Between the Lions - February 11, 2010
CALENDAR REMINDERS- FEBRUARY
NJHS Pennies for Patients Service Activity All Week
Strive for Five Healthy Eating Week
| Monday | 15 | Presidents’ Day – No School | |
| Tuesday | 16 | L | |
| Wednesday | 17 | I | ASH WEDNESDAY 9am – Mass-attend |
| Thursday | 18 | O | Strive for Five Log forms due to homeroom teacher/Mrs. Ferlotti PTO Parent Volunteer Survey Form due Today to front office 3-3:45pm-8th Gr. Spanish Review for HS Placement-Vianney Ctr/Mrs. Mead’s room 3-4:15pm-Adv.Drama Club-Grs.2-3-4-Music Rm 3-4:15pm-Beg.Drama Club-Grs.2-3-4-Guadalupe Rm. Parish Hall 3-4pm-Yearbook Club-computer room 7-9pm-PTO General Meeting-Guadalupe Rm. Parish Hall |
| Friday | 19 | N | Spring Art Club Registrations due today(Gr.5-8) 12pm-Diocesan Principals Mtg.-St. Joseph’s 1pm-TentativeMiddle School Passport Party (Bolster & Solboda Adv). 3-4pm-Math Mania Begins-Gr.4&5, rm.20 & 21 3:00 DISMISSAL-Extended Day 3-6pm 3:15pm-Faculty Meeting-Library |
| Saturday | 20 | 10am – First Penance – Church 11:45am – First Penance-Church |
PRINCIPAL'S REFLECTION
Dear Parents:
I hope that you have “enjoyed” the snow and time with family. We hope to return to school on Tuesday, February 16th. Please check our school website for updates. It’s hard to believe that next Thursday, February 25th is the mid-quarter of our third grading period. This has been extended by one week due to the inclement weather. Progress reports will be sent home on Friday, February 26th for students in grades 1-8. Please return the signed progress reports by Tuesday, March 2nd. A reminder that progress reports are not report cards but a way in which teachers communicate the accomplishments and areas of needed growth for our students. If needed, parents should contact individual teachers via email or voice mail to discuss their child’s progress. I hope with this extended break that students have been able to complete all assignments to date. At this time, 7th and 8th grade students should be finished with their science fair projects in preparation for the fair on Friday, February 26th. Together we can help our students to continue to succeed and grow in grace and wisdom. Have a safe and fun extended weekend.
As Always, for the children,
Mr. David DiPippa, Principal
THANKS & PRAISE
- To everyone in our maintenance department for keeping up with all the snow and plowing to keep the church open and sidewalks cleared.
SCIENCE FAIR JUDGES NEEDED
We are still in need of volunteers to judge the school science fair. It will be held on February 26th from 12-2:30pm in the Daniel & Lorraine Sprissler Gymnasium. A flyer has been sent home requesting your assistance. Please consider helping out with this special 7th and 8th grade science activity. Special thanks to Mrs. Gormley who will coordinate the event this year. Thank you for your help. Last year Saint Leo the Great placed first in the Diocesan-wide Science Fair held at Paul VI High School. We are very, very proud of that accomplishment. Thanks again to Mr. Abraham for all his hard work. As we are still in need of judges, and If you are able to help us, please return the flyer to the front office immediately. Thank you.
SPELLING BEE RESULTS 2010-FROM MRS. SLOBODA
- Mrs. Ball’s Class 3-14: 1st Place – Benjamin A.
- Mrs. Baker’s Class 3-15: 1st Place: Madailein C.
- Mrs. Hardy’s 4th Grade Class: 1st Place: Emily C.
- Mrs. Schouviller’s 4th Grade Class: 1st Place: Natalie N
- Mrs. Byczek’s 5-10 Grade Winners: 1st Place Julia O
- Mrs. Heasly’s Class 5-11 Winner: 1st Place – Emily D
- 6A Winners – Mr. Torma: 1st Place: Ryan W
- 6B Winners – Mrs. Cosgriff: 1st Place: Gigi A-M
7th and 8th grade winners have competed in the school Spelling Bee to determine who will represent St. Leo’s at the Diocesan Spelling Bee on March 6. The 7th and 8th grade winners are only in alphabetical order.
7A Winners – Mrs. Cosgriff
- Julia D, Lauren H, Sabrina I
7B Winners – Mr. Torma
- Sarah H, Da Hyun M, Joseph T
8A Winners – Mrs. Cosgriff
- Matthew M, Jose O, Anthony S
8B Winners – Mrs. Sloboda
- Brandon B, Michael R, Ryan T
Middle School Winners
- 1st Place: Jose O
- 2nd Place: Ryan T
- 3rd Place: Brandon B
FUTURE OPEN HOUSES
are going to be held at Saint Leo the Great School on the following days:
- Friday, February 26th -10am in the Guadalupe Room with Principal’s Welcome
- Wednesday, March 17th - 10am in the Guadalupe Room with Principal’s Welcome
A tour of the school will follow all presentations. Please call 703-273-1211 x645 for a reservation. Please let your friends and neighbors know our new dates.
The Diocese of Arlington is please to provide a Tuition Assistance Program for parents of students attending our Diocesan Catholic schools. Interested parents are asked to submit the student aid application form, as well as a processing fee of $25 to FACTS Management Company. FACTS is the company contracted by the Diocese of Arlington to provide a confidential and objective financial analysis in determining a family’s ability to pay for Catholic School education.
In order to become eligible for receiving funds from this program, K-12 students (preschool is not eligible) must satisfy all of the criteria described below:
- A baptized Catholic or convert officially received into the Church
- Family resides within the boundaries of the Diocese of Arlington
- Family is registered and an active member of the parish or
- Family belongs to a military post parish
- Student attends or is accepted by a Catholic school in the Diocese of Arlington.
The funds from the program will be paid directly to the school that the qualifying student attends. Schools will then credit the tuition accounts for those families who have been approved to receive aid for that school year. When submitting your application, please be sure to answer all the questions on the student aid form and include all the documentation requested in the instructions. Applications can also be completed online (www.factstuitionaid.com). The deadlines for filing applications are January 22, 2010 for high school tuition and grant program, and March 5, 2010 for elementary tuition and grant program. A packet of information and its program is also available in the front office.
Got Milk?
Apparently not for many students. We are noticing 30-40 bottles of milk leftover after each lunch period daily - this means 90-120 students who have purchased milk are not picking it up. Milk is provided everyday for those who have purchased, regardless of having purchased the hot meal. Please remind your student to pick up their milk and to select the correct flavor- too many chocolate milks are being taken that have not been ordered. Contact the kitchen (please NOT between 11:30 AM and 1 PM) if you need a reminder of what you have ordered or if a change is needed: kitchen@saintleothergreatschool.org or 703 359-6650.
STRIVE for FIVE CHALLENGE
February 8-15th -- It's time for our annual Strive for Five School Wide Challenge! In order to encourage our students (and their families) to increase fruits and vegetables in their diet, Saint Leo the Great School is focusing on the importance of eating fruits and vegetables. Any five days between February 8th and February 15th that a student eats five fruits and vegetables will count. All forms of beans, though technically a legume, will count for this challenge as a vegetable. Fruits and vegetables provide vitamins, minerals and fiber and should be a part of everyone’s daily diet. This is a great time to get in the habit of sending in fruit or vegetables for snack in grades K-5and pack extra fruit or vegetables in all student lunches. When: The Strive for Five focus will occur between February 8th and February 15th. All forms are due to the homeroom teacher (not middle school science teacher or advisor) on or before Thursday February 18, 2010. No late forms will be accepted . Please see the Health and Wellness site for additional information and extra forms. If you have any questions please email me at tferlotti@saintleothegreatschool.org
PRESCHOOL Parents:
In the event of another snowfall please remember that we follow Fairfax County School. You can also find information on the TV news, the school website and on the Parents Handbook. Just in case here is how it will be for Preschool if we have a 2 hour delay: Am classes will star at 10:20 and dismiss at 12:20. PM class will meet at 1:00 and dismiss at 2:55 If there is a 1 hour delay AM classes will meet at 9:20 and dismiss at 11:20. PM class will have a regular schedule. If you are in doubt always check what Fairfax Co. is doing.
QUIZ BOWL
Get ready for an evening of fun!! Come to St. Leo's Annual Quiz Bowl, Saturday, March 6th from 7-9:30pm. If you are new to school or have never played Quiz Bowl; this event involves groups (teams of 8-10) completing against each other to answer trivia questions. Coffee and dessert are provided - players are invited to bring their own food and drinks. Doors open at 6:30pm. Tickets are $100 a table or $14 a person. Individuals will be placed on a team with other individuals. For more information or to help out please contact Kristin & Evan Bolster - 703-569-1830 or jacksmom@teacher.com
FROM THE PTO
Mark your calendars! The first PTO General Membership Meeting for the 2009-2010 school year is on Thursday, February 18, 2010, from 7pm to 9pm in the Guadalupe Room in Olde Parish Hall. This meeting is the first General Membership Meeting we've had in a while. They have not been scheduled because few people showed up in the past. Let's change that trend and fill up the room! Come and find out what's happening with your PTO. Please send you suggestions for agenda items to saintleopto@saintleothegreatschool.org before Monday, February 8, 2010. Be on the look-out for the agenda starting Thursday, February 11.
Do what you would normally do and help out the PTO! There are several ways you can help! Did you know that you can help the PTO and St. Leo's simply by doing what you are already doing? So far, this year, we have earned $190 from Chick-fil-a, $220 from Fuddruckers, $90 from Let’s Dish and $160 from Five Below...simply by families shopping or eating at these local businesses. Here are some other ways for you to help:
-Buying Groceries: Every early-dismissal Friday, a Knight from the Knights of Columbus will be available during afternoon carpool for you to purchase "scrip" from your favorite grocery stores, like Giant, Safeway, Bloom and Shoppers. The Knights get part of the proceeds of these sales and generously donate some of their portion to the PTO. Bring your checkbooks to carpool or pay cash! Use the handy order form on the St. Leo’s web site under PTO > Forms. Using grocery scrip can also help you budget your grocery dollars better since you can time your purchase to when your paychecks come in and better track how much you're spending!
- Preparing Freezer-Ready Meals in Advance for those busy nights: Prepare homemade meals ahead of time at Let's Dish! This fundraiser has been extended through April, simply by using promotion code F9-SLTG when you sign up at www.letsdish.com. Making meals at Let's Dish is fun, and the more the merrier, so feel free to share the promotion code with your friends and family. The "Parent and Kid" sessions are a great way to involve your children in meal preparation and planning and a wonderful activity for Scouts. You can also enjoy some adult time with friends and make it a “Mom’s Night Out!” Please contact Suzanne Dowd with any questions or if you are interested in planning a group session. Forms are available on the school website.
- Eating out and socializing with your St. Leo's friends: What could be easier or more fun? Be on the look out for Dinner Out events coming soon at Red, Hot & Blue (January 27 & 28), Baja Fresh, Coyote Grill, Fuddruckers, Chick-fil-a, and Ledo Pizza!
Inclement Weather/School Closings
When the Fairfax County Schools are closed because of hazardous road conditions, Saint Leo the Great School is also closed. If Fairfax County makes a change in the opening or closing of school due to weather conditions, Saint Leo the Great does the same. It is the parent/guardian's responsibility to consult first the school website, or listen to the radio or TV for this information. PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL. In cases of inclement weather, or other non-weather related emergencies, and the cancellation of classes once school is in session, calls from the children to the parents/guardians will be discouraged. Since our school is air-conditioned, we DO NOT FOLLOW Fairfax County School closings due to intense heat.
If Fairfax County Schools are not in session and Saint Leo the Great is in session, first consult the school website or listen to WMAL 630 AM or WTOP 103.5 FM, channel 4, channel 8, channel 9, and channel 7 for any school closings or adjustments in opening times.
Kindergarten through Grade 8
- If there is a ONE HOUR DELAYED OPENING ON ANY 11:30AM OR 12:10PM DISMISSAL DAY, classes are dismissed at 12:10PM.
- If there is a TWO HOUR DELAYED OPENING ON ANY 11:30AM, 12:10PM, or 1:40PM EARLY DISMISSAL DAY, classes are dismissed at 3:00PM. Please be sure to send a lunch and drink with your child if it would have been a regular 11:30AM or 12:10PM dismissal day since neither lunch nor milk is provided on those days.)
The Extended Day Program always opens one hour before school:
- Delay of one hour: open at 7:50AM
- Delay of two hours: open at 8:50AM
When school closes early all children must be picked up from the Extended Day Program within two hours of dismissal. Parents/guardians are responsible for listening to the radio or T.V. for announcements.
If Fairfax County cancels after school activities, the Extended Day Program will close within two hours of dismissal.
- FEBRUARY 16 –Paul VI HS Annual Pancake Supper from 6-8pm in the school cafeteria. Adults $6, children under 6 - $4. Omelet bar additional $3.50. For more information call Campus Ministry, 703.351.0925 x330
- FEBRUARY 19 – Sports Open House at John Paul II, 5-6:15pm- Enjoy pizza and dessert as you visit our sports information tables and learn more about what it takes to become a Wolf! We’ll also have information about our new sports summer camps! RSVP@jpthegreat.org. For more information, please visit www.jpthegreat.org or call (703) 445-0300.
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FEBRUARY 21 –First ever Girl’s & Boy’s one day Hip Hop Clinic – separate classes for boys and girls. 12 noon – 4pm. $45. fee includes t-shirt, snacks and pizza. Call Mrs. P at 703-250-5711 to register and receive application. Grades 1 to 8. Taught by PVI Dance Team seniors and local Hip Hop Instructor.
- JUNE 21-25/JULY 26-30 - Paul VI Boys & Girls Basketball Camp $190.00 per camper -- Camp is for rising 3rd - 9th graders. Please contact Scott Allen at coachsallen@aol.com for further information and registration. Camp discounts available per camper for attending two or three camps.
- JUNE 28-JULY 1/JULY 19-22 - St Leo the Great Basketball Camp for Boys & Girls – Mini Hoopster Camps: Boys 9 am - 12 pm - Girls 1 pm - 4 pm....$100.00 per camper. Camp is for rising 1st - 3rd graders from all schools. Please contact Scott Allen at coachsallen@aol.com for further information and registration.
- JULY 12-16 – St Leo the Great Basketball Camp for Boys and girls rising 3rd grade to 9th grade from all schools. $190 per camper. Please contact Scott Allen at coachsallen!aol.com for further information and registration