St. Ambrose School Provides Dividends for Life
St. Ambrose School, 2009-2010
Weekly News Files
March 18, 2010
 
Calendar News Events and Activities Volunteer Opportunities In the Classroom Awards and Achievements Miscellaneous Reference

Links to This Week's New Articles
News Section
    Convent to Classrooms Auction Raffle
    Advancement Conference
    Student St. Joseph Altar
    Faculty Retreat Day
    Congratulations
    Office Contacts
Events and Activities Section
    Scholastic Book Fair
    Special Days for Grade 2
    Honors and Awards Mass
    Stations of the Cross
    Primary and Intermediate Drop-In Days
    Mark Your Calendar for April 17
Volunteer Opportunities Section
    PTO Committees Are Forming
Awards and Achievements Section
    Onward to the Playoffs
    Incredibly Wonderful Art News
    

Calendar

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March 14 - 21 National Prayer Week
Thursday, March 18 Student St. Joseph Altar
8:00 am Blessing
Friday, March 19 No School, Faculty Retreat Day
Saturday, March 20 Bellarmine Speech Meet
Sunday, March 21 Parish St. Joseph Altar
After 11:00 Mass, Cafeteria
March 22 - 26 Scholastic Book Fair
Wednesday, March 24 Second Grade Enrollment Mass and Breakfast, 8:00 am
Thursday, March 25 Second Grade Retreat, Our Lady of the Snows
Book Fair Extended Hours and Dinner, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Friday, March 26 Clelian and Honor awards following 8:00 am Mass
Monday, March 29 Poison Control Assembly, grades K - 3, 9:00 am
March 30 - 31 Primary Drop-In Days
April 1 - 7 Easter Break
Thursday, April 8 School Resumes
Tuesday, April 13 Confirmation
Thursday, April 15 Faculty Meeting, Noon Dismissal
Saturday, April 17 PTO Mouse Races, 6:00 pm
Tuesday, April 20 School Board Meetng
Wednesday, April 21 2nd Grade Student and Parent Bread Ceremony, 7:00 pm, Church
Saturday, April 24 First Holy Communion, 9:30 am
Bellarmine Speech Meet
Sunday, April 25 Mostaccioli Dinner to benefit St. Ambrose Tuition Assistance Program, noon - 6:00 pm, Cafeteria
Wednesday, April 28 2nd Grade Field Trip to Zoo
Uniform Fitting, 3:15 - 6:30 pm


News

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Convent to Classrooms Pre-Auction Raffle
Raffle chairs Mimi Lordo and Cindy Patton have organized a great pre-auction fundraiser. Raffle tickets have been sent home and the raffle drawing to be held on May 27, 2010.
Grand Prize: $5000.00
2nd Prize: $300 Pasta House Company Gift Certificate
3rd Prize: $200 Pasta House Company Gift Certificate
Tickets are $100 each; buy two and get the third free!
As an incentive to ticket sellers, a drawing for a $25 Pietro's gift certificates will be held on Friday, March 26. Additional prizes will be awarded to the seller of tickets drawn on the subsequent Fridays: April 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, and 21. Sell the most tickets and win a room at the downtown Hilton and dinner for two at Kemoll's.

Advancement Conference
Sr. Carol and Debbie Hilderbrand attended a presentation on March 11 by Frank Donaldson of the Institute of School and Parish Development (ISPD).

Student St. Joseph Altar
The Second Annual Student St. Joseph Altar was held on March 18 in the school cafeteria. The students built the altar and decorated it with various foods brought in by the students and their families. The altar was blessed at 8 am with a prayer service planned by our Prayer and Sacraments Committee. Msgr. Bommarito then blessed the bread from Fazio's, Missouri Bakery and Vitale's; the food and the altar. Each child was given a piece of bread and following they had the opportunity to purchase anything from the altar. The second grade students were the students of honor and enjoyed a lunch prepared by Sr. Carol, while the seventh graders served them. It was a great day!  Look for pictures next week.

Faculty Retreat Day
The faculty day of retreat on March 19 will be at the Sisters’ retreat house at Montebello and led by Msgr. James Rammaciotti. The theme of the retreat is Building a Faith Community by reflecting on Mother Clelia’s life through a presentation by Sr. Barbara Thomas, ascj.

Congratulations
Office Contacts
As the school year enters the final quarter, please reference the following contacts:
 Special Intentions
Contact Debbie Hilderbrand if you wish to include any prayer intention in the newsletter. We are a prayerful community and wish to provide this avenue of support for any special needs.

Events and Activities

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Scholastic Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fair will take place in the cafeteria during the week of March 22. It opens during the morning of March 22 and will close the evening of March 26. Bring in your friends and family to this great event. The Book Fair will have extended evening hours, until 7:00 pm, on Wednesday March 24 and Thursday, March 25. On Thursday, our Chef Mike will cook a fried chicken dinner that people can purchase as they stay and shop the book fair. The chicken dinner will be complete with mashed potatoes and a vegetable. Price for the dinner is $6 for adults and $4 for children. Please be sure to RSVP to the office by March 23 if you intend to purchase dinner. Come on over, enjoy a dinner, and shop for books for your family members. It’s great fun and all proceeds go towards our library. We look forward to seeing you!

Special Days for Grade 2
On Wednesday March 24, the second grade will have their Enrollment Mass for First Communion. This will take place at the 8:00 am Mass. All parents and guests are invited to this wonderful occasion. On Thursday, March 25, the second grade will travel to Our Lady of the Snows for their Retreat Day for First Communion. They look forward to this field trip because they are with other 2nd graders and they learn about receiving Jesus for the first time. Let us all pray for them during these celebratory times.

Honors and Awards Mass
The Honors/Clelian Mass for the 3rd Quarter will take place on Friday, March 26, at the 8:00 am Mass. All are welcome to attend.

 Stations of the Cross
Please note the following schedule for Stations of the Cross and join us in Church at 2:00 pm.
March 26 - Grades 5-8

Primary and Intermediate Drop-In Days
Parents of students in grades K through 5 are invited to drop-in on classes during the afternoon of Tuesday, March 30, and the morning of Wednesday, March 31, which provides an additional opportunity to attend 8:00 am Mass with your child(ren).

Mark Your Calendar for April 17
Plan to support the Mouse Races at St, Ambrose, proceeds from which will help defray the cost of the School Picnic. Additionally, we look forward to a volunteers from UNICO who will donate their time to clean streets and the soccer lot on April 17.

Volunteer Opportunities

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PTO Committees Are Forming
If you have not completed your Parent Participation Points for the year, now is a great time to volunteer! Contact Lisa DiPaolo for more information.

In the Classroom

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Safe Touch Program
Once again this spring, we are ready to begin the Safe Touch Program for our students. The Archdiocesan Child Safety Committee has developed a school-based curriculum for grades K-8 that contains practical, helpful information to help children protect themselves from dangers that exist today. The curriculum has not changed from previous years. The goal is to equip our students with the skills necessary for them to participate in their own personal physical safety.

The objective of this curriculum, entitled "Safe Touch," is to teach our children self-protection skills. Children will learn body safety rules in an age-appropriate and non-threatening manner. This curriculum will be taught by Lisa Horner, our learning consultant, who is a trained lead teacher for "Safe Touch." It will consist of one class period.

The "Safe Touch" curriculum approaches safety issues in a respectful manner, connecting our Catholic values with information to keep our children safe. Please do not hesitate to contact Sister Carol or Mrs. Horner if you have any questions or concerns regarding this important piece of your child's education.

The curriculum and lesson plan is available for you to look over, should you wish to do so. Just contact Mrs. Horner. If for whatever reason you would prefer your child not to hear this presentation at school, you have the option of opting him or her from the program. Simply contact Sister Carol or Mrs. Horner.


Awards and Achievements

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Onward to the Playoffs
The 5th grade boys basketball team completed a perfect 11 and 0 season, with a victory over Immaculate Heart of Mary. The boys showed a lot of pride and character in representing St Ambrose School. Their ability to work together as a team has earned them a #1 seed in the CYC basketball district playoffs. The players are: Bradley G., Sam H., Andrew L., Ronnie B., Andrew G., Matthew L., John B., David H., Andrew M., Tommy C., Timmy O., and John B. Coach Grassi and Coach Loranger are very proud of them!

Incredibly Wonderful Art News
On March 3, at Powell Symphony Hall, Nina M., grade 6, was awarded the Blue Ribbon for her beautiful Picture the Music artwork! The music this year was a selection from composer Richard Wagner, and Nina truly created her own unique interpretation of how she "pictured" the music. More than 16,500 students from 85 schools participated in this year's contest, which is sponsored by the St. Louis Symphony Volunteer Association. We are SO PROUD of Nina, and to view her winning artwork. Here is a list of dates and locations where it will be exhibited:

Plaza Frontenac
March 17 - 26

Saint Louis Zoo
March 26 - April 7

The Magic House
April 7 - 19

And of course, when it returns to St. Ambrose School, it will be showcased immediately outside of the school office. Congratulations to Nina and all students who participated in the event.

Miscellaneous

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The Catholic Education Office Is on the Move!
Members of the Catholic Education Office will be moving from the Cardinal Rigali Center at 20 Archbishop May Drive in Shrewsbury to the Catholic Center at 4445 Lindell Boulevard in St. Louis City. This move will take place over the next several months. If you plan to visit a member of the Catholic Education Office, please call first to make sure you know which location to visit. (Office phone numbers and e-mails will remain the same.) Thank you for your patience during this process.
 
NOTE: The School Personnel Office will be closed to move on Wednesday, February 24. The School Personnel Office will re-open on Thursday, February 25, at their new location on 4445 Lindell Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63108.

Together We're Better
These merchants are giving us a larger percentage from TWB certificates temporarily.
Please check out the full list on the TWB link on Fastdirect and send your order to the school office. Thanks!

Save-A-Lot is still giving St. Ambrose 2% of some of their sales. All you need to do is send in your Save-A-Lot receipts to the school office, we submit them, and they send us 2% of the total receipts. Please call the office if you have any questions.
From Joey B's Restaurant
Last year was such a success and we thank you for continuing to visit and support us. We enjoy seeing many of you regularly now!! Once again we would like to give back by supporting your parish. Join us Sundays through March 28 and we will be happy to donate 10% of the sales back to St. Ambrose. (Bring in your bulletin or make sure to tell your server to add your receipt to St Ambrose.)

All the staff is looking forward to see St Ambrose Parishioners! Still offering our delicious Fried Chicken Dinner for only $8.99. Open at 11am.

SLU Counseling Service
Again we are very fortunate to have SLU graduate student counselors who will be doing their practicum work here at St. Ambrose. With parent consent, they will be meeting with individual students to counsel them in personal or social issues. We are blessed to be able to offer this service to families for the semester at no charge. Students can be referred by parents and/or teachers. 
Lisa Horner, learning consultant

Yearbook Photos
Mrs. McQuay has set up the website for students, parents, and teachers to submit yearbook photos online directly to Jostens. The Jostens Photo Submission Website is images.jostens.com; the user id is 400005642 and the password is "onthehill."

St. Ambrose Nights at Mr. B's
Eat at Mr. B's on the first and third Thursday of the month and St. Ambrose receives 10% of your purchase. Be sure to mention "St. Ambrose Night" to your server.

Check Out These Websites
What if my favorite charity had a penny for every time I searched the Internet? Now it can! Search the web with www.goodsearch.com and money from their advertisers will go to your favorite charity without you spending a dime!

You can find St. Ambrose Catholic School (St. Louis, MO) listed in WHO DO YOU GOODSEARCH FOR? You can also view how much money has currently been raised.

Here are three keys to substantially increasing the money you earn:

1. Remind everyone to begin their holiday shopping at GoodShop.

2. Ask your local businesses to buy their office supplies on your behalf via GoodShop. All of the top stores including Staples, OfficeDepot and OfficeMax are on-board!

3. Ask all of your supporters to download the new GoodSearch/GoodShop Toolbar to ensure that every search and purchase count!

While you're surfing, be sure to also visit the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Website at www.ascjus.org.

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.

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!

Reference

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Convent to Classrooms Auction
The auction will take place on November 13, 2010, and Mr. Kim Tucci has once again agreed to be the auctioneer for the evening. The cost for the event is $75.00 per person. Contracts for gift donations are available in the school office and we are looking for underwriters for various expenses for the evening. More information will be forthcoming in the bulletin and school papers. If you have any questions or would like to be on a committee, please contact the school office at (314) 772-1437.
Please note the link to the Sponsorship and Catalog Ad Contract on the front page of Fast Direct

Extended Care Enrichment Program
Tuesday: February 16, 23; March 2, 9, 16, 23
•    Abra-Kid-Abra --Gym
Josh Routh
3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Grades K – 3
•    Photography – Art Room
Grandma Judy Bozikis
3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Grades 4 - 8

Wednesday: February 17, 24; March 3, 10, 17, 24
•    Karate
Robinson’s Karate
3:15 pm to 4 pm
Grades K-8
•    Cooking Class
Sr. Margaret Mary
3:30 pm to 4:45 pm
Grades 4-8

Thursday: February 18, 25; March 4, 11, 18, 25
•    Soccer Club “Hoc-Soc After School”
Tony Reynoso
3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Grades 4-8
•    Music and Movement
Mimi Roach
3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Grades K – 2

Science Enrichment
Young Scientist Program from Washington University

Click for more information on the Extended Care Enrichment Program.

Tuition Rates for 2010-2011
The Tuition Rates for the 2010-2011 School Year are posted on the front page of FastDirect. We appreciate the Finance Committee and Monsignor Bommarito working together to keep our tuition rate as low as possible.

Tuition Grant Applications Now Available
Please be advised that the FACTS Tuition Grant Applications through the Archdiocese of St. Louis for the 2010-11 school year are now available. Two methods are available for filing: completing the paper application OR filing online. The website is www.factstuitionaid.com. The deadline to file is APRIL 1, 2010. You can pick up an application Monday through Friday from the Rectory or from Msgr. Bommarito after one of the weekend masses. If you are experiencing financial hardship, please complete this application.
Thank you,
Msgr. Bommarito
Donna Bosch

St. Ambrose Leadership
Please reference the following lists to identify individuals participating in the promotion, advisory, and community building of St. Ambrose School. Click the links for more specific descriptions of each group.

Marketing Committee
Katie Brennan
JoAnn Buckley
Tim Curtain
Chris Felt
Sharon Gambaro
Debbie Hilderbrand
Jill Jovanovic
Maggie Nikoli
Sr. Carol Sansone
Karen Sinak

PTO Board
Lisa DiPaolo, President
Marsy Canino
Sarah Chavez
Sharon Gambaro
Tracy Hill
Michele Keller
Bernadette Mense
Ann Oliver
Peggy Pancella
Toni Paulus
Mary Ellen Stephens

School Board
Fr. Vince Bommarito, Pastor
Katie Brennan, Marketing
Joseph Colagiovanni, Vision
Derio Gambaro, Alumni
Rob Liddy, Finance
Mike Mense, President
Sr. Carol Sansone, Principal
Karen Sinak, Vice President
Jim Summers, Parent Liaison
Brian Ward, Technology
Wes Yates, Legal

PTO Special Lunch 
To thank the neighborhood restaurants for their support and to share their wonderful cuisine with our students, PTO invites them to provide lunch to our students. Each month features a different restaurant and selection. The cost is the same as last year, $4 for grades K-4, $5 for grades 5-8 and teachers/staff. Watch for the order form for these lunches at home and return to the office with your payment. Please note that Chris' will not be served on these days.

Hot Lunch Program Procedures
 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 or consult the recent message to parents on Fast Direct.

Our Fabulous Faculty
Grade Teacher
K Maria Foster

Jennifer Smith
1 Mary Lynne Harris
2 Jennifer O'Toole
Margaret Rotter
3 Emily Elmore
Ann Grandstaff
4 Anne Henning
Sr. Margaret Mary Stoverink
5 Judy King
Kathy McIver
Brigid 301 Mary Scherer
Catherine 302 Kate Black
David 304 Debbie Hilderbrand
Thomas 303 Jen Ronzio
Vincent 305 Erin Schaeffer
Michael 306 Shanna Kar
Art JoAnn Dreas
Computer Debbie Hilderbrand
Learning Consultant, K-4 Michele Grellner
Learning Consultant, 5-8 Lisa Horner
Physical Education Beth Brickey
Italian, K-8 Annunciata Buzzai
Principal Sr. Carol Sansone
Office Hilma Moses
Office Linda Gambaro
Extended Care Bernadette Mense

Middle School 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. Ronzio (blue)