January 6, 2003

Dear Parents and Guardians, As we begin this new year of 2003, this new semester of our school year and this new opportunity to grow and become better people, may we continue to look for the great things happening around us!

Thank you for the many ways in which you made our Christmas celebration so special. Your presence at our Band/String Concert, Choir Concert and our Christmas program made them even more wonderful. Our last day of school was quite exciting and great fun. The time of prayer and song really added to the festivities. Finally, thank you for the many treats and gifts that you showered on all of us. I know that I really appreciate the thoughtfulness and try to acknowledge these things individually...just know that sometimes the name tags are missing and so I am not able to write a personal thank you.

Our return to school signals the second half of our school year. You will see that many of the procedures and expectations of the teachers will continue as before. You will begin to notice some differences, however, as we begin to help your child make the transition to the next grade. More individual responsibility will be expected, several long term assignments will be given in certain grades and of course, science fair projects will be required for many. Homework assignments will continue. Please help your child take responsibility for books, materials and assignments. If you found your child getting a bit careless with these things before the holidays, now is the time to help get things back on track. Report cards will be distributed on Thursday, January 9th. These grades will give you a good indication of the areas your child has excelled in or needs additional reinforcement in during the coming months of the school year.

The annual celebration of Catholic Schools Week will take place during the last week of January. Bishop Rodi has been invited to celebrate Mass here at our school on Thursday, January 30th. We hope that you will be able to join us in prayer and celebration throughout the week but especially on that day.

Near the end of this month, you will be receiving information about the St. Jude's Math-a-Thon. This program, to benefit the St. Jude Research Hospital in Memphis, invites children to get pledges for Math problems that they complete in the special Math-a-Thon booklet. All proceeds benefit the hospital which cares for children with life-threatening diseases. Participation in this program, of course, is optional and is open to students in Kindergarten through Grade 6.

Please know that we are here to work with you to help your child be successful this school year. Often we are unaware of things happening that may have an effect on your child's ability to learn or concentrate. Please do not hesitate to set up a time to meet with us to discuss your questions or concerns. It is best for you to send a note to school requesting a time/date to meet. That way, time can be set aside to focus specifically on you and your child.

May God continue to guide us and bless us and may we continue to recognize the great things' happening around us each day of our lives!