St. Michael School
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October 27, 2016 
In This Issue
Dates to Remember
October 28  - Pie orders are due.
October 28 - Harvest Dance for St. Michael School families ONLY! See below.
October 31 - Last day for boys to wear shorts.
November 2 - Christmas Fair Meeting, 5:30 pm at the school.
November 3 - Pre-sale wreath orders are due.
November 3 - Parent Association
Meeting, 6-7 pm, school gym.
November 4 - Poinsettia orders are due.
November 7 - New quarter begins.
November 8 - Early release day. Students are dismissed at 11:30 am. Buses are available. No extended day.
November 11 - Veteran's Day. No school.
November 14 - Pie delivery to the school. Please pick up by the end of the day.
November 16 - Parent/Teacher conferences. See below.
November 17 - Parent/Teacher conferences. See below.
November 19 - Christmas Fair. See below.
November 20 - Picture re-take day. More info to come.
November 21- Poinsettia delivery to the school. Please pick up by the end of the day.
November 23 - Workshop Day. No school.
November 24 - HAPPY THANKSGIVING! No school.
November 25 - Vacation Day. No school.

Don't Forget
*  Monday, October 31st, is the LAST DAY for boys to wear shorts.

*  With colder weather upon us, please be sure your child comes to school dressed appropriately for outdoor play.

*  Each family should have received a School Directory. Email any edits to denise.levesque@portlanddiocese.org.
       As we finish the first quarter, it is interesting to reflect on where we started and where we are now. Many of our new students act like they have been here forever, and others have already developed great friendships.  Probably my greatest concern this early in the school year is to curb the trend of tardiness. We have had days when almost 20% of the students are tardy, and this disrupts learning for everyone. I know there are times when it is unavoidable, but please do whatever you can to be here on time. It is an excellent lesson to teach the children and is a considerate thing to do.
      We will be taking our NWEA tests next week and hopefully we will continue to see measurable growth. I am confident that the students who spent a good deal of time reading this summer as well as working on Moby Max, will see excellent growth. 
       Our sports teams are wrapping up some very successful seasons, and I still have a hope that every student will be active each season in an extracurricular activity. Playing team sports is a great way for our students to stay active, and to learn camaraderie, teamwork and good sportsmanship. As we are a relatively small school, our success is more than just wins and losses, it is also about participation, hard work, and growth. I will continue to remind everyone how important it is that we all show sportsmanship, and our Christian spirit, at all events.
      The second annual comedy night was a couple of weeks ago and I hope all who attended had a great time. I know I did, and we look forward to a third annual next October. We are now just a few weeks from the Christmas Fair (November 19 ), and an event like this helps support our school. The Harvest Dance is tomorrow and is a lot of fun for all who attend! Every time you help out by purchasing wrapping paper, cookie dough, attending Comedy Night, the Christmas Fair, or the Auction, you are helping our students, and our school.
       We now have insurance for our new Chromebooks that parents can purchase for the devices their children are using. A computer assignment was added to all junior high students' Ascend accounts indicating this with a link to purchase the insurance for $25 per device per year. There is also  a link  on our school website as well as a link on our facebook page. It is important to note that this is a zero deductible plan with a deadline of November 13th. I encourage all junior high parents to look into this. These devices are exclusively for school/academic use only.
       As we get ready to take the NWEA test, we must remind ourselves, "If you compare yourselves with others, you will become bitter and vain, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself". This comes from Desiderata and applies to so many things and situations. When I find myself doing this, I try to prayerfully reflect on who I am, rid myself of envy, and ask if I am doing all I can to serve God. I don't always succeed, but I try.
      I continue to feel blessed that your children are here at St. Michael School, and that you entrust us with them. It cannot go without saying how lucky and thankful we are to have parents who are so supportive of what we are doing.  
 
I ask for God's blessings for all of us.

Kevin Cullen



FOLLOW UPS
    We'd like to take this opportunity to thank Ms. Veronica Johnson for chairing the Magazine & Cookie Dough fundraiser, which took in more than $4,400, and Mrs. Jennifer Green for chairing the Meadow Farms fundraiser, which took in over $2,200. Fundraisers like this take time and organization. We appreciate all of their effort and dedication to making these such successful fundraisers!
Playground Project
      Pre-K3 has a new playground! When we first discussed having a Pre-K3 program, we realized that a more developmentally appropriate space would be needed for our littlest ones. So when Joshua Hoffman, a 2015 graduate of St. Michael School, was looking for an Eagle Scout project, we were thrilled that he chose our playground for his project.  A Life Scout with Troop 603 in Augusta, Joshua decided to help St. Michael School's new three year-old program by constructing a safe new outside play area for them.
      Over the next several months, Josh worked on the planning, pricing, and prepping of the playground site.  He removed old equipment, asked for and received fencing donations from Home Depot and Triple P. Fencing, installed the fence and gate, and lastly installed three new pieces of playground equipment. It was a huge undertaking for a 16 year-old and we couldn't be happier with the results. Where we only had a bench and a little sand box turtle, we now have two vertical climbers, a small climbing mountain, and a two-seat rocker.
       The kids have thoroughly enjoyed their new space. The best part was that they got to play with "my friend Josh" the Friday after the project was completed. Josh joined us for a playdate where we presented him with a thank you card and giant whoopie pie. The students loved showing Josh all that they could do on the new equipment and playing hide and seek with Josh. Some of the parents also had an opportunity to express their gratitude to Josh.
      On behalf of the Pre-K3 students and their families, we would like to extend a great BIG thank you to Josh. He took a blank canvas and made it into a place of wonder for our Pre-K3 students. It is a testament to our school when we see our former students give back to a place that has meant so much to them growing up. If you happen to see Josh, please ask him about this project and the process that he is currently undergoing to become an Eagle Scout. It is really quite impressive.
      We are so proud of Josh and what he has accomplished. We know that he will become an exceptional Eagle Scout and member of our community. In the meantime, the Pre-K3 children are hoping that Josh will be able to come back to play real soon.
Pre-K, Kinder and 1st Grade Go Apple Picking
     The Pre-K, Kindergarten and 1st grade class went apple picking at Lakeside Orchard in Manchester on October 13th. It was a great way to wrap up all of their activities of the harvest season. Everyone had a good time !

Fourth Grade's Watershed
     Miss Cami from Cobbossee Watershed visited the fourth grade and shared a lesson called "What is a Watershed?" After discussing the definition of a watershed, students broke into groups. Each group created a watershed model using simple materials. After each group finished, the whole class came together and connected their individual watersheds. Miss Cami demonstrated how when one area is polluted, it affects the entire watershed. Later, students mapped the lakes and ponds in the Cobbossee Watershed. We are so grateful to Cobbossee Watershed for these wonderful learning opportunities. Thank you for your visit Miss Cami!



Comedy Night Success
     The Comedy Night Committee would like to thank all of our donors and sponsors. Their incredible generosity provided us the opportunity to host such a successful event.  Thank you to all who came to our Comedy Night. Through your support we were able to raise $3000 from this event. A big thank you to Comedy Night chair, Mrs. Ouellette, her committee, and all of the volunteers. Without their tireless effort and commitment, we would never have been able to host this event in the first place! Also, a big thank you to Karen Morgan and Dan Crohn who made everyone in attendance laugh and truly enjoy themselves!

Fall Sports Season Wraps Up
     Fall sports ended yesterday wrapping up a very successful season. Our girls field hockey had a great season winning many of their games and coming in second place in the Hocktoberfest at Thomas College. They tied the game with 1 - 1 then lost in a penalty stroke breaking the tie!  Our girls soccer team had only nine players. Small but mighty, they were allowed to play regular season games with 7 on 7 and did an amazing job! Our boys soccer team were Runner Up in the Sheepscot Valley Athletic Conference and won the Sportsmanship Award!! Way to go Saints! ! We're so proud of you all!!



UPCOMING EVENTS
"Dad's Dynamite Pies" Fundraiser
     Pie sales started last week. "Dad's Dymanite Pies" are handmade pies from Maine. These pies are convenient and so delicious for holiday celebrations. Pies come frozen, are available in 10 different flavors, and range in price from $15 to $22. For every pie you sell, you will receive $5 toward your financial obligation. Pie orders along with proper payment (checks made payable to St. Michael School) must be returned to the school office no later than the beginning of the school day on Friday, October 28th. The pies will be delivered to the school and MUST be picked up on Monday, November 14th between 2:30 and 5:30 pm. For more information, call Denise Levesque at (207) 623-3491 or e-mail at denise.levesque@portlanddiocese.org.

8th Grade Bake Sale
     The St. Michael School 8th grade class will be hosting a bake sale on Monday, October 31st. There will be cookies, cupcakes, bars and more. The sale will run throughout all lunch times. If you would like your child to make a purchase at this bake sale, please be sure they come to school with some money. All proceeds from this bake sale will go to the 8th grade graduation and Boston trip.
Parent Association Update
     The Parent Association hosts a variety of fundraisers and events throughout the school year. The money raised by the Parent Association helps to provide our children with valuable learning programs, guest speakers, field trips and other enrichment opportunities. Meetings are held every-other month and are open to all St. Michael School families. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, November 3rd, at the school in the gymnasium from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. Please plan on attending this very important meeting and receive volunteer time. St. Michael School families are required to volunteer 14 hours each school year. Sharing your time and talents with us is a great way for you to get involved and honor this important school commitment. Another great way to get involved and earn volunteer hours is to become a homeroom parent. A homeroom parent serves as a communicator between parents in their assigned class, the Parent Association, and the school. A 2016-2017 school directory has been provided to each family and lists all student's names and contact information. This is a valuable tool for each homeroom parent when communicating with their assigned class parents. The role of a homeroom parent is vital for clear and updated communication. We are still in need of a homeroom parent in 6th grade. If you are interested, please email the Parent Association Chair, Valerie Cotnoir, at valentinegrace@gmail.com. Thank you and we hope to see you on November 3rd.
Wreath Sales
     It's that time of year again. It's time to order your fresh Christmas decorations... wreaths and kissing balls! Pre-order sales are going on now. The wreaths come in three different sizes, 12", 16" and 24", plain or decorated. Wreath orders along with proper payment (checks made payable to St. Michael School) must be returned to the school office no later than Thursday, November 3rd. Orders will be available for pick-up at the school the day of the Christmas fair on Saturday, November 19th. We will be ordering a limited number of extra wreaths to sell the day of the fair so be sure to order yours early to guarantee availability. For more information, call or text Denise Beland at (207) 458-0729 or e-mail at denisecrops@yahoo.com.
Poinsettia Fundraiser
      Poinsettia sales started last week. The poinsettias come from Longfellow's Greenhouses, the largest grower of poinsettias in the state of Maine.  The poinsettias come in 6 1/2 " foiled pots and your choice of red, white and pink and sell for $13.00. F or every poinsettia you sell, you will receive $5 toward your family obligation. Poinsettia orders along with proper payment (checks made payable to St. Michael School) must be returned to the school office no later than the beginning of the school day on Friday, November 4th. The poinsettias will be ready for pick up at the school on Monday, November 21st, between 2:30 and 5:30 pm.  The Longfellow's Greenhouses staff recommends that you pick up your poinsettias on that day. For more information, call Denise Levesque at (207) 623-3491 or e-mail at denise_levesque@hotmail.com .
Chicken Pie Supper
     The Gardiner Knights of Columbus will hold a chicken pie supper on Saturday, November 12, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Council Meeting Hall located at 109 Spring Street (on the street between Rite Aid and Cumberland Farms). All proceeds from the supper will be donated to St. Michael School to support tuition assistance for families who need help sending their children to St. Michael School for a high quality catholic community education. The dinner will consist of all solid white meat chicken pie and gravy, mashed potatoes, vegetables, dessert and assorted refreshments. The price is $7.50 for adults, $3.50 for children under 12 and free for children 3 and under. Macaroni and cheese will be offered as a substitute to the chicken pie.  You can help in this financial effort by attending and enjoying this delicious Chicken Pie Supper. 
The Christmas Fair Is Coming!!!
      The Christmas Fair will be Saturday, November 19th, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm in the school gymnasium. This years theme is "Candlelit Christmas" so the decorations will be everything gold, white and shimmery. Many hands are needed to pull off an event like this, one of the biggest fundraisers of the year! Help will be needed on Friday, November 18th as well as the day of the Fair on November 19th. If you want to help, please contact the Chair, Stephanie Hunter at spleunis@hotmail.com or stmikeschristmasfair@gmail.com. The next Christmas Fair meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 2nd, at 5:30 pm at the school.

Theme Basket Raffle
Each year classrooms are assigned a different theme for providing items and creating a basket to be raffled off. The Christmas fair committee has asked that the homeroom parents find a volunteer or two from their classroom to be in charge of collecting donations, shopping for items, and putting the basket together for their classroom. Be creative with these "baskets"! The value of these baskets should not exceed $300. The baskets are not a classroom competition and always look so beautiful. Each basket should have a printed list of what is included in the basket. Please know that parent donations (whether it is an item or money) is a donation and will not count toward your family financial obligation. Raffle ticket sales for the baskets will be going on sale November 3rd and 4th. The winners will be drawn the day of the fair but you need not be present to win. If you have trouble finding volunteers to work on your classroom basket, please contact Stephanie. Below is the list of themes for each grade's baskets:

Pre-K and Kindergarten - Money Tree
Grade 1 - Arts & Crafts
Grade 2 - Family Fun
Grade 3 - Gift Cards
Grade 4 - Sports
Grade 5 - Holidays
Grade 6 - Winter Warmth
Grade 7 - Reading
Grade 8 - Relaxation

Secret Santa
Secret Santa is a secret area for children to do some shopping for those on their Christmas list. We are in need of new Secret Santa items to be donated. Do you have gently-used, unwanted items cluttering your closet or garage? We are looking for games, puzzles, costume jewelry, and decorative items (such as frames, vases, candle holders...). There will be boxes in the lobby where you can drop off your donated items for Secret Santa or donated Christmas decorations, gift wrap, or bows. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Stephanie.

Calling All Crafters!!!
We need your help in supporting another fantastic craft table. Last year we had some amazing handmade crafts. We are hoping to continue the tradition in making this years' craft booth another success. If you are planning to make, create, or donate items fro the craft booth, please contact Katie Varney at 441-4636 or email at skvarney@live.com.
Together great things really CAN happen!
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Parent Teacher Conferences
     Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Wednesday, November 16th, from 3:15 pm to 6:45 pm and Thursday, November 17th, from 3:15 pm to 6:30 pm.  We use an online scheduing program called PickATime. An instruction flyer is being mailed home to all families on Monday, October 31st. Please follow the instructions to pick a conference time with your child(s) homeroom teacher. Please make every effort to schedule the appointment via the website, however, do not hesitate to call Mrs. Carr in the school office if you have any difficulties. Middle school parents may call the school office to set up an appointment if they want to meet with another middle school teacher.
Hannaford Helps Schools
     Spread the word! Hannaford Helps Schools has kicked off for 2016! Earn $3 for our school for every 4 qualifying items you buy...from breakfast and lunch items to snacks, household supplies and more. For more information, click here.