eGazette - March 25, 2009

April 2009 Calendar

See attached.
APRIL_2009_CALENDAR.pdf

Welcome Spring!

Although we need more rain, the warm, sunny days are appreciated! Since the start of this third and final trimester, we've already participated in many academic and co-curricular activities. I take a moment to highlight several of these but know that there is much more going as so many of you bring to life activities that complete our program:

- Reconciliation Service: Our 3rd through 8th grade students recently received the Sacrament of Reconciliation in a service organized by Ms. Lee.

- St. Joseph's Day: We celebrated the feast day of St. Joseph with a prayer service, presentation of the St. Joseph table and an scrumptious pasta feed provided by Mrs. Franzino and her cooking crew.

- Science Fair: Mrs. Stiver and Ms. Lee organized our Science Fair which challenged our inquisitive students to demonstrate their Scientific curiosity.

- Track Practice: Mrs. Vlaming holds weekly conditioning practices for our athletes who will be competing in the upcoming Track and Field day, Sunday, May 17.

- Gala: Mrs. Negueloua and her go-to Gala team are tirelessly and efficiently organizing our largest fundraising event of the year which takes place Saturday, April 25.

- Yearbook: Mr. Prittie is gathering pictures and essays as he creates and publishes our highly-anticipated yearbook.

- CD Recording: In partnership with the Napa School of Music, Mrs. Shull has organized an incredible opportunity for our students to record a professional CD. Stay posted for the date of our "Release Party".

- Spanish Program: Mrs. Kalten continues to build on our student's foundation in conversational Spanish and cultural exposure.

- Art Program: The only complaint about our school-day art program is that we don't have it enough! The newly created art studio was the visioning of a gifted crew including Mrs. Bartalotti. The studio was blessed by Fr. Gordon and Mrs. Gibbs has organized a dynamic program that is in full-swing. She has encouraged the teachers to create a "St. John Museum of Learning" in the hallway so that all students can absorb a little Art History from the 1860's through 1990. Take a peek in the East wing to see the creations! Here is an update from Mrs. Gibbs:

"Today completes the month of "Artist Appreciation" - or "Study of the Masters" for art instruction for K-6. I compiled a short biography on each of the artists that we studied, including a sample of each artists work. The Artists we studied are: Joan Miro, Pablo Picasso, Georgia O'Keeffe, Piet Modrian, Georges Rouault, Henri Matisse, Wassily Kandinsky".

- Family Club: Leading our Family Club in support of multiple enrichment experiences, Mrs. Willliamson shares her update in her article in this eGazette.

Of course, underlying our enrichment activities is our academic program. What are we doing on Wednesday afternoons? Right now, our staff is engaged in a comprehensive analysis of our Math program including a study of curriculum, instruction and assessment. Per our WASC/WCEA Action Plan, we've identified "Essential Standards" in Math for each grade level based on the California Department of Education Content Standards. To tighten our scope and sequence, teachers have been given the opportunity to meet with their grade-above and grade-below colleagues to identify their core standards, collaborate on instructional materials, share teaching strategies and determine subject-area pacing. Five members of our staff are gearing up to attend the National Catholic Education Association Conference in Anaheim during Easter break. Along with our students, our staff is refreshing, growing and learning.

My sincere gratitude goes to all of my partners in education: staff, students, parents, parish. I thank all those above and all those carrying-out our many programs and activities. Although we are nearing the end of the school year, there is no sense of exhaustion - just a feeling of enthusiasm and forward-thinking.

Now is the Time...to welcome Spring!

In Peace,
Nancy Jordan
Principal

See's Candy Sales: Thank you to the many families who have helped us by supporting this fundraiser... It's not too late to order, but please turn in all forms and envelopes NO later than tomorrow. Orders will be distributed on Monday, April 6th.

Used Uniform Sale: Monday, March 30th, 2:30 to 4:00 in the parking lot. The Family Club room is being cleared out... It's time for our Spring cleaning!

The Scholastic Book Fair: Stop by the library Tuesday, April 21 through Friday, April 24th for the Spring Book Fair.

We have a few people to thank this month...

Thank you to Gina Laird for preparing one of her famous lunches for the March teacher luncheon. Judy Franzino, St. Joseph's feast is now a beloved tradition at our school and we thank you for continuing to share this day with us each year. An extra big thank you to the fifth grade class and to the group of parents who volunteered from start to finish!

A thank you to Claudia Kalten for providing us with morning treats for the March Family Club meeting. Our next meeting will be held on Friday, April 3rd at 8:30 a.m., upstairs in the art room.

The Family Club Board

Our Annual Gala - One Heart at a Time is, an evening of good food, good wine, good friends and good cheers, all gathering together for one purpose - to raise money for our children and a fantastic school.

This is YOUR Gala! Come with loved one, or get a group of friends and neighbors together. Invites were mailed out last week, so please get your RSVP in, so that we may confirm your attendance. If you require additional tickets or have any questions, please feel free to contact me, Elise Negueloua via the school office at 707.224.8388 ext O or at anegueloua@aol.com.

NOTE: Please check your child's yellow envelope for information regarding donation request form and wine closet drawing ticket sale.

Thank you!
Elise Negueloua
Gala Chair
2009GalaDonationForm.pdf
Sponsor_as_of_3_25_09.pdf
Gala_Donations_as_of_3_25_09.pdf

I've been placing calls to individuals who have expressed interest in helping at the Gala and would like to list those who I have confirmed so far as volunteers. If your name should be on this list, but is not or if you would like to help out but hadn't signed up prior, feel free to contact me. I apologize if there is an oversight on my part and will be happy to make it right. I am certain there are some of you who have me on your "to call list" as well. At this point, I have confirmed the following volunteers to help out with set up, at the event itself or have offered to do special projects as they arise prior to the Gala. We welcome these and more:

Mark and Mary Ann Eggan, Lisa Uren, Ricardo Gutierrez and Susana Aguilera, Jody Bolen, Kristen Stiver, Michele Johnson, Gabriel Dodino, Barbara Fernandez, Lisa Murphy, Noel Lopreore, Anette Yazidi, Lisa and Sid Scherer, Teresita Wells, Angela Villasenor, Margarita Casas, Sylvia Reyna, Martha and Daniel Vega, Melissa Lawrence, Imelda Basco, Criselda Basco, Kristine Keefer, Aimee Meyer, Beth Hauscarriague, and Tina Altamura.

So, if you were expecting to be on the Gala Volunteer list and haven't heard from me, please let me know. If you would like to join the fun don't hesitate to contact me - this is the best job ever, getting to organize such an amazingly helpful group of people, its been a pleasure speaking to you all! Stay tuned for information about times, what to wear and a possible informational meeting for those helping the night of the event. For more information or to sign up I can be reached at 310-1196 or tortolani@sbcglobal.net.

Trish Tortolani

2009 TRACK & FIELD REGISTRATION FORMS ARE HERE!

Track & Field Day, Sunday, May 17th., is open to Kindergarten though 8th Grade Students. All who plan to participate must complete the attached registration and volunteer forms, even if you have already completed forms to run at Alston Park. We will continue Trail Tuesdays Alston and will add Track & Field Days, starting Friday, April 3rd at St. John's Lutheran School.

TRACK & FIELD DAY REGISTRATION FORMS DUE:
- Wednesday, April 8th.

TRACK PRACTICES:
- Ongoing - Tuesdays at Alston Park Second Parking Lot, 3:30-4:30; and - Starting April 3rd - Fridays at St. John's Lutheran Track, 3521 Linda Vista Avenue, 3:30-4:40. (Please park near the track entrance on Trojan Street.)

PARENT MEETINGS:
- Friday, April 3rd at 2:30 in the St. John the Baptist School Yard for all parents interested in assisting with Friday Track practices.
- Friday, May 8th at 2:15 in the St. John the Baptist School Yard for all parents volunteering at the event on May 17th.

Parents are encouraged to help with practices and at least one adult per participating family is needed to volunteer on May 17th. For more information, please contact Paula Vlaming at 363-1046 or paula@focus501.com.
Track_Reg_Forms_09.pdf
Track_Info_09_03.pdf

St. John the Baptist Catholic School is excited to announce

SUMMER CAMPIN' ON CAYMUS CORNER - Summer 2009

A two week summer program for students entering kindergarten through 6th grade is being developed. There will be two (1) week sessions beginning Monday, June 15, 2009.

Save the dates and start your Summer with us!

See flyer attached.
Summer_Campin_Flyer.pdf

Hello St John Families!

We studied some "Master Artists" in March including Pablo Picasso, Georges Rouault, Henri Matisse, Wassily Kandinsky, Piet Mondrian, Joan Miro, and Georgia O'Keeffe. Imitations of these masters - done by your children - can be found hanging in the halls of St. John School.

Next month in April, the plan is to create sculptural art projects. For many, this will be an unusual challenge, trying to create something in three-dimensional space that didn't exits until one imagined that it could. To do this project we will be using recycled, reclaimed or re-purposed materials. For example, old fold folders will be taken apart and reassembled or used cardboard will be recreated into some amazing creature or an old plastic bottle might become a space ship - the only limit will be the child's imagination and abilities to construct.

To ease the burden of construction and to allow for natural mistakes I will be providing the children with LOTS of raw materials to work from, much of which I have already collected. We could use a bit "extra" as follows:

- Wire fuzzy sticks
- Toilet paper or paper towel tubes
- Masking tape (all colors)
- Cotton Balls
- Googly Eyes

Thank you so much in advance for these wonderful additions to your children's creative endeavors. All the materials will be shared with K-6 students and extras will be saved for a future 3-D creative adventure.

Suzanne Gibbs

Attached please find the Spanish vocabulary words for grades 1 through 6. Please help your child study these at home.

Senora Kalten
Cuerpo-body.pdf

Eco-Lunch has published our menu for April, May, and June with some of your familiar favorites and some new delicious entrees. Students now have several choices for a healthy, organic, lunch packed with powerful antioxidants, omega-3, and fiber.

For your convenience we have posted PDF order forms on our website for the remainder of the school year. You may also order directly from our online ordering program at www.orderlunches.com.

Healthy Never Tasted This Good!

We would like to thank you for supporting our belief that food can be both healthy and delicious.

Cordially,
Candice Rutherford
Eco-Lunch
Visit us at www.Eco-Lunch.com

Please remember that parking in the playground is not allowed during morning drop-off. The South-Western gate is open for students and parents to walk into the yard. To have cars entering and parking on the yard creates a safety hazzard for them as well as for the students lining up for assembly.

We invite all families to morning assembly but ask that you use parking available on the surrounding streets. Also, students may not be dropped off on Napa Street to enter the front door of the school. The City does not allow for traffic back-up on Napa Street.

Thank you for your understanding on both of these matters.

There are many sweaters and sweatshirts in our lost and found. If you are missing something, please be sure to check here.

Reminder - Sweaters and sweatshirts that are not clearly labeled with a student's name are donated to the Family Club to sell as used uniforms.

Don't forget to feed your bears. The class with most box tops at the end of the month will get special bear treats delivered to their classroom. Turn in your box tops by March 31st. Help your school reach the 1000 box top goal !! We are almost there.

A gentle reminder: please check your Box Tops to make sure they haven't passed their expiration date (yes, they do have expiration dates) and that the UPC codes are intact on your Campbell's labels. Box Tops without or passed their expiration dates and Campbell's product labels without the UPC codes (bar code) cannot be submitted.

Thank you all for your support of the Box Tops for Education and Labels for Education programs at St. John. We couldn't do it without you!

Lee Tatsuguchi
Rebecca Griffin
Box Top Co-coordinators

Don't forget to check out the websites for ways to earn additional credit for St. John!

www.boxtops4education.com
www.labelsforeducation.com
boxtopbus.pdf

Justin-Siena High School Theatre Makes History with
"Les Miserables"
April 24th - May 3rd

For Justin-Siena Theatre ticket information and purchase, phone 707.255.0950 ext. 585, or go online: www.justin-siena.org. Performances are at 8 p.m. on both Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays, with a 7 p.m. performance on Thursday, April 30th. The Director's Gala will commence at 6:30 p.m. on April 25th. Tickets are $12 Students and Seniors, and $20 General Admission. Director's Gala tickets are $55 and include dinner.

The Milan Dyslexia Center is sponsoring a free presentation featuring Susan Barton, one of America's leading dyslexia experts and founder of Bright Solutions for Dyslexia.

Parents, educators and other professionals are welcome to attend.

Date: Friday, May 8, 2009

Time: 6pm to 9pm

Loction: First Christian Church, 2659 First Street, Napa

Sign-up online at www.milan.eventbrite.com or by phone 265-6459.