Blue Jay Flyer
March 24, 2021
From the Principal's Desk...
Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The weather is improving quickly, and it feels like spring is here. I’m sure that everyone is looking forward to a well-deserved Easter Break. This time of year and our faith in the promise of Easter give us hope in our ability to rise to new life from the pandemic in which we have been living.
When we return after our break, we will have seven weeks remaining. These weeks will be fully in person five days per week. It is our intention to have these weeks be as normal as possible while still maintaining our health and safety protocols. Please see the additional information in this newsletter regarding the adjustments to our quarantine protocol.
It has been very beneficial to have all of our faculty and staff back in school every day. I am very thankful for our opportunities to be fully vaccinated. As we look forward to next year, we fully anticipate a much more normal year. We are also working on the plans for end of the year events such as our 8th grade graduation.
This Sunday is Palm Sunday. It is the day on which the Church remembers the sacrifice that Jesus made for all of us so that we might have new life. We have been through a long period of suffering and many people in America and throughout the world have died. As Catholic Christians, we believe in the resurrection, and we believe in the power of life.
In the second reading for this Sunday (Phil. 2:6-11), St. Paul reminds us of Jesus’ sacrifice and the importance of it. “Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” As we prepare for Easter, may we, too, echo these words of praise.
Peace,
Dan Minelli
Calendar of Events
School News
COVID Quarantine Policy Update
We are pleased to share that at this point we have no staff or students quarantined in the school.
We have continuously evaluated our quarantine policy for the school throughout the year and have followed the CDC best practice guidelines. Since the teachers and staff have been fully vaccinated, the numbers have been down in the school and in the community, and the guidance has changed we have made the decision to update our quarantine policy that will be effective beginning April 12. We will continue to evaluate how these quarantine changes work for our school and make any needed changes.
The update is as follows:
For students that are identified as a “Close Contact” to a student that has tested positive for
COVID-19 in the classroom with masks worn correctly – (within 3 feet for 15 minutes or
greater) there will be no quarantine from school or extra-curricular activities required. Your
child will need to continue monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days following the
exposure. These students should follow normal protocols for quarantine while not at school.
This includes staying home and staying away from people who are at high risk for developing
severe illness from COVID-19 and wearing masks. The above guideline only applies to
exposures in the classroom settings.
For Students who are exposed to a positive case during lunch or at recess when masks are not worn they will be required to be quarantined for 10 days without testing (can return on the 11th day) or for 7 days (can return on the 8th day) following a negative PCR test that is performed no earlier than the 5th day after exposure. The negative PCR test result must be provided to the school. You will need to continue to monitor your child for any COVID-19 symptoms for the remaining time until 14 days is reached.
For students that are exposed to COVID-19 somewhere other than the classroom ( i.e. at home, or at sports) they will continue to need to quarantine from school. The quarantine from school will be as follows: Students will quarantine for 10 days without testing (can return on the 11th day) or after 7 days (can return on the 8th day) following a negative PCR test that is performed no earlier than the 5th day after exposure. The negative PCR test result must be provided to the school. You will need to continue to monitor your child for any COVID-19 symptoms for the remaining time.
Soles for Souls Shoe Drive
See flyer below for more details.
Yearbook Cover Contest
The winning design will be used for the cover of our 2020-21 yearbook. Our winner will receive a free yearbook and their name/Class of 2021 will appear on the back cover as the artist.
Please see attachment below for requirements.
Professional Development
Order A Yearbook
Don't miss out on all the memories! New this year, all orders will need to be placed online.
Cost $18
Visit ybpay.lifetouch.com
Yearbook ID Code: 12651121
Performing Arts
Amy Eyers, our Performing Arts Leader, is looking for an assistant (or two) to help with rehearsals each week, coordinate volunteers, and help send emails.
If interested in becoming a volunteer assistant, please contact Amy Eyers at amyeyers21@gmail.com.
Opt In for Text Messages
If you would like to receive important reminders and other information from St. John's via text message (in addition to
e-mail), simply text the word Alert to 22300.
Mercy McAuley Theatre
Mercy McAuley’s Spring Musical, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, is THIS WEEKEND!
Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the gang THIS WEEKEND at Mercy McAuley for the musical You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown! Shows are this Friday and Saturday (March 26 & 27) at 7:30 p.m., and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 28. Limited seating is available, and there is also a livestream option for the Saturday show. Tickets and streaming passes must be purchased in advance at mercymcauley.booktix.com.
Resource Development
Shopping Cents
Shopping Cent$ orders will be filled this Thursday, 3/25. Please send in your orders to support the school!
Gift cards make great Easter basket fillers - Starbucks, Target, Panera,
Bath & Body Works, iTunes and many more! We also have Honeybaked Ham
cards in stock for your Easter dinner celebrations.
This program will only be successful with your support! It's a fundraiser that doesn't cost you anything more than what you would normally spend at stores and restaurants.
We also need volunteers to help sell cards before and after weekend masses (4:30 and 11:00). It takes less than one hour a month and is an easy way to help the school. Less than half of our current volunteers have kids at our school - the rest are parishioners who have been helping for years, some ready to step down. Please consider getting involved and helping out!
Contact Amy Roetting at amyroetting@hotmail.com for more information.
Derby Day Themed Party
St. John's Derby Day Themed Party
(with "a touch of fashion")
pick-a-purse raffle, basket raffles, silent auction, games & more
Date: Saturday, May 1, 2021
Time: 7:00-11:00 pm
St. John's Parish Center
$40 per ticket or purchase a table for 8 at $300 and save!
(Due to the pandemic, the event
will be limited to a maximum of 150 guests)
To purchase tickets click here
New this year...all silent auction bidding and raffle ticket purchases will be online so that those unable to attend in person can still participate.
***Please see attached flyer for additional details.
Blue Jay Snapshot
Oral Hygiene
Hank
Jousting
Jelly Bean Madness
Jelly Bean Madness in Ms. Witzgall's second grade class! Predictions were made, many jelly beans were tasted, and Blue Jolly was the winner. As you can see from their faces, the Pink Sour jelly bean was not a favorite.
Perspective
Crocheted Necklaces
Jesus Parade
Pajama Day
Weather Observations
High School Admissions Events
Mercy McAuley JumpStart Night
Mercy McAuley High School will hold a Jumpstart Night for
5th-7th grade parents and girls on Thursday, April 15, from
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. The event is for 5th-7th grade parents and students who are interested in getting a jumpstart in exploring
all that Mercy McAuley has to offer.
Parents will tour the school and learn about Mercy McAuley’s academics, counseling and student services, Women Lead Honors Program, faith and service, arts, athletics and clubs, and tuition, financial aid and scholarships.
5th-7th graders will participate in science, art, theater and service activities with Mercy McAuley teachers and students. There will also be games, giveaways and photo opportunities.
Masks are required, and social distancing measures will be in place. For safety reasons related to COVID-19, space is limited. Registration is required at www.mercymcauley.org/jumpstart.
Ursuline Academy
Saint Ursula Academy is excited to welcome grade school girls back on to our campus as we reimagine our events with current COVID protocols! Please visit our website at www.saintursula.org/visit.aspx to learn more about upcoming events or register to attend.
Grade school girls are invited to attend the following events:
7th Grade Sneak Peek - April 17 - 7th grade girls and their parents are invited to schedule a time to tour the Academy with an SUA Ambassador. A "Hot-Dawg Grill-Out" will be offered after your tour with an opportunity to learn more about Saint Ursula Academy. Register at https://saintursulaevents.com/hot-dawg-grill-out/
Girls Night - May 7 - We have planned several fun activities to help you get acquainted with Saint Ursula Academy. Play games, win prizes, meet girls from around the city and MORE! This FREE event is open to current 6th and 7th grade girls. Dinner will be provided. Parents are invited to a Q&A session from 5:15-6:00pm with optional tours from 6:00-6:30pm. It's going to be a PAWesome night! Register at https://saintursulaevents.com/girls-night/
Ursuline Spring Open House
FOR 6TH AND 7TH GRADE PROSPECTIVE FAMILIES
Sunday, May 16, 2021
1:00 - 4:00 pm (registration required)
Ursuline’s Open House offers prospective students and their families an opportunity to see the school on a student-led tour, meet Ursuline faculty and staff, and explore all that Ursuline has to offer. Due to COVID-19 and the need to maintain physical distance, our spring Open House is limited to 6th and 7th grade families this year and all families must register for an arrival time. Up to eight families may register for each ten-minute arrival time slot. We ask that each party is limited to a maximum of three family members.
Register here: https://www.ursulineacademy.org/admissions/open-house
*See attached flyer for more details.
Athletic Boosters
Spring Athletic Spirit Wear
All orders must be received by end of day March 28th.
Orders will be delivered to the teams on or about April 15th.
All sales are final. No returns or exchanges.
http://stjohnschool.undergroundsportsshop.com/
***REMINDER... these items can only be worn to school on "Spirit Wear Days." For sweatshirts and jackets than can be worn as part of the school uniform, please visit stjohnsdrschool.org and send order forms to the school office.
Football Sign Ups Open
Check out the new St James Football website at www.stjpantherfootball.com. To register and/or sign up please visit www.stjamespanthers.org.
For any questions, please e-mail Brant Smith at bsmith@waltekltd.com or Tony Fassbender at afasbender@icloud.com
Parish News
FINAL WEEK for Drive-Thru Fish Fry
All monies raised will be allocated to the "Help-a-Student" fund for St. John's School.
DRIVE-THRU - CASH ONLY
March 26
4:30-7:30 pm
A menu and order form are attached below for your convenience. Please click here Fish Fry for more information or visit the St. John's Parish website at stjohnsdr.org.
Vacation Bible School
VBS is back for a fun bible adventure for
children ages 4 through 4th grade!
July 26-30
Adult volunteers are needed to make this adventure happen. If you are interested, please contact Cathy Hale at cathyknueven@hotmail.com
Summer Opportunities
Mercy McAuley Summer Camps
Registration for Mercy McAuley’s Summer Sports and Enrichment Camps is now open! Join our Pack for some summer fun! Camp offerings include Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball, Lacrosse, Babysitting, Musical Theater (Disney’s Moana, Jr.), Service, STEM, and HSPT Prep (Coming Soon). Space is limited and registration is required at www.mercymcauley.org/camps.
St. Ursula Summer Camps Grades 3-8
Ursuline Summer Camps For Grades 1-9
With summer comes the opportunity to unwind, have fun, and explore new things. Ursuline will be offering a variety of summer camps this year that will allow your younger daughters to do just that – have fun while learning something new! Ursuline Academy will be following the CDC guidelines and the Ohio Department of Health guidelines for COVID–19 safety best practices.
We are excited to offer a wide range of camps this year for girls entering grades 1 – 9, whatever her interests may be. Please see attached flyer for details.
Junior Rowing Club Summer Camps
Want to try an Olympic sport and make new friends on the water? We are pleased to present the 2021 CJRC (Cincinnati Junior Rowing Club) Summer Camps, open to boys and girls (ages 12-15) in the Cincinnati Tri-State area. Each of the six one-week sessions run from Monday to Saturday, offering expert teaching of the rowing stroke, icebreakers, camp bonding, handling and caring for excellent equipment, and fun activities on the water. Each session culminates with a race day on Saturday. Parents are invited to watch the campers participate in the friendly competition on Saturday! Afterwards, our summer coaching staff will hold an information session regarding further opportunities to pursue and explore rowing for those who are interested. For more information, please visit cjrc.us/summer/.