SCHOOL NEWS

Each week, I will share with you part of our school strategic plan.  This is the document that we use to drive our improvement efforts at Holy Spirit.  Please feel free to contact Mr. Smith if you have comments or questions on the strategic plan.  Thank you.

Objective 1- Holy Spirit Catholic School Staff are committed and dedicated to effectively meeting the diverse academic needs of all our students.

Strategy 1-Continue to develop and implement differentiated instruction strategies. 

Action Step 1-  Train and utilize teacher leaders to provide ongoing staff development in the area of differentiated instructional strategies that focus on active, relevant, and joy-filled learning.
Timeline: Professional Development to begin Fall 2018 and embedded into the school culture by Fall 2020
Responsibility: RCS Director of Teaching and Learning’ Assessment & Instruction Committee, Administrator

Action Step 2-  Provide staff development opportunities for staff to learn the process/significance of creating shared assessments.

 
Timeline: Professional Development. to begin Fall of 2016 and in place for all core classes by Fall 2020.

Responsibility: RCS Director of Teaching and Learning; Administrator, Diocese of Winona-Rochester ACE Trainers

Rochester Catholic Schools believe common expectations in terms of appearance assist the learning environment in many ways. Please adhere to the following uniform/dress code.

Uniform:

Grade K – 4:  Current Donald’s plaid jumper or dress code pants, shorts, or skorts.

Grade 5 – 8:  Current Donald’s plaid skirt or dress code pants, shorts, or skorts.

Girls are encouraged to wear shorts under their jumpers/skirts (these need not be dress code shorts).  Girls may not roll skirt waistbands. Skirts/shorts/skorts must be of modest length.

Pants/Shorts: Boys and Girls Grade K – 8: solid navy blue or black “cotton twill” or corduroy (hip pockets only/NO cargo pants) NO rivets. Stitching on pants/shorts must match the color of the pant (e.g., navy blue stitching on navy blue pants.)

Shirts: Boys and Girls Grade K – 8: solid white or red (short or long sleeve shirts with collars).  May include polo or turtle neck but NO mock turtlenecks. Shirts must be free of appliqués, logos, zippers, snaps and hoods. Banded bottom polo shirts in white or red are also acceptable and are available through Donald’s.  Shirts without banded bottoms must be worn tucked in.

Sweatshirts: With Rochester Catholic School logo red or navy blue sweatshirts may be worn. Students must wear a dress code shirt under the sweatshirt.

Sweaters: Cardigan or V-neck: solid navy blue, red, or white. Cardigan or V-neck must be free of appliqués, logos, zippers, snaps and hoods.

Leggings: Blue, black, white or red leggings (pant length with socks) or tights may be worn under jumpers/skirts/skorts.

Shoes:

Shoes must have backs, be snug fitting, and have non-slippery soles.  No flip flops or crocs.

Socks: Solid navy blue, black, white, or red socks.  Blue, black, white or red leggings (pant length with socks) or tights may be worn under jumpers/skirts/skorts.

Socks of different colors can we worn on “Crazy Sock” days.  (Fridays)

Belts:

Belts are optional, but if worn should be solid black or brown.  NO suspenders.

Jewelry/Hair/Make-up:   Any jewelry/hair/make-up that draws undue attention or that is distracting in nature will not be allowed. Small earrings may be worn.

• Students that are not in compliance with the uniform/dress code policy will receive a notice from the school to alert them of changes that need to be made.

OUT-OF-DRESS-CODE DAYS

Out-of-dress-code days may be scheduled at the discretion of the school administrators/teachers.  On those occasions, the following non-uniform dress is expected:

On non-uniform days we expect our students to be in modest attire. This includes shirts that are not torn or worn off the shoulder, no tank tops, or shirts that bare the midriff. Shorts need to be at least mid- thigh length (if not longer). Pants with holes, and t-shirts with inappropriate logos/writing are not acceptable. Leggings may not be worn unless they are worn with a loose shirt or dress that is no shorter than mid-thigh and completely covers the individual’s bottom. Spandex (including bike shorts) is not appropriate attire for school.

Students have the right to eat lunch in a clean, quiet, and relaxing atmosphere.  Students are not allowed to bring pop or any music-listening devices into the lunchroom.  All food should be eaten in the lunchroom, and no purchasing of food right before going back to class to store in your locker, not at recess or in the classrooms.  No food leaves the lunchroom.

Be respectful and responsible at all times, especially while waiting in line.

Remain seated at your table.  Raise your hand if you need to:

• use the restroom (the ones near the gym)

• see the nurse

• purchase an ala carte item (3rd grade and older) if all other food has been eaten

• return your tray

         Use only inside voices.

         Please walk at all times.

You will be excused by table to go to recess or back to class when your entire table area is clean and after you have prayed the after meal prayer together. (You will not be allowed to sit on the bleachers as you wait.)

Have children that play soccer? The Holy Spirit Knights of Columbus Council will be sponsoring a Soccer Challenge for youth ages 9 to 14 through a penalty kick competition. The challenge is designed to demonstrate player’s skills in the penalty kicking. The challenge will be held after the 10 AM Mass. Registration will be 11:15 AM with the completion starting at 11:30 AM. Join us on September 9th for the Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge!

We have had several requests from parents to order a new H.E.R.O. t-shirt.  Click here for the form.  Orders are due on September 5th.  No late orders will be accepted.

Please click here if you need to order a PE uniform for your student.  The deadline is next Friday, September 7th.  No late orders will be accepted.  Thank you.

Fall Spirit Striders starts September 10th! Please complete and turn in this form no later than Friday, September 7th.

Click here for the form. Thanks!

If you have not yet paid your activity fee for 2018-2019, please submit it to the office.  If you are unsure of the amount due, please call the office.

Thank you.

Please pay particular attention to these attendance reminders!

#1-We do not have morning supervision until 8:30AM, if your child arrives before that time, they will be escorted to Extended Care and you will be charged.

#2-Please use the attendance email, hsattendance@rcsmn.org for any student absences, appointments or Extended Care notifications.

Thank you.

Registration NOW OPEN for the 2018 School Flu Clinic!   Keeping Kids Healthy and in School!

RCS is once again partnering with Olmsted Medical Center, Mayo Clinic and Public Health to offer the flu vaccine (both injectable and mist) to our K-12 students at our schools, making it easier and more convenient for both students and parents. Immunizations are an important way to keep children healthy, and health professionals encourage all children to get an annual influenza vaccination.   Non-medication pain reducing options will be offered and your health insurance will be billed, just like it would be if you were at the clinic. Children can get vaccinated if you don’t have insurance at little or no cost to your family.    Registration is required and will close on September 12.  Online registration is preferred, but paper forms are available in the office.   No registration forms will be accepted after September 13th.    For more information and to register online - click HERE.  Questions can be directed to 293-4800 or emailed to schoolflu@mayo.edu.

SYSTEM NEWS

An additional Virtus training session has been set for Tuesday, September 4 at 1:00 p.m. at Lourdes High School. Please be sure to pre-register, as no walk-ins will be accepted. There is a limit of 16 seats and all registered participants are asked to arrive at the Lourdes High School front office (inside Door #3).

To register please click here.

SYSTEM ACTIVITIES

Join the Lourdes High School Cheer Team for a fun afternoon learning a routine, cheers, chants, jumps, and more!  

You will perform the routine at the October 17th football game (this is the Wednesday game before MEA) and are invited to cheer with the cheerleaders for the third quarter of the game.

If you are in grades 1-5, you are eligible to participate! Click here to learn more or register today! 

Rochester Catholic Schools will have a informational meeting mid to late September. Please check your weekly broadcast for this information.     
 

The RCS Activities Office is in need of a coach for the 7th grade Volleyball Team.  Please contact Mr. Strickland (sstrickland@rcsmn.org) if you have interest.
 

KROC is having a contest to see who has the best local Marching Band. Voting goes through Friday, September 7.

You can vote once a day! KROC will announce the winner and runner-up on September 10. Go Eagles! 

VOTE TODAY

Students in 5th grade have the opportunity to start band!  On September 6, Mr. Krueger, Ms. Skifton (new LHS Band Director) and Ms. Hanson will be going to each school and demonstrating the different band instruments that students can play. 

The week of September 10-14, we will be at each school during the day for students to come and try the instruments to help them choose what to play. On Monday, September 17, we will have a parent information meeting at 6:00 in the Forum at Lourdes High School where we will answer questions and finalize registration for 5th grade band.  There will be representatives from Welhaven Music at the meeting to help with instrument rentals. Band will start the week of September 24-28.

If you have any questions about your child starting band, please email Ms. Hanson at whanson@rcsmn.org or call and leave a message at your school.

Stop by the Activities Office or before any Lourdes High School Athletic event to purchase your All Sports Ticket which allows you admission into regular season home games. The pass is $50 for 10 punches.

It's that time of year again for the fall sports walk-in clinic on Saturday mornings at Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine.

The Saturday morning injury clinic is for middle school, high school and college athletes injured during recent sports activities.
 
Please visit on Saturdays between September 1 - October 13 at the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center - Floor 3 from 8:00 am -12:00 pm Doors will open at 7:30, last walk-in accepted at 11:00 

Appointments are preferred, walk-ins are accepted. Phone lines open at 7:30 am to make an appointment please call Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine at (507) 266-6690.

Pending MSHSL approval, Lourdes High School will be in a Co-op with Byron High School Wrestling beginning this school year. If you have a student (going into grades 7th-12th) interested please contact the RCS Activities Office at (507) 289-3991.

UPCOMING EVENTS