St. Ambrose School,
2009-2010
Weekly
News Files
November 5, 2009
Congratulations to our Trunk or Treat winners:
Madeleine M. and John B. for costumes
Congratulations to
all the Honor Roll and Clelian Award Honorees!
Keep up the good
work!
Links to This Week's New Articles
News Section
ITBS Standardized Testing Scores are IN
Flu Vaccine Update
In This Month of Giving Thanks
Important Reminders
Events and Activities
Section
Athletic Association General Meeting
Open House
In the Classroom
Section
Middle School News
Awards and Achievements Section
Professional Development for our Faculty
| Saturday, November 7 |
Bellarmine Speech Meet, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm |
| Sunday, November 8 |
Quilt Social, doors open at noon |
| November 9 - 20 |
Canned Food Drive |
| Monday, November 9 |
Protecting God's Children Workshop
St. James the Greater School, 7:00 pm |
| Tuesday, November 10 |
Sacramental Mass at the
Cathedral Basilica with Archbishop Carlson as celebrant, 9:30 am
Students in grades 2, 7, and 8 |
| Wednesday, November 11 |
High School Applications Due to St. Ambrose 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 |
ITBS Standardized Testing Scores are IN
On
October 29, parents had the opportunity to speak with teachers
regarding their child’s first quarter grades and standardized testing
scores. Almost all of the parents were present for their conferences.
Those who could not make it, please contact your child’s teacher and
arrange for a time to speak with her about your child’s grades and ITBS
scores. We are proud to announce that our 6th grade and 7th grade
students have raised their scores in the area of Math computation from
last year to this year. We are encouraged by these scores in proving
that our teachers’ planning and students’ hard work is benefitting
everyone. Congratulations to the students and teachers! Mrs. Lisa
Horner will give a presentation/review of the ITBS results on December
2, 2009 at 7:00 pm in the cafeteria. All are invited. Following the
presentation will be the PTO board meeting.
Flu Vaccine Update
The paperwork for the H1N1 vaccine came home on Tuesday,
November 3. Please follow this procedure to assist homeroom teachers
and the office staff in tracking the information:
- Write your child's name on the paperwork regardless of acceptance or rejection.
- Choose
to complete the remaining paperwork and sign it or write the word
REFUSE on it. This will save us from looking both at fastdirect and the
returned paperwork for parents' decision.
- Return paperwork to your child's homeroom teacher.
We
ask that you return paperwork whether a yes or a no as we wish to hear
from all parents. Thank you for your consideration of this process to
keep our children healthy.
In This Month of Giving Thanks
Special thanks to all our parents and students who took part in any or all of the following:
- Ravetta Picture Day, assisted by Theresa Weitz
- Boxtops preparations, chaired by Angie Kaestner
- Health Screening Days, chaired by Annie Massella
- Special Lunches, chaired by Toni Paulus
- Enrichment Program, chaired by Bernadette Mense
- Trunk or Treat--PTO, led by Lisa DiPaolo, with special thanks to our DJ, Mr. Bean
- Mr. Severino and Mr. Early, for supporting our safety efforts
- The Holy Name Society, for subsidizing PE equipment expenses
- We
wish to thank everyone for their kind and generous outpouring of love
and support for Sam and Ben. The scholarship fund accrued $2380 and we
are most appreciative for all your prayers and financial assistance.
Important Reminders
- If
you know of any families specifically interested in St. Ambrose, or
with children approaching grade school age, please invite them to the
Open House on Sunday, November 15. Though the focus for this event
is on preschools, all are welcome. Our current parents are our
strongest advocates and can provide the best support for
our marketing efforts!
- Please
send non-perishable items to the Office, starting November 9, through
November 20, for the Canned Food Drive. In conjunction with this
collection, through St. Vincent de Paul, the
Mission donations for the dress-down day on November 12 is designated
for a family in need at a nearby parish. Please note that since the
winter uniform is in effect, shorts are not permissible dress-down
attire.
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 |
Top |
Athletic Association General Meeting
Please join us November 11, 2009, in the Cafeteria at 7:30 pm, to see what is new in the world of St. Ambrose Sports.
This is also the night to voice any concerns or comments to the entire
board. There will be refreshments and attendance prizes.
Also, there is a open board position (At Large Member). If you are
interested in becoming active in the sports program at St. Ambrose,
please visit www.stambrosesports.com to find out more. This position will be voted on and filled at this meeting.
Open House
Sunday, November 15
10:00 am - 12:00 noon
Enjoy bakery goods, coffee, and juice after 9:00 Mass.
Recieve informaton about all grade levels, plus specialty classes and tour the school.
All are welcome to attend, particularly families of pre-school aged children.
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).
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 |
Middle School News
- 7th and 8th Grammar--beginning the verb chapter
- 8th Grade
Writing--writing a short story based up the scenario "Ordeal by
Cheque," which is a creative writing prompt that tends to toy with
one's imagination. The stories should be interesting!
- 6th Grade Literature--back in the textbook reading Short Stories: "How to Write a Letter"
- 6thA Grammar--writing a first draft letter to a character up in the North Pole. Parents, beware!
- 7th
Religion--reflecting in students' service journals how their little
acts of kindness positively impact the people around them
- 8thB Accelerated Math--learning real life math through Percent Increase and Decrease
House Standings -
Catherine came in 1st Place; Brigid came in 2nd, and
David came in 3rd for the month of October.
|
 Awards
and Achievements |
Top |
Professional Development for our Faculty
The faculty of St. Ambrose attended two all-day workshops during
the month of October. The first, held on October 5, highlighted the
topic “Saying Yes to No,” which was also the theme of a
parent workshop the same evening. The daytime workshop focused on the
brain development of adolescents and the capabilities of adolescents.
All of the teachers who attended (which included all of the city
elementary schools) now have a better understanding of the teaching
strategies that work best with adolescents.
The second workshop, held on October 30, was sponsored by St. John
Vianney high school and faculty from elementary schools in the city and
county attended. This workshop, given by Dr. Harry Wong, and his wife,
Dr. Rosemary Wong, focused on different teaching strategies, plus on
using procedures and how they can help with classroom management. They
shared their own strategies along with those of various teachers
throughout the world. Everyone seemed to enjoy the day and took home
new ideas for the classrooms.
- St. Ambrose was awarded a $500 community service mini grant. More information to follow.
- The
Pendergast-Weyer Foundation visited St. Ambrose for the first phase of
consideration for a technology award through Pendergast-Weyer,
providing funds in support of technology at Catholic Schools in
Missouri.
- Mrs. King and Mrs. McIver attended a Junior Achievement meeting.
- St. Carol
and Mrs. Foster attended a safety program delivered by Ingersoll Rand
at St. Louis University, "Trends in Campus Security."
|
 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.
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!
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
MaryEllen Stephens
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
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