SaberSpeak
Week of January 15, 2024
HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS TO SABERSPEAK
Information to be considered for inclusion in the newsletter must be emailed to dsinopoli@st-hilary.org by 3:00 p.m. on Friday for the following week. Information must be relevant to the St. Hilary School or St. Hilary Parish community, and cannot promote a personal interest or a school other than our own. The school reserves the right to determine what content will be included.
NEED TO KNOW NOW
Click here for the School Faculty & Staff Directory
Click here for information about our drop-off and pick-up procedures (note exception for Kindergarteners as shown on opening schedule)
Click here for the School Google Calendar
Click here for the 2023-2024 Dress Code
Click here for the 2023-2024 School Handbook
Click here for the Parents as Partners Code of Conduct
HOT OFF THE PRESS
IN THE OFFICE
The following items are available for pick-up in the school office:
- Flyers for Launch Into Girl Scouts Event January 24, 6 pm - Copley HS - Grades K-5
- Flyers for Camp Invention
IMPORTANT DISMISSAL REMINDER!
Please be courteous at dismissal by not turning right on red into our driveway. Turning right on red blocks the driveway and prevents traffic turning left into the driveway from entering, even when the left turn arrow is activated. Thank you for your kindness to others!
2ND ANNUAL SABER CUP!
A Moms & Pops Basketball Tournament will take place on Friday, March 1st & Saturday, March, 2nd 2023 in Horning Hall. All current 1st-8th grade Dads and current/alumni Moms are invited to play in this event.
CLICK THE FLYER BELOW FOR MORE DETAILS!
This is a fun filled weekend basketball tournament that brings together the St. Hilary school community to raise money for St. Hilary Athletic Association.
Register Online at https://reg.sportspilot.com/106409/leagues and Dads, please sign up to play for your oldest child's grade team.
If you are interested in sponsorship or helping coordinate/volunteer with this fundraising event, please reach out to Luke Taylor lukejtaylor@tradermanwines.com
RE-REGISTRATION FOR RETURNING STUDENTS NOW UNDERWAY THROUGH FEBRUARY 9, APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR SCHOLARSHIPS & TUITION ASSISTANCE
Re-registration for current students returning for the 2024-2025 school year is now underway, and must be completed by February 9.
Applications are also now open for scholarships and tuition assistance for re-registered students.
NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION NOW OPEN, REGISTER KINDERGARTENERS BY FEBRUARY 9, APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR SCHOLARSHIPS & TUITION ASSISTANCE
Registration for new students entering grades K-8 for the 2024-2025 school year is now open. Incoming kindergarteners must be registered by February 9 to be included in planning for Kindergarten Screening.
Applications are also now open for scholarships and tuition assistance for new students. Please note that new students may not apply for the EdChoice Scholarship until they have been officially accepted by the school.
DIGITAL ACADEMY UNAVAILABLE JANUARY 16-19, REPORT CARDS JANUARY 19
The second quarter will end Friday, January 12. Report cards will be published for parents to view in Digital Academy on Friday, January 19. Parents will not be able to view grades in Digital Academy from January 16-19. Questions? Please email Mrs. Smith at msmith@st-hilary.org.
OHIO CATHOLIC FEDERAL CREDIT UNION STUDENT BANKING AVAILABLE JANUARY 17
Help your children understand the value of money with Ohio Catholic Federal Credit Union's student banking program. A representative of the credit union will be at school once a month to open accounts and handle transactions. Students may visit the banking table in the Multi-Purpose Room from 8:220 to 8:20 am on the following dates this school year: January 17, February 21, March 20, April 17, and May 15.
PARENTS' ASSOCIATION MEETING VIA ZOOM JANUARY 24
The St. Hilary Parents' Association will host its 2024-2025 general meeting via Zoom on January 24 at 7:00 pm. Join the meeting to hear updates, including Mrs. Woodman's State of the School report!
Passcode: 3xu3Sn
PARENTS R.O.C.K. JANUARY 26 - RSVP NOW
Parents R.O.C.K. – Friday, January 26 at 6:30 p.m.
You are invited to the second Parents R.O.C.K. (Raising Our Catholic Kids) event of the 2023/24 school year on Friday, January 26 at 6:30 p.m. We will begin with some time for community (adult beverages & light appetizers provided), followed by a presentation from our guest speaker Fr. Patrick Shultz from Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Wadsworth. Make it a date night, and invite your friends to join!
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK IS JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 2
We can't wait to celebrate! Check out our schedule for the week below!
READ-A-THON STARTS JANUARY 28!
Our second annual Read-a-thon starts at the beginning of Catholic Schools Week, Sunday, January 28, 2024!
Read-a-thons get children excited about reading and give friends and family the opportunity to encourage children to read even more. Last year our Read-a-thon raised more than $14,000, which enabled teachers to purchase many new materials for students to use in their classrooms- without having to use their own money!
About one week before our Read-a-thon starts we will send home instructions on how to activate your reader's personal page. This is where you will be able to view and record their progress. A simple scan of a QR code we provide will get you started!
We've chosen Read-a-thon because it will not take much of your time, gives your child a reason to read, and helps in the development of stronger reading skills. All proceeds from the Read-a-thon will help purchase materials for your children to use in their classrooms. In addition, a portion will also be donated to our sister school in the Congo.
Here is a link to a video to help explain our new fundraising opportunity!
We hope EVERYONE participates. Thank you!
IT'S NOT TOO LATE! ANGEL SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS OPPORTUNITY TO TURN TAXES INTO TUITION!
Did you miss the opportunity to donate to the Angel Scholarship Fund in 2023? You can still donate by April 15 and choose to receive your Ohio income tax credit for either 2023 or 2024! Although only funds donated in 2023 will be available for students in the 2024-2025 school year, funds donated in 2024 will be available for students in the 2025-2026 school year. With Tax Day just around the corner, now is the perfect time to think about turning your taxes into tuition and helping us start to grow our fund for 2025-2026! The Angel Scholarship, through the Catholic Community Foundation, offers a win-win-win opportunity for taxpayers, scholarship recipients, and our school! Click here to learn how you can turn your taxes into tuition!
THE MAIN EVENT
Our main events this week are no school on Monday, January 15 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and the opening of the MAP Testing window for Grades K-8 on Tuesday, January 16.
FOR YOUR CALENDAR
DATES TO NOTE
- January 15: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - No School
- January 16: MAP Testing Grades K-8
- January 17: MAP Testing Grades K-8
- January 17: Credit Union Student Banking 8:00-8:20 a,
- January 17: Student Council Meeting 3:10-3:45 pm
- January 17: Chinese Club 3:15-4:15 pm
- January 17: Spanish Club 3:15-4:15 pm
- January 18: MAP Testing Grades K-8
- January 18: Harry Potter Club 3:15-4:15 pm
- January 18: Mock Trial 3:15-4:30 pm
- January 19: MAP Testing Grades K-8
- January 19: Second Quarter Report Cards
- January 19: Staff Breakfast Beginning at 7:00 am
- January 19: Ski Club to Brandywine
- January 22: MAP Testing Grades K-8
- January 22: Chess Club Grades 5-8 3:10-4:10 pm
- January 22: Cooking Club Session 2 3:15-4:15 pm
- January 23: MAP Testing Grades K-8
- January 23: Blessings in a Backpack Bag Collection
- January 24: MAP Testing Grades K-8
- January 24: Parents' Association Meeting 7:00 pm (Via Zoom)
- January 25: MAP Testing Grades K-8
- January 25: Mock Trial 3:15-4:30 pm
- January 26: MAP Testing Grades K-8
- January 26: Ski Club to Brandywine
- January 26: Parents R.O.C.K. 6:30 pm
- January 28: Grades 3 & 4 Liturgy Takeover Mass 11:00 am
- January 28: Catholic Schools Week Open House 12:00-2:00 pm
- January 28: Read-a-Thon Begins
- January 29: MAP Testing Grades K-8
- January 29: Catholic Schools Week - Dress Down Day / Spirit Day
- January 29: Catholic Schools Week Kick-off Assembly 1:30 pm
- January 29: Chess Club Grades 5-8 3:10-4:10 pm
- January 30: MAP Testing Grades K-8
- January 30: Catholic Schools Week - Dress Down Day / Buddy Themes
- January 30: Buddy Bingo 1:45 pm
- January 30: Grade 2 First Reconciliation 6:30 pm
- January 31: MAP Testing Grades K-8
- January 31: Catholic Schools Week - In Uniform Day
- January 31: Grade 8 to Borromeo Seminary
- January 31: All-School Adoration 9:30 am
- January 31: School Theme Activities 2:00 pm
- February 1: MAP Testing Grades K-8
- February 1: Catholic Schools Week - Dress Down Day & Accessories
- February 1: Catholic Schools Week Service Projects
- February 1: March Hot Lunch Ordering Begins
- February 1: Faculty / Staff Meeting 3:30 pm
- February 2: MAP Testing Grades K-8
- February 2: Catholic Schools Week - SHS Shirts & Uniform Bottoms
- February 2: Staff v. Students Volleyball Game 1:45 pm
- February 2: Mock Trial 3:15-4:30 pm
- February 2: Ski Club to Brandywine
CELEBRATION 2024: A NIGHT AT THE DERBY
CELEBRATION 2024: BE AN EVENT SPONSOR, ADVERTISER OR DONOR! JOIN THE PLANNING COMMITTEE!
SAVE THE DATE!
Planning for Celebration 2024 is underway! This year, we are shaking things up a bit by moving the event to a Friday night and adding some new features to the evening! Celebration 2024, “A Night at the Derby”, will be held Friday, May 3 at 6:30 pm at Portage Country Club. We are super excited to have access to the beautiful new covered patio at Portage to extend our Kentucky Derby-themed evening!
JOIN THE PLANNING COMMITTEE!
All the fun details are still in the works, but if you would like to join co-chair couples Derek and Erin Klaus, Mark and Katie Ruby, and Brad and Carly Inkrott in the planning, please contact Erin Klaus at erincklaus@gmail.com.
BE AN EVENT SPONSOR, ADVERTISER OR DONOR!
Sponsors, advertisers and donors are an important part of making Celebration a success each year! You are invited to be an event sponsor, advertiser or donor for Celebration 2024! Please click the information below for complete details and forms to commit to your desired means of supporting the event! THANK YOU!
INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE CAMPAIGN
FATHER-DAUGHTER DANCE FEBRUARY 9! RSVP BY FEBRUARY 2
PROCEEDS SUPPORT INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE CAMPAIGN!
St. Hilary School and the Investing In Our Future Committee are proud to sponsor the Father-Daughter Sweetheart Dance on February 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm in Horning Hall. All proceeds benefit the Investing In Our Future campaign to support our St. Hilary educators! Click below for details and to RSVP. Advance RSVP required - tickets cannot be purchased at the door.
MANY WAYS TO DONATE!
The Investing In Our Future: A Campaign To Support Our Educators initiative continues! If you are interested in learning more, please contact Investing In Our Future Committee Chair Brianne Alaburda at 330-770-8207 or briannealaburda@hotmail.com. Now, it’s even easier to make your tax deductible donation via Venmo! Just Venmo us at @StHilary-Parish and be sure to note “Teacher Salary Fund”. Questions? Please contact Trey Baker, Business Manager, at jbaker@sthilarychurch.org or 330-867-1055, ext. 203. And don't miss out on another great way to donate that will help our educators AND help your tax position! Read more below!
Donating Appreciated Stock Or Other Securities
To Support The Investing In Our Future Campaign
As you think about supporting the teachers and educational staff of St. Hilary School for all the great work they do with our children, here is something to consider. When donating to charity, many people may not think of giving appreciated stock, but it is a great way of saving even more on taxes than with a cash gift.
Donations of stock (or other securities such as mutual funds or exchange-traded funds/ETFs) are tax-deductible just like donations made via check or credit card. But in addition, when a donor gifts shares of a security that has risen in value, he or she eliminates that future capital-gain tax liability. The example below assumes the security is held in a taxable brokerage account and demonstrates how this works:
Joe owns 10 shares of Apple stock. Currently, the total value of his shares is $1,700. The cost of the shares (what he paid) is $200. If he were to sell these shares, he would owe capital gains tax on the $1,500 “realized” gain. But if he donates the shares, he eliminates that eventual tax liability and still receives the full deductibility of the gift. If he likes the idea of donating the shares but wants to continue to own the stock, he can make the stock gift and then buy the ten shares of Apple in the open market, replacing what he just gave away; he would then have in effect raised the cost basis of his shares from $200 to $1,700, which reduces his future tax liability.
Please note:
The donor does not have to donate the entire number of shares held. Joe could have donated three shares instead of ten.
If the stock is worth less than what was paid for it, it makes more sense to sell the shares to realize the loss (which reduces taxes) than it does to donate them. The proceeds from the sale could then be donated.
Diane Sarkis, St. Hilary Parish Foundation Development Director, can help you through the process of donating shares. She can be reached at d.sarkis@sthilaryfoundation.org or 330-608-4787.
If you have owned stock or mutual funds for many years, you probably have some that have risen significantly in value. A donation of these shares can accomplish the same goal as a cash-based donation, while at the same time eliminating a tax liability.
Thank you for supporting our educators!
SAVE THE DATE!
The Investing In Our Future Committee is planning a Mother-Son Game Night is March 15 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm! See below for full details! Proceeds will benefit the Investing In Our Future campaign to help ensure competitive salaries for our teachers and educational staff. Your support is greatly appreciated!
HELP WANTED
BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK COLLECTIONS DAYS
Please support Blessings in a Backpack by sending plastic grocery bags to school on the following dates: January 23, February 6 and 20, March 5 and 19, April 9 and 23, and May 7 and 21. Students may deposit bags in the collection bin in the main hallway on these dates.
YOUR ACME RECEIPTS HELP OUR SCHOOL
We are collecting Acme receipts again this year and the program has expanded to give us more time to collect! Please save your Acme receipts with dates from August 1, 2023 through February 15, 2024. Send them into school anytime to Attn: Tara Reuscher; c/o Victoria Reuscher Room 208 . If you prefer, take a picture of your receipts (be sure to include the bottom portion of the receipt that includes the cash back amount) and email to tarareuscher@gmail.com.
PLAYGROUND MONITORS NEEDED
Looking for a fun way to be involved at school, see your child during the school day, get some fresh air, and make some extra money? Consider being a playground monitor! Help is needed for the 2023-2024 school year in order to ensure that our students are properly supervised during recess. Monitors work just a couple of hours each day, so this is the perfect part-time job for those with limited time! If you are interested in learning more, please contact Lindsey Yoder at lyoder@st-hilary.org.
SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS NEEDED
We are always in need of individuals to serve as substitute teachers. A summary of requirements would include the following: a bachelor's degree in any subject, Virtus training, a background check including fingerprinting, and a substitute teaching certificate. If you meet (or are able to complete) these requirements and are interested in being added to our pool of substitute teachers, please email a current resume to Miss Malick at smalick@st-hilary.org as soon as possible.
BOX TOPS EARN CASH FOR OUR SCHOOL - NOW EASIER THAN EVER!
We are excited to inform you that we are rebooting our Box Tops Program! In the past, the program involved cutting out and turning in box tops. Everything is now done through the Box Tops app. Just follow the steps below, select St. Hilary School, and start earning money for our school while you shop! Please contact our Box Tops Chair, Raivene Gurley at raivene2011@yahoo.com, with any questions. Thank you for your support!
WE’VE GOT VENMO!
You asked, and we listened! Many of you have asked for a way to quickly support initiatives such as the SRO and the Investing In Our Future campaign. Now, it’s even easier to donate to St. Hilary causes via Venmo, and donations made in this way are tax deductible! Just Venmo us at @StHilary-Parish (or scan the QR code below) and be sure to note the purpose of your donation before you click “Pay”. Questions? Please contact Trey Baker, Business Manager, at jbaker@sthilarychurch.org or 330-867-1055, ext. 203.
DID YOU MAKE YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS?
Don’t forget to make giving to the St. Hilary Parish Foundation part of your new year’s resolution planning! When you are disciplined about intentional or even recurring giving, your support can make an even greater impact. Donor backing is vital to continue to make the Foundation a viable entity and enable it to fund Parish and School needs well into the future. There are funds earmarked for many specific areas you may be passionate about, and no donation is too small! To learn more or donate, please visit https://www.sthilaryfoundation.org/ or call Diane Sarkis, Development Director, at 330-608-4787.
FAITH LIFE
SCHOOL MASS INFORMATION
NEXT SCHOOL MASS THIS FRIDAY, JANUARY 19
PLEASE NOTE IMPORTANT UPDATE ABOUT PARENT SEATING!
Our next school Mass for the 2023-2024 school year will be this Friday, January 19 (Right to Life) planned at 9:30 am planned by Grade 6. Upcoming Masses are January 26 planned by Grade 2, February 2 (Catholic Schools Week) planned by Grade 6, February 9 planned by Grade 5, February 14 (Ash Wednesday) planned by Grade 8, February 23 planned by Grade 3, March 1 planned by grade 4, March 8 planned by Grade 1, March 15 (Jane Klenotic Scholarship) planned by Grade 2, and March 22 planned by Grade 6. There is no school on February 16, March 29 and April 5. The 2023-2024 Liturgy Schedule can be found here and below. Masses are also posted on the school Google calendar. Space is limited, but parents may attend school Masses. TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS ROOM FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF, PARENTS ARE ASKED TO SIT IN THE BACK ROWS OF THE CHURCH. PARENTS MAY PULL CHILDREN FROM CLASS SECTIONS TO SIT IN THE BACK WITH THEM, AND PARENTS MAY SIT WITH STUDENTS WITH THEIR CLASS SECTIONS, BUT PLEASE DO NOT SIMPLY TAKE SEATS IN THE MAIN SECTION OF THE CHURCH BEFORE CLASSES ARRIVE. THANK YOU!
SCHOOL LENTEN OBSERVANCES
As a school, we will hold several Lenten observances. Stations of the Cross will be presented by Grade 7 on March 14 at 1:45 pm. The Mime of the Passion will be presented by Grade 8 on March 25 at 1:45 pm. The Holy Thursday Prayer Service scheduled for March 28 has been canceled due to no school that day.
LITURGY TAKEOVER MASSES RETURN FOR 2023-2024!
Please mark your calendars now and plan to attend these special Masses at which our students in specified grade levels will minister in various roles!
- Sunday, January 28 - 11:00 am Mass - Grades 3 & 4
- Sunday, March 3 - 9:00 am Mass - Grades 1 & 2
ST. HILARY PRAYER WARRIORS MINISTRY
The Family Life Bible Study group and our campus minister, Mrs. Trisha Hoffmann, are restarting the St. Hilary Parents' Prayer Warriors ministry. All students will have the ability to privately record any prayer intentions that they may have. The seventh graders will be helping to collect the prayer intentions as part of their service project. On Friday mornings at 8:30 am, the Prayer Warriors will gather in the Sacred Heart Library (or the back of the church) to pray over these intentions. All parents are invited to join us to pray. Questions? Please contact Sarah McDonnell at smcdonnell16@yahoo.com.
CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD INFORMATION
CLOW LEADERS AND ASSISTANTS URGENTLY NEEDED!
Attention all parents and guardians! We are in URGENT need of more volunteer leaders and assistants for the Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW). If we do not receive more weekly help, this beautiful ministry will not be available to your children. Family members are an asset to this ministry because you are your children’s first teachers about Christ’s love and message! We offer Children's Liturgy at both the 9 and 11 a.m. Masses. The resources you will need to successfully lead the children will be provided to you. Please prayerfully consider becoming a volunteer. Contact Meghan Tuck, CLOW Coordinator, in the Religious Education Office, 330-867-1055, ext. 211, or sthilaryparishclow@gmail.com, to inquire about joining this fun and rewarding ministry!
CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD... WHAT IS IT?
Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW), what is it? It is open to all children at the parish age 3 through grade 3 during the 9:00 am Sunday Mass this summer and throughout the school year we offer CLOW during both the 9:00 and 11:00 am Sunday Masses. This program provides a Liturgy of the Word specific to preschool in one group and K-3 children in a second group to teach the same readings and Gospel as adults are hearing in church, through a child-friendly lens. The children leave the church prior to the first reading and return during the offertory so they are still a part of the entire Liturgy of the Eucharist. This allows the children to grasp the lesson and parents in Mass to hear and enjoy the preaching by our clergy. Children’s Liturgy of the Word needs no registration. Attend when it is offered at Mass—parents are always welcome to join us to see what it’s all about or to acclimate your children.
ST. HILARY SCHOOL TRAVELING FAMILY PRAYER BOXES
Each homeroom classroom has a traveling family prayer box that will be making its way to homes throughout the school year. Included in the box is a statue (Our Lady of Miracles, Holy Family, Sacred Heart of Jesus, or St. Joseph), four Rosaries, a guide to praying the Rosary, and an overview guide with additional information and prayers. Click below for a portion of the overview guide. Students will be bringing these boxes home to share with their families for one week, after which the boxes need to be returned to the homeroom teacher for the next family to enjoy. There is no need to sign up - teachers will simply send the boxes home with a different student each week. It is suggested that the statue be placed in a prominent area of the home, that maybe a small prayer corner be set up for the week, and that time be set aside during the week to pray the Rosary as a family. We hope you enjoy having the traveling prayer box in your home as a support of your family's Domestic Church through time spent together in prayer.
USE FORMED TO ENHANCE FAITH FORMATION
Make faith a priority and enhance your children's faith formation by using FORMED. Click below for complete instructions on how you can access this valuable tool for your family.
STUDENT LIFE
PETER PAN REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
The Peter Pan (spring musical) rehearsal schedule is available below.
CHESS CLUB FOR GRADES 5-8 NOW REGISTERING!
Chess Club for grades 5-8 is now registering! The club will meet January 22 and 29, February 5, 12 and 26, and March 4 and 11 from 3:10 to 4:10 pm. There is no school February 19 so the club will not meet that day. Visit https://www.learningmeansfun.com/signup and enter course code SCO1.22.24 to register. Register by January 14 for the early bird price of $129.50. Please see the flyer below for complete details.
CHINESE CLUB NEXT MEETING JANUARY 17
Chinese Club registration is now closed. Meetings will be held from 3:15 to 4:15 pm on the following dates: January 17, February 7, March 16, and April 17. Chinese Club will meet in the school faculty lounge. Students should be picked up promptly at 4:15 pm at the main entrance near the Jesus Statue.
STUDENT COUNCIL NEXT MEETING JANUARY 17
Student Council officers and homeroom representatives will meet from 3:10-3:45 pm in room 203 on January 17. PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE OF TIME FOR MEETINGS BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY: February 21, March 20, April 17, and May 15 meetings will be held from 3:15 to 4:15 pm in room 203. Please pick up promptly at the main doors by the parking lot.
HARRY POTTER CLUB NEXT MEETING JANUARY 18
Harry Potter Club registration is now closed. Meetings will be held January 18, February 22, March 21, April 25, and May 16 from 3:15-4:15 pm in the school faculty lounge with pick up at the main entrance.
MOCK TRIAL NEXT MEETING JANUARY 18
Mock Trial is now underway. Meetings will be held from 3:15 to 4:30 pm in Room 111 on the following dates: January 18 and 25, February 2, 8, 14, 22, and 29, March 8, 14 and 21, and April 12 and 18.
COOKING CLUB SESSION 2 FIRST MEETING JANUARY 22
Cooking Club registration is now full. Cooking Club Session 2 will meet January 22, February 5 and 26, and March 11. Session 3 will meet March 25, April 15 and 29, and May 13. All meetings will be from 3:15 to 4:00 pm, with pick-up at 4:00 pm at the main entrance by the Jesus Statue.
FRENCH CLUB NEXT MEETING FEBRUARY 7
French Club registration is now closed. Meetings will be held from 3:15 to 4:15 pm on the following dates: February 7, March 13, and April 17. French Club will meet in the French classroom. Students should be picked up promptly at 4:15 pm at the main entrance near the Jesus Statue.
ART CLUB NEXT MEETING FEBRUARY 8
Art Club is underway. Meetings will be held in the Art Room from 3:15 to 4:30 pm on the following dates: February 8, March 14, April 11, and May 9. Pick up will be at the Latchkey door. Questions? Please email Mrs. Pelfrey at rpelfrey@st-hilary.org.
OPEN GYM FOR 7TH & 8TH GRADE CYO BASKETBALL PLAYERS ON WEDNESDAYS
On Wednesdays, students in 7th and 8th grade who are registered for CYO basketball are invited to attend open gyms in Horning Hall before school. Mrs. Palumbo will be supervising the open gym from 7:50 am to 8:20 am. Open gyms will run through the end of the CYO basketball season.
SCOUTING INFORMATION
KINDERGARTEN DAISIES UNDERWAY
Please contact Denise Gebe at 330-730-3229 for more information about Kindergarten Daisies. You can also register online. Go to gsneo.org/join and click join Girl Scouts. Follow the prompts to join Troop 90792.
CALLING ALL FUTURE DAISIES, BROWNIES AND GIRL SCOUTS!
If you have a daughter in grades K-1 who is interested in joining a St Hilary Girl Scout troop, we would love to hear from you! Please send an email expressing interest to Tara Buzzelli at tbuzz012@gmail.com. Please also indicate if you are interested in becoming a leader or co-leader. We will provide you with all the information and guidance you will need to lead your troop.
If you have a daughter in Second grade or above who is interested in joining Girl Scouts, please email Tara Buzzelli and we will match you with a current troop at St. Hilary.
Girl Scouts is a great way for girls to have adventures, give back to their community, make friends, and most importantly have fun!!!
CAMP INVENTION RETURNS TO ST. HILARY IN SUMMER 2024!
Are you ready for a high-energy STEM camp full of confidence-boosting adventures? For the first time in several years at St. Hilary Elementary School, we can’t wait to bring you Camp Invention, a weeklong summer adventure like no other! Campers in grades K-6 will collaborate with friends June 10-14, 2024, in exciting, hands-on activities and challenges that inspire curiosity and stretch imaginations. Explore more about the Camp Invention experience here!
Spots are limited, so we encourage you to take advantage of the biggest savings of the year now and gear up for an unforgettable camp filled with hands-on, confidence-building challenges.
Register here! We can’t wait to share an awesome summer with you and your creative camper.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Gupta
Library and Media Specialist
REMINDERS
MARCH HOT LUNCH ORDERING BEGINS FEBRUARY 1
Hot Lunch ordering for March begins February 1. PLEASE SEE SPECIAL NOTE BELOW BEFORE ORDERING! All orders must be placed and paid for online by the deadline. All lunch orders are placed on Digital Academy. Simply login, locate the Cafeteria Calendar on the right, and click the Order button to begin. Click here for more information about our Hot Lunch program. Please contact Hot Lunch Coordinator Becky Vieltorf at bvieltorf@st-hilary.org with questions.
SPECIAL NOTE: THE FOLLOWING GRADE LEVELS WILL BE AWAY FROM SCHOOL AND SHOULD NOT ORDER LUNCHES ON THE FOLLOWING DATES:
No March Field Trips Planned At This Time
POLICY ON SPORTS PRACTICES WHEN SCHOOL IS CLOSED
- When school is closed for a scheduled closure or break, regularly scheduled sports practices may take place.
- When school is closed due to inclement weather or another unforeseen reason, regularly scheduled sports practices are also canceled. Optional open gym may be held later in the day if weather conditions improve, and coaches will communicate as necessary.
PLANNING AHEAD FOR SPRING BREAK / MARCH & APRIL
As you think ahead to spring break and make family and travel plans, we want to remind you that there will be no school on March 28 due to meeting our We Give Catholic goal, and no school on April 8 due to the total eclipse that day. Due to being in the "path of totality" and the anticipated flurry of activity associated with the eclipse, most schools in our area, including schools that provide our buses, will be closed that day.
Because March 28 and April 8 bookend our scheduled spring break, we are communicating now so that you can plan accordingly.
Finally, families with current kindergarteners, please also remember that there will be no school for kindergarteners on Thursday, April 11 and Friday, April 12 due to Kindergarten Screening for our incoming prospective 2024-2025 kindergarteners.
Please put these dates in your calendar now and watch for updates on November 28 about our #WeGiveCatholic Campaign and the potential day off on March 28!
SCHEDULING UPDATES - PLEASE READ!
Please note the following changes to our School Year Calendar and Liturgy Schedule:
- Grade 8 Graduation Lunch and Celebration has changed from May 31 to May 29
- Grade 8 will be dismissed following high school awards and slideshow on May 31 at approximately 12:30 pm
SISTER CAROL JOY WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Sister Carol Joy has moved! She has retired to the Sisters of the Humility of Mary Motherhouse in Pennsylvania. She has asked us to share her new address and contact information if you would like to send cards or call her:
Sister Carol Joy Cincerelli
Sisters of the Humility of Mary
318 Villa Drive
Villa Maria, PA 16155
Email: ccincerelli@humilityofmary.org
Phone: (724) 964-8861 ext. 3037
CALLING ALL ALUMNI!
Are you a St. Hilary School alum? We want to hear from you! Please help us grow our alumni database by clicking here to complete a short form. Thank you!
2023-2024 YEARBOOK ORDERING UNDERWAY
Ordering is underway for our 2023-2024 school yearbook! This beautiful full-color book is available in a soft cover format for $30 or a hard cover format for $35. All ordering must be done directly through Lifetouch at ybpay.lifetouch.com. The order code is 3685724. The deadline to order is June 6, 2024. Please keep a record of your order - the school has no access to or record of orders.
ARCHIVES
IMPORTANT UPDATE ABOUT DISMISSAL
Parents, please make sure your child knows how he or she will be dismissed to go home before he or she leaves for school each morning. In the rare event that plans would change during the day, please call the school office at 330-876-8720 as soon as possible. Please do not call with changes after 2:30 pm unless it is an emergency.
PRINTABLE DIRECTORY AVAILABLE IN DIGITAL ACADEMY
The printable directory feature is now available in Digital Academy. To access this feature, login to Digital Academy, find and click the "Directory" button, and the print button will be in the upper right corner of the Directory screen. The directory will take a moment to download and you will be able to view or print from there.
Arrival, Dismissal, Latchkey, and Busing
PLEASE SHARE ALL OF THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION WITH CAREGIVERS!
Please note: We are a cell phone-free campus during drop-off and pick-up. For the safety of the children, please refrain from using your phone during this time.
ARRIVAL
- Students not attending morning Latchkey should arrive no earlier than 8:00 a.m. Families using Latchkey pay for this service. Supervision for all other students is not available until 8:00 am.
- Our tardy bell rings and homeroom period begins at 8:25 a.m. Students arriving after 8:25 am will be marked tardy.
- Students will report directly to classrooms upon arrival.
- Please help your child prepare for the school day in a stress-free manner by ensuring that he or she arrives at school by 8:25 a.m. each day.
Traffic Safety Logistics for Morning Arrival:
On Both Sides:
- When pulling forward, please make sure you are looking forward and that the path in front of and around your vehicle is clear before moving the vehicle.
- Please pull up to the sign at the end of the drop-off area. This allows more cars to stop between the two signs. Three to four cars can fit in the drop-off zone. All cars that fit within the zone between the signs may unload at the same time to help keep the lines moving.
- Please make sure students are ready to exit the car when they arrive. Seatbelts need to be unfastened, backpacks need to be loaded and zipped, masks and winter gear need to be ready, and last minute discussions about the day need to be handled before the point where students need to exit so as not to hold up the line.
- Please do not put your car in park and get out of the car in the drop off lines. If your child needs assistance getting out of a car seat or unbuckling, please park in the lot, help your child get out, and walk him or her to the building.
- Please be sure your child is completely clear of your car before pulling away. Water bottles are often dropped and may roll under cars. Please instruct your child not to reach under the car or run back to the car for a forgotten item. Adults on duty will assist.
- Please remember that students should never get out of the driver's side of the car and cross in front of the car during morning drop-off. There have been tragic accidents resulting from this practice and we want to make sure all of our children are safe. If your child is unable to get out of the passenger side in the car line, please park and walk him or her to the building.
On The Moorfield Road Side:
- Please do not pull around stopped cars when they are dropping off students. Occasionally, a driver may need to exit from the non-curb side, and passing creates a dangerous situation.
On The Parking Lot Side:
- Please do not pull up to areas other than the designated car line to drop off. If you do not want to wait in the line, you may park in the lot and walk your child to the building.
- Please do not pull beyond the sign at the end of the drop-off area or stop on the cross walk to drop off. Please keep the crosswalk clear for pedestrians.
DISMISSAL
- We will follow a staggered dismissal schedule:
- 2:55 pm - Kindergarten students and their siblings
- 3:00 pm - Non-Kindergarten Last names N-Z
- 3:05 pm - Non-Kindergarten Last names A-M
- Students will not be released until their designated time, so it is important that you make every effort to arrive as close to that time as possible, rather than lining up far in advance. We also ask for your cooperation in picking up your child on time, or calling the office in advance if you will be a few minutes late.
- If you prefer not to go through the car line, you may park in the far back parking lot and stand in the red “box” painted on the parking lot where you can safely reunite with your child.
- All kindergarteners and siblings will be walked to the red "box" by school staff rather than being picked up at the car line.
- Students should go directly to their car or bus – no loitering.
LATCHKEY
- Morning Latchkey will be available beginning at 6:50 a.m. Students being dropped off for morning Latchkey will be dropped off at the Art Room Door.
- Afternoon Latchkey will be available until 6:00 p.m. Students being picked up from evening Latchkey will be picked up at the Art Room Door.
LATCHKEY REGISTRATION IN DIGITAL ACADEMY
St. Hilary School offers a Latchkey program that includes before- and after-school care. Complete information about the Latchkey program can be found here. STUDENTS MUST BE REGISTERED IN ADVANCE TO PARTICPATE IN THE LATCHKEY PROGRAM.
Registration for the Latchkey before- and after-school care program is now open in Digital Academy. HOWEVER, YOU MUST COMPLETE BACK-TO-SCHOOL FORMS PRIOR TO COMPLETING LATCHKEY REGISTRATION.
- YOU MUST LOG IN WITH YOUR DIGITAL ACADEMY ACCOUNT. Contact Mrs. Smith at msmith@st-hilary.org if you do not know your username or password.
- If you have already completed your Back-to-School forms in Digital Academy, please click here to register your child(ren) for Latchkey.
- Please contact Latchkey Director Mrs. Marissa Melton at mmelton@st-hilary.org with questions.
BUSING
Four districts provide bus transportation for our students who reside in those districts: Copley-Fairlawn, Highland, Revere, and Woodridge. We anticipate that these districts will provide transportation for St. Hilary School students barring driver shortages. In that case, there is the potential that bus transportation for St. Hilary School students who ride the affected district’s bus may be lost. We encourage all families to have an alternate transportation plan in place. For more information, you may contact the transportation departments listed below:
Copley-Fairlawn: 330-664-4820
Highland: 330-239-1901, ext. 1235
Revere: 330-523-3118 or 3119
Woodridge: 330-928-6312
Please also visit our Bus Transportation page on the school website.
Illness / Absence and Medication
REPORTING AN ABSENCE, TARDY OR EARLY PICK-UP
If your child will be absent, tardy or picked up early for any reason, please contact the school office. We have two options:
- Call our school attendance line at 330-867-8720, ext. 350 and leave a message 24/7, or
- Email attendance@st-hilary.org. Although not necessary, you may also notify your child's teacher and Latchkey as a courtesy. Please do not email other school staff regarding absences, as our dedicated attendance email inbox is checked each morning, but other emails may not be immediately received.
- Whether calling or emailing, please state your child's name, grade, and the reason for the absence, tardy or early pick-up, including specific symptoms if due to an illness. Absences must be reported to the school office by 9:00 am on the day of the absence. We are required by law to follow up with families who do not do so.
- If a student needs to be picked up for an appointment or is ill and being picked up to go home, please pull up to the Moorfield Road door, call the school office at 330-867-8720, and your child will be signed out with your permission and released to your car under staff supervision.
- Students who are ill may not return to school until they are symptom free for a full 24 hours without fever reducing medication. There is no perfect attendance award or other incentive to come to school when ill.
- Please contact teachers directly regarding requests for homework; however, please understand that requests may not be able to be filled until the next day if the teacher does not see your request until late in the day. Thank you for understanding that our teachers' first priority during the day is teaching.
COVID-19 POLICIES
Click here for the latest COVID-19 information and related school policies.
MEDICATION AT SCHOOL
If your child will need medication, an Epi-pen, etc. stored or administered in the clinic this school year, please be sure to complete the necessary forms in Digital Academy (see Back-to-School Forms above and follow complete instructions) BEFORE the start of the school year (i.e., schedule physician visits now). It is important that the clinic has these forms from the first day of school in order to legally store and administer medication. Please do not wait until school starts to complete these forms and have them signed by a physician. NEW FORMS FOR MEDICATION, WHETHER PRESCRIPTION OR OVER-THE-COUNTER, ARE REQUIRED EVERY SCHOOL YEAR... SO EVEN IF YOU FILLED OUT FORMS FOR LAST SCHOOL YEAR, WE MUST HAVE NEW FORMS FOR THIS SCHOOL YEAR.Other Information
DRESS CODE
As a reminder, the dress code guidelines for all clothing, shoes and accessories are contained in the family handbook*, and can be found here. These dress code guidelines will be enforced, and your cooperation in following them is appreciated. Should you have questions about school uniform items or shoes being in compliance with our dress code, please contact Mrs. Alexander, Assistant Principal, at dalexander@st-hilary.org.
For new uniform items, please contact Michelle Wolski at michelle@made2wearohio.com. We also have gently worn uniform items available for free through our Recycled Uniforms program. To request any plaid items (jumpers, skirts, skorts), polo shirts, blouses, and/or sweaters contact Jen Warmus at 216-308-0630 or jenwarmus@gmail.com. To request pants, shorts (navy and khaki), sweatshirts, gym uniforms (shirts and black shorts) contact Ronda Powers, 330-590-0128 or rondapowers916@gmail.com.
CURRICULUM GUIDES
The Diocese of Cleveland Curriculum Guides are available here.
SCHOOL HANDBOOK
The complete family handbook for 2023-2024 is available here on the school website.
We would like to call your attention to the following items:
We will follow a 24-hour-symptom-free policy for students returning to school following an illness. This means that a full 24 hours must elapse from the last symptom, not 24 hours from when the symptoms began, before a student may return to school. Please refer to page 10 of the handbook.
Our tardy bell will ring at 8:25 am. There will be only one bell in the morning, signaling the start of the homeroom period. Students arriving after 8:25 am will be marked tardy. Please refer to page 15 of the handbook.
Please do not drop students off before 8:00 am unless you are using our fee-based before-school care program. Otherwise, supervision is not available for your child until 8:00 am. We cannot allow students to wait unsupervised in any area. Students should report directly to their homeroom classrooms upon arrival (beginning at 8:00 am). Please refer to page 15 of the handbook.
Our absence policy has been updated to provide greater detail about how absences will be addressed. Please note that parents of students absent 20 or more days (116 hours / 6,960 minutes) per semester will be required to have a conference with administration. Please refer to page 9 of the handbook.
Families using the playground outside of school hours are expected to follow the same rules in effect during the school day. Children must be actively supervised by an adult who is present on the playground - not waiting in a car - at all times. We ask that you be respectful of our equipment and the rules we follow at school during the day. Running up the slide is not permitted, and older students are not permitted on the bridge. Your cooperation in following these rules will help us to maintain consistency in playground expectations. Please refer to page 14 of the handbook.
School rules also apply to the Latchkey program, as this program is an extension of the school day. Please refer to page 13 of the handbook.
Our dismissal schedule for car riders will be as follows:
2:55 pm - Kindergarteners and siblings
3:00 pm - Last names beginning with N-Z
3:05 pm - Last names beginning with A-M
- Please refer to page 16 of the handbook.
Dress code items:
All skirts and shorts, including those worn for PE class and dress-down days, must fit properly both in length and snugness to the body. As girls grow, the expectation is that new skirts will be purchased (or borrowed from the Recycled Uniforms program) so that they remain of an appropriate fit all the way through graduation from 8th grade. Shorts worn under skirts should not be seen.
Tank tops and “muscle shirts” may be worn on dress down days only when worn with an appropriate covering garment, such as a sweater, jacket, or over shirt. This applies to both girls and boys.
Makeup is not permitted, with the exception of CLEAR mascara, CLEAR lip gloss, and very light foundation / concealer, and these are permitted only for girls in grades 6-8.
Dangling and hoop earrings are not permitted.
Hairstyles are to be of the proper length and description as indicated in the dress code. We understand currently popular styles may not match this; however, students have time to express themselves through their hairstyles during the summer and later in life. All students are expected to have their hair in a compliant style and length when they arrive on the first morning of school. Please plan accordingly now for any necessary appointments.
Summer highlights in hair must be returned to the student’s natural color by the first morning of school. Please plan accordingly now for any necessary appointments.
Finally, shoes must be primarily brown, tan, black, navy, grey or true red. Shoes must be closed toe and closed heel dress style shoes. If dress shoes have a different color sole, the shoe must be leather not canvas. If your child wears tennis shoes, they must be all black or all white. The style of tennis shoe must be low cut and no high tops are permitted.
Please refer to pages 27-34 of the handbook.
Our Code of Conduct has been revised to clarify that student conduct infractions and consequences apply whether the behavior occurs at school or away from school, as our students represent our school wherever they are. This has always been the case, but we have refined the code to include more specific information. Please refer to pages 18-24 of the handbook and familiarize yourself with this important information that will be enforced.
Finally, every parent is expected to abide by our Parents as Partners Code of Conduct and the consequences stated therein. This code has been established to foster the partnership between parents and the school, as well as among parents themselves, and is grounded in respectful actions and interactions that align with our school mission. Please note that behavior that undermines our mission will not be tolerated and violations of this code may cause a family to be removed from the school. Please refer to page 24 of the handbook and read the code attached and linked above in its entirety.
SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
Mass emails containing school news will be sent on Monday mornings when school is in session. Information to be included in these emails must be emailed to dsinopoli@st-hilary.org by 3:00 p.m. on Friday for the following Monday. The first regular mass email update will be sent August 28. Information to be included in this email must be submitted by 3:00 p.m. on August 25.
DAILY SCHEDULE AND STUDENT SCHEDULES
Our daily schedule, including grade level lunch and recess periods, can be found here.
DROPPING OFF AND PICKING UP ITEMS AND LUNCHES
The drop-off and pick-up bins are located on the Moorfield Road side of the building to allow 24/7 access for drop-off and pick-up. If a forgotten item needs to be dropped off to a student in a time-sensitive manner, please call the school office at 330-867-8720 or ring the bell at the Moorfield entrance door, let the secretaries know what you are dropping off and for whom, and leave the item – clearly labeled with the student’s name and room number or teacher – in the drop-off bin. A staff member will retrieve the item and get it to the student. Items you may need to pick up can be left for you in the pick-up bin. If you need to drop off a lunch for a student, please ring the bell at the parking lot entrance door, and the secretaries will buzz you in to drop off the lunch in the lunchroom.
About Us
The Admission Policy of St. Hilary School is in accordance with the student acceptance regulations of the Diocese of Cleveland. St. Hilary School admits qualified students of any gender, race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship, tuition assistance programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
Email: dsinopoli@st-hilary.org
Website: www.st-hilaryschool.org
Location: 645 Moorfield Road, Fairlawn, OH, USA
Phone: 330-867-8720
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StHilarySchoolFairlawnOhio/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sainthilary_school/?utm_source=qr