St Sylvester School

Parent Newsletter

Friday, January 27th, 2012

St. Sylvester School Team Forensic Competition - The St. Sylvester School Forensic Team will participate in their third competition on Saturday, January 28, 2012. The results of this competition will be posted in a future newsletter. Good Luck to all of our team members.

Catholic Schools Week Schedule of Events - The celebration of Catholic Schools Week begins on Sunday, January 29, 2012 and ends on Saturday, February 4, 2012. This year's theme is "Catholic Schools: Faith. Academics. Service.". A schedule of events and times of specific activities was sent home with the January 13th parent newsletter. Thank you to the Student Council, the Marketing Committee, Activities Committee and faculty for planning the week. I hope that everyone enjoys the celebration. The Catholic Schools Week Event Schedule can be found by clicking on the Parents link and looking the Catholic Schools Week icon.

Catholic Schools Week Scholastic Book Fair - This year's Scholastic Book Fair will be held Sunday, January 29th thru Thursday, February 2nd. The Book Fair will be open during certain special events which include: Catholic Schools Week Brunch on Sunday, Jan 29th, Donuts with Grown Ups on Tuesday, Jan. 31st and Monday Jan 30th and Tuesday Jan 31st in the evening from 6pm - 7:30pm. The students in grades PreK - 8 will shop at specific times throughout the week as well. We are in need of volunteers to help the children pick out their books each day and for the special event times. Contact Deneen Skalniak at (412) 885 - 2263 if you would like to volunteer. In the meantime we look forward to seeing you during our Catholic Schools Week celebration. The Student Book Fair Schedule can be found by clicking on the Parents link and looking for the Catholic Schools Week icon.

Catholic Schools Week Brunch - Why fight the crowds at other eating establishments after church when you can enjoy your family and friends in the welcoming surroundings of our very own Church Hall. On Sunday, January 29, 2012 St. Sylvester School is sponsoring a Catholic Schools Week Brunch from 8:30am - 1pm in the St. Sylvester Parish Church Hall. The cost for Adults is $9, Seniors $7 and $5 for Children (12 and under). Brunch will include: scrambled eggs, potatoes, sausage, bacon, pancakes, toast, muffins, fresh fruit, orange juice, apple juice, coffee, tea, and made to order omelets by Chef Steve-O. For tickets contact the school office at (412) 882 - 9900 or rectory at (412) 882-8593. We look forward to seeing you for brunch.

Catholic Schools Week Assembly - The Speez-Acts Back by popular demand the Speez-Acts will once again wow, dazzle and amaze us with their talents of unicycle riding, juggling, rolo bolo and more on Thursday afternoon, February 2, 2012. The Speez-Acts will perform for the students in Grades K, 1, 7 & 8 beginning at 1:15pm and perform for the students in Grades 2 - 6 beginning at 2:00pm. As always it will be entertainment at its best.

Catholic Schools Week School Mass - The students in grades K - 8 will be attending Mass on Friday, February 3, 2012 at 8:30am in the St. Sylvester Church. The 7th Grade students will be ministering at this mass. All are welcome to join us as we conclude our Catholic Schools Week celebration.

Catholic Schools Week Scholastic Book Fair "NIGHTS" - On Monday evening, January 30, 2012 and Tuesday evening, January 31, 2012 the Scholastic Book Fair will be open from 6pm - 7:30pm in the school library. This will be another opportunity to purchase books should the Sunday & Tuesday morning special event times not meet your schedule. We look forward to seeing you there!

St. Sylvester School 6th Annual Monte Carlo / Night at the Races (SOLD OUT) - The Sixth Annual Monte Carlo / Night at the Races will take place on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 5:00pm in the Church Hall. Dinner will be served at 5:30pm. This event is SOLD OUT. If you have further any questions or can volunteer, please feel free to contact Anastasia Herk at 412-605-4827. We look forward to seeing you there.

2nd Grade Parent Meeting for First Reconciliation and First Communion - For parents and guardians of all First Communicants enrolled in the Religious Education Program or in Saint Sylvester School. There will be a meeting on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 7pm in the Church Hall to cover the requirements for both the Sacrament of First Reconciliation and the Sacrament of First Eucharist. This meeting is for Parents only. Any further questions should be directed to Carolyn Eisenbarth, D.F.F. at 412-882-8593 extension 219 or ceisenbarth@saintsylvesterparish.org. Make this meeting a priority.

2012 - 2013 3 & 4 year old Preschool Registration Night - St. Sylvester School will hold a 3 & 4 year old Registration Night on Thursday, February 9, 2012 from 6pm - 8pm in the Preschool Room of the St. Sylvester School building. For the upcoming 2012 - 2013 school year our 3 year old half-day program will meet on Tuesday and Thursday. In order to participate in our 3 year old half-day program your child must be 3 years old by September 1, 2012. Our 4 year old half-day program will meet on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Our 4 year old Full Day program will meet Monday - Friday. In order to participate in our 4 year old programs your child must be 4 years old by September 1, 2012. Please bring your child's Birth Certificate, Baptismal Certificate, and Social Security Card along with a $20.00 registration fee. We look forward to meeting you on Thursday, February 9, 2012. Help to spread the word to your friends and neighbors that St. Sylvester School is ready to begin preschool registration for the 2012 - 2013 school year.

2012 - 2013 Kindergarten Registration Night - Kindergarten Registration Night for the 2012 - 2013 school year kicks off with an Informational Meeting on Thursday evening, February 16, 2012 from 7pm - 8:30pm. This informational meeting will be held in the School Library of the St. Sylvester School building. Please call the school office at 412-882-9900 on or before Wednesday, February 15, 2012 with your RSVP. Children are invited as well to meet their new classmates, and to get involved in some classroom activities. All St. Sylvester School 4 year old Preschool parents and students are invited and encouraged to attend this meeting. Please bring your child's Birth Certificate, Baptismal Certificate, and Social Security Card along with a $50.00 registration fee.

SUPERBOWL MANIA - Tickets are selling great! We still have some left if anyone wants more. Please turn in ticket stubs and money as soon as you can. Ticket stubs and money are due by FEBRUARY 3rd. Any questions or requests, contact Jennifer Darkowski at (412)310-1819 or jenniferhannemann@hotmail.com.

February Market Day Orders - February Market Day order forms are due to the school office on Thursday, February 2, 2012. Internet orders are due on Friday, February 3, 2012 by 11pm. Pick up is scheduled for Thursday, February 9, 2012 from 4:30pm - 5:30pm in the Church Hall. As always we are in need of volunteers to help on Market Day, consider giving 1or 2 hours. If you would like to volunteer, please contact our chairperson Mary Gasiorowski at (412) 884 - 7165.

The Lancer Gazette Newspaper - If anyone is able to make copies of The Lancer Gazette please let Mr. Grgurich know ASAP. We would need approximately 200 copies each month and the newspaper is usually about 8 pages. We have had many requests to have paper copies in addition to the online version. Thank you!

Sarris Easter Candy Fundraiser - Our 2012 Sarris Easter Candy Fundraiser is just around the corner. The sale will kick off on Friday, February 3, 2012 and run through Friday, February 24, 2012. Please begin to let your friends and family know that you will have delicious Sarris chocolate for them to conveniently purchase for their Easter baskets. All candy will be delivered on Thursday, March 22, 2012. This is a great way for you to earn your fundraising points and the kids will have an opportunity to win some fantastic prizes. More details coming soon. In the interim, any questions can be directed to Lea Kirchner at 412-882-6932 or via e-mail at kirchnerfam@verizon.net.

Private School Aid Service (PSAS) - All parents applying to either the Bishop's Education Fund or Scholastic Opportunity Scholarship Fund must have their need assessed by Private School Aid Service (PSAS), a company from Rocky River, Ohio which specializes in evaluating need for families attending private elementary or secondary schools. Parents must submit a copy of their federal tax return (and state tax return if applying to SOS), a completed 2012 - 2013 "Student Aid Form" (with their pastor's signature if applying to BEF) and a $24 administrative fee. "Student Aid Forms" are due to PSAS on or before Thursday, March 15, 2012. Incomplete forms will be returned. The signed "Student Aid Form" must be sent directly to PSAS as indicated in the instructions on the form itself. The PSAS form is now available on the school website in PDF format. Click on the registration link. Do not hesitate in applying for tuition assistance before you know it Thursday, March 15, 2012 will have come and gone. A hard copy of the PSAS form is now available and can be picked up in the school office.

Tuition Assistance Available for the 2012 - 2013 Academic Year - Re- registration for Grades K - 7 is fast approaching for the 2012 - 2013 academic year. This is just a reminder of two sources of tuition assistance, the Bishop's Education Fund (BEF) and Scholastic Opportunities Scholarship (SOS), available for families with students in Catholic Schools. The Bishop's Education Fund is awarded on the basis of financial need. In order to be eligible the applicants must be practicing Catholics registered in a parish in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, attend one of the diocesan parish or regional schools and have demonstrated financial need. The Scholastic Opportunity Scholarship (SOS) Tuition Assistance Program was developed when the General Assembly of Pennsylvania established Act 4 in May of 2001. This law provided for the establishment of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) to be administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). Act 4 authorizes the award of tax credits to businesses that make contributions to the scholarship organizations. Therefore the Diocese of Pittsburgh has formed the Scholastic Opportunity Scholarship program (SOS) to receive tax credit gifts. The funds available through the SOS program will be awarded to families based solely on economic eligibility requirements. Students who are Pennsylvania residents enrolled in any Catholic school in the Diocese of Pittsburgh are eligible. Applicants can be Catholic or non- Catholic. The scholarship funds will be sent in the students name to the school where the child is enrolled. You must complete the 2012 - 2013 PSAS form to be considered for either of these tuition assistance programs. The PSAS form is available in PDF format on the school website. Click on the registration link. A hard copy of the application is available in the school office.

Mrs. DiCesare, AIU School Counselor - As many of you may be aware, our school counselor, Mrs. DiCesare, is on maternity leave from now until the end of 2011 - 2012 school year. Mrs. DiCesare's substitute for the remainder of the school year is Miss Sarah Otway. Miss Otway has worked as a school counselor in three schools with students in all grade levels. If your child meets with Mrs. DiCesare individually, this service will continue. Miss Otway will also continue the monthly developmental guidance lessons. If you have any questions or concerns, you may call Al Geyer, AIU3 Counseling Supervisor, at 412-394-5741.

From the Souper Bowl Team - Our team is collecting labels from soup cans and other products. Don't worry about trimming them; we are happy to do that

From the Box Tops Team - Thanks for your ongoing support of this fundraiser. Some Cascadian Farm Organic cereals now carry a Box Top. The large size of Honey Nut Cheerios has carried a Bonus Certificate on the back of the box and it is worth three Bonus Box Tops. Bring them into school and we will trim them. Which class will be the next to win a classroom contest? We will be earning academic, athletic and artistic products. Gracias!

Adopted Telecommunication Policy 1-1-2012 (i.e. Facebook, Email, Texting) - Although St. Sylvester School respects the right to freedom of speech we also recognize that at times freedom of speech can be used in a hurtful and negative manner. Therefore, as of January 1, 2012, the St. Sylvester School community has adopted a policy for the safety of all members of this school community. If you choose to use the Facebook, Email, or Texting media etc. as a way to negatively damage the reputation of another person, family or school community member you will seriously jeopardize your membership at St. Sylvester School and will be in direct violation of the Catholic Memorandum of Understanding. A Catholic education is a privilege. Each case will be handled on an individual basis by the administrative team. As always, this policy can be updated or changed at any time throughout the school year. Your cooperation in following this policy is greatly appreciated.

Student Council Smencil Sale and Valentine's Day Sarris Pretzel Rod & Candy Bar Pre-Sale - Beginning on Monday, January 30, 2012 the Student Council will be hosting two sales. First, Smencils will be on sale for $1.00 each. The sale will occur during homeroom each morning in Mr. Hart's room. Secondly, there will be a pre-sale of Sarris pretzel rods and milk chocolate candy bars in anticipation of Valentine's Day. The pretzel rods (a pack of 2) and the candy bars will sell for $1.00 each. If they choose, students can designate another student to receive the Valentine candy. Student council members will deliver the Valentine treats to the recipients on Valentine's Day. The pre-sale of the Valentine candy will end on Wednesday, February 8, 2012. An order form is attached with this week's newsletter. Thanks for your support! See the attached order form for further information.

Giant Eagle Apples for the Students Program - The Giant Eagle Apples for the Students Program began on Saturday October 1, 2011 and continues until Saturday, March 17, 2012. Again this year, you will not need to send in receipts from Giant Eagle. All you need to do is be a registered supporter. If you registered last year, you are automatically registered for this year. If you are not a registered supporter, it's very easy to become one. Take a moment to register. You will need your Giant Eagle Advantage card handy then call 1-800-474-4777. An automated system will talk you through the process. Our school ID number is 1176. You can also register by visiting the Giant Eagle website at www.gianteagle.com/about/apples-for-students and click on the Apples for Students icon. Each time registered supporters shop at Giant Eagle using their Giant Eagle Advantage Card; they earn points for our school. These points are redeemed for great educational tools. The points are automatically credited to our school through the Giant Eagle Advantage Card.

Shop n' Save SEED Program - The Shop n' Save SEED Assembly Program is made possible through a unique partnership with the Carnegie Science Center and Carnegie Museum of Natural History. In order to qualify for an assembly our school is required to collect $250 per student in Shop n' Save register tapes for each participating student. Beginning on June 1, 2011 St. Sylvester School started collecting Shop n' Save register tapes to receive an assembly through the Carnegie Museum. Our goal is to collect $43,750.00 in register receipts. Start saving your register tapes and bring them to the school office and deposit them in the three drawer collection box throughout the 2011 - 2012 academic year!

Super BINGO - The Sports Club will be hosting a Super Bingo on Friday, February 10, 2012 in our church hall. The doors open at 5:30pm. Advanced tickets are $30. Tickets at the door are $35. The ticket price includes a pasta dinner and midnight snack. Please see the attached flyer to order tickets. Tickets are available in the rectory and after weekend masses. If you are interested in earning fund raising points for this event, we are looking for gift card donations for special raffle. Your family will be credited points equal to the dollar amount of your gift card donation. Utilize Scrip cards and get tuition credit, too! If you have any questions regarding this event, please feel free to contact Christine Saitta at 412-719-6549.

The next Parent Newsletter will be coming home on Friday, February 10, 2012