Parent Memo 3/2/18

PRINCIPAL’S CORNER:

Dear Parents,

On a somber note, the recent Parkland school shooting in Florida, and any school shooting for that matter, always generates yet another inspection of our own campus and a review of our own security systems to make sure we are as safe and secure as we can be. We do have lockdown procedures and our teachers will be undergoing “active shooter” training, which just takes the lockdown procedures to a more realistic level and looks for any soft spots in our lockdown protocol. I know many schools practice these active shooter scenarios while the kids are at school, but I don’t intend to do this because I just feel this would be too traumatizing to our kids considering their ages. Therefore, we will continue to train only our teachers. Our students listen to the teachers during any emergency drill anyway, so I don’t worry that they will hesitate to follow instructions whether it be a drill or an actual emergency. When the accreditation visiting team was here recently, they gave us high marks for the level of security at the school. They had attempted to enter the school through other egresses other than the front door and were unable to enter. Even when waving at students to come open the doors, the students checked with their teachers first before granting access, so I was very proud of the students for this. Security and care of the children is our first priority at all times, and we will always continue to monitor and review our procedures so that we remain as safe as we can be.

In Service,

Ms. Laura

[email protected]

SERVANT OF THE LORD HONORS: It was wonderful to see so many parents at our 2^nd trimester awards ceremony yesterday to congratulate so many of our students for their academic excellence and devotion to the teachings of Jesus Christ as exhibited by their daily behavior in class. We are posting all of the Servant of the Lord award winners to the school Facebook this evening. That is a fun thing to share with relatives and friends. You have a right to be proud, so share the joy!

REGISTRATION FOR NEXT YEAR: We are already encountering an increasing rate of inquiries into school registration for next year. Registration paperwork has gone out for existing families and you may fill out the paperwork hard copy or re-register through Headmaster.  Please register by the end of February. If you know that you will be leaving us, for whatever reason, please let us know that as well. If you have friends that are considering registering at our school, I would encourage them to do so as soon as possible.

TUITION SCHOLARSHIPS FOR NEXT YEAR: February 1, 2018, the application process begins for the Opportunity Scholarships and the first round of applications ends March 1, 2018.  They will continue to take applications after March 1^st, but first priority will go to those who applied early.
Renewal applicants get first priority if they apply before the March 1^st deadline. An overview of the scholarship is posted on the website at http://www.neseaa/edu/pdf/OPS_OVERVIEW.pdf.

Tuition Grants may available through the Diocese and St. Patrick School, if you are a parishioner of St. Patrick Church.

Apply at www.factstuitionaid.com.

HONOR ROLL – 2^nd TRIMESTER

We are pleased to honor the following students for their academic achievements during the 2^nd trimester:

PTO SPRING “SHAG HOP” and “SUMMER TO REMEMBER AUCTION”

The PTO Spring Shag Hope and Summer to Remember Auction is right around the corner on the evening of April 20^th. This is a fun, family friendly event to close out the school year and support St. Patrick School. We need your help to make this even a rock n’rolling s[email protected] This is the perfect time to complete your required volunteer hours or just get involved with our great school community!

The ”Summer to Remember Auction”  will focus on exciting and fun summer activities, camps, experiences, trips, sports opportunities, tickets, vouchers, classes and more! If you or your place of business can provide something to include in the auction, please contact Taylor Hagemen at [email protected] and 803-673-9314, Recognition and advertising opportunities will be available to all contributors.

The PTO has done some amazing projects this year with funds raised…just wait until you see the fantastic new playground! Please contact Amy White at [email protected] or 910-485-6784 to sign up for one of the volunteer opportunities below or if you have any questions. Thank you in advance for your generous contribution of time.

Auction Team – 3 people needed

Decorations and Set up Team – 3 people needed

Clean up Team – Lead and 3 additional people needed (team will clean up on Saturday, April 21^st before noon)

Emcee for the event

 (DON’T FORGET…..)

LENTEN OUTREACH – February 15 – March 16, 2018

The school is participating in a Lenten Outreach program to benefit Operation Inasmuch and the Cumberland County Child Advocacy Center. Thank you for your generosity during this holy season.

We will be filling gallon sized plastic bags with items that can be distributed to the homeless and to children in crisis. Each grade will be bringing in a food item to fill the bags. We request that each child bring in the following, in individual portion sizes:

Pre-K – Slim Jims

Kg – small bottles of water

1^st – dried fruit snacks

2^nd – bags of peanuts

3^rd – 1gallon plastic bags

4^th – snack crackers

5^th – granola bars

6^th – Pop Tarts

7^th – dried fruit snacks

8^th – facial tissue pocket packs

REMINDERS FOR THE WEEK OF March 5 –March 9:

Monday, March 5 – Spring Book Fair is going on all week

Tuesday, March 6 – Dress down day for “no tardy” students – trimester 2

Wednesday, March 7 –  Open House for new prospective parents – 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Thursday, March 8– School liturgy 9:00 am

Friday, Mar 9 – Lenten prayer service – morning assembly