St. Ursula School
AWARDS, NEWS, & ANNOUNCEMENTS
2007
Spring & Summer News
To see more news, follow these links...
2007-2008
Spring News,
2007-08 Winter News,
2007-08 Fall News,
Last
update
09/3/07
St. Ursula School Golf Outing
The
2nd Annual Saint Ursula School Golf Outing was a successful event happening on
Friday, August 10 at Pittsburgh North Golf Club. There were 68 golfers beginning
at high noon in a scramble format with the last foursome coming in by 5 PM for
19th hole refreshments followed by dinner with the low score prizes and
announcements. Paul Curry's foursome which included alumni, Ryan Curry, shot the
winning score of 17 under par. Troy Benson, lead the second place foursome with
16 under par, and third place was a Landau Construction foursome, who also was
one of our Corporate Sponsors. The 50/50 prize drawing winners of $180 were the
sister duo of Susan McKee and Karen McMahon, parents of Saint Ursula school
children.
We also thank all of our sponsors and the wonderful golfers. Together
we raised $5200 for our terrific school! See you next year on the
course.
We would like to thank all of our Corporate Sponsors:
Landau Construction Company
Miller Information Systems
Miller Electric Construction Company
Graybar Electric Company
Whelan Financial Management Company
The Cedar Store
We would like to thank all of our Tee Sponsors:
Remo Financial Services
McKamish Building Excellence
B.T. Johnston Construction, Inc.
Davies Veenis Associates
UHL Construction Company, Inc.
Ron Hermann - Hartford Insurance
Lord Abbott & Company
Mock Bosco & Associates, P.C. (2
signs)
Mike Feeney - Erie Insurance
Jim Zach - Nike Golf
Giant Eagle Gibsonia
Southpaw Promotional
Pittsburgh Cigar Company
Office Depot
Congratulations Saint Ursula
-Colleen and John Doyle
Way to Go Saint Ursula - Betsy and
John Doyle
Wachovia Securities
Whelan Wealth Management
Fuhrer Wholesalers
Pine Creek Golf Center
Cadbury Schwepps America’s Beverage
Gene Walter Head Golf Pro Pine
Creek Golf Center
Entertainment &
Enjoy Coupon Books
--- Great Coupons and Great Gift Idea
Entertainment and Enjoy Coupon Books are now available! They are
available daily in the school office and at weekend masses. The cost is $25 for
the Enjoy Book and $20 for the Entertainment Book. Please buy these popular
books from St. Ursula. Get one for yourself, buy some as gifts and ask relatives
to buy theirs from St. Ursula. Fund raising assessment credit is $7 per book.
Contact Marilyn Spohn 724 444-6083 for more information.
Library Project
Update
All the books are shelved. So many people came to help this week
that the task was really smooth and pretty simple.
This Tuesday, 8/14, will be a quick clean up and setting up the
tables, chairs and desk. It should be the last leg of our long summer journey
and probably the most fun.
Thanks to all who have exchanged their precious summer time for
hard, hot labor. From the reaction of the children who have seen it, the work
was well worth it.
Library Project Update
The volunteer workers --over 30 people-- on Tuesday, August 7,
consisted of parishioners, parents, teachers, former and current students of all
ages. They did a super job in the sweltering humidity assembling shelving and
moving books. They also moved tables in the computer lab. We are getting close!
A new look for
the library
Seven parents, a teacher, one
student and two teenage parishioners were busy and hard at work Tuesday evening
transforming the library stroke by stroke. Saturday, July 28, 8:30 a.m. is the
next round for more painting and renovation. The fabric for window treatment was
revealed as well as floor plans for new shelving. Please plan to help on
Saturday and / or the remaining Tuesday evenings at 7pm. Be part of the fun in
getting the school ready for another great year!
Celebrating
the Fourth of July
A great time was had by all at Hampton Community Day on Tuesday, July
3rd. Our school sponsored tattoo booth sold over 300 tattoos in three hours and
was a huge hit with the young crowd. The Marketing Team is looking forward to
sponsoring a similar booth at Richland Community Day on August 11th. If you love
kids, join us for a day of fun in the sun!
4th Grade Field Trip
The fourth grade traveled to the Cleveland Zoo and Rainforest Building
and to the National Inventor's Hall of Fame in Akron at the end of May.
Zoo Field Trip
Kindergarten through 3rd grades had a great trip to the Pittsburgh
Zoo & PPG Aquarium. The weather was beautiful and the students and parents all
enjoyed their final field trip for the 2006-07 school year.
Fund
Raising Committe News 2007-08
The Diocese of Pittsburgh requires all Catholic Schools to raise
funds to match 10% of their annual budget. St. Ursula School requires each
family to meet a family fund raising assessment throughout the course of the
school year, to assist in meeting the Diocesan requirement. The Fund Raising
Committee was established to oversee all activities related to fundraising at
St. Ursula. The primary responsibility of this group is to provide the school
with opportunities to raise funds to meet the Diocesan requirement. The
secondary responsibility is to provide school families with opportunities to
meet their annual fundraising assessment.
*NEW THIS YEAR: In an effort to improve accounting for
funding needs of the Athletic Association, PTG, and General School Fundraising,
we have consolidated the bank accounts for each of these organizations into one.
The Treasurers of these three groups will collectively manage this account,
according to the budgets that have been established for each for the 2007 - 2008
school year. The combined budgetary needs for the 2007– 2008 school year have
not changed much from last school year, resulting in the school families needing
to raise $118,000 to support the budget. While this is a large number, it is
very achievable. The family fundraising assessment amount for the upcoming
school year has remained unchanged at $450 per family. At this level, if every
school family is able to raise their share, half of our budget goal can be met.
Factor in the fact that there are many families who are able to raise three
times this amount (anywhere from $1,200 to $2,000); we should be able to meet,
and possibly exceed our goal.
The following programs have proven to be successful programs that
helped the school meet (and exceed) its assessment of $95,000 for the 2006 –
2007 school year, and will be in place again for this year. They provide
tremendous opportunity to assist every family in meeting their fund raising
assessment.
Shopping Certificates
This is the most successful fund raising program in place, and
has the greatest potential of all of the programs. St. Ursula School purchases
gift certificates for many grocery stores, gas stations, department stores, home
improvement stores, fast food restaurants and many other establishments at a
discounted price. These certificates are then made available for sale to
families of school children and parishioners at face value. The discount amount
for each certificate varies, and is what determines the amount of fundraising
credit each family receives for purchasing these certificates.
By slightly altering your purchasing habits for everyday items such
as groceries, gasoline and fast food, you can easily meet ½ (or more!) of your
fundraising assessment by paying for them with gift certificates purchased
through the SCRIP program. Consider your additional holiday shopping needs and
purchase department store, specialty store and restaurant gift certificates
through the SCRIP program. The percentages vary and it really adds up! Another
alternative would be to utilize shopping certificates be for corporate gifts for
clients, or for bonuses to employees. The list of businesses that participate in
the SCRIP program is quite extensive, providing an employer with a wide variety
of opportunities to both thank their clients and reward their employees.
The best part of this program is that by changing your purchasing
habits, you can meet your fundraising assessment, and help the school without
having to spend any more money than you would normally spend.
Bingo
Bingo is held every Tuesday evening in the School Cafeteria.
Parents are asked to support this program by working in either the kitchen, or
on the floor. In return for working, parents receive a $10.00 credit for each
night worked.
Market Day
Families have an opportunity to order a wide variety of food items
from the Market Day Company through St. Ursula School, and receive a credit
toward their fundraising assessment in the amount of 10% of their monthly order.
The Market Day truck arrives at around 5:00 p.m. on the third Thursday of every
month, Starting in September, and ending in June. Volunteers are needed to help
unload the truck and pull the orders. This work typically ends by 7:00 p.m.
Entertainment/Enjoy /Kidstuff Coupon Books
These popular coupon books are offered for sale to family and
friends each year and provide an
$7.00 assessment credit per book sold.
Market Day Catalogue (Similar to Sally Foster)
Market Day Family of Fundraisers provides wrapping paper and
gift items for sale at the beginning of the school year in time for the
holidays. It provides a fundraising credit in the amount of 50% of your total
order.
Sarris
Another popular item made available at Easter time, provides an
opportunity for a fundraising credit in the amount of 30% of your total order.
Family members and co-workers are always looking for a way to buy Sarris Candy
at Easter time.
Lottery Calendars
If you have friends or family who love to play the Pennsylvania Daily
Lottery, then this is something that they may be interested in. Each calendar
has a different number that can win varying amounts of money every time that it
matches the Pennsylvania Daily Number. Calendars are sold for $10.00 each, and
the fundraising credit is equal to $5.00 for every calendar sold.
Pot O’ Gold Annual Auction
Going into its 15th year, this has become one of our largest single
event fundraisers, as well as a very nice evening out. This auction includes a
dinner, silent auction, live auction, Chinese auction, and 50/50 raffle and
more. The date is set for March 8, 2008. Mark your calendar!
The success of this auction is heavily dependent upon donations. Therefore, the
fundraising credit opportunity is 50% of the sale price of any donated item for
silent auction items.
If you have any questions about any of the fundraising programs,
how best to use these programs to meet your assessment requirements, or if you
would like to volunteer to help out with one of the programs, please do not
hesitate to contact one of the committee members: Jim Davis, Sherri Fitzgerald,
Marilyn Spohn, Lucy McDonough, Terry Leskovec, Karen Huber, Greg Norman, Karen
McMahon, Stephanie Lamperski, Elaine Zang, Greg Babbs, Amy Itri
Abitibi
Paper Retriever Fundraiser
For the month of May the recycling amount received was about $318.
Keep donating paper, it is a great
way to help the school reach its goal!
Library
News
We need to box up each and every book, move out the old
shelving so that we can begin painting and make way for the shelving we received
from Central Catholic. Let the transformation begin!!
A group will be in the library every Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.
throughout the summer so we can complete this important project by the first day
of school.
Feel free to bring your enthusiasm, your muscle power, kids,
drinks, snacks and lots of boxes. Please consider volunteering for at least one
evening this summer.
Email Denise Dyni at
denisedelo@zoominternet.net if you can contribute a few hours of your time
Future Dates:
July 10th, July 17th, July 24th, July 31st, August 7th, August 14th, August
21st
St. Ursula Sportswear
Visit the Dress Code page to see the St. Ursula
sportswear that is available. Order forms, ordering information, as well as
photos of the sportswear items is available online of the Dress Code page.
Orders are due by July 1st for delivery during the first week of the 2007-08
school year.
Science Olympiad
St. Ursula held an all school
Science Olympiad on May 29, 2007. Grade Kindergarten through third's events
were: Animal, Vegetable, Mineral: Paper Airplanes; Mystery Boxes, Gummi Bear
Shoot.
Fourth through Seventh prepared beforehand a maglev car and a toothpick bridge
that they used to compete on that day. They also had a written test and
orienteering session. The students agreed that science is fun! We are already
preparing for next year's events. Thanks to Mrs. Heyl and the eighth grade who
ran all the events.
Second Grade Gift
A hand painted wooden tray, was
presented to second grade teacher, Mrs. Kwiatkowski. With the help of
Ginny Szafranski, Colleen Shields and Kim Shaffer, each 2nd grade student added
their thumb print to create the caterpillar body. Each of the children's names
were added to the top of the tray by the moms who were helping. The class gift
to Mrs. K also included gift certificates to Max and Erma's and Showcase
Cinemas, of course purchased through our certificate program.
Fan the FIRE
F.I.R.E. middle school
youth group is wrapping up its second great year. Thanks to everyone who
supported the hoagie sales. This source of income allowed us to send two 8th
grade girls to the diocesan LEAD retreat and to adopt a girl, Andrea, from the
Christian Foundation for Children and Aging. We plan to write to her and
support her education and living expenses.
At the parish
festival we will have 2 booths, Spin Art and the Duck Pond. The kids are looking
forward to serving the parish at the booths and by helping at the festival
dinners. We had members visit the current 5, 6, and 7 graders at St. Ursula to
invite them to join us next year. We also invite all Middle School students to
join us for a Pirates game June 14 for $9, a Middle School Retreat June 22 and
23, Kennywood Day on July 10, and the Parish Olympics we are hosting here. Also,
look for our members in their new T-shirts at the festival. They're very cool!!
Call Leslie 412-487-0571 or Lale 412-366-5134 for information.
2006-07 A
Successful Year for Students, Parents, Teachers and our Parish Community
Some thoughts on gratitude from parents and students:
Evan D. - "I'm thankful for
meeting Joey this year in kindergarten."
Christian D. - I'm thankful to have Mrs. K as a 2nd grade teacher cause
she has been a great teacher all year."
The Regan Family - We would like to say thanks to Mrs. Cross for all of her
hard work on the play this year (Godspell). The play was wonderful and was
perfect to be put on in the church. We would also like to say thanks to Rick
Romanelli and the live band who played so very well at the play. The live music
really helps make the play. Thanks to Mrs. Cross & Mr. Romanelli, St Ursula
students have a great opportunity to show all of their talent.
Father Ken, pastor of St. Richard’s
Church - sent a thank you and a donation to Mrs. Cross for the outstanding
musical. Also, he wrote a letter of congratulations to each child who was in the
musical and is a member of St. Richard Parish.
Anonymous - This Thank You goes
out to Mrs. Cross for the wonderful work that she does year after year with the
school musical. Once again, the performances were outstanding, and the kids
really seemed to have a great time. As I tell friends and family members about
these musicals, they are blown away that our little school can do this. And,
through these musicals, our kids gain tremendous confidence in themselves, and
their abilities. Mrs. Cross is a true blessing to our school.
Jeanne F. - Thank you, Mrs.
Chambers, (band director) for the great beginnings you have given so many
children at St. Ursula from the 4th grade and up! I'm sure there are
many other Alumni out there who have similar stories to share and hopefully the
young musicians at St Ursula can use these examples to look forward to in High
School!
Sally S. – has three graduates of
St. Ursula, the oldest graduating from high school this year. Her students--and
others from their classes--have accumulated many honors and awards and have
been prepared for high school academically, athletically, and socially.
Donna W. - I am grateful for Mrs. Hofbauer
who both of my girls have had as their Kindergarten teacher. Also, for Mrs.
Ranallo and Mrs K., both whom are excellent teachers as well.
Colleen and Bill A.- We
thank each and every teacher and administrator at Saint Ursula School. You have
all made positive impressions on our children and made them feel
special, and as though they can accomplish their far reaching goals if they put
their minds to it. God bless you all.
Stephanie L. – Thanks to Jeanette
P. and Sister Joanita for the fabulous school website! Everything you need to
know is posted -- regular updates and photos make it a valuable resource for
school parents and keeps us connected to those who have gone before us. It is
also a showcase for the rest of the world to see our great school.
The Zovko Family - We are
grateful for the caring teachers and staff, Mrs. Bridgeman, Mrs. Hofbauer and
Sister Joanita, for making this a really special year for Adam! And also a
great big thank you for the "always cheery" and fun-loving care of Mrs. Morris
in the afterschool program.
The Fitzgerald Family - A big
"THANK YOU!" to the wonderful faculty at St. Ursula. Please know that
your dedication to our children is greatly appreciated. We feel truly blessed
to be a part of the St. Ursula School family.
Maureen M.
- I am most grateful for Mrs. Angelucci who went above and beyond to make
sure my student had a successful year. Absolutely grateful for Mrs. Ranallo. She
is a great teacher and an asset to the school. Also, the library committee who
worked so hard all year to improve our library.
Luke S. -
I am most grateful for my teacher (Mrs. Hofbauer).
Ginny S. -
I am grateful for Mrs. Kwiatkowski. She did a wonderful job encouraging
reading through the monthly reading incentive program and Book Adventure. She
also did a great job preparing her class for the sacraments. She really made
Reconciliation and First Communion such a big focus for the year.
Ginny S. -
I am grateful for the teachers at St. Ursula. Mrs. Hofbauer and Mrs.
Bridgeman are models of patience and perseverance. Kindergarten is a year of
many transitions, with so many things to learn. Our kindergarten teachers
really know how to get their students ready for school and excited to learn!
The creativity that the teachers put into the weekly workshop is amazing.
Another thing that I am grateful for is that parents are invited to participate
in kindergarten workshops. It allowed me to become familiar with my son's
classmates and classroom.
Tim W.
- The Athletic Association is grateful for the coaches and all the parents who
help our children. THANK YOU!
Reagan W.
- is grateful for learning stuff and for her friends, for Mrs. P,
Mrs.Connelly, and Mrs. A.
Ryan W. - is grateful for the dances, Mrs. A, and all his teachers, the
cross country coach Mrs. Curry, and Sister Joanita.
Susan M.
- A heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Hofbauer and Mrs. Bridgeman for giving Nora a
wonderful kindergarten experience. Truly you are a blessing to both our school
and my family. There are no more capable hands than yours to teach our kids the
love of learning. A sincere thank you to Mrs. Cross for allowing our third
graders to participate in this year's school production. While I know it was
challenging at times, you provided a unique opportunity for our children to
learn an appreciation for the theatre and production, not to mention the value
of perseverance and practice. Thank you!
Shawn
Curilla, school counselor – This school year I would like to express my
gratitude to Mary Heyl who has helped me in my efforts to enhance the
organizational skills and study skills for Middle School students. As a school
counselor providing support services to
St. Ursula School one day a week, it is gratifying to have a teacher support the
student five days a week. I would like to send a warm, heart felt sunny burst
of appreciation to Mary Heyl for going the extra mile to help students.
Gloria D.
and Isabella – All I can say is Mrs. Hofbauer is a great teacher. Too bad
Isabella can’t have her next year. She has learned a great deal from her. Thank
you, too, Sister Joanita! Such a great school!
St Ursula
Festival & Alumni
Ninety-three alumni of St.Ursula School signed in to win the
"Something for Everyone" basket at the parish festival this week. Alumni from
every decade visited the school booth including one esteemed graduate from the
class of 1930! The basket winner was Sarah Hoffman, St. Ursula Class of
2003. Congratulations Sarah!!!
A big thanks to all the alumni who visited. Don't forget to stay in touch at
stualumni@zoominternet.net!
STUDENTS
PERFORM MIRACLES
Students in grades three to eight told the stories of Jesus, Judas,
and John the Baptist in the spring musical Broadway Junior show, Godspell,
Junior. In 90 minutes the show covered major episodes in the life of Jesus
(played by Sean B.) as told through the gospel of Matthew. Students acted
out the parables of Jesus and told his message of compassion, forgiveness and
sacrifice for the greater good. Saint Ursula Church was transformed as the cast
used the entire space as their stage. Mrs. Cross, director and choreographer,
and student cast members had rehearsed after school twice a week beginning in
February to prepare for the show. Mr. Rick Romanelli led the music with the band
as he played electric guitar during the show. Theatre is a community effort and
many hands helped to put on such a major production. Banners were made by eighth
grade students; other scenery was made by students led by Mrs. Heyl. The cast
members deserve a round of applause.
FUND
RAISING UPDATE for 2006-07 - Our Goal is $95,000
|
Certificate Sales |
$ 28,000 |
|
Golf Outing (held in
7/06) |
$ 2,300 |
|
Entertainment Books
|
$ 3,109 |
|
Night at the Races |
$ 1,800 |
|
Eighth Grade Pancake
Breakfast |
$ 1,340 |
|
Market Day |
$ 2,077 |
|
Good Apples |
$ 270 |
|
Sally Foster |
$ 2,843 |
|
Lottery Calendars |
$ 8,252 |
|
Pot O’ Gold Dinner Auction |
$ 23,200 |
|
Sarris Easter Candy |
$ 2,357 |
|
Benefit Nights. |
$ 900 |
|
Bingo
+ |
$ 11,532 |
|
Boxtops4education |
$ 1,124 |
|
Misc. Programs * |
$ 2,500 |
|
Total |
$91,604 |
+ One fourth of this amount
is designated towards Athletic Assoc.
* Includes Target,
Coca-cola machines, ink cartridges, newspaper recycling, advent candles and
others
Great Books
Festival
Two eighth
grade teams went to the Fifteenth Annual English Festival held at Duquesne
University May 17, 2007. Students prepared for the competitions by studying six
novels. Students also had the opportunity to meet the author April Young Fritz,
who wrote "Praying at the Sweetwater Motel" and is pictured here with one of the
teams. The team of Chrissy, Kayla, Marissa, and Erin
placed first in the Talk Show Competition and won two second places for the
Insight and Trivia Competition. Anthony, Andrew, Casy, and Emily also won a second place for the Trivia Competition.
Mrs. Karen Angelucci was their moderator.
St. Ursula School
Newsletter is available online
Click here to
read the latest edition of the
St. Ursula School
Parent NEWSletter, Spring 2007. You will need Acrobat Reader to open it.
If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed, click on Acrobat Reader icon
to download it.
Bingo helpers - Marianne, Greg, & Janet
Kindergarten sunflower art
Using new tennis racquets
Battle of the
Books
St. Ursula's fourth & fifth graders
competed in the annual Battle of the Books. Pictured below with the trophy are
the fourth grade teams named the Reading Racers, Fireballs, and Vikings, coached
by Mrs. Cross. These teams tied to win the top score of our school.
Students,
Teachers, and Parents -- Express Yourself
Send a “Shout Out” with your expressions of gratitude or describe an
experience that made this school year special for you or your student. Send in
to the school office or e-mail
sunflower.lady@comcast.net.
We will post in on the website in school news under Gratitude. We
will post with first name and last initial only or anonymously – it’s up to you!
Send them in soon to participate in a random drawing for a thank
you gift basket that will include a gift card to North Park Lounge Clubhouse to
start off your summer. Drawing will be held June 6 at 9:00 a.m.
Abitibi
Paper Retriever Fundraiser
For the month of April the recycling amount received was about $185
We are waiting for our bonus check for reaching our goal for collecting 30.9
tons during the first 3 months of the year.
Keep donating paper, it is a great
way to help the school reach its goal!
Library Birthday
Book Program
Dear St. Ursula Parents:
The “New Life for the Library” committee is excited to announce our
BIRTHDAY BOOK PROGRAM for all of our families.
We are inviting your child to celebrate his or her birthday with
the library. If you decide to participate you need to send $15.00 (in a secured
and labeled envelope please!) with your child to the office. You can choose a
book from the list attached, or your child can look through box of brand new,
beautiful library books and select one. (We will do them first come, first serve
basis if more than one child chooses the same book).
We’ll put a book label in front of the book to indicate whose
birthday the book is celebrating. The book will become part of St. Ursula’s
permanent collection, but your child will be able to check it out and bring the
book home as often as possible!
In addition to placing a special birthday label in front of each
BIRTHDAY BOOK, we’d like to include a photo of each birthday child. A school
photo will work best, but you can send in any photograph you’d like (and of
course, if your child is camera shy, we don’t have to include a photograph). We
think the children will enjoy looking for books they have donated through the
years.
You may choose to celebrate ANY occasion with a library book.
Families have already inquired about commemorating first Holy Communion,
Confirmation, and Graduation. (Please indicate the date and occasion when you
send in your money).
Although we are beginning this now, we will continue in the fall
and remind you occasionally of the on going program—and we won’t neglect the
children born in the summer, they also will receive reminders so that they can
celebrate their birthday with us.
Thank you so much for your support. The committee of volunteers is
always looking for others who want to get involved and help our library be an
integral part the children’s education. We look forward to celebrating your
child’s birthday in a very special way.
Here are the books we currently
have available for the Birthday Book Program. Updates will be posted as more
books become available.
And Then What Happened, Paul Revere, by Fritz, Jean
Cat Poems, by Crawley, Dave
Charlotte's Web, by White, E
George W. Bush, by Jones, V.
A gift from the lonely doll, by Wright, Dare
Good sports: rhymes about Running, Jumping …
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, by Rowling, J
I spy fantasy, by Wick, Walter
I spy lightning in the sky, by Wick, Walter
I spy spooky night, by Wick, Walt
Junie B., first grader at last, by Park, B.
Junie B., first grader: Boss of Lunch:, by Park, Barb
Little House in the Big Woods, by Wilder, Laura
Little House on the Prairie, by Wilder, Laura
The Moon, by Stevenson, Robert Louis
Morris and Buddy; the Story of the 1st seeing Eye Dog
Nate the Great, by Sharmat, M
Nate the Great and the Big Sniff, by Sharmat, M.
Our 50 states : A Family Adventure Across America~~, by Cheney, Lynne
A Seed is Sleepy, by Aston, Dianna
Sweet! : The Delicious Story of Chocolate, by Love, Ann
Tsunami warning, by Morrison
When Washington crossed the Delaware :
A Winter Story for Young Patriots ~~, by Cheney, Lynne
Where's Waldo?, by Hanford
The Magic School Bus
Inside a Beehive, by Cole
Walter the Farting Dog, by Kotzwinkle
Glenda Feathers Casts a Spell, by Christelow
Daddy, Will you Miss Me?, by McCormick
Whales on Stilts..., by Anderson
Pigs Rock, by Jones, Melanie
The Time of Their Lives, by Jones, Annie
The Trap, by Nixon, Joan Lowery
The Secret Footprints, by Alvarez, Julia
Abitibi
Paper Retriever Fundraiser
For the month of March the recycling amount received was about $340
We are waiting for our bonus check for reaching our goal for collecting 30.9
tons during the first 3 months of the year.
Keep donating paper, it is a great
way to help the school reach its goal!
Updates on free
money
Target-our school has
received a check for $257.24 on behalf of Target and the Take Charge of
Education program. Target donates up to 1% of purchases made using the Target
REDcard. Please consider signing up for a Target Visa and designate St. Ursula
School to receive your contribution.
Giant Eagle- thanks to
everyone who registered their Giant Eagle Advantage card to benefit our school.
We will be receiving a brand new imac computer worth approximately $1,250.
Abatiti Paper
recycling-We collected our goal of over 30.9 tons of paper in the months of
January through March. This makes us eligible to receive a bonus of $1,000.
New Technology!
Smartboards and AED
Capture their attention like never
before. Imagine a classroom where teachers and students interact freely and
easily, expressing thoughts and explaining ideas. That's the kind of shared
learning environment Smart Boards will help us build. With big, bold images and
bright rich colors, Smartboards create excitement around a single focal point.
We now have one in the computer room and one in a classroom so teachers can use
it when the computer room is occupied. Several teachers have already been
trained in its use and others will attend the workshop on the in-service days.
Needless to say the children love it.
AED
We now have a Heart start Defibrillator from St.
Margaret Foundation. Among those trained were Mrs. Heyl, Mrs. Huber, Mrs. Spohn
and Sr. Joanita. It is located on a locked cabinet on the 1st floor.
Battle of
the Books
Christ the Divine Teacher Academy will host the Battle
of the Books this school year. Each year another of the competing schools hosts
the competition. Besides St. Ursula the other schools that compete on May 10 are
St. Mary in Glenshaw and St. Irenaeus in Oakmont. The fourth and fifth graders
have been reading and studying all 12 books.
Elementary
Science Olympiad
Thanks to the
Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh for a grant of $1,099.75 we were able to
purchase materials for our very own Elementary School Science Olympiad sometime
in May. Last year was our first year for the event and we are planning to make
this one even bigger and better. This year’s events will include a mystery
solving event as well as building of planes, trebuchet and even a maglev device.
We will be looking for volunteers to help with the projects.
Jr.
Achievement
For the last six weeks, volunteers from Junior
Achievement and LaRoche Graduate School of Education have been working with
students once a week in grades 5 through 8.
Fifth Grade – Our Nation - Students learned about sole proprietorships,
partnerships and corporations. Students developed a mini corporate business
plan.
Sixth Grade – Global Marketplace Students learned about imports and exports and
why we trade with other countries .
Seventh & Eighth Grade Economics for Success – explores personal finance,
education and career options based on student skills, interests and values.
The students appreciated all the time the volunteers spent in
teaching them these valuable skills that they can use for a lifetime.
Living Stations
Congratulations to the
8th grade students who prayerfully portrayed the Living Stations of the Cross
for the school and parish. Thanks to Mrs. Duffy who prepared the students for
the inspiring event.
Diocesan Honors
Band
It was the 25th Honors
Band Festival in the Diocese of Pittsburgh under the direction of Sr. M.
Serafina. O.P. The purpose of the Instrumental Music Program is to provide
students with the opportunity of developing their musical talents and gives them
the opportunity of performing in a full band with others of advanced abilities.
The North District Band performed at North Catholic High School on March 25,
2007. To be a part of the Honors Band, students needed to audition before all
the band teachers. The top 98 students were chosen from 15 schools in the North
district.
St. Ursula School has been part of the program throughout all these
years. This year we were privileged to have 8 members in the Honors Band.
Playing flute were Kayla B. and Claire C., on clarinet were Emily S. and Marissa C. Chrissy S. played the saxophone, Kevin D. the
trombone and Scott H. the baritone.
Emily S. and Marissa C. also participated in the Pennsylvania
Music Educators Association band at Brentwood High School. Congratulations, to
all and a grateful thanks to Mrs. Chambers, our band director.
Forensics
Update
On March 10, 2007, 12 students accompanied by Mrs. Heyl,
Mrs. Cross and Sr. Joanita attended a Forensics competition at Elizabeth Seton
School. Students presented their speeches before two judges. Each student was
judged on many qualities and given awards according to their performance.
Fifth Graders - Anna P., 2 second places, Maggie W. – third &
second, Ryan W. – two seconds, Joel N. – third & a first, Sarah Re.
- a third. Seventh grade – Alex S. – two thirds. Eighth grade Emily S.
–two firsts, Erin A. – two firsts, Casy S. – first & second, Marissa
C. – two firsts, Andrew S. – first & second and Chrissy S. – first
& a second. CONGRATULATIONS, TEAM!
St. Ursula
competes in the Science Olympiad
March 28, 2007, was a
culmination of a year’s worth of preparation for eighth grade science class.
Teams of two prepared for competition at California University of Pennsylvania
against 20 middle schools in 23 different categories. Students had to prepare
some projects ahead of time such as a tower, a trebuchet; a Rube Goldberg’s
Mission Possible, an aquifer, and airplane and then use them in competition.
Also part of the competition were written tests on varied topics such as
astronomy, epidemiology ecology, food chemistry, heredity and many other topics.
All the students
prepared for many weeks and some even attained medals for their projects. Erin
A. and Chrissy S. received a second place medal for Anatomy and a third
place medal for Food Science. John H. and Aaron M. also won a medal for
their trebuchet.
We congratulate the team for scoring 8th place overall. A great
showing against many big school districts.
A special word of thanks to Mrs. Heyl who worked many hours with
the students daily and on even on weekends. Also, thanks to our alumni who
helped tremendously with this project - Lauren M., Michelle and Lyndsay W., Andrew S.
For more information about the Science Olympiad go to their
website.
www.scienceolympiad.org
Project
Update - “New Life for Our Library”
We have been busy!!!!!
·
Several hundred new books have been added to our collection.
· Many
old, worn and outdated books have been disposed of.
·
Trophies have been removed, boxed and will be sold at the upcoming parish
festival.
·
Teachers have been surveyed to determine their needs.
3937 Kirk Avenue
