Veni, Sancte Spiritus...Come, Holy Spirit October Fruit of the Spirit - Joy

October 3, 2016 Dear All Saints Catholic School Families, As a way of marking the one year anniversary of Pope Francis' visit to the United States, I have been reading "The Allure of Goodness and Love", a collection of the complete texts of the Pope's speeches and homilies from throughout his visit. In his meeting with the children from Our Lady, Queen of the Angels School in Harlem, he emphasizes with them the value of a Catholic school, "School ends up being one big family. A family where, together with our mothers and fathers, our grandparents, our teachers and friends, we learn to help one another, to share our good qualities, to give the best of ourselves, to work as a team, for that is very important, and to pursue our dreams." (p.61) He then reminds them that the adults are involved in their lives to help them "move forward". Helping our children to move forward means guiding them to become the best version of themselves. This requires us as the adults to hold our children and ourselves to the highest standards spiritually, academically, socially, and physically. Through faith, we know that Joy, the fruit of the Spirit that we are focused on in this month of October is the result of the deep knowledge of God's love for us even when we face challenging circumstances. Mr. John Cawthray, a parent of three former students and a firefighter injured in the fire on Saturday, September 24, 2016, came for an informal visit to our building this past week as he attempts to "move forward" after the tragedy of that fire. After his visit, he posted the following on Facebook: "It is weird, this whole grieving process. I have such a great support system at home and at work and with all my friends but today I needed something just a little different, a little familiar. I stopped at a place today that I had gone to for 5 years but haven't been there recently because my kids no longer go to school there. It was All Saints Catholic School ... I was lucky enough to say prayers and do the Pledge of Allegiance and just sit and talk and laugh with the kids for a few minutes. I saw a lot of the teachers and staff that I had come to know over the years and it was just what I needed." This reflects the beautiful interplay of taking the best of who we are as a Catholic school family and allowing it to support us in our forward movement. As a school we are in a period of transition, a time of change. Change can be exciting but it can also be scary. Often in change, we focus on what might be lost. This focus may lead to fear. It is in focusing on the possibilities and opportunities associated with change that we will experience excitement.

We want to ensure that we maintain the best of who we are as we move into the future as a thriving Catholic school. I am grateful for the positive attitude that so many have expressed in this time of leadership transition. Increased enrollment and financial stability are two interconnected goals which are foundational to our other goals for moving our school into the future. As part of a new enrollment initiative, we would like to build upon the "family atmosphere" so prevalent in our school. We will be holding monthly "shadow days" for perspective students beginning in November. These days will allow for up to three student visitors per class on a specific day of the month to experience our school first-hand. I invite each family to consider inviting a neighbor, friend or family member to consider joining our ASCS School family and experience the joy of our school community. Now is the time to begin inviting! Dates and details will be published in the near future. To establish financial stability, we must first understand where we are. We will hold a community meeting in January to share our current fiscal reality and make plans for our future together. In this moment, I ask each family to make every effort to remain current on tuition payments. I am acutely aware of the sacrifices that you make for your children to attend our school. During his visit this past week, Bishop Malooly gave the children a homework assignment to thank you, their parents and guardians for providing them with a Catholic education. Because we are tuition based, we rely on tuition to pay our teachers, who work tirelessly for the children each day. Additionally, tuition funds our many operational and instructional expenses. Should you experience a financial challenge, I strongly encourage you to please contact me to avoid accruing late fees and additional charges. It is essential that we work in partnership to provide quality Catholic education for our children. Opportunities for active participation in our "School Family": Pray: Please pray for the repose of the souls of Lieutenant Christopher Leach and Senior Firefighter Jerry Fickes and for comfort and consolation for their families as well as for healing for the two firefighters who remain hospitalized: Brad Speakman and Ardythe Hope. In a special way, we gratefully remember Firefighter Cawthray and the blessing he brought to our building last week. We pray for his healing and the physical and emotional healing for all of our firefighters. We pray for the family who lost their home and their belongings. And as Jesus has taught us to pray for those who harm us, we pray for the woman who started the fire. Please remember all members of our school and supporting parishes in your daily prayers. Consider joining us for: Monday Morning Prayer in the Lower Level Gathering Space (7:50 am) Weekly Grade Level Masses on Wednesdays or Monthly School Masses (Thursday, October 6, 2016 at 10:00 am) Learn: Handbook - The 2016-2017 Parent/Student Handbook is available on the school website. There are a few adjustments that still need to be made. A sign-off form will be sent home with your child. Please sign and return to school by Friday, October 7, 2016. Your cooperation and attention to this is appreciated. Dress Down Days - Thursday, October 13, 2016 and Monday, October 31, 2016 (Halloween Colors) in support of our Firefighters in this month of October which is Fire Prevention Month. Students will donate $1 for the privilege of dressing down. Students are encouraged to earn, sacrifice (snack $) or use their own allowance for this service. Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences - Conferences are scheduled for Thursday, October 21 and Friday, October 22. Parents must schedule their own conference(s) with their child(ren)'s teachers. To schedule, click the appropriate link(s) below or for further instructions refer to the Announcement section of this update. Primary & Intermediate Middle School Specialists Student Shadow Days at ASCS - Invite neighbors, friends, family members to consider ASCS for their child(ren). Dates for student shadowing will be forthcoming.

Celebrate: HSA Serve-A-Thon - Friday, October 14, 2016 (Volunteers welcomed,needed, and appreciated) Reflect: Please take time to read this weekly letter with announcements to remain informed. This week's Daily Scripture Readings & Reflections

"Wherever there are dreams, wherever there is JOY, Jesus is always present."

~Pope Francis

Sincerely,

Dr. Mary Elizabeth Muir

Announcements/Activities Important Parent Information Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences - Conferences are scheduled for Thursday, October 21 and Friday, October 22. Parents must schedule their own conference(s) with their child(ren)'s teachers through our Sign-up Genius. Instructions for Parent/Teacher Conference Sign Up: First, find your student's teacher, then choose a date and time that works for you and is available. Check the box next to the time you would like, and then click "Submit and Sign Up" at the bottom. The next screen will ask you to confirm the teacher, date, and time, and then type in your student's name. It will also ask for your first and last name, as well as your e-mail address (in case we need to contact you regarding your conference). Then click Sign Up Now. If you need more than one conference, please repeat these steps as necessary. Please only choose one time slot per teacher, to allow every parent a chance to meet with the teacher. To schedule, click the appropriate link(s) below: Primary & Intermediate Middle School Specialists

The Delaware Department of Education School Transportation Office has informed the Catholic Schools Office of the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington that the transportation funding for non-public schools was not approved as a part of the state budget. Families in Catholic schools will not be receiving a transportation reimbursement for the 2016-17 school year. 8th Grade Parents: IMPORTANT! High School Placement Test (HSPT) information and registration information can be found on the ASCS website: http://www.ascsde.org/

... St. Ann's 5K for Fallen Firefighter and Clothing Donations Dear ASCS Families:

Please consider this Saturday's (10/8/16) "St. Ann's Mustang 5K", which benefits the family of Captain Christopher Leach. Proceeds will benefit the Leach family through St. Ann's Home and School Association. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., and the race begins at 9 a.m. Here is the website for the event flyer: https://www.thesaintannschool.org/uploaded/school_files/Mustang_5k_registration.pdf Our school has donated four bags of clothes to the children affected by the September fire. Please continue to send in clothes and keep up the good work! Thank you so much for your continued support! Mrs. Watts (6th Grade Teacher) The clothing items for the two sisters and children are as follows: Mom #1 - XL shirt, L pants (14), and 7.5-8 shoe Mom #2 - 3-4X shirt, XXL pants (24) and 7.5-8 shoe Son #1 - M shirt,10-12 pants (husky), 4 shoe Son #2 - L shirt, 16 pants, 9.5 shoe Son #3 - L shirt, 16 pants, 6 shoe Daughter #1 - S shirt, 8 pant, 1.5-2 shoe Daughter #2 - (2 years old) 24 months (2T), 6 baby shoe Daughter #3 - M shirt, 12 pants, 5.5 shoe

... Lunch Order Dates For lunches being served Monday, Oct.17, 2016 - Friday, Oct. 28, 2016:

Orders must be placed by 12M Monday, October 10, 2016 To view all lunch ordering deadline dates click below: http://www.ascsde.org/content

... Amazon Smile Remember...ASCS is registered with Amazon Smile. When you use this link to shop, our school will receive 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases. Amazon Smile Link

... Box Tops for Eduacation

Keep those box tops coming! Last year we earned $1,741 just by clipping and redeeming box

tops. Please send them in an envelope to Kadyn Carpenter (5th Grade).

HSA Events/Activities ASCS Serve-A-Thon ***IMPORTANT Serve-a-Thon information, click now: Serve-a-Thon Info

Volunteers are needed for the Serve-a-thon! Please click on the Sign Up Genius and see how you can help support the success of the Serve-a-thon. Thank you for all you do! Serve-a-thon Sign Up Genius Important dates for Serve-a-thon with additional Info Tuesday October11, 2016- Serve-a-thon donations OR ticket stubs with money are to be turned in to school! Friday, October 14, 2016- All Saints Catholic School Serve-a-thon From 9:00-11:00 a.m. students will take part in Community service projects Chick-fil-A will be served at each lunch period followed by fun activities in the afternoon. Wear your gym uniform, STEM shirt or spirit wear to school on this date -bring a bottle of water and pray for beautiful weather! Grand Prize drawing for Blue Rocks Luxury Suite! This prize package includes 20 tickets to the Luxury Suite, 10 VIP parking passes and a customized menu-a $700 value! "Living Our Faith" community service project The serve-a-thon is the kick-off to the year long community service program, "Living Our Faith." Each month, students are asked to perform Community service either at home, at a relative's or neighbor's home, nursing home, etc. NUT passes will be distributed to students who have completed their services hours for the preceding month. Service Requirements by grade level: Pre-K-2nd grade- 1 hour per month 3rd-5th grade- 2 hours per month 6th-8th grade- 3 hours per month NUT (No Uniform Today) PASSES NUT passes will be distributed to students who have completed their services hours for the preceding month. Completion Due Dates: September hours are due on Oct 1st October hours due Nov. 1st and so on. NUT PASSES are valid only on the day of issue (same month). NUT Pass dates are: 10/28, 11/18, 12/16, 1/27, 2/24, 3/31, 4/28, 5/19

... ASCS Day at Cafe Napoli

Today is ASCS Day @ Cafe Napoli !!!

Enjoy lunch, dinner or take out ~ all day...! At Cafe Napoli on Wednesday Oct 5th.

A portion of the proceeds benefit our school!!! Click on link for more info: Cafe Napoli 10/5/16

... BJs and ASCS Fundraiser

Renew your BJ's membership through ASCS and our school benefits! Click on the links for informational flyer and renewal form:

BJ's Flyer BJ's Application/Renewal Form

...

Come join the fun! Sign up for Cub Scouts! Who: All boys in Kindergarten - 5th grade When: Wednesday, October 12th anytime between 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Where: All Saints Catholic School Cafeteria Click on link for more info: Cub Scout Flyer

5th Annual ASCS Golf Outing, Dinner & Auction That's right...we are already working on the 2017 ASCS Golf Outing, Dinner and Auction!!! Check out the new website: ASCS 2017 Golf Outing 2017 ASCS Golf Flyer&RegistrationForm

AND keep an eye on this spot in the update for more information. In the meantime, be sure to mark the date, May 1, 2017 on your calendar and start thinking about how YOU can help make this year's event the most successful ever!

Athletic Association Update Save the Date Friday, October 7, 2016 Come support and cheer on our Varsity Soccer team at Banning Park at 6 pm. Immediately following the game there will be a tailgate party for the team and All Saints families. Please click the sign-up genius link to participate in bringing food and drinks for the tailgate. All Saints Soccer Tailgate

... ASCS Teams Results Results from this past weekend: Varsity 'C' Volleyball - defeated IHM in 3 sets rallying to win the final 2 sets after losing the first set Varsity 'Y2' Volleyball - defeated IHM in 2 sets to improve to 3 -1 on the year JV Volleyball Blue - defeated IHM this weekend in 2 sets, winning the 2nd one in a "nail biter" 26-24 to improve their record to 3-1 Varsity Soccer - defeated Immaculate Conception 6-2 to stay undefeated at 6-0 Varsity Cross Country - Congratulations to Noah Brecht for finishing 14th and earning a medal at the Bellevue State Park meet on Saturday JV Cross Country - Congratulations to Matthew Miller for finishing 9th & Jameson Summerill for finishing 13th -both earned medals at the Bellevue State Park meet. Overall our JV team came in 4th place and earned a pumpkin for the school.

... All Saints Teams in Action This Week October 7th: Varsity Soccer - 6:00 pm vs St John at Banning Park Tailgate Party to follow after the game (see above) Varsity Volleyball 'Y2' - 7:30 pm vs ICS at Elkton High School October 8th: JV Volleyball 'Blue' - 10:00 am vs Mt Avait at Mt Aviat Varsity Volleyball 'C' - 3:00 pm vs IHM at IHM

October 9th: Varsity Volleyball 'C' - 12:00 pm vs CTT at ASCS Cross Country - 1:00 pm - Holy Angels Meet at White Clay Creek State Park Varsity Volleyball 'Y2' - 2:00 pm vs St Anthony at ASCS

PARISH HAPPENINGS St. Matthew's St. Matthew Activities Committee is sponsoring a

Fall Pancake Breakfast Sunday, October 16th Served from 8am to 1pm Foley Hall - St. Matts Gym Homemade baked goods, raffle baskets, 50/50 raffle Click on link for more info: St. Matthew Pancake Breakfast/Bake Sale 2016

... St. Matthew Activities Committee is sponsoring a

Paint & Sip Party Come join us Bring a friend & your own beverage Lite fare to be provided Choose between CANVAS or GLASS Friday, October 21st 7-9pm Doors open 6:30pm Foley Hall 807 E. Newport Pike Click on link for full details: St. Matthew Painting Party

Corpus Christi Come join us for our 1st Annual Fall Harvest Dance Saturday, October 22, 2016 Click on link for more info: Corpus Christi Fall Harvest Dance

... B-I-N-G-O Sunday October 16, 2016 Corpus Christi Social Hall 1:00 pm (doors open @ noon)

St. Mary of the Assumption

~ The first ASCS/St. Mary's Mass of the school year will be Sunday, October 16, 2016 at the 9:00 a.m Mass at St. Mary of the Assumption Church. Student Greeters are needed to welcome the St. Mary's parishioners as they walk into the Gathering Space. Please have your child wear their school uniform, and arrive by 8:45 a.m., if possible. If your child in grades 5th thru 8th grade is interested in being a lector, please contact Margaret Fish at: [email protected], or (302) 584-3455. Thank you! ~ This is just a friendly reminder to St. Mary's parishioners to please take some time to complete the St. Mary of the Assumption Parish Survey by clicking on: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SMAFALL16 It only takes 5-10 minutes and will close on October 15, 2016. Thank you!

... Click on the li nk for information on a u ni qu e and e xc i ti ng visual and musical experience at St. Mary of the Assumption Church on Saturday, October 29, 2016 Phantom of the Opera