February 13, 2019 - Walking Together in Faith
Love - St. Valentine
Dear St. Isidore School Parents,

“There really are places in the heart you don’t even know exist until you love a child.” —Anne Lamott, writer
Happy Valentine’s Day, St. Isidore School! Tomorrow we celebrate a day themed around LOVE —what a wonderful thing to celebrate. In last week’s newsletter, we discussed the power of God’s love for us. This week we explore a love we are all familiar with, parental love. Parental love is the unconditional love a parent feels for his or her child. It is empathetic, nurturing, and unselfish. It’s the kind of love that can move mountains. As principal it is something I bear witness to on a daily basis. I see it in the eyes of a parent dropping off their little one for their first day of school, I see it when a parent swells with pride, I see it when a parent knows their child is struggling or has made a mistake, and I see it in the parent who rushes to pick up a sick child. The examples of love I could share are endless. As an act of LOVE and KINDNESS, students may wear red or pink shirts tomorrow with jeans or khaki pants.
 
STEAM Night
SIS will be holding Family STEAM Night on Wednesday, February 27, from 5:15 to 7 p.m . in the Benson gym! It will be an evening of hands-on science, math, and engineering activities for students and families to complete together. Pizza will be served from 5:15 to 6 p.m., followed by STEAM stations from 6 to 7 p.m . At the end of the night, completed STEAM passport cards will be entered into a raffle. Please click here to RSVP. Our wonderful art teacher, Ms. Moore, will also be showcasing student work in the Benson. Come for pizza, STEAM activities, and an art show!
 
SIS Loves Science
On Saturday, February 9, our Science Fair winners traveled to St. Joseph Notre Dame High School in Alameda to compete in the annual CSDO Science Fair. I want to congratulate 7th grader Kayven Upadhyay for placing second in the Chemistry category, and Audrey Bowes and Gabrielle Navarro for placing second and third, respectively, in the Physics category. Congratulations to 8th graders Chance Frost and JP Perez for placing first, and Chris Coleman for placing third, all in the Physics category. I am proud of your success and thank you for representing SIS so well!
 
School Registration Is Coming
I wanted to inform you that registration for the 2019–2020 school year will be sent via email to you in March. The registration process will be online, and the associated fee will be per child. If you are not returning for the 2019–2020 school year, please email me at [email protected]. The budget for next school year has not yet been set, but we are anticipating a 5% or smaller increase in tuition, and fees will remain the same. If you have any questions, please contact the school office at (925) 837-2977.
 
Happy Random Acts of Kindness Week (RAOK)!
They say an act of kindness is contagious and can change the world. The feeling that comes with surprising someone with an unexpected act of kindness is truly special. I wanted to share a recent RAOK that school parent Jeanne Waizenegger and her family recently spearheaded. Jeanne and a dear friend were called to help Butte County fire victims. With donated items, they put together 75 baskets filled with blankets, towel sets, umbrellas, treats, board games, lotion, personalized water bottles, beanies, and jackets. With cars loaded, they headed to Chico and Paradise to help those in need. Way to go, Waizenegger Family!
 
P arent Information
As an educator I am alerted to dangerous teen trends. As a parent and an educator, I believe information is power and that it is my responsibility to bring these trends to your attention. I recently received an email alerting me to the “Text Me” app students are downloading. The app allows students to hide their activity from their parents (since it won’t appear on their phone bill). Additionally, the Text Me app offers location sharing features, which can be incredibly dangerous for students. Please take a moment to check your child's phone and address this issue if needed.
 
Due to the Presidents Day holiday, we will have a 12 p.m. dismissal on Friday, February 15, and NO SCHOOL on Monday, February 18 . The long weekend feels like a RAOK for students and staff alike. Enjoy the extra time.
 
God bless,
 
Maria Ward
Principal
Important Dates
  • Monday, February 11-15th - Random Acts of Kindness Week
  • Thursday, February 14th - Happy Valentines Day! Students may wear red or pink shirts with jeans or khaki pants.
  • Friday, February 15th - Grades K, 1, 2 attend mass. 12pm dismissal.
  • Monday, February 18th - No School in honor of President's Day.
  • Friday, February 22 - Grades 6,7,8 attend mass. End of 2nd trimester.
  • Tuesday, February 26 - TK/K Acceptance letters mailed.
  • Wednesday, February 27 - Report cards go home. STEM Night 5:15pm.
  • Thursday, February 28 - 6th grade leaves for Caritas.
  • Friday, February 29 - All School Mass. 6th grade at Caritas.
Prayers
Please pray for all those who are suffering or are in need of our thoughts and prayers, especially the Vitzthum Family's uncle - Brad Goforth and Rita Edwards. We also pray for Victoria Cooper's Grandmother, Lillian Cooper who has gone to Heaven. May God keep them in His tender, loving care.
PTG
  • Online auction is happening this week! Click HERE to view the catalog. Online bidding ends this Friday, 2/15 at 10pm.
 
  • The pick up of any purchased online auction items will be Tuesday, 2/19 in Room 221 Cardelli Center (upstairs above the big gym) 7:30-9:30 and 2:00-3:30PM.

  • Click HERE to purchase tickets to the auction. Deadline to purchase tickets is: 2/28/19
Sponsorship
Sponsorship opportunities for the St. Isidore Gala are still available.  Please contact the sponsorship team if you are interested. Thank you for all those who have already sponsored our school. More information and forms can be found here. Click here to view current sponsors.
Sponsor Shout Out : This week's sponsorship shout out goes to Bronze Level Sponsor EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants . EPIC is a unique and progressive insurance brokerage and consulting firm specializing in property and casualty insurance and employee benefits. They are proud supporters of St. Isidore School. We are thankful for their generosity!
Did you Know?
SIS loves Art! This year, select St. Isidore student artists have been chosen to the have their artwork displayed at the
Diocesan wide Lillian Black Festival of the Arts!​ The Festival of the Arts, which has been a tradition in the Oakland Diocese for over 30 years, showcases both TK - 12th grade visual art displays and performances.​ Please join us, on Sunday, February 24th, 2019 from 1pm - 4:30pm at Bishop O’Dowd High School to celebrate the creative talents of our students! Click here to view the student artists participating.
SIS Family Highlight
There is nothing better then announcing the birth of a new baby! Congratulations to the Mallein Family (TK) on the birth of their baby girl, Sophie.
Random Act of Kindness
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.
St. Isidore School annually participates in the Adopt a Priest Program. Students send their designated class priests cards and drawings throughout the school year.
School Sunshine Effort
The purpose of a Sunshine Effort is to offe r support for families in our community. The type of support varies on the circumstance ~ from an illness or a family member’s passing to welcoming a new baby. In any case, we offer to provide a little “sunshine” for the family by coordinating meals, transportation, or simply writing a kind note.

Click here to to view the Sunshine Effort for the Mallein Family (TK). They just recently welcomed a new baby girl to the family.

Click here to view the Sunshine Effort for the Cirimele Family (TK). They just recently welcomed a new baby boy.
Nurses Note
We are seeing an increase in illness at school. We would like remind all parents to keep your children home when they are sick. A person sick with fever, must be fever free without the use of medication for 24 hours prior to returning to school This is not only for your children to be given the time needed to get better, but also of extreme importance in preventing the spread of infection to other persons. Here is information from the Center for Disease Control on how to prevent the spread of Infections and Flu virus.
How to Prevent Spread of Infections/Flu Virus
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
  • If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
How to Wash Your Hands Properly
  • Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
  • Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
  • Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
  • Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
  • Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

How to Use Hand Sanitizers
  • Apply the product to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct amount).
  • Rub your hands together.
  • Rub the product over all surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry.
Challenge Success
The biggest influence of mothers’ and parents’ time with children may be during adolescence. This special time allows for fewer delinquent behaviors and better outcomes.
Library Corner
The SIS Library and Book Fair Team are working hard as we prepare to Roar into Reading! Stay tuned for volunteer opportunities at this year’s
ext-ROAR-dinary annual reading event – which opens April 2 nd . Be prepared to unleash your inner dinosaur!
Student Leadership
So far 2019 has been a great year for the SIS Leadership Team! Thank you to everyone who bought a sweet treat and supported the Green Team Bake Sale, it was a great success! Catholic Schools Week was a super week including a popcorn/punch social, college bowl, and the 8th grade vs Teachers volleyball game! Congratulations teachers on your win! This week is Random Acts of Kindness week (RAOK), so please make sure to do 1 RAOK this week, Leadership surprised local schools with cookies and brownies! This Thursday is Valentine’s Day, and our loving principal, Mrs. Ward, is allowing students to wear jeans and a pink or red top to celebrate ! Students and parents, if you have any ideas or concerns, please do not hesitate to tell Student Leadership. Our leadership advisors, Mrs. Devine and Mrs. Lettire, as well as the leadership team, will make sure to acknowledge your comments at our meetings! We wish you all a blessed year! - Gianna Pacas (Publicity Leader)
After School Opportunities
Calling all little bakers! SIS mom and CRUMB owner Nancy Phillips is pleased to offer a six-week baking class. Each week your child will learn a new baking technique and bring home treats to share. 
The final session of the year begins the week of 3/5/19, space is limited, so get your registration in ASAP. Click here for registration form.
Toyology is back by popular demand! The program will run Thursdays,
Feb. 21, 28; Mar. 7, 21, 28 Apr. 4 (No class Mar. 14).
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm in the Science room. Click here for information.
Scrip
Scrip News... Click here to order!
Are you feeling the love? See’s SCRIP will sweeten up your Valentines holiday with a one-pound box of chocolates. Molasses chips, Bordeaux, Thin Mints, or Nuts and Chews. Make sure you are set with gas cards and whatever else you need for the President’s weekend. If you are staying local and plan to enjoy the beautiful weather, start off the long weekend with Yogurt Shack SCRIP! Thank you for shopping with Scrip!
Volunteer Opportunities- Week B
School Sponsorships
DIAMOND
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
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COPPER
IN KIND


The Brown Family