Blue Jay Flyer
November 1, 2023
From the Principal's Desk...
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Happy November!!! That can only mean one thing, the St. John’s Spectacular is just around the corner. Ticket sales for the event are over, but don’t worry! You can still participate. Anyone with a Givesmart account can bid on items through the App. See below for how you can create an account for the event. You can purchase raffle tickets for the Go Cincinnati raffle, bid on some of our amazing Silent Auction items, purchase an out of uniform pass for your child(ren), and/or buy chances for the Split the Pot. All proceeds will benefit the school!. We will be featuring some of our best items on Facebook leading up to the event. Please share these posts so that everyone you know can sign up and bid/buy.
Thanks to all the volunteers for our Halloween parties on Tuesday. I was amazed by the games, crafts, and goodie bags that were brought into the school. I know it has been a while since I have had a school Halloween party, but times have definitely changed! The kids had a great time so THANK YOU!
The end of the first trimester is quickly approaching. The trimester will end on Wednesday November 8th. Grades will be due the following week, and report cards will be sent home just before Thanksgiving break. Just a friendly reminder, the students will be off the whole week of Thanksgiving due to meeting our fundraising goal at the Walk-A-Thon.
I hope everyone has a great rest of the week!
Courtney Weinheimer
School Calendar 📅
Cafeteria 🍽️
School News
Halloween 2023
We had a "Spooktacular" good time around here celebrating Halloween...check out the video below!
Halloween Candy
Please consider bringing in a few pieces of your Halloween candy to share with the homeless shelter. Once a month, a group of volunteers from St. John the Baptist Parish prepare a meal for Shelterhouse. For the December meal, they would like to have enough candy to serve for their dessert.
Please bring your candy to the school office. Thank you in advance for your kindness!
Shopping Cent$ Bonus Incentive Nov 2
Shopping Cent$ orders will be filled tomorrow, Nov. 2!
BONUS INCENTIVE - for every $25 in orders turned in, you will be entered to win a $25 generic gift certificate that you can use on a future purchase! Start your holiday shopping early!!
School Spectacular: Browse, Bid & Buy
Did you know that ANYONE (think family, friends, co-workers, neighbors...) can browse, bid and buy for our Spectacular? No need to be present at the event on Nov. 11 to win! Follow the link below to start bidding and purchase raffle tickets & out of uniform passes.
Go Cincinnati Raffle
This amazing Cincinnati package includes:
- Two tickets to the SOLD OUT Bengals vs. Viking game (Date TBD)
- $500 Visa gift card
- $300 Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse gift card
- $150 Rally House gift card
- $100 Party Source gift card
- and MORE!
Panama Beach Condo For A Week
Only 11 more days until our School Spectacular and we are going to be featuring one of our amazing Silent Auction items each day leading up to our event. Be sure to follow St. John's School Spectacular on Facebook & Instagram @stjohnsschoolspectacular (new).
First up is item #15 - PANAMA CITY BEACH CONDO for a week!
Enjoy this gorgeous condo on Panama City Beach with an amazing ocean view at Laketown Wharf, Unit 512. Choose one of the following weeks: September 14-21, 2024 or alternate dates of 10/5-10/12, 2024 or 10/26-11/2, 2024.
Condo accommodates up to 10 people. Three bedrooms, three full bathrooms and bunk room.
Out of Uniform Pass
Purchase OUT OF UNIFORM passes online now to be used on November 16! Passes are $10 per student or $25 per family.
Split the Pot
Purchase the lucky raffle ticket and win half of the total sales. Prices are 1 for $20, 3 for $50, or 7 for $100.
Welcome to Sam Johnston!
Please join us in welcoming Sam Johnston back to our Blue Jay Family! After graduating from St. John's in 2009, Sam attended La Salle High School and then Eastern Kentucky University where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Marketing.
Mystery on 13th Street
Congratulations to the St. John’s Performing Arts Troupe on a great show last Friday! Their fall production of “Mystery on 13th St.” was a lighthearted mysterious comedy full of humorous characters and plot twists.
We are excited to announce that they will be doing Annie Jr. for their spring production!
Elder Art Show Winners
Elder High School hosted their first grade school Art Show this year inviting local schools from the Archdiocese to participate. Elder awarded a total of sixteen scholarships, totaling $6000, to be applied to current school year grade school tuition.
Mrs. Jungkunz submitted seven pieces of artwork from six different 7th and 8th grade students and we are proud to announce that we have two winners from St. John's! Congratulations to our winners and to all those who had their artwork submitted!
$239 Raised For Tops & Socks
The first Student Council Tops and Socks Day raised $239. Stay tuned for theme information on the next Tops and Socks Day!
Ms. Dodd's Room Wins!
Congratulations to Ms. Dodd's homeroom for collecting the most number of grippy socks for our Hospice Service Project! As a school, we donated 163 pairs of socks to a local Hospice organization.
Quarters for Kindness
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 to our Quarters for Kindness Project. For the month of November, all money raised will be donated to the Corpus Christi Food Pantry.
Little Tikes Picnic Table For Preschool
Our preschool program is in need of a Little Tikes picnic table. If you or someone you know has one that they are no longer using and would be willing to donate, please contact Mrs. Jeanne Unger at junger@stjohnsdrschool.org.
Blue Jay Gallery 📸
Hocus Pocus
A little "Hocus Pocus" Halloween fun with Mrs. Smith in the science lab! Check out the 7th graders "ghoul" experiment.
Shining Light Awards
Congratulations to our most recent recipient of a Shining Light Award, Ms. Dreyer!
PTO Corner
Pebble Creek Dine to Donate Nov 13
On the second Monday of every month through March, Pebble Creek Restaurant will be donating 10% of all food sales back to our PTO. Mark your calendars for the first Dine to Donate event...Monday, November 13!
Save the Date: Skating Party
Monday, November 20th
The Place
3211 Lina Place
Cincinnati, OH, 45239
Stay tuned for more details!
Santa Shop
Santa Shop is a Christmas shop at school where the students can purchase gifts for their families. There are a wide variety of gifts to choose from that range in price from $1.00-$12.00. The gifts are also wrapped so that the students can bring home surprises! This is one of the best parts of Santa Shop.
Students in preschool 4s – 8th grade will have the opportunity to visit the shop on
Monday (11/27) – Wednesday (11/29). Each homeroom will be assigned a specific day
and time to visit. Younger grades will have parent volunteers and 7th -8th grade buddies
help them find the perfect gifts.
Volunteer:
A Sign-Up genius for volunteers will be coming soon!
Volunteer Sign-Ups: We will need helpers to set up the shop on Monday (11/20), the
first day of Thanksgiving Break. Volunteers will also be needed to wrap or help
students in the shop on Monday (11/27)-Wednesday (11/29). You will be able to
volunteer the whole day or part of the day.
Donations:
We need wrapping items like tissue paper and gently used or new gift bags! If you have
any gift items to donate please send to Laura Heidorn in the Main Office. Thank you!
Coming Soon:
Shopping List: Students will bring home a list they can fill out for who they would like to
shop for and how much they would like to spend. Each homeroom will have an
assigned day and time in the shop.
Thank you!
Santa Shop Co-chairs
Nicki Middleswarth (Jmiddleswarth@fuse.net), Betsey Miyahara
(Elizabeth.miyahara@gmail.com) & Laura Monti (monti_la@yahoo.com)
Athletic Boosters
City Champs!
Congratulations to our 7th & 8th grade girls' soccer team for winning the City Championship last weekend!
Girls' Basketball Sign Ups
Sign-ups will only be offered online at www.stjab.com. In the upper right corner you will see the login or register tab if you do not already have an account. If you do not sign-up during these time frames, we cannot guarantee your son a spot on a team. If you sign-up late and are given a spot on a team a late fee will be charged.
Important info:
- Tryouts - 5th– 8thgrade– Depending on number of girls in each age group, an evaluation if needed will be in mid-November.
- 3rd-8th grade will be playing in the Girls Western Athletic Conference (GWAC). Information about the league can be found at www.gwacsports.com. The season generally runs from early February to early April (depending on the grade level). Practices will start in January.
Email any questions for girls basketball to Will Crawford at stjohnsgirlsbasketball@gmail.com
Catholic High School Admissions Events
Open House Calendar
La Salle High School
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!
Schedule a Shadow Day at Mercy McAuley!
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
NEW Open House
Due to scheduling conflicts, Seton High School’s Open House will be moved to Tuesday, November 14 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. We look forward to showcasing our well-rounded and exceptional Catholic education including standout academics, competitive athletics, leadership and service opportunities. We appreciate your support and understanding and look forward to seeing 7th and 8th Grade Future Saints at Open House! If you have already registered, your time slot has remained the same. If this time no longer works for you, you are able to adjust your time slot. If you have not yet registered for Open House, you can do so by visiting https://setoncincinnati.org/future-saints/.
Shadowing
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.
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 Open House
Join us for the annual Elder Open House on Thursday, November 9th. 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
- 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
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
Vote NO on Issue 1 Nov. 7th!
Please take a minute to view a new video that was released from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. It does an excellent job of explaining what you need to know before voting on Issue 1.