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Blue Jay Flyer
September 20, 2023
From the Principal's Desk...
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We have had a busy week of testing. The students in grades 3-8 did a great job with MAP testing on Monday and Tuesday with our adjusted schedule. We were able to successfully test all students at one time. At this point, we only have 5 students who need to complete make-up tests before the end of the testing window on Friday. Students in grades K-2 have been working on their tests as well. We should finish all MAP testing tomorrow and then have Friday set aside for DIBELS testing, as well as the small number of make-up tests that need to be completed. Our Professional Development Days in October will be spent analyzing the data from the MAP and DIBELS testing and creating plans for how to adjust instruction based on the data. Overall, I am very pleased with our transition to MAP testing.
I hope to see everyone out at the PTO meeting tonight in the cafeteria at 7pm. The first meeting will be spent talking about what the PTO wants to accomplish during the 2023-2024 school year.
Thanks and have a great rest of your week!
Courtney Weinheimer
School Calendar 📅
Cafeteria 🍽️
School News
What is the Spectacular?
The St. John’s Spectacular is the number one annual fundraiser for the school. It is a fun evening of cocktails, dinner, dancing, auctions, and raffles. All the proceeds go to the school to help pay for miscellaneous expenses that tuition doesn’t cover.
When is the Spectacular?
Nov. 11th, 2023 from 6:30-11 pm in the St. John’s Parish Center
Ways that you can help:
- Attend the Event: Tickets are now on sale. Scan the QR code below or follow the link to purchase tickets - Spectacular Tickets.
- Donate a Shopping Cent$ Gift Card This Week: Mark “Spectacular” on your Shopping Cents order form this week to donate. Any denomination to places like Amazon, restaurants, Rally House, or Dick’s Sporting Goods will help us complete silent auction baskets. The class with the highest number gift card donations will win a donut party (date TBD).
- Purchase An Item From Our Amazon Wish List: Scan the QR code or follow the link to access our Amazon Wish List with the items we would love to have donated to complete our Silent Auction Baskets.
Donut Party Spectacular Incentive 9-21
Did someone say a donut party? Whose homeroom will be the lucky winner?
The winner will be the homeroom who turns in the highest number of Shopping Cent$ gift card donations tomorrow, Sept. 21st! The Spectacular is in need of gift cards (Amazon, restaurants, Rally House or Dick's Sporting Goods) to help complete their Silent Auction items.
Look for an order form in Blue Jay Folders tonight or print one from the attachment below. If your gift card order is a donation for the Spectacular, please indicate "Spectacular" and include your child's name and homeroom teacher on your order form. For households with more than one child, you may use one form to order multiple gift cards. Please indicate which gift cards are for donation and include each of your children's names and teachers.
Bookstores Now Open!
Our student BOOKSTORES are now open for business every morning from 7:45-8:00 am!
If your child is running low on any basic school supplies, they can purchase items such as pencils, crayons, notebooks, index cards, white out, etc. at one of the three bookstores located throughout the building. The bookstores are run by 8th grade students, giving them a great opportunity for service and leadership.
Student Council
We are proud to introduce the members of our 2023-24 St. John's Student Council! Thank you to Mrs. Madison Caldwell, Ms. Amanda Dreyer and Mrs. Chris Smith for organizing and planning meetings for our student leaders.
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.
Schoolbelles Sale
Schoolbelles fall sale will be September 28th - October 1st, 2023. Everything is 30% off!
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 Piano Lessons
Blue Jay Gallery 📸
Busy Little Bees
We have had some busy little bees in the 3 year old preschool class doing everything from a little laundry to arts & crafts!
Mexican Independence Day
In Spanish class last week, Señorita Moore’s sixth grade students celebrated Mexican Independence Day by learning about Mexico’s flag.
Picture Day with Mass Buddies
Picture Day was extra fun for our kindergarten students when they got to hang out with their 8th grade buddies all morning!
Twinning for Picture Day
Great minds think alike for picture day! Mrs. Unger, Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Ventling were twinning in their "Blue Jay" blue.
PTO Corner
PTO Membership Meeting Sept. 20
Hope you can join us tonight!
Athletic Boosters
Boosters Golf Outing
Please see attachment below to register for the Boosters Golf Outing on October 7.
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
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
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!
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 6 th 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 8 th grade, then make sure to schedule your test at your desired location.
In order to help 8 th 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.
Grade School Soccer Night
All grade school students are invited to come out to the Panther Athletic Complex (PAC) on
Tuesday, September 26 th at 7:00 PM for Soccer Grade School Night. Free admission and
giveaways for all grade school students! Find information on Elder Athletics at
St. Xavier
Tailgate with us - Friday, Sept. 29th
Before the St. Xavier vs. Louisville Trinity football game, join us for a tailgate party from 5:30 to 7 p.m.. Grade school students and parents get free admission to the game. Enjoy good food, good music, and good friends at the tailgate. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. RSVP HERE
Visit our website at https://www.stxavier.org/admissions/admissions, to find all of our admission information and more. Reach out to us by email at admissions@stxavier.org or by calling 513.618.3258.
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.