Family Newsletter

This coming Monday is a day off to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. and his message to the world.

Many of us learned about this historic figure growing up and we knew he was a preacher and valued his faith. I remember my middle school social studies teacher once wrote this Bible verse on the board around this time of the year: Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful. - John 14.27

These are the words of Jesus to his disciples as part of the Last Supper discourse as an explanation of Jesus' teachings that remind us about the Great Commandment and that if we are serving God with the help of the Holy Spirit, then we have the kingdom of God opened to us.

I remember our discussion in the class being about the Great Commandment and loving one another and if we can show empathy, understanding, and stewardship to others then we are living in peace. Then, we discussed the connection to Martin Luther King, Jr.'s work of the Great Commandment.

With this being said, we have many students who will be honored Monday at 11 am at the Mt. Calvary Church on Milton St., Geneva for their messages of peace written as poetry and shown in artwork. We are very proud of all the students who will be given awards and listed as honorable mentions.

Thank you to the students and their teachers for participating in the annual poetry and art contest. You are representing our school well!

Additionally, Mrs. Cathy Caster will be honored by receiving the Martin Luther King, Jr. Educator Award. Mrs. Caster has been an excellent leader of making sure our students participate in this opportunity and live out what they write and draw. Congratulations, Mrs. Caster!

Just a reminder of some of our dates to help make enrollment smoother this year.

· January 5th: Enrollment Opens

· March 1st: Parish Commitment must be submitted and signed for 2024-2025 school year. Families who fail to return form will be changed to the Non-Parishioner rate. Forms may be turned in before March 1st.

· April 1st: Families contact local school districts for transportation requests - Requests can be made before April 1st.

· April 20th: Financial Aid due

· August 1st: First Tuition Payment is due.

Forms may be found on our website: https://www.stfrancisststephen.org/admissions/financial-assistance/

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83065387127?pwd=nBw1LrLGpxRZxnlahjANDRQIqTKsJg.1

Although, we are a couple weeks away from Catholic Schools' Week, our PTO needs your help at the Family Night Event. The following flyer was sent home this past week.

This invite was sent home with each student this week. Please check your child's backpack.

For planning purposes, please complete and return to school by Friday, January 26th.

Just a reminder that milk needs to be ordered each month if you wish your child to receive.

The milk for February is listed in the menu for January 31st.

https://www.stfrancisststephen.org/family-resources/

The updated January calendar is below.