SCS Happenings: August 25, 2023

Saint Catharine of Siena, pray for us.

From One Wildcat to Another...

Welcome to the 2023 - 2024 school year! We are thrilled to welcome our Wildcats back to school. We hope that you were able to relax and make special memories with your friends and families. Now it is time to look forward to a wonderful new school year as we are “Embrace the Science of Learning through the Art of Teaching” at St. Catharine of Siena School!


Our AMAZING staff of dedicated educators have been in school throughout the summer to prepare classrooms for the new school year and have attended numerous trainings in Reading and Literacy, Math Interventions, and Total Experience Learning at Albright College.


We are grateful to our amazing custodial staff and summer crew as they worked all summer getting our school in pristine shape. Our SUPER-HUMAN secretarial staff- Mrs. Martha D'Achille and Ms. Rebecca O'Brien- worked hard to ensure a smooth start for staff, students, and families. We are ready!


We have a lot of new Wildcats this year. We welcome you!


Please be sure to read the entire newsletter so you are in the know. Thank you for all you do. Saint Catharine of Siena, pray for us.


Air high fives to all!

Mrs. Kraycik

Gentle Reminder Regarding SCS Driving Pattern for Morning Drop-off and Afternoon Pick-up

We are beyond excited to begin a new school year and we want to start it off as smoothly and safely as possible.


For your morning safety and sanity:


  1. AM drop-off begins at 7:30 am
  2. To promote kindness and safety and prevent head-on collisions...Please come down 24th street from Fairview Avenue.
  3. Enter the first entrance to our school parking lot.
  4. Follow the cones and pull up as far as you can.
  5. Staff will be there to escort your child.
  6. To expedite car-line, do not exit your vehichle.
  7. Follow the cones out of the parking lot to 24th street.
  8. Exit SCS via Perkiomen Avenue.

For your afternoon safety and sanity:


  1. Bus riders have priority.
  2. Have your carline number visible for a staff member to see.
  3. PM drop-off begins at 3:00 pm
  4. To promote kindness and safety and prevent head-on collisions...Please come down 24th street from Fairview Avenue.
  5. Do NOT enter the parking lot until a staff member directs you.
  6. Enter the first entrance to our school parking lot at a speed no greater than 5 MPH.
  7. Follow the cones into the parking lot to door number 7.
  8. Safely make two driving lanes.
  9. Stay in your vehicle.
  10. Please make sure your child can buckle themselves. This is a life skill.
  11. Do NOT exit your vehicle to buckle your child. There are too many cars behind you.
  12. A staff member will escort your child to your car.
  13. Follow the car before you up the scary hill, straight to 23rd Street.
  14. Please be mindful of students and staff.
  15. Have an amazing afternoon!

Important Dates


  • August 28, 2023: First Day of School 5-8 only
  • August 29, 2023: First Day of School K-4 only
  • September 1, 2023: No School
  • September 4, 2023: No School
  • September 5, 2023: Welcome Pre-K!
  • September 5, 2023: Back to School Night, 6:30 pm
  • September 19-29, 2023: Registration for 1-8 Parent/Teacher Conferences
  • September 20, 2023: Picture Day
  • Saturday, September 30, 2023: 7:30 am -12 noon; 8th Grade Confirmation Rally; HGA, Registration @ 7:30 am.
  • October 6, 2023: Early Dismissal (PreK @ 11:30; K-8 @ 12 noon) no aftercare
  • October 5-13, 2023: Parent/Teacher Conferences
  • October 9, 2023: Diocesan Convention - NO SCHOOL
  • October 24, 2023: Confirmation @ 4:30 pm
  • November 6, 2023: Winter Uniform begins
  • November 22-28, 2023: Thanksgiving Holiday
  • December 4-8, 2023: PreK Conferences
  • December 15, 2023: Christmas Show @ 12:45, no aftercare
  • December 22, 2023-January 2, 2024: Christmas Break
  • January 3, 2024: School resumes

Child Protection Catechesis--Important and we need your input.

Each year, Catholic Schools and Parish Religious Education Programs in the Diocese of Allentown teach the Child Protection Catechesis Curriculum mandated by the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People passed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2002. The material in this curriculum has been prepared in light of our faith and in accordance with the moral teachings of the Catholic Church.

The purpose of this program is to help children improve self-reliance, raise self-esteem, and master personal safety skills--all while reassuring them that most people are kind, safe, and committed to their well being. Students learn to identify specific signs and behaviors often used by predators.

You, as the parent, are the primary educator of your child. If you have concerns as to whether this material is appropriate for your child, you are welcome to contact us with your questions and concerns. The presentations will be conducted throughout the months of November and December.

Please complete and submit the attached form https://forms.gle/FkBskR7Co7DaZzbr8 by September 5, 2023. Should you decline to allow your child to participate in the Child Protection Catechesis Program at SCS, you will receive the materials so that you may discuss the issue at home.


Thank you for all you do. Saint Catharine of Siena, pray for us.

Mrs. Marci Zambito
Mrs. Marcella Kraycik, Principal

Spirit Wear

Please use this link https://scsspiritwear23.itemorder.com/shop/home/ to view the Spirit Wear Store. All orders need to be made by Thursday, August 31st.

HSO MUMS Sale

Help support St. Catharine’s Home and School Organization (HSO)

Orders due 09/05/2023


AVAILABLE FOR PICK UP ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2023 AFTER THE 9:30AM AND 11:30AM MASSES


AT THE CHURCH ON 562


ALL ORDERS SHOULD BE PLACED ONLINE


https://app.raisingreimagined.com/Patron/FundraiserStorefront?fundraisercode=ST.ST.6RHK&ru=ST.STY7YR&rs=Email

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE SCS BACK TO SCHOOL DONUT SOCIAL

Parents and students spend time with friends, learn about HSO,

and pick up your mum order!


Sunday, September 10, 2023

AFTER 9:30AM MASS AND

AFTER 11:30AM MASS

IN THE CHURCH SOCIAL HALL

SCRIP ONLINE - RAISE RIGHT

Please see the attached document for Raise Right, the online Scrip Program.

SCS Uniform

BOYS: GRADES 1 – 8


Fall/Winter Uniform

  • Dress navy blue uniform slacks (worn at the waist)

  • Belt – Black, navy, or dark brown leather

  • Navy blue V-neck sweater vest with school insignia

  • Light blue long-sleeved oxford shirt

  • Navy blue tie

  • Grades 6-8 have the option to wear the Land’s End red/blue striped tie

  • Plain Navy blue or black socks (must cover the ankle)

  • Shoes: Grades 1 – 8 Brown or Black dress shoes (oxfords or bucks), no sneakers

  • Sneakers are only to be worn with the gym uniform


Spring/ Summer Uniform

  • Dress navy blue uniform slacks or uniform shorts

  • Belt – Black, navy, or dark brown leather

  • Light blue short-sleeved or long-sleeved golf shirt with school insignia

  • Plain Navy blue or black socks (must cover the ankle)

  • Shoes: Grades 1 – 8, Brown or Black dress shoes (oxfords, bucks) no sneakers

  • Sneakers are only to be worn with the gym uniform


GIRLS: GRADES 1 – 4

Fall/Winter Uniform

  • Blue plaid jumper (the length - not more than 2 inches above the knees)

  • Light blue long-sleeved uniform blouse (rounded collar)

  • Navy blue V-neck cardigan sweater, or round collar neck sweater with school insignia

  • Navy blue knee socks or blue tights

  • Shoes: Blue or black Mary Janes, bucks, saddle shoes

  • Sneakers are only to be worn with the gym uniform



Spring/Summer Uniform

  • Dress navy blue one-panel or double-panel uniform skort (not more than 2 inches above the knees)

  • Option: Blue plaid jumper with light blue short-sleeved blouse (rounded collar)

  • Option: Land’s End Polo dress with school logo

  • Light blue short-sleeved or long-sleeved golf shirt with school insignia

  • Navy blue knee socks

  • Shoes: Blue or black Mary Janes, bucks, saddle shoes

  • Sneakers are only to be worn with the gym uniform


GIRLS: GRADE 5 Depending on your child’s growth during this transitional academic year, your grade five student may wear either the primary school jumper or the middle school two-panel uniform skorts for the fall/winter uniform.


Fall/Winter Uniform

  • Blue plaid jumper (the length - not more than 2 inches above the knees)

  • Light blue long-sleeved uniform blouse (rounded collar)

  • Navy blue V-neck cardigan sweater, or round collar neck sweater with school insignia.

  • Navy blue knee socks or tights

  • Shoes: Blue or black Mary Janes, bucks, saddle shoes, Sperry’s

  • Sneakers are only to be worn with the gym uniform

OR

  • Navy blue two-panel uniform skort (not more than 2 inches above the knees)

  • Blue Plaid skirt

  • Light blue long-sleeved button-down collar blouse

  • Navy blue V-neck cardigan sweater with school insignia

  • Navy blue knee socks or tights

  • Shoes: Blue or black Mary Janes, bucks, saddle shoes, Sperry’s

  • Sneakers are only to be worn with gym uniform


Spring/Summer Uniform

  • Dress navy blue one-panel uniform skort (not more than 2 inches above the knees)

  • Option: Blue plaid jumper with light blue short-sleeved blouse (rounded collar)

  • Light blue short-sleeved or long-sleeved golf shirt with school insignia

  • Navy blue knee socks

  • Shoes: Blue or black Mary Janes, bucks, saddle shoes, Sperry’s

  • Sneakers are only to be worn with gym uniform


GIRLS: GRADES 6 – 8


Fall/Winter Uniform

  • Navy blue two-panel uniform skort (not more than 2 inches above the knees)

  • Blue Plaid skirt

  • Light blue long-sleeved button-down collar blouse

  • Navy blue V-neck cardigan sweater with school insignia

  • Navy blue knee socks or tights

  • Shoes: Blue or black Mary Janes, bucks, saddle shoes, Sperry’s

  • Sneakers are only to be worn with gym uniform

Yearbooks are in the school office for pickup. STS Payment Plans were charged on Wednesday, 8/16.


We have a few extra. Please use this link link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E45AFAF2DA7FF2-yearbook1 to order


STS Accounts were charged on Wednesday, 8/16th. The invoice is due on 8/28th.

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CYO NEWS

Our back to school CYO meeting will be on Tuesday August 29, 6:30 PM at the parish center. If you are interested in learning more about the CYO and how you might be able to volunteer your time to help with our various programs, please feel free to attend!


Kindly email Cristina Schmehl if you are planning to attend: schsac@verizon.net.

CYO GOLF

Calling all golfers - CYO Golf registration is now open. If you are interested, don't delay - registration will close on Thursday August 31. The CYO will cover the first $50 per golfer, parents will then be asked to cover the remainder - likely about $30.


Golf is open to all students in grades 5-8. If the students are doing another sport, they may participate in golf, and can prioritize the other sport over golf. Use this link to register:


https://go.teamsnap.com/forms/391760


For questions about CYO golf, please reach out to Tom Dobson - tdobson@ptd.net


Thank you!


SCS CYO

BC YOUTH FOOTBALL

The Berks Catholic youth football teams have begun their Fall Season and we are in need of more players to join the teams at all levels. We hope you (or anyone you know) would consider joining.


It is well organized and the kids have a blast playing, especially meeting kids from other partner schools. Even though a few weeks have passed, it is not too late to sign up. Games are starting soon and they will catch up quickly.


Here is a link with information for the program. https://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=bcyfac


Please email the league at berkscatholicyfac@gmail.com with any questions. Thank you for considering and Go Saints!

2023-2024 Supply Lists

LUNCH MENU

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