September 7, 2018
A Note from Susan
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome back to a new year with new beginnings, new challenges, new friends, and new adventures. September really should be the beginning of the calendar for those of us with a “school mentality.” There is something in the air at this time of the year that just speaks to me of a new journey.
I am so happy to partner with you on this journey of educating your child and forming him/her in the ways of faith. As I have said many times before, I feel so blessed to be the principal of a Catholic school because I am privileged to work with teachers and students in the context of my Catholic faith. I look forward to a great year of collaboration and cooperation as the 2018-2019 school year unfolds.
The Madeleine Community Picnic
This Sunday there will be a Madeleine community picnic and ministry fair after the 10:00 Mass. This is a great opportunity to catch up on everyone’s summer adventures and vacations. Families who are not members of The Madeleine Parish are especially welcome and encouraged to join in the fun. Food and beverages will be provided and everyone is encouraged to bring a dessert to share. The festivities should begin around 11:15. Hope you can drop by.
Back To School Night
Be sure to mark your calendar for Back To School Night on Thursday, September 13. This is an evening to meet your child’s teacher and hear about highlights and activities for the coming year. There will be a “wine and cheese social” from 6:15 until 7:00 in the Parish Hall. During these 45 minutes you can meet new parents, catch up with old friends, sign up for activities, and get information on volunteer opportunities, especially our fabulous auction, themed Saturday Night Fever. We will start the meeting promptly at 7:05, so come early to socialize with our wonderful community. See you at 6:15 in the Parish Hall. Adults only, please.
Called To Protect Program
Teachers are already planning field trips and activities that require volunteers, but before you can volunteer you must be in compliance with the Called To Protect program. The Archdiocese of Portland has developed this program to safeguard our students and raise awareness of child abuse. If you are new to the school and wish to volunteer, you must do three things the first year:
- Attend a Called to Protect training, which is a onetime event. Trainings are offered at a variety of times and places in the Archdiocese. We will offer one on Sept. 26th at 7:00, but there are many other opportunities.
- Read and sign a “Standards of Conduct” document, available online or in the school office.
- (After you have completed the above steps…) Have a background check, which is good for three years. Forms are in the school office.
After the initial year, you must view an online video each year to keep your volunteer status active. The video changes each year, and we will distribute information on how to access this year’s video at Back to School Night and in next week’s Friday Footnotes.
Well, I think that is enough for one week. We are off and running for 2018-2019!
Sincerely,
Susan
Five for Friday
The news you need really, really fast!
- Auction News: Click Here
- Back-to-School Night - 9/13: Click Here
- New Parent Potluck - 9/18: Click Here
- After School Spanish Class: Click Here
- September Volunteer Opportunities: Click Here
Countdown to Saturday Night Fever!
November 3 // The 2018 Madeleine Auction
The auction is just eight weeks away and we are gearing up! We’ll have weekly reminders about what you need to do or be aware of.
Auction Raffle Has Begun
Each student will be sent home with a raffle packet today. Part of the auction fundraising is a raffle, which helps to raise $35,000 for our school. This year we are asking for 100% participation from our students and families. Ideally, your student will sell 15 or more tickets, but any sales are better than no sales. We are all in this together, right?
NEW THIS YEAR! Students who return all 15 tickets by Friday, September 14th will receive 2 free dress passes, a disco ball keychain and a chance to win $25 cash. We will have FOUR drawings for the cash prize. A great way to start off!
Incentives for the students include:
15 tickets = 2 free dress passes + disco ball key chain + entry for cash
30 tickets = 2 more free dress passes + gift card + another entry for cash
45 tickets = 1 more free dress pass + gift card + another entry for cash
60 tickets = 1 more free dress pass + gift card + another entry for cash
Raffle Prizes
Grand Prize: $4,000 travel voucher or $4,000 tuition voucher to any Portland area Catholic school
Second Place: iPhone X valued at $1,000
Third Place: $500 Amazon Gift Card
Send Us Your Photos for the 2018 Auction Slide Show
Submit 1-2 of your best photos for a video shown at the auction that showcases all of our wonderful kids. School-related, close-up photos with several students are best. No vacation photos, please! Send to www.themadeleine.edu/photos-for-auction.
Family Donations for the 2018 Auction - Due October 5
Don’t forget your auction donation (with an item value of at least $200) is due by October 5th. After that date, you will be billed for $250. Don’t know what to donate? Email auction@themadeleine.edu for some ideas. Or you can always write your best check ($200 minimum).
Super Fun Special Auction Project!!
If you have videography/editing skills and want to get all your hours in before the auction making a fun video, please contact Jennifer Tadjedin (jtadjedin@mac.com or 503.421.9583).
Will share specific details when contacted.
Thank you to all of the fabulous parents who helped kick off the school year with the Back to School BBQ! Your work means so much to the kids and parents.
Deborah Naugler ~ Joanna Curley ~ Lisa Rogers ~ Toni Kempner ~ Karis Stoudamire-Phillips ~ Catherine Armstrong ~ Matt Drapcho ~ Jim Doherty ~ Steve Karolyi ~ Bob Workmeister ~ Sara LaHaie ~ Ali McMenamin ~ Maria & Jerod Fitzgerald ~ Evelyn Bian ~ Michael Phillips ~ Susan Samuelson ~ Jen Tadjedin ~ Kris Thompson ~ Alisa Pyszka
Reminder: Parking During Construction
Parking along NE 23rd Avenue directly behind the school continues to be consumed by construction dumpsters and construction workers. Please park in our parking lots, on NE 24th or on NE 23rd next to the field.
We have two parking lots on campus: the north lot (next to the Field of Dreams/Garden Fever) and the south lot (in front of the school). The south lot is supposed to be for drop off and pick up of children. The north lot is to be used for parking when parents are walking their children into school.
The flow of traffic for drop off/pick up is interrupted when parents park in the south lot and try to back out to leave. Not so bad at this time of the year, but when it starts raining and everyone is dropping off their child, the backup of cars on 24th can be a big problem. So please use the north lot when you are walking your child into the building.
If you have questions about the construction, feel free to send our Business Manager, James Wurzer, an email at jwurzer@themadeleine.edu.
Online Calendar? We've Got You Covered!
Are you getting nervous about keeping track of everything going on here at The Madeleine? No worries!
Click here to subscribe to our interactive school calendar and always have the most recent calendar updates available right at your fingertips on your phone.
Back to School Night
Thursday, September 13
6:15pm for Wine & Cheese Social
7:00pm for the Evening Program
On Thursday, September 13th we will have our annual Back To School night, with the very popular wine and cheese social at 6:15pm in Parish Hall to kick it off.
The evening program will begin at 7:00pm with information and announcements that apply to all parents and then there will be two classroom sessions when teachers will review the curriculum, activities, and highlights for the coming year.
This is not the time for individual conferences with your child’s teacher. Scheduled conferences are late in October, and we will give you information on how to sign up for those. Hope to see you on Thursday.
New Parent Potluck
Tuesday, September 18 @ 6pm
Welcome all new families! Please join us for the New Parent’s Potluck on Tuesday, September 18 at 6:00pm – 8:00pm in the Parish Hall.
Enjoy dinner and drinks while meeting other new parents. There will be a short program where our fabulous principal, Mrs. Steele, and representatives from Parents Club, the auction, scrip program, and volunteering will be available to address any of your questions.
Please bring a salad or dessert to share. Adults only, please.
Please click here to RSVP for the potluck!
Don't Forget to Order Hot Lunch!
Simply click over to www.triohosp.com/tms to view the menus and get instructions to place your order. If this is your first time ordering from Trio, you'll need to set up an account.
Trio prepares and serves lunch five days a week and currently serves a number of Catholic schools around Portland. A few of the highlights that this company offers:
- Meals can be ordered at any time during the month, up until the night before.
- In addition to a hot entrée, there is a salad and a sandwich option.
- All meals come with a fresh salad and fruit bar and a carton of milk.
- If your child misses a meal because of an absence, your account will be credited.
Still a Space Available
Spread the word! We still have one space available in 1st grade for the 2018 - 2019 school year. Word of mouth has always proven to be our strongest form of marketing, so text your friends and neighbors and invite them to come for a tour and submit an application.
There are always a few administrative matters to contend with at the start of a new school year. Here's a heads up on a few items to keep in mind:
Student Handbook
The new student handbook will be available online next week. New families will receive a hard copy at Back-to-School night.
Student Directory
Next week you will receive an email asking you to review your family's entry in the student directory. Please take 30 seconds sometime before Thursday at noon to make sure your entry is accurate.
As always, only one email will be listed in the directory, however, you may contact Susan Steele at ssteele@themadeleine.edu and request to have additional emails added to the digital distribution list.
Jump Start Your Volunteer Hours!
Three volunteer opportunities in September
Check out volunteer opportunities for the upcoming school year by logging into www.themadeleine.edu/hours.
While you are refreshed and in back-to-school mode, the Parents Club would love for you to start fulfilling your volunteer hours early and help with the following events.
The Madeleine Community Picnic: Sunday, September 9th
What: This fun family event with kids games, food, and beverages builds connections within The Madeleine community across the school and parish.
We need help running games for kids and with set-up and clean-up.
When: Begins immediately after 10am mass.
Sign up to help at www.themadeleine.edu/hours
Back to School Night: Thursday, September 13th
What: Catch up with Madeleine parents, meet the teachers and find out about the year ahead.
We need help with set-up and clean-up for beverages and appetizers.
When: Begins at 6:15pm
Sign up to help at www.themadeleine.edu/hours
School Auction Prep: September - October
What: Help prepare for or work the night of our '70s disco inspired evening. This year’s signature fundraising event will take place at The Madeleine School on Saturday, November 3rd.
Volunteers needed for a wide range of activities. Check out your options and sign up to help at www.themadeleine.edu/hours.
Madeleine Music Program
Once again The Madeleine Music Program will benefit from the expertise of both Mr. Pederson and Dr. Manzo.
Mr. Pederson will teach all of the music curriculum while Dr. Manzo will lead two optional performance choirs (grades 3 - 8) to enhance the students' music experiences. Stay tuned for information about how to sign-up for these new opportunities.
Please click here for details about the choirs.
Please click here for the choir schedule.
After-School Spanish Class @ The Madeleine
Open to K - 5th
Starting on September 26, after-school Spanish class will take place right here at school from 2:45 - 3:35pm for any interested students in grades kindergarten through 5th grade.
This is a new program -- expanded to include 4th and 5th grades -- and will make a great transition into our middle school spanish program. There will be one class for kindergarten - 2nd grade and another class for 3rd - 5th grade.
Registration deadline is September 21.
Click here to see the flyer for complete details and registration information.
St. Stephen's Lunch Program
Making a difference, one lunch at a time!
Our amazing final tally for last year was over 7,000 lunches made and delivered to St. Stephen's for distribution to those in need downtown. Can we beat this total this year?
What is the St. Stephen's Lunch Program?
Throughout the year we ask all students to participate in our school-wide service project, which provides lunches to Portland's homeless. One class each week is designated to bring in bagged lunches, which we then deliver to a local parish.
Our commitment to the hungry will begin Tuesday, September 11th with the 8th graders bringing in lunches, which will be taken to St. Stephen’s. We suggest that each child brings in at least six lunches, but any help is appreciated. Please include a sandwich and some snacks. Our contributions are distributed to multiple locations around downtown where people gather seeking a nutricious meal.
What should I include in the lunches we make?
Please no condiments on sandwiches. Why no condiments? St. Stephen's volunteers specifically made this request because eggs are on the “Big 8” of food allergens. Many lunches in the past were not being accepted because of mayonnaise on the bread. Madeleine School has purchased boxes of individual packets of both mayonnaise and mustard to hand out separately. If you have extra individual packets of either mustard or mayonnaise at home that you would like to donate, please do. Just place in a separate plastic bag, and we will deliver it with the lunches. Thanks!
Here are a few tips for the lunches you make:
- Simple sandwiches with plain bread, meat and cheese. PB&J is also okay.
- No mustard or mayo!
- Lunches should also include chips and a cookie or piece of fruit.
- There is no limit to the number of lunches you may bring in.
How Does the Scrip Program Work?
Scrip is the purchase of gift cards to local businesses where you are most likely to shop. There is no extra cost to you, and the school earns thousands of dollars per year through this successful program.
Cash or checks are preferred, but you may buy with a credit card and pay the service fee. Per the tuition agreement, each family is required to purchase $2,500 in scrip per year.
Scrip is sold every morning in the scrip office (right across from the front office) and on Friday mornings in the Garden Room (where you can also pick up free coffee and donuts).
Milk Order
Did you turn in your milk order? Many of you did not, so don't be surprised if you are contacted in the near future. We assume you don't want your child to receive milk at lunch if we did not hear from you. Please note that since hot lunch comes with milk, you do not need to order it separately if you've ordered hot lunch for your child.
Allergies & Medications
Please, please, please let us know if your child has a severe allergy. Both your classroom teacher and Angela Rosebrook need to be alerted.
In addition, if your child needs to take any medication at school at any point during the school year, it must be delivered by you in its original container with the required medication authorization form to Angela Rosebrook in the front office. Medications include Tylenol, eye drops, cough drops and prescriptions. The required medication authorization form can be found by clicking here.
Questions? Please talk to Angela Rosebrook in the front office.
Shopping for Halloween? Your Amazon Purchases Can Benefit The Madeleine!
If you’re already looking ahead to Halloween and planning your spooky decorations and costumes, remember to use the Madeleine Parents Club Amazon link. This program donates a portion of everything you spend on Amazon to The Madeleine – and it won't cost you a single cent more! You can click this link to get shopping immediately, or you can read more about this “free fundraiser” here.
The more you shop on Amazon using www.themadeleine.edu/amazon, the more money the school makes. The prices and shopping experience are exactly the same as the “normal” Amazon, but using that link earns the school a minimum of 4% commission. It’s one of the easiest fundraisers you’ll ever find!
Madeleine Day of Service: Save the Date
September 29
The annual Madeleine Day of Service is Saturday, September 29. We’ve arranged for groups from The Madeleine to participate in three hours of volunteer work at a number of wonderful agencies and projects around Portland, including but not limited to, Blanchet House, The Children’s Book Bank, the Oregon Food Bank, Laurelhurst Manor and our own Maddie’s Cart.
Volunteer groups will go out both morning and afternoon on Saturday, September 29, so you can sign up for a time slot that works with your schedule. Many of the opportunities are perfect for youth and adults. The Day of Service will conclude with a picnic barbeque back at The Madeleine for all volunteer participants. Sign ups will be available soon, so watch this space and the front hallway near the school doors for more information.
Volleyball at St. Mary's Academy
September 18
Come cheer on the SMA Blues! You’re invited to CYO Volleyball Night on September 18th at St. Mary’s Academy. Festivities start at 6:15pm, and the varsity game begins at 7:00pm. Enjoy free popcorn, face painting, raffle prizes, and more. Admission is free, and we hope to see your family there!
Click here to see the flyer with complete details.
This Week’s Checklist
Click Here for this week's handy Checklist
Download your copy of the bulletin at www.themadeleine.edu/bulletin
Formed: A New Resource
The Madeleine has purchased access to a website called “Formed”, where you can:
- Prepare for Sunday Mass by watching an insightful five-minute video by renowned Catholic teachers.
- Enjoy a movie with your family that is both nurturing and entertaining.
- Enrich your marriage with the award-winning video series “Beloved”.
- Learn more deeply about the Eucharist through the video series “Presence”.
- Help your children grow in character and embrace the beauty and wonder of the Faith.
This access is for all parishioners, school families, and anyone who would like to explore our faith more deeply.
Whatever your curiosity, there are hundreds of books and audio books available for download as well as study materials and talks on topics relevant to our times. Formed is an excellent resource for supplementing your library or video collection and for faith sharing groups.
Sign up today at https://formed.org by using the Parish Access Code: QKX7TK. For those who wish to access Formed on the go, you can download the app on iTunes or Google Play Store.
Questions: Darlene Maurer, dmaurer@themadeleine.edu
Congratulations for making it all the way to the end of Friday Footnotes!
Contributing to Friday Footnotes
If you have information to contribute to Friday Footnotes, please e-mail the copy exactly as you would like it to appear in a Word document to: fridayfootnotes@themadeleine.edu. Deadline is Wednesday at 5pm, or Tuesday at 5pm if there is no school on Friday.