April 22, 2020 -
Anchored in His Love
Hope - St. Therese & St. Francis Xavier
|
|
Dear St. Isidore School Families,
ï»ż
Finish Strong
Welcome back! I hope you all had a wonderful Easter Holiday and a relaxing break.
Believe it or not, there are only six weeks left of school! The year has truly flown by and together we have made some amazing adjustments and strides forward. I encourage you to stay the course. Academically speaking, it is an important time of year and it is vital for students to stay focused until that final (virtual) bell rings.
Letâs finish strong!
SIS staff update
I would like to take a moment to address an issue discussed in our April 1 school newsletter, potential faculty and staff layoffs. At that time, we were instructed to prepare and forecast for unknown needs of the school. Therefore, we had to entertain the idea of potentially laying off our hourly employees beginning May 1. I have the pleasure of notifying our community that we will
NOT need to proceed with any faculty and staff layoffs for this current school year
. We are able to do this for several reasons. Enrollment and tuition revenue are consistent. Registration for the 2020-2021 school year is progressing as expected. At this time, our school is healthy and plans to support our faculty and staff during this difficult and uncertain time. I appreciate the feedback and concerns I have received regarding the staff. I am thrilled that we will not need to put undue pressure on our St. Isidore community.
E-learning update
Our updated E-learning plan for grades TK-5 began on Monday. The modification incorporates increased daily interaction between the teachers and students, which will benefit the learning process immensely. I am thoroughly impressed with the dedication and creativity our teachers continue to show. I think we all enjoyed watching
Mrs. Hutchinson assemble an ant farm
while standing in her kitchen. The staff as a whole has done a great job keeping students engaged with learning. Please note that due to our current situation there will not be a third-trimester progress report. If you have any questions regarding your childâs progress please email your teacher directly.
The road to graduation
This is an exciting time of year for our 8th-grade students and their families. For many, their journey at SIS began as energetic little kindergartners eager to learn. Watching them grow over the past nine years has been amazingâwhat beautiful young people they have become. We are all saddened that our current situation doesnât allow us to see them take these final steps in person, but the accomplishment and our sentiments remain equally special. We adore our 8th graders and have worked hard to come up with some fun and out-of-the-box ideas to celebrate them. On Monday each of the graduates was delivered a congratulatory yard sign to display with pride. A virtual Gospel Values Ceremony, May Crowning, and 8th-grade retreat have been planned. Stay tuned for further information. Many schools have postponed the graduation ceremony until August. This is also a possibility, as we are keeping all options open. The goal remains to still come together at a future date to celebrate the Class of 2020 with a graduation ceremony. Please keep our 8th graders and their families in your thoughts and prayers during this special time.
Happy Earth Day
Earth Day, which is celebrated annually on April 22, is a global event that teaches people about the importance of keeping the planet clean and healthy. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Please take a moment to view
Student Leadershipâs Earth Day Challenge
below. It offers three days of fun activities to celebrate our wonderful planet.
Online safety â increased screen time
For most of us, the rules we set around screen time have changed since we began to shelter in place. Our children must now go online for schoolwork, studying, and social interaction. Seeing them âlogged inâ all the time can be worrisome and figuring out how best to manage it can be challenging. I wanted to pass on some helpful advice from the experts at Smart Social on increased screen time.
Click here
to view.
Changes due to the pandemic
SIS is working to help alleviate the amount of stress put on our school families during this trying time. I hope these small changes will help lighten your load.
The cancellation of several events and time away from campus has left families unable to fulfill their PEP requirements for the 2019-2020 school year. Therefore, PEP fees will be waived this year. I appreciate all you have done previously for our school and will do moving forward!
We have changed the first tuition payment of the 2020-2021 school year from June to August. If your scheduled date was June 5, it is now August 5. If your scheduled date was June 20, it is now August 20.
Looks like sunshine is in the forecast! Have a wonderful rest of the week, SIS, and go Bulldogs!
God bless,
Maria Ward, Principal
PS: Teacher Appreciation Week is Monday, May 4âFriday, May 8. I am working with PTG on some fun ways to celebrate our fabulous teachers. Details to follow in next weekâs newsletter.
|
|
Please pray for all those who are suffering or in need of our thoughts and prayers, especially Will Pringle and Mrs. Koskowich's sister who are both ill. Please pray for the grandmother of the Chatman Family who is recovering from surgery. Please pray for the many effected by COVID-19 including the Jacobson Family's cousin, Daniel O'Toole. May God keep them in His tender, loving care.
|
|
- Wednesday, April 22 - Happy Earth Day! See fun activities below.
- Friday, May 1 - 8th Grade Gospel Values Ceremony (virtual).
- Monday, May 4 - Friday, May 8 - Teacher Appreciation Week.
- Friday, May 8 - 8th Grade May Crowning Cremony (virtual).
- Sunday, May 10 - Happy Mother's Day!
- Friday, May 15 - 8th Grade retreat (virtual, stay tuned for details).
- Monday, May 25 - Memorial Day/No School.
|
|
Purchase your school supplies for the 2020-2021 School Year with 1st Day School Supplies!
In anticipation of the kids starting back, we have once again partnered with 1st Day School Supplies to make your life easier. This year, get all your school supplies from the safety and convenience of your own home. They are offering accessories from Vera Bradley and JanSport, and Under Armour backpacks, lunch boxes, and water bottles! I encourage you to avoid the "germy" experience of back-to-school shopping at retailers by shopping online, knowing you are getting the exact supplies your teacher requested. You can make your purchase right now; get started by
clicking here.
|
|
Please make sure to send your child's attendance in daily rather than weekly. Daily check-in allows us to better account for for our student body. Thank you for your cooperation during this challenging time.
|
|
Message from the Music Teacher
|
|
Hello wonderful students!
The power of music is undeniable! It keeps us connected, helps relieve stress and evokes positive feelings. I encourage you to explore the skill of music appreciation during your time at home. Observe how different types of music makes you feel. Draw a picture or write down your feelings during the song. Take care - Ms. Groman
PS. The 2nd graders will soon be learning about Miles Davis. If you need a song idea I encourage you to check out "Kind of Blue."
|
|
Random acts of kindness are deliberate attempts to brighten another person's day by doing something thoughtful, nice, and caring. Go out and spread kindness, SIS! Please let the office know if you do or witness a RAOK.
|
|
Choosing to brighten someone's day!
Recently 8th grade students, Sasha and Ava Kozimor showed their friends love and support by surprising them with home baked scones and cookies. What a sweet way of saying hi. Well done, ladies!
|
|
Happy Birthday Mrs. Sullivan!
Mrs. Sullivan's Kindergarten class organized a special surprise car parade in honor of her birthday. The students decorated their cars, made sweet signs, and waved out the window. What a fun way to spread birthday cheer! Good job!
|
|
|
|
Please support the Monument Crisis Center Food Drive
|
Local food banks are working hard to provide food and supplies to the many in our community who are in need. 5th grade student, Ava Gookins and her family are hosting a food drive for the Monument Crisis Center. Please drop donations directly to the Gookins anytime between now and Sunday, April 26th. The Monument Crisis Center is in desperate need of pantry items including rice, beans, pasta, cereal, hearty soups and stews. No glass items please. Great job helping those in need, Ava!
|
|
|
Support the Little Light Project! The SIS Community is encouraged to spread light and love by showing appreciation for our Front Liners!
The
Little Light Project
, started by our beloved Fr. G, is an Easter community project to spread âlightâ and show appreciation to those on the front lines.
As a family, please choose a front liner or multiple front liners you would like to thank for their help during this time. Examples: hospital workers (doctors, nurses, cleaning crew), first responders (police, fire, medical), local stores (checks, stockers), postal workers (in office, letter carriers), garbage collectors, farmers, truck drivers, delivery services (Amazon, Fed Express, food deliverers), scientists/researchers, county workers, teachers, or anyone that is helping to bring âlightâ into your world.
By way of a card, letter, or drawing, introduce yourself as a student/family from St. Isidore School and Parish. Let them know that for our Easter project, our community would like to express our gratitude for the help and services these invaluable helpers are providing during this pandemic. Be as creative as you would like!
Share our âLittle Lightsâ - Post a photo of your project on social media, and tag St. Isidore School and St. Isidore the Farmer, Danville CA.
|
|
Challenge Success Program has an important message for parents regarding COVID-19!
Click here
to view.
|
|
ALL ABOARD the SIS Summer Faith Camp!
Don't miss the Rocky Railway 2020 where Jesusâ Power pulls us through!
Click here
for more information. Please note: teen volunteer sign-ups will open after Easter.
|
|
Sign up for DLS Summer Camp!
Registration for DLS Summer Camps is now available. Summer camps are open for boys and girls in 3rd grade - incoming 9th grade.
Click here
for information.
|
|
Hello St. Isidore Families!
Hopefully everyone is doing well while in quarantine. Remember, Scrip can still be useful while we shelter in place. Some everyday scrip is available as a re-loadable gift cards like Safeway and Chevron. Contact
Rory Motas
regarding questions on ordering Scrip online. Stay healthy and enjoy your time with your families!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
â 
â 
â