Dear Families,
I hope you had a wonderful Spring Break! The weather is getting very nice and the
students are enjoying being outside. We have a very busy time ahead of us. This week
is pictures for K-4 on Wednesday and Patient Hearts this month is on Thursday. Friday
we will have our Lenten Retreat. Students will learn about Lent and take time for
reflection. Next week is Holy Week and we will not have school or daycare on Friday,
April 6th.

Our End of the Year Bash is starting to be planned. An End Of Year Bash meeting will
be on Tuesday March 27th at 5:15 and also a yearbook committee meeting will be on
Thursday March 29th at 5:30. Please come and help! We want this to be very special
for the children.

Open House will be on Saturday, April 14th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This is a time to
come see what your child has been learning and working on in class.

Our Poetry Festival has been scheduled for May 3rd at 9:00 a.m. Students in 1st
through 4th grade will participate. They must select a poem and memorize it. More
information should come home from your classroom teacher.

Have a great week!
Mrs.Cassie Herd

Menu for the Week
March 26th- Mexican Lasagna, Corn, Fruit
March 27th- Diced Ham & Noodles, Peas, Fruit
March 28th- Chicken Bites, Mixed Vegetables, Bread, Fruit
March 29th- BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, Lettuce, Fruit
March 30th- Fish Sticks, Green Beans, Bread, Fruit

Dear Families,
Beautiful spring like weather is bringing our jonquils and hibiscus to bloom! Love it!!!! It’s hard to believe March begins this week – tomorrow, we remember Mrs Hope, our librarian – it’s her birthday – so if you stop by – peek in the library and wish her the best! This week is also the birthday of Dr. Seuss and we always have ‘green eggs and ham’. Due to it being a Friday in Lent, we will celebrate the birthday on Thursday.

We had a wonderful Talent Show last Thursday sponsored by our Student Council. It was long!!! Lots of talent at Villa Teresa Catholic School! But what I’m most proud of was the courtesy of the students who listened and gave all their attention to our young performers. Even our LC 4 students came over. The Fourth graders from the Student Council were great Mistresses of Ceremony – you would have thought you were at the Grammy’s. While we usually have a talent show during the summer, this was quite an endeavor – actually a miracle, the students sat attentively from 8:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Amazing!

The committee for the Soiree (dinner/auction) met last Tuesday – it is just around the corner. If you have items you’d like to donate please contact the school office or Amber Frost.

Registration is slow, remember March 1st opens to those on the waiting list. We will keep a running count beginning in March.

March brings the opportunity for Science Fair – those students in second through fourth grades have received their letter and are beginning to work on their projects. The Science Fair is March 16.

Next Tuesday, March 6, four of our students will be representing Villa Teresa at the Archdiocesan Spelling Bee. Let us pray for their efforts to do their best. They have already won on the local level. For the first/second grade level, we have Rohit Nair and Emma Bax. Third/Fourth grade level has Alexandra Haworth and Mason Braley. Alternates (who only attend if these can’t go) are Cade Leonard and Natalie Hill.

Remember registration for Baseball is done on-line on the vtspto.com website.
This Friday is the last day of the quarter. Remember Spring Break is March 19-23, 2012.

Menu for February 27-March 2, 2012
Monday, Feb 27 – Ham steaks, sweet potatoes, bread, fruit, milk
Tuesday, Feb 28 – Ravioli, green beans, fruit, milk
Wednesday, Feb 29 – Chicken nuggets, mixed vegetables, fruit, bread, milk
Thursday, March 1 – Green eggs and ham, fruit, rolls, milk
Friday, March 2 – Cheese enchiladas, salad mix, fruit, milk

Immersed in Christ (First Week of Lent)
Discipleship is an Urge to Keep Learning
INVENTORY: When you see a rainbow, what do you think of? Why is the Church sometimes presented under the image of a ship? What has Baptism got to do with Noah’s flood? What do the words, “This is the time of fulfillment,” say to you?
INPUT: Lent is a time to seek deeper and clearer understanding – of life, of ourselves, of what god calls us to, and above all, of what God offers us. The New Testament word for sin is hamartia, which means to miss the mark, to fall short. We can miss by aiming at the wrong thing or by just not aiming high enough. Conversion is a change of focus. To “convert” is to correct our aim. To correct our aim we have to recognize it when we miss.
Scripture: Genesis 9:8-15; Mark 1:12-15; 1 Peter 3:18-22
INSIGHT: Do I believe God will guide me by his word and Spirit?
INITIATIVE: Read God’s word during Lent, listening for his Spirit.

Dear Friends,
Writing this on Sunday evening, as a reminder – we’re not open tomorrow for classes nor daycare. The teachers will be attending inservice on curriculum all over the city. Some at the Pastoral Center, some at McGuinness High School, some at Mount St. Mary’s, some at Bishop John Carroll. It’s momentous! Our teachers get the opportunity to share their best practices and also to work on a project the archdioceses has been involved in the last three years – which will culminate in re-structuring our curriculum. This process is a wonderful example of the unity of purpose and the desire to offer your children the best. It is a great gift to be part of an Archdiocese that believes in providing the best education – training your little ones to be ready for whatever God would want them to do with their lives.

This past weekend was the last of basketball season. We are now moving on to baseball. Registration is ready on the PTO website. LC 4 and kindergarteners, and perhaps first graders play t-ball. All the information you may need is available for you on our PTO’s website.

Our Third grade classroom has a new look! Mrs. Valentour’s floor was tiled last Friday and Saturday. It looks amazing! During spring break, March 19 – 23, LC 3 will receive new carpeting on their foyer-both first and second floor – plus the stairway. Sr. Han’s class is also being tiled. Since this is a much bigger project, we need to re-locate our three year olds to LC 4 during the spring break. Please keep this in mind when you indicate if you will be coming during spring break. It will be a great help if other arrangements can be made. That project most likely will take a full week.

Our service project this month is Jump Rope for Heart. Ms Holder, one of our two P.E. teachers will be passing out information to you. All of our P.E. classes will practice the basic skills of jumping which will help raise money for the American Heart Association.

Another rather athletic event coming up is the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathan – all ages can participate, even your infant – in a stroller! The cost is $10.00 per child and $20.00 per adult (the fee includes a t-shirt, completion medal, goodie bags, post refreshment and an unforgettable experience). The children will need to log in 25 collective miles before the race on April 29, 2012. I want to see more participants! This is our third year participating. If you should have any further questions, please contact jenstephensleonard@gmail.com (488-4682).

Our Soiree Meeting is tonight (Tuesday) at 5:15 p.m. Latin Nights is the theme this year. We really appreciate the generosity of Mr and Mrs. Chavez of 1492’s Restaurant for providing the food. I am hearing that our entertainment group – is also donating their talents. You will be entertained by Flamenco dancers. Remember to check your closet for those unwanted Christmas or wedding gifts or if you have connections from your business for gift cards. These make wonderful auction items!

This week is a very busy one! Mardi Gras today (there is a parade at 2:00 p.m.). Ash Wednesday tomorrow – the beginning of Lent and a talent show from our finest little actors, actresses, and singers on Thursday morning, 8:45 a.m.; our monthly Patient Hearts Award ceremony is this Friday (8:35 a.m. – K-4th; 9:00 a.m. LC 3 and 4). Next Monday, February 27, is another opportunity for volunteering – Faculty Meeting at 3:45 – 5:30 p.m.

Menu for February 21- 24, 2012
Tuesday, Feb 21- Pancakes, sausage, hashbrowns, fruit, milk
Wednesday, Feb 22 – Tuna casserole, cooked carrots, fruit, milk
Thursday, Feb 23 - Chicken spaghetti, peas, fruit, milk
Friday, Feb 24 – Fish sticks, veggie beans, fruit, bread, milk

Immersed in Christ (Ash Wednesday) I Will Return
This week, I share with you the reading reflection for Ash Wednesday to begin your Lent – during Lent the weekly reflections will be the current week. All are gracefully shared by Fr. David Knight, the author of this faith formation program.

INVENTORY: What does “repentance’ mean to you? How often are you conscious of it? Is it an action you do after you sin, or is it an abiding state of mind? Sad or joyful?
INPUT: The focus of Lent is not on our being as sinners, but God being merciful. It is about discovering God. The ongoing theme of Lent is commitment. We hear the story of the struggle against evil. Jesus took his disciples apart from others and we too, need to take time apart from others and our regular occupations to read, reflect, and let Jesus teach us his mind and heart.
Scripture: Joel 2:12-18; 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2; Matthew 6:1-18
INSIGHT: Does lent call us to do something different, or just “jumpstart” us to do what we should be doing all year?
INITIATIVE: Decide on a “discipline of discipleship” to enhance your life. For example, if you should decide on reading scripture or spiritual writings - put the Bible or book on your pillow – decide on a minimum amount (three verses or three pages) – something that is not impossible to do. In the words of Msgr Ed from last Sunday’s homily, “Instead of giving up something – do something.”

Dear Families,
It’s Sunday afternoon as I write these Monday Notes –and its looking really wintery!!! We are entitled, it is winter!! Thanks to all for your prayers for our preliminary visit – it went really well. Sally Howard and Vicki Adams enjoyed a peak of our campus and meeting the students and teachers briefly before their plunge into all our records. It was a sigh of relief when Mrs. Howard proclaimed that she would be notifying our superintendent, Sr. Kay that ‘we are ready!’ Actually, it is the stepping stone to our four day visit which takes place in March (6-9th), so please continue your prayers and support. Just before they arrived, we received the news of the appointment of Msgr Edward Weisenburger, one of the priests that celebrates Mass for us (often), as Bishop of the diocese of Salina, Kansas. This is the diocese that gave us Archbishop Paul Coakley. Let us continue to pray for Bishop-elect Weisenburger as he prepares to leave us to serve the Church in Kansas. As a result, we are looking for a presider for our March Celebration of the Mass. Archbishop Beltran will step in his place for our Mass in May.

Tomorrow (Tuesday) is PTO at 5:30 p.m. Come and enjoy hearing about the upcoming
Soiree – Latin Nights – which is April 21, 2012 at St. Anthony Hospital, the Rapp Foundation Conference room.

The local spelling bee is today – First and second graders at 9:00 a.m.; third and fourth graders at 1:00 p.m. these competitions will determine who will represent us at the Archdiocesan Spelling Bee.

Today is also Boy Scouts at 4:30 p.m. Our Girl Scouts meet Wednesday (Juniors and Daisies) at 4:00 p.m.

Mass is this Friday for K-4th graders with Fr. Ray Ackerman at 9:00 a.m. Please be sure your child is wearing full uniform and know you are welcome to attend.

Remember Monday, February 20th we are closed due to our Archdiocesan Teachers’ Meeting – there is no daycare or classes. We come back that Tuesday to Mardi Gras the day before Lent begins.

Menu for February 13 – 17, 2012
Monday, Feb 13- Bacon burgers, black-eyed peas, fruit, milk
Tuesday, Feb 14 – Meatloaf, broccoli and cheese, jello with fruit, milk
Wednesday, Feb 15 – Roast beef sandwiches, potato wedges, fruit, milk
Thursday, Feb 16 – Enchiladas, pinto beans, fruit, milk
Friday, Feb 17- Diced ham, salad, breadsticks, fruit, milk

Immersed in Christ (Seventh Week in Ordinary Time – for the week of February 19)
New, Better and Beyond
INVENTORY: What happens when God forgives us? How are we different afterwards?
INPUT: Discipleship begins with an act of God’s power, giving us the divine gift of faith: “Faith in your word is the way to wisdom.” But discipleship requires an action on our part: “To ponder your divine plan is to grow in truth.” We have to be committed to reading, reflecting, and responding to God’s word.
Scripture: Isaiah 43:18-25; 2 Corinthians 1:18-22; Mark 2:1-12
INSIGHT: What do you expect now every time you turn away from sin?
INITIATIVE: Seek ‘something new’ through reflection on God’s word. Look for promises.

Dear Families,
It looks as if winter weather may abide with us this week. Just as a matter of review, if we should have to close, please watch your television for the announcement. We are also blessed to have a text alert system activated – for instructions, go to vtspto.com (the website for our PTO). Calling the school or convent only delays our efforts to get the announcement to the television and radio stations. A lot of the process is not done online – we also will post on the Friends of Villa Teresa PTO, as well as our website.

Welcome to our OCCSAA visitors today! We welcome Sally Howard our accrediting coordinator and the representative from Tulsa’s diocese Vickie Adams. They will be spending the day going through records and getting a preview of their four day visit in March.

Tomorrow (Tuesday), we will have our Soiree Meeting (Dinner/auction) in Mrs. Herd’s room at 5:15 p.m. We hope you will join us. The theme is going to be “A Latin Evening”.
We are excited – one of the best blessings of the evening is that it is being catered by Marco Chavez of 1492!

Thanks to all our parent volunteers who helped in many varied ways last week to make our Catholic Schools Week a success – the teachers and myself really enjoyed our luncheon and that our little ones were being watched carefully.

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, February 14 (besides being Valentine’s Day) – that’s our next PTO meeting. Don’t worry, we will be finished by 6:15 p.m. so you can go and enjoy this fantastic holiday.

This Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, I will be joining our other principals of the Archdiocese in our yearly retreat. It will be a true welcome after preparing for our preliminary OCCSAA visit. In my absence, Ann Grover, my secretary will be in charge.

Menu for February 6-10,2012
Monday, Feb 6 – BBQ chicken, bread, fresh veggies, fruit, milk
Tuesday, Feb 7 – Chili macaroni and cheese, corn, fruit, milk
Wednesday, Feb 8 – Turkey corndogs, curly fries, fruit, milk
Thursday, Feb 9 – Chicken and butter noodles, spinach salad, fruit, milk
Friday, Feb 10 – Pizza, baby carrots, mixed fruit, milk

Immersed in Christ (Sixth Week in Ordinary Time)
Sin separates; Jesus unites. Reflection for week of Feb 12 – 18, 2012

INVENTORY: What does “purification” mean to me? Do I feel a need for it? How do I seek it?
INPUT: The wisdom of God’s “loving plan” for the human race “took flesh in Jesus Christ and changed human history by his command of perfect love.” Does “purification” have some connection with security, with God’s presence, and his guidance of the human race through history?
Scripture: Mark 1:40-45; Leviticus 13: 1-2, 44-46; 1 Corinthians 10:31 – 11:1
INSIGHT: Do I see every sin now as an act of separating myself from others?
INITIATIVE: Accept people as they are, before you try to help them change. God does.

Happy Catholic Schools’ Week Everyone!
What a joy-filled week! Dear Parents, its your day! I hope you were able to come inside and have a bit of breakfast this morning. I am attaching the updated chart for this week’s events so that you can keep up with what is going on each day. Sometime before the end of the week, we hope you will share why you chose Villa Teresa Catholic School for your child’s beginning educational experience.

Last week, we collected donations for the Polar Plunge! That ended Friday and we are proud of our little ones who collected $382.00 for Special Olympics Oklahoma. We are still collecting baby items for Birth Choice. Tables have spaces to be filled with baby food, diapers, toys, clothing, etc.

Today we begin constructing our prayer chain in the cafeteria. If you have a special intention, we welcome your sending them to me and I will make sure they become part of the chain. I hope you have invited your employer to come and see why you are so happy with us (smile). Wednesday is our Community Open House from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Our fourth graders look forward to being tour guides and for sure, the history of Villa Teresa School is truly an experience coming from the hearts of their oldest students. Thanks to all who are helping supervise the children for the Staff Appreciation luncheon. It is one of those rare occasions where we get to sit and enjoy each other. One of the changes – we will not be having our Spaghetti and Sisters Dinner Tuesday, Jan 31. It is canceled this year.

The Oklahoma City Marathon is Sunday, April 29th. This will be Villa Teresa’s third year participating. For information and to register, please go to www.okcmarathon.com . Before April 29th your child will need to have logged 25 miles (some of this we can do on campus by walking the playground, but it may take extra walking on your family’s part. We like including family involvement. Our coordinator is Jennifer Stephens. To register on line you will need to select Villa Teresa School from the schools’ dropdown. The cost is $10.00 per child, $20 for adults (this includes t shirt, completion medal, goodie bag, post refreshments and an unforgettable experience. Please notify Jennifer once you’ve registered (jenstephensleonard@gmail.com or call 488-4682). We like to know who is representing us!

Next Monday, February 6, we will have two special visitors – Sally Howard and a representative from the Tulsa diocese conducting our preliminary visit – another step in our re-accreditation process. This is a very exciting experience! We love sharing the spirit of Villa Teresa Catholic School. Your prayers are requested as we begin this process.

Menu for January 30 – February 3, 2012
Monday, Jan 30 – Chicken strips, broccoli and cheese, bread, mixed fruit, milk
Tuesday, Jan 31 – Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes/gravy, beans, rolls, peaches, milk
Wednesday, Feb 1 – Turkey sandwiches, mixed veggies, fruit, milk
Thursday, Feb 2 – Chicken soft tacos, northern beans, fruit, milk
Friday, Feb 3 - Ham macaroni and cheese, peas, fruit, milk

Immersed in Christ (Fifth Week in Ordinary Time – reflection for Feb 5)
Growing into What (Who) We Are

INVENTORY: What does it mean to me when I pray, “Hallowed be thy Name!”?
INPUT: God is awesome, all powerful, the one who is giving us right now our very existence. He is sharing his own divine life with us, which means he has chosen to live in us, to act in our human bodies to do what only God can do. He is acting with us, in us, and through us to continue the divine work of Jesus Christ on earth.
Scripture: Job 7:1-7; Corinthians 9:16-23; Mark 1:29-39
INSIGHT: Do I see more clearly how I am actually responding to Jesus Christ?
INITIATIVE: Choose to use Jesus as the Savior he is. Commit to learning from Him.

Last week, we had a very special guest to celebrate our students reading 100,000 minutes in one week! Silly, the clown, really enjoyed herself – and the students were so excited! All the next day, I kept getting from LC 3 students - why were you silly? That took some explaining – beyond just stating “I’m A Little Silly” is really my cousin (smile).

Attached to these Monday Notes are a preview of next week’s Catholic Schools Week – it will help you know what the children need to wear each day and what your homework assignment is ahead of time and for each day.

Beginning this Saturday, Jan 28, we are hosting Alliance Francois – French classes will be taught to 4 year olds to 5th graders. A flier was sent home Friday with contact information if you are interested. The hour classes are in two sets – from 10:00 – noon.

Faculty Meeting is today! Please come and help supervise students in you can. Other volunteer opportunities available soon are helpers for the Spaghetti and Sisters Dinner (decorating, serving and clean up), and watching classes while the teachers enjoy their luncheon on Staff Day (Tuesday, Jan 31) during Catholic Schools Week.

Boy Scouts Meeting is also today. Our Girl Scouts are beginning their orders for cookie sales.

Menu for Jan 23 – 27, 2012
Monday, Jan 23 – Teriyaki chicken, wild rice, mixed veggies, pears, milk
Tuesday, Jan 24 – Bologna and cheese sandwiches, carrots, mandarin oranges, milk
Wednesday, Jan 25- Chili cheese hot dogs, tater tots, tropical fruit mix, milk
Thursday, Jan 26 – Spaghetti, green beans, garlic bread, applesauce, milk
Friday, Jan 27 – Sloppy Joe sandwiches, corn on the cob, oranges, milk

Immersed in Christ (Fourth Week in Ordinary Time)
Reflection for Week of January 29, 2012 God Speaks to Us
INVENTORY: Do you ever ask for an interview with God? Do you think he would grant it?
INPUT: One reason we go to church – to become aware and keep ourselves aware of who we are, of what we are privileged to know; and of the ensuing possibility of praising God uniquely that makes it our duty to do so. It follows that we need to praise and serve the Father with the perfection of the Son. Our opening prayer asks that we serve God with our every desire and show love for one another as you have loved us. This is the greatest praise we can give to God.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Mark 1:21-28; 1 Corinthians 7:32-35
INSIGHT: Why is every literate Christian obligated to read the word of God?
INITIATIVE: Decide when, where, and how long you will read from Scripture each day.

Dear Families,
I hope you were able to spend some time this weekend and share with your little ones how important human life is. We have the example of Dr. Martin Luther King who by many sacrifices (including his life) made it possible for all people in America to have the opportunity to fulfill their own personal dreams in addition to fulfilling his own dream. We are able to judge by ‘character’ not by the color of one’s skin. When I look at our classes (and Villa Teresa was one of the first to integrate in Oklahoma City), we have such a beautiful expression of God’s Garden. We are from all the corners of the world. We share our love of God from many religious backgrounds, and all are welcome. We have been given much for which to be thankful and we are also given much responsibility to preserve this awareness of God’s love for all people. Thank you for helping Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream come true. It is a dream however, that continually must be dreamt and brought to reality.

You are invited to join us this Friday, for our School Mass at 9:00 a.m. Rev Msgr Ed Weisenburger will be our celebrant.

Another very real expression of the value of life is being offered this Wednesday, January 18 at Our Lady’s Cathedral, 6:00 p.m. the Sanctity of Life Mass celebrated by our Archbishop Paul Coakley. After the Mass, there will be a talk by Greg Schleppenbach from Nebraska on “Proclaiming the Gospel of Life in a Culture of Death”.

The tables are out for baby items. Please bring your donations to the front office – we hope to fill the tables by the end of the week. The last day for donating is the end of Catholic Schools’Week Feb 3. The proceeds will go to Birth Choice, an organization who helps mothers and infants in need.

There are several assignments given prior to Catholic Schools Week – one is for you to share with us of how you feel about Villa Teresa School – why did you choose us? Letters will be read during Catholic Schools Week. Remember that Monday, Jan 30 you will be able to come and have a bit of breakfast. This is our offering of appreciation to you for choosing us for the educational setting for your little ones. After our Opening Prayer Service, Paul Cwynar will talk to the students about the work of World Neighbors. Last week, I sent invitations to community neighbors to come and visit us, Wednesday, Feb 1 from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. We hope you will also invite your employer. This invitation will be attached to those on our email list. Have them call and confirm their attendance. Our fourth graders will give tours. Tuesday is Staff Appreciation Day – A very special assembly will take place honoring their service and thanks to our homeroom parents’ efforts, volunteers will take the classes from 11:00 – 1:00 p.m. so that we can sit and enjoy the time together. If you would like to volunteer, let us know. That evening, we continue the Sisters and Spaghetti Dinner – no cooking at home (smile). All of the Sisters will come and join our school community so that you may get to know them.
Thursday is Student Day – throughout the day – music will present opportunities to get up and MOVE! We will also be entertained by St. Eugene’s School choir at 10:00 a.m.
Friday will be a very interesting day. It’s Celebrate Reading Day! Closing with a Faculty Basketball game – though you may not recognize us! The teachers will be dressed in their favorite book character. The week will close with a prayer service at the end of the game.

This year’s theme for Catholic Schools Week is “Catholic Schools: Faith, Academics and Service”. We are also bringing contributions for the Sheriff’s Department “Polar Plunge” to benefit Special Olympics Oklahoma. A $1.00 donation will buy a polar bear to decorate walls and doors to show our support of students with special needs. If you are so inclined to represent Villa Teresa School in the actual plunge let me know.

Today, the three winning classes for the number of minutes in reading during our Book Fair Week celebrated their victory with a visit from Silly, the clown. Mrs. Goodwill’s, Ms Mary’s and Ms Marilyn’s students had the top number of minutes leading to the 100,000 minutes.

Menu for January 16 – January 20, 2012
Monday, Jan 16 (daycare) – Taco soup, carrots, rolls, plums, milk
Tuesday, Jan 17 – Sausage patties, pancakes, potato wedges, strawberries, milk
Wednesday, Jan 18 – Chicken fajitas, refried beans, oranges, milk
Thursday, Jan 19 – Mexican lasagna, salad, peach slices, milk
Friday, Jan 20 – Fish sticks, green beans, bread, pineapple tidbits, milk

Immersed in Christ (Third Week in Ordinary Time)
The Power of Light and Love
INVENTORY: How much power do you think you have? Who has more real power: presidents or parents? Priests or peers? What can each do?
INPUT: We ask God to direct his love that is within us so that our efforts in the name of his Son may bring humanity to unity and peace. The power to do this is love. And that love is within us. It is God’s love. We share in it.
Scripture: Jonah 3:1-10; Mark 1:13-20; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
INSIGHT: What is the greatest power on earth? Authorities and lawmakers have power to affect or change peoples’ actions. It takes a greater power to change peoples’ hearts. And that, more than anything else, is the power of example. Has this reflection made power something you want to think about in your life?
INITIATIVE: write down all you started doing because of others’ example. Look twice.

Birthday blessings to our following staff members this month! Raul Orduna (4), Tammy Valentour (10), Deborah Estrada (10), G. G. Burke (14), Andrew Migdalski (22), and Minnie Baber (30)

Thanks to all who expressed prayers and words of sympathy in the recent deaths of Sisters Joan Teresa and Joan Mary. May they rest in peace!

January 9, 2012

Dear Families,

Happy New Year!  I’m still getting adjusted to writing 2012! Last week’s weather was glorious!  This week will be a bit cooler, please make sure your little one is dressed warmly. All items need to have your child’s name on them. We try to stress the importance of responsible care of their personal items, but it helps for names to be on their items so we know to whom to seek when they are missing. I also want to encourage you to check the names periodically. Sometimes others may have the same style and accidentally take someone else’s coat or bookbag.

Tomorrow is PTO Meeting. We look forward to seeing you attend. It begins at 5:30 p.m. Realizing some of you cannot come, we do try to keep you in the loop of important announcements. When I receive the minutes, generally I send them out in this format of emailing. They can also be found on the PTO website. Due to time constraints, past minutes will be sent to you by the end of this week.

Congratulations to YOU! We received a check from our BoxTop collections of $1,084.34 just after Christmas! That’s awesome!  The competition is big- Ms Marilyn leading and several close behind. A big thank you to Mrs. McKinley for keeping up with all those tallies.

We still collect Campbell Soup labels, too and remember if you have a Target card, credits can be applied to Villa Teresa School. Homeland (61119) also is another project. Someone did start us on a Buy For Less School supply grant where receipts are collected. Any volunteers to keep up with that project? Please let me know (smile).

The committee for Catholic Schools Week has wonderful activities planned. To get you prepared to take the ‘plunge’, you can start jotting down why you love Villa Teresa. You might also mark in your calendar to join us for a bit of breakfast Monday, January 30^th. Also plan not to cook on Tuesday, January 31 and join us for Spaghetti with the Sisters starting at 4:30 p.m. ($10.00 per family). We will be collecting baby items for BirthChoice, OKC starting January 12, 2012. Please bring all items to place on tables in front of the office.

We all know the challenges we have in parking. This week I hope to return to a previous practice for our K-4^th graders. There is an entrance from Dewey Street between the garage apartments and LC 4’s playground. From 7:00 – 8:15 a.m. we will have the gates opened for you to drive through – your child will be able to enter through the cafeteria side door and be signed in. This will free up parking out front for our LC 3 and LC 4 patrons. The only time this will not work is when delivery of groceries is made which varies. If you see the gate closed, a delivery is expected then you would resume parking and then walking your child into the school building.

Menu for January 9 – 13, 2012

Monday, Jan 9 – BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, curly fries, pineapple slices, milk

Tuesday, Jan 10 – Macaroni and cheese with diced ham, peas, fruit cocktail, milk

Wednesday, Jan 11 – Beef nachos, corn, Mandarin oranges, milk

Thursday, Jan 12 – Ravioli, Northern beans, diced peaches, milk

Friday, Jan 13- Salad with diced turkey, breadsticks, tropical fruit mix, milk

Immersed in Christ (Second Week in Ordinary Time  - for Sunday, Jan 15) We are Called and Sent

INVENTORY: What is your most constant preoccupation? In being aware of that, what are you less aware of? What might you be losing sight of altogether?

INPUT: We know that often God’s will is not done, and people block the good he desires to bring about. So we pray, “Help us to embrace your will.” And add: “ Give us the strength to follow your call so that your truth may live in our hearts, be seen in our actions, and reflect peace to all who, through what they see in us, will be helped to believe in your love.”

Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:3-10; John 1:35-42; 1 Corinthians 6:13-20

INSIGHT: What is your name? Who gave it to you? What does it mean? How can you find out?

INITIATIVE: Listen to what God is calling you to do. Find yourself in it.

Dear Families,
Happy New Year!!! What a blessing to bring in 2012! It seems just like yesterday that all were waiting the millennium – and now we are twelve years down the road! Amazing, how time flies. This Friday, you will receive your child’s report card for the first semester. I hope your Christmas break and yesterday provided you with the needed rest after our holiday season. We are still in the Christmas season (until the Baptism of the Lord) and this week look forward the feast of Epiphany – the visit of the Three Kings. In many countries, this is the day where gifts are exchanged to represent the gifts the Kings gave the infant Jesus.

This year brings us many blessings. We are in our year for re-accreditation and our first milestone- the self-study is being prepared to be given to our Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent for that first draft surveillance. Every five years Catholic Schools go through this process and it is a very intense experience for examining how God’s grace continues to grow in the schools. It is a time to look at who we are and how we can improve. Villa Teresa Catholic School has served the greater OKC community for soon to be 79 years. There are so many wonderful stories shared in how we have touched the lives of many.

At the end of the month, we join other Catholic Schools in celebrating Catholic Schools Week. This year’s theme is: Catholic Schools- Faith, Academics and Service. Keep an eye on the main bulletin board as it develops throughout the month with various examples of how we live out the theme for this year. Our service project for the month of January is connected with Catholic Schools Week – we will collect baby items beginning January 12 until the end of the month. Tables will be brought to the front office in the main building for you to bring your items. Some have brought baby food, clothing, toys, blankets, etc. These items will be donated to Birth Choice OKC.

We are in the halfway mark of this school year. Our volunteer coordinator is adding up your service hours. As I looked at the list, several of you did not document your hours. If you are involved with sports, Girl or Boy Scouts, or if you’ve attended committee meetings or PTO or VTAC – all those activities count. Some Grandparents have been helping, when you sign in – indicate the name of your grandchild so we know who to give credit. Volunteering is important. It gives you the opportunity not only to help but also to be involved. We realize that is difficult with some of your daily occupations, so helping with a monetary donation ($200) toward our scholarship fund helps those who may have financial challenges continue to attend Villa Teresa School. It is not too late- you may go to vtspto.com and log in your own hours or write them in the yellow folder on the table in the main school building.

Menu for January 3 – 6, 2012
Tuesday, Jan 3 – Cheeseburgers, French fries, oranges, milk
Wednesday, Jan 4 – Turkey corndogs, baby carrots, sliced pears, milk
Thursday, Jan 5 – Chicken crispitos, pinto beans, applesauce, milk
Friday, Jan 6 – Cheesy tuna casserole, mixed veggies, Mandarin oranges, milk

Immersed in Christ (Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord – Jan 8, 2012) Awareness of the Light

INVENTORY: What experience have you had of darkness? Did you recognize it as darkness at the time? Have you ever been in a place where no one showed any awareness of God? How did you feel?
INPUT: What is more common than the light of day? Yet the light we have most need of to live on this earth does not come from this earth. Without light from “outer space” there would simply be no daylight. Or moonlight. Or starlight. We would live mostly in the dark. God guided the Magi by a star to make a point that no one comes to Christ except by following a light that is not of this world. We need to keep ourselves aware of this. Only then will the light within us shine out to give light to the world.
Scripture: Isaiah 60:1-6; Matthew 2;1-12; Ephesians 3:2-6
INSIGHT: Do I appreciate more how important it is to be aware of the light and life in me?
INITIATIVE: Form the habit of deliberately trying to express divine truth, life, love.

Dear Families,
Happy Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day! Early this morning, several thousand of our Brethren of Hispanic descent attending Mass and Las Mananitas! The celebration honors the appearance of Our Lady in the 16th century to a humble layman by the name of Juan Diego. She dressed as an Aztec princess and looking very much like the people she wanted to assure of God’s love.She continues to be admired and is known for her compassionate message that Jesus is our Savior and comes to be one of us so that we may become divine and live forever with God in heaven.

This week is full of activities. Tomorrow (Dec 13), we have our Christmas Program at McGuinness High School and yes, it is a program that includes all our students – 2 ½ year olds to 4th graders. The program is at 7:00 p.m. Please be there by 6:30 p.m. Someone will be directing you to holding rooms. LC 3 and LC 4 students, once completing their performance can join you in the audience. The finale however is for everyone – so the words to the very last two songs are included in your program. This fits our mission statement perfectly (serving the young child within the whole family) and allows all our families to be part of the finale. What a perfect way to involve everyone! Families are asked to donate $3.00 to cover program expenses. If you’d like to purchase DVD’s of the program, please turn in your order blanks with $15.00 to the office. Checks are made to LifeTime Videos.

We have third and fourth graders caroling Wednesday and Thursday. One very special place is the staff party of Bone and Joint Hospital. They will also sing for the Sisters on Friday during lunch. Our Mass is celebrated Friday at 9:00 a.m. with Rev. Rick Stansberry, pastor of Christ the King Catholic Church.

Don’t forget to bring your wrapped gift for a poor child by this Thursday. The tag on the gift should indicate gender and age. You may bring them at anytime before Friday. They can be stored in class.

This Friday is the end of the first semester. How fast time has flown! While I realize some of you are very busy – life leads us on a rapid journey, take time for your little ones – they only are on this part of the journey once in their life. Some of our teachers send home daily reports, most weekly. The first –fourth grade teachers post their grades on Engrade and you actually have access to this tool to watch the progress of your child – what is turned in; what is missing. Please take the opportunity to be vigilant. No grade is given; all grades are earned. We hope we are instilling within our students – responsibility. They hear often from me the importance of preparing themselves for whatever God has in mind for them to do with their lives. They must be ready. This is also the message of Advent.

Don’t forget to sign up in your building if you plan to be here for childcare during the Christmas break.
With sadness, we say farewell to our assistant cook, Emily Walsh as she leaves us to gain more experience with her culinary training to be a chef and thank her for her self-less service to Villa Teresa School. We welcome Amber Martin who will be assisting us.

Our archdiocesan information for the safety of children appear quarterly in our newsletters:
Abuse of minors: Pastoral Response Hotline (405) 720-9878. For the safety of children and healing of victims, the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City provides an Abuse of Minors Pastoral Response Hotline. Calls to this number will be answered by the Archdiocesan Assistance coordinator who will offer to meet with the callers in person, if the caller so desires. Calls are confidential, with the following exceptions:
• Any allegation of sexual or physical abuse or neglect concerning those who currently are minors must be reported to Oklahoma Department of Human Services (1-800-522-3511)
• Any allegation of sexual misconduct must be shared with proper Archdiocesan authorities.
• Local law enforcement agencies may also be contacted.

Menu for December 12 – 16, 2011
Monday, Dec 12 – Crispy chicken sandwiches, corn, diced peaches and pears, milk
Tuesday, Dec 13 – Chicken noodle soup, mixed veggies, rolls, peach slices, milk
Wednesday, Dec 14 - Ham and tater tot casserole, rolls, mixed fruit, milk
Thursday, Dec 15 – Fettuccini Alfredo with diced ham, salad, fruit cocktail, milk
Friday, Dec 16 – Fish sticks, hash browns, bread, tropical fruit mix, milk

Immersed in Christ (Third Week of Advent)
Jesus Saves us from Sin

INVENTORY: What does hope have to do with joy? What role does hope play in the “joy of salvation”? What do you hope for from God? How do you expect God to fulfill that hope?
INPUT: We should always rejoice – even when things are going wrong and we are suffering because “the Lord is near.” The key is to keep ourselves aware of Jesus’ ever presence with us even when we are sad. We have, with Jesus everything we need.
Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-11; John 1:6-28; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
INSIGHT: How do I feel when I think of Christ’s love? How do I feel when I don’t?
INITIATIVE: During Advent form the habit of touching your heart frequently during the day and saying the WIT prayer: “Lord, live with me; live in me; live through me.”

Dear Families,

Today begins our Book Fair! The grandparents will be able to take their grandchildren from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. and go read and buy books! Refreshments are also served. We are up to 80,000 minutes of reading – so it looks as if “Silly” will be spending a day at Villa Teresa School! She’s excited! Students can accompany their parents to purchase items from 3:30 – 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Dec 5-8th.

Saturday was our first day of basketball with the CGSAA at Santa Fe Athletic Center – very nice facility! In the early stages after the Knights of Columbus acquired the building, it was their dream to have it be the center of activity for families with children of all ages. Saturday was a dream come true! Our Athletic Director, Rodney Shivers wants to know if any second, third or fourth grader basketball players have not heard from your coach yet. If not, please let him know so he can get you the contact information for your coach. His email is: rshivers@cox.net

It’s really hard to believe that next week is our Christmas program. All classes have been practicing. The attire is Sunday Best. All students are asked to be at McGuinness High School (801 NW 50th St) by 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 13. We ask that each family help with program cost by offering $3.00. Our Christmas Programs are always a treasure that you will want to keep always. Lifetime Videos will be recording the program and DVD’s can be purchased for $20.00. An order blank will be sent home by the end of the week. Please make your checks to Lifetime Videos.

Our service project for this month is to collect toys. Please wrap your gift and indicate on the tag whether the gift is for a boy or girl and the age of the child who would enjoy the gift. The packages will be kept in your child’s classroom until December 16 – the day of our Advent Mass. We have a change in priests. Fr Long is not able to come. Our celebrant will be Fr. Rick Stansberry from Christ the King Catholic Church.

Menu for December 5-9, 2011
Monday, Dec 5 – Chicken fajitas, soft tacos, black beans, pineapple bits, milk
Tuesday, Dec 6 – Bacon hamburgers, baked fries, applesauce, milk
Wednesday, Dec 7 – Chicken nuggets, creamed corn, bread, fruit cocktail, milk
Thursday, Dec 8 – Meatballs, butter noodles, broccoli, apricots, milk
Friday, Dec 9 – Cheese pizza, carrots, oranges, milk

Immersed in Christ (Second Week of Advent)
Discovering the Good News

INVENTORY: What do you consider good news. What would really “make your day” if it happened right now? Stop. Think of what it is before you read further. How good would that news be? How good will it be a hundred years from now? Will you still be just as excited about it?
INPUT: Jesus is not like any other. Ultimately, we have only one Teacher. Anything we learn from others, if it does not come from him, has very limited value. There is only one Good News: the news that Jesus Christ has come, is coming, and will come. Any other news is a distraction.
Scripture: Isaiah 40: 1-11; Mark 1:1-8; 2 Peter 3:8-14
INSIGHT: What difference is there – in experience, not theory – between the baptism of John and that of Jesus? Which is closer to my experience?
INITIATIVE: Use Advent to begin a serious plan of Faith Formation (“reiterated instruction combined with insistent intentionality”). This means we have to keep learning the truth while insisting that we (and others) live it out in action.

(Fr. David Knight)

Dear Families,
Yesterday (Sunday) began a new liturgical year in our Catholic Church – Happy New Year! During the season of Advent, we focus on ‘expectation’ – the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ! Not only in the great feast of Christmas when Jesus was born, but also the Second Coming at the end of time. So our gospel reading ended up with the order to Wake UP! The psalm was a much more gentle approach – “Lord, make us turn to you. Let us see your face and we shall be saved.” I couldn’t help remember my mother and my earliest teachers who would literally and gently, take me by chin in hand and say, “Look at me.” The Lord has turned to us – Advent is the time to be aware of the daily ‘comings’ of Jesus through those around us and it is in seeing Him in their actions and words that we are saved each day. May all of you enjoy this Advent season and be aware of the presence of Christ among us. You are invited to join us in Advent prayer each morning at 8:40 a.m.

We have another Eagle Scout, Ethan Carter, who has created a project that will benefit Villa Teresa School. Ethan wants to remodel the storage area in the basement of LC 4. He plans to build shelves so that the materials that are stored there can be more organized. To help fund the project, he and several of his adult sponsors and classmates will host a Santa’s Workshop Playday on Saturday, December 10 from 10:00 –4:00 p.m. This will give you time to shop and your children a time to make Christmas tree ornaments, and participate in holiday themed games outside (weather permitting), Christmas movies and lots of fun! Lunch and snacks are provided. A $10.00 fee will help toward purchase of materials for the remodeling. A poster will be sent home for you to register by this Thursday.

Thank you all for your donations of food for Little Flower Parish! The office staff was excited and pleased with our donations. We are now collecting toys for needy children. Before December 16, please bring a wrapped toy with a tag indicating what gender and age the gift will benefit.

Christmas is definitely in the air this month as preparations for our daily prayer service, the Christmas program and caroling surround our school. This makes for a joyful time of expectation!

The Book Fair is around the corner – actually next week! We are excited to see the rocket in the hallway climb each week. Remember all your minutes are logged on the slips and turned in each week. We sent home last Friday, invitations for our Grand Event – children are to color and give to their Grandparents.

Today, we have Staff meeting. Thanks to all who are volunteering for our faculty to be able to get together. These are very important meetings where we collaborate and discuss issues that benefit your children. It is a time we get to share what is working and what is not working well. It is a time where curriculum development is discussed and where we can learn what is expected of us as educators committed to the mission of Villa Teresa Catholic School. We appreciate your help.

Menu for November 28 – December 2, 2011
Monday, Nov 28 – Chicken Teriyaki, wild rice, peas, apricots, milk
Tuesday, Nov 29 – Spaghetti with meatballs, Caesar salad, Mandarin oranges, milk
Wednesday, Nov 30 – Beef and cheese nachos, refried beans, sliced pears, milk
Thursday, Dec 1 – Turkey corndogs, corn on the cob, diced peaches, milk
Friday, Dec 2 – Baked potatoes, diced ham, salad, diced pears, milk

Immersed in Christ (First Week of Advent)
The Beginning of Religion

INVENTORY: What is the very first act of religion? When and where did it take place in your life? How did you experience it? How often are you conscious of it now?
INPUT: The Good News is that God has “turned to us.” He has come to us in Jesus, God made flesh. Let us pray that Jesus will “find an eager welcome” in our hearts when we celebrate that coming at Christmas.
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 63:16-64:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:33-37
INSIGHT: What am I looking forward to during Advent? Do I think I really understand the mystery of Christ? Am I letting him “save” my home life? Professional life?
INITIATIVE: Ask seriously: “How can I use the time of Advent to become a happier person?”

Happy Birthday, Ms Halina (Dec 1)

Dear Families,

This week as we prepare for Thanksgiving, let us remember all the gifts God gives us daily. Besides the beauty of this fall season with all its glorious colors and brisk reminders of upcoming winter, my most sincere is the prayer of thanksgiving for YOU! and for your trust in us for the educational setting of your children. I am also grateful for the many hours of volunteer work, your assistance in projects and reviewing your child’s daily work – for the support you give each other. I am grateful for our wonderful teachers who spend hours not only in planning, but continual formation to improve techniques and to discover how to reach each and every one of their students. Our support staff who without them the school would not run as efficiently – we so need our kitchen staff, maintenance and cleaning crew. Everyone’s gifts help make the reality of school life.

Tomorrow is the last day for our Food Drive. After school, our fourth graders will assist me in forming the ‘mountain’ in front of the altar – let’s hope we have at least as much as last year –for some families – life is harder this year. I went shopping Saturday! There is a certain element of joy knowing someone will be happy with our offering and some one will go to bed less hungry. As I’m writing this on the Solemnity of Christ the King Sunday – we heard in the Gospel today – “For as much as you do for the least of my Brethren, you do it for me.” Our choir director gave an excellent talk to us before Mass and stated that those last five words are the most important in life. It is really what sums up what I share with our students (and staff) all the time. The Lord dwells within each of us. Whatever we do, or say or think – it is to our Lord, Jesus Christ. So if you have not gone shopping, please help us share with those less fortunate.

Our first week of turning in our Reading Logs was great, even though several wasn’t sure when to turn them in. We have already 10,274 minutes and the rocket in the hallway has begun its journey up to the 100,000 minutes goal. Please remember to put you names on the slips so credit can be given. Today (Monday), your child will receive Grandparent invitations to color over the weekend and deliver to their grandparents for the Grand Event. This is a special opportunity for Grandparents to come and take their grandchild to the Bookfair where they can read books, enjoy refreshments and of course, buy books!

The schedule for basketball is on the CGSAA website. We still need a coach for one of the kindergarten teams. Our second, third and fourth graders are playing on Rosary’s team.

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone! The School’s celebration of Mass will be Wednesday, November 23 with Abbot Lawrence from St. Gregory’s as our presider. The Mass is at 9:00 a.m.

Menu for November 21- 23, 2011
Monday, November 21 – Chicken Parmesan sandwiches, baby carrots, applesauce, milk
Tuesday, November 22 – Ham, sweet potatoes, rolls, jello and mixed fruit, milk
Wednesday, November 23 – Turkey, mashed potatoes and brown gravy, green beans, pears, milk

Immersed in Christ (Christ the King)
Continuation on the taking responsibility for knowing the Mind of God

Today, rather than jumping ahead to Advent, which begins next Sunday, I would like to share Fr. Knights summary of reflection on today’s Gospel (Matthew 25: 31-46). In this passage, all who are judged are surprised at what God says about them, the “sheep” as well as the “goats.” The good didn’t know they were that good; the bad didn’t know they were that bad. Surprise all around! God offers everyone the grace of sharing in his divine life. Our faith obliges us to treat everyone with the love we give to Jesus himself (John 13:34; 15:12 “Love one another as I have loved you”).

INVENTORY: By earnest study and reflection, we gain knowledge of the way God thinks. What is his attitude toward people? What does he want yours to be/ Is this reflected in the way you treat people? All people?
INSIGHT: What does it mean for you personally to be in the service of Christ the King?
INITIATIVE: Look forward to the “end time.” Look around you always to see what needs to be done to extend the reign of Christ over every area and activity of human life on earth.

Dear Families,
Blessings to you! What a beautiful weekend! Thanks to all who came for parent teacher conferences last week. Communication between teacher and families help the wheel of cooperation in regard to your child’s education. We choose Veteran’s Day because many of you are not at work – so it gives the opportunity for you to schedule throughout the day. Thanks especially to our staff in LC 4 who make arrangements for those children who attend regardless of class or daycare. It’s a true sign of the dedication of our staff members who serve you and sacrifice much so that we are assured that we are all on the same plate in regard to what is expected – from us and from you.

We had a very enjoyable, Alumni Appreciation Dinner last Saturday as we gathered at St. Anthony’s to thank our donors from the past year and to honor in memory of Sr. Teresa Ranallo two very special people. Amy Castro Braun, a former student who presently teaches in the Moore system (Teacher of the Year for the Moore district) and Sister Joseph Marie Gibbons who continues to be our tutor in math for our older students. Almost a 100 people gathered this year, a 50% increase from last year. We also had many former students and their parents present. Marco Chavez, owner of 1492 was our caterer and the food was fantastic! We were blessed that both Marco and St. Anthony provided their service pro gratis. May the Lord bless our benefactors!

We have Boy Scouts tonight at 4:45 p.m. Last week, the Girl Scouts had their investiture ceremony. It was fun to watch the various groups – Daisies, Brownies and Juniors pronounce their promise and interact with their leaders and parents.

This coming Friday, due to not being here the Friday after Thanksgiving, we will recognize our Patient Heart awardees (K-4th graders at 8:35 a.m.; LC 3 and LC 4 at 9:00 a.m.).

This morning, we were blessed to have two representatives from the Children’s Center come to thank our students personally for our contribution from Red Ribbon Week. Villa Teresa gave $301.67 to benefit a child who may have been born with birth defects due to unwise decisions of parents in regard to drug usage.

Last Thursday, we had a Dress out day (the same day as the limo ride). Children were dressed as their favorite Book Character. The dollar they bought to school will purchase a book for children who may not be able to attend the book fair. The children raised almost $100. This was the kickoff for reading 100,000 minutes. You were sent home a log, when completed, turn in on Wednesdays so that we can keep up with the number of minutes read. The deadline is the end of the week of the Book Fair (December 9th).

This coming Sunday is the Feast of Christ the King and it ends our liturgical year. Beginning the first Sunday of Advent, if you attend the Catholic Church, you will be using new language – based on a more literal interpretation from Latin and is more consistent with the rest of the world. It may take much patience and practice. Most of the parishes have cards to follow. We are also instructing the children on the responses here at school.

Our service project this month is to bring non-perishable food for the poor. This can include boxes of cereal, rice, bags of flour, corn meal, canned food items, baby food. All collections are due Tuesday, Nov 22. A huge sculpture will be placed in front of our altar for the Thanksgiving Mass on Wednesday, Nov 23 at 9:00 a.m. Abbot Lawrence, OSB from St. Gregory’s University will be our celebrant.

Menu for November 14-18, 2011
Monday, Nov 14 – Diced chicken with gravy and brown rice, peas, oranges, milk
Tuesday, Nov 15- Fajitas, pinto beans, peaches, milk
Wednesday, Nov 16 – Meatloaf, corn on the cob, bread, tropical fruit mix, milk
Thursday, Nov 17 – Tuna salad sandwiches, baby carrots, pineapples, milk
Friday, Nov 18 – Macaroni and cheese, green beans, plums, milk

Immersed in Christ (Feast of our Lord Jesus Christ the King) This reflection is for next Sunday, Nov 20.
Taking Responsibility for knowing the Mind of God
INVENTORY: By earnest study and reflection, we gain knowledge of the way God thinks. What is his attitude toward people? What does he want yours to be? Is this reflected in the way you treat people? All people?
INPUT: The beginning prayer emphasizes what Jesus accomplished through his suffering and death and how he wants us to get into harmony with his victory. We ask him to open our hearts and free us to make all things new. This allows Jesus’ outlook on life to be our own: to find joy in his peace; our glory in his justice; to make our life a constant living in his love. Our goal then can be to bring the whole human race together in Jesus Christ.
Scripture: Ezekiel 34: 11-17; Matthew 25:31-46; 1 Corinthians 15:20-28
INSIGHT: What does it mean for you personally to be in the service of Christ the King?
INITIATIVE: Accept your baptismal responsibility as a steward of Christ’s kingship. Look forward to the “end time.” Look around you always to see what needs to be done to extend the reign of Christ over every area and activity of human life on earth.

We also offer a daily reflection, if you are interested in being on our
mailing list for this reflection, please let me know.

Dear Families,
I can’t believe how fast time is going! Pretty soon it will be time for our Book Fair. The committee has met now twice and is coming up with really creative ideas. This year the Read 100,000 minutes will kick-off this Thursday, November 10 with an out-of- uniform day. Students are to “Dress Like Your Favorite Book Character”. The $1.00 that is brought will be redistributed to those students who usually don’t get to go to the Book Fair with the goal of every student in our school to receive a book. If the 100,000 minutes is achieved by the end of the Book Fair that funny clown cousin of mine promises to come back and spend the day with the children. You missed her if you didn’t go to the carnival – she really didn’t stay long. She’s a “Little Silly.” Students in LC 3 even though they don’t wear uniforms are also invited to bring a $1.00.

Tomorrow (Tuesday, November 8) is PTO Meeting. We hope to see you! It starts at 5:30 p.m.

Our service project this month is to collect non-perishable food for the less fortunate. In your child’s class there is a box that needs to be filled. Actually, each class needs to fill at least four boxes. Last year, we collected enough to feed 60 families. Our offering goes to Little Flower parish as well as families that call for our help.

This Friday, we have Day Care offered for those families who may need to work as well as for your children while you have your Parent Teacher conference. They may bring a toy, but no electronic devices.

Wednesday, our Girl Scouts will have a special Investiture Ceremony at 5:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria. They meet every Wednesday. Our Boy Scouts will be meeting on the 14th and 28th of this month.

We forgot to put on the calendar our Faculty Meeting which is the last Monday of the month (November 28). We need your help in supervising the children during our meetings. Last month, the pool of volunteers was very slim.

This letter is going out early – so remember to set your clocks back – it is Daylight Savings Time again.

There is an Emergency Energy Forum being held at Our Lady’s Cathedral (Connor Center) Thursday, November 10th. Representatives from OGE and the attorney general’s office will receive questions and concerns from families who are struggling to pay their gas and electric bills. Some are still paying from the heat of the summer as well as the elderly who often have to choose between medicine or food or their energy source as it is. OG & E is planning to have a 6% increase and have asked the Corporation Commission to approve a $73,000,000.00 rate increase. You may ask how this involves Villa Teresa – our students are taught that the Lord requests our love of neighbor to include a sense of solidarity with the poor. As we approach the end of the liturgical year, we hear from the Gospel that whatsoever you do for the least of my brethren, you do unto Me. By standing next to those who are struggling we give them the courage to stand up for their rights. Officials need to hear what effect this rate increase will have upon the elderly and those in economic difficulty – that may also include some of you. The meeting is at 7:00 p.m. at Connor Center located at NW 32nd and Lake Avenue.

Menu for November 7-11, 2011
Monday, Nov 7 – Sloppy Joes, butter beans, sliced pears, milk
Tuesday, Nov 8 – Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, bread, apricots, milk
Wednesday, Nov 9 - Taco salad, pinot beans, cinnamon applesauce, milk
Thursday, Nov 10 – Chicken nuggets, creamed corn, rolls, strawberries, milk
Friday, Nov 11 - Turkey hotdogs, potato wedges, fruit cocktail, milk

Immersed in Christ (Thirty-Third Week of Ordinary Time) What is Responsible Stewardship? (This is the reflection for next Sunday)
INVENTORY: How would you describe what it means to be a “worthy wife” or a “worthy husband”? What is a “worthy Christian”? Have you ever gotten explicit about it in your own thinking?
INPUT: God is the “ever-living source of all that is good”. He has made promises and fulfilled his promises through our Lord Jesus Christ, and continues to fulfill them through the same Jesus acting in the Church that is his body by the power of his Spirit poured out in our hearts today. Serving God is not static. To be faithful stewards we have to “invest” what is given to us and make it increase.
Scripture: Proverbs 31:10-31; Matthew 25:14-30; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6
INSIGHT: How do you understand your baptismal consecration as “king” or “steward of the kingship of Christ”? What do you understand better now?
INITIATIVE: Develop the habit of being always mindful of your baptismal consecration as a steward of Christ’s kingship. Be intent on using your gifts to bring about change.

(Reflections are from Fr. David Knights’ Immersed in Christ Faith Formation Series)

Dear Families,
Thank you to all our very generous helpers for the Carnival! We had a fantastic turnout! We had many sign up for the Carnival through several venues- but a few very core people who helped in both setting up and clean up detail. Some have enough hours to get them through graduate school. If you want a fun way to complete your volunteer hours – today and Tuesday, you can help de-decorate our campus! This will help especially those who were not able to help prior and during the carnival.

We certainly want all of you to have a safe Halloween if you choose to go trick-or-treating tonight! Tuesday, November 1, is All Saints Day and is celebrated as a holy day of obligation in the Catholic Church, please make sure to check your church bulletin for Mass times.

These Monday Notes are full of announcement and congratulations! First of all, I want to congratulate Villa Teresa students who have hearts as big as the world. During Red Ribbon Week, we collected loose change. This will be made into one check to ‘The Children’s Center” in Bethany to help a child who suffers the consequences of drug abuse. Our students donated $301.64 ! Go Villa!!!! And God bless you!

We enjoyed our Archbishop Coakley’s first visit. He enjoyed the children’s questions and comments and how well they behaved at Mass and of course, their beautiful prayer through singing.

Those winning the Pumpkin Contest are:
Scariest – Aubrey Long (LC 3), Kate Shipley (LC 4); Kevin Nguyen and Keely O’Connor (K-4)
Funniest – Sydney Robinson (LC 3); MacKenzi Bass(LC 4); Maddox Adams (K-4)
Most Unusual – William Rainey and William Wendelkin (LC 3 – no last name); Tao Oliver (LC 4); Emma Bax (K-4)
Saints and Angels – Katie Frost (K-4)
Most Awesome – Rian Harris (LC 3); Emily Comstock and Finley Cunningham (LC 4); Hudson Robinson (K-4)
Honorable Mention – Sawyer Saenz (LC 3); Henry Abt (LC 4); Maria Roquemore (K-4)

Winners of the Baskets from the Carnival are:
LaToya Smith (Money Tree); Tom Purvis (Money Tree); Jackie Walton (Gift Cards); Susan Kane (Spa Basket); Andy Schallhorn (Necessities, Puzzle, Barbeque, Office Supplies); Lori Fornal (Oklahoma Basket); Slane Family (Photography); Keely O’Connor (Movie); Sam and Kim Griffith (Boys’ Toys); Sr. Joseph Marie (Library); Gary and Nancy Hoeffken (Breakfast in Bed); Cathy Walton (Restaurant); Diane Garrett (Family Fun Night); Carol McKinley (Chocolate Galore); Helena Randall (Hot Wheels); Tracy Treat (Books); Diana Bittle (Girls’ Toys); Jay Wall (Beer Basket); Stan Rupert (Under Tuscan Sun Basket); Weigl Family (Jewelry); Kelli Bass (Gift Cards).

Birthday greetings this month to the following staff members – Sr. Loan (4), Mary Lewis (13), Gwendolyn Hill (15) and Stephanie Stubbs (23).

Menu for October 31- November 4, 2011
Monday, Oct 31 – Chicken and lettuce wraps, fresh veggie mix, oranges, milk
Tuesday, Nov 1 – Swiss burgers, salad, apricots and pears, milk
Wednesday, Nov 2 – Corndogs, curly fries, Mandarin oranges, milk
Thursday, Nov 3 – Turkey ham chef salad, cheese breadsticks, pineapple bits, milk
Friday, Nov 4 – Fish sticks, green beans, sliced bread, peaches, milk

Immersed in Christ (Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time) The Fidelity of the Wise
INVENTORY: What does the word “wisdom” mean to you? Is there a difference between “worldly wisdom” or being “street wise” and “spiritual” wisdom? What makes one different from the other?
INPUT: We begin or should begin everyting with a conscious awareness of our limited knowledge, intelligence, and power – especially our power to love as God loves us. So we ground ourselves in confidence by remembering that our prayer will always ‘come before the Lord.’ He will always “listen and answer” us. We do not need to depend on our own wisdom and power.
Scripture: Wisdom 6:12-16; Matthew 25: 1-13; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
INSIGHT: What is “wisdom”? How does knowing this definition help you as a “steward of Christ’s kingship”?
INITIATIVE: Adopt the ancient motto: “Respice finem” – “Look to the end.” Say it often.

Our Service Project for November is to collect non-perishable foods – canned, bags and boxes of cereal, rice, flour, etc. Bring to your classrooms.

Dear Families,
God bless you all! What a week we have ahead of us! Our Carnival decorators did a fantastic job on preparing the yard last Friday and pulling out and sorting the games for Saturday’s Carnival (October 29). Earlier this afternoon I sent you the lists of volunteer opportunities. There are several holes. Baked items and canned pop is at the top of the list.

This week is Red Ribbon Week and it has its own activities!
• Today (Monday) students were allowed to wear Boots – for the theme, “Give Drugs the Boot”.
• Tuesday, we wear headbands for “Band Together Against Drugs”. A police officer will visit the school. Wednesday, we get to wear Red Hats for “Use your Head, Don’t do Drugs”. The McGuinness High School Cheerleaders will entertain us.
• Thursday, we get to wear their clothes backwards, “Turn your Back on Drugs”. The teachers will entertain the student body.
• On Friday, Our students in LC 3 and LC 4 get to wear crazy socks. Kindergarten through Fourth Graders are to come in full uniform. We are blessed to have with us Archbishop Paul Coakley who will be celebrating Mass at 9:00 a.m. This is his first visit to Villa Teresa School.

Our October service project is connected with Red Ribbon Week as the children bring loose change to their classrooms. This donation will be sent to Children’s Center to benefit a child who may have disabilities due to the misuse of drugs. Thanks to all who participated in our Mathathon. We sent to St. Jude’s Hospital $1401.10.

The Book Fair is just around the corner – those interested in helping are invited to a committee meeting Wednesday, October 26 at 5:15 p.m.

Menu for October 24- 28, 2011
Monday, Oct 24 – Chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, milk
Tuesday, Oct 25 – Enchiladas, black beans, diced peaches, milk
Wednesday, Oct 26 – Spaghetti, garlic bread, peas, fruit mix, milk
Thursday, Oct 27 – Breakfast for lunch, pancakes, hashbrowns, sausage, fruit, milk
Friday, Oct 28 – Tuna casserole, peas, mixed fruit, milk

Immersed in Christ (Thirty-first Week of the Year) Accepting Lay Leadership
INVENTORY: Do you see problems in the Church? What do you identify as their source? Are you being disloyal if you criticize attitudes in the clergy? In the bishops? In particular groups of Catholics Can you do this with humility and with love?
INPUT: Vatican II teaches we are all called: “It is evident to everyone that all the faithful of Christ of whatever rank or status are called to the fullness of the Christian life and to the perfection of love” (The Church, no. 40).
Scripture: Malachi 1:14-2:10; Matthew 23: 1-12; 1 Thessalonians 2:7-13
INSIGHT: How do you see yourself now in relation to priests and bishops? Are they “higher” or “distinct but equal”? What responsibility does this put on you?
INITIATIVE: Accept your baptismal responsibility as a steward of Christ’s kingship. Write or speak to your pastor and bishop about what needs to be done in the Church.

Dear Families,
This week we are supposed to hit some pretty bitter temperatures, please remember to send your child with a jacket in the morning and that it have his or her name in it. One of the additions to the handbook is that items left in lost and found for more than ten days without a name on it will be given to the poor. We have a very generous fourth grade class who like to find owners for lost items, but it’s hard when no name is written in the item.

Last week, second and first graders went on a field trip. Both groups enjoyed their experience as well as their parent hosts. For you to drive our students, you must have completed the safe environment requirements (application, code of conduct and watching the video). Once approved, you are welcome to join the ranks of volunteers!

This Friday, we have our October ‘Student of the Month’ award ceremony. Those who have exhibited the Gospel value of Patience are recognized. It will also be the day of receiving your child’s report card if you are current in payment. Children are also responsible for returning library books.

We have started on our preparation for Red Ribbon Week! October 24-28th . The theme of the week is “It’s Up to Me to be Drug Free”.

Monday, Oct 24 – Boot Day – “Give Drugs the Boot!” We’ll tie red ribbons on trees, fences, and doorknobs. K-4th will decorate paper grocery bags with drug free messages and return to grocery stores to be used. LC 3 and LC 4 will paint little stones, making them ladybugs.

Tuesday, Oct 25- Wear headbands “Band Together against Drugs”. Students will make a Red Ribbon award and decorate. They will be laminated and put on fence in front of school.

Wednesday, Oct 26 – Red Hat Day – “Use Your Head, don’t do Drugs” – A red tissue flower will be made and given to someone homebound.

Thursday, Oct 27 – Wear Clothes Backwards. “Turn your Back on Drugs.” Using red pipe cleaners and string, students will create initials and string a red bead bracelet.

Friday, Oct 28 – LC 3 and LC 4 will wear “Crazy Socks”. “Sock it to Drugs.”
Message – o – grams with antidrug themes. K-4th Archbishop Coakley will be with us celebrating Mass at 9:00 a.m.

We are excited about our new Archbishop visiting us, the day before the Carnival (smile). We hope many of you will be able to come and celebrate with us. He will see and experience many things that day. Last week, you received the flier for the Pumpkin contest. You and your child can bring your decorated pumpkin, Wednesday, October 26th – Judging will take place after 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 28. Please make sure your child’s name is on the pumpkin where judges can see them. Pumpkins are to be placed in front of the building where your child has classes. Please review the Basket Themes’ List that was sent week before last. Several classes have empty baskets and there are several groups without classes that you may be able to help. I will include that list with this mailing.

Thanks to all who helped with St. Jude’s Hospital’s Mathathon. We raised $1401.10 to help the children who suffer from cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Our present service project involves students bringing ‘loose change’ – containers are in each of the LC 3 and 4 buildings and in each classroom – K-4th. This is part of our Red Ribbon effort to teach that “It Makes No Cents (sense) to use Drugs”. Proceeds will help a child at Children’s Center in Bethany who may be born with birth defects due to drug usage.

Special Events this week: Wellness committee, Mon Oct 17 at 5:00 p.m.; Live Rosary, Wed. Oct 19 at 9:30 a.m.; Patient Hearts Award, Fri Oct 21 – 8:35 a.m. K-4th; 9:00 a.m. – LC 3 and 4.

Menu for Oct 17- 21, 2011
Monday, Oct 17- Quesadillas, rice and beans, oranges, milk
Tuesday, Oct 18 – Pork ribletts, baked beans, bread, sliced pears, milk
Wednesday, Oct 19 – BLT sandwiches, tater tots, strawberries, milk
Thursday, Oct 20 – Meatloaf, green beans and potatoes, milk
Friday, Oct 21 – Broccoli macaroni and cheese, cream of corn, apricots, milk

Immersed in Christ (Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time) Preserve the gift of Love in Hope
INVENTORY: What do you ask God for most often? What do you experience God doing for you most often? How often do you ask God for strength? The strength to do what?
INPUT: We find strength by seeking always the face of the Lord. We need to ask God for strength – of faith, hope and love to do what he asks of us, making god’s will, his desires, his priorities our own.
Scripture: Exodus 22:20-26/ Matthew 22:34-40; 1Thessalonians 1:5-10
INSIGHT: How, in my life, can I make my stewardship love and my love stewardship?
INITIATIVE: Make an inventory: What has God invested in you? How have you re-invested it?

Dear Families,
We have rain!!! This is so needed. All of us have really enjoyed the cooler weather. With this rain, we most probably will begin to see sprigs of new grass. Our Shamrocks that guard our door are really happy. Pretty little white flowers (pink ones for the purple Shamrocks), attract busy little bees. We are watchful not to get in their way. They are pretty focuses sharing nectar from pot to pot. Our LC 3 and LC 4 students have collected various kinds of leaves and made beautiful leaf art. Sometime you might want to stop by and see the huge trees in the kindergarten area decorated with various shapes of leaves dabbled in sponge art.

Congratulations to those who have accumulated their 20 hours of volunteering: Shannon Forbes and Derek Baden, Kelli and Whit Bass, Diana and Steven Bittle, Amanda and Jason Cornmesser, Tara McCants and William Frazier, Amber and Matt Frost, Michelle and Gerald Krausz, Gina and JD Leeds, Katherine and Ryan Martin, Yolanda and Edgar Mendoza, Lara and Guy Ragland, Lisa and John Strange, Lathonya and Rodney Shivers.

We have two mystery volunteers, please identify if they belong to your family (Sharon Wag and Blake Penn). Some of you have not signed in your hours. There is a yellow folder on the table as you come into the big school. Meetings count. Coaching counts. Don’t forget to record your hours. We also ask that you print legibly so that we can give you credit for your generosity.

There is a very important meeting for parents of K-4th graders who are interested in playing basketball TODAY in the school cafeteria at 5:30 p.m. Dues for basketball is now due. Registration can be done online – Tuesday, October 11 is the last day.

PTO Meeting is Tomorrow, Tuesday, October 11 at 5:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria. The Oklahoma City Beautiful group is coming to present at play on conservation that morning at 8:45a.m. Daisy Scouts are this Wednesday, Oct 12 at 4:00 p.m. Every Thursday until Carnival time, we will have a meeting at 5:30 p.m. Please make sure your children are caught up with assignments. This Friday is the end of the first quarter. You will be able to receive their report cards, Friday, Oct 21 from the office. All financial obligations will need to be current for you to receive their cards. The students will also need to have turned in their library books to receive their cards. Please mark your calendar for Monday, Oct 17 if you are interested in helping with our Wellness Committee – 5:00 p.m.

Congratulations are in order for our Student Council officers! President: Jewel Gander, Vice-president: Carlee Wright, Secretary: Sam Manjith, Treasurer: Makayla Seal. Representatives are (4th grade) Alexandra Haworth, Ive Middleton; (3rd grade) Dillon Slane, Natalie Hill and (2nd grade) Dalton Kennedy and Kaelyn Houck. Mr. Gary Hoeffken is faculty advisor.

The Carnival is just around the corner. Stop by signup sheets in the main school as well as LC 3 and LC 4. We need your help! You may also bring items for Bingo prizes –gift certificates, picture frames, new or gently used toys, those wedding presents still in the closet, etc. We also have additional cookies – please contact Amber (socialauditor@gmail.com) for the flavors.

Cox Communication will be replacing equipment on our phone system Monday between 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. so the phones will be down. I will have my cell phone for emergencies (570-4929).

We received information on a conference for grandparents raising grandchildren and other families in transition. This conference is October 12 from 8:30 – 3:30 p.m. at Crossings Community Center (2208 W Hefner RD). For information call the Senior Info-Line 800-211-2116 or 405-521-2281. Registration is $10 – a day that will renew and re-energize, offer resources to help raise children and to connect with other grandparents and relatives who have this awesome responsibility. For help with registration, call 325-1022. events.oucpm.org/grandfamily.

Menu for October 10 – 14, 2011
Monday, Oct 10 – Ham and cheese sandwiches, salad mix, tropical fruit mix, milk
Tuesday, Oct 11- Chicken crispitos, pinto beans, diced peaches, milk
Wednesday, Oct 12 – Hamburgers, corn on the cob, applesauce, milk
Thursday, Oct 13 – Meatballs, noodles, spinach salad, oranges, milk
Friday, Oct 14 – Cheese pizza, carrots, and celery, pears, milk

Immersed in Christ (Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time) The Stewardship of Grace
INVENTORY: What does it mean to treat God as God? Does this suggestion arouse fear or joy?
INPUT: We acknowledge God as “our source of power and inspiration, our strength and joy.” We ask him to remove the blindness that cannot know him, so that we will be freed from the fear that would hide us from his sight.
Scripture: Isaiah 45:1-6; Matthew 22:15-21; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5
INSIGHT: Do I believe I am absolutely safe if I entrust myself and all I have to God?
INITIATIVE: Make a list of what you are managing for God – time, treasure, and talents- and dream of how you might best invest each.

Dear Families,
I am sure you enjoyed this weekend! It was beautiful!! Thanks to all our helpers in spreading woodchips! It looked to be people galore of all ages working together Friday afternoon and we finished in record time! It really helped to have the front loader on the tractor and all the trucks loaded with woodchips by little hands and arms. Thanks to the Cub Scouts for also helping with the project. Everyone seemed to enjoy each other.

This week, our Third and Fourth Graders have been invited to the State Capitol to sing for the Memorial Service for those affected by Domestic Violence. It is the fifth year we have shared the healing of Jesus through song to those whose memories are tainted by the violence of those who make wrong choices. The Dome will have purple lighting to remember their struggles.

Mathathon participants – our deadline for returning donations is this Friday, October 7. We missed the September 30th deadline due to permission slips trinkling in – Fun Books were delivered last Monday. While the children are doing the math problems, you can collect from their sponsors.

Cookies are being delivered Thursday, October 6th about 10:00 a.m. so on your lunch break stop by the school and pick up your order.

Homeroom Parents, its time to gather items for your classroom basket for the Carnival! A list was sent home last week or e-mailed to you. Your teacher will most likely mention it in her weekly letter. There are a couple than have no homerooms, you may also donate to them (P.E., Spanish, Office, Religious Education, Kitchen, etc). The Carnival committee meets each Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Each building will be bringing items: LC 3 – Cans of pop; LC 4 –3rd grade – baked goods; and 4th graders – suckers.

Don’t forget the most exciting part of Carnival preparation is the Pumpkin Contest. Pumpkins come from all three buildings. They can be carved or painted. A flier will come home soon outlining more specifics. Judges will determine funniest, scariest, Most unusual, Saints and Angels and honorable mention on Friday, October 28. Our new Archbishop will be here for the celebration of the Mass at 9:00 a.m. perhaps he would like to put a vote in (smile).

Basketball sign up can be completed online (and must be done so before October 11). Go to: vtspto.com If you are having any difficulty, call Diana (206-8557).

Important meetings coming up: PTO – Tuesday, October 18 at 5:30 p.m. and Wellness Committee – Monday, October 17 at 5:00 p.m.

Our October Service project coincides with Red Ribbon Week. Children can start gathering loose change to exhibit that “It Makes No Cents” to use drugs. Collections begin October 10. Donations from this event will be given to Children’s Center in Bethany.

Menu for Oct 3- 7, 2011
Monday, Oct 3 – Steak fingers, bread slices, corn, Mandarin oranges, milk
Tuesday, Oct 4- Teriyaki chicken, Spanish rice, green beans, apricots, milk
Wednesday, Oct 5 – Chicken strips, rolls, broccoli, applesauce, milk
Thursday, Oct 6 – Sausage and cheese biscuits, hash browns, cherry mix, milk
Friday, Oct 7- Fish sticks, baby carrots, bread, pineapple slices, milk

Immersed in Christ (Twenty-Eighth Week in Ordinary Time) Being Faithful to Faith (This prepares you for next Sunday’s readings)
INVENTORY: What do you love most about the Church? How do you experience God’s action in the Church, especially in the way he blesses you?
INPUT: The tone for next Sunday’s readings is one of celebration. We rejoice in what God is doing and will do through his Church. God is a forgiving God. More than forgiving, God annihilates our sin.
Scripture: Isaiah 25:6-10; Matthew 22: 1-14; Philippians 4;12-20
INSIGHT: How can you make church an experience of joyful community celebration?
INITIATIVE: Show leadership in following the Church’s instructions at Mass.

Dear Families,
Thank you for your attendance at our Ice Cream Social – a special thanks to our coordinator, Wendy Sheets and all her wonderful helpers. I loved the Shamrock tattoos this year!

Thanks to all who are helping supervising the children today as we have our monthly staff meeting!

This is a very busy week! Woodchips are coming!! This means one of our most exciting and fun volunteer experiences – family style! All ages bring your wheelbarrow and shovel – double hours are given for this event. For our new families, you will see two huge mountains of woodchips –one, between the convent and LC 3 and the other on the other side of the cafeteria. We will distribute the woodchips in all three playgrounds. Other opportunities that day – weeding gardens, trimming bushes and watching little ones too little to help or too tired to help (smile). The fun starts at 4:00 p.m. this Friday, Sept 30.

This week is also ITBS testing for our students in grades 2-4th with the exception of Thursday – Picture Day (for K-4th). Children can be out of uniform that day. LC 3 and LC 4 students will be photographed on Wednesday, Sept 28.

We have 31 students participating in the St. Jude’s Mathathon. The Fun Books have been ordered. During this time, sponsors are being asked to donate to this worthy cause. St. Jude’s Hospital takes care of children all over the country with life threatening diseases. It also serves as a research hospital working to find cures for diseases that take lives so early.

Kerry Folsom, our guitar/mandolin teacher has two spaces available – Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. and Thursday at 5:30 p.m. If you are interested, please stop by the office for contact information.

Our Kindergarten/First Grade Daisy Girl Scouts are beginning their meetings this Wednesday, Sept 28 and will meet every other week in the annex at 4:00 p.m. We want to thank their leaders, Theresa Seitz and Valerie Roquemore.

The Halloween Carnival is just around the corner (October 29). Meetings are being held every Thursday in Mrs. Herd’s room at 5:30 p.m. The list of Baskets themes will be added to this emailing. Some baskets are not from individual classrooms, you can also contribute to those baskets as well (such as library, office and P.E.).

Cookie dough is due to arrive tentatively on October 6. Let’s pray for a pretty day such as this past week gave us.

Menu for September 26- 30, 2011
Monday, Sept. 26 – Fajita soft tacos, black beans, oranges, milk
Tuesday, Sept. 27- Sweet and sour beef and broccoli, rice, pineapples, milk
Wednesday, Sept. 28 – Chicken Parmesan, butter noodles, peas, fruit cocktail, milk
Thursday, Sept. 29 – Bacon cheeseburgers, curly fries, plums, milk
Friday, Sept. 30 – Baked potatoes with BBQ pork, salad mix, diced peaches, milk

(Due to accidentally printing this Sunday’s reflection last week – from now on the next Sunday’s reflection will be shared – this way you will be prepared for Sunday’s liturgy –smile).

Immersed in Christ (Twenty-Seventh Week in Ordinary Time) Work for the Kingdom with Hope and Love
INVENTORY: What do I think my religion is leading me to (besides heaven)? What am I aiming at when I do “religious” things? Does my relationship with Jesus Christ give me a sense of mission, purpose, and forward motion in my life?
INPUT: Our obedient service should bring us (and others with us) to the fullness of redemption. To concentrate only on our own spiritual life and development is to be unfaithful. We are all stewards, all are responsible for increasing the fruitfulness of the vineyard.
Scripture: Isaiah 5:1-7; Matthew 21: 33-43; Philippians 4:6-9
INSIGHT: What should inspire me to get up in the morning? How can I begin each day in conscious union with Jesus?
INITIATIVE: Form the habit of praying all day long? “Lord, do your work with me, do your work in me, do your work through me.”

** We want to take this opportunity to thank, Mrs. Jennifer Dowdell for the time and giftedness she generously shared in her brief stay with us. Ms Dowdell is returning to Tulsa. Sr. Han Pham will be taking her class for our 2 ½ year old students.

Dear Families,
Another beautiful weekend – full of events!!! Shamrockin’ was awesome! We ended up with a total of about 118 participants – families with little ones and our school students enjoyed the great walk. Early in the morning, Kelli Bass met the representatives from DG Productions to set up – at 6:30 a.m. there was lightning in the west – all cleared for a perfect day – cool breeze and moderate temperatures for the walk and the run. It was a perfect blend of alumni, present families and our OKC neighbors – a perfect way to incorporate our wellness initiatives beyond our Villa Teresa family. Next year is guaranteed to have more participants as the word will be spread. We want to thank Arbroath Bagpipe Band for playing for us. They were fantastic!

Our Grandparents’ Cookies and Lemonade was a big success! Lots of smiling faces and very creative cookies!

This Friday, we celebrate again! It’s Ice Cream Social time – 5:30 p.m. what a perfect way to close out a week.

There are two meetings you may be interested in attending this week. Monday, September 19, our wellness committee will meet at 4:30 p.m. with a special speaker from the Health Department. He will be reviewing our Wellness Program that was established and revised two years ago. We want to conduct a survey soon to see how we are implementing the eight components of the plan. Starting Thursday, September 22, we will have organizational meetings for our Carnival (held on October 29) each week. This will take place at 5:30 p.m.

Friday, September 23, we will have our first Mass of the school year with Msgr Edward Weisenburger. The Mass is at 9:00 a.m., you are invited to join us. Students K-4th grades attend. They will need to wear full uniform (girls- jumpers with white blouses, boys – long pants, red shirt).

The OUHSC physical therapists will be here to give motor screenings for our 4 year olds also on Friday in the morning. You will be receiving permission slips soon.

Thanks to all who attended the first PTO meeting last Tuesday, as soon as Amanda gets me the minutes I will email them to you.

Menu for September 19 – 23, 2011
Monday, Sept 19 – Chicken drumsticks, Caesar salad, apricot slices, milk
Tuesday, Sept 20 – Roast beef and turkey pitas, baby carrots, pears, milk
Wednesday, Sept 21 – Chili cheese hotdogs, carrots and celery, applesauce, milk
Thursday, Sept 22 – Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, bread, peaches, milk
Friday, Sept 23- Chef salad, diced turkey and ham, breadsticks, fruit mix, milk
Immersed in Christ (Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time) Take Responsibility for Change

INVENTORY: What does it mean to “know, love and serve God?” Jesus said, “When you have done all you have been commanded, say, “We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.” He also said, “I do not call you servants any longer, …I have called you friends.” Do you thing of yourself as Christ’s servant, friend, or steward? What does it mean to “be found trustworthy”?
INPUT: We acknowledge that God has “just cause” to judge us, because we have not been faithful in living up to the trust he has placed in us. So we ask him to keep giving us his gifts of love, life, and joy, whether or not we have used them well. We count on God, not just to forgive us, but to empower us – as stewards of God’s mysteries – to free others from all that keeps them from the fullness of life.
Scripture: Ezekiel 18: 25-28; Matthew 21: 28-32; Philippians 2: 1-11
INSIGHT: What encourages me now to exercise leadership? What attitudes must I adopt?
INITIATIVE: Speak up about one thing you believe should be done –in church or elsewhere.

Dear Families,
What a beautiful weekend! Full of fun activities – I’m actually squeezing in Monday Notes between the Vietnamese celebration for Our Lady of La Vang and the Archbishop’s picnic. Saturday was awesome! It was fun to watch the second and third/fourth grade teams play soccer – beautiful weather! I hear the afternoon games were a lot of fun, too. This year the commission has asked the teams to pray at the end of the games and it was such a beautiful experience of unity and totally helped the little ones get over losing and to realize the true reason we play sports – to learn to work together and have fun.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, September 13, we have our first PTO meeting at 5:30 p.m.. We want a lot of people present – there are a lot of activities to discuss – and lots of opportunities for volunteering. Shamrockin’ Fun Run is this Saturday (Sept 17) morning – we need volunteers who will make sure runners have clearance of intersections, watch over children, help serve refreshments, and take registration of those who may wake up that morning and realize they haven’t pre-registered. Perhaps they pass by the school and wonder what’s going on with the bagpipers and yummy refreshments donated by our neighbors and they want to help Villa Teresa School!!! Other activities really close – Carnival, the alumni appreciation dinner, ice cream social (Sept 23 – 5:30 p.m. –sign up sheets are in each building).

This Sunday was Grandparents’ Day! We honor our grandparents by our prayers and welcome you to join your little ones in decorating cookies and having lemonade. What a special time to take part in their lives. LC 3 and LC 4 will celebrate Monday (today) at 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. in your respective buildings – hopefully outside, extra picnic tables will be put up. Kindergarten through fourth graders will do so on Thursday, Sept 15 from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. and its come and go so feel free to go before soccer practice.

Remember Friday is the Archdiocesan Teachers’ Meeting. We have no school or daycare.

Just as a reminder, we are a service-oriented school. This month our K-4th graders are participating in the St. Jude’s Mathathon. The permission slips/sponsor envelopes went home last week. Please make sure you return the permission slips by September 19 so we can order the Math Fun Books to help those who are sick and dying.

Part of our service reaches to our parents who are required to perform volunteer hours (20). There are many avenues for which you can provide this service. For you to be coach, however, you will need to be in the school at least six months. It is necessary that you get to know us as well as our getting to know you. There is now an official yellow notebook at the welcome table in the front foyer of the school, thanks to Diana Bittle.

Menu for September 12 – 15, 2011
Monday, Sept 12 – Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches, carrots, Mandarin oranges, milk
Tuesday, Sept 13- Tuna Salad croissants, celery sticks, pineapple tidbits, milk
Wednesday, Sept 14- Crispy chicken strip wrap, coleslaw, apple slices, milk
Thursday, Sept 15 – Meatballs with gravy, brown rice, green beans, peaches, milk

Immersed in Christ (Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time) The Peace of the Lord

INVENTORY: The word, ‘peace’ occurs seven times in the communion rite. The inclusion of the “Lamb”, tells us that the wedding banquet celebrates, depends on, and is incomprehensible without the sacrificial death of the ‘Lamb of God” who takes away the sins of the world.” Is peace the guiding tool for all my interactions with others?
INPUT: Christ’s peace is not just human peace. It is something the “world” can neither give nor understand. It is a free gift of grace.
Scripture: Sirach 27:30-28:7; Matthew 18:21-35; Romans 14:7-9
INSIGHT: Without forgiveness, no peace. Without peace, no wedding banquet of the Lamb.
INITIATIVE: Forgive everyone now. Start the wedding banquet early.

Dear Families,
I am sure you are all enjoying the cooler temperatures this week! What a blessing! This is a short week but full of activities. Today (Tuesday), your cookie form and money is due. Our Cookie Sales are officially over. There are two very important meetings this week – and opportunities for volunteering. Our next event is Shamrockin’ – a fun run for children as well as adults (you can even walk it). Saturday, September 17th – the mile run starting at 8:00 a.m.; the 5K beginning at 9:00 a.m. Bagpipers will in style start the runners from the front of the school. We hope you will join us! While a fun way to raise funds for classroom materials, it also fits nicely in our efforts to reach out to families and our OKC community to exercise more and make healthy choices. If you’d like to help – we’re having a meeting tonight (Tuesday) at 5:15 p.m. in Mrs. Herd’s room.

Those who volunteered to be homeroom parents will meet this Thursday, September 8, at 5:30 p.m. – also in Mrs. Herd’s room.

Our Girl Scouts will begin meeting Wednesday, Sept 7 at 3:45 p.m. Helpers are deeply appreciated as we seem to have a large enrollment this year.

A reminder to our parents of Catholic students, please check with your parish in regard to preparation for the Sacraments (First Reconciliation and First Communion). Even though we have religion every day – preparation of the sacraments take place in your own parish.

Thursday, September 8th we will celebrate Mary’s Birthday with a special prayer service. Sister Joseph Marie is making cakes for the feast. After our prayer service, those students in K-4th grade will be introduced to the needs of children with terminal illnesses – we will launch our Mathathon to benefit patients in St. Jude’s Hospital.

I have noticed some parents pulling up into the fire zone areas – please do not do this. Blocking a fire lane, will warrant you receiving traffic tickets and it’s just not safe to back out into the street where you have blind spots and may cause injury to yourself or others. It is also not permissible to park in the driving lane.

We hope you have turned in your inserts from the Handbook, there are several mandatory forms that we need to structure after school activities as well as information needed for documents by which we need in order to serve you better.

We’re celebrating our Grandparents with Cookies and Lemonade on two separate days. LC 3 and LC 4 on Monday, September 12 at 5:00 p.m. (in their own buildings). Grandparents will be able to come and help decorate cookies and enjoy their little ones. K-4th Grandparents will come on Thursday, September 15 at the same time, but will gather in the school Cafeteria. We will send home an invitation this week.

Menu for Sept 6-9, 2011
Tuesday, Sept 6 – Pancakes, sausage patties, hash browns, fresh oranges, milk
Wednesday, Sept 7 – Beef soft tacos, pinto beans, applesauce, milk
Thursday, Sept 8 – Chicken nuggets, macaroni salad, rolls, pears, milk
Friday, Sept 9 – Cheese pizza, fresh veggies, mixed fruit, milk

Immersed in Christ (Twenty Third Week in Ordinary Time) Achieving Tomorrow Today
INVENTORY: What does it say to you that every Mass ends with the word “Go”?
If you are not Catholic, what are the last words your minister says to you?
INPUT: The readings of today focus on the faithful steward with responsibility to look over the well-being of God’s people who in turn are charged with responsibility for the world.
Scripture: Ezekiel 33:7-9; Matthew 18:15-20; Romans 13:8-10
INSIGHT: What inspires me with desire to go out and renew the face of the earth?
INITIATIVE: The Eucharist contains both a vision of completeness and an experience of incompleteness which ought to cause a restless yearning. Listen for the longings and make them your own.

Dear Families,
We are beginning our third week of school! Yea! It’s been such a wonderful beginning of this school year. Many of you have now experienced the Orientation sessions provided by your teacher. Thank you for coming! Many also were given the Safe Environment training at the end of the sessions. We offer this training so that you understand how important the safety of your children are to us. We have a new curriculum for the students and I’m really excited about it. It’s called, “Circle of Grace” – and its focus involves the awareness of how God is with us and the recognition of our humanity as being grace-filled.

We are made in God’s image and God saw this as ‘very good.’ This program’s goal is to educate and empower our children and young people to actively participate in a safe environment for themselves and others. The objectives are: Children will understand they are created by God and live in the love of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The children are able to describe the Circle of Grace. They are taught to identify and maintain appropriate physical, emotional, spiritual and sexual boundaries. The children will be able to identify all types of boundary violations and demonstrate how to take action if any boundary is threatened or violated. One of the reasons I love this program is that there is a parent component and a source of evaluation of the lessons taught. If you would like to see a sample of your age group lessons, please feel free to stop by the office and we will give you a copy.

Inserts from the handbooks are due this Friday, September 2. One of the new additions is the signing of acknowledgment of having read the handbook. You must sign (as always) and also your children must sign – which indicates you are going over the contents with your children. We rely on your partnership in the educational process of your child. We acknowledge you as the primary educators of your children, therefore you model what they hope to achieve. Our Gospel value this year as chosen by the teachers is patience. One of my spiritual directors once said, “Be careful what you ask for – God will give many opportunities for practice.” We ask that you join us in practicing this virtue, and let us support each other as we hope to model it for our little ones.

Today is our first Staff Meeting at 3:45 p.m. Thank you to our parents who are supervising the children during the time of our meeting. Don’t forget to sign the welcome book and indicate how long your volunteer service is today. Tomorrow (Tuesday), our Boy Scouts will be meeting at 4:45 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Girl Scouts will start next week after Labor Day and will meet on Wednesdays at 3:45 p.m. Thursday, Sept 1, there will be a Soccer Meeting for parents in the cafeteria. If you are interested in playing soccer, Mr. Shivers needs the names of those interested by this Wednesday (Aug 31) – he will turn in the rosters at the CGSSA meeting that night. This will determine how many coaches and teams we will have (and also practice schedule).

REMEMBER, MONDAY IS LABOR DAY –WE ARE CLOSED. No daycare or school!

Menu for Aug 29- September 2, 2011
Monday, Aug 29 – Bacon club croissants, baked beans, plums, milk
Tuesday, Aug 30 – Ham steaks, broccoli macaroni and cheese, pineapple slices, milk
Wednesday, Aug 31 – Meatball sandwiches, spinach salad, fruit cocktail, milk
Thursday, September 1- Turkey corndogs, corn on the cob, diced apricots, milk
Friday, September 2 – Cheeseburgers, potato salad, pineapple slices, milk

Immersed in Christ (Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time) Longing for the End Time

INVENTORY: Everyone lives for something, consciously or not. We all want “happiness,” and in practice we all identify it in some vague or explicit way with something, even if we can’t say what that is. To know what we ourselves see as “happiness,” the best way is to look at our choices. What do your choices say you are looking for?
INPUT: Psalm 85 begins, “I call to you all day long.” It brings to awareness the constant longing of the human heart for a nameless “more” – which we may identify with longing for God. Most of us may not consciously identify it with anything, because most of us don’t think about it at all. St. Augustine reminds us – “Our hearts were made for You, O God, and they shall not rest until they rest in You.”
Scripture: Jeremiah 20:7-9; Romans 12:1-2; Matthew 16:21-27
INSIGHT: Do I measure my happiness by what I can do for others?
INITIATIVE: Get in touch with the fire in your heart. Share your love with others.

August 22, 2011

Dear Families,

Most of you have attended your teacher’s orientation class. The number of families that have been represented is awesome! During these meetings, the procedures and expectations are shared so that you will know how the partnership of educating your child takes place. If you did not get a chance to come, I would urge you to get with your child’s teacher. It is so important that we are on the same page in regard to the education of your child.

This has been an eventful weekend for me. Saturday, several of the Sisters attended the Women’s Conference at Epiphany Church –we heard two magnificent speakers who shared their journey experience to the Catholic Faith. One was a Sister who is Jewish and now the founder of a new religious community that will reside in the Tulsa diocese. The other a lay minister who used to be an evangelical preacher. Fascinating stories!

Yesterday (Sunday), I attended the 50^th Anniversary of our superintendent, Sr. Kay. It was at the dinner that Cris Carter shared with her our ‘surprise’ of all the Catholic Schools’ project to raise money to help establish a scholarship fund for our newest Catholic School – Good Shepherd. This school will minister to students with autism – a long time dream of Sr. Kay and many of us who want to reach out and provide a safe, and nurturing environment for our little brothers and sisters with this disease. We can be proud of our Villa Teresa community who raised $160.09. The Carmelite Sisters will supplement our offering so that our donation will equal the number of students we have.

Our last orientation meeting will be this Thursday for LC 4 families. At the end of the presentation, those of you who have not been trained in our Safe Environment program, you are welcomed to stay. This year, we are implementing a new curriculum for safe environment, “Circle of Grace”. This program is a tool that the Catholic Church uses to teach that God has created each of us as unique and special. God intends our relationships in life to be experiences of divine love. Respectful, nurturing, loving relationships that will help increase our understanding of our own value and help us to love others. It helps us understand the sacredness of who we are and how to seek help through their relationships with trusted adults. If you would like to see a copy of your child’s grade level, there are copies in the office. There are activity sheets for parents and a form of evaluation.

Last Friday, you received a packet for Cookie Sales! Enjoy! You have about two weeks to return your orders. There are incentives to help encourage participation. We also have Shamrockin’ – a Fun Run! on Saturday, September 17^th. You can register online at our vtspto.com website. This is a great way to involve your whole family in our efforts to promote our wellness plan as well as help PTO to raise funds for classroom materials.

There are other ways as well – Homeland shopping (our number is 61119); your Target card and here’s something new – visit www.goodsearch.com ; (it’s a search engine that rewards the schools that use their service).

Addition to the calendar:  Boy Scouts will meet Tuesday, August 30, at 4:30 p.m.

                                                     Soccer meeting will be Thursday, September 1 at 5:30 p.m.

                                     (most likely – both in cafeteria)

While we are having such extreme temperatures, we are not playing outside if the temperature is about 95. We have lots of activities – most likely at the Big School, watch for signs that indicate where the children are located.

Menu for August 22 – 26, 2011

Monday, Aug 22 – Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken, rice and bell peppers, oranges, milk

Tuesday, Aug 23 – Baked potatoes with turkey and cheese, salad, applesauce, milk

Wednesday, Aug 24 – Sloppy Joes, potato wedges, sliced peaches, milk

Thursday, Aug 25 – Quesadillas, Mexican rice, apricots, milk

Friday, Aug 26 – Fish sticks, brown rice, green beans, mixed fruit, milk

Immersed in Christ (Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time)  One People

INVENTORY: How do you feel when you say “The Church”? What people are you thinking of? The hierarchy? Your grandmother? Your buddies? Francis of Assisi, Dorothy Day and Cesar Chavez? If all of the above, who came first to mind?

INPUT: The entrance antiphon, “Save your servant who trusts in you” indicates a sense of worry. Not everything we see around us, even in the Church, gives us confidence. We know the answer to all worry “I call to you all day long.” If there ever comes a moment in the day when God is not there to call to, we will have something to worry about! Until then, we say with trust, “Have mercy on us, Lord.” To have mercy, means to come to the aid of another out of a sense of relationship. The Church exists to unite and keep us united to God and to each other in communal acceptance of what God says is true and good.

Scripture: Isaiah 22:19-23; Matthew 16:13-20; Romans 11:33-36

INSIGHT: Why do we need to pray especially for our religious leaders?

INITIATIVE: Pray for union with and unity within the Church.

Dear Families,
Welcome to Villa Teresa Catholic School! There were so many of you who came to Open House Saturday – what a way to begin our school year. For those who couldn’t, make sure to stop by your child’s classroom today and meet your teacher. The Parent/Student Handbook was distributed Saturday and will be sent home today. There are several time sensitive forms included with the Handbook. There have been several changes – one being a more extended form of the Parent Partnership agreement – read carefully! Villa Teresa makes efforts to provide an open communication between home and school. Weekly letters from your teacher as well as from myself are provided to keep you informed, please if you are not clear on what is expected, feel free to call or email us. It is important that you keep updated phone numbers or email addresses so we can get in touch with you when needed.

It is customary that within ten days of school your homeroom teacher will host an Orientation Night – classroom procedures and discussions on how you may help your child this school year, plus your Safe Environment training as well as an introduction to our new Safe Environment curriculum, Circle of Grace will be given. The meetings are:
Tuesday, Aug 16 – 5:15 p.m. 4th grade, Wednesday, Aug 17 – Kindergarten, First (5:15 p.m.)and Mrs. Bicks’ second grade class (5:30 p.m.); Thursday, Aug 18 – Mrs. Goodwill’s second grade and third grade – 5:15 p.m., LC 3 will be Friday, Aug 19 at 5:30 and LC 4 – August 25 at 5:30 p.m. All meetings except LC 3 and LC 4 will be in the classroom.

Archdiocesan information for the safety of children:
ABUSE OF MINORS: PASTORAL RESPONSE HOTLINE (405) 720-9878. For the safety of children and healing of victims, the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City provides an Abuse of Minors Pastoral Response Hotline. Calls to this number will be answered by the Archdiocesan Assistance Coordinator who will offer to meet with the callers in person, if the caller so desires. Calls are confidential, with the following exceptions:
• Any allegation of sexual or physical abuse or neglect concerning those who currently are minors must be reported to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (1-800-522-3511)
• Any allegation of sexual misconduct must be shared with proper Archdiocesan authorities.
• Local law enforcement agencies may also be contacted.

Our PTO was in full swing Saturday, we are in need of a Vice-President! If you feel such a calling, please e-mail me back and provide a short bio – all of our parents are members of the PTO – the duties are simple, you would get to conduct the meetings in the absence of our president, Amber Frost. It’s a lot of fun! You help coordinate the various fund raisers for Villa Teresa School.

Our PTO website is http://vtspto.com We also have text alerts for weather and other school emergencies – to sign up, text the word VILLA to 41411. PTO also has a Facebook page for which you will need to request to become a member of our pate – it is a closed website – only those affiliated with Villa Teresa Catholic School can be a part. Both the Facebook page and website (PTO and the school’s) are helpful ways to keep up with sports, events, school closings and minutes from the PTO minutes. Two fundraisers are being introduced this week – our cookie sales and the first Shamrockin’ Fun Run! Information for registration for the run is on the PTO website.

Villa Teresa T-shirts are now being purchased at Fashion Sport and Uniforms, 1300 NW 23rd street.

Don’t forget – Students from LC 4- 4th grade will have an Out of Uniform Day this Thursday, Aug 18. Bring a $1.00.

Menu for August 15-19, 2011
Monday, August 15- Steak fingers, corn, tropical fruit mix, milk
Tuesday, August 16 – Enchiladas, pinto beans, pear slices, milk
Wednesday, August 17- Chicken Caesar salad pitas, corn on the cob, pineapple bits, milk
Thursday, August 18 – Cheeseburgers, green salad, diced peaches, milk
Friday, August 19 – Macaroni and cheese, peas, fruit mix, milk

Happy Birthday to our teachers: Mollie Damani – LC 4, Aug 16; Donna Goodwill – Second Grade, Aug17; Calondra Holloway – LC 3, Aug 23, Cassie Herd – First Grade, Aug 26; Carol McKinley – Kindergarten – Aug 30.

Welcome to our new teachers LC 3 – Calondra Holloway, Jenny Dowdell; LC 4 – Mollie Damani, Kindergarten teacher assistant – Sr. Han Pham, First Grade teacher assistant – Mary Minden-Zins, Donna Goodwill (actually, she’s coming back to us) –second grade.

Immersed in Christ (Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time) Mission to Unity
INVENTORY: Where do you “find” God? Experience his presence?
INPUT: Our existence, and that of every other person and thing, is an ongoing act of God present in them and acting, giving them their color and form, taste, hardness or softness, translating his goodness into created form. Everything we see is an encounter with God. This adds reverence and mystery, but also unity, to our perception of everything, especially every human being. God is in all. All are called to be one in God.
Scripture: Isaiah 56:1, 6-7; Matthew 15:21-28; Romans 11:13-32
INSIGHT: What unifying theme will help you follow Christ?
INITIATIVE: Examine what can bring you closer to Christ. Perhaps join a Bible study group, or if you are curious about the Catholic Faith – attend inquiry classes (most parishes start RCIA at this time of year (Our Lady’s meet on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m.)

Dear Friends,
Thank you for sharing your children with us this summer! It has been great! Know all of you will be in our prayers as we go our various ways – don’t forget us for Christmas and Spring Break and of course, next summer.

Please make sure your children have all their swimming apparel and art projects –in between our busy teacher training session, we will be getting ready for you for Open House. All the teachers and students are excited about school starting up again.

As mentioned in last week’s letter, we are asking parents to walk their children into the buildings – that way you can be sure they are signed in. After 8:15 a.m. the teacher is no longer signing them in.

When you come to Open House, August 13, 2011 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. you will receive your child’s Parent/Student Handbook. Please read carefully. This time not only your signature is required – your child’s signature is also required.

We invite all of you to join us for our first inaugural Shamrockin’ a Fun Run on Saturday, September 17 beginning at 8:00 a.m. Arbroarth Bagpipers will give runners their send-off and entertain attendees.

Menu for August 15- 19 (We are closed next week).
Monday, Aug 15 – Steak fingers, corn, tropical fruit mix, milk
Tuesday, Aug 16- Enchiladas, pinto beans, pear slices, milk
Wednesday, Aug 17 – Chicken Caesar Salad pitas, corn on the cob, pineapple bits, milk
Thursday, Aug 18 – Cheeseburgers, green salad, diced peaches, milk
Friday, Aug 19 – Macaroni and cheese, peas, fruit, milk

IMMERSED IN CHRIST (NINETEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME) “Lord, be true to your covenant.”

INVENTORY: If you were a Jew, wouldn’t you find it exciting just to know that you belong to a People who have a Covenant with God? As a Christian, are you aware that you belong to a covenanted People? How does this affect your life?
INPUT: The key to understanding the Eucharistic prayer is the word union: union with Christ in his self-offering; union with all the members of the Church in the ‘communion in the Holy Spirit” that is the fruit of that offering.
Scripture: 1 KINGS 10:9-13; Matthew 14:22-33; Romans 9:1-15
INSIGHT: What more do you see in the Eucharistic Prayer than you saw before?
INITIATIVE: Enter into the Eucharistic Prayer with awe, conscious of the holiness of God.

Dear Friends,
Thank you for sharing your little ones with us this summer! We had an awesome turnout for our Family Fun Night last night and Sr. Joseph Marie was duly surprised by the cake and cards from the children. Sister Joseph Marie chooses to title her retirement as Change of Ministry. She wants to help by tutoring the older students in math during the school year while organizing our convent and of course, her prayers will be valuable to the continuation of our mission here at Villa Teresa Catholic School. There were over 500 balloons that the children enjoyed last night. She had been filling balloons over two months and they certainly enjoyed them. Thanks for all the contributions of food to make our meal more than sufficient. Thanks to Lara Ragland and Catherine Anderson in their help in setting up serving.

Today the children turned back the clock to the early pioneer days with a guest from the Oklahoma History Center. The Trail Driver Cook described how early pioneers really appreciated the gift of health and food while herding cattle and settling in our land area.

Next week is Day Care week, remember children can bring a toy. Please label and remind them to take care of them. Don’t forget to take home all Art projects. All Swimming apparel can go home TODAY so the teachers can begin to work in their classrooms. The week of August 8-12, we are closed for Teacher Training. We invite you to join us for Open House – Saturday, August 13, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. The First day of school is August 15, the feast of the Assumption of Mary.

Our Fall Fundraiser Cookie Sales will kick off Friday, Aug 19. More information to come later.

We are excited about this school year starting. At Open House, you will receive your Parent/Student Handbook and it has all kinds of information included. The Welcoming Book, Volunteer Handbook, and on the Athletic table in the cafeteria during Open House, the Athletic Handbook for those who wish to devote volunteer time in the area of sports.

This year the sign off page indicating your reading of the Handbook includes a signature page for you and your child (a great way to ensure that you go over the information with your child). There are several changes and improvements. One is your method of dropping off your child. We ask that you walk your child into the school each morning. A teacher signs in your child from 6:30 – 8:30 a.m. afterwards you will need to come in and sign-in your child. Those in LC 3 and LC 4, please remember to sign in your child in the morning and when you pick them up in the afternoon. Classes begin at 8:30 a.m.

I’ve been asked to remind you that if you pay tuition by semester or for the full year, there is a discount. August tuition is due August 1st – considered late by August 10th. There is a 2% discount for semester payment ($2269 for one child and $4422 for two; St Anthony rate, $1921 for one child; $3747 for two). There is a 5% discount for the full year($4422 for one child; $8619 for two; St. Anthony rate: $3745 for one; $7302 for two).

Menu for August 1-5, 2011
Monday, Aug 1 – Ravioli, cooked carrots, fruit, milk
Tuesday, Aug 2 – Chicken Sandwiches, coleslaw, fruit, milk
Wednesday, Aug 3 – Chili and cheese Nachos, black beans, fruit, milk
Thursday, Aug 4- Bologna and cheese sandwiches, curly fries, fruit, milk
Friday, Aug 5 – Cheese pizza, baby carrots, fruits, milk

Immersed in Christ (Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time) Give the Gift You Have Received
INVENTORY: Do you think of God as the provider of all that is good, or just as the alternative to something worse? Do you come to church out of fear, obligation, or desire? Do you serve God out of duty or expectation? What do you expect from God?
INPUT: Often we ask God to “be close to us…restore us to life…keep us safe.” God is to be desired, to be sought, a God to get as much of as we can – God answers all our needs.” This is the god we will know and enjoy in heaven. Why not begin now?
Scripture: Isaiah 55:1-3; Romans 8:35-39; Matthew 14:13-21
INSIGHT: Has Church converted me to a different understanding of God? Do I see God as fulfilling all my desires? What choices of mine express this conversion?
INITIATIVE: Give God to others as a gift.