Dear St. Alphonsus Catholic School Families,

It is with a heavy heart that I greet you this week. Earlier in the week, we learned the news of the passing of a former St. Al's student. Natalie Johnson, St. Alphonsus Class of 2019, went home to Our Heavenly Father on Sunday evening. You can read her obituary here. In addition to the visitation, there will be a Vigil & Celebration of Life for Natalie on Sunday, August 28 from 6-8pm in the Community Room. Natalie, her family & friends, and all those who have been touched by her life have been in our thoughts and prayers all week, and we will continue to hold her loved ones in our hearts. Please include them in your prayers. 

I also wanted to quickly remind you of a few things for next week:

First, our Meet & Greet night is happening on Monday from 3-7pm. This is your opportunity to drop off your students' supplies and meet their teacher. In addition, school pictures will be taken that night!  When you arrive at school, stop into the Community Room to have your student's photos taken. All students, including 8th grade, need to have their photo taken. Here is a copy of the order form and here is the link to place your photo orders online. 

A community art project will also be happening, so be sure to walk through the hallway by the office and have your student participate. And don't forget to grab dinner as well!  The Roll MKE food truck will be in the school courtyard during Meet & Greet, with all proceeds & donations benefitting the 8th Grade Class. Enjoy burgers, grilled cheese, fries, and more! Cash & credit cards are accepted.  

Second, this is just a reminder that dismissal on the first day of school will be at 11:30am, and there will be no Cougar Care this day.  

Finally, I want to leave you with some words of encouragement as we set out this school year. Our faculty & staff are focusing on a theme of joy this year, and so as we welcome your students, we promise you this: each day your child will learn something new. Some days it will come home in their hands, some days it will come home in their heads, and some days it will come home in their hearts.  However you came to be with us, wherever you and your child are at, we are happy to support you & grow alongside your family. Together we can all bloom right where we are planted, and we promise to share our joyful hearts along the way.

I look forward to seeing you at our Meet and Greet Night on Monday.

Yours in Christ,

Mr. Russ Johnston

Principal  

Looking to spend some time with your students at school this year?

Why not volunteer to help us out as a lunchroom or playground monitor? We are always looking for parents to act as daily monitors for lunch periods and recess. We are flexible to YOUR schedule--come one day a week or all five days a week!

This is a really impactful way for parents to step up & volunteer at school, as it lets the teachers have a break and is an easy way to spend some time with your students during the day. If you are interested in being either a playground monitor or a lunchroom supervisor, please contact Ginger Young.

The 8th Grade Class will again be selling Out-of-Uniform Passes to help support their graduation activities.

A sheet of 10 passes will cost $15 per student.

New this year: to help with consistency in the school's out-of-uniform days and to make tracking easier for the teachers, Out-of-Uniform passes will be good on the last Friday of the month, instead of Mondays. The school will continue to do out-of-uniform fundraisers for special causes and those will happen on alternative days.

Watch for the order forms to come home via backpack mail next week and thank you from the 8th grade Class of 2023!

Girl Scout Troop 11412 (4th Grade) tied the Parish S'mores Night, S'more Time With Our Lady, with a Badge. Many of the girls attended at least one of the Rosary nights & then did independent work to earn a Rosary Badge. Each girl will receive a Lady of Fatima patch and Rosary book.