Dear Families,

Is everyone starting to get used to this amazing weather? It was perfect for the Spring Fling. Thank you so much to the amazing Ramos family and all who helped to put on this wonderful event. I was coming down with a bug (like everyone else), so I stayed home to rest. It sounds like it was a blast, though.

I want to give everyone an update on registration/enrollment for next year. Currently, we have:

• 2 spaces remaining in our TWO kindergarten classes (wow!)
• 1 space left in our first grade class
• Second grade is full and wait-listed (no spaces available)
• Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 are full for the first section and wait-listed for a second section

If you haven't registered, don't delay!

Enjoy this first day of Spring!

Blessings,

Katie Dempsey

Principal

• Wednesday, March 20th: AAPPL Testing (4/5/6), Student Council to Leadership Conference, First Day of Spring
• Thursday, March 21st: Spirit Gear
• Friday, March 22nd: Mass at 9am

- Katie Dempsey

The seventh annual Gala Event was a wonderfully successful evening, raising $175,000 for Holy Rosary Bilingual Academy! Without the generous support, from the “Supporters of Catholic Education for All” who secured a $70,000 match before the event, it would not be possible to meet our fundraising goals. The first $70,000 in donations for the night have been doubled through the matching funds! These funds are critical to our school’s success, since 60% of our students receive some type of financial aid.

In addition to the successful fundraising, students were a special part of the evening. The fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students showcased their Spanish singing talents, and Thomas and Victoria Tweeten danced a traditional Peruvian dance. Each year at the event, we award a recipient with the San Juan Diego service award. This year, we honored Dick & Mary Ann Boulanger. The Boulangers have been supporting Catholic education for decades and have made a difference in the lives of thousands of children in the Pierce County area. Our outstanding guest speaker, Dr. Barbara Mondloch, principal and author, educated the crowd about the multitude of benefits that our students receive because they are receiving a bilingual education.

Many thanks to all of the volunteers that made this event so successful! These fundraising events, would not be the success that they are without the parents, grandparents, and friends that give of their time and talents. A special thanks to the following who took on major Gala roles: Katie Dempsey (MC/principal extraordinaire), Wendy Morales (decorations), Gina Cole, Alyssa Illich, Heather Young (registration/presentations), Jamie Chaloner (live auction), Carrie Hernandez (program), Mark Brady, Ken Clifton, Ivan Achata, and Sofia Zapata (organizing student entertainment). From the Gala committee, to decorations, the set-up volunteers, event staff, and the clean-up crew too...we couldn’t do what we do without you.

Sarah McKinney, Development Director

All Saints Catholic Church, Puyallup: Monday, March 25 at 6:30 PM

St. Michael Catholic Church, Olympia: Wednesday, March 27 at 6:00 PM

Holy Cross Catholic Church, Tacoma: Thursday, March 28 at 5:30 PM

St. Joe's Catholic Church, Tacoma: Saturday, March 30 at 1 PM

St. Ann Catholic Church, Tacoma: Sunday, March 31 at 10:00 AM **this is offered only in Vietnamese**

Holy Cross Catholic Church, Tacoma: Thursday, April 25 at 5:30 PM

St. Columban Catholic Church, Yelm: Thursday, May 2 at 6:00 PM

Holy Cross Catholic Church, Tacoma: Thursday, May 23 at 5:30 PM

We have two quick surveys, each less than 3 minutes to complete.

1. Grading System: We are re-evaluating the grading system for next year and would like your feedback. Here is the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LDNXH7S
2. We would like to know if you are interested in coming to the Parent Service Committee meetings. If so, the PSC is looking at adjusting the times/days. Please take this brief survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BT28D8C

Thank you for your time! We appreciate hearing from you! Surveys will close on Friday, March 22nd.