Thankful

For me, it's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is almost here.  With the hurricane days, it feels like we've had a number of long breaks already, but another one is just around the corner.  As you go through the week, remind students of all the things they have to be thankful for.  For me, I am thankful for the St. Stephen community and all the fabulous people I get to work with each day.  Thank you all for the time and effort you put into everything you do.  

At this time of year, it is very important that you pay attention to the calendar, blog, Tidbits, and emails in order to know what is happening.  Once we get back from Thanksgiving break, things move quickly and there is much going on.  With everything that is planned, it is important that teachers keep Mary and I informed of everything you are doing that might be different from normal schedules and activities as your change could impact others.  Please let us know if parents are invited in for activities (Karen appreciates knowing when to expect visitors), you change where you plan to eat lunch (this impacts maintenance and other classes), you are doing anything that requires a donation from parents (this MUST be pre-approved even if it is part of a service project), etc.  As stated during pre-planning, teachers may not ask for donations of anything (except recycled trash - shoe boxes, milk cartons, etc.) unless prior approval is given.  

Things to remember this week:

• Monday is a Holy Card Free Dress day
• Monday is also a CIPA faculty meeting.  Chairperson, please let your committee know where you will be meeting after school
• Friday is a jean day with a fall colored/themed shirt.  Any student with 3 or more uniform violations since the last jean day may not participate.  

Have a wonderful week everyone!

Honoring All Who Served

 This week we remember all those who served in our military and their commitment to our nation.  Friday morning, we will have a ceremony to honor veterans and 10% of the money raised that day will be donated to My Warrior's Place in Ruskin.  

Here is the plan for Friday.  When the bell rings at 7:50, proceed IMMEDIATELY to the FLC.  The ceremony will begin promptly at 8:00 am so that Fr. Izzie can get back to church for Mass.  I will be there before students arrive and will direct you where to go.  Students will sit on the floor.  The ceremony will include a prayer, pledge, song, flag folding demonstration by the Knights of Columbus, brief speech, student works and closing remarks.  It should last approx. 20 min.  Parents and parishioners were invited to join us.  

When the ceremony is over, PK, K and 1st grade will proceed to the soccer field for the Walkathon.  The other grades will come out during their scheduled time.  Students will wear their PE shorts and Make a Difference t-shirt.  Please remind them about that.  They may also add red, white, and blue accessories.  

Friday afternoon is parent/teacher conference time.  All teachers must follow their regular Friday schedule even if they do not have any conferences that day.  Please share your conference schedule with me so I know how long Karen should be here.  If you have a conference scheduled after 4 pm, you are responsible for letting the parents into the building.  The gate may stay propped open, but not doors.  Please do not tell parents to come in through the art room.  

Please keep our 6th graders in your prayers as they head off to Focus 11 on Thursday.  

Have a great week!