Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Ascension School Board The School Board held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, March 8. The Board: Gratefully acknowledged newly elected members Nikole Drever, Erin Fitzgerald and Michael Kelty.  The Board appreciates the participation of all candidates who offered their service to Ascension. Reviewed the work of the Long Range Planning Committee and accepted the committee's report including the revised mission statement, a written Vision for the School and goals launching the five-year plan.  Encouraged the Tuition Task Force to evaluate current tuition collection policies and procedures and create new policies as needed. National Geography Bee State Championship Round Congratulations to fifth-grader Bill McNulty,  for qualifying to represent Ascension in the State Championship Round of the National Geography Bee to be held in Chicago on April 9!  The winner from each state will advance to the national competition to be held in Washington, DC in May.  Good luck Bill! National Nutrition Month:  Strong Bones for Life Calcium, Vitamin D and exercise are important for maintaining strong bones.  Calcium:  Most people are not getting the calcium they need to grow and maintain healthy bones.  Inadequate calcium significantly contributes to the development of Osteoporosis.  Consuming calcium during childhood can lead to higher bone mass in adulthood.  Foods that are rich in calcium include milk, yogurt, cheese and fortified orange juice.  Try to “eat three a day.”  Vitamin D:The body needs Vitamin D to aid in the absorption of calcium.  In children, Vitamin D deficiency causes rickets, which results in skeletal deformities.  In adults, Vitamin D deficiency can lead to Osteomalacia, which results in fatigue, muscular weakness and weak bones.  Vitamin D is found in very few dietary sources such as fish, eggs, and fortified milk.  As little as 10 minutes of sun exposure is thought to be enough to prevent deficiencies.  However, exposing children’s skin to too much sunlight has been shown to increase the risk for skin cancer later in life.  Children and adults may benefit from Vitamin D supplementation (such as a multivitamin or Vitamin D tablet).  However, it is best to discuss this with your health care provider as each individual is different.  Exercise:  Physical activity is important for building strong bones.  Some examples of “bone building” activities include, running, walking, dancing, jumping rope, basketball, soccer, and weight lifting.  –The Wellness Committee 2010 Summer Gifted and Talented Program at Dominican University The School Office has information flyers about this popular program.  Dominican changed their procedures this year, and asks that interested parents obtain a flyer for any child who may qualify as gifted.  For further information contact Deb Morawski in the office. Virtus Training Virtus Training will take place in the Pine Room on Wednesday, March 10 and also on Monday, April 19 at 7 p.m.  Anticipating the School Picnic coming in May, volunteers at the school need to complete this course, along with the Background Check. Book Fair Thanks Thank you to everyone who made this year’s book fair a great success!  We enjoyed our enthusiastic shoppers and are very proud of Ascension’s eager readers.  I am very grateful to all of the helpers who put in many hours making things run smoothly.  Specifically, I’d like to thank Mary Beth Brandstrader, Margo Braham, Barb Fitzgerald, Liz Skalitzky, Kate Seavey, Lacey Sikora, Jean Bowling, Mary Roucka, and Mary Eileen Kungl.  Your help was truly appreciated. -- Cathy Flowers                                                                                                                         Ascension Parish Blood Drive is Sunday, March 21, after morning Masses Band Concert Reminder!  The Mid-Year Concert is on Wednesday, March 10th at 7 p.m. at St. Odilo School (6617 West 23rd Street, Berwyn).  Women’s Cooperative St. Patrick’s Day Party ACW will host a St. Pat's Party on March 13, 7 - 11PM in the Pine Room, with the Auction band, Band, James Band.  Volunteers are needed to help with the event.  Call Annie Boockmeier (660-9628) or Nancy Kohout (445-8930).  Reconciliation Ascension Parish will celebrate Reconciliation this Saturday morning at 9:30AM.  Please keep these children and their families in your prayers. Fenwick High School Girl’s Volleyball Camp Girls in grades 5 to 8 are invited to attend an Easter Break Girls’ Volleyball Camp.  Players of all skill levels are welcome.  The camp will be held on Monday, April 5,  from 9-11AM.  The cost is $20 per athlete and registration is due by March 29, 2010.  The Camp will be held in the Fenwick High School Field House Gym.  For information call Coach Colangelo at kcolangelo@fenwickfriars.com or (708) 386-0127 x240. Open House for 6th and 7th Graders Fenwick High School will hold an Open House on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 from 7 to 9PM.  The doors open at 6:30PM.  This is intended as a two-hour program, you should plan to stay for the entire program if possible, but you can come when you can. St. Patrick Day Liturgy Ascension School's March 17 school liturgy will have Grade 1 students taking special roles. All are welcome to join us in prayer. Special Education Program District 97 will offer a workshop "Areas of Expertise and Strengths to Support Students with Autism" at Holmes School on Saturday March 20.  Call 524-3030 to register for the free presentation.  Boys' Pack the Place is Friday, March 12 Games begin at 5PM.  Parents have been asked to help in the concession stand.  All children should be in the care of a parent or designated adult.  Market Day (printed form) orders are due March 12, and pick up is March 17 This Mailing Includes: The Ascension Dome Flower and Lamb Cake order forms Sox student achievers program   School is not in session on March 19.  Teachers have a staff day.