PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION

MR. RIDDER’S REMINDERS

May 16          3rd – 5th Field Day from 12:30 – 3:00pm

May 17          6th – 8th Grade MS SPY Dance in Parish Center 7:30 to 10pm

May 19          6th-8th Field Day from 12:30 – 3:00pm & PreK Field Day and Last Day of School

May 20          Last Day of School –11:00am Dismissal AND Dress Down Day

Aug 3            Teacher Meet and Greet

Aug 20           First Day of School for 2008-2009 School Year

DID YOU KNOW… St. Patrick’s School opened its doors in 2000 with 78 students and this evening its third 8th grade class graduated? St. Patrick’s School celebrated this event tonight at 6:30pm. Congratulations to all of the graduates as we wish them good luck towards their secondary education.  I am so very proud of each and every one of these 25 students.

            Matthew Barton ~ Creighton Prep                     Ryan Barton ~ Creighton Prep

            Kenneth Batenhorst ~ Mount Michael               Breanna Brichacek ~ Mercy

            Alexandra Courtney ~ Skutt Catholic                Francesca D’Elia ~ Skutt Catholic

            Rachel Doyle ~ Duchesne                                Drew Dungan ~ Creighton Prep

            Harrison Engel ~ Mount Michael                       Zachary Ernst ~ Skutt Catholic

            Mary Friedt ~ Skutt Catholic                            Alexandra Hanus ~ Marian

            Shauna Hill ~ Duchesne                                  Shelby Hill ~ Duchesne

            Denisse Jimenez ~ Skutt Catholic                    Derek Loseke ~ Mount Michael

            Lorenzo Martir ~ Skutt Catholic                        Carly Mendlik ~ Marian

            Corey Nelson ~ Mount Michael                         Tyler Simmonds ~ Elkhorn

            Bailey Stinn ~ Duchesne                                 Kelsey Stinn ~ Duchesne

            Christopher Thomas ~ Mount Michael               Gabrielle Williams ~ Skutt Catholic

            Brooke Witt ~ Skutt Catholic

A COUPLE MORE GOOD TEACHERS HIRED -

JANE STILLMAN - 4TH GRADE– I graduated in 1993 from the University of Nebraska- Kearney, with a BA in Elementary Education and Early Childhood.  I taught 4th Grade from 1996 to 2000 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School in Omaha.  I had the opportunity to stay home for the last eight years to raise my children, and during that time taught CCD at St. Patrick’s Church in Gretna.

              My experience teaching in a Catholic School was a wonderful, positive experience for me. Catholic Schools provide a close, caring, faith-filled environment that makes teaching so rewarding.  I really feel “at home” in a Catholic School.  I am so thrilled about being a part of St. Patrick’s School/Staff.  I had an opportunity to substitute teach during the 2007-2008 school year, and everyone was so helpful and friendly to me.  I’ve really enjoyed working with the students; they are a great group of kids.

              My husband, Jon, and I have been married for 13 years, and have three children; Audrey 10, Brady 7, and Olivia 6.  We live in Gretna, and are parishioners at St. Patrick’s Church in Gretna.

ANDREW BREI – P.E. TEACHER- My name is Andrew Brei and I am originally from Fremont where I attended Fremont High School, and then decided to continue my education at Wayne State College.  I had wanted to be an educator for years and years and Wayne State just seemed like the right place for me.  In my years at Wayne I had observation experiences with Wakefield Public Schools and Emerson-Hubbard Public Schools.  I was the head Junior High basketball coach at Emerson-Hubbard and loved every minute of it.  I recently finished my experience at Wayne State on May 3, and am now eagerly anticipating another chapter in my life at St. Patrick’s. 

              I recently became Catholic over Easter, this took place in both Fremont and in Wayne.  The experience was just amazing and I am looking forward to starting my Catholic life off on the right foot.  I think St. Pat’s will be a wonderful place to strengthen my faith and watch the children’s faith grow as well.  Being able to help the students of St. Pats develop understanding of faith and education is something I look forward to teaching them.  Expanding children’s minds and ideas has no limitations in a Catholic school and I feel that this will help them build their character and personality.

              I have heard and seen great things about the involvement of the staff at St. Pat’s, and I look forward to getting involved myself.  Bringing together new ideas and getting involved is something I love to do, so hopefully I can expand on some of the ideas that are already there and just get into the mix whenever I can.  With being a physical educator there will be coaching duties, but I do not want to limit my time to just coaching.  I look forward to getting involved in many activities and helping the students grow in many different areas.

MRS. BRUNING EXPRESSES GRATITUDE –

Dear St. Patrick’s families, staff and friends,

            In 1999 I decided to look into a job at St. Patrick’s.  It sounded challenging and exciting to be a part of a new beginning.  After meeting with Mr. Ridder, a few parents and school board members, I felt this was a great match.  Little did I know, it wasn’t just a great fit for me, it was also a passionate commitment to the value and standards expected at St. Pat’s

            Over the years, I have been blessed to have shared a small pact of many wonderful families and children. We have experienced joy and sorrow.  The joy has taught me gratitude and the sorrow has taught me to find the joy in all we do.  I will cherish the memories I have of each and every one of you.

            From the beginning I have been surrounded by enthusiastic, dedicated people with many talents.  I was fortunate enough that they shared their God given talents with me.  So, from each of them I gained valuable knowledge that reflects their unique and special qualities.  My spirit always seemed to be lifted by others generosity of self and true caring.  This tone of our school was always set by our principal, Mr. Ridder.  I will be forever grateful for his guidance, wisdom, humor and honesty.  I admire his dedication and determination to make St. Patrick’s the best it can be.

            I am looking forward to spending more time with my husband and family, traveling and playing more golf.  “Retirement” is not really part of my vocabulary so I hope to be at St. Patrick’s as often as possible.  My life has been so enriched by the people here.

God Bless,

Ginna Bruning

PreKindergarten Teacher

END OF THE YEAR LUNCH & LIBRARY ACCOUNTS - We want to thank everyone who supports St. Patrick’s lunch and library programs. With the end of school year approaching we need to receive payment for all negative lunch account balances by Friday, May 16th. Library overdue/lost book amounts must be in now. Families with unpaid lunch account balances or overdue/lost books will not receive their child/ren’s report cards. If your family has a positive lunch account balance, no checks will be issued and it will carry-over to next year. For updates on your lunch account contact Mr. O’Hara via email dohara2004@msn.com, or call 402-753-9940.  Any questions on library issues, contact Mrs. Kalkowski via email akalkowski@stpatselkhorn.org.

MEDICINE REPOSSESSION – If you supplied medicine for your child to be administered while at school you will need to pick it up by May, 20th (Last day of school).  Any medicine not picked up will have to be disposed of on May 21st.

PAPERWORK NEEDED - Health information listed below for students should be turned into the school office by August 1, 2008.  Please refer to the Family Handbook pages 33-35 for additional information.

Pre-school and PreKindergarten - Immunization Record & Birth Certificate

Kindergarten – Birth Certificate, Physical Exam, Visual Exam, and Immunization Record

7th grade- Physical Exam and Immunization Record

Out-of-State Transfers- Physical Exam and Immunization Record

NOTE* - We also MUST have a copy of each child’s Birth Certificate and their Baptismal Certificate.

FIELD DAY(S) INFORMATION-The different grade level field days are planned for Friday, May 16th (3rd – 5th grades), and Monday, May 19th (6th – 8th grades) from 12:30-3:00pm. Students will be able to dress down on the day of their grade’s Field Day. To help everything run smoothly, we are in need of a few volunteers at all the field days.  Both the (Kindergarten – 2nd grades) and (3rd – 5th grades) field days will be at St. Patrick’s.  The (6th – 8th grades) field day will be at Mount Michael. If you are interested or have any questions, contact Mr. Reilly at nreilly@stpatselkhorn.org. 

ANOTHER WIRING PARTY – Thanks again to the people that helped with the computer wiring “party” at St. Patrick’s school.  Please mark your calendars for Saturday, May 17th  from 7:30am until finished, we will be wiring the top floor. The lower level lasted under 3 hours because of the awesome turn out of volunteers.  If you again, would be available to help, your assistance would be greatly appreciated!  Thank you!

USED UNIFORMS – It is that time of year…spring has sprung and the children are growing like weeds.  Please consider donating the uniforms that your children have outgrown, to the Home & School Used Uniforms.  A box, marked “Used Uniforms”, will be in the school entrance for you to put your uniforms in.  Please do not put in shirts with stains or pants with holes or faded spots.  These items cannot be sold.  The next Used Uniform Sale will be on August 3, 2008.  Details will be sent out this summer.

NO TAX ON SPRING PRE- ORDERS FOR NEW ST. PATRICK’S UNIFORM TOPS – From now until May 19th Midwest Impressions is offering uniform shirts for $18.00 (Tax Fee).  Order forms are attached to the link below, and must be turned into the school office by May 19th.  Shirts that are pre-ordered can be picked up at Midwest Impressions after August 1st.

ST. PATRICK’S SCHOOL UNIFORM SHIRT PRE-ORDER FORM

SAVE THE DATE:   SUNDAY AUGUST 24TH from 1:30-5:30pm at ST. PATRICK'S PARISH CARNIVAL - New this year, will be FUN SERVICES games and activities for all ages!  Featuring the ADRENALINE RUSH- “an obstacle course even adults can do”!  Speed Pitch, Dunk Tank, Plinko, Pitch till U win, Swinger Ball, Crossbow darts, Spin O Prize and many more games and inflatables for all.  Plan on attending with the whole family for an afternoon of Food, Fun and Entertainment!

FALL SPORTS NEWS - Registration for 5th- 8th Grade P.A.L. Volleyball is now open.  Registration continues to be open for fall sports including CYSL soccer and Micro-Soccer.  Late fees will begin on June 1st for CYSL soccer, so register today.  You can register at the following link: http://leagueusa.com/registration/index.jsp?SportsOrganizationId=240.  CYSL Soccer registrations received after June 15th will have no guarantee of acceptance.

For any questions regarding online registration, please contact Lynette Davis at 496-0764.

More Coaches Needed

The Athletic Committee anticipates the need for new coaches in both PAL Volleyball and CYSL Soccer for the fall season.  If you are the right person for the job(s), fill out the volunteer registration on-line.  If you think you may be the right person, but need some persuading, contact Mike Meyer at mrmomm@cox.net or 965-4231.  

SPY NEWS - MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCE – Celebrate the end of the school year with a “Summer, Here We Come”, dance for youth in grades 6-8 on Saturday, May 17th, 7:30-10 pm.  $5 at the door gets you pizza, pop, and music by Fastracks DJs!

Youth Serve – Current 7th & 8th graders, join an adventure in Christian service through Youth Serve, a three day overnight service camp in Omaha.  Pick from three dates – June 29-July 1, July 13-15 or July 27-29.  Cost is $110.  $50 deposit and registration form to Jenni or Mary McMahon by May 16th.  Forms in the youth room, RF office, Church lobby or on the web.

Adventureland – The trip to Adventureland for current 6th-8th graders is set for Tuesday, June 3rd from 7:30 am to 9:00 pm.  Cost is $50 by May 16th and $55 by May 23rd.  More information and permission forms in youth room, Church lobby, and on the web.  Parent chaperones needed.  Seats are limited, so get your form in early! 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS - for the ride of your life! - SonWorld Adventure Park is coming to St. Patrick's Parish on June 9th - June 13th .  All children in our parish entering Kindergarten in the fall of 2008 up to and including children who will be entering the 5th grade in the fall of 2008 are welcome to join us for a fun-filled week of Bible stories, crafts, games, skits.  Registrations for VBS are available on the website at www.stpatselkhorn.org and will be accepted through May 16, 2008.   We are currently seeking volunteers to plan and coordinate games, skit and daycare during the week of VBS.  Please call Mary McMahon at 289-4947 or email to volunteer your time as a coordinator at mmcmahon@stpatselkhorn.org.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT - all volunteers who work with the children in our school and/or parish on a regular basis must attend a SE training session and have a background check completed.  If you plan on volunteering in any way, please attend one of the following SE trainings:

Tuesday, May 27, 2008, from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm @ St.Vincent De Paul. Call Wendy @ 496-7988, extension #239 to register.

Saturday, June 14, 2008, from 9:00am to noon @ Cathedral Arts Center.  Call 553-5524, extension #1 to register.

ST. PATRICK’S GOLF OUTING - Mark your calendars for August 8th, 2008!  Join us at St. Patrick’s 8th Annual Golf Outing that afternoon at Tiburon Golf Course. More information will be available.  Look in the church bulletin.

THE DATE IS SET FOR THE 10th ANNUAL ST. PATRICK’S DINNER /AUCTION - Mark your calendars now for the 10th Annual St. Patrick's Dinner/Auction, 'Luck of the Irish,' on Saturday, Feb. 21 at the DC Centre.   Plans are already underway and many more leprechauns are needed to make this night a success!  Contact any of this year's chairs to volunteer and be a part of this exciting event.
 Jeff & Christen Broz, General Chairs, cjbroz@cox.net or 315-9530
Mike & Ann Monday, Auction Co Chairs, annmonday@cox.net or 933-2692
Andy & Angie Arkfeld, Event Co Chairs, andyarkfeld@aol.com or 932-2129 

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