News and Events About the Academy Lower School Middle School Upper School Curriculum and Extra-Curricular Admission and Tuition Sports Contact Home
Providence Academy

   

     Archived E-Bulletins

 


 

 

 

E-Bulletin

March 31, 2008

 

In This Issue:
Headmaster’s Notes

All School News
     Annual Fund Update
     Donors Needed for Memorial Blood Centers Blood Drive
     Lost and Found Items
     New Student Applications for 2008-09
     No Wayzata Bus Transportation
     PA Summer Camps Reminder
     Parenting Education Opportunity
     Spirit Store Hours
                             
Middle/Upper School News 
     6th Grade Lions' Club
     Middle School Trip to Wolf Ridge
     Parent/Teacher Conferences
     Spain Trip Meetings
     Upper School Fine Arts Banquet
     Upper School Solo/Ensemble Competition
                
Lower School News
     3-4-5 Book Club
     3rd - 5th Grade Concert
     Lower School Choir Reminder
     Note from Mrs. Murphy
     Operation Rice Bowl
     Pre-Kindergarten Parent/Teacher Conferences
     Winter Clothing Reminder
              
Providence In The News
     Providence Academy Triple "A" Award Winner Bounces
        Her Way onto the Next Level
        
Providence Academy Parent Association (PAPA)
   
Athletics Update

College Counselor's Corner

*     *     *

Headmaster’s Notes
Todd R. Flanders

I invite interested Providence parents to join me, our Construction Manager Mrs. Patricia O'Donnell, Athletics Director Mr. Kurt Jaeger, and others in attending a 7:00 p.m. meeting of the City of Plymouth Planning Commission this Wednesday.  We will be offering public support for issues important to PA’s growth and development.

The key part of the meeting will be a “public hearing” about Providence Academy’s planned expansions and improvements.  These include the proposed Lower School expansion, as well as future improvements including a performing arts center, redesigned athletic fields and tennis courts, etc.  The Planning Commission staff has recommended that the Commission approve our request, with some minor modifications.  This meeting will provide the Commission members, as well as members of the public, an opportunity to ask any questions or provide any input they have regarding our proposed campus changes.

Again, I invite interested PA parents to join us:

Wednesday, April 2nd at 7:00 p.m.
City of Plymouth Planning Commission Meeting
The City Council Chambers
 Plymouth City Hall
 3400 Plymouth Boulevard
 Plymouth, MN 55447


Return to Top

*     *     *
*     *     *

All School News
Annual Fund Update
Thanks to all those who have so generously made gifts and pledges to the Annual Fund, this month we matched last year's participation total of 47%!  With your help, we hope to exceed our goal of 50% participation this year.

A current look at percentages of families giving at each grade level is below.  Gifts from families with multiple students count toward the participation rates of each student's grade.

To make a gift or pledge, or for more information on the Annual Fund, please contact Dawn Schommer at (763) 258-2516 or dawn.schommer@providenceacademy.org.

Participation Rate by Grade (As of March 28, 2008)

Pre-Kindergarten        36%
Kindergarten               41%
1st Grade                    41%
2nd Grade                   48%
3rd Grade                    48%
4th Grade                    50%
5th Grade                    55%
6th Grade                    41%
7th Grade                    60%
8th Grade                    53%
9th Grade                    49%
10th Grade                  45%
11th Grade                  47%
12th Grade                  46%
 

Donors Needed for Memorial Blood Centers Blood Drive
Donors are needed for the Memorial Blood Centers Blood Drive at Providence tomorrow, April 1st, from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m.  Childcare is available while a family member is donating.  To make an appointment or for more information, contact Maureen Murphy at (763) 258-2507 or maureen.murphy@providenceacademy.org. 

 

Lost and Found Items
 Our lost and found is overflowing!  If you are missing any items, especially shoes, please come and take a look.  Lost and Found is located in the northeast corner on the lower level, near Mrs. Heck’s FACS room.

 

New Student Applications for 2008-09
Our recent decision to expand 1st and 2nd Grade, and possibly Kindergarten, by adding one more classroom of each, is exciting news.  In addition, we are still accepting applications for Grades 7 through 10.  Most of Providence’s new applicants tell us that they know someone who is currently attending the school, which piques their interest to investigate the possibilities.  With openings at these grade levels, we would appreciate your help in spreading the word to your friends and neighbors.  Thank you!

 

No Wayzata Bus Transportation

The Wayzata School District will not be in session through April 4th.  Therefore, there will be no Wayzata school bus transportation available to Providence Academy students.  Providence buses will run their regular schedules.  Please make necessary arrangements for transportation on these dates.

 

PA Summer Camps Reminder
Providence offers a great variety of summer academic, athletic and fine arts camps.  This is a reminder to check out the offerings on Mrs. Spears’ website and sign up as soon as possible.  In many cases, space is limited and is filling up quickly.

 

Parenting Education Opportunity
Save the date of Friday, April 18th, for “Reflections on Contemporary Brain Research and Raising Children,” presented by Mr. Ferdinandt.  Please plan to join us from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. in the Lecture Hall for this highly informative talk.

 

Spirit Store Hours
Please note that the Spirit Store is open after school only on the first Thursday of the month (from 3:15 to 3:45 p.m.), rather than every week.  Regular lunchtime store hours from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays will continue for the remainder of the school year.


Return to Top
 

Middle/Upper School News
6th Grade Lions’ Club
6th Graders are invited to the Lion’s Club meeting this Friday, April 4th, from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m.  The Lions’ Club is an activity for Middle School students to enjoy fellowship, fun, and food with their peers and Upper School volunteers.  Come to Miss Zak's room after school and enjoy spending time with one another, watch a movie, play games and have a short bible study while we eat pizza. 


The Lions’ Club is directed by senior Michael George and his crew of Upper School volunteers, and will be supervised by Mrs. Semsch and Mr. Trexel.  All 6th Graders are welcome!  Permission slips will be handed out in Ultima and can be turned into Mrs. Semsch or Mr. Trexel by Thursday, April 3rd. 

 

Middle School Trip to Wolf Ridge
Middle School students have the opportunity to participate in a weekend trip to Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center from May 16th through 18th.  This is a wonderful chance for our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders to apply their science knowledge to the natural world in a beautiful, outdoor facility that is geared to challenging and motivating students of all ages.  Wolf Ridge has a well-respected program and is staffed by professional environmental educators.  In addition, several members of our Middle School faculty will be sharing the 3-day experience with them.    

Registration forms were distributed to all Middle School students on March 26th and must be returned, along with a $20 deposit, to Mrs. Sheehan by this Wednesday, April 2nd.  The balance of $145 is due at a later date.  Parents who have questions about the program can visit the Wolf Ridge website at www.wolf-ridge.org or contact Mrs. Sheehan at (763) 258-2523.

Parent/Teacher Conferences
Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences for Middle and Upper School are scheduled for Thursday, April 17th, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. in Gym A.  Sign-up forms have been mailed home.  Completed forms can be returned to Mrs. Kelly Wilder through any of the administrative offices.  Registration can also be completed by contacting Mrs. Kelly Wilder directly at  (763) 258-2587 or kelly.wilder@providenceacademy.org.  


Spain Trip Meetings
Students and parents are requested to attend the upcoming Spain trip meetings on Mondays, April 28th and June 2nd.  Both meetings will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Lecture Hall.  Please contact Mrs. Joey Lahr with questions, or for more information, at joey.lahr@providenceacademy.org or (763) 258-2540.


Upper School Fine Arts Banquet
Save the date of Tuesday, April 29th for the Fine Arts Banquet.  All Upper School Fine Arts students are invited to attend the potluck dinner where letters and other awards will be presented.  The evening will begin at 6:00 p.m. and more information will be distributed this week.  Parent volunteers are needed to make this a successful event.  If you would like to help, please contact Miss Peterson at joann.peterson@providenceacademy.org or (763) 258-2574.


Upper School Solo/Ensemble Competition
The Upper School solo/ensemble competition for strings and instrumentalists will be held this Thursday, April 3rd at Providence Academy from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.  Details are available from Miss Peterson, Mrs. Clark, or your Upper School band/string student.

Return to Top

Lower School News
3-4-5 Book Club

The final book club session of the school year will begin on April 21st from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.  Subsequent meetings will be held on April 28th, May 5th and 12th.  A flyer containing details about the session will be sent home with students next week. 

Book Club is open to 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade students.  This club is a fun way to help develop your child’s love of reading and enhance comprehension skills—thinking critically, listening intently and speaking with confidence.  What a great way to read and have it count toward your class homework reading goal! 

3rd – 5th Grade Spring Music Concert
On Wednesday, April 9th, 3rd through 5th graders will present, Behold the Lamb, a production depicting Jesus’ last week on earth, his resurrection and sighting on the Road to Emmaus.  The program will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Great Room.

Children should arrive to their classrooms no earlier than 6:35 pm. and no later than 6:45 pm.  Mrs. Wilson would like those children who will be wearing costumes, to meet her in E305 (Music Room) at 6:15 pm.

Performers’ Attire Guidelines:  Please keep in mind that it will be very warm on the stage when deciding what to wear.  Ladies, please wear “Sunday best” in keeping with Providence Academy’s uniform guidelines (knee-length or longer skirts—please, no mini-skirts or heels).  If possible, Easter/light pastel-colored clothing and light-colored shoes are requested.

Gentlemen, please wear dark pants with a light-colored, collared shirt and tie (Easter/light pastel colors, if possible). 

Lower School Choir Reminder
Choir rehearsals are held each Tuesday afternoon from 3:15 to 4:00 p.m.

Note from Mrs. Murphy

We’re seeing a lot of stomach-related illnesses since students have returned from spring break.  Teachers are helping the kids to remember to wash their hands and keep from touching their eyes, nose and mouth.  For parents, here’s a reminder for when to keep your kids home:

Fever – Temperatures of 100 or higher.  Kids should not return to school until fever free without medication for 24 hours.

Vomiting –Two or more episodes in the past 24 hours.  Kids should not return to school until the vomiting has stopped or the urge to vomit stops or a medical exam indicates this is not due to a communicable disease.

Diarrhea – Increased number of stools, compared to normal, along with watery stools.  Kids should not return until the diarrhea stops or until a medical evaluation indicates this is not due to a communicable disease.

Operation Rice Bowl
Thanks to everyone who contributed to Operation Rice Bowl during Lent, the Lower School raised $2,075.35!  Catholic Relief Services will use the funds for development projects overseas and local hunger and poverty alleviation programs here in our diocese.  Thank you for your generosity.

Pre-Kindergarten Parent/Teacher Conferences
Pre-Kindergarten conferences will be held on Thursday, April 17th, and Friday, April 18th.  Parents are reminded that there will be no class for Pre-Kindergarten students on either of those days.

Winter Clothing Reminder
Parents are asked to continue to send outdoor winter clothing with students.  Even as temperatures rise, hats, mittens, boots, and snowpants keep the children warm and dry while there is snow on the ground.  Teachers will advise families when it is no longer necessary to send winter gear.

 
Return to Top


 Providence In The News
Providence Academy Triple “A” Award Winner Bounces Her Way onto the Next Level
PLYMOUTH, MN (March 24, 2008) 
Providence Academy Senior basketball player Katie Finley was recently chosen from a pool of finalists representing 56 schools in the region as the female Region 4A Triple “A” Award winner for the 2007-08 school year.  A total of eight female and eight male athletes in Class A are honored as Regional winners.  This is the highest award granted by the Minnesota State High School League.  (Click here to view the press release in its entirety.)


Return to Top

Providence Academy Parent Association (PAPA)
Volunteer Opportunity
Volunteers are needed to help with preparations for our annual Spring Gala.  If you are available to help set up for the event, on Friday, April 25th (afternoon and evening) or Saturday, April 26th (day of event), or if you can help with proofreading the program, please contact Kelly Bellini at (952) 237-0834 or kelly@grseppala.com.

An Evening Under The Stars
Let's get ready to celebrate the Providence Academy community on April 26th!  Please remember to RSVP by April 11th. 

Faculty Treats Request - From Allison Adducci
Please help me in showing our wonderfully talented and dedicated staff how much we appreciate all that they do.  I would like help in providing a treat at each faculty meeting.  It could be a baked good, chips and dip or a veggie tray—let your imagination run wild!  Most meetings occur on Mondays and Wednesdays.  Just have the treat to the main office by 3:30 on the day of your choice. To pick a day, please contact Allison Adducci at (763) 509-0160 or adducci@mac.com.

Grandparents'/Special Persons' Day RSVPs
 Guest Registration Forms and Parent Volunteer Forms should be returned to Mrs. Gregory in the Administration Office by Wednesday, April 2nd.  Please be aware that a limit of two guests per student is necessary, due to space limitations in the school and parking lot. 

Return to Top
Athletics Update
 How to Receive Sports Communication
The best way to receive information at home about upcoming events and driving direction is to utilize the Providence Academy website.  Simply go to http://www.providenceacademy.org and click on the rSchoolToday Calendar link.  Information can also be obtained by calling the Sports Hotline at (763) 258-2580.  The Hotline is updated daily and contains all of the day’s information and happenings.

Daily Sports News, containing results from the previous night’s action, is also available via email.  This feature will be up and running soon.  Please contact Mrs. Ketola at angela.ketola@providenceacademy.org or (763) 258-5500 to be added to the distribution list.

Schedules & Directions to Away Events
Both schedules and directions to away events can be found on the Providence Academy website at http://www.providenceacademy.org.  From the home page, simply click on the rSchoolToday Calendar link.  Then select your sport from the View Schedules list on the right side of the page.

Weather Related Cancellations
In the event spring athletic schedules change, the Sports Hotline is updated by 2:00 daily.  Please call the Hotline at (763) 258-2580 for the latest information.  The rSchoolToday Calendar will also be updated as soon as information is available.

Return to Top

College Counselor's Corner
2nd Annual Providence Academy College Day: Update
We are experiencing an excellent response to our upcoming College Day, with over 80 colleges planning to attend.  The 2nd Annual Providence Academy College Day will take place on Wednesday, April 23rd.  Please note that the College Fair portion of the program is open to all Upper School students and parents and will take place from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. in the Gym A.

For the list of attending colleges, please log on to Naviance/Family Connection, our college counseling web program, by following these instructions:

1.  Go to: http://connection.naviance.com/providenceacad 
2.  Use the ‘Guest Entrance’ by typing the word ‘lions’ (no quotes) as the password.
3.  Once logged in, under the left menu ‘About College’, click on ‘Visit Schedule’ to access the list of colleges attending the College Fair.  Check back for updates!

Seniors
For those seniors needing advice on next steps in the college selection process (e.g., applying for housing, deciphering financial aid awards, what to do and not do if waitlisted, etc.), please feel free to make an appointment with Mrs. Hogan.  As a reminder to all seniors, please update Mrs. Hogan on your college admission results (e.g., acceptances, denials, wait lists, etc.) and scholarships, using Naviance/Family Connection, if possible. 


Juniors

College Entrance Testing

Providence Academy is a test site for the June 14th exam, but registration is coordinated through ACT (not Providence) and is on a first-come-first-served basis.  Juniors should also take the SAT exam at least once before senior year.  The SAT exam will be administered at various Twin Cities locations on May 3rd and June 7th.  For registration information, including deadlines, please refer to www.collegeboard.com (for the SAT) and/or www.actstudent.org (for the ACT).  Looking for test prep options?  Contact the college counseling office for suggestions. 

 

College Counseling Meetings and In-Class Seminars

In addition to individual college counseling meetings with juniors (and their parents), during the last few months of the school year, the College Counseling Office will offer additional In-Class Seminars, including a ‘Mock Admission Committee’ exercise, and a ‘College Planning Checklist For Rising Seniors’ seminar to ensure that each student has a strategic plan in place for applying to colleges in the fall. 

 

Sophomores and Freshmen
All freshmen received their PLAN exam scores on the Friday before Spring Break.  Students who were absent had their results mailed to their homes during break.  Mrs. Semsch and Mrs. Hogan will both be available by appointment for students (and parents) wishing to review individual scores in depth.  We have asked that students NOT share their scores with one another, as this can add a tremendous amount of unnecessary stress, especially since the PLAN (and PSAT) are college entrance practice tests.

Return to Top