Extended Care Enrichment Program Schedule
Click for more information on the Extended Care Enrichment Program.

Every Tuesday, October 6 to December 8 (Plus, an additional practice on December 9.)
    Family Musical Theatre: Singing, movement, skills of the theatre
        3:45 pm to 5:15 pm
            Grades 4 – 8
                A Christmas Carol to be held on December 10, 2009
Set production and stage crew are part of the needs for this production.
 
Every Tuesday, October 6 to December 8
    Beginning Dance by Christina Stemmler
        3:30 pm to 4:15 pm
            Grades K-2
    Intermediate Dance by Christina Stemmler
        4:30 pm to 5:15 pm
            Grades 3-8
 
Every Wednesday, October 7 to November 18        
    Karate by Robinson’s Karate
        3:15 pm to 4 pm
            Grades K-8
 
FULL Every Wednesday, October 7 to November 18        
    Cooking Classes by Sr. Margaret Mary

        3:30 pm to 4:45 pm
            Grades 4-8
 
Thursday, October 1, 15, 29, November 5, 19, and December 3 (every other week for 6 sessions)
    Chess by Mrs. Haynie and Mrs. Oliver
        3:30 pm to 4:15 pm
            Grades K-8

We Give Thanks
Thank you to the PTO for organizing the Wiffles, Waffles, and Washers Family Gathering on Sunday, September 20. A great time was had by all and everyone enjoyed the games, food, and fun. Thank you to Sr. Carol and Sr. Margaret Mary for preparing all the waffles, Mr. Bean for the music, and to all who worked and attended.

You Give Thanks
A parent, upon returning home from our most recent PTO Meeting, sent this note to Sr. Carol Sansone, our principal. It is such a wonderful message, we wanted to share it with the rest of the community. We sincerely thank the parent for such kind words.
“Sr. Carol - I am not sure how to do an e-mail to the entire staff...but I did not want to forget to let you know how impressive St. Ambrose is as an elementary school. I always leave those Back to School nights amazed at the quality staff and technology systems that you have in place. Additionally, I love the spirit of community that is so much a part of St. Ambrose. There is so much compassion and caring in this community, especially amongst the leadership and all the teachers. As I have been getting out seeing the different high schools, I am always amazed at how much St. Ambrose has to offer as an elementary school-some of the high schools’ technology can not even compare to what you all have been able to put in place at St. Ambrose. It seems that your vision continues to keep St. Ambrose a top school, and the heart of the school environment just keeps beating so strong. Sorry to be so long winded, but I fear that you all end up hearing more “constructive criticism” when really all that happens between those school walls is truly a beautiful thing. I can testify as my children are products of that environment...and they are good kids...so THANKS! You all are doing great work!”

Office Notes

• Please let Linda know if your child has any health problems or allergies, for their safety.
• Entertainment Books are still available in the School Office for $30.

La Festa Raffle Tickets
This year, students brought home four books of raffle tickets instead of two. The increased number of books is needed to offset the costs of the eight new air conditioners purchased by Msgr. Bommarito and installed in classrooms this summer, as well as the subsequent increased electric bills.

An incentive is being provided this year for highest ticket sales, broken down into three groups by grade: K-2, 3-5 and 6-8. One student from each group with the highest number of tickets sold will receive a $50 TWB gift certificate of their choice. Please ensure the student's name is on the envelope when turning them back in to receive credit for tickets sold.

THE DEADLINE FOR TURNING IN SOLD TICKETS IS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1. If you do not sell all four books of tickets, it's important that you return the tickets so others can try to sell them. If you need additional tickets, please contact Jen Cissi or the rectory. As always, thank you so much for your support!

Graduate Student Counselors
This semester, we are again blessed to have four graduate students in counseling who will be doing their practicums with us at St. Ambrose. We are pleased to be able to offer this service to our families. The counselors will be available for individual counseling for students who may be experiencing social, family, or personal issues and may benefit from having someone with whom to share their feelings. If you feel your child might benefit from working with a counselor for the fall semester, please contact Lisa Horner via e-mail or at extension 119, so that she can send home a consent form for you to sign. If you have any questions about the counselors, please also contact Mrs. Horner.

Family Rosary Shrine Rotation
The rotation of the Family Rosary Shrines has begun. If there is a special week in which a family would be interested in having it at their house, please inform the homeroom teacher, grades K - 8. Circulation of the shrine is to encourage praying the rosary in the home, especially for the intentions of world peace and the year of vocations.

Title Programs and Teachers
The Title Programs are government-funded in support of students and faculty and currently part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Title 1 provides remedial reading and math instruction outside the classroom and supplemental to what is taught in the classroom. Workshops are also offered to those classroom teachers whose students are eligible for the Title 1 program. The Title 1 teachers are Jan Gillings and Babette Morgan. Title 2 provides funds for professional development of St. Ambrose faculty and Title 4 funding supports the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse programming, as well as Middle School team building and social skill development workshops.

Beat the Bell Challenge
Sr. Carol is offering a treat if we can achieve No Tardies for 10 days in the month of September. We hope this can be a school wide achievement, but she will also offer the reward by grade levels. Please be aware that, thanks to proceeds from the 2008 Bells of St. Ambrose auction, a new bell system is in place this year.

Special Intentions
Contact Debbie Hilderbrand if you wish to include any prayer intention in the newsletter.