Principal's Report

Monthly Principal’s Report for JACS Board

1. Enrollment  (Number of students)

We had two new students enroll this month.  A second grader (that put 25 in the second grade room) and a new kindergarten student.

1. Academic Report

1. Special acknowledgements / accomplishments / issues / concerns: On October 24^th, we invited 185 parents to attend conferences with 170 attending.  At this time we have had conferences with 12 of the 15 families that did not attend on the 24^th, for an attendance percentage of 98.3% attendance. We had our Halloween party following our school parade on Monday, October 31^st.  We then proceeded to the McAuley Multi-Purpose Room where we held our classroom party.  It was great to all be in one room. The students of McAuley set up activities for us to participate in the gym.  We appreciate their donation of time, candy and prizes for our students. Our Fall Fun Festival was held at Sacred Heart on October 29^th.  Attendance was down, thus our monies were below past levels, but we all had a great time with this new venue. Second, third, fourth and fifth grade students went to Spiva on November 2^nd and 3^rd to view the artist’s rendition of the tornado.  At the request of officials of Wal-Mart, I completed a grant for $35,000.00.  On Wednesday, November 9^th, I accepted a check at the grand opening of Wal-Mart #59 at 15^th and Range Line. Because of some error, the actual check was for $40,000.00 and made out to a different organization, not for St. Mary’s School.  They are going to replace the mistaken check with a new check to us for $40,000.00.  KC Wolf came to talk to our students on November 9^th about attitude, behavior and character.  This was made possible by our Home and School along with our boxtop program.  Our Book Fair was delivered November 9^th and was set up on the McAuley stage.  Students previewed the books on November 10^th.  November 11^th, students in kindergarten, grade 1 and grade 2 went to the MPR after Mass with grandparents and had pastries as well as going through the book fair.  Students will have a chance to purchase books the week of November 14 through the 18^th.  Grandparents of students in grades 3, 4, and 5 will attend a pastries and drink activity after Mass on Nov. 18 and tour the book fair with grandparents.  Classrooms had various activities regarding Veteran’s Day on November 11.  Monday, November 21^st will be our next Moe’s Monday, where a percentage of sales of persons telling their cashier that they are there with St. Mary’s,  goes to our Home and School.  Santa’s Secret Workshop will be open to students November 29 and 30.  Primary grade students will be going to MSSU to see Winnie the Poo’s Christmas Tail November 30^th in the morning.

4. Teacher accomplishments / acknowledgements: Sharon Reeve made it to the “Final Four” of the Great American Teach Off contest.  Thanks to all that voted for her daily to make it as far as she did.  Karen James has been hired to be the second grade assistant.  She is also available to other classes when needed.

5. Building /Grounds updates: Our custodian, John England fell while carrying items up the stairs.  He is well on the way towards recovery of a bruised wrist and arm.  Brandon Welsh has been assisting him in the evenings.  Mr. Katzfey, his wife and two children along with Keith Hilsabeck put the new pre-school playground equipment together on Friday, November 11^th.  The pre-school and pre-kindergarten students are having great fun on this new equipment!

General comments / updates: We will be using our book fund to pay for copier rental and the service contract.  In the past the home and School paid this cost, but due to the reduced income at our Fall Fun Festival we will not be asking Home and School to pay this cost.     School will not be in session Wednesday, November 23^rd in recognition of the Thanksgiving Holiday.  Classes will resume on Monday, November 28^th.  School will also not be in session Thursday, December 8^th in recognition of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.  Classes will resume Friday, December 9^th.