Hi-lites week of Oct. 14, 2009

Dear Parents,

I am especially thankful for the MEA break this year, as it will give us all chance to rest up, battle some fevers and return ready to go!  Again, I would like to thank parents for their diligence in detailed reporting and efforts to keep sick children home.  I am looking forward to the day when H1N1 is a faded memory.

Keep fighting the good fight!

Jane

Calendar-at-a-Glance

Thursday, Oct.15        No School

Friday, Oct. 16            No School

Monday, Oct. 19         Parent Support Group 7:00 p.m. in school library - all welcome

(Parents whose children have learning differences.)  

Tuesday, Oct. 20         Final Wreath orders due   Please buy a wreath!

Wednesday, Oct. 21    Garden Club Soup Luncheon 12:30 p.m.

Conferences 3-8 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 22       Noon Dismissal

                                    E.I. available - contact Ms. Seger at j.seger@highlandcatholic.org

                                    Conferences - Noon to 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 23            No School

Tuesday, Oct. 27         Seasonal Flu Shot Clinic - call office to schedule  7-10:00 a.m.

Friday, Oct. 30            Out-of-Uniform for Halloween

Sunday, Nov. 1           All Saints Day -Daylight Saving Time ends

Wednesday, Nov. 4     ADD/ADHD Presentation - Parents welcome 3-4:30 p.m.

Little Extra Practice

Today, we had the entire school in church to practice our responses, postures during Mass.  Children are sometimes confused about their role in celebrating liturgy, not knowing when to stand, sit or kneel.  Also, we are encouraging everyone to respond to every prayer.  We would appreciate your help educating your child during weekend Mass attendance.  The liturgy is central to our being as a Catholic School.  Thanks for your help.

Conferences on the Horizon

Conferences are being held next week.  You should have received notice of your scheduled time in backpacks today.  We hope for 100% participation, as it is the partnership between home and school that makes education happen.  Students in 5^th-8^th grade are encouraged to attend their conference with parents or guardians.  There is a huge value in students helping to set goals for their learning.

This year's schedule has us closing school early on Thursday with a noon dismissal.  If you need to have your child attend Extra Innings for Thursday afternoon, please contact Mrs. Seger, at j.seger@highlandcatholic.org.  The charge for childcare from noon to regular dismissal at 2:50 p.m. will be $15.00.  There is no school on Friday, the 23^rd.

Our HCS Boy Scout Troop will once again sell popcorn during conference time.  Please support their programming, by purchasing this tasty, healthy treat.

A New Little Bundle

Congratulations to the Griffin Family on the arrival of their newest member, Jamyson Steven Griffin, who arrived Tuesday, October 6^th at 8 lb. 10 oz, 22 inches long.  Jamyson is the little brother, of very proud and helpful big sister, Isabella in first grade.

Lovely Note from parishioner, Clarie Keefe

Mrs. Keefe is unable to attend our second annual Garden Club luncheon and sent this note.

To the Gardeners and Cooks,

I am sorry that I cannot share your vegetable soup - my favorite.  I have another luncheon engagement, tried to change it but can't.

I have watched the garden as I drive by and I am really impressed.  My tomatoes grew like "Jack-in-the-Beanstalk."  The braces couldn't hold the vines.  My garden didn't look like yours.  Thank you for inviting me.

Mrs. Keefe enclosed a donation to help start next year's garden.  Wasn't that nice?

Please note: We would love to extend our luncheon invitation to HCS Grandparents. Please spread the word.  The luncheon is being held in the LCCC Community Room on Wed., Oct. 21^st, at 12:30.  It features delicious soup from our garden and other delectable treats.  Our fantastic HCS Choir will perform, too.  No cost.  Please R.S.V.P. to the school office, 651.690.2477.  We would love to have a full room of seniors to spoil.

"Brain Fitness for Kids"

Our Parent Support Group for Parents whose children have learning differences meets monthly in our school library.  The next meeting is this coming Monday, Oct. 20^th, at 7:00 p.m.  All parents are welcome to attend. "Brain Fitness for Kids - How the Brain Learns: From the Laboratory to the Classroom."  We will view a short webinar presentation of over 40 years of research in neuroscience and how this research can be applied to the classroom to help struggling students.  The webinar is given by Dr. Paula Tallal, a Director of the Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience at Rutgers University and a Director of Scientific Learning Corp.  She is an authority on language-learning disabilities and is active on many scientific advisory boards and government committees for both developmental language disorders and learning problems.

Personal invite from parent, Kate Thoma:

I have heard her speak here in Minnesota and find her research very worthy of sharing and discussion.  She has provided me with a great deal of understanding into language development and strategies for increasing processing speed and reading fluency.  I am eager to share her research with other parents and generate discussions on this and other alternative learning strategies.

Piggybacking on this will be a presentation on ADD/ADHD on November 4^th, from Susan Hallam, from LDA, in our school cafeteria from 3-4:30 p.m.  All interested parents are welcome to attend.  Thanks to parent, Shawn Barsth, for locating this resource person for us.

SNOW!????

Just a reminder to dig out all of that lovely winter gear.  It is very helpful to label all items with your child's name.  You would not believe how many kiddos have the same pair of black snowpants and similar boots.

It appears that Minnesota is being very tricky this year and we must be ready!