“…let those who boast, boast in this, that they understand and know me, that I am the Lord…”
Jeremiah 9:23
Thanks to all the families who have returned to school the requested beginning of the year forms. If you have not yet done so, please return them as soon as possible.
State and Federal Programs
St. Benedict Catholic School (as well as other non-public schools in the state of Ohio) has access to some state and federal funding for educational programs for our students. Though the funding is limited, it provides us opportunities like our wonderful school nurse, counselor, speech therapist and intervention specialist as well as Title I tutors that we otherwise would not have.
The formula for funding requires an accurate account of low income family eligibility. While we recognize this as being very sensitive, it truly benefits the entire school population. We pledge to keep this information confidential.
The low income eligibility form was sent home in the parent information packet distributed on Supply Night. If your family qualifies, and you have not yet done so, we respectfully ask that you complete and return the form to school as soon as possible. Thank you for all you do to support the needs of St. Benedict Catholic School.
Gradelink
Gradelink is the on-line Student Information System that is utilized at St. Benedict School. There are many features to this system, one of which is parental access to students’ grades. Personalized parent letters with log-in information for family and students in grades 3-8 were sent in last Thursday’s envelope. With this, you will be able to log-in to check your child’s grades. There is only one log-in for parents so information from multiple grades for each child in the family will be available this way.
Gradelink is also used for e-mail communication between home and school. If you did not receive this information or have questions about Gradelink, please contact the school office.
Weather Delays and Closings
In the event of weather delays or closings, St. Benedict School will follow the Toledo Public School (TPS) announcements. St. Benedict School will not be mentioned separately. Tis the fog season, so please listen to the local news or text alerts. School will begin at 9:55 on 2-hour delay days.
NWEA Measure of Academic Progress (MAP)
There is much conversation about the use/overuse of testing in our schools today. In some cases there may be validity to the idea of “overtesting” especially if a school district is using the results for high stakes decision making. However, collection of data for the purpose of making instructional decisions to meet individual student needs has always been and continues to be best educational practice. The Diocese of Toledo has selected the NWEA Measure of Academic Progress to provide this data to schools and most importantly to help measure student progress and growth over course of the year. The tests are computer generated and adapt to the students’ ability as they answer questions.
All students in grades K-8 will participate in MAP Testing in Fall, Winter, and Spring. The Fall Testing sessions will begin Thursday, September 7 and will conclude September 29. Does that mean your child will be tested the entire month of September? The answer is NO! Students in K, 1, and 2 will take a Math test and a Reading test. Grades 3-8 will take a total of four assessments: Math, Reading, Language Arts and Science. Students will only be scheduled for one assessment per day that will be no longer than 1 hour. The test schedule is attached for your information. We also ask that families make a concerted effort to make sure students are on time and present at school on assigned test days.
We appreciate your help in talking with your child(ren) about the importance of these tests in a positive way. This is their opportunity to show everything they know and really shine! We encourage the students (as always) to get plenty of rest, water and nutrition and to bring their good attitudes to school! Results of testing will be sent home with first quarter report cards and may be discussed at Parent/Teacher Conferences in October. Thanks for your support.
Picture Day
Picture Day is next Friday, September 8, 2017. All students will have their picture taken for the class composite but families may also chose to purchase picture packages. Orders must be returned with payment or you may order online with your Picture Day ID. Students may dress out of uniform however, clothing should be school appropriate and/or what one might wear to church.
PTO Fundraiser
The St. Benedict School PTO is a wonderful group providing so many resources and opportunities for our teachers, families and students. The PTO is funded through hot lunch, pizza, snack shack, box tops for education and one main fundraiser. The PTO fall fundraiser will begin next Friday, September 8th. Students will be bringing home information and catalogs from Heart and Home and Otis Spunkmeyer. This might be a great way to get started on Christmas shopping. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Upcoming School Events
Mon. Sept 4 Labor Day – No School
Tues. Sept 5 First School Liturgy at 8:15 am in church ALL are welcome!
Fri. Sept 8 School Pictures
PTO Fall Fundraiser kick-off
Mon. Sept 11 PTO Meeting @ 6:30 in Extended Day Room ALL are welcome!
FINAL THOUGHT – Happy Labor Day! Have a blessed and rest-filled weekend.
BENEDICT SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT
United in Community, in partnership with families, guided by the message of St. Benedict, God calls us to LIVE, LEARN, LOVE.