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Saint Ambrose School News
Parent Newsletter - October 7th, 2022
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Parent Newsletter - September 15, 2023
That's the Saint Ambrose Way!
Dear Saint Ambrose Parents,
Thank you to those who joined us on Wednesday night for our Parent Information Night. It is important for us to share our goals for the year, and to connect with you to further form our partnership to support your children's formation and growth into the people God created them to be.
I am grateful to Allie Ziemann's team for providing childcare for this night.
We are excited to kick off our fall fundraiser: the 10th annual Saint Ambrose Catholic School Marathon. Join us on Friday, September 29 for a fun gathering on our beautiful campus.
Sign-up Genius to donate to the event
Dismissal form -communicate how your child(ren) will get home on Friday, September 29.
Sign up to volunteer at the Marathon on Friday 9/29
Sign up to donate water and popcorn for the Marathon
Thanks for your support of our school!
Upcoming Important Dates:
Next weekend is our parish festival. Fall Fest is a great way to connect with Saint Ambrose families. Your children will be excited as they see the festival set-up happening next week. We hope you can come! Volunteers are needed for this event. See details below.
No Bussing Monday, September 25th - The district does not have school on September 25th and we will have no bussing that day. Information on pick-up and drop-off that day will be sent home next week.
Volunteer Requirements
We look forward to welcoming volunteers to our campus this year. If you are new to Saint Ambrose and want to serve as a volunteer, please complete the Essential 3 Requirements outlined on the parish website. Volunteers are required to re-credential every 3 years. You will be alerted by the Archdiocese if you need to re-credential. Thank you for your compliance.
We would love volunteer help at recess, in the lunchroom and in the cafeteria. Contact Janet Seidenkranz if you would like to help.
Volunteer Needs:
We need help walking students to speech during these times:
Mondays from 10:00-11:30 or 11:50-1:45
Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 or 12:00-2:00
Fridays from 9:30-11:30 and 12:00-1:30
email Beth Salmon if you would like to help bsalmon@saintambroseschool.org
Breakfast Sign-Up
Please use the link here to sign up for breakfast from Sept. 25th - October 6th.
This will be for K-5 families only. Students in grades 6-8 will be given the link and time in class to sign up for breakfast. In order to efficiently provide breakfast for students and be good stewards of our resources we need accurate counts for ordering food - Students will only be able to receive breakfast if they sign up in advance.
Prayer to Our Lady of Sorrows
Our mother of sorrows, with strength from above you stood by the cross, sharing in the sufferings of Jesus, and with tender care you bore him in your arms, mourning and weeping.
We praise you for your faith, which accepted the life God planned for you. We praise you for your hope, which trusted that God would do great things in you. We praise you for your love in bearing with Jesus the sorrows of his passion.
Holy Mary, may we follow your example, and stand by all your children who need comfort and love.
Mother of God, stand by us in our trials and care for us in our many needs. Pray for us now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
God bless,
Betsy Osterhaus Hand
Principal
Marathon Dismissal Plan
We are excited to celebrate our wonderful school together as we raise funds. Parents are invited to join us.
When: Friday, September 29
If you plan to join us for the event, we will start at 2:00. If you are not able to attend, your child will remain with their teacher and classmates.
Use this form to RSVP by Monday September 25 for planning purposes. More details to come closer to the event.
Picture Day is Coming October 3rd!
School Picture Day Coming Soon - Tuesday, October 3rd
Tuesday, October 3rd will be individual student photo day. Please use this link to order your child's photos. Paper order forms will also be provided should you wish to order that way instead. Students may be out of uniform for photos.
Hilda Berdie from Woodbury Picture Perfect has kindly agreed to take class photos on Thursday, October 5th. Students will be in uniform for these photos. Information about purchasing class pictures will be sent home in future communications.
RCIA Inquiry Gathering— Sunday, Oct. 1
Are you or someone you know interested in joining the Catholic Church or learning more about the Catholic faith? If so, we would like to extend a special invitation to join us for an RCIA informational gathering.
We will be hosting an RCIA Inquiry gathering on Sunday, October 1 at 9:45 a.m. in Pingatore Room. This meeting will give you an opportunity to learn about the RCIA process at St. Ambrose.
If you are interested or have any additional questions, please contact Nancy McGrew at (nmcgrew@saintambrosecatholic.org).
You can also find information about RCIA on our parish website under “Faith Formation”. We look forward to seeing you on October 1.
CSCOE Family Webinars
SEPTEMBER 20, 2023
Back to School 2023: Success for Parents
You will learn strategies for a successful back to school transition. Dr. Jules can take your questions and will present contemporary strategies based on current information we have about neurobiology, behavioral research, and family systems.
REGISTRATION LINK | INSTAGRAM GRAPHIC | FACEBOOK GRAPHIC | RECORDING | SLIDESHOW
We are Looking for Help With a Few Things...
Volunteer Requirements
We look forward to welcoming volunteers to our campus this year. If you are new to Saint Ambrose and want to serve as a volunteer, please complete the following:
Essential 3 Requirements outlined on the parish website.
This needs to be updated every three years.
Lunchroom and Recess Help
If you are interested in helping with recess or lunchroom supervision please contact Janet Seidenkranz in our school office. 651-768-3000.
Speech Help
If you are interested in volunteering at Saint Ambrose School, we are looking for people to help pick up and deliver students from their classroom to their speech session within our school. Some of our students receive virtual speech support through the district which is conducted every 10 minutes. A weekly commitment beginning September 11 - May 24 would be appreciated.
Days and times available are
Mondays from 10:00-11:30 or 11:50-1:45
Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 or 12:00-2:00
Fridays from 9:30-11:30 or 12:00-1:30
For other inquiries about the position, contact Beth Salmon at school.
bsalmon@saintambrsoeschool.org
651-768-3087
Reading Counts help:
Help check books in and out for students in grades K-2. Training provided.
For more details contact Beth Salmon at bsalmon@saintambroseschool.org. or 651-768-3087.
Enrichment Volunteers Needed - Art Adventure, Jr. Great Books, Jr Achievement
We are looking for volunteers for several programs this year.
Training is provided.
Find information about each below
- Art Adventure - Grades 1-5 - It will be held in the spring but training is provided in the winter so it is important to sign up in the fall.
- Jr. Great Books - once per month grades 1 and 2
- Jr. Achievement - K-8 and will be held in the spring
If you are interested in volunteering please contact Dianna Helmberger at 651-768-3078 or dhelmberger@saintambroseschool.org
Art Adventure
This year the theme is Cultural Reflections.
Junior Achievement
Jr. Great Books
September Menus
Please Complete the Forms
We access funding from Title Grants from the state each year. Completing these forms allows us access to access funds. Please mark the "I do request...." choice for each of these three title grants.
Uniforms for 2023 - 2024
SAINT AMBROSE OF WOODBURY CATHOLIC SCHOOL
UNIFORM POLICY
This uniform policy has been established to help provide a non-distracting learning environment.
Students are expected to dress in a way that will be a credit to themselves, their parents and their school. The dress code will be strictly enforced.
ALL uniform items must be purchased through Donald’s Department Store, 972 Payne Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55101. 651-776-2723. www.donaldsuniform.com
Girls:
Uniform jumper #8298 (length within 2 inches of the knee)-GRADES K-5.
Uniform white blouse with round collar-short or long sleeve - GRADES K-5 (will be allowed for the 2023-2024 school year and discontinued for the 2024-2025 School year)
Uniform White Polo shirts (with logo) - K-5 under jumper (will be standard beginning 2023-2024 school year)
Uniform navy blue twill pants worn in lieu of the jumper-GRADES K-8
Uniform navy blue cardigan sweater-GRADES K-8
Uniform navy stretch bike shorts worn under jumpers and skirts - GRADES K-8
Uniform navy blue twill shorts (length within 2 inches of the knee) - worn only September, May and June GRADES K-8.
Spirit Wear uniform approved blue hooded sweatshirt may be worn over uniform shirts. GRADES K-8 (Purchased through Saint Ambrose).
Uniform skirt #3498 (length within 2 inches of the knee)-GRADES 6-8.
White knit polo shirt with logo (banded or traditional) - GRADES 6-8
Spirit Wear uniform approved ¼ zip or long sleeve hooded shirt may be worn over any white shirt. GRADES 6-8. (Purchased through Saint Ambrose).
Physical education uniform (purchased at Saint Ambrose)-GRADES 5-8
Solid navy or white tights, knee-highs or anklets (purchased at any store); or optional white socks with uniform plaid ruffle (purchased at Donald’s).
Navy blue or black leggings.
Tennis or dress shoes with non scuff soles that are black and/or white only.
Garments worn under blouses must be white or beige without any writing, logos or pictures of any kind (purchased at any store).
Boys:
Uniform light blue knit polo shirt with logo (banded or traditional)-short or long sleeve-GRADES K-5.
Used red uniform shirts will be allowed for one more school year (2023-2024).
Uniform navy blue twill pants-GRADES K-8.
Uniform navy blue twill shorts (length within 2 inches of the knee)-worn only September, May and June-GRADES K-8.
Uniform navy blue cardigan sweater - GRADES K- 8.
Spirit Wear uniform approved blue hooded sweatshirt may be worn over uniform shirts. GRADES K-8 (Purchased through Saint Ambrose).
Uniform white polo shirt with logo (banded or traditional)--short or long sleeves-GRADES 6-8.
Spirit Wear uniform approved ¼ zip or long sleeve hooded shirt may be worn over any white shirt. GRADES 6-8. (Purchased through Saint Ambrose).
Navy blue or black belt (purchased at any store)-optional
Physical education uniform (purchased at Saint Ambrose)-GRADES 5-8
White or navy blue socks (purchased at any store).
Tennis or dress shoes with non scuff soles that are black and/or white only.
White undershirts, if worn, must be without any writing, logos or pictures of any kind (purchased at any store).
Additional Requirements:
Shoes: Must have non-scuff soles and must be close-toed. No sandals, clogs, moccasins or platforms. Tops of shoes must be ankle-height or lower. Heels must be no higher than 1½ inches. Shoelaces must be the same color as the shoe. Shoes must be solid black, solid white or black and white. No colors are permitted.
Shirts: Undershirt must be white if worn under the spirit wear approved hooded t-shirt or ¼ zip. Uniform shirts must be worn under sweatshirts and cardigans. Shirts must be tucked in at all times. Only the top button may be left unbuttoned. All cuffs must be buttoned.
Hair: Must be conservatively styled, well-groomed and neat. Boys’ hair must be above the collar and above the eyebrows. No unconventional coloring or haircuts allowed. Hair accessories must be solid black, solid white or uniform plaid.
Make-up: Permitted for girls in grades 6-8 and must be tasteful and minimal.
Jewelry: Must be simple and conservative, if worn. No unconventional jewelry allowed. No dangling earrings for girls and no earrings for boys.
Watches: No smartwatches allowed
Tattoos: Not allowed.
Other notes:
All clothing and shoes must be size-appropriate and should be labeled with the student’s name. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen clothing.
Uniforms must be worn on all school days, unless the principal declares a no-uniform day. The principal must authorize any circumstance for which a student is out of uniform.
Uniforms must be clean and neat.
OUT-OF-UNIFORM AND SCHOOL-SPONSORED EVENTS
Out-of-uniform days and school-sponsored event (e.g. dances) attire must reflect both modesty and Christian values in respect to slogans, graphics and physical fit. Clothing must be neat, clean and in good repair. Non-uniform shorts and skirts must cover at least mid-way down the thigh. Shirts must have sleeves, and midriffs must be covered. Clothing must be in good taste and not provide a source of competition or distraction. Inappropriate clothing on a no-uniform day or at a school-sponsored event will result in consequences which may include removal of the student from classes or activities.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Students in grades 6-8 change clothes for physical education class. Students in grades 6-8 will be required to wear the Saint Ambrose physical education uniform in order to participate in class.
Home and School Board:
Tiffani Morelli-President
Ashley Salvato-Vice President
Christine Nelson-Communications Coordinator
Tara Malley-Fundraising Coordinator
Katie Hatteberg-Secretary
Abby Summerfield-Treasurer
Heather Cange-Volunteer Coordinator
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE PARISH FALL FESTIVAL
Saint Ambrose Parish Festival is Friday, September 22 and Saturday, September 23.
Believe and Read - Groves Literacy Partner
Pencil Position Matters
In Groves Method, we teach handwriting because “handwriting instruction positively affects reading
skills.” Getting the right pencil position helps kids easily write their ideas and keeps them from
having wrist and finger pain. Fixing poor pencil position is hard to do if left undetected.
Here are a few tips to get your student on the right track:
● Use shorter pencils (like golf pencils) to help your child develop the correct grip.
● Use a pencil with sides (triangular or hexagonal) to aid in the right grip.
● Have your child place the pencil on a table with the point towards them. Then,have them clasp the pencil with their thumb and pointer, swinging the pencil up.
The goal is to use the triangular grasp, with the pointer and thumb grasping the pencil and bringing it to rest on the middle finger. Your child may not be there yet, but with patience and practice,
they will get there!
Source: William VanCleave
Other Information
Sycamore will be accessible to families on August 22, 2023.
Sycamore Communication Portal/App - click below to go to Sycamore Website
https://app.sycamoreschool.com/index.php
Please login to Sycamore to access the school calendar, lunch menu, and schedules/grades (JH only)
Handbook
Here is our student handbook for this school year:
Mission and Philosophy
Mission (what we offer)
We at Saint Ambrose School are part of a vibrant Catholic community supporting and nurturing
each child on their journey with Christ.
Through exceptional academics, embracing each child’s unique strengths and needs, and
joyfully engaging in prayer and service, we take a holistic, virtue-based approach to student
education and experiences. This is the Saint Ambrose Way.
Vision (what we aspire to)
As a thriving Catholic school, we create meaningful impact though each family we support and
student we send into the world.
By helping form the whole child, students are not only prepared well for the next level of
education, but life as Christian adults living the Saint Ambrose Way.
PHILOSOPHY
The Saint Ambrose community recognizes the partnership between parents, students, staff,
administration and parishioners in providing for the development of its members as people of
faith who worship, learn and grow together. As a community we have a responsibility to
support families- as the primary educators of their children- while providing enriching
experiences that promote a sense of belonging and responsibility to a community.
Follow us on Social Media
Did you know that we have a Saint Ambrose Facebook Page and Instagram Page? Please follow us for school updates and photos. Click the links at the bottom of this email for quick access to our social media pages.