April 1, 2008
Dear Parents and Guardians,
This blessed season of Easter certainly focuses on many signs of growth. We see the obvious signs of Spring, we experience the spiritual renewal and growth that this prayerful time brings and, for us at Nativity School, we have heard of some significant “growth events!”
I am thrilled to report that on Wednesday, March 19th, our School Advisory Council agreed that we should proceed with opening a second Kindergarten class for the 2008-2009 school year. What a sign of growth!
We have received approval from the Diocesan Building Committee and the Diocesan Finance Council to proceed with our plan to upgrade our heating and cooling system for the school. This project will include the installation of heating/cooling units in each room/area and the lowering of ceilings in the hallways. Work is anticipated to begin as soon as this school year is completed.
Shortly before our spring break, we received word that our computers and technology items were on the way! We anticipate that the items will all arrive sometime this week. Although we have waited since June, 2006 for this order to work its way through the system, we are grateful for the Federal Restart Funds that have made this purchase possible.
We received word shortly before Easter that our desks/classroom furniture order was ready to be processed. Because of standardized testing, we have asked that the items not be shipped prior to April 11th. Again, although this order too was initially placed in June, 2006 and has taken so long to become a reality, we are grateful for the Federal Restart Funds that have made it possible.
Finally, over the Easter holidays, workers from the City of Biloxi worked very hard to correct the drainage problems on our field. I have never seen a group of people work so meticulously! We are so appreciative of their efforts and all that the City of Biloxi has done on our behalf.
Isn’t this a great way to begin a newsletter?
I hope that you are able to participate in some way with our Eighth Annual Nativity School Dinner, Raffle and Silent Auction. This is our major fund raiser and an event like this allows us to keep tuition affordable for all of our families. We really, really need EACH of you to be involved in some way. It is not too late to purchase or sell tickets. It is not too late to secure a silent auction item or service. It is not too late to secure a food donation or offer to make a dish or dessert. It is not too late to volunteer to set-up, decorate, help in some way during the event or clean-up. It is not too late to be involved! We really need you to help make this a success!
Our registration process is going very smoothly, if you have not returned your registration packet, please do so as soon as possible. Other than Kindergarten, we will again have only one class of each grade. Thus, space is limited. If, for some reason, your child will not be returning to our school, please contact me. Withdrawal forms need to be prepared and I would like to help in whatever way I can to make sure your child has a smooth transition to the next school. If you know of anyone considering enrolling a child in our school, please bring them by to meet me or encourage them to contact me as soon as possible. Remember, tuition assistance packets must be requested from the office.
Standardized testing will begin on Monday, April 7th. Testing for students in Grades 1 through Grade 6 begins promptly at 8:15 and ends near 10:00. A few classes will complete some tests immediately after recess. You are asked to please help us in preparing your child for success by helping them to arrive at school before the 8:00 bell, by ensuring that they have had a proper amount of sleep and by making sure they have eaten something for breakfast. A request for proctors went home on Monday. If you can help with this, please call the school office or send in the form as soon as possible.
Field Day is coming! Despite the playground reconstruction, we WILL have our annual field day! Coach will modify some of the events and/or change their locations and we are looking forward to a fun day! PLEASE consider volunteering to help “officiate” at one of the events. We need you!
Believe it or not, a minor fund raiser that began five years ago has really become an excellent bonus for our school. Five years ago, Bishop Rodi began the “Walk With the Bishop” program. In a figurative “walk” each school is encouraged to raise funds in support of their school. Our school took things literally and sold footprints for $1.00. Amazingly, we have raised over $15,000 through this project. This year, we will begin on April 21st and end on May 2nd. Children will again sell footprints for $1.00 and various prizes and awards will be given. For each $100.00 brought in, the child will have one chance in a Diocesan-wide drawing for a tuition scholarship of $3,000.00. Chances are pretty good….fewer than 100 names were in the drawing last year! We appreciate whatever support that you can give to this project. An informational letter will be sent home on April 21st. All money raised stays within our school to benefit our school. The campaign officially ends on Monday, May 5th with the Bishop’s Trophy Challenge Golf Tournament and Luncheon. Please contact me if you are interested in participating in the Golf Tournament or in sponsoring a hole or team.
On a personal note, I will be out of school for several days early this month. My mom, who lives in Minnesota, will be undergoing eye surgery. Although she tried to schedule this around our holidays or vacation times, she was unable to do this. She is very active and is in excellent health but is elderly. (She would not be happy I said that!) The doctor is hopeful that the two surgeries that he will perform will restore her eyesight. Your prayers are appreciated.
May God bless us as we continue to work together!
/s Sister Mary Jo