In this week’s newsletter you can watch 2 great videos and read about our Growing Great Kids Auction procurements, Giving Tuesday, girls basketball season, Bright Futures Annual Fund, Playground Angels for December, pulled pork dinner, Christmas Bazaar needs volunteers, PTC news, Shop For Schools Week, Giving Tuesday, surveys swag and parent satisfaction, business directory still needs you, uniform provider updates, tuition assistance applications due soon, blood drive coming, family baby news, childcare opportunity December 15, yearbook wants your pictures, the saint trivia and much more.
Thank you for reading!
In Case You Missed It…
Yesterday was Giving Tuesday and we made a fun video in honor of the occasion. We hope you’ll enjoy it — and share with your friends/in social media!
Bright Futures Annual Fund Update
Our deepest gratitude goes to the many families who have already given so selflessly to this year’s fund! We are humbled by your generosity and belief in the mission of our school. So far, we have received $75,295 in donations toward our goal of $140,000!
FACT: The Annual Fund reduces every Assumption student’s tuition by approximately $550 this school year.
If your family can share any portion of that gift back, others will also benefit, furthering the investment in the future of our community and world!
The common good is reached when we work together to improve the wellbeing of all, and we are blessed to be part of a school community that lives that Catholic teaching.
Thank you for supporting our school! To give: https://assumptionschool.ejoinme.org/annualfund
Christmas Bazaar on Sunday, December 3, 2023
The PTC Christmas Bazaar is back Sunday, December 3rd! The hours are 9 am- 3 pm in the Assumption gym. There will be a used book sale, bake sale, raffle baskets and 40 local vendors. Santa will even be there for free pictures from 1pm-3pm.
Volunteers Needed!
- Drop off baked goods on Sat 12/2 from 10am – 2pm in the gym.
- We still need many cashiers, decorators, photobooth supervision, and a clean-up crew. For the full list of volunteer opportunities please see the sign up below. (For questions please email: bazaar@Assumption.school.)
Christmas Bazaar Volunteer 2023
Two Masses on Friday, December 1st
School mass lead by the students in seventh grade will be at 8:15am. All K-8 will attend this mass.
Dress uniform is required.
Then there will be a funeral mass for Steven J. Mura at 10:30am. Some teachers and students with their parents will be attending in support Steve and the Mura family. He is grandfather of Emma and Elyse Perrin.
If you would like more information about the funeral mass or want to donate a gift to the Assumption School Annual Fund in lieu of flowers, please contact the office. Thank you.
Playground Angels Needed through Christmas break!
Thank you for your help on the playground! Sign up below…
Parent Satisfaction Survey 2023-2024 for K-8 and Preschool/Pre-K
Every year, we ask the school community to complete a K-8 Parent Satisfaction Survey (https://forms.office.com/r/UWLUrx7DKP) in order to better understand the needs of the families and see where we can improve. We also use these testimonials in our marketing materials and when meeting with prospective families. This is VERY HELPFUL in our planning, and we would appreciate it if you could take 20 minutes to complete the online survey. It also includes questions about the PTC general meetings and how to better improve what they offer. Thank you, in advance, for completing the survey and providing us with this information! Surveys are due by Friday, December 15th.
If you have a child in preschool or pre-kindergarten only and do not have children in the K-8 program, please complete a separate survey for preschool/pre-k families here or by typing into your browser https://forms.office.com/r/aJ1mAc8Ve8.
Swag Survey!
The PTC is looking to refresh our collection of Assumption swag available for families to purchase. Swag sales account for a small portion of PTC fundraising, but the primary intention of offering these items is to display our school pride and have a presence in the community. While we look into supplier options, it will be very helpful to know what items we may collectively be interested in!
Please take this one-minute survey to give us an idea of popular choices so that we can pursue potential hot sellers! https://forms.office.com/r/m40Wb61SBa
Uniform changes for 2024-2025
For the past two years, we have been looking to change uniform companies. Instead of changing everything at once, we are adding Land’s End for the upcoming school year with a few optional items and two required items– girls’ skirts and jumpers will now only be ordered from Land’s End starting at the end of the current school year. Additionally, Land’s End will also be offering polos, pants, sweatshirts, and dress uniform items, but it won’t be exclusive. This means that you can still order these same items from Dennis Uniforms, as well. We will use the upcoming school year to compare the two companies and decide whether or not to move away from Dennis Uniforms altogether or continue to utilize both vendors. More information will follow with regards to ordering from Land’s End starting in the spring of 2024. (Note: There will be a two-year transition period in which students can wear skirts and jumpers from Dennis while ordering the new ones from Land’s End. Both styles will be acceptable.)
Tuition assistance applications are due December 31st
If you are applying for tuition assistance for the 2024-2025 school year, applications are due no later than December 31st for the Fulcrum Foundation. (Applications for Faith Community Scholarships and tuition assistance from the school are ongoing.) Please follow the link and fill out the application if you haven’t already at https://online.factsmgt.com/
Volleyball Coach
The middle school girls are looking for someone to coach their volleyball team this year starting January 29 through March 15. Students practice every day from 3:15 to 4:30 pm, and there are usually two games per week. Five are at home, and five are away. This could be a stipend position, or a parent can use it to fulfill their volunteer hours.
If you are interested, please email Coach Eager at keager@assumption.school or contact theoffice@assumption.school before December 15th.
Human Food Chain Update
Each year, we do a food drive for the Hope House to help stock their shelves before the winter. This has always been a great tradition at Assumption. Thank you to all of you who were able to donate from your shelves or go to the store and purchase items for the food drive.
Pick up your pre-ordered dinner in the gym after school on Thursday, Nov. 30th between 3-4 pm.
Wreath and Poinsettia Pick up
Don’t forget to pick up your orders on Friday, December 1st from 2:45-3:30 pm and Saturday, December 2nd from 8 am –10 am near the gym doors. Contact Nikki Lockhart at nikanak@comcast.net, and thank you for supporting the 8th grade class.
Church of the Assumption Blood Drive
On Tuesday, Dec 5th, they still need 1 more volunteer to sign-up for the 2:30 pm spot and donate blood for the blood drive! Are you willing to give the gift of life to your community?
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0A48A5AA2AA64-45068685-blood#/
PTC News
General Meeting January
Our next PTC General Meeting is coming up in January and we want to hear from you! Please fill out the Parent Satisfaction Survey with the link earlier in the newsletter. This survey includes questions about the PTC topics and interest. Thank you!
Business Directory Needs You
We are still hoping to have a list of family businesses known to our community and we only have 10 listed so far. Please help us and fill in this survey that will only take a few minutes. If we know about your business, then we can help support local families in Whatcom County. Thank you. Link Here
Auction Sponsorship News
The 24th Annual Growing Great Kids Auction and Gala Sponsorships are officially open! This event is made possible with the help and support of many businesses and organizations. We have sponsorship levels ranging from $500 to $10,000 and offer many levels of visibility and community engagement. Sponsorship packets with all details and benefits are available in the office. If you would like to sponsor or know of a business to which we might send a packet, let us know and we’ll gladly mail one out. For sponsorship questions, please email our sponsorship lead, Dayna Dennis at ddennis@assumption.school or send auction questions and company logos to Torry Dechert at growinggreatkidsauction@assumption.school
Auction Procurement News
Each Assumption family has agreed to support the Growing Great Kids Auction with a cash donation or procured item worth $200 ($100 for preschool). This commitment may be completed in several ways: by cash or check, Scrip donation, sponsor the auction, offer use of a timeshare or vacation home, host a dinner, provide tickets, or create a themed auction basket. If you have a great idea for an item or experience worth more than $200, team up with another family to make it happen!
Deadline: Items are due on January 26th.
Don’t forget to fill out the Auction Procurement form in your Wednesday folder when you turn in your contribution, or this year you may also use the helpful new online form available here: https://assumptionschool.ejoinme.org/donate-an-item
Important note: Those families who have chosen to be charged the $200 can expect to see this reflected on their February statements. Volunteers: Looking for fundraising hours that can be done from home? Join the Auction Procurement Team! We provide a list of businesses and email templates which you may use to request donations of goods and services. Our kickoff team meeting is December 5th at 6:30pm. To join the fun, email Torry at growinggreatkidsauction@assumption.school
Co-Curricular Activities
Girls’ Basketball
The Lady Eagles’ basketball season is coming to a close next week and both teams continue to grow and improve. Our White team has earned some awesome wins against Horizon, Blaine, Meridian and Mt. Baker. A tough loss on Monday against LC will only serve as motivation for their game on Wednesday against Lynden. Leading the team in points scored is Sophia while Morgan and Finley have earned the most steals, and Maggie leads the team in rebounds. Fantastic work, ladies! We can’t wait to see how you close out the season!
Our Blue team has been down a few players recently, but the players have shown their versatility and grit by stepping into new roles, coming up with wins against Horizon and Blaine and some tough losses against Baker, Meridian, and LC. The whole team is playing hard and taking shots. Lexie leads the team in rebounds while Stella has earned the most steals.
There are still opportunities to come cheer on these exciting teams tonight against Lynden (@Lynden), then against Vista (@Vista) on December 4th, and finally White faces off against Lummi and Blue against Franklin on Wednesday, Dec. 6th.
Go Eagles!
Wednesday Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
We want to remind families that all are invited to come to the church for prayer during Adoration from 7:45 am every Wednesday to Thursday at 7:15 am. Join Katie White at 8:00 am or come any time throughout the day. Your child goes with his/her class at least once per month and some go weekly. If you’d like to go while your child is praying with his/her class, some of the times are Kindergarten 12:45-1:15; Eighth Grade 8:15-8:45; First and Second Grades once per month from 12:30-1 and 1:15-1:45 respectively. Other classes go monthly as it works with their schedules. Look in the teachers’ newsletters for weeks and times they might be in Adoration.
Childcare December 15th! Save the Date!
- Who: Supervision provided by Mr. & Mrs. Blas & 8th grade volunteers
- What: Childcare for ACS students
- Where: School Library & School Gym
- When: December 15, 2023, 12:00 – 5:00 pm*
- Why: Proceeds go to the 8th grade WA DC trip
- Cost: $30 per student, or $75 for 3 or more
- Food: Food will be provided
*Please note that there is NO EDP provided on that day.
Click Here for the sign up Link
Help Our School by Shopping at Launching Success!
Yearbook
The yearbook team is looking for photos from basketball games, All Saint’s Day, Veteran’s Day service, and anything from fall and winter activities! Please send your photos to: acsyearbookphotos@gmail.com
Three New Baby Blessings
It is that time of year to reflect on things and be thankful for all the blessings in our lives. So, we are happy to announce three new births in our school community.
Congratulations to the Rosetta family! On November 19th at 6:43am, beautiful Valkyrie Rose came into the world weighing 8lbs 12 oz and 19 inches long. The kids are all so excited to have a new little sister. Valkyrie is the fifth baby for the family, and they couldn’t be happier for the gift of life.
Here is a meal train sign up if you would like to help them out. Meal Train for The Rosetta family
Congratulations to the Fisher family! On November 20th, they welcomed Damien Lukas Fisher into the family. Emma and baby are doing well. Damien Lukas Fisher joined us a bit earlier than expected last Monday night at 11:05 PM. We are so excited to have him and grateful for all the support from the ACS community. Hope to see y’all soon! There is also a meal train for the family, and anything helps. Click here to sign up!
Also, congratulations to the Van Mieghem family! Vincent Scott Van Mieghem was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 23rd, 2023. He came into the world at 19 inches and weighed 7lbs and 9 oz. Big brother, Thomas and big sister, Mary, are so excited to have a little brother. A meal train has been set up and if you can help click here!
Holiday Festival of the ARTS
Come see the ACS Photography Exhibit at the Allied Arts Festival!
In-Person Market
1331 Commercial Street
Bellingham, WA 98226
November 17-December 24th
Open 7 days a week 10am -4pm
Saturdays and Sundays: Live music and free kid activities
Women’s Volleyball Club/Team
Attention Assumption Catholic School moms and friends! Join us for our first women’s volleyball night on Monday, December 4th.
The gym opens at 7:15, all setup and ready to play. For any questions, please contact Lisa Twining at (360)-393-5004.
Couselor’s Corner
Our school counselor, Mrs. Caulfield, has put together some wonderful tips on being thankful this time of year. You can find more information about the benefits of being grateful, book recommendations, and activities to cultivate gratitude in children. (click here for newsletter)
“Walking with the Saints” Trivia is Back!
If you think you know who this saint is below, then write your name, grade, and guess on a piece of paper and turn in to Mrs. King in the office. This is a great way to learn about saints and their lives. Each saint is unique, just like each one of us. And maybe one or two saints may inspire you as you grow in your relationship with Christ.
Last Week: It was St. Frances Cabrini Xavier. No entries.
New Saint/Blessed: She was born during the second century to a very rich family. When she was young, she married a man named Valerian. Husbands and wives get to share a very special gift when they are married. However, this young woman wanted to save this gift for Jesus alone. On the night of Cecilia’s wedding, she told Valerian she was saving the special gift for Jesus and that her guardian angel was protecting it. Her husband wanted proof by seeing her angel.
“After you convert and are baptized a Christian you will be able to see my angel,” she told him.
Do you think he converted? He DID and was then able to see her guardian angel!
While her husband was watching, her angel crowned Cecilia with roses and lilies. After Valerian became a Christian, his brother did too. The three of them worked for God the rest of their lives.
This holy woman preached to anyone willing to listen about Jesus and converted many to Christianity. Valerian and his brother spent their days burying the recently martyred men and women. (If the government found out you were Christian, you were killed or “martyred.”) Can you imagine trying to secretly bury the dead?
Eventually, Valerian and his brother were discovered to be Christians and killed for it. Later, this saint also was caught and killed.
She is considered the patron saint of music. It is thought that she sang in her heart during her wedding, asking Jesus to be able to keep her special gift for him.
Multiple Choice this week:
- St. Philomena
- St. Cecilia
- St. Margaret Mary Aloque
- St. Lucy
Upcoming calendar items:
Nov. 30th – Archery Begins @ 7:00 am and Pulled Pork Dinner pick-up 3-4 pm
Dec. 1st- Pick up wreath/poinsettia orders after school.
Dec. 2nd – Pick up wreath/poinsettia orders 8-10 am at the gym entrance.
Dec.3rd – Christmas Bazaar 9-3pm (Free Santa pictures 1-3pm)
Dec. 3rd – First Sunday of Advent
Dec. 8th – Mass at 12:30pm Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception-dress uniform
Dec. 11th – Pizza Lunch Day
Dec. 13th – Casual Uniform Day
Dec. 14th – Christmas Program K-8th grade 7 pm in the Church
Dec. 15th – Early Release at 11:45am (B Day) Childcare offered by 8th graders & parents 12-5 pm
Dec. 16th through January 1st – Christmas Break!
January 2nd, 2024 – First day back to school in the New Year
