Blue Jay Flyer
September 9, 2020
From the Principal's Desk...
How often must I forgive?
Dear Parents and Guardians,
School has finally begun. Thank you for your support and cooperation with our first few days. All of the hours of faculty and staff preparation, all of the health and safety planning and all of the logistical considerations have been worth it. Everyone is very glad to have our students back in the building again.
I recognize that many of the required protocols create challenges. Please know that the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff and families is of the utmost importance. We continue to review and evaluate everything that we are doing in consultation with NWLSD, the local health department, the state requirements and the recommendations from the Children’s Hospital. In the midst of this, things continue to change almost daily.
I appreciate your patience and cooperation with our new protocols for students entering and leaving the building. I’m sure that there are times when some of this is frustrating. The longer we are able to keep any infections out of the building the longer we will be able to continue with our in person plans.
In this Sunday’s Gospel (MT 18:21-35), we are reminded of this. “Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.” The response that Jesus gives to Peter is not a numerical one. It is a clear statement to Peter and to us that our forgiveness, like God’s forgiveness to us, must be unlimited.
As we continue to work our way through the challenges of this school year, I ask your forgiveness for our missteps and failings. I ask your forgiveness when the technology does not work as it should or when we get overwhelmed with the details. My prayer during this pandemic is that we all learn to care more about one another; that we act out of kindness and compassion rather than out of anger or aggravation. In so doing, we model the Truth for our children. Then when they ask, “How often must I forgive?” we will know exactly what to tell them.
Peace,
Dan Minelli
Calendar of Events
Distance Learning on Wednesday
Picture Day Tuesday, Sept. 15
Paper order forms are being sent home this week with students. Please check your child's backpack for an order form.
Photo packages can also be ordered online before picture day:
Please visit mylifetouch.com
Picture Day ID: EVTG8BFMV
***Order a photo package online at mylifetouch.com and Shutterfly will give you $30 to spend PLUS a free 8 x 8 photo book.
Required dismissal and student pick up policies
This is an important reminder concerning our dismissal and student pick up policies. We are requiring that everyone follow these policies for the safety of all of our students.
1-Bus riders will be dismissed first due to the expectations of our local public school districts regarding students boarding buses.
2-Car riders will be dismissed next. Only students who will be picked up in the car rider line may be dismissed through the gym lobby doors.
3-Walkers will be dismissed last. This includes students who are being picked up by a parent waiting across the street or in the church lot.
No walkers will be permitted to exit through the gym lobby to meet a parent who is not in the car line.
Cafeteria
If your student(s) will be buying boxed lunches from the cafeteria, please remember to
pre-order for the whole week by 8:00 a.m. every Monday.
Upon logging into the EZ school apps website, www.ezschoolapps.com,
you will see a lunch calendar. Click on the month at the top to view a menu of available options. We are still offering a hot meal, entrees and sides. The number of options has been decreased until we have a better idea of how many buyers we will have. We will make adjustments and add daily featured items once a buyer pattern is better established.
Please contact Kaldis or Shannon Lemos for any questions.
Kaldis Catering: sjb@kaldiscatering.com
Shannon Lemos: shannnlemos@gmail.com
Attendance
Communication: One Call System, Blue Jay Flyer, & Social Media
To the greatest extent possible, all communication will be electronic from both the office and from teachers. Blue Jay Folders will no longer be sent home on Wednesdays. We will utilize the One Call e-mail system, the weekly Blue Jay Flyer parent newsletter and social media (Facebook @ St. John the Baptist School Instagram @stjohnthebaptistschool).
Therefore, it is imperative this year that you check e-mail regularly and read the weekly newsletter to obtain important updates and information.
Student Cell Phone Policy
Students will be allowed to keep a cell phone in their book bag only upon written notification from the parent to school officials explaining the need. Cell phones will be confiscated if used on school premises during school hours and when on school sponsored field trips and activities off school premises. Parents may claim confiscated cell phones from the principal/school office. School employees assume no responsibility for cell phones or any electronic devices.
Teacher Line
Kroger Rewards Check $1405
Supporting St. John the Baptist School is FREE and as simple as updating the Kroger Community Rewards selection on your digital account.
1. Sign in to your digital account.
2. Search for your St. John's here.
3. Enter school name or NPO number of the organization you wish to support.
4. Select the appropriate organization from the list and click “Save”.
Your selected organization will also display in the Kroger Community Rewards section of your account. If you need to review or revisit your organization, you can always do so under your Account details.
Attention Amazon Shoppers
When ordering from Amazon, please make sure to shop through the AmazonSmile.com link in order for our school to earn a percentage of your orders. You will need to select your charity/school the first time you shop.
If shopping through the Amazon app on your cell phone, please go to settings in the app to turn on AmazonSmile. By doing so, you will automatically be shopping through AmazonSmile whenever you open your Amazon app.
Any questions, please contact Laura Heidorn in the school office lheidorn@stjohnsdrschool.org or call 385-7970.
Welcome Back Flowers
Flowers from Elder H.S.
Blue Jay Gallery
Pre K students will begin on Thursday, Sept. 10.
SJB Athletic Boosters
St. John's Athletic Boosters Golf Outing
When: October 3rd, 2020
Time: 11:00AM shotgun start, please arrive no later than 10:30AM to sign-in
Where: Pebble Creek Golf Course (9799 Prechtel Road; Cincinnati, OH 45252)
Cost: $80/person (Includes Golf, Lunch ticket w/drinks, Skins game, Prizes, and more)
Hole Sponsorship $150
Company Sponsorship (hole sponsorship and foursome) $450
Click here to register: 2020 St. John's Athletic Boosters Annual Golf Outing
High School Admissions News
Mercy McAuley
Mercy McAuley High School Shadow Day Registration Now Open
Mercy McAuley’s Shadow Day registration is now open to 8th grade girls! On Shadow Days, 8th grade guests will be placed into a small group of three or four 8th graders, and they will remain with this small “Pack” throughout the day. Unlike in years past, they will not follow one Mercy McAuley student the entire day. Instead, they will travel with their small 8th grade Pack, visiting several classes together throughout the day. They’ll eat lunch with our Student Ambassadors, participate in a service project, learn cheers, and hear about clubs and extracurriculars from students. Full-day and some half-day options are available; Shadow Days begin in October. Registration is required at www.mercymcauley.org/Shadow. To maintain safe social distancing, capacity will be limited for each Shadow Day. Additional dates will be added if needed. Any parents interested in a virtual shadow day option may contact Alli Miazga, Recruitment & Admissions Coordinator, at miazgaa@mercymcauley.org or 681-1800 x2272.
Mercy McAuley High School Holds Parent Coffee Sessions
Eighth grade parents are invited to learn more about Mercy McAuley from school leaders in a small conversational setting at its Parent Coffee Sessions. Join Mercy McAuley’s school leaders for coffee and discussion about Mercy McAuley’s values, academic and extracurricular offerings, and get answers to all your questions. Optional tours are available following the conversation. Parent coffee sessions will take place at 8 a.m. on every full-day Shadow Day, which makes it convenient for parents who are dropping their 8th grader off to shadow. Register at www.mercymcauley.org/CoffeeSessions. To maintain safe social distancing, capacity will be limited. Additional sessions will be scheduled if needed.
Mercy McAuley High School Holds Parent Information Nights
Mercy McAuley High School, located at 6000 Oakwood Avenue in College Hill, will hold several in-person and virtual Parent Information Nights for 8th grade families. These evening sessions are designed for parents who would like to learn more about Mercy McAuley from school leaders, teachers and students. The sessions will cover topics including: Faith, Service and Campus Ministry; Academics, Schedule and Technology; Counseling and Student Services; Athletics and Extracurriculars; Tuition, Financial Aid and Scholarships. Optional tours will be available at the in-person sessions. The dates of the sessions are:
· Tuesday, September 22 (In-Person Session) – 6:30 to 8 p.m.
· Tuesday, September 29 (Virtual Session) – 6:30 – 8 p.m. This session will focus exclusively on tuition, financial aid and scholarships.
· Tuesday, October 13 (Virtual Session) – 6:30 – 8 p.m.
· Wednesday, October 21 (In-Person Session) – 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Registration is required at www.mercymcauley.org/InfoNights. To maintain safe social distancing, capacity will be limited at the in-person sessions. Additional sessions will be added if needed. Any questions can be directed to Alli Miazga, Recruitment & Admissions Coordinator, at (513) 681-1800 x2272 or miazgaa@mercymcauley.org.
Elder High School
Elder Financial Aid & Scholarship Information Night
Thursday, September 17th, 6:00 – 7:00 PM
This is a great opportunity for prospective parents to meet with the Elder Admissions Team & other pertinent staff. We will discuss our robust financial aid & scholarship program, including how to apply for these funds. Our knowledgeable Admissions staff will be happy to answer any questions that you may have!
Elder Shadow Days
Beginning on Thursday, October 1st
This is the best opportunity for an 8th Grader to experience Elder High School! See our campus, hear from our faculty & staff, engage with our students, and experience what it’s like to be a Panther for a day!
Register at www.elderhs.org/shadow
Elder Open House
Thursday, November 12th
Mark your calendars for the upcoming Elder Open House! Come for a tour of our historic and newly-renovated campus, meet our faculty & staff, and learn about all the great things that Elder has to offer both in and out of the classroom.
Registration will be open soon!