PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION

MR. RIDDER’S REMINDERS –

Feb 29               Dress Down Day – “Favorite Sports Team Theme” for Motorcycle Sales

Mar 3                 NO SCHOOL – Teacher In-Service

Mar 4                 H & S Meeting 7pm in Gym Entrance

Mar 6                 7th & 8th Grade Science Fair

Mar 7                 3rd Quarter Ends

Mar 13               2:00 Dismissal – Teacher In-Service     

Mar 14               Open House 8:30-3pm

Mar 15               St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Downtown Omaha

Mar 17               St. Patrick’s Day – Spirit Day

Mar 20-25          NO SCHOOL – Easter Vacation

Mar 29 & 30       First Eucharist Weekend

DID YOU KNOW…I continue to have people ask me, “what rooms are in the new classroom section”, so here they are: upper level rooms include: a huge media center, a computer lab, three 2nd, three 3rd and one 4th grade classroom, teacher and media center workrooms, a TEAM room, a conference room, a data room, a student and adult rest room.  The lower level includes the following: 7th/8th grade classrooms: Religion, Science, Math, English, Reading, and Social Studies.  It also includes: a science lab (for all students), science lab storage room, an art lab and art storage, a teacher’s lounge, a computer workroom, a counselors office and conference room, a teacher workroom, three storage rooms, adult and student restrooms. This addition will provide us with endless opportunities for our students and staff here at St. Patrick’s.  We took a time out during our school day two weeks to give our 5th through 8th grade students a tour.  WOW, they were more excited than preschoolers lined up to see Santa Claus.  Thank you parents and parishioners for giving us this awesome educational opportunity!

2008-2009 BUILDING MAP

PERSONNEL PLANS/CHANGES FOR 2008-09 SCHOOL YEAR AS OF FEBRUARY 23, 2008

Following are moves/changes that are planed for next year followed by the positions we will be filling.

• Our PreK will remain with four staff; Mrs. Andersen and three teacher assistants accepting up to 64 students. The PreS program expects to be staffed with Mrs. Andersen and two additional teacher assistants allowing up to 42 students.
• Miss Magnuson (4th) will move to 3rd grade
• Mrs. Nelson (4th) will move to 6th grade along with one other 6th grade teacher to meet the needs of our 58 students in this grade level.
• Mrs. Dreher (5th) will move to 7th/8th grade English/Religion
• Mrs. Anielak (4 days a week Resource) will move to 2 days a week
• Mrs. Johnson will move from half-time to full time Spanish teacher and the room closest to the RF offices will become the Spanish room.  (presently, Mrs. Matz’s room)

These moves, our continued growth, improved academics, and faculty changes created the need to hire for the following positions:

• Kindergarten,
• Two 4th grade
• 5th grade
• 6th grade
• A full-time Librarian/Media Specialist
• Half-time Resource
• Half-time Computer teacher
• Half-time Art teacher

This is a very exciting time for all of us at St. Patrick’s with the transition and addition of staff along with the move into our new classrooms this fall.  We have a lot of quality applicants who are thrilled about the opportunity of being considered for a teaching position at St. Patrick’s so I’m very confident that our teaching and learning will be stronger than ever before.  Thank you all for your continued help and support as we work together to provide the very best learning environment available to your children.

A DRESS DOWN DAY WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 29 – We will have a dress down day for staff and students for meeting their 2nd goal by selling motorcycle tickets during the raffle that was held at the fundraiser on Feb. 2nd.  The theme will be “wear your favorite sports team clothing”.  Thanks to everyone who helped make this raffle and event a success.

EXTENDED CARE NOTE - Extended Care is full on Mondays and Tuesdays.  Only families that were originally scheduled may attend those days.  Part-time families that use different days weekly may not use Monday or Tuesday as a day on your calendar.  No Drop-In Care will be permitted.

If you need to change your scheduled days please let Dana Gerten (dgerten@stpatselkhorn.org) know as soon as possible, so we can make the necessary adjustments. When your child does not report to Extended Care and you have scheduled them to be there, it takes time making calls and asking other staff where your child is.  Also, the March calendar is available on the school website. Thank you.

LUNCH ACCOUNTS – For your information, all credits for family lunch accounts will carry over from this year to the 2008-2009 school year.  Balances owed for the 2007-2008 school year must be settled prior to the last day of school. Also, the March menu is available on the school website.

TUITION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE - Now that registration for the 2008-2009 school year is well underway, we ask that families who plan to attend St. Patrick's School and feel that Tuition Assistance may be helpful complete the application in order to be considered.  This application is available by emailing me and I will send it to you via email.  This information will remain very confidential.  This application must be completed annually to qualify. Also, we would like to thank the Knights of Columbus, Men’s Club and the various others that have stepped forward to contribute to our Tuition Assistance Program.  If you or anyone you know would like to contribute to our Tuition Assistance Fund, please contact Don Ridder, Principal at 289-5407 or via email at ridderd@stpatselkhorn.org.

JOIN US FOR STATIONS OF THE CROSS – During this Lenten season, Fr. Dan Lenz, from Mount Michael will be here at 2:30pm to lead us in the Stations of the Cross on the following Fridays, February, 29th,  March 7th, 14th and as well on Wednesday, Mar. 19th.  All family, friends and parishioners are welcome to join us!

2008 ST. PATRICK’S SCIENCE FAIR - The St. Patrick’s 7th & 8th graders will be hosting a Science Fair on Thursday, March 6th, 2008 in the Parish Center from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.  All who can attend are welcome to join in witnessing the upper grades of our school represent themselves at the highest level. 

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART AND HOOPS FOR HEART ARE BACK AT ST. PAT’S - In the past two years we have been at the top of the schools in Nebraska who participate in the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart fundraiser.  Being at the top is great, but knowing that by participating we are saving lives is the biggest reward possible. The ropes started twirling and basketballs started bouncing (weather permitting for hoops) Monday, February 18th in PE class.  Students received their packets, viewed the thank you gifts, and learned about the heart as well as the dangers of heart disease during PE class that week.  If your child plans to help and raise money for this great cause, I need the permission slip that is attached to the packet.  Please have your child give it to his/her homeroom teacher and they will pass them onto me.  If your child misplaces their packet, have them contact me as soon as possible to receive a new one.  If your child chooses to not participate in the fundraising he/she will still benefit from the activities we have planned.  Students that are participating in the hoops for heart fundraiser will be doing jump rope activities unless we are blessed with some warmer weather.  To make things more convenient the American Heart Association has designed a website for on-line donations.  You can access this website by going to www.americanheart.org/hoops .

              All the packets, with money need to be filled out and turned in at the office by March 3rd!  Students will receive thank you gifts based on the money they raise! (You can see the list of gifts on the packet that the students receive)  As a school we are rewarded for our efforts as well.  Last year we were able raise $9,885 dollars received $400 toward new PE equipment.  Also, each class will set a goal and if reached will be awarded with a trip to Mount Michael’s gym for PE class.  Lastly, I would like to thank you for your efforts in the past and hope we can continue to help as many people as possible again this year.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact me via email. Thank You, Nolan Reilly nreilly@stpatselkhorn.org

HOME & SCHOOL MEETING – Tours of the NEW addition will be given from 7:00 until 7:20pm.   Following the tour, we will discuss money issues and committees relating to next year.  Clear your calendar and attend.  Babysitting will be available at a rate of $2.00 per child. Get a chance to win St. Patrick’s apparel. 

MAGAZINE RENEWALS TO BENEFIT ST. PAT’S - S.O.S. Save Our Subscriptions - How Can You Help? Dear Parents and Friends:  This March, from the 7th to the 17th, we will be conducting a magazine subscription fundraiser to raise money for necessary equipment and materials for our new library media center.  If you have subscriptions that need to be renewed before our sale, you may do so online:  WWW.QSP.COM and click “Just Shopping” and enter: St. Patrick’s Online Acct #: 425052783.  You can send e-mails to friends and family inviting them to shop and support our school @ QSP.COM.  Click on “Parents”, register yourself, enter our online Code (425052783) and send friends & family personalized emails or shop away! Renewal orders will simply extend current subscriptions, unless the renewal(s) has expired.  Thank you in advance for your support! We are looking forward to your participation.  A few of the many examples of subscriptions are following: Reader’s Digest, Everyday w/ Rachel Ray, Better Homes & Gardens, Entertainment Weekly, Family Fun, Field & Stream, Golf Digest, Money, Newsweek, Nickelodeon, Real Simple, Seventeen, Sports Illustrated, Time, TV Guide, and American Girl.

GET YOUR PICTURES IN THE YEARBOOK - The Yearbook Staff invites students and parents to submit photos for the yearbook. If you’ve got great photos of school and community events or you and your friends just having fun, we’d like to see them. Our photographers can’t be everywhere. Help us get as many photos as possible to create a terrific book everyone will want to have.
Here is how you can submit photos online:
   • Log on to: images.jostens.com
   • Enter Login ID: 1148179
   • Enter Your Password: password
   • Browse to select the photo(s) you wish to upload.
   • Enter information about the photo and provide contact information in case the staff needs additional information.
   • Click "Save Details".
It’s that easy! Submit your photos today! The last day to submit photos is 6/1/2008.  Thank you, and enjoy the rest of the school year!
The Yearbook Staff will review all photos and determine final yearbook content. We cannot guarantee that all submissions can be used in the book.

7TH AND 8TH GRADE FOOTBALL SIGN-UPS - Open to all St Patrick’s 5-day and RF students on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at 7:00-7:30 pm in the St. Pat’s School Entrance.  The cost is $125.00. There are 8-10 games in the schedule in the P.A.L league.  Practices start in late July. More info call, Jeff Starman @ 359-4153.

CONGRATULATIONS - The St. Patrick's 7th Grade Angels Basketball Team on winning the Parochial Athletic League Tournament last weekend!  Coaches Troy Hottovy, Joe Wingerter and Ted Ramm coached the boys to a 32-26 victory over the St. Wenceslaus Knights.  Team Members included: Joey B., Tobin B., Alex D., Hunter H., Spencer K., Grant R., Bryon S., James W., and Elijah Y.

ST. PATRICK’S ANNUAL FISH FRY – St. Patrick’s Men’s Club will hold their annual Fish Fry in the Parish Center on Friday’s during Lent (February 15th through March 14th).  They will serve Catfish and/or Pollack Fillets from 5pm to 8pm.  Adults are $8 and children ages 4 to 12 are $4. 3 yrs old and under are free.  Cheese pizza and Mac-n-Cheese will be available as well. 

DESSERTS FOR THE LENTEN FISH FRYS - The St. Pat’s Men’s Club will once again hold a Lenten Fish Supper each Friday night during Lent. We ask all parishioners to help supply the dessert for these suppers. We request that each family bring a pie, small cake, dessert bars, or other dessert (about 6 to 10 servings) to the parish center on the Friday designated by the first letter of your last name on the following schedule. Each family will have to donate only one week. 

LAST NAMES BEGINNING WITH:                               DATE                                                                                               

M through P                                                              February 29

Q through S                                                                March 7                                                                               

T through Z                                                                 March 14  

We want to thank each of you in advance for your cooperation and invite you to join us for a great meal each Friday.

SCRIP - SCRIP Tip of the Week… If you bought a Younkers Community Day booklet, don’t forget the sale is this Saturday, March 1!  You can pre-buy now & pick up the items on Saturday, March 1 or anytime after!!!!  Thanks for your support!  Final totals will be posted next week!

St. Pat’s Home & School SCRIP RUNZA Night is scheduled for Tuesday, March 18!!! Mark your calendars!!!  All dine-in & drive-thru sales from 5PM to 8PM at the 168th & Maple location count!!!! No gift cards please!  Cash or credit only!!!!  Tell your family, friends, and neighbors!!!  SCRIP will get 15% of all sales from 5PM to 8PM!!!!  Flyers will be sent home soon!!!!

Before going to Bakers, HyVee, or Wal-Mart to do your grocery shopping, consider buy a SCRIP gift card!!!!  Baker’s donates 5%, HyVee donates 3%, and Wal-Mart donates 2%!  This is FREE MONEY for our school!!!!  Gift cards are available at the Information Desk during school hours or after mass! Thank you for your continued support of our SCRIP program!!!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - The weekend of 1st Eucharist to line up children and usher children and their parents to Communion at all five of the weekend Masses on March 29th & 30th, along with placing quilts on family pews.  If you are interested in helping, we would also ask that you be available to practice with the children on Saturday, March 29th.  Practices for each of the Mass times are as follows and typically last 45 minutes:

• Pictures/Practice for 5:00PM Mass will be @ 8:00AM on Saturday, March 29, 2008
• Pictures/Practice for 8:00AM Mass will be @ 9:00AM on Saturday, March 29, 2008
• Pictures/Practice for 9:30AM Mass will be @ 10:00AM on Saturday, March 29, 2008
• Pictures/Practice for 11:00AM Mass will be @ 11:00AM on Saturday, March 29, 2008
• Pictures/Practice for 12:30PM Mass will be @ 12:00PM on Saturday, March 29, 2008

We are also in need of altar servers for most of the Masses on March 29th & 30th.  If your child is interested in being an altar server for 1st Eucharist, we would also ask that they be available for practice on the 29th. Please email Mary McMahon at mmcmahon@stpatselkhorn.org or call the RF Office at 289-4947 to volunteer your time with our 1st Communicants and their families the weekend of March 29th & 30th.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE – ST. PATRICK’S, ELKHORN-GREEN AND GROWING Celebrating 140 Years of Family and Faith!  On Saturday, March 15th.  Please line up is at 9:30 a.m., Parade start time is at 10:00 a.m., Line up is at the Old Market-Omaha. Our block assignment is between 12th & 13th and Jones Street.  (Please note - This block assignment is subject to last minute change.) We will be the last group in the parade because of the horses. Look for the float with a 9 ft. Celtic Cross and the 4 Belgium horses and wagon. All St. Patrick’s Student’s, Parent’s, Teacher’s and Parish members are invited to join in the celebration. Students should wear your school uniform & sweater. (Dress in layers if it is cold with green on top). If you have a costume you are welcome to wear it. All Parents are responsible for their own children. Parents are asked to walk with/behind the children. Please do not drop your children off. We had over 200 family members last year and no one can keep track of that many children. Middle School students will be asked to carry the school banner. The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are all welcome and asked to wear there uniform with their sash. The Boy Scouts will then follow with the Flag and the Girl Scouts follow behind them. The horse and wagon and the float will be next in order with all the children and parent’s following behind. The St. Patrick’s Flag Brigade will be in the final position. Brother Joseph (aka) St. Patrick will be on the float as well .Please feel free to decorate your stroller’s or wagon’s with shamrock’s etc. Remember to be as GREEN as you can be. Green hats, beads, shamrocks, green hair etc. We will have tattoo’s and green beads available. Please wear comfortable shoes! Pray for good weather and a 6-Peat for 1st place! If you have any Question’s, contact Patti Hertel at Home-779-4304 or Cell-681-3721 or pjhertel@msn.com or Keri and Steve O’Robey at 964-1170 or dopeyd124@aol.com

Middle School SPY Night – “Battle Royale” this Sunday, Mar. 2nd from 6-7:30 pm in the Youth Room.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT RECERTIFICATION - St. Patrick’s will be hosting a Safe Environment Recertification class on Thursday, March 27, 2008, from 7:00 - 8:00pm in Boland Hall Room A.  This is for those who previously attended the initial training session and need to renew.  Contact Jenni Vankat at 359-1950 or jvankat@stpatselkhorn.org to register.

Need Service Hours? – Youth needed to assist with the Fish Fry on Fridays during Lent from 5-8 pm.  OR  6th - 8th graders who want to be part of the St. Pat’s dinner on Sunday, March 16th from noon to 3 pm.  Volunteers need to help decorate and to bus tables.  Youth entertainers also needed whether vocal or instrumental, solo or group, to provide background music during the meal.  Contact Jenni Vankat at jvankat@stpatselkhorn.org to sign up.

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Principal's Notes Deadline

Please submit all items/information in final form for Principal's Notes

by Tuesday, 8:00am to the school or email to:

ridderd@stpatselkhorn.org or kmoritz@stpatselkhorn.org

Archived Principal's Notes