Crusader Connections

Father Andrew White S.J. School Newsletter

December 5, 2023

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We rang in the fun at the Jingle Bell Fun Run! A special thank you to our amazing sponsors, Dr. Schneider Orthodontics and Christmas Decor SOMD and the team of volunteers, led by Katy Burfield and Rich Spadacinni who made it such a great event! We are especially grateful for the student volunteers from St. Mary's Ryken who helped set up, break down, and mark the course during the event. Many thanks!

🗓️ Important Dates

December 7: Christmas Pageant & Cookie Walk, 6:30pm

December 8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception Mass, 8:30am & Santa Shop

December 11: Picture Day Make-ups

December 13: Progress Reports Posted on Portal (grades 4-8) & Sacrament of Reconciliation

December 15: NJHS Induction Ceremony & Middle School Monthly Activity

December 19: Early Dismissal, 12:30pm

December 20 - January 1: No School - Christmas Break

January 2: School Resumes

Advent began this past Sunday, December 3rd. We will light a candle on our Advent Wreath as part of morning prayers each day. We will also use a Christmas tree and decorate it with special ornaments. We hope our families will emphasize Advent in their homes as we prepare to celebrate our Lord’s birth.

Christmas Pageant 2023

The Christmas Pageant is upon us! The Christmas Pageant 2023 is the students' gift to you, their families. Please join us this Thursday, December 7th at 6:30pm in the school Gym. All students in grades PK-5 should report to their classrooms dressed in their "Christmas Best" promptly at 6:15pm. Any involved Middle School students should report to the Art/Music room at 5:45pm. Christmas Best = dress slacks, sweaters, button-ups, dresses, skirts/blouses. No jeans, graphic Tees, sneakers, or (girls) heels. We look forward to sharing our talents and efforts with you!

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🍪 Get your Holiday Munchies at the Christmas Pageant! ☕

Please join us for the annual 8th Grade Cookie Walk. It will take place at Father Andrew White on Thursday, December 7th, before the Christmas Pageant. Come and sample the homemade cookies baked by the 8th grade class. Half of the money raised will go to support a family from the St. Aloysius Angel Tree and the other half will go towards the end of the year 8th grade trip. We hope to see you all there! Also be sure to stop by the Hot Cocoa station! All proceeds from the Hot Cocoa sale will go to the Missionaries of Charity Sisters.

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Science and History Fair Results

Thank you to our teachers, Deacon Vavrus, Mrs. Sarlo, and Mrs. Haley for organizing a wonderful event that showcased amazing projects by our well prepared students! We are also grateful for all of the judges and runners who made this day possible. Many thanks!

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Greenery Sale Thank You

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We are grateful to all who supported our Poinsettia and Wreath Sale by ordering poinsettias, wreaths and Christmas cactuses! A heartfelt thank you goes to our parent volunteers Mindy Stevens, Katy Burfield, Christine Barnes and Melissa Barrick.

December Virtue: Purity

Our school continues to participate in the Virtues in Practice program this year. Each month, the whole school focuses on the same virtue as we hope to grow closer to Jesus by imitating His life and virtues. We also learn more about the saints who exemplify these good habits. This month students and families are learning about the virtue of purity. Please be sure to model how you keep your soul free of sin during the month of December.

RaiseRight Gift Cards for Sale!

Orders due this Thursday, Dec. 7th!

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Christmas is right around the corner! If you would like to order gift cards, please see the links below. You are able to order electronic gift cards or you can submit a paper order form (linked below). Physical gift card orders are due by December 7th to ensure delivery by Christmas. For questions, please contact: faw.scrip@gmail.com.

Click HERE to read a message from our RaiseRight Gift Card Coordinator, Jessica Casto.

Click HERE to learn more about our Gift Card Program.

Order Electronic Gift Cards HERE!

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For Physical Gift Cards:

Complete and Return the Order Form below by Dec. 7th!

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Holy Day of Obligation Mass

This Friday, December 8th, we will celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception by having a Mass, hosted by the Student Council Association. Please join us at 8:30am.

During school hours this Friday, December 8th, our children will be able to experience the joy of choosing their own Christmas presents for family members and pets. This year Santa Shop will be held in the St. Aloysius Church Hall and your children will be able to select from an inventory of pre-purchased gifts for those on their shopping list. Gifts will be set up on tables and displayed by category (Moms, Grandmas, Dads, Grandpas, Brothers, Sisters, and Pets). Your child(ren) should have received a money control envelope where they will be able to list the names of the people they are shopping for and how many gifts they are buying. Each gift is $3. Please return the envelope with payment for the gifts by tomorrow. Parent volunteers will assist the children during their shopping experience and gifts will come home wrapped and ready to be placed under the tree!! If you have any questions, feel free to contact Linda Greer at Lindagreer@gmail.com.

Donate Books to a Good Cause!

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Share the warmth with our neighbors!

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Next Tuesday: Make Up Picture Day: December 11, 2023

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If your child was absent for our school picture day or would like to retake his/her picture, please mark your calendar for our make up day: December 11, 2023. If your child received photos and would like a retake, you must return the Lifetouch packet of pictures in original condition to the photographer on our Picture Makeup Day.

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Christmas Sweater Tag Day

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We will have a Christmas Sweater Tag Day on December 18th. Students may alternatively wear a Christmas shirt if they do not have a sweater. Please adhere to our out of uniform/Tag Day guidelines as noted in our Parent/Student Handbook.

If you’ve lived here in Southern Maryland throughout the four seasons, you know firsthand how unpredictable our weather can be. It’s not at all unusual for the temperature to fluctuate 30 degrees or more from one day to the next. While this keeps things interesting, it also can be hard on our bodies, especially for the little ones. Even though you don’t “catch a cold from being cold,” the air temperature and humidity can affect us in many ways. At school, when the outside temperature is too cold, a decision may be made to have indoor recess. Also, if your child does not have adequate outdoor attire, they may be kept inside, as well. Simply adding a hat and scarf offers protection from things such as earaches, nosebleeds, and sore throats. As I’ve mentioned before, you can never be too prepared. Dressing in layers and having spare clothes available is one easy and super helpful way to do so. Unfortunately, many coats and jackets end up in lost and found. Thus, if your children come home without something they left with, have them locate it as soon as possible. (Writing names on tags can help with this.)

Volunteer Opportunity: Landscaping

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Do you enjoy landscaping? We are looking for volunteers to assist on our school grounds. Please email Rachel Richards at cptrbrown@aol.com to let her know you can help.