Dear Parents and Guardians,

It is about that time again this year, and Halloween is in two weeks! I am sure people are wondering how it will be handled during this time of Covid 19.  The staff has been feverishly working on a fun theme and safety measures to have limited, but fun, activities for the students on Friday, October 30. A huge thank you to the staff for their hard work and creativity. Please review the announcement and guidelines listed further in this Wire.

Great news about the 365 Raffle this week! We have surpassed our goal of $85,000! This is a great accomplishment, and I want to express my sincerest gratitude to everyone who has purchased or sold tickets for our first 365 Raffle.  Since we met the goal of $85,000, students and staff will get an extra day off at spring break. Instead of returning to school on Wednesday, April 7, we will return to school on Thursday, April 8. The committee working on the raffle has set a new goal that they feel we can achieve and that is $115,000 in sales. I am ecstatic with the outcome thus far and am willing to support the committee in reaching their new goal. If we reach the new goal, we will allow students and staff to be off school on February 8, the day after the Super Bowl. Every year the students are always kindly pestering me to be off school that day. This will be a great goal for them and a gift they've wanted for years.

I am continuously impressed by the outpouring of support for our remarkable school. I want to thank everyone involved with running the fundraiser, their committee, the students, staff, and parents in selling and promoting the raffle. Proceeds from the raffle go towards closing the gap between tuition costs and the actual cost to educate a child here at St. Ignatius. In addition, it goes to providing funds for teachers' professional development and further education, student programs, and classroom materials.

Have a blessed and relaxing weekend!

In Christ's Peace,

Kevin Vance

Principal 

HALLOWEEN IN TIMES OF COVID 19
Halloween will be celebrated on Friday, October 30. While things will look different this year, we are confident that we can hold classroom parties and a modified parade for students only. We ask that students arrive to school with their costume on and if they plan on changing out of their costume, they can wear spirit wear. We encourage creative costumes that promote healthy imagination and fun. Costumes should not be bloody or gory. No weapons, lookalikes, or anything that could be used like a weapon. No masks since students will need to be able to see while attending school. Students should also wear safe and secure shoes. Due to the heightened emotions around the election this year, we ask that no political figures or mottos be used as a costume or any part of a costume.  
Room parents will be coordinating a collection of items for the classroom parties and creating some games that can be conducted in the classroom. Since we are currently not involving volunteers in the building, there will be no visitors during the day. Thank you for your continued support of our efforts in providing a healthy school environment.

October’s Spirit Wear donations will go to Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank. Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank provides free diapers to low income families while raising awareness of the basic health need for diapers. Did you know that 1 out of 3 families in America struggle to afford diapers for their children? Your donations will help end this problem in Cincinnati. This is a great way to express our Catholic values in our community. This is Cincinnati’s only non profit diaper bank and they could use your help.

Pants: Boys and girls may both wear pants. Pants shall be solid navy blue dress slacks. Corduroy, double knit, or twill will be permitted. No cargo style pants, sweatpants, nylon, velour, pajama, or athletic pants. Pants may not have stripes, logos, or advertisements. A belt must be worn if the pants have belt loops. Pants are to be worn at the waist level. Girls in Grades K to 3 may wear uniform pants or solid navy or black knit pants under their uniform jumper during the school day. If girls in grades 4 through 8 wear long pants under their uniform skirts, they must take them off during school hours. Girls in all grades may wear solid navy, black, or white tights or tight leggings UNDER the uniform jumper/skirt or pants.