MR. VANCE'S NEWS TO USE THIS WEEK
AUGUST 2020
Dear Parents and Guardians,
In about 12 days, we will open the school doors to begin the 2020-2021 school year! During this year, we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the parish, and next school year, we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of St. Ignatius School. During the year, we will hold various events and celebrations as we commemorate and celebrate this remarkable parish.
We begin the year with 1036 students in grades K-8 and 98 preschoolers, for another record year of 1134 students attending our Catholic school. On behalf of this grateful and dedicated staff, we thank you for entrusting your child/ren with us.
Each year, I like to begin the year re-affirming our Six Core Values. These values lead us in decision making, instruction, religious formation and our relationships with our students and families.
1. The Centrality of God and the Catholic Faith. We celebrate a strong Catholic tradition and promote Christ-centered academics and activities. Students and families are supported as they meet, know, love and serve Jesus Christ.
2. Focusing on the Whole Child. The staff and faculty are focused on the whole child and the development of their God given gift: spiritually, academically, artistically, physically, emotionally, morally and socially.
3. We embrace all of God's children and celebrate diversity. We strive to live the golden rule, "To love the Lord your God and to love your neighbor as yourself."
4. We model and practice stewardship as we care for our school, parish and greater community. We encourage all to use their God given talents, time and treasure to make the world a better place.
5. We are committed to continuous improvement.
6. We create and cultivate a community that is welcoming and respectful. We value the community and its ability to instill the ideals of service, practicing good citizenship, and demonstrating our love of Jesus Christ.
The 2020-2021 school theme is Go and Set the World on Fire: Rejoice in Hope!! The theme is based on the passage from Romans 12:12 which states, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, and persevere in prayer.” This passage is contained in the Letter to the Romans when Paul explains that we are many parts but make one body in Christ. This passage also reinforces what we state in our core belief’s.
In the spring, we announced that St. Ignatius School was recognized for the 5th year in a row as a Top Workplace in Elementary and Secondary Schools. Also in the spring, through the Baby Bottle Campaign, students and staff donated $2937 to the Pregnancy Center West. We have also been recognized as a Theology of the Body campus where our focus in on the dignity and respect for every person. We are very proud of these accomplishments.
May this school year be filled with laughter, happy memories, enlightened spiritual formation, academic success and a deeper relationship with Christ. May we continue to practice what Saint Ignatius challenged all to do with our lives, “Ad maiorem Dei gloriam” or AMDG, make your lives and actions “for the greater glory of God.”
In Christ's Peace,
Kevin Vance
Principal
**COVID-19 ADDENDUM
Please be sure to read through the Covid-19 Addendum to the Family Handbook which is attached to this Wire.
TRANSITION BACK TO SCHOOL FAQ's:
Will there be IOWA and STAR testing this year?
Yes. Teachers will administer our benchmark testing, STAR testing, in math and reading, in the first two weeks of the school year. The IOWA tests are administered in the spring.
Yes. Teachers will administer our benchmark testing, STAR testing, in math and reading, in the first two weeks of the school year. The IOWA tests are administered in the spring.
What are the dismissal procedures?
Bus Riders: Students riding the bus will stay in their rooms until the bus arrives on campus. One bus at a time will loaded and then released. Students will wear their masks in the halls as they travel to the loading location.
Bus Riders: Students riding the bus will stay in their rooms until the bus arrives on campus. One bus at a time will loaded and then released. Students will wear their masks in the halls as they travel to the loading location.
Car Riders: Car riders will be released in a staggered manner by the first letter of the last name alphabetically. Car riders will also need to wear their masks in the hallways as they leave the building. We ask waiting parents and guardians to social distance and wear a mask while waiting for their children.
Can we have plexiglass shields/desk dividers for students instead of wearing masks?
The State of Ohio is under a "mask order" for children in grades K-12 and all adults. Using plexiglass instead of a mask is not permitted. In the instance where we can’t get three feet of distance between students, possibly due to tables in the classrooms, a plexiglass shield is being installed. We are very confident that the newly installed room purifiers are an added layer of protection for students and staff as they kill any airborne bacteria and virus.
The State of Ohio is under a "mask order" for children in grades K-12 and all adults. Using plexiglass instead of a mask is not permitted. In the instance where we can’t get three feet of distance between students, possibly due to tables in the classrooms, a plexiglass shield is being installed. We are very confident that the newly installed room purifiers are an added layer of protection for students and staff as they kill any airborne bacteria and virus.
Do the teachers have to stay with their students at lunch and recess?
In most instances, yes. Each teacher will receive a 30 minute break for lunch that will covered by one of our aides, non-homeroom teachers, an intervention specialist, and Mrs. Sieve and Mr. Vance.
In most instances, yes. Each teacher will receive a 30 minute break for lunch that will covered by one of our aides, non-homeroom teachers, an intervention specialist, and Mrs. Sieve and Mr. Vance.
How will specials be handled?
As long as we can continue to receive the required disinfectants, we will allow students to travel with their homeroom to the art room, gym, and the music room. We have acquired a P&G product, Microban, which is a disinfectant that works for 24 hours on surfaces.
As long as we can continue to receive the required disinfectants, we will allow students to travel with their homeroom to the art room, gym, and the music room. We have acquired a P&G product, Microban, which is a disinfectant that works for 24 hours on surfaces.
Will students still go on field trips?
There will be no field trips off campus at this time. We are very fortunate to possess virtual reality technology and some classes will take virtual field trips to locations all over the globe. I participated in one where I was a scuba diver, so neat!
There will be no field trips off campus at this time. We are very fortunate to possess virtual reality technology and some classes will take virtual field trips to locations all over the globe. I participated in one where I was a scuba diver, so neat!
Can students in the virtual school program join their peers if all students are in remote learning?
If the school is closed, like this past spring, remote learning will commence between our staff and students. Students in our virtual school program are welcomed to attend the remote sessions with their peers. A reminder to those interested in the virtual school program should email Mrs. Sieve informing her that you want your children in that program by Monday, August 17.
If the school is closed, like this past spring, remote learning will commence between our staff and students. Students in our virtual school program are welcomed to attend the remote sessions with their peers. A reminder to those interested in the virtual school program should email Mrs. Sieve informing her that you want your children in that program by Monday, August 17.
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.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
UNIFORMS
Most uniform items are available at:
Schoolbelles, 921-3417, www.schoolbelles.com, School code: S2007, or
Schoolbelles, 921-3417, www.schoolbelles.com, School code: S2007, or
Shaheen's, 771-1234
Items may also be purchased at other stores if they meet the requirements.
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.
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. 
MORNING DROP OFF
Car riders may be dropped off along the sidewalk, or at the Boomer Road door beginning at 8:15am this year. Please pull up as far as you can toward the kitchen ramp door and let your child exit the car on the passenger side only.
If you are turning left to enter the front lot from North Bend
Road, we encourage you to consider using the left turn lane at the traffic light and turn onto Boomer Road. Proceed to the tennis court entrance and drop off your children at the Boomer Road door in line with the buses. Please DO NOT pass a stopped bus, and only let the children exit on the passenger side of the door.
Road, we encourage you to consider using the left turn lane at the traffic light and turn onto Boomer Road. Proceed to the tennis court entrance and drop off your children at the Boomer Road door in line with the buses. Please DO NOT pass a stopped bus, and only let the children exit on the passenger side of the door.
If you are walking your child into school, please park your car and cross them in the crosswalk between the church office and the cafeteria entrance.
**PRESCHOOL DROP OFF**
Be aware that in the morning, we will have pre- school children arriving at the same time. They will form a second line going down the driveway in front of school and turn in front of Loyola Hall. It is imperative that K-8 students exit their cars on the passenger side nearest the school. K-8 students will need to exit around the parking lot to access the North Bend Road exit. DO NOT PULL IN BY LOYOLA CENTER AS THIS WILL NOW BE PRESCHOOL DROP OFF.BUS COMPANY PHONE NUMBERS:
Northwest: 825-4600
Oak Hills: 574-2161
Three Rivers: 467-3215
Cincinnati Public: 363-0000
NOTES FROM THE NURSE
Welcome back staff and families! I look forward to working together to keep our students safe and healthy this school year, and I appreciate your cooperation as always.
COVID-19
COVID-19
Attached to this Wire is an addendum to the family handbook regarding COVID-19. Please read it as is imperative that we work together to keep our school community as safe as possible.
Getting Prepared:
Getting Prepared:
Please make sure you have a working thermometer in your home as well as enough masks for your child to wear a clean one daily.
Immunizations:
Immunizations:
Immunizations are required for school attendance. Students out of compliance on the 15th day of school are subject to school exclusion.
Kindergarten:
Kindergarten:
All kindergarteners must have current health forms on file, including those who attended St. Ignatius preschool last year. The deadline for these health forms is Monday, August 10. If you have not turned in the packet of health forms, please do so ASAP.
Medication Administration:
Medication Administration:
St. Ignatius requires the Medication Administration Form completed and signed by the both parent and prescribing physician. Prescription medication cannot be given without this consent form. A new form is required each school year so I cannot use forms from last school year. A new form is also required in the event of a change in the original consent form such as a dosage change. This form is attached to this Wire,and is available online at saintischool.org under For Parents, then Health and School Nurse. Medication must be brought to school by the parent and in the original prescription labeled container.
The Over the Counter Medication form is also available online. A new consent is required each school year. This consent includes only the following: Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Anti-itch cream, and cough drops.
The Over the Counter Medication form is also available online. A new consent is required each school year. This consent includes only the following: Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Anti-itch cream, and cough drops.
If possible, please bring in your child's medication(s) and medication consent form(s) BEFORE the first day of school on Wednesday, August 26. The school office is open 8:00am-4:00pm. Doing so will help lessen the congestion outside the nurse's office on the first day of school. Please make sure both the doctor and parent have signed the consents. THANK YOU!
Chronic Illness:
Chronic Illness:
If your child has had any changes to their health that may impact their school day, please let me know. You can contact me via email or phone.
Please take the time to review the Family Handbook Health and Wellness section.
Feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.
--
Kathy Reder RN BSN
Please take the time to review the Family Handbook Health and Wellness section.
Feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.
--
Kathy Reder RN BSN
St. Ignatius Loyola School
Ph 513-389-3242 ext 4
Fax 513-389-3251
"Children need to be healthy to be educated and educated to be healthy."
SCHOOL NEWS
CARDINAL SCHOOL SUPPLIES PICK UP
MONDAY, AUGUST 17 AND FRIDAY, AUGUST 21
Parents can pick up the Cardinal school supply kits in the cafeteria on Monday, August 17 from noon-1:00pm and Friday, August 21 from 3:00-4:00pm.
**Please wear a mask and have only one person enter the cafeteria for pick up.
If you are unable to come at the above times, call the office at 389-3242, and we will put your supplies on the bench outside the office. We are here 8:00am-4:00pm.
ST. IGNATIUS FUNDRAISER AT HARRISON AVENUE CHIPOTLE
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19
Help raise money for the St. Ignatius PTO by having dinner at the Harrison Avenue Chipotle next Wednesday, August 19! Come earlier when the fundraiser starts at 4:00pm or ORDER ONLINE, and use this promo code at checkout to have your pick up order included in the fundraiser: 23PFPMA
SPIRIT SHOP ONLINE!
The Spirit Shop is now taking all your spirit wear and uniform needs online at https://sainti.org/school/spiritshop/. We will also be adding new items soon. All orders will be sent home with your student or can be picked up in front of the school office starting the first week of school. At this time we will not have any open hours, but if you have any questions please email or contact us on Facebook.
LUNCH MENU
Week of August 24
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: No School
TUESDAY: No School
WEDNESDAY: French toast sticks, sausage and hashbrown
THURSDAY: Cheese pizza, carrots w/ ranch
FRIDAY: Chicken nuggets, corn
NOT TOO LATE TO WIN MAIN AWARD
Now through August 18, buy your IggyFest 2020 Main Award Tickets online through WeShare, our online offering platform.
Cost: one ticket for $25, five tickets for $100.
Winners will be drawn on Sunday, August 23.
Tickets will also be available for sale after Masses this weekend. Contact the Raffle Manager at festivalchair@sainti.org with any questions. Use sainti.org/mainaward to purchase tickets online.
Don’t miss your chance to participate in this opportunity to support Iggyfest virtually!
VIRTUS TRAINING
There will be new VIRTUS training sessions for the fall:
Monday, September 28 from 7:00-10:00pm (set up at 6:00pm), Ignatius Center Left
Saturday, October 17 from 8:00-11:00am (set up at 7:00am), Ignatius Center Left
Each session will only have 8, maybe 10 openings (to keep social distancing) and will be for St. Ignatius parishioners only.
Each session will only have 8, maybe 10 openings (to keep social distancing) and will be for St. Ignatius parishioners only.
Please call the parish office at 661-6565 for more information or to register for a class.
HIGH SCHOOL HELP NEEDED
The parish is looking for high school help (age 16 or older) from 3:00-6:00pm, Monday through Friday, for general maintenance and light classroom cleaning. Please contact Mr. Scott Campbell at scampbell@sainti.org or 661-6565 for more information or to apply.
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION
As part of statewide protocol, we would like to advise you of our policies concerning parents in regards to Emergency/Safety Procedures. This is not to alarm you, but to let you know that we are prepared with a plan if the need arises. We also practice these plans without prior notice and need your cooperation. Your child’s safety is our TOP priority. The following steps are in place for these emergencies.
CALAMITY DAYS
You can check the St. I’s website where we will post any change from the calendar as the first item under NEWS. We will also activate our notification system as soon as possible. Please make sure the school office has ALL current addresses and phone numbers on file. We use our system to send a recorded message to home phone numbers. If school is cancelled due to weather conditions, we follow Northwest’s plan. School will either be closed or we will operate on a two hour delay. This information may also be found on our website, TV, radio, or the TV station’s website. Listen or watch for Northwest Local Schools. In the media, you will NOT hear or see “St. Ignatius School” except in very rare circumstances. In the event that there needs to be an early dismissal, the oldest student enrolled in school will call a parent to determine how they will get home. We need to be sure arrangements have been made so no one arrives home unsupervised without the parent’s consent. Buses will run their routes as usual unless you are notified.
TORNADO/SEVERE THUNDERSTORM
If there is a Watch issued for our area, we will dismiss as usual. If there is a Tornado Warning, we will not release students until it is cleared. (We will locate to a designated safe area in the building and no one will be released.) If there is a Severe Thunderstorm Warning, we will use our best judgment to decide if the schedule needs to be interrupted. When possible, we will post emergency and safety action on our website. LOCKDOWN A lockdown is necessary if an internal or external threat is present. School is completely secured which means that no one will be allowed in or out, including parents. Signs will be posted on all outside doors, 911 will be called, and the Parish Office will be notified. If the lockdown lasts for more than 30 minutes, information will be posted on the saintischool.org website.
