![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/u/backgrounds/custom_bg-63444409044fb3b856bbf13b-722e36b2723a.jpg)
Saint Ambrose August News
August 18, 2023
We Walk By Faith: That's the Saint Ambrose Way!
Dear Saint Ambrose Parents,
It was wonderful to spend time with our new faculty members this week. We are blessed to have teachers committed to our mission joining us! Thank you to Home and School for preparing lovely welcome gifts for our new teachers.
Next week, all teachers report on Monday. We have a busy week of work on accreditation, virtues, smart board training and of course some fun bonding time! We look forward to welcoming you to campus on Thursday for Back to School Day.
Breakfast-place order here if your child wants breakfast the first two weeks of school (menu below). This will help us with planning and logistics. Lunch orders will be taken daily in classrooms.
Look at August and September menus here:
We've updated our drop off and pickup procedures-again. Safety is our focus, and we continue to work to best address parking lot issues as well as issues of traffic backups on our surrounding roads. Thank you for carefully adhering to our new procedures.
Please look at the uniform information below. Our uniform policy is not optional. We will hold students accountable rigidly starting the first day of school. Thank you for your support!
Save the Date: Thursday, August 24 is Back to School Day. Here is the sign-up genius for families to register for a visit between 3 and 6 pm. Meet your teacher, drop off school supplies, connect with Home & School Board members, look at spirit wear and socialize with families while grabbing food truck fare for the family.
Class List: Class lists will be sent out electronically on Tuesday, August 22 in advance of the Back to School event. In the meantime, Sycamore will not be accessible to families.
Extended Day 2023-2024 School Year: If you are interested in the Extended Day Program and have not already signed up, please complete this on-line form.
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.
Mark Your Calendars: Parent Information Night is Wednesday, September 13 at 6:30. This is a date change. We hope to have 100% attendance from our families as we kick off a great school year. Need childcare? Sign up here.
MESSAGE FROM DISTRICT REGARDING TRANSPORTATION
As your school accepts new or transfer students for School Year 23-24 it is extremely important students/families register for bussing if they have not already done so.
Use our OPT IN form to register, change or adjust bussing information. Our OPT IN Registration form is located on our webpage at https://www.sowashco.org/services/transportation
All current and new families should complete the Opt In form for their student, even if the transportation choice is to decline bussing. The same form can be used for changes in transportation needs as well.
Families that have not completed the Opt In Registration form for 23-24 will not be scheduled on a bus route. Many current families may have completed the form this spring, this is a reminder for those that have not or are newly registered to your school.
Bussing will not be established until all proper information is current with our Office of Student information 651-425-6218 (this is the same for public and nonpublic students/families).
Requests for bussing are based on eligibility (bussing zones vs non-bussing zones).
Busing Reminder: Please remember that we will not have bus service on August 29, 30, and 31. Bus services will begin on Tuesday, September 5. SEE THE INFORMATION BELOW.
Bus Route Information will be sent home the first week of school
Prayer of St. Benedict
Gracious and holy Father,
grant us the intellect to understand you,
reason to discern you, diligence to seek you,
wisdom to find you, a spirit to know you,
a heart to meditate upon you.
May our ears hear you, may our eyes behold you,
and may our tongues proclaim you.
Give us grace that our way of life may be pleasing to you,
that we may have the patience to wait for you
and the perseverance to look for you.
Grant us a perfect end--your holy presence,
a blessed resurrection and life everlasting.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
God bless,
Betsy Osterhaus Hand
Principal
DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP
There is no bussing during the first week of school.
Check out this helpful document for clarification of our plan.
If you are an Early Childhood family, you may park in the first 3 rows of the south lot, use the crosswalk and use the sidewalk to accompany your elementary child(ren) to the church doors. All other families should use the car line for drop off/pick up.
If your youngest child is in Kindergarten-2nd grade, we ask that you use the south side for drop off and pick up. Families whose youngest are in grades 3-8 may use the north side.
NEW THIS YEAR - ALL SCHOOL YEAR
We have made safety changes to our drop-off and pick-up procedures. Our south side will no longer be a walk-up area. See the above document for more information.
Please see the picture below for more detailed information.
You will find a BLUE printed sign with your family name on it in your family folder that you will receive on Back-to-School Day. We ask that you prominently display this in your window to help expedite student pick-up. This will be important for everyone during the first week of school when buses are not running. We will continue to require these signs anytime you pick up your child by car. Please inform Janet in the school office if you need an extra sign.
FIRST THREE DAYS NO BUS-What do I do?
Look at this map if your children typically take the bus:
Look at this map if you drive your children to and from school:
Do you have any books you would like to donate?
If you have any children's books that would be appropriate for grades K-8 that you would like to donate, please bring them to the school office and we will make sure they find their way to the right grade-level classroom library.
Thank you so much for your attention and generosity!
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.
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. 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.
Back to School Event - August 24, 3-6
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.
Staffing Update
Hiring excellent teachers has been my primary focus since this spring. With prayer and discernment, participation from my administrative team, Father Peter and teachers, I believe we have hired well in a challenging landscape. All of our new staff members have a heart for our mission and a deep commitment to students. With our strong team of teachers welcoming and mentoring, our Saint Ambrose Way will permeate our work as we support students to be the people God created them to be.
We are thrilled to have the following new teachers join our wonderful faculty:
John Heron as our 2nd grade teacher. John graduated from UW River Falls in secondary education, and then pursued elementary education at the University of Minnesota, where he finished this past year, spending the entire school year student teaching in a 2nd grade classroom in St. Paul. Welcome John!
Kat Jackson-grade 3-Kat is called to share her strong Catholic faith with students at Saint Ambrose. She has a few years of teaching experience in 2nd grade at Woodbury Leadership Academy, and is excited to join our team.
Leah Kaeppe-Learning Specialist K-5-Leah is a veteran Saint Ambrose teacher, who is coming back "home" to help serve students who need academic support.
Becky Panuska-3rd-8th Grade PE-Becky has 2 years of PE teaching experience in addition to a background in experiential learning. She will be a great addition to our school.
Rachel Petronack-6th Grade Language Arts-Rachel has a strong Language Arts background, and is ready to commit to full time after being an amazing sub for us for years. Rachel has 3 Saint Ambrose graduates and a 7th grader, and was on the original 1999 committee charged with establishing our Language Arts philosophy and choosing curriculum. She will positively impact our readers and writers in grade 6.
Brian Shriver-7th/8th Grade Science-Brian comes to us from Transfiguration, where he served as a PE teacher. His background includes coaching, owning a small business, home schooling and construction. He is working closely with a veteran middle school science teacher to prepare for this year, in addition to mentors on our staff. I have confidence that he will be a great asset to our team.
I am also excited to announce some internal movement as we work to best meet the needs of all of our students.
Danica Rueb will be moving from Kindergarten to grade 4, and Stephanie Schreier will join us as a full-time Kindergarten Teacher.
Update -
We have hired John Heron as our new 2nd grade teacher. John graduated from UW River Falls in secondary education, and then pursued elementary education at the University of Minnesota, where he finished this past year, spending the entire school year student teaching in a 2nd grade classroom in St. Paul. Welcome John!
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE PARISH FALL FESTIVAL
Calendar for the 2023-2024 School Year
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)