VCSA Weekly Update
December 1, 2016
Advent
Pope Francis reminds us that, "Just as in each of our lives we always need to begin again, to get up again, to rediscover the meaning of the goal of our lives, so also for the great human family it is necessary to rediscover the common horizon toward which we are journeying. Advent is the horizon of hope! This season of Advent restores this horizon of hope, a hope which does not disappoint for it is founded on God’s Word. A hope which does not disappoint, simply because the Lord never disappoints! He is faithful! He does not disappoint! Let us think about and feel this beauty.”...What is your hope for this Advent season??
A Classroom Advent Wreath
The School's Advent Wreath
Advent Prayer
$1,200 Financial Aid Available! Deadline is Friday, December 9!
If you feel you will need financial assistance for the 2017-2018 school year, the application process for tuition assistance from the Fulcrum Foundation is now available. The Fulcrum Foundation is a subsidiary of the Archdiocese of Seattle and helps families with tuition assistance. It's the mission of the Fulcrum Foundation to make Catholic schools accessible for families in need of financial assistance. Grants are distributed annually to students in grades K-8 and awarded on the basis of financial need (Please note Fulcrum does not provide financial assistance for PreK). Here are some of the guidelines to apply for financial assistance through Fulcrum.
- Applications must be completed by December 9, 2016, to be considered for a Fulcrum grant or any assistance from VCSA.
- The grant amount for the 2017-2018 academic year is $1,200 per student in elementary school.
The online application has been updated and can be accessed by using the direct link, https://fulcrumfoundation.org/grants-and-programs/tuition-assistance
You will need to create an account with FACTS which is the organization that manages the Fulcrum grants, then proceed with the directions from FACTS.
Each family must pay a $24 fee to FACTS to apply for Fulcrum tuition assistance. The $24 fee covers all applications for 1 year, and will be fully reimbursed so long as your student(s), regardless of whether they are awarded a Fulcrum grant or not, enrolls in a Catholic school for the 2017-2018 school year.
Families will be asked to provide IRS tax documents and W-2’s directly to FACTS. They can be uploaded via computer, faxed or mailed in. Special instructions are included in the application for those who do not have the requested documentation. It takes FACTS about 14 business day to process applications once paperwork is received, so the sooner it’s submitted, the better.
You will only need to fill out one FACTS application for your students. The FACTS application allows you to apply for all students at once no matter what school or what level (elementary or high school).
For questions about the Fulcrum Foundation or the Hossfeld Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), you may contact Susan Ocoma, Fulcrum’s Programs Manager, at 206-748-7988 or susan.ocoma@fulcrumfoundation.org.
You will receive a letter from Fulcrum with information on the outcome of your grant application in February 2017.
There are two opportunities for tuition assistance, the first is Fulcrum, the second is help from Visitation Catholic STEM Academy, however, you must apply for Fulcrum assistance to be eligible for help from Visitation Catholic STEM Academy.
If you need access to a computer or help with your application please contact Stephanie or Mrs. Margie to make an appointment to help.
Thank you,
Stephanie Margetts
Annual Fund - Matching Funds!
Tuesday was a nation wide day of giving called, "Giving Tuesday." We are asking you to donate to our school's Annual Fund. From now until Christmas all money received will be matched by a generous donor! Your gift will help enhance the quality of education at Visitation.
Please support Visitation Catholic STEM Academy by making a tax deductible donation to our school!
Thank you in advance for your generosity.
FRIDAY SCRIP
Stock up for the weekend!
Scrip Order Form Pg 1
Scrip Order Form Pg 2
Turkey Feathers Update
1st Place: 3/4 Grade with 2194 items
2nd Place: 1/2 Grade with 936 items
3rd Place: Kindergarten with 615 items
4th Place: PreK with 400 items
5th Place: 5/6 with 354 items
6th Place: 7/8 with 127 items
Mrs. Loftus won the right to wear the coveted Turkey Feather Hat for the day!
Announcing the Results
Celebration
Turkey Feather Winner
Parking
Inclement Weather Procedure
If we have late start (10:00 AM Start) please be aware that there is NO Morning Extended Care. Lunch will be served but it may not be what was stated on the monthly menu. All parents are to remain with your student(s) until school doors are unlocked. (This signals enough teachers present to supervise children adequately.)
As always, if you do not feel comfortable driving, please keep yourselves home and safe!
Future Events
- January 16, 2017 - No School (MLK Day)
- January 17-27, 2017 - MAP Testing for grades 2-8
- National Catholic School's Week Mass & Open House - Sunday, January 29
- National Catholic School's Week - Sunday, January 29 - Friday, February 3 - lots more details will be sent home soon