Friday, April 12, 2013
A Note from Susan
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Looking ahead to the new school year, I wanted to highlight some opportunities to get involved in the life of The Madeleine School. We could not begin to offer the programs and activities that we have without the generosity of our parent volunteers. We need people to fill three positions on our School Advisory Council. This group advises Father Mike and me on policy and financial matters. It is a three year commitment and the group meets monthly during the school year. We also need some new faces on our Parents Club Board. The duties of this group are quite varied ranging from room rep coordinator to fundraising to hot lunch to scrip sales to parent education. They also meet monthly and it is a one year commitment.
I am also looking for someone who has a special interest in our scrip program. Scrip raises approximately $20,000 each year in profit for our operating budget. I think that if we had increased participation and sales, we could easily improve the bottom line. How often do we go to Home Depot, Fred Meyer, or the local grocery store and pay with cash/credit card instead of scrip? I know I am guilty of this—except for Starbucks—always have scrip for my morning latte! We do have someone who is willing to help with improving our marketing strategies, but we need someone who can organize volunteers to sell scrip in the afternoon or on weekends after Mass or whenever?? New ideas and energy will help promote this program. You can easily get all your volunteer hours completed in this position.
Two other reminders…Parish Affiliation Forms are due to Father Mike by April 30th. If you would like to request the “in-parish” tuition rate for next year, you must fill out and submit this form yearly. Click here to download the form.
Tuition assistance requests were supposed to be completed last month. You can still apply even though the deadline to be considered for Archdiocesan funds has passed. You can find further information online at www.factstuitionaid.com. Please give me a call if you have any questions.
Don’t forget that you can help our Outdoor School program by dining out at Kennedy School on Monday night. Fifty percent of sales go to help fund this 6th grade adventure.
Have a great weekend.
Sincerely,
Susan
Dine Out for Outdoor School, Monday, April 15th
Imagine one week with no cell phones, TV, laptops, computers, iPads, Kindles, Facebook, etc….could you do it? This past week our 6th graders were in Corbett, OR with no electronics. Instead, they are learning about the natural sciences outside. All day. Every day. Rain or shine.
The school no longer receives funding for this program and the cost this year is $259 per student. This Monday, April 15, from 5pm to 10pm in the Courtyard Restaurant, McMenamin’s Kennedy School will donate 50% of the night’s food and beverage sales (Gross Sales not Net!) to support The Madeleine School’s 6th Grade Outdoor School experience. We will put the money in escrow for next year’s class and help them get a kick start to their fundraising for this trip. Please help future students have the opportunity for this rare experience!
For more information on Outdoor School, please click here.
Father Daughter Dance April 20th
All you parents of daughters, pull your disco attire out of the closet and get ready for the Father Daughter Dance Saturday, April 20th at 7:00pm in the Parish Hall.
We’ll have a live DJ, hula hoop and limbo contests, a best disco costume contest, and maybe a dance-off. We'll be serving plenty of snacks (i.e., sugar) to keep you dancing, and have non-alcoholic drinks available.
Sign up now in the office. No actual dancing skills required!
Jogathon News
The Jogathon is just two weeks away! The event is Friday, April 26 and we are looking for volunteers to help in the following areas:
- Set up
- Tallying for each class (grades 5-8 will start at 1 pm and grades K-4 will start at 2pm)
- Clean up
- Medical professional on site at each session in case of injuries
- Counting pledges and money
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact jogathon@themadeleine.edu and indicate your area of interest and your child’s name and grade.
Keep collecting those donations and pledges! We are hoping each student can raise a minimum of $150. Thanks for your support.
Shelby Walker and Kelsi Charlesworth
2013 Jogathon Co-Chairs
2012 Arts and Library Paddle Raise Update
Once again, THANK YOU! for supporting our Arts and Library Paddle Raise at the 2012 auction last November. Below is a quick list of revenues and expenditures to date.
- Total Raised for the Arts and Library Paddle Raise: $50,183
- Library expenditures to date: $4,346
- Deposit to J. Crawley Woodworks, LLC of $3,950 for new library shelving.
- Installation of new book shelves is estimated to be 4-6 weeks.
- Book purchases to date: $396. Click here for a list of books purchased. Kate Chambers is also surveying the teachers to find what subject areas they would like to purchase additional books for.
- $2,789 for art supplies.
- Paper marbling supplies
- Prismacolor colored pencil sets
- Chalk Pastels
- Oil Pastels
- Micron Pens
- Art Print collection ($1,400)
- Specialty finishes/paints/glazes
- Decorative Paper Punches
- Paint Brushes
- Quite a few odds and ends
- Pending: Ceramics Kiln. Estimated cost: $5,000
A percentage of the Arts money will be used to expand the art room and improve storage and organization of supplies. However, the school will not interrupt classroom instruction for remodeling. All new construction will take place during the summer months. Plans for the art room remodel are under the guidance of the Buildings and Grounds Committee. They are meeting with three contractors in the next two weeks.
Alumni & Friends Luncheon Volunteers Needed
Last Chance for Volunteer Hours!
Do you still have some community service or fundraising volunteer hours you need to complete? We have the job for you! You can choose between the following volunteer options related to the Alumni & Friends Luncheon:
- Luncheon: Wednesday, May 1st from 10:30am – 1:30pm
- Clean-up: Wednesday, May 1st at 1:30pm
Please contact Caryn Fiedler at fiedler3fam@gmail.com to sign up!
Library and Technology Blog
Check out Mrs. Chambers' Library & Technology Blog to see what's happening this week with the library, computer lab, and iPad cart.
Grandparents and Special Persons Tea
This year's Grandparents and Special Persons Tea is set for Thursday, April 25th from 12:45 to 1:50pm. (You are invited to Mass from 2:00 to 3:00.)
Click here to find an invitation ready to send to your child’s Grandparent or Special Person.
The event will be special for all…we will start with sign-in and refreshments in the parish hall from 12:45 to 1:10. Then guests will go to the classrooms. The Grandparents/Special guests, if they choose, will then have the opportunity to go to Mass with the children.
We are asking that invitations be extended only to Grandparents or Special people, and not siblings or youth under 18. Thank you.
Please email RSVP’s to Anne Gaber at gaber20@msn.com.
If you have any questions, please contact Anne Gaber (gaber20@msn.com) or Tessa Siegel (tessasiegel3@gmail.com). We are looking forward to a fun afternoon with our Grandparents and Special Guests!!!
Counselor's Column
This week's topic: "AD/HD in School"
In a classroom of 25 to 30 children, it is probable that at least one child has AD/HD. Distinguishing a hyperactive-impulsive child from that of other active children can be difficult. Find out more in this week's Counselor's Column.
8th Grade Delivers 235 St. Michael's Lunches
The eighth graders did an outstanding job this week bringing in 235 sack lunches for St. Michael’s. There were bags and bags of turkey and ham lunches—favorites of the folks who dine at St. Michael’s. When I walked into the St. Michael’s kitchen. I found Irvan, the master volunteer, stirring a large pot of African peanut soup. Soup and sack lunches, what a perfect meal for a cold April day. Thank you eighth graders, for all your help with sandwich making, counting, delivering, hauling and sorting!
The Art Show is Coming: Volunteers Needed
The big set up day is Monday, May 6th starting at 8:00 a.m. We also need volunteers for the following:
Any Time: Making loops of tape to stick work to the wall, mounting art on black paper (packets of art can be signed out and worked on at home), and arranging mounted art on the walls.
Friday May 10th more help will be needed taking art down, and sorting it into student portfolios.
2013 - 2014 Tuition Rates Approved
Dear Madeleine Parents,
Each year the School Advisory Council (SAC) considers the budget for the up-coming year and determines if we need to have a tuition increase and if so, how much the increase needs to be. Some items we take into account in our consideration are: expected increases in utility costs for the building, increases in healthcare costs for the staff, where we fall in with the other schools in the area for tuition, what assistance we have to offer and our five year plan goals. Two important aspects of our new five year plan are continuing to support our amazing group of teachers by increasing their salaries incrementally to get them closer to the public school rates and by creating and defining line items in the budget for technology. We want to make sure we can continue to cultivate the creative learning opportunities and wealth of knowledge that technology can provide.
This year, after carefully considering the above items, SAC recommended a tuition increase of 2.75% to maintain our current budget with no cuts, and to meet our five year goal in terms of teacher salaries and technology. Father Mike approved the budget and tuition rate. Please know that we have made no budget additions this year understanding that we are still in an uncertain economy and the increase is only to keep from cutting current programs.
Click here to view next year's tuition rates and payment schedule. Please feel free to contact SAC at sac@themadeleine.edu if you have any questions or concerns.
Susan Miller
SAC Chairperson 2011-2013
School Advisory Council Nominations for Next Year
Are you interested in helping to shape the direction of our school? Then, we need you! The Madeleine School Advisory Council has three positions (3-year terms) that need to be filled. Download the nomination form here, and return it to the office by Thursday, May 2nd.
Parents Club Looking for “The Next Generation” of Officers and Leaders
With the Grandparent’s Tea and Jogathon just around the corner, the Parents Club is winding down their community and fundraising events for the year. The Madeleine School benefits greatly from the volunteer efforts of YOU, our Parents Club.
Your dedication and commitment to your child’s education and your partnership with the teachers and staff is what makes The Madeleine School so special and one of the best elementary schools in Portland. Although everyone is a member of the Parents Club and is expected to donate 30 hours per year, we need as many parents as possible who are willing to take a leadership role. We know our parents in the primary grades are fabulous. Thank you for helping with the Hot Lunch Program, as Room Reps, and selling Scrip to name just a few examples of your volunteer efforts.
Now, grab a friend (or two or three!) and consider co-chairing as Hot Lunch Coordinator, Room Rep Coordinator, or as Parent Club Vice President. The school needs your event coordination, marketing, advertising, graphic design, community building, customer service, volunteer coordination, hospitality, and fundraising skills. Most of all, we need you to care, which we know you do, and help us continue all of our extra programs which help us create an exceptional educational experience for our children.
Please consider attending the next Parents Club (ALL are always welcome!) meeting on Wednesday, April 17 at 6:45 pm in the school library and find out more about being a club officer or contact the following people with any questions you may have:
Nora Gravengaard, Parents Club President, ngravengaard@themadeleine.edu
Lisa Luna, Parents Club Vice President, infoluna@comcast.net
Susan Steele, School Principal, ssteele@themadeleine.edu
Lynn Robinson, Development Director, lrobinson@themadeleine.edu
Spirit Week: April 22-26
Mustache Monday:
Put on your mustache and wear free dress.
Title Tuesday: Decorate your classroom door with your favorite book title and dress up as your favorite character.
Wacky Wednesday: Wear bold clashing colors with mismatched patterns.
Thursday:
Dress your Best for Grandparents' Day.
Friday: Come "Ready to Run" for the Jog-a-thon.
Care 4 Creation Spring Events
Doing some spring cleaning? Have a few pairs of old sneakers lying around? Have some old cell phones, IPods, DVDs, printer toner cartridges, working and non-working laptops and computers, household florescent light bulbs, compact florescent lights, household batteries, or Styrofoam lying around? Well, consider this your lucky month because the Care 4 Creation Committee is offering two exciting spring-time events to honor Earth Day on April 22! Click here for more information on both events.
Sneaker Drive: Bring your old sneakers before or after school to The Madeleine on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, April 17, 18 or 19.
Phones 4 Flowers: Please bring your e-waste to the Madeleine turn around on Sunday April 21st between 9:00 - 1:00.
How do we turn a phone (or other types of e-waste) into a flower? Believe it or not, several local recycling centers will reimburse us for electronic waste. The Care 4 Creation committee plans to use these funds to purchase native plants (like the ones recently planted along the south end of the covered area), mulch and other garden supplies for our beautiful Madeleine campus. Cash donations also accepted.
We are partnering with our neighbors at Alameda School to increase the e-waste catchment area. If you are interested in volunteering on April 21st, please contact John Robinson, jrobinson@huronconsultinggroup.com.
This Week's Checklist
The list includes upcoming events, deadlines, and reminders to put on your calendar. Download it here and save it on your computer or print it out and hang it on the refrigerator!
Please Welcome Our New Parish Bookkeeper
The great news just keeps on coming for our parish staff as we welcome Lisa Hookland as our new parish bookkeeper.Find out more about Lisa...
New Benches in the Centennial Rose Garden
If you hadn’t already noticed, there are new benches installed in the Rose Garden. Stop in, sit, pray, and remember our dearly departed.
Also, you’ll notice that Phase II of the Rose Garden is underway. If you want to remember a loved one with a rose and a plaque, visit www.themadeleine.edu/rosegarden.
Mothers of Babies and Preschool Children
Come together on April 24, 10 am–noon in the Fireside Room. Initially we will simply chat and share experiences, and determine if we wish to make or do something together when we meet once a month. Invite friends who are stay-at-home moms with pre-school children. Call Deborah Naugler, 503.713.3068 or Sr. Cecilia, 503.284.7286 (any day) or 503.281.5777 (Tues. or Thurs.).
Vacation Bible School....Save the Date
Vacation Bible School, register today!
June 24-27 at Westminster Presbyterian
N.E. Ecumenical Vacation Bible School will be June 24th-27th at the Westminster Presbyterian Church on NE Hancock & 16th. Children age 4 (by September 2013) through 6th grade are welcome to attend. Registration forms are in the main church entry and are also available at nevacationbibleschool.wordpress.com. We are in need of teachers (18 or older) and youth helpers (7th grade and older). If you would like to help, please contact Jennifer Russell at 503-679-5224, or Evelyn Bian at 503-319-1854.
Living The Eucharist Groups
Thursday, April 25, 6:30 pm
To all of our Living the Eucharist small faith groups: don’t forget to mark your calendars for April 25 at 6:30 pm, for our Celebration of the Eucharist and Night of Socializing. The evening will start with a celebration of the Eucharist in the Fireside Room, followed by food, drink and fellowship in the parish hall.
Follow Pope Francis on Twitter
In This Week's Parish Bulletin
Download yours at www.themadeleine.edu/bulletin
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.