FEBRUARY 2013 NEWS UPDATES

The first week of March is time for the Terra Nova testing.  We will be testing students in grades K, 2, 3, 4, 6 & 7.  During the testing week, it is important for students to be well-rested and fueled with a good breakfast and healthy snack.  Students should be prepared with two sharpened, #2 pencils each day with an eraser.  Each day testing will take place during the first period(s) of the day so that children are at their best.  Schedules will be adjusted during the week to accommodate the testing. 

 Thank you for your prompt attention to returning the special surveys we sent in the mail a few weeks ago.  It is important that everyone return them as they help determine the amount of government funding we receive.  We will send out some reminders. 

 Re-registration is going well and I am grateful to the families who sent in the paperwork these first two weeks.  The sooner the better for the office!  Once we have our numbers, we are able to start preparing book orders, stationary, etc. 

 Sunday, 2/24 is our last formal Open House for new or interested families.  I ask you to please invite any friends or neighbors to join us at 2 p.m. for the presentation and then tour the school.  Of course, we will always welcome families to tour at other times.

 Volunteers needed:  On Wednesday, March 6^th our school nurse is required to be at an in-service day and the district is not providing a sub for the day as the nurses will be busy.  If any parent who is a nurse would be willing and able to volunteer your services for all or part of the day, please let the office know.  Thanks.

Mrs. Judy Sweeny from the Office of Catholic Education will be visiting our school on Thursday, February 28^th.  She will review our Strategic Plan. 

Friday, Feb. 22nd is the last day to register on-line or via school for the 5k Fun Run/Walk and Kids Run!  You can register the day of the race but the cost is higher and adults are no longer able to get the tech t-shirt after the 22^nd.  We are in need of some volunteers to help out on the day of the event.   To volunteer, please go to http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B044AAAAE238-5kfun . 

 The Used Book Sale is set for the weekend of March 2 & 3.  If you haven’t cleaned out your shelves, please do so and drop off your donations.  The sale will take place at Hospitality Saturday/Sunday.  Thanks to Diane Glasser and Jeannette Zoretic for their work on this project.

 NAR – MARCH 9, 2013

Brothers’ Food Orders – download the form at the website and place your order.  Your food will be delivered to you!  Orders are due by Friday, 3/1.

• Preview the beautiful baskets at Hospitality Sunday on March 2^nd & 3^rd in the school cafeteria. 
• Check the emails that went home on Wednesday afternoon with

 LIVING OUR FAITH

Pope Benedict XVI – We are living in a time of change!  Our Holy Father will retire next week and a new Pope will be elected by a conclave of Cardinals during March.  Each one of us is invited to pray in gratitude for the Holy Father at this time.  We also should pray to the Holy Spirit to guide the election of the new Pope.  I invite you to take the time to share information about the Papacy with your children.  For some, it is the first time of transition in Church leadership.  The process is unique and one that we don’t always see first hand.

 LENT – Stations of the Cross on Friday evening at 6:30 p.m.  Come pray with the parish community and join fellowship afterwards in the cafeteria.  Bring your family for this sacred tradition.

 An easy way to get the family involved in the life of the parish is to sign up as Mass Greeters.  If you would like to schedule one or more times to serve as a family, please use the Sign Up Genius link:  www.SignUpGenius.com/go/409044CAFA929A02-greeters.

 CYO Annual Retreats – Please sign up ahead of time by contacting Erin Downing.

Grades 5 & 6 – Pizza & Scripture with Father Gleason – Friday, February 22^nd

Grades 7 & 8 – Evening of Reflections – Wednesday, February 27^th from 6:30 – 8 p.m.

 The deadline for the application for tuition assistance for EITC funds through BLOCS or The Foundation for Catholic Education in Chester County is rapidly approaching – March 15.  Applications are sent to PSAS for BLOCS and The Foundation.  The same application with one fee is being used by both organizations.  I would ask that if you are completing the application, please send a copy of your completed application in an envelope addressed to me.  Should PSAS have any questions, then I will be able to clarify them, if needed.  You will note that the application form requests your 2011 tax return information.  Please note that you will be asked to provide your 2012 return as well.  If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact me.

 PIZZA BINGO is re-scheduled for Friday, April 5^th.  If you already paid, then you are set to go.  If you paid and would like a refund, please contact Christie Slade (Eeyoreslade@hotmail.com) and she will return your check.  If you are now able to attend, watch for a new sign announcement, based on space available.

 Fundraising February is underway and we are grateful to those who are participating. We ask each family to participate in fundraising by either paying the fee or selling the candy/candles.  

 Collecting pop tabs from juice, soda or other cans helps support Philadelphia’s Ronald McDonald House. The tabs are recycled (sold) and the money is used to help families of sick children being treated in Philadelphia by offering a place for them to stay for $15.00 per night.   Tabs will be collected from Tuesday, February 19 through Tuesday, April 23.  A container marked with Ronald McDonald House will be in the cafeteria starting on February 19th.  Last year we collected about 16,000 tabs which equals about a quarter of a mile with the tabs placed end to end or about 13 pounds. We would love to beat/top last years’ amount!

 From Sister Mimi . . . (we recently sent a donation to Sister in Peru, South America)

 Very Dear Sister Joan, Teachers, Children, and Parents of St. Agnes School,

 Thank you for being such generous donors to the people of Montenegro.  Your love and care for us in making such a difference in so many lives her, especially our child in Fe y Alegria.  Please know that you are all remembered each day in our chapel visits and Saturday evening Mass.  Our thanks comes to you through prayer – our greatest source of unity!

 Gratefully,

Sister Mimi DePaul, IHM

 DECADES WEEK

March 4 – 8, 2013

 Everyone is getting ready for our annual Decades Week!  There will be many fun activities, along with learning about events and people from the past.  Each grade has been assigned to the decades as follows:

80’s                 Grades 1 & 8

70’s                 Grades 3 & 7

60’s                 Grades 4 & 6

50’s                 Grades 2 & 5 

 There will be an opportunity for the students to dress up with apparel from their decade so start brainstorming!

 If any parents or grandparents would like to come in to talk to us about one of the decades, we would like to have you in school.  If you are available to visit on Tuesday afternoon for about ½ hour, please contact Sister Joan (principal@saintagnesschoolwc.org) and we will coordinate the grades and times.

 The activities that are planned for the week include:

Monday – TV show or movie clip from the decade

Tuesday – visit from someone in the decade

Wednesday – game day or BINGO

Thursday – Dance Party & dress up day

Friday – Classroom activity of choice