Good Shepherd News
"Trust in the Lord with all Your Heart"
December 3, 2021
December
7 - Christmas Concert Pre-K - 4th Grade
8 - Mass 8:30AM - All School
8 - Feast of the Immaculate Conception
9 - Christmas Concert 5th - 8th Grade & Band/Choir
PTO Christmas Fund
As a friendly reminder the PTO Teacher/Staff Christmas Fund donations are due by Friday, December 10th. This is an opportunity for children and parents to say "thank you" to each of the Good Shepherd teachers and staff members. All of the teachers and staff work daily to ensure that the Good Shepherd students receive the best education possible. This year in particular we want to recognize the amazing job the teachers and staff members have done. Funds collected will be divided among all school staff members. Note: This is an optional donation. Reply envelopes are attached to the flyer sent home in last weeks Friday Folder. You can return them to school in the envelope marked “Christmas Fund” with your family’s name on it (or anonymous). Donations can also be made electronically via PayPal to gsptoshawnee@gmail.com. It is important that donations are submitted no later than Friday, December 10th in ordered to be included. Teachers will also receive notice of all families that have donated. Questions? Contact Cala Poltera at cala.poltera@yahoo.com.
COVID UPDATE
As you know, our top priority has been the safety of our students with our main goal to remain in the classroom with in person learning. I am happy to say that we have succeeded in this goal! I am extremely proud of our Good Shepherd students, staff, and families for the diligence they have demonstrated in following health and safety practices during this pandemic. We have had an extremely successful school year so far by following the guidance and recommendations from many experts regarding COVID-19 protocols and procedures.
The County Health Order that was issued in August was put into place because of the lack of vaccine options for children. Our intentions have been to mask until all of our students have had an opportunity to receive a COVID vaccine and for community transmission to remain under control. That being said, the FDA and CDC have recently authorized the distribution and use of the Pfizer Vaccine for children ages five and up, which covers all of our students kindergarten through eighth grade. The Archbishop has stated that it is acceptable for Catholics to take the vaccine. With this in mind, we are reviewing recommendations and are continuing to consult with the Health Department and medical professionals to decide when changes will be made to our policies at Good Shepherd.
We want parents to prepare for when this change comes into effect. Please note when making a decision for your family, that per guidance from the CDC, fully vaccinated individuals will not be required to quarantine following an exposure to COVID-19 so long as they remain asymptomatic following their exposure. Keeping in person learning available and doing so with prudent regard to the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We cannot thank you enough for your continued patience and understanding as we navigate through this pandemic together. We will update you before Christmas break in the December 17th newsletter.
Christmas Concert
Save the date for this year's two part Christmas concert! December 7th at 7PM will be preschool - 4th grade and December 9th at 7PM will be 5th - 8th grade. Students will need to be in their classrooms by 6:45. We are looking forward to this wonderful event! More information will be sent out on Monday.
Notes From The School Nurse
Student Council Christmas Donation Drive
Scrip For The Holidays
Making a shopping list for the holidays? SCRIP is your answer. Not only is it an easy way to purchase a Christmas gift but also you will receive a SCRIP rebate in August. From Cinemark and AMC theatre gift cards to Hy-Vee gift cards for those holiday meals...SCRIP is your one stop shopping solution. SCRIP orders are due on Monday, December 13th. If you have questions about SCRIP please contact Mike Schmitz.
Breakfast With Santa
Come to Breakfast with Santa on Dec.11 from 8-11 a.m. in the social hall hosted by the Good Shepherd K of C's. Children will be invited to talk to Santa and have their picture taken with him. A donation of a new toy or cash is appreciated. These will be given to children in need this Christmas.
Chat-N-Chew Thank You!
We had 75 participants for Chat and Chew. Sending a very special thanks to Tonya Gast, Elly Twidwell, Brigid Shinn, Mandy McVicker, Christine White, Kaitlyn Newcomer, Cyntia Morales, and Natasha Burns for leading the groups. Please keep your eye out for a new Chat and Chew in January.
Christmas Class Party Link
All Good Shepherd students are invited to their Christmas Party in their classroom. The class parties are December 17, at 11:05. This is a dress down day and the students will dismiss at noon. A pizza lunch will be provided for the students. Please see the link if you would like to sign up to send something in for the party. Questions about the party, call or text Natasha Burns 913.306.2906. Click Here.
NWEA MAP ASSESSMENT
Students in all grades will participate in the MAP assessment from November 30 - December 13th. Students will assess in reading and mathematics. Please schedule appointments around these dates to ensure your child will be present during testing. During this time it is also important that your child gets a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast.
Good Shepherd School
Email: troblez@gsshawnee.org
Website: https://school.gsshawnee.org/
Location: 12800 West 75th Street, Shawnee, KS, USA
Phone: 913-631-0400