Dear Parents,

     We’re very glad at the prospect of having a full five days in session this week.  I think most of us will be happy to change our calendars to March after this weekend too.  Let’s hope that our weather proceeds to spring-like without delay!

     Our magazine sale started today.  Your child/children should have brought home a packet of information.  Even if you renew a current subscription through us it helps our school.  Please check to see if any magazines that you already receive are listed with this program.

     Any students who participated in the St. Jude Math-A-Thon need to have their donations turned in by Friday, February 26.  Most children have done so already, but I thought I’d remind all of you just in case.

     Speaking of money owed…Mrs. Meisman has asked that I mention something about borrowed lunch money.  Lunch money owed has really increased lately and she needs to collect her fees.  Please check with your child/children to see if you are “running a tab” in our cafeteria!  I’d hate to have to hold back report cards for such things.

     We will begin our school wide March Poetry Madness again soon.  You may wish to start to gather your entries/favorites soon.  Details will be sent home next week, but a head start on the search might be wise.

     Have a good week

Sincerely,

Marianne Rosemond

Dear Parents,

     I hope that as you read this we are back in school and on our regular schedules.  It was a necessity to be off when we were, but enough is enough!  I will continue to try to make the correct “call” and hopefully we won’t need another automated one for an off day soon.

     We begin Lent today with the distribution of ashes and plans for good works.  It’s a common practice to give up things, and that’s of course fine too, but at school we’re emphasizing doing good works.  Please ask your child/children what their plans are for the next six weeks.

     Interims will be sent home soon.  They were scheduled to be sent home today, but some of the grades requested more days due to snow and other interruptions.  Please inquire about these and look either for the reports or a letter of explanation from your child’s teacher today.

     Have a good week and stay safe this weekend!

Sincerely,

Marianne Rosemond

Dear Parents,

     Two snow days should be enough for one week!  Hopefully, all of you received phone calls and/or could see our school name on one of the television channels in a timely manner.  The next predicted snow is for Sunday and we’re already off on Monday for Presidents’ Day. 

     Mardi Gras is next Tuesday, and we will be having a special assembly to hear a steel drum group perform.  You are invited to join us to hear the Bacchanal Steel Drum Band at 1:30 in the gym.  They are part of the Cincinnati Arts:  Artists on Tour Program, and were purchased with some of our POSSE funds.

     Lent begins on Wednesday, February 17.  We will attend mass and receive ashes.  Our emphasis during Lent this year will be on good works or actions.  Please ask your child/children what they will be doing when the time comes. 

     Have a good week!

Sincerely,

Marianne Rosemond

Dear Parents,

     It was nice to have an opportunity to visit with many of you who came to our Open House last Sunday.  I was happy that our weather cooperated this year!  Special thanks to our parent helpers: Christine McDaniel, Eileen O’Shaughnessy, and Debbie Schlueter.  Thanks also to our Seventh Grade student helpers: Jelissa Gegato, Theresa Hoang, and Ashley Nightingale.

     As this week continues we still have some additional all-school activities planned.  You may wish to join us for our Catholic Schools Week liturgy on Thursday morning and stay to see the Catholic Challenge (trivia contest) after mass, or come and enjoy Songfest on Friday morning at 10:30 in the gym. 

     The Penny War officially ends this Friday, February 5.  The fact that we are contributing for the needs of the people of Haiti through the Catholic Relief Service has really helped to boost the activity for this “contest”.  Our students have really embraced the reason and need for their participation this year.  Thanks for your contributions from home too.

     Have a good week!

Sincerely,

Marianne Rosemond

Dear Parents,

     We will be excited to see you this Sunday, January 31, from 12-2:00 p.m. as guests at our school Open House.  Sunday is the kick-off date for the whole Catholic Schools Week!  Come and begin the celebration with us.  Please tour and visit your children’s classrooms and others that perhaps you haven’t explored.  If possible, invite any potential St. James students (of any grade level) and their families that may be interested too.  We will start pre-registration for Kindergarten on that day.  The full list of events for our Catholic Schools Week is on our website.  Click on the CSW logo, “Catholic Schools:  Dividends for Life” for more details.

     Report cards will be distributed on Monday, February 1.  We will also have our Honors Assembly that day.  We will begin at 1:30 p.m. in church.  I will be awarding the usual First and Second Academic Honors, Effort Honors, Accelerated Top Reader trophies, and this time some Spelling Bee trophies too.  You’re welcome to join us and congratulate these hard workers!

     I told Mrs. Meisman, our Cafeteria Manager, that I would put out the word that she could use some extra volunteer help.  What’s needed most is help with the food preparation between 9:15-11:15.  This would enable her to concentrate more on the necessary paperwork and serving the students when they do come to eat.  If you could come, even on a limited basis, your help would be most appreciated.

     The Hope for Haiti Penny War is coming along.  It continues through next week until Friday, February 5.  Our students are excited to see who wins, and I know that we all “win” when we share our blessings and resources with others.

     Have a good week!

Sincerely,

Marianne Rosemond

Dear Parents,

     Our quarter ends this Friday!  I’m glad that our weather will be fine enough this week to add to the continuity and give teachers and students times to finalize last minute tests, projects, and the like.  Report cards will be distributed on February 1st.

     As you know, the devastation in Haiti is unimaginable and the outpouring of support must continue as Haiti tries to recover.  We are scheduled to begin our two-week “Penny War” on Monday, January 25.  The contest ends on Friday, February 5th.  This year all of our proceeds will be sent to the Catholic Relief Services program designated for Haiti through our Archdiocese.  I hope that you’ll encourage your children to give generously.  There is a special prayer for Haiti now on our web site too that you may wish to pray at home.

     A reminder that this time of year is usually a good time for you to check and perhaps see about restocking your children’s school supplies.  Many children will need replacement pens, pencils, and loose leaf paper.  While you’re looking into that, please also notice our uniform regulations and hair requirements once again.  A little hint for some before required action is taken.

     Have a good week!

Sincerely,

Marianne Rosemond

Dear Parents,

     I’m happy that the weather is warming and that we didn’t need any snow days or delays this week.  Hopefully, last week all of you received automated calls and could also watch our announcements on television for our school changes.  If anyone wishes to change numbers or add numbers to the call list you may always do so.

     This year’s School Spelling Bee was on Monday, and we had 31 students who studied and tried their best.  Our winner this year was Amanda Seymour (a Sixth Grade Student).  She will represent us at the city level next.  Congratulations to her and all who did their best!

     Our next PTA meeting is next Tuesday, Jan. 19th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Linden House.  I hope that some of you will try to attend to share your ideas for our Catholic Schools Week Open House, and the possible PTA sponsored Bunco Night.  We don’t want to become stale, and we need your creativity with regards to these and other things we’re thinking about too.  Come and join us!

     As you know, we’re off on Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  May his dream of peace begin with each of us.

Sincerely,

Marianne Rosemond

Dear Parents,

     I hope that all of you enjoyed the Christmas holiday with your family and that this New Year brings you many additional joys and blessings!  As you know, we’re already off and running here at school.

     Our phone call system needed to be tweaked for use on our first day with a two hour delay.  We want to be ready and able to use this for any future school delays and/or closings.  For now though, School announcement is working on things for us from their (technical) end.  I will continue to give notice to television and radio stations.  Please continue to check those sources too, if in doubt.  Our school uses three different bus companies (Winton Woods, Princeton, and First Student) and it is important to note that we are on our own plan.  If our school is on a two hour delay, we will not supervise students until 9:30 a.m. Please make your alternate plans as needed.

     Next Monday, January 11, some of our students from Grades 5-8 will participate in our school’s Spelling Bee.  We will be watching and announcing a winner after the 1:15 competition.  Thanks to Mrs. Heidel, for her after-school work with our many interested students.

     We will also participate once again in the St. Jude Math-A-Thon.  The information is in today’s envelope for each student.  If you give permission for your child to participate, please sign the required form and return it to school by Monday, January 11.  All could benefit from extra math practice and the money for cancer research is a win-win opportunity!

     Have a good week!

Sincerely,

Marianne Rosemond

Dear Parents,

     It was good to see so many of you at our concert last night!  I hope you enjoyed the performance.  Thanks again to Mrs. Morgan and our students for providing such a nice evening of entertainment for everyone.

     Our Christmas vacation begins after dismissal on Friday, and we don’t resume classes until January 4, 2010.  The two full weeks are a welcome change for faculty and students!  I’m glad that we haven’t needed any days off for snow just yet.

     A reminder that in case of inclement weather, we call our own snow plans, i.e. school closing or delay.  We subscribe to two systems for this.  The first notifies all four major channels (5, 9, 12, and19) of our news and the second system is designed to notify you by phone.  This second system is new this year.  It’s called School Announcement.  To check to see that your phone number or numbers that you wish to have our school use have been included, please see the flyer in today’s envelope.  You will create your own username and password for this.

     I hope that all of you have a very Merry Christmas!

Sincerely,

Marianne Rosemond

Dear Parents,

     It’s beginning to feel like Christmas here!  Santa’s Shop is this week and classes are practicing songs for our Christmas Concert next week.  I’m sure you’re busily getting ready at home too.    

     We’re halfway through the Second Quarter and interim reports will be sent home today.  Please take time and review these with your child/children before signing and returning the forms to school.

     On Sunday, December 13, XU plays UC in the annual Crosstown Shootout.  This Friday, December 11, will be an out of uniform day to enjoy wearing either blue and white or red and black.  May the best team win (again!).
 
     I hope to see all of you at our Christmas Concert in church, on Tuesday, December 15, at 7:00p.m.  I know that Mrs. Morgan and the children have worked hard together to help us enjoy the evening. 

     Have a good week!

Sincerely,

Marianne Rosemond

Dear Parents,

     I hope that all of you enjoyed a Happy Thanksgiving, but now we’re back and into the Advent season.  Hopefully, this will be a special time of preparation in our hearts and extend to all we do.  We’ll try to keep the focus amid the excitement happening all around us.

     Speaking of excitement, our Santa’s Shop will be open each day next week.  I’m sure that all of your gifts will be selected with love! 

     We will attend mass on the Holy Day, (the Immaculate Conception, Tuesday, December 8) and so we will not attend mass on Thursday.  You are always welcome to join us either in person or in spirit.

     Have a great week!

Sincerely,

Marianne Rosemond

Dear Parents,

     It’s very good to be back to school.  I will be in a cast (non-weight bearing) for another six weeks.  So I hope that when you’re here for conferences or even at other times, you’ll stop by the office to say hello.

     We are collecting canned goods and other non-perishable items in our main hallway for Thanksgiving.  I know that you received a paper about this last week in Wednesday’s envelope, but I thought I’d remind again.  Many count on our help, and I know we’ll come through!

     At lunch times throughout this week, the children are able to visit the Book Fair.  There are lots of nice things to buy.  I hope you’ll consider a present or two and shop a bit during conferences perhaps too.  (St. Nick Day isn’t too far away.)

     We won’t have a letter sent home next week due to our Thanksgiving Break, so this is my last chance to tell you what a blessing you and your children are in my life.  Thank you, and thanks for all you do for our school.

     Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,

Marianne Rosemond

Dear Parents,

    Happy Veterans’ Day!  I know from our previous celebration that we do have many among us within our St. James of the Valley community.  I hope that our expression of love this year to our local homeless veterans was well received.  We thank you too!
  
    I hope by now all of you have received a form to use to sign-up for a conference.  They were included in the information sent home with your child’s/children’s report card.  The oldest child in each family will be sent around to receive a scheduled time on Friday morning, Nov. 13, right after announcements.  Please be sure to return your form by Thursday so that you are included.

     A reminder that for those students who were absent for our Fall Picture Day, a retake session with the same photographer will be provided on Friday between 1:00-2:00.  Hopefully, all will be present as needed for our yearbook.

     I’m glad that we were able to have the H1N1 vaccinations given this week.  For any children under nine years of age, they should receive the second dose after 30 days, from their own physician.
 
   I look forward to returning to school soon, even if on one foot for awhile!

Sincerely,

Marianne Rosemond

Dear Parents,

    I was very thankful for good weather last Friday for our Walk-A-Thon and for all the parents who volunteered to help in any capacity that day!  Many helped in the morning and in the afternoon for the October Party.  We also had many parents who helped with the Thanksgiving Day Race school service project the day before too. Your gifts of time for our school are very much noticed and appreciated!

    A reminder that you’re all invited tomorrow to hear a special guest give a talk to the children in Grades K-8.  Former NFL player, Mike McCoy, will be here from 8:00-8:45 or so in the gym speaking about making good choices.  I hope that all will enjoy him and listen to his message.

    Veteran’s Day is next Wednesday, November 11, and I would like to mark the occasion once again as a school.  This year we will be collecting items to send to a local shelter for homeless veterans and making thank you cards for them.  Please read the insert in this envelope for all of the details.

    As many of you know, I had surgery for my foot yesterday.  I do hope to be back in action quickly, but this may change who will distribute the report cards and the end of the quarter honors this time.  I will certainly be personally reviewing all report cards and signing their certificates as needed for Monday, November 9.  Please know that I will definitely be there in spirit!

    Have a good week!

Sincerely,

Marianne Rosemond

Dear Parents,

     We’re all very excited to be participating in our school-wide service project tomorrow, and of course, to end the week with our Walk-A-Thon and the October Party!  I hope that you’ll be able to join us for at least one of these activities.

     This Friday marks the end of the First Quarter.  Report cards will be distributed on Monday, November 9th.  You will be receiving info then too about conference scheduling.

     Next Wednesday (Nov. 4) will be our school mass day, so we may listen to a special guest speaker on Thursday morning (Nov. 5).  Our guest, Mike McCoy, is a motivational speaker and former NFL player.  We are fortunate to have him come to our school while on his national tour.  The main topic he’ll speak about is making wise choices.  You’re also welcome to come and listen with us.  He will begin at 8:00 a.m. in the gym.

     Happy Halloween and have a good week!

Sincerely,

Marianne Rosemond

Dear Parents,

     I hope by now all of you have had a chance to ask family and friends to support our Walk-A-Thon.  If not, now is the time!  If everyone does their part we could not only pay for our librarian’s salary, as usual, but we could also accomplish some extra wonderful things on our school “wish” list.

     We’re looking forward to our October Party on October 30th too.  Please consider sending in some prizes, candy, or money to support this fun activity.  If you have items or money for this, please mark the envelope or bag for this purpose, and we’ll see to it that it gets to the right place!  The children’s party/carnival begins at 1:00 p.m. in the gym, and they’re talking about it with excitement already.  Dressing in costumes is fun and they, of course, are also looking forward to the games and winning prizes.   

     Have a good week!

Sincerely,

Marianne Rosemond

Dear Parents,

    Terra Nova testing continues for Grades 2, 4, 6, & 8 this week.  The testing conditions are better with the changes in weather.  I hope you’ve had a chance to enjoy this beautiful fall season happening all around us.  Please make every effort to schedule appointments for after school hours.  There are a limited number of days to make up any missed tests before the required turn-in day.

     Our Kindergarten was featured, along with other local classes of Kindergarten, in this week’s October 14th issue of Valley Courier.  They can be found right in the center of pages 8 and 9.  I’m a bit partial, of course, but I thought they looked extra cute in their uniforms.  Please tell them you saw their picture if you see them.  They are feeling quite famous!

     Don’t forget that if you need to see the Child Protection Video, the last of the scheduled opportunities is this evening at 6:00 p.m. in our Second Grade Room.  I do hope you’ll view this so that you can come and work with us.

     By the end of this week we need to send in our final counts for the flu vaccines that we will need to the Hamilton County Public Health Dept.  Please make sure that your children are included in our count if you’re interested in this.  At this time we are told that it will be shots and not nasal spray that we receive.  We will hear soon if we are a distribution sight and if so, we will need 12 volunteer helpers on rather short notice.  If you would be able to help during the day (generally speaking) please call our office and let us know.  Thanks ahead!

     Have a great week!

Sincerely,

Marianne Rosemond

Dear Parents,

     I hope that you will enjoy reading the first edition of our Jaguar Journal.  The teachers and I, along with our PTA president and some other board members, submitted articles to Mrs. Karen Andwan who put everything together for you.  Her time commitment and the willingness of our faculty and friends to share good news that’s happening at St. James is a great combination! 

     Tomorrow and Friday our faculty and I will attend the Ohio Catholic Education Association Convention.  All of the Catholic schools in the dioceses of Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, (an estimated 5,000 educators) are encouraged to attend.  There are over 300 presenters of small group learning sessions and many exhibitors on hand to help keep us up to date.  I’m sure that the children will enjoy the two days off, and we will do our best to come back with new ideas to keep learning interesting and relevant.

     Have a good week!

Sincerely,

Marianne Rosemond

Dear Parents,

     Your child/children are bringing home their interim reports today.  These mark approximately the halfway point of our First Quarter.  Please take time to review them and see any areas for improvement and/or praise.  There are still four more weeks until the quarter ends on October 30th.

     Speaking of the end of the month…be thinking and preparing for our Halloween Parade and October Party on Friday, October 30th.  Each child is encouraged to wear a “friendly” costume.

     Terra Nova tests are beginning soon for Grades 2, 4, 6, & 8.  Please make every effort to maintain consistent bed times and provide a healthy breakfast.  Both help to fuel successful young minds.

     Have a good week!

Sincerely,

Marianne Rosemond

Dear Parents,

    We’re getting ready for our visit with Grandparents/VIPs tomorrow.  I’m sure that they will enjoy their extra time with your children.  It will be a little tricky for those with multiple children to match-up with them for morning Mass and visit with each in different rooms afterwards, but I know we’ll all do our best.

     This Friday is Picture Day.  The children are permitted to be out of uniform, but they should still be in school appropriate attire.  Most use the occasion to dress up a bit.  My advice for anything that could be questionable is always, if in doubt, then please don’t!

     In your Wednesday Envelope today you should receive a magnet showing the school calendar.  There is a code for days off and also for conferences.  Our conferences are held after school and evenings, so we are in session on those days.  The last day of school is also marked; barring the unforeseen again.

     Have a good week and welcome to the Fall season too!

Sincerely,

Marianne Rosemond

Dear Parents,

     It was good to see you at our Meet the Teacher Night last week!  I hope that you enjoyed your classroom visits and feel informed.  Please don’t hesitate to volunteer or to ask questions at any time.

     Next Thursday, September 24, is when a Grandparent(s) or another VIP in your family or among family friends is invited to visit your child at school.  We’d like the guests to come to the classrooms or the main hall by 7:45 so that they can be “paired” for attendance at mass at 8:00.  Following mass, all will be treated to a doughnut (preordered) and juice in the classrooms.  The children and their guests will have a grade-level appropriate activity to do together lasting about a half hour, and then we will resume regular classes.  The guests should be told to expect to stay from about 7:45-9:45.  

Have a good week!

Sincerely,

Marianne Rosemond

Dear Parents,

I am looking forward to meeting you tomorrow evening at the Meet the Teacher Night.  This PTA sponsored event begins promptly at 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria.  During the evening there will be two separate 15 minute time slots to spend in a homeroom with a 5 minute gap for “travel time” built into the allotted schedule.  Hope to see you before or after for a brief visit too!

Have a good week!

Sincerely,

Marianne Rosemond

Dear Parents,

     Our first week has gone very quickly and smoothly!  I hope you share the same sentiments at home too. (We will be able to compare notes a little next week at Meet the Teacher Night on Thursday, September 10.)  We are all definitely enjoying the cooler temperatures.

     Tomorrow we will have our first All-School Liturgy of the year.  You are welcome to join us in person or in spirit/prayer.  Mass begins at 8:00 and following this first celebration the PTA has a small breakfast treat for all students to enjoy. 

     Last week a calendar of events was sent home, and unfortunately I already have to change one of the September dates.  We will be having a Grandparent/ VIP visit, but the actual date now has changed to Thursday, September 24.  Part of the visit was to include mass and Fr. Jack will be out of town for the original date. We will attend a Communion Service on September 17, but I wanted our guests to come for mass with us.  More details about the Grandparent/VIP visit will be coming in a week or so.

      Have a good week, and I hope you enjoy the three-day weekend!

Sincerely,

Marianne Rosemond