MR. VANCE'S NEWS TO USE THIS WEEK!
Dear Parents and Guardians,
On Sunday, the third week of Advent, we will light the rose-colored candle, also known as the Shepherd's Candle which symbolizes Joy. The third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday and is meant to remind us of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus, as well as the joy that we have reached the midpoint of Advent.
During this time of prayer, preparation and penance, we hope that you will bring your family to the Parish Advent Reconciliation Service on Wednesday, December 18 at 7:00pm.
We look forward to a full week of classes, celebrations, and Christmas parties next week!
We look forward to a full week of classes, celebrations, and Christmas parties next week!
In Christ's Peace,
Kevin Vance
THANK YOU!
Thank you to ESAP/George Hubert J. Foundation and the Our Lady of Visitation Old Timer's Association for their $1,000 donation to our Tuition Assistance fund. We thank them for their partnership and generosity!
REGISTRATION FOR 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR
The parish community subsidizes the cost of tuition for families whose active participation in the parish through volunteering, service and sharing in the liturgical life of the parish can be documented. Last year, (2018-2019) the parish subsidized the school by $688,000.
Usually, liturgical participation is documented through the use of the parish envelope. No dollar amount is required, even an empty envelope is acceptable. The parish finance council is also encouraging online giving to make things easier for families. The parish does not want to force or shame people into attending Mass; rather, we believe that our entire community is stronger when we are closer to the Lord. We invite every family to take a more active role in parish life.
If you have not been using your envelopes regularly, coming to Mass or volunteering in a way that can be documented, we may decide not to accept priority registration in January, and you may be charged private tuition.
Usually, liturgical participation is documented through the use of the parish envelope. No dollar amount is required, even an empty envelope is acceptable. The parish finance council is also encouraging online giving to make things easier for families. The parish does not want to force or shame people into attending Mass; rather, we believe that our entire community is stronger when we are closer to the Lord. We invite every family to take a more active role in parish life.
If you have not been using your envelopes regularly, coming to Mass or volunteering in a way that can be documented, we may decide not to accept priority registration in January, and you may be charged private tuition.
Finally, registration for next year will not be accepted unless one-third of your tuition for the 2019-2020 school year is paid by Thursday, January 10.
Please contact Mrs. Barb Campbell in the church office at 661-6565 with any questions regarding envelope usage, online giving, or tuition.
CATHOLIC EDUCATION FOUNDATION TUITION AID GRANTS
The Catholic Education Foundation for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati is currently accepting applications for the 2020-2021 elementary school (K-8) tuition assistance grants. All grants are needs-based, and can be used at any Catholic elementary school within the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Typically, awards have ranged from $250 to $1,200 per qualified student. Please go to
www.catholicbestchoice.org by January 31 to apply.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION WHEN CALLING SCHOOL
**This is particularly important if you are trying to reach an area other than the school office, or if you are calling after 4:15pm. If you are calling school from a cell phone and dial a menu option (ie “4” for the nurse), nothing happens. We were informed by our phone company that it is an issue with the cell phones (particularly iPhones) and towers, and that the phone system not recognizing the button tones. The phone company has given us a solution to this problem for iPhone users.
Go to:
**Settings, **Cellular, **Cellular Data Options, **Enable LTE, **Change your settings to Data only.
Go to:
**Settings, **Cellular, **Cellular Data Options, **Enable LTE, **Change your settings to Data only.
This should resolve the problem, and not affect your phone at all.
UPCOMING SPIRIT SHOP HOURS
Tuesday, Sept. 10: 7:30-8:30pm,
Gr. 6-8 Parent Night
Thursday, Sept. 12: 7:30-8:30pm,
Gr. 1-3 Parent Night
Families are also invited to subscribe to their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342867929383425/ for more announcements and essential information.
EMAIL ADDRESSES:
**Our email addresses:
Office: office@saintischool.org
Principal: kvance@saintischool.org
Staff/Teachers:
The Wildcat Wire: WildcatWire@saintischool.org
**Please note: Deadline for Wildcat Wire articles are due by Wednesday at noon. Articles submitted are subject to approval and editing.
ABSENCES
If your child is going to be absent, a phone call to the school office must be made by 8:45am. We cannot accept emails as official attendance communication. You must also send a note to the homeroom teacher stating the reason for absence when your child returns to school.
Please see page 10 of the Student Handbook for more information regarding “Excused” and “Unexcused” absences.
CHANGES IN TRANSPORTATION
If you need to change the way your child is getting home from school, please call the office at 389-3242 no later than 3:15pm.
MAGAZINE DRIVE 2019
It’s magazine drive time! Check out the information sheet included in your magazine packet that came today. All your favorite magazines, gifts, plus lots more are included!
Mystery envelopes will once again be awarded on the first two turn in days which are Tuesday, September 10 and Monday, September 16. Students earn a mystery envelope for every two points (2 online orders/donations or 4 paper orders) submitted by 9:00am on turn in day. See the information sheet within your packet for additional incentives including a LIMO RIDE for grades K-8 and an ice cream sundae party for preschoolers.
Midwest Community Fundraising will continue to be our vendor providing all your favorite magazines along with new items. Thank you in advance to the many volunteers helping out the next couple of weeks. We are encouraging orders to be made online to simplify the paperwork and chances for error. Students get credit for online orders as long as their name and homeroom have been included. Please remember that no student is expected to go door-to-door selling magazines. (Family and friends only.)
Keep in mind that a $20 donation counts as a magazine subscription/ 1 point. Details are in the packet. St. Ignatius earns 45% of the purchase price and of course 100% of cash donations stay here too. The proceeds from the sale are used for student enrichment and staff professional development.
Please contact Laurie Roettker at lauriepater@yahoo.com or Angela Roos at aeroos@yahoo.com with any questions.
To order online, go to www.midwestfundraising.com, Click the Online Store tab and enter group ID BTWC850519. You will be given a seller ID to use when placing your orders and the option to email a link to family and friends.
**This is a different site than listed in the printed magazine. The website listed in the magazine catalog (APmags) charges a service fee which can be avoided by ordering on the Midwest Community Website.
Please watch for the Sign-Up Genius for volunteer opportunities. We will need help on the following dates:
Tuesday, Sept. 10: 9:00-11:30am
Monday, Sept. 16: 9:00-11:30am
Tuesday, Sept. 24: 9:00-11:30am
Monday, Sept. 30: 11:00-1:30pm
Tuesday, Oct. 8: 11:00-2:00pm
TEACHER INTRODUCTION NIGHTS
GRADES 4 and 5:
Wednesday, September 4, 7:00pm
GRADES 6,7,8:
Tuesday, September 10, 7:00pm
GRADES 1,2,3:
Thursday, September 12, 7:00pm
Please mark your calendars for these important dates! We realize that some families will need to attend more than one night, but the targeted information will be worthwhile. All meetings will begin in the gym.
EIGHTH GRADE SHADOW DATES
Many parents like to schedule shadow dates for their 8th graders at various high schools. Please keep in mind that only 8th graders may have excused absences for shadowing.)
This year, approved Shadow dates are:
Thursday, October 3
Monday, October 14
Wednesday, October 23
Tuesday, November 5
Thursday, November 14.
We encourage you to try and schedule on a day that we are not in session:
Friday, October 11
Friday, November 1
Wednesday, November 27
We will automatically allow two excused absences for shadowing. As with any other absence, a parent phone call or hand written note is required by the office prior to 8:45am on the date of the absence.
CAFÉ VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We are still in need of cafeteria volunteers! If you can help anytime, please call the cafe office at 389-3242 ex. 5 and leave a message. Thank you!
FREE AND REDUCED LUNCHES
St. Ignatius participates in the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch program, and eligibility is based on family income. Families may apply at anytime throughout the year.
MORNING CARE PROGRAM
Morning care will be available from 7:00-8:15am in the Cafeteria for $4.00 per child per day. For registration or questions, please contact Mrs. Beth Reynolds at 389-3242, ex. 5.
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
We are pleased to announce that we are continuing our After School Program for the 2019-2020 school year for students in Pre-K to grade 8. The program runs from 3:30 to 6:00pm on school days, and costs $9.00 per child per day. For more information or to register, please contact the school office at 389-3242. All families must fill out a NEW registration form prior to participating. If you were enrolled in the program last year, you should have already received an email. If you are new to the program, forms can be found on the school website at www.saintischool.org under For Parents, or in the school office.
SCHOOL NEWS
WILDCATS ON THE MOVE
Stayed tuned for weekly updates on new milestones in the Wildcat Wire! Remember that only miles tracked on officially marked tracks can count for these miles If you would like to help on the walking track during the school day, please contact Mrs. Lori Anderson at landerson@saintischool.org. Keep moving, Wildcats!
PICTURE DAY IS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
All students will be photographed and are invited to be out of uniform in nice, casual clothes for their picture. Picture order forms were sent home on the first day of school, and extras are available in the school office if needed.
Lifetouch is offering online ordering with many options for poses and backgrounds. Please see your order form for more details. The website is www.mylifetouch.com, and our Picture ID is EVTMV37VQ.
ENRICHMENT NEWS
ST. IGNATIUS DRAMA
Students in grades 3-8 are invited to join the fun with St. Ignatius Drama as we bring The Little Mermaid to life on stage! There will be a parent meeting on Wednesday, September 11 at 7:00pm in the music room. This meeting is not required, but is an optional chance to learn more about the program and ask questions. Please see the form attached to this Wire, and submit your registration by Wednesday, September 18. Practices will begin on Wednesday, September 25. Please direct questions to angiegehrum@yahoo.com. We can’t wait to see all these talented kids go UNDER THE SEA!!!
LUNCH MENU
Week of September 9
Hot Lunch-$2.50
Double Entree (grades 4-8) $1.50
Salad Entree-$3.25
Milk/Juice-$0.50
Every meal includes a choice of fruit and milk
Salad of the Week - Cobb Salad
MONDAY: Pancakes, juice, tater tots or salad
TUESDAY: Pepperoni and cheese breadsticks,
green beans or salad
WEDNESDAY: Hamburger/Cheeseburger w/ lettuce
and tomato, waffle fries or salad
THURSDAY: Loaded baked potato (cheese, bacon,
butter, sour cream), muffin, salad
FRIDAY: Mini corn dogs, carrots with dip or
hummus, or salad
SCOUT NEWS
CALLING ALL GIRLS!
Building G.I.R.L.S. of courage, confidence, and character, who are making the world a better place. Girl Scouts have been preparing girls for a lifetime of leadership, success, and adventure, since 1912. While some people still think of us as just cookies, badges, campfires, and friendship bracelets, Girl Scouts are so much more. Girl Scouts are groundbreakers, big thinkers, and role models. Girl Scouts design robots, start garage bands, camp and improve their communities—and yes, they sell the best cookies on the planet. When she's a Girl Scout, she’s also a G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader).
At St. Ignatius we have 18 troops, with over 200 girls registered. Last year at least 40 girls earned a religious award, which are presented during our Girl Scout Mass. Girls Scouts work with the parish and community, leads the Giving Tree at Christmas and volunteers at the parish festival.
If your daughter is interested in participating in Girl Scouts at St. I’s, please pick up an interest form in the parish office and return to the parish office by Monday, September 16. We are also always in need of adult helpers. If you are willing to help by being a leader, helper, or cookie mom, please mark that on your daughter's interest form, and you will be contacted with more information including which Troop # to register for. Please do not get on the Girl Scout website and register for a troop before you have been contacted.
Also, please join us for a family carnival for current and prospective Girl Scouts and their families on Sunday, September 22 from 2:00-5:00pm at Monfort Heights UMC in the gym.
AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRLS
FREE CRAFT AND GAME NIGHT
Free Craft and Game Night Monday, September 30th, 6:30-8pm at St. Ignatius Picnic ShelterWhile you are at practice for one child, bring your other children to the American Heritage Girls Craft and Game Night or stop by before or after practice. Fun crafts, bingo and a snack will be provided at the picnic shelter (by the lower fields) and in the Wild Cat Room at St. Ignatius. Anyone is welcome! There will be Virtus trained adults and other volunteers to entertain your children. Enjoy this welcome break! If you have any questions about this event or American Heritage Girls, please contact Elena McSwane at emcswane@yahoo.com or 513-225-5779.
Faith, Service, Fun
Cake Decorating, horseback riding, pottery, dance, archery, service. Does that sound like fun? Do you want to build confidence and inspire adventure in your daughter, all the while encouraging her to love God, cherish her family, honor her country and serve in our community? Then American Heritage Girls awaits. American Heritage Girls (AHG) has been raising women of integrity for over 10 years at St. Ignatius. AHG is a Christian-based ministry where girls experience new challenges that teach service, team-building and leadership skills in a safe and fun environment.
American Heritage Girls is open to girls ages 5-18. We meet at the Loyola Center (formerly Hilvert Center at St. Ignatius) on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 3:30-5:15pm, September-May. Our first meeting is on Tuesday, September 10th at 3:30-5:15pm. For more information, please contact Elena McSwane at emcswane@yahoo.com or 513-225-5779.
Dignity Drive for Foster Children
Imagine just being removed from your home to live with strangers. You don't have time to pack your things and likely have to leave with only clothes on your back. As children are trying rebuild their life in a new environment with new people, their stress must be overwhelming. The last thing they should have to worry about are basic needs.
Please help us provide these very basic needs for foster children in our community. The 8th grade American Heritage Girls are collecting new socks and underwear, sizes children through adult XXL for children and teens in foster care.
A box for new socks and underwear will be available outside the parish office September 7-8. You may also contact an 8th grade girl in AHG or Michelle Korte at mkorte0731@gmail.com. All items will be given to foster children through Threads of Hope.
JR. HIGH/HIGH SCHOOL NEWS
2019 ST. I GRADS
Yearbooks, videos, and pictures are in, and ready to be picked up at the school office.
ST. URSULA ACADEMY
Strategizing the HSPT and HS Admissions, September 18, 6:30-7:30pm. Beneficial for 7th and 8th grade girls and parents.
URSULINE
Ursuline Information Nights, September 5, October 10, and November 18 at 6:30pm for parents and students in grades 6-8.
MERCY MCAULEY
Grade School Soccer Night, September 9 at 6:30pm. Grade school girls receive free admission.
8th Grade Parent Info Sessions, September 11, September 25, October 10, October 14, October 22 and November 13. Various times and topics will be discussed. Please go to www.mercymcauley.org/InfoSessions for more information.
Wolf Pals Program for 6th and 7th grade girls, similar to a traditional “pen pal” program. For more information please go to www.mercymcauley.org/WolfPals.
PARISH PICNIC
The Parish Picnic will be held at Stricker’s Grove tonight at 5:00pm. Free admission and food for St. I parishioners, so bring the family for an enjoyable evening.
THE RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION (RCIA)
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is called RCIA. There are four phases including Inquiry, Catechumenate, Enlightenment, and Mystagogia. Until the Feast of Christ the King, the RCIA class is in the First Phase of Inquiry. The participants not baptized are called catechumens, whereas, the candidates are those that have been baptized and are seeking full communion with the Catholic Church. We cordially invite any parishioner to join the Faith Journey and attend the October classes to enrich your own faith life. The children are back in school, and it’s a good time to learn more about Scriptures and The Church. Come to one or all of them. Call Len Johansing @513-470-8886 to reserve a place for you! Each class begins promptly at 7:30PM and ends at 9:00PM. The lessons for October include the following:
FLYERS ONLINE
Western Tennis and Fitness Tennis Clinics
St. Ursula Upcoming Events
Ursuline Upcoming Events
Madcap Education Center
GEOGRAPHY BEE
Congratulations to our Geography Bee winner, Kyle G., and Charlie B. as runner up!
SPELLING BEE
Congratulations to Kyle G. for also winning the Spelling Bee! Charlie B. was runner up, with Jack D. coming in 3rd! Congrats to everyone!
DADS WEEK IN THE CAFE!
Hey dads, come hang out with us in the cafe for dads week! We still need VIRTUS-trained dads for Monday December 16! Please arrive at 11:10am, and you will be finished at 1:30pm. Please call Mrs. Beth Reynolds at 389-3242, ext. 5 to sign up!
**Also, remember if you are a regularly scheduled volunteer during dads week you get the day off!
SPIRIT SHOP LAST MINUTE GIFTS
Please place your order online at www.sainti.org/school/spiritshop before Wednesday, December 18. Only in stock items can be guaranteed, but this does not include uniform items. Our last open hours will be Friday, December 20 from 8:00-11:00am in the art lobby. Merry Christmas from the happy elves in spirit shop!
4th ANNUAL ANNA KROGER
MEMORIAL CRAZY SOCK DRIVE
DECEMBER 16-20
Submitted by Mr. Matt Meyer
Anna Kroger, St. Ignatius class of 2015, loved to wear crazy socks to express her vibrant personality. Anna’s collection of socks ranged from multi-colored stripes to patterns with bacon and eggs. She was also known by her classmates and friends for her contagious laugh and smile. Anna passed away suddenly in 2016, so in her memory, her friends began a “crazy” sock drive to benefit the kids at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Over the years, thousands of pairs of socks have been donated. These crazy socks have helped to bring a little joy to sick children at some of their most vulnerable times of illness and injury. This year, the collection at St. Ignatius will take place from December 16-20. Look for boxes around the school! Cincinnati Children’s Hospital asks that any socks donated are new with tags on them, but can be any size, color, or pattern. The donations will be delivered to CCHMC on Anna’s birthday in early January. Anna’s friends and family thank you in advance for your support of this donation event.
LUNCH MENU
Week of December 16
Hot Lunch-$2.50
Double Entree (grades 4-8) $1.50
Salad Entree-$3.25
Milk/Juice-$0.50
Every meal includes a choice of fruit and milk
Salad of the Week - Garden Salad
MONDAY: Popcorn Chicken, corn or salad
TUESDAY: Dough Pretzel w/ cheese or hummus, vegetable soup or salad
WEDNESDAY: Hamburger/Cheeseburger w/ lettuce. carrots w/ dip or hummus or salad
THURSDAY: Pancakes, sausage, juice, hashbrown or salad
FRIDAY: Hot Dog, Baked Lays or salad
ST. IGNATIUS BOYS VOLLEYBALL 2019/20
GRADES 3-8
St. Ignatius Boys Volleyball will offer online registrations beginning today thru Friday, February 7. Don’t miss out, late sign-ups will only be accepted if additional players are needed to round out rosters.
For more information and to begin the registration process, please visit the home page of the Athletic Association web site at https://leagues.bluesombrero.com/Default.aspx?tabid=914850. There you will be able to login to your existing account or establish a new account.
Cost to Participate: $55
*An additional fee may be assessed to those families who have not yet joined the St. Ignatius Athletic Association for the current school year.
For more information, please contact Valerie Bender at 218-0271 or valeriebender4@gmail.com
JR. HIGH YOUTH MINISTRY MEETING MONDAY, DECEMBER 16
Submitted by Miss Emily Branscum
Our next junior high youth ministry meeting will take place on Monday, December 16 from 7:00-8:30pm. We will celebrate Christmas together in our new home! Please be sure to drop your kids off at the Ignatius Center located across the street from St. Ignatius on the corner of North Bend and Boomer. All 6th, 7th, and 8th graders from any school or praish are welcome to join us! Please contact Emily Branscum at ebranscum@sainti.org with your questions.
Youth Room Updates:
I want to thank everyone who helped bring our new youth room to life this month by donating items big and small, and those of you who came out on Saturday to help us move. Thanks also to everyone who offered prayers and words of encouragement! We are still accepting donations for some smaller items as we continue to grow into this space. If you have any old religious items you would like to donate (statues, icons/pictures) we would love to have them to decorate our new home! Also small items like fake plants, curtains and rods, pillows (for sitting), blankets, old board games, and even small appliances like toaster ovens/microwaves are always welcome! Please contact Emily Branscum at ebranscum@sainti.org to see if we can take your items. Just be sure to keep us in mind when you’re doing any type of moving or cleaning :) Thank you again!
