01-22-09

St. Ambrose School, 2008-2008
Weekly News Files
January 22, 2009

News

Events

Calendar

City Catholic Elementary School Open House
Sunday, January 25
Noon to 3:00

The St. Louis City Catholic Elementary Schools will be hosting Open House on January 25, 2009. St. Ambrose is no exception. We will host our Open House from noon - 3:00 pm. Presentations and demonstrations will take place every half hour, beginning at 12:15 pm and featuring all grade levels, House System, Learning Consultants, Technology and Fast Direct, Extended Care, Specialty Classes (Art, P.E.,& Italian), Enrichment, and others.
Meet some of our students as they welcome you to the school, work on projects, and act as tour guides. Tours begin at noon.
We encourage all to be St. Ambrose School ambassadors.
Bring a parishioner to thank them for their support.
Bring a new family to market our school.

Schedule of Presentations for Open House

Time	Grade	Location	Presentation
12:15PM-ongoing	Kdg	Room 107	Display and Discussion of Students’ Reading and Planetary Work
	1^st	Room 205	Interactive Websites on TeamBoard so visitors can use the TeamBoard
	1^st	Room 202	PowerPoint Presentation of Students’ projects and classwork
	2^nd	Room 203	PowerPoint presentation of Highlights of Second Grade (sacraments, classwork, field trips)
	2^nd	Room 204	PowerPoint presentation of Second Grade Curriculum including Mystery Reader Days
	3^rd	Room 103	PowerPoint presentation of field trips and curriculum(what to expect) for third grade
	3^rd	Room 105	PowerPoint presentation featuring Third Grade Economic Project and Field Trip to the Magic House
	4^th	Room 104	PowerPoint presentations featuring Reading Charts for Interactive Instruction
	4^th	Room 106	Science-Body Systems-featuring bodies that were made and utilizing www.unitedstreaming.com
	5^th	Room 307	Use of www.scholastic.com with learning current events – 5^th grade student to demonstrate how to play the recorder, various students in room working on projects
12:15PM, 1:15, 2:15	Middle School	Room 301	PowerPoint presentation explaining Middle School House System
12:15PM, 1:15, 2:15	Middle School	Room 304	Description of Boys Town Classroom Management System and how it is applied at St. Ambrose
12:15PM, 1:15, 2:15	Middle School	Room 303	PowerPoint Presentation of Middle School Science Curriculum, and What to Expect,
12:15PM-ongoing	Art	Room 201	Use of Interactive Art Programs displayed on TeamBoard so visitors can participate in interactive learning
	Italian	Room 108	Singing Plays featuring Third Grade and Fourth Grade
	Gym	Gym	Answer questions as to the gym curriculum, number of days met, and so on
	Technology	Computer Lab	Demonstration of Fast Direct
	Learning Consultants	Penthouse	PowerPoint presentation explaining the Inclusion and Challenge Programs
12:45PM, 1:45, 2:45	Middle School	Room 302	PowerPoint presentation explaining Middle School Challenge Program
12:45PM, 1:45, 2:45	Middle School	Room 306	Description of Middle School Curriculum, Expectations, What to Expect and so on
12:45PM, 1:45, 2:45	Technology	Computer Lab	PowerPoint featuring Technology available at St. Ambrose School

News

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Catholic Schools Week Schedule

Sunday, January 25	11:00 am - Mass, with faculty in attendance Noon - 3 pm - Open House Parents, please invite a fellow parishioner, a neighbor, or a new family to attend with you.
Monday, January 26	Student Appreciation Day 9:30 am - Spelling Bee Afternoon activities with buddies
Tuesday, January 27	Service Day K-2 Pajama Day 9:00 am - Italian presentation 1:30 pm - Assembly for grades 3-5 Middle School students deliver cards to the community and play Jeopardy.
Wednesday, January 28	Spirit Day 1:30 pm - Faculty vs 8th grade volleyball game Students may wear red, white, and green over uniforms.
Thursday, January 29	Academic Day 1:00 pm - Trivia Jessica Summers, Principal for a Day
Friday, January 30	Awards Day 8:00 am Mass, followed by distribution of Honors and Clelian Awards K-2 Game Day 10:15 am - 1:45 pm Ice skating field trip for grades 3-8 *

*A permission slip will be sent home for the Ice Skating Field Trip. The cost, including bus transportation, is $11.00. We are sensitive to current economic constraints, but also wish to take advantage of social and cultural opportunities for the children. Ice Skating is a Catholic Schools Week tradition and one that the students look forward to every year. No student will be excluded from participation. Therefore, if you are in a position to "round up" your payment for the field trip, it could help to offset the total cost for all. Students should wear school uniforms for Mass and awards; then they may change into jeans for skating. It would be helpful if they wear their St. Ambrose shirt or sweatshirt to the skating rink for group identification. Please also send a brown bag lunch, plus $1 or change if your child wishes to use the drink machine.

Thanks to the generous support of time, talent, and treasure, the proceeds from the Bells of St. Ambrose Auction were $105,000. The check will be presented to Msgr. Bommarito during the Catholic Schools Week kick-off liturgy at 11:00 on Sunday, January 25.

We invite all families to attend the City Catholic Elementary Schools Open House at St. Ambrose and will have a few drawings as incentives. If you are a current family and attend, you will be entered into a drawing for $50 of TWB cards. If you are a current family who brings in a new family, you will be entered into a drawing for $50 of TWB cards. Each new family will be entered into a drawing as well. Please spread the word and invite everyone to our Open House.

We have posters and brochures to advertise the event in the office. If you have a business or know of a business that would be willing to hang a poster or distribute brochures please let us know. Also if you have friends or family that would be interested in a tour we will send you some brochures to give to them. Please call Hilma or Linda in the school office for these items. 772-1437 Thank you for your help!

Registration for the 2009-2010 School Year is underway for existing families. Please go to the Registration section at the bottom of your Fast Direct parent page. We wish to provide the opportunity for existing families to secure a spot for their children, particularly in the grades with more students. Your prompt response also provides sufficient time to project enrollment prior to the archdiocesan deadline for teacher contracts on April 1. The re-registration process is explained on the sheet sent home today. Please be sure to review this as well as the accompanying Open House schedule and information.

We have just received the FACTS Grant applications for the the Archdiocese of St. Louis Financial Assistance Program for the 2009-2010 school year. Anyone needing financial assistance with tuition should pick up an application packet at the Rectory or you can apply online at www.factstuitionaid.com. The deadline to file the application is April 1, 2009. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Donna at 771-1228.
Thanks, Msgr. Bommarito

Enrollment Status and Marketing Efforts
While we are happy with the current number of students at St. Ambrose, we have room to increase enrollment. We accept non-parishioners and non-Catholics, although all will learn our Catholic identify, study religion, and attend Mass. We are proud of our Italian roots and heritage, but open to all. The extended care program allows students to arrive at 6:30 am and stay until 6:00 pm under supervision and with the additional opportunity to participate in extended enrichment programs and activities. We encourage the active participation of all parents who have completed Protecting God's Children and invite everyone to help serve as ambassadors for St. Ambrose among family, friends, and colleagues.

The South City Collaborative of Catholic schools invited Sr. Carol Cimino, a nationally recognized expert, to assess the marketing tools used by the member schools, including St. Ambrose. Her evaluation will help support our marketing efforts. Please check the school's web site frequently for new video clips and other updates. This is one of the ways new families find their way to St. Ambrose school.

As a part of our ongoing marketing strategy, we are proud to announce an update to our current Marketing DVD. This DVD is being updated with new interviews, video segments, and information pertinent to our enrollment and enrollment process. We will have the DVD available at our Open House and upon request of new families after that.

School Improvement Plan
The Archdiocese provides elementary schools with a process for self-assessment and self-improvement. This process follows a seven year cycle and we are again at the second phase of the cycle.

A written report as well as school goals is being finalized, edited, and printed in its final form. In February, a group of educators from other Catholic elementary schools will visit St. Ambrose, read our improvement plan, visit with teachers and parents, and take a look at our school in operation. They will then make an evaluation of our self-assessment, in other words determine how well we have assessed ourselves. They may make some suggestions to our final improvement process which may then be incorporated into our plan. After that, St. Ambrose will have the next five years to work on accomplishing the goals we have set, and the cycle continues.

Most importantly, please continue to support us as you always do, especially with your prayers for our success with this endeavor.

January is Pro-Life Awareness Month
All month of January, we are praying for Pro-Life awareness in our world. Please join us in praying for all to choose life from conception to a natural death.

The Power of Prayer
Please continue to keep Stevie L, grade 1, in your prayers. He was able to return to school on January 14 and his prognosis is positive, but he still has a long road of treatment and recovery ahead. Also please remember Mrs. Patke's mother, who is in cancer remission.

Anyone wishing to include names or special intentions in our community prayer chain, please contact Debbie Hilderbrand at school.

Congratulations to our Chess Club, which just finished competing in the University Red Rook Tournament. Honorable mentions go to Riley F., who placed 2nd in the 2nd grade, and to Nicolas M., who placed 4th in the 5th grade. St. Ambrose came in 2nd place (out of 6 schools) and will be awarded a trophy on February 3. Congratulations to all the chess club players who participated!

Events

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Mark Your Calendar
Sunday, March 22, is the date for the St. Joseph Altar at St. Ambrose. Watch the newsletter and the bulletin for more information in the coming weeks.

St. Ambrose PTO received $104 from receipts at Anthonino's on the Martin Luther King holiday and $217 from Noodles & Company for a similar event in November. This money is used to support PTO-sponsored events enjoyed by the students and families. We would like to arrange similar opportunities for St. Ambrose families to support neighborhood restaurants and businesses and for our children to benefit from this patronage.

Third Quarter PTO Family Night
Mardi Gras Celebration
Tuesday, February 24
Rose of the Hill
$15 adults, $10 children

The upcoming Taste of the Hill lunches, on February 9 and March 9, will feature specialties from Rigazzi's and the Pasta House, respectively. Watch for flyers on all these events.

Wehrenberg Theatres

Family Free Winter Series is a free movie program designed for families, daycares, preschools, YMCA’s and scouting organizations. Series participants can attend family-friendly movies FREE every

Wednesday at 12:00 pm Noon from January 28th through March 4th.

Guests who purchase a Discounted $4.00 Popcorn & Soda combo before the start of the program (1-28-09) will receive a reserved ticket to the movie.

Just $24 guarantees a seat to all six movies of the series!

Advance combo purchases can be made at the theatre Box Offices for single or multiple films.

Remaining seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

We know the kids, and adults, feel cooped up during these cold winter months.

Get out of the building and do something fun without breaking the bank!

FAMILY FREE WINTER SERIES Movies:

Alvin & The Chipmunks	PG / 92 min
E.T.	PG / 115 min
Bee Movie	PG / 90 min
Happy Feet	PG / 109 min
Ice Age	PG / 81 min
Shrek	PG / 90 min

Check www.wehrenberg.com for the Family Free Winter Series movie schedule.

PARTICIPATING 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 Rd, Des Peres, MO 63131	314-822-4903
Dardenne Prairie Town Square	7805 N Hwy N Dardenne Prairie, MO	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	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, St Charles, MO 63303	636-946-1862
St. Clair 10 Cine	50 Ludwig Dr, 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 StNE, Cedar Rapids, IA	319-393-8941
Rochester Galaxy 14 Cine	4340 Maine Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904	507-529-1730

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

Calendar

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Thursday, January 22	Grades open to parent viewing
Friday, January 23	First new family registration deadline
Saturday, January 24	Athletic Association Trivia Night, 6:00 pm
Sunday, January 25	Open House, Noon - 3:00 pm
January 25 - 30	Catholic Schools Week
Friday, January 30	Clelian and Honor Awards following 8:00 am All-School Mass

In the Classroom

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Boys' Town Well-Managed Class Update

Staying On Task	Accepting "No" for an Answer	Disagreeing Appropriately
Look at your task or assignment. Think about the steps needed to complete the task. Focus all of your attention on the task. Stop working only when instructed. Ignore distractions and interruptions from others.	Look at the person. Say "OK." Stay calm. If you disagree, ask later.	Look at the person. Use a pleasant voice. Tell why you feel differently. Give a reason. Listen to the other person.

Accepting Criticism or a Consequence	Asking for Help	Asking Permission
Look at the person. Say "Okay." Stay calm.	Look at the person. Ask the person if they have time to help you. Clearly explain the kind of help you need. Thank the person for helping.	Look at the person. Use a calm and pleasant voice. Say, "May I . . ." Accept the answer calmly.

Greeting Others	Following Instructions	Listening
Look at the person. Use a pleasant voice. Say "hi" or "hello."	Look at the person. Say (or think) "Okay." Do what you've been asked right away.	Look at the person who is talking and remain quiet. Wait until the person is through talking before you speak. Show that you heard by nodding your head and saying "Okay," "That's interesting," etc.

We are hoping that parents will teach and reinforce these social skills at home and when in other settings. They are useful in all social situations. When you use the same language the students hear at school, it helps to strengthen the skill.

Middle School Activities

In social studies, all of middle school researched and discussed interactive web sites on the history of presidential inaugurations. Some students are writing reflective essays on their observations from Tuesday. All of middle school viewed the oath of office ceremonies through live internet video feeds.
At this week's housewide meeting, all of middle school had the chance to earn points in a fear factor game of tasting and guessing.

Update on Shoe Collection Project
I had the privilege to attend an update on the project. Pastor Hutchings goal was to collect 100,000 pair of shoes and he collected over 156,000 pairs. A check for $17,000 was issued for the shoes collected this year. The shoes will go to South America and India for reuse, resale, and bartering. The money will be used to install a rig for drilling water in Kenya. The rig will arrive in St. Louis this spring for everyone to see before it is shipped to Kenya. I will keep you updated on this remarkable project. It is amazing to see people walking in the light of our Lord. I just want to thank the 3rd graders again for collecting shoes for the people of Kenya. You should know actual lives will be saved because of you. God is good!
Mrs. Paulus

St. Louis Symphony News!
Students are looking forward to an exciting series of concerts at Powell Hall next month. The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is performing "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," by composer Paul Dukas for students at all grade levels. Grades K-3 will attend the Kinder Konzert on February 19; Grades 4-6 will attend the Young People's Concert on February 18; and Grades 7-8 will attend the Young Adult Concert on February 17.

Additionally, on February 2, Grade 6 will have an "in-house" visit by musicians from the symphony who will discuss "Expressive Qualities" of music with the class. On February 17, the musicians will be discussing the "Role of Pitch" with grade 3 here at school. Finally, "Making Music with the Violin" will be presented to the first grade on February 24.

Attention Art Lovers
The artwork of the following students has been selected to represent St. Ambrose School at the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Volunteer Association annual art contest, "Picture the Music": Daniel E., gr. 1; Katrina L., gr.2; Charles S., gr. 3; Paul P., gr. 4; Alexandra S., gr. 5; and Casey M., gr. 6. Students listened to "Bolero," by Maurice Ravel, and then created art inspired by the music. Winners will be announced in February.

The magnificent artwork of our students will be on display at the Archdiocesan Student Art Exhibit during Catholic Schools Week, (January 25-31), at Plaza Frontenac, Lindbergh and Clayton Roads during regular mall hours.
The beautiful artwork of the following students will be showcased:
Gr. 1 Natalie S., Gr. 2 Carolyn S., Gr. 3 Madison T., Gr. 4 Jacob C., Gr. 4 Sam H., Gr. 5 Henry K., Gr. 6 Jaime D., Gr. 6 Marissa S., Gr. 7 Kyle B., Gr. 8 Maddi W., Gr. 8 Stephen L.
We congratulate these students, and we invite you to view many more fine works of art by our students that are currently on display in the hall outside the Main Office / Art Room.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Q:	Do I need to be Italian, Catholic, or a parishioner to send my child to St. Ambrose School?
A:	We accept non-parishioners and non-Catholics, although all will learn our Catholic identify, study religion, and attend Mass. We are proud of our Italian roots and heritage, but open to all.
Q:	What are the phone numbers associated with the school?
A:	Office: (314) 772-1437 Fax: (314) 771-4560
Q:	What is the Mass schedule for students?
A:	Grades 5-8: Tuesdays 8 am Grades K-4: Wednesdays 8 am Grades K-8: Fridays 8 am Parents and parishioners are welcome to attend the school Masses
Q:	What are the beginning and ending times for the school day?
A:	6:30 am - 7:30 am: Extended Care available 7:30 am: Doors open for non-extended care children 7:40 am: Children go to homeroom 7:50 am: Homeroom begins, with students in their seats ready to begin the day After 7:50 am: An adult must accompany their child to the office to sign them in and to receive a Tardy slip to be given to the Homeroom Teacher 8:00 am: Classes begin 3:00 pm: End of day 3:00 pm -6:00 pm: Extended Care
Q:	What is the lunch program?
A:	St. Ambrose does offer a hot lunch program with food provided by Chris’ Pancakes and Dining. The cost of the lunch card is $23 for a seven lunches. Children are able to purchase or bring their lunch daily. If a student forgets a lunch, a cheese sandwich will be provided for $1.
Q:	Where can I find additional information regarding school policies, procedures, news, etc?
A:	All information for school can be found at: www.fastdir.com/stambrose and www.stambroseonthehill.com Financial Matters are handled at the rectory. Please contact (314) 771-1228

We invite any parents needing additional assistance to contact the office.

Miscellaneous

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Playground Notice
The playground is not open for play during the basketball games. We want to avoid unsupervised play, as there will be many visitors/traffic going in and out of the gym. Is this ok with you? Can you give me an idea of how this can be stated? We have posted a sign that the playground is off limits during basketball games and this door should not be opened.

To Families Enrolled in Extended Care:
After much consideration, Msgr. Bomarrito has given permission for students who attend Extended Care in grades 6, 7, and 8 to go out to lunch on half days. Students will NOT check into Extended Care until after they return from lunch. No one will be accepted into Extended Care after 1:45 pm. It is the parents' responsibility to make sure the student(s) has arrived at Extended Care by 1:45 pm. Extended Care staff will NOT be responsible for the student(s) until AFTER they are clocked in at Extended Care. Failure to meet this 1:45 pm arrival time will result in forfeiture of this lunch privilege. A signed, handwritten permission note must be presented to the Extended Care staff at least 24 hours before the half day.
Also, if your child(ren) will be leaving Extended Care with anyone other than the names you have given on the Extended Care forms, we will require a signed, handwritten permission note. A verbal "Okay" in person or over the phone cannot be accepted per the Extended Care Guidelines. Please be sure to update your Extended Care Release Form frequently!
Thanks so much for your understanding in these matters!!!!
Sincerely, Sue Nelson

Help Keep the Communication Channels Open
Please forward any information you wish to include in this newsletter to Debbie Hilderbrand or Sharon Gambaro via Fast Direct or through the school office. Additionally, Marsy Canino will be available in the school parking lot on Friday afternoons to receive and forward your news for publication.

Share Your Pics for the Yearbook
There is a new way to submit photos online for consideration in the yearbook. Log on to images.jostens.com, enter Login ID# 1171022 and Password onthehill. Browse to select the photo(s) you wish to upload, click on Image Share. Enter info about the photo and contact info, then click Save Details. Photos can also be submitted on a cd (just send to the school office, addressed "Yearbook") or emailed to Laura McQuay at lramcq@hotmail.com.

Parent/yearbook advisor Laura McQuay is in need of pictures from last year's Confirmation. Photos can be submitted on a cd (jpg) and sent to the office marked "yearbook" or to Laura McQuay's attention, or e-mailed to lramcq@hotmail.com or to Jostens' new website. If you have any questions, please contact Laura through Fast Direct.

Volunteer Opportunities

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 (www.archstl.org)
or you may call Linda in the school office (772-1437).

The Marketing Committee is looking for parents with flexible schedules to give school tours.

Reference

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Easy Ways to Show Your Support
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.
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.
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.
Boxtops for Education, Campbell's Labels, and Swanson Labels: Keep clipping boxtops and labels and saving them for upcoming contest: October 6 through 17.

Help Support YOUR PTO
The way we are able sponsor events for our families is through Together We Are Better and e-scrip. Please register for a Schnuck's gift card; they send us 1% of total registered sales each month. We only have about 3% of our families who participate, and we receive around $500 a month. Just think if 50% of our families participated! Please continue to support the PTO, so we can continue to become stronger for our family events and children's activities.

With Together We Are Better in mind, I started a promotion through my business for St. Ambrose. I am in the mortgage business and I offered to donate back to St. Ambrose any time I do a mortgage for someone and they mention St. Ambrose to me. There is an ad in the auction book describing my offer. Basically, if I originate a mortgage for someone that is a family or friend of St. Ambrose, I will donate .1% of the loan amount back to St. Ambrose up to $200. So on a $175K mortgage, St. Ambrose would get a $175 donation from me. I have one St. Ambrose deal closing this month worth a $93 donation back to the school. The more it is promoted, the more I can donate back to school and build my business at the same time. If you want me to do more to promote this offer, I would be happy to.
Thanks, Christine Wilson

Middle School House System
This year our homerooms are made up of our house teams. We think this will help promote relationships within the team and with their team moderator. Houses, moderators, and colors are:

Michael House	Mrs. Kar	red
Brigid House	Mrs. Scherer	green
David House	Mrs. Hilderbrand	orange
Vincent House	Mrs. Schaeffer	yellow
Catherine House	Mrs. Black	purple
Thomas House	Mrs. King	blue

Our Fabulous Faculty

Grade	Teacher
K	Maria Foster
1	Mary Lynne Harris
	Jennifer O'Toole
2	Jennifer Smith
	Margaret Rotter
3	Emily Elmore
	Ann Grandstaff
4	Anne Henning
	Sr. Margaret Mary Stoverink
5	Michelle Patke
	Eugene Marella
Brigid 301	Mary Scherer
Catherine 302	Kate Black
David 303	Debbie Hilderbrand
Thomas 304	Judy King
Vincent 305	Erin Schaeffer
Michael 306	Shanna Kar
Art	JoAnn Dreas
Computer	Debbie Hilderbrand
Learning Consultant, K-4	Terry Kellar
Learning Consultant, 5-8	Lisa Horner
Physical Education	Beth Brickey
Italian, K-8	Annunciata Buzzai
Teacher Aide	Sr. Sandra Krupp
Principal	Sr. Carol Sansone
Office	Hilma Moses
Office	Linda Gambaro
Extended Care	Susan Nelson