January 2010

January 2010 School Newsletter

A Note From the Yearbook Committee: We need team photos for varsity volleyball, varsity football, all basketball teams, academic decathlon, math competition, speech and debate, boy scouts, girl scouts etc. PLEASE DO NOT SEND A CD WITH ALL OF YOUR PHOTOS. Please select a HANDFUL of YEARBOOK QUALITY photos. It is very tedious and time consuming to go through all of them. You will have a better chance of getting your photos chosen this way. Please email them to feld@st-ritaschool.org. Thank you!

Drama Review - Tony Award coming to St.Rita School?

James and the Giant Peach.

I can't tell you how funny and entertaining it is! I had to leave early for principal duties but I am definitely going back at least once this weekend to see the entire performance.
Without giving away any of the unique character traits, I will only say, you have to see it!
The student talent that emerges under the direction of Ralph Seymour is incredible.
For $5.00 you receive a T-shirt, admission and a raffle ticket for the IPOD or Nano raffle.
I know that the t-shirt sizes are a bit large for the "littles" but for five dollars, cut the bottom off to fit.
Thank you Mr. Seymour and the drama club for producing a "wild ride" with James and that Giant Peach. See you at the theatre.

HATS FOR HAITI UPDATE!
THANK YOU EVERYONE, WE COLLECTED OVER $1800.00
TODAY FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE HAITI EARTHQUAKE

All Proceeds will be sent to the Holy Childhood Association Office

“Children Helping Children”.

Each dollar donated will be matched by an anonymous donor up to $100,000!

Dear Parents and Students,

Thank you so much for your participation in our IN’N Out Fundraiser. I am happy to report we made $1359.00 for our school.I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and Holiday season.

With Gratitude,
Diana Nofal
(This money will be added to the Smartboards and Computers Fund!)

Mommy and Me at St. Rita's !

Beginning Monday, February 1st, stick around after "Muffins with Mom" with your pre-schoolers and socialize with other Moms. We are starting a play and support group for you to get to know one another, share challenges, funny stories, strategies and resources.

We will offer this on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m.- 10:00 (or so).

The sand play area will be open for your use 8:30-9:30.

This could be the start of something big!

Father Richard to take up special collections for Haiti relief.

The question on many people's minds after learning about the earthquake devastation in Haiti has been: How can I help? The answer is monetary donations. Agencies are not seeking material items, like clothes or food, or volunteers at this time due to the collapse of the infrastructure. Catholic Relief Services, the international division of Catholic Charities has committed $5 million for Haitian relief. In support of that commitment, Father Richard has planned a special collection at every Mass this weekend in envelopes decorated by our students. Father Richard also needs students at every Mass to personally hand out the envelopes to parishioners as they arrive.

All Spell-a-Thon pledge money will go toward the purchase of Smartboards for our classrooms and NEW COMPUTERS in the computer lab. The deadline for students who need more time to gather pledges is next Tuesday, January 19th. We hope to have 100% participation. No pledge is too small.

The Ways and Means Committee is planning a fantastic Spring Casino Night! If you have tickets to sports events, the theatre, concerts, amusement parks, etc. and would be so kind to donate to the auction, please contact Kim Beegle at kimbeegle@yahoo.com.
All profits from the PTO fundraising events go directly to school improvement.

James and the Giant T-Shirts are Here!

$5.00 each

Sacred Heart Retreat House in Alhambra is offering free programs for Catholics.

"Petrus" Teens - 13-18

"Vision" - Adults with their teens and Catholic Educators

"Families on the Rocks"- whole family enrichment and support

For more information email: petrusyouth@yahoo.com or call (626) 289-1353 ext. 302

www.sacredheartretreathouse.com

L.E.A.P.S Update: Class Added

American Girl Doll Outfits! Tuesdays 2:45

Learn how to make custom outfits for your American Girl Dolls (or comparable sized dolls). You will learn all the short cuts and strategies the designers use.

Monday, January 11, 2010 LEAPS classes begin - spaces are still available. Please contact Mrs. Landis at saL4158Landis@aol.com if you wish to enroll. Classes with less than 6 students will be canceled.

Order your Catholic Schools Week-James and the Giant Peach T-shirts. $5.00 each and that includes admission to one of the performances! Students may wear the shirts on Wednesdays and Fridays through February.

EAST CAMPUS Field update: our progress has been brought to a halt due to the city permit for the retaining wall. Mariposa Landscaping is working diligently to satisfy the city so that they are able to proceed with the project.

Mass Tuesday, January 12, 2010 - 3rd Grade is sponsoring - 7:45am

Wednesday, January 13, 2010 -

7th Grade Field Trip to St. Andrew's Abbey 7:45am-4:00pm

8th Grade Field Trip to Museum of Tolerance

Thursday, January 14, 2010 - Hot Lunch

Great American Spell Check Pledges are due next week on Thursday, January 14, 2010.

Friday, January 15, 2010 - NOON DISMISSAL - faculty meeting

Monday, January 18, - No School - Martin Luther King

Drama Club Presents - James and the Giant Peach - January 22, 23, 24, 2010

Saturday, January 23 8:00 a.m. MATH COMPETITION AT BISHOP AMAT

All students in grades 6,7, 8 are eligible and highly encouraged to participate as a member of our Math Club. Participation is noted on transcripts.

Sunday, January 24th - Father Richard has added a special collection envelope (look for it in your parish envelope packet and in the pews). All proceeds will go directly to our school!

Wednesday, January 27th, Consultative Board Meeting 6:30 p.m. Upper PAC Hall

Friday, January 29th No School Faculty Meeting 8:00-4:00

Pack the Church Sunday - January 31, 2010 - Kick off of Catholic Schools Week - January 31 - February 5

Family Dinner Night 6:00 p.m. - Mexican Food by Chiquita Bonita Adults $8.00 Children $4.00 Are you smarter than your student? Spelling Bee Competition

Watch for Winter Wine Fest Invitations in Monday's Family Envelope and mark your calendar for February 6, 2010!

Check your Virtus - http://www.virtus.org

Save The Date - "Kids On The Run" - February 28, 2010 - benefiting Childrens Hospital Los Angeles - go to www.kotr.org for more info!

Save the Date: Father/Daughter Dance - Friday, May 14, 2010