the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

On behalf of the faculty and staff of St. John the Baptist School, I want to wish everyone a happy and blessed Christmas. In these very unusual and challenging times, we are called to be present for one another even when we cannot be “present.” Advent and Christmas give us the opportunity to trust and believe in what we do not fully understand.

This year has taught us many things; we have learned how to have class, meetings and family dinners on Zoom. We have learned that wearing a mask does not have to “mask” who we are. We have learned how critically important and precious is the time that we have with our families especially when we don’t get to have the time that we desire.

As we approach our break and Christmas, may we recognize and rejoice in the real Gifts that we have in our lives. I have a new (and first) granddaughter, Mary Kate, whom I have only been able to see very briefly. Her presence has helped me to be deeply grateful for all of the Grace that has been made manifest in my life this year.

This Sunday is the Fourth Sunday of Advent, and we hear the narrative of the Annunciation from Luke’s Gospel (LK 1: 26-38). It is the story of the beginning of the greatest gift; the most amazing presence. “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.”

My prayer for all of us is that we recognize the Lord’s presence in our lives, and that we do whatever it takes this year to keep our families safe and healthy. May we be grateful for every real gift and presence in our homes and families. In so doing, we will be able to be prepared this Christmas to know that the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.

Peace,

Dan Minelli

As mentioned in previous communications, we plan to return to school in person five days a week beginning Monday, January 4, 2021. If any changes to this plan should occur over Christmas break, we will inform school families immediately.

If you need any last minute gift cards, Amy Roetting will be filling Shopping Cent$ orders again this week on Thursday, Dec. 17. For your convenience, an order form is attached below.

Limited time $5 Starbucks and $5 Panera gift cards are still available!

Please note that special order gift cards (from the right hand column of the order form) are not guaranteed to arrive before Christmas.

Hamilton County has adopted several different quarantine options that have been given by the CDC and ODH. Please note that due to the current high incidence of COVID - 19 in Hamilton County, St. John the Baptist School will continue to follow the 14 day quarantine per the recommendation of Hamilton County Health Department. We will continue to evaluate this and keep you updated with any changes.

Mrs. Elise Hochhausler, RN

School Nurse

St. John the Baptist School

Email: ehochhausler@stjohnsdrschool.org

St. John's follows Northwest Local Schools regarding inclement weather procedures. If they are closed, we will also be closed. In case of a two hour delay, both school and transportation will begin two hours later. For students that are bussed by another district (Mt. Healthy or Fairfield), you are expected to follow the announcements of Northwest Local Schools.

Morning preschool and half day kindergarten will be cancelled for a two hour delay. Please refer to page 19 of your Student Handbook (accessible on the school website under the Parent tab) for further information.

Kindergarten students have been very busy getting ready for Christmas. They made handprint ornaments, celebrated "Reindeer Day," and enjoyed playing and creating at their classroom Christmas stations.