THIS WEEK AT SPES
December 5th - 9th and beyond
This past week, yet again, we saw our students taking initiative and proposing a project that brings to life, and to light, that they are not only learning academics, critical thinking skills and understanding how to live our mission but they are also beginning to discover the true meaning of leadership through "The Leader In Me" process. Our fourth graders in Mrs. Cheryl Prejean's class learned of the Lafayette Parish Government's "Plastic Bag Round-Up" program and began to discuss its advantages. A group of the students prepared a power point presentation, met with Ms. Lemaire and requested permission to bring the project to life school-wide. As they discussed the project with Ms. Lemaire, using "Leader in Me" language, they explained that they "began with the end in mind" and realized that they would need to "synergize" with other groups to be effective in their efforts. Last Thursday, the group met with Mrs. Ellie Fitzgerald's video production class to ask for assistance in promoting the program and with representatives of the sixth grade class to enlist their assistance in reaching out to the upper grades. Watching the six fourth graders explain the project, their thoughts and ideas and answer questions from the 7th and 8th graders was impressive. There is no way to explain the feeling the adults who were present had when all of the students from various grades began putting ideas on paper and "synergizing" to formulate their plan. At that point there were no differences among the students in the class ... just a truly magical experience as they worked together, respected each opinion expressed and fed off of one another's ideas. THIS IS SPES ... THIS is what the education we offer is all about ... providing the tools to help each child use his/her gifts to become the best he/she can become as they grow and mature and prepare to be our future leaders. WE BELIEVE .... DO YOU BELIEVE?
*Last Friday, all families with current tuition or dining hall accounts received information about enrollment/registration of presently enrolled students for the 2017-2018 school year. If you did not receive that information, please contact Marlene Patin at marlene_patin@stpiuselementary.org
*Please remember to read the Enrollment Contract in its entirety before both mother and father (if applicable) sign it. Note that this is the first year that both signatures are required (if applicable) to assure that both parents are aware of all contractual obligations.
*Deadline for the return of the completed Enrollment Contract, Worksheet AND Parent Cooperation Statement is 3 p.m. on Wednesday, December 14th. No scanned and emailed paperwork will be accepted and we ask that you do not send it in your child's book bag because, as you know, book bags sometimes end up deep abyss' and things disappear in them! :) Please deliver originals to the front office before the deadline.
DINING HALL ACCOUNTS
*It is Diocesan policy that all Dining Hall meals must be paid in advance. Please make arrangements to take care of any balance you may have at this time and please add additional funds to cover your child’s December meals. (Helpful hint: 15 December days x $2.25/day = $33.75). If your child tends to purchase extra juice, milk or water, please adjust the amount you deposit accordingly. (If you do not want your child to purchase extras, please advise the SPES Dining Hall Manager, Mrs. Tanja Noel, at 232-5596 or email her at stpius@fns-dol.org ) Dining Hall payments are accepted at the online website, www.myschoolbucks.com or you can send a check, payable to Food and Nutrition Services, to the front office of school in an envelope marked "Dining Hall." All questions regarding the Dining Hall should be directed to Mrs. Noel at the number or email address given above.
EARLY DISMISSAL REMINDERS FOR DECEMBER 21st HALF DAY OF SCHOOL
*Please remember that school will be dismissed at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 21st and there will be no student aftercare that afternoon nor will there be bus service at 11:30 a.m. Please plan accordingly...Fa La La La La.
THIS WEEK IS "TURN IT IN WEEK."
Please send your Box Tops for Education, Coke Rewards, Tyson Labels, Community Coffee labels, etc. in a plastic bag labeled "Boys" or "Girls."
This quarter, our girls get a free Spirit Dress Day this Wednesday as a result of being "Turn It In Week" winners last quarter.
Wednesday, December 7th
FREE JEAN SPIRIT DRESS DAY FOR GIRLS ONLY - See Resource Documents/2016-2017 Uniform and Spirit Dress Guidelines/Miscellaneous #13 for guidelines for Spirit Dress Days
8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Sixth Grade Advent Retreat
10:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. SPES SPIRIT DAY/NIGHT at Buffalo Wild Wings
Thursday, December 8th - Feast of the Immaculate Conception
7:20 a.m. ALL SCHOOL MASS in the gym - Pius Patrons invited
LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK....
Monday, December 12th
6 p.m. SPES Christmas Choral Concert in Auditorium
Wednesday, December 14th
Deadline for Online Spirit Shop orders to be delivered on or about January 9th
7:45 a.m. PreK and Kindergarten Prayer Service in Church
6 p.m. SPES Band Concert in Auditorium
**Shhhh, remember it's a secret - Today is the deadline for "Operation SPES Elves" gift card collection for faculty and staff members**
Thursday, December 15th
SPES JEAN SPIRIT DRESS DAY - Free Spirit Shirt Dress Day or pay $1 to wear jean with your SPES spirit shirt. (See guidelines in Resource Docs/2016-2017 Uniform and Spirit Dress Guidelines/Miscellaneous #13 for guidelines for Spirit Dress Days)
7 a.m. Spirit of St. Pius Leadership Breakfast - By Invitation Only
Friday, December 16th
7:30 a.m. 4th - 8th Grade Mass in Church - Parents/grandparents invited
8:20 a.m. 1st - 3rd Grade Mass in Church - Parents/grandparents invited
St. Pius X Knights of Columbus Prepare for Annual Garage Sale
Donations of items are welcomed and will be accepted in the Parish Life Center next Friday afternoon (December 9th) between 1 and 7 p.m. Our Knights of Columbus are always so supportive of our school efforts ready to cook for any of our major school events. Let's show them how much we appreciate by contributing items to their sale so that they can continue to support Pius Promise!
Please note: We are very sorry but will not be able to accept contributions of items here at school during the week.