“I always give thanks to my God for you because of the grace he has given you through Christ Jesus.”
I Corinthians 1:4
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 teachers that we otherwise may 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 and is also attached in today’s Thursday Thoughts. 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 4-8 were sent home by your child’s teacher. 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 (MAP) 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 Assessment in Fall, Winter, and Spring. The Fall assessments will begin Tuesday, September 4 and will conclude September 28. Does that mean your child will be assessed 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. Teachers will communicate the days for assessments. We also ask that families make a concerted effort to make sure students are on time and present at school on assigned assessment days.
We appreciate your help in talking with your child(ren) about the importance of these assessments 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 the assessments 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 7, 2018. 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.
Spirit Day
There are days periodically throughout the year that students are permitted to be out of uniform for a variety of reasons. Spirit Days are generally held the last Friday of the month. Students may always choose to wear traditional school uniform. In an effort to eliminate distractions to the learning environment, students who forget to dress down will not be permitted to call home after the fact. Proper attire for Spirit Day opportunities include:
• Clean, hemmed jeans or other pants in good repair with no holes and appropriate fit (no sweatpants, athletic pants, or gym shorts) Shorts may be worn within the summer dress code months only.
• Leggings may be worn only with a long shirt or dress.
• Any color solid or print shirt – The shirt must have sleeves, full coverage of chest, back, and midriff and no writing.
• Professionally printed St. Benedict shirts and/or sweatshirts (Other sports/team/holiday shirts may only be worn on announced themed days.)
• Gym shoes or school shoes with appropriate school socks
Thank you for your cooperation and help with following the dress code.
Upcoming School Events
Fri. Aug 31 Spirit Day
Mon. Sept 3 Labor Day – No School
Tues. Sept 4 First School Liturgy at 8:15 am in church ALL are welcome!
Fri. Sept 7 School Picture
Mon. Sept 10 PTO Meeting @ 6:30 in Extended Day Room ALL are welcome!
FINAL THOUGHT – Happy Labor Day! Have a blessed and rest-filled weekend.
ST. 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.