Blue Jay Flyer
October 11, 2023
From the Principal's Desk...
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I hope everyone is having a great week! We have had a busy week thus far, and the end of the week is just as jammed packed. The teachers are looking forward to inviting parents into their classrooms on October 12th and 18th to discuss the progress of your children. The teachers have some great data to share with you at your conference and will analyze the data more in depth on our two inservice days later this week.
Two friendly reminders:
We will celebrate Grandparents/ Special Person Day next week on October 19th from 9:30-11:00.
There will be no school on Friday (10/13) and Monday (10/16).
Thanks and have a great rest of your week!
Courtney Weinheimer
School Calendar 📅
Cafeteria 🍽️
School News
Spirit Wear Day Thursday
Since we do not have school on Friday this week, students may wear a spirit wear shirt or sweatshirt with their regular uniform bottoms on Thursday, October 12.
Kona Ice
Students will have the opportunity to purchase a kiddie size Kona Ice on Thursday, October 12. They can either bring $3 cash (exact change please) or parents may pay ahead online using the QR code or link below.
The QR code and link will close at 8:00 am on Thursday morning.
Thank you to our amazing PTO for organizing this fun treat for our students!
Permission to Share E-Mail Addresses
Room parents for your child(ren)'s homeroom will be communicating via e-mail with regard to class parties, treat donations, teacher gifts, etc. If you do NOT want your e-mail address shared, please contact Laura Heidorn in the school office no later than Tuesday, October 16th. Otherwise, we will provide our room moms with class lists that include parent e-mails. Thank you.
Family Conferences
If you requested a conference, forms were sent back home this week with your scheduled date and time. Please enter through the main office doors under the blue awning.
St. John's School Spectacular Tickets on Sale
Please join us for a fun evening of cocktails, dinner, amazing silent auction items, raffles and dancing! Tickets are on sale until October 31.
Can't attend? Please help spread the word....anyone can still browse, bid and purchase raffle tickets online. Scan the QR code or visit our givesmart site by clicking here.
Be sure to like and follow our Spectacular Facebook page at St. John's School Spectacular for updates and spotlights of our silent auction items.
PIcture Retake Day October 25
Wednesday, October 25 is picture retake day.
- If your student was absent on picture day and you have not yet ordered a package, you can order online at mylifetouch.com. Use Picture Day ID: EVT4K7GZ7
- If you would like to have your student's photos retaken, simply have them return their original package to the photographer on Picture Retake Day.
*Any students having their picture taken on October 25 may be out of uniform.
Cafeteria is Hiring
Our school cafeteria is seeking a part-time employee to assist with food prep, service and clean-up. Hours are 9:00 am - 1:30 pm Monday - Friday when school is in session. All applicants must be Safe Parish compliant. Please contact Shannon Lemos at slemos@stjohnsdrschool.org if interested.
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 October, all money raised will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Andrea Argus Scholarship
Did you know that our faculty & staff donate $2 to wear jeans every Friday? The money raised is allocated to the Andrea Argus Scholarship and is awarded to two 8th grade students, one boy and one girl, who will be attending a Catholic high school. Andrea Argus was a long-time Administrative Assistant at St. John's who passed away after fighting a courageous battle with breast cancer.
We also honor and remember Mrs. Argus with our pink Blue Jay t-shirts which are available to order through the school office.
Mini Fridge and Little Tikes Picnic Table For Preschool
Our preschool program is in need of a small mini fridge and a Little Tikes picnic table. If you or someone you know has either of these items that they are no longer using and would be willing to donate, please contact Mrs. Jeanne Unger at junger@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.
SURVEY: Planning the Future of NWLSD School Buildings
In June 2023, Northwest Local School District reconvened its Master Facility Advisory Committee meetings in order to determine our district’s next steps in addressing how to meet the challenges and needs of our aging school buildings.
Our community Advisory Committee designed a survey with the goal of understanding what our community envisions and desires regarding our Master Facility (School Building) Plan. NWLSD understands the benefits that a healthy and viable public school system offers to our entire community and values all input to reach that goal. We’re looking forward to your input as we work together to create a building plan that will benefit all of us. For more information, please click here.
We appreciate your feedback about our potential building plan options. Thank you for taking a few minutes to complete our Master Facility Survey.
This survey will close on October 13, 2023.
Please click below to take the survey.
Blue Jay Gallery 📸
Sunflowers
5 Leaf Clover
Looks like some extra good luck will be coming her way! One of our second graders found a rare 5-leaf clover during recess.
Energy Transfer
Our eighth grade students recently worked on creating devices that a rescue team could use to recharge their flashlights during a rescue mission. The devices had to transfer energy from the human body, be easy to use, and be an original design.
Camp Kern
We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day for our eighth grade trip to YMCA Camp Kern! Students had a fun-filled Friday packed full of challenging team-building activities with their peers.
Gorman Farm
Our four year old preschoolers visited Gorman Heritage Farm on Monday where they explored the farm while interacting with plants and animals.
Shining Light Awards
Congratulations to our newest recipients of "Shining Light Awards!" These three students have been extra helpful in after care by assisting younger students with homework and also making new kindergarteners feel welcome to St. John's.
PTO Corner
Grandparents/Special Persons Day
Trunk - or - Treat
PARKING
There will be special parking for those staying for the movie. Please pay attention when pulling into the lot for direction.
CORPUS CHRISTI PASTORAL AREA FOOD PANTRY
The Corpus Christi Pastoral Area Food Pantry is currently collecting in preparation for their annual holiday meal distribution to families in need within our Blessed Trinity Family boundaries. They are preparing to distribute 250 Thanksgiving meals and 250 Christmas meals.
The following items are needed to complete the meals:
• Packaged instant potatoes (plain or butter flavors) -
Smaller boxes or bags are preferred
• Canned green beans, corn, yams, cranberries
• Turkey gravy (glass jars or cans)
• Canned fruits
• Jell-O
• Cake mixes and frosting (chocolate or vanilla)
• Canned pumpkin and spice cake mixes
Save the Date: Skating Party
Monday, November 20th
The Place
3211 Lina Place
Cincinnati, OH, 45239
Stay tuned for more details!
Athletic Boosters
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
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 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.)
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
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.
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.
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
- OPEN HOUSE - October 22, 1:00-4:00 - Take an in-depth look at all SUA has to offer! An RSVP is suggested. 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.