December 16, 2009

JUST CHECKING IN ~ DECEMBER 16, 2009

“People, look East. The time is near of the crowning of the year. Make your home fair as you are able, trim the hearth and set the table. People, look East, and sing today,
Love, the Guest is on the way…”

WE’LL BE BACK IN 2010! Remember way back when 2000 was such an amazing thing and now a decade is over? This is our last envelope until the new year as school closes for Christmas next Wednesday, the 23rd, at noon and then re-opens on Monday, January 4, 2010. May your days of Christmas be blessed ones with those that you love. We wish you peace, joy, and love.

LOTS OF GOOD CONVERSATIONS took place throughout Somerton last night—we hope! When report cards are opened and shared, there is much for parents and children to discuss. As we’ve said, your children should have ownership of their learning recognizing their strengths and their challenges. They should be able to talk about it all with you with the expectation that you will help them make goals for this second trimester based on how the first one went. Your job is to make sure the goals are measurable and realistic, For instance, not having a check under a certain area, going up a point or two in a certain subject, maintaining a good grade are very measurable goals. Remember, that we’re here to help you too.

THANK YOU, TEACHERS! Knowing that excitement level in your own homes as Christmas approaches, you can well imagine what it is like for our teachers to keep students engaged in learning during these weeks leading up to the 25th. Looking through student folders and hearing about the school day, you’ll see the creative ways that our teachers can make learning seasonal and fun. Most of all, teachers try to ensure that Jesus’ birth stays in the forefront of this wonderful magical season. The now familiar depiction of Santa kneeling before the Christ Child was created by a very wise and inspired artist, don’t you think?

HOW ABOUT ALL OUR HOME & SCHOOL HELPERS TOO? With a season as full as this one is, Michelle Wagner and Helen Bembischew along with a “cast of thousands” made of so many of you who gave up a work day to make our bazaar a time of wonder for our children, deserve a great big thank you. You can be sure that we have made Santa aware of the generosity of time and spirit which makes SCS parents so special. Our H&S Board works right along with everyone and continues to meet to coordinate plans for future events. There’s lots ahead in ’10, so you can look forward to a great new year SCS-style.

NO FREE SHIPPING, BUT… If you’re stuck on a gift or stocking stuffer, H&S would like to help by offering our 2009 Cookbook for consideration. Not only that, how about their end-of-the year bargain? $10 each or 3 for $25 and the cookbooks can come home in school backpacks. Contact Marion Lonergan at 215-969-5116 to order by Monday, December 21st.

FEEDBACK REQUESTED When we said we’d pilot bringing the AM car line drop-off closer to school until we dismissed for the Christmas holidays, we asked if you’d share your thoughts with us about it so that we’d have a sense of whether or not it is more effective or not. At this time, we’ve heard from some parents in conversation outside and at the Christmas Bazaar, but we welcome hearing from more of you if you wish. Just contact us in the way easiest for you. At this point in time, we’ll announce in the first newsletter of 2010 whether we’ll stay with the new pattern full-time or only use it when weather conditions warrant.

PEOPLE AND EVENTS Somerton won the U-8 soccer championship against Lighthouse Soccer Club last Tuesday. The names of our students on the team are as follows: Matthew Armitage, Colin Biles, Brandon Casey, Jayson Clark, Patrick Cunningham, Nick Giantomaso, Luke Glavin, Eric Jastrzembski, Colin Joyce, Lee Meringo, Bernie Rogers, Shawn Tamulis, and Shawn Trodden. Lighthouse had Colin O’Fee and Mathew Comas also SCS students. Congratulations boys and Coach Jastrzemski!
Last week we reported that the JV Boys’ had won the St. John of the Cross Turkey Shoot-Out Tournament, but you should know that the latest trophy you see in the main lobby is from our Varsity Boys’ Team for coming home the Varsity champions of that tournament. Congratulations to the entire team and their coaches Mr. McCusker and Mr. Glavin.
The SCS Swim Team did it yet again beating Christ the King by 18 points. After practice tonight, they will have practice again on Monday, January 4th, in preparation for their big meet against St. Albert the Great on Saturday, January 10th, at 8:30 AM at LaSalle University. Stay tuned! We have many fine swimmers on our team and working as a team, we celebrate them all and their accomplishments in their individual competitions.
Being named the Archdiocesan Catholic Athlete of the Week is quite an honor and we congratulate SCS alum Jessica Sylvester for earning it. It’s not only her athletic ability on the basketball court and on the softball field, but also her commitment to community service that led to her being so honored. …And to think she got her start right here!

CRITICAL THINKING 101 Whew! There were tons of correct entries and Emily Wright (K-35) had her correct entry pulled from them. Emily will receive the last $10 Gift Card of Choice certificate for the year 2009. The answer was 360 hours. Just for your own fun, you can try out the Christmas songs on the back with your families and see how you do. These have been around but it’s always fun to wonder how you could have forgotten how you figured them out before.