St. Cornelius School at 201 28th Street, Richmond, CA 94804 US - St. Cornelius School Newsletter Highlights
St. Cornelius School Newsletter Highlights
The Fifth Annual Thanksgiving Feast is planned for November 24th, and we would like to begin the official planning for this event at tonight's PTF meeting. This is a uniqueoccasion for St. Cornelius School Family to come together and thank our Heavenly Father for all His blessings.
Prayful Journey
During the month of November we will pray for the souls of our departed loved ones. Please bring pictures and mementoes to be placed at our el Dia de Los Muertos altar.
Thank You, Thank You!
What a great time we had on Friday evening! Thanks to all parents and students for setting up, decorating, cooking, serving, DJing, donating, improvising (Emely's word), taking pictures and cleaning. Thanks to 7th grade students, Mrs. Mendoza and Ms. Vasquez for stepping up to the plate and organizing the haunted house. It would not have been possible without you. Thank you for making St. Cornelius School the best place to be.
1st Trimester
I would like to remind parents, guardians, and students that we are quickly approaching the end of the first trimester. Please be sure your child has all homework and assignments turned in. If you have any questions regarding grades now is the time to address them with the classroom teacher. Also, please remember that the only way to get your child's report card is to have a conference with his/her teacher. Your may either call the school office or drop by for an appointment. Conferences are held on Monday and Tuesday, November 23rd and 24th.
October Birthdays
A huge happy birthday to Gladys in Kindergarten, Cristable and Jael in First, Arim in Second, Lissette and Ericka in Third, Fernando, Maria, Yenifer, Juan-Angel and David in Seventh and Allison, Luis and Dorian in Eight grades. Ms. Riley, our second grade teacher, also celebrated her birthday on October 15th. Happy birthday everyone!
Student Learning Expectations
At St. Cornelius School, "We instill an appreciation of traditional, spontaneous and liturgical prayer." We start our days with prayers and then pray before lunch and dismissal. During Religion Lessons we study and practice different forms of prayer, and students often write their own prayers for different causes. Every month, students attend a student body mass, orgainzed by different grades, and as faculty and staff we have prayer sessions every Friday morning. How do you pray at home? Do you have a prayer corner or a especial place where you pray? Please share with your children some of the traditional prayers you prayed as children. Write your own especial family prayers and come up with a few new ones, such as Sunset Prayer or prayer before leaving the house.
Halloween Dinner and Dance and Haunted House
For our Halloween Dinner, Dance and Haunted House celebration, we need each family to donate 1-2 bags of candy to be handed out. We also need cases of water and sodas, paper plates, table coverings, serving bowls and decorative items. One Parent Hours is given for every $20 of donations.
El Dia de los Muertos
The Day of the Dead (El Dia de los Muertos or All Souls's Day) is a holiday celebrated in Mexico and by Latin Americans living in the United States and Canada. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. The celebration occurs on November 1st and 2nd in conncection with the Catholic holiday of All Saints' Day which occurs on November 1st and All Souls' Day which occurs on November 2nd. Traditions include building private altars honoring the deceased, using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favoirte foods and beverages of the departed, and visitng graves with these as gifts. To honor our deceased beloveds, we will set up an altar in the School hallway for the month of November. Please send us pictures and names of those you wish to honor. We will also pray for the souls of all those whom we loved and lost. If you wish you can send us names to bge included in our prayer list.
Halloween Dinner and Dance and Haunted House on Friday, October 30th (Correction)
Halloween Dinner and Dance and Haunted House Tickets are on sale now at the School Office. There are no tickets sold at the door, so you must purchase your tickets ahead of time. Please support this fundraiser by buying tickets yourself and selling tickets to friends and neighbors. No students are allowed without parents or adult supervision.
Red Ribbon Week
Red Ribbon Week is an alcohol, tobacco and other drug and violence prevention awareness campaign observed annually in October in United States. The Red Ribbon Celebration brings millions of people together to raise awareness regarding the need for alcohol, tobacco and other drug and violence prevention, early intervention, and treatment services. It is the largest, most visible prevention awareness campaign observed annually in the United States.
Each October I am required to inform you of our asbestos status. In October 2002, our asbestos consultant (Jim McCann), in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency & Asbestos Hazardous Emergency Responses Act (AHERA), re-inspected all asbestos-containing building materials within St. Cornelius School. All asbestos-containing building materials (ACBM) within the school facilities are in good condition and pose no threat to the health and safety of our students.
Student Learning Expectations
The last SLE in Academic Achievement area is "We demonstrate and imporve our abilities by sharing our knowledge and recognize we can learn from one another" Cooperative learning is a necessary 21st century skill. Teachers use different strategies to teach students about cooperative work and importance of sharing their knowledge with one another. Ask your children to tell you what they did at school everyday. Share with them what you do at work. What new things do you both learn everyday? share your thoughts about your days together.
Internet Safety
Through the internet provides exciting educational and cultural experiences, it also opens children to possible exploitation and harm through the misuse of e-mail, chat rooms, profile posting, social sites and personal websites. To keep your child safe online use blocking software and parental controls available through your internet service provider.
1. Communicate openly and honestly with your child.
2. Establish balanced time limits for internet usage.
3. Walk over to the computer at unexpected times.
4. Monitor your child's online activities.
5. Place the computer within your view.
Progress Reports
Progress Reports went home this week. These reports are not the final grades but an indication of how your child is progressing so far this year. If you have questions or concerns, now is the time to address them. Be sure to remind your child that he/she has 6 more weeks before the Report Cards are sent home, and that grades can drastically get better or worse in that time.
Noon Dismissals
The remaining Fridays in October are all Minimum Days. On Friday, October 16th, teachers will attend a Root Share meeting with teachers from 7 other schools to discuss better teaching practices. Friday, October 23rd, is the Technology Faire Day, and teachers will attend workshops with teachers from 46 other elementary schools in the Diocese of Oakland. Friday, October 30th, is our Halloween Dinner and Dance and Haunted House evening. This is a corrected date from the flyers that went home last week.
Students Learning Expectations
A crucial requirement of academic achievement is being a fluent reader. Fluent readers instantly recognize most words, read sentences smoothly, understand what is happening in the story and have good expression. Their readings sound like speech, flowing on uniterrupted. Be a role model and read to your child, have him/her read to you or read along with you. You can read to your child in your native language. When reading with young children, hold the book so he/she can see the words and pictures while you are reading. Run your finger under the text or point to interesting things in the illustrations. Read slowly and clearly.
Safe Environment for Children
If you have not yet attended an in-person or an on-line training, please contact the office. You may not be allowed to volunteer at school if we do not have a copy of your taining documentation on file in the School Office.
Communications
Not all communications are sent home in the Family Envelops. Please check your children's folders and backpacks everyday for messages from the teachers and the School Office. If the communication requires your signature or response, please do so immediately; if the communication is for your information only, please read and then recycle. All Emergency Forms must be returned to the office immediately. If you are not sure your child has turned in all forms, please call Mrs. Cooper. When sending money to school, please place it in the envelop or plastic bag with the child's name written on it, and if possible please try to send the exact amount.
Volunteers are Needed
If your have an hour or so everyday or a few hours a month, you can make a huge difference in the lives of St. Cornelius School students.
- Volunteer for the Scoliosis Testing scheduled for October 7th.
- Serve on the School Board to improve St. Cornleius School as a learning insitution.
- Help with Lunch Program and Yard Duties.
- Attend PTF Meetings.
Thank You
First, I would like to thank Mrs. Alvarez for volunteering in the Kindergarten every afternoon. We are grateful to her. Second, thanks to all those who supported the Movie Night. Everyone had a lot of fun, and we raised about $600. What is more important is that we came together as a family to raise funds and share a laugh. Thank you Mrs. Morales and the Cooper Family. You were awesome!
Gift Wrap Orders
Gift wrap orders were sent off on Friday and ordered items will be delivered to School on October 19th. Thanks to all who contributed. Please pick up your orders at dismissal, because we do not want students to take them to After School Care. For those who did not sell $100 or more, they must sell $200 or more on our next fundraiser or they will be charged $50 for the first fundraiser.
Students Learning Expectations
"We are motivated learners decidated to mastering basic academic skills," is another area of SLEs under Academic Achievers category. Reading, Writing and Arithmetic are the most basic core academic skills our students need to master in each grade level, but as 21st century learners they need to know more. They must be able to use critical thinking skills to problem solve. They must also use effective communication skills to learn cooperatively with and from one another. At home, please help your children practive these sklls by working on projects or playing cooperative games together.
Thank You
I would like to thank all the parents who attended our first PTF Meeting. The co-presidents, Ms. Mercado and Ms. Stevens, are working together to plan a fun year for us all as we work towards raising $30,000 to improve our school. Last year we were able to replace the ceiling tiles in all the classrooms. The first PTF event is the Movie Night on Thursday.
An Especial Note
There are no words to express how proud I am of all of our students. Everyday I watch them work hard and learn more. I am also humbled by all the support I have received from you, the parents. Thank you for trusting me to serve you and your children. I would also like to thank Mr. Padilla, Mr. Portillo and Ms. Torres for keeping our students safe everyday.
School Uniform
There have been a few questions regarding the St. Cornelius uniform. The uniform policy can be found in the Parent/Student Handbook. Shoes must be solid black, and belts are to be worn at all times. St. Cornelius PE sweats are for PE days only. All shirts must have the School Logo and no white shirts are allowed.
After-School Tutoring
Mrs. Charvet, Ms. Natalie and Mr. Fritschi are starting their after-school tutoring. If your child is not in the After-School Program with Mr. Greg already, then you need to sign a permission slip for your child to attend this tutorial.
Musical Instruments
We are building our music program and are desperately in need of instruments for our students. If you have new or gently used instruments which you would like to donate to school, please bring them by the office. All instruments must be in working condition. You may also make monetary contributions towards the cost of purchasing instruments. Remember, every $20 donated equals one parent hour. Our Music classes start the second week of Spetember and we need instruments.
Michele Jones-McKeag will be volunteering her time to build the music program at St. Cornelius School.
St. Cornelius School Philosophy Statement
At St. Cornelius School we are commmitted to the total education of each student in a Catholic environment where every student is nutured as a child in God's family. Our goal is to present the gospel message of Jesus Christ, develop a Christian community and encourage a spirit of service.
We believe the family is the first educator of the child and we support and encourage this role. We value and respect the cultural diversity of the School community and recognize the dignity and unique potential of each child. We strive to send forth students whom have the personal confidence, academic skills and moral and religious commitment necessary for making a viable contribution to today's society.
Parents Responsibilities
It is the philosophy of St. Cornelius School that parents are the primary educators of their children. This is a major parental responsibility, and the faculty and staff at St. Cornleius School are here to assist you in this process. Just as students are expected to read continuously, so are the parents. Each week you will receive a Family Envelope with notices, letters and bulletins that contain pertinent information regarding activitiies, people and special events at the School. Please read everything that is sent home. Your are also expected to sign and return or respond to specific requests promptly. As parents of St. Cornelius School you are expected to be aware of the processes and policies of the School.
Tuition
Tuition is a set fee based upon number of children in your family. It is a financial obligation for attending school and does not relate to the number of the days in the months that your child actually spends at school. It does however directly relate to the expenses associated with the operation of the school and educating your child/children. August tuition is now due and will be late if not paid by August 21st. A $35 late fee is assessed for all late payments. Late tuition payments will result in students being sent home until financial obligations are fully met. Please do not penalize your child/children by making late payments.
"Interest in Private Increases"
There was an article in West County Times on Monday morning which said, "California school quality is not going to improve anytime soon." The article indicated frustration and anxiety on the parts of the parents whom are not sure about the future of public education in California. Even though some school districts have decided not to close schools immediately, they are not certain about another mid-year cut next year. Another set back parents are concerned about is the elimination of programs such as music, arts and P.E. "With the specter of drastic budget cuts and ballooning class sizes facing public schools, anxious parents are hedging their bets with private schools,"
Gospel Choir
Board Members Needed
St. Cornelius School Board President, Mr. Ron Garcia, is looking for committed parents, parishioners, and community members to serve on our school board. Board meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month from 8 - 9:30p.m. The school board provides advice and works closely with the Principal to promote the School. Members act as Ambassadors of the School and provide expertise on the business of running the School in light of the School's mission.
Put on, then, garments that suit God's chosen and beloved people: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience. Be tolerant with one another and forgiving, if any of you has cause for complaint: you must forgive as the Lord forgave you. Finally, to bind everything together and complete the whole, there must be love. Let Christ's peace be arbiter in your decisions, the peace to which you were called as members of a single body. Always be thankful. Let the gospel of Christ dwell among you in all its richness; teach and instruct one another with all the wisdom it gives you.
Colossians 3:12-16
Several teachers are offering tutorials either before or after school. These free tutorials are in addition to our After-School Tutoring Program, and are only for those students whom are serious and hardworking. Teachers reserve the rights to ask those who are disruptive or uncooperative to be dropped from these programs.
Rainy Days
As we enter Rainy Season, just a few reminders for dropping off and picking up procedures. On rainy mornings, please slowly pull to a stop, following Mr. Rapp's directions, and let your child out by the side door where he/she will proceed directly into the classroom. In the afternoon, please park your car, walk to the gym from the gym's side door, and wait there for your child. All students are dismissed through the gym. The Checkerboard students will be picked up from the gym too.
Conflict Resolution Program
Mr. Diego Garcia has volunteered to work with 5 - 8th graders on conflict resolution strategies, creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Mr. Garcia has an extensive background in working with children and young adults in the Richmond area. Once the logistics of the program have been decided, we will send home infomational flyers and permission slips.
Graffiti on the School Campus
The faculty and staff of St. Cornelius School are working hard to provide students with quality education in a safe and loving environment. The interior and exterior of the school is checked at the beginning and the end of each day to ensure the absence of graffiti. There is a zero tolerance policy in regard to graffiti at our school, and we appreciate our students' and parents' support.
Traffic Alert
Did you know a left turn from 28th Street onto Macdonald Ave. is illegal during certain times of the day? It is a $271 fine.
AFTER SCHOOL PICK UP: PLEASE BE SURE TO LET MS. MORADI OR MRS. COOPER KNOW IF YOU ARE BRINGING HOME A STUDENT WHO IS NOT YOUR CHILD. THE SCHOOL IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CHILDREN UNTIL THEY REACH HOME, THAT MEANS THAT WE MUST BE INFORMED IF YOU ARE HAVING A "PLAY-DATE". NO CHILD IS TO BE REMOVED FROM CAMPUS WITHOUT NOTIFYING THE PARENT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION IN THIS MATTER. STUDENTS MUST BE PICKED UP IN THE MIDDLE YARD UNLESS THEY HAVE A WALKING PERMISSION SLIP THAT ALLOWS THEM TO WALK INTO THE MAIN YARD. When you drop your child(ren) off in the morning or pick them up in the afternoon, it is a good idea to leave nothing of value in your car or unattended. It is also a very good practice to lock you car doors.
Tutition
Tutition will not be collected in the office this year. Please see Mrs. Cooper at the office if you have questions about this matter, or any other questions you might have about tutition.
REGISTRATION- We are still testing and will be testing students throughout the beginning of the school year. If you have friends or family who have children, do not be afraid to promote our school. We would love to have more wonderful faces join our St. Cornelius family!
FOOD-
PLEASE SEND YOUR CHILDREN TO SCHOOL WITH A HEALTHY SNACK AND LUNCH. IT HAS BEEN PROVEN THAT CHILDREN LEARN BETTER AND ARE MORE AWAKE AND ATTENTIVE WHEN THEY HAVE FOOD IN THEIR STOMACHS. NO DROP-OFF LUNCHES, FAST FOOD OR OTHERWISE WILL BE ALLOWED. THIS IS A VERY BUSY TIME IN THE OFFICE FOR MRS. COOPER SO PLEASE SEND FOOD WITH YOUR CHILDREN BEFOREHAND. MR. GREG DOES HAVE A LUNCH PROGRAM AT CHECKERBOARD THAT COMES AT A MODEST PRICE.