December 18-21

Dear Parents,

It is hard to believe that Christmas is only one week away!  The week before Christmas is always so busy both in our homes as well as in our school.  Hopefully we can all find moments to relax and feel the joy of the season with our children and families.  

Kids tend to have lots of energy this time of the year, both at home and at school.  That's just part of being a child.  Of course, it's funny how this time of the year seems to increase the energy level of children and do just the opposite with us adults.  Nonetheless, Miss Mary and I will be doing our best to keep up with our energetic little ones!  In school this week we will finish up the projects we have started.  We will carve out time to listen to songs of the season, watch a short Christmas video and talk about the best gift of all...baby Jesus.  

Look at how our 3K children set up the nativity scene in our classroom during free play time on Thursday...that's adorable!

Upon morning arrival, if you find that the area by the coat hooks is wet due to boots, you may want to have your child/ren change into their shoes elsewhere.  Feel free to change anywhere in the cafeteria area.  Thank you for bringing this to our attention.   

This Week:

• December 18 - Rehearsal for Christmas Program (See last week's note that went home.)
• December 19 - Class as usual.  *Miss Mary will be gone on Tuesday.  Mrs. Gruber and I decided we would like to ask if there might be a parent volunteer who would like to help out in the classroom from 8:00 until 11:00?  If you are Virtus trained and would like to help out on Tuesday, please reply to me via email and I will let Mrs. Gruber know that you will be with us.   

• December 20 - Christmas Program (See last week's note that went home.)
• December 21 - Class as usual.  We will relax and watch a Christmas video, sing songs, etc.  (I need to attend a meeting at the public school for the first part of the morning.  Mrs. Bartosh will be with Miss Mary until I return.)

Upcoming:

• January 9-Home & School meeting.  The committee is looking for additional officers.  New faces are always welcome!

• Week of January 28-Catholic Schools Week.  There will be  events taking place during this week that families are invited to.  I will let you know when schoolwide plans are finalized.

December 12 & 14

Dear Parents,

It was great to see many of you on Sunday!  St. Nick enjoyed seeing your little ones!  I'm sure that I can speak for all of us when I say that we are grateful to the many parent volunteers who organized the event.  I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.  

This week we will finish making our Advent wreaths and St. Nick art projects.  We'll also do some letter I and J activities for our "I Love Jesus" week. 

Fee free to send box tops to school.  Our 3K teacher's helper will bring them to the office with Miss Mary when they come in.  

Upcoming Events

• December 18 - Rehearsal for Christmas Program (See note)  I made a couple of additions/changes to the note about the rehearsal and program so I will send home a revised copy with your children on Tuesday.  No need to RSVP again.

• December 20-Christmas Program (see note)

• January 9-Home & School meeting.  The committee is looking for additional officers.  New faces are always welcome!

• Week of January 28-Catholic Schools Week.  There will be  events taking place during this week that families are invited to.  I will let you know when schoolwide plans are finalized.

December 5 & 7

Dear Parents,

On Tuesday, your child will be coming home with an important RSVP form for you to fill out and return to school.  There are four dates for you to be aware of in December and the information is detailed on a second page for you to look over and keep.  Simply send the RSVP form back to school.

If you'd like to get a jump start, I have also included these forms in the attachment on the email that led you to this week's blog.  You are welcome to print that out if you'd like and return it to school on Tuesday.  Otherwise, you can wait to receive a copy on return it on Thursday.



This week marks the first week of Advent, a special time to prepare our hearts for the birth of Christ.  In class, we will learn Advent songs, read stories about the Nativity and do crafts related to this.  This week we will make St. Nick and an advent wreath.  



The themes for the remainder of December will be as follows:

Dec. 5 & 7 - Advent & St. Nick
Dec. 12 & 14 - Letters I & J: "I Love Jesus" (Advent & Christmas)
Dec. 19 & 21 - Christmas

New classroom photos have been added to our 3K Homeroom site.  Just click on the link to the left to check them out.

A December snack reminder will be in your child's folder tomorrow.  

Remember to place your book orders online if you are interested.  The date and code are written on the back of each order form.  

Although our lives tend to get rather busy around this time of the year, my hope for all families (my own included!) is that throughout this Advent season we will always keep in mind the true meaning of Christmas, the most precious gift of all, Jesus. 

Have a Blessed Advent!
Mrs. Van Helvoirt 

November 28 & 30

Hello Parents,

I hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving and enjoyed the weekend with family and friends.  As we move further into the holiday season, let us give thanks to God for family and friends who are here with us as we celebrate the season together.  Let us also remember to keep our loved ones who have passed in our hearts and especially in our prayers.  May all those who have lost loved ones be comforted during this time of the year.  

This week we will be doing some activities that go along with the letter H.  We are going to be reading a story by Jan Brett called The Hat.  In case you go to the library, many of Jan Brett's books make great read alouds for this time of the year.  She writes and illustrates a number of Christmas and winter themed books.  She is one of my favorite authors because her stories and illustrations capture the imagination of readers at all ages.  

Our school has a number of volunteers who help organize a various activities for our students.  If you would like to help out and get to know other St. Clare parents please consider attending Tuesday night's Home & School meeting at 6:30. Babysitting is provided.  Additionally, for each 3K parent who attends, $5 is donated toward our classroom.  We go through a lot of craft supplies so every little bit helps!

Looking Ahead...

• Tuesday, November 28 - Home & School Meeting @ 6:30
• Sunday, December 10 - Breakfast with St. Nick 8:30-11:30
• Wednesday, December 20 - Christmas Program @ 1pm & 6pm

November 21

Happy Thanksgiving, 3K Families!  Thank you, once again, for sharing your young children with us.  We are grateful that you are a part of our St. Clare family.  God bless you all this Thanksgiving week.

Looking Ahead:

• Thursday, November 23 - Thanksgiving/No School
• Sunday, December 10 - Breakfast with St. Nick (3K sings 2 songs)
• Wednesday, December 20 - Christmas Concert @ 1pm & 6pm (3K sings 2 songs and is invited to sing the final song)

November 14 & 16

Hello Parents,

Just a friendly note to remind you that if you have a donation for the St. Nick Breakfast basket please bring with you when you come on Tuesday or Thursday.  They are due no later than Friday.  Thank you for helping out St. Clare School!

New...Near the coat hooks, each child now has a basket on the floor.  These are to be used for placing hats and mittens in.   This will help the children get ready to go home at the end of the school day and it should save us a little time not having to dig through backpacks to see who does/does not have hats & mittens.  Please help us out by reminding your little ones to do this each morning when you drop them off.  

Morning drop off is also a great time to check with your child to see whether or not he/she might need to use the bathroom.  If you don't think your child went at home before leaving, please have them try to go before coming in the classroom.  

Thank you in advance for helping out in these two areas! 

Upcoming Dates...

• Tuesday, November 14-Feasting For Funds @ Hilly Haven Golf Course from 4-9pm

• Thursday, November 16-Last day for 3K to send in donations for our St. Nick Breakfast basket.  

• Thursday, November 23-Thanksgiving / No School

• Sunday, December 10-Breakfast with St. Nick (3K sings 2 songs)

• Wednesday, December 20-Christmas Concert at 1pm & 6pm. (3K sings 2 songs and is invited to sing final song)

Cold Weather Update

Hello Parents,

With the change in temperatures we have made a change to our 3K program with regard to going outside for play time.  Last year a number of 3K children were in attendance at St. Clare for the entire school day.  In that case, going outside whenever the weather cooperated was a necessary and healthy part of the school day.  This year, our 3K children are in attendance for three hours and after discussions with Mrs. Gruber we have decided that we will go outside on occasion.  

Beginning & End of the School Year 
When the weather is quite nice and the playground is dry we will enjoy the great temperatures and go outside every day that we can!

Late Fall & Early Spring
When the playground is rather wet we will generally stay indoors.  During these months if we head outside to the playground most children would soak through their leggings, pants, shoes, etc. because it is often wet in these areas.  Additionally, if a child comes to school not quite dressed for the chilly temperatures, unfortunately that child would need to stay in the office since two adults are needed to be with our class (We try to avoid our little ones sitting in the office because, as friendly as our office staff certainly is, an unfamiliar setting and that can be rather scary for young children.) 

Winter
It can be so much fun to play in the snow!  That being said, it can also be a challenge.  Therefore, on occasion we will go outside to enjoy the snow.  It can be difficult to predict whether or not we will be going outside so please make sure your child is always prepared: 

• Wear a winter jacket, hat and mittens (gloves are difficult for 3K)
• Wear or send snowpants (feel free to roll them up in the backpack)
• Wear or send boots (If wearing boots, remember to send shoes)
• If you have extras and prefer to leave some items at school, you are more than welcome to do so.  
• Please make sure that everything is labeled.  :)

 When we do go outside in the winter, it will be at the end of the school day (around 10:45) so that we are getting all bundled up just once.   

Thank You & Blessings!
Mrs. Van Helvoirt

November 7 & 9

Hello Parents,

In case you've been following along, we are ready to move into the letter F this week.  In 3K we do not expect the children to write these letters, rather we are working on letter recognition. We do various activities with the letters throughout the days.  We are also working on recognizing and naming colors and shapes.  In addition, we count daily.  They sure do count with enthusiasm! 

St. Nick Breakfast
Please remember to send in your form as soon as possible for the St. Nick Breakfast which will be on Sunday, December 10. Hopefully your family will be able to attend.  The 3K and 4K children are the only singers that day so we need as many singers as we can get!  This week we will begin learning two songs that 3K & 4K will sing together.  I am sending home a copy of the words in your child's folder.  It would be great if you could also help your child/children learn these songs at home.  As you will see on the papers, the tunes are familiar so it's mostly just a matter of learning the words.  

Christmas Program-3K & 4K Sings 2 Songs
The same two songs that our children will sing for the St. Nick Breakfast will be the same songs we will sing for the December 20 Christmas program.  In the past, after 3K sings their two songs, parents are asked to walk to the front to get their children.  At that point, you are welcome to stay for the entire program, or if it works best for your family, you are free to leave.  Many of us at St. Clare have been in your shoes with little ones when it's getting late.  We understand that you need to do whatever is best for your family.  

Christmas Program-Final Song
At the very end of the Christmas program, all students will be invited to return to the front of the church with the entire student body for the final song.  It will be up to you, as parents, to decide if this is something you feel your child/children will do.  You do not need to decide in advance nor do you need to tell me.  You might take into consideration whether or not your child might feel overwhelmed among a large group or if they are feeling especially sleepy by that point.  Don't think too much about it...simply decide that night. 

Here's a look at what else is coming up...

• Tuesday, November 14-Feasting For Funds @ Hilly Haven Golf Course from 4-9pm

• Thursday, November 16-Last day for 3K to send in donations for our St. Nick Breakfast basket.  

• Thursday, November 23-Thanksgiving / No School

• Sunday, December 10-Breakfast with St. Nick (3K sings 2 songs)

• Wednesday, December 20-Christmas Concert at 1pm & 6pm. (3K sings 2 songs and is invited to sing final song)

October 31 & November 2

Happy Halloween!  

Mary & I are looking forward to seeing everyone in their costumes tomorrow!  We'll be making ghosts and other fun activities.  We're looking forward to seeing many of you at 10:30 for our 3K Family social.

It's hard to believe it's almost November!  There are two special days in the Church this week...

• Wednesday, November 1-All Saints Day
• Thursday, November 2-All Souls Day

Here's a look at what else is coming up...

• Thursday, November 16- Please turn in any donations for the 3K/4K St. Nick basket 

• Thursday, November 23-Thanksgiving / No School

• Sunday, December 10-Breakfast with St. Nick (3K students are invited to sing along with the 4K students!)

• Wednesday, December 20-Christmas Concert at 1pm & 6pm.  I will let you know what involvement 3K will have in this soon. 

October 26

Hello Parents, 

Thank you for coming in for parent teacher conferences last week.  As I mentioned to most of you during conferences, please check that your child has spare pants and shirt in their extra clothes baggie.  It would also be a good idea to keep a sweatshirt in his/her backpack now that the temperature is starting to cool down.  

Tomorrow is Picture Day.  We will take photos downstairs in the basement.  We believe 3K will have their photos taken first thing in the morning.  

Tomorrow is also the last day to order books if you are interested.  Again, sign up online and enter our 3K class code which is RMVY6.

The November snack reminder will be coming home on Thursday.  

Looking Ahead:

• Tuesday, October 31-Halloween
• There will be a paper coming home about this tomorrow.
• November 16/17-Due date for 3K/4K St. Nick basket donation
• See information in the blue folder.
• Thursday, November 23-Thanksgiving
• No school
• Sunday, December 10-Breakfast with St. Nick
• See information in blue folder.  

October 17 & 19

Hello, Parents!

We will do activities related to the letter D, Halloween and Fall this week.  Please take a minute to look over the following information.

• Demolition: This is set to take place this week.  Please be alert and remember not to park between the church and school during this time.

• Parent Teacher Conferences: Please be sure to read the previous blog post.  Additionally, note that conferences are 15 minutes so as we meet, we need to be mindful of the time so that we are not delaying families who are arriving after us.  

• Extra Clothes Baggie: Each student's extra clothes baggie is on the shelf by the coat hooks.  The weather will turn colder so please be sure that your child has appropriate seasonal clothes.  

• Snack Sign Up: We will take care of signing up for dates through January when you come for the parent teacher conferences. 

• PHOTOS!  If you click on the link to the left that says "Photos on Homeroom Link" you'll see photos of our students enjoying their time in 3K.  You can also go to the Homeroom website to view these.

• October 22: Open House from 11:00-12:00: Please RSVP to the school office if you plan on attending so that we have enough pumpkins available for children to paint. 

• October 26: Picture Day! We will be there to help straighten bows, adjust headbands, etc. on photo day. Additionally, we won't paint or engage in other messy activities when your children are dressed in their nice clothes. :)

• October 26: Book orders due.  Please place any orders you might have online by midnight.

• October 31: Halloween-Remember that costumes should be appropriate for our 3K friends.  Treats are welcome.  Your children will "trick or treat" to collect them and then they will be sent home in a bag.  It will be fun for the children to "practice" trick-or-treating in our classroom.  They will also parade through some of the classrooms.  Following that, there will be a 3K Family Social at 10:30, just before pick up time.

Upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences

Dear Parents,

Parent-teacher conferences are coming up and I just want to take this opportunity to say thank you for choosing St. Clare School.  At St. Clare, we recognize that every child is a unique gift from God, our Creator.  Therefore, we realize the importance of choosing the right educational setting for your child.

Additionally, we are aware of the fact that for many children, attending 3K may be the first extended period of time in which your child is:

• Without parents/grandparents present
• With unfamiliar adults
• In an unfamiliar setting
• In a school setting
• Playing/learning among multiple peers
• Asked to follow directions in a large group setting
• Etc.

Therefore, for our fall conference, we will focus on how your child is adjusting to his/her new setting primarily in terms of social and emotional interactions.  Topics will include contentment/comfort level within our 3K environment, self-control, cooperation and attentiveness. We are also beginning to learn new skill sets such as cutting, coloring, painting, gluing, etc. We will briefly discuss these as well. It is fun and exciting for Miss Mary and I to watch your children engage in these new activities! :) Also, please feel free to ask any questions you may have!

Again, thank you for choosing St. Clare school. We are happy to have you and your children as a part of our St. Clare family!

For your reference, I am including the following charts.  As you can see, the preschool years play a vital role in terms of social and emotional interactions. 

October 10 & 12

Hello Parents,

This week we will talk about the letter C and so much more!  

Tuesday evening is St. Clare's first "Feasting For Funds" of this school year.  In case this is new to you, Feasting For Funds is a monthly school fundraiser that many families enjoy participating in.  Each month an area restaurant generously donates a portion of their proceeds to our school.  This month, the "Just Stop In" restaurant will donate a portion of its proceeds to St. Clare School if you eat there (or carry out) between the hours of 4pm and 9pm on October 10. 

Please take a minute to look over our upcoming events:


October 10 - October's Feasting For Funds


October 11-13- Demolition of convent

• Please be attentive to temporary changes regarding pick up and drop off. 
• Please do NOT park between the church and school during demolition days.

October 13 - "Family Movie Night"

• Doors open at 6pm; movie starts at 6:15
• Wear PJ's and bring a pillow and blanket
• Movie: "Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest"
• Popcorn, water, juice boxes available for minimal cost
• Hosted by St. Clare Home & School Committee

October 17 & 19 - Parent Teacher Conferences

• If you have not yet signed up via SignUp Genius or in the classroom please do so this week.
• Ideally, the parent teacher conferences are intended for parent(s) and teachers only.  However, I understand that this can be difficult and so I am open to children being present.  I simply ask that children do not use this time as "free play" time.  Rather, there will be puzzles and other quiet activities available.

October 22 - Open House

• Following 10:00 Mass (11:00-12:00)
• For current and prospective 3K, 4K and 5K families
• Refreshments, activities, tours provided
• Bring a friend!
• RSVP by October 16 (Call or email the school)

October 26 - Picture Day

October 26 - Book Orders Due (please place your orders online by midnight)

October 31 - Halloween

• Help your child get into a costume at arrival time (or come dressed in a costume)
• Appropriate costumes (see last week's note)
• Treats are welcome.  These special treats will be sent home.
• 3K Family Social 10:30-11:00 (Just before pick up)

SAVE THE DATE

Sunday, December 10 - St. Nick Day (More Info. to Come)

October 3 & 5

What beautiful weather we have been having!  Praise God for His many blessings!  We sure had a nice day to pick apples on Thursday.

Regarding future 3K Family Days, we are making one change in that there will not necessarily be one every month.  October's 3K Family Day will be a simple 30 minute social on Halloween, October 31.  Whoever picks your child up is invited to come 30 minutes earlier for a little gathering.  You do not need to arrive early...only if it works out for you.  Please do not feel like you need to take a day off of work.  (See below.)

We will not be having a specified November or December 3K Family Day.  Instead, you will be invited to events such as the Christmas concert and St. Nick Day (more info. to come).  In January you will be invited to the Catholic School Week events (more info. to come).

October is upon us and we are now in full swing in 3K.  Please note the following upcoming events:

October 3 ~ Temporary Drop Off & Pick Up Procedures

• Important Reminder:  As stated in the school newsletter asbestos will be removed from the old convent and rectory.  Following this, demolition is scheduled.  These events will take place beginning tomorrow, October 3.  Please walk your child into the school building through the Main Street doors.  This is also where we will meet you at 11:00.  Mrs. Gruber will be outside assisting.  We will let you know when procedures return to normal.

October 17 & 19 ~ Parent Teacher Conferences

• Soon you will receive an email from the school regarding parent teacher conferences.  St. Clare School utilizes "SignUp Genius" for coordinating this.  You will be given a link to the sign up.  Please select one time slot per child.  
• *Please note: The online sign up provides time slots beginning at 3:30 and running through 6:30.  However, I am also going to be available between 11:00 and 1:00 on these days.  Please let me know if you would like to book one of these 15 minute time slots.  Feel free to email me or write a note.

October 22 ~ Open House for 3K, 4K & 5K

• Current and future 3K, 4K and 5K students and families are invited to join us for an Open House at St. Clare School on October 22.
• The Open House begins after Wrightstown's 10:00 Mass.  
• Please bring a friend who you think might be interested in seeing our school!

October 26 ~ Picture Day!

• This is picture day for our 3K friends and picture retake day for others.  Miss Mary and I will assist the students with this.

October 31~ Halloween

• You are invited to drop your child off as usual with an appropriate Halloween costume (no blood, guns, etc.)  Non-threatening Halloween costumes are encouraged.  Many young children are quite afraid of some of what they see during this time of the year so we ask that you are mindful of this as you prepare a costume for your littles.  You may either have your child wear a costume to school or be prepared to help your child change into a costume after arrival.  Simply do whatever works best for you, keeping in mind the weather.
• If you would like to send a special treat to school with your child to pass out to the others you are more than welcome to do so.  We have 10 students.  Please note that because we are cognizant of food allergies and sugar intake, the children will be taking these particular treats/snacks home in a treat bag.  We will have a snack during regular snack time.
• We are planning some fun Halloween themed activities with the children on this day including a parade around the school.  
• At 10:30 3K families are invited to join us in the cafeteria for a 30 minute social.  This is our October 3K Family Day.  No need to take off work.  Come if you can, but do not feel obligated.  (It is important that we leave the cafeteria at 11:00 so that the hot lunch volunteers can get set up.)  

September 26 & 28

Hello Parents,

Monday will be school as usual and then on Thursday we have our first 3K Family Day.☺

Just a few reminders about Thursday:

What:    3K Family Day
Where:  Hofacker's Hillside Apple Orchard, W3964 Wege Road, Appleton
Who:     3K students and families, younger siblings welcome
When:   Sept. 28, 8:30 until approximately 10:30

Other Information:

• Just a note that if you are ordering St. Clare School apparel the orders are due by the 28th.  The online customer access code is: stclareschool

• Important:  Please read the note from our principal very carefully regarding the upcoming demolition of the rectory and convent.  This important note can be found in the school newsletter that you receive both electronically as well as in the blue family folders.  It will affect where you park on certain dates.

• In my next letter I will post the names of those who signed up for snack in October.  Thank you for sending in snacks!

Many Blessings,
Mrs. V.

September 19 & 21

Hello!

We are going to begin learning about each letter of the alphabet.  For the next three school days we will learn about the letter A leading up to our apple orchard field trip.  For each letter we will read stories, do art projects, learn about the sounds, sing songs, dance/move to songs, practice letter formation and so much more.  We also have a series of Bible stories and Bible songs that use the alphabet as a teaching tool.  These are short stories and beautiful songs that are just right for preschool children.

We are also ready to begin implementing learning centers during a portion of our day.  We will rotate students through the sand table, painting easels, art table and puzzle area.  We may not get through teaching about each of these centers this week, but we'll get started on them.  It's going to be fun to see their creativity!

If you ever see our group out on the playground around pick up time, you are welcome to come on over.  At St. Clare School, we are all a family and we want you to know that you are a welcomed addition to our school.  I remember wondering how my own children were doing in school when they were young.  It's a great feeling to be reassured that they are content and comfortable in their new environment.

3K Notes:

• Please return
• Your signed permission slips about our field trip to the apple orchard by September 21.
• Your signed preschool handbook signature page indicating that you have read the handbook asap.
• Any VIRTUS paperwork asap.
• Just a reminder to please send in a photo of your family.
• Picture retake day will be on Thursday, October 26.  Any 3K students who did not have their pictures taken on Sept. 18 will do so then. 
• There will be an Open House following the 10:00 Mass on Sunday, October 22.  
• If fresh fruits or veggies are brought to school for a snack, we try to serve that on the day it is brought.  Therefore, a dry snacks may be pushed back another day or two.  Thank you for your understanding.

Blessings,
Mrs. Van Helvoirt

September 12 & 14

Parents,

Miss Mary and I have really enjoyed our first two days of school.  It has been our pleasure getting to know your little ones.  While older students have been in school several days already, Tuesday marks just the 3rd day for our little 3K friends.  If you feel anxious about a few things, not to worry...we are just getting started.  For many 3K children coming to school is the first time a he/she is in a social setting away from parents and grandparents.  Much of what we do in 3K (besides painting and singing and so much more!) is learning to adapt to our new environment.  Practicing age-appropriate social skills such as learning to say please and thank you, understanding that we need to "take turns" with favorite toys, etc. is a large part of our curriculum.  The early stages of these teachings can be a bit challenging for some.  Again, not to worry...we will get there! :)

While I would love to jump into teaching our letters of the alphabet, it is very important that we talk about fire safety.  While this is traditionally taught in October (Fire Prevention Week), our school building is brand new to your children.  Therefore, we will address fire safety both on Tuesday as well as Thursday.  We will practice going to our safe spot outside.  We will repeat this practice a few times.  Now would be a good time to talk to your children about your own fire safety plans at home.  Do you have a safe spot?  Does your child know two ways out?  Does your child know what your smoke alarms sound like?  Is it time to replace the batteries in your smoke alarm?  Since we will be addressing fire safety at school, it would be great if you could also talk about these things at home.

On most Thursdays we are going to get together with Miss Bohman's 6th graders.  They are our "Reading Buddies."  I will read a story aloud to the group and then our buddies will assist with a related art activity.  We will meet our buddies this Thursday!  This should be an enjoyable experience for everyone.  The older kids just love being around young children.

Finally, the office asks that you return your blue Family Folders each week.  They will be refilled and sent back home on a weekly basis.

Looking Ahead:

• September 3K Day:  You will receive information about an upcoming field trip.  Be sure to check you child's folder after school on Tuesday.
• Photo:  If you haven't sent in a 4x6 photo of your family, please do so.
• Mass:  3K students traditionally attend Mass twice during the school year.  Once during Catholic Schools Week (end of January/beginning of February) and again at the end of the year.
• Picture Day:  September 18 is picture day.  This is a Monday.  If it works out for you to come in and have photos taken you are welcome to do so.  Please come between 9:00 & 11:00am.  If this is not convenient, the picture retake day will be on a Tuesday or Thursday so your child will be here for that anyway.  As soon as I know that date I will pass it along to you.
• Pizza Pick Up:  If you ordered Little Caesars Pizza, the pick up for that is also on Monday, September 18 from 3pm till 6pm.
• Open House:  The Open House for 3K, 4K & K has been moved from Sun., Oct. 29 to Sun., Oct. 22.  I will pass on more info. about that soon.

Many Blessings!

Mrs. V.

It's the First Day of School!

Dear Parents,

The day has arrived!  It's the first day of school!  We are all very excited and look forward to a great year ahead.  Just a few notes to keep in mind:

• Extra Clothes:  Please send in an extra set of clothing for your child (some have already done so.)  We suggest leaving an extra sweatshirt in school as well. 
• Buddy Class:  This year 3K's buddy class will be 6th grade.  On occasion, we will get together with our buddies.  Generally, we will read a story together and do a craft activity.  
• Snacks & Food Allergies:  A letter about snacks and food allergies is going home with your child.  In addition, the September snack volunteers is attached.  Please remember to check your child's "Take Home" folder each day.  
• "Remind:"  A note was sent home about signing up for "Remind."  This was in your Family Folder.  Please be sure to sign up as it is the first way to find out about school closings and delays.
• Blue St. Clare Family Folder:  If you have all of your Back to School forms filled out please put them back in the blue Family Folder and return to school.
• Student of the Week:  We will have a "Student of the Week," however, that does not start until January.  
• Changes in Plans:  If you have a change in your school plans (a different person will be picking up your child, you need to pick your child up early for an appointment, your child will be arriving late, your child is absent, etc.), you MUST inform the school office.  You are welcome to send an email to me as well, but please know that you must also inform the office.
• Emails During the Day:  Regarding emails to me, please be aware that it is very likely that emails sent during the school day will not be read until after 11:00.  If you need to contact me during the school day, please go through Lea in the school office so that you can be certain that I will get the message.  
• Family Photo:  Please send in a 4x6 photo of your family.  We will make a 3K Family Tree in our classroom.  Thank you for your help!  There is no deadline for this...just send it in whenever you can. 

Blessings,
Mrs. Van Helvoirt

Hello!

Psalms 127:3

Hello!  My name is Jennifer Van Helvoirt and I am so blessed to be back in the classroom!  I will be teaching 3K at St. Clare.  I am looking forward to meeting everyone at the Open House this evening from 4:00-7:00.  

I thought I'd share a little bit about myself.  Last year I was a substitute teacher at St. Clare.  Prior to that I was a stay-at-home mom for the last 13 years.  Before having children I taught 1st and 2nd grade.  I have a degrees in both Early Childhood as well as Elementary Education.  

My husband, Mike, and I have 4 children; Owen (13), Emily (12), Alex (9) and Eli (5).  We moved to Wrightstown about 2 years ago.  This year, we will have all four of our kids at St. Clare.  Before moving to Wrightstown in 2015 we lived in Kaukauna for ten years and became members of Holy Cross Parish.  We continue to be actively involved in various groups and activities at Holy Cross.  Our Catholic faith is very important to our family.  

Going Forward
Going forward this blog will primarily be used to relate information about what is happening in our classroom.  You will be notified when there is a new entry. 

Photos
It's fun to see photos of your little ones while they are busy at school.  Therefore, I have created a "Homeroom" link where I will post photos of classroom happenings.  The photos posted on Homeroom are only visible to the individuals that I invite so this will be a private group.  You will be notified when photos are added.  If using "Homeroom" is new to you, simply follow these instructions to get started:

1.  Watch for an email invitation entitled "Jennifer Van Helvoirt via Homeroom."  
2.  Open the email and click on the link to accept the invitation.  
3.  You will be asked to sign up for a Homeroom account (unless you already have one) Simply enter your email, name and create a password.
4.  Most people who use this choose to install the Homeroom App. on a phone and/or tablet.  This works really well.

I am anxious to meet each of you and especially your children!  I look forward to a wonderful school year ahead.  I'm attaching a couple of photos so that you know who to look for in the coming days.  See you later today!

God Bless,
Mrs. Van Helvoirt

My husband, Mike and I.
Our youngest manages to sneak into most photos.

Our four kids and our friendly little dog, Chester.