Please note that lunch account statements will be sent home today. Please take a moment to review your family’s statement and pay outstanding balances in full by the end of the month (checks can be made out to “Manchester Hot Lunch Program”). Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.
Just a reminder that Saint James School is hosting an open house for prospective families tonight from 6:30pm – 8:00pm. If you know anyone who may be considering options for Pre-Kindergarten, Elementary or Middle School programs, please invite them to stop by this evening to find out more about our wonderful school.
Please note all Yankee Candle Fundraising items have been picked up with the exception of one that was submitted without a name. If you have not received your Yankee Candle Fundraising items, please contact the main office.
The Saint James School “Blue Ribbon/Now Enrolling” lawn signs are out of storage and looking for homes (literally). If you live in a medium to high traffic area and are willing to put a sign on your lawn in support of Saint James School, we would appreciate it! Signs are available in the main office at the front desk (by the filing cabinets). Please help yourself.
Just a reminder that the Week 2 Read To Achieve reading ticket is due Monday (2/4). Children who read a minimum of 20 minutes during 5 days each week of the contest period, will win a free ticket to a Springfield Armor Basketball game on FRIDAY, MARCH 15th where they will be recognized along with their Saint James School classmates.
If you need a new copy of the form, you can download it here.
Please take a moment to vote for Saint James School in the Best of Hartford Magazine’s 2013 Reader’s Poll! Saint James is located under the Category “Service” and then under “Private Schools.” Please ask your friends and family to vote too! Please note, you have to vote in TEN categories for your vote to count. Why not also support our wonderful friends at Highland Park Market (under “food” then “local food market”) who do so much for our school. If anyone has a family business that you would like to us to vote for, please e-mail Amy Guenther at aguenther@saintjamesschool.net and she will communicate those in an upcoming e-mail. We are so grateful of all the support our families give us and would be very happy to support you in return.
Dear Parents,
The safety of the students at Saint James School has always been top priority to us. The recent tragedy at Newtown’s Sandy Hook Elementary School has made us aware we can do even more to ensure the students’ safety.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013 is a scheduled half day of school. The staff will be trained further in the event of a lockdown and also in the event of an intruder. We feel that it is important for all the staff to be part of this training, including the Extended Day staff. Therefore, there will be no aftercare on Wednesday January 30, 2013. There will be before care as usual.
Sincerely,
Patricia Kanute, Principal
Jean Burdick, Director Extended Day
In the wake of the Newtown tragedy, please know that your children’s safety and emotional well being continue to be our absolute top priority. Mrs. Kanute held a meeting with the teachers yesterday after school to openly evaluate how students seemed to be reacting. The younger grade teachers reported they saw no impact at all and that it didn’t come up in class. The teachers in the older grades said the students were aware of it but it did not cause any disruption to the day. At the meeting, Mrs. Vignati, our school nurse, presented information to the staff on signs to look for and additional ways that the teachers can help the students if they seem to be struggling with their emotions at school.
In addition, Mrs. Kanute met with the safety committee this afternoon to ensure the school facilities team is doing everything it can. While the committee does meet regularly for this exact purpose, we will keep you informed if there are any significant changes that arise as a result of today’s meeting.
Again, please don’t hesitate to call the school office if you have any questions. And, as always, we thank you for your support of our wonderful school.
Dear Saint James School Families,
In light of the horrific situation in Newtown on Friday, we want to assure you that Saint James School does have safety and emergency preparedness plans that are evaluated on a regular basis. Saint James School has a safety committee that meets throughout the year and we do have stringent plans in place (such as emergency lockdown drills with the children). Unfortunately, Friday’s events serve as a harsh reminder that we all need to continue to be vigilant.
This morning, during the Rosary and Advent Wreath Lighting, we said a special prayer for “the families in Newtown.” We are trying to maintain a sense of normalcy at the school and keep it business as usual for our younger grades today. The 6th – 8thth grades were kept after the Advent Wreath Lighting and Father Cavanaugh did discuss with the Middle School students how, despite the grace of God, things like Friday’s shooting do occur because He gave us the power of “free will.”
Also, two members of the Manchester Police have been at our school today – on their own accord – to talk to Mrs. Kanute and offer their time and resources.
Mrs. Kanute will be sending home a personal communication from her to all parents today through the children’s school folders. We felt this was the most appropriate way to speak to our parents – since not everyone in on e-mail or checks it daily – but for those of you who are, we wanted to give you a heads up of how things were communicated to the children today so you can be prepared. Please be sure to look for the note from Mrs. Kanute in your child’s folder and don’t hesitate to call the school with your questions and concerns (860.643.5088).
May peace be with you and your loved ones during this time.
