As discussed at the recent open gym/basketball practices for boys in fourth and fifth grade, Saint James School will be trying something new this year – holding a developmental league with games/practices that all take place on Saturday mornings.  Mr. Glenn Jordan, who heads up the boys basketball, is looking to create three to four teams at this level with games/practices taking place at 10am, 11am, and 12pm on Saturday mornings, with a possible 4th team at 9am.

Practices for the 4th & 5th grade boys developmental league are going to start this month, with games starting in early December and lasting approximately 10 weeks.  Our 4th & 5th grade teams will play against other area Catholic school teams as well as each other.

This evening (Tuesday), from 6:00pm-7:00pm Mr. Jordan is holding a walk-in registration (in the school cafeteria) for any parents that have not yet registered for the 4th & 5th grade program.  This is a registration only, no practice is being held.  The fee is $40 and checks should be made out to Saint James School.  This is also an opportunity for parents to ask questions.

At the same time, Glenn is looking for parents to sign up to help coach/assistant coach.  With three to four teams, he is in need of several additional parent volunteer helpers.

If you cannot make it this evening, but your child is going to play in this league you must register/pay the $40 fee by Thursday – either through the SJS office or by bringing your check Thursday night.  The 2013-2014 sports form must also be submitted with payment if you have not already turned it in.

On Thursday, from 5:00pm – 7:00pm, there will be a 2 hour practice/skill evaluation for all 4th and 5th grade students wishing to participate in this program.

Saturday (11/9) from 10:00am – 12:00pm will be a first practice for all the 4th & 5th grade boys, during which time all players will be assigned to a team.

Each year Saint James School middle school students participate in the annual Szopka (Polish Creche) Competition sponsored by the Polish Cultural Club of Greater Hartford.  In this contest, students transform everyday items – bottles, paper tubes, boxes – into a “palace” befitting the birth of Jesus.  Participation in the contest is required for students in grade 6 and optional for 7th and 8th graders.

Today, students participating in the competition listened to a guest speaker – Mr. Marek Czarnecki – talk about the meaning of the Szopka, the history of Szopka making, and the general rules for the contest.

For parents of participating students – please note, students must drop off their Szopka entry the Saturday after Thanksgiving between 10:30am and 2:30pm at the Polish National Home in Hartford.  The festival takes place the following day – Sunday, December 1st – beginning at 9:30am, with awards being given out around 2:00pm.

For additional information and contest rules, please visit the Polish Cultural Club’s Website by clicking here.

Sign-up sheets for parent-teacher conferences will be posted in the main hallway (by the main office) all next week (beginning Monday, November 4th).  Conferences are being held on Monday, November 18th and Tuesday, November 19th.  Please STOP IN during morning drop-off, afternoon pick-up or during school hours to sign up for a time slot.  Please do NOT call the office to make an appointment.  Thank you

Tomorrow is the last day to submit Box Tops for the month of October.  Remember, the class with the most Box Tops each month wins a dress down day!  We thank you for your support!

Just a reminder for students playing basketball this season – the sports fee is $65 for boys and girls Junior Varsity and Varsity teams.  The fee is due to the school office this week.  Coaches will be in touch with their team regarding practice dates and times.

As previously mentioned, due to an overwhelming demand among boys this year, Saint James School is designing a structured developmental play program for our 4th & 5th grade boys.  This will allow our students to play against teams equally matched in ability.  This program will have a $40 sports fee.  Please bear with us as we work out the details concerning this new program.  We expect to have more details for parents shortly.