ST. RICHARD SCHOOL

SCHOOL THEME FOR 2009-2010 - "WE ARE ON GOD'S TEAM"

August, 2009 Parent Newsletter

THEME FOR AUGUST - "CARE FOR GOD'S CREATION"


Dear Parents/Guardians,

The Church's social teaching is a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society.
Modern Catholic social teaching has been articulated through a tradition of papal, conciliar, and episcopal documents.  The depth and richness of this tradition can be
understood best through a direct reading of these documents.  St. Richard School will focus on one Catholic Social Teaching each month.
AUGUST - "CARE FOR GOD'S CREATION "

Sincerely,
Mr. C

SRS FACULTY

Every member of our faculty is a college graduate and  certified or licensed to teach in the State of Ohio.  Every member of our faculty is certified to teach our Catholic religion, even those teachers who do not teach religion.  The Diocese of Cleveland requires this of all faculty members who teach in a private Catholic school.  The State of Ohio and the Cleveland Diocese verify this information.

When there is a teaching vacancy at SRS, no one is brought in for an interview unless he/she is a college graduate with a teaching certificate or teaching license.  This information is verified.

SRS offers our students the very best in a Catholic education.  This includes our teaching staff.

IMPORTANT DATES IN AUGUST


AUGUST

            19 - Market Day Pick Up  6 - 7 p.m.
            20 - Parents' Club Board Mtg.  7 p.m.
            24 - FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL/Welcome Back Packets Due
                   EARLY DISMISSAL  1:15 p.m.
            25 - Student Care Begins
                   Kindergarten Orientation  9 a.m./Social  12:45 - 1:15 p.m.
            26 - Kindergarten Half Day only  8:25 - 11:30 a.m. - First Day of School
            27 - Kindergarten Full Day only  8:25 a.m. - 2:55 p.m.
                   Parent Club General Mtg./Meet the Teacher Night Grades 1 - 8  7 p.m./Korab Hall
            28 - Preschool Orientation  3 year olds  9:30 - 10:30 a.m.  4 year olds 1 - 2 p.m.
                   Opening School Liturgy  Noon Mass

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PHOTO GALLERY - SRS TEACHERS AND STUDENTS
 
 
 
 
 
On Thursday, April 3rd, the Feast Day of St. Richard, St. Richard School was honored to have a visit and celebrate Mass with
Bishop Lennon.  The Bishop spent some time with the students after Mass.  They sang and "signed" for him, shared cards and
greeting with him and throughly enjoyed his visit.
 
 
 
                   Set It Up Club got a special Treat.
 
              Set It Up Club enjoyed Saturday morning at the Metro Parks.  Looks like everyone had fun!
 
 
 
                               Seventh grade classes are working on the mobile laptops to prepare for their religion exam.
 
S.M.A.D. Christmas Caroling is a hit with the students.  Here are two classes performing.  Looks like they are having a good time!!!
 
Kindergarten students in Mrs. Gallaghers class are studing about the Sacrament of Baptism.
 
Spelling Bee Intermediate Winners pose with Mr. C & Mr. Mittler        Here are the 5th grade winners in the Spelling Bee.
 
                         Sr. Kathleen is visiting the Kindergarten and sharing the importance of Organ Donations.
 Congratulations to the Students, Teachers and Parents involved with our Science Olympiad Team!
Outstanding job for our first year.
Meet Mr. C's Birthday Gift.  His name is Joey and he's almost 5 months old.
What a beautiful tree, dedicated in honor of Mrs. Gallagher and
Mrs. Bolger on their Retirement.

CURRENT NEWS ITEMS

MONTHLY MASS SCHEDULE
All school masses (K-8) will be held every Friday during the Noon Mass.
 
 

THANK YOU TO PARENTS' CLUB

Dear Mrs. Fenton,

On behalf of the students and teachers at St. Richard School, thank you and the Parents' Club for the very generous check for $18,500.  We will spend a large portion of the money on technology.  Parents' Club's generosity will allow us to take our classrooms into the 21st century.

Thanks again for all of the monetary and volunteer assistance Parents' Clubs provided this year.

Sincerely,
Mr. C
 
 

SMAD - Officers for the 2009-2010 school year

                                    President:  Michelle Clark                               Vice President:  Mary Therese Lavelle
                                    Secretary:  Catherine Stolar                            Newsletter:  Erika Kiefer
 
 

ADVANCED MATH PLACEMENT PROGRAM FOR 2009-2010

The following requirements need to be met before a student in Grades 1-7 is to be considered for our Advanced Math Placement Program.  Students in grades 1-7 who do not qualify for our AMP program will take math at their grade level.  St. Richard School does not have any students in any grade taking a math class that is below grade level.

                                           ADVANCED MATH PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS

Beginning with the second grade, gifted math students may be placed in a math class at a higher-grade level.
 

Initial Advanced Math Placement requirements (May 2009)
1. A minimum Math Composite average of 93 from previous I.T.B.S.
2. A minimum Cognitive quantitative stanine average score of 7 from previous C.A.T.
3. Teacher recommendation.
4. The school determines final math placement.
5. The school reserves the right to adjust the math placement of any student during the school year after consultation with the parents/guardian.
 

Maintaining Advanced Math Placement during the school year
(August 2009-June 2010)
1. A minimum grade of 87% ('B' average) on the last report card.
2. An 'O' (outstanding conduct) in the math class on the last report card.
3. The school determines final math placement.
4. The school reserves the right to adjust the math placement of any student during the school year after consultation with the parents/guardian.
 

Continuing in the Advanced Math Placement program for the upcoming school year (May 2010)
1. A math grade of 87% ('B' average) for the school year (all four quarters).
2. A minimum Math Composite average of 93 from previous I.T.B.S.
3. A minimum Cognitive quantitative stanine average score of 7 from previous C.A.T.
4. An 'O' (outstanding conduct) in the math class for the school year.
5. The school determines final math placement.
6. The school reserves the right to adjust the math placement of any student during the school year after consultation with the parents/guardian.
 
 


FIRST IN MATH

Students who are currently in grades 3, 4, 5 & 6 may continue to use this web site for free until July 31.
 
 



GRADUATION

Our eighth grade students will receive their diplomas during a Graduation Prayer Service scheduled for June 4 at 7:00 p.m. in the Church.  Our SRS Parents' Club will host a reception in the gym immediately following the ceremony.
 
 


SCHOOL OFFICE

The SRS office will close for the summer at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26.  The SRS office will reopen on Monday, August 3.
 
 

GYM UNIFORMS

Students in grades K-8 will have gym once a week during the 2009-10 school year.   Gym uniform order forms will be going home soon.  All students, including our 8th graders, are expected to wear the official SRS gym top and shorts.  All gym uniform sweats for the 2009-10 school year will be navy blue and NOT royal blue as indicated on the order form.
 
 


DIFFERENTIATED HOMEWORK

Mr. Mittler and Mr. C met with the teachers 1-1 to finalize the 2009-2010 Differentiated H.W. policy.  The following is a summary.

+) All of the teachers will begin assigning Differentiated H.W. in at least one curriculum area during the 1st semester.  All curriculum areas will have Differentiated H.W. assigned during the 2nd semester.

+) 'Grade' level & 'Above' grade level students will be assigned Differentiated H.W. based on Bloom's Taxonomy of Educational Objectives:
Application & Analysis, Synthesis and/or Evaluation
 - Check the link:   http://krummefamily.org/guides/bloom.html

+) All students will receive H.W.:
 - Monday-Thursday
 - 10 minutes x grade level
 - This does NOT include:
      * Studying
      * Reading
      * Optional interactive web site assignments

+) Required Differentiated H.W. based on interactive web sites will only be assigned as long-range assignments.

+) Knowledge & Comprehension Differentiated H.W. will never be assigned except for:
 - Math:
 - 5 H.W. problems a night for everyone
   * Plus 2-3 higher level problems for the 'Above' grade level  students.
 - Book Adventure
 - Spelling

+) No more than 2 tests per day.

+) Grades 4-6:
 - Students will be encouraged to word process all formal written assignments.

+) Grades 7 & 8:
 - Students will be required to word process all formal written assignments.

+) The educational objective MUST be mastered in class before Differentiated H.W. is assigned.
 - Students are NEVER expected to MASTER the educational objective  through Differentiated H.W.
 - Differentiated H.W. is assigned to allow students to take knowledge and  comprehension to higher levels of thinking.
 - It is not given just to take a grade.

+) Report Card marks will be based on tests (40%) & other grades (60%).
 
 

ACCREDITATION UPDATE

On February 19 & 20, four area principals and one from the Cincinnati Diocese visited SRS as members of the Accreditation External Validation Team.  The principals had two main objectives:
1. Determine if SRS met all education standards established by the state of Ohio.
2.  Approve our School Improvement Plan.
 During their visit, the team made a point to share they were very impressed with the teachers, the enthusiasm of the students and the inviting atmosphere of our school.  The team's report indicated SRS was in total compliance with the state standards.  The team also approved our School Improvement Plan.  SRS will formally submit our plan to Columbus in March.  We expect to receive a letter from Columbus in May granting SRS accreditation status for the next six years.
 
 

SALE ON SCHOOLBELLES UNIFORM KNIT  SHORT SLEEVE SHIRTS
WITH SRS MONOGRAM

The school has at SALE PRICE uniform knit shirts with SRS monogram in assorted sizes and colors.  Below is a list of the inventory available.  Youth size shirts are $15.00 @, Adult sizes are $18.00@.  Please make check payable to St. Richard School and send your order in to Mrs. Detrick.  Orders will be filled on first come first server bases.

COLOR - LITE BLUE
 Youth Size                                 Adult Size
      4 - X Small                                1 - Medium
      1 - Medium
      2 - Large
      2 - X Large
 

COLOR -WHITE
 Youth Size                                 Adult Size
      1 - X Small                               1 - Small
      3 - Large                                  2 - Medium
      2 - X Large
 

COLOR - GREY
 Youth Size                                 Adult Size
      1 - XX Small                             1 - Small
      1 - X Small                                1 - Medium
      1 - Medium
      2 - Large
      2 - X Large
 
 

PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION

We are accepting registration for St. Richard Preschool (2009-2010).  Children enrolling MUST BE 3 or 4 years old by September 30, 2009 AND TOILET TRAINED.   Please bring the child's Birth Certificate and Baptismal Certificate (unless baptized at St. Richard).  There is a nonrefundable registration fee of $40.00.  Registration forms are available in the school office.
 
 

LETTER FROM BISHOP LENNON

Dear Mr. Cappabianca,
I was very pleased to receive the delightful and colorful feast day cards from the children at St. Richard.  It was a blessing to be with all of you to celebrate your parish feast and to be with all of you on my feast day.  Thank you for inviting me.
Your students are impressive in their participation in the liturgy.  There is nothing greater we can do than to give glory to God.  May He smile down upon you and your school community.  Please express my sincere thanks for the cards and for your gracious hospitality.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Richard Lennon
Bishop of Cleveland
 
 

HOMEWORK WHEN A STUDENT IS ABSENT

When a student is absent from school and misses homework, class work, or a test, the assignment will be marked with an "ab" for absent in the teacher's grade book.  The grade book program gives a 0 for all "ab" assignments.  Once the student makes up the missed work, the 0 will be replaced with a percentage grade.
 
 

BACK-TO-SCHOOL INTERNET SAFETY TIPS

Here are seven Internet Safety Tips from the Illinois Attorney General to share with your children.

*  Never post personal information online.
*  Don't put strangers on you buddy list.
*  Don't post potentially embarrassing images of yourself online.
*  Remember that anyone can read blogs.
*  Communicate only with friends and family.
*  Tell your parents if you receive anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.
*  Think before you post any information about yourself-a message long touted by the National Center for Missing and
        Exploited Children.

All good advice, nothing groundbreaking.  But the more reminders to young kids and teens, the better.
 
 

CAR RIDER NOTE TO PARENTS

Students who are car riders and are not enrolled in our Student Care Program, are NOT permitted in the building until AFTER 8:05 a.m.  If a student arrives before 8:05 a.m., their family will be charged a fee ($10.50) each day for Student Care supervision.  When car riders arrive after 8:05 a.m., they are to report directly to their homeroom.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,
Mr. C
 
 

FRIDAY - SPIRIT DAY'S

Students may wear any of the official St. Richard School Spirit Day T-Shirts every Friday and on days designated by the school.  Students may wear one of the following for a bottom when the Spirit Day T-Shirt is worn, classroom uniform Shorts, trousers, jumper(Spirt shirt can be worn over the jumper), skirt or slacks, but NOT gym shorts unless the students have gym on a Spirit Day.
 
 

CAR ROUTE  FOR ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL FROM SCHOOL

We will use this route for car drop off and pick up.

BEFORE SCHOOL

- Cars pull into the Country Club parking lot entrance near the flagpole
- Stay to the right of the cones/chain
- Drive along the sidewalk between Culliton and Korab Halls
- Students will exit the car on the sidewalk
- Drive toward the Country Club fence (DO NOT drive past the cones set up for the buses)
- Use the Country Club exit near the flagpole
- Keep to the right of the cones/chain near the flagpole
 

DISMISSAL

- Pull into the Country Club parking lot entrance near the flagpole
- Stay to the right of the cones/chain
- Pull into a parking space (DO NOT park in a handicapped space)
- Walk to the sidewalk to meet your child/children
- Drive toward the Country Club fence (DO NOT drive past the cones set up for the buses)
- Use the Country Club exit near the flagpole
- Keep to the right of the cones/chain near the flag pole

Thank you for your cooperation,

Mr. C
 
 

EDLINE

Edline should not be used as the primary source for homework assignments, test dates & project due dates, etc.  The students' homework assignment notebook is the primary source.  Edline is a backup.
 
 

LETTER FROM MR. C TO ALL SRS FAMILIES

Dear Parents,
Many SRS families have started to purchase their gift cards from Giant Eagle to earn fuelperks.  There is a very easy way to continue to purchase gift cards from St. Richard School and still earn Giant Eagle fuelperks.

1.  Purchase all of your Giant Eagle gift cards from St. Richard School
2.  Take the Giant Eagle gift cards to any Giant Eagle
3.  Pay for your groceries, AND,
4.  Purchase gift cards that Giant Eagle offers that are not on the St. Richard School Gift Card Order Form

Everyone wins!

1.  Our SRS Parents’ Club Certificate Committee makes a profit for our school
2.  Our families may purchase all of the gift cards they need from either St. Richard or Giant Eagle
3.  Our families also earn fuelperks

Remember, the yearly monetary gift our SRS Parents’ Club gives the school is generated from the profits made from our gift card program.  The money is used to purchase state-of-the-art technology that is used in every classroom and our Computer Lab.  Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Mr. C
 
 

SRS TENNIS SHOE POLICY

The teachers and staff have noticed that too many students are wearing tennis shoes that do not follow the guidelines listed in our Handbook. The accepted colors for tennis shoes are white and/or black.  We have been lenient on the addition of a third color, IF the third color is limited to a 'very small' trim or decoration.  Too many tennis shoes recently purchased, display the third color as a dominant color.  This will  not be acceptable next year.  If a student wears a tennis shoe with a third color that is too noticeable, it will not be allowed at SRS.  Please take this memo with you when shopping for school tennis shoes in August.
 
 

DIOCESAN REQUIREMENTS FOR WORKING/VOLUNTEERING WITH CHILDREN

All adults who work/volunteer with children and youth in a Catholic setting are mandated by the diocese to be fingerprinted and trained in Chrildren and
Youth Protection.  If you plan to work/volunteer with the children/youth of our parish and/or school, you need to be fingerprinted.  Volunteers wil be charged a fee to cover the cost of fingerprinting.  Call the rectory (440.777.5050) or school office (440.777.2922) for information.   This includes employees of Saint Richard's parish, catechists in the Parish School of Religion, Scout leaders, youth ministry volunteers, CYO coaches, and any volunteers in our school. The training is called VIRTUS TRAINING for the PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH.  If you have already attended the VIRTUS training, you do not need to attend again.  However, all those who have been trained, need to make sure they are keeping up-to-date with the VIRTUS e-mail bulletins.  The diocese will be sending us a report this Fall on the continuing education bulletin status of our trained personnel.  If you have not attended a VIRTUS training as yet, and you intend to work with children or youth at Saint Richard's this year, you must attend an Autumn training session.
 
 

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
















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SCHOOL INFORMATION

MEMO TO PARENTS FROM MR. C
St. Richard School encourages communication between parents and our teachers.  If you wish to speak with a teacher at school between 7:45 a.m. - 3:15 p.m., for any reason please make an appointment.  Our teachers use the time before school for preparation and the supervision of students who arrive on early buses.  Dismissal is also a very busy time for our teachers.

TEACHER WEB SITES
Events and assignments listed on a Teacher's web site are subject to change.  Students will be notified of changes.

MR. C'S E-MAIL ADDRESS
Mr. C can be reached by e-mail at mcsrs2000@yahoo.com

BAND PARENTS
When Mr. Black holds after-school practices for the band, ALL BAND STUDENTS MUST BE PICKED UP BY 4:00 P.M.  Band parents must be in the back parking lot by 3:55 p.m.  If Band parents are unable to arrive by 3:55 p.m., they should not have their child stay for band rehearsal.  Mr. Black can be reached at mrblacksrs@yahoo.com
 

ST. RICHARD CHURCH CHILDREN'S CHOIR
Children in grades 3 through 8 are invited to join the children's choir.  Rehearsal's are held before school on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:30 to 8:20 a.m. in church.  The choir sings monthly for Sunday Mass.  On Christmas Eve the Children's Choir performs a 15 to 20 minute concert of Carols before the 4:30 Mass.  To sign up, come to a rehearsal.  Parents please come in with your child the first time to fill out a registration form or the child may pick up a form ahead of time in the school office.        Janet Noveske-Music Director
 

BUS INFORMATION
North Olmsted City Schools, Olmsted Falls City Schools and Westlake City Schools Transportation Departments will mail information to parents identifying bus routes and times.  If you have questions, please contact them.
        Westlake (440.835.6348)        North Olmsted (440.779.3581)         Olmsted Falls (440.235.4770)
 

STUDENT CARE PROGRAM
IMPORTANT:  Parents must inform Mrs. Daugherty or Mrs. Jackson, in writing or by a phone, if their child will not be attending Student Care for a particular day.  A note to the child's teacher is not acceptable. Reminder:  our Student Care Program is available to students in grades K-5.  Please call (440.777.1679) with any questions.
 

SCHOOL CLOSING
Student transportation is provided by North Olmsted City Schools.  In the case of bad weather, St. Richard School will be closed when the North Olmsted School District closes its schools.  Please listen or watch for the announcement of North Olmsted City Schools closing.
 

CHANGE OF ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBERS
Please contact Mrs. Detrick by letter or phone if there have been any changes of addresses or phone numbers since the beginning of the school year.  The office needs up to date information, especially during emergencies.  Thank you for your cooperation.

COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY
Please call the school (440.777.2922), write a note or e-mail Mr. C with any questions, concerns or suggestions you may have for St. Richard School.  If you need Mr. C's e-mail address, please call the school office (440.777.2922).

BOOK COVERS
All St. Richard School HARDCOVER TEXTBOOKS must be covered. DO NOT cover any textbook with CONTACT PAPER.  Please use a book cover that can be easily removed without damaging the textbook.  Individual teachers will inform their students if workbooks need to be covered.  The only writing permitted on a book cover is the student's name and the title of the textbook or workbook.  Students are not permitted to draw, doodle or decorate on their book covers.

PERMISSION SLIPS FROM PARENTS
Students are not permitted to stay after school for any reason without WRITTEN PERMISSION.  Students may not call for permission.  The school office is not able to take phone calls from parents giving their permission.  The safety of your child is always our #1 concern.  This becomes very difficult when we expect your children to go home on the bus or car and find them waiting in a room for an after school activity.

SRS HANDBOOK
Please continue to review our Handbook.  All members of the St. Richard School Community, administrators, parents, teachers, staff and students are expected to follow its guidelines.  Please contact Mr. C or Mr. Mittler (440.777.2922) with any concerns.

BIRTHDAY BOOKS FOR OUR LIBRARY
Parents and children are encouraged to purchase a book for the school library as a special way to celebrate their child's birthday.  Each birthday book will be labeled with a special stamp to identify the birthday child.  The Birthday Books will be on display in the school library for a short time before being placed in circulation.  This is a gift that keeps on giving.  THANK YOU!

MEDICATION
Perscriptions and/or over-the-counter medications WILL NOT be dispensed at St. Richard School without SIGNED AUTHORIZATION from the PHYSICIAN and PARENT/GUARDIAN.  NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE.  This includes antibiotics,  asthma medication, Tylenol, ibuprofen, cold/cough medication, etc.  Please contact Mrs. Williams, our school health aide, with any questions (440.777.1673).

CAR RIDERS
Please DO NOT pick-up your child from school without informing the school ahead of time through a note or phone call.  Parents who arrive unannounced cause confusion for their children who assume they are riding the bus.  The school office needs to know exactly how each child is returning home each day.
 
 
 

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