Here’s what’s going on with the yearbook.:
I’ve had some compatibility issues with the different files sent to me by teachers. I am finally getting those resolved and making some real progress. This was a much tougher job than I anticipated, but we didn’t really have options. I’ll let you know when they are ready to be picked up. Thanks for your patience.
• This is the last week of the 2009-2010 school year. I want to thank all of you for your support of Saint Ann School. I know that at times you have probably found at least some aspect of private Catholic education (tuition, parent hours, fundraising) to be a challenge. I commend you for your commitment to partner with us in helping your child to grow academically and spiritually. Have a wonderful summer! I look forward to welcoming you back on the first day of the 2010-2011 school year (Mon., Aug. 23).
• Congratulations to Robert D. whose performance at Regional Music Festival earned a Superior!
• I invite all of you to the Promotion Ceremony for our 8th Grade students on Friday, June 4, at 10:20 AM in the church. The whole school will attend this program which lasts about one hour and will conclude around dismissal time at 11:30 AM. Please join is in recognizing the achievements of these wonderful young people and praying for them as they begin their high school years. The Promotion Celebration Luncheon is Friday at noon. Although this luncheon is primarily for 8th Grade students, families and their guests, there is limited space available for others who may want to attend. The luncheon cost is $12.50 for adults, $8.50 for children age 7 and under. Luncheon tickets must be purchased from the School Office by noon tomorrow.
• As I mentioned above, we thank all of you for supporting Saint Ann School this year. Many of you, such as our coaches and PTG/Advisory Council officers, work in a visible way for the school. Some people, however, work behind the scenes and don’t get much recognition. Mr. Jim McManis has given a great deal of his time as math tutor and substitute teacher. Mrs. Marie Duff has been our volunteer librarian for several years, and she’s had the consistent help of Mrs. Susan Diffenbaugh. Mrs. Dianna Sherrick has graciously volunteered as kindergarten classroom aide again this year, and I know how much Mrs. Morrison has appreciated her support. All of these people, as well as all our volunteers, demonstrate true Christian service for our students.
• Our Fine Arts Program last week was wonderful! Our students are so gifted with artistic and musical talent. I know you join me in thanking the dedicated adults who have supported the fine arts program here at Saint Ann School: Mrs. Black (art teacher), Mrs. Veit (music teacher and band director), Mrs. West-Bruna (SASSY and Choir Director), Mrs. Duncan and Mrs. McDonald (band parents), Mr. Duncan (videographer) and Mrs. Nicolas (accompanist).
• On Sports Day this Wednesday, students may wear comfortable summer clothes, such as shorts and t shirts. If the student is wearing a shirt without sleeves, the fabric covering the shoulder must be at least three inches wide (in other words, no shirts with straps). Sandals, halter necks, bare midriffs, plunging necklines and excessively short hemlines are not allowed. Jeans or denim shorts are acceptable. Please understand that students may play some water games, such as a sponge-carrying relay. Females are allowed to wear a one-piece bathing suit under their sports clothes. Please make sure your child has applied sunscreen. We encourage students to wear caps or hats while outside. Although the drinking fountains will be available, students should also bring a water bottle. After morning recess, students will observe the demonstration from the RPD Canine Unit that they won by having the greatest participation at the RPD Open House.
• Sports Day Volunteering – Earn Parent Hours! If you can help monitor your class’ event, contact your teacher or room parent. If you can help tally results (9:30 am – 10:30am), please contact Miss Rossi.
• We received almost 40 responses to our Pre-School / Child Care Survey! Many respondents indicated that Ridgecrest needs more child care. We are in the process of evaluating the costs of modifying our facilities to provide this service.
• See the enclosed flier with the HEART/Scrip Summer Hours and on-line pre-order instructions.
• If you requested but did not receive your 12-Month Tuition Envelopes in your Monday Envelope, then please watch the Principal’s Notes on the school website where an announcement will be posted when the envelopes are available for pick-up in the church office.
• We will be transferring the Used Uniform Swap to a new coordinator this summer. Thank you to Jenny Hunsaker who has handled this huge undertaking for many years.
• Yearbook Reminder – Orders must be placed by tomorrow, June 2. These digital CD-ROMs are $7.00 each. No late orders will be taken. No extras will be made. Order forms are available in the School Office.
• Parent Participation Hours Binder: New pages are now in the Parent Participation Hours Binder for the 2010-2011 school year.
Important . . .
• Tuition assistance information – Families seeking tuition assistance were asked to note on their FAIR applications what they felt they could afford to pay for next year’s tuition. In reviewing the reports generated by FAIR, I found that this information was dropped from their reports. Therefore, I would like all families seeking tuition assistance to do one of the following this week to give me this information: (1) fill out and return the purple slip in your Monday Envelope, (2) contact me by phone, or (3) come by the School Office. I cannot finalize your tuition assistance for next year until I get this information.
• Fingerprinting appointments are available at the Police Dept during the summer with little delay (as opposed to waiting for weeks at the beginning of the school year). As part of our Safe Environment program, adult volunteers who will have contact with our students need to be fingerprinted. If you have not yet been fingerprinted for our school (or for CCD) and want to be, come to the School Office to get a fingerprint form (you must have this form with you when you get your fingerprints done). Extra copies of the form will be in the church office during the summer. We have not yet received word from the diocese regarding the site of the new online Safe Environment training. If you haven’t completed the training yet and would like to do so over the summer, please watch Principal’s Notes on the school website, and I will post the training site when it becomes available.
• Tuition & Fees – Remember that all tuition and fees are due by the last day of school (unless I have given you prior written approval) – but since Friday is a very busy day in the School Office, Miss Rossi would appreciate receiving final payments on Thursday (checks will not be deposited until Friday, June 4).
• Just a reminder to any of you who would like to take part (with some of our faculty, parents and students) in the Locks of Love program – just say no to haircuts! The Saint Ann group is trying to meet an October deadline for donating at least 10 inches of hair per person in a ponytail or braid. For more information about the program requirements, please look online or ask Mrs. Silong
• Office hours on Friday – The School Office will be closed during this Friday’s school Mass (8:10 AM – 9:10 AM) and during the Promotion Ceremony (10:20 AM – 11:30 AM).
• EDP News:
Remember that the Extended Day Program (EDP) is open to families who need to make special arrangements for their child(ren) during this last week with minimum days. The cost for non contracted families is $7.50/day (from dismissal time until 2:40 PM). Please let us know in advance if you’re planning to use the EDP this week so we can properly staff on these days. Remember that children need to bring their own lunch when staying at EDP on these minimum days.
EDP statements for fees up through last Friday were included in last week’s and/or today’s Monday Envelope. If you use EDP this week (except for families on contracts), please pay via cash or check this week in the School Office (or to the EDP staff when picking up).
• Please continue to save items over the summer for our collection and recycling programs . . . aluminum cans (cans only – no aluminum foil or other material); plastic bottles; Box Tops for Education; and Campbell’s Soup labels. Please do not drop off these items at the school during the summer because they might not be picked up in a timely manner (and could make the campus messy if the wind takes hold of a bag of cans). Thank you!
Upcoming Events:
Wednesday
Sports Day Activities 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM Dismissal
Thursday
11:30 AM Dismissal
By Friday All Outstanding Balances of Tuition and Fees are Due
Friday
Last Day of School
8:15 AM Promotion Mass
10:20 AM 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony
11:30 AM Dismissal
Have a great summer!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Dear Parents,
This is the last “Monday” letter for this school year. I can’t believe how fast it has gone. As I think about the past year, I see how much your children have grown. They are so amazing!
Today the children enjoyed one last Reading Picnic and Game Day and swim party at Pinney Pool. Thank you to the parents who helped chaperone.
Sport’s Day is tomorrow. This is the big day when the kids do not have to wear their school uniform! Please have them wear appropriate clothes so that they are ready for games. We will enjoy a pizza party before school ends in celebration of our hard work on multiplication timed tests.
On Thursday we will have another special lunch. I will send details tomorrow. The children won a door decorating contest earlier in the year.
I would like to invite you to join us at Mass at 8:15 am on Friday. Then you are invited to join us at 10:20 am as all classes will be attending the 8th grade promotion ceremony. Please join us for this moving event!
The last thing that I wanted to say was how much of an honor and privilege it has been to be your child’s teacher this year. I have been blessed to be working here at St. Ann School. I admire and thank you for the sacrifices that you make as parents so that you can send your child to our wonderful school.
Sincerely,
Susan McDonald
P.S. No homework this week!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Dear Parents,
The 4th and 5th grade classes have invited our class to join them at Pinney Pool on Tuesday, June 1 from 12:15 pm to 2:00 pm. The students will need to bring a lunch, plenty of water (no glass of any kind), a modest swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen. The students will come to school in their uniforms, and they will change at the pool. There will be two certified life guards on duty while we are there. It is also the Diocese’s policy that we have one chaperone for every five students. I will need at least two parent volunteers to join us on the trip to help watch the students, especially while they are in the pool. Please complete the permission slip and return it by Wednesday, May 26. If you are able to chaperone that day, have completed and have on file at school all Safe Environment training, please indicate on the permission slip.
Sports Day is coming next week on Wednesday. This is a free dress day, so the children do not have to wear their uniform. They should still wear their regular shoes…absolutely no sandals.
The children have earned one final Reading Picnic and Game Day. We will celebrate in the morning on Tuesday, June 1. The children may bring books, one or two games, a pillow and blanket. They have worked hard to earn this reward!
Please join us in the classroom on Friday, May 28 at 11:00 am for a tea party for you…the parents and grandparents who make our school great! I am so thankful for your support throughout the year.
God bless,
Susan McDonald
P.S. The children want to challenge you to join us for a game of kickball after the tea party!
Third Grade Goals This Week
Religion: We will study the Church year. Check out the website www.faithfirst.com weekly for activities for your child.
Reading: We will finish reading The World According to Humphrey. In “Reader’s Workshop” we will read the last story in the last unit called Country Life. We will read What Ever Happened to the Baxter Place? Students will study the main idea, supporting details and making inferences.
Language: We will continue to work on the writing process. In “Writer’s Workshop” we will focus on capitalization and underlining. Writer’s Workshop is a time the students will work on stories they write, revise and edit. Our vocabulary words are: rotation, surplus, preserved, hired, partial and reluctantly.
Spelling Words: Students will have a spelling test with 15 words with foreign origins this week. This week’s words are: hamster, hamburger, yodel, pretzel, trio, alto, tempo, plaza, armadillo, café, collage, bouquet, mortgage, alfalfa and boutique.
Math: We will complete our study of fractions and decimals as well as adding and subtracting decimals. We will study what it means to multiply and divide large whole numbers.
Handwriting: All students are practicing writing the letters in cursive using correct form and posture.
Science: We will conclude our study of the body and its systems.
Social Studies: We will complete our study of Unit 5.
P.E.: We will continue kickball this week.
“There will be great joy for those who are ready and waiting for His return.” Luke 12:37
Spelling List
There will not be a spelling list this week. Please have your child practice spelling words over the summer to keep them current and ready for Third Grade!
Backpacks
Even though most of the week will be filled with “paperless” activities, I would still like your child to bring their backpack and Take Home Folder to class everyday. We will be cleaning and sending things home all week. Thanks!
Attendance Record
I know many people are anxious to get started on family vacations and may be considering leaving before the end of school. I would like to suggest that it is beneficial to your child (and to me) to be able to close out the year with each other together as a whole class. However, if you have already made plans for your child to not be here on the last week, I would greatly appreciate being told about it ahead of time. This will give me the opportunity to complete attendance records correctly and have all of your students belongings sent home with them when they leave. Thank you for the consideration!
End of the Year Note
This has been a truly awesome year! I have enjoyed having your child in my class. They were a blessing during the many happy times we shared together. They are a very caring group of students who are always ready to cheer up or celebrate with those in need. They have also worked very hard to learn what was required of them. You can be very proud of what they have accomplished. I am!!
It will difficult to say good bye on Friday but as I have told the students, I hope its not forever. I look forward to watching them grow as they travel through the upper grades of our school.
I wish you all the very best of summer vacations. I pray that you and your child are safe and able to relax. 
May God bless you and keep you!
Have a great summer and I’ll see you in 3rd grade in the Fall!!
• Congratulations to Leah O. who received an “Honorable Mention” at the State Science Fair in Los Angeles last week! Leah has represented Saint Ann School exceedingly well at both the County and State Science Fairs for the past three years! This is an amazing legacy that Leah leaves behind as she gets ready to begin her high school career.
• Of all schools in the valley, Saint Ann School had the highest attendance at the Police Department Open House! We have won a Police K-9 demonstration at our school (which we will squeeze into our last week of school).
• In today’s Monday Envelope, you will find a yellow survey to help us determine the need for a preschool/childcare here at Saint Ann. Preschools have proven to be an effective way to build enrollment for Catholic schools throughout the diocese. We also hope that it will meet the needs of our parish families. Please fill out this brief survey and return it in the Monday Envelope.
• A Middle School Information Night will be held this Tuesday, May 25, at 6:30 PM in Room 6 for 5th Grade parents and for other families with students newly entering our Middle School. This meeting is an opportunity for you to ask questions and get information to help your child make a smooth transition from the elementary to the middle school.
• The next meeting of the School Advisory Council will be tonight at 7:00 PM in the school library. Items to be discussed include recruitment for teachers, efforts on starting a pre-school, policy changes for next year and school improvements.
• Please come join us for the Fine Arts Program this Wednesday, May 26, at 10:30 AM in the Parish Center. As you’ve seen and heard so many times, we have an incredibly talented group of young people here at Saint Ann School!
• Our 2010 – 2011 Extended Day Program (EDP) Rate Sheet and Contract Form are enclosed. We have added an additional option to reflect many of our community member’s unique flex Friday schedule. If you plan to use EDP on a regular basis next year, please return the Contract Form so we can make plans for staffing purposes.
• Just a reminder that the digital yearbook will only be available through pre-orders, and you must place your order by June 2. If you need another order form, you may pick one up in the School Office.
• Next year’s Academic Calendar and Supply Lists are enclosed in today’s Monday Envelope.
• We have two hot lunches this week. Order forms are enclosed.
• Reminder: there is no school next Monday, May 31, due to the Memorial Day holiday.
• Tonight is the WYD fundraiser at Pizza Factory. Pizza Factory will donate 20% of all proceeds that day to help our Youth Group earn money for their trip to Spain. A coupon is enclosed in this Monday Envelope.
• Although we still have almost two weeks of school left, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge some very special members of our Saint Ann School family:
Mrs. Chris Simolon, 1st Grade Teacher, has taught here at Saint Ann School since 1987. She has now decided to retire so that she will have more time to spend with her family and friends. Her wealth of experience, her deep faith and her love of all the children she has taught have been such a gift to our school and parish! She has been the good listener sought out by teachers, parents and administrators over the years. We will all miss her gentle guidance and true Christian spirit.
Mrs. Sherry Escallier has decided to leave her position as Computer Teacher, which she has held since 1992. She and her husband will be moving to Texas to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Mrs. Escallier has given an enormous amount of her time, far beyond her job description, to help the students and staff improve our technological know-how and to work on our computers and printers. She has also used her training as a nurse to arrange for our students important health programs (vision/hearing/scoliosis screenings, human development, etc.). Mrs. Escallier, who has shown such dedication and selfless giving, will be greatly missed!
Mrs. Casey Morrison, our Kindergarten Teacher, has made the difficult, but admirable, decision to stay home next year to raise her new son, Cole. Although Mrs. Morrison was only here one year, she quickly made herself a well-loved member of the Saint Ann School family. She is a true professional who has dedicated herself to helping her students succeed, but who also knows how to have fun, delighting her fellow staff members and students with her humor and warmth. We will miss her, but we also look forward to her frequent visits to show off her growing son (soon to be Saint Ann Class of 2023!).
Although replacements have not been hired yet for the vacant positions, you may rest assured that the Holy Spirit will guide us in finding dedicated Christians to carry on the mission of the school to teach the life of Christ and to assist each child in growing into the fullness of that life.
Upcoming Events:
Mon., May 24
Advisory Council Meeting, 7:00 PM, School Library
Wed., May 26
Rosary at the Grotto, 7:30 AM
Fine Arts Program, 10:30 AM, Parish Center
Fri., May 28
School Mass, 7th Grade, 8:15 AM
Mon., May 31
No School, Memorial Day Holiday
Wed., June 2
Minimum Day, 11:30 AM Dismissal; Sports Day 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Thurs., June 3
Minimum Day, 11:30 AM Dismissal
Fri., June 4
Promotion Mass, 8:15 AM
Promotion Ceremony, 10:20 AM
Minimum Day, 11:30 AM Dismissal
If you would like to take our survey regarding a possible opening of a preschool at Saint Ann School, following this link:
Monday, May 17, 2010
Dear Parents,
I challenged the students to learn the names of all 50 states. We will take the fill-in quiz this week.
It was so nice to see so many of the third grade families at our ice cream social and the Ridgecrest Police Open House! Thank you so much!
We will continue to celebrate Mary’s Month by praying a decade of the rosary each day.
God bless,
Susan McDonald
P.S. We are getting close to earning one final Reading Picnic/Game Day for filling our Noah’s Ark for good behavior!
Third Grade Goals This Week
Religion: We will study the Beatitudes. Check out the website www.faithfirst.com weekly for activities for your child.
Reading: We will begin reading The World According to Humphrey. In “Reader’s Workshop” we will read the next story in the last unit called Country Life. We will read Cows in the Parlor. Students will classify and categorize.
Language: We will continue to work on the writing process. In “Writer’s Workshop” we will review simple and compound sentences, colons, conjunctions, interjections, and capitalization. Writer’s Workshop is a time the students will work on reports they write, revise and edit. Our vocabulary words are: graze, bales, silo, automatic and frisky
Spelling Words: Students will have a spelling test with 15 words this week. This week’s words are words with Latin roots. The words with Latin roots are: collect, elect, select, report, sports, support, export, import, attract, subtract, fines, final refine, tractor and finished.
Math: We will compare fractions and decimals as well as add and subtract decimals.
Handwriting: All students are practicing writing the letters in cursive using correct form and posture.
Social Studies: We will continue our study of Unit 5 with Lesson 2 “Where are Goods Made?”
Health: We will continue to study the human body and its systems.
P.E.: We will continue kickball this week.
• I was delighted to see so many of you at the Ice Cream Social last week. We hope you enjoyed a chance to just sit back, relax, have a treat and enjoy our talented students. Thanks again to Doloris Coit, owner of Baskin-Robbins, for giving us a significant discount on the ice cream.
• Parent Hour Drawing: As you know, parent hours earned beyond the obligated amount qualify you for a drawing for one free month’s tuition for next year. The winner of this drawing is the Sherrick Family. (Thanks, Diana Sherrick, for volunteering all those hours in the kindergarten room!)
• HEART/Scrip Pre-Order Pick-Up this Week: HEART/Scrip pre-orders will be available for pick-up after school this Friday (not before school). As you may have heard, Paula Welsh’s father (Jim Weidenkopf) passed away last week so please keep her family in your prayers.
• Congratulations to the Saint Ann 5th Grade basketball teams! They completed an exciting season culminating in the 21st Annual Saint Ann School / Knights of Columbus 5th Grade Basketball Tournament. Our boys and girls played well and, better yet, demonstrated the sportsmanship one would expect of these students (the girls even won the coveted Sportsmanship Trophy along with third place in the tournament!). All-tournament players for Saint Ann were: Emma , Marissa , Cole and Christopher . Thanks to Miss Rossi, Tony Garcia and Charlie Horn for all their work in organizing and staffing this tournament. Thanks to the Knights of Columbus for their generous sponsorship. And finally, special thanks to the coaches – James Jensen, Ruth O’Neil and Charlotte Ostermann – and the wonderful players and their families who made this season such a great opportunity for the participants and fans!!
• Our Annual Athletics Celebration & Potluck is tonight from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM in the Parish Center. If your child played basketball or volleyball this year, please attend this fun celebration. Coaches, players, and players’ families are welcome to join us for this awards ceremony/potluck. We ask participants to bring items based on the following: main dishes (MS Boys Basketball), side dishes (MS Volleyball and Girls Basketball), Salads (5th Grade Girls Basketball) and drinks/soda (5th Grade Boys Basketball). Normally, jersey/uniforms need to be returned prior to this event . . . but we still need to take 5th Grade Basketball team photos, so keep your jerseys until next week. Thank you to Mrs. Zenaida Williams who has again generously provided the cake!
• Attention 5th Grade Parents – There will be Middle School Information Night next Tuesday, May 25, at 6:30 PM in Room 6. This meeting is an opportunity for you to ask questions and get information to help your child make a smooth transition from the elementary to the middle school.
• Yearbook Order Forms were in last week’s Monday Envelope. Just a reminder that the digital yearbook will only be available through pre-orders, and you must place your order by June 2. If you need another order form, you may pick one up in the School Office.
• Parent Hour Opportunity with “Christmas in July” . . . Would you like to start earning Parent Hours for next year? Can you put a bead on a string and twist a wire? If so, then we need you for making crafts for our Annual Holiday Bazaar! Send your contact information to Michelle Blubaugh at bbmitchbb@yahoo.com . . . she will be planning some craft-making sessions maybe before school ends and definitely over the summer. Earn Parent Hours!
• Mark your calendar for the WYD fundraiser at Pizza Factory next Monday. Pizza Factory will donate 20% of all proceeds that day to help our Youth Group earn money for their trip to Spain. A coupon will be in your Monday Envelope next week.
• The next meeting of the School Advisory Council will be next Monday, May 24, at 7:00 PM in the school library. Items to be discussed include efforts to increase enrollment, recruitment for teachers, efforts on starting a pre-school and school improvements.
• Please note – Monday, May 31, no school on Memorial Day.
Upcoming Events:
Mon., May 17
Annual Athletics Celebration & Potluck, 5:30 PM
Wed., May 19
Rosary at the Grotto, 7:30 AM
Fri., May 21
School Mass, 8:15 AM, Grade 1
Mon., May 24
School Advisory Council Meeting, 7:00 PM, School Library
Wed., May 26
Fine Arts Program, 10:30 AM
Mon., May 31
NO SCHOOL, Memorial Day
“Unless you are honest in small matters, you won’t be in large ones.” Luke 16:10
Spelling List
maybe nobody below Tennessee
inside sunrise something Indiana
lunchroom railroad saw settlement
myself everyone thought plantation
bedroom himself both fretted
*Please work with your child to learn the spellings and meanings of these words this week.
High Five Party
Through positive class room behavior, we have earned a “High Five Party.” This Friday I will provide snacks, lunch (pizza) and fun activities, including movies, for the day. Your child is invited to bring a pillow, large stuff animal or blanket to snuggle with while watching the movie.
We will also have our spelling test on Thursday because of the whole day celebration on Friday.
Here’s What We Are Learning This Week
Every week I highlight what I am covering in class. This will give you an opportunity to talk with your child about specific subjects that we are covering. Not all topics are covered everyday. Be sure to always check to see what we are doing in 2nd Grade!
Reading –We are reading the story A Place Called Freedom.
Phonics – Reviewing bossy /r/, time order, contractions, proper nouns, and seasons.
Writing – We are reading our fairy tale stories kindergarten and first grade.
Grammar - Review grammar lessons from unit 3.
Math –We are practicing regrouping with 3 digit numbers.
Spelling – Review words that are compound.
Religion – This week we are learning about the prayer the Our Father.
Science – We are discussing inherited and learned traits in animals.
Thank You’s!!
I want to thank all the parents and grandparents who have helped this year! I know the year isn’t over and we still have Sports Day (see me or Mrs. Byrne if you can help on that day) but it has been great to have you in the classroom, on fieldtrips, and helping with Hot Lunch! A special thank you to Mrs. Byrne for coordinating and leading all the hot lunches and school activities that we had this year. You were a big help and I appreciate it very much!! Thanks to everyone!!! God Bless You!