Bulletin for December 15, 2014
Previous Bulletins can be accessed by clicking on this link or by visiting the school website and looking under the Parents
tab. The online bulletin is password protected, and the password for our parents is SLS2014.
Principal’s Notes
Theme and Golden Grace: Our theme for the school year is “Rejoice always…and give thanks.” (1 Thessalonians
5:16, 18) The Golden Grace for December is “Give a gift that doesn’t cost money.”
Thank You for Your Prayers: This morning our parish hosted a beautiful funeral mass celebrating the life of Mrs.
Patti Gelak. The words of tribute spoken by our 8th grade students, parents, and the Gelak family so movingly reflected
Mrs. Gelak’s inspiring life and the way she touched each of us. We continue to hold Mrs. Gelak, Mr. Gelak, Tommy (SLS
graduate), and Mary Kate (8A) in our prayers, and we pledge the ongoing support of our faith-filled community.
Christmas Program Tomorrow: Tomorrow, Tuesday, December 16th, at 7:00 p.m., prepare to be amazed by your
children in grades K, 2, 4, 6, and 8, along with students in primary chorus! The students have been practicing and
preparing very hard for this long-standing tradition at SLS: the annual Christmas Program! This year, our program will be
in our beautiful, new John Evans Memorial Gym. The students’ attendance at this performance is mandatory. Doors will
be open at 6:30 p.m. for seating.
Students in K, 2, 4, 6, 8, and Primary Chorus should arrive at 6:30 p.m. Students in K, 2, 4 and 8 report to their
homeroom. Students in 6th grade report to Mrs. Coyle’s room, and Primary Chorus members who are in 3rd or 5th grade
report to Mrs. Vicendese’s room. Students may wear festive attire in holiday colors, but winter uniforms are fine, too.
Students may not wear jeans, t-shirts, sneakers, shorts or sleeveless tops.
Christmas Break Begins on Friday, December 19th – Noon Dismissal: Friday, December 19th is our last day
of school before Christmas break. There are NO PM Buses, so all students will be car riders at our NOON dismissal. AM
buses will be available. AFTERCARE is NOT in session on Friday. School reopens on Monday, January 5, 2015.
Thank You to the Baking Committee: Thank you to Mrs. Diana Windsor and to all the members of the Baking
Committee for the splendid Christmas breakfast that they so kindly prepared for the faculty and staff. We were
overwhelmed by their generosity in making such delicious treats for us. Thank you for making us feel so special.
Morning Drop-off: Recently, we have noticed cars pulling into the parking lots aisles, driving up to the cones to drop
off students, and putting cars in reverse to back down the aisle to exit. This creates an unsafe situation for parents and
students who park and walk into the building. If you do not wish to park and walk your child into the building, we ask
that you use the drop-off loop around in front of the school building. Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to
ensure a safe morning drop-off routine.
Christmas Collection: Thank you for your overwhelming response to our Christmas collection for the children and
adults served by the St. Vincent de Paul Society. We filled a van with toys, backpacks, and personal care items! There will
be many smiles as a result of your generosity. Thank you to Dr. Sniezek and to Matt Sniezek (SLS alumnus) who kindly
delivered the gifts on our behalf.
SLS Umbrellas: Rain, rain, go away! A new order of SLS umbrellas has arrived; they are for sale in the school office.
The new price is $20 each. They are navy blue with a white school logo, and have a push button operation, making them
a great gift for someone on your Christmas list! Come in to the office to see one for yourself!
St. Nicholas Day: St. Nicholas visited St. Louis School on Friday, the day before his December 6th feast day. He read to
the children in Pre-K through 4th grade, brought candy canes for all, and received many hugs. Every classroom received a
gift from St. Nicholas that was delivered by children who are named Nicholas or Nicole. It was a great day! We are
especially grateful to St. Nicholas who visited us during this very busy time.
Adding Red and Green to Uniforms: To further help everyone get into the Christmas spirit the students may add
red and green to their school uniform (including Christmas socks) on Wednesday, December 17th (Reindeer Races day),
and Thursday, December 18th (Buddy Bingo day). We are looking forward to these festive events.
Weather Delays and School Closings: In the event of inclement weather, we follow the Howard County Public
School System with regard to closings and delays. In the event of a delay or closing, you will also receive an email
notification directly from us. Please check your email. Please do not call the school office or the parish office. If the
opening of school is delayed 2 hours, Before Care will open 2 hours late (at 9:30 a.m.).
Girls on the Run: Congratulations to our “Girls on the Run” team who completed their first 5K on December 6th. The
girls have trained for the last several months under the direction of their amazing head coach, Mrs. Karin Lawrence, and
their dedicated assistant coaches and parent volunteers. These adults mentored the girls, encouraging them every step
of the way, and imparted valuable life skills including the importance of hard work and determination. We are very
proud of the girls and their extraordinary coaches!
Shen Yun 2015 - Reviving 5,000 Years of Civilization: Shen Yun Performing Arts, the world's premier classical
Chinese dance and music companies, returns with an all new performance for 2015! For all 2015 Shen Yun tickets
purchased by St. Louis parishioners, families, friends and alumni, a 10% matching contribution will be made to SLS. Show
times and tickets are available at ShenYun.com, Columbia Mall, Modell Lyric or Kennedy Center. Purchase your tickets by
January 15 and receive a bonus desktop calendar with gorgeous dance photos. Look for the flyer coming home today.
Dates to Remember
Please visit the SLS website for the entire school calendar which lists all clubs and regular school activities. The following
dates are out-of-the-ordinary items to note.
 Tuesday, December 16th
 School time Band lessons for Concert Band
 No after school clubs or after school Band rehearsal
 SLS Christmas Program – 7:00 p.m. (John Evans Gym) – doors open at 6:30 p.m. for seating; students in
K, 2, 4, 6, & 8 arrive at 6:30 p.m.
 Wednesday, December 17th
 Reindeer Races during school time
 Thursday, December 18th
 Buddy Bingo during school time
 School time Band lessons for Beginner Band and Symphonic
 No after school Band rehearsal
 Friday, December 19th
 Christmas celebrations in the classrooms
 Prayer in church at 11:30 a.m.
 Noon dismissal; No PM Buses; No Aftercare
 St. Louis Parish Family Fitness Night - 7:00-8:30 p.m. - John Evans Memorial Gym
 Saturday, December 20th
 Advent Day of Prayer, "Putting Christ back in Advent" - the Shrine of St. Anthony - 10am-3pm
 Sunday, December 21st
 Fourth Sunday of Advent
 Monday, January 5th
 School resumes
Student Council News
Reindeer Races Return: On Wednesday, December 17th, we will gather in the gym to watch with great anticipation
as each homeroom’s decorated reindeer makes its way around the “world.” Each homeroom buys tickets to make the
reindeer “run.” Tickets will be on sale each morning during homeroom until Wednesday, December 17. Tickets are 25
cents each or 5/$1.00. The more tickets your child’s homeroom has in the mix, the better the chance that their reindeer
will win the race! The winning homeroom receives a prize; everyone helps to spread the joy of Christmas to others by
buying tickets, the proceeds of which will be sent to The Mustard Seed Fund for needy families of St. Louis parish, and to
our sister parish in Haiti. Thank you for your support!
HSA News
NEW! St. Louis School Gold & Silver Charms/Pendants & Lapel Pins: Cherish your memories of St. Louis
School with a custom-designed, personalized, keepsake charm/pendant or lapel pin in silver ($40) or 10k gold ($125).
Samples of these timeless gifts are available at the school reception desk and are still available for sale. Contact Mrs.
Maureen Jameson at mcgarvey1@yahoo.com or Mrs. Kathy Kelley kkelley1217@verizon.net with any questions.
SCRIP: We will continue to sell SCRIP in the parking lot before school this week and after weekend masses where
coverage is available.
In response to numerous requests, we will be switching to $100 denomination GIANT gift cards after the current supply
of cards is exhausted. Also, Great Lakes Scrip has FOOD LION available once again. We do not plan to stock it, but are
happy to order it for you. We will resume placing orders when we return after Christmas break.
See's Candy Get it While it Lasts! We have a limited supply of See's Candy left for the holidays. Order forms were
sent home, providing you with the opportunity to stock up on these little gems. Each box is only $6.00 and is great for
gifting! These little treats are also a great way to give a gift card: just attach the card to the festive box, add a little bow,
and voila, you have a beautiful package with a sweet treat! Place your order soon before we are sold out!
St. Nick Night Thank You! Thank you to everyone who joined us for St. Nick Night! We had wonderful volunteers
and happy families who contributed to making the evening fun and festive! Based upon the turnout and all the happy
faces, St. Nick Night was once again a huge success! We could not have done it without all of our wonderful volunteers
but a special thank you to Mrs. Anne Reed and Mrs. Anita Skelton! Congratulations to the Romano family! They won the
fabulous raffle box filled with goodies! Peace and Good Will to All!
Red Robin Spirit Night: Last week we filled Red Robin in Columbia with SLS spirit! Thank you to Mrs. Teresa Shafer
who organized this delightful evening of socializing, good food, and fundraising.
Jeans & Jerseys: Our annual Parent Social will be held after the holidays on Friday, January 23rd.
Preparations are underway for this fun and casual evening, but we need your help to make it a successful and exciting
event! Each year our different classes donate items for gift baskets which we then auction off to the highest bidder. The
baskets are always a big hit because of your generosity! Take a look at the list that was sent home last week when you
are doing your Christmas shopping. Then get your thinking cap on to make your child's basket the very best! If you have
any questions, please contact Janice Schneider at Janice.Schneider@ars.usda.gov
Student and Alumni Spotlight
Irish Dancers: Congratulations to several of our current students and graduates who competed in the Irish Dancing
Regional Championships recently held in Orlando, Florida. As a result of his exceptional performance, Patrick DeBoy (7B)
qualified for both the North American Championships and the World Championships. Ellie Ortel’s (7A) outstanding
performance also ranked her in the top half of her age group. Gillian Tepe (3B) competed in the team championships for
the first time and danced beautifully. SLS graduates Saoirse DeBoy (’13), Katie Ortel (’12) and Lindsey Conley (’13) each
performed extraordinarily well in their respective age groups. How proud we are of these talented dancers who are
dedicated to their craft.
From the Health Room
Strep throat has been reported in several grades at St. Louis School. People with strep throat can spread the disease
to others until 24 hours after antibiotic treatment or for 10-21 days if untreated. If your child is diagnosed with strep,
he/she must be treated for a full 24 hours before returning to school. Please keep your child home if he/she does not
feel well or has a fever, sore throat, or serious cold symptoms. This will help to prevent the spread of strep. If you have
any questions, please contact the Health Room at 410-531-7936.
Parish and Community News
Upcoming Advent & Christmas events at the Shrine of St. Anthony: (Click here for details)
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Christmas Concert 7-9pm, Saturday, December 20, with reception following. Please RSVP (cost $20 per
person in advance, $25 per person at the door.)
New Year's Eve Adoration at 9:30pm, Mass at 10pm
Items Moved to the SLS Website (Click here to see previous bulletins.)
December 3 Bulletin
Archdiocese of Baltimore Standards and Curriculum
Please be a Courteous Driver
“Thank You” Baking Committee!
2nd Grade Basketball
FREE flu vaccine
Student Spotlight
Alumni News
Saint John’s Catholic Prep Athletic “Meet & Greet”
Mount St. Joseph High School Mothers’ Club Vera
Bradley/Coach/Longaberger Basket Bingo
November 19 Bulletin
School Mass
Cold Weather
Out-of-Uniform Day
Happy Thanksgiving
Absolutely Advent!
A Service Day “Thank You”
“Thank You” to the Service Club
Reminder to order your Poinsettias
St. Louis Parish Family Fitness Night
Children’s Christmas Liturgy
Papers sent home last week
Shen Yun Performing Arts flyer
See’s Candy order form
Jeans & Jerseys class baskets flyer
Electronic Attachments
None today
Please pray for those who are sick
Kathleen Duckhorn, former teacher at St. Louis School
Margaret McDermott, mother of Mrs. Sanagursky (lunchroom coordinator)
Genevieve Bentley, mother-in-law of Mrs. Fran Bentley (2A assistant) and grandmother of Emma (5A)
Lori Doughty, mother of Max (2B) and Lola (2A) Doughty
Tom Layug, uncle of Meghan (8A) Layug
Richard Bonlie, friend of the Roberts family
Venezia Ferraro Shiblie, SLS Class of 2008 and sister of Sienna (8B) Ferraro Shiblie
Ralph J. Stroud, grandfather of Tyler (4A) Windsor
Jack L. Sheeler, grandfather of Megan (3B) and Jack (3A) Sheeler
Morgan Walton, former SLS student
Mandy Rust, cousin of Michael West (6B)
Margie Peters, grandmother of Jennifer, David, Melissa, Megan (SLS graduates) and Michael (5B)
Jess Granone, friend of the Rew family
Brooke Weiss, cousin of Noah (7A)
Robert Troyan, great grandfather of Theron Jones (2B)
Karen Kopp, sister of Mrs. Whatley (Coordinator of Academic Affairs)
Becky Wolfe, friend of Mrs. Whatley (Coordinator of Academic Affairs)
Richard Bingham, friend of Ms. Peterson
Frani Fink, friend of Ms. Peterson
Mrs. Carolyn Beach, mother of Mrs. Boos (School Lunch Program Coordinator)
Anna Benton, friend of the Kelly family (SLS graduates Peter and Caroline Kelly)
George Riedmiller, great-uncle of Julian Young (5A)
Catherine Sanagursky, daughter of Mrs. Sanagursky (Lunch Room Monitor)
Louis Harding, father of Mrs. Douglass (SLS Receptionist)
Terry Kratz, sister of Mrs. Schenk (Library Aide)
James McCabe, grandfather of Tristen DeVarona (5A)
Mia Castellan, cousin of James (KA) and Jack (PKB) Pettiford
Theodore Langevin, Sr., great grandfather of Megan (SLS graduate) and Molly (4A) Penn
Please pray for those who have died
Arthur Miles, brother-in-law of Mrs. Maureen Hurst (bookkeeper)
John Zeller, great uncle of Olivia (1B) and Sofia (3B) Morabito
Robert Ryder, grandfather of Emily (4A) and Katie (6B)
Jennie Jeppi, great-grandmother of Kelly (7B) and Eric (4B) Key and Michael (8B)Corriere
Joseph Parker, father-in-law of Mrs. Margaret Parker (KB teacher)
Phil Brotzman, uncle of Mr. Rich Brotzman (Technology Coordinator); great uncle of Ben (SLS alumnus),
Zach (8A) and Amanda (6A) Brotzman
Margaret Kelly, grandmother of Peter and Caroline Kelly (SLS alumni)
Thomas Mastroianni, grandfather of Dean (7A) and Alicia (SLS graduate) Mastroianni
Moragan Happ, sister-in-law of Ms. Sandy Osborne (music teacher)
Janet Warden, aunt of Mr. Norman Belden (physical education teacher)
Chester Hildreth, great-grandfather of Lucy (1A) Stever
Margaret Bowes, sister-in-law of Mr. Larry Bowes (facilities staff)
Paul Douglass, father- in-law of Mrs. Donna Douglass (PAC receptionist), and grandfather of Eileen, Kate, and Jack
Douglass (SLS alumni)
Frank Curran, former St. Louis school parent, and father of Emily (SLS alumna)
Michael Melendez, cousin of Mrs. Barbara Hession (4th grade teacher)
Cierra Holmes, aunt of Ava Holmes (Pre-KA)
William Frearson, grandfather of Olivia (3B) and Anna (KA) Benzing
Francis (Cheech) DeMarino, friend of the Salter, Salkeld, Jagtiani, and Munro families
Patricia Goudreau, mother-in-law of Mrs. Anne Goudreau (2A teacher), and grandmother of Amy, Laura, and Tricia
Goudreau (SLS alumni)
Ethan Jordan Manalo, cousin of John Paul (2B) and Elise (PK) Millar
Anne Fitzsimmons, grandmother of Emily (SLS alumna), John (6A), and Christina (2A)
Michael Kelly, friend of Ms. Peterson
Rose Wilkinson, friend of the Musselman family
Jim Hession, Sr., father-in-law of Mrs. Hession (4A)
Patricia Gelak, mother of Tommy (SLS graduate) and Mary Kate (8A)
Harold Buehler, father of Mrs. Anne Goudreau (2A teacher) and Mrs. Susan Dragonette (SCRIP volunteer), and
grandfather of Luke (4B), Timmy, Kevin, and Matthew (SLS graduates) Dragonette and Tricia, Laura, and Amy (SLS
graduates) Goudreau
Please also pray for all members of our military
LCDR Matthew Bradley, father of Madelyn and Ryan (PKB) Bradley
If you wish to add someone to our prayer list, please email Mrs. Lisa McCarthy at lmccarthy@stlouisparish.org.