Composite Graduation Picture is Ready for Pick-up

For those of you that ordered the composite graduation picture, it is now ready for pick-up at the School Office. Unfortunately an error with the proofs by the photographer caused this delay.

Please call the school and check the summer office hours so that someone is available when you arrive.

DINNER-DANCE PICTURE UPDATE
The pictures are being printed this week and will be distributed as soon as possible.

FINAL REMINDER: Dinner Dance Expense Reimbursement

If you were on the 8th Grade Dinner Dance Committee and have any outstanding expenses, you must submit them to Maribeth Ruf no later than June 30 in order to be reimbursed.

Should you need a reimbursement form, please contact Maribeth at: maribeth.reilly@gmail.com

Ideally all receipts should be submitted electronically (via e-mail) but if you are unable to do so, please contact Maribeth.

Thank you.

White Sox Game Pick Up - Update

The bus should be pulling into St. Joe's close to the scheduled 10:30 p.m. pick up time (maybe a few minutes later). The traffic report had them near Cicero about 10 minutes ago, with little or no traffic on the expressway.

Great America Update - On time for a 7:30 p.m. pickup!

The group had a great time today and based on traffic, will be arriving back at St. Joe's tonight at 7:30 p.m. as scheduled.

After Party at the Roth's - Friday May 28

After-Party at the Roths!

Keep the party going! Stop by after the Graduation Dinner-Dance on Friday, May 28 for late-night fun.

Adult beverages, sodas and snacks will be served.

The Roth Home
4904 Highland Avenue (just south of school)
10:30 pm

Please RSVP to Kelly at kroth@transunion.com so we can get a headcount. We hope you can join us!

Picnic Info - May 26 @ Gilbert Park

The following message is from Mike Ferconio:

Parents,

There seems to be a bit of confusion about tomorrow. As you might have heard from your 8th-grade son/daughter, I am assisting my son Frankie throw a "old fashioned picnic" at Gilbert Park for the entire 8th grade tomorrow. I reserved the pavilion at Gilbert Park from 1:00 till 5:00 for the kids to hang out. Please know that this is not a school-sponsored event--just something for the kids to do while most other kids are still in school.

I really appreciate the offers to bring stuff. However, the plan is to cook some hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken breasts (which I already bought at Costco) and throw them in a large tin foil trays for the kids to pick on while they hang out at the park. There will also be plenty of chips, cookies, etc. Hopefully, our HS bound kinds won't eat too much junk food.

My role is to make sure there is "appropriate behavior" and the boys don't get too rough with each other. I will stay there till the last person is picked up, even if some stick around after 5:00 to watch the baseball game, etc. Again, the plan is for the kids to spend some time hanging out together before the go different directions.

Please pass this on as I don't have most of the email addresses.

My cell is 630-640-4600 should you need to reach me.

Mike Ferconio

8th Grade Dinner Dance - Dress Info

Many of you have inquired as to the dress code for the dinner dance this Friday. As you've heard many times throughout the year, this can best be answered based on past history.

STUDENTS
--Most, if not all of the girls wear dresses.
--Boys primarily wear khaki's or other dress pants with nice polo's or button down shirts. (Suits are not worn).

ADULTS
Business casual is the typical look for the men and women.
--For women, dresses, skirts or dress pants.
--For men, khaki's or other dress pants. Suits and ties are not required.

Remember the School Hall can/will get hot so plan your dress around this.

Great America - Thursday May 27 - Water Park is Closed!

For those students and chaperones attending the Great America outing on Thursday, please be advised that the Hurricane Harbor water park will be closed. (The water park does not open for the season until Saturday.)

All other rides and attractions will be open, weather permitting!

Cap and Gown Mass - Tuesday May 25

The 8th Grader's Cap and Gown Mass is Tuesday May 25 @ 8:15 a.m. This is a celebration of the entire school for the graduates and it is a very joyous event. All are welcomed to attend.

A reminder that the graduates are to be in dress clothes and must bring their caps and gowns to school that day.

REMINDER - White Sox Reply Needed

Please remember to e-mail Leticia Pedraza @ lpedraza@comcast.net or phone her if you and/or your child are planning on attending the White Sox game on June 3. Responses are need ASAP.

The number of attendees will determine the cost of the bus transportation.

Thank you for your help!

Need a Response - White Sox Outing

Another 8th grade graduation tradition is a parent-sponsored outing to a White Sox home game. The date for this year's event is Thursday June 3, 2010 when the Sox play the Texas Rangers at 7:10 p.m. The tickets will be in the lower reserved section and are available for 1/2 the cost or approximately $17.00 each. There will be bus transportation, but the per person cost is dependent on the number of attendees.

We would like to get a count of the number of students/parents interested in attending the game. Therefore, please e-mail or phone Leticia Pedraza at (lpedraza@comcast.net) or 1-630-795-0899 and let her know if you or your student would like to attend.

Responses are needed as soon as possible. Thank you!

Great America Permission Slips & Payment Due Tomorrow!

Just a friendly reminder that the Great America Permission Slips and payment are due tomorrow, Tuesday May 18. They should be sent to school to the attention of Mary Durkin, c/o Colleen Durkin.

If for some reason you cannot return the form and payment tomorrow, please e-mail Mary Durkin at dkn61@comcast.net or phone her @ 630-971-9214 and let her know if your child will be attending. The group ticket order is being placed on Wednesday morning and she will reserve a ticket for your child as long as she has instructions to do so.

Thank you.

Baby Picture Reminder - Extended until Tuesday!

If you have not already done so, please remember to send a baby picture of your child to the attention of Tracy O'Brien, via Kelly O'Brien, to school tomorrow (Tuesday May 18).

Thank you.

Dinner-Dance Volunteers Needed for Decorating and Clean-up

Volunteers are needed for setup and decorating before, as well as clean-up after, for the 8th Grade Dinner-Dance on Friday May 28.

The decorating committee will meet on Friday May 28, starting at 1:00 p.m. in the School Hall and is expecting to work until 5:00 p.m., but hopefully earlier with enough helpers. If you can assist, the committee kindly requests that you bring your own scissors and tape with you.

Clean-up volunteers are also needed after the dance. Remember that the more that can help out, the quicker it will get done.

If you are able to volunteer, please e-mail Peggy Delaplane at delaplanefamily@aol.com.

Thank you in advance for your help!!

Baby Pictures Needed - Due Monday May 17!

Another tradition during 8th grade year, is to post the graduates "baby" pictures in the gym lobby. The students, faculty, staff and parents can then have some fun guessing who is who and see how everyone has changed over the years.

The "baby age" is up to you, however, infant and toddler ages are typically chosen.

Please send one (1) baby picture to the attention of Tracy O'Brien, via Kelly O'Brien, on Monday May 17. Remember to write the child's name on the back of the picture and to put it in a sealed envelope so that the other students are not sneaking a peak before they are posted in the lobby.

Concept One - Videotaping Survey Update

Thank you to everyone who responded to Marita Blanken regarding your interest in a professional video taping of the Cap and Gown Mass and Graduation Mass. Based on your replies, SJS was able to meet Concept One's minimum order and therefore, both events will be videotaped.

The prices are as follows:

$35 - Both the Graduation and Tuesday Cap and Gown Mass
$22 - Graduation Mass Only
$22 - Tuesday Cap and Gown Mass Only

Marita has the list of families who showed their interest in these videos, and if you are one of these families, your orders and payment can be forwarded on to her through the school office. A paper copy of the order form can be found in this week's paper Messenger. (Also, when available, a link to the order form will also be posted on this Blog.)

Please remember that orders are open to everyone, and not just to those who replied to Marita's survey.

Great America

The 8th Grade, parent-sponsored trip to Great America has been scheduled for Thursday May 27, 2010.

Permission forms were sent home yesterday (Tuesday) and need to be returned along with payment by Tuesday May 18, 2010 to the attention of Mary Durkin, c/o Colleen Durkin.

May Crowning - Reminder!

May Crowning will take place this Wednesday at 8:15 a.m. in the Church. As is tradition, the 8th Graders will wear their dress clothes to school. (The 2nd Graders will be in their First Holy Communion attire as well.)

May Crowning DVD Orders

Orders for the May Crowning DVD are still being taken through this weekend. Please remember that we need to meet an order minimum with Concept One or the service may be cancelled. The cost of the DVD is $20.00.

If you would like to place an order, simple send an e-mail to Marita Blanken at marita.blanken@gmail.com. She will add your name to the list and give you instructions as to where to send your payment.

As a reminder, May Crowning is this Wednesday May 5 @ 8:15 a.m. in the church.

Thank you!

RSVP For the Graduation Dinner Dance

Just a reminder that your RSVP is needed for the 8th Grade Dinner Dance no later than May 1.

Thank you to everyone who have already sent in their reply card to Amy Kovarik.

Post Confirmation Student & Parent Meeting - April 21

Reminder that there is a post confirmation meeting for all newly confirmed and a parent on Wednesday April 21 from 7:00 - 8:15 p.m. in the School Hall.

Video Question eMail Follow-Up - Please send your responses directly to Marita Blanken

Yesterday an e-mail was forwarded from Marita Blanken regarding the professional videotaping of May Crowning, Cap & Gown Mass and Graduation at SJS. There were two parts to the note: 1) A short poll directed at the 8th grade families regarding Cap & Gown Mass and Graduation videotaping; and 2) a May Crowning (and First Holy Communion) order form.

A response to the poll is needed from all 8th Grade families. IMPORTANT: Please send your responses directly to Marita at marita.blanken@gmail.com.

For the May Crowning order form, please follow the directions contained within to place your order.

FYI, if anyone has sent a reply to Bobbi Jo Walaszek, she has already forwarded them on to Marita for tabulation.

Thank you.

TEXT OF EMAIL SENT SUNDAY AUGUST 11, 2010

Please read and reply to this important note from Marita Blanken.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PART #1

Hello to all the 8th grade families!

This is the time of year to start thinking about videos of your child's final events at St. Joseph School. We are providing the opportunity to order the May Crowning below, and want to determine interest in 8th grade Graduation versus 8th grade Final Tuesday Mass.

Please let me know if you will be interested in future videos. This will help us determine how we should contract with Concept One Video.

_______ I would prefer a Graduation Video @ $20 each
_______ I would prefer a Tuesday 8th grade Cap & Gown Mass Video at $20 each
_______ I will not be ordering a video for the Graduation or the Cap and Gown Mass

Thanks, and please see the May Crowning order form below. We do have a required minimum. If this is not met, we will not be able to supply this service. Feel free to email me if questions.

Marita Blanken
Public Relations Director
St. Joseph School
4832 Highland Avenue
Downers Grove, IL 60515
marita.blanken@gmail.com
(p) 630.852.3686
(c) 630.935.3686
(school) 630.969.4306
www.stjosephdg.org

________________
PART #2

St. Joseph Church & School Video Order Form

First Communion Mass (April 24, April 25, May 1, May 2, 2010)

St. Joseph School’s May Crowning Service (Wednesday, May 5, 2010)

St. Joseph Parish has contracted with Concept One Video to videotape these two beautiful events.
- A minimum number of orders are needed in order to provide this service to families. -

Please return your order immediately so we are sure to have the required minimum.
This service must be cancelled if we do not receive the required number.
Thank you!

*Email your PREORDER with payment info to:
Jacquie Lackaff jlackaff@stjosephdg.org
or to: Marita Blanken marita.blanken@gmail.com
*Note: For ease in ordering, just email your name and the number of videos requested and then follow with mailed order form and payment info.

Then, if paying by check, send this order form with payment to:
Marita Blanken via St. Joseph School Office
4832 Highland Avenue, Downers Grove, IL 60515

Questions about this order form? Call Marita Blanken 630-852-3686
Videos are created by Concept One Video - 2723 Curtiss St. – Downers Grove, IL 60515 (630)810-9303
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name: __________________________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip: ___________________________________________________________
Phone: __________________________________________________________________
Email: __________________________________________________________________
I would like to order the following DVD copies – (VHS is available)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
First Communion 2010: # of copies ________ @ $20.00 each
*Please mark Mass requested: _____ Saturday 5 p.m., April 24 ____ Sunday 10:30 April 25
_____ Saturday 5 p.m. May 1 ____ Sunday 10:30 May 2
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
May Crowning 2010 (St. Joseph School only): # of copies __________ @ $20.00 each
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
May Crowning 2010 (School only) with your child’s First Communion Mass: # of copies ___@ $25.00 ea
*Please mark Mass requested: _____ Saturday 5 p.m., April 24 ____ Sunday 10:30 April 25
_____ Saturday 5 p.m. May 1 ____ Sunday 10:30 May 2
............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
All prices include delivery directly to your home. All tapes / DVD’s are guaranteed for excellent audio/video quality.

Total due with order: $__________

_______ I WILL SEND CHECK VIA MARITA BLANKEN If paying by check, please make check payable to Concept One.
_______ I AM PAYING BY CREDIT CARD (VISA, AMEX and MasterCard Accepted)

Credit Card Number ________________________________________________ Expiration_____________

Videos provided by Concept One, 2723 Curtiss, Downers Grove, IL 60515
Videos will ship no later than 3-4 weeks after event, often sooner!
Questions? Contact Duplication Services at Concept One 630-810-9303 x100.
All tapes / DVD’s are guaranteed for excellent audio/video quality.
Transfer your videos/film and photos to DVD- Great prices for St. Joe’s families!
Makes a great grandparent gift! Thank you for your order!

Marita Blanken
Public Relations Director
St. Joseph School
4832 Highland Avenue
Downers Grove, IL 60515
marita.blanken@gmail.com
(p) 630.852.3686
(c) 630.935.3686
(school) 630.969.4306
www.stjosephdg.org

Co-Ed Volleyball Full Schedule & Correction

Here is the full Co-Ed Volleyball Schedule. Please note that play dates are April 9, April 16 and April 23. There are no games scheduled for April 30.

April 9
7 pm - 7 Green Vs. 7 White
8 pm - 8 Green Vs. 8 White

April 16
7 pm - 7 Green Vs. 8Green
8 pm - 7 White Vs. 8 White

April 23
7 pm - 8 White Vs. 7 Green
8 pm - 8 Green Vs. 7 White

8 GREEN
Jonathan Blanchard
David Criter
Frank Ferconio
Charlie Kovarik
Danny Novotny
Grace Fleming
Bridget Giuffre
Meghan Harte
Emily Hodshire
Sydney Huggins
Elizabeth Malone
Molly Marciniak

8 WHITE
Mike Delaplane
Connor Economou
Matt Pedraza
Matt Perino
Ryan Walaszek
Sarah Barrett
Colleen Durkin
Sarena Martinez
Kelly O’Brien
Lauren Ryan
Clare Theisen
Becky Wade
Emma Welsh

Co-Ed Volleyball Starts This Friday!

Co-Ed Volleyball begins this Friday April 9 in the school gym. The schedule for this week is as follows:

7:00 p.m. - All 7th Grade Teams
8:00 p.m. - All 8th Grade Teams

Play dates are April 9, April 16 and April 23 and the full schedule will be published later this week.

SAVE THE DATE! 8th Grade Dinner-Dance May 28

The 8th Grade Dinner-Dance for students and their parents, has been confirmed for Friday May 28, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in the School Hall.

More information will be made available as we move closer to the event date.

8th Graders Needed for Alumni Mass and Reception - This Sunday!

The Alumni Mass and Reception Committee are looking for 8th Grade volunteers for the gathering this Sunday.

The Committee would love to have the 100th graduating class be part of the festivities.

Volunteers are needed before the 12:15 p.m. mass to greet and pass out candles to the alumni, as well as greet and tour with the alumni at the reception in the school after mass (approximately 1:15 p.m.)

Tour guide skills are not necessary!

Students should wear their school uniforms.

Please RSVP to Maryann Byrne as soon as possible - dgbyrne6@comcast.net.

Graduation Picture Retakes - March 22, 2010

Graduation picture retakes are scheduled for Monday March 22, 2010.

Confirmation Luncheon

The 8th graders, their teachers, Mrs. Stasi, Sr. Dorothy, Fr. Jerome, Fr. Matt & Marta Spiezio will be celebrating their upcoming Confirmation with a special lunch on Tuesday March 9.

Orders for 6" sub sandwiches from Subway (in Woodridge) were taken last week and will be served with a bottle of water, chips and a cookie.

So leave the lunches home next Tuesday!

Special thanks to Mary Durkin for coordinating this event. In the midst of organizing her last A&B St. Pat's Dance on Saturday, she found the time to make this happen.

THANK YOU MARY!!!!

Graduation Pictures - Orders due March 10

The pre-ordered group graduation pictures and the individual head shot proofs were sent home this week with the 8th graders.

The orders for the individual head shots are due back to the 8th grade home room teachers by Wednesday March 10.

Please make a note of this.

St. Pat's Dance - A&B Needs Your Support

If you have not yet responded for the St. Pat's Dinner Dance on Saturday March 6, please do so as soon as possible as the final catering order will be placed on Tuesday.

Also, this is A&B's primary fundraiser. The sale of the dinner-dance tickets and the raffle tickets helps A&B meet their financial goals in order to support all of the sports team at St. Joe's.

Thank you for your help!

Ski Trip - Thank you!

Thank you's are in order to the Ski Trip chaperones (especially those that skied along with the kids and those that hauled equipment and bags) Mary Durkin, Leticia Pedraza, Mike Ferconio, Ellen Fleming, Joe Roth, Coleen Theisen, Amy & Mike Kovarik, Peggy Delaplane and Sharon Harte. A special Thank You to Michelle Walaszek for doing the behind the scenes planning, typing and copying all of the info packets and tabulating the responses as well as being the bus "leader" today.

We are especially grateful to Fr. Jerome for his blessing before we departed this morning which obviously played a big part in keeping all of the kids and chaperones safe. With only one trip to the Ski Patrol for a Bandaid, it was close to a perfect day!

We sincerely hope that everyone had fun.

IMPORTANT - Last Minute Ski Trip Info

The ski trip is tomorrow. Please pray for a safe and fun trip for all and read below for some important last minute information.

DEPARTURE INFO
Daily mass is celebrated at 7:00 a.m. at the church. When dropping off your child in the morning, please park away from the front doors of the church in order to allow the worshippers to have the closer parking spots. Also remind your child to keep the noise level down so as not to disrupt the mass.

ARRIVAL INFO
The parish mission continues on Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. Depending on our arrival time from Wilmot and so as not to interfere with parking for the mission, the bus may need to drop us off on Highland. We will do our best to keep everyone posted as to our location when we arrive.

SAFETY
We want everyone to have fun on this outing but safety comes first in order to protect themselves and the other skiers/snowboarders around them. Therefore if any of our students are found to be disobeying the rules, acting mischievous or ignoring ski patrol and/or chaperone orders, you will be called to pick them up immediately from Wilmot. This is not unlike the rules for Outdoor Ed in 6th grade and we hope you understand why safety is so important on a trip like this. Please share this information with your child before they board the bus tomorrow.

Thank you for your help.

Graduation Pictures Reminder

Tomorrow is graduation picture day. Students are reminded to bring their cap (with green tassel) and gown to school and the group picture order form if they have not yet returned it to their home room teacher. FYI, the group picture order is optional.

Students will be in their dress clothes for the entire day.

Graduation Dinner Dance Committee Meeting - February 13

The Graduation Dinner Dance Committee will be meeting this Saturday February, 13 at 10:00 AM in the School Hall. All interested parents are welcomed to attend. Questions? Please contact Sandy Keaveny.

Graduation Pictures - Yellow Info Sheet

In case you did not receive the yellow picture information form, here is the text:

GRADUATION PICTURES

Please make a note...

GRADUATION PICTURES WILL BE TAKEN AT YOUR SCHOOL ON:

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2010

_____________________________________________________________
Four (4) poses will be taken for your graduation pictures. Two (2) will be taken wearing the graduation cap & gown, and two (2) will be taken wearing dress clothes. In a few weeks your proofs will be sent to you with instructions to order and the package prices.

Please pay special attention to the deadline date set by your school for the return of your order and proofs.

We suggest that boys wear a dress shirt and tie with a suit, sport coat or sweater, and girls wear a dress or blouse so that the neckline will not show under the graduation gown.

Good grooming is very important to insure a good picture. Please have your hair combed as you would want it when you come to the camera to be photographed.

Thank you.

Ski Trip Chaperones - Please Reply

If you are a ski trip chaperone (or would like to be one--the more the merrier) please e-mail Bobbi Jo Walaszek (bobbijohome@comcast.net) with the following information by Tuesday morning (February 9). This information is needed for our final total of attendees at Wilmot.

1) Are you bringing any siblings or guests? If yes, please list names.
2) Do you need a lift ticket?
3) Do any siblings or guests need lift tickets? If yes, please indicate by name.
4) Do you or siblings/guests need rentals? If yes, please indicate ski OR snowboard by person's name.
5) Do you or siblings/guests need a helmet? If yes, please indicate by person's name.

FYI, the group rate for lift tickets and rentals offers substantial savings, but Wilmot must have the headcount in advance in order to take advantage of this discount.

Call Bobbi Jo (630) 968-6128 or e-mail her with any questions. Thank you!

Ski Trip Info Packets

The Ski Trip info packets were sent home late last week. They have a green cover sheet and are due on Monday February 8.

If by chance your child did not receive a copy, extras are available at the Fun Fair today (at the Cake Walk or Face Painting.)

February 12: Please Read - Lots Going On!

February 12 will be a very busy day for the 8th graders, as there are graduation pictures, ballroom dance class "finals" and the confirmation retreat. Here are some reminders on the day's activities:

1) GRADUATION PICTURES:
**Graduation pictures will be taken in the morning.
--Information sheets (one yellow 1/2 page and 1 white smaller envelope) were sent home last week. The yellow sheet is informational and talks about the pictures that the students will be taking individually in their dress clothes and in their caps and gowns. You will see the proofs of these before selecting and purchasing your portraits. The smaller, white envelope is the order form for the photo's that are taken of the students in the dress clothes and in their caps and gowns as a group (standing side by side). This envelope/order form with payment needs to returned on February 12. Please note that these group photo's are 8x10 in size and should not be confused with the much larger individual head shot composite photo of the students in their caps and gowns along with individual photos of Mrs. Stasi, Mr. Murphy, Mrs. Standish, Sr. Dorothy and Fr. Jerome. You will be able to purchase this photo at the time you purchase you individual pictures after reviewing the proofs.

2) BALLROOM DANCE CLASS "FINALS"
**Dance finals will occur after all of the lunch periods are done and the cafeteria cleaned up.
--As part of the normal music curriculum at St. Joe's, Mrs. Schmitt has been teaching the students several ballroom dances. After lunch on February 12, the students will get to demonstrate what they have learned. Please note that this is part of the school day and is classroom instruction time. It is not a separate "social" dance". However don't feel as if you are missing out on the event as Mr. Murphy will videotape the ballroom dance finals and it will be included in the 8th grade Memory DVD which the students will receive at the end of the school year.

3) CONFIRMATION RETREAT
**Confirmation Retreat will be held in the School Hall from 4:00 - 9:00 p.m.
--Dinner (pizza) will be served. If you have any questions on the Confirmation Retreat, please direct them to Marta Spiezio in the Parish Center.

February 6 Cake Walk - Need LOTS of Baked Goods

Fun Fair - Baked Goods

Hello,

We're looking for baked goods for the 8th grade cake walk. We'll need lots of help in order to have enough baked goods for the full four hours. The money raised goes toward the 8th grade graduation dinner dance.

Items can be dropped off on Friday, after school up until 5:00 p.m., or on Saturday, as early as 10:00 a.m.

If these times don't work for you, just give me a call and we can make other arrangements. Items should be wrapped and on a disposable plate.

If the kids do the baking, it counts toward their service hours.

Thanks so much for any items you might be able to donate!

Neva Welsh
630-272-8320

Looking For A Few Good....Ski Trip Chaperones!

The 8th Grade Ski Trip is a parent-sponsored event and we need more parents to chaperone in order to make this a safe and fun day for the kids.

The date is Monday February 15, 2010 and the bus will depart from SJS at 7:15 a.m. for Wilmot Mountain in Wisconsin with an estimated time of arrival back at SJS at 7:00 p.m.

Here are some of the areas that we need chaperones (obviously you could fill in, in more than one area):

--4 parents to ride the bus to and from Wilmot.
--Several parents to drive and transport the kids gear (duffel bags, skis, snowboards, boots, etc.) for the day (the bus will be very crowded)
--Several parents who can ski or snowboard to help the kids with rental equipment, getting on and off of the chair lifts the first few times, etc. (A small quantity of complimentary lift tickets will be available and given to parents who volunteer to ski or snowboard that day).
--Several parents to stay in the lodge where we will setup our base "camp".

Remember: Siblings are welcome!

We need to ensure that the chaperones are in place before we commit our group to Wilmot and to the bus company and we need to do this quickly, as the date is fast approaching. Unfortunately without a sufficient amount of chaperones, the ski trip will be cancelled.

If you are interested in chaperoning the ski trip, please contact Bobbi Jo Walaszek (bobbijohome@comcast.net or 630-968-6128).

Thank you for your help!

P.S. The room moms would like to thank everyone who has volunteered thus far.

FUN FAIR: Cake Walk Volunteers

While the earlier post on general Fun Fair Volunteers is still true, the 8th graders traditionally staff the Cake Walk and Face Painting booths so we need to make sure that these volunteer slots are filled first. Below is a note from Neva Welsh, who is coordinating the 8th graders for these areas.

Sorry for any confusion the earlier post may have caused.

-----------------------------------------------------
The 8th grade is in charge of running the cake walk and the face painting at the fun fair. We"ll need lots of 8th grade students to help out. The kids usually have a fun time volunteering with their classmates.

We'll be putting a sign up sheet in the class rooms on Tuesday or Wednesday of this week. We wanted to give you a heads up on the sign up sheet so that you have the opportunity to discuss sport and extracurricular schedules with your child. There are quite a few games on Feb 6th! The kids who sign up for the the cake walk are welcome to make a song play list to be used during their shift. School appropriate please! :)

We'll also need lots of baked goods for the cake walk. We're hoping that each family might be able to donate something. Any hours spent working at the fun fair or spent baking can use used as service project hours! There will be a second note with the hours the baked goods can be dropped off at school. The fun fair coordinator is still working out some details and doesn't yet know when the doors will be open to drop off items.

For questions, please contact Neva Welsh (630) 272-8320. Thanks!

Fun Fair: 8th Graders Needed - Service Hours Opportunity

Please pass this message along to your 8th graders.

The Fun Fair coordinators are in need of many 8th grade volunteers to work between Noon and 3:00 p.m. on Saturday February 6, 2010. Service hour credit will be given for the time volunteered.

Contact Danielle Brauweiler at danielle_brauweiler@yahoo.com to sign up.

2nd Request - Volunteers Needed to Sell Spirit Wear

Spirit Wear sales are the #1 fund raiser for the 8th grade class. There will be a table setup during Open House on January 31 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. to sell cash and carry items such as hats, umbrellas, green grocery totes, water bottles, pens, etc.

We need adults to facilitate, but a few 8th graders working the table (and perhaps modeling some of their previously purchased Spirit Wear) would be ideal.

If you or your child can help, please contact Maribeth Ruf.

Caps and Gowns

Caps and Gowns were sent home last week with the students. They are compactly packaged and the gowns should be hung up as soon as possible in order to help remove the wrinkles prior to graduation picture day on February 12.

If you find it necessary to use some extra effort to remove the wrinkles, remember that the fabric is extremely delicate so use caution!

In case you were wondering, the Caps and Gowns are yours to keep.

SAVE THE DATE: 8th Grade Ski Trip February 15, 2010

The 8th grade ski trip is being planned for Monday February 15, 2010. It is a day trip and more information on location, departure/arrival times, what to bring, costs, permission slips, etc. will be shared shortly.

This is an annual event for the 8th graders. Lessons will be required before anyone hits the slopes! If your child is not interested in skiing, they are still welcome to enjoy the day with their classmates. We will have an area setup in the ski lodge where they can play games, or hang out with their friends who come in to take a break or to have lunch.

If you have signed up to volunteer and want to bring other siblings due to the President's Day holiday, by all means please do so. The more the merrier. All we ask is that the siblings remain under your supervision.

Confirmation Retreat Permission Slips Are Due January 20, 2010

Just a reminder that the Confirmation Retreat Permission Slips are due at school TOMORROW, Wednesday January 20, 2010!

Please note that this is the Diocese of Joliet - St. Joseph Youth Ministry Permission Form. It is in a different format than the standard St. Joe's Permission Slip and is printed on white paper.

Spirit Wear Sales @ Open House - Can you help?

During Open House on Sunday January 31 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. there will be a table setup for Spirit Wear sales. There are still lots of cash and carry items available such as hats, umbrellas, green grocery totes, water bottles, pens, etc. As you may recall, Spirit Wear sales are the #1 fund raiser for the 8th grade class.

There needs to be at least one (1) adult to facilitate, but a few 8th graders working the table (and perhaps modeling some of their previously purchased Spirit Wear) would be ideal.

If you or your child can help, please contact Maribeth Ruf mailto:maribeth.reilly@gmail.com.

Tour Guides Needed for Open House

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 5
TOUR GUIDES NEEDED FOR OPEN HOUSE JANUARY 31, 1-3PM


We are excited to begin enrollment for 2010-2011. Most new school families come to us through recommendations from current families - so you are very important in this process! If you know of anyone that would be interested in coming to Open House, please forward the attached invite. Thanks for helping to keep our enrollment strong.
>> Open House Invitation Flyer

Additionally, we are in need of tour guides for Open House. Newer families are great because they are familiar with our Kindergarten program - a key topic with incoming families. But families that have been with us for awhile, especially those with 8th graders, are also helpful as you can offer lots of information from your experience at St. Joe's. If you can help, please email Janet Fosket at mailto:mjfosket@comcast.net.

And don't forget - St. Joseph Preschool will open in September 2010 for 3 and 4-year-old children. Please see the attached for more information and share it with family members or neighbors who may be interested.
>>Preschool Flyer

Lunch Monitors Needed on Tuesdays

Each month during Market Day pick-up, the 8th graders have lunch in their classrooms. On these days, one parent is needed to monitor the 8th graders so that the teachers can also take their lunch break. The dates are all Tuesdays: January 12, February 9, March 9, April 13 and May 11.

If you are able to volunteer on one or more of these dates, please contact Mary Durkin. Total commitment time is less than one (1) hour each date!

You may bring younger siblings if necessary.