ASB Weekly News 10/17/2018

OCTOBER

17:  Scrip Standing Orders sent home via Wednesday envelope
18: Bulldog Bibliophiles (Parent Book Club), 8:40am at Bryant Cafe - All are welcome!
19: Midterm
Auction Sponsorship Deadline
Pumpkin Carving Contest, 5:30-7:30pm at St. Bridget
20: ASB preseason basketball clinic with Hoopaholics 10:00am-2:00pm (see CYO section)
21: ASB-led Parish Mass (6th gr. leads), 9:30am at St. Bridget, 10:30am at Assumption
22:  Middle school basketball assessments: Girls night 2
23:  Middle school basketball assessments: Boys night 2
25: ASB Open House, 9-10:30am
26: Midterm reporting via Alma
27: ASB preseason basketball clinic with Hoopaholics 10-2pm (see CYO section)
28: Halloween Carnival, 4-7:00pm at St. Bridget
29: ASB Basketball Coaches meeting @ 7:00 pm in the 5B Classroom
31: Conferences - Noon Dismissal/Extended Care available
Halloween

1/4/19: FACTS grant aid application due

View the entire 2018-19 ASB calendar here

October 17, 2018

Dear Students, Families, Alumni, Parishioners, and Friends of ASB School,

Happy Wednesday! What beautiful Seattle weather we are having! Yesterday’s combination of sunshine and smiling students looking great for picture day definitely made the day brighter.

I subscribe to several resources that send daily thoughts, quotes, articles, and more. While it definitely adds to my email inbox, I find so often that the messages in these articles coincide beautifully with something happening in my day or week. On Monday, I received a blog post from David Geurin, whose articles on leadership I frequently read. The quote at the top of this article was, “Every interaction is an opportunity for relationship building.” This hit home with me in thinking about the sheer number of interactions I have each day. At a time of year when I am having goal-setting meetings with teachers, conferences with parents, meeting with students, visiting classrooms, talking to neighbors and parishioners, standing on the soccer sidelines, and more, it struck me how often I interact with each person in our community. It is an important question for me to ask as a principal of myself; am I taking every interaction as an opportunity to build relationships? I am challenging myself to always ask that question and I challenge you to do the same. Geurin also states, “Our school culture is built on behaviors. Character is revealed by behaviors. We make thousands of choices daily. How are your choices contributing to the culture of your school?” As a community, this is a question we all should ask ourselves, both to celebrate the many ways we positively contribute to the culture of ASB and to recognize the areas we can continue to challenge ourselves to improve.

ASB’s culture is dependent upon our ability to live our mission and build community. There are a few opportunities coming up that I would like to highlight:

Cocoa for Carolina – This Friday, our Student Leadership Team will be hosting a fundraiser for hurricane relief for the victims of hurricanes Florence and Michael in the Carolinas and Florida. They will be selling cups of hot cocoa for $1 after school on Friday. Stop by the Big Toy at 3:00 and support their important efforts!

Student-led mass – Please join us this Sunday as our 6^th graders lead mass at Assumption Parish (10:30 AM) and St. Bridget Parish (9:30 AM). As we celebrate the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith, we also celebrate common values, community, and leadership of our students. Wear your school uniform and we look forward to seeing you there!

Unity Day - As a part of National Bullying Prevention Month, we are celebrating Unity Day on Wednesday, October 24th. Students have free dress and should wear the color orange to signify solidarity with each other. Eighth grade leaders will do a Unity Day lesson in School Families next Monday. I encourage you to wear orange on Wednesday as well - show your children that you support our efforts of inclusion, kindness, respect, and love.

Open House – Our first Open House of the year is next Thursday, October 25^th.Thank you in advance to our parent volunteers and student ambassadors. Your willingness to share who we are and why we are committed to Catholic education is much appreciated.

Conferences – Our belief in parents as primary educators of their children critically depends on strong partnership between the school and home. Our purposeful scheduling of time to meet as teachers, parents, and students allows for greater collaboration and increases our ability to address the needs of each student. Conference sign-ups will be sent this afternoon. Please take the time to sign up with each of your children’s teachers.

Halloween Carnival – Join us on Sunday, October 28^th at St. Bridget Church for our annual Halloween carnival! Wax hands, picture booth, games, prizes, food, and fun – what more could you ask for!

As we head into the midterm on Friday and conferences in a few weeks, I want to commend our students and teachers for the hard work they have demonstrated in this first part of the school year. Student learning is evident in each classroom I visit, students are pushing themselves in their levels of independence and grit, and teachers are working collaboratively to best support each student. As we use this time to set goals for the remainder of the trimester and the year, I encourage you to celebrate the strengths and embrace the areas of growth for each of your children. As always, if there is anything we can do to better support you, please let us know.

Finally, I received another timely article yesterday given middle school basketball assessments beginning this week. Even though it is directed at high school athletics, it applies to all of us as parents watching our kiddos navigate sports. Check it out here and have a great weekend!

Best,
Kathleen Conklin

Emergency Preparation at ASB School
ASB School is constantly working to improve our emergency preparedness. This year ASB joined the Puget Sound Educational Service District Safety co-op, met with Blanchet High School to review and compare protocols for active shooter scenarios, and is in the beginning stages of creating a reunification plan.

This week KUOW ran a story on other NW schools that are instituting and practicing reunification plans/drills. It is a very interesting story and something worth sharing with ASB parents. This type of reunification plan, and practice, is something that is on the horizon for ASB, and something that the ASB Safety Committee recently moved to the top of our agenda for this year.

You may find the article, written from the radio story, on the KUOW website, and by clicking on the logo below.

LOST AND FOUND REMINDERS:
The Lost and Found bin is located in the main building next to the girls' restroom. Jewelry, watches, and other small valuables should be claimed at the school office. Items in the lost & found are sorted weekly. Every effort is made to return CLEARLY LABELED items to their owners. Any items unclaimed a week plus will be given to charity or uniform donation. Be sure to clearly label clothing, school supplies, and other personal belongings with your child’s name and grade. Please note permanent ink fades with time due to continued washing/drying so please check your labels periodically and update if needed. Thanks for your assistance in this process. Any questions, please contact Debbie Dreis or 206 331-0268

BATTLE OF THE BOOKS!

ASB and the Archdiocese of Seattle proudly presents the first annual BATTLE OF THE BOOKS! This friendly competition is open to students in grades 4-6. The students will be introduced to the Battle by Ms. Prewitt and all questions may be directed to her. Attached is a FORM with information and a PPT with a video detailing each of the 12 books.

All are welcome to join us for Book Club - even if you haven't finished the book!

Get a jump on our November title: Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

Congratulations to our 2018-19 Student Leadership Team and classroom representatives! These student-leaders are off to a busy year, planning spirit assemblies, helping with St. Vincent de Paul Free Dress Food Drives, organizing fund-raisers to benefit the Red Cross Hurricane Relief efforts, and much more. Congratulations to our SLT:
8th grade: Avery Blume, Kate Diefendorf, Eddie Dougherty, Audrey Hamlet and Estelle Sevilla
7th grade: Maggie Bratrud, Emerson Ludwick and Miles Watson
8th grade reps: John Slavin & Cole Wagner
7th grade reps: Harper King & Dylan Myers
6th grade reps: Keira Blair & Ulee Klebeck
5th grade reps: Cole Beiter & Joe Matter
4th grade reps: Molly Bradrud & Grace Wickens

Join us October 21st, as our 6th grade leads Masses at both Assumption & St. Bridget parishes.

Congratulations to ASB Cross-Country!

ASB Cross-Country finished 3rd overall for the 2018 CYO season with 4th grade girls and 8th grade boys finishing 1st overall in their divisions!!

Cross-Country News: I want to again thank David Graves for his many years of service as the Cross-Country coordinator at ASB School. With David's leadership ASB has been a top-three finisher in CYO Cross-Country multiple times and won the overall championship in 2016. David has been a joy to work with and has coached over 500 runners during his time as coordinator.

THANK YOU SO MUCH DAVID GRAVES!

Basketball News:

Basketball Assessments for Middle School Students

In middle school, basketball teams are split into varsity and junior varsity divisions. This requires an assessment process that allows assessors to determine the best fit for each player. Assessments will be held on Monday, October 15, and Tuesday, October 16 and Monday, October 22 and Tuesday, October 23. In order to be eligible for the varsity team, students need to attend at least one of the assessment nights, and two would be preferred. The assessors will be looking at a wide variety of the skills including, ball handling, passing, shooting and court awareness. This process is designed to place each student on the team that will allow them to have the most success during the basketball season and we strive to create an environment that is low stress and lots of fun. Parents and coaches are not allowed in the gym to watch the assessments. Please see our Athletic Handbook here regarding assessments and policies on page 12.

Boys:
Tuesday, 10/23 – 5:30 pm (6^th), 6:45 pm (7^th) and 8:00 pm (8^th)
Girls:
Monday, 10/22 – 5:30 pm (6^th), 6:45 pm (7^th) and 8:00 pm (8^th)

Preseason Basketball Skills Clinics

As we move into basketball season, ASB and Hoopaholics are teaming up to offer two basketball clincis to our players. Please join us on at Assumption-St Bridget School in the Assumption Gym.

Saturday October 20 and 27

Girls 4th through 8th Grades
10:00 am-12:00 pm

Boys 4th through 8th Grades
12:30-2:30 pm

Just $15 per student

Register HERE

Soccer News:
Soccer season for all teams has begun. Good luck on the season to all of our teams. I look forward to getting out and seeing some games this weekend.

ASB Soccer Game Schedules

Coaches of 5th-8th grade teams, please remember to submit your scores to CYO.

Thank you to all of our coaches, coordinators and volunteers. It is through your willingness to contribute and volunteer, that ASB achieves great success as a community and in athletics.

Please contact Dylan Pouley with CYO questions.

Coordinator Contacts:
Lincoln Davis, Soccer Coordinator – grades K-4
Emily Childress, Soccer Coordinator – grades 5-8
David Graves, Cross Country Coordinator – grades K-8

Dear ASB Parents:
Please remember to only drop off children before school in the designated areas listed below:
Big Toy Drop Off or Loop Drop Off
Please do not let your children out of the vehicle until a parent on traffic duty can assist. If you wish to park and walk your child to school please park in the neighborhood. Do not block driveways or park where not allowed.
Kind regards,
The Parent Board.

Calling All Parents of Diverse Learners!
Mark your calendars for Tues, Oct 23rd and join us for an inaugural meeting to connect, encourage, share resources, and build community with others on a shared journey of caring for children who may learn a little differently. All are welcome; feel free to bring some food or drink to share, or just bring yourselves! Facilitated by fellow parents Julie Gunter and Alethea Westover, this group will meet during the school year to offer casual social time and a parent education opportunity focused on a rotating topic of interest with time for discussion and questions.

The first meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 23rd at 7 pm at the Gunter Home: 6801 44th Pl NE. Questions or suggestions? We'd love to hear them. Email Julie Gunter or
Alethea Westover directly.

2019 Ski Club Program Enrolling Now!
Do you love to ski or snowboard? Would you like to learn or improve your skiing/boarding skills? Do you like to be outdoors? Do you like to have fun with your friends and classmates outside of the classroom!? Ski bus is for you!!

We are now enrolling for 2019 ASB Ski Club program (registration closes 10/19). Please read the informational letter and complete the registration/release form and return paperwork to the front office. Questions? Email Dave Cullop

School Store Update and New Bulldog Gear!
New Merchandise is HERE: Girls PE short and a Long Sleeve Bulldog Friday Tee
Grandparents Day and Gift Giving Season is just around the corner….order a personalized Bulldog Cotton Hoodie HERE!
School Store order form HERE

School Store Hours:
Wednesdays 8:15-9:00 am
Thursdays 2:45-3:15 pm

If the school store is closed, fill out the order form by the door and drop off payment at the front office and we will send your order home. Please do not disturb the business office.
Are you looking for Service Hour opportunities? The School Store is looking for volunteers. Please click HERE to sign up.

HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL - PRE-SALE CARNIVAL TICKET SALES HAVE CLOSED
Thanks to all who pre-purchased Halloween Carnival tickets. It's not too late - you can still purchase tickets for the carnival at the door - please come! The Carnival is Sunday, October 28th from 4 - 7pm at St. Bridget. We have incredible raffle prizes this year that include a Grand-Prize private tour for 6 of Husky Stadium, led by former quarterback, Sonny Sixkiller (need not be present to win). Click the link for more raffle ticket information HERE. Please contact Heidi Bruch or Tiffany Johnson if interested in helping out with this fun event. It will be Spooktacular!

The Halloween Carnival is on Sunday, October 28 at St. Bridget Social Hall from 4:00pm – 7:00pm. The bake sale is a carnival tradition, the success of which depends on the generous donations of ASB families. We are looking for volunteers to donate baked goods and help staff the bake sale booth the day of the carnival.
Donate Baked Goods
To sign up to donate bake goods, please click the Signup Genius link HERE
You may drop off your baked goods at St. Bridget Parish between 3:00pm and 4:00pm the day of the carnival.
Work the Booth
To sign up for one or more 30-min shifts in the Bake Sale booth, please click the Signup Genius link HERE

BAKE CONTEST OPEN TO ALL GRADES K-8th GRADE.
One lucky winner from each grade will receive a prize! For more information HERE

Traffic Duty, October 18th - October 24th
(Thanks Fourth Grade Families!)
Thursday, 10/18: Loop - Flannigan, Gunter, Acosta, Hartvigson, Big Toy - Halffman, Hofmeister
Friday, 10/19: Loop - Horey, Horner, Lauer, Link, Big Toy - Lovejoy, Ludwick
Monday 10/22: Loop - Malley, Bruch, Doucette, McRory, Big Toy - Cahill, Hartvigson
Tuesday 10/23: Loop - Corcoran, Cypher, Davis, Meldahl, Big Toy - Molina, Flannigan
Wednesday 10/24: Loop - Oswald, Volpentest, Schrader, Stonich, Big Toy - Sleeth, Smith

Together We Can Reach Our Goal

Family Procurement - Procurement items are still being accepted! Please send in your items ASAP. If you need help coming up with an imaginative item to procure, check out our Amazon Wish List Here for ideas. You can also donate cash here.

Sponsorship Opportunities - Deadline to be an Auction Sponsor is this Friday!  Sponsoring the auction is the best opportunity to get your company in front of our loyal community of families, friends and neighbors! Click Here to Learn More

Tickets - Tickets are now on sale! Click Here to Buy

HELP WANTED - We are ready to start crafting our Auction Table Trinkets! We still need helpers in grades 2nd, 4th, 6th and 7th. Please email auction@asbschool.org if you can spend an hour in your child's classroom to help with this project. Thank you to Trina Kelly for her hard work and creativity in designing this project!

B & W Photos - pictures will be taken this Friday!  This is a full uniform day - no Bulldog Friday gear and no PE clothes.

If you have questions or would like to volunteer, please email auction@asbschool.org

Grandparents Day 2018 - Save the Date!

Wednesday, November 21 9:00am - 11:30am

We would love to know who to invite as your guests!
Please fill out the FORM HERE no later than Tuesday, October 23.

Our 1st Open House is next Thursday... invite a friend!

Do you listen to NPR/KUOW 94.9FM? Listen for our radio spots advertising our upcoming Open Houses - they will run for the next few weeks. I'd love to know if you hear one of the ads - email me!

Another reminder - it's time to apply for PreK & Kindergarten!

Are you a current ASB family with a 4-or-5-year-old at home? Current school families have priority enrollment, but we do need a completed application for each student who will be new to ASB in PreK or Kindergarten.

IMPORTANT INFO FOR CURRENT FAMILIES:

If you are a current ASB family applying for PreK or Kindergarten, you do NOT need to complete a Parish Reflection Form along with your application. Unless you have recently joined one of our parishes, have one on file for your family from Spring 2018. You will be required to complete the Parish Reflection Form each spring, as part of Registration. Questions? Please email me.
If your child is a current ASB PreK student moving onto Kindergarten here at ASB, you do NOT need to complete an application.

Completed applications should turned into Admissions Director Kelley Kane, ideally prior to the 10/25 Open House.

As we enter the season of Fall and the days begin to get shorter, Extended Care will start locking the doors to our facility earlier in the afternoon. As we do throughout every Fall and Winter, we will start to lock the doors to our facility around 4:15-4:30 pm. We do this to ensure the safety of everyone in our program. If you find that the doors are locked upon your arrival to Extended Care, please ring the doorbell or knock on the door and one of our staff members will be with you shortly to answer the door. Thank you for understanding and thank you for helping to keep ASB Extended Care safe.

If you have any questions about Extended Care, please do not hesitate to contact Dylan Pouley or Kai Bond we are happy to assist you in whatever way that we can. If you email extended@asbschool.org that email account will forward your email to both Kai and Dylan.

Extended Care reminders:

Extended Care opens each morning at 7:00am.
Extended Care closes at 5:45pm each afternoon.
Please turn in your Extended Care registration forms for the 2018-2019 School year.