Little Flower Newsletter 1-9-12

December Charity: St. Liborius Social Ministry

Thank you to everyone that donated coats, blankets, gloves, sweaters, or money for our December charity St. Liborius Social Ministry. On Friday Jan. 6 I had the opportunity to take the donated items to St. Liborius, located on N. 18^th St. When I entered I was amazed by the number of individuals waiting to receive help and the number of volunteers working hard to ensure that the needy received assistance. I was pleased to be able to visit with former Little Flower teacher, Mrs. Tina Dubuque, as she is a regular volunteer at St. Liborius. It was very inspiring to see so many volunteers working hard to help others. I was truly able to see the Holy Spirit at work in the hearts and actions of those volunteers. It was wonderful that in a small way, Little Flower was able to contribute to this worthy cause. In addition to the donated items I was able to present a check for $71 to St. Liborius.

Tuition and Fees Due

A reminder to parents, that all tuition and fees must be current and up to date in order to receive report cards on Friday January 20.

Congratulations To;

-Archbishop Timothy Dolan on his recent nomination as a Cardinal of the Church!

-7^th Grader Gwyneth F., was selected to participate in the "All Community Band" that will perform at the Elementary Music Festival at DuBourg in February.

-Mr. and Mrs. Erik & Pam Bates (formerly Ms. Wright) on their recent marriage.

-5^th grader Daniel H., winner of the school spelling bee.

-Bonnie Kerns for being the winner of the newsletter “hidden word” contest for December.

Geography Bee: Friday Jan. 20, 1:00 p.m.

I would like to invite everyone to our annual Geography Bee, that is scheduled for Friday January 20 at 1:00 p.m. The bee will run until approximately 2:30.

End of 2^nd Quarter and Report Cards

As most of you are aware, our 2^nd quarter ends on Friday Jan. 13. The report cards will be available on Fast Direct on Friday Jan. 20, no later than 4:00 p.m. Please view your child’s report card at your convenience.

Coffee Talk, Thursday Jan. 19, 8:00 a.m.

The next installment of our monthly “coffee talks” is scheduled for Thursday January 19 at 8:00 a.m. Please consider joining us to discuss a variety of topics.

Catholic Schools’ Week and Open House Coming Soon!

On Sunday Jan. 29 we will have our monthly children’s liturgy mass at 10:30 a.m. Following the mass, we will have our “open house” for new and existing school families. Please invite any potential new families to attend our open house. In addition, the Men’s Club will prepare a breakfast for all attendees.

After School Dismissal Procedures

We would like to take the opportunity to remind everyone of the after school dismissal procedures. When arriving to pick up your child after school please park on the lot and do not block the exits on the street. You may either wait at your car for you child to be released to the car or you may come to the dismissal area and wait for your child. Please do not block the door that the students dismiss from. No one is to be moving to and from cars once the 8^th grade patrols have moved the signs from “go” to “stop.” In addition, no one is to be on the playground area until the cars have exited the lot. Please remember that it is important that we all know and follow these procedures in order to ensure the safety of all of our students. Thank you for your cooperation and assistance.

Grandparents’ Day Coming In February!!

"We look forward to spending time with our Grandparents on Wednesday, February 15, 2012. We will begin this special day with mass followed by a reception. As your children see their grandparents (or a special person in their lives), please make sure to get a picture of them together for the slideshow we will have during the reception. Please e-mail photos to rebecca.casey1@att.net as soon as possible.

Thank You To Parishioners & Parents That Attend Weekly School Masses!

We would like to take the opportunity to thank all those that attend our weekly school masses. Your actions and presence do not go unnoticed. We appreciate your faith and the example that you set for our students.

Volunteer sNeeded!!!!

The following events/organizations are in need of volunteers. Please consider contributing your time and talent to these events that benefit the school and parish.

LF Dinner Auction – contact Karla Schlueter

2012 Run/Walk – contact Dan Daly

2012 Innisbrook Gift Wrap Drive – contact Mr. Baird

Boy Scout Leader Needed!!

The Little Flower Boy Scout group is in need of leadership to ensure that the program is able to continue. If you would be interested in leading the group, please contact Mr. Baird.

January Power of Positive Assembly

On Friday Jan. 6, the 5^th grade, led by Mrs. Drane helped kickoff the month of January with our “Power of Positive” theme of the “power of one word.” The idea behind the theme for the month is that in saying one small word to someone you can fill them with joy and lift their spirits, or you can hurt them and bring them down. This is a challenge that we all face on a daily basis. God calls each of us try to work on this each and every day.

LF Dinner Auction Committee Accepting Donations

The planning committee for our Dinner Auction is accepting donated items to be auctioned off. Please consider a donation of an item that may be of value. Please remember that donations are tax deductible. To donate, please contact Karla Schlueter to discuss the item and the possible donation.

Thought For The Week

"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.)

Tuition Incentives Available

Beginning this year, we will offer a $500 tuition reduction incentive for any Little Flower family that is able to recruit a new family to our school. The children of the new family must be in grades K-8 and the family cannot be existing members of Little Flower Parish.   For more information please contact Mr. Baird. Once you have successfully recruited a new family, please contact Mr. Baird or Mrs. Barb Schlanger to receive credit.

Prayer Kits Available!

Some of you may recall from last year, we have prayer kits available for use in your home. The kit is designed to encourage families to place an emphasis on prayer and to take the time to pray as a family. If you would like to request the kit, please send Mr. Baird a Fast Direct message.

Facebook Page Update

We are pleased to announce that our Facebook page is up to 88 friends. We would love to get to 100! Please view and “friend” the page at Little Flower Catholic School & Parish.

Catholic Schools’ Week Activities

Monday Jan. 30 (Community Day)

-The students may wear crazy/silly socks with their uniforms.

-11:45 we will host a “thank you ceremony” for members of the Richmond Heights and Little Flower communities.

-Following the brief ceremony we invite these community members to have a pizza/salad lunch with our students.

Tuesday Jan. 31 (Volunteer Day)

-The students may wear a hat with their uniforms.

-Coffee and donuts will be provided for anyone who has volunteered their time in any capacity for Little Flower School. Please stop in as early as 7:15 for a cup of coffee and a donut on your way to work or before you return home.

Wednesday Feb. 1 (Family Day)

-The faculty/staff will provide a special treat for the parents at morning drop-off at the car line.

-11:00 Mass with the students sitting with their families. Please consider joining us for Mass.

-12:00 “Picnic lunch” with your family. Please join us for lunch with your students. We ask that you bring a lunch for your family and you may sit and eat lunch in the gym or any classroom in the building. If you are unable to attend please send a lunch with your child.   The PK3, PK4, K, 2^nd, 5^th, and Music rooms are designated as “nut-free” classrooms and anyone bringing any nut or tree-nut products should eat in the gymnasium.

-1:15 Mr. Gambaro and the 7^th grade Social Studies class will present the “European Culture Fair.” Please stop by and see the results of the students’ hard work.

Thursday Feb. 2 (Teacher Day)

-The students may wear sports shirts or Little Flower shirts with play-clothes bottoms (please have your student(s) wear tennis shoes).

-The School Committee will provide the faculty with a special lunch.

-1:30 p.m., Dodge Ball Tournament. Please join us to watch the tournament as classes compete against one another and the winning class will compete against the faculty.

Friday Feb. 3 (Student Day)

-The students may wear pajamas or dress as their favorite “Disney” character.

-1:00 Power of Positive Assembly

-1:30 Trivia Game with Positive Action Families and the students will be provided a special treat.

FUTURE DATES

1/13     End of 2^nd Quarter

1/16     Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, NO SCHOOL

1/19   Coffee Talk w/ Mr. Baird, 8:00 a.m.

1/20   Play Clothes For Charity

Report Cards Available, 4:00 p.m.

Geography Bee, 1:00 p.m.