Dear Families,

This week seems to have ushered in the real start of winter.  While I am a big fan of snow and the beauty it provides, I am not looking forward to the many interesting early morning commutes I will have to make over the next few months.  I want to take a moment to give a few winter reminders so we can all enjoy this time of year.

I believe we have worked out all of the issues with the emergency phone system.  Our last test was much better and I feel confident that we are ready to go. Again, if you did NOT receive an e-mail and a call at the number or numbers you prefer, please let me know.  If the weather is bad, we have two options.  We will either be closed or have a two hour delay.  If we have a two hour delay, our school day will start at 10:00am.  That means students can start being dropped off at 9:30am.  The other option is that school will be closed for the day.  In either event, you should receive a phone call and an email.  A notice should also appear on WCAX and WPTZ television, be announced on the radio, and posted on our school’s website calendar.  We will do our best to also create a Facebook post. These are often hard decisions.  I do my best to make them as early as I can, but sometimes we have to wait and see what has been happening over night.  

The most important thing to remember is make a decision that is best for your family.  If you feel you need to stay home please do so.  Your family's safety is more important than a day of school.   

Please let me know if you have any questions about these policies.  

The next winter discussion is in relation to outdoor attire. Students of all ages have outside recess as long as the temperature, with wind chill, is above 10 degrees.  This includes the morning playground time before school as well.  It is important that students have winter coats, hats, and gloves.  I understand that older students may not want to play in the snow, but they will go outside as they need an opportunity to rest their brains, move their bodies, and get some fresh air.  If you can remind them about having those items in the morning and support them making a good choice it would be a great help.

We are also approaching our annual Christmas pageant.  This celebration allows us to take some time to explore the true meaning of Christmas.  We will present our Christmas pageant at the Saint Michael's College Chapel on December 16th (snow date Dec. 19th). This venue provides ample seating, plenty of parking,  and allows us to show off the hard work of our students.  We would like all of the student there by 5:45pm so we have time to get them ready.  The annual event will start at 6:00pm.  If you have any pageant questions please feel free to let me know.  We look forward to seeing all of you.  

I wish you continued success and support on your personal Advent journey.  Please know I am praying for all of you, as I always do.  

God Bless,

Eric Becker

Mom's Night Out - Cookie Swap
The Home and School Association will be hosting a Mom's Night Out - Cookie Swap on December 10th at 6:30pm.  Hosted by Becky Wetzel at her home in Milton.  Drinks and appetizers will be provided.  Just bring some cookies to share and a container to take some home.  RSVP to Becky at bg.wetzel@aol.com and she'll give you directions.

Looking for Book Donations
The Pre-School class is collecting books for a special classroom library. Please consider checking your home bookshelves for previously loved picture books (or board books) that your children no longer read. Book donations can be left in the box in the SFX lobby. Thank you!

Exxon Mobil Educational Alliance Program
The Exxon Mobil Educational Alliance program has recently provided Saint Francis Xavier School with two grants in the amount of $500 each to benefit our math and science programs -- just in time for Science Fair season! Our heartfelt thanks to Joe and Jeannine Handy for their ongoing help in securing these grants. As we know, Mrs. Varhue and her students work wonders with these resources.

Girls on the Run 2017
The snow may just beginning to fall but the GOTR coach team is looking forward to spring already! If you are interested in coaching or just thinking about it, please contact Stacey Zierak at zieraks@comcast.net,  for more information. The coach registration is now open and the new training session will be held mid January.  Girls on the Run is a program for SFX girls in grades 3-5.  Please go to www.girlsontherunvermont.org for more information. No running experience necessary!! Just a willingness to help the girls realize their full potential.

Upcoming 2017 SFX Calcutta
The SFX annual Calcutta is right around the corner! The Calcutta committee is still looking for volunteers to help with the planning of the February 2017 event. To learn more, please email Stacey Zierak at zieraks@comcast.net to see how you can help out!

Reminders

• PLEASE CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING - SFX H&S is still looking for parent volunteers for planned activities/events throughout the school year. Stop by and see Ms. Nancy for the Volunteer Signup Book!

• RETURN to LOST & FOUND - If your student has borrowed items from the lost and found please return them and make sure they are laundered!

• CHECK LOST & FOUND - Please check lost and found for lost items!

• GIRLS ON THE RUN - GOTR still need coaches!

Rice Prospective Parent Luncheon: Tuesday, Dec. 13, 12-1pm
If you weren't able to attend the Rice Open House in November, a Prospective Parent Luncheon is the next best thing (some would say better!).  At your lunch table, you will be joined by a current Rice student prepared to share his/her Rice experience and answer questions.  In addition, several speakers, including a Rice parent will offer their perspective and share the nitty gritty of life at Rice.  A tour will be offered after lunch for anyone with time to stay.  Bring your questions!  This is a great forum in which to ask them.  Please register by Friday, December 9 or email Director of Enrollment, Christy Bahrenburg at bahrenburg@rmhsvt.org to reserve your spot.