![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/u/backgrounds/custom_bg-5db0839d03f94523d67f5832-e9e4a8259ff4.jpg)
Blue Jay Flyer
September 13, 2023
From the Principal's Desk...
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I hope you are having a great week! I have lots of information to share today so please make sure you read through the whole newsletter.
Friday - students who raised $30 or more for the walk-a-thon will be out of uniform. Teachers will receive a list of students who met the criteria. Please make sure that outfits are appropriate for a Catholic School. No ripped jeans, butterfly shorts, tank tops or crop tops will be permitted. All other students can wear spirit wear with regular uniform bottoms.
Monday and Tuesday - We will be completing our first round of MAP testing. The students will take the Math test on Monday and the Reading test on Tuesday. The test is 40 questions and should take approximately an hour to complete. The test is not timed. If students need additional time, they will be able to finish. Please remind students that the goal of this test is to find out where they are in relation to their peers. The test will give them questions above and below grade level in order to pinpoint where they fall for each subject. We will operate on a 2-hour delay schedule on Monday and Tuesday in order to test students in grades 3-8. This will allow us to use the last three days of the week to test our youngest students and complete any needed make-up assessments.
Tuesday is also picture day! All students will be out of uniform.
EdChoice deadline is quickly approaching. Anyone who is interested in applying must get their paperwork into the school office by October 1st so that we can get it uploaded by the deadline. As of this weekend, we have 93 students that do not have any EdChoice paperwork submitted. I know that many families have their application in “submitted”status. I was on a call earlier today with the Ohio Department of Education, and they said they have only processed 40% of the applications that have been submitted thus far. They are working each day to process as many applications as possible, but they have had over 70,000 applications submitted since July. Please see below for some more updates. If you have questions, please reach out to Holly Sundrup at edchoice@stjohnsdrschool.org.
Thanks and have a great rest of your week!
Courtney Weinheimer
School Calendar 📅
Cafeteria 🍽️
School News
Out of Uniform Day Friday
Any student who turned in at least a $30 donation to the walkathon may be out of uniform on Friday, September 15. Clothing must be appropriate for a Catholic school. Please refer to the student handbook (located on Option C or the school website under the Parent tab) for more information.
Ed Choice Scholarship Application Deadline October 1
All Families Are Eligible To Apply
This is a reminder that ALL families are now eligible to apply for an EdChoice Expansion Scholarship. The deadline to apply is October 1, 2023.
- The Expansion program now provides a full scholarship to all students whose household adjusted gross income (AGI) is at or below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPI).
- Any family exceeding 450% of the FPL is eligible to apply for a partial scholarship.
Please see attached document titled "EdChoice Expansion Income Eligibility" to see what your family is eligible to receive. For specific instructions on how to apply, please see the attached letter below. Any questions can be directed to Holly Sundrup, hsundrup@stjohnsdrschool.org.
Absence Policies for Ed Choice Scholarship Recipients
Excused Absences
- Parent Notes
- for illness or injury for 3 days or less
- Doctor's Notes
- for illness or injury more than 3 days
- Students with more than 20 unexcused absences will not be eligible for scholarship renewal.
Picture Day Coming Soon
Picture Day
Tuesday, September 19
Pre-order a package ahead of time at mylifetouch.com and
enjoy FREE 8 x 11 photo book from Shutterfly
Use Picture Day ID: EVTH9CFQR
School Spectacular Nov 11
Amazon Wish List & Shopping Cent$ Gift Cards
The Spectacular Auction Committee is asking for your help!
Scan the QR code or follow the link below to access our
Amazon Wish List with the items we would love to
have donated to complete our Silent Auction Baskets.
We are also requesting donations of Shopping Cent$ gift cards.
Amazon, Dicks Sporting Goods, Rally House and Restaurants would be especially useful.
Thank you in advance for your support!
Tickets now on Sale!
Please join us on Saturday, November 11, for a fun evening of cocktails, dinner, live & silent auctions, raffles and dancing!
Pricing
• $80 single
• $150 couple
• $700 for a table of 10 (at least one attendee must be a school parent)
Scan the QR code or visit https://sjb23.givesmart.com to purchase your tickets.
A Note From the School Nurse
Welcome to a new school year at St. John’s!
Vision and hearing screenings are done annually on all students in 1st, 3rd, 5th
and 7th grades as well as kindergarten, preschool and any students new to the
school. The screenings are done between the beginning of school and
December of the school year.
- IF there is a problem with your child’s hearing or vision you WILL receive aletter from the school nurse advising you to see a specialist or pediatricianfor follow up.
- IF the screening was normal, you will NOT receive any notice from the school nurse.
Please call or email with any questions or concerns.
Lauren Morgan, BSN, RN
School Nurse
St. John the Baptist
513-699-6978
Chess Pieces & Boards/Checker Boards Needed
Mrs. Flick's math groups are in need of various chess pieces and chess or checkers boards. Although they would gratefully accept donations of full sets, this is a great way to repurpose sets that are missing pieces or even a lonely board. Please send donations to the school office. Thank you!
Opt In For Text Messages
In addition to emails, if you would like to receive important updates and information from St. John's via text message, please text the word ALERT to 22300.
2022-23 Yearbooks
A limited number of extra copies are available to purchase for $18.00 To purchase a yearbook, please send cash or check payments to the school office, Attn: Laura Heidorn/Yearbook.
We also have some extra copies from previous years that are available to purchase.
Beginning & Advanced Band: The Music Staff
Students in grades 4-8 will have the opportunity to participate in a band program brought to us by The Music Staff. The program is offered once a week before school from 7:10-7:50 a.m. Students may choose from the following instruments: Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Bells (xylophone) or Snare Drum. Families are responsible for the rental fee of the instruments along with the fee to The Music Staff.
Please see the attached fliers for more detailed information.
Blue Jay Gallery 📸
Birthday Bunch is Back!
It's time for the return of our SJB BIRTHDAY BUNCH! Happy Birthday to our faculty, staff and students who had summer birthdays and to those who celebrated a birthday last week.
Shine Shout Out!
Perimeter
A little fun in fourth grade math class as students demonstrated perimeter using their own bodies.
PTO Corner
Athletic Boosters
Athletic Spirit Wear
Athletic spirit wear is available to order online until Sept 17. Jerseys, t-shirts and sweatshirts ordered from this website may only be worn on spirit wear days at school (usually Fridays). Orders will be sent home with your student upon arrival. Follow the link below to place order.
Boys's Basketball
Friendly reminder to get your guy signed up for basketball soon! It's nice to have some clarity on teams before that 1st league meeting on 9/19. It also helps in planning which grades we'll need skill evaluations for. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks!
2nd - 12th grade BOYS' BASKETBALL SIGNUPS ARE NOW OPEN
Boys' Basketball - Registration is now open and will go through October 1st for grades 3rd – 8th. 2nd grade will be open thru November 5th and High School will be open until November 12th.
Sign-ups will only be offered online at https://sports.bluesombrero.com/stjab/. 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 for 5th – 8th grade –Will be in Mid-October so you must sign up by October 1st to receive tryout info.
- We will be playing in the Western Basketball Conference (WBC). Information about the league can be found at www.wbcbasketball.com. The season runs from December to end of February (depending on the grade level) with practices starting in November.
- 2nd grade will be playing in the St. Bernard League. The season runs from January to end of February. All games are played at St. Bernard. 2nd grade signups will end on November 5th.
Jonathan Houchen
jphouchen@yahoo.com
Boosters Golf Outing
Please see attachment below to register for the Boosters Golf Outing on October 7.
Catholic High School Admissions Events
La Salle High School
Grade School Football Night
Join us at grade school Football Grade School Night this Friday! Fun begins at 6pm down by the WLSN trailer! Food, games and giveaways! Free admission for all grade school students!
Lancers Youth LaCrosse
Registration is open for the spring 2024 season for Kindergarten through 8th grade.
Mercy McAuley
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!
Now is the time for 8th graders to register for a Shadow Day at Mercy McAuley; the first Shadow Day is coming up on September 13! 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.)
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 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.)
Mercy McAuley Grade School Sports Nights
Grade school girls are invited to experience the excitement of Mercy McAuley Athletics at the school’s Grade School Sports Nights! All grade school girls will receive free admission to the games along with snacks and giveaways! Registration is not required. (See flyer.)
Grade School Volleyball Night – NEON THEME!
Tuesday, September 19
Festivities begin at 6 pm. Varsity game begins at 6:30 p.m.
Grade School Soccer Night – LUAU THEME!
Monday, September 25
Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. Varsity game begins at 6 p.m.
Seton
Schedule a Shadow Day
Grade School Volleyball Night
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 two X-perience Nights (October 17 and 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.
St. Ursula
- SHADOW DAYS - September-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!
- WALKABOUT WEDNESDAYS - Various Dates through November - Tours for Prospective Families
- EDUCATIONAL SERVICES NIGHT - September 21, 6:30-7:30 - Meet teachers from our Educational Services Program and find out how Saint Ursula supports students with identified learning disabilities.
- GRADE SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL NIGHT - September 28 at 6:30 - Free admission for grade school girls, coaches, and parents as the SUA Volleyball team takes on Mercy McAuley
- OPEN HOUSE - October 22, 1:00-4:00 - Take an in-depth look at all SUA has to offer! An RSVP is suggested.
- 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)
Additional information, dates of other events, and registration links can 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
Last Call...Create the Good Coat Drive
Donate your gently used coats by Friday, Sept.15th! Create the Good is an outreach program associated with St John Dry Ridge Parish. Our role in the parish is to find ways for us to reach out to our greater community by collaborating with local charities, who are already responding to those in need, and support them with our time and goods.
This month our committee is looking to collect gently used and new winter coats for Hope’s Closet. We are hopeful some of you have done a little summer purging and have a coat your child has grown out of that you can donate. Please do not feel the need to purchase new coats. Our collection dates are from September 6 through September 15. We have placed a large barrel in the office hallway for students to place the coats in.
A list of sizes that are needed:
Girls: 2T, 3T, 5T, 6, 8, 10, 12, Adult S, M, L & XL.
Boys: 3T, 5T, 6, 7, 8, 12, Adult M, L, XL
Hopes Closet exists to enrich the lives of families that are impacted by children’s services. They strive to build intentional relationships to restore broken families as they LOVE displaced children and their families, PROVIDE encouragement, support, and material needs, and INSPIRE hope in a loving God.
If you have any questions, please contact Heather Smith (513)616-8353
Vote No on Nov. 7th!
The Cana Experience
Please see attached fliers for information on Cana Family Institute programs. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Kaitlyn Siebenaller at