WOLFHOUND WEDNESDAY
May 12, 2021
Fifth grade students work on their Mars lander rovers in Science class
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The O'Reilly Minute
Dear Parents,

The month of May is a special time for us as Catholics to pray to our Blessed Mother Mary. Our school community will be virtually praying together the rosary this afternoon at 2:00 pm. Each of our students will be receiving a beautiful handmade green and gold rosary as a special gift. These unique St. Brigid rosaries are a gift from a friend of our school. This special friend is Mrs. Sue Gosser, aunt of Mrs. Hillary Harper, our preschool director. Mrs. Gosser and her prayer group decided to make rosaries during the pandemic to not only keep busy, but to remind people of the importance of praying the rosary. They lovingly made 650 rosaries for every one of our students in preschool to grade 8.  

I would like to thank all of our students, staff, and Home and School parents for the fun celebration of my birthday and 20 years of service at St. Brigid School. I am thankful each day for the opportunity to work alongside our extraordinary staff and to partner with our parents to serve the children of St. Brigid School. Each day brings many blessings, opportunities to learn, and opportunities to support and watch our amazing children grow in faith, kindness, and knowledge. 

I do have a few staff changes ready to announce at this time. Ms. Katy Nentwich, Ms. Andrea Knabe, and Coach Kreber will all be leaving teaching at the end of this year to embark on new career paths. Best wishes to all as they begin a new phase of their career journey. We are thankful for their many years of faithful and talented service to our children. Additionally, I would like to thank Mrs. Kim VanHuffle for her service this past year. Mrs. VanHuffle was hired last August to help us during this pandemic year requiring additional classroom pods. Mrs. VanHuffle’s call to service as a religion teacher in the parish school was unexpected and she accepted just days before school began. She has been a true blessing to our 5th and 6th grade students and we are grateful for her service. I would also like to thank and honor our retiring staff members, Mrs. Sue Asencio and Mrs. Kathy Troutman who will also be retiring from teaching at the end of this school year. We have featured them and our previously announced retirements in a story on each of them below. Thank you for your many years of service, and we wish you all the best!

Spring Blessings,
Kathy O'Reilly
Photo Newsletters: 5th & 6th Grades
Click the images below to view this week's photo newsletters and see what the classes have been up to.
Happy Birthday & Happy 20th Anniversary Ms. Kathy O'Reilly!
This week our entire school honored Ms. Kathy O'Reilly as she celebrates her 20th anniversary as principal of St. Brigid! Ms. O'Reilly was surprised on her birthday, Tuesday, May 11 with a parade and celebration from the entire school. Ms. O'Reilly was invited to come out to the front of the school where she was surprised with a golf cart decorated in a large "20" sign and balloons and decorations in her favorite color, purple. She was then driven over to the playground parking lot, where students were gathered with their classroom pods, lined up and excitedly cheering for her. Students displayed signs and posters they had made wishing her a happy birthday and congratulations, and were all wearing purple bead necklaces to aid in the celebration. The parade continued as she was driven by each grade level stationed around the school's campus so all the children could join in the fun. The eighth grade students then each presented her with a rose, forming a large and beautiful bouquet, and a gift basket full of her favorite things (including Diet Coke!). The cafeteria also planned her favorite lunch for the day -- grilled cheese and goldfish!

Thank you to Home & School for helping to plan this event, and the teachers, staff and students for joining in the fun celebration!

We thank you Ms. O'Reilly for your two decades of tireless and dedicated service to our parish Catholic school and children! As our school celebrates its 25th anniversary, we are grateful for your leadership that has helped form a warm and welcoming school that provides faith formation and academic excellence to our parish families.
Congrats to Our Retirees!
Mrs. Shannon Crawford, School Office Manager
Shannon Crawford, school office manager at Saint Brigid of Kildare School will be retiring after 24 years employed with the school. Shannon began at St. Brigid after Peggy Iannarino reached out looking for volunteers for the clinic. Her first year here her time was purely donated. She loved being around the students and staff, so she accepted a permanent position once she was offered one for the second year of the school.
Mrs. Peggy Iannarino, School Nurse
Peggy Iannarino, school nurse, is retiring from Saint Brigid of Kildare School after spending 23 years employed here. She began her time at St. Brigid in 1996 as a volunteer, working to coordinate the daily schedule of clinic parent volunteers. Two years later she officially became the school nurse, and since then has had the help of several wonderful clinic aides including Mrs. Crawford and Mrs. Peecook.
Mrs. Kim Bakos, Educational Support Assistant
Kim Bakos, educational support assistant, is retiring from Saint Brigid of Kildare School after 23 years of service. Kim says that “the most meaningful thing about working at St. Brigid has been how it’s felt like my second family. There have been so many fond memories filled with laughter, love and support. I truly cherish every year I’ve spent working here.”
Mrs. Mary Westendorf, Technology Director
Mary Westendorf, technology director, is retiring from Saint Brigid of Kildare School after 21 years of service. Mary began her career at St. Brigid teaching tech class to 5th - 8th grades, including topics such as engineering and design (she fondly remembers the Egg Drop Contest that students participated in with the fire department and their hook and ladder truck!). “All of my most meaningful memories involve the people I have gotten to know here. I loved working with students doing Sphero lessons and shows, 3D printing contests and creations, faculty/student basketball and volleyball.” 
Mrs. Sue Asencio, Teacher
Sue Asencio is retiring from teaching at Saint Brigid of Kildare School after over 21 years here. Sue is currently teaching a third grade pod, but previously taught technology and computer classes to all grade levels. Prior to teaching, she worked with her husband helping him run several different businesses, which is where she got her experience and expertise in the field of technology. 
Mrs. Kathy Troutman, Kindergarten Teacher
Kathy Troutman is retiring from Saint Brigid of Kildare School after working here for 16 years. She first taught in the preschool for her first seven years, and has spent the last nine years teaching kindergarten. Prior to coming to St. Brigid, Kathy taught at St. Pius X in Norfolk, Virginia, where she taught kindergarten then second grade for five years.
Summer Tutoring
Summer tutoring is available from many Saint Brigid of Kildare staff members. Staff can be contacted via email or by calling the school office and leaving a message.

Click below for the list of teachers, subjects and contact information.
PE Uniforms for the 2021-22 School Year
As announced several weeks ago, the changes made to our PE uniforms this year have now been made permanent. Since summer shopping season is soon approaching, we would like to provide you with three vendors who are preparing to fill your uniform needs.

Education Apparel
3840 Lacon Road, Hilliard, OH, 614-876-3030
https://www.educationalapparel.com

Morganheimer (Formally Premier Sports and Spirits)
473 Village Park Drive, Powell, OH 43065, Phone: (614) 505-7125
E-mail: crystal@morganheimer.com

Schoolbelles
New storefront coming soon, 1-888-637-3037
www.schoolbelles.com

Summer Booster Camp
Students Entering 1st-4th Grade:
Calling all students entering 1st through 4th grade who would benefit from a jump start into the upcoming 2021-2022 school year! The Academic Support School staff team (Intervention Specialist, Occupational Therapy Assistant and Speech-Language Pathologist) is planning a week of enriching and enjoyable activities focusing on team work, problem solving, creative writing, social skills, growth mindset, self-regulation and much, much more. Students will learn and practice important skills to help them be ready to learn and start the school year off confidently. The camp will be offered August 9th-13th, 2021 from 9:00-11:00 am at St. Brigid of Kildare School and will be available to the first 20 students that register.

Students Entering 5th-8th Grade:
Students going into 5-8 will learn important skills and strategies to help them be successful in the upcoming 2021-2022 school year!  The Academic Support School staff team members (Intervention Specialist and Guidance) are planning a 3-day jumpstart program focusing on strengthening independence, mental and physical health. Students will have opportunities to explore growth mindset, self-regulation, and planning & prioritizing, and organization strategies.  The camp will be offered August 16-18, 2021 from 9:00-10:30 am at St. Brigid of Kildare School and will be available to the first 20 students that register.

All school families will receive an email when registration is open.
Register for Bus Transportation for 21-22
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The transportation departments from Dublin, Hilliard and Olentangy schools require all new and returning families to register your students for busing this fall. If you are a new family moving to the area, and don’t know your new address yet, please contact them as soon as you have this information.

Olentangy Schools Requests:
All Non-Public parents (new or returning) must fill out this online form.

Dublin Schools Requests:
All Non-Public parents (new or returning) please complete this form.

Hilliard School Requests:
All Non-Public parents (new or returning) please complete this form by July 31, 2021.
School Advisory Committee Update
The School Advisory Committee feels incredibly blessed that our students not only continued to grow in their Catholic faith, but were able to do so in an in-person school environment this school year. Starting in the summer the committee was able to meet once a month via zoom to continue to support the school administration. As the school moves forward to a return to normal, the administration has asked the current SAC members to stay on for one more year. This will allow greater engagement from the members in a typical school year.

If you are interested in joining SAC for the 2022-2023 school year, please check the school's website for more information.

The 2021-2022 School Advisory Committee Members: Karen Steinbrunner (Chair), Jill Kilanowski (Vice Chair ), Michelle Loudon (Secretary), Jennifer Roncone, Dan Creekmur, Zach Haughwout, Sara Reville, Jaime Shiavone, Derek Hegarty, Stacy Austin
Mental Fitness Challenge
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Now more than ever, we need to give attention to all types of wellness including our mental health. Nationwide Children's On Our Sleeves program has created a 22-day Mental Health Challenge which can be accessed through the link below. Please consider participating in this challenge with your family. It includes simple but meaningful ways to take care of mental health including the idea of sharing one thing you like about yourself.
SPiCE "Get Moving" Summer Fitness
The “Get Moving” SPiCE fitness program is returning this summer to help children socialize, get moving and get into shape!

Students can participate in two different sessions. One session will take place from June 15-24, 2021 meeting twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30-8. The second session will take place from July 13-22, 2021 meeting twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9-10:30.

Sign ups for each session will take place two weeks before the start of each session. The sign up link will be posted on the school and parish website news (or search “get moving”).

All incoming 1st-4th grade students in St. Brigid School and parish are welcome to participate. The program will be especially sensitive to kids with special needs.

The following forms must be completed and turned in at your child’s first session:
  1. Medical Form
  2. Consent Form
St. Charles Theatre Spring Production
The St. Charles Preparatory School Drama Department is proud to announce its spring production, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged). Complete Works…will be presented May 21 & 22 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, May 23 at 2:00 & 7:00 p.m. in the St. Charles Campus Theatre. Adult tickets are $10 each, and student tickets are $5 each. Reservations may be placed by visiting the St. Charles website homepage at www.scprep.org – Buy Tickets button. (Tickets will not be sold at the door). This production of Complete Works… is presented following the guidelines set forth by Ohio Department of Health - Responsible RestartOhio – Performing ArtsTheaters. Masks must be worn at all times. Seating will be limited to 200 patrons per performance.

All 37 Plays in 97 Minutes! An irreverent, fast-paced romp through the Bard’s plays! Join our madcap cast as they weave their wicked way through all of Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories and Tragedies in one wild ride that will leave you breathless and helpless with laughter. 
Summer Camp Opportunities
FACTS Re-Enrollment Tuition Payment Plan Agreements for 2021-2022 Distributed Via Email Week of May 24th
FACTS Re-enrollment Tuition Payment Plan Agreements will be sent electronically via the email listed in your FACTS profile the week of May 24th (please note this is an updated date from last week). If you agree with everything on the agreement, you do not need to respond. Your tuition payments will be automatically processed on the date listed on your FACTS agreement.

It is extremely important that you review the following information and notify us via email if you want to change from your current payment plan or Peace of Mind agreement:

1) Contact information, especially email address, to ensure that you receive all critical communication. No agreements or information will be mailed or sent home.

2) If you want to make a change, please email changes to Jackie Mack at jmack@stbrigidofkildare.org. You do not need to create a new agreement -- just email Jackie the change you'd like to make.

3) Peace of Mind Option, you can elect ($22.50 fee) or decline this option.

All changes, including the decision to NOT re-enroll, must be communicated to Jackie Mack by Friday, May 21, at 5:00 pm at jmack@stbrigidofkildare.org. The deadline to withdraw for the 2021-2022 school year is June 15, 2021. If the school is notified of the withdrawal after June 15th, families will be subject to a withdrawal fee of 1/10th of annual school tuition.  
Cub Scout Pack 117 is Looking for New Scouts!
 Do you like to camp? Do you like to fish? Do you like to have a lot of fun with good friends? St. Brigid Parish sponsored Cub Scout Pack 117 is looking for K through 5th grade boys to become part of the scouting family!

For information on how to join, please contact:
Jeff Leach c: 614-787-8080 e: Jeff.Leach@epicor.com
Rich Petersen c:614-929-4312 e: rpetersen3@protonmail.com
Educational Apparel Sale
Click below to see details on Educational Apparel's early shopper sale for May, June and July.
Family First Summer Service Opportunity
Get ready to get your hands dirty and ‘feed the hungry’ at the same time! In conjunction with the St. Brigid High School Youth Ministry, please join Family First to volunteer to weed and water the Dublin Giving Garden at Historic Coffman Homestead across from Dublin Coffman High School.

Volunteers will meet at the garden every Tuesday morning (June 8 – Aug. 10) from 10 to 11:30 am. There is no minimum age for volunteers but little ones must be accompanied by a parent. This is a great opportunity to get outside, do service, and play at the nearby playground before lunch and/or naps. Or pack your lunch! After working up an appetite, feel free to enjoy lunch at the picnic area in nearby Coffman Park. 

At least two Protecting God’s Children compliant adults will be needed every Tuesday to keep the group compliant. Choose a date to sign up below.

Please contact Anne Flock at anne.flock@gmail.com with any questions!
Meals on Wheels Service Opportunity
Looking for a fun service project to do with your kids over the summer? Meals on Wheels is looking to add drivers to the Dublin / Hillard route!

Each time you deliver will require about 1-1 1/2 hours starting at 10:45 am. 

A zoom training session will be held before school is out, so you will be all set to go once summer hits. 

If interested, please contact Nancy Davis at 336-337-4421 for additional details.
Turn Chaos into Calm: Sanity for Parents
Sanity School® was created to help parents/caregivers improve family life while raising children with complex challenges. With practical training, coaching, and support, parents become more confident, home life becomes more peaceful, and children become more successful.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends Parent Training as first line treatment for Parents/Caregivers of children with ADHD and other Executive Function challenges.

6 One Hour Classes to a more Peaceful Family: Mondays & Thursdays, May 10,13,17, 20, 24, 27, 2021 7:00pm-8:15pm ● Online via Zoom Meeting