April, 2017

Dear Parents,

I want to let you know that I have met with Mrs. Vangel to discuss the transition to the new school year. Mrs. Vangel and I will both be hiring any new faculty members. I feel this is a good plan that allows both of us to have input on staffing. Keep us in your prayers as we begin to find new faculty members to help enhanceour St. Clare School community.

Often, when there is a change in administration, there is a certain amount of turnover in staffthat occurs. Such is the case with St. Clare for next year. Mrs. Franks will be retiring at the end of the year after 45 years as an educator! Mrs. O’Donnell, Mrs. Telthorst, and Mrs. Johnson are also retiring after many years of teaching our students. Mrs. Lezcano will be staying home with her new baby. Mrs. Coryell will be on maternity leave until October. It will be hard to replace these dedicated ladies who have helped make St. Clare School a place of excellence in faith and academics. We wish them well!

St. Clare of Assisi School is the recipient of the Catholic Identity Award for work in promoting a vibrant, living, and dynamic Catholic identity. These awards are presented annually by William H. Sadlier, Inc. in conjunction with the host diocese of the National Catholic Educational Association Convention, which this year is the Archdiocese of St. Louis. We will receive a framed certificate and a $1250.00 award at a breakfast during the NCEA conventionon April 18.

Our lunch program has caused some anxiety among the parents. Food Service Consultants approached me about two months ago to discuss the program. They have been losing money for about three years here at St. Clare. The number of students buying any type of lunch has declined. Raising the price of the lunch is not an option and would cause more of a decline in sales. Hence the survey on whether parents wanted a hot lunch program at all. Rest assured that there will be a hot lunch program for next year. I am still working out details with Food Service Consultants. I will let you know when something definite is in place. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you so much for everything you have done this year for Jump Rope for Heart.St. Clare of Assisi raised $8019 which helped to save potentially 159 lives! What a wonderful job you did! St. Clare also earned $1,200 in US Games! These US Games can be used to purchase PE equipment that will help to keep our students healthy and active for years to come.

We have begun the final quarter of the school year. The gradebook for fourth quarter is now open. Parents of students in grade 3-8 should be checking RenWeb frequently for academic progress.

The eighth grade students are preparing for the Mime Stations of the Cross. They will be presented on April 7. Please plan to attend this very moving presentation.

Monthly Reminders:

  • PTO 5K Run on April 8 at 9:00 beginning at school
  • No school April 14-23
  • Summer uniform begins April 24
  • Used uniform sale April 28, 2-4:00PM
  • All School Mass Tuesday April 25 at 8:30

Holy Thursday is April 13. It is a day of prayer and reflection for the students. It is a regular school day and all students are expected to attend school on that day. It is an early dismissal day at noon, but NOT an out of uniform day.

Holy Thursday begins the Triduum, the holiest time of the church year. Plan to spend some time with your family in prayer at church for the beautiful services of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday.

Please keep the second graders and their catechists in your prayers as the continue to prepare for their First Eucharist. They will receive their First Eucharist on Saturday, April 29, at 11:00. Special thanks to Mrs. Franks, Mrs. Kusky, and Mrs. Trani for their devotion to faith-filled preparation of the students.

Our mission effort for clean water will continue until the end of the year. Our goal is $3200. We are working through Catholic Relief Services to obtain clean water for those in need. Perhaps your child/ren could do “some chores for change” to earn money for our water buckets. We truly appreciate your support.

May your Lenten season continue to be reflective and culminate in a blessed and glorious Easter.

Sincerely,

Marie Sinnett