Archived E-Bulletins

E-Bulletin

October 22, 2007

In This Issue:
Headmaster’s Notes

All School Information
     Adult Education Opportunities
     Applicant Open House
     Christmas Shopping in the Spirit Store
     Hockey Players of All Ages
     Little Women Performance Dates
     Memorial Blood Centers Blood Drive
     National Internet Safety Night
     Poinsettia Sale
     Scholastic Book Fair Blizzard
     Wanted:  Pre-Lighted Christmas Trees
     Yearbook Ordering Deadline Extended
        
Middle/Upper School News 
     7th Grade Coffee & Conversation
     9th Grade Chaperones Needed
     9th Grade Coffee & Conversation
     Adventure in Spain Deadline
     Coffee Concert in November:  Mark Your Calendar
     Department of Fine Arts London Trip
     End of the First Quarter
     Middle School Fun at Valley Scare

Lower School News
     1st Grade Coffee & Conversation
     Health Office Note from Mrs. Murphy
     Lower School Choir Schedule
     Veterans' Day Program
    
Providence In The News
     Providence Academy Named One of the Nation's Best for Four     
        Consecutive Years

Providence Academy Parent Association (PAPA)

Athletics Update

College Counselor's Corner

*     *     *

Headmaster’s Notes
Todd R. Flanders
Providence Academy has once again been named among the nation’s “50 best” by the Catholic High School Honor Roll.  Further, PA is one of just eleven in the nation to have received the recognition each of the Honor Roll’s four years in existence.  Congratulations to students, families, and faculty on this exceptional achievement.  More info on the award can be found below, and at www.chshonor.org

*     *     *

Here’s hoping all had a refreshing and restorative MEA weekend.  And here’s a story.  Either the world is getting smaller or PA is getting bigger (I think it’s a little of both): my eldest son and I had the pleasure of running into another PA family, the Leggotts, yesterday—in New York City’s Central Park!

*     *     *

The Department of Fine Arts hosts our fall Upper School play, Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women,” this Friday and Saturday at 7:00 p.m.  A wonderful family opportunity.  More info below.

*     *     *

With fall sports winding down, it’s fun to reflect on all the excitement PA kids have brought to our fields and courts this season.  To all those students who gave their best, from Cub level through varsity, and to the parents and fans who cheer them on, we salute you!  Next up:  basketball and hockey…

Return to Top

*     *     *
*     *     *
 

All School News

Adult Education Opportunities

The Department of Theology and Religion presents two adult education opportunities in October:

“Catholicism 101:  An Introduction for Non-Catholics and Catholics Who Wish to Know It Better” will be presented by Dr. William Stevenson and Dr. Todd Flanders.  The program, a combination of lively presentations and discussion, will introduce what Catholics believe about the Bible, the Church, Mary and the other Saints, the Pope and Sanctification and Purgatory.  The second of the three-evening series will be held from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. tonight in the Upper School Lecture Hall.  The series concludes next Monday, October 29^th.

“Vatican II:  What Was That All About?”  is presented by Dr. Arthur Hippler.  This program introduces major themes of Vatican Council II, including “buried treasures,” and address questions about why some false interpretations of the Council have caused trouble for the Church and the faithful.  The four-weekday series continues tomorrow from 8:35 to 9:15 a.m. and on October 25^th and 26^th in the Upper School Lecture Hall.

Both series are free and open to the public.

Applicant Open House
November 8th and 15th are this year's Open House dates at Providence Academy.  The event runs from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for all grades, with opportunities to meet our faculty and tour the facility.  Please encourage your friends and neighbors to check out a Providence education for their children.  Most new students and their families mention that they first became aware of Providence through a referral from a friend or relative. 

Christmas Shopping in the Spirit Store
Christmas is just around the corner and now is the time to think about gifts from the Spirit Store!  Order your personalized sport bag now for Christmas—it is a perfect gift for every athlete.  A new shipment of crystal T's has arrived and girls’ sizes are available too, so pick one up before they are all sold out.  Baby gifts, warm winter hats, and mittens are all in stock and make great gifts!  The store is now open after school on Thursdays.  Stop in and shop early, because what you want now may be gone tomorrow.  Thank you for shopping at the Spirit Store.

Hockey Players of All Ages
Providence Academy's boys hockey team parents wish to update the database of PA student players for upcoming communications and possible events related to the entire PA hockey family.  We are looking for contact information for players of all ages.  Given that many of our children play in different community associations, we would like to develop a better understanding of who we have as players in all grades at Providence.  We are particularly interested in making sure we have an accurate count of those in 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades.  Our hockey team is demonstrating leadership on and off of the ice, and we would like to continue to develop a strong support community for our boys varsity team, coached by Hal Tearse.  Please send your player’s name(s) and your e-mail address to both Scott_gilyard@medco.com and Scottgilyard111@yahoo.com.  Thank you for your support of Lions Hockey. 

--Scott Gilyard, on behalf of the PA Hockey Parent Committee.

Little Women Performance Dates
Come one, come all to the Upper School Fall Production, Little Women.  This touching play, based on Alcott’s beloved novel, is appropriate for all ages.  Performances are this week on Friday, October 26^th and Saturday, October 27^th at 7:00 p.m.  Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for non-PA students, and $5 for PA students and seniors.

Lunch Menu Change this Week
Please note that there will be a change to the menu selections on  Wednesday and Thursday this week.  They will be switched as follows:

Wednesday, October 24^th
Popcorn Chicken
Oven Fries
Fruit Cup

Thursday, October 25^th
Sloppy Joe on a Bun
Steamed Vegetable
Dessert Treat

Memorial Blood Centers Blood Drive
Mark your calendar for the next Memorial Blood Centers Blood Drive at Providence on Tuesday, November 13^th from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.  Students from the National Honor Society will be recruiting donors this month. 

National Internet Safety Night
Tomorrow, October 23, 2007, has been designated as National Internet Safety Night.  It is sponsored by national and state Internet Crimes Against Children organizations. 

Here are some helpful tips for adults and tips that adults can share with children and youth.  CHILDREN AND YOUTH CANNOT HEAR THIS INFORMATION REPEATED TOO MANY TIMES!  As recent incidences in the Twin Cities have shown us, children can help us protect them if they hear these rules many times in many different settings.

Using Wireless Devices More Safely

Tips for Parents and Guardians
1.  Set appropriate ground rules for your children’s use of wireless devices.  Decide who they may communicate with and how they may use these devices.

2.  Monitor your wireless bill to keep track of the amount of time your children spend talking and sending messages and with whom.  Pay special attention to numbers or messages from people you do not recognize or have not approved.

3.  Teach your children to tell you if anyone sends them a threatening or frightening message.  If your children are being stalked, harassed, or threatened in any way, report the incident to your service provider and local law-enforcement agency.  If the material is lewd, obscene, or illegal also report it to www.cybertipline.com or 1-800-843-5678.

4.  Remind your children text messages may be intercepted or used by others.  Teach them to use appropriate language in their messages while being sure not to reveal personal or identifying information.

5.  Know your children’s passwords and assist them in setting up their account.

6.  Consider creating settings to control or prohibit access to the Internet, e-mail, and text messaging through your children’s wireless device.  Remember a global-positioning system (GPS) option, if offered by your service provider, could be used to help locate your children if lost.

7.  Monitor your children’s wireless use just as you do their online computer use.  Keep the lines of communication open with your children so they will be more likely to tell you if they have concerns about someone contacting them or information they have received.

Tips for Parents and Guardians to Discuss With/Teach Children

1.  Never share your wireless number and personal or identifying information with anyone you don’t know well and trust and without my permission.  Respect your friends’ privacy by never sharing their number or information.

2.  Never use your wireless device to take, send, or post pictures or video of your friends without permission from their parents or guardians.  Taking or sharing embarrassing pictures of someone is a form of bullying and harassment.  Once you post an image or video online you can’t get it back.

3.  Keep your passwords private.  Never share them with anyone other than me (and your mom/dad/other guardian).

4.  Never give photos of yourself to anyone you don’t know well and trust and without my permission.  Never send sexually provocative pictures or messages.

5.  Never respond to threatening or frightening voice messages, text messages, or photos. When that happens tell me or another trusted adult, and we’ll report the incident to our service provider.

6.  How to block unwanted calls and text messages.  Never answer calls or read messages from people you don’t know well and trust.

7.  Use of wireless technology doesn’t guarantee privacy.  Never text with people you don’t know well and trust, and before responding think, “Is my reply hurtful or rude?”

Visit www.NetSmartz411.org to learn more about better protecting children when online. If you have information to help in the fight against child sexual exploitation please report it to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children^® at www.cybertipline.com or 1-800-843-5678.

Copyright © 2007 National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. All rights reserved. Tips adapted from Keeping Kids Safer on the Internet: Tips for Parents and Guardians. Alexandria, Virginia: National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, 2006. All rights

reserved.

Poinsettia Sale
The Upper School Student Council will be selling Christmas poinsettias to raise money for their operating costs.  The plants are grown locally by Wagners Greenhouses, a family owned business since 1901.  We will offer plants in two sizes (standard or large) and two colors (red or white).  Order forms will be sent home with students this week and are due back by November 1^st.  Plants will be ready for pickup at the school during the first week of December.  If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Hagner at diane.hagner@providenceacademy.org or (763) 258-5502. 

Scholastic Book Fair Blizzard!
Mark your calendar for the Scholastic Book Fair Blizzard!  Fair dates and times are Thursday, November 15^th from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday, November 16^th from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Monday and Tuesday, November 19^th and 20^th from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.  We will be open for business during Parent/Teacher Conferences and you can find us in the LS/MS Library.  If you would like to volunteer at the fair, please call Mrs. Claire Commers at (763) 258-2511.   As always, Happy Reading!

Wanted:  Pre-Lighted Christmas Tree
If you have a pre-lighted Christmas tree that you are thinking needs a new home, the Upper School Library would love to accept it.  We are looking for two trees to warm up our library this Christmas.  If you have a tree to share, please call Mrs. Claire Commers at (763) 258-2511.

Yearbook Ordering Deadline Extended
Orders for the 2007-08 Yearbook will be accepted until the Thanksgiving Break.  The cost is $70 ($75 for seniors with the gold foil option), which includes a late fee.  Please return orders, along with checks payable to Providence Academy, to Mrs. Stachour.

Return to Top

Middle/Upper School News
7^th Grade Coffee & Conversation
All 7th Grade parents are invited to join Mr. Steve Cunningham for “Coffee and Conversation” on Thursday, October 25^th at 2:00 p.m. in the Providence Academy Seminar Room.  Invitations have been mailed home.  Please RSVP to Amanda Gregory at amanda.gregory@providenceacademy.org

 
9^th Grade Chaperones Needed
At least eight parent volunteers are needed to chaperone the freshman service project at Feed My Starving Children in Brooklyn Park on November 19^th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. If you are able to help, please contact Jessie Kraker at soccerkraker1@yahoo.com or (763) 557-6858.

 
9^th Grade Coffee & Conversation
All 9th Grade parents are invited to join Mr. Kevin Ferdinandt for "Coffee and Conversation" here at Providence Academy this Friday, October 26^th at 2:00 p.m. in the Lecture Hall.  This is a great opportunity to visit with Mr. Ferdinandt and other 9th grade parents!  Please RSVP to Kelly Wilder at (763) 258-2587 or by email at kelly.wilder@providenceacademy.org. 

Adventure in Spain Deadline
Attention 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th year Spanish students:  Today, October 22^nd, is the deadline for submitting deposits and applications for our Adventure in Spain in June 2008.  Please turn in all materials to Sra. Lahr no later than this afternoon.   Please contact Sra. Lahr at (763) 258-2540 if you have questions.

Coffee Concert in November:  Mark Your Calendar
November 16^th will be the first coffee house concert of the year!  The Upper School students will be presenting their beautiful, crazy and fun talents at 7:00 p.m. in the Art Studio.  There will be treats and refreshments afterwards.  Hope to see you there!    

Department of Fine Arts London Trip
Do you want the chance to see museums, concerts, plays and castles?  Want to see them in London?  Any music, art, or theatre student who has completed their sophomore year and who will be sixteen years old by June 10^th, 2008, is eligible to attend.  All interested students and their parent(s) should attend an informational meeting on Tuesday, October 30^th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Lecture Hall.

End of the First Quarter
The end of the first quarter is Friday, November 2^nd.  Grade reports for students in the Middle and Upper Schools will be printed and mailed the following week.  These grades will also be posted on-line, in Net Classroom, as soon as they are mailed via the postal service.

Middle School Fun at Valley Scare
Middle School Student Council presents an evening of fun at Valley Scare on Friday, October 26^th!  Students will meet in the Great Room after school and enjoy pizza and pop until it’s time to board the bus at 5:00 p.m.  The bus departs Valley Scare at 9:30 p.m., arriving back at school at approximately 10:00 p.m.  The cost for the evening is $20.  Completed permission forms and payment must be returned by this Wednesday, October 24^th.  Forms are available on the Middle School Student Council bulletin board.

Return to Top

College Counselor's Corner
Welcome back from the long weekend!  Hopefully, many of you were able to use the days to visit some college campuses.  If you have any feedback about schools you saw, please tell Ms. Kelly.

Seniors
Most of you are busy working on applications while also attending to your academics.  Try to plan ahead so that you are not too rushed trying to meet application deadlines.  With rare exceptions, you need to complete the yellow Application/Request for Transcript forms (found in the US office) at least two weeks before you require us to mail your recommendations and transcripts.  It is okay to complete the request form while you are still working on your online portion of the application.  If you have questions about application processes or components, please schedule a meeting with Ms. Kelly.  College visitors will continue to be on campus throughout the next weeks.  If you are applying to a school, it is a good idea to stop by when their admissions person is at Providence Academy.  Check the daily bulletin or the door at the College Counselors’ office for scheduled visits.

Juniors                                                                                            
Congratulations to all juniors for completing the PSAT Exam!  Scores will be returned to College Counseling in December.  Mrs. Hogan will let you know when your results are available.  College admissions visitors coming to Providence are eager to meet with Juniors.  This is an easy way to learn about a college or university before deciding to visit the campus.  Take advantage of this resource.

Sophomores  
Congratulations to all sophomores for completing the PSAT Exam!  The PSAT is considered a practice exam for tenth grade students.  The results should be used to determine areas of academic strength and the areas in which each student may want to improve.  Sophomores will take the PSAT again their junior year, when their scores will be entered into the National Merit Scholarship competition.  Next up for sophomore testing: sophomores have the option to take the PLAN (pre-ACT) exam on Saturday, November 17^th at Providence.  You need to submit a permission slip prior to November 12^th to be eligible to sit for the exam.

Freshmen
All freshmen will take the PLAN exam on Thursday, December 20^th.  he PLAN is a pre-ACT exam administered to help familiarize students with college entrance test content and format, to give them a feel for timed testing, as well as to help them identify areas of academic strength and weakness. 

College Visits
Please note that all college visits may be viewed on the college visit calendar in Naviance/Family Connection.  Members of the Providence community may access this information by logging in as a guest (password: lions) at: https://connection.naviance.com/providenceacad.

This week, juniors and seniors may visit with representatives from the following colleges, right here at Providence.  They’re coming to you!

Monday:  Gustavus Adolphus at 3:15 p.m.

Tuesday:  College of St. Catherine, 5^th Period
                College of Visual Arts,  8^th Period

Wednesday:  University of Nebraska, 8^th period

Friday:  Winona State University,  5^th Period

Monday, October 29^th:  University of Southern California, 5^th Period

Return to Top