Principal's Post October 1, 2021

Dear HFS Families,
October is here, and I’ve got cooler weather and fall activities on my mind. I love this time of year as the mornings become more crisp, and the students have really settled into their new grades. I have begun to see evidence of student work and projects, and I love what I am seeing so far.
Principal’s Spotlight
This week, I would like to shine a light on our 6th Grade Safeties. When we moved our PreSchool and PreK over to the main building, we wanted to find a way to help them get to their second floor classrooms safely, but we also wanted to begin fostering a connection with our littlest HFS students and some of the “big kids.” 
The expectations I had for this new 6th Grade job and what I have witnessed  have completely blown me away! Our “big kids” are taking this job so seriously, and it thrills me to see them comforting some of the students who come in feeling upset or nervous. I feel such pride as I see the trust in the little ones’ eyes as they hold the hands of their Sixth Grade helpers and travel up the stairs!  “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in My name, welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me does not welcome Me, but the One Who sent Me.” (Mark 9:37) It has also brought them a little closer to me as well. They make me laugh when they ask when their paychecks are coming. I love the sense of camaraderie that has developed among them, their charges, and me.
Drop Off and Pick Up
It has been brought to my attention that some families are dropping off their child(ren) and leaving them in front of the school before the 7:45 drop off time. I understand life’s demands, but the safety of your child(ren) is of the utmost importance to us. Our doors open at 7:45AM and not a moment sooner. If you need to drop off your child(ren) earlier, please register for CARES. This will give your child(ren) a safe place to go prior to the school day. Contact Mrs. Bahr at sbahr@myholyfamilyschool.org for more information about CARES.
Additionally, I have seen some cars making u-turns on Third Avenue and/or squeezing past buses during drop off and pick up. I ask that you please refrain from doing that. Not only is it dangerous, but you are also impeding the buses and cars that are following the procedures correctly. Again, this is to keep our students and their families safe. Thank you for your cooperation.
STEAM
I am thrilled that Mrs. Horner is back at HFS, and from what I hear, the students are really enjoying STEAM. With that in mind, teachers’ and school budgets are always so limited. Mrs. Horner and I were chatting about ways that she could potentially provide a larger variety of experiments for the students, which would require more funds. If possible, we are asking that each student donate $1.00 to help fund some of these supplies. Please send in your donation in an envelope marked with the amount and your child(ren)’s name(s), and it will be submitted it to our Business Manager Mrs. Bahr to reimburse Mrs. Horner as she purchases additional supplies.
Lunch Volunteers
I would like to give a big shout out to all the parents who have given so generously of their time to help during lunch recess. It might seem like a little thing to do, but it is immensely helpful to our teachers.  
We are always looking for parents who are able to give anytime at all. If you are unable to commit on a consistent basis, please consider giving whatever time you can by clicking the link provided here. If you can commit to specific days and times, please call or email the office. Remember: you must be on The Approved Chaperone List to volunteer. Thanks to all who have and continue to help! 
Attachments
Please see the attachment for the Kitchen Wizards program. They have upcoming virtual sessions.
Upcoming Dates
10/7/2021           School Mass @ 9:30AM in St. Ann’s Chapel
10/15//2021        Faculty Retreat/No School for Students
10/21/2021         Student Council Installation @ 9:30AM in St. Ann’s Chapel
10/28/2021         October Birthdays Dress Down
                           2nd Grade Prayer Service @ 2:15PM in St. Ann’s Chapel
The beautiful weather looks like it’s going to continue into the weekend. I hope you find some time to enjoy your time together and maybe even do something fun as a family!
Peace and Joy,
Mrs. Jennifer D’Amelio