eGazette - October 22, 2008

Principal's Piece

"The arts are fundamental resources through which the world is viewed, meaning is created, and the mind developed." --Elliot W Eisner, Professor of Education and Art, Stanford University

Dear St. John the Baptist Catholic School Families,

The above quote was submitted to me by Marisa Bartalotti, dedicated parent and skilled artist. These words echo a philosophy we, the community, identified while developing our "Student Learning Expectations" for our WASC/WCEA accreditation. We realized that we expect that our children graduate from St. John the Baptist Catholic School as "Competent Communicator" who "Use diverse methods including art, music and technology to convey their opinions". Countless studies support the importance of the arts in child development; its benefit in improving math and reading achievement. The trick for educational institutions is how to fund and integrate art programs into the already-packed curriculum. I'm pleased to announce, we've done it! In this week's eGazette, you will see several references to the launching of our supplemental art program which will compliment the current, on-going integrated art in the classrooms.

How will art be funded?
Art will be funded with support from our Family Club, Gala and a recently received grant from the Gasser Foundation.

How will art be structured?
Grades K-6 will receive art instruction one time per month on the long Wednesdays to begin in December. Grades 7-8 will receive art instruction through the completion of one, high-quality art project to be scheduled after the holidays.

What is the art curriculum?
Grades K-6 will work with the "Arts Attack" curriculum, a California Standards-based art curriculum. Grades 7-8 will engage in a project facilitated by Sandra Moore and Susie Lee, our 1/2 day Wednesday art instructors.

Who will teach K-6 grade art?
Suzanne Gibbs, another dedicated parent and skilled artist, is coordinating the K-6 program. She has included an announcement in this eGazette, outlining the program and requesting parent volunteer instructors.

Where will art be taught?
We have a large, beautiful room upstairs that we have dedicated to art. Part of the former convent, there is a kitchen attached, making this an ideal location for art. In this eGazette you will also find information from Marisa Bartalotti who calls for parent volunteers to complete a "makeover" for the art room.

What about our 1/2 Wednesday program?
Sandra Moore and Susie Lee will continue to offer their fantastic, fee-based, after-school art program. We could never have too much art!

To close, once again, we see example of our committed community coming together to enrich the lives of our students. Such a program wouldn't be possible without the commitment from parents and teachers. In a time when most art programs are being shut-down in our public counterparts, we are blessed to have an educational program that is able to act on its philosophy that the education of the whole child is absolutely critical.

Have a Faith-Filled rest of October,

In Peace,

Nancy Jordan
Principal

Family Club kicked off the Fall season with a meeting held on October 6th. With all seats filled, it was an information packed and energetic meeting. Thank you all who attended! The next meeting is Tuesday, November 11th, 8:30 a.m., across from the Computer Lab. Please join us! Minutes are available in the kiosk.

News, Thanks and Reminders:

Breakfast With St. Nick is scheduled for Sunday, December 7th. The first official committee meeting will be held this Friday, October 24th at 8:30 a.m., upstairs across from the Computer Lab.

In the last eGazette, we neglected to mention our thanks to the many families that participated in the teacher Wish List Program on BTS night. Every donation, big or small, is appreciated and makes a difference!

Wish List Boards are still located in many of the classrooms, if you missed them on BTS night.

A Hospitality meeting convened immediately after the October 6th Family Club meeting. Thank you to the many volunteers that assist us in this area, including Gina Laird who coordinated the September staff luncheon, and the team of Nubia Kunst, Claudia Kalten and Kellie Prittie who donated food to the October luncheon.

Scholastic Book Fair is coming! Stop by the school library from Tuesday, 11/4 through Friday, 11/7... Open at 7:45 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. each day, except Thursday, when it will remain open until 6:00 p.m... All proceeds directly benefit the school library.

Enclosed in this weeks Wednesday Envelope, you will find the Holiday Wishes Catalog. Please feel free to participate in this Family Club sponsored fundraiser and help by passing the web link to far away family and friends. Although participation is greatly appreciated, please know, it's not a requirement. A prize will be awarded to one class for selling the most items, but individual prizes will not be awarded. The online website is easy to use and filled with even more items not shown in the catalog. This fundraiser will help provide funds for the 2008-2009 Family Club budget, and will assist in our ongoing effort to support many school programs, as well as a few new activities, including the new Spanish program and a Standards Based Art Program.

Hope to see you on November 11th at the Family Club Meeting!

Renay Williamson
Family Club Co-President

See attached.
Master_Calendar_November_2008.pdf

October 31st - Halloween Carnival, 12:30 dismissal

November 5th - 7th - Parent Teacher Conferences, 12:30 dismissal

November 10th - No school, Veteran's Day

November 11th - Family Club Meeting, 8:30am

November 12th - 12:30 dismissal

November 14th - Jog-A-Thon rally

November 26th - 28th - No school, Thanksgiving Break

St. John the Baptist Catholic School 8th Grade Presents:

Witches, Warlocks & Warts Halloween Carnival

Don't forget the big day - Friday, October 31st.

There will be booths, games, card making, scarecrow contest and Haunted House.

The Cost is $10 per child (form attached).

Cleaning out your closets? We need your clothes, jewelry, hats, gloves, scarves for the scarecrow contest! Donations can be left in the "Scarecrow Contest" box next to the school office.

Donations Needed:
Candy - K - 4
Baked Goods 5 - 8 (cupcakes and cookies)

All Donations and money due by OCTOBER 29th.

LITERARY CHARACTER PARADE - See flyer attached

NOTE:

As part of the "Go Green Gaels" approach, please have your child bring their own water bottles.

Friday, October 31st is a 12:30 dismissal day and Extended Care will be open.
Halloween_2008_Flyer.pdf
Literary_character_parade.pdf

Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled for:

Wednesday, November 5th, Thursday, November 6th, & Friday, November 7th. These will be 12:30 dismissal days and Extended Care is open.

Your child(s) conference schedule is included in your Wednesday Envelope. Should you need to reschedule your conference date or time, please contact your child's teacher directly to reschedule.

"It's a Grand Old Flag" Art Camp

No matter who wins the election we can join together to celebrate our patriotism with an American Flag Art Camp. Please join us during the week of parent/teacher conferences on Wednesday, November 5 and Thursday, November 6 from 12:30 to 2:30. Students will be arranging varied wood blocks and wood strips on a 16 x 24" plywood base to make their own three dimensional piece of red, white and blue 'Americana'. This is a two day art project. We will be assembling, gluing, priming, painting and sanding. Class cost is $45. Grades 1-8 welcome. Please contact Sandra Moore or Susie Lee at sandrapaints@comcast.net or 258-9258 to register.

SEE PHOTO OF FLAG PROJECT ATTACHED.


Autumn Leaves Watercolor Art Camp

On Friday, November 7 from 12:30 to 2:30 we will be capturing the beautiful colors of autumn leaves using watercolors. Class cost is $20. Grades 1-8 welcome. Please contact Sandra Moore or Susie Lee at sandrapaints@comcast.net or 258-9258 to register.




AMERICAN_FLAG_ART_PROJECT.jpg

Planning Meeting for Breakfast with St. Nick is schedule for Friday, October 24 @ 8:30am in the Art Room.

See flyer attached.
st__nick_meeting_invite.pdf

We have a limited number of school logo car decals for sale in the school office. Price per decal is $5.00

We also have school logo car magnets available. There is no cost for the car magnets.

Thank you to all who paid your scrip deposit balance due by the due date of October 15th. If we have not yet received your payment, a copy of your bill is included in your Wednesday Envelope. This amount is now past due and should be sent in the the school office as soon as possible.

Parent Participation Hours Reports were printed out for those who turned in Parent Participation Hours logs by Friday, October 17. See print-out in your Wednesday Envelope. If you have not turned in Parent Participation Hours up through September 30, 2008. Please do so on the attached form.
PARENT_PARTICIPATION_LOG.pdf

See order form attached.

PIZZA_ORDER_FORM.pdf

See attached.

Cafe_Revolution_November_newsletter.pdf

Hear One Hear All - the very good ArtProgramNews!

St. John the Baptist Catholic School will now offer a California Standards Based Art Instruction Class, once a month (at least) for one hour for each grade (K-6). Grades 7 and 8 have a separate program. These lessons will primarily happen on Wednesday, long days, in the afternoon. The supplies are all available at St John in the dedicated Art Studio. Sometimes a few extra materials may be needed. *

Now, for the other good news - to all of those parents who'd love to help teach these lessons - you can! The curriculum and the instruction will come from a pre-designed program. Each lesson is clearly spelled out on a two to four page lesson plan. PS, for those creative types out there -- you can add your own flare or modify the lessons. You WILL have support from other parents and the school - the school will schedule the time (additional or alternate times can be scheduled with the individual grade level teachers). You will also have support, as needed, in the How To of teaching the art lessons.**

The first scheduled support lesson will happen on November 19 at 1:30 in the Art Studio at St John. Anyone who can devote one hour per month (in class) to teach Art, or anyone who is interested in knowing what will be taught,in their children's class, is invited to attend a Studio Art Parent Training Session.*** We will do an actual lesson from the lesson plans from start to finish. Don't worry if you can't DO Art - the lesson will be chosen from Grade 2 and hopefully, any fears you may have about art and drawing will go away during the training. When the program is implemented in December, we will need two parents to teach each lesson, so find a friend and join the Studio Art Parent Training Session. Depending on the need, five parents or more, I will also offer a Studio Art Parent Training Session on December 21 at 8:30.

Are you still unsure? Try it for these reasons: you embrace the idea of art instruction, or your child loves art and you'd like to support that love. The first Studio Art Parent Training Session will help each of you to "see" the program in action. Then, we'll clean up together and go through the lesson plan books from your child's grade and pick the first lesson you would like to teach, or assist in teaching. At this Studio Art Parent Training Session, ideas and suggestions will be shared with one another - you will be successful! In December, you can be teaching the first lesson in your children's class.**

On a closing note, in my humble opinion, Art is not a frivolous subject and must be taken as seriously - and with a touch of fun - as any other subject in school or life. Scientists, doctors, engineers, business people, lawyers and any and every other profession takes some knowledge of spatial relationships of objects, the ability to reallysee our world, and yes, even the ability to draw ideas to share with others. Countless studies have proven that kids who get art instruction do better in school and are more likely to complete college - I could write a thesis on this subject so, I'll spare you here. Please join us in the first Studio Art Parent Training Session - you'll be glad you did!

* A little prep can make the lesson easier to teach and more fun, each lesson has different needs, more on that in the Studio Art Parent Training Session.

** I can help teach the first lesson with you, if needed. Suzanne Gibbs 738-5886.

*** Please e-mail me if you can attend so that I can have enough materials prepared, suzgibbs@aol.com thank you.

Suzanne Gibbs

Dear St. John Parents,

We are undertaking a very exciting new endeavor at St. John the Baptist Catholic School-the addition of a comprehensive, standards-based arts program. Under the direction of Suzanne Gibbs, a parent of two St. John students and a long time elementary arts educator, the new art program is scheduled to commence in December.

As you know, an art program taught in a room suitable for 30 or so bodies to spread out and work with numerous materials doesn't just appear out of nowhere. We've got the art program. We just need to prepare the art room. That's where you come in.

I am gathering a team of people to volunteer to help transform our current upstairs meeting room/unused kitchen into a clean, beautiful, working art room that will house all of the supplies needed for the art projects and display student artwork in a meaningful way. The current space is great, but dark and uninspiring. I have many ideas to lighten up the room and secure all of the supplies. I need your help though. Here are the types of volunteers I will need:

Painters - Literally, to paint the walls of the room. It is a rather large room and since it is painted a lovely avocado green right now, we're going to have to do a few primer coats. But I think this can be done in a day if we are prepared and do things efficiently.

Wallpaper Removers - I definitely consider this the worst job in the world, but some people absolutely love to take wallpaper off of walls. There is a tiny space in the kitchen that needs stripping.

Shelving Unit Painters - I will need two volunteers to paint the existing bookshelves white. They aren't too big and if you want to get fancy and do some other colors, we could definitely talk about it!

Curtain-Creators - I have no idea how to sew and therefore cannot advise on this job. I need someone or a team of people to measure for new curtains and make them in a new material. There are a lot of windows so we will probably need several volunteers.

Art Supply Scouts - As the budget for the art program is relatively small, donations of art supplies from local businesses would help us out a great deal. I have a list of supplies and we can divide and conquer.

If you'd like to volunteer to help us transform the art room so that it is ready to meet your smiling children in December, please e-mail me and let me know. I would like to meet with all volunteers on Friday the 24th (this week) after assembly in the future art room upstairs.

Thank you so much for your time,

Marisa Bartalotti
mbartalotti@fogcty.com

Thank you Jog-A-Thon sponsors; your support is greatly appreciated!

Academy of Danse
Anette's Chocolates
Alpine Construction
AP Tech
Al's Roofing Supply
Bell Products, Inc.
Beau Fleurs Flower Company
Bruce Tucker Construction, Inc.
Cafe Revolution
C&T Group
Cooke Dumars Orthodontics
Carpet One
Copperfield's Books
Dreyer's Ice Cream
Don Perico Mexican Restaurant
Ennio's Olive Oil
First Squeeze
Fall River Valley Golf and Country Club
Focus 501
Marathon Distributors
Grgich Hills Estate
Mr. & Mrs. J. Utaski
John R. Pappas, DDS, MD
Paul Hanson Partners
Launderworld
PB&J's
Ledcor Construction, Inc.
Prospect Mortgage
Legacy Home Sales, Inc.
Red Truck Wines
Marker Express, Inc.
REM-Vacaville
Michael J. Vlaming, Attorney at Law
Morton & Bassett Spices
Robb Bemis & Mom
Napa Bowl
Rockzilla
Napa Valley Activities
New Technology High School
Rossi Development
Napa Valley Art Supplies
Sam Oberting Rocks!
The Gymnastics Zone
Sciandri Family Vineyards
Three Twins Ice Cream
Stephen Franzino, M.D. Sports Medicine
Trader Joe's
The Batt Family
Villa Corona
The Learning Fair
Vintage Sweet Shoppe
Wal-Mart
Williamson & Company Menswear
Your Home Nursing Services

Hi St. John Families,

Just a friendly reminder to "Feed the Bear" and get your box tops and soup labels in by this Friday, Oct. 24th for credit to your child's class for the month of October! We have the chance to double our box top earnings for the October submission. So send in as many as you can!

Every label and box top counts!

Submitted by co-chairs:
Lee Tatsuguchi
Rebecca Griffin

See flyer attached.
Renovation_Graph_Flyer_$275,000.pdf

You remember the Gospel scene (Mark 10:13) where Jesus encountered noisy children. A crowd of them interrupted his preaching, and the apostles were shooing them away. They were boisterous, energetic, enjoying life, running instinctively towards someone who also enjoyed it. The apostles spoke sternly to those who brought them. ('These kids are not serious. We are here to listen to the Sermon on the Mount and we can't hear him properly with all this noise and commotion.') Jesus intervened, invited the children closer and laid his hands on them. He gave them two precious things that cost no money; time and affection. These days, parents often experience a famine of time, so that children suffer from too little attention.
(From Sacredspaces.ie)

Don't forget to spend precious moments of each day with your child; enjoy dinner together, talk about your day, pray together.

The St. Vincent de Paul dinner is set for Sunday, November 9 in St John's Hall. We can use help if any parents need parent participation hours.

There are several shifts in the dining room hosting (seating people) or serving 4:30 - 8:00p.m. or helping with cleanup 8:00 - 9:30p.m.

There is no charge for the dinner but monetary donations for the work of St. Vincent de Paul and bringing non parishable food items for the Thanksgiving food baskets is greatly appreciated.

This is a wonderful opportunity for our school and parish community to come together, enjoy a dinner and provide assistance for those most in need in our larger community.

For more information, please contact Julie Pramuk @ pramuk@sbcglobal.net.

Thank you
Julie Pramuk

Look for a SmileSafe Kids Safety ID Card in your Wednesday Envelope.

The SmileSafe Kids program is a partnership between Lifetouch, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and thousands of schools nationwide to help families stay safer.

Visit www.smilesafekids.com/justforschools to download customizable parent/guardian communication tools and child safety tips.

Submitted by Melanie Oberting

Clothing Center Needs

Though we've been enjoying warm days, fall is right around the corner and colder weather will soon follow. The CWU Clothing Center needs sweaters, sweat shirts and warm jackets for children and adults. Also needed are sheets, blankets, and towels. When you clean closets, please keep the Clothing Center in mind so that we can continue to help those people who are in need. Paper grocery bags with handles are used every day for clients at the Clothing Center and more of these are needed. Your help with any of these items is very much appreciated. Please bring them to the Clothing Center at 2473 Second Street Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 12:00 noon, or call Glenna Gentry at 224-5577

World Community Day

Women will gather across the country in small communities to celebrate World Community Day based on the theme "God's Wisdom Sets Us Free."

The Celebration will be held at Rohlff's Memorial Manor at 2400 Fiar Drive (off Linda Vista Avenue) on Friday, November 7. Coffee will be served at 10:00am with the program at 10:30 to 11:30 am. All are invited to attend, even the men.

"God's Wisdom Sets Us Free" whether we are bound by our own human failings or by prison walls. All of us need to change and grow. Consider that caterpillars, which begin as cocoons before they can change into chrysalises and eventually into beautiful butterflies, are able in maturity to spread their wings and soar high and free. This celebration explores how we can reach out with God's wisdom and love to those behind bars, whether made of steel or of human limitations.