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Blue Jay Flyer
October 18, 2023
From the Principal's Desk...
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are so excited to invite all the Grandparents/Special Guests into the building tomorrow at 9:30. We do ask that our guests do not arrive before 9:10 due to Mass in the Daily Chapel. The teachers have put together a short program for our guests and then we will dismiss students and guests based on last name to tour the classrooms. Please be aware that they are still working on the roof so please be careful as you are entering and exiting the church.
We are less than one month away from our St. John’s Spectacular! Our theme this year is Follow Me. Tickets are on sale until October 31st and include dinner, drinks and dancing. Don’t miss out on this wonderful event to raise money for our school. This is our largest fundraiser for the year and we promise a great time will be had by all who attend. We are still looking for sponsors for the event. If you know of anyone who might want to be a sponsor please have them email me and I will get them in contact with our amazing co-chairs.
I hope everyone has a great rest of the week!
Courtney Weinheimer
School Calendar 📅
Cafeteria 🍽️
School News
Grandparents/Special Persons Day October 19
We are looking forward to welcoming our grandparents and/or special guests tomorrow morning! Please see the flier below for details.
The event will conclude at 11:00 am. As a reminder, this is an academic day and afternoon attendance is expected.
St. John's School Spectacular
Please join us for a fun evening of cocktails, dinner, amazing silent auction items, raffles and dancing! Can't attend? Please help spread the word...ANYONE can browse silent auction items, bid and purchase raffle tickets online.
Please click here or scan the QR code above to purchase any of the following:
- Tickets to the event...only on sale until through October 31st!
- Split the Pot Tickets
- Raffle tickets for "GO CINCINNATI" package (includes a pair of tickets to the Bengals/Vikings game, $500 Visa gift card, $300 Jeff Ruby’s, $150 Rally House, $100 Party Source, and more!)
- Split the Pot/"Go Cincinnati" Raffle tickets are 1 for $20, 3 for $50, or 7 for $100
Be sure to like and follow our Spectacular Facebook page at St. John's School Spectacular for updates and spotlights of our silent auction items.
Grippy Sock Drive Oct 17-21
As a school wide service project we are collecting grippy socks for local hospice patients. If you would like to donate any NEW socks with rubber grippers on the bottom, please send them into school with your child. A box has been placed in each homeroom for the collections.
Picture Retake Day October 25
Wednesday, October 25 is picture retake day.
- If your student was absent on picture day and you have not yet ordered a package, you can order online at mylifetouch.com. Use Picture Day ID: EVT4K7GZ7
- If you would like to have your student's photos retaken, simply have them return their original package to the photographer on Picture Retake Day.
*Any students having their picture taken on October 25 may be out of uniform.
Cafeteria is Hiring
Our school cafeteria is seeking someone to work Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-1:30 pm to assist with food prep, service and clean-up. Hours are 9:00 am - 1:30 pm Monday - Friday when school is in session. All applicants must be Safe Parish compliant. Please contact Shannon Lemos at slemos@stjohnsdrschool.org if interested.
Mystery on 13th Street
Please join us!
St. John's Performing Arts Troupe
proudly presents
Mystery on 13th Street
Please join us on Friday, October 27 at 7:00 pm in the St. John's Parish Center (gym) to watch our talented Performing Arts Troupe present their fall play, Mystery on 13th Street. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $5 each or $20 per family.
Quarters For Kindness
On Fridays during lunch periods when students are able to purchase a sweet treat for .75 cents, they have the opportunity to "round up" to $1.00 and donate their extra quarter to our Quarters for Kindness Project. For the month of October, all money raised will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Andrea Argus Scholarship
Did you know that our faculty & staff donate $2 to wear jeans every Friday? The money raised is allocated to the Andrea Argus Scholarship and is awarded to two 8th grade students, one boy and one girl, who will be attending a Catholic high school. Andrea Argus was a long-time Administrative Assistant at St. John's who passed away after fighting a courageous battle with breast cancer.
We also honor and remember Mrs. Argus with our pink Blue Jay t-shirts which are available to order through the school office.
Mini Fridge and Little Tikes Picnic Table For Preschool
Our preschool program is in need of a small mini fridge and a Little Tikes picnic table. If you or someone you know has either of these items that they are no longer using and would be willing to donate, please contact Mrs. Jeanne Unger at junger@stjohnsdrschool.org.
Absence Policies for Ed Choice Scholarship Recipients
Excused Absences
- Parent Notes
- for illness or injury for 3 days or less
- Doctor's Notes
- for illness or injury more than 3 days
- Students with more than 20 unexcused absences will not be eligible for scholarship renewal.
Blue Jay Gallery 📸
Burwinkel Farm
Last week our Pre K and kindergarten classes visited Burwinkel Farm where they explored the pumpkin patch and fields of sunflowers.
Kona Ice
Thank you to the PTO for organizing a special visit from Kona Ice last week. Students had the opportunity to purchase snow cones after lunch for $3. Mark your calendars for two more visits in the Spring...April 19 and May 16.
Shining Light Awards
Congratulations to our latest recipients of Shining Light Awards!
Student Council Tops & Socks
Student Council was very excited to kick off their 2023-24 events with our very first Tops and Socks Day! Students who brought in $1.00 were permitted to wear sports themed "Tops & Socks" on Wednesday. All money raised will support ongoing Student Council events and end of year gifts for the Principal and Priests.
Mixing Colors
Mrs. Jungkunz’s 2nd grade students are working on mixing primary colors to make new and different colors.
PTO Corner
Trunk - or - Treat
PARKING
There will be special parking for those staying for the movie. Please pay attention when pulling into the lot for direction.
CORPUS CHRISTI PASTORAL AREA FOOD PANTRY
The Corpus Christi Pastoral Area Food Pantry is currently collecting in preparation for their annual holiday meal distribution to families in need within our Blessed Trinity Family boundaries. They are preparing to distribute 250 Thanksgiving meals and 250 Christmas meals.
The following items are needed to complete the meals:
• Packaged instant potatoes (plain or butter flavors) -
Smaller boxes or bags are preferred
• Canned green beans, corn, yams, cranberries
• Turkey gravy (glass jars or cans)
• Canned fruits
• Jell-O
• Cake mixes and frosting (chocolate or vanilla)
• Canned pumpkin and spice cake mixes
Save the Date: Skating Party
Monday, November 20th
The Place
3211 Lina Place
Cincinnati, OH, 45239
Stay tuned for more details!
Athletic Boosters
Golf Team
Congratulations to the St.John’s Golf Team for a great season! They finished in 3rd place in the WAC Golf league, and 3rd place in the JV Tournament. Golf is open to grades 5-8 and is in need of a new Coordinator for next year. If interested, please contact Angela Dengel at (513)520-9516.
Girls' Basketball Sign Ups
Sign-ups will only be offered online at www.stjab.com. In the upper right corner you will see the login or register tab if you do not already have an account. If you do not sign-up during these time frames, we cannot guarantee your son a spot on a team. If you sign-up late and are given a spot on a team a late fee will be charged.
Important info:
- Tryouts - 5th– 8thgrade– Depending on number of girls in each age group, an evaluation if needed will be in mid-November.
- 3rd-8th grade will be playing in the Girls Western Athletic Conference (GWAC). Information about the league can be found at www.gwacsports.com. The season generally runs from early February to early April (depending on the grade level). Practices will start in January.
Email any questions for girls basketball to Will Crawford at stjohnsgirlsbasketball@gmail.com
Fall Sports Team Mass
Our Fall sports team Mass will be October 22 at the 11:00 am Mass. All students, and coaches, that are participating in Fall sports (Soccer, including Lollipop, and Volleyball) are encouraged to attend and sit with their respective team. The student athletes are encouraged to wear their uniform top. This is a special opportunity for every player to be recognized by the Parish and Father Pete will offer a blessing to the participants. Please show your support for the St. John's community!
When: Sunday October 22 at 11:00 AM Mass
Where: St. John the Baptist Church, Dry Ridge
What to Wear: Please come dressed appropriate for Mass, but wear your Jerseys.
The green chairs left of the alter will be reserved.
We hope to see everyone there!
Catholic High School Admissions Events
Open House Calendar
La Salle High School
Mercy McAuley
Admissions Timeline & Important Events for Class of 2028
Eighth grade families are encouraged to visit www.mercymcauley.org/ClassOf2028 for all of the important details regarding the admissions process – including application deadlines, the link to register for the HSPT, Shadow Day, Open House, event registrations, and more!
Register for Mercy McAuley's Open House
Future Wolves and families of all grade levels are invited to see all that Mercy McAuley has to offer at its Open House on Sunday, Oct. 29, from 1 – 3:30 p.m. To ensure your tour is as personalized as possible, registration is strongly encouraged at www.mercymcauley.org/OpenHouse.
Schedule a Shadow Day at Mercy McAuley!
Mercy McAuley’s shadow days are full school days to provide eighth graders with a real day in the life of a Wolf! Eighth graders will be paired with a Student Ambassador for the day and will attend classes, tour the school, meet teachers, students and school leaders, and will experience the school spirit at an assembly or Mass. Eighth graders will also enjoy lunch in the cafeteria, a sample from White Oak Coffee House, and giveaways. Parents are encouraged to stay for coffee and discussion with Mercy McAuley leaders when dropping their daughter off to shadow. Register at www.mercymcauley.org/shadow. (See flyer.)
Register for Mercy McAuley’s HSPT Prep Course
Mercy McAuley offers a 4-week prep course to help 8th graders prepare for the High School Placement Test (HSPT). Taught by Mercy McAuley Math Teacher Mrs. Sam Duncan, the course covers academic content on the test, familiarizes students with test format, teaches test-taking strategies, and eases apprehension about the test. There is a $100 fee for the 4-week course, which is from 9 – 11 a.m. on the four Saturdays leading up to the test: Oct. 21, Oct. 28, Nov. 4, and Nov. 11. Registration is required at www.mercymcauley.org/HSPTprep. (See flyer.)
Seton
NEW Open House Date
Due to scheduling conflicts, Seton High School’s Open House will be moved to Tuesday, November 14 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. We look forward to showcasing our well-rounded and exceptional Catholic education including standout academics, competitive athletics, leadership and service opportunities. We appreciate your support and understanding and look forward to seeing 7th and 8th Grade Future Saints at Open House! If you have already registered, your time slot has remained the same. If this time no longer works for you, you are able to adjust your time slot. If you have not yet registered for Open House, you can do so by visiting https://setoncincinnati.org/future-saints/.
Shadowing
Calling all 8th Grade Future Saints! Shadow at Seton and see what the Seton State of Mind is all about! Shadow days are filling quickly, so register online today at www.setoncincinnati.org. Be a “Saint for a Day” and learn about our challenging academics, leadership opportunities, faith formation and standout school spirit!
St. Xavier
HSPT Prep Course
October 28th and November 4th at St. Xavier High School from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm or 12:30 to 4:30 pm. This HSPT course covers all 5 sections of the test: Verbal Skills, Reading, Mathematics, Quantitative Skills and Language. The course begins with a comprehensive assessment exam, and the rest of the course focuses on learning content. By program’s end, students know how to tackle every type of problem on the HSPT – and effectively manage their time and the test.
Parents can sign-up at www.RedwoodPrep.com by clicking on the 'Sign Up' button on the website. Please see flyer attached below for more details.
X-Perience Nights
St. Xavier High School hosts one more X-perience Night (October 23). Your school and all 7th & 8th grade families will receive an invitation to attend. The evening begins in our Reynolds Room at 6:30 p.m. and concludes at 8 p.m. Parents will hear a presentation about the mission of St. Xavier from a current student, a parent, faculty member, and an admissions representative – with ample time for questions and answers afterward. Students will learn about St. X by engaging in experiential learning opportunities that will be directed by current St. X students. Families have found these nights to be an opportunity to receive in-depth information and hear different perspectives about St. X. We ask that families register in advance.
Open House
On Sunday, November 12 from 1 to 5 p.m. prospective students and families are invited to attend our annual Open House. Tours are given by current students, allowing families time to speak with teachers, co-curricular moderators, and students about their experiences.
Shadowing
Shadowing is an integral role in a student’s decision-making process. The X-perience Day program provides interested eighth grade students with a firsthand experience on campus. The program runs from September through December. Prospective students will be hosted by an Ambassador of Excellence, a freshmen or sophomore qualified to speak on the various aspects of St. Xavier High School. On these days at 8:30 a.m., parents hear a presentation from a St. Xavier representative about programs, tuition assistance, scholarships, and have the opportunity to tour the school. Families may register for shadowing on our website at https://www.stxavier.org/admissions/visit.
Elder
Elder Shadow Days
Current 8th grade students are invited to visit Elder and shadow a current Panther! Shadowing is
the best way for a prospective student to experience a day at Elder! To schedule your visit go to
Elder Open House
Join us for the annual Elder Open House on Thursday, November 9th. Take a tour with a student
ambassador, meet our dedicated Faculty & Staff, and learn everything about Elder High School! Reserve a time for your family to take a tour at www.elderhs.org/openhouse.
High School Placement Test (HSPT) & Elder Prep Bootcamp
The official High School Placement Test (HSPT) testing day is Saturday, November 18th . If you
are currently in 8th grade, then make sure to schedule your test at your desired location.
In order to help 8th grade boys prepare for the High School Placement Test (HSPT), Elder will
host two HSPT Prep Bootcamps. One will be offered Saturday, November 4 th from 8:30 AM –
12:30 PM, and the second will be offered in two parts on Tuesday, November 14 th and
Thursday, November 16 th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM each night. Each camp costs $40 and covers the
same content. Space is limited, so be sure to secure your spot!
Find information on the HSPT and the Elder Bootcamps at www.elderhs.org/hspt.
Moeller
St. Ursula
Saint Ursula Academy has many exciting events planned for grade school girls over the next few months! There are multiple opportunities for your daughter to experience the sisterhood of SUA and learn more about our vibrant educational community. There is something for everyone and you are invited to join us for as many events as you would like over the next several weeks.
- SHADOW DAYS - Through December - During your Shadow Day, visit classes, take a tour of our campus, have lunch, meet future teachers, and be a Bulldog for the day! Register HERE
- WALKABOUT WEDNESDAYS - Various Dates through November - Tours for Prospective Families Register HERE
- OPEN HOUSE - October 22, 1:00-4:00 - Take an in-depth look at all SUA has to offer! An RSVP is suggested. Register HERE
- HIGH SCHOOL PLACEMENT TEST PREP COURSE - November 3, 9:00-3:00 - Review tips and tricks and practice strategies to build confidence prior to taking the High School Placement Test (which is required for admission to SUA). Register HERE
- SHOWCASE NIGHT - November 2 or December 6, 6:30-8:30 - This program provides an opportunity for us to "showcase" the many parts of a Saint Ursula Education. Register HERE
- THEATER PREVIEW NIGHT - November 15, 7:00-9:00 - Free admission to the dress rehearsal of the SUA Fall Musical The Sound of Music for 8th-grade girls and a guest! Register HERE.
Full information and additional events may be found at www.saintursula.org/visit.aspx.
Ursuline
Alumni News
News to Share?
We love to share exciting news about our St. John's alumni with our school community! If you have an older child or know anyone who graduated from St. John's who has an achievement to share, please send information and any photos to Laura Heidorn at lheidorn@stjohnsdrschool.org.
Parish News
Vote NO on Issue 1 Nov. 7th!
Please take a minute to view a new video that was just released from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. It's only 1 1/2 minutes long and does an excellent job of explaining what you need to know before voting on Issue 1. Please click here to view short video.