
Weekly Newsletter
Immaculate Conception + St. Joseph School
December 14,2023
From Mrs. Short...
In our first-grade classroom, the spirit of Christmas has taken a magical turn this Advent season. Every morning, our little learners embark on a journey as they search for the star from afar.
The students love to discover the star’s new location, and their faces light up with joy! Accompanying the star are the three wise men, patiently making their way toward the star. The students love moving the three wise men to the star every morning.
This tradition is not just about finding a star; it’s a lesson in the timeless story of Jesus’s birth. Through hands- on engagement, our little ones are learning about the significance of the nativity scene and the true meaning of Christmas. The journey of the star mirrors the journey of the wise men, creating a daily reminder of the events that unfolded in Bethlehem.
As the star guides us toward Christmas, we’re reminded that the greatest gift of all is the love and joy shared among friends, family, and our Catholic community!
Wishing you and your family a blessed and wonderful Christmas season!
Mrs. Short
ABC info
Payments to ABC, lunch money and so on, should not only be in an envelope, but the envelope should be labeled with your child's name and which department it should go to.
Also, a reminder that there are more lost and found items now that it is winter, but when you label your child's items with their name, it helps us get them matched up so that they go home with your child instead of hanging out in the lost and found.
Give the Gift of Catholic Education
Education Savings Accounts, ESAs, have given parents a choice in their child's education. Catholic education is becoming more affordable for families. For more than 35% of families, the Our Faith Student Tuition Organization, or STO, is the first piece of financial assistance income qualified families rely on. Even with the ESA's this year, more than 3100 students in the Archdiocese of Dubuque received more than $5.5 million in tuition assistance from the STO.
Iowa taxpayers that donate to the STO receive a 75% Iowa tax credit, or 75 cents back for every dollar you contribute on your Iowa tax return. The 75% STO tax credit is the only tax credit of its kind, and it reduces the amount of taxes you pay to the state of Iowa at tax time. If you want to learn more about how to turn your taxes into tuition, call the school office or go to OurFaithSTO.org.
We need you
Our smiling faces need YOU! Here's a great opportunity to earn some extra money and help us out while your students are at school. It's also a rewarding opportunity for those who are retired or looking for something fun to do! What other job lets you pick the exact days and how often you want to work?
Do you have a BA, BS, AA, or have you completed 60 hours of college credit? If so, it's never been more simple to become an authorized substitute teacher for PK-12.
The Substitute Authorization course is offered through AEA Remote Learning. It's 10 hours online and 10 hours meeting via zoom. More info
Discover Bosco Days
For Immaculate Conception K-8 and Don Bosco 9-12, tours are at 9 am or 1 pm.
St. Joseph tours are at 8:30 am at the preschool in Raymond.
Tours last an hour or less. Pre-registrations are required.
Education Savings Account Reminder: For 2024-25, all kindergarten students, those transferring from public or homeschooling, and those who qualify by income are eligible for the state of Iowa’s Education Savings Accounts. That means the state funds an account for you to pay your K-12 tuition and fees. All families will qualify the following year. Take advantage of this blessing at Bosco Catholic Schools!
Lost and Found
Week 2 for these items
Weather Related Closings General Information
For school closings due to bad weather, Bosco Catholic School System follows Waterloo Public School, but will occasionally call it on their own as well.
In the case of a two hour late start due to weather, there will be no morning preschool and no morning activities.
In the case of an early dismissal due to weather, ABC will be closed for the afternoon, unless school closes for a high temperature day.
You will receive a call from SwiftReach. You may also watch KWWL or KCRG, or check their websites.
COF CHRISTMAS PARTY
The Catholic Order of Foresters youth members Christmas party will be held Sunday December 17 at the St. Mary's Center starting at 5:30 pm . Santa will arrive around 5:10 pm. Each child will receive a bag of goodies and can visit with Santa.
Volunteer Hall Of Fam
The Bosco Catholic School PTO is looking for 2024 Volunteer Hall of Fame nominations. The individual(s) will be recognized during mass for Catholic Schools Week on Friday, February 2nd. We ask that you submit nominations by December 22nd to Jessica Steils (jess.steils@gmail.com) or Leah Reiter (lschmit2000@yahoo.com). Please provide a write-up/list of the volunteer activity for the nominee as to why they are deserving of this award. We have so many wonderful volunteers in this community please consider nominating someone!
Thanks,
Jess and Leah
Pee Wee Wrestling Practice
Pee Wee wrestling practice has begin on Wednesdays and runs through the end of January. Practices will be at 5:15 PM right after High School practice. Please have your student get ready in the weight room hallway and be respectful of the high school team until we're ready to let loose. If you have any questions about Pee Wee practices, feel free to contact Isaiah Corbin at 712-389-5174.
IMPORTANT DATES
- December 20: Preschool Christmas Concert - SMC Gym - 6:00
- December 21: PD,No classes
- December 22 - Jan 2: Christmas Break No school
- January 3: Classes resume
BOSCO CATHOLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM
MISSION STATEMENT
With support from families, we respect and encourage students to reach their potential
- Spiritually by developing a strong relationship with Jesus and knowledge of His church,
- Academically by igniting learning, leadership and life skills,
- Physically by learning about and living healthy habits and
- Socially by becoming active members of the community who serve others as stewards of the Gospel so they are the light of Christ in the world.
Preparing students to be the Light of Christ in the World!
Submit newsletter articles to icsjnewsletter@boscocatholic.org by 3 PM on Wednesdays.
Website: boscocatholic.org
Facebook boscocatholic.org
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 256, Gilbertville, IA 50634
Immaculate Conception K-8
311 16th Ave
Gilbertville, Iowa 50634
St Joseph Center PS/PK
6916 Lafayette Rd
Raymond, Iowa 50667