Saint Ambrose School News

Dear Saint Ambrose Parents,

It was great to have 4 consecutive days of school this week. We enjoyed our first school Mass in many weeks, and are looking forward to a fun Catholic Schools Week next week!

January 21-27 Catholic Schools Week

Our Catholic Schools Week Committee has been planning for a great week of celebration.

Students who attend weekend Mass in uniform will get an out-of-uniform pass on January 21 or 22. On Sunday morning, students (and parents) may decorate their own doughnut after Mass. Join us! We look forward to full participation this weekend.

Here is a peek at our Catholic Schools Week plans. Note dress up days, our service project and permission slips.

The Family Calendar

No Bus Day Dismissal Plan

Monday, January 30 is a NO BUS day. Our plan is to have a staggered dismissal. Families who are usually car pickup on Mondays are asked to keep your usual pickup spot, but come 15 minutes early. We will begin dismissal at 3:25. If this is not possible for you, please email your teacher and we will keep your students in Extended Day until you are able to get here.

Students who regularly ride the bus on Mondays will be dismissed at 3:50. Families will pickup as follows:

A-L North Side

M-S Bus Area

T-Z South Side

We ask bus families to arrive no earlier than 3:45 on that day for pickup.

Thank you for your support as we prioritize safety.

You can book your own conference with your classroom teacher on Sycamore beginning today, January 20. See below for more information.

Click here to learn how to schedule your conference online

Need a break?

8th graders are excited to offer childcare on Friday, February 10, 2023 from 6:30 - 9:30 pm in the extended day area of St. Ambrose School. Your child will have opportunities for games, gym time, art, and other activities.

Open to children ages 5 and up who are toilet trained. (25 slots total)

$25 per child, with each additional child $10. Snacks will be provided.

Sign up here - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040F44A4AF2DAAF94-childcare

If you have allergen concerns or dietary restrictions please feel free to contact me cmorgenroth@saintambroseschool.org

ALL PROCEEDS GO THE 8TH GRADE TRIP TO CHICAGO!

Holy Spirit Prayer of St. Augustine

Breathe into me, Holy Spirit,

that my thoughts may all be holy.

Move in me, Holy Spirit,

that my work, too, may be holy.

Attract my heart, Holy Spirit,

that I may love only what is holy.

Strengthen me, Holy Spirit,

that I may defend all that is holy.

Protect me, Holy Spirit,

that I may always be holy.

God bless,

Betsy Osterhaus Hand

Principal

Congratulations to the 22-23 Yearbook cover art winners: Amelia Richardson and Maya Remer!

Many great illustrations of the Saint Ambrose Way were submitted, and these will also be featured on the inside of the yearbook.

Conferences will be Feb 2nd and 7th from 4:20 - 8:10.

K-5 will be held in person

6-8 will be held virtually

Conferences are optional and are by either parent or teacher request.

If you need an interpreter for conferences, contact Beth Salmon for scheduling: bsalmon@saintambroseschool.org

You can book your own conference with your classroom teacher on Sycamore beginning next Friday, January 20.

Click here to learn how to schedule your conference online

Extreme Faith Camp is back again this summer! Bri St. Amour visited the 6th-8th grade religion classes this week to share about camp with the middle schoolers, and wanted to get information to you as well!

EFC is an opportunity for middle school teens to encounter Jesus, deepen their relationship with Him, and grow in fellowship with their friends and have a ton of fun! Camp is well-attended and well received every year, and we hope your son or daughter can come with us this summer! Registration is first come, first serve, and we consistently have a waitlist each year, so if you are interested please return your form and deposit as soon as possible!

Extreme Faith Camp 2023
Who: Any student currently in grades 6-8
Where: Camp Victory, Zumbro Falls, MN
When: June 26th-30th (depart Saint Ambrose by bus Monday morning, return by bus Friday mid-afternoon)
How Much: $475 per camper, $100 non-refundable deposit to hold your spot, final payments due at a later date

Please contact Bri St. Amour at bstamour@saintambrosecatholic.org with any questions!

We offer a summer enrichment program for students entering kindergarten through grade six. There are a variety of classes in a wide range of topics including STEM, computer programming/coding, mathematics, science, reading, cooking, art, lego, computer games and much more. This is considered an enrichment experience and students find it fun and exciting to explore topics and subjects that may not be a part of a typical curriculum.

Courses will be offered Monday through Friday from July 17-21st. Students may take from one to three courses. All courses will be 1.5 hours in length. Lunch will be provided.

If you are interested in having your child participate in the opportunity please save the dates of July 17-21st.

More information about registration and specific classes will be sent out in mid-February.

Links -

Teacher Luncheon Sign Up - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c4fafad2baaffc07-catholic#/

Jr HIgh Trivia Sign Up - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0f45a8ae2ba46-2023#/

Students will preview Thursday, Feb 2nd and Feb 3rd with their classes.

New this year - Shopping will be available during February Conferences, look for a signup to come!

Classes will shop the week of Feb 6th, teachers will let you know specifics for your child's class.

More information will come home in January!

If you are interested in volunteering click here - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0445A9AC28ABFE3-stambrose3

Conference Book Fair Sign Up - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0445a9ac28abfe3-bookfair#/

Book Fair Website and E-Wallet Info - https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/stambrosewoodbury

We will be checking uniforms, thank you for your support and partnership in keep students uniforms in code. Please refer to our school guidelines

Here is a visual if you need to reference uniform expectations.

As a reminder:

We will enforce the uniform policy, which states that girl's skirts will be within 2 inches of the knee and that boy's hair must be conservatively styled, well-groomed, and neat. Boys’ hair must be above the collar, the ear, and the eyebrows. Hair may not be able to touch eyebrows whether styled or not. No unconventional coloring or haircuts are allowed. Hair accessories must be solid black, solid white, solid navy, or uniform plaid.

Additional Requirements:

Shoes: Must have non-scuff soles and must be close-toed. No sandals, clogs, moccasins or platforms. Tops of shoes must be ankle-height or lower. Heels must be no higher than 1½ inches. Shoes must be solid black, solid white, or black and white. No other colors are permitted. Shoelaces must be the same color as shoes. Shoe style must be conservative.

Shirts: Must be worn under sweatshirts or sweaters. Shirts must be tucked in at all times. Only the top button may be left unbuttoned. All cuffs must be buttoned.

Hair: Must be conservatively styled, well-groomed, and neat. Boys’ hair must be above the collar, above the ear, and above the eyebrows. Hair may not be able to touch eyebrows whether styled or not. No unconventional coloring or haircuts are allowed Hair accessories must be solid black, solid white, solid navy, or uniform plaid.

Jewelry: Must be simple and conservative if worn. No unconventional jewelry is allowed. No dangling earrings for girls and no earrings for boys.

Hello All,

Artsonia is the world's largest collection of student art, published by teachers and students from around the world. Parents and family can view the art online, leave comments and order keepsakes featuring the artwork. Below is the link and the code for parents to connect so that they can have access to not only digital copies of their child's work, but also to the personalized art gift shop that helps raise funds for art materials.

Code

TWKCXF27

Link

https://www.artsonia.com/connect/TWKCXF27

During the cold winter months, we ask that parents make a special effort to see that their children are dressed appropriately (i.e. hats, mittens, boots, etc.).

The children go outside for recess daily in the lower grades unless the air or wind chill temperature exceeds –10 degrees. During winter months, we sometimes receive requests to keep children inside during recess. Such requests are difficult to honor because classrooms are not under supervision during that time. Generally if a child is well enough to attend school they should be well enough to participate in recess.

We have found that a short period of outdoor activity is extremely important in order to refresh each child. The children then arrive back in their classrooms better prepared to resume their studies.

If you were exposed to COVID-19:

-Students/staff no longer need to quarantine. If symptoms develop, stay home and get tested.

• Exposure Recommendation: if you were exposed to COVID-19, the CDC recommends you wear a high-quality mask for 10 days and get tested on day 5.

If you test positive for COVID-19:

-Students/staff stay home for 5 days.

• If you test positive for COVID-19, stay home for at least 5 days and isolate from others in your home. You are likely most infectious during these first 5 days. Wear a high-quality mask when you must be around others at home and in public.
  • If after 5 days you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication, and your symptoms are improving, or you never had symptoms, you may end isolation after day 5.
  • Regardless of when you end isolation, avoid being around people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 until at least day 11.
  • You should wear a high-quality mask through day 10.

School Emergency Closing Notifications -

This school year we will continue to use our Sycamore System for text and email notifications for school closures and delays due to inclement weather. You may also check Kare 11 and WCCO for notification that District 833 is closed - if they are closed we will be closed.

Make sure to update Sycamore with your current phone numbers and emails as soon as possible.

Child Safety Curriculum

In November, classes will begin our child safety curriculum. Grades K-5 will be using the Monique Burr Foundations, Child Safety Matters curriculum and 6-8 will be using Netsmartz curriculum. If you have any questions regarding the specific lessons being taught please contact your child's classroom (Grades 6-8 - Religion) teacher and they would be happy to share more information. This curriculum is required by the Archdioceses for all grade levels.

Child Safety Matters Website

NetSmartz Website

Extended Day 2022-2023 School Year: If you are interested in the Extended Day Program and have not already signed up, please complete this online form.

Our Home and School is looking for parent volunteers! Complete this form to get involved.

Volunteer Requirements

We look forward to welcoming volunteers to our campus again this year. If you are new to Saint Ambrose and want to volunteer, please complete the Essential 3 Requirements outlined on the parish website. Volunteers are required to re-credential every 3 years. You will be alerted by the Archdiocese if you need to re-credential. Thank you for your compliance.

Please reference the school calendar .

Jan 21 & 22 -Catholic Schools Week Kickoff at weekend Masses

Jan 23- 27th - Catholic Schools' Week!

Jan 30- No Bus Day

Feb 2nd - Evening Conferences

Feb 7th - Evening Conferences

Feb 17th - 20th - No School for Students

Sight Words

We want students to know these words because they appear often in text AND they

may have sound patterns that they haven’t learned or are not predictable. We teach students to read andspell sight words.

We give students extra practice with the sight words by skywriting them and carpet

writing them, saying the names of the letters as we write the word and then

reading the whole word. If you have sight words you’re working on with your child,

make sure they are spelling them out loud, as well as reading them. Can they

skywrite or carpet write a sight word for you?

Winter Aimswebplus Assessments

Students in grades (K-3) will be taking the winter Aimswebplus Assessments in January. The results will not be sent home but will be used as a measurement for teachers to look for growth and challenge areas. This will help them best meet each child's learning needs. This is just a snapshot of your child's progress and one piece of formative information teachers use to modify lessons so everyone is getting the lessons they need.

In the spring, we will do one more assessment. You will then get information sent home with a look at your child's progress over the course of the year.

Please feel free to reach out to Dianna Helmberger regarding the assessments if you have any questions.

Sycamore Communication Portal/App - click below to go to Sycamore Website

https://app.sycamoreschool.com/index.php

Sycamore Help Guide

Sycamore Parent Checklist

Please login to Sycamore to access the school calendar, lunch menu, and schedules/grades (JH only)

Did you know that we have a Saint Ambrose Facebook Page and Instagram Page? Please follow us for school updates and photos. Click the links at the bottom of this email for quick access to our social media pages.

January Lunch Menu

School Calendar 2022-2023

School Supply List for 2022-2023

School Website

School Facebook Page

Mission (what we offer)

We at Saint Ambrose School are part of a vibrant Catholic community supporting and nurturing

each child on their journey with Christ.

Through exceptional academics, embracing each child’s unique strengths and needs, and

joyfully engaging in prayer and service, we take a holistic, virtue-based approach to student

education and experiences. This is the Saint Ambrose Way.

Vision (what we aspire to)

As a thriving Catholic school, we create meaningful impact though each family we support and

student we send into the world.

By helping form the whole child, students are not only prepared well for the next level of

education, but life as Christian adults living the Saint Ambrose Way.

PHILOSOPHY

The Saint Ambrose community recognizes the partnership between parents, students, staff,

administration and parishioners in providing for the development of its members as people of

faith who worship, learn and grow together. As a community we have a responsibility to

support families- as the primary educators of their children- while providing enriching

experiences that promote a sense of belonging and responsibility to a community.