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Saint Ambrose School News
Parent Newsletter - October 7th, 2022
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Parent Newsletter - September 8, 2023
That's the Saint Ambrose Way!
Dear Saint Ambrose Parents,
While overall it has been an incredibly positive start to the school year, we continue to assess our dismissal procedures to problem solve for improvement. We hope to publish a new plan next Friday. A few important notes for now:
1 We are grateful for your patience. Our desire is to partner with you to make arrival and dismissal safe for students and we have been surprised by the number of people choosing parent pick up this year-even after our buses are running. The volume of cars is more than we've had in the past, and many cars are arriving well before students are dismissed, causing backups. Please arrive for pickup at 3:45 or later.
2. We have a new bus situation. Buses are arriving later than last year, which has necessitated a later dismissal time for our students in order for us to properly supervise all of the children.
3. We need to keep waiting cars off of County Road 18 and 19. If there is a backup, we will ask cars to park in the lot.
4. We had multiple issues last year with south side pickup when parents did not walk their students to and from the designated area, or failed to supervise their children after connecting with them as they were in conversation with other parents. This made last year's pickup unsafe on the south side.
With both parent pick up and busing, we continue to problem solve daily about how to meet the uptick in the number of car pickups as well as later bus arrival. We hope to publish a new plan by next Friday. We appreciate your patience, kindness and grace as we do our very best to safely welcome and dismiss our students.
Parent Information Night-
We are hoping for 100% attendance next Wednesday for Parent Info Night!
Wednesday, September 13, 6:30 p.m. Parent Information Night -We welcome K-8 Parents to gather to kick off the school year. We will gather in the church for a welcome from Father Peter & general information from our school administration team, and then have time for K-6 classroom visits and
an open house set-up for grades 7 & 8.
6:30 PM - Gather in the church
Welcome to the 2023-2024 School Year-Father Peter Williams, Pastor and Betsy Hand, Principal
7:05 PM- 7:25 PM-Presentation #1
Kindergarten-6th grade teachers will present in their classrooms
7th-8th Grade Team will present in the church
7:30 PM-7:50 PM- Presentation #2
Kindergarten-6th grade teachers will present in their classrooms
7th-8th Grade open house in classrooms upstairs
We look forward to seeing you Wednesday!
Need childcare? Sign up here.
Complete these forms:
We access funding from Title Grants from the state each year. Completing these forms allows us access to access funds. Please mark the "I do request...." choice for each of these three title grants.
Students Living the Virtues
This year our virtue of focus is faith.
We begin each day with the Saint Ambrose School Prayer focusing on faith. Each month a different grade level will be helping our school focus on virtues and the Saint Ambrose Way. We will recognize students that exhibit positive practices of the virtues and Saint Ambrose Way. If they are sent to the office with a positive virtue card we will be displaying them on a hallway bulletin board and gift the student a special prayer card from a saint whom we are celebrating. Ask your child if they have earned a special prayer card!
Volunteer Requirements
We look forward to welcoming volunteers to our campus this year. If you are new to Saint Ambrose and want to serve as a volunteer, please complete the Essential 3 Requirements outlined on the parish website.
Volunteers are required to re-credential every 3 years. You will be alerted by the Archdiocese if you need to re-credential. Thank you for your compliance.
We would love volunteer help at recess, in the lunchroom and in the cafeteria. Contact Janet Seidenkranz if you would like to help.
Volunteer Needs:
We need help walking students to speech during these times:
Mondays from 10:00-11:30 or 11:50-1:45
Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 or 12:00-2:00
Fridays from 9:30-11:30 and 12:00-1:30
email Beth Salmon if you would like to help bsalmon@saintambroseschool.org
We honor Mary today, on this Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy,
our life, our sweetness and our hope.
To thee do we cry,
poor banished children of Eve.
To thee do we send up our sighs,
mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn then, most gracious advocate,
thine eyes of mercy toward us,
and after this our exile
show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving,
O sweet Virgin Mary.
Pray for us O Holy Mother of God,
That we made be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Amen.
God bless,
Betsy Osterhaus Hand
Principal
CSCOE Family Webinars
SEPTEMBER 20, 2023
Back to School 2023: Success for Parents
You will learn strategies for a successful back to school transition. Dr. Jules can take your questions and will present contemporary strategies based on current information we have about neurobiology, behavioral research, and family systems.
REGISTRATION LINK | INSTAGRAM GRAPHIC | FACEBOOK GRAPHIC | RECORDING | SLIDESHOW
Enrichment Volunteers Needed - Art Adventure, Jr. Great Books, Jr Achievement
We are looking for volunteers for several programs this year.
Training is provided.
Find information about each below
- Art Adventure - Grades 1-5 - It will be held in the spring but training is provided in the winter so it is important to sign up in the fall.
- Jr. Great Books - once per month grades 1 and 2
- Jr. Achievement - K-8 and will be held in the spring
If you are interested in volunteering please contact Dianna Helmberger at 651-768-3078 or dhelmberger@saintambroseschool.org
Art Adventure
This year the theme is Cultural Reflections.
Junior Achievement
Jr. Great Books
September Menus
We are Looking for Help With a Few Things...
Substitute Teachers
If you are interested in being a substitute teacher at Saint Ambrose or know someone that is, please contact Dianna Helmberger at dhelmberger@saintambroseschool.org or 651-768-3078.
Please view the following presentation for more details and information - https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1AWeJsxdO371fNvSmQ9Q2W9CHmPaCI0ZQl4SHMeyFkFY/edit?usp=sharing. We also have a wonderful training that we can send new people to that is through CSCOE.
Volunteer helpers to walk students and help with our Reading Counts Program
Speech help:
We have several students that receive speech services through the district. These services take place virtually at our school. We have found that when we have consistent help walking students from classrooms to the speech station, everything runs very smoothly. This is a volunteer position and it could be one day or multiple days.
Reading Counts help:
Help check books in and out for students in grades K-2. Training provided.
For more details contact Beth Salmon at bsalmon@saintambroseschool.org. or 651-768-3087.
Lunchroom and Recess Help
If you are interested in helping with recess or lunchroom supervision please contact Janet Seidenkranz in our school office. 651-768-3000.
Please Complete the Forms
We access funding from Title Grants from the state each year. Completing these forms allows us access to access funds. Please mark the "I do request...." choice for each of these three title grants.
Uniforms for 2023 - 2024
SAINT AMBROSE OF WOODBURY CATHOLIC SCHOOL
UNIFORM POLICY
This uniform policy has been established to help provide a non-distracting learning environment.
Students are expected to dress in a way that will be a credit to themselves, their parents and their school. The dress code will be strictly enforced.
ALL uniform items must be purchased through Donald’s Department Store, 972 Payne Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55101. 651-776-2723. www.donaldsuniform.com
Girls:
Uniform jumper #8298 (length within 2 inches of the knee)-GRADES K-5.
Uniform white blouse with round collar-short or long sleeve - GRADES K-5 (will be allowed for the 2023-2024 school year and discontinued for the 2024-2025 School year)
Uniform White Polo shirts (with logo) - K-5 under jumper (will be standard beginning 2023-2024 school year)
Uniform navy blue twill pants worn in lieu of the jumper-GRADES K-8
Uniform navy blue cardigan sweater-GRADES K-8
Uniform navy stretch bike shorts worn under jumpers and skirts - GRADES K-8
Uniform navy blue twill shorts (length within 2 inches of the knee) - worn only September, May and June GRADES K-8.
Spirit Wear uniform approved blue hooded sweatshirt may be worn over uniform shirts. GRADES K-8 (Purchased through Saint Ambrose).
Uniform skirt #3498 (length within 2 inches of the knee)-GRADES 6-8.
White knit polo shirt with logo (banded or traditional) - GRADES 6-8
Spirit Wear uniform approved ¼ zip or long sleeve hooded shirt may be worn over any white shirt. GRADES 6-8. (Purchased through Saint Ambrose).
Physical education uniform (purchased at Saint Ambrose)-GRADES 5-8
Solid navy or white tights, knee-highs or anklets (purchased at any store); or optional white socks with uniform plaid ruffle (purchased at Donald’s).
Navy blue or black leggings.
Tennis or dress shoes with non scuff soles that are black and/or white only.
Garments worn under blouses must be white or beige without any writing, logos or pictures of any kind (purchased at any store).
Boys:
Uniform light blue knit polo shirt with logo (banded or traditional)-short or long sleeve-GRADES K-5.
Used red uniform shirts will be allowed for one more school year (2023-2024).
Uniform navy blue twill pants-GRADES K-8.
Uniform navy blue twill shorts (length within 2 inches of the knee)-worn only September, May and June-GRADES K-8.
Uniform navy blue cardigan sweater - GRADES K- 8.
Spirit Wear uniform approved blue hooded sweatshirt may be worn over uniform shirts. GRADES K-8 (Purchased through Saint Ambrose).
Uniform white polo shirt with logo (banded or traditional)--short or long sleeves-GRADES 6-8.
Spirit Wear uniform approved ¼ zip or long sleeve hooded shirt may be worn over any white shirt. GRADES 6-8. (Purchased through Saint Ambrose).
Navy blue or black belt (purchased at any store)-optional
Physical education uniform (purchased at Saint Ambrose)-GRADES 5-8
White or navy blue socks (purchased at any store).
Tennis or dress shoes with non scuff soles that are black and/or white only.
White undershirts, if worn, must be without any writing, logos or pictures of any kind (purchased at any store).
Additional Requirements:
Shoes: Must have non-scuff soles and must be close-toed. No sandals, clogs, moccasins or platforms. Tops of shoes must be ankle-height or lower. Heels must be no higher than 1½ inches. Shoelaces must be the same color as the shoe. Shoes must be solid black, solid white or black and white. No colors are permitted.
Shirts: Undershirt must be white if worn under the spirit wear approved hooded t-shirt or ¼ zip. Uniform shirts must be worn under sweatshirts and cardigans. Shirts must be tucked in at all times. Only the top button may be left unbuttoned. All cuffs must be buttoned.
Hair: Must be conservatively styled, well-groomed and neat. Boys’ hair must be above the collar and above the eyebrows. No unconventional coloring or haircuts allowed. Hair accessories must be solid black, solid white or uniform plaid.
Make-up: Permitted for girls in grades 6-8 and must be tasteful and minimal.
Jewelry: Must be simple and conservative, if worn. No unconventional jewelry allowed. No dangling earrings for girls and no earrings for boys.
Watches: No smartwatches allowed
Tattoos: Not allowed.
Other notes:
All clothing and shoes must be size-appropriate and should be labeled with the student’s name. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen clothing.
Uniforms must be worn on all school days, unless the principal declares a no-uniform day. The principal must authorize any circumstance for which a student is out of uniform.
Uniforms must be clean and neat.
OUT-OF-UNIFORM AND SCHOOL-SPONSORED EVENTS
Out-of-uniform days and school-sponsored event (e.g. dances) attire must reflect both modesty and Christian values in respect to slogans, graphics and physical fit. Clothing must be neat, clean and in good repair. Non-uniform shorts and skirts must cover at least mid-way down the thigh. Shirts must have sleeves, and midriffs must be covered. Clothing must be in good taste and not provide a source of competition or distraction. Inappropriate clothing on a no-uniform day or at a school-sponsored event will result in consequences which may include removal of the student from classes or activities.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Students in grades 6-8 change clothes for physical education class. Students in grades 6-8 will be required to wear the Saint Ambrose physical education uniform in order to participate in class.
Home and School Board:
Tiffani Morelli-President
Ashley Salvato-Vice President
Christine Nelson-Communications Coordinator
Tara Malley-Fundraising Coordinator
Katie Hatteberg-Secretary
Abby Summerfield-Treasurer
Heather Cange-Volunteer Coordinator
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE PARISH FALL FESTIVAL
Saint Ambrose Parish Festival is Friday, September 22 and Saturday, September 23. Please look for more details to come.
Believe and Read - Groves Literacy Partner
Believe & Read is a wonderful program helping young Catholic school students achieve literacy success. Students need to learn to read before they can read to learn. Saint Ambrose is grateful to the support of the Catholic School Center of Excellence for funding this programming for the past three years as we began its implimentation at our school.
CSCOE's partnership with national literacy expert Groves Academy, and Cretin-Derham Hall High School, Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis are using Believe and Read for exceptional literacy instruction.
This year we plan to use this section of our newsletter to help parents feel more knowledgeable and connect to what our students are doing for this program.
ABOUT GROVES LITERACY PARTNERSHIPS®
Reading is the foundation for educational success and life opportunities. In the early grades, students learn to read. By the third grade, they begin reading to learn. Yet, 60 percent of all American students are not reading at grade level by the third grade! We aim to change that for all students - one school, one teacher, one student at a time.
Groves Literacy Partnerships® shares evidence-based literacy instruction with fellow educators in the community so that all students learn to read, illuminating the path to enhanced literacy.
Other Information
Sycamore will be accessible to families on August 22, 2023.
Sycamore Communication Portal/App - click below to go to Sycamore Website
https://app.sycamoreschool.com/index.php
Please login to Sycamore to access the school calendar, lunch menu, and schedules/grades (JH only)
Handbook
Here is our student handbook for this school year:
Mission and Philosophy
Mission (what we offer)
We at Saint Ambrose School are part of a vibrant Catholic community supporting and nurturing
each child on their journey with Christ.
Through exceptional academics, embracing each child’s unique strengths and needs, and
joyfully engaging in prayer and service, we take a holistic, virtue-based approach to student
education and experiences. This is the Saint Ambrose Way.
Vision (what we aspire to)
As a thriving Catholic school, we create meaningful impact though each family we support and
student we send into the world.
By helping form the whole child, students are not only prepared well for the next level of
education, but life as Christian adults living the Saint Ambrose Way.
PHILOSOPHY
The Saint Ambrose community recognizes the partnership between parents, students, staff,
administration and parishioners in providing for the development of its members as people of
faith who worship, learn and grow together. As a community we have a responsibility to
support families- as the primary educators of their children- while providing enriching
experiences that promote a sense of belonging and responsibility to a community.
Follow us on Social Media
Did you know that we have a Saint Ambrose Facebook Page and Instagram Page? Please follow us for school updates and photos. Click the links at the bottom of this email for quick access to our social media pages.