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Blue Jay Flyer
September 27, 2023
From the Principal's Desk...
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We had a great week of testing last week, and we were able to get all students tested in both MAP (K-8) and DIBELs (K-5). Today, I attended a MAP training on using reports to drive instruction, and I learned a lot of useful information to bring back to the faculty at St. John’s. This will be our main focus during our two Professional Development days in October. Teachers will share MAP and DIBELs data at conferences on October 12th and 18th. We will send home reports to any family that is unable to attend our evening conferences after October 18th.
The PTO needs YOU! Please consider joining the PTO to support our teachers and students this school year. The board has been working hard since the summer to start planning for the year and they need the support of the families to make their ideas come to life! Families can join for just $15.
Conference papers went home in the Blue Jay Folders today. Conferences will be held on Thursday, October 12th and Wednesday, October 18th. Parents can send in the paper copy of the conference sign-up sheet, or fill out the online google form to sign up for a conference. Here is the link for the online form https://forms.gle/GitQ6jwg87TmBdxM8
Thanks and have a great rest of your week!
Courtney Weinheimer
School Calendar 📅
Cafeteria 🍽️
School News
Family Conferences
Family conferences
Thursday, October 12th and Wednesday, October 18th
3:30-7:00 pm.
Conference forms were sent home today in the Blue Jay Folders. Every family is welcome to schedule a conference. However, if your child is doing well and you are satisfied with your child's progress, you are NOT required to schedule a conference.
To schedule a conference, please complete the google form here OR fill out your paper copy and return to school. If you fill out the google form, you do not need to send in a paper copy.
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:
- Sponsorship: If you know of a local business that might be interested in being a sponsor, there are tiered levels from $500 - $10,000. Individuals/Families can also be sponsors. For more information, please contact Ahna Nichols (ahna@ex-hs.com) or Erika Tonne (erikatonne78@gmail.com).
- Attend the Event: Tickets are now on sale. Scan the QR code below or follow the link to purchase tickets - Spectacular Tickets.
- 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.
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 - 2:00 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.
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.
Thank you Athletic Boosters!
A big thank you to the St. John’s Athletic Boosters! The Boosters recently purchased and completed the installation of two new adjustable basketball hoops behind the parish center along with 15 basketball balls. Recess and after care have just been taken to a whole new level for our students!
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!
Blue Jay Gallery 📸
Shine Shout Out Award
Let’s hear it for Mrs. Osborn’s SHINE SHOUT OUT Award!
We are proud of this kindergartener for helping her friends pick up their spilled crayons. Way to let your light shine bright!
Come and See!
Our school theme this year, “Come and See,” is an invitation for us to either meet Jesus or for us to invite others to meet Him. Seventh and eighth grade students made posters in religion class this week and hung them around the school to invite others to "Come and See."
How Landforms Are Created
Seventh grade science students investigated how flowing water creates landforms. By using a model of Earth’s geologic processes, they tried to figure out how a channel formed on Mars.
Math Mazing Races
After two exciting rounds of a "Math Mazing Race" between 3rd and 4th graders, we have a tie! Mrs. Caldwell and Mrs. Palmer hosted the event outdoors where students raced to complete rounding and expanded form math problems. Congratulations to all our smart little mathematicians!
After Care
PTO Corner
PTO Needs YOU!
The PTO needs YOU! Please consider joining the PTO to support our teachers and students this school year. The board has been working hard since the summer to start planning for the year and they need the support of the families to make their ideas come to life! Families can still join for just $15.
Please see attachment below for the presentation of our first PTO Membership meeting.
Save The Dates
Family Night at Burwinkel Farm
Tuesday, October 3rd
4:00 pm
Burwinkel Farm
4359 Hamilton Cleves Rd
Ross, OH 45013
Stay tuned for more details!
Skating Party
Monday, November 20th
The Place
3211 Lina Place
Cincinnati, OH, 45239
Stay tuned for more details!
Trunk - or - Treat
Athletic Boosters
We need some more basketball players!
Just one week left to get your guy signed up for this season!
- Boys' Basketball - Registration is still open and will go through Oct. 1st for grades 3rd – 8th.
- 2nd grade will be open thru November 5th and
- High School will be open until November 12th.
Sign-ups will only be offered online at https://sports.bluesombrero.com/stjab/. 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 for 5th – 8th grade –Will be in Mid-October so you must sign up by October 1st to receive tryout info.
- We will be playing in the Western Basketball Conference (WBC). Information about the league can be found at www.wbcbasketball.com. The season runs from December to end of February (depending on the grade level) with practices starting in November.
- 2nd grade will be playing in the St. Bernard League. The season runs from January to end of February. All games are played at St. Bernard. 2nd grade signups will end on November 5th.
Jonathan Houchen
jphouchen@yahoo.com
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
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.
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 6th 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 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
- 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. 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
Please see attached fliers below for details on admissions events.
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
Pet Blessing
The Annual Pet Blessing will be held at Corpus Christi on Wednesday, October 4th at 6pm. Celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi with us as Deacon John and Deacon Larry bless your pets.
Meet us in the parking lot in front of Corpus Christi Church. Please have your dogs on a leash and your other pets properly secure to keep them safe.
We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, October 4th at 6pm!
All pets are welcome for this outdoor Pet Blessing!