*You might want to get a cup of coffe prior to starting this... :-)

Registration Day--Monday, August 24, from 11:00-1:00
Your child’s room assignment will be posted on a chalkboard in the schoolyard and outside each classroom. Registration of students in Grades 1-8 will be in each classroom. Registration of Kindergarten children who already have siblings in the school will be in the Lower Church. (Registration for NEW Kindergarten families happened on Sunday, August 23!) There are no classes on Registration Day, and therefore, student attendance is optional. If students do accompany parents, uniforms are not worn. Since this is considered the first day of school, the parent must check in with each child’s teacher. Remember, no child will be registered on this day if the first tuition payment of the year (due on August 10) has not been paid.


Registration Forms Available On The Website: www.stceciliaschool.org


Auditorium on Registration Day
The following groups will have tables in the auditorium where you can check in, sign up, purchase items, or ask questions:
Music teachers
Drama Club
Altar Servers
Boys and Girls Athletics
Men’s Club
Uniform Exchange
Extended Care
Nob Hill Catering (Hot Lunch program for Tuesdays and Thursdays)
Mothers’ Club spirit items: school sweatshirts, etc.

FOUR MANDATORY FORMS FOR REGISTRATION DAY—ONE PER CHILD—Return to each child’s teacher on Registration Day, August 24, 11:00-1:00.

Form A--Universal Medical Information/Emergency Contact/Release and Consent Form
Each child must have an accurate form on file in the school office. We will not accept a child into St. Cecilia School without this completed form.

Form B Information For Class Register And School List For 2009-2010

Form C--Medical Release And Consent To Treatment of Child
This form provides school authorities with the necessary information and permission to act promptly in case of an emergency. It is important to list as many people as possible and inform them that you are doing so! Listing only one or two persons limits your options in case of an emergency. Make sure you provide the names of at least FOUR individuals (other than parents) who speak at least minimal English, who live not more than twenty minutes away by car, and who have automobile transportation. You may attach additional names and phone numbers if you wish! Parents should notify the office if there is a change in telephone numbers.

Form E--St. Cecilia Sports: Goals and Participation Rules (for Students in Grades 3-8 who play CYO sports)

Form D--ONE PER FAMILY—Return to the oldest child’s teacher. Parent/Student Handbook Agreement Sheet--Due Wednesday, August 26, 2009.


OPTIONAL FORMS
Form F--Student Cumulative Record/Release of Directory Information
Form G--Counseling Release
Form H--Mothers’ Club Volunteer Sheet
Form I-- Room Parents Volunteers
Form J—Birthday Book Club Order
Form K-- Scrip Order
Form L-- Hot Lunch Volunteers
Form M—Music Department Contract
Form N—Music Makeup Policy
Form O—SC Spirit Shop Order
Form P—School Parent Volunteer
Form Q--Extended Care Registration
Application To Be An Altar Server
Recommitment To Be An Altar Server



Family Fees
Annual Family Fees will be collected on Registration Day. Fees will be collected per family in your oldest child’s classroom:
One Child Family $ 45
Two Children Per Family $ 65
Three Children Per Family $ 85
Four Children Per Family $105
In addition to supporting the many services and activities of the Mothers' Club which benefit all children these fees include a classroom donation to the Parish Festival and the Mothers' Club Fundraiser, and a class gift to the classroom teacher for his/her birthday and an end of the year gift. There should not be any more monetary collections during the school year. Please make your check payable to: St. Cecilia Mothers’ Club. It will be collected from the representative in your oldest child’s classroom.



Put Your St. Cecilia Spirit On Display And Shop For Your SC Items on Registration Day!
Don’t get caught at a school, parish, or CYO event without your prized St. Cecilia spirit items. Visit the SC spirit items table on registration day and stock up on t-shirts, sweatshirts, shorts and water bottles (aluminum, BPA-free). All items will be on display. Sizes and quantities are limited. Click here for the order form and bring your check made payable to the St. Cecilia Mothers’ Club on August 24. For questions, e-mail Randa Ghnaim at jrluppino@comcast.net or Kathleen Kelly at kkelly415@gmail.com


Athletic Fees
Please be prepared for both soccer and volleyball tryouts and practices to begin on the first day of school. Check with the Athletic Directors in the auditorium on Registration Day for the schedule. Athletic Fees for the year will be:
1 child--1 sport $110
1 child --2 or more sports $190
2 children--2 or more sports $380
3 children--2 or more sports $570



St. Cecilia Sports: Goals and Participation Rules (for Students in Grades 3-8 who play CYO sports)
As part of an effort toward the continuous improvement of the St. Cecilia Athletic Program, the Athletic Board is requiring that anybody who plans to participate in any of our Sports Programs (Basketball, Soccer, Baseball, Volleyball, and/or Track) to read this document and hand in the signature acknowledgement section at the bottom. This acknowledgement will be necessary before any child can participate. Click here for the policy.

Please bring this form with you on Registration Day to the auditorium when you pay your Athletic Fees for the 2009—2010 school year. If you don’t plan to pay for your Athletic Fees in person, be sure to include this signed form when you send in your fees.



Faculty News
Congratulations to Mr. Adam Vincent (Social Studies Grs. 7-8 and Art Grs. 5-6) who was married on June 6 and to Mrs. Allie (Porto) Holtshouser (Gr. 4 Rm. 17) who was married on June 20! Welcome to Mrs. Nancy Murphy (mother of Lucy in Gr. 5 and Grace in Gr. 3) who will be a part time aide in the Kindergarten. Mrs. Adeline Barajas who has been an aide in the Kindergarten will move to Grade 5 as a part time aide!



Thanks!!
Again this summer we made major improvements in our school plant: Replacing linoleum at the entry to the auditorium and in the women’s restroom by the auditorium, painting benches and some classrooms, installing energy efficient lights throughout the school, sealing and lining the schoolyard. You will notice how our plant looks so clean and bright!



Thanks to:
Sister Catherine and Jose Robles and Raul Ponce for making sure that blinds and light fixtures are sparkling and that all the floors are polished!

Laura and Joe Marchini who donated the services of their window washing company to clean the outside windows of our school!

The Mother’s Club and the Festival Committee for their fantastic fundraising efforts. Our faculty and students will benefit from a new reading program for Grades K-5, a new literature program for Grades 6-8, and 35 new laptops and a new cart to “house” them. We also purchased new computers for the office staff!

Our S.C. parents and parishioners for their financial support

The school’s Finance Committee for their sound financial planning



Schoolyard Clean Up
The Men of St. Cecilia welcome all volunteers on Saturday, August 22, for the annual schoolyard clean up in preparation for the first day of school. Schedule: 8:30A.M. Donuts. 9 A.M.-- Clean up and Paint. Contact Ray Williamson (415)587-7329 for more information.



Kindergarten Play Date
Saturday, August 22, 2009, 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Parkside Square Playground, Vicente and 28th Avenue All incoming AM and PM Kindergarten students and families are invited to join us for bagels, juice, coffee, and an opportunity for you and your child to get acquainted (or re-acquainted) with other incoming Kindergarten students and their families before the first day of school. Siblings are welcome! St. Cecilia School sweatshirts and t-shirts will be available for purchase for any parents who are interested. Please RSVP to Lisa Presta at 415-681-1049.



Mandatory New Kindergarten Parent Information Night
In an effort to streamline Registration Day for Kindergarten families, we will have an Information Night for NEW Kindergarten parents on Sunday, August 23, from 7:00-9:00 P.M., in the Lower Church. This meeting is for parents only, and at least one parent per family must attend.
At this time, Mrs. Eileen Donohoe (KPM teacher) and Mrs. Teri Watters (KAM teacher) will explain Kindergarten procedures and answer questions. Mrs. Melanie Manning, Extended Care Director, will also clarify Extended Care issues.
Parents should bring:
Completed Registration forms downloaded from the website
Your child’s school supplies
Family Fee--$ 45 (Make check payable to: St. Cecilia Mothers’ Club)

On Registration Day, Monday, August 24, 11:00-1:00, NEW KINDERGARTEN parents, can bring their child to the Lower Church to meet Mrs. Donohoe and Mrs. Watters if you would like. You can also go to the school auditorium to register for music lessons and/or Extended Care.




Parent Welcome
The Mothers’ Club invites all parents to the auditorium for coffee and donuts on the first day of school, Tuesday, August 25, beginning at 8:10 A.M. Parents with children in the P.M. Kindergarten are welcome to join us in the auditorium either before your designated school arrival time or after you leave your child in the classroom. This is a nice way to catch up with the summer news and/or to meet new friends!



SCHEDULE FOR ALL GRADES

Tuesday, August 25 and Wednesday, August 26—Minimum Day All Grades
Kindergarten A. M. session 8:10-10:10
Kindergarten P. M. session 10:30-12:30
Grades 1-8 8:10-12:30

GRADES 2-8 begin REGULAR SCHEDULE on Thursday, August 27.
8:10-3:00 (M, T, Th, F) 8:10-2:30 ( W )

GRADES K-1 have MINIMUM DAY SCHEDULE from Tuesday, August 25 through Monday, August 31.
Kindergarten A. M. session 8:10-10:10
Kindergarten P. M. session 10:30-12:30
Grade 1 8:10-12:30
Arrangements should be made for Kindergarten students and First Graders to be picked up on minimum days since there is no supervision provided except for those enrolled in the Extended Care program.

Monday, August 31 MINIMUM DAY FOR ALL GRADES—Teacher In-Service

Tuesday, September 1 the Kindergarten and First Grades will begin a FULL DAY session.
Kindergarten A. M. 8:10-11:45
Kindergarten P. M. 11:25—3:00
Grade 1 8:10—3:00 ( M, T, Th, F ) 8:10--2:30 ( W )




Parent/Student Handbook
The Parent/Student Handbook can be downloaded from the school’s website or you may request a copy from the school office. This handbook (Click here) is for your reference and information. It contains school and Archdiocesan policies and should be referred to if you have questions. Please download the Parent/Student Handbook Response Sheet (Click here), sign it, and return it to school by Wednesday, August 26.


Drive –Through
We encourage parents to use the Drive-Through system. It works quite well and eliminates the problem of finding parking! Cars waiting for Drive-Through should line up on 18th Avenue between Wawona and Vicente Streets, rather than lining up on Vicente Street! Do not block driveways! New families, please put the child’s name in BIG, DARK letters in your windshield!

PLEASE DO NOT DOUBLE PARK ON VICENTE OR 18TH AVENUE TO DROP OFF OR PICK UP! PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN THE DRIVEWAY TO THE SCHOOLYARD ON 18TH AVENUE! PLEASE DO NOT JAYWALK!
LET'S BE SAFE OUT THERE!


Drive Through Volunteers Needed ASAP!
We are looking for volunteers for the morning drop- off, starts at 7:45 A.M. and ends at 8:10 A.M. The afternoon pick-up starts at 2:55 P.M. and ends at 3:10 P.M. (Wednesday 2:25 P.M. until 2:40P.M.). Please email Madeleine Galletti at madgalletti@gmail.com with the day and shift you would prefer. Madeleine will put the schedule together as soon as possible and get a copy to all who wish to help out. Many thanks in advance.



Scrip Update
Welcome back to school! Let’s start the school year off right with 3 simple ways in which you can easily participate in fundraising for our school:

a) Scrip Gift Card Program:
Remember scrip gift card orders are filled every Thursday, and this is the easiest way for our school to earn money. Click here for the new order form for this school year. Please do not use previous order forms as there have been vendor changes for this year.

b) eScrip:
Renew your grocery and debit cards on eScrip. Shop using those registered cards between August 12 and September 15 and eScrip will donate 10% back to our school! If you have not yet enrolled, registration is free and easy. For more information or to join eScrip: www.escrip.com or 1-800-592-0942.
St. Cecilia Parish group ID #136952501. For current members: You must RENEW your annual membership by NOV. 1, 2009 by visiting www.escrip.com, click "members/supporters", click "myescrip"

Lucky S.H.A.R.E.S. cards
Help our school earn 3% when shopping at Lucky Supermarkets. We just recently received a check for $450!). Simply swipe the S.H.A.R.E.S. card before paying for your groceries (whether you pay by cash, check, credit, debit or gift card). If you do not have a Shares Card, contact Elaine Shanahan who will send one to you via your oldest child. Contact scrip coordinator Elaine Shanahan, 269-5562 or Shanfam@pacbell.net, with questions about any of this. Thanks for your support of our school!




Hot Lunch Program
Our Hot Lunch program has changed this year! We will no longer have the Tuesday pizza, hotdog, hamburger, and pasta lunches! Instead, we have contracted with LunchMaster which is part of Nob Hill Catering to prepare and deliver lunches on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning September 8. There are 8 choices from which to choose each Tuesday and Thursday! Click here for more information. Reps from Nob Hill Catering will be in the auditorium on Registration Day to answer questions.

Parents should request a login and password at www.nobhillcatering.com Your password will be emailed to you within 48 hours. You may also call 650-596-8008 to request a login and password over the phone. Parents must place their order at least 1 week ahead, and may change their order up to the day before! Parents may also order for up to two months at one time.

Parents must print out lunch tickets for each child. We recommend that parents place them in a Ziploc bag in their child’s backpack, so that they will have them when they need them!

Hot Lunch Volunteers
We need 7 or eight volunteers each Tuesday and Thursday, from 11:00 until 1:15, to assist students in picking up their meals. There is no cooking or food prep! Click here for the volunteer sheet!



IOWA Testing
On Monday, September 21, we will begin IOWA Testing for Grades 2-8. Check the September calendar for the exact dates of the testing. Students should not be leaving for appointments on these days.

Students with documented learning disabilities on file in the Principal’s Office are eligible for extended time. To qualify, the students’ testing evaluation must be current (within three years) and administered by a credentialed school psychologist or a licensed educational psychologist. Parents whose child qualifies for IOWA testing modifications will receive a letter next week with their child. If you have questions about this Archdiocesan policy, please contact Sister Marilyn.


Hair Regulations
Both boys and girls need to comb their hair before coming to school each morning. Hair should be neat with bangs above the eyebrows. Hair should not be covering one side of the face! Boys’ hair should be above and not touching the shirt collar. Shaved heads and blade cuts less than “two” are not acceptable. Tails and spiked hairstyles are not permitted. No student will be admitted to school with bleached or dyed hair. Any designer-type or fad haircut is expressly forbidden. Students who come to school with an objectionable haircut may be prohibited from attending school until the haircut is remedied.

Boys are to be clean-shaven at all times.

Scrunches, hair clips, hair bands, etc. must be in the hair, not worn on the wrist.



Uniforms
All students are expected to be in perfect uniform on Tuesday, August 25. Uniforms are purchased at Classic Designs, 1515 Taraval St., San Francisco, CA 94116 415-661-4700 www.eclassicdesigns.com

Girls are not allowed to wear make-up, nail polish, acrylic nails, multiple, dangling, or hoop earrings. A single post in each ear is acceptable. Boys are not to wear earrings. Neither boys nor girls wear necklaces or bracelets. Wearing one watch is acceptable!

School sweaters are required for formal school assemblies and school Masses. Blocks and Stars from Sports Awards for Grades 7-8 are sewn on the lower right of the sweater. School sweatshirts are not worn in the classrooms. If students choose to wear a sweatshirt outside at recess times, it must be a St. Cecilia School sweatshirt. All boys must wear a belt!

Shoes for boys and girls (K-8):
All white leather, low-cut, tie or velcro tennis shoe with court sole (no zipper style shoes) White leather Keds are acceptable.

Birthday Book Club
The goal of the Birthday Book Club is to add quality literature to our school library as well as to replace some well-read favorites. It is designed to involve the children in a special way by having them donate a newly purchased hardcover book to the library in honor of their birthday or a special occasion. Thanks to Luana Letele, Ann Caltagirone, and Mona Burke for coordinating the Birthday Book Club! Click here for more information and for the list of available books.



Keyboarding Class
Grades 4, 5, 6 Mrs. Watters (KAM teacher) will be offering a Keyboarding Class for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders again this year. The class will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays (7:25 A.M.-7:55 A.M.) from September 8 through December 3. Watch for a flyer that will be given to the students on Wednesday, August 26. Registration forms are due to Mrs. Watters by Tuesday, September 1.



OTHER ITEMS

Altar Server Application/Recommitment for Grades 5-8
Click here for the Application Form Or the Recommitment Form. These forms will be available in the auditorium on Registration Day. However, it would be great if you would download them ahead of time and bring the completed forms to Luana Letele in the auditorium on Registration Day!


Girls’ Volleyball
ATTENTION PARENTS: Mary Ann Paul is still looking for volleyball coaches in the following grades:
3rd grade - 2 coaches
5th grade - 1 coach
6th grade - 2 coaches
7th grade - 1 coach
8th grade - 1 coach
If you are interested in coaching, please call the athletic office at 415 664 6905 ext. 2 and leave a message.


Volleyball Open Gym
Mary Ann will have the gym open for girls who want to refine their volleyball skills before tryouts. Please come ONLY at your designated time. Parents WILL NOT be allowed into the Pavilion during open gym and tryouts. Remember this is NOT mandatory. There will be NO team selection at this time.
If you have any questions, please call the athletic phone at 415 664 6905 ext. 2.

Tuesday, August 25
3rd Grade 4:00-5:00 P.M.
4th Grade 5:00-6:00 P.M.
7th Grade 6:00-7:00 P.M.

Wednesday August 26
5th Grade 4:00-5:00 P.M.
6th Grade 5:00-6:00 P.M.
8th Grade 6:00-7:00 P.M.



Volleyball Tryout Schedule
Remember that parents, siblings, and anyone who is not an athlete will not be allowed in the Pavilion during these times. Also, parents please pick up your daughter immediately after tryouts because they WILL NOT be allowed to wait in the Pavilion.

Thursday August 27
3rd Grade 4:00-5:00 P.M. (team selection)
4th Grade 5:30-6:15 P.M. (1st try-out)
5th Grade 6:30-7:15 P.M. (1st try-out)
7th Grade 7:30-8:30 P.M. (team selection)

Friday August 28
4th Grade 4:00-5:00 P.M. (team selection)
5th Grade 5:30-6:30 P.M. (team selection)
6th Grade 7:00-8:00 P.M. (team selection)
8th Grade 8:30-9:30 P.M. (team selection)



Mandatory Coaches’ Meetings
There will be a Mandatory Coaches’ Meeting in the Lower Church for all new AND returning coaches pertaining to all of our athletic programs on Tuesday, August 25. All new coaches and/or those wanting to coach, and have not done so in the past, your attendance is required starting at 7:00 P.M. For all returning coaches, your attendance is required starting at 7:30PM.

The first part of the meeting will run from 7:00 -- 7:20 P.M. and will cover material pertinent to new coaches only. The balance of the meeting will start at 7:30 P.M. and will cover material for both new and returning coaches. We plan to discuss participation rules, coaching guidelines, and other topics related to the newly revised Athletic Handbook. Thanks and Welcome Back to School---From Your SC Athletic Board



IMPORTANT DATES
Sacramental Parent Meetings
Tuesday, September 1, at 7:30 in the Lower Church (Confirmation, Reconciliation, Eucharist)

Back to School Nights—Students do not attend!
Wednesday, September 2, 7:00, for Grades K-6
Wednesday, September 9, 7:00 for Grades 7-8

School Pictures
Thursday, September 3 for Grades 5-8
Friday, September 4 or Grades K-4

Labor Day—NO SCHOOL Monday, September 7

New Parent Meeting Thursday, September 10, at 7:30 P.M., in the Lower Church

Head Room Mothers’ Meeting Thursday, September 24, 7:30, Lower Church

MINIMUM DAY-- Teacher In-Service--Monday, September 28

Mothers’ Club Board Wednesday, September 30, 6:30, Serra Room

Mothers’ Club Meeting Wednesday, September 30, 7:00, Lower Church


*Well how did it go? Next week's eNewsletter should be shorter - we hope! See you then.