NOVEMBER 2007 NEWSLETTER

This month we will celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 22nd. This national holiday helps us to be more aware of God's gifts, to give thanks for these gifts, and to share them with others.

Drama Club News

We are very lucky to have a Drama Club under the direction of Ms. Katy Porter. Katy does a wonderful job of introducing children to basic acting techniques and terminology and creates a safe space where children can be creative, silly and take risks. Many Drama Club students have uncovered and explored new found talents.

In October our Drama Club students presented two improv nights--≥Chain Reaction—A Night of Improv & Monologues!≤ What a fabulous show! In April we will again have our spring musical--Aladdin. This will be an exciting venture, and we look forward to another wonderful musical performance. More information will be sent home at a later date. The Drama Club is supported by participants' fees, ticket sales, contributions from parents, donations from the Men's Club, and funding through the school budget. St. Cecilia's Drama Club is another example of our schoolπs efforts to meet the needs of all children. We are grateful to Katy for sharing her talents with our students!

Parent Teacher Conferences

The first quarter ended on Friday, October 26, and report cards will be distributed this Friday,

November 2. Mandatory Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held from Monday, November 5 through Friday, November 9. We do our best to accommodate you and your schedule, but are not always able to make changes given the number of families in the school.

Little Sisters of the Poor

Again this year we have received an appeal from the Little Sisters of the Poor to collect items for their residents at St. Anne's Home for the Aged. Students can bring their donations to the classrooms from Monday, November 12 through Friday, November 16. A list of suggested items will be sent home soon. Thank you for your generosity!

Kindergarten Open Houses

Enclosed with this packet you will find a flyer for Open House dates. The kindergarten dates in November, December, and January are only for parents of prospective students. If you have neighbors, relatives, or friends who are interested in our school, please share this information with them. On January 16 and 17, our school will be open for both current and prospective parents to visit.

Thursday Sandwiches for the Poor

Many thanks to those who have been sending sandwiches for the poor on Thursdays. The success of the Sandwich Program is outstanding, and the St. Vincent De Paul Society thanks parents, students, teachers, and staff for their continued support of this work of charity.

School Finance Committee

The School Finance Committee has been in existence for many years. The members, representing the parish and the school, are appointed by the pastor and the principal to serve a six year term on a rotating basis. The following are members of the School Finance Committee for the 2007-2008 school year:

Representing the parish: Kathy Atkinson, Barbara Cutten, Joe Grazioli

Representing the school: Marty Briesach, Tracy Murray, Ray Williamson

The primary goal of this committee is to ensure affordable Catholic education for the families of

St. Cecilia Parish. The committee meets monthly, assesses the status of tuition collection, and makes every effort to deal compassionately and sensitively with parents who are experiencing financial difficulties. This committee also approves the school budget and capital expenses, and based on the proposed income and expenses, determines tuition rates and fees for the following year. As the school year progresses, the committee provides consistent monitoring of receipts and expenses. We are grateful for the service these parishioners perform for the school community.

Parent Reminders

I ask parents for your cooperation with the following:

Haircuts: Students should not have hair in their eyes! If so, it's time for a haircut!!

Belts: All boys should be wearing a belt!

Cell Phones: Parents should not be on cell phones while driving into or out of the yard!

Double Parking: Parents, grandparents, please no double parking and jaywalking!

Upper Lot: Please, no parking in front of the priests' garages!

Drive Through : If students are not in the drive through group when you come to pick them up, you will have to park on the street and enter the yard to find them.

There is too much congestion caused by cars pulling over by the pavilion.

Phone Messages: Messages for students will not be delivered after 2:30 (M, T, Th, F) and after 2:00 (W).

November Holidays and Minimum Days

There are 12:30 dismissals November 5-9 to allow for Parent-Teacher Conferences and on Monday,

November 26, for a faculty in-service.

Thanksgiving vacation begins at 12:30, on Wednesday, November 21. School resumes on Monday, November 26—a minimum day!

Christmas vacation begins at 12:30 on Tuesday, December 18. School resumes on Thursday,

January 3, 2008!

Graduates of St. Cecilia School are life-long learners who:

Think critically and creatively

Demonstrate a strong academic foundation

Demonstrate curiosity and enthusiasm for learning

Use technology responsibly for learning, communication, and enjoyment

Demonstrate a creative spirit through art, music, and movement