Holy Spirit Catholic School

Weekly Newsletter

March 13, 2008

 

NAN-O-GRAM

            We have an update on the issue dealing with the stop signs and/or mid-street crosswalk on 7th Avenue. Kim Saccomando received a letter from the Mayor as to their decision. In a nutshell, the City of Pocatello will be enlarging the crosswalk on Wyeth, add a crosswalk to the corner of Hayden and 7th, and possibly ticket jaywalkers.  Personally, I do not see the speeding traffic problem being addressed by their directive, but improving the crosswalks is a positive.

As to the jaywalking situation, it is a choice all of us make to jaywalk, myself included, and it is within our control not to cross in the middle of the street.  It is also a choice you make in following existing laws when you drop off or pick up your child. I, and others, have noticed an amazing increase in traffic violations, including parking against traffic flow, double parking, and even U-turns made on 7th Avenue in front of the school or church!  Also remember that the yellow painted curb in front of the school is considered a loading zone, so if you are planning on being in the school for more than a few minutes, please park in the lot. Safety for everyone is our paramount concern, so please be thoughtful and follow the established laws.  

Keep reading to your kids!

                                    Mrs. Corgiat

 

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

                Next Monday, March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day.  In honor of this day the students will be allowed to wear green clothing as long as it meets the school standards. 

 

HOLY WEEK

            Next Thursday, Mar. 20 is Holy Thursday.  This was the day Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with his apostles.  Jesus would soon after be put to death on the cross. 

                The events of Jesus’ death or The Passion will be acted out by our 2nd and 3rd graders on Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m. in the church.  Following the play there will be an Agape Meal in the school cafeteria?  Not sure what an Agape Meal is?  Do you want to know what it might have felt like to watch Jesus carry his cross through town on his way to his crucifixion?  Then please make plans to join us.  ALL are welcome! 

                School will be dismissed at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday and will be closed the next day, Good Friday, March 21.

 

IMPORTANT ATTACHMENTS

                Please take an extra few minutes and make sure you look at the attachments with today’s newsletter. 

  • Summer Program Information
  • Vacation Bible School

 

LETTER OF INTENT

            Remember to return your Letter of Intent for the 2008/09 school year.  EVERYONE who is planning on sending their child(ren) to Holy Spirit Catholic School next year MUST submit a Letter of Intent.  Also, if you will be sending new siblings to the school then make sure you add them as well.  If you have any questions regarding these Letters or are unable to make your deposit at this time, please see Miss Polly in the school office.

 

PLEASE HELP!!

            The Crusader Basketball Tournament is only two weeks away and our volunteer lists are almost EMPTY!!!  Folks, there is NO way that this tournament can be ran with only a handful of volunteers! 

            Help is needed with the following: food or souvenir concessions, time or score keepers, cleanup, or the all-purpose “worker bee.”  Sign up sheets are in the school hallway or you can contact Kirk Weber at 237-2812.

            As of today we have 38 teams signed up to play, the biggest tournament we have had yet!  This really is a fun weekend, so get involved, you’ll be surprised at how much you will enjoy yourself!!

 

March Payoff

On Friday, April 4th, we are going to introduce a new activity…kite flying! We will be taking the primary grades down the street to Tydeman Park and the older kids will go to Bartz Field. Kids are asked to create or bring their kites from home…a good project idea for Spring break!  PTC will make sure each child who wants a kite will have one for that day. With windy weather almost a given, this should be a wild, fun afternoon!

 

INTERNATIONAL FOOD FAIR

The annual International Food Fair is scheduled for May 3rd and 4th this year.  Holy Spirit School has been asked to help with the dessert booth on that Saturday, either by baking or by helping serve at the booth. The hours on Saturday are 11-7, with times divided up in to three hour blocks: 11-2, 2-5 or 5-7. 

This is a wonderful, family-oriented community event that our parish sponsors featuring outstanding food, terrific entertainment, and welcoming fellowship. Please consider helping, and if you have any questions, contact Mrs. Corgiat for details.

 

          VISITING AUTHOR

The Bellon Visiting Author Series is bringing acclaimed children’s author Amada Irma Pérez to our community next week. Her books are bilingual, with vivid stories taken from her childhood memories and experiences. Ms. Pérez has garnered several literary awards for her outstanding work and is a remarkable storyteller.

The following presentations are free to the public: Marshall Public Library, Monday, Mar. 17 at 4PM, the ISU College of Education Auditorium Tuesday, Mar. 18th at 7PM with book signing and sales beginning at 6:15PM, and on Wednesday, Mar. 19 at 3:15PM at the Portneuf District Library. All are invited!

 

Did you know?

Keeping expenses down…

  • Our excellent teaching staff, on average, is paid 71% of what they would receive from the school district. 
  • The rest of our staff (child care, support staff) on average is paid 50-60% of what they would receive from the district or private employers.
  • In 2001 our teacher’s salaries were 63% of the school district, so we are making progress.  The diocese has given us the goal of 80% of the school district.

 

      We are truly blessed at Holy Spirit Catholic School to have individuals who put the love of the child first over salary.  It’s all about the kids and making sure we are doing the best we can to teach and nurture them.  However, even with the sacrifices our staff makes, it cost money to provide a quality Catholic education.  More money than tuition alone can fund.  This is why we have fundraisers!

 

SPELL-A-THON

            Due to the smashing success of last year’s Spell-a-thon, we will be doing it again this year on April 11.  Watch for more information going home on the Monday after Spring break.

 

DOORS OPEN AT 8:00 A.M.

            Parents, now that the mornings have warmed up a little, the students will need to wait until 8:00 a.m. to enter the building.  Please respect this preparation time for the teachers.  Thank you.

 

SPRING BREAK

            Just in case you’ve forgotten, Spring Break is March 24-28.  No school for a whole week!!  Enjoy!!

 

DATES TO REMEMBER:

Mar. 20 – Holy Thursday – School dismissed @ 1:00

Mar. 21 – Good Friday – No School

Mar. 23 – HAPPY EASTER!!

Mar. 24-28 – Spring Break – No School

Mar. 28-30 – Crusader Basketball Tournament

Mar. 31 – School resumes

Apr. 11 – Spell-a-thon

 

LENTEN FAMILY ACTIVITY

            Tuck a little cross into the fifth egg.

           

AN IRISH BLESSING

May the good saints protect you
And bless you today
And may troubles ignore you
Each step of the way

 

 

Christ be with me, Christ be within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger
Christ in hearts of all that love me
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

FROM THE BREASTPLATE OF SAINT PATRICK