THE WILDCAT WIRE

Volume 7 Issue 18 St. Ignatius School January 24, 2003

The Reilly Report

Sick! Sick! Sick! By the end of last week we had 35 or so students out and looked forward to the three-day Martin Luther King Jr. weekend and the return of health on Tuesday. Wrong! We hit all time absentee highs on Tuesday and Wednesday (150 and 160). As you may have seen on the news, the entire West Side has a bug with high fevers that is lasting 4-7 days. The East Side has the stomach virus! I see no health advantage to closing school even with high numbers out, if a three-day weekend didn’t help. We are supplying teachers with 10% Clorox solution for use in the classrooms and encouraging frequent hand washing. I know it is hard to keep children home with visions of makeup work piling up. However, they must be symptom free for 24 hours before they may return. I encourage you to follow the same guidelines for extra curricular activities.

We have quite a few eighth graders who have been offered scholarships and awards by perspective high schools. I would like to congratulate the students and their families, but odd as it may sound, only Mercy as given us the names of award recipients. We know of several other awards from the grapevine, but would like to get the official word from parents. Please share the good word with us!

Please join us on Sunday for our annual open house. We will have everything open from 1:00 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. All teachers will be here and we hope you are too!

Parish School Council will review the tuition proposal for next year on Tuesday night and we will then be able to send home enrollment information for next school year. As you know we can look forward to a great decrease in class size. That good news will happen because we will have more space, more financial support from the parish, and an increase in tuition. Keep in mind that our parish is committed to eliminating tuition as a basis for not getting a Catholic education. If you need help with tuition, please talk to Barb Campbell, Fr. Bolte or me.

Next week we will celebrate Catholic schools, "Catholic Schools Make a World of Difference." We all know Catholic education works as a result of many people working together. Volunteer appreciation is Saturday after 5:30 P.M. Mass. Everyone is invited to Open House this Sunday from 1:00-2:30. On Monday we will focus on parents.

On Tuesday we will have an All School Mass at 9:15. During Mass we will recognize our 2003 distinguished alumna- Miss Robyn Hyle. Homegrown heroes are my favorite! Congratulations, Miss Hyle, and thanks for the great example you set for all of us!

On Wednesday we will celebrate the teachers and instructors who are on the front line teaching. The staff will be treated to a "duty free" lunch by the Ladies Society. Staff members are invited to wear their college wear (even if it is red and black!) Also on Wednesday we are sending representatives of our parents, students, and teachers to a diocese-wide liturgy at the cathedral. Our representatives are PTO president Eric Stevens and his family, School Committee Chairperson Paula Matthews and her family, Mrs. Keith, and Miss McLaughlin (our accreditation chairwomen). All across the USA at noon, bells will ring to show community support.

On Thursday we will celebrate a significant "behind the scene" group that makes Catholic schools work- our support staff. Each grade level has targeted a group to recognize.

Last but not least, that all-important ingredient to Catholic school success: the hard working students! Friday will be out of uniform day, and each grade will dress in a theme ranging from crazy hats to beachwear. Selected eighth grade students will take over the PA for the day. The PTO is sponsoring a puppet show at 1:00 and 2:00 in the Hilvert Center. All students will also get a surprise during the day!

Attached to this week’s Wire, you will find a rough draft of the 2003-2004 school calendar. The final copy will come out sometime in spring.

Good luck to the Future City Team in the competition this weekend. Team members are Marc B*, Abbie J*, Kara L*, Joe P, Stephanie D, Ben W, and Brian B (*presenter). Mrs. Tisue and Mr. McGowan have led the students. They have received professional engineering consultation from Mr. Andy Bartish and help from parent volunteers, Mrs. Berling and Mrs. Byard.

The Sixth Annual St. Ignatius Bible Bowl was a great success. Our team won their preliminary round but lost in the semi-finals by 1 question. What an impressive display of scripture knowledge! Congratulations to the team: Jillian B, Elizabeth E., Brian K, Michael M, Ann W, and Casey B. Congratulations and thanks to Mrs. McNeill, Mrs. Keith, and Mrs. Engel for coaching the team. I would also like to thank the St. I’s teachers and students who were judges, scorers, and guides. Congratulations to Miss McLaughlin who invested a tremendous amount of time and talent organizing the event again for the west side schools.

The National Catholic Education Association has requested that during Catholic Schools Week letters be sent to members of Congress from parents, teachers, principals and students stating all the good things about Catholic schools. These letters should be personal accounts of the value of Catholic education. Students might tell a story about why they enjoy their classes and teachers.

These letters should be MAILED DIRECTLY TO THE LEGISLATIVE OFFICE IN WASHINGTON for receipt by January 29, 2003. To find the name of your district congressional representative in Washington you can go to the Website http://congress.org/. This site allows you to search for congressional information according to your zip code.

It is hoped that thousands of letters filled with reasons to support Catholic schools will reach Capital Hill during Catholic Schools Week.

UPCOMING LITURGIES

DATE ROOM

Jan. 28 Catholic School Week

All School Mass

*All articles for the Wildcat Wire must be submitted by 12:00 noon on Wednesdays. Thank you.

LUNCH MENU

January 27- January 30

Monday: ham, macaroni & cheese, salad, fruit, milk

Tuesday: hamburger or cheeseburger, French fries, fruit, milk

Wednesday: hot dogs, baked beans, fruit, milk

Thursday: cheese pizza, mixed veggies, fruit, milk

Friday: chicken patty, corn, fruit, milk

UPCOMING EVENTS

Jan. 26 Open House - 1:00 P.M.-2:30 P.M.

Jan. 26 -Feb. 1 Catholic Schools Week

Jan. 28 Banking Day (during lunchtime)

Jan. 31 Spirit Day

*WANTED: BROWN PAPER BAGS

Fr. Bolte is in need of brown grocery bags for Bingo. If you have any, please drop them off at the parish office. Thank you!

CHARACTER BUILDING

Submitted by Mrs. Grote, Mrs. Hudepohl, & Mrs. Ray

The character building trait for January is ambition. Ambition is a strong desire to succeed at something. It requires great ability or effort. Like the Magi, we are all searchers, explorers, and travelers following the “STAR”. We search for God in our lives and follow the direction that God shows us. Let us follow the “STAR” and be a light of Jesus. Please help your children set goals this new year spiritually, academically, in relationships, and in discovering and developing their talents. Help them shoot for the stars and be ambitious!

GRADE 8 NEWS

Submitted by Mrs. Grote

On Friday, January 31st, the Class of 2003 will have their class picture taken for the yearbook. Since it is Spirit Day, 8th grade students should wear jeans and their new class t-shirts which they will receive next week.

CHILDCARE NEEDED FOR 2 CHILDREN

I am in need of someone to care for my boys after school on Tuesday through Friday. Joshua is in A.M. Kindergarten and Ryan is in the 2nd grade. If interested, please call Jennifer Humphrey ASAP.. Thank you.

EVERYBODY COUNTS! VOLUNTEERS WANTED!

It’s not too late to sign up to help with this great educational program. No experience necessary; materials are provided. It will only require a few hours of your time; no long term commitment. Please call Carol Pieper , Cathy Allaben or Pam Dirr if you have any questions or need a sign-up form. Thanks!

OAK HILLS HIGH SCHOOL REGISTRATION

Registration for incoming freshman for the 2003-2004 academic year will be held on March 12th. Families must bring their completed registration packets. Registration packets for parochial 8th grade students may be picked up at Oak Hills H. S. any school day (8:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.) after February 10th. An optional parent meeting for incoming freshmen will be on February 26th at 7:00 P.M. (building tours available at 6:30 P.M.). Registration packets will be available that evening.

WINTER COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Children’s Hospital will be holding the following Community Education Courses at our satellite location located at the Harrison Branch Library (10398 New Haven Road) this winter. You can register for the following programs by calling 636-5714 or 369-4442.

Speech and Language Development: Preschool-Kindergarten will be held on January 27th from 7:00 P.M.-8:30 P.M. Learn about speech and language developmental milestones, discuss common concerns, and explore ways to assist the child with speech and language development.

Asthma Update will be held on February 24th from 7:00 P.M.-8:30 P.M. Research has shown that recurring asthma is caused by inflammation of small airways. Understanding the effects of uncontrolled inflammation is a key factor of gaining control of asthma. This program helps people understand how asthma affects the lungs and how to be in control of the disease.

*WINTER ART CLASSES

Art classes for students of all grades will be conducted by Thomas Zink, Cincinnati artist. Instruction will be given in drawing, painting, and cartooning. The classes will be held at St. Margaret Mary School, 1820 W. Galbraith Rd. (North College Hill) on Friday afternoons from 4:00 P.M. - 5:30 P.M. beginning Friday, February 14th. Cost is $49.00 for a semester of 7 weeks. Sign ups will begin at 3:45 P.M. Please come to the Art Room which is located on the lower level (down the hall from the cafeteria). For further information, call (859) 431-7237.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

Submitted by Mike Huhn

This year’s tournament will run from February 14th to March 1st. We are in need of as many sponsors as possible. A family sponsorship is $10.00 and a corporate sponsorship is $50.00. Your name will be displayed on signs in the gym throughout the tournament. Please make checks payable to “St. Ignatius Athletics” and mail to Mike Huhn, or drop off at the parish office marked “Girls’ Basketball” (be sure to include corporate logo or family name). Questions? Contact Skip Doyle or Mike Huhn .

*BOYS’ BASKETBALL

Submitted by Tom Schmidt

Congratulations to the 4th Grade Basketball Team of Tyler A, Nick C, Ryan D, Ryan Fl, Ryan H, Jacob Mc, Jacob V, Jacob H, Eric S, and Michael S for winning the St. Ignatius Basketball Tournament. Great job!

5TH/6TH GRADE “A” VOLLEYBALL TEAM

Submitted by Jill Klusman

Congratulations to the 5th/6th Grade “A” Volleyball Team for their 2nd place finish in the McAuley Tournament. Members of the team include: Kristy A, Michelle C, Lindsay C, Lauren F, Kaitlyn G, Madeleine J, Julie K,, Katie L, Jill M, and Julie S. Way to go, team!

BOYS’ VOLLEYBALL TRY-OUTS

Submitted by Sue Bell

TRY-OUTS: Monday, January 27th from 7:45 P.M.-9:30 P.M. for 7th/8th grade, Tuesday, January 28th from 5:15 P.M.-7:00 P.M. for 5th/6th grade. Don’t forget your knee pads. All COACHES need to attend

BOYS’ BASEBALL SIGN-UPS

Submitted by Joe Leonhardt

Boys’ baseball sign-ups for grades K-9 will be on Thursday, January 30th and Monday, February 10th from 7:00 P.M.-9:00 P.M. in the Wildcat Room. Questions? Call Joe Leonhardt.

*GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL PARTY

Submitted by Karen Kenning

The Girls’ Volleyball Party will be held on Friday, January 31st in the Community Center from 7:00 P.M.-8:30 P.M. for girls in grade 4-8 and their coaches. Pizza and pop will be served. Please plan on bringing your uniform and shorts to turn in to your coach. If you are not able to attend, please arrange to get the uniform to your coach prior to January 31st. Questions? Please call Karen Kenning or Sue Vulhop Thanks for a great season!

M.H.A.A. SPRING SOCCER

Submitted by Dave Eveleigh

M.H.A.A. Spring Soccer registrations are scheduled from 6:30 P.M.-8:30 P.M. on Thursday, January 30th, and from 9:00 A.M.-12:00 noon on Saturday, February 15th at Monfort Heights Elementary School in the Atrium. Registration forms are also available at the M.H.A.A. Office located on 4825 North Bend Road. Please call 481-7202 with any questions.

*HARRISON BRANCH

LIBRARY PROGRAMS

Chess Club* A special demonstration facilitated by Joe Knueven and Don Camper on Saturday, February 1st at 11:00 A.M. All ages

Walking the Appalachian Trail presented by Jeff Alt. Copies of “A Walk for Sunshine” will be available for purchase on Monday, February 10th at 7:00 P.M. All ages

Chess Club* Regular Meetings-All ages

Thursday, February 13th & 27th - 5:00 P.M.-6:00 P.M. (instruction) and 6:00 P.M.-8:30 P.M. (playing)

Saturday, February 15th from 11:00 A.M.-12:00 noon (instruction) and 12:00 noon-5:00 P.M. (playing)

School’s Out A magical afternoon with Magic Wanda on Monday, February 17th at 2:00 P.M. All ages

Thumb’s Up America-America at War Col. Dean Smittle USAF (Ret.) examines the role and impact of the US Air Power & Special Operations on war against terrorism on Monday, February 17th at 7:00 P.M. All ages

Family Book Club* “Junie B., First Grader (At Last!) by Barbara Park on Saturday, February 22nd at 12:00 noon. Please pack a lunch; drinks and dessert will be provided. All ages

· Space is limited; advance registration required.

KIDS’ CORNER

My Grandma’s Legacy by Corey O.

My grandma changed the way people deal with the death of children. I’m glad she started one of the nation’s first bereavement programs. at the Children’s Hospital of Akron. She has touched many lives. I’m glad she’s leaving with the confidence that Children’s Hospital will continue to embrace grieving parents and families.

I think she taught a lot of people the strength it takes to deal with a child’s death. I hope people continue her ways and change many lives. I agree she was a national leader.

My grandma has helped families for almost 25 years. She retired December 31st and I’m really proud of her. She has made me want to treat people better. I can treat people or families better by giving money to charities, doing acts of kindness at school, and having confidence that my peers will do the same. I can respect them by not hurting them in my words or actions. It takes a lot of strength and love to respect everyone around me and in the world. Hopefully, I can treat, talk, and respect my family and friends better too!

Mrs. Crowley’s Class

by Joey Sabelhaus, grade 3

In Room 109, we have been learning about planets, the solar system, asteroids, and comets. we also had to do a project about 1 planet in the solar system. I did the planet Pluto. With the project, we had to come up with at least 3 interesting facts about that planet. I have one page full of facts. We also made snowflakes. Since the day Mrs. Crowley hung up the snowflakes, it’s been snowing!!