Monday Memo
Week 15 | November 28-December 2
NEw In this Week's Edition:
High School Placement Tests
Governor's Cup Testing
Future Valkyrie Mother/Daughter Christmas Brunch
Trivia Night Volunteers Needed
Advent/Christmas Concert for Children's Choir
Sprouts Brunch with Saint Nicholas
Volunteers wanted for Brunch with Saint Nicholas
Letter from the Administration
The holiday season is here! For many this may bring excitement and joy. But, it can also bring anxiety and uncomfortable emotions. It is important to remember to take care of our mental health at this time of the year. Let’s also remember that our kids may be feeling overwhelmed and anxious about the holidays as well. They do not always have the words or ability to communicate these feelings. But, their behaviors will let us know how they are feeling.
If you find your child is acting out remember that the best thing to do is go back to the basics….. Breathing. This is an automatic reflex. We do not have to think to do this. Refrain from asking them why they are behaving like this. They probably don’t know and can not give you an answer. This may frustrate them more and cause more anxiety because they know there will be a consequence for not answering so it may end up causing more acting out behaviors.
Instead try asking them to breathe with you. I teach the students to envision their favorite birthday cake. What kind of cake is it? What type of icing does it have on it? How is it decorated? Now ask them to smell the cake by inhaling through their nose. Hold the breath. Then blow out the candles slowly. Ask them to do this a few times until they are visibly calmer. Once you see that their body is not in a stressed state it is okay to ask what is going on and talk about what they are upset about and how they can respond differently.
When you take the time to focus on the basics it gives the child time to be distracted from what is upsetting. It allows them time to calm and relax the body so that the mind can begin to work again. Doing this together helps to build a stronger relationship and teaches our children how to regulate their emotions and their bodies. What a great way to take care of our childrens’ mental health and ours as well.
Stacie Short
School Counselor
--- Around the school ---
Health Department Helpline: (502) 912-8598
covid protocol:
If your child tests positive for Covid or has Covid symptoms, please refer to the Archdiocese of Louisville Covid Health Guidelines (attached) and complete the form below. Email your child's homeroom and Amy Baker at abaker@stalbert.org with any absence from school to arrange pickup if your child's missed work.
2022-2023 Calendar
To access the 2022-2023 School Year Calendar, please click below.
CEF Tuitition Assistance 2023/2024
NEW APPLICATION PERIOD THIS YEAR!
Starting October 15, 2022, all families with one or more children entering kindergarten-8th grade for the 2023/2024 school year, can begin applying for tuition assistance.
To better serve families, CEF has changed their application process to allow them to communicate the awards much earlier. Families wanting to apply for tuition assistance for the 2023/2024 school year need to submit their application between October 15 - November 30, 2022.
For more information, please watch this short video https://www.ceflou.org/tuition-assistance-explainer/ and reference the attached flyer.
For questions regarding tuition assistance, please contact Lisa Kleyer at lkleyer@stalbert.org.
8th Grade Midterm Exam Schedule
One of the ways we strive to prepare our 8th grade students for high school is by giving midterm and final exams. Midterm Exams will take place the week of December 12th.
Please see the schedule below.
Catholic High School Placement Test
Catholic High School Placement Test – December 10, 2022
Students in grade 8 who wish to attend a Catholic high school next year are required to take the Catholic high school placement test scheduled on Saturday, December 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The test is free of charge, and students take the test at the Catholic high school they plan to attend. Students should bring two #2 pencils. Please find information about the location of Catholic high schools at www.louisvillecatholicschools.com. If inclement weather cancels the test on December 10, it will be rescheduled for the following Saturday, December 17, at the same time.
The placement test helps Catholic secondary schools determine the most appropriate course work and academic path for meeting the needs of each student.
For more information, call or email the high school you plan to attend.
7th and 8th Grade Governor’s Cup Testing
Thursday, Dec. 1st
Testing for 7th and 8th grade Governor’s Cup will be held this Thursday, Dec. 1, from 3:00 - 4:00 in room 8A. If interested, students simply need to show up in 8A this Thursday when called on the afternoon announcements. Governor’s Cup is an academic competition in which students test in the subjects of Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts and Arts & Humanities.
8th Grade Selling Poinsettias
The 8th grade is selling Poinsettias to help raise funds to offset the cost of their 8th grade trip. Please consider supporting this fundraiser by purchasing for yourself, a friend or family member. Your purchase can also be donated, and we will deliver to local nursing homes of our choice.
Poinsettias come in a 6.5" pot with foil cover, approximately 16-18" tall with 4-6 blooms per plant. Color choices are red, white, jingle bells (red with white speckles), or pink.
Order deadline is November 23 and order pick up is December 2-4.
Contact Jenifer Jester (jenher466@yahoo.com) or Maureen Ress (mress@att.net) to order. $15/plant via cash or check made payable to St. Albert the Great with "poinsettia" in the memo section.
The 8th grade thanks you!
--- From our PTO ---
PTO Teacher & Staff Christmas Collection
Is your Christmas To-Do List getting overwhelming? Don't know what to buy that extra special teacher?
Don't worry- The PTO has you covered. We are collecting money that will be divided out among our outstanding teachers and school staff.
Instead of receiving small gifts, each teacher and staff member will receive a substantial monetary gift that they can spend as they please. They really enjoy receiving these monetary gifts during Christmastime.
You can send your check (made out to the St. Albert PTO) to the school office in an envelope marked: “PTO Teacher & School Staff Christmas Collection” by Dec.8th. Or you may pay online thru Dec. 6th by clicking on the link to the right
Ways to Help for the Viking Gala
Thank you to everyone who has helped support the 2023 Viking Blue & Gold Gala so far! This event will help the PTO fund resources and programming for our students and school for the next two years! All the information about how you can help is located at VikingGala.org!
Here are more ways you can help:
Purchase a raffle ticket to win a trip for two to Napa Valley, and ask your family and friends to purchase tickets as well! You can win a trip valued at more than $4,000 for only $30 per ticket and only 400 will be sold. Charitable Gaming license ORG #0407
We need your help to make the event a success!
We have very few sponsorships left, but we are still looking for a presenting sponsor and it comes with a full table for 10!
Donate or Solicit for our Silent & Live Auctions & Bourbon Pull
Does your company have access to suites or box seats for sporting events or concerts? Do you know someone with a vacation home that might be willing to donate a stay? Do you have bourbon/spirits/restaurant contacts? Contact Julie Kruer at gala@stalbert.org
--- After school ---
Holiday STEM Squad
We love the holidays as much as we love STEM!
Explore and create with us as we share our favorite holiday STEM experiences developed by our very own Central Creativity design team!
Either click on the image or scan the QR Code on it to sign up for Holiday Stem Squad!
Homework Club, Grades 6-8
St. Albert the Great is pleased to announce an after school program, Homework Club, developed for students currently in grades 6-8 who are challenged by completing their homework in a timely manner, need additional assistance with assignments, and or need to to prepare for tests and quizzes.
Homework Club is a structured environment where students will receive small group attention and motivation in a warm and encouraging atmosphere.
The goal of Homework Club is to help students become resourceful and proactive learners. Students will become empowered to take charge of their academics and learn the art of successful study habits.
Homework Club will be mentored by Deanna O'Keefe
Club participation is limited to 12 students per day.
When: Monday-Thursday
Time: 3:00 pm - 4:15 pm
Where: 8C Mrs. O’Keefe’s Homeroom
Cost: $12 per session
Pick up: 4:15 pm SHARP Junior High Breezeway door
Fall stem club
Summer may be over, but the fun is just getting started!
If your child loves technology and opportunities to be creative with fun, hands-on science experiences, STEM Club is the place to be!
YEAR TWO CONTAINS ALL NEW ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCES THAT ARE GUARANTEED TO EXCITE AND EDUCATE!!!
Chess club is back!
The Knight Schools has arrived at St. Albert The Great! Chess is more popular than ever, so now is the perfect time to join Coach Nathan as we laugh, learn, and play one of the most beloved games of all time. Wednesday, the 24th is our free promo day, so come check us out! If you can't make the 24th, you're welcome to drop in any time during the year for an additional complimentary class. Total beginners are highly encouraged! Chess is in the library every Wednesday when school's in session from 2:45-4:00.
Enrolled Students receive a Knight School t-shirt, a chess set with carrying bag, and free replacement pieces for life.
The Knight School's high-energy, party-based approach to chess excels at instilling students with essential skills like critical thinking, confidence, focus, pattern recognition, and decision making. To learn more, check out this short video, All About The Knight School.
You can sign up for St. Albert's new chess team at www.theknightschool.com or contact Coach Nathan at nathan@theknightschool.com, phone: (630) 338-9409 with any questions.
--- From Sports Ministry ---
Trivia night volunteers needed
We are in need of volunteers for Trivia Night. This is a huge fundraiser for SAAM. If you are able to help out, we would love for you to sign up using the sign up genius link below.
--- From The Parish ---
Advent/Christmas Concert
The Treble (3rd and 4th) and Advanced (5th-8th) Children Choirs will join the St. Albert the Great Adult Choir in presenting a concert of choral music on Sunday, December 4th from 3-4 p.m. in the church. The Louisville Panpipes Flute Choir will also present seasonal selections.
Come celebrate the season listening to heavenly music and song!
Sprouts Brunch with St. Nicholas!
Sprouts Brunch with St. Nicholas! December 4th from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm in Visitation Hall! Free "Decorate-Your-Own" Pancakes, crafts and St. Nick! Please RSVP by November 30th with the link
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050c4fa9ad2b0-sprouts1
Sprouts Ministry is dedicated to “Growing Disciples” by connecting families with young children Preschool through age 7 through dynamic and fun-filled activities.
Volunteers Needed for Brunch!
The Sprouts Ministry is asking for volunteers to come help with the Brunch with St. Nick on December 4th! Please see the link below and help us out for 30 minutes or more!! THANKS
the monday memo and you
The Monday Memo is produced by Jack O'Keefe, the Technology Director. If you have any comments, concerns, scathing criticisms, or a neat gif please let me know: jokeefe@stalbert.org
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Have a good week, saint albert!
