SPB Family Newsletter
August 19, 2021
Calendar of Events
Monday, August 23
Meet Your Teacher--4:30-6:30 pm
Tuesday, August 24
No School--OFFICE CLOSED
Wednesday, August 25
First Full Day of School-Grades 1-8
Kindergarten Staggered Start-Group 1--9:00 am
Early Learners Parent Meetings--8:30 am/10:00 am
Thursday, August 26
Kindergarten Staggered Start-Group 2--9:00 am
Pre-K (AM) Parent Meeting--8:30 am
Pre-K (PM) Parent Meeting--10:00 am
Friday, August 27
First Full Day-All Kindergarten
Junior Kindergarten Parent Meeting--8:30 am
A Note from the Principal
In a few short days our halls will be filled with happy feet! Our teachers are busy with their opening meetings, a retreat day at the Jesuit Retreat Center, an inservice on Exact Path, and putting the final special touches on their classrooms. The excitement is building!
Our new kindergarteners and families attended Mass and met for a playdate on our playground on August 8. I want to extend my sincere thanks to our PTO, specifically Mrs. Yolonda Ryzner, for planning the Kindergarten Meet and Greet. Thank you to the current families who have offered to help our new families as they transition to our school. Don't forget to join us for Meet Your Teacher on Monday, August 23 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Please note that Meet Your Teacher is for K-8 ONLY.
Once again this year, we are asking that all back to school forms be completed online prior to the first day of school. I am very happy to share that there is no need to print out hard copies of the back to school forms!! However, students who are entering Kindergarten or are new to SPB must print the medical and dental forms for your health care provider and dentist to complete and sign by the first day of school, August 25. Students in Kindergarten-Grade 8 who require medications during the school day must also print the medication forms and have their health care provider sign the form before bringing any medications to our school nurse. We now have the capability to batch print forms in the office which I know is wonderful news for parents, teachers, and for us! The link can be accessed HERE. The online forms are for K-8 ONLY. Preschool families should have received hard copies in their welcome packets to complete and submit at the Preschool Parent Meetings.
Please keep our students as well as our faculty and staff in your prayers as the new school year begins in a few days. GO GREEN KNIGHTS!
Blessings,
Diane M. Raguz, Principal
Kindergarten Meet and Greet
Remember to Complete!
- Back to School Forms (Only Kindergarten/new students print medical/dental forms.)
- COVID-19 Student Policies for K-8 and/or Preschool. These forms MUST be signed and returned to school before your child will be permitted to attend.
- Medication at School? Print that form to send with your child's medications.)
- Set up and fund your child's Hot Lunch account.
- Write the check for your child's Milk Account.
- Write the check for your child's Chromebook Insurance (Grades 5-8).
IMPORTANT DATES FOR K-8
August 2-23 - PTO Uniform Exchange
Please visit the self-serve PTO Uniform Exchange in the Parish Life Center for great bargains on gently used uniforms.
The doors will be open Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and during Masses on weekends.
Items with envelopes are for purchase from individual families. Please leave money in labeled envelopes at the main table. Please bring cash (preferred) for the various envelopes. Any checks should be made payable to the SPB PTO.
All other items are by donation and at your discretion. Donations go to SPB PTO. This is a service provided by the PTO, not a money maker. This service allows families to “pay it forward“ and support our SPB community!
Please bring in your outgrown, gently used, laundered uniform items and spirit wear. Clothing may be dropped off during regular exchange hours and will be sorted/placed out intermittently.
Questions? Contact Colleen Ockenden at CMOckenden@gmail.com
August 23 - Meet Your Teacher (K-8) - 4:30-6:30 p.m. (does not include preschool)
- Join us on this day to meet the teachers, see class lists, and more!
- Physical education uniforms will be on sale this day in O'Brien Hall and spiritwear will also be available for purchase.
- Our school nurse, Rayann Owens, will be in the clinic if you would like to speak to her about any special medical concerns regarding your child or to drop off medications. Please click here for the form that needs to be completed for the administration of medication at school.
- Drop off your Extended Day program registration outside the office.
- See what our PTO and Ladies Guild are all about and meet some of the members.
- Any school supply kits ordered last spring will be delivered directly to your home. A tracking number is provided via the email address the parents submitted upon purchase.
August 25 - FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR GRADES 1-8
- The Extended Day program begins today.
- Hot lunch begins today, too.
August 25 & 26 - Kindergarten Staggered Start
- Kindergartners and their parents will come to school in small groups to be introduced to their classrooms, teachers, and routines. Be sure to check the letter that was sent home to you for detailed information.
- The FIRST FULL DAY for kindergarten is Friday, August 27.
IMPORTANT DATES FOR PRESCHOOL
- Early Learners Parent Meeting (AM class)-Wednesday, August 25 at 8:30 a.m.
- Early Learners Parent Meeting (PM class)-Wednesday, August 25 at 10:00 a.m.
- Pre-K Parent Meeting (AM class)-Thursday, August 26 at 8:30 a.m.
- Pre-K Parent Meeting (Full Day class)-Thursday, August 26 at 10:00 a.m.
- Junior Kindergarten Parent Meeting-Friday, August 27 at 9:00 a.m.
August 30 -September 3 - Preschool Staggered Start
- Be sure to read the letter that was sent home for detailed information about your scheduled dates and times.
We ask that ALL back to school forms be completed online by the first day of school. THERE IS NO NEED TO PRINT HARD COPIES! However, students who are entering Kindergarten or are new to SPB must print the medical and dental forms for your health care provider and dentist to complete and sign by the first day of school, August 25. Students in Kindergarten-Grade 8 who require medications during the school day must also print the medication forms and have their health care provider sign the form before bringing any medications to our school nurse. It is imperative that we have these forms on file, especially the Emergency Medical Authorization, should an emergency with your child occur. Thank you!
New Changes and Faces to Our Faculty and Staff
I am happy to share that Miss Mia Catalano will join our faculty as our new third grade teacher! Mia returns to her Green Knight roots as she is a graduate of SPB. Last school year she had a long-term sub position in the Mentor schools. We are excited for her energy and enthusiasm on our faculty.
At the end of last week, we learned that our Spanish teacher Mrs. Magda Lopez-Gonzales has accepted a full-time job; however, Spanish First Class, with whom we contract services, has assigned us a new teacher, Mrs. Yaneth Garcia. Welcome, Mrs. Garcia!
Finally, we are still working with PSI, our third party contractor, to find an intervention specialist to replace Mrs. Kreutzer.
Reminder for Incoming Seventh Graders
FAQs this summer
Will the students have to wear masks this year?
Due to the recent increase in the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we will begin the school year (the first four weeks) with a face mask requirement for all students in grades K-8, staff, and visitors regardless of vaccination status. Masks will not be required outside. Our mask requirement, along with a layered approach of mitigation strategies, including social distancing, handwashing, cleaning and sanitization practices, etc., will help us achieve our goal of keeping all of our students in school for learning. We will continue to monitor cases and recommendations set forth by the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, the Ohio Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and reevaluate our mask requirement after the first four weeks of school.
When do we find out who our child's teacher is?
Class lists will be posted during Meet Your Teacher on Monday, August 23 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Please note: This event is for K-8 families only.
Where can I find the school calendar?
There is a basic school calendar (also found below) located under Quick Links. A more detailed Google calendar can be found on the home page of our website. You can even sync it with your personal Google calendar.
Will there be an instrumental music (band) program this year?
Yes, we will return to working with Music Alliance, an organization that provides band programs for a number of Catholic and public schools in the area. We hope that our band program comes back as strong as it once was. During the 2019-2020 school year, we had nearly 125 students in grades 4-8 involved with band which was about 65% of the student population in grades 4-8 at that time.
What types of shoes are allowed?
School shoes are defined as good, sturdy, supportive shoes. They must have non-marking soles. Shoe color must be basic black, brown, navy blue, tan, or gray. WHITE SHOES ARE NOT PERMITTED. Tennis shoes, track shoes, hiking shoes, moccasins or boots are not part of the basic uniform. Girls are permitted to wear saddle shoes.
Will hot lunch be served on the first day of school?
Yes. Please be sure your child has money in his/her account.
Will there be Extended Day on the first day of school?
Yes. Please be sure to review the handbook and complete the registration prior to your child's attendance.
When will students in grades 5-8 receive their Chromebooks?
Chromebooks will be distributed on Friday, August 27. In order for your child to receive his/her Chromebook, the insurance fee of $35 must be paid. We encourage you to pay for this the evening of Meet Your Teacher or the first day of school.
How will I know if my child will have physical education class on the first day of school and needs to dress in his/her gym uniform?
There will be no physical education classes on the first day of school for any of the classes.
Please stop by and visit us in the school office at Meet Your Teacher for help with all of your questions!
Additional Information
Students may arrive at school as early as 7:45 am. Students should enter the building by 8:00 am to comfortably arrive in their classrooms by 8:05 am, our official starting time. Students will be considered tardy after 8:05 am and until 9:00 am. After 9:00 am, students will be marked 1/2 day absent.
Assignment Notebooks
Assignment notebooks are required for students in grades 2-8. The notebooks have been paid for by our generous supporters and are free to our students. Please patronize our advertisers.
Milk Fee
All milk money is due by Thursday, September 2. The price of milk for the 2021-2022 school year is $45.00 per child, and is NOT included in the price of hot lunch. Please send in the milk money, with your oldest child, in an envelope listing your children's names and room numbers. Milk will be available beginning Wednesday, August 25. Free and reduced milk application forms are available here or may be requested from the school office.
Hot Lunch Program
The price of hot lunch is $3.00 per day. The Hot Lunch Program will begin on Wednesday, August 25. The cost of lunch does not include milk. Separate checks should be sent for hot lunch and milk accounts.
Hot Lunch Account
You may find out more information about the hot lunch program and point-of-service system that we use to manage your child's account in this parent information letter.
Playground Supervisors
Adults are needed to supervise the children as they play during lunchtime recess. Please complete the Playground Supervisors Letter and return it to the school office as soon as possible.
Grade Level Playground Volunteers
We will continue to need support from our parents as playground monitors. Please read this Playground Volunteer Letter for complete information.
Gradelink
Gradelink is the Student Information System (SIS) which is used for grades, homework, email alerts, and more. Your login information can be found in the first communication folder. There is also a free app for your mobile device. Be sure to log into the system so that you can stay updated on your child's progress and get important information from school.
Webpage/Weekly Family Newsletter/Communication Folders
The Gradelink Student Information System, our Weekly Family Newsletter, and our website are our primary means of communication between home and school. Please become accustomed to checking Gradelink and the Weekly Family Newsletter often, as the communication folders will only be sent home on a very limited basis during this school year. Groups are asked to submit information and flyers electronically.
School Uniforms
Similar to last year, all students in K-8 will be permitted to wear their gym uniforms to school from August 25-September 10 due to the mask requirement. On days that they do not have gym class, students are permitted to wear school appropriate shorts and an SPB t-shirt. If you do not have an SPB t-shirt, we ask that you wear a school appropriate t-shirt. No sandals, Crocs, or flip flops are permitted.
NOTE: Again this year, due to the pandemic, boys in grades 7-8 may wear navy blue, hunter green, or white polo shirts with or without the school logo instead of shirts and ties, or they can also wear a solid white or light blue dress shirt without a tie. This will be in effect until further notice.
PE Uniforms
Gym uniforms can be ordered by printing this PE Uniform Order Form and returning it to school with a check (payable to SPB) or cash (exact change, please). Many items are in stock and will be given to your child. However, some items may need to be ordered and may take two to three weeks for delivery. Students should wear appropriate PE clothing until uniforms arrive.
Extended Day
The Extended Day Program will begin on Wednesday, August 25. Registration forms and fees must be submitted before your child may attend the program. The handbook and registration form may be found here: Extended Day.
Transportation
District bus schedules will be posted on Meet Your Teacher Night. You may also call the Transportation Department of your local public school district. Reimbursement for transportation is based on districts outside the immediate area. Please be aware each district has its own process for reimbursement. Each family is responsible for corresponding with their own district. Saint Paschal Baylon Catholic School is not responsible for complying with the procedures the districts have in place.
MyEoffering
As a parishioner, you are offered a discounted rate of tuition for our school. Please follow this link to find out more and register for MyEoffering.
PTO Room Captains
The PTO invites you to join the PTO Room Captain Program for your child’s classroom!
We are looking for 2 parents per classroom. This is a simple way to take part in school and PTO activities! If interested, please respond back by emailing Sarah Link at slink1110@gmail.com by Friday, September 3rd!
PTO Room Captain Responsibilities:
Attend PTO meetings (in person or virtually if held via Zoom), they are the 1st Wednesday of the month at 7pm in the Parish Life Center. ** Don’t worry if you can’t make them all, that’s why there are 2 parents assigned per classroom**
Distribute PTO meeting minutes to the rest of the parents in the class
Be the “point person” for the teacher to contact if s/he needs something for their class
Help organize volunteers that may be needed for room and/or PTO events ( you are just the organizer… you don’t have to actually attend all of the events)
Help communicate information to the class, possibly by email or class Facebook page.
If interested, please email Sarah Link at slink1110@gmail.com by Friday, September 3rd with the following info:
Your name
Your phone number
Your email address
Your child’s name
Your child’s grade
Your child’s home room teacher
A Message from Mrs. Consolo, Cafeteria Manager
There will be an addition to the hot lunch menu this year. If a child doesn't want to purchase the daily hot lunch. we will be offering another healthy option for them. They can purchase a Garden Salad and Breadstick for the same price as the hot lunch. All they have to do is tell their teacher they will be getting a salad, go through the hot lunch line as normal and scan their finger letting the cashier know they will be purchasing a salad. They will then pick up salad/breadstick/dressing from the server and return to their seat.
Girls on The Run
Playground Volunteers Needed-Grades 6-7-8
We are asking that each family (mom, dad, grandma, etc.) choose at least two days to volunteer each time slot being 11:15 am-12:50 pm. There are many, many time slots open! We are so grateful for the help!
This is a great way for you to interact with your child and his/her classmates during the school day! Recess Volunteers should arrive to school at 11:10 and check in at the office. Duties will include supervising students at recess, escorting the students to and from the school doors. Volunteers will be with one school staff member each day to help direct.
Remember that after your two volunteer time slots, you are done for the year, as each month is assigned to a different grade.
COVID-19 Volunteer Protocol: all recess volunteers are required to wear a mask when in the building.
Thank you again for your time and service to the students and teachers of SPB! Simply click on the following links to sign up: Grade 8, Grade 7, Grade 6
Kindergarten Graduation
Community News
Lake Catholic High School Admissions:
Open Houses:
This year we will be having two Fall Open Houses at Lake Catholic. These are currently scheduled for in-person, but if that changes, we will notify everyone as soon as we can!
October 18 from 6-8pm
November 15 from 6-8pm
Placement Exams: OLSAT
This fall, we will be using the OLSAT 8 as our Placement Exam for incoming freshmen students. We will be offering a number of dates in the fall for this, but students are welcome to take it as a part of their shadow day experience as well! If you’d like your students to take it on their shadow day, please let me know! Students will need to have their exam taken by November 13 to be considered for scholarship. Our dates are below:
September 22 @ 5
September 29 @ 5:30
October 20 @ 5
October 27 @ 5:30
November 13 @ 9:00 am & 11:00am
Students can sign up here: https://forms.gle/5ZK6Ek7GM2Nm6A7L9
Saint Paschal Baylon Catholic School
Diane Raguz, Principal
Sheila Klepcyk, Assistant Principal
Karen Lipstreu, Administrative Assistant
Rev. John Thomas Lane, SSS, Pastor
Email: office@saintpaschal.com
Website: www.saintpaschal.com
Location: 5360 Wilson Mills Road, Highland Heights, OH, USA
Phone: (440) 442-6766
Facebook: facebook.com/stpaschalbaylonschoolohio
Twitter: @SPBGreenKnights