St. Ambrose School
2009-2010
Weekly
News Files
October 29, 2009
On behalf of Gina Nerviani Stallis' sons, thank you to all who have shared their blessings and expressions of support.
Many have already responded, but remember that through November 1 we are accepting contributions to the scholarship fund.
Please make checks payable to St. Ambrose and return to school.
Grazie (Thank You)
to the following people for their assistance
Ravetta Picture Day --Assisted
by Theresa Weitz
Boxtops preparations --Chair: Angie Kaestner;
Health Screening Days--Chair: Annie Massella
Special Lunches--Chair: Toni Paulus
Enrichment Program--Chair: Bernadette Mense
Trunk or Treat--PTO Pres: Lisa DiPaolo
Links to This Week's New Articles
News Section
Change Clocks/Change Uniform
Flu Vaccine
Goodsearch Update
Events and Activities
Section
Trunk or Treat Update
High School Open Houses
Reconciliation Meeting
Speech Meet
In the Classroom
Section
Much Ado in Middle School
| Thursday, October 29 |
No School, Parent Teacher Conferences |
| Friday, October 30 |
No School, Teacher InService at Vianney
Trunk or Treat, 6:30 - 8:30 pm - Please note time change |
| Saturday, October 31 |
Happy Halloween |
| Sunday, November 1 |
All Saints Day
Daylight Saving Time Ends
Catholic High School Open House |
| Tuesday, November 3 |
2nd Grade Parent Reconciliation Meeting, 7:00 pm, Church |
| Wednesday, November 4 |
PTO Board Meeting |
| Saturday, November 7 |
Bellarmine Speech Meet, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm |
| Sunday, November 8 |
Quilt Social, doors open at noon |
| Monday, November 9 |
Protecting God's Children Workshop
St. James the Greater School, 7:00 pm |
| Wednesday, November 11 |
High School Applications Due to Teachers |
| Thursday, November 12 |
Faculty Meeting, Noon Dismissal
Mission Day |
| Friday, November 13 |
All-School Mass Honoring Veterans
All families and veterans invited; reserved pews for veterans |
| Sunday, November 15 |
Open House
Focus for families with preschool children; however, all families are invited to attend. |
| Monday, November 16 |
PTO SPecial Lunch: Mama Toscano's |
| Tuesday, November 17 |
Young People Concert, Grades 4-6, 9:30 am
School Board Meeting |
| Tuesday, November 24 |
Young Adult Concert, Grades 7-8, 10:00 am |
| Wednesday, November 25 |
Noon Dismissal |
| Thursday, November 26 |
Happy Thanksgiving |
| Friday, November 27 |
No School |
| Monday, November 30 |
PTO Family Night at Kemoll's |
Change Clocks/Change Uniform
On Saturday, October 31, before you go to bed, don’t
forget to turn your clocks back one hour. As a reminder, when the
clocks change, so does the school uniform. As of Monday, November 2,
students are no longer allowed to wear shorts to school. This goes for
dress down days, birthday celebrations, and any other type of dress
down activity that we may have at school. Please also check skirt and
hair lengths as we change seasons. Remember that t-shirts worn beneath
the uniform shirt must be white and that socks are to be white, black,
or blue.
Flu Vaccine
We are waiting for consent forms from city health officials and
the archdiocese. With parent permission, students will be vaccinated,
beginning with the youngest and continuing through as many students as
we recieve vaccine doses. We are not yet sure which type of vaccine or
when theses will be received. Please continue using general precautions
at home, as we are at school. Our absences have decreased by more than
half the high of 50 students.
Goodsearch Update
Be on the lookout towards the end of November as we'll be mailing
donation checks across the country. We are thrilled to once again
help fund so many worthy nonprofits and schools and are excited to
report that many organizations will be receiving large checks this
year!
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!
South City Catholic Collaborative Update
- Church Tour on November 4 has close to 60 participants registered for the day out.
- Approximately
800 students and staff from 13 of our schools will attend Mass at the
Cathedral Basilica on November 10 with Archbishop Carlson as celebrant.
May these events bring about a sense of unity and collaboration among participants.
Special
Intentions
Contact Debbie Hilderbrand if you wish to include any prayer intention
in the newsletter.
|
 Events
and Activities |
Top |
Trunk or Treat Update
Friday, October 30, 6:30 - 8:30 pm, Rain or Shine!
Sparky the Clown: 6:45 - 8:15 pm
Abra-Kid-Abra: 7:00 pm
This
year, the event is being held in the church lot. Cars may start
entering the lot for their assigned spaces at 6:00 pm. Costumed
children can trick for treats from the trunks
of vehicles whose owners have reserved a parking spot. Concessions
available for purchase in the cafeteria include hot dogs, hamburgers,
waffles, and chips. Chefs may compete in the Chili Cook-Off and
anyone
may purchase a tasting bowl to sample the entries.
High School Open Houses
Almost
all of the High Schools in our area will be hosting their annual Open
Houses for students and their families on Sunday, November 1. We are
encouraging our Middle School families to attend as many as they can.
These Open Houses are a great time for schools to showcase their
programs and facilities. Open House Schedules for the area High Schools
can be found in our school newsletter at www.fastdir.com/stambrose by
clicking on the Weekly Newsletter link on the front page.
Reconciliation Meeting
The
Second Grade Parent Reconciliation Parent Meeting will take place on
Tuesday, November 3, at 7:00 pm in the church. All second grade parents
are asked to attend. Information regarding the Sacrament of
Reconciliation will be distributed and discussed.
Speech Meet
The
first Speech Meet of the year will take place on November 7, from 9:30
am-3:00 pm at St. Genevieve DuBois School. St. Ambrose students that
will be participating are: Will H. (6th Grade-Humorous Category), Brian
L. (7th Grade Humorous Category), Paige B. (8th Grade Humorous
Category), Rachel S. (8th Grade Serious Category), Chandler A. (8th
Grade Serious Category), and Amber M. and Shelby D. (7th Graders for
Duet Category).
Show Us Your Grades
Hidden Valley Ski and Snowboard Resort in Wildwood, Missouri, has
partnered with your child’s school to assist in promoting good
grades and exercise. Skiing and snowboarding are lifelong sports that
offer great winter exercise for all ages. While many children are
hibernating during the winter, Hidden Valley is open December –
February and often into the first weeks in March, offering a mountain
of fun.
Our program is called SHOW US YOUR GRADES. The details are described below:
- Any student in the 1st through 12th grade, in a public or private school, is eligible for this program.
- The
program is for report cards issued at the end of the first
quarter/semester only so that students have an opportunity to use their
lift ticket during the 09/10 ski season.
- These vouchers will be valid for the 2009-2010 ski/snowboard season only.
- At
the end of the first quarter/semester, the school office will fax to
Hidden Valley a list of those students who have achieved the A/B Honor
Roll.
- Hidden
Valley will then mail Lift Ticket Vouchers to the school and the school
passes them on to the students who qualify. *Please note this lift
ticket voucher does not include ski or snowboard rental. If
rental is needed, the student may purchase it at the ticket window when
they arrive at Hidden Valley. Lessons are also available.
Please check the website for hours of operation, prices, lessons, and more information about Hidden Valley Ski and Ride.
Save the Date
The second quarter PTO Family Dinner at Kemoll's is scheduled for November 30. Watch for a flyer with more information and be aware that on this night, and for any other PTO Family Dinners, Extended Care will close at 4:45, one hour early. Thanks!
|
 Volunteer
Opportunities |
Top |
Can You Spare Some Time Over
Lunch?
We
are in need of parent volunteers for lunch/recess, hours are 10:50 -
12:40. Please remember that you must have completed Protecting God's
Children and the associated paperwork. Please contact Bernadette Mense
via Fast Direct if you can help.
|
In
the Classroom |
Top |
Much Ado in Middle School
- Mrs. Kar's 6th grade
Grammar
The
students are understanding the writing process of revision by writing a
paragraph inspired by Harris Burdick's illustration of "Just Desert"
and understanding the importance of a good "hook" sentence.
- Mrs. Kar's 6th grade
Literature
The students just completed Louis Sachar's novel Holes this past week and are in the midst of beginning their alphabet books through a tiered assignment, due 2 November 2009.
- Mrs. Kar's 8th grade Accelerated Math The
students have chosen to understand real life financial obligations
through their analysis of what it would take to become a forensic
pathologist--tuition, room and board, cost of living, car payments,
insurance, etc. They are applying their knowledge of unit rates and
being introduced to Excel spreadsheets. It will culminate in a year-end
project based on certain criteria.
- Mrs. Kar's 7th grade
Religion
The students will begin exploring RCIA and reflecting on the service towards Confirmation.
- 7th grade Social
Studies
Completing their patriot cereal boxes.
- 8th grade Social
Studies
Writing an essay on Reconstruction.
- 6th grade
Math
Multiplying and dividing decimals.
- 8th grade
Religion
Studying the seven deadly sins.
- 7th grade Language
Arts
Studying characteristics of memoirs and will be writing a short piece.
- 8th grade Language
Arts
Writing a brief literary response paper on Tom Sawyer.
Student comments on the South City Confirmation Rally:
"I liked meeting other kids"--Aaron P.
"Seeing Adam bob for Spam was fun"--Alex B.
"Mass and church were awesome"--Ryan B.
"It was fun; it taught me more than I already knew"--Chandler A.
Comments of the 6th grade Community and Organization day:
"I liked going to Favazza's"--Anna C.
"Cleaning out my locker was a big relief because I could actually get my stuff out"--Ivan I.
"I had fun playing Zoom--we all had to work together"--Amy C.
Comment on the 5th grade Character Education Day:
"I liked when we talked about stress and keeping a positive attitude.
We watched 'Prince Brat and the Whipping Boy.'"--Julianna D.
Comments from Grades K-2 on Bringing a
Friend to Lunch
Daniel in Kdg - "My mom came and brought mac-n-cheese! I had fun seeing my
mom."
Gianni in Kdg - "My grandma brought me
McDOnald's and it was fun spending time with her."
Victoria in Kdg - "My mom and dad both
came and brought McDonald's. It was lots of fun!"
Hayden in Kdg - "My dad brought me
McDonald's and I got a toy."
Corie in Kdg - "My mom couldn't come
so I got to sit with Audrey."
Adam in Kdg - "I loved the Magic
Show!"
Rocco in 1st Grade - "It was the best
day ever!"
Alondra in 1st Grade - "I had fun with
my dad."
Mark in 1st Grade - "It was the best
day of my life and my grandma was so mice to bring me Burger King."
Daniel in 2nd Grade - "I loved it!
I got to play tag with my dad at recess!"
Sean in 2nd Grade - "I liked it a lot
because my dad watched me play at recess."
Eli in 2nd grade - "I liked the lunch
my mom brought me from Bread Co."
Morgan in 2nd Grade - "I loved it, my
mom brought me just what I wanted."
Leyla in 2nd Grade - "Mom got to watch
me do the monkey bard."
Julian in 2nd Grade - "My dad listened
to me and brought me Gus' Pretzels, my favorite!"
|
Awards
and Achievements |
Top |
|
 Miscellaneous |
Top |
Increase The Return to St. Ambrose when Shopping at Schnucks
Through November 10, use your Schnucks eScrip card and when you
purchase select Kraft items, and St. Ambrose can earn an extra 3% of
the purchase price! View the web page for details.
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.
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!
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
Jen Cissi
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
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
Every
Wednesday, October 7 to November
18
Cooking Class 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
PTO
Special Lunch Schedule
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 dates for the First Semester lunches are as follows:
November
16 - Toscano's (Toasted ravioli and garlic bread)
December
14 - Favazza's (Grilled Italian chicken strips and white pasta)
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
- Lunch
cards are $15.00 for 5 lunches.
- Every
child buying lunch must have a lunch card before getting in line. Money
will not be accepted in the lunch line. Please make checks payable to
Chris'.
- Students
who forget their lunch will be given cereal and milk that will cost
1.00. Parents will be notified through Fast Direct.
- Snacks
such as pizza, nachos, cereal will be available to buy for students in
grades 3-8.
- A
lunch count is essential in the morning, so there is no food waste and
the students who come through last have a proper lunch. We will not
prepare for extra lunches this year.
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 |
| Teacher Aide |
Sr. Sandra Krupp |
| 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)
Calendar
News
Reference