January 10, 2023

Principal's Message

Mid-Year Reflections

Dear SPN Families,

Each January 1st seems to come a little faster than the last, and similarly, our 2022-23 school year is moving along at a quick pace. Next week marks the half-way point for Trimester 2 and for the whole school year. Teachers will send home Progress Reports next Tuesday so you are aware of students' achievement and growth since the last reporting period in November. Teachers may request a conference with you if necessary to discuss strategies to facilitate academic growth and/or social development. You may request a conference with a teacher if you have concerns about your students’ achievement.

Next week the Class of 2023 will take their graduation portraits. Many of them took the High School Placement Test this past Saturday for local Catholic high schools. The second half of the school year will go by most quickly for this class and their parents. Regardless of whether you have an eighth grader or younger students, take advantage of the next five months to appreciate the opportunities, people and blessings that each day brings. Remember to find the joy in each day as well!

Warmly,

Ms. Thomas

Focus on HOPE: “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” Micah 7:7

Admissions Time at SPN

The next few weeks are an exciting time of inviting new families and new students to apply for our 2023-24 school year! All new student applications (Preschool - 8th grade) are due on January 31st. The TK - 8th application is linked on our website here, whereas interested preschool families need to contact the office to apply. In February, all current SPN Families will be asked to fill out an Intent to Return survey so that we have realistic numbers for our admissions decisions.

Do you know a family interested in SPN? Here are some ways to connect:

Information Night Wednesday, January 11th: Join Principal Thomas and our Preschool, TK, and K teachers tomorrow night at 7pm in the Kindergarten building for an introduction to SPN and grade-level breakout sessions. Register on our website here. (Adults only event)
Come Play in TK and K: Students and their parents are invited to experience a morning in our TK and K classes followed by a light reception in our garden. Wednesday, January 25th from 9-10:30a.m. Register here.
Open House: All current and interested SPN students and families are invited to visit classrooms and teachers during our Open House on Sunday, January 29th after the 9a.m. Mass. No registration needed.
View all SPN Admissions Events and Deadlines here.

Note: Current preschool students need to apply for TK via the online application by January 31, 2023. Returning TK - 7th grade students will register to return for the 2023-24 school year in April. The school will send families registration links for their student(s).

Questions? Feel free to reach out to Mrs. Schmitz for more information at jschmitz@csdo.org.

Information and Updates

School Schedule this Week: There will be NO SCHOOL and NO SHARE and CARE this Friday, January 13th and Monday, January 16th. Friday is the Diocesan Elementary Staff Day and Monday is the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. Enjoy your long weekend!
Pajama Day Wednesday, January 18th: The next SLC spirit day will wake you up! Pajamas (no slippers, please - real shoes needed for school) of all stripes, solids and patterns are welcome! Free dress rules apply.
8th Grade Portraits - Friday, January 20th: 8th grade portrait photos will be taken on campus. Information on what to wear will be emailed out directly to 8th grade families.
Chess Club: 1st - 5th grade students are welcome to enroll in the after school Chess Club which meets Thursdays 3:15p.m. - 4:15p.m. from January 16th- March 16th. This club is offered onsite at SPN by the Berkeley Chess School. See flyer below for details or click here to register.
Save the Date - March 11, 2023!: The SPN Auction is back in-person for 2023! Look for an invite in your email inbox this week with a link to buy tickets for the Spartan Masquerade. Dinner to be provided by Asena restaurant.
Choice Lunch Volunteers Needed: Work a lunch shift and earn a free lunch for your student! 11:30a.m. - 12:30p.m. M-F slots available. See sign up sheet here and contact parent Janelle Sheets (jtpaws@hotmail.com) for details.
Have you completed your volunteer hours?: As we approach the halfway mark for the 2022-23 school year we want to remind families about your commitment to complete 20 hours of volunteering (25 if doing sports). How do you find volunteer opportunities? You may contact the PTG at spn.ptg.alameda@gmail.com, and/or keep an eye out for volunteering asks in this newsletter (like the one below)! View the SPN Volunteer Requirements here, and log your hours using the Volunteer Hours Log Sheet.
Looking for a past newsletter? Check out our Newsletter Archives on our website.
COVID Update: We have had 1 Covid case since Wednesday, January 4, 2023.

School Happenings

Ms. Blake helps TKers explore a clump of HAIL during today

Rainy day play in preschool.

1st Graders recite poetry.

2nd grade scientists in action!

Students in TK and 2nd Grade helped clean up the garden after last week's storms. They helped by weeding, saving seeds, and sweeping the garden.

Ecosystem research happening in 4th grade.

5th grade studies the saltiness of ocean water.

5th grader Elias "Chalking the door for Epiphany".

In Memoriam

With sadness, we announce that the SPN community lost a beloved member yesterday. Mr. Frank, SPN science teacher from 1999 - 2016 passed away in his home in Reno. Below is the yearbook dedication page from his last year at SPN which expresses the love that our school community carries for this kind man. Our prayers and condolences go out to his family.