Principal Weekly Update: 9/29/23

Here is a special Catholic tradition that can help carve our some faith and family prayer time.

Fr. Brian will be sharing more information about the Parish Planning Survey this weekend at the Masses. However, here is a link if you are interested in responding electronically. This survey is intended to be filled out by parishioners of St. Clare Parish. Thank you.

Fall Conferences are required for Grades K-8

Art will be available on a first-come, first-served basis on Tuesday, October 17 from 3-5pm

PE and Music will be available in the lunchroom for conferences on a first-come, first-served basis on Thursday, October 19 from 3-5pm.

PreK Classes will receive an individualized report from their teacher. Please email Ms. Calmes (4K) or Mrs. Lade (3K) with any questions or concerns about your son or daughter. The February conferences will be required for all PreK families.

Click the green button above to learn more about what the NED Show is. We are partnering with St. Nicholas in Freedom to promote mental health and character building. The NED Show is a 45 minute presentation geared towards students in grades K-5 to learn about how to make good choices and focus on bettering yourself through focus, dedication, and positivity. This is done through an interactive yo-yo demonstration.

FAQ for Mrs. Stanczak:

1. Why are we doing this at St. Clare's?

Answer: As your Principal, one of my goals for this year is to promote mental health and good decision making. To do this, I am seeking multiple resources to support our students and families. Examples of these resources are additional safety bulletins, adding school services, faith retreats, prayer resources, enhancing our curriculum, and empowering our teachers, students, and families to build strong, positive, and supportive relationships.

2. What does this cost?

Answer: Transportation is being covered by the Parish. The cost of the show is covered under the Ned Show Pay It Forward Program. To do this, they promote the sale of a variety of yo-yos so that kids can practice character building, just like Ned. These yo-yos range in price from $10-$16 plus additional accessories. These are OPTIONAL and NO PURCHASE is necessary for any participant. However, the proceeds go towards covering the cost of another show and a future school. You can learn more information below and an order form will be sent home with your child/ren next week.

3. What is the NED ZONE?

Answer: The teachers and Mrs. Stanczak will monitor a special area of the playground during lunch recesses (only lunch recess is permitted for yo-yo practice) for students to practice with their yo-yos. This zone will be in place for up to 1 week following the presentation. After that, we are asking that students take their yo-yos home if they want to keep practicing. They are only allowed to practice at school in the designated zone during LUNCH RECESS.

Here is a link to other FAQs about this program.

The Diocese of Green Bay is no longer using NWEA MAPS testing platform. Moving forward for 2023-2024, along with the Diocese, St. Clare will be using the Renaissance STAR360 assessments instead. Similar to MAPS, students will be assessed three times a year (Fall, Winter, and Spring). The assessment is an adaptable model of questioning. This means that the questions will change based on how the student grows and learns.

Students will be asked to take the STAR Math and STAR Reading assessments between now and October 10th. You will see their baseline reports as part of the Parent-Teacher Conferences. Please be sure to check this newsletter for the sign-up link.

Here are some helpful resources to promote success in reading for your son or daughter. These are particularly effective for students in grades K-3.

- Read out loud to your kids (they still enjoy this, even in middle school)

- Take a book adventure and read a non-fiction resource to learn something as a family.

- Set aside time at home to role model reading and read with your children. This is a great way to promote screen-time balance, mental health, and family connection.

Need a book recommendation, the Bible is honestly my favorite, but I'm sure Ms. Bohman or your classroom teachers would be happy to recommend a bunch of great options too.

A huge thank you to our sponsors, donors, participants, and supporters for the 2nd annual golf outing. The numbers are still being finalized, but initial reports indicate more golfers than last year and the event was a wonderful success.

A special thanks to Lea Verbeten-Minor, Annie Wells, Lynn Brittnacher, Lindsey Theunis, and Kristin Stelzer for their efforts, planning, and leadership as the event coordinators.

It was a gorgeous day to share time with our community and support our school.

Feasting for Funds is a monthly fundraiser that helps support both St. Clare School and a variety of local businesses in the Wrightstown, Greenleaf, Askeaton, and surrounding areas. A portion of each sale of gift cards is donated directly back to St. Clare School. Please help support these wonderful businesses and our school through your purchase of these gift cards. Thank you for your consideration. Our partner for October, is JUST STOP IN.

Please contact the school office, Principal, or Kristin Mayer (Chair of Home & School) if you are interested in getting involved. Participation at the monthly meetings is not mandatory, but if you want to share time with some caring, helpful, and active parents, this is a great group to be part of.

We especially need representation from grades 3K, 4K, 1, and 4. All families and extended family members are welcome!

We are going to try something new this year and bus our K-8 students to the 8:30am Mass in Askeaton for All Saints Day. If you are able to join us that morning, it would be wonderful to have you.

For liability reasons, we cannot transport the 3K students on the bus and due scheduling reasons, we opted to keep 3K and 4K together. Therefore, grades 3K and 4K will report to school as normal for a regular school day/schedule. However, if you would like to transport your child separately to/from Mass and then bring them to school for 3K or 4K afterwards, that is welcomed.