Newsletter for August 31, 2010

Saint Benedict Catholic School's WEEKLY NEWS

3100 Grove Avenue, Richmond, VA 23221

August 31, 2010

Welcome Back!  In the future this newsletter will be included in a communication envelope that will go home each Tuesday with the youngest child in the family.  The envelope needs to be signed and returned to school each week.

Our annual Clean Up Day on September 28 was a huge success, with close to 50 volunteers lending a hand.  Linlee George and Sabrina Rabon helped organize the event.  We are grateful to Norfleet Products for the donation of mulch, to Glen Allen Nursery for donating plants, and to all our wonderful volunteers.  The school grounds look fantastic!

The Cafeteria program this year is something that is new to all of us.  In order to get a lunch count, we will be sending home a sign-up form for the following week.  For each day, put "lunch" or "milk" in the appropriate box.  If your child will not be ordering lunch or milk that week, you do not need to return the form.  Lunch tickets must be purchased in advance through Mrs. Smith in the cafeteria.  Students should bring a check in a sealed envelope with the child's name and "lunch tickets" written on the front.  Their homeroom teacher will collect the money first thing in the morning.  We sell 20 tickets for $90 or 10 tickets for $45.  Single tickets are not available at this time.  A peanut butter sandwich will be available for students who forget their lunch.  Milk can be purchased daily for $.50.

Back to School Night will be held on Tuesday, September 14.  Parents will be able to visit their student's classroom and teacher and view some of the student work.  It will go from 6:30-7:30pm and will be immediately followed by a Welcome Social.  Please note that 6:30 is a change from the time printed in your school calendar.

As many of you have heard, our school will be participating this year in the St. Cecilia Band Program.  The band program is being run by Benedictine band director and St. Benedict parent, Don Crafton.  There will be an informational assembly for student on Wednesday, September 1 and a Parent Information Evening at 7:00pm on September 8.  The program will be open to students in grades 4-8.  Other music lessons are available for younger students.

PTO Note:  The PTO keeps track of all volunteer hours throughout the year.  If you do not meet you volunteer commitment, there is a PTO fee that will be charged (everyone had the option at the beginning of the year to pay the fee or volunteer).  If you have questions or need to report hours volunteered, please contact Stacey Nelson-Munro at fourgirlsforme@gmail.com.  There are many opportunities to fulfill volunteer hours.

Middle school parents, if you did not purchase a planner for your student on Book Day, it must be purchased this week.  They are $5 and can be purchased in the school office.  Checks should be made out to St. Benedict School.

We are planning to launch a Scrip program for the 2010-2011 school year.  With everyone's participation, this could be a significant fundraiser with no additional expense to families.  You will receive information soon about how to purchase Scrip cards.

(OVER)

Please be aware that the school building does not open until 7:55am.  Anyone arriving before that time for a conference should come through the ramp door on Belmont Avenue.  Report to the Morning Care director and let them know why you are here.  All students arriving before 7:55am should report to morning care.

There was a misprint in the calendar that was sent home in the summer mailing.  Please be aware that there will be school on Tuesday, September 7.

Parents, please remember to check your student's uniform each morning before they leave the house.  It saves teachers valuable instructional time when we don't have to correct students who are out of uniform.  If you have questions, please consult the school handbook or contact the homeroom teacher.

Up coming events:

Sept. 3             No School

Sept. 6             No School - Labor Day

Sept. 8             St. Cecilia Band Presentation at 7pm in St. Anselm Hall

Sept. 9             Chuck E. Cheese Night to support Minds in Motion

Sept. 10           Opening School Mass at 8:30am in the church (dress uniform for middle school)

Sept. 14           PTO Back to School Night & Welcome Social at 6:30pm

Sept. 17-19      St. Benedict Oktoberfest in the Benedictine Parking Lot

"Whoever would be great among you, must be the servant of all."         

-Mark 10:44