![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/u/backgrounds/custom_bg-5db0839d03f94523d67f5832-e9e4a8259ff4.jpg)
Blue Jay Flyer
October 4, 2023
From the Principal's Desk...
Dear Parents and Guardians,
This is a reminder that conference forms are due today! If you did not turn in the conference form and you are still interested in scheduling a conference with a teacher, please use the link below to sign up for a conference. The teachers will be scheduling the conferences on Friday morning, and conference papers, with times, will come home with the oldest child on Friday afternoon. Here is the link to the online conference form: https://forms.gle/GitQ6jwg87TmBdxM8
We have included some important information about EdChoice in the Blue Jay Folder. Please make sure you read through the information and send in one or both of the papers, if applicable. If you have already sent one or both of these papers into the office, you do not need to do anything at this time.
Below in the newsletter, we have included a link to the NWLSD Master Facility Survey. The district has asked us to share the link to the survey with all of our parents who live in the Northwest Local School District. If you live in the district, please consider completing the survey so they can have input from all families.
Thanks and have a great rest of your week!
Courtney Weinheimer
School Calendar 📅
Cafeteria 🍽️
School News
Family Conferences
Family Conferences
Thursday, October 12th and Wednesday, October 18th
3:30-7:00 pm.
Conference forms were sent home last week in the Blue Jay Folders. Every family is welcome to schedule a conference. However, if your child is doing well and you are satisfied with your child's progress, you are NOT required to schedule a conference.
To schedule a conference, please complete the google form here OR fill out your paper copy and return to school. If you fill out the google form, you do not need to send in a paper copy.
St. John's School Spectacular
Donut Party Incentive Round Two!
Our Spectacular committee still needs your help in completing some of the silent auction and other items for the event.
Turn in a donation order for a $5, $10, $25 or $50 Shopping Cent$ generic gift certificate on Thursday, Oct 5 and the homeroom with the highest amount of participation (combined with the orders from Sept 21) will win a donut party.
Order forms are coming home on Wednesday or can be printed from the attachment below. Use the lower right hand corner of the order form to order your generic gift certificates and please be sure to include your child's name and homeroom.
Hint: One of our 8th grade homerooms is currently in the lead...who will be the lucky winner???
Purchase Your Tickets Today
Tickets are now on sale. Scan the QR code or follow the link to purchase tickets - Spectacular Tickets.
Cafeteria is Hiring
Our school cafeteria is seeking a part-time employee 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.
Quarters For Kindness is Back!
As we continue our efforts to spread kindness at St. John's, our "Quarters for Kindness" Project is back! 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. For the month of October, all money raised will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
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.
SURVEY: Planning the Future of NWLSD School Buildings
In June 2023, Northwest Local School District reconvened its Master Facility Advisory Committee meetings in order to determine our district’s next steps in addressing how to meet the challenges and needs of our aging school buildings.
Our community Advisory Committee designed a survey with the goal of understanding what our community envisions and desires regarding our Master Facility (School Building) Plan. NWLSD understands the benefits that a healthy and viable public school system offers to our entire community and values all input to reach that goal. We’re looking forward to your input as we work together to create a building plan that will benefit all of us. For more information, please click here.
We appreciate your feedback about our potential building plan options. Thank you for taking a few minutes to complete our Master Facility Survey.
This survey will close on October 13, 2023.
Please click below to take the survey.
Blue Jay Gallery 📸
Sneak Peek!
Sneak peek at some of the decorations for our upcoming School Spectacular, Follow Me! Fifth grade students have been busy in art class making silhouette weavings.
Every student in grades K-7 will be making something to help decorate for the event. Our 8th grade class is creating one large piece of framed artwork that will be auctioned off to the highest bidder!
A Visit From Fr. Elias
Fr. Elias visited one of our 8th grade religion classes this week to speak to the students about the sacrament of marriage and to answer any questions they had about marriage, divorce and annulments.
Peer Tutors
Our 7th & 8th grade Peer Tutors help younger students every morning by reviewing math facts, reading, completing Simple Solutions lessons, or anything else that the teachers request.
PTO Corner
Trunk - or - Treat
Save the Date: Skating Party
Monday, November 20th
The Place
3211 Lina Place
Cincinnati, OH, 45239
Stay tuned for more details!
Athletic Boosters
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
La Salle High School
Lancers Youth LaCrosse
Registration is open for the spring 2024 season for Kindergarten through 8th grade.
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!
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.)
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
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 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.
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 & Seton Football Tailgate Party
All 7th and 8th grade students are invited to the Elder & Seton Football Tailgate Party on Friday,
October 6th starting at 6:00 PM. All in attendance will receive complimentary snacks, drinks,
shaved ice, give-a-ways, and free entry to the Elder Football Game! Sign your student up at
Elder Open House
Join us for the annual Elder Open House on Thursday, November 9 th . 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
Please see attached fliers below for details on admissions events.
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
Pet Blessing
The Annual Pet Blessing will be held at Corpus Christi on Wednesday, October 4th at 6pm. Celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi with us as Deacon John and Deacon Larry bless your pets.
Meet us in the parking lot in front of Corpus Christi Church. Please have your dogs on a leash and your other pets properly secure to keep them safe.
We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, October 4th at 6pm!
All pets are welcome for this outdoor Pet Blessing!