St. Mary's School

Pastor:  Msgr. Thomas Mack

414 North Main Street

Principal:  Sharon Warfield

Pontiac, Illinois  61764

Phone:  815.844.6585

Fax:  815.844.6987

To know.  To love.  To serve.

E-mail:  smsprinc@mchsi.com

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St. Mary’s Press

St. Mary's School

Pontiac, IL

Providing Excellence in Catholic Education

Since 1903

Phone: 844-6585 Fax: 844-6987 E-Mail: smsprinc@mchsi.com

Website: www.stmaryspontiac.org

 

Newsletter

November 20, 2008

OUR MISSION:  TO KNOW.  TO LOVE.  TO SERVE

Please keep this newsletter for two weeks.

 

It’s All About Good Character!

Character Counts Quote for Week of Nov.24:  

RESPECT – “GREAT people talk about IDEAS.  AVERAGE people talk about THINGS.  SMALL people talk about OTHER PEOPLE.”

 Saints Awards:  Colton Bauknecht, Marcos Carranza, Mary Kate Cupples, Kevin Duffy, Jalyn Hendren, Maddie Jacobs, Shaylee Knittel,

Maddie Krenz, Jenna Leonard, Emma Lown, Elizabeth Meiner, Keely Pickett, Gera Reis, Daniel Schopp, Tate Schott, Julia Schuler, Jordan Weber, and Joel Whittle

 Add to Master List – For those concessions chairs, etc. who have the Master List for the Safe Environment Training, please add the following:

*Bert M. (Mike) LoPiccalo.

 8th Grade Parents:  You should have received a letter on Wednesday from the school regarding the date of Graduation.  If you did not, please check with your 8th grader and return the form as soon as possible.

 Girls Basketball Parents – Please check the regional concession work schedule (held at SMS on Dec. 1, 2, and 4).  If you are unavailable to work your shift, you need to find a sub and let Sue Ledford know.  Thank you.

 Lunch Duty – Parents, please honor your lunch duty commitments or give us plenty of time to get a sub.  Because so many students have been eating hot lunch lately, we have to send one supervisor and one parent to Central in order to avoid complaints from teachers there about the noise level.  That often leaves us short in our own lunchroom or without someone to send to Central.  For the safety of our students and for their good behavior, we need all parents who are signed up for that day.

 MR. Z DELIVERY DAY – Mr. Z’s delivery day is Fri., Nov. 21.  Please pick up your order in the MPR (old gym) between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.  If you are unable to pick up your order, please make arrangements with someone else.

                Any family in need of winter clothing for their children ages 5-15 should contact Mrs. Warfield for a form from the Needy Kids program.  Forms must be turned in to the office by Nov. 25.

 Critters! It is that time of year to check your children’s heads from time to time for those lovely critters—lice.  Remind children not to trade hats, combs, etc.  If it does happen to your family, don’t panic.  They can jump from head to head anywhere.  The important thing is to treat hair, bedding, and outerwear to get rid of them.  The office has some guidelines if you need them.

 

Priests’ Christmas Gift – Each year we ask our SMS families to donate toward a monetary Christmas

gift that is presented to the priests at the evening performance of our Christmas program.  We do not keep track of who has given nor the amount given and it is entirely voluntary to participate.  If your family would like to donate toward these gifts, please send the money with your child in an envelope marked “Priests’ Gifts” by Mon., Dec. 15.

SCRIP NEWS & NOTES ........The holiday bonuses continue to add up as many more vendors are offering additional rebates to us for purchasing their SCRIP!!!  New this week are:  Shell (1%), Barnes & Noble (1%), Lands End (2%), Buca di Beppo (5%), and Gordman's (1%),  Previously announced:  Dick's, Kmart, Macy's, Sears, Bath & Body, 675 Min Total Access Phone, Cabela's, Eddie Bauer, Gap, J.Jill, J C Penney, L L Bean and TGI Friday's.  We are also excited to be able to now offer Steak n Shake ($10 - 7%) and Avanti's ($10 - 10%).  Due to the constant changes to our SCRIP offerings, order forms may not always be current so please just write any new vendors on your form if you wish to order them.  Our current offering list is always available at www.glscrip.com

            Now, more than ever it's a great opportunity to earn money for our organization by shopping with scrip.  Plan ahead, take advantage of huge sales this holiday season, and make your purchases with gift cards bought through our program.  You save money on your purchase, and you earn a larger than ever

contribution for us!  For those participating in the tuition rebate program, you earn even more money for yourselves by shopping with these vendors that are offering bonuses!

            The next order will be submitted on Sunday, November 30 for delivery on or before Thursday, December 4.  Please submit your orders either to the school office by Wednesday, November 26 or to the SCRIP box in the church vestibule by 11:30 on Sunday, November 30 or you can get them to Kelly by Sunday at 5 PM.  Our deadlines are increasingly important this time of year so please plan ahead if you wish to order.  For those interested in using the online order system, you need our enrollment code:  71L918A4151LL.  Also, please enroll in advance if you plan to use the PrestoPay method as it takes a couple of days to process this type of enrollment.

            We're still looking for more school families to participate in this vital program to our school funding!!  Please call Kelly (844-3703) if you have ANY questions or send an email to saintsscrip@mchsi.com.  Also, don't forget that the SCRIP store will be open on Tuesdays from 12 Noon - 1 PM starting November 25 and continuing through the December 16.  Kelly Eckhoff will be in the school foyer to answer questions and/or to take orders.

Lots of our school families have yet to give SCRIP a try.  Christmas shopping would be an excellent time to start!

 

COACH (ES) NEEDED – We are in need of one or two coaches for the 5th and 6th grade volleyball teams.  Coaches must have all the requirements for the Safe Environment program.  Contact Ron Schulz if you are interested (Cell # 1-815-482-6213).

 Kindergarten Registration for 2009-2010 – Families who currently have students in St. Mary’s School may request a kindergarten registration packet for 2009-2010 beginning Mon., Dec. 1.  We would like to have these registrations completed by Dec. 12 so that we know how many slots are filled before registration is opened to new families on Wed., Jan. 7.

 

Calendar Additions & Changes:

*CHRISTMAS VACATION WILL END ON TUES., JAN. 6, INSTEAD OF MON., JAN. 5.  TEACHERS WILL BE ATTENDING AN INSTITUTE AT PTHS ON THE 5TH.

 *Gr. 6 & 7 Parents and Students – The parent/student Confirmation meeting with Monsignor and the staff has been scheduled for Wed., Jan. 14 at 7:00 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room.  We will be requesting a Fall, 2009 date for Confirmation.

 *On Wed., Nov. 26, we will have a Hunter Gerdes Jeans Day.  Students and staff will pay $1.00 (or more if you wish) to wear jeans and casual tops.  All proceeds will be donated to the family of Hunter Gerdes, a student at Saunemin Grade School and a member of our parish, who is suffering from leukemia.

GOOD THINGS ARE HAPPENING AT

SMS!

*Did you know that 75% of the earth is water?  Third grade has been doing some experiments to find out how much of this is fresh, usable water.  Out of a 2 liter bottle of water, ½ of a drop is water in the atmosphere, 4 drops is freshwater like lakes and rivers, 13 ml is groundwater, and 47 ml is glacier water.  The rest of the bottle is unusable salt water.  This made us realize how important it is to conserve our fresh water.  Our new science series and all the experiment materials that come with it are really teaching us a lot!

 *Grade One learned all about Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe this week.  Their class will be preparing the Mass for December 12, Our Lady’s feast day.  To remind them that God is always watching over us, they made traditional Mexican “Eye of God,” or “Ojos de Dios,” figures by wrapping yarn around a wooden cross.

 *Are you bread or stone?  In their religion class this week, the second grade class learned that “bread people” are nourishing and loving while the “stone people” are harsh and mean.  (Most of us are a little of both!)  The lesson included a choral reading called “You Are Either Bread or Stone” that is attached to this newsletter.  It has a wonderful message for all of us as we begin the Advent season on Sun., Nov. 30.

 Christmas Program Information:

For those families who like to plan early and for families new to our school…

bulletThere will be 2 performances of the Christmas program in the church on Thurs., Dec. 18 at 1:00 and 6:45 p.m.
bulletOne family’s name will be drawn from those attending the Mon., Dec. 1 TPO meeting to have the first pew near the pulpit reserved for the evening performance.  (For some reason, it is always our best attended meeting!)
bulletStudents will be allowed to wear dressy casual or dressy clothes on the day of the program because of the afternoon performance, or parents may send dress clothes to school.   Students should not wear jeans, shorts, or inappropriate clothing to either performance.
bulletEach child in Grades 1-8 needs a flashlight with new batteries for the program.  They should be brought to school by Tues., Dec. 9 so that they can be used for practice.  Please be sure to label the flashlight with the child’s name.
bulletFor the evening performance, please keep your children with you until 6:30 p.m. when you may bring them into the school through the gym or front door entrances.   After the program, you may pick up your children in their classrooms.
bulletBand members should arrive at 6:15 p.m. in the school for warm-ups, and chorus members should arrive at school at 6:25 p.m.
bullet The east wing of the church will be reserved for parents of the 8th graders on a first-come, first-served basis.  If possible, just the parents should sit there so that there is room for all 8th grade parents.   The 8th graders portray the Nativity near the end of the program.

 

Next Week’s Preview:                       

Thurs., 11/20         *Region III Principals Meeting

                                    Mrs. W. gone

                                *GB7/8-Roanoke-Benson-H-6:00

                                *BB8-Liv. Cty. Turn. @ Woodland

                                    (see brackets)

 

Fri., 11/21               *Mass (3)-9:30; conf. (6)

                                *BB7-Liv.Cty.Tourn. @ SMS

                                    (see brackets)

                    *MR. Z DELIVERY

                                    2:00-4:00 IN MPR

 

 

Sat., 11/22              *IMEA District Concert at

    ISU-Braden Auditorium-

    2:30 p.m.

                                    Good luck, Rachel, Will, Joe,

                                    Kaitlyn, Kristina, and Chloe!

                                *BB8-Liv.Cty.Tourn.  @ SMS

                                    (see brackets)

                                *GB7-Regionals @ Mazon

                                    (Nov. 22-26)

                                    10:45 SMS7 v. Woodland

 

Mon., 11/24           *ASTA (8) – 10:00

                                *BOOSTER CLUB MTG.

                                    7:00 in MPR or Gr. 8

                                *GB7 Regionals @ Mazon

                                    (see brackets)

 

Tues., 11/25           *GB6-El Paso @ Centennial Sch.

                                    6:00 (No bus)

                                *BB6/8-Odell-H-5:00

                                *Mrs. W. gone

 

Wed., 11/26           *2:00 P.M. DISMISSAL

                                *PROGRESS REPORTS

*Hunter Gerdes Jeans &

    Sweatshirt Day – Students

    & staff pay $1.00 to wear jeans

    and sweatshirts with proceeds

    going to Hunter Gerdes and

    family.  (See info. on p.2)

*Gr. 6 Pizza Lunch

*GB7-Regionals @ Mazon

    (See brackets)

 

Thurs., 11/27         *HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

                                    NO SCHOOL

 

Fri., 11/28               *NO SCHOOL

 

Sat., 11/29              *SMS Shoot-out @ PTHS

                                    6:00 SMS7 v. PJHS

                                    7:15 SMS8 v. PJHS

 

Mon., 12/1             *TPO MTG. IN MPR  7:00

                                *Begin K Registration for SMS

                                    families

                                *GB8-Regionals @ SMS

    (Dec. 1, 2, and 4)

    7:00 SMS v. Ransom

 

Tues., 12/2             *GB8-Regionals @ SMS

                                    (See brackets)

                                *BB5/6-Immaculate Conception

                                    A-6:00 (Bus 4:45)

                                *Dioc. Task Force Mtg.

                                    Mrs. W. gone in p.m.

                                *SCRIP store open Noon-1:00

                                    in new foyer

 

Wed., 12/3             *GB7 Sectional Game @

    Marseilles – 6:00

Thurs., 12/4           *GB8 Regionals @ SMS

                                    (see brackets)

                                *BB5/6-El Paso (Jefferson Sch.)

                                    A-6:00 (Bus 5:00)

 

Fri., 12/5                 *Mass (2)-9:30

                                *Gondola Lunch

                                *Gr. 7/8 Cultural Fair in the

                                    Parish Hall 12:30-3:00

                                    Public is invited.

                                *GB7/8-Cornerstone Christian

                                    H-6:00

                       *Submit SCRIP orders to school office

 

Sat., 12/6                *GB7-State Tourn.

                                    (Dec. 6-11)

                                *GB6-El Paso-Heller Tourn.

                                    TBA

                                *BB7/8-Lexington-H-10:00

                                *Sat. & Sun. – Submit SCRIP

    orders at Masses

 

Mon., 12/8             *Feast of the Immaculate

    Conception – Holy Day

    of Obligation

    NO SCHOOL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 From Grade 2’s Religion Class:

“You Are Either Bread or Stone”

 

You are either bread or stone.

 

Bread can be broken and shared with others.

 

A stone is hard and cold.  It cannot be shared with

others.

 

When I accept to share what I have with others

and when I help someone in need, I am bread.

 

When I am selfish and think only of myself, I am

like a stone.

 

When I am interested only in taking advantage

                of others, I am like a stone.

 

When I respect others and treat them with

kindness, I am bread for others.

 

When I am a peacemaker when someone is

fighting, I am bread for others.

 

When I am cold with those who could use my

friendship, I am cold like a stone.

 

When I forgive my friends when they hurt me, I

am bread for them.

 

With stones you can break things.  When I put

others down, or laugh at them, or gossip about them, I am a stone, not bread.

 

When I use harsh words, think bad things, and

treat those around me like enemies, I am cold and hard like a stone.  I can break their feelings causing them to feel bad.

 

Stones are hard and can break and shatter

beautiful stained glass windows.  I can shatter the lives of the people around me if I am a stone.

 

Bread is soft and yummy.  Bread is good for us.  It

is food for us.  People love to eat bread.

 

When I think well of others and help them see the

goodness and gentleness of God through me, I am soft like bread that feeds us and gives us strength.

 

We have a choice.  We can be cold like a stone to

others, or we can be bread for them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Updates

 

 

 

NEWSLETTER UPDATE – SEPTEMBER 19, 2008

SCRIPs The Word - Have you signed up for the SCRIP TRIP rebate incentive program yet?  If not, why not?  This program provides a great opportunity for you to earn funds towards your tuition account.  Simply let your everyday spending reward you; no extra spending necessary.  Even your family and friends can sign up and designate you to receive the rewards.  All the details were sent home with your children so if you didn't get the envelope, please contact Kelly Eckhoff (844-3703) or stop in the school office.

 

If you haven't yet purchased SCRIP, this weekend is your chance to give it a try.  Maybe start with a gas card or a card for a local fast food restaurant.  Need an order blank?  Check the school office, church vestibule or call Kelly.  Don't forget to turn your SCRIP orders into the school office by this Friday noon OR to the SCRIP box in the church vestibule before the end of 10:30 mass on Sunday.  This weekend's orders will be processed on Sunday night and ready for delivery by next Thursday.

 

Are you planning for new appliances in your home?.  SCRIP can pay for these when purchased at Sears, Lowes or Home Depot.  It's not too early to begin thinking SCRIP for Christmas shopping!  Several retailers have bonus rebates offered right now; J C Penney - 1%, Barnes & Noble - 1%, Eddie Bauer - 6%, TGIFridays - 1% and Cabela's - 3%.  These bonuses are in addition to their regular rebate. 

 

Do you have questions about SCRIP?  Kelly is ready to answer your questions.  She can be reached at 844-3703 or via email at saintsscrip@mchsi.com(If you can’t reach Kelly and you have a question, you can also call the school office for more information.)

 

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Booster Club & TPO

St. Mary’s Booster Club Meeting

August 27, 2008

President Jill Seal called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm.

Attendance: In addition to four officers, six others attended the meeting.

Ron Schulz’s replacements as Athletic Directors are Craig Curry and Vic Johns.

Our new officers were introduced, Jill Seal-President, Karen Kuska-VP, Tammie Mills-Secretary and Gina Manker-Treasure.

Minutes from the May, 2008 meeting were given to those in attendance for review. Amanda Lauritzen made a motion to accept the minutes. Nancy Milhauser second the motion.

Gina Manker reviewed the Treasurer’s report. She reported the profits for the Golf Outing were down. 4-H fair profit was up. Nancy Cortez made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s report. Amanda Lauritzen second the motion.

OLD BUSINESS:

Volunteer Hour Update-Mrs. Warfield gave a brief update in regards to what the committee is trying to accomplish and she explained we hope to present this to the Commission in Jan. of 2008.

2008 Peoria Chiefs – Tammie Mills explained we were only able to do 5 games this year. Our profit will be down. Tammie explained she hopes with the Volunteer Hour committee’s proposal; it will help with trying to find people to help with this fundraiser.

Baseball Tournament Dates are August 29 & 30th. Monday, Sept. 1st is our rain date. Ron explained he had a team back out about three weeks ago. He could not find another team to fill that spot, so we will have two St. Mary’s teams. He said he does have a team from Greenville that would like to come up next year.

Golf Outing – Tammie Mills reported the date is set for August 15, 2009 for next years Golf Outing.

Gina reported the new equipment that has been purchased was the popcorn popper, nacho and pitching machines. Jill Seal thanked Nancy and Alfred Cortez for putting the new popcorn and nacho machines together. The old popcorn machine will be taken to the Rec Plex before this weekend’s baseball tournament. We are donating it to them.

NEW BUSINESS:

Gondola Lunches: Karen Kuska gave an update for the Gondola lunches for the 08-09 school year. 1st one will be Tuesday, Sept. 9. For Oct., Nov. and Dec., it will be the first Friday of the month. She will be sending a letter asking for volunteers now so that everything is in place.

Girl’s Fall Classic Basketball Tournament: Karen Kuska gave an update that she has made copies for everyone at the meeting that show the businesses that bought space in last years Girl’s program and the Kevin Casson programs. She asked if anyone could help touch base with any of these businesses to verify if they would like to do this again, she would appreciate it. She said the cost is $25.00 for a third of a page, $40.00 for half a page and $60.00 for a full page. Again this is for both programs. Karen also explained that they will need a new chair person for this event for the 2009-2010 school year so any parent that is interested in chairing it, to please contact Karen Kuska and she can show you the ropes this year. That will help with the transition next year.

SMS will host the following tournaments for the 08-09 school year.

6th Grade Girls Falls Basketball tournament-11/7 through 11/15/08.

We will host the 7th and 8th grade Boys Basketball Livingston County Tournaments

Kevin Casson Tournament-2/6/09 through 2/14/09.

5th/6th grade v-ball tournament-3/6/09-3/7/09.

We will host the 8th grade Boys Regional Basketball tournament and the 8th grade Girls Volleyball Regional Tournament.

We are hosting the girl’s softball Regional’s and Sectionals and the boy’s baseball Regional’s.

 

OPEN TO FLOOR DISCUSSION:

Karen Kuska asked about a Softball tournament for 09-2010. Ron said he saw nothing wrong with it. This is Ron’s last year as our Athletic Director and he said if someone would like to organize it, it would be great thing. He said it is something that takes a lot of work and would need to be started w/in the next two months for next year.

Concessions - Nancy Cortez gave an update on who is chairing what for concessions this year.-Kristi Ringle and Nancy Milhauser are doing Boy’s baseball. Tammy Johns is doing girls softball. Joan Duffy and Sandy Carstens are handling 5th-8th v-ball, Karla Finnegan and Kim Trainor are handling 5/6 Boys Basketball-we still need a 5th grade parent for this. Please contact Nancy Cortez ASAP if you are interested. Cathy Fraher is doing 7th/8th grade basketball-still need another person to help Cathy, again, please contact Nancy Cortez if you are interested. Andrea B. and Sue Ledford are doing the Girls 6-8 basketball.

Jill Seal suggested that we do the Family Pass again this year. Karen Kuska said she will get something typed up and she will check with Linda Lambert to see if she will make them for us again. Ron indicated the first home girls basketball game is 9/29/08, so we want something in place before then. Karen will put on the note if anyone is interested in purchasing a Family Pass to contact her or Linda Lambert.

Tammie Mills mentioned having St. Mary’s apparel available before Christmas. Karen Kuska said we could call it St. Mary’s Spirit Wear. We tabled that for the Sept. meeting.

Gina Manker explained what has been purchased: $10,0000.00 still set aside in savings for music risers, cheer and baseball uniforms, nacho and popcorn machines and new tables and chairs for entry way of new gym. We have given the original long table that was purchased to the school for lunch hour.

The next meeting is Wed. Sept. 17th at 7:00pm.

The meeting adjourned at 7:59pm.

Submitted by,

Tammie Mills

Booster Club Secretary

 

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