Archived E-Bulletins
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E-Bulletin
October 8, 2007
In This Issue:
Headmaster’s Notes
All School Information
Adult Education
Opportunities
Arts & Literature Magazine
Family Directories
Hockey Players of All Ages
Little Women Performance Dates
Love & Logic Parenting Discussion
Memorial Blood Centers Blood Drive
National Internet Safety Night
No School Reminder
Scholastic Book Fair Blizzard
School Picture Retake Day
School Store Announces After School Hours
Student Lunch Cards
Volunteer Opportunity: Welcome Desk
Wanted: Pre-Lighted Christmas Trees
Yearbook Orders
Middle/Upper School News
9th Grade Coffee & Conversation
Bible Study for 9th Grade Parents
Coffee Concert in November: Mark Your Calendar
Spain Trip Parent Informational Meeting
Lower School News
3-4-5 Book Club
Blast Off
Lower School Choir Schedule
Penny Power Campaign
Veterans' Day Program
Providence In
The News
Unlocking Middle School Success
Mark
Teague Illustrates A Love of Dinosaurs
Providence Academy
Parent Association (PAPA)
Athletics Update
College Counselor's Corner
* *
*
Fall athletics
seasons are still going strong, but will begin to wrap up soon. It's great
to see the kids in action at all levels. Be sure to check the rSchoolToday
Calendar link on our main web page for details of all upcoming sports, arts,
and academic events.
* * *
In "All School
News" below is detailed information about two adult-education programs being
offered by our department of theology and religion. Dr. Bill Stevenson and
I will be re-offering, beginning next week, our "Catholicism 101" program
for adults who may wish to know more about their faith, about special
teachings of the Catholic Church, or simply about the religious framework in
which Providence educates young people, prays, and worships. Dr. Arthur
Hippler's daytime program on Vatican II will offer participants a deeper
look at the worldwide Church Council that has had such deep effects on
Catholicism in the past 40 years, and will into the future. Again, detailed
information is below, and you are cordially invited to attend either series
(or both!).
* * *
Just a
reminder this year that for the safety and security of our children, and
for the sanitation of our grounds, Providence Academy bans (non-service)
dogs from our premises. So when we bring our furry friends along
at pick-up, drop-off, or game time, let us please keep them in our
vehicles! They will still enjoy the ride!
* *
*
* * *
Adult Education Opportunities
The Department of
Theology and Religion will present 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 three-evening series will be held
from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on October 15th, 22nd and 29th
in the Upper School Lecture Hall.
“Vatican II: What Was
That All About?” will be presented by Dr. Arthur Hippler. This program will
introduce 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 will be
held from 8:35 to 9:15 a.m. on October 22nd, 23rd, 25th
and 26th in the Upper School Lecture Hall.
Both series are free
and open to the public.
Arts & Literature Magazine
Extra copies of the
2006-07 Arts & Literature Magazine are available. The magazine contains
art, photography, creative writing, and essays and journals by Middle and Upper
School students. Parents and students who would like a copy of the magazine are
invited to pick one up in Student Services.
Family Directories
Please note the following correction to
directory listings:
The correct zip code for the Browne family is: 55331.
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 Friday, October 26th and Saturday, October 27th
at 7:00 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for non-PA students, and $5 for PA
students and seniors.
Love & Logic Parenting Discussion
Only a few openings remain for the parenting discussion group on the Love &
Logic series by Foster and Cline. These books have been applauded for
providing “important concepts and practical solutions to help children become
emotionally, socially, and morally healthy.” The group will meet at Providence
on Thursdays from 2:00 to 3:00, beginning October 11th. To register
or for additional information, contact Lynne Frederickson at (763) 553-0371 or
lynnefrederickson@yahoo.com.
Memorial Blood Centers Blood Drive
Mark your calendar for the next Memorial Blood Centers Blood Drive at
Providence on Tuesday, November 13th from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Students
from the National Honor Society will be recruiting donors during October. A
flyer with scheduling details will be sent home.
National Internet Safety Night
Tuesday, 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.
No School Reminder
There will be no school on Thursday, October 18th and Friday,
October 19th due to the Education Minnesota (formerly MEA) break.
Enjoy a safe, four-day weekend!
Scholastic Book Fair Blizzard!
Mark your calendar for the Scholastic Book Fair Blizzard!
Our fair dates are November 15th, 16th, 19th
and 20th. If you would like to volunteer at the fair, please call
Mrs. Claire Commers at (763) 258-2511.
School Picture Retake Day
Next Monday, October 15th, is School Picture Retake Day. Students
who would like to have their pictures retaken may simply exchange their photos
at the time of their sitting. Students who have not yet had their pictures
taken should bring a completed form and payment with them. Additional forms are
available in the Administration Office.
School Store Announces After School Hours
In response to requests from students and
parents, the School Store will be open after school on Thursdays until 3:45
p.m. The store is also open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:00 a.m.
to 1:00 p.m.
Student Lunch Cards
Last week, each student received a new lunch card containing their school
picture. In addition, a spare copy will be mailed home to parents. Please be
aware that students are required to present their card each time that they
purchase hot lunch. In the event that students do not have their lunch cards, a
new card will be issued, for which the student will be charged $20.
Volunteer Opportunity: Welcome Desk
Providence is seeking volunteers to work at the welcome desk inside the main
entrance of the building. Responsibilities include greeting and signing in
visitors and assisting the administrative staff and teachers with projects as
they arise. This is a great way to see many parents and students, while keeping
up with the events at school. Shifts are from 8:15 to 11:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
to 3:15 p.m. on school days. We ask that you commit to the same half day each
week. If you find it difficult to commit weekly, perhaps you could find a
friend and job share!
Shifts are available on Thursday mornings and Friday
afternoons. If you would like to sign-up, please contact Lori Determan at
lori.determan@providenceacademy.org
Wanted: Pre-Lighted Christmas Trees
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 Orders
Don't wait to purchase your 2007-08 yearbook.
Yearbooks are on sale from now until October 17th, the last day of school before
the MEA break. The cost is $60 ($65 for Seniors with the gold stamp option).
Please make checks payable to Providence Academy, and turn in forms to Lower
School classroom teachers, Middles School Ultima teachers, and Upper School
House teachers.
Order forms were sent home with students
last week and are also available in the Administration and Upper School Offices,
and in Student Services.
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Middle/Upper School News
9th Grade Coffee & Conversation
All 9th Grade parents
are invited to join Mr. Kevin Ferdinandt for "Coffee and Conversation" here at
Providence Academy on Friday, October 26th 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.
Bible Study for 9th Grade Parents
9th Grade students are currently studying the New Testament with
an in-depth study of the Gospel According to St. Matthew. This volume, from the
acclaimed Ignatius Catholic Study Bible series, contains extensive notes,
essays, word studies, and an introduction all written by Scott Hahn. In
addition, there are study questions for each chapter that cover content as well
as application. If you would like to study along with your 9th
Grader, please notify their teacher and an extra copy will be sent home, and
your account billed the low price of $8.95 (that’s almost $2.00 off the retail
price). Supplies are limited, but if there is enough demand for these volumes,
more copies can be ordered.
Coffee Concert in November: Mark Your Calendar
Mark your calendar for the first Coffee Concert of the school year on
Friday, November 16th. The evening will include a presentation of
wonderful talent and fabulous fellowship. If you are an Upper School student
with a passion for performance, look for sign-up information coming soon.
Spain Trip Parent Informational Meeting
The trip to Spain this year has an outstanding itinerary. Applications will
be handed out at the parent meeting tonight at 6:30 p.m. in the Lecture Hall.
Third- and fourth-year Spanish students are invited to attend with their
parent(s) to learn more about the trip.
Lower School News
3-4-5 Book Club Blast-Off!
New to Providence and open to all 3rd, 4th and 5th
Grade students, the book club starts on Monday, October 15th
and runs weekly for four sessions through November 5th.
Each session is held right after school from 3:30 to
4:30 p.m. The fun-filled hour includes reading, discussion points and a snack.
There will be a separate discussion group for each
grade. This Book 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! The program cost is $25 and includes the cost
of the book and snacks. Your child will be
bringing home a flyer and registration form this week.
Also, parent volunteers are
needed to assist with the weekly discussion groups. If you are interested,
please contact Mrs. McElroy at
kristine.mcelroy@providenceacademy.org.
Lower School Choir Schedule
Tuesday Choir rehearsals will resume the 3:15 to
4:30 p.m. schedule, beginning November 6th. This schedule will
remain in effect until the Christmas Concert on December 19th.
Penny Power Campaign
In September, the students of the Lower School collected pennies and other coins
and bills as part of the annual Penny Power campaign to benefit Schoenstatt
Missions in the Dominican Republic. The total donation came to $1,600.22.
Thank you students!
Veterans’ Day Program
The Lower School is gearing up for the annual Veterans’ Day program
scheduled for November 9th from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Lower School
students are encouraged to bring in pictures of Veterans they may know, or have
known, to be present on Providence Academy's "Wall of Fame." They are also
encouraged to invite any Veterans they may know to attend the program, so that
the entire Lower School can honor and "salute" them with song and dialogue.
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Providence In The News
Unlocking Middle School Success
PLYMOUTH, MN (October 1, 2007) It is a proven fact that Grant
Gardner, of St. Michael, has the supplest wrists at Providence Academy. He
recently won a spin off against sixty of his sixth grade classmates proving
that he could open his locker’s combination lock faster than anyone else.
At a Providence pep fest, he then was pitted against the winners of the
seventh and eighth grade and spun his way to victory. All in all, he out
dialed…to the left, to the right and to the left again…over 175 other Middle
School students, winning a golden lock as a metal of honor.
Memorizing your locker combination is only one of the skills needed for
Middle School success... (Click
here to view the press
release in its entirety.)
Mark Teague Illustrates A Love of
Dinosaurs at Providence Academy
PLYMOUTH, MN (September 17, 2007)
Mark Teague, best-selling illustrator and
author, drew a character from his latest book, How Do Dinosaurs Go To
School?, for students at Providence Academy. (Click
here to view the
press release in its entirety.)
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Providence Academy Parent Association (PAPA)
9th Grade
Representative Needed
There is still an opportunity to
serve as the contact person for parents and class advisors. If you are
interested in being a Grade Representative for 9th Grade, please
contact Jill Malcolm at (763) 428-5174.
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
Parent Parties
Our Parent Parties are in full swing. Individual invitations will be
mailed, but please save the following dates:
Pre-Kindergarten: Friday,
October 12th
9th Grade: Saturday, October 13th
10th Grade: Saturday, October 13th
12th Grade: Friday, October 26th
2nd
Grade: Friday, November 2nd
Kindergarten: Saturday, November 3rd
1st
Grade: Saturday, November 10th
A host has been identified for the 11th
Grade, but a date has not yet been selected. Stay tuned! We are still in
need of a party host for 3rd grade. Contact Sandy Mazza at
gcmazza@comcast.net if you are interested in hosting the 3rd
grade parent party.
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Winter Sport Sign-up
Sign-ups for winter took place last week and
closed on Friday, October 5th. Thank you to all those that
registered for Winter Sports at Providence.
Top 10 Teams at Providence
In last week’s polls both the Girls Cross Country and Girls Tennis teams
were ranked among the top teams in the state in Class A. Congratulations to the
Cross Country team on their #11 ranking and the tennis team for their #5
ranking. Individually, senior Cross Country Runner Katie Finley was also ranked
#10 in the state Class A.
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. Gregory at
amanda.gregory@providenceacademy.org or
(763) 258-2500 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 fall 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.
College Counselor's Corner
This week on Tuesday and Wednesday, the National College Fair will be held at
the Minneapolis Convention Center, including evening hours on Tuesday from 4:30
to 8:00 p.m. This is a great way for juniors to talk with many different
college reps and for undecided seniors to meet with schools they have yet to
visit. Many of these same reps will make personal appearances to meet with
students here at Providence Academy this week. Please check the listing of
college visitors below.
Stanford University is hosting a regional information
session at The Depot in downtown Minneapolis on Monday, October 8th,
from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Interested students are encouraged to attend and speak
with admissions representatives. Hillsdale College is hosting a reception on
Thursday evening, October 11th, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Saint
Paul Hotel. Interested students from across the Twin Cities are invited to
attend. You may RSVP at the Hillsdale College website.
Seniors
Ms. Kelly will continue meeting with seniors in the coming weeks to review
each student’s final college list and to answer any questions about essays,
resumes, scholarships, financial aid, interviews, college entrance testing and
other college-related topics. Seniors, if you have not met with Mrs. Hogan or
Ms. Kelly yet this year, now is the time to schedule an appointment! As always,
parents are invited to attend; please check with your student to see when his or
her appointment is scheduled.
The upcoming October school break, October 18th
and 19th, is a great time to visit or revisit schools to which you
plan to apply. If you are going to be on campus, let the admissions office know
as far in advance as possible so that they can help to make your campus visit a
success. Minnesota schools generally will not interview students over the busy
MEA Weekend but many have special programs scheduled. Check the websites of the
individual colleges for more information.
Juniors
Wednesday, October 17th, all Providence Academy juniors will take the
PSAT exam. This exam is the pre-test for the SAT college entrance exam and the
National Merit Scholarship Competition. The upcoming October school break,
October 18th and 19th, is a great time to visit colleges.
Many Minnesota schools have special programs scheduled over the MEA Weekend.
Check the college websites for more information.
Sophomores
All sophomores will take the PSAT Exam on Wednesday, October 17th.
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. Sophomores will also have the option to take
the PLAN (pre-ACT) exam on Saturday, November 17th at Providence.
Freshmen
All freshmen will take the PLAN exam on Thursday, December 20th.
The 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, most right here at Providence.
They’re coming to YOU!
Monday, October 8th
Regis University 8:00 a.m. (Conference Room N309B)
Saint Mary’s College 8:00 a.m. (Media Center)
Lynn University
11:35 a.m. (Great Room)
University of Oregon 12:05 p.m. (Student Council N313)
Providence College 12:05 p.m. (Conference Room N309B)
Cornell College 2:20
p.m. (Conference Room N309B)
Salve Regina University 2:20 p.m. (Student Council N313)
Wake Forest University 2:20 p.m. (Lecture Hall)
Austin College
3:15 p.m. (US Conference Room)
Reed College 3:15 p.m. (Barnes & Noble – Midwest Plaza)
LD/HD College Fair 6:00 p.m. (Groves Academy)
Seton Hall University 7:00 p.m. (Benilde-St. Margaret’s)
Villanova University 7:00 p.m. (Benilde-St. Margaret’s)
New York University 7:30 p.m. (Embassy Suites – Bloomington)
Tuesday, October 9th
Middlebury College 2:30 p.m. (US Conference Room)
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 2:30 p.m. (Media Center)
Wednesday, October 10th
Benedictine College 2:20 p.m. (Conference Room N309B)
Sarah Lawrence College 3:15 p.m. (US Conference Room)
Washington University (St. Louis) 7:30 p.m. (Sheraton - Bloomington)
Thursday, October 11th
Purdue University 8:00 a.m. (US Conference Room)
Indiana University (Bloomington) 12:05 p.m. (Media Center)Michigan
Technological University 12:05 p.m. (US Conference Rm)
Emory University 2:20 p.m. (Media Center)
College of the Holy Cross 2:20 p.m. (Conference Rm N309B)
Colby College 3:15 p.m. (US Conference Room)
Friday, October 12th
Hillsdale College 8:00 a.m. (Conference Room N309B)
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