Monday Morning Memo

The Christmas programs that occurred during the last week before vacation did not get the attention they deserved in the MMM. Our prekindergarten and kindergarten students, and then our first and second graders, presented outstanding programs, under the direction of Mrs. Haskamp that deserve recognition and appreciation. The audience was amused, entertained, and totally amazed by the talents of these young performers and the wonderful things they could do with such enthusiasm under Mrs. Haskamp’s direction.

Thank you so much to the student ambassadors, faculty, and parents who made our Open House on Saturday such a success! We had a record number of 57 families tour our school during just a two-hour period and all the reports I received were of awe at the people, program, and facilities we have to offer. Thank you to the volunteers who shared the story of St. Paul’s with prospective families.

We will be hosting a blood drive for The Community Blood Center on Wednesday, February 8^th from 3pm-6pm in the gym, and for your convenience, we are offering the ability to schedule your appointment online by clicking the link below. Did you know that 60% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate, however only 5% do so on a yearly basis? Schedule your donation today and Save a Life. Please contact Miriam Zavagnin with any questions. https://www.esavealifenow.org/index.cfm?group=op&expand=35930&zc=64111

The Parents’ Guild will meet this Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 8:30 a.m. in the Garden Room of the church. All parents are members of the Parents’ Guild and invited to attend the meetings. The meetings for the remainder of the year will be on February 8, March 7, April 11, and May 9. All meetings will be held at 8:30 in the Garden Room.

Bully Prevention Workshops for students and parents will be held January 24 – 26^th. Students in first – eighth grades will meet with Tricia Madsen, a community educator specializing in the area of bullying prevention and relational aggression on Tuesday or Wednesday, January 24 or 25^th for an hour-long workshop. Tricia has spoken about bullying to more than 80,000 students, parents and teachers, and is passionate about designing innovative strategies and programs that lessen the many obstacles youth face. Tricia is a dynamic speaker who has a wealth of strategies to counter the intentional actions of bullying. She will share with us the nature and prevention of relational aggression, manipulation, bias and cyber bullying. Ms. Madsen’s presentation is fast paced and full of factual information she has gathered through research and while working with students in both public and private schools, including St. Paul’s last year. She is the author of the STEP Up program for middle school girls and speaks nationally on the topic of relational aggression.

Ms. Madden will also offer a Parent Workshop on Thursday, January 26 at 7 pm in the North MPR. Please RSVP to lvan@speds.org by 9 am on Thursday, January 26 for the parent workshop. Questions can be directed to Gingie Watt, Lower School Division Head, gwatt@speds.org.

Sixth grade students participated in Missouri’s Department of Conservation Endangered Species postcard contest. Sydney H’s postcard was chosen as the first place winner in grades 5-6! Her postcard is being published and will be for sale at many conservation sites throughout the state. Three other students, Emma L., Natalie K., and Caroline R., were top ten finalists! Over 4000 entries were submitted. Thanks to Mrs. McMullen for giving our students this opportunity and how excited we are about the incredible results!

Ready to get your GAME ON at Game Night? Please plan to join Scott and Mandy Burditt, Peter and Ann Long and their team hosts at the Auction Kick-off Party on Saturday, January 28th, at Dave and Krista Peterson's home. Look for your invitation very soon! They've planned an evening full of fun, good food and games. Complimentary valet parking will be available.

The auction is the largest Parents' Guild fundraiser and is a wonderful opportunity to come together in a relaxed atmosphere to celebrate our school and its importance in our lives. The Kick-off Party is an integral part of meeting our financial goal for the fundraiser. At the Kick-off Party, the auction committee will gladly accept both cash donations and items to be auctioned off at the April 14th auction. In addition, during the party, the committee will be selling raffle tickets (with a special item to be raffled off that evening) and accepting entries for the 2nd Annual Benefit Games (which will be happening on March 2nd and 3rd). You don't want to miss the fun! Please respond to kgregg@speds.org and let her know whether you’re able to play!

Basketball Season has begun. Are you looking for a way to stay organized and show your St. Paul's spirit? Under Armour Sack Packs are in stock and ready to help keep your gear ready to grab-and-go. Details online at Sack Packs at speds.org.

All middle school students are invited to Hatha Yoga in pajamas! Students, along with a parent, will be doing a little good for Haiti while balancing in a partner yoga class, led by Mrs. Zavagnin. The event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 18 from 4:30 – 5:30 at the Yoga Fix Studio, 2000 Shawnee Mission Parkway, #100. Class size is limited to 20 partner pairs. Sign up at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E48A8A829A20-hatha. After enrolling, please send a check for $10 per partner pair to Chaplain Pam Bauer Nolan. Come join the fun and help us raise some funds for our sister school in Haiti!

Olivia S. performed as a guest soloist with the Kansas City Christmas festival at the new performing arts center. She performed in five sold-out shows and did a duet with Laquita Mitchell, an Opera singer from New York. Way to go, Olivia!

Courtney Mc., class of ’08 received Honorable Mention for the KC Star’s All-Metro Tennis Team. Congratulations, Courtney!