Newsletter for January 19, 2010

Saint Benedict Catholic School's WEEKLY NEWS

3100 Grove Avenue, Richmond, VA 23221

January 19, 2010

ATTENTION:  This is a change to the original school calendar.  Friday, January 22 will be an early dismissal for all students.  Middle school exams will conclude at noon.  Middle school students may be picked up at noon or wait until 12:30 when the rest of the school is dismissed.  There will be After-School Enrichment available from 12:30-6:00pm.  For those who ordered lunch that day, it has been credited back to your account.

Anyone who has a rising kindergarten student should contact the school office as soon as possible.  Our next kindergarten screening is February 20 at 9am.  Contact Mrs. D'Aria in the school office to sign up!

The information night on our "Formation in Christian Chastity" program that was scheduled to be part of the PTO meeting tomorrow night has been moved to the following PTO meeting on February 24.  If you would like an overview of the program or have questions about what is taught, please make plans to attend.  The PTO meeting on January 20 at 6pm in the Science Room will focus on preparations for the Spring Gala.  We ask for everybody's help, and we hope you will be able to attend the PTO meeting.  A letter is included in the communication envelope from Jody Atkins letting you know how you can help!  We will also have Colleen Crafton presenting some information on a School Band program at the PTO meeting.

It is not too early to apply for tuition assistance for next school year.  FACTS is now accepting applications for 2010-2011 at http://www.factstuitionaid.com/.  Anyone seeking tuition assistance must apply through FACTS.  There will be no paper applications this year; all applications should be completed online.  If you plan to apply for financial aid, please start the process now, and don't wait until the last minute!

In last week's communication envelope, middle school parents received the exam schedule for January 20, 21, and 22.  Please remember that middle school students are done with exams at noon.  They may be picked up at that time, or they may stay at school until the normal dismissal.  Be sure to return the form letting us know your student's means of dismissal each day.

At this time we are accepting applications for all grade levels for the 2010-2011 school year.  If you know of anyone who is interested in having their children attend St. Benedict Catholic School, please encourage them to contact the school office.

Our Energy is directly proportioned to the experiences we have in life.  And Cub Scout Pack 498 is Powered Up!  We are a "AAA" organization (Activity, Advancement, Adventure).  In short, we experience something new.  With more Energy we will have a deeper, richer experience.  This month we will take a look at our Energy.  We will practice being Healthy and Safe, that we may have more Energy!  We will also explore the Power of words and communication.  Our Pack will visit a newspaper press this Thursday and we will prepare for the Blue and Gold Banquet (BSA is 100 years this year).  Also, we will have games, crafts and activities that will Energize us.  So come and check us out this month.  Our Pack generally meets on Thursdays at 6:30 in the SBS Library.  For more information please contact Alan or Candy Johnson at amjengr@yahoo.com or crj498@yahoo.com.

Anyone who wants to place a personal order from Original Works can go to the website, http://www.originalworks.com/ and click on "personal orders."  Thank you so much for your enthusiastic support of the program and our school!

Uniform Reminder:  After Thanksgiving the summer uniform is no longer an option (no shorts!) until after Easter in the spring.  Parents please make sure as the weather gets colder that students come to school dressed appropriately.  Winter weather does not usually keep us from going outside for recess and morning assembly, so students need to dress warmly.  Also, please check your child's uniform before they leave for school.  We want the teachers to be able to focus on academics and not have to worry about uniform issues.  Thank you!

We are in the process of planning a St. Benedict School Golf Tournament for the spring.  The date has been tentatively set for April 26, 2010 at The Crossings Golf Club.  There is still much more planning to do!  If you are interested in helping, please contact Dean Berger at 314-0997 or dfberger@dynamicmobileimaging.com. 

The Knights of Columbus and Lilies of the Holy Trinity of St. Benedict Parish are planning a Carnivale dinner and dance the evening of February 6.  Proceeds will be given to our school, to continue improvements to the school building.  There will be music, food, and masks!  To learn how you can purchase tickets, please contact the school office.

Our annual Catholic Schools Week Open House will be held Sunday January 24 from 12:30-2:30.  If you know of anyone who is interested in our school, please invite them to attend!  Students who wear their uniform to 11:00am Mass at St. Benedict Church on January 24 will receive a free Tag Day on January 25.

Up coming events:

Jan. 20             PTO Meeting at 6:00pm in the Science Room

Jan. 20-22        Middle School Exams (middle school students finish at noon)

Jan. 22             Early Dismissal at 12:30

Jan. 24             Open House from 12:30-2:30

Jan. 25-29        Catholic Schools Week

Jan. 26             School Mass w/BHS at 8:30am in the church (dress uniform for middle school)

Feb. 2              Report Cards

Feb. 4              Early Dismissal at 12:30

Feb. 5              School Mass w/BHS at 8:55am in the church (dress uniform for middle school)

"Everyone who listens to the word of God and acts on it will be like a wise man who built his house on rock."         

-Matthew 7:24