Latest Flocknotes

31 May 2011

Still need helpers Wednesday and Thursday! Earn volunteer hours!!!

When: Wednesday, June 1st
Arrive around 8:45am on Wednesday morning

Where: Please come to the Parish Office located in the Lamy Center. The children will have all school Mass at 9am, so this will be a great hour of time we can utilize to get furniture moved.

What: If you have work gloves and/or a furniture dolly, please bring them

How: We will be working in teams to move classrooms from old location to their new location – Please be sure to sign the volunteer hours sheet!



When: Thursday, June 2nd
Arrive around 9:00am on Wednesday morning

Where: Please come to the Parish Office located in the Lamy Center.

What: If you have work gloves and/or a furniture dolly, please bring them

How: We will be working in teams to move classrooms from old location to their new location – Please be sure to sign the volunteer hours sheet!
School is almost out for the summer. What are you going to do to keep your kids busy? Why not join us at Vacation Bible School! VBS is June 20-24 from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. It is open to students entering kindergarten through entering grade 5 this fall. And -- if we get enough inquiries -- we will open it to children who are pre-school age (4/5 years) as well; please call Lori Mazzone at 345-9874 x 222 or email her at lmazzone@stfrancisparish.net if you have a pre-schooler you would like to enroll.

Camper fees are only $35 per student (that's about $2 per hour - what a deal for childcare!). And it can get even better: if an adult volunteers for the entire week, then your registration fees are waived -- and if you need volunteer hours for St. Francis School, then VBS counts toward that, too! Contact Lori for further details.

But don't delay! Camper registration closes June 13!

VBS Registration Form

27 May 2011

Looking for things to keep your kids occupied this summer? Join us at Vacation Bible School! VBS is June 20-24 from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. It is open to students entering kindergarten through entering grade 5 this fall. And -- if we get enough inquiries -- we will open it to children who are pre-school age (4/5 years) as well; please call Lori Mazzone at 345-9874 x 222 or email her at lmazzone@stfrancisparish.net if you have a pre-schooler you would like to enroll.

Camper fees are only $25 per student if you register by May 30 -- that's THIS Monday, so don't delay! After May 30, it's only $35. If an adult volunteers for the entire week, then your registration fees are waived -- and if you need volunteer hours for St. Francis School, then VBS counts toward that, too! How's that for a deal? Contact Lori if you would like to volunteer or for further details.


VBS Registration Form

26 May 2011

Message from the bookkeeping office:

Just a reminder – tuition contracts and/or payment in full for the 2011-2012 school year are due by tomorrow, May 27th. The school can not place your child onto the rosters for the next school year until this form or payment has been remitted.


Tuesday, May 31st is FIELD DAY. If you are available to help out with games please call the school office and leave a message for Ms. Cannon.

On Tuesday we will also host our VARIETY SHOW at 1:15 pm. Families are welcomed to join us in the gym for some great entertainment!

Wednesday, June 1st is our LAST DAY of school. We will celebrate an all school Liturgy at 9:00am, Kindergarten Program at 11:00am, and 8th grade graduation at 7:00pm. DISMISSAL WILL BE AT 1:15PM THAT DAY! THERE WILL BE NO AFTERNOON BUS SERVICE. ALL STUDENTS WILL NEED TO BE PICKED UP AT 1:15PM.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Tuesday and Wednesday students will need to BRING LUNCH FROM HOME. The cafeteria will be closing after Friday's lunch.

25 May 2011

Calling all School Parents, Grandparents, Friends…EVERYONE!

Did you know that the months of June, July and August are when all the cleaning, repairs, painting and projects happen in the school? To make all this happen we need volunteers! Want to get one (1) volunteer hour for 5 minutes of time? Just keep reading, fill out the form and turn it in to the school or parish office by June 1st.

This summer is no different than others; we have an overload of projects - here are just a few:

• Clean up rubber mulch from parking lot
• Painting of classrooms
• Painting of school hallways
• Moving furniture (so floors can be stripped and waxed)

If you think you have any availability at all this summer to help with these and other projects, please list your information below. Email alerts will be sent out and phone calls will be made as projects are scheduled. The moving of furniture will happen daily throughout the summer, if you have an hour to spare in the mornings, please indicate that as well! If you need more space for additional family members or friends, just use a blank sheet of paper. Any hours worked volunteering for summer projects count towards the school volunteer requirement.

**SPECIAL HELP NEEDED ON JUNE 1st and 2nd! A few classrooms are moving around for next year. We need help moving boxes and a few pieces of furniture. If you can help either or both of these days – during the school day – please indicate this on the form.

Summer Volunteer Form

24 May 2011

Hats off to Jill Merry! This Friday, May 27th, all students, teachers, staff, and volunteers are asked to wear a hat to school in honor of the many “hats” Mrs. Jill Merry has worn as a member of the St. Francis de Sales school and parish community. She is currently serving as the school’s librarian/technology coordinator. She is retiring at the end of the school year after 29 years of service.

She was hired in 1982 as the Kindergarten teacher. She went on in her career to set up the first all inclusive student computer lab. She was instrumental in coordinating Licking County’s first Interactive Video Distance Learning Lab. It remains an elaborate classroom setting today at St. Francis in which students and teachers continue to videoconference around the world. In the fall of 2005 and 2006, the Second graders connected with students in Hong Kong. It was for many children in Hong Kong their first experience seeing an American. She also became our school’s Art director and teacher. One memorable lesson involved the use of the Smart board in which students viewed various doors throughout the world. Each door symbolized a culture and period in time. The assignment: students were asked to create a door representing their faith through the use of a metal template in which a secondary rubbing could be transposed.

She also wore the hat of Home and School committee member as a parent in which she helped raise thousands of dollars for our school for nine consecutive years. She has been the President, Vice President, and Treasurer of the St. Francis de Sales Education Association and representative for Central Ohio Association of Catholic Educators for various terms throughout her employment. Her favorite book is ‘Christy’ by Catherine Marshall. Most inspirational quote, “Do not wish to be anything but what you are and try to be that perfectly.”

A sincere thank you to Mrs. Merry for the many wonderful “hats” you have worn here at St. Francis de Sales school for 29 years!!! You will be missed by everyone! Good luck trying on your many new hats!
Thank you students, parents and parish family! The Usborne Summer Reading Book Fair was a wonderful success. Many thanks to all of our parent volunteers for their help. It was greatly appreciated. The library and classrooms will receive approximately $2,500 in new books for everyone to enjoy. Happy Reading!
Looking for things to keep your kids occupied this summer? Join us at Vacation Bible School! VBS is June 20-24 from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. It is open to students entering kindergarten through entering grade 5 this fall. And -- if we get enough inquiries -- we will open it to children who are pre-school age (4/5 years) as well; please call Lori Mazzone at 345-9874 x 222 or email her at lmazzone@stfrancisparish.net if you have a pre-schooler you would like to enroll.

Camper fees are only $25 per student if you register by May 30 (that's less than a $1.50 per hour - cheap childcare!). After May 30, it's only $35. If an adult volunteers for the entire week, then your registration fees are waived -- and if you need volunteer hours for St. Francis School, then VBS counts toward that, too! How's that for a deal? Contact Lori if you would like to volunteer.

Camper registration closes June 13, so register today!

VBS Registration Form

20 May 2011

Updated May Lunch Menu

05-20-11 ~ PTA News Update

4-H Camp Paws, Claws, Feathers & Friends
is designed for youth who love animals and want to learn more about their pets and companion animals. The camp is designed for youthentering grades 6, 7 and 8 and will take place from June 27-July 1. Campers will visit the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine and learn about the dog blood donor bank. We'll visit an aviary and humane society and complete a service project. Campers will see demonstrations and learn about pets with jobs and jobs with pets from trainers, groomers and K-9 officers. Camp size is limited to 24 participants. The fee for the week is $175 and includes all supplies, transportation, daily snack, lunch on Friday (participants bring a sack lunch Monday-Thursday) and insurance. Information and registration can be found at: http://www.ohio4h.org/4hscience/index.html
Register by May 31, 2011

4-H Camp Tech
GEAR-Tech 21 is a program from the University of Nebraska that combines LEGO NXT robotics, GPS skills and GIS mapping. The Ohio 4-H Center will host 4-H Camp Tech from July 28-30. This is an overnight camp open to youth entering grades 6, 7 and 8 this fall. Campers will build robots, go on a GPS treasure hunt, learn digital mapping and demonstrate their skills at 4-H STEM day at the Ohio State Fair. The $175fee includes overnight accommodations in an OSU dorm, all supplies, meals, insurance
and admission to the Ohio State Fair. For an information flyer, registration and permission forms see: http://www.ohio4h.org/4hscience/index.html

19 May 2011

As a reminder, the Student Directory Information Forms for 2011-2012 are due ths Friday.

18 May 2011

ART CLUB ART SHOW
The St Francis Art Club will be showcasing a year's worth of creative energy at this year's Spring Festival. Everyone is encouraged to walk through the kindergarten hallway to view these masterpieces!

There are still 79 slots open for volunteers for the Spring Festival, which is just a few days away! It was SO EASY to sign up online, that I even signed my husband up! Just go to www.stfrancisfestival.net and choose where and when you would like to help out. Get a jump on your volunteer hours for next school year! Hope to see you there - it's a guaranteed "good time was had by all!"
Again this year the PTA has partnered with Staples SchoolKidz to provide discounted school supplies for next year for your convenience. School supplies will be labeled for your child and available for pickup at the school Open House. A short walk to your child’s classroom and you are done! Just imagine not having to fight the back to school rush come August! Order forms and payment are due this Friday May 20. Please contact Laura Reed, lewreed@gmail.com with any questions or if you need additional order forms. Order forms are also available in the school office.

17 May 2011

St. Francis de Sales VBS 2011

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL June 20 – 24, 2011
“Upon This Rock I Will Build My Church”

WHO: Anyone entering Kindergarten – Grade 5 in 2011-12

WHAT: Vacation Bible School offers children the opportunity to meet with friends in a Christian environment and explore their Catholic faith. Days will include games, crafts, bible lessons, music, and snacks, all around this year’s theme of “Upon This Rock I Will Build My Church.” Using the tools of our faith, we will learn how to be “fishers of men” like our first fisherman, St. Peter, and build the church as the bride and body of Christ.

WHEN: 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on June 20 – 24, 2011

WHERE: St. Francis de Sales Church, 66 Granville Street, Newark

HOW: Complete a registration form and return it to the Religious Education Office, 66 Granville Street, Newark, Ohio 43055.

SPACE IS LIMITED – REGISTER TODAY !
COST: Early Bird Registration by May 30 = $25 per child
After May 30 until June 13 = $35 per child

For safety reasons, all children must be pre-registered; therefore, registrations will not be accepted after June 13, 2011 and walk-ins during our session cannot be accommodated. Thank you for your understanding. For additional information, contact Religious Education Coordinator Lori Mazzone at 345-9874, ext. 222.

*Due to the need for advance planning & purchase of supplies, we cannot offer refunds to those who register for the program and then decide not to attend the week of VBS.

VBS Camper Registration Form

VBS Teen Volunteer Application Form

11 May 2011

Children's Author/Illustrator To Visit Newark Library

Children's author Cathryn Falwell will present "Story Time Around the Pond" at the Newark Library on May 17, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. The hour long presentation will conclude with a book sale and signing of Cathryn's books. Some of her books include "Scoot," "Mystery Vine," and "Turtle Splash." All of these books were created from her studio and tree house beside Frog Song Pond in Maine. The program is best for children ages 3 to 8 years of age. Families are welcome.

Cathryn's visit is a collaborative project with the Dawes Arboretum and StoryTrail. Please call the Children's Department at 349.5550 for more information. This program is open to the public and free of charge.

Click here for the flyer.
Tuition Invoices will be mailed out no later than Friday, May 13th. The signed payment authorization form or payment in full will be due by Friday, May 27th.

Any family with outstanding fees [tuition, cafeteria, volunteer hours, library...] will receive their invoice once the fees have been paid.

Reminder again regarding cafeteria: Students MAY NOT charge lunches in May. We must have our books balanced or we jeopardize our federal lunch program. Please take a moment to check your child's account and bring it up to date. We still have a number of students coming to school with no money and/or no lunch! Thank you for your attention to this important matter!!

09 May 2011

Catholic Family Night with the Clippers on May 18 at 6:35pm
On behalf of all of the St. Francis staff, we would like to thank Beth Jeffries and her Teacher/Staff Appreciation committee for a truly wonderful week! You all worked so hard to make not just our teachers, but the entire staff feel loved and appreciated! Thank you to those who donated food and/or time to make last week a huge success!

Remember our Usborne Book Fair this week, hosted by parent Kristen Stare [a member of the Usborne staff!] and Mrs. Merry. The book fair is a great time to stock up for summer reading. Next week the librarian from our local public library will be visitng each class to talk about the library summer reading program. Any student who participates in the program will be recognized at our opening liturgy in August. A letter will be sent home on Thursday detailing the program.

Our Strings Ensemble will be presenting a Spring Program on Thursday, May 12th at 1:30 and 7:00pm in the gym. Hope to see you there!

Congratulations to our 2nd grade students who received First Holy Communion on Saturday. The rain held off and it was a beautiful Eucharistic celebration!

05 May 2011

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING CAFETERIA

As stated on the May menu and posted last week: Students can NO LONGER charge a lunch. Parents are responsible for checking their child's account to see if they owe any money for lunches. Letters will be sent home tomorrow with those students whose account is in arrears as of 5/5.

The cafeteria staff will follow these guidelines:
-The computer will no longer allow charges.
-If a student tries to purchase lunch and their account is blocked, they will be given either a hot dog or PBJ, a milk, and a fruit - NOTHING ELSE. Those names will be sent to the office and their parents will receive a phone call.
- Please understand that if a child has a negative balance, even if they bring money for lunch tomorrow, the computer will put that money towards what they already owe. They will NOT be allowed to purchase the full school lunch.

We are not trying to embarrass anyone but we HAVE to have our books in order. If our cafeteria books do not balance we put our participation in the Federal School Lunch Program in jeopardy! Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our program running smoothly.
Usborne Book Fair
May 9th - 12th
8:15-3:15 daily with extended hours on Thursday until 6:30 P.M.

Useborne Book Fair Flyer

Useborne Book Fair Wish List
St. Francis de Sales Variety Show
Auditions open to: All students in grades 5 through 8

Important dates: Thursday, May 12th – Permission forms returned.
Thursday, May 19th – Auditions* - 3:00-5:30pm - Gym
Thursday, May 26th – Dress Rehearsal, 3:00-5:30pm - Gym Tuesday, May 31st – Performance, 1:00pm – Gym

See flyer for more details.

04 May 2011

Volunteer registration for the 7th Annual St. Francis Parish Festival is now available at www.stfrancisfestival.net. We will need over 200 volunteers to make this event a success. In addition this will also be the first opportunity to earn volunteer hours for the 2011/12 school year.

We appreciate your continued support.
Thank you,
Derk Myers
Mike Windholtz


This week is National Teacher Appreciation Week. Please consider having your child write a note of thanks to his/her teacher! Many thanks to Beth Jeffries and all our families who donated items for the continental breakfast on Monday. Today will be lunch appetizers - yum! Thank you, Beth, for coordinating this week for our great staff!


And thank you to those who supported the Teacher Assoiciation fundraiser at Adornetto's last night. It was great to see so many families enjoying a delicious dinner!!


Hope to see you all tonight at The Works for a display of art by our youngest Picassos! Stop in between 5:30 and 7pm to view the K-2 student art work, and enjoy a FREE evening of fun at The Works!


Tomorrow is the observance of the National Day of Prayer, instituted in 1952. Depending on the weather, we will have a small contingent of students walk over to City Hall for community prayer at 12:40pm. If you would like to join the group, please call Linda in the main office and let her know [345-4049].

02 May 2011

FREE Early Childhood Screening
For Licking County Children
Ages Birth through 4 Years
E. S. Weiant Center
116 N. 22nd Street Newark, Ohio
FRIDAY, MAY 13,2011
9:00 am -4:00 pm

Click here for flyer