A Message From the Princpal Tuesday, May 13th 2008 Tuesday Memo MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL Dear Parents and Guardians,             Congratulations to our second graders and all other students who received the Holy Eucharist for the first time this Sunday. The First Holy Communion Masses were beautiful and it was evident that the children were filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit. This is such a special time in the lives of our little ones as they take one more step on their spiritual journey. We offer our sincere thanks and gratitude to Fr. John Maxwell, Mrs. Pam Vincent, Mrs. Gloria Maltagliati, and Mrs. Erika Chaine for all their work in preparing our children for their First Holy Communion. The sharing of their faith with the children and their families made this important milestone in the lives of our children all the more special. We extend our prayers and best wishes to our First Communicants and their families and may they continue to let God’s light shine through them.             On a business note, the end of the year is fast approaching and there is much to do before we close the year. In order to facilitate the registration process for next year, I am asking all of you to please make sure your tuition, PTG fees, and PPP obligations are met before the end of May. Registration fees for next year and all forms in the registration packet are due by June 11, 2008. Registration cannot take place until registration fees are paid in full and all outstanding tuition balances, PTG fees and PPP obligations for the current school year are met. If you have any problems or concerns please feel free to call me at 234-2244. If we do not receive your registration fess by June 11th, and you have not arranged for an extension, your child will be removed from the classroom roster and his/her place will be given to a student on the waiting list. We have a waiting list for some grades and parents of these children are very anxious to be enrolled at St. John School. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated. God bless you for all your support in the 2077-2008 school year.                                                                                                                                                Sincerely,                                                             Terry Barber, Principal           Staffing Changes We regret to announce that Mr. Howard Foy has given notice that he will not be returning as the fifth grade teacher next year. He is planning to move back to Seattle to teach and to spend more time with his family. We thank him for all he has done for the fifth graders this year. We are currently taking applications for his replacement.   OFFICE END OF YEAR NEWS Please remember that registration fees for next year are due. We cannot guarantee a place for your child until registration fees are paid. If you cannot make this deadline, please call the office and let me know. There is a waiting list for some classes and people are anxious to know if there is a space for their child next year. Please let us know immediately if your children will not be returning next year. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.                                                             EIGTH GRADE REMINDER Please make sure all bills have been paid up by May 30th including PPP hours. Final transcripts will not be sent to the high schools if money is owed. This could create problems for your student so please complete any financial commitments. Thank you. STILL NEED PPP HOURS? Are you scrambling because it is the end of the year and you have not completed all of your hours??  The eighth grade dinner dance committee is still in need for volunteers to help set-up, serve and clean-up for the special affair on June 4th.  Please contact Lupe Molinar at the school as soon as possible to volunteer your time. SCHOOL BOARD NEWS St. John's School Board Nominating Committee is currently accepting nominations for the Spring 2008 elections.  If you are interested in being nominated or would like to nominate someone to the Board, please review the criteria outlined in this week's envelope.  Complete the nomination form and return it to School Board Nominating Committee c/o School Office.  Nominations must be received by Tuesday, May 27, 2008.   BE AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF PTG Studies show that students are more successful in schools when parents are involved in their education. Parent involvement and support makes a great deal of difference in a child’s school performance. Children respond positively to school just knowing that their parents are an active part of their school. One avenue for parents to truly make a difference in the school community is to be a member of the PTG Board. The PTG Board has been very instrumental in generating funds for plant improvement and enrichment programs for our children.  All of these contributions and the many more behind the scene acts of volunteerism are a valued asset that makes our school so successful. Your continued support and involvement in the school can be seen in the successes of our children.             If you are interested in being an active member of PTG and becoming a part of its governing board, please plan on attending our next PTG meeting. Thank you for all your support in our school. Please seriously consider becoming a part of the PTG Board and continue the tradition of strong parental involvement at St. John School.                                                                                     ENROLLMENT APPLICATIONS Enrollment applications for new students are now in the office.  If you know of a family interested in sending their children to St. John’s, please have them call or come by the office for an application.  We are currently accepting applications and testing for kindergarten.  Please call the office to schedule testing for new students in other grades (510) 234-2244.   Spread the Word: St. John School is a wonderful place to learn! St. John's is a great place. You know it better than anyone else, so who better to help recruit new families to our school than our existing parents?   This spring, PTG will give 10 PPP hours for every new family you recommend to the school that enrolls! We especially need kindergartners.   So be sure to spread the word about St. John School to your friends, family, coworkers...anyone who's looking for a great place for their kids to learn!   For additional information contact Principal Terry Barber at 510.234.2244 or tbarber@csdo.org.   For additional information to share regarding the school, visit our website at www.stjohnec.org.   PPP NEWS  Families who have not completed at least 2/3 of their PPP contract hours will be billed this month.  If you have earned PPP hours that have not been recorded or acknowledged, please request the chairperson of the event to send me documentation of your earned hours.           To chairpersons of upcoming events in April, May and June, please send me a list of families who expect to earn hours helping in your respective events so that we can avoid billing these families.     SPRING PICTURES NEWS Recently Spring pictures were returned to the students. If you are interested in purchasing any pictures please send in a check with the envelope provided by Lifetouch, any pictures not wanted must be returned to the school as soon as possible. The last pick-up date is 5/28/08.    DAYCARE REMINDER Please remember that your form and check for Daycare hours in May/June should have been received by now.  We regret that as of May 21st we will be unable to accept any child in the program who has an outstanding balance or whose Extended Care fees are not prepaid.  There will be no exceptions to this policy.  Please contact Rita at (510) 234-1797 before May 21st if you have any questions.  Thank You.   YEARBOOK NEWS             St. John’s 2008 Yearbooks are still available for sale. If you would like to purchase one, orders will be accepted through May 22nd while quantities last. Order forms will also be available in the school office.     Books cost $25 each. Payment in full is required at the time your order is turned. Make checks payable to St. John’s PTG, please no cash payments. Send in your order to the school office, c/o Betty Agcaoili.   Feel The Power! We've got the solution for summertime boredom...Send your kids to Power Lab, where they'll discover Jesus' miraculous power!  This is the spot that is oozing with fun!  Each day kids will take part in fun Scripture-themed activities where they will see, hear, touch, and even taste!  Bible Point Crafts, team-building games, lively songs, and tasty treats are just a few of the Power Lab activities that help connect their faith to real life.  St. John's Children's Religious Education Program is having their 7th Annual Vacation Bible Camp for Pre-K to 6th grade.  Morning Program is 9-12:30 ($60) All Day Camp is 9-5 ($160) Ask about our Family and Early Bird Discounts!  Look for registration forms at your school office or at St. John's church exits and Rectory office.  Questions? Call Pam Vincent 510-233-6486.   8TH GRADERS VS. COACHES BASKETBALL GAME 3rd ANNUAL 8TH GRADERS VS THE COACHES GAME – MAY 30TH @ 6PM  IN THE SCHOOL GYM – ALL ARE INVITED TO COME AND SEE THE 8TH GRADERS AND THE COACHES PLAY A GAME OF VOLLEYBALL & BASKETBALL . ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CALL CATHERINE ZARAGOZA 510-2224925 OR LELTON GIBSON 510-6527577