month are:

·        April 12:  Virtue Mass for April

·         April 15:  CAG meeting at 6:00 at Longhorn Steakhouse

·         April 17:  $1 out of uniform

            ·         April 22:  Individual pictures--out of uniform as well as spring sports
            ·         April 22-26:  Book Fair

·         April 24:  School Committee meeting at 6:00 in school library.  (We are still accepting applications for new board members for this committee.)

·         April 25:  Catholic Charities Dinner

·         April 26-28:  Art Show in PLC

 Thank you for all of your wonderful support, and have a great April.

God bless,

 Jeri McInturff

March, 2013

Be compassionate, as your Father is compassionate.  Luke 6:36

Dear Parents/Guardians,

"You have a brain in your head.  You have feet in your shoes.  You can steer yourself, any direction you choose."  This quote by Dr. Seuss is so appropriate for this month for many reasons.  First of all, March is the month we celebrate Dr. Seuss and Read across America.  Friday, March 1^st, there were readings and activities going on in many of the classes.  Secondly, this month we are taking our standardized tests where our students will be using their "brains in their heads". 

The first of the standardized testing will be the national religion tests taken by the 5^th and 8^th graders this week.  These tests are published and scored by the National Catholic Education Association.  Fifth and eighth grades are the benchmark years.  Next week, March 11^th-15^th, we will be administering the IOWA Basics Tests to 2^nd-8^th grades.  This year we will be taking an up-graded version of the test (Form E) which has been completely revised and re-normed to reflect the changes in our standards, curriculum, and instructional practices.  In addition, our 3^rd, 5^th, and 7^th grade students will be taking the CogAT tests the following week.  These are cognitive ability assessments testing verbal, non-verbal, and quantitative cognitive abilities.  These, too, have been revised and re-normed.  Because of these changes in the tests, our students may experience a change in their scores making it difficult to adequately or equitably compare student scores on the new form with those received in previous years.  These tests are going to be considered a baseline assessment for which future growth can be measured.  Although these assessments are important, they are only one piece of information on your students' progress throughout the year.  Attached is a letter from Riverside (publisher of the IOWA's) to explain this further. 

During the IOWA testing, we hope to have the students working in their garden plots.  We are going to purchase dirt for the gardens, and we are asking parents (if possible) to donate bags of shredded hard wood mulch.   More information about the gardens and how you can become more involved will be sent out. 

Thursday, March 7^th, we are having a talent show.  Several children tried out, and we have 25 wonderful acts that will perform in the gymnasium at 7:00.  All are invited, and desserts will be served. 

March 15^th is the date for our Living Stations of the Cross.   This wonderful 8^th grade presentation will be at 2:00 for our student body and 5:30 for our parishioners.  I encourage everyone to attend one of the times.  This is always a very moving experience.  

March 15^th is also the last day of the third nine weeks.  Report cards will be given on Wednesday, March 20^th which is also the date for our next $1 out of uniform day.  In addition, we have a Home and School meeting scheduled for March 20^th at 6:00.  Please try to be there; they have cut down the number of these meetings in order to make them more meaningful and get a larger attendance. 

On March 22^nd the teachers of the three Chattanooga Catholic schools have an in-service.  This means that there is no school for the students. 

March 28^th is Holy Thursday.  We will have a half day of school that day and will be off for Good Friday.  The following week is our Easter vacation. 

It is incredible how fast the year is going.  After Easter, we will be in the final count down. 

Enjoy your March.  My staff and I wish you all a wonderful and holy Easter season.

God bless,

Jeri McInturff

January, 2013

 Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.  Hebrews 11:1

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Happy New Year!!  I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday break.  First of all, thank you for all of the wonderful thoughts and gifts given to my staff and me.  Your generosity, thoughtfulness, and support are overwhelming.    A huge "thank you" to Home and School for providing the book Why Children Matter for each family.  This book came highly recommended, and it is an easy read. I do hope you enjoy it.   

While we were on our holiday break, Todd Close became a father for the second time.  His wife delivered a baby girl who they named Audrey Kate.  Mr. Close will be taking Family Leave this quarter, and his substitute is Mrs. Barbara Haimelin.  She will be using his (Mr. Close's) lesson plans. 

We have two student teachers this quarter.  One is Ms. Julie Worthington, and she will be working with Mrs. Tinney in the 6^th grade.  The other is Ms. Telecia Howell, and Mrs. Fox is her mentor teacher in the 1^st grade. 

If the first semester is any indication, the second one will be over before we know it.  

We are already in the second week of January, and the calendar for the remainder of the month is quite full.  The students will be receiving their report cards the first day back, January 9^th  with the awards presentations for 5^{th -}8^th  grades at 2:30 on January 11^th. 

The month is full of basketball games.  The schedules  will be published in the Fanfare as well as on our website.  The Virtue Mass for January is on Friday the 11^th, and our monthly $1 Out of Uniform Day is Wednesday, January 16^th.  On the 21^st of January, we will be out of school for Martin Luther King's Day. 

On Sunday, January 27^th, at 10:00 mass we will "kick off" Catholic Schools Week.  We have some fun activities planned, and there will be a schedule on the website as well as the Fanfare. In addition, teachers will be sending information home. The theme of Catholic Schools Week this year is, "Raise the Standards". 

Also, during this month, we are going to be conducting all of our safety drills.  We conduct a fire drill monthly; so, this will not be anything new.  But, this month we will also be conducting our intruder drill and tornado drill.  The latter drills can be a little scary for the younger students, but we will be preparing the children for them.  You may also want to mention them to help make the students feel more comfortable. 

So far there has been no mention of the "white stuff" in our weather forecasts.  But, as a reminder, if we do get inclement weather and have to call off school, you will get a parent alert, and it will be posted on the website.  I will get it on the TV stations also, but sometimes they are slow with those postings.  Although many times we do close when Hamilton County does, there are times when we don't.  The three Catholic Schools work together to make the decision to close or stay open.  Frankly, I hope we don't have to close for weather this year.

As a final note, I wish to extend a warm welcome to the new families enrolled this semester.  We hope you enjoy OLPH.   

Again, Happy New Year to All!

Jeri McInturff