PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION

MR. RIDDER’S REMINDERS –

Mar 29 & 30       First Eucharist Weekend

Apr 1                 Kindergarten Roundup Meeting for Parents Only – 7pm in PC

Apr 4                 Kindergarten Roundup for 2008-2009 Kindergarteners (see note for more info)

Apr 3 & 4          “Spring” School Pictures – Appropriate Spring Attire Allowed

Apr 5 & 6           Tuition Commitment Weekend After All Masses in the Commons

Apr 7- 25           Student Council Penny War to benefit the Lymphoma/Leukemia Soc.

Apr 12               Data Wiring Party 7:30am – 4:00pm

Apr 19               Archdiocese Math Contest at St. Patrick’s

Apr 26              Open House for Accepted 2008-2009 Pre S (2 Day) Only Students

DID YOU KNOW…that the new school building will have a greenhouse just directly west of the Science Lab?  This greenhouse will provide learning opportunities for all the students just like the science lab, art lab, computer lab, media center and several other places throughout the building.  Also, two outdoor classrooms will be created very close to the greenhouse.  The building progress continues to go well and I hope to be able to announce a starting date of school within a month.

OUTSTANDING RESULTS FROM ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE The Ancient Order of Hibernians held their annual St. Patrick's Day Parade on Sat. March 15th in the Old Market-Omaha. The Luck of the Irish was smiling upon us as the clouds cleared away and the sun came out to shine on our Irish faces. This was the 6th year that St. Patrick's of Elkhorn entered this parade and it was a history making event.  We received Four 1st Place Trophies this year, 1st-Overall Best Presentation, 1st-Best Costume, 1st Best Float, and 1st-Irish Enthusiasm Award.  Our theme this year was Green and Growing-St. Patrick's Elkhorn, Celebrating 140 years of Family and Faith.  A  9 foot tall Celtic cross was surrounded by a field of daffodils and the children of St. Patrick's were flowers growing in the field.  We were once again honored to have Brother Joseph Dugick of Mount Michael Abbey dressed as our Patron Saint Patrick.  Several families of Irish Immigrant walked with a covered wagon and represented the first Irish settlers who came to the Elkhorn area and started our Parish in 1868.  At that time we had only 100 families in the parish, we now have over 1200 families. We had over 240 Parish families marching along with our float some were dressed as dancing Shamrock's, Leprechauns, St. Patrick the Sheppard and his flock of sheep, and many Irish in Irish Green attire. We truly are a Parish that is Green and Growing

TUITION COMMITMENT WEEKEND - Tuition Commitment Weekend is Saturday, April 5th & Sunday, April 6th.  All families are required to attend.  This will not be a time for payment; rather parents/guardians will make arrangements for their choice of payment plans for next year.  This year, we are offering a 10 month payment plan rather than 9 month.  If this is what you prefer, you must bring a voided check.  Please report to the commons area in front of the school office immediately after the weekend Mass of your choice.  We will move things along as quickly as possible due to parking needs for our parishioners attending the following Mass. Tours of the addition will be provided for anyone wanting to see the progress for themselves.

2008-2009 TUITION SCHEDULE - The link for the 2008-2009 Tuition Schedule is now available on the school webpage.

TUITION ASSISTANCE DEADLINES – Any families who feel Tuition Assistance may be necessary for the 2008-2009 school year need to be sure to apply for the Archdiocese Children’s Scholarship Fund.  In order to qualify for St. Patrick’s Tuition Assistance, applicants must have first applied for the Children’s Scholarship Fund.  Applications for the Children’s Scholarship Fund are due by April 21, 2008, and applications for St. Patrick’s Tuition Assistance will be due by June 1, 2008.  All information is kept strictly confidential.  If you are in need of the Children’s Scholarship Fund Application and the St. Patrick’s Tuition Assistance Application, please contact our Business Manager, Vicki Payton, for the updated forms.  She can be reached at the parish office at 289-4289, or via email at vpayton@stpatselkhorn.org.  Completed forms are to be either emailed back to Vicki or in a sealed envelope to her attention.

INTRODUCING SOME OF OUR NEW TEACHERS FOR 2008 - Our interview teams have been working diligently to seek out new members for our talented staff.  The individuals selected are all wonderful people, dedicated educators, and will be assets to St. Patrick’s Catholic School.  They wanted to introduce themselves and have provided a sneak peak of what you can expect from them in the future in the notes below.  Please join me in welcoming them to our community.  You can look forward to more updates about future hires soon.

GAIL MCGINTY – KINDERGARTEN TEACHER - I am a 2003 graduate of Skutt Catholic High School.  I am the middle child in a family of three girls (and two lovable dogs!).  I am excited about being a part of such a wonderful school family.

In December of 2007, I graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in Elementary Education and a concentration in Special Education and Communication Disorders.  As a student in the college of education, I spent over 100 hours in the classroom during a series of three practicum assignments in first, third, and fifth grade.  In the fall of 2007, I completed my student teaching assignment in an all-day kindergarten classroom in the Omaha Public School system.  While teaching at Rose Hill Elementary, I also volunteered two afternoons a week tutoring autistic students.

Through my practicum experiences and student teaching in the public schools, I realized how much I missed the strong sense of community that is found in a Catholic school.  As a graduate of a Catholic high school and a practicing Catholic, I truly believe in the power of prayer.  This is something I will instill in my kindergartners. 

My experiences at St. Patrick’s School have been so positive, and I have felt very welcome and at home in the building.  I look forward to sharing my faith and talents with your wonderful children.  The atmosphere is so friendly and respectful, and I cannot wait to make a difference in the lives of my kindergarteners while showing them how to put their learning into practice.

JILL JANKE – ART TEACHER - Blessings!  I graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in December 2003 with my Art Education degree.  I substituted for a year and have taught kindergarten through twelfth grade art at Mead for the past three years.  I am finishing up my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction through Doane College this summer.  I thoroughly enjoy learning and thrive on sharing that love with others.

I feel that it is important for today’s children to have physical, mental, and spiritual stimulation in their lives.  I think that Catholic schools provide a solid, educational background for students, as well as the spiritual stimulation they need.  I feel that knowing God at a young age, having faith, and being brought up in a home with the Lord provides children with a concrete foundation for the rest of their lives.  I have always loved the structure that private schools provide, so when I saw the opening at St. Patrick’s and researched it, I knew I would love the opportunity to teach at this school.

I am excited that St. Patrick’s will be adding a fully-functional art room and an invigorating art curriculum for our students’ enrichment.  It is a thrill to have the opportunity to be your first art teacher at St. Patrick’s, and I look forward to getting myself into my new classroom, organizing a solid program, and decorating…of course.

TIFFANY WAGNER – 4TH GRADE TEACHER is our newly-hired fourth grade teacher.  I am originally from Lexington, Nebraska, a little town out west.  Many of my relatives still live there, and I like going back to visit them.  My parents, too, are excited about my position as they now have a valid excuse to travel up here. 

After graduating in December of 2007, I started substitute teaching at St. Patrick’s frequently.  I have worked in every grade from K-8; it provided me with a vast range of students to teach and learn about while giving me a chance to witness the St. Patrick’s environment firsthand.

Allowing children the opportunity to learn about morals, values, Jesus, and their religion on a daily basis is very important.  I plan on helping the children develop a foundation of faith and understanding that will blossom fully in later years.  I will strive to instill Catholic values in daily life in and out of the classroom.  I could not be any more excited about becoming a member of the fourth grade team at St. Patrick’s.  From the first day of student teaching here, I knew I wanted to pursue a position at this school.  The staff and students are so welcoming and respectful, unlike any other school I have ever witnessed.  When searching for a teaching position, it wasn’t about simply locating a job for me; it was more about finding a place where true impacts are made.  The one place I knew I wanted to be was at St. Patrick’s, a truly caring community. 

KINDERGARTEN ROUNDUP – There will be a Kindergarten Roundup meeting for parents with students that are accepted for Kindergarten for the 2008-2009 school year.  This meeting is ONLY for the parents and will be held on April 1st, at 7pm in the Parish Center.  Kindergarten Roundup for incoming 2008-2009 Kindergarteners will be on April 4th.   There will be two sessions 9:00 to 10:30am and 1:30 to 3:00pm.  Pre K Students that are in the morning class will attend the morning session of roundup.  Pre K Students who are in the afternoon class will attend the afternoon session.  If you are not enrolled in our Pre K program, but are accepted in our Kindergarten classes for next school year, please plan to follow this…. last name, A - M should attend the morning Kindergarten Roundup and last name N – Z will attend the afternoon Kindergarten Roundup.

Note- St. Patrick’s Pre-Kindergarten students should plan to attend morning and afternoon Pre Kindergarten classes as planned.  The Kindergarten teachers will come and get them to take them to Roundup and then take them back to class when Roundup is complete.

EARLY DISMISSAL – We have early dismissal for Teacher In-Service Meetings on the second Thursday of each month.  There have been many times when students are not picked up by 2pm, which causes a major dilemma, as Extended Care is full on those days.  For April, the early dismissal is on Thursday the 10th and for May, it is on Thursday the 8th. Please plan accordingly to pick your child/children up by 2pm on those days. We truly appreciate your assistance.

DATA WIRING PARTY – On Saturday, April 12th, from 8:00am to 4:00pm, (hopefully sooner) we are running data-communication lines in the lower level of the new building. This is a work community project that we can all do together that will save us over $20,000 in capital campaign funds.  All we need is you, your hard work ethic and a step ladder; no experience is needed.  This would be a great opportunity for student service hours. Don’t miss out on the fun. Please contact ridderd@stpatselkhorn.org if you and/or your spouse can help.  Babysitting will be available from 8 to 12 for those people that are interested in helping.

LOST & FOUND – We have accumulated a lot of items that have been left behind by students.  We have a Lost & Found table displayed in the commons area of the school and we will leave it there until Tuesday, April 1st.  What is not picked up will be either sent to Goodwill or to the Used Uniform Sale.

SPRING PICTURES WILL BE TAKEN AT ST. PATRICK’S SCHOOL – On April 3rd & 4th; we will be taking Spring school pictures.  In the fall, the children were asked to wear their uniforms.  For the Spring pictures, the students will be allowed a dress down day and be able to wear Spring attire.  Pictures will be taken for each child, but it is optional to purchase a package.  With Spring pictures, envelopes will not be sent home prior to pictures being taken.  All students will have their picture taken and their portraits will be sent home a few weeks later.  After viewing them, you may decide to purchase them, or if not, you just send them back to school with your child. Students may wear their Spring attire on the day that their pictures are to be taken ONLY!  The policy for Dress Down Day will apply as stated in the Family Handbook.

Thursday, April 3rd Picture Schedule

8:20 – Pre S A.M.

9:30 – 8th Grade Class and a photographer will take their pictures in the Church.  2 individual pictures will be taken, 1 with Cap and Gown, 1 with their choice of dress clothes, as well as a group photo.  The students may wear spring appropriate dress down clothing for that day!

9:30 – Kindergarten Smith

9:40– Kindergarten Van Dyke

9:50– Kindergarten Obenauer

10:00– 1st Kill

10:10– 1st Hasty

10:20 - 1st Frank

10:30 - 2nd Hotovy

10:40 - 2nd Valish

10:50 - 2nd Wiest

11:00 - 3rd Matz

11:10 - 3rd Peal

11:20 - 3rd Larson

BREAK

12:40 - PreS P.M.

Friday, April 4th Picture Schedule

8:20 – Pre K A.M.

8:30 – 6th Nelson

8:40– 6th Simons

8:50 – 5th Boever

10:00– 5th DeWald

10:10– 5th Dreher

BREAK

10:50 – 4th Brown

11:00 – 4th Magnuson

11:10 – 4th Wagner

11:20 – 7th Maline

BREAK

12:40 - PreK P.M.

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.

SCRIP INFO – SCRIP is sold after Masses and at the Information Desk during school hours!  SCRIP has over 42 types of gift cards available – we have everything from car washes to salons to restaurants to grocery stores to house cleaning!!!!  SCRIP has it all!!!!!  Don’t go shopping this week WITHOUT your SCRIP gift cards!  If you have questions, please contact Jane Chapman @ 553-6131 or email KCCJDC@cox.net!  Thanks to the 170 school families and 12 parish families that participate in our SCRIP program!!!

2008 GIRLS BASKETBALL CLINIC –

Dates:                     Friday, April 18th and Friday, April 25th

Times:                    4:30-7:30 P.M.  (3rd-8th grade girls)

Location:                Twin Rivers YMCA (Valley, NE)

Entry Fee:              $35.00 per child

Coaches:                Chuck Valish, Nolan Reilly and Dan Maline

Description: The overall emphasis of this clinic is for the players to gain a better understanding of the basic drills and fundamentals of basketball. We will be teaching skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting and basic offense and defense principles. The first Friday of the clinic will  be used for working on our basic basketball fundamentals. The second Friday is set for both team and individual competitions. These competitions will include a 5 on 5 round robin tournament within each grade level, an individual free throw contest, and hot shot shooting contests.

• Please note that due to the facilities we are using we have set a limit of 50 kids. The first 50 kids to sign up will be accepted.
• The deadline to have forms turned in is Tuesday, April 15th!!!
• ALL CHECKS CAN BE MADE OUT TO ST. PATRICK’S CHURCH
• Please submit your check to St. Patricks School in the main office area.
• If you have any questions about the clinic feel free to contact Chuck Valish at 402-314-0414

CLICK HERE FOR GIRLS BASKETBALL CLINIC REGISTRATION FORM

SPY NEWS - Middle School SPY Night – Next MS SPY Night is Sunday, April 6th from 6-7:30 pm in the Youth Room.

Confirmation Retreat Leaders – High School youth wanting to help lead the St. Pat’s Confirmation Retreats on either April 12th or April 19th should contact Kim Moritz at 289-0922 or Jenni Vankat at 359-1950 or jvankat@stpatselkhorn.org.

CoCo Key Water Resort – Mark your calendars for St. Pat’s Day at Omaha’s newest water resort on Sunday, April 13th from 2-8 pm.  Bring families and friends to get a jumpstart on summer!  Cost is $15 per person.  CoCo Key requires 1 adult for every 6 youth under the age of 17.  Tickets required for entry and sold after Masses on Sunday, April 6th or through the Youth Ministry Office until Monday, April 7th.  No tickets available after the 7th.

AUCTION WRAP UP PARTY Just a quick reminder that the Auction Wrap-up party is this Friday, March 28th at 7:00 pm.  It will be held at David & Gigi Jensen's (directions are below)
Bring your spouse or a friend, an appetizer to share and your own beverages.  It will be a fun and very casual evening to celebrate a successful auction and a job well done by all of the volunteers! We look forward to seeing you there!  Directions to Jensen's: Go 2 1/2 miles North on HWY 31 from St Pats.  On the left (West) you will see a farm with a red house and red barns, directly after that is Sheffield St.  Turn left onto Sheffield.  The first house is a gray ranch, overlooking HWY 31 and the next house is Jensen's -20550 Sheffield St.  There is an 8 foot chainsaw carved bear standing in front of the building where we will be meeting - right next to the house. Questions or need directions email Deb Gustafson at debragustafson@hotmail.com or call 491-3820.

SPRING CLEANUP – Mark your calendars and please consider joining the grounds committee for a Spring Cleanup around the outside of St. Patrick’s School and Church.  The date will be April 26th.  Look for more information to come in Principal Notes.

IT’S A GREAT DAY FOR SCOUTING - Cub Scout Pack #650 would like to invite all Kindergarten through 5th grade boys to join Cub Scouts during our “Pinewood Derby Races” Saturday April 5th beginning at 10:00am in the Parish Center. Cub Scouts provides boys and their family’s fun and adventure in a program that builds character and instills values.  Your son will enjoy the satisfaction of achieving challenges, making friends and feeling good about himself.  He will learn the importance of doing his best, setting goals, and being a part of a group. Please join us Saturday April 5th to begin your adventure in Scouting!  Visit www.mac-bsa.org or contact Mike and Michelle Kieny at 493-3903 / mkieny@cox.net.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - “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.  Registration for VBS will begin on April 2nd, 2008.  We are currently seeking volunteers to plan and coordinate crafts, games, skits, snacks and daycare during the week of VBS.  Please call Mary McMahon at 289-4947 or email Mary at mmcmahon@stpatselkhorn.org to volunteer your time as a coordinator.

2009 CONFIRMATION CLASS - 7th grade students and parents in both the RF program and 5-day school are asked to attend a session on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 from 7:30 pm to 8:45 pm to reflect on the sacrament of Confirmation and go over the expectations for Confirmation preparation in our parish.  At least one parent should plan to attend this reflection with their child.

CAMP FUN & FAITH 2008 – 17 years of growing girls- Little Flower Day Camp on Monday – Friday for 3 yr old girls to out of 4th grade girls.  Cost is $85.00 per camper, and it is held June 9 –June 13, 2008. Morning and afternoon sessions are available (9am to Noon or 1pm to 4pm) Camp Fun & Faith is an overnight camp for Jr. High School girls, held Mon – Fri, for out of 6th grade to out of 8th grade girls. The cost is $165.00 per camper, and is held from June 16 through June 20.Camp Fun & Faith is also offered for girls out of 2nd grade to out of 7th grade.  The cost is $165.00 per camper.  There is 3 sessions: June 23- June 27, July 7 – July 11 and July 14 – July 18.The location is 11002 N. 204th St, Elkhorn, NE 68022 which is 4.5 miles north of Maple on Highway 31.  Contact Pro Sanctity at 289-1938 or camp@prosanctity.org if you have any questions. Camper registration is open and you can find the camp form on the web at www.prosanctity.org.

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