Friday, November 16, 2012

A Note From Susan

Dear Parents and Guardians,
It is a busy day at The Madeleine School today. Two big projects are getting underway—one you will be able to see and the other one is “invisible” but will have a big impact on how we teach in the years to come.

The parking lot is being torn up in order to install the last piece of playground equipment for the Playground for All Players. Through the tireless work of the fundraising committee, there have been modifications and new pieces added to our climbing structure so that it is more accessible to children with mobility challenges. This new piece should provide many hours of fun to all the students of the school and the neighborhood. The Playground for All Players committee worked steadily to secure donations, large and small, to make this playground a reality. And there is more to be done. We hope to install a new surface, instead of bark chips, so the playground is even more accessible.

The second, “invisible,” project is the installation of a new super wireless network, including new access points, switches, and all the supporting software. The project is necessary as we increase our use of technology into the Madeleine curriculum. Already some teachers are using a “flipped instruction” model (Google it if you aren’t familiar with the term). Students are using iPads to complete assignments, communicate with each other, and collaborate on projects. With the increased need to access the Internet during school hours, our wireless network was woefully inadequate. The new wireless network will be able to support the new technologies, as well as allow guests to use the newwork while they are in the building.

Both of these projects could not have happened if it were not for the generosity of our Madeleine community. Through last year’s auction paddle raise, we were able to purchase the hardware, software, and iPads for this new technology. I am so grateful to the committee members who helped research the options available in order to spend our money wisely and to be sure that we are prepared for future needs (as far as we can predict!)

On a daily basis, I see this community’s giving of time, talent and treasure to support our school. From monetary donations to manpower volunteered to time spent in meetings and consultations, The Madeleine always steps up to the challenge. I am so grateful for all you do and so grateful to be a part of this community.

Sincerely,
Susan

Greetings from the Art Room!

Portland has a rich and diverse Art scene. Here are a few of the upcoming offerings your family may enjoy:

Portland Art Museum

• FREE general admission for everyone, 5-8 p.m., Friday, November 23rd
• FREE day for Bank of America members (show your B of A VISA bank card) Saturday, December 1st, 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Van Gogh's 1889 painting La Maison Blanche Parmi Les Olives (The White House Among the Olives) on display through January.
• The Body Beautiful in Ancient Greece through January 6th. Don't miss this opportunity to see these exquisite and timeless pieces. Timed tickets and an additional fee apply.
  

Wild Arts Festival, Saturday November 17, 10-6 and Sunday November 18, 10-5. Featuring the works of wildlife artists and craftsmen. Location: Montgomery Park. Children 16 and under free, adults $6. Benefits the Audubon Society

Audubon's Nature Store Holiday Open House Sat, Dec 1st 10-6, Sun., Dec 2nd, 10-5. Live music, refreshments, Education Birds. Location: Audubon Society of Portland, 5151 NW Cornell Rd.

Counselor's Column

Look for Mrs. Ullman's weekly articles on topics that will help The Madeleine community support each other as we work together for the growth and development of our students. This week's topic: Teaching Kids to Be Responsible, Part 2"

Classroom Gift Idea for the Holidays

If you are looking for classroom gift ideas for the holidays, the teachers would all appreciate an Apple TV to use with their iPads. Apple TV is a $99 device that allows you to wirelessly stream content from the iPad to classroom projectors for presentations and lessons. How about 2 or 3 families surprising their teacher with an early Christmas gift?

8th Graders Deliver 301 St. Michael's Lunches

A big shout out to the 8th grade for showing excellent leadership for our St. Michael’s Lunch program. Students brought in 301 lunches which is enough to feed the folks who dine at St. Michael’s for two days. Not an easy accomplishment considering our three day weekend that made Tuesday feel like Monday! Parents/students, please remember to pack lunches in individual lunch sacks; it makes the organizing and delivery to guests of St. Michael’s much easier. Thank you 8th graders for the great effort today—everyone at St. Michael’s was smiling.

Bi-Racial Bone Marrow Match Needed

Madeleine Parishioner, Jason Crawley, let us know about a young woman who urgently needs a bone marrow transplant. She is bi-racial (half Mexican and half Caucasian), and it has been difficult to find a match for her. To help, or see if you are a potential match, visit: http://bit.ly/Q7Qby3

November Remembrances

During the month of November, we remember the people whom God has called before us. We invite you to write down the names of family, friends and pets that have died on a heart which can be found on the prayer table in the main hall. Paste the heart on the Banner of Remembrance. May we keep them all in our prayers.

Grant them eternal rest, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.

Scrip News: Holiday Special Orders

Just in time for the holidays – check out the fresh and fun new gift card options! There are even new gift cards for online-only stores, restaurants, apparel, and sporting goods stores like: Amazon, Zappos, Groupon, Overstock.com, Buffalo Wild Wings, The Cheesecake Factory, PF Chang’s, Einstein’s Bagels, Athleta, Crazy 8's, DSW, Cabela’s, and Sports Authority

See the special Madeleine Holiday Scrip Order Form for items that are only available by special order at this time. If you are interested, we will be placing an order on November 27th for delivery on November 30th. Please turn your pre-paid orders into no later than 9:00am on Tuesday, November 27th. Another order maybe placed (order cut-off to be determined) before Christmas.

Parents Club Wreath Sale: Order by 11/21

The Parents Club is selling wreaths made by Oregon Holly—the same people that create wreaths for Martha Stewart and Smith and Hawken. Orders are due, with payment, in the office by Wednesday, 11/21. The wreaths will be delivered to the school on Dec. 7th. Download your order form here.

Sale Extended: Gift Wrap and Gift Orders

We have been able to extend the gift wrap sale to Monday, Nov. 19th. Please take a moment to login to the Innisbrook website this weekend and place your order. You may pay online or just include your check with your voucher when you turn your packet in at the office. If you are having trouble placing your order online or if you just don’t have time, feel free to drop off your order packet and check at the office and I will place it for you. Items are still displayed inside the School’s front doors, if you’d like to preview some of the available items and flip through the catalog. If you have any questions, please contact Sara Allen at 503-282-6745 or seamagoo@hotmail.com

Fall Book Fair Winners

Thanks to everyone who came to this Fall's Book Fair and visited our online fair. The winner of our drawing for $25 in books at the Spring Fair is 4th grader Maddie Woo. The class with the most entries in the drawing is 5th grade. This classroom will also receive $25 in books at the Spring Fair. Congratulations!

Thanksgiving Day, Mass at 9:00 am

• Please bring the bread (or rolls) and a bottle of wine (or non-alcohol beverage) you will serve at your Thanksgiving table for it to be blessed during the liturgy.
• Any young children (K-3) who wish to dress as Pilgrims or Native Americans are asked to gather by the baptismal font at 8:15 am for a short practice concerning their role in the liturgy.
• Bring non-perishable food and toiletries to Church this day and bring them forward at the time of the collection for St. Vincent de Paul. The regular collection this day is given to St. Vincent de Paul; please be generous.

Help Wanted: Business Manager

The Madeleine Parish & School is seeking qualified, hard-working individual to serve as our Business Manager. Job requirements and qualifications in the bulletin. www.themadeleine.edu/bulletin

Knights of Columbus Recycling Drive

Saturday, December 1 • 9 am to 1 pm
It’s the quarterly newspaper and returnable bottles recycling drive by The Knights of Columbus. 9:00 am -1:00 pm on NE 23rd behind the Church. Thank you for your kind contributions to help support our charitable works.

Fair Trade Chocolate and Coffee Sale

The Peace and Justice Committee is pleased to host a Fair Trade chocolate and coffee sale after all Masses the weekend of Dec. 1 and 2. Visit www.themadeleine.edu/socialjustice

High School Placement Tests

All six local Catholic high schools are offering the annual High School Placement Test for current 8th graders interested in applying for the 2013-14 academic school year. Pre-registration is highly encouraged.
• St. Mary’s Academy: December 1 & 3
• De La Salle North Catholic: Nov. 30 & Dec. 1
• Jesuit High School: Nov. 30 & Dec. 1
• Valley Catholic High School: Nov. 30 & Dec. 1
• La Salle Catholic College Prep: December 1 & 3
• Central Catholic High School: December 1 & 3
Contact the school of your choice for test times and additional details.

First Reconciliation Congratulations

Congratulations to the 24 children who have prepared for and will became eligible for the Sacrament of First Reconciliation on Saturday!

Kids' Night In a Huge Success!

Our inaugural Kids' Night In a big success, with more than 40 kids having fun and learning about our faith, and their parents having a well-deserved night out! Thanks to our student volunteers: Hugh and Colin Hammons, Bridgid Hanley, Gabby Hanselman, Peter Hoglund, Noah Jordan, Brady Lance, and David and Matthew Levy. And special thanks our adult volunteers Mary Hoglund, Laura Jordan, Andreas Loeffler...and of course, “volunteers” Fr. Mike, and our seminarian intern, Scott Baier. We'll hold another Kids' Night In in January, so watch the bulletin and Footnotes for details

In This Week's Parish Bulletin

Download yours at www.themadeleine.edu/bulletin:
• Theology Corner with Sister Cecilia. The Great Thanksgiving: Eucharist
• Thank you to Tom Johnston!
• The Madeleine Marketplace and Christmas Tree Lighting, December 6, 2:00–8:00 pm
• Christmas Open House at the Rectory, Sunday December 16, 3:00–6:00 pm
• Altar Society meeting features, Joan Smith, longtime president Loaves and Fishes. Dec. 3, 11:00 am

If you have information to contribute to the Friday Footnotes, please email the copy exactly as you would like it to appear in a Word document to: fridayfootnotes@themadeleine.edu. Deadline is Wednesday evenings, or Tuesday evening if there is no school on Friday.

© 2008, The Madeleine School • 3240 NE 23rd Avenue • Portland, OR 97212 • 503-288-9197