eGazette - February 11, 2009

Principal's Piece

"But Mom, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is just a comedy, really!!!"

It's officially happened. I've become my mother. The evening started off innocently enough. Our not-to-be-named 8th grader planned to attend a movie with several friends. The movie? A nearly R-rated intensely explicit psychological thriller that I quickly put the lid on, pulling in my parent partners through a few quick phone calls. The nameless 13-year old buried his head in the couch cushions, declaring, "You're the only mom who cares about that. I'm so embarrassed!" Flash back 25 years. I'm in my family room with my BFF (text talk!), Lezli, begging, "Mom! Everyone gets to see Rocky Horror at midnight in Berkeley! You're not fair!" Ahhhhh... the battle of media. We've all been there in whether we've pleaded with our parents to watch that edgy teen slasher film or we've taken up the "texting" challenge with our own tweens. The bottom line is the "media madness" confronts our parenting generation in ways our parents might not have ever imagined.

Every once in a while, a parent brings to me their frustration with this issue. When I receive several in a week, I know it's time to share some thoughts and solicit some teamwork. Ask yourself:

- Is your computer in a "public" location in your home such as the family room or kitchen?

- How is your system set up? Do you have "firewalls" to block inappropriate material? Do you use a program such as "NetNanny" which blocks inappropriate activity and/or alerts you to your child's activity?

- What do the experts say? I use a fantastic on-line reference developed by KPIX media specialist, James Steyer. It is: http://www.commonsensemedia.org/

It provides easy-to-follow advice on all media types: movies, books, computer activity, texting, etc. There is a very comprehensive section linked at the on at the top of the home page called "Parent Advice".

Do we talk? Conversation: The anti-drug. Experts say that our willingness to sit down and talk with our children will protect them way beyond textbooks and documentaries. Try varying in your ways to talk with your child (stern vs. calm, reasoning vs. directive, etc.). I find that a "matter of fact" approach is very effective with teens. Without judging, you might provide the concerns:

- "The on-line world can be very dangerous, especially for teenagers."

- "It's hard for you to understand, but kids are hurt everyday by dangerous on-line activity."

- "It seems like your activity is private, but others can see what you're doing. That makes you vulnerable to predators. They can find out where you live, what you like to do for fun and even what you look like. You are also at risk for cyber-bullying."

- "The type of activity you do on-line says something about who you are. Do you really want to define yourself or have others define you by the sites you're on?"

- "Schools and work can access what you do on-line through searches or social networking sites. This can harm your reputation and even prevent you from participating in activities in your future."

- "Think about how we raise you. Does your activity represent who we are as a Christian family?"

- "We are concerned as your parents because we see your on-line activity as a break-down of your ability to make healthy choices. Because of this, we worry that you might make other unhealthy choices. It's our job as parents to help you make good decisions."

- Add what you are proud of: great friend choices, great musical ability, great academic achievements, etc.

- Add any other concerns you have as a parent.

This is only suggested script - shape your dialog in your own words. Be genuine! Be honest! Be yourself! Ultimately, you've got to gain trust and buy-in. Oh - One thing experts are finding that does not work is an attempt to eliminate technology from a child's life. This is virtually impossible and can elicit an opposite effect (think sneaky behavior). Responsible technology is where it's at.

To sum, I pose several questions: What have you found to be successful in your management of your child's media? Do you ever weave in your faith commitment in your discussions with your child about his/her media use? Please email me your thoughts as I'd like to share them in a future article. There is no doubt we are a busy people: sports events, homework, music lessons and so on. However, our greatest strength is that we belong to a community of shared values. We need each other to grow healthy, balanced kids. Feel free to send me your thoughts so we can weather the media storm together.

Finally, in this eGazette, you'll find information about an upcoming parent/student workshop on music, teens and values.

Have a Faith-Filled, technologically-responsible February.

In Peace,
Nancy Jordan
Principal
njordan@stjohnscatholic.org

P.S. And yes, I did finally see "Rocky Horror" at midnight when I was 19 and in college.

Winter, 2009

This is the time of the year when we become a bit lax about following and/or enforcing our uniform and free dress guidelines. Violations that seem insignificant actually infringe on instruction time as staff must dedicate time and energy responding to the infractions. In particularly, we've seen an increase of the wearing of make-up and longer, unkempt hair for boys.

As a living document, our Parent/Student Handbook is subject to revision during the school year. Effective immediately, the following is in effect:

Pg. 13: Dress Code
If students are out-of-uniform, a "Uniform Notice" will be issued. If any student receives 2 or more Uniform Notices in one month, he/she will not be allowed to have Free Dress and a parent will be called to correct the uniform infraction.

- Perfume or body deodorant sprays are not permitted on campus. Non-spray deodorants are acceptable.

St. John the Baptist Catholic School's 7th grade class will be serving a spaghetti lunch with all the trimmings on Friday, February 13. Please come and enjoy lunch in the Hall with your sweetheart.

Cost is $5.00 per person. Students who prepaid for our regular Friday pizza lunch will have their $5.00 credited to their spaghetti lunch.

See flyer in your Wednesday Envelope and attached.

Spaghetti_Lunch_Flyer_08.pdf

Just a few things this week...

A big thank you to Marisa Bartalotti for the scrumptious Italian desserts she lovingly baked for the January teacher luncheon....Not to be forgotten, Judy Franzino's homemade meatballs, pasta sauce, and pesto!

It's not too late to send your Valentine a Candy-Gram, but the forms must be turned in NO later than tomorrow!!! Orders can be written on scrap paper, or forms are available in Jenny's office.

Enclosed in your envelope today- you will find the Filippi's Dine & Donate flyer... Please support our school by stopping by Filippi's on TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24TH, for lunch, dinner, or takeout.

The next Family Club Meeting will be held on Friday, March 6th at 8:30, upstairs in the ART ROOM. Come one, come all! Family Club meetings are open to everyone; please join us for a morning of coffee and chit-chat.

Renay Wiliamson

We are excited to announce another DINE & DONATE FUNDRAISER at Filippi's Pizza Grotto.

When: Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Where: Filippi's Pizza Grotto
645 First Street, Napa

Time: 11am - 9pm - "Eat in or Take Out"

Just present the flyer included in your Wednesday Envelope (or print out the flyer attached) and enjoy your lunch or dinner. 20% of all proceeds will be donated to our school.

Dine_&_Donate_-_February_24_2009.pdf

Pen and Ink Art Camp

Please join us on February 25th from 12:30 to 2:30 to explore the different techniques and styles of pen and ink illustration. We will produce whimsical illustrations using crosshatching, stippling, scribble and different pen and line weights.

Class cost is $20.
Grades 1-8 are welcome.

Email or call Sandra Moore to sign up. sandrapaints@comcast.net or 258-9258

As we are sure you have noticed, a few changes are in place for Extended Care at St. John the Baptist Catholic School. First, we have Mrs. Dehzad as the early morning and after school care provider. Second, we have Mrs. Gibbs as the additional after school care provider. Between the two of us we have boys from kindergarten, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th grades, in addition to your children.

Following are a few reminders of school policies:

- Please, no cell phones during Extended Care (if a child needs to call a parent or another adult, they must ask permission to use a phone).

- Please, no electronic toys at Extended Care. The reasons are many: We cannot be responsible for the loss or breakage of these toys. Due to the sometimes large number of students attending Extended Care, we cannot always monitor the games they are playing (or what younger children may "watch"), and children often do not want to share a toy from home, which can create hurt feelings.

- Please, no electronic listening or viewing devises due to similar reasons as stated above.

- Please, no toys from home. As with electronic toys, small plastic toys from home create "sharing" problems and if your child's beloved toy manages to make it into the hands of another child it can get broken or lost.

These policies are consistent with our School Handbook. We do try very hard to provide a wide range of fun and engaging activities both indoors and outside that are appropriate for a school environment and for the wide range of ages of the children who attend Extended Care.

Food:

- Children DO need a healthy after-school snack and we encourage all children to eat their snack immediately after school.

- On 1/2 day Wednesdays, please remember both a lunch AND a snack if your child is planning to stay unti after 3:00pm.

Clothes/Uniforms:

We tend to play outside as weather permits during Extended Care and because of this your child's uniform may get soiled. If your child would like to wear "play clothes" during Extended Care, they may. Please keep in mind that the same rules as Free Dress Day apply.

Thank you for your trust in us with your children. Please feel free to contact us with any thoughts, ideas, or suggestions you have for the Extended Care program or your child's partcular needs.

Eileen Dehzad
Suzanne Gibbs

Dear St. John Families and Friends:

Wishing you and your love ones a Happy Valentine's Day this coming weekend! We just have a few months to go before the big day (Saturday, April 25, 2009). Listed below are some of the wonderful auction items that have been donated so far. We always are looking for unique and special items for our silent auction tables. If you need additional donation forms they can be found on the Gala Auction bulletin board at school. Thank you!!!

Donations as of 2/09/08:

Tour and Tasting for Two Adults at Far Niente Napa Valley Wine Estate
Donated by Peter and Liz Marks

Two 18" Sampler Pizza
Donated by Tom and Kathryn Kenney – California Pizza

3 Liter - 2005 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Napa Valley
Donated by Robert Mondavi Winery

6 Bottles - 1998 Martha Vineyard Cabernet
Donated by Heitz Wine Cellars

2 bottles - 2005 Von Strasser Cabernet Sauvignon
Donated by Von Strasser

Bed & Breakfast $100 Gift Certificate
Donated by Teresita Wells

3 Liter - 2005 Raymond Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Donated by Raymond Vineyards

Gift Wine Pack
Donated by Groth Vineyards Winery

Wine Tasting for Two
Donated by Ceja Vineyards Wine Tasting Salon & Gallery

Magnum - 2004 Dunn Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
Donated by Dunn Vineyards

6 bottles - 2006 Cakebread Rabaiyat
Donated by Cakebread Cellars

Magnum - 2004 Ilsley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
Donated by Ilsley Estate Wines

Gourmet Express Dinner for Two on Train
Donated by Napa Valley Wine Train

Private Tasting and Tour for Four with a Magnum
Donated by Monticello Vineyards

3 Liter - 2002 Merryvale Reserve Cabernet
Donated by Merryvale Vineyards

Magnum - 2002 Grgich Hill Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Yountville Selection
Donated by Grgich Hills Estate

Biodynamic Tour and Tasting for Six with V.P. of Vineyards and Production, Ivo Jeramaz followed by lunch
Donated by Grgich Hills Estate

6 bottles - 2006 V. Sattui Concinnare
Donated by V. Sattui Winery

12 bottles - Louis Martini Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon
Donated by Louis M Martini

VIP Tour and Tasting for 4 Adults
Donated by St. Supery Vineyards and Winery

Private Tasting and Tour for Four with a Magnum of Markham Vineyard Merlot
Donated by Markham Vineyards

Magnum - 2005 Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon
Donated by Dalla Valle Vineyards

1 bottle - 2003 Rocca Cabernet Sauvignon with wooden box
Donated by Rocca Family Vineyards

Magnum - 2007 Far Niente Estate Chardonnay
Donated by Far Niente

Tour and Tasting for 4 Adults
Donated by Far Niente

VIP Eco Tour and Tasting for 4 Adults with a bottle of Honig Wine on departure
Donated by Honig Vineyard & Winery

Magnum - 1994 Silverado Vineyards Special NPV Wine Auction Blend Cabernet Sauvignon
Donated by Bob and Stacey Bressler

6 Magnums - 2005 Swanson “Oakville” Merlot
Donated by Swanson Vineyards

Tour and Tasting for 6 Adults with 1 case Hagafen Cellars Prix Reserve 2006 Estate Bottled Napa Valley Pinot Noir
Donated by Hagafen Cellars
_______________________________________

2009 ONE HEART AT A TIME SPONSORSHIP

As you can see from the above responses the preparation for this year's fundraising are underway, and we hope this event will be the most successful to date. Even though, many event items are donated or provided at discounted rates, we still have expenses that need to be covered and sponsors are the angels who help cover the necessary expenses. More sponsorship mean that more of the money raised from the silent and live auction bidding can go directly to our school. Sponsors play an important role in the Gala success and we thank you.

Please consider helping us reach our goal of $100,000 with a tax-deductible sponsorship. Any amount of sponsorship will be put to good use toward the success of the Auction and our children's education. Should you or your employer provide sponsorship, we will proudly recognize you in all event publicity.

Look for your sponsorship material in the mail.

Again, thank you for your support for this important fundraising event.

Elise Negueloua
2009 Gala Chair

Back by Popular Demand!

The Wine Closet Drawing!

In celebration of St. John the Baptist Catholic School's 97 year history we are once again hosting a drawing for 97 bottles of wine!

The winning ticket will be drawn at our gala, One Heart at a Time,
April 25, 2009

Please help make our Wine Closet Drawing a success by
donating your favorite wine(s). These wines will be combined to make up our spectacular... Wine Closet Drawing

Wine may be dropped off through March 31st at the school office. Please leave your name when you drop off your wine(s) so we may properly acknowledge your donation.

Contact the school office for more information 224-8388 or Katie Batt at ktbatt@yahoo.com

Thank You!

February deadline for box top/soup label submission for is Tuesday, February 24th. Let's see how many we can turn in for dollars and equipment for our school!!! We've earned $711 and 1300 points since the start of the school year!!!

Don't forget to "Feed the Bear!"

Batman Fruit Rollups, Cheerios, Trix Yogurt, Kleenex, Ziploc Bags. Pillsbury Refridgerator Biscuits. - What do they all have in common? BOX TOPS!!!

Why bother to turn in all those box tops??? Each box top is worth 10 cents. 10 cents here, 10 cents there. It adds up quickly. We've collected 516 box tops for January which adds up to $51.60. Keep sending in those box tops.

Goldfish crackers are worth one point. A can of Campbell's Double Noodle Soup is worth FIVE points! The points we earn from the Campbell's "Labels for Education" program can be redeemed for much needed equipment for our students.

Check out the Box Tops for Education and Labels for Education websites to see how you can help our school.

Click on the links for a list of participating products and more info on how you can help earn stuff for our school.

http://www.boxtops4education.com/

http://www.labelsforeducation.com/

Thanks,

Lee Tatsuguchi and Rebecca Griffin
Box Top Co-coordinators

Our Lost and Found bin is overflowing with lost sweaters, sweatshirts, pants and uniform shirts. If you are missing something, please stop by and see if it has been placed in Lost and Found. Uniform items that are clearly marked with a student's name are given to the student. Uniform items with no name are donated to the Family Club to sell as used uniforms.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY ANNA SCALLY (2/18/09)

Anna Scally is the President of Cornerstone Media, Inc., which produces materials to help parents, teachers, youth ministers, pastors, and others who work with teens. They use the music that young people listen to everyday as a tool to spark dialogue about values and relationships. Anyone who has a teen or works with them can be more effective connecting with them. Anna is an inspiring workshop and youth rally speaker, youth ministry training consultant, and disc jockey. She has authored several articles on popular music, religious education and youth ministry that have appeared in several journals and popular publications. Anna has travelled all over the world to make over 2,000 public presentations at youth rallies, training events, retreats, adult education days, and other youth ministry related events, including all the major conferences for religious educators in North America. Anna Scally will be at St. Apollinairs, 3700 Lassen St., Napa on Wednesday, Feb.18th at 7pm for a special presentation to our middle school teens, high school teens, parents, and anyone else who is interested!! OPEN TO ALL.

In an effort to help our parishioners (church and school families) I would like to gather name, business-skills and work experience, complete contact information that is open for public use. We would publish the information as a directory insert in our bulletin and on our parish websites for people to review when looking for workers/contractors. We would also list a disclaimer that St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and School are not libel for any labor disputes or issues that may arise as a result of hiring anyone on the listing.

Please send your complete information - print clearly - to our parish rectory office - attn: Gloria Ceja-Aguilar; or send information via email to; gaguilar@stjohnscatholic.org.

This is a small attempt to help our parish first when it comes to work-labor-needs, and in light of all that is going on in our economy. Help begins at home - your faith home - first.

Blessings, Fr. Gordon

See flyer attached.

Napa_Valley_Water_Polo_Spring_Camp_09.pdf

"The Lenten Season has a double character, namely to prepare both catechumens and faithful to celebrate the paschal mystery. The catechumens, both with the Rite of Election and Scrutinies, and by catechesis, are prepared for the celebration of the sacraments of Christian initiation; the faithful, ever more attentive to the Word of God and prayer, prepare themselves by penance for the renewal of their baptismal promises.

from The Order of Prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours and the Celebration of the Eucharist.

The current discipline is as follows:

- Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence, that is, limited to a single, full meal and abstinence from meat.

- The other Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence from meat.

- The law of fasting permits only one full meal a day, but it does allow the taking of some food in the morning and a second light meal at noon or in the evening, as you prefer. Persons who have completed their eighteenth (l8) year to the beginning of their sixtieth (60) year are obligated to fast.

- The law of abstinence from meat applies to all persons who have completed their 14th year of age. However, it is highly recommended that children from ages 7 to 14 years also follow the law of abstinence.

- All Catholics are encouraged to receive Holy Eucharist frequently during Lent and to receive the Sacrament of Penance so that all may be prepared to celebrate more fully the paschal mystery. Those who have received their first Holy Communion are to receive Holy Communion during the Easter season.

- The determination of these days of obligatory penance, as listed above, should not be understood as limiting the occasions for Christian penance. This penance is to help us see and shorten the distance between our present lives and the life God wants for each of us. "Penance should not be only internal and individual but external and social." (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy #110)

- Marriages may be celebrated with Mass and the nuptial blessing should always be given. It is, however, contrary to the spirit of penance during Lent to plan an elaborate wedding with lavish decorations.

See Spanish version attached.

Lent_Reg_Sp_Trans.pdf

LIGHT Diocesan Youth Leadership Day for Catholic Young People in Grades 6-8

12 noon to 10 p.m. - Saturday, February 21, 2009 @ St. Rose Parish Hall in Santa Rosa

Students in grades 6-8 are invited to attend the second annual Leading In God's Hands Today (LIGHT) Leadership Day to be held Saturday, February 21, 2009 from 12 noon to 10 p.m. at St. Rose Parish Hall, 322 Tenth Street in Santa Rosa.

This event develops in participants an affinity for Catholic youth leadership in the way and example of Jesus Christ. Our learning sessions include activities and reflections through which participants will discover how to live the Theological Virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity in our lives as faithful people. The practice of these virtues shapes the way we become bearers of the light of Christ into the world and overcome the challenges which limit our potential for being the People of God.

The cost for the day is $50 per person. Each participant will receive a t-shirt, snack, dinner, a commissioning pin and all program supplies. The registration process and information can be found in the attachments.

For additional information, please contact:

Stan Cordero
Director of Youth Ministry
Diocese of Santa Rosa
707-566-3343
DSRyouth@sonic.net