Archive for the News Category

Thank you for your support!

Background: In August 2015, damages occurred with approximately 50 windows at the school. Given the school’s age (> 60 years old), Sister Thea’s leadership team developed a plan to repair the broken windows and to replace all of the single pane windows. Phase I of the window campaign was completed and new windows were installed in August 2016.

Recently we secured funding for Phase II with hopes of these new windows being installed over Christmas break 2017.

Need: Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School is seeking community partners to help us finish the window replacement throughout the school.

Long-term Goal: Raise the remaining $80,000 needed to replace the remaining windows.

Here’s How You Can Help: Please consider donating through individual, corporate or family giving at the levels below and adopt a classroom or window in your name.

A VIEW TO THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION

$14,000 – Entire Classroom, “Glass Act”
$7,000 – Half Classroom, “Clear Vision”
$2,300 – One Vertical Section, “Clear View”
$700 – One Window, “A Window That Shines”

Partnerships: Sister Thea Bowman, Winco Windows, and GRP Mechanical Contractors, partnered to develop a high tech window system at a reduced price, that would allow us to create an enhanced learning environment. The manufacturers involved wanted to ensure our students enjoy light-filled classrooms in a safe and secure environment. Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School is proud to be a Midwest destination point for this specialized window application.

Key Benefits of New Windows:

Security: The outer pane of the window is made from polycarbonate, an extremely tough material that is impact resistant. Polycarbonate looks like glass, but will not break or shatter upon impact. These types of security windows are being installed in schools across the country.

Energy Efficient: Each window incorporates an air gap between the polycarbonate and the inside glass panel. The air gap creates an insulating barrier that keeps extreme temperatures at bay.

Quiet: The construction of the windows also provides another important benefit – reduced sound from outside noise. Teachers and students will no longer be distracted by traffic and playground noise.

Shade Control: On hot, sunny days the built in-shading system will help control solar heat gain in the classroom. The horizontal shades are built into the window itself, eliminating problems with dust collection and tangled cords.

Additional Facts:

• Significant discounts from the window industry totaled approximately $70,000
• Over 30% expected energy savings for the school
• Savings on security system costs, no need for glass breakage sensors
• Teachers can easily open windows allowing more ventilation
• Replaces inefficient single pane glass windows and old window glazing

Your interest, generosity and support for our long-term sustainability allow us to provide a safe and attractive learning environment for our students.

We invite you to come and visit our school for a first-hand demonstration of this unique window system and to witness the wonderful work being done by our students, teachers and staff. We sincerely appreciate your contribution to help us reach our goal.

For questions or to arrange a visit to our school, please contact Roberta Trost at 618-397-0316 or email roberta_trost@yahoo.com.

A NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL

During several discussions with family members these past two weeks, I heard the term “Neighborhood School”, as they talked about Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School. To make a Neighborhood School, we need the “Neighborhood” to be a part of the school. We are opening up several ways for you to get involved in your school here at Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School, so we ask you to take some time and pray about where you might be able to help us make this school better for your students.

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS

We have had many of you sign up as volunteers, but unfortunately, we cannot have you work with our students at school until you finish the Diocese volunteer requirements, which include the Child Protection Training, CANTS form and Volunteer Application. We can use your help, so please complete these items ASAP. For questions, please contact Sr. Kathleen in the office, or send a note with your student.

LUNCH AND RECESS MONITOR VOLUNTEERS

Can you volunteer one, two, or three times a week to serve as a Lunch/Recess Duty Monitor? We are looking for volunteers ASAP to help us with this very important duty. Several of our teachers are with your students non-stop from 7:45 until 3:30 without a break, so please consider signing up for this duty. If interested, please contact the office, or send a note with your student.

PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION

On Tuesday, we had several parents meet to discuss restarting a Parent Teacher Organization at our school to increase family involvement at the school. The PTO will hold a meeting on Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at 3:45 PM in the school library. All are invited!  Light Refreshments will be provided, door prizes awarded, and your students may attend Extended Day free that day. For more information, please contact

BENEFIT DINNER PLANNING MEETING

On Wednesday, 9 November, at 3:45, we will have our next Benefit Dinner Planning Meeting. We really need family input and help to make this year’s event successful. The income from this event is used for our Tuition Assistance program that is crucial to all our families to make school this school affordable for all. No special skills needed!

NO SCHOOL FRIDAY, NOV 4

Due to teacher training, there is no school on Friday, November 4, 2016.

NO BUSES ON FRIDAY, OCT 28

Due to District 189 teacher training, there will be no buses on Friday, October 28, 2016.

UNIFORM DETAILS

We are having several of our male students coming in with lines and designs etched in their haircuts. Students cannot cut lines, parts, or designs in their hair. Please remind them before their next trip to the barber.

Also, khaki pants cannot be jeans, so if you see grommets (metal fasteners) on the pockets, they most likely are jeans.

Finally, “shorts” season ends Tuesday, 1 November.

BISHOP’S MASS

Our mass celebrated by Bishop Braxton today was wonderful, thanks to the holiness and energetic prayerfulness of all our students! Thank you for supporting and contributing to their faith formation!!!

TRUNK OR TREAT

Please carefully read the Trunk or Treat insert in today’s Thursday envelope.

A NEW QUARTER

As we begin the Second Quarter, this is a time for renewing our goals and re-energizing our students, staff and families. Please spend some time after Report Card Conferences to discuss how students can begin or hopefully continue to do their best in the key areas of behavior, organization, and academics. Also, renew within them a spirit of excitement about their relationship with GOD!  If their main focus is Being Their Very Best Self because they know God loves them and wants that for them, then the rest is much easier!

RED RIBBON WEEK

Next week is our Red Ribbon Week, where we encourage the students to avoid drugs and to pursue a healthy lifestyle. Scheduled events include,

Monday: Healthy, Drug-Free Pledge; Tuesday: Wear Red Day; Wednesday: Healthy Red Snack; Thursday: Red Ribbon Journal Write;  Friday: Red Ribbon Poster Day

REPORT CARD CONFERENCES:

Our report card conferences will be held Thursday, October 20, 2016. These conferences are mandatory for all students and a parent or guardian. We will discuss student progress and behavior. Families that miss their conference will have to reschedule a conference before their student returns to school.

NO SCHOOL FRIDAY, 21 OCTOBER

Due to the late conferences on Thursday evening, there is no school on Friday. Hopefully, this is a great opportunity to spend some time together or get a jump on the 2^nd Quarter Studies!

COLD WEATHER WAS HERE….AND MIGHT RETURN

The weather got cold then hot. Hmmmm. Remember students can wear a Sister Thea Bowman sweatshirt (which can be purchased through the office, $14) or a button-down sweater in our uniform colors: red, black, white, or hunter green.

POSITIVE DISCIPLINE IN THE HOME

Make them a part of the solution. In school, our students get “jobs” like pencil monitor or line leader. To help them feel included, you can give them a special job with a title, job responsibilities, and maybe even an incentive. Perhaps, you can even hang a job chart on the fridge and record when the job is completed!

You can learn more at: http://www.positiveparentingsolutions.com/

UNIFORM DETAILS

  We are having several of our male students coming in with lines and designs etched in their haircuts. Please review the handbook. They cannot have these cut into their hair.

MASS THIS WEEK AND BISHOP’S MASS

Mass is tomorrow, Wednesday, October 19, at 8:30 a.m. in the chapel.  You are welcome to join us for this Mass hosted by the 2^nd grade class. Our mass next week will be celebrated by Bishop Braxton at 9:00 AM

TRUNK OR TREAT

Our 13th annual “Trunk or Treat” event will be held on Friday, October 28.   Students are invited to bring a costume to change into around 2:00p.m.  We count on our parents/guardians to make sure that costumes are appropriate for your child’s age and for wearing at a Catholic school event. Traditional Halloween costumes such as skeletons, scarecrows and witches are fine.  Costumes/masks of famous artists or stars who use violent, foul or degrading lyrics or images are not allowed, as well as anything bloody and/or violent in nature. Props, including toy guns and swords, etc., are also not allowed.  Please note that students do not have to have a costume to participate in Trunk or Treat.  Your child should bring a container for the Halloween treats they receive.

As an alternative, some classes are sponsoring a “Costume Challenge.” In the younger grades, students are asked to dress up as saints or people who have made a positive impact on our world.

Grades 6th-8th are challenged to dress up like a person they have or will read about in their Social Studies book. Prizes will be given to the winners who accepted the “Costume Challenge.”

Parents/Guardians who are participating are invited to come between 1:30p.m.-1:45p.m.  A staff person will be on hand to show you where to park your car out on the playground area between the school and the church.  Feel free to come in costume and to decorate your car in Halloween style!  Have the Halloween treats, (wrapped candy, stickers, and pencils) you plan to hand out in the trunk of your car.

Please note that for safety reasons, all entrances to the parking lot will be closed at 2:00 and won’t reopen until 3:30 p.m. dismissal.

After a class has been to each car, they will go back into to their classrooms to enjoy their treats until dismissal time at 3:30p.m. Parents/Guardians are welcome to enjoy some refreshments in the staff room until dismissal time.  If you are unsure of the appropriateness of your child’s costume for this event, or if you have any other questions regarding this event, please call the school office. Thanks for all you will do to make our 13th annual Trunk or Treat event a huge success!

A PRAYERFUL THANK YOU

As we discuss the Rosary Prayers this week, we are focusing on “God’s Story” that is told in the Rosary Mysteries. Also, we are asking the students to think about their part in God’s Story because they are in God’s Story, and God’s Story is in each one of them. We ask you to take a few minutes this week to share a God Story with your student during dinner, at bedtime, or whenever is best. Think about when you have experienced God in your life and let them know. Knowing our own God Story and then sharing it is so powerful.

PICTURE DAY

Picture Day is tomorrow, Friday, October 14. You should have received the Life Touch order form last week. Please send back the form and money with your student if you want to order photos. It will be a non-uniform day, with students following normal non-uniform guidance.

REPORT CARD CONFERENCES:

Our report card conferences will be held next Thursday, October 20, 2016. These conferences are mandatory for all students and a parent or guardian. We will discuss student progress and behavior. Please return the Report Card Conference Schedule form by Monday. We will begin scheduling conferences as we receive forms.

NO SCHOOL FRIDAY, 21 OCTOBER

Due to the late conferences on Thursday evening, there is no school on Friday. Hopefully, this is a great opportunity to spend some time together or get a jump on the 2^nd Quarter Studies!

COLD WEATHER IS HERE

The weather got cold suddenly this morning. Remember students can wear a Sister Thea Bowman sweatshirt (which can be purchased through the office, $14) or a button-down sweater in our uniform colors: red, black, white, or hunter green.

POSITIVE DISCIPLINE IN THE HOME

“Connect before you Correct”. Do conversations with your child seem to be negative lately? One way to turn that around is through telling Your Story. Children always love to hear about what is was like when we were kids, or what funny “Aunt Nell” did at that unforgettable event… Try a little story with your child that might have a good moral that teaches them the “right thing to do”.

You can learn more at: http://www.positiveparentingsolutions.com/

MASS THIS WEEK 

Mass is tomorrow, Friday, October 14, at 8:30 a.m. in the chapel.  You are welcome to join us for this Mass hosted by the 3^rd grade class.

TRUNK OR TREAT

Our 13th annual “Trunk or Treat” event will be held on Friday, October 28.   Students are invited to bring a costume to change into around 2:00p.m.  We count on our parents/guardians to make sure that costumes are appropriate for your child’s age and for wearing at a Catholic school event. Traditional Halloween costumes such as skeletons, scarecrows and witches are fine.  Costumes/masks of famous artists or stars who use violent, foul or degrading lyrics or images are not allowed, as well as anything bloody and/or violent in nature. Props, including toy guns and swords, etc., are also not allowed.  Please note that students do not have to have a costume to participate in Trunk or Treat.  Your child should bring a container for the Halloween treats they receive.

As an alternative, some classes are sponsoring a “Costume Challenge.” In the younger grades, students are asked to dress up as saints or people who have made a positive impact on our world.

Grades 6th-8th are challenged to dress up like a person they have or will read about in their Social Studies book. Prizes will be given to the winners who accepted the “Costume Challenge.”

Parents/Guardians who are participating are invited to come between 1:30p.m.-1:45p.m.  A staff person will be on hand to show you where to park your car out on the playground area between the school and the church.  Feel free to come in costume and to decorate your car in Halloween style!  Have the Halloween treats, (wrapped candy, stickers, and pencils) you plan to hand out in the trunk of your car.

Please note that for safety reasons, all entrances to the parking lot will be closed at 2:00 and won’t reopen until 3:30 p.m. dismissal.

After a class has been to each car, they will go back into to their classrooms to enjoy their treats until dismissal time at 3:30p.m. Parents/Guardians are welcome to enjoy some refreshments in the staff room until dismissal time.  If you are unsure of the appropriateness of your child’s costume for this event, or if you have any other questions regarding this event, please call the school office. Thanks for all you will do to make our 13th annual Trunk or Treat event a huge success!

PRINCIPAL’S NOTE

“Sorry” versus “Will you forgive me?” This week we are working on an active message going back and forth between a person who offended another person and the person who was offended. This includes actions that are disrespectful.

We are asking the students to replace “Sorr-eeeeee” (which you might hear at home) with a simple asking for forgiveness. “Will you forgive me?” provides a chance for a response from the person that was hurt. We ask them to respond with, “I forgive you” when they are ready.  Please try this at home to encourage good communication and closure for actions requiring forgiveness.

DANGER, DANGER

We are still having a lot of cars speeding and running stop signs in the afternoon during our release time. To keep our students safe, all adults picking up students in front of school must pull into a parking spot. Please do not park across the street, as it hinders safe traffic movement, and it endangers our students that try to cross the street.

PROGRESS REPORTS

On Friday, 23 Sep, all students will receive a Progress Report for our midway point of the 1^st Quarter. Please read them carefully, discuss them with your student, and contact the school or teacher as necessary to discuss any issues before we reach the end of the quarter.

IOWA TEST OF BASIC SKILLS

Our testing is scheduled in each grade (2^nd -8^th ), starting Monday.

Please have your students here each day!

Please ensure your student has a lot of rest each night next week. Please ensure they are here at 7:45, so their day is not rushed, and please discuss with them the importance of this test. We use this test to see where each student is at academically, and we measure their improvement over the year.

POSITIVE DISCIPLINE IN THE HOME

As we work with students to resolve their problems through communication and problem solving steps, we ask you take some time also at home to see if they can show you the steps. Example, John is not keeping his room clean. Ask John what the rules are. Ask John what happens if his room does not get cleaned. Ask John to come up with ideas on how to make the room cleaning easier, more fun, or just a step in the normal day duties.

You can learn more at: http://www.positiveparentingsolutions.com/

MASS

Our third Mass for the year is tomorrow, Friday, September 23, at 8:30 a.m. in the chapel.  You are welcome to join us for this Mass hosted by the 6^th grade class.

PINWHEELS FOR PEACE 

You may notice some beautiful and colorful pinwheels turning in the breeze on the school front lawn. Our students made these to represent the peace we want in the world. Please join them in praying for PEACE. Our country and our world can use your prayers!

FAST DIRECT

You can follow grades in Fast Direct, and your school code to sign in was sent home last week. We also use Fast Direct for urgent family notices, so be sure your contact information is always up-to-date. For questions or issues with Fast Direct, please send a note to school describing your issue, and Brother Tom will work to resolve it with you.

PRINCIPAL’S NOTE

Sister Thea Bowman said, “if you love the Lord your God with your whole heart, your whole soul, and your whole mind and all your strength, then you praise the Lord with your whole heart and soul and mind and strength and you don’t bring him any feeble service.”

What if you sent your students off to school each day with this as a Blessing? We talked about blessing each other, and the students blessed each other in the chapel. You also can give your students a special gift of God each morning by blessing them!

STAFF MEETING / EARLY DISMISSAL

On Monday, Sep 12, 2016, STBCS will have an afternoon Staff Meeting. School dismissal is at 12:30. Buses will run that day, but they will run starting at 12:30. Also, there is no Extended Day. Please plan accordingly to have your students picked up on time, so we can begin our meeting on time.

SISTER THEA BOWMAN “CALL” TO DO OUR PART 

“If we work together, pray and stand together, we can create a new heaven and ease life for each other.” Sister Thea Bowman, 1990.

VOLUNTEER!!!

On Tuesday, September 13, at 2 PM, we will have a special school Initial Child Protection Training. This is a required training session for all new volunteers that want to spend time at our school helping us educate your children.

We have had a great response from families willing to volunteer!!! We will contact you soon to discuss how you can be a part of your student’s education at school. If you still want to volunteer, please sign-up for the training this week. If you need another form, we’ll send you one, just let the office know.

ARRIVAL TIME:

Great seeing all of the students arriving at 7:45! Thank you to the families and students for the extra early morning effort!  It really pays off in the classroom.

CELL PHONE PERMISSION FORM

Reminder: If your student needs a cell phone for use after school, please have your student request the permission form from the office.

UNIFORM

Are your students wearing solid black or solid white tennis shoes?  If not, please stop them at the door, so they do not have to call you to bring new shoes to school. If you are having trouble with uniform items, please let Ms. Francine know, so we can help you find a solution.

CURRICULUM NIGHT 

Remember: Tonight, Sep 8 is the  K – 5^th Grade Curriculum Night from  7:00 – 8:30 PM. It is for Parents and Guardians only, not students.

6^th – 8^th Grade Curriculum Night is September 15, 7:00 – 8:30 PM. Also for Parents and Guardians only.

MASS

Our first Mass for the year is tomorrow, Friday, September 9, at 8:30 a.m. in the chapel.  You are welcome to join us for this Mass, as well as all Masses held throughout the year.  Masses are Friday at 8:30 a.m.  Tomorrow’s mass will feature our Peacemaker Flag presentations.

Volunteer: Volunteer Coordinator

If you are a skilled volunteer, and would like to help us coordinate schedules, training, and duties of our volunteers, please contact the office. This is a special job that needs an organized and energetic person. If you are that person, let us know!

 

PEACEMAKER DAY

Thank You God for students that are our Peacemakers of the school today and Peacemakers of the world tomorrow. The Peacemaker Day celebration is at the end of the month each month, and all of our students without major behavior incidents or repeated behavior issues are invited to an afternoon activity to enjoy. They also get a non-uniform day. Our first Peacemaker Day yesterday had Games and Ice Cream, and it was enjoyed by all the Peacemakers!

PRINCIPAL’S NOTE

We are working on our transition to Positive Discipline this year, so you should see CHASE folders, notes home from teachers, or other communication methods to let you know how your student is doing. Family involvement is key, so please read and sign any papers that are brought home, and please get back in touch with the school if you miss a call from us. We look forward to working with you to ensure your student gets the best education possible in a safe, loving, and faith-filled environment.

SISTER THEA BOWMAN “CALL” TO DO OUR PART 

“If we work together, pray and stand together, we can create a new heaven and ease life for each other.” Sister Thea Bowman, 1990.

VOLUNTEER!!!

On Tuesday, September 13, at 2 PM, we will have a special school Initial Child Protection Training. This is a required training session for all new volunteers that want to spend time at our school helping us educate your children. If you volunteer in the school more than once per month, this training is mandatory. Please consider your “calling” to be a classroom aide, recess monitor, classroom reader, or other role to help our children be successful. Not sure what you can do, contact your teacher or the office to find out how you can help.    Please sign-up for the training, so we know the count.

FALL FAMILY SCHOOL CLEAN UP DAY

We thank all that attended our Fall Clean Up last weekend!!! We had several family members and students here for a morning of cleaning, fixing, and beautifying! GREAT JOB!  More opportunities are around the corner as the leaves start to fall….stay tuned.

ARRIVAL TIME:

THANK YOU to all the families that adjusted their schedules to get here a bit earlier! We had a much better on-time record, which makes the school day run so much smoother.

NEW ARRIVAL

We proudly welcome Brooklyn Ariel Dixon to our Sister Thea Bowman Family. She was born on Aug 30^th, and she is the daughter of Ms. Mya Dixon. Congratulations!

CELL PHONE PERMISSION FORM

We have had some confusion on students with cell phones, so we have a Cell Phone Permission Form to help us clarify the process. Students are not allowed to have cell phones on school property without permission of the school administration. If your student needs a cell phone for use after school, please have your student request the permission form from the office.

UNIFORM

Be sure that any new hair styles or hair-cuts meet the uniform standard. NO designs cut into hair, natural hair color only, and length must not be a distraction.

Reminder: Girl’s skirts and jumpers are to be knee length.   Thank You.

REDUCED/FREE MEAL APPLICATION

Last Call.  Don’t forget to complete the application for free/reduced meals and return it as soon as possible. The deadline for the application is Friday, September 2. Please note that failure to return a completed application form will result in full priced meals.

CURRICULUM NIGHT (UPDATE)

We have a scheduling issue due to middle-school teacher scheduling conflicts. We know this may cause some issues if you have students in both K-5 and 6-8 grade, but we will try to accommodate you as best we can.

K – 5^th Grade Curriculum Night is September 8, 7:00 – 8:30 PM. It is for Parents and Guardians only.

6^th – 8^th Grade Curriculum Night is September 15, 7:00 – 8:30 PM. It is for Parents and Guardians only.

       If you are a 6-8^th grade family member and cannot make the Sep 15^th night, please send a note to your homeroom teacher through your student.

MASS

Our first Mass for the year will be Friday, September 9, at 8:30a.m. in the chapel.  You are welcome to join us for this Mass, as well as all Masses held throughout the year.  Ordinarily, our Masses are every Friday at 8:30a.m.  Please check the calendar for any alternate dates.

NO SCHOOL

There will be NO SCHOOL on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5.  School will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 6.

On Our Way

Thank You God for leading us into our second week, and Thank You God for making our students bright lights of Your Love in our school. Please talk with your children about how they are carrying God’s Light to Others. Maybe it is being nice to a brother or sister, helping at home, or singing joyfully at Church.

PRINCIPAL’S NOTE

The students are really settling into the school year nicely as they adjust to new faces, new routines, and new school lessons. Please ask them each day, “What are two things you learned today?” This will help them focus on school lessons, and it will help you to start a discussion about school and their education.

FALL FAMILY SCHOOL CLEAN UP DAY

On Saturday, August 27 from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM, we will be doing a school clean-up day.  We will have 20 McKendree University students joining us, so we would like families and students to come out and lend a hand to make the load light and fun at the same time. Please bring tools to clean and spruce up the grounds including shovels, rakes, tree clippers, old screwdrivers or weed pullers, etc. You may want to bring water, hats and gloves as well.

Come out and make YOUR school look great!!!

ARRIVAL:    STUDENT ARRIVAL TIME IS 7:45.

I cannot stress enough how important it is for your student to meet me at the door by 7:45.

After entering the building, students:

1) Put away books, book bags, coats, etc.

2) Line up in the class to go to prayer;

3) Start prayer at 8:00 AM sharp.

If your student arrives after 7:50, then they, and the rest of the students, are rushed to get to prayer.

Please adjust your schedule if necessary for a 7:45 or earlier arrival, so we can start the day off right.

STUDENTS THAT ARE LATE

Parents or guardians of students that arrive after 8:00 enter through the East Door to avoid interrupting prayer. The family member will be asked to fill out a form explaining the reason the student is late. This will help us to make a plan to get students to school on time.  Every student’s education is as important to us as it is to you, so please work with us to get them here by 7:45 AM.

Some hints:  1) Put together uniform, backpack and lunch the night before.

2) Make a morning schedule or checklist to get out the door on time.

3) Wake up 10 minutes earlier.

4) If all else fails, buy a REALLY BIG and LOUD alarm clock…just kidding.

UNIFORM

The students are doing great this week. Slight issues are socks, which must be white, and shirts that need to be white, red, black, or hunter green polo shirts.  Also, be sure that any new hair styles or hair-cuts meet the uniform standard.

SIGNED FORMS

We need your signed Handbook Verification and Internet Use forms. We will send home additional forms for those that are missing them.

REDUCED/FREE MEAL APPLICATION

Don’t forget to complete the application for free/reduced meals and return it as soon as possible. The deadline for the application is Friday, September 2. Please note that failure to return a completed application form will result in full priced meals.

CURRICULUM NIGHT

If you have not returned the Curriculum Night sign-up form sent home last week, please sign and return it.  Curriculum Night is September 8, 7:00 – 8:30 PM. It is for Parents and Guardians only, not students. We look forward to introducing you to teachers and a day-in-the-life of our students.

EXTENDED DAY

Our Extended Day program began this week. We had theatre Wednesday and Thursday, and we start Robotics and Chess after Labor Day. The Extended Day program runs for 6 weeks for students in grades K-8 program runs Monday through Friday from 3:30pm-5:00pm. If you are still interested, please contact the office for a form.

PEACEMAKER ACTIVITY

Ordinarily, our first peacemaker activity for the year is at the end of September.  As a special incentive, students who are Peacemakers during August (no major discipline issues) will attend a Peacemaker Activity on Wednesday, August 31, at 2pm.   Ice cream might be involved!

MASS

Our first Mass for the year will be Friday, September 9, at 8:30a.m. in the chapel.  You are welcome to join us for this Mass, as well as all Masses held throughout the year.  Ordinarily, our Masses are every Friday at 8:30a.m.  Please check the calendar for any alternate dates.

NO SCHOOL

There will be NO SCHOOL on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5.  School will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 6.

“CARRY GOD’S LIGHT TO OTHERS”

WELCOME

Thank You God for wonderful students with bright smiles and excited energy for this new school year!  Thank You God for wonderful families ready to support their children to get the best education possible!

Thank You God for wonderful teachers and staff that will care for your children and will help them grow! Thank You God for bringing us together at this time, in this place, so we may journey this year together!

PRINCIPAL’S NOTE

I am very happy to welcome you all to “OUR” school, Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School. I say “OUR” school because we all must work to keep it a great school through our prayers, involvement, and support. I ask you to start to think about what gifts and talents you have that you can bring to our school as we move forward on our vision to have much more family involvement in all that we do.

When you are asked to be involved, please “Listen to, Pray about, then Act on” the calling. Three simple steps on your part will make a world of difference in your child’s future!

ARRIVAL

Students arriving from 7:00 – 7:35 report to the cafeteria. All other students should be at the front doors by 7:45. We start prayer at 8:00. Please help your child be prepared for the day by arriving at 7:45, so they have time to unpack in their rooms, get settled, and then arrive for prayer with their class.

DISMISSAL

The bridge construction has made our dismissal a bit dangerous due to the increased traffic on Church Lane. Please be patient, use the parking spaces, and do not park across the street from the school, as that blocks traffic. Also, please do not use cell phones while driving…our children are too precious a gift! Students are dismissed at 3:30pm. Kindergarten through fourth grade leave from the front of the school while the older students in grades 5-8 will dismiss from the back. Know that students are always supervised by staff members, and they are not allowed to cross the street if you park across from the school. Your child’s safety is top priority for our Sister Thea Bowman family.

UNIFORM

Please review uniform requirements from your handbook. We start to enforce the rules this week, so please do not let your student come to school without checking if they meet the standards. Key items: Belts (Brown or Black, Plain Buckle),  Socks (White), Headbands  (Girls: Plain, no bows, flowers, etc)

Hair (No designs cut into hair. If they have a design now, let it grow out and be gone by 1 Sep.)

SIGNED FORMS

Thank you for returning the signed Handbook Verification and Internet Use forms that were due on the first day of school. They were included in the family packet. If you still need any of these forms, please send a note with your child for the office.

BUSES

Buses are scheduled to start Monday, 22 Aug. For bus riders, you should receive notification of pick-up/drop-off times and locations for your children. If not, please contact the office.

REDUCED/FREE MEAL APPLICATION

Don’t forget to complete the application for free/reduced meals and return it as soon as possible. The deadline for the application is Friday, September 2. Please note that failure to return a completed application form will result in full priced meals.

EXTENDED DAY

The Extended Day program for students in grades K-8 program runs Monday through Friday from 3:30pm-5:00pm. If interested, please return the enclosed registration form fee by Monday.

PEACEMAKER ACTIVITY

Ordinarily, our first peacemaker activity for the year is at the end of September.  As a special incentive, students who are Peacemakers during August (no major discipline issues) will attend a Peacemaker Activity on Wednesday, August 31, at 2pm.   Ice cream might be involved!

MASS

Our first Mass for the year will be Friday, September 9, at 8:30a.m. in the chapel.  You are welcome to join us for this Mass, as well as all Masses held throughout the year.  Ordinarily, our Masses are every Friday at 8:30a.m.  Please check the calendar for any alternate dates.

NO SCHOOL

There will be NO SCHOOL on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5.  School will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 6.