In this week’s newsletter you can read about our Catholic Schools Week and activities, Growing Great Kids Auction tickets, Auction procurements and sponsorships ongoing, boys’ basketball game tonight, Playground Angels, PTC news, volunteer opportunities, survey results and free dress announcement, yearbook ordering, co-curricular information, school reenrollment timeline for 2024-25, meal train for Gabe Twining, blanket drive for Hope House, Penny Wars, Menchie’s fundraiser with the principal, the saint trivia, gym cleanup, chef needed for take-n-bake, used uniform sale, Spring Open House soon, Faith Community Scholarship forms and information, and much more.
Thank you for reading!
Parent Satisfaction Survey Results
2023-2024
Thank you for your participation in this year’s survey. We ended with 74 replies, PS through 8th grades. Attached is the summary of results to include your statements about what you love about Assumption and a variety of things you would recommend changing. This is such a valuable feedback source for us, so thank you for your time and diligence. There were over 70 families, so instead of printing free dress passes for all of these students, we’ve designated Thursday, January 25th as a Free Dress Day for all of these students. You will receive a separate email if your child(ren) is eligible for Free Dress this Thursday.
Catholic Schools Week
Please look in your envelope for the calendar of events next week. Things for parents to remember:
- We need a volunteer to help count the money at the end of each day from our Penny Wars. (every day, January 30 to February 9th) If you can do this, please email theoffice@assumption.school.
- Please have your child write a little message of gratitude to his/her teacher on a card for Monday, January 29th and bring to the office by Friday, January 26, where they can be collected by PTC.
- Lunch with your child on Tuesday, Jan. 30th (K-5 and MS ice skaters only since most of grades 6-8 will be at Mt. Baker this day)
Theme Days/Dress Up for CSW:
- Tuesday: Movie Character Day
- Wednesday: Career Day/Dress Like a Teacher Day (Assembly at 12:45 pm)
- Thursday: Pajama or College Wear
- Friday: Dress Uniform for Mass
You can start to bring in your coins and bills on Tuesday, January 20th to start off the war for Catholic Relief Services and to win the pizza party for your class!
Playground Angels Schedule for January!
Snow is gone but it is cold outside! Thank you for supervising the playground!
Blanket Drive for Hope House
Second grade students are collecting new and gently used blankets for Hope House this year as their service project. Please bring blankets to the office starting Thursday, January 25th through Friday, February 9th. Thank you for helping the needy and homeless in our community.
Tuition has been established for the 2024-2025 school year.
Thank you to the Finance Committee, School Commission, and PTC Executive Board for their help in determining the initial budget draft for the 2024-2025 school year. The justification for revenue and expenses will be explained at the State of the School on Wednesday, February 7 at 7 pm in the gym. However, since re-enrollment begins this Friday for all current families, it’s important you know what tuition will be for enrollment and for your application for the Faith Community Scholarship (see below).
Based on our enrollment projections of 224 students for the 2024-2025 school year, next year’s tuition will be $8320 per student. This is a 2% increase from the 2023-2024 school year tuition of $8150. However, in School Admin (when you fill out your enrollment paperwork), you will see the “Tuition Collected” amount is $9562. You will then see “discounts” applied for which all students benefit. These include the PTC Scholarship, Annual Fund, and Foundation. Families can also apply for tuition assistance separately and may receive multi-child discounts, as well.
Faith Community Scholarships now open
These applications are now available on the school’s website and a paper copy will be coming home in this week’s Wednesday Envelope (Spanish and English versions). If you are a member of the Church of the Assumption, please read Fr. Moore’s digital letter to school families about the process for Faith Community Scholarships. If you belong to one of the other parishes in Whatcom County, please use the FCS application provided for now. If we receive a letter from other parishes with further explanations or a change in the application, we will make these available on the website. These applications are due by March 1, 2024.
Many of you may be waiting to see what tuition assistance you are receiving from the school and/or from the Fulcrum Foundation before you can specify your need from the parishes. Since you will be receiving all of this information in the same letter in April, please estimate these amounts based on what your family received in the 2023-2024 school year. (Note: If you are new to the school this year and have applied to the Fulcrum Foundation for the first time, contact the office and we can provide you with the Fulcrum amounts directly as soon as we have that information.)
Enrollment Deadlines for 2024-2025
January 24– Faith Community Scholarship applications will be available in the Wednesday Envelope and online at https://school.assumption.org/faith-community-scholarship/
January 26– Re-enrollment begins for current families and applications for new students can now be accepted.
February 7– State of the School at 7 pm in the gym. Hear from Mr. Anderson about the school’s financial status and learn about projections for 2024-2025 expenses.
March 1– Re-enrollment deadline for current families. Non-refundable registration fees are due. This is a hard deadline so we can open spaces for new students.
March 1– Faith Community Scholarships are due to parishes.
April 5– Families receive a tuition assistance letter from the school with awards for 2024-2025. This includes Fulcrum Foundation, tuition assistance from school, and Faith Community Scholarships. Appeal requests are due by April 20.
(Note: Registration fees may be refundable after March 1 if tuition assistance and scholarships are not sufficient to keep tuition affordable.)
Growing Great Kids Auction News
Tickets are now on sale for the 24th Growing Great Kids Auction! We sell out each year so don’t delay. There are two options, $45 gives you entry to the Silent Auction and Reception from 5pm-7pm. $135/ticket covers the entire evening including the Silent Auction and Reception, Dinner, Live Auction and dancing. Tickets are available on the website, or you may RSVP using the envelope you received in the mail.
Auction Contributions are due into the office this week – there is a procurement form in your Wednesday folders. Looking to earn some easy fundraising volunteer hours? Donate $20/hour to help cover the cost of wine at the auction! Make a note on your check so we can apply the credit to your volunteer hour balance.
Each year we highlight a special need at the school and this year it is…Walls, Floors and Furniture! Fourteen classrooms are in great need of a makeover, and each room will cost approximately $10,000. Last year, our community generously contributed over $58,000 to cover the cost of replacing all the leaky, broken windows at Assumption. How many rooms can we fund together this year?
We need YOU to make this event a success! Here is a signup link for Auction volunteer spots. We need Greeters, Decor Team, Auction Bid Spotters, Clean Up Crew and much more. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805044FA4A92CA3FE3-45225537-growing#/
Tickets: https://assumptionschool.ejoinme.org/growinggreatkidsauction
Auction Timeline:
- Ticket sales open Jan 18th.
- Class Auction Projects due Jan 26th
- Family Contributions due Jan 26th
- Sponsorships close Jan 26th
- RSVPs due February 14th
- Auction & Gala on March 2nd
Auction questions? Email Torry Dechert at growinggreatkidsauction@assumption.school
On Sunday, February 4, from 11:30 to 1:30pm, Assumption will be hosting our spring open house. Current families are welcome to attend with a friend. Those who bring an interested family will receive a FREE DRESS ticket for their child(ren)!
PTC News
Catholic Schools Week – PTC would like to let our teachers and aides know how much we appreciate them by showering them with thoughtful cards from their students. Please have your child write a little message of gratitude to their teacher on a card and bring it to the office by Friday. They can mention a special memory, draw a picture, or write anything that comes to mind which would bring a smile to their teachers and mentors. Please bring these notes to the school office by Friday, January 26. PTC will deliver these thoughtful cards to the teachers on Monday, January 29th to celebrate them for Catholic School’s Week.
Teacher Appreciation Lunch: PTC would like to celebrate our teachers by hosting a Teacher Lunch this coming Monday. We will be serving Pierogis, Green Salad, fruit salad, and Baked Potatoes. Parents who would like to contribute dessert items or an additional side dish, please bring them by the school at 10:30AM on Monday, January 29th. One of our PTC members will be available in the lobby to receive your contributions.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Gym Cleanup – PTC is hosting a gym storage cleanup event during Catholic schools week. On Saturday, February 3rd from 10AM-2PM. During these hours we will be sorting and cleaning the storage room above the stage where many items from some of our school events are kept. In a showing of appreciation for the facilities provided to our school, we would like to encourage parents to help with this cleanup effort.
- PTC Recruitment – Would you like to join the Assumption Parent Teacher Club? PTC is looking for a Vice-President for next year. This is a two-year position (VP the first year, followed by a Presidential role for the 2025/2026 academic year). We are also looking for a new Treasurer to join our committee. Please let us know if you are someone with accounting experience or know of an accountant who might be interested. These are both very important roles contributing to the excellence of our program. If you have any questions or are interested in either of these positions, please reach out to our volunteer coordinator, Tia, at volunteer@assumption.school.
- Chef for take’n bake – Attention chefs! PTC is looking for someone who has experience cooking in a restaurant. We are seeking individuals who would be willing to help us a facilitate a fundraiser for a take-and-bake meal. Please email: volunteer23@assumption.school if you are interested.
- Housing for Missoula Children’s Theatre – PTC is looking for parents with a guest room and bathroom who would be willing to offer that space for the performers of Missoula Children’s Theatre during their visit. Performers will arrive on the evening of May 12 and will depart for their next scheduled event on May 19th.
- Used Uniform Sale – Please donate your gently used uniforms to the office to ensure we are well-stocked for our upcoming winter sale in February. You won’t want to miss out on our large inventory of heavily discounted uniform items. Our Used uniform sale will be held on Friday, February 23rd.
Co-Curricular Activities
Boys’ Basketball &Schedule
January 24 Home vs. Vista
January 25 Away vs. Franklin Academy
Come and support our basketball program at the home games at 4pm and 5pm in the gym. And if you need volunteer hours, please ask a coach on how you can help at the home games. We generally need help at the score table and announcing. Concessions will be available for drinks and snacks. Go Eagles!
Volleyball Practice Monday, January 29th! Thank you to Coach Anna Whelan and Coach Jill VonFeldt for making time to teach volleyball skills, sportsmanship and Catholic virtues to the team.
8th grade fundraiser at Menchie’s!
The principal event will showcase Mr. Anderson dressed up as ice cream! You won’t want to miss it. Please spread the word to friends and families in town and head over to the Lakeway Drive Menchie’s to help the 8th grade class.
Dan Anderson Event
https://www.facebook.com/events/355892133910696
Overall Event
https://www.facebook.com/events/1503624643824103
NOTE: Families will need to show the image above with the dates to the Menchie’s employee to count the transaction.
It can either be printed or digital or be the one from the facebook event as well. Looking forward to a big turnout! It is a win-win for all!
Interested in Piano Lessons?
Mary Walby, Assumption Church parishioner, is taking new students.
Learn to play the piano. Ages 7 and up. Beginner through intermediate.
Private lessons with Mary Walby.
https://DiscoveryMusicAcademy.com or for more information contact her at 360-527-9626.
Yearbook Ordering is now OPEN!
Please follow the directions carefully below to order your copy of the 2023-2024 yearbook. All books are $30 each. And you will need to purchase by April 19th, 2024. Please order as soon as possible. If you want to purchase one for each child in your family, you can do that too.
This is the link that will take parents to the online pay site: https://shop.memorybook.com
School Code: 189029M
All users will have to Register the first time they access the site.
Please send your photos or questions to: acsyearbookphotos@gmail.com
Thank you, Emily Hoza, for helping work on this for the school students and community.
Women’s Volleyball Club/Team
Attention Assumption Catholic School moms and friends! Join us for the women’s volleyball night every Monday starting at 7:15 am. For any questions, please contact Lisa Twining at (360)-393-5004.
Care and Concerns
We have continued to pray for Gabe Twining, father of Chloe Twining in kindergarten, for his quick recovery from a cardiac event. And he is home and doing better. Yet continued prayers and support for the family would be so helpful. Please see the meal train link if you can help with dinners for the family.
https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/6rqd9y
“Walking with the Saints” Trivia!
If you think you know who this saint is below, then write your name, grade, and guess on a piece of paper and turn it 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: No guesses due to snow days so we are doing the same saint and looking for the correct answer to win the prize.
New Saint/Blessed:
Almost nothing is historically certain about him except that he was a Roman martyr, was venerated in Milan even in the time of Saint Ambrose and was buried on the Appian Way, probably near the present Basilica of St. Sebastian. Devotion to him spread rapidly, and he is mentioned in several martyrologies as early as 350.
The legend of Saint ___?___ is important in art, and there is a vast iconography. Scholars now agree that a pious fable has him entering the Roman army because only there could he assist the martyrs without arousing suspicion. Finally, he was found out, brought before Emperor Diocletian and delivered to Mauritanian archers to be shot to death. His body was pierced with arrows, and he was left for dead. But he was found still alive by those who came to bury him. He recovered but refused to flee.
One day he took up a position near where the emperor was to pass. He accosted the emperor, denouncing him for his cruelty to Christians. This time the sentence of death was carried out. He was beaten to death with clubs. He was buried on the Appian Way, close to the catacombs that bear his name. He is the patron saint of athletes.
Reflection
The fact that many of the early saints made such a tremendous impression on the Church—awakening widespread devotion and great praise from the greatest writers of the Church—is proof of the heroism of their lives. As has been said, legends may not be literally true. Yet they may express the very substance of the faith and courage evident in the lives of these heroes and heroines of Christ.
Multiple Choice this week:
- St. Francis
- St. Sebastian
- St. Mark the evangelist
Upcoming calendar items:
Jan. 25– Free dress only for students whose parents filled out the Parent Survey
Jan. 26th – Re-enrollment begins for current students.
Jan. 29th – No school/ Teacher Workday for end of semester
Jan. 29th – Volleyball practice 10-11:30 am in the gym
Feb. 2nd – Chess Club begins 3:15-4:15pm
Feb. 4th – Open House for prospective families in 1st-8th grades, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Feb. 7th – State of the School with Mr. Anderson starting at 7 pm in the gym
Feb. 11th – Superbowl Party Fundraiser 2-8pm in the gym
Feb. 13th– Red, Pink and White Day, Valentine’s Day celebrated (or Casual Dress uniform)
Feb. 14th– Ash Wednesday, School Mass at 12:30 pm Dress Uniform
Feb. 16th – No school/ Curriculum Day for staff
Feb. 19th and 20th – No school for President’s Day and Midwinter Break
Feb. 23rd – Used Uniform Sale in the Gym 9-3pm