St. Louis Catholic School News
August 12, 2020
Principal's Corner
From the Principal's Desk:
First and foremost, I want to thank everyone for doing your part to get our school year off to a wonderful start! Our students and staff are doing a great job with the wearing of masks, remembering to wash hands or sanitize often. While we know each day could present a new "bump" in the road, we also know that we are saying many prayers and have many prayers being said on our behalf that we stay safe and healthy.
As we travel through the somewhat stormy waters of COVID 19, I can't help but reflect on the message of Sunday's gospel in which Peter left the boat and began to walk on the water until he allowed the wind, waves and storm to distract his focus and turn his eyes away from Jesus, his strength. Let us continue to quiet the distractions and keep our focus on our true strength, Christ.
We will be adding a COVID-19 resource page to our school website to keep you up to date on the latest changes. We will also push major changes to our protocol out via email. Please continue to monitor your child(ren) for symptoms. Should your child display symptoms, please keep them home. From there please check out the resources on the website, call in and speak to Nurse Lydia for some guidance, or speak to your family physician. Each scenario can play out a little differently, but know that even with a negative test result and no alternative explanation for the symptoms students will be asked to remain home for 10 days. If the student is quarantining and able to complete work, they will be counted present. If they are quarantining and unable to complete work, we will count them absent. We ask that parents who are caught in this situation to please contact the teacher(s) to make arrangements for staying on top of assignments and how/when to pick up materials. In most of these cases, we will send all materials home and post assignments electronically.
What if Batesville needs to close and go to e-learning? While we know this would affect our families who use them for transportation, our current plan would be to continue in-person instruction if it can safely be done or unless we get guidance from state or local health departments that warrant our actions to be different. There may also be a case in which we may need to close based on positive cases and Batesville does not. Just know that this may be one exception in which we do not follow BCSC. Those who do use the bus transportation, please consider planning for alternative options should this need arise and please know that we will work to assist you in any manner within our means.
On a different note, this year the Archdiocese of Indianapolis is expecting grades K-3 to do standards based grading. While I look to comply with this expectation, I also need to make sure we can adequately do standards based reporting and that our staff members (and parents) understand what this means. Stay tuned on updates in regard to this matter. Those classes that have already adopted standards based grading will continue in the same format used until I feel we have everyone on the same page before changing and moving forward.
GOTR Coaches needed
Girls on the Run (GOTR) coaches needed. We are forming a St. Louis team that will consist of as many as 12 girls in grades 3-5 and are in need of volunteers to coach. You do not need to be a runner. It is a great program and can truly make an impact on the health and wellness of our girls. Please consider volunteering for this great opportunity. We need a minimum of 2 people in order to make this happen for our 3-5 girls.
There is additional information on this further down in the newsletter.
You may volunteer to make a difference here:
https://www.raceplanner.com/volunteer/signup/gotr-mmh-fall-20-coach-app
Mrs. Patty Mauer
Morning Prayer 2020-2021
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for this day, our school, and our friends and family. We are grateful for everything you do for us. Please help us to make good choices, to be respectful and kind, and to do our best learning today.
In your good and holy name, Amen.
Thank you to SLS students who wrote the school prayer for this year:
Lucy Abplanalp, Adam Meer, and Santiago Schutte
Calendar of Events
- August 26th & 27th - School Pictures
- September 7th - Labor Day Holiday
- September 8th - Student Holiday
Athletic Events
SLS student Mass schedule
Due to the social distancing guidelines (and space restrictions) related to COVID 19, we are currently unable to have an "all school" Mass each week. We will however, still have our students attend Mass one day each week as follows:
Monday -- 5th grade
Wednesday -- 1st and 2nd grades
Thursday -- 3rd and 4th grades
Friday -- 6th, 7th, and 8th grades
PTO NEWS
“Hello” from this year’s PTO! We are happy to be here to join the parents in supporting the school in the best way possible this year. We have our first meeting scheduled for:
Wednesday, August 19 @ 6:30 pm
We will gather at The Sherman in the Hillenbrand Room. We encourage anyone to come whether you are curious about what we do, or you would like to get involved. See you there!
Amy Streator-President
Allison Spielmann-VP
Natalie Wanstrath-Secretary
Jenny Schneider-Treasurer
Contact: pto@st.louisschool.org
RCCF delivers grant check
Kindergarten grant received
The Building Blocks of Math
Earlier this year, St. Louis School Kindergarten was awarded a grant by the Ripley County Youth Outreach and Ripley County Community Foundation for Math Stackers. Math Stackers are mathematical building blocks. These blocks allow students to organize, manipulate and better understand the properties of mathematics. For example, when used for addition, two numbers stacked will measure the same height as the sum. When 6 and 4 are stacked, they measure the same height as the 10 block.
Math Stackers allow our Kindergarteners the ability to question, manipulate and discover new ways to solve problems. We are so excited to implement this hands-on tool into our Math curriculum. We would also like to say thank you to the Ripley County Community Foundation and Ripley Youth Outreach for giving us the opportunity to purchase this learning kit.
Nixle alert system
Please sign up for our school closing or emergency alerts system by texting, STLOUIS to 888777.
This is the NIXLE alert system used by several local agencies, but this will sign you up only for "St. Louis" notifications. If you would like to sign up for more community agencies please visit Nixle.com and choose the agencies you would like to get notifications from.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Ms. Imel.
Musical Notes
Our first semester performances will look a little different this year! In the interest of safety, each class will prepare and record a program that will then be sent out to the parents. We will not be having in person performances this semester, and second semester will be decided at a later date. We are excited to make music together and still have a way to show what we learn with our families!
Mrs. Christy Pedersen
St. Louis School Music Teacher
Uniform Exchange Dates
If you have any questions, or need additional information you may also email Amy at atonges@st.louisschool.org, and she will be happy to help you. Thank you!
Pizza Hut Fundraiser
Mark your calendars! Our monthly Pizza Hut fundraiser will take place on Wednesday, September 9th, from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. Enjoy some great tasting pizza while helping out St. Louis at the same time. Thank you for your support!
Student Planners
Safety News
St. Louis cash raffle
Due to COVID-19, volunteer opportunities and fundraising initiatives will be minimal in the near future, therefore your participation in the raffle is needed more than ever this year. Thank you!
License #002512 (July 1, 2020 -- June 30, 2021)
Bulletin boards
"THIS INSTITUTION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER"
Cafeteria News
Just a heads up, as the school year progresses.....
Anyone that has a negative lunch balance of $10.00 or more will NOT be able to get extras. If you need to know what your student's current balance is, you may check online at www.EZSchoolPay.com, or contact Tammi or Carla in the cafeteria at slscafeteria@st.louisschool.org.
Thank you!
Carla Prickel & Tammi Wintz
Cafeteria co-managers
St. Louis School
Important Summer 2021 Dates
June 14-18, 2021 Camp Invention
June 21-25, 2021 Vacation Bible Camp (PLEASE NOTE: REVISED DATE!)
Thank you,
Amy Tonges, DRE
St. Louis Parish
Batesville, IN 47006
812-934-3204
~~Volunteer Schedule below~~
BINGO NEWS
For now our weekly Bingo and Super Sunday Bingo events continue to be placed on hold.
Thank you to all who have volunteered for Bingo in the past. We appreciate your help and your patience as we work through these trying times. If you are interested in volunteering in the future, please contact Michael Brelage at 317-225-8006. Thank you!
Athletic News
There are more questions than answers during this pandemic. One of the most important things to remember is to be flexible. Things can and will change on a moment's notice.
Volleyball home matches will begin soon. SLS will require masks and social distancing.
We ask that you keep attendance to immediate family members ( parents and siblings of the same household). Social distance seating of 6 feet apart will lower seating capacity.
We ask that fans remain in the same seats for the duration of the event and not move locations once seated. Social distancing and masks will also occur for coaches and those players that are not actively participating in the games.
Also, for safety concerns, please limit concession and gate workers to Adults only.
Currently locker rooms will NOT be available, so your daughter should come ready to go.
After the completion of the event, please exit in a timely manner.
Concessions will be limited and we ask that those waiting in line have masks on and follow social distancing protocol.
If we all work together, we can keep everyone safe and continue with these sporting events.
Thank You,
Mike Burkhart
5 Ways to Make Today Great
"How you see the world determines the world you see. That's why it's especially important to start each day with a positive perspective. Remember... positivity is like a muscle, the more we exercise it, the stronger it gets."
I wanted to share with you all something I recently read. I hope these 5 "tips" will give you a boost when you need it the most. If nothing else sticks, just remember the last one.
Today tips from Jon Gordon:
1) Attack Today with Enthusiasm - If you want an exciting life, get excited about life. Many of us wake up and just go through the motions. Our lives become routine. It doesn't have to be like that. Remember your WHY today. We don't get burned out because of what we do. We get burned out because we forget why we do it.
2) Stay Positive - Instead of focusing on your problems, focus on your purpose. Instead of seeing yourself as a victim, see yourself as a hero. Heroes and victims both get knocked down but heroes get back up, and armed with optimism and a greater purpose they create a positive future.
3) Be Thankful - When you are grateful for the things in your life, big and small, you always seem to find more things to be grateful about.
4) Replace "Have to" with "Get To" - Live life as a gift, not an obligation. We GET TO, we don't HAVE TO. This simple shift can have a dramatic impact.
5) Be a Blessing to Others - We are blessed to be a blessing. This doesn't have anything to do with material things (although it can). It's about loving, serving and caring. It's about choosing to make a difference in the lives of others each and every day.
Open House
We are a new dance studio hosting an Open House this Friday and would love to see everyone there! Thank you so much for your consideration!
Lizzy Moeller Russell
CEO, Artistic Director, Instructor
Miss Lizzy's Performing Arts Academy
Girls on the Run
General Information on 2020 GOTR
Over the 16-lesson program, teams will meet 2-4 times per week until they accomplish the 16 lesson program. At this time, all teams will meet twice a week for 8 weeks. Please be specific on your coach application when it asks for your availability. In person lessons are 75 minutes while virtual lessons are 45 minutes plus a 20-30 minute individual workout. Virtual lessons, if needed, will be held at your normal scheduled meeting time/day.
· There will NOT be in person coach trainings this season.
· VETERAN or RETURNING coaches will complete new on line learning modules encompassing sexual abuse prevention, coaching through COVID-19, coaching virtually, and new policies. Estimated time to complete: 25 minutes
· NEW coaches will complete the bullet above as well as all modules related to first time GOTR coaching and best practices. Estimated time to complete: 5 hours
· These trainings will be assigned through the GOTR Learning Academy and may be completed on your own time but BEFORE you attend your ‘supply pick up and Q & A night’
· A background check will be done and is kept on file for 2 years
· CPR is required. Margaret Mary Health will provide certification for you if needed. This is of NO cost to you.
· There will NOT be a celebratory GOTR 5K with ALL schools/teams
· Each team WILL have their own private celebratory 5K at their regular school/site with surprises provided
Voices of Indiana Fall 2020 Registration Flyer
Voices of Indiana will be holding their Fall 2020 Semester a little differently.
- All Age choirs, ages K through Adult. We are inviting families and more adults to join us.
- Tuition has changed to allow for the shorter 9-week semester and a family incentive.
- We are rehearsing in the Open-Air at the Dearborn County 4H Fairgrounds in Lawrenceburg. We will be following all the Chorus America recommendations as well as other industry recommendations to allow for the safest gathering possible.
Thank you,
Faith WalkerVoices of Indiana Board
***Faith over Fear***
Contact us:
Email: jriedeman@st.louisschool.org
Website: www.st.louisschool.org
Location: 17 E. St. Louis Place, Batesville, IN 47006
Phone: 812-934-3310
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StLouisCatholicSchoolBatesville
Twitter: StLouis_School
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