05-08-08

Sr. Carol has posed a raffle challenge to see which students will be chosen to represent St. Ambrose School. All children in grades K-8 who have: no tardies, completed and turned in all of their homework on time, and no office referrals for behavioral issues from April 30 through May 9 will be entered into a drawing. Five names will be chosen and those children will accompany Sr. Carol to the Cardinals Care Grant Ceremony. Good Luck to everyone!

It is time for everyone to get their Playground Raffle Tickets returned to school. The plans are drawn, the people are in place to begin construction, we just need the last piece of the puzzle—YOU! If you haven’t purchased or turned in your tickets, please do so as soon as possible. You may purchase a ticket from any student and/or parent of St. Ambrose, the rectory, or the school office.

1st Prize - Cardinal Luxury Suite, complete with food and beverage
2nd Prize - $1,000
Tickets: $25 each, or 5 for $100

News

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The Bells of St. Ambrose Auction
November 15, 2008

If anyone would like to offer a dinner at their house, party at their house, a vacation condo/house, or anything similar, please contact Sr. Carol at school (314) 772-1437 or Mr. Joe Canino at (314) 752-0853. The items should be available from November 15, 2008 - November 15, 2009, at a mutually agreed upon time for all parties. Let’s get creative to support our school and parish! We are concentrating on acquiring dinner certificates from restaurants in May. We thank you all for your efforts.

Students Give St. Patrick Center $202,993.70
Students representing the Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of St. Louis presented a check for $202,993.70 to the St. Patrick Center for the Key Player Initiative at a press conference held at St. Patrick Center last Tuesday, April 22, 2008! Congratulations and God bless you all!! St. Ambrose Students donated a total of $1, 914.85 from collections beginning in September and running through April. Thank you to everyone who donated to help wipe out homelessness in St. Louis!

Hooray for our 4th Grade
Our 4th Grade, under the direction of Sr. Margaret Mary Stoverink and Mrs. Anne Henning, initiated a Recycling Boost in our school to collect 34 tons of paper to recycle. They searched the school for paper, put up flyers reminding people to recycle their paper at St. Ambrose, cleaned our closets at school, and worked hard. They were very successful. The school collected over 34 tons of paper and was given a check of $1,000.00 for their efforts. The 4th Graders proudly presented the check to Sr. Carol Sansone so she could add it to the Playground Fund. Good Job and Congratulations to everyone!

Summer Projects Slated for School
Work will begin on electricity upgrades and playground construction, beginning in Jone. Stay tuned for more information as plans unfold.

More Opportunities to Purchase TWB
We are excited to announce that we will be selling TWB script after school. Look for us on the Primary Lot. Anyone interested in earning Parent Participation Points? We are looking for volunteers to sell before and after each weekend Mass. If interested, please contact Mary Ellen Stephens via Fast Direct. Need a graduation gift idea? We are selling iTunes, Best Buy, Circuit City, Claire's, and Blockbuster. Thanks in advance for your support of TWB.

Archdiocesan Tuition Grant Applications for 2008 - 2009 are available at the rectory OR go online at www.factstuitionaid.com.

Video Streaming Update
Have you viewed the Video Clips on the St. Ambrose web site yet? More videos are in production, so check back often. Click the St. Ambrose link here or atop the upper-left column on the Fast Direct home page. Or enter www.stambroseonthehill.com/school in your web browser.

Calendar

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Please note that an updated Calendar was sent home and is available via Fast Direct.

Thursday, May 8	Faculty Meeting, Noon Dismissal Casual Dress Day
Friday, May 9	8th Grade Fun Day
Sunday, May 11	Happy Mothers' Day!
Monday, May 12	House Winner Fun Day PTO Open Board Meeting: All Parents are Welcome to Attend!
Tuesday, May 13	House Award Ceremony for Grades 5 - 8, after Mass Institutional and Catholic Identity Committee Meeting, 7:00 pm
Wednesday, May 14	8th Grade Exams Quinn Uniform Fitting, 3:15 - 7:00 pm NCADA Meeting for Parents, Grades K - 8: "A Peaceful Home," 7:00 pm in cafeteria
Thursday, May 15	8th Grade Exams 4th Grade Art Museum Educational Issues Committee Meeting, 6:30 pm
Friday, May 16	5th - 8th Grades to see Prince Caspian
Saturday, May 17	High School Alums Help Set Up for Alumni Breakfast, 10:00 am in cafeteria
Sunday, May 18	Alumni Mass and Breakfast, 9:00 am Mass, Breakfast to follow in cafeteria
Monday, May 19	6th - 8th Grade Exams
Tuesday, May 20	School Picnic (Rain Date: May 21)
Wednesday, May 21	Transition Day Yearbook Signing, 3:00 pm * Yearbooks are still being sold; check in the school office *
Thursday, May 22	6th and 7th Grade Exams K,1, and 2 Parent Program on Summer Reading, 7:00 pm in cafeteria
Friday, May 23	6th and 7th Grade Exams 8th Grade Graduation, 6:30 pm Mass
Sunday, May 25	Corpus Christi Procession, 6:30 pm
Monday, May 26	Memorial Day Holiday
Tuesday, May 27	Field Day Noon Dismissal
Wednesday, May 28	5th Grade Introduction to House Noon Dismissal
Thursday, May 29	Last Day of School
Friday, May 30	Feast of the Sacred Heart

Events and Activities

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NCADA Parent Meeting
Isn't it too bad that kids don't come with instructions?
Please join us on WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, at 7:00 pm in the CAFETERIA for a parent program on DESIGNING A PEACEFUL HOME. N.J. Sterneck from the NCADA (National Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse) will give us lots of information about living peacefully with children, just in time for summer! Some of the topics covered will include:

Managing conflict and anger and teaching kids to do the same
Step-by-step problem-solving for families
Managing a household by setting expectations and consequences before conflicts arise
Family communication

Please mark your calendar today and plan to be there. Questions? Call or email Lisa Horner.

Alumni Mass and Breakfast

Sunday, May 18
9:00 am Mass, Breakfast to follow in Cafeteria

If you or someone you know has not received the letter of invitation in the mail, please contact the St. Ambrose School Office at (314) 772-1437 to place your reservation and to update your contact information. Similarly, if you someone you know did not receive a phone call from the St. Ambrose Alumni Association Phone-A-Thon, and you would like to donate to this year’s school updates (new enhanced sound systems in the classrooms), please contact the school office.

Primary Parent Program
On May 22, Kathryn Mitchell Pierce, a reading specialist from the Clayton School District, will speak to the primary parents (children in Grades K, 1, and 2) about the importance of reading over the summer. She will speak from 7-8 pm in the cafeteria and then be available for questions, comments, and discussions. Copies of the summer reading lists and Samples of many of the books on each list will be available to view. The speaker will give ideas and suggestions for many of the books. She will also present ideas to involve the entire family in summer reading. We hope many can attend.

Auditions for the the 2008-09 Tenth Anniversary Season
Carondelet Children's Chorus
    Preparatory Level ages 7-8
    Regular Chorus ages 9-14
Bella Voce
    Girls Chorus age 15-18
Carondelet Women's Chorus
    ages 19 and older
Please call Joan Whittemore, CSJ,DMA at 314-962-6627 or email maestra6@earthlink.net to schedule an audition.

Band Events
The Band Tour on May 6 was GREAT! The kids were INCREDIBLE! Thursday, May 8, is our SPRING CONCERT at RUNGE HALL (St. Martin of Tours). The concert starts at 7:00 p.m. and includes performances by the BEGINNING AND CONCERT BANDS. Thanks for your support of band!

In the Classroom and the Community

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May Crowning
The school children crowned Mary and dedicated a Rosary to her on Friday, May 2, in church at the end of the day. The eighth grade honor court included Rachel Pearson, Sam Herbig, Erin Luna, Dominick Freeman, Samantha Been, and Tommy Berra. Our First Communion and Confirmation classes participated in a special way in the prayer service. The seventh grade provided an honor guard for the second graders who each carried a flower for Mary. In addition, each of our second graders led a Hail Mary during the Rosary. Many eighth and seventh graders led prayers for the Rosary. The entire school attended and participated through prayer and song to honor Jesus's mother. Even the sun was shining as we dismissed from church!

Pray for Peace
The fourth grade has decided to pray each day a rosary for peace. Our Lady promised the children at Fatima that peace would come to the world if everyone would pray the rosary. We will be going to church at 2:40 each afternoon during the month of May to pray and we invite anyone and everyone to join us. It only takes about 15 minutes so please consider coming a little before dismissal and join us in prayer.

St. Ambrose Art Student Winners
Don't forget the final 2008 Picture the Music Exhibition Dates

May 1 - May 12

Westfield South County

This Week in Kindergarten
This morning at Mass, Fr. Bill explained that May is Mary’s month and talked about her being the Queen of Heaven. He explained that Mary is our mother also and that we should try to be like her because she trusted in God and was willing to following His plan. We also attended the May Crowning in the afternoon. In reading, we previewed the booklet “Jen and Yip.” They practiced “1st grade printing” and printed the words in the outline of a duck (because Yip in the story is a duck). Next we read the story aloud as a group and as the class worked on the last pages in their practice books, each took turns reading the story aloud. We spent some time on our challenge unit on Mexico. I read them a Mexican version of the fable “The Little Red Hen” called “Iguana Manana.” We compared and contrasted the stories a bit. We also talked about Cinco de Mayo and how Hispanics (and those wanting an excuse to celebrate) celebrate with Mexican food and piñatas. In math class we reviewed addition and did a fun addition frog puzzle. As a whole, the children did amazingly well. Those who finished early had a chance to work on their American flags.

Volunteer Opportunities

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Please remember that you must attend the
Protecting God's Children Workshop
and complete the paperwork in order to volunteer with the students.
The workshops are listed on the Archdiocesan website
or you may call the school office (772-1437).

Archdiocesan Mandate
All parents who wish to participate in any event (lunch duty, field trips, class parties, Breakfast with Santa, etc.) at school involving children MUST attend the Protecting God's Children Workshop. For information on times and locations of the workshops, please visit the archdiocesan website www.archstl.org and follow the link. We can arrange a Protecting God's Children session at St. Ambrose if we have sufficient interest among new and returning families.

Bernadette Mense is in charge of Lunch Room Parents and looking for more volunteers. If you would like to help with lunch duty, please contact Bernadette.

Miscellaneous

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Wehrenberg Theatres announces the return of our annual Family Summer Series Program for 2008. The Family Summer Series is a discounted movie program designed for families, daycares, preschools, YMCAs, scouts, and summer camps. Series participants have an opportunity to attend FREE movies this summer for 10 "family" films over the course of 10 weeks in June, July, and August.

Each theatre will have movies every Wednesday and Thursday (except Wed 7/2 & Thurs 7/3) for the duration of the Family Summer Series program, with doors opening at 9:00 am, and movie presentations at 10:00 am and 12:00 pm. FYI ~ contact the theatre directly regarding reserved seats for groups of 25 or more…this applies ONLY to 10:00 am presentations. All other seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Family Summer Series 2008 Movies:

* Titles subject to change based on availability *

Week #1 (6/4 – 6/5) Daddy Day Ca p PG/99 min.

Week #2 (6/11 – 6/12) Barnyard PG/92 min.

Week #3 (6/18 – 6/19) Alvin & the Chipmunks PG/102 min.

Week #4 (6/25 – 6/26) Mr. Magorium’s… G/100 min.

Week #5 (7/9 – 7/10) Charlotte’s Web G/103 min.

Week #6 (7/16 – 7/17) Veggie Tales: Pirates… PG/102 min.

Week #7 (7/23 – 7/24) Bee Movie PG/100 min.

Week #8 (7/30 – 7/31) Spiderwick Chronicles PG/102 min.

Week #9 (8/6 – 8/7) Shrek The Third PG/93 min.

Week #10 (8/13 – 8/14) Horton Hears A Who G/91 min.

FREE Family Summer Series 2008 Theatres:

Arnold 14 Cine	1912 Richardson Rd, Arnold, MO 63010	636-461-0200
Chesterfield Galaxy 14 Cine	450 THF Blvd, Chesterfield, MO 63005	636-532-8141
Des Peres 14 Cine	12701 Manchester Road, Des Peres, MO 63131	314-822-4903
Dardenne Prairie Town Square 12 Cine	7805 N. Hwy N, Dardenne Prairie, MO 63368	636-625-1209
Jamestown 14 Cine	209 Jamestown Mall, Florissant, MO 63034	314-741-9814
Mid Rivers 14 Cine	1220 Mid Rivers Mall Dr, St. Peters, MO 63376	636-279-2734
Ronnie’s 20 Cine	5320 S. Lindbergh Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63126	314-843-4336
St. Charles Stadium 18 Cine	1830 First Capitol Dr S, St. Charles, MO 63303	636-946-1862
St. Clair 10 Cine	50 Ludwig Drive, Fairview Heights, IL 62208	618-398-8385
Campbell 16 Cine	4005 South Avenue, Springfield, MO 65807	417-890-8457
Cedar Rapids Galaxy 16 Cine	5340 Council St NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402	319-393-8941
Osage Village 5 Cine	4540 Hwy 54, #C-4, Osage Beach, MO 65065	573-348-2813
Rochester Galaxy 14 Cine	4340 Maine Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904	507-529-1730

Ticket Type	Cost	How to order?
Series Tickets	FREE	Series tickets available at the theatre box office in advance of the program.
Individual Tickets	FREE	Individual tickets are available *same day only* at the theatre box office.
Family Summer Series Concession Combos (Popcorn, soda & candy)	$3.50 advance $4.00 same day	Family Summer Series concessions combos can be pre-purchased directly at your preferred theatre location. Concession vouchers will be distributed at the time of purchase, and are redeemable at the theatre concession stand. Vouchers are valid only during Family Summer Series Times and expire 8/14/08.

Please contact our Home Office at 314-822-4520 or your theatre of choice with any additional questions or requests.
Thank you,

Wehrenberg Theatres Marketing Department

Yearbook Photos
Please continue to submit photos either on cd or to Laura McQuay's personal email address (lramcq@hotmail.com). We will incorporate spring activities (sports, First Communion, Confirmation, School Picnic, etc.) from this school year in the yearbook for next year. Thanks!

Notes to Parents

Fast Food is not acceptable for lunch; please do not deliver to school for your children.
The Handbook is a guide, but does not address all situations. When in doubt about a policy or procedure, please ask.
If your child has a special medical need, please inform Linda in the School Office.
Please don't park in the soccer lot during school hours if you are visiting school or chaperoning a field trip, as the cars block the use of the lot for recess.
Birthday treats are distributed to students in their homerooms during break time. Please follow Handbook guidelines regarding acceptable treats and also refrain from delivering special lunches to students on these days.
Party invitations may be distributed at school only if all students in the class are invited.

Instructions Regarding Campbell's Labels
Please send in the entire label, as the instructions for submitting labels have changed. We will have homeroom parents help with the cutting that is required. Pass the word to grandparents and neighbors who may save them too. And, don't forget to keep clipping boxtops and labels and saving them for upcoming contests!

Save More Labels
Please save labels from Nestle Pure Life Purified Water. The school gains points for every label saved and we can earn equipment at the end of the year. Please turn these labels in separately from the Campbell labels.

Reference

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Easy Ways to Show Your Support
St. Ambrose eMall: Purchase products and services from the more than 400 participating online merchants. In return, participating merchants will contribute a predetermined percentage of each purchase to 4OurCause for St. Ambrose. Click the Shop Online and Help the School link on Fast Direct.
Recycle Your Ink Jet Cartridges, Paper, and Aluminum Cans: This free program generates money for St. Ambrose and helps protect the environment. Simply drop the cartridges off in the cafeteria and the paper and cans in the bins on Hereford.
Target's Take Charge of Education Program: Apply for a Target REDcard or Visa and 1% of your purchases are returned to your designated school.
Foot Locker School Rewards and Flowers into Dollars: Present the key tags recently sent home at Foot Locker stores or shop online at footlocker.com and 1-800-flowers.com, using our School Code WL3B when checking out. Whatever your method of payment, 5% of what you spend will be donated to St. Ambrose.
Macy's Shop for Education Program: Sign up to support St. Ambrose and every time you use your Macy's card, the school earns money. Complete the flyer sent home this week and return to the office to start earning from 1 to 3 percent of your monthly charged purchases at Macy's.
Internet Search Website: Search the web with www.goodsearch.com and money from their advertisers will go to your favorite charity.