January 30, 2012

Dear Parents,

This week we celebrate Catholic Schools Week. We join with nearly 7,000 Catholic schools across the United States who are celebrating Catholic Schools Week, 2012. Catholic Schools enroll more than 2 million students and employ 200,000 educators.

The Catholic Schools Week 2012 logo is a rectangle with the words Catholic Schools written in red.  The “t” in Catholic is a purple cross and from it waves a banner proclaiming “Faith, Academics, and Service”.  The theme focuses on three priorities distinguishing Catholic Schools from other educational institutions.  Children are taught faith-not just the basics of Christianity, but how to have a loving relationship with God.  Our students are held to very high academic standards.  The Staff helps each child reach his or her potential.  Service, the giving of one’s time and effort to help others, is taught both as an expression of faith and good citizenship.

This past Sunday our school community started the week by attending Mass together.  At each Mass, students read essays telling why they liked their school.  The essays were well written and read beautifully. 

We ask that you participate as much as possible in this special week.  Click on Schedule of Events to see what is happening each day.  We look forward to seeing you on Thursday for the Parent Meeting from 6:00-6:30 in the Parish Hall followed by Open House in the school.  Your children are to stay with you until you go over to the classrooms.

We are grateful to all of our parents for all you do to make SJS a wonderful place to be!

God bless you,

Sister Judy

Dear Parents,

This week we are preparing to launch our weeklong celebration of Catholic Schools Week. We will join with nearly 7,000 Catholic schools across the United States who are celebrating Catholic Schools Week, 2012. Catholic Schools enroll more than 2 million students and employ 200,000 educators.
    
The theme for the week is “Catholic Schools: Faith, Academics, Service.” The first message in this year’s theme for Catholic School Week is faith. As we gather at Mass on Sunday, we will remember that the primary purpose of a Catholic school is to help people perceive the truth and to develop the spiritual insight to know that Jesus is more than a nice guy who taught nice things.  Our school’s task is to instill faith in our students.  At each grade level students are taught about the goodness and power of Jesus, who gave us His word in the Bible and His presence in the seven sacraments.
    
Our second task is to give students an excellent academic foundation. Our school’s teachers develop faith in students as they teach the foundational lessons of grammar, mathematics, history, and science. As children encounter the wonders of this big, beautiful world, they learn not just about the water cycle but about the Creator who made the rain and the rivers and the sea.
    
Our third task is service.  Students have learned the practical skills of reading and writing, along with the spiritual skills of faith in God.  They incorporate those skills in service to others, especially those in need.   In the past our students collected socks for the St. Vincent de Paul homeless and canned goods for needy families.  This year on our Community Day we would like to help the women and children who reside at Alexandria House, a transitional home for homeless mothers with children. Currently there are nine families in this house. The following items are needed:

• Diapers (size 4 or 5)
• Wipes (large boxes)
• Laundry Soap (h-e high efficiency type)
• Dish soap
• Packaged crackers for snack
• 100% juice boxes
• Granola bars
• Raisins (snack size for lunches)    

We ask that you participate as much as possible in this special week. Join us for the 9 a.m. Mass on January 29th.  Thursday will be a Parent Meeting from 6-6:30pm in the Parish Hall followed by Open House in the school.
         
Please bring any friends, neighbors, co-workers etc. with school age children who might be interested in joining the Saint Jerome School family.

                                Sincerely,
                                Sister Judy

January 17, 2012

Dear Parents,      

     Aloha! The Hawaiian raffle is here!  The annual SJS Hawaiian Raffle sponsored by the Hannon Foundation is waiting for you outside this Sunday. Here is your opportunity for a wonderful Hawaiian vacation and a chance to help our parish school all at the same time. Students will be selling tickets after each Mass this weekend. . Tickets are $1 each or 21 for $20. Perhaps YOU will be enjoying a Hawaiian adventure in your very near future. Invest in a handful of raffle tickets today!

     Save the date-February 2! St. Jerome School will have an Open House at 6:30 PM. You are cordially invited to bring family, friends and neighbors to see the wonderful things that are happening at our school. Guided tours will be led by our great Student Council members.

                                                                                                In God’s love,

                                                                                                Sr. Judy

January 10, 2012

Dear Parents,

        After a beautiful celebration of the Feast of the Epiphany, we continue our journey through January.  And like the Magi, we look to the star to guide us. Catholic Schools Week takes place during the last week of the month.  We traditionally look forward to Open House to see our own child’s progress and classroom and perhaps to check out what lies ahead for the next year. This year I would ask that perhaps you consider how you might help with our enrollment concerns.  Is there a neighbor or friend or a family member you might bring along on the evening of February 2?   We need to share the good news about our school.

                        In God’s love,
                        Sr. Judy

January 3, 2012

Dear Parents,

Welcome back and Happy 2012!  Here we are with our entirely on-line blue bulletin.  Hopefully everyone has enjoyed a Christmas vacation filled with faith, family, and friends. It is nice once again to walk through the hallways and see children and teachers busy at work. We look forward to lots of good things happening this month.

To begin the New Year our school community will celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany at the 11:00 Mass on Friday.  The sixth grade is preparing the liturgy for us. Please come and join us as we celebrate the arrival of the three kings.  This is a beautiful way to close the Christmas season.

January is a busy month here at Saint Jerome. Saturday, January 21 is our first Saturday Work Party of the New Year.  Please mark your calendar as lots of hands make for light work!  Renew old friendships and make new friends as everyone works together to complete tasks to keep St. Jerome the very beautiful school that it is!  

January culminates with Catholic Schools Week (Jan 30-Feb 3). We will be starting our big enrollment push and encouraging new families to come and look at St Jerome School for next year. We encourage all St. Jerome families to invite neighbors and friends to our Open House on February 2.  Remember every family you recruit for the school year earns you one month’s tuition credit.

Again, best wishes for a New Year filled with many blessings!

God bless you,
Sr. Judy

December 13, 2011

Christmas Blessings!

Here we are in the third week of Advent and the final days of school before Christmas vacation. This Thursday marks our annual Christmas concert at 7 PM in the church. Christmas music has been floating through the halls for weeks now in preparation for this wonderful tradition. You won’t want to miss this holiday treat.

And speaking of tradition, SJS is about to change the tradition of a printed weekly blue bulletin. In keeping with our environmental concerns, the bulletin will be published on-line only beginning with the first issue in January 2012.  Many parents have already mentioned a printed copy is not needed.  With this change, we will be able to save considerable paper and ink. St. Jerome families will need to check the SJS website for the bulletin and all up-to-date information. There will, of course, be just a few printed copies available in the school office for the occasional computer crash.  

May you and your family enjoy the peace and many blessings of this joyous Christmas season. We will see everyone back at school on Tuesday, January 3, 2012.

Peace and joy,

Sr. Judy

December 6, 2011

Dear Parents,

Here we are in the second week of Advent already. It is certainly a joyous season of preparation and anticipation as well as the beginning of a new liturgical year in our Church. This year, Advent also marks the beginning of many changes in the Liturgy. The new responses at Mass cause us to break out of our routine and rote responses and focus more closely on our participation in the Mass. This is a great opportunity to reflect on what this new wording (translation) really says to us in our hearts and souls.
    
During Advent, today as a matter of fact, we celebrate the Feast Day of St Nicholas. Nicholas was a bishop in Turkey in about the year 300.  The many legendary stories of his charitable deeds became the basis for the figure of Santa Claus. This popular saint serves as a model for his love of children, his care for the poor, and his spirit of giving. This morning students in Pre-K through 4th grade placed a shoe outside their classroom door in anticipation of a visit from St Nicholas. You might ask your child what happened. This little tradition serves to reinforce the stories of this holy man.
    
Also in St Nicholas’ spirit of helping the poor, students were treated to a visit from Fr. Ken Deasy who talked to our children about his work with the Holy Childhood Association.  Father spoke to the students about the work being done in the missions and in particularly in Haiti. Again, ask your child what he/she leaned from the images and Father’s talk. Students have been given Holy Childhood boxes to fill during this Advent season. Boxes should be returned to school on Wednesday December 14. It would be a wonderful learning experience if the children themselves earn the money for their mission boxes.

Peace and joy,
Sr. Judy

November 29, 2011
    
Dear Parents,

     In this season of thanksgiving, we count our many blessings and particularly here in our
parish school where we have been the recipients of so much generosity on the part of St. Jerome
parishioners.

     You may have noticed that we have been running little notes in the parish bulletin asking
parishioners to consider sponsoring one of our students who need help with tuition. This week
we received a phone call from one such generous person. While she does not have children in the
school, this gracious parishioner recalled her own days as a Catholic school student and the
challenge of tuition for her family. Her parish was able to forgive their family’s tuition and
now she felt that it was time to pay back that generosity. She has offered to pay a year’s
tuition for one of our students in need. Isn’t this a powerful example of putting faith
action? Although this kind woman chooses to be anonymous, our deepest thanks go out to her.
Her gift means so much to that special student and to our community.

     If you know of anyone who might like to make a charitable donation, please mention our
school. We can provide a letter for income tax purposes.

     Just this week, another kind parishioner stepped forward and donated the $500 entrance
fee needed for our students to attend the Academic Decathlon. On behalf of those grateful
students, thank you. It is through the generosity of people like these that we are able to
continue our mission of Educating Christian Leaders for Our World.

     Gratefully,
     Sr. Judy

11/22/11

Dear Parents,
   Thanksgiving brings us the opportunity to reflect on the many blessings in our lives. We all spend so much time and energy solving problems and overcoming difficulties that it is important to pause it to consider “the other side of the ledger.”
   Here at school one of our greatest blessings is our students. They are truly terrific kids and almost always kind and thoughtful. Their enthusiasm and energy brings our school alive. Seeing the older students caring for the younger children at Mass is a model of what we strive for here at SJS. Our students work hard to do their best. They show the beginnings of leadership and sportsmanship - traits that will serve them well in life.
   Our strong, enthusiastic faculty and staff here at St Jerome are certainly another blessing on our long list. Our teachers probably spend more ‘invisible’ time working outside the classroom than inside with lesson preparation, finding current resources, correcting work, grading, keeping current with assignments on line, connecting with parents, staff development etc, etc, etc. Our faculty’s dedication to our students and families is an incredible blessing.
   Finally, our families who are so supportive and give so much time and energy to make SJS a community is a blessing beyond measure. Between fundraising and volunteering for countless jobs around our school, parents fill essential roles in our school. Our school could not exist without this support. Thank you.
   This is just a quick start on our blessing list here at school. I pray that you and your family will have a wonderful Thanksgiving together and you will be able to create your own list of blessings.

Thanksgiving Blessings to all!

Sr. Judy

November 15, 2011

Dear Families,

   Have you ever given any thought to the SSO – our School Support Organization? This small group of highly dedicated parents is responsible for building community among our school families and, through its fundraisers, contributes a significant portion of the operating budget of the school.  Every parent in our school is a member of this life-giving important organization, yet at our meeting on the 7th of November, only a very small handful of parents were in attendance.

   Our lives are so busy these days and no one needs another meeting, but SSO is important. This year’s President, Cris Liban, has clearly made community a priority. Cris and a few very hard workers make this organization run. How much better we could be if we had your help. Each new person brings fresh ideas and efforts to improve our school. Actually, SSO can be a place where life-long friendships may be formed.

   Are you aware that SSO fundraising makes up the significant gap between the price of tuition and the actual cost of educating each student? Without the gigantic efforts of the SSO,, tuition would have to be raised significantly.  Shouldn’t YOU be active in such an important part of your child’s school?

   Please circle December 5 on your calendar. Come and see what an SSO meeting is all about. You are welcome to make your voice heard and to be part of a group of parents who are dedicated to making St Jerome School the best ever. Please join us!
   
   God bless,
   Sr. Judy  

November 7, 2011

Dear Families,

We are now mid-point in our four days of parent –teacher conferences. If you have not made an appointment please be certain to contact your child’s teacher since a parent conference is a valuable tool for helping your child.

There is an old joke among teachers regarding parents that “if you don’t believe everything your child says about me, then I won’t believe everything they say about you.”  It may be funny but there is much truth in this saying. Parent conference time is the best opportunity for making an adult connection and, better yet, a partnership for your child’s success.

This partnership is between two experts. You know your child better than anyone and can see the growth and know the struggles. You know how far they have come. You might think of it as a vertical picture of your child.

Your child’s teacher, on the other hand, has vast experience and knowledge of many, many children at this particular stage of development.  You might think of this as a horizontal picture of your child.  The parent teacher conference is an opportunity to learn where these two lines intersect and with this valuable information, plan for your child’s progress.

So a parent conference is a time to share information and to ask questions.  This is a good time also to put grades and test scores in perspective. Although they are certainly important, they should not define a child. You cannot reduce God’s great gift of a child to a number.  When you meet with your child’s teacher, take time to look at the spiritual, social, emotional growth as well as the academic growth of your child.

Here at school, we look forward to this week and all that we will learn. It’s a challenging week for teachers since they have almost a full teaching load as well as meeting with a number of parents.  Homework may be a little lighter than usual.

If we have not already seen you here at school, we look forward to your coming and pray that this year’s conferences will be the most helpful as we build partnerships for your child’s success.

God Bless,
Sr Judy

November 1, 2011

Dear Families,

     Today we celebrate the solemnity of All Saints Day. The children attended 8 o’clock Mass this morning and in their classrooms have been talking about many of our beloved saints from the past. But we, as God’s children, are all called to sainthood and so it seems a perfect time to reflect back on our Carnival.

     Our school and parish families came together in work and play. In the words of our Carnival Chair, Chris Libon, “The carnival created a spirit and vitality in our community.” This was evident to visitors to our parish. Thank you, Chris, for all of your enthusiastic and tireless hard work to make this year’s carnival  one of the best ever. Our thanks to the many, many workers who spent their entire weekend (and sometimes many days before) making the St Jerome Carnival such a success.. To our teachers, staff and especially Msgr. Norm who made the dunk tank such a splash, you’re definitely the best sports! Special thanks also to our chefs  who made the tri-tip dinner into a gourmet event. It was also great to see Brother Chris back in his night job as bingo caller extraordinaire. Finally, the silent auction was a handiwork display of incredible basket makers.  What a huge and talented effort! Thanks in particular to each of our school families who gave so much of their time this weekend. A final thanks to those invisible persons who cleared and cleaned our schoolyard so it was ready for Tuesday morning. It was truly the sense of partnership and community with parish and school that made our carnival such a success. Thank you, one and all.

                        God’s blessings,
                        Sr. Judy

November 1, 2011

Dear Families,

                Today we celebrate the solemnity of All Saints Day. The children attended 8 o’clock Mass this morning and in their classrooms have been talking about many of our beloved saints from the past. But we, as God’s children, are all called to sainthood and so it seems a perfect time to reflect back on our Carnival.

                Our school and parish families came together in work and play. In the words of our Carnival Chair, Chris Libon, “The carnival created a spirit and vitality in our community.” This was evident to visitors to our parish. Thank you, Chris, for all of your enthusiastic and tireless hard work to make this year’s carnival  one of the best ever. Our thanks to the many, many workers who spent their entire weekend (and sometimes many days before) making the St Jerome Carnival such a success.. To our teachers, staff and especially Msgr. Norm who made the dunk tank such a splash, you’re definitely the best sports! Special thanks also to our chefs  who made the tri-tip dinner into a gourmet event. It was also great to see Brother Chris back in his night job as bingo caller extraordinaire. Finally, the silent auction was a handiwork display of incredible basket makers.  What a huge and talented effort! Thanks in particular to each of our school families who gave so much of their time this weekend. A final thanks to those invisible persons who cleared and cleaned our schoolyard so it was ready for Tuesday morning. It was truly the sense of partnership and community with parish and school that made our carnival such a success. Thank you, one and all.

                                                                                                God’s blessings,

                                                                                                Sr. Judy

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Read:  Read Matthew 23: 1-12

Listen to the Word:  As you listen to this admonition from Christ, what caught your attention? What one word did you notice? 

Theme:  True leadership is based on conversion. 

Question: How can you make the light of Christ shine through your life?  

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Calendar 

                Nov. 1     All Saints Day       

                Nov. 2     Feast of All Souls Day

                                Parent/teacher sign-ups posted in Building A

                Nov. 7     School Support Meeting 7:00 p.m.  All are welcome!

                Nov. 7-10  Parent /Teacher Conferences  12:30 dismissal all week

                Nov. 11     Veterans’ Day/ No School

School Support Organization Meeting:  All parents are invited to the School Support Organization (SSO) meeting on Monday, Nov. 7 at 7:15pm.  We welcome your ideas, skills and talents to help our school be the best it can be!

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES: Please come to the main building of the school and sign up for a conference time with your child’s teacher.  Junior High parents, sign up for a time with your child’s homeroom teacher and you will have the opportunity to speak with each of the junior high teachers.  Sign-up sheets will be posted on Wednesday morning. Conferences take place Nov. 7-10. We will have 12:30 dismissal on each of those days and NO School on Nov. 11, 2011.

PARKING PROMPTS: Arrival and dismissal times are heightened safety times. We need your help with these two critical connected items:

1. Pre-K parking is ONLY for Pre-K parents.
2. There is no parking on the schoolyard (except Pre-K parents) until 3:30. If you must park prior to this time for whatever reason, please park in the church parking lot and use our new sidewalk. If you are arriving for a game or practice, please park in the church lot. Thanks for your help in keeping our children safe.

8^th GRADE ALERT: The usually stressful time for high school admissions is almost upon us. Just a reminder that DEADLINES are DEADLINES. (Unfortunately after many reminders and opportunities, we had some very unhappy eighth graders miss the sign-up deadline for the high school exam tutoring sessions. This is a hard lesson. ) To avoid future difficulties, please check the websites of the high schools you are interested in and put the dates of their entrance test and admissions deadlines on your calendar now.  Be aware that if you are seeking a recommendation letter, you must give the person you are asking a reasonable amount of time to complete the form.  Msgr.. Norm and the staff often need several days minimum to complete these forms and letters. This is an exciting step forward for our students so let’s make it as wrinkle –free as possible.

ITBS TEST RESULTS ARE HERE: In your family envelope this week you will find a copy of your child’s 2011 Iowa test results. You will have an opportunity to ask questions about these results at your parent conference next week, but in an effort to put these scores in context, here are a few considerations.

• Test results are only a snapshot of what your child did on one day on one set of tasks – they are NOT the whole picture.
• The 50^th percentile rank is  the average score on these tests. 100% is not the goal on this type of test.
• What is the goal then? One or more year’s growth from last year’s scores is realistic.
• Use your child’s previous year’s test scores to look for patterns. Are they consistently high or low in one area? This is a good thing to discuss with your child’s teacher at conference time.
• What is the primary function of these tests? The results of these tests help teachers adjust instruction.. They indicate strengths and particular areas for growth.

CONGRATULATIONS: Ryan Robertson, Grade 5, was named Scholar Athlete of the Year at the 18^th Annual Omega Psi Phi Leadership Conference held October 22, 2011 at USC. Each year The Walls Family Scholar- Athlete Foundation selects a student based upon their grade point average and sports participation. Ryan was awarded a trophy, certificate, membership to the California African American Museum, and a $200 award.

CARNIVAL NEWS: Congratulations to our two winners of the KJLH Dance Contest. The winner was a 7th grade student and runner-up was Lauryn Cobbs. Lauryn was awarded a $25 gift certificate to Sonya's Scrapbook Spot at the Promenade at Howard Hughes Center. Thank you, too, to all of our generous booth sponsors:

• Airport Marina Ford/Honda
• The Barrow Family
• Patricia Corona, William Williams, Jr. and Lisa Corona-Cooper
• Marc S. Duvernay
• Frio Automotive
• The McAlpin Family
• The Reed Family
• The Robertson Family
• St. Bernard High School
• Western Federal Credit Union   

t. Jerome Religious Education

Thank you to KJLH Radio and Jack-FM for all their support!

The winner of the "duggie" contest was Bernard Amofa.

SPECIAL SCRIP: Special Scrip pick-up is Wednesday November 2, 2011 from 7:30 to 8:00 am and 2:30 to 3:30 pm .
 "EARN CREDIT" easy as 123
               First: Register your Ralph's and Vons reward cards online. Second: continue your normal weekly shopping. Third: earn credit towards your obligation.  It's that simple.
               FYI:  swipe your Ralph’s card at FOOD 4 LESS and earn credits too.  Parents, if you need additional copies email Charlene at clbaxter@pacbell.net.

CHRISTMAS TREES:  Enclosed please find information on this fundraiser.

Did You  Know: Office Depot gives our school back 5% of purchases when we use our St. Jerome School code 70010336!   Whether you are buying ink, printer paper, a computer or other office supplies, ask the cashier to use our school code when ringing up your purchase.  They can even look it up for you! It makes a difference!

****************************************************************************************************************************

Marketing Help Needed:  St. Jerome School is looking for parents who can do graphic design, plan events such as Open House, or publicize our events.  Come to a short meeting on Thursday, November 10 at 6:30pm in the music room to find out how you can help!  Time spent on marketing counts toward your 30 hours family participation.

Yes, I would like to help with Marketing.  I am interested in:

___ Designing flyers and postcards ___ Planning events
___ Publicity ___ Preschool outreach
___ Building alumni contacts ___ Creating a SJS Facebook page

Name _______________________________ Oldest child's grade _____
Phone # _________________________

Oct. 18, 2011

October 11, 2011

September 26, 2011

Dear Families,

This past week has certainly been a bountiful one for St Jerome School in many ways.               

     First, we owe an enormous thank you once again to the William H. Hannon Foundation.  As a most generous benefactor of our school in the past, this foundation has funded tuition scholarships, provided our Hawaiian raffle, and underwritten the opening cost of our Pre-K. This week the foundation has stepped forward again with a $10,000 gift to compliment our math program. For some time we have had a concern about challenging our students who excel in math as well as adding support for those children who find math difficult. This new funding will allow us to address this part of our curriculum. Changes will take place over the next few months as we put this new program in place.

     Our second piece of exciting news is our alliance with Loyola Marymount University. You might have noticed the new sign on our building, which proudly proclaims we are now part of the ‘LMU Family of Schools.’  What does this mean?  We look forward to seeing LMU students helping in our classrooms. There will be opportunities for our students to visit the LMU campus. We also now have access to many resources and opportunities through the University. This is a wonderful partnership for our school community..            

     Finally, a big thank you to those who worked to make our golf tournament such a success. Although the turnout was small, all had a great day and our hardworking SSO raised approximately $5000 to add to our school’s operating budget. Thanks to all our organizers and workers as well to our enthusiastic golfers.

God bless,

Sr. Judy

September 20, 2011

Dear Families,

         This month the students of St. Jerome School are practicing the Virtue of Responsibility.  We all agree life would be much simpler if each of us took responsibility for our actions.  It is important for children to know what Responsibility looks like.  Responsibility can be as simple as doing what you are supposed to do.  It can mean using self-control and self-discipline and being accountable for your words, actions, and attributes.  These are standards which even adults struggle with.  This month, teachers are discussing this virtue with their students.  Staff members are “catching” students practicing this virtue.  These children will be recognized at the Awards Assembly on September 29^th.

         What can you do at home?  One way is to discuss this virtue at home with your child(ren). “Catch” your child(ren) being responsible.  A little well-earned praise goes a long way.  It is important for school and home to work together in developing this character trait in our children.  Working together, our children will become responsible Christian leaders for our world.

In God’s love,

Sr Judy, Principal

Family Envelope: Week of August 25, 2011

2011 Fall Carnival: Sponsor Packet

Jr. High Supply List 2011-12

K-5 Supply List 2011-12

Monday, September 19, 2011 - 9th Annual St. Jerome Golf Tournament Registration  Form

June 6, 2011

Last week of school reminder – the straight story!
Monday June 13 is a full school day. Choice lunch will be available. Tuesday, June 14 will be 12:30 dismissal. Wednesday the 15th will be 8:00 Mass. Students will be dismissed immediately following the Liturgy. Please join us as we close the school year.
There is NO EXTENDED CARE offered.

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2011: Following a beautiful Baccalaureate Mass on Friday morning and Graduation Exercises in the evening, the class of 20011 is on its way. They have become alumnae overnight. So many thank yous to Msgr Priebe, Sr. Judy, all the faculty and parents who worked so hard to make this graduation a special memory for these young students. High schools, here they come!

KNOTT’S BERRY FARM TRIP:  To those families that qualified for the end-of-year Knott’s Berry Farm trip, the signed pink permission slips were due on June 6.  If you have not turned in the slip, it is assumed that you DO NOT want your child to go to Knott’s.   If you have any questions, please call Lynn Gonzales at 310.351.6784.

May 31, 2011

Dear Parents,
     Thank you to all parents and students who helped make this years
Hawaii Raffle a fundraising success for our school.  Together we raised
over $23,000!
The winners for the Hawaii Raffle:
3rd Prize of $150 goes to Joyce Alexander, ticket sold by her
granddaughter Chloe Jackson, grade 2.
2nd Prize of $250 goes to Kristin Linden, ticket sold by Ella Tran in Pre-K.
Grand Prize 8-day trip to Hawaii goes to Julie Griffin, ticket sold by
Hector Navarro, grade 4.
The students who sold the most tickets win the following:
$100 -- Leonard Washington, grade 6, for selling $540 of tickets
$60 -- Nia Mosby, grade 3, for selling $515 of tickets
$40 -- Christopher Hughes, grade 8, for selling $485 of tickets

May 23, 2011

Dear Parents,

In this fifth Sunday after Easter we can make the connection that members of the same family often bear close resemblances to one another. Sometimes physical resemblances are shared within a family, but often the similarities are behavioral characteristics and mannerisms. We hear this observation affirmed through a number of common phrases: “He's a chip off the old block” or “She's her mother's daughter.” Today's Gospel points to a mystery of faith that might be examined in light of these familial relationships. In Jesus we see and know the Father. Likewise, the Father is known through the life and work of the Son, Jesus. Talk together as a family about whether people outside of your family recognize common traits of your family. Are there physical resemblances that people recognize and so know each individual as a member of your family? Are there mannerisms that are shared by members of your family? What are some common interests and work that people might associate with your family? As you read today's Gospel, John 14:1-12, keep in mind that members of the same family share many characteristics, even though each person in the family is an individual. What does Jesus tell his disciples about his relationship with the Father? The relationship between the Father and Jesus is so close that Jesus says that those who have seen and known Jesus have also seen and known the Father. Jesus promises his disciples that because of their faith in him and in the Father, they too will be able to do the work of the Father as Jesus did.

May 17, 2011

Dear Parents,
This past Sunday the readings were that of the Good Shepherd. Even though we have less experience with sheep and shepherds today in our society, we can still identify strongly with the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd and as the gate for the sheep. Psalm 23 remains a popular and favorite psalm for prayer. In the image of the Good Shepherd, we know ourselves to be protected and cared for by a loving God. Gather your family and ask what each person knows about sheep and shepherds. Recall that shepherds and sheep have a close relationship. Sheep will only follow their own shepherd; they recognize his voice and will not follow a stranger. The shepherd's job is to protect his sheep. In some ways, the relationship between the shepherd and his sheep is like that of a parent and child. Talk about how Jesus tells us that he is the gate for the sheep. The sheep enter the protection of the sheepfold through the gate. In Jesus we find protection and abundant life.

Teacher Eddy Awards
On Thursday, May 18, the LAX Coastal Area Chamber of Commerce will honor the outstanding educators of the year from the local schools at the 28th Annual Teachers Eddy Award. This year’s event will be held at the Hilton LAX Hotel.  Our very own Ms. Kimberly White is one of the honorees that will be honored at this event. We are so very proud of Ms. White and her many accomplishments with her second grade students.

May 10, 2011

Dear Parents,

This past Sunday we celebrated “Mother’s Day”. "Mary, our mother," is one of Mary's most common titles. We cling to it all our lives. Why? Because "mothering," the sense of being cared for and protected, supported and understood, is the human being's primal need. "Mother's Day" is the call to all of us to remember those - both women and men - who have "mothered" us in life, and then be conscious of our call to mother those around us as well. I sincerely hope your families spoiled you this past Sunday.

Why is it Important to Register With the Parish?
At various times in a Catholic’s life, it is beneficial that you be able to show that you are a “practicing Catholic.”
This is possible by confirming your parish registry.
Here are some of the situations to which this may apply:
Marriage in the Church
Baptism of a Child
School Registration of a Child
Becoming a Godparent or Sponsor
We urge you to:
Register at the Rectory
Inquire about using your talents for the good of the parish
Use your Sunday envelopes so that your
generosity can be recorded.

April 19, 2011

Happy Easter Everyone


Dear Parents,

In the Easter Gospel we will hear about how the disciples found the tomb empty three days after Jesus' death. We are also told that they do not yet understand the Scriptures or that Jesus had been raised from the dead. That understanding gradually unfolded for the disciples as they began to experience the risen Lord. Similarly, our understanding of Jesus' Resurrection unfolds for us throughout our lives. In the weeks ahead, we will hear how the first disciples moved from confusion, doubt, and skepticism to faith. Their experience can teach us how we too might receive this gift of faith from God. Gather your family members and ask them to share what they know about the events that happened in the days after Jesus' crucifixion. Invite your family to imagine that they are among Jesus' first disciples. Read together Sunday's Gospel, John 20:1-9. Reflect together on the Gospel with questions such as these: If you had been among the first disciples who heard that the stone had been removed from Jesus' tomb and that Jesus' body was no longer there, what would you think? What did Mary of Magdala, Simon Peter, and the disciple whom Jesus loved think had happened? Recall that this experience is the first indication Jesus' disciples have that he is risen.

April 10, 2011

Dear Parents,
In Sunday’s gospel Jesus' promise of eternal life is a central element of our Catholic faith. Even though Easter is still two weeks away, our Gospel today invites us to acknowledge Jesus' power over death, evidenced in the raising of Lazarus, and to anticipate Jesus' conquering of death once and for all in his death and Resurrection. We sometimes use examples from nature to help describe this mystery of our faith. Jesus himself talked about the seed that dies when planted in the ground in order to produce new life (John 12:24). Using that image and others, we find hope and confidence in Jesus, the Resurrection and the life. Gather your family today and read today's Gospel in its shorter form, John 11:3-7,17,20-27,33b-45. Write Jesus' promise from today's Gospel (“I am the resurrection and the life.”) on a large sheet of white paper. As your family talks about what Jesus means by this promise, decorate Jesus' words with symbols that will remind you of his promise of eternal life. Display this reminder of Jesus' promise in a prominent place in your home and keep it there until Easter. Pray that you will always remain confident in Jesus' promise of eternal life. 

April 4, 2011

Dear Parents,

In Sunday’s gospel as in last week's Gospel about Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman, today's reading has many allusions to Baptism. The washing of the man in the pool of Siloam is a prototype for Christian Baptism. Through the man's encounter with Jesus, the man born blind is healed, his sight is restored, and his conversion to discipleship begins. The man born blind gradually comes to a greater understanding about who Jesus is and what it means to be his disciple, while the Pharisees (those who should see) are the ones who remain blind.

March 29, 2011

Dear Parents,
Lent is a season for repentance. It is a season during which we are called to reflect upon and to live deeply the promises of Baptism. The well and the conversation about water immediately recall for us the Sacrament of Baptism. As the Samaritan woman was converted and sent on a mission because of the conversation about water, we too are converted and sent by our Baptism to preach the good news of Jesus to others.
What does conversion look like in YOUR life this Lenten season?

Have you completed your Pledge Card?
A couple weeks ago you received yellow and green pledge cards from Msgr. Norm. If you have not had an opportunity to fill them out, please do so as soon as possible and return to the office.  To be eligible for “in parish tuition” it is essential that you fill out and complete your pledge card.

What do those teachers do on Friday afternoons, anyway?
In our discussions about extending the school year, one question kept reoccurring.  Why not stay in session on Friday afternoons?  The answer is these 2 hours on Friday provide teachers with incredibly valuable time to work collaboratively on curriculum mapping (how will we cover all those state standards?), assessing areas for reinforcement and growth (evaluating and using ITBS test scores), learning new computer programs to enhance learning - just to name a few. Teaching like any other art or science is only as good as the planning behind it. Teachers should not teach in isolation but rather as part of a whole school picture.
The second question then becomes, “Why not do all of this after school? Today, many of our teachers spend amazing amounts of time answering parent e-mails, updating blogs and Wikis, conferencing, grading and getting those grades into Gradelink as well as, lesson planning. Many of the staff is available to their students after class, as well.  Friday afternoons are not bonbons and chitchat but rather, an essential part of staff development and school improvement.

March 22, 2011

Dear Parents,
St Jerome families are the backbone of our school. During the weeks between our announcement about extending the school year and the present time, it has come to our attention that many of our families are considering changing schools rather than participate in an extended year program. We do not want to lose our St Jerome families. On the other hand, our survey showed that there is also a group of families firmly behind a longer school year. The concept of extending the school year is backed by the Archdiocese and a significant amount of research.  However, the decision has been made to spend a longer time looking at the implementation of such a step so our 2011-12 school year will remain a 180 day calendar.

Sunday Gospel Reading
The Transfiguration of Jesus might be described as one of Jesus' greatest moments. It might well have been a “greatest moment” in the lives of his disciples, Peter, James, and John as well. The event offered Jesus and his disciples a foretaste of the glory that would come. It may also have been a moment that helped to sustain Jesus and his disciples through the difficult times ahead of them.
As a family, talk about some of your times of highs and lows. How have you been able to use the good times and experiences to sustain you in the difficult ones? Jesus' Transfiguration may have been an event from which Peter, James, and John drew courage when they faced the difficult events of Jesus' Passion. Pray a prayer of thanksgiving for the good times and experiences that your family has had together. Pray that your family will use these experiences to sustain you during times of difficulty.

March 15, 2011

Dear Parents,

     The gospel from Sunday tells us that when Jesus resists the temptations presented to him by the devil, he draws on his religious upbringing and tradition. Jesus is able to quote from Scripture because he is the Son of God and because he was a human person who lived his Jewish beliefs fully. We who are responsible for raising children are also called upon to immerse them fully in our Catholic Christian tradition so that they too will be able to draw upon this tradition to resist the temptations they will face in their lives. Use this past Sunday’s readings as an opportunity to call your family's attention to the importance of Scripture in our lives. Recall that Jesus rebuked the devil's temptations by quoting Scripture. Take some time as a family to talk about the words that are found in the Bible and the importance of Scripture to our faith.

March 8, 2011

Dear Parents,
     All families go through difficult times. Tell your children about some of the difficult times that you have gone through in your life. Tell stories about difficult times that other relatives, especially your parents, have gone through in their lives. As a family, think of the most difficult situations that you faced together: a sickness, the loss of a loved one, difficulties in school, loss of employment, and so on. Explain that we sometimes refer to these difficult moments in life as “storms.” Point out that in this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus talks about rain, floods, and wind—all characteristics of storms—and how we can stand firm in the face of them. Talk about what it means for you to build your house on solid rock. Share some examples of how your faith helped you to get through difficult situations. Help your children to see how their faith has already helped them to get through some difficult situations.

School Year for 2011-2012
In consultation with the Archdiocese, our Pastor, the School Board, the SJS faculty and parents via a parent survey, the decision has been made to move toward a 200 day school year.  We will take the first step in this direction this coming 2011-2012 school year beginning with a 190 day calendar.
Our primary goal in extending the school year is to give our students additional instructional time in the classroom and better prepare them to be leaders in an ever- changing world.
The decision to make this change in two steps was based on several factors. First, adding more days to the year requires a serious look at curriculum. This is not merely a question of stretching out the existing curriculum but rather finding ways to enhance the existing curriculum and exploring what additional standards may be added.  Our second reason for a two year plan is sensitivity to the financial impact on our families. We recognize additional tuition is difficult for many families and we are exploring ways to hopefully make this a bit easier. Finally, implementing this change in two steps makes it possible to evaluate and modify along the way. Our bottom line is – what is best for our students?
Survey results
Thank you to our families who took time to make their voices heard. Your comments were carefully read and are considered. About 1/3 of our families responded  (not too bad considering no ice cream bribes were offered) and of that group 83% were strongly in favor of extending the school year. Of the 17% in opposition, the responses varied from vehemently opposed to strong concerns about their ability to meet a rising tuition commitment.  A majority, (45  % of families )were in favor of implementing the plan in one step while 38 % favored 2 year implementation.  The two majors issues surfacing in the survey were the loss of family time and increased costs.

March 2, 2011

Dear Parents,

In our families we learn about caring. We learn to care for our own needs and the needs of others, and we learn to take responsibility for the needs of our household. Sometimes caring for these needs means that we are unable to do other things that we would enjoy more. At times, we can be tempted not to take responsibility for what we are given to care for. Talk about the different ways your family cares for one another and the needs of your household. Remember times when you’ve been tempted to put your own needs ahead of others.

Point out how God cares for us every day and will never forget us. Read aloud this Sunday’s Gospel, Matthew 6:24–34. Talk about how God looks after the birds in the sky and the flowers in the field. Point out how Jesus reminds his disciples that they are worth much more than these things.

February 8, 2011

Dear Parents,

     This past Sunday’s gospel we heard God’s Law of love can be thought of as rules that we are to follow in order to show our love and respect for one another. Families have rules. Without rules, family life would be chaos. As a family, brainstorm a list of rules that you are all called to follow in your home in order for you all to get along together. Think about rules for play time, rules for eating, rules for how to speak to one another, rules for going out with friends, and so on. Emphasize that families follow rules as a way of showing love and respect for one another. Explain that in this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus talks about following the Law. Read aloud this Sunday’s Gospel, Matthew 5:17–37. Talk specifically with one another about how anger is to be dealt with in your family.

February 1, 2011

Dear Parents,
   Sunday's Gospel offers a contrast to many of the messages we hear in our society today. If we were to accept uncritically the “get ahead” messages of our culture, we would think that happiness means having money, being successful, having many possessions, and so on. When we think this way, we are not unlike the people who heard Jesus teach on the day that he taught the Beatitudes. The crowd that day also associated happiness with material possessions and status. Talk as a family about what it means to be happy or to be blessed. Make a list of traits that you would associate with a happy person. Then read together today's Gospel, Matthew 5:1-12

January 25, 2011

Dear Parents,
   In today's Gospel, we are simply told that James and John left their father, Zebedee, in the boat and followed Jesus. 

Some details about the families of these first followers of Jesus are found later in Matthew's Gospel, however. In Matthew 8:14-15 for example, Jesus goes to the home of Peter and heals his mother-in-law of a fever. Matthew 20:20-28 relates how the mother of the sons of Zebedee (James and John) approaches Jesus with the request that her sons be given places of honor in Jesus' kingdom. These brief references suggest that the first disciples' separation from their families may not have been as complete as the verses in today's Gospel might lead us to believe. Matthew points out the separation because he wants to show that Christian discipleship can require a change in our lives and even our family relationships.

  Perhaps the message for us today is to balance the radical call to be a follower of Jesus with the challenge to be “fishers of men” even within our own families. Creating this balance may require that we change some of the priorities of our own family life. As a family, detail the activities of a typical day. Discuss together what priorities are reflected in this daily schedule. How does your family respond when your daily plans are interrupted or must be changed? Together read today's Gospel, Matthew 4:12-23. Reflect together on the example of the first disciples who dropped everything to follow Jesus. Ask: Does our family schedule give evidence that we put God first in our family life? What might we do to better reflect that God is our priority? Pray together that your family will always give evidence that God comes first in your family life.

January 11, 2011

Dear Parents,

This Sunday we heard that the ministry of John the Baptist prepared for and pointed to the ministry of Jesus. In a similar way, our lives are to offer testimony to who we know Jesus to be for us and for the world. Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. How does the witness of our lives give testimony to the reconciling presence of Christ. As a family, read together Sunday’s Gospel, John 1:29-34.

Consider how John the Baptist gives testimony to who Jesus is. Talk about what people might come to know about Jesus by observing your family life. Pray together that your family life will show others that Jesus is the Son of God, the lamb who takes away the sins of the world.

We at St. Jerome School wish all of our families a very happy and blessed new year! May this year be a joy-filled and all you hope it to be for each of you.                                                                                                                                 

Lovingly,

Sr. Judy

Spanish Returns! As you know, we have feverishly been working behind the scenes to bring Spanish back into the curriculum in a meaningful way. We are about to take our first step. Beginning January10th Spanish will resume in grades 5-8 twice a week. We have purchased workbooks for the students and the Spanish teacher will be using the Smart Boards to present the material. Our expectation is that next year Spanish will resume in all grades at least twice a week.

December 14, 2010

Dear Parents,

The third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is the Latin word meaning “rejoice.” This past Sunday is so named because “Rejoice” is the first word in the entrance antiphon for Sunday's Mass taken from Philippians 4:4,5: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near.” It is easy to look at our world and become discouraged by the apparent absence of God and signs of God's salvation. Advent, however, is a season of hope, in which we acknowledge that salvation is both mysteriously present, even in our world, and yet to be fulfilled. 

Read together today's Gospel. Think about John's question to Jesus: Are you the One? Jesus does not answer directly, but points to the signs of the kingdom present in his midst. 

Together as a family, look through the newspaper for signs of hope that God is at work in our world. Pray that the world will know God's salvation by praying together the Lord's Prayer.

May you and your family have a blessed advent and a Christmas filled with joy, peace and love.

Sr. Judy, Faculty and Staff

December 7, 2010

Dear Parents,

We do many things to get ourselves ready for our celebration of Christmas: purchase gifts, prepare Christmas cards, decorate our homes. John's call of repentance in preparation for Jesus reminds us that our repentance is another way in which we can prepare for the Lord's coming and our celebration of Christmas. 
Read together Sunday's Gospel. Talk about how John reminds the people that they prepare for the reign of God by reforming their lives. Pray together, then celebrate God's forgiveness by sharing a Sign of Peace with each other.

Monday we celebrated St. Nicholas Day with our children. As a custom we had the children put a shoe in the hallway, so that St. Nick could give each of them a candy came and a little story of St. Nick. St. Nicholas was the Bishop of Myra, patron of children, pawnbrokers, and sailors. Maybe you could remember his generosity by baking a big batch of iced cookies. Share with others at home, school, or church. Or hand out candy canes (representing his Bishop’s staff or tangerines or foil-wrapped chocolate coins (representing the gold he secretly gave for dowries for three grateful sisters).

On Wednesday our school celebrates the feast of the Immaculate Conception. Patroness of the U.S. by attending the 8:00am Mass.  All are invited to attend this liturgy.

Sister Judy

November 30, 2010

Dear Parents,

Advent is a season of preparation: we shop for gifts, plan parties, and decorate our homes for the coming of Christmas. Sometimes it is easy to forget the real mission of Advent: preparing our hearts for the coming of Jesus Christ. We are bombarded by commercial messages in which the reason for Christmas—Emmanuel, “God with us” is absent or overlooked. However, the rituals and practices of our Catholic liturgies during this season can join us together with the People of God. United, we can offer messages of challenge and hope and express our desire for God's presence in our midst.

Advent blends penitence, preparedness, and joy. We are called to consider our lives and to repent or turn around from those things that keep us from God. In this way, we repent and prepare for the Second Coming of the Lord. This theme of preparedness permeates the liturgies of Advent. Lastly we are called to be joyful as we get ready to celebrate the incarnation of our Savior in Bethlehem.

November 23, 2010

Dear Parents,

This past Sunday we celebrated the Feast of Christ the King. While we may not have a direct experience of kings or royalty, we have some sense of what these mean. We know that royalty have sovereignty over their kingdom. We know that those who are subjects to royalty offer them allegiance and honor. Christ is King in a way that is different from traditional understandings of royalty. Christ's kingship extends to all places, all people, and all times. Christ manifests his kingship through his death on the cross, in which he offers salvation to all. Recall with your children stories that you may have read about royalty. Talk with your children about what they have learned from these stories about what it means to be a king. Talk about what they have learned from these stories about what it means to be a subject. Tell your children that last Sunday, we celebrated a special feast called the Feast of Christ the King. Read Sunday's Gospel, Luke 23:35-43. Reflect together on how the various people in this Gospel respond to Jesus on the Cross. Who in this Gospel recognizes Jesus as King?

All of our faculty and staff wish all of our school community a very Happy Thanksgiving and hope and pray that your family have a wonderful day                                   

Sr. Judy

November 16, 2010

Dear Parents,

Children, while innocently naïve about most world events, are also profoundly sensitive to the concerns felt by adults. We can help children interpret adult concerns by sharing information about current events in appropriate ways. We can also put these concerns in the light of God's kingdom and the assurance of God's care for us. You might want to discuss with your children one or more current event or a situation in your family, which shows difficulties that, may challenge our trust in a God who cares for us. Then read together today's Gospel, Luke 21:5-19. Notice how Jesus said that even when his disciples are persecuted, God would be with them. Together with your children, talk about ways in which God might bring good out of the difficult events you discussed. Talk together about some actions you might take as a family to make better the situations you discussed. Conclude by praying for the needs of the people involved in the events you named. In prayer, place each of these difficult situations into God's hands. Have a wonderful week!

 Sr. Judy

November 9, 2010

Dear Parents,

This past week we celebrated the feasts of All Saints and All Souls. Yesterday we celebrated an All Souls Memorial Mass with the school children. Children in our culture often know very little about death, dying, and eternal life. Take this opportunity to talk with your children about their thoughts, beliefs, maybe even their fears about death and dying. In the Gospel this past week, Jesus tells us that after we die, we will not need the same things we do when we are alive, but we will continue to have a relationship with God. You could use the example of a tree to help your children understand what Jesus tells us. When a tree is alive it needs water, soil, and sunlight. When the tree is used to make a table, a toy, or something else it has a new purpose. The tree no longer needs water, soil, or sunlight. Read together the short form of the Gospel, Luke 20:27, 34-38. Tell your children about your hope and faith in the resurrection of the body and eternal life with God. Pray together for those in your family who have died and conclude by praying today's Psalm.



November 2, 2010

 Dear Parents,

 On Monday, November 1^st we celebrated All Saints Day! As you gather at some point this week as a family, remember the names of family members or friends who have died. Talk about these people, sharing memories of their lives and their influence on your family. Recall that today is All Souls Day. On this day we remember all those who have died, and we pray for them. Read today's Gospel, John 11:17-27, in which we hear Jesus console his friend Martha after her brother's death. Talk about Jesus' promise of eternal life and our hope of eternal life for all those who have died. Conclude by praying for all those who have died, naming in particular family members and friends. After each person is named, pray together “Lord, have mercy.”

On October 28^th we are having a speaker to talk about Cyber Bulling and Prevention for parents at 6:30pm in the Parish Hall. This is an opportunity to hear about this important topic and to address this issue with your children. We all need to know to better protect our children and young people.

CASINO NIGHT IS NOV. 20!   Tickets go on sale next Monday (October 25).  Please contact Lisa Harris (323) 291-6136 if you’re interested in selling tickets after Mass.  We’re still looking for people to sponsor casino tables – remember,  100% of your donation will be applied to your family financial obligation.   It’s a fun, childfree night – hope to see you there!  If you have any questions please call Lynn Gonzales (310) 351-6784 or Le Nece Nichols (310) 493.6381.  

October 12, 2010

Dear Parents,

In this weeks gospel Jesus heals 10 lepers, and one, the Samaritan, returns to give thanks. We hear about how Jesus, continuing on his journey to Jerusalem, heals 10 lepers. This story is a lesson about faith and reminds us that faith is sometimes found in unlikely places. Ten people afflicted with leprosy cry out to Jesus. Struck with pity, Jesus heals all 10. However, only one is described as glorifying God and returning to thank Jesus. The one who returns is a Samaritan, a foreigner. In the Jewish circles in which Jesus lived, Samaritans were looked down upon because of the differences between the two communities in their observance of Judaism. It is significant; therefore, that Jesus commends the Samaritan for his faith, which has been his salvation. Throughout Luke's Gospel, faith is found in surprising places. 

Another lesson for us in this Gospel has to do with salvation. All 10 of the lepers were given the gift of healing, but in his gratitude to God for this gift, the Samaritan found salvation. Our salvation is found in recognizing the gifts we have been given and knowing to whom we must offer our thanks.

October 5, 2010

Dear Parents,

    We have been working with our students since we started school in August on the virtue of respect. Some of the following ideas may assist you in working with your children at home.

Teach respect by daily example

You want your child to show respect for you, his/her teacher and people in general- not to mention respect for rules and belongings. Teaching respect is a big job. But thankfully, research shows a specific method to use.

Children learn respect when they are treated with respect. So make these simple efforts a daily habit:

• ·  Communicate with respect. - Listen attentively to your child. Don’t interrupt. Make sure you understand what he/she is saying.  Focus on the positive.
• ·   Practice solving problems calmly. Use I statements: (I feel ignored when you don’t answer me”) instead of hurtful accusations (“You always ignore me”)
• ·  Take responsibility. When you make an agreement with your child, stick to it- and expect him to do the same. If something goes wrong, the person responsible should make amends and learn from the experience.
• ·  Care for belongings. Cleaning up is a way of showing respect for things around the house. Talk about this with your child. What if no one pitched in? What steps, such as organizing toys, could make the job easier:
• ·  Be encouraging. Support your child’s interests and strengths. Talk about values. Including those your family has passed down for generations. What does our child value: How can he/she show this? Strong character should be a source of pride.

September 20, 2010

Dear Parents,

We appreciate your cooperation in placing a card with your family name and grades of your children on the dash. You assist our faculty in getting your children to your car in a timely manner.
Please see that your children get to school on time.  There is an increase of students who are tardy in the morning.  It might be helpful to have the children pack their backpacks with their homework and any other items for school before they go to bed.  We had 62 tardies this week!    
Background on the Gospel
 Sunday's Gospel sounds puzzling to contemporary readers, but it can be made less so by considering the economic system which stands behind the parable. A steward is dismissed because he is squandering his master's property. He is called dishonest because he is not serving the interests of the rich man, his employer. In response the steward, in an attempt to ensure favor for himself among the rich man's debtors, brokers repayment of the rich man's loans by foregoing the interest and fees that had been levied to line the steward's pockets. It is this action, in which the steward puts aside his greed and takes the longer perspective in order to enhance his security, which is commended by the rich man. The passage concludes with three morals for the listeners. The first exhorts the listener to be prudent about the use of wealth. Like the steward in the parable, those who would follow Jesus must put transitory affairs in proper perspective. Christians should handle the affairs of temporal life with an eye toward eternal life. The second concerns trustworthiness. Those who can be trusted in small things can also be trusted in great things. If Christians handle money and other passing things responsibly, then they can also be trusted with the affairs of the Kingdom of God. Finally, Jesus tells his listeners that no one can serve two masters simultaneously. God must be put ahead of money.

September 7, 2010

Dear Parents,

This past Monday evening we had Parent Orientation for new parents to our school. It was wonderful to meet with such enthusiasm! On Wednesday, September 8th at 6:30pm we have scheduled Back To School Night for all our school parents. This is a meeting for parents, not the school children. The evening will consist of a general parent beginning at 6:30pm followed by two classroom presentations. The teachers will have two talks that will be 15 minutes each. A bell and an announcement will be made to begin and end the period. Teachers will discuss their goals and expectations for this school year. I know you will not want to miss this informative meeting.

Sister Judy

School Supplies 2010-11

July 14, 2010

Dear Friends,

The Class of 2011 will be hosting our first fundraiser of the year. Please drop by and support us.

Class of 2011 Rummage Sale

When:    Saturday, July 24th
Where:   St. Jerome Parking Lot
               5550 Thornburn St.
               Los Angeles, CA. 90045
Time:      8am-2pm

April 20, 2010

Dear Parents,

Carnival Entering, Exiting and Parking: We have some changes regarding parking, entering and exiting school during the before school drop-off and after school pick-up. The Carnival rides and booths will be set up on Tuesday, April 20th and will not be taken down until April 27th. The Thornburn St. gate will be closed. Entering the schoolyard will be the same as usual. The drop off/pick-up is in the front of the school. The traffic pattern will be in a U shape. When leaving, you will exit by the other new gate. Please follow the directions of the parking directors. Parking will be by the church. No parking in the schoolyard. Thank you for your cooperation!

Sister Judy

March 9, 2010

Dear Parents,
 
We are happy to announce our Academic Decathlon team who participated at the Los Angeles Sports Arena on Saturday. Mrs. Stacie Sheffie coached the team along with Mrs.Lynn Shulman. We are grateful to them for all the guidance and practice that they have given our team. We are very proud of our St. Jerome’s team: Samantha West, Stephanie Umeh, Josiah Sheffie,  Anthony Hill, Helena Tewolde, Andrea Loredo, Indigo Fisher, Tamar Davis, Gabriel Biren, Mekai Sheffie, Alyssa Lopez, Tenbeit Daniel, David Ifediba, Ariana Rosay, Joshua Patterson, Rediet Teferi, Eddie Azinge, Ijeoma Oti, Sebastian Shulman and Andrew Rosay. We look forward to next year with several of our fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grade students participating. Thank you to all the parents who were able to attend the event and support our team!

Spanish Classes – Ms. Neves-Cole has not been well and is out on disability and therefore not able to work with our students consistently. This program will not be graded on the report card; it is considered enrichment for this year.  

Sister Judy

March 2, 2010

Dear Parents,
    
We are grateful to Mr. David Mallen who has been one of our excellent Jr. High teachers for the past eight years. He has worked very diligently with his students in order for them to be the best they can be and “Educating them to be World Leaders”. Mr. Mallen and his family are moving to Pennsylvania where his wife will take a position at Penn State. We will miss him and wish him the very best!
    
We are happy to welcome Mr. Kenneth Lockwood to our school and parish community. Mr. Lockwood will take over the eighth grade for Mr. Mallen, teaching Math and Science in the upper grades. We look forward to a smooth transition for Mr. Lockwood, as Mr. Mallen and Mr. Lockwood have been working together to make this transition as easy as possible.
    
May our God continue to guide both men as they assume new beginnings.
                                        
Sister Judy

January 26, 2010

Dear Parents,

OPEN HOUSE - Wednesday, February 3rd,  6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

     Come see what your children have been working on when you drop them off at school every morning.  They’re proud of their work – we know you’ll be proud too!  Visit the other classrooms and see what’s in store next year!    Children are encouraged to wear full dress uniform that evening.   We’re proud of the work that’s done here – now’s the time to show it off! Ask your friends, neighbors and family to join you.                                  

Sr. Judy

January 19, 2010

VIRTUS TRAINING: On Wednesday, January 27, 2010 we are offering VIRTUS Training in the Religious Education Center at 6:30 PM.  All new teachers, aides, coaches, Eucharistic Ministers, lectors and sacristans who have not been VIRTUS trained will have an opportunity to receive training as mandated by the Los Angeles Archdiocese. Please register by calling Adrienne Toth at (310)645-8318.

January 12, 2010

Dear Parents,
    
     Sunday we celebrated the baptism of Jesus at the 9:00am Family Mass. Thank you to Mr. Joseph, Miss Maguire and especially our third grade students who sang beautifully to enliven the liturgy. We are so very proud of our third graders! We appreciated meeting each of you while sharing coffee and donuts after Mass.

     To bring you up to date on our faculty and staff, Mr.Martinez will not be here for awhile as he will be having surgery. We will continue to keep him in our prayers. Mr. Ivan Vasquez will be replacing Mr. Martinez while he has surgery and recovers. Mrs. Adourian our school librarian is also in the hospital; please keep her in your prayers. As you know Mrs. Dorrit Sederstrom will be moving to Brazil, as her husband’s company gave him a promotion. This was quite a surprise for all of us. Ms. Briana Berlin will be taking Mrs. Sederstrom’s place in second grade. Ms. Solarri will be continuing her education and therefore will not be able to return. It is amazing all that happened to our community over the holidays. We pray for everyone’s good health during this new year. 
    
     Have a great day, a terrific week and a super 2010! May this year be the very best for all of you and your families!
   

Sr. Judy

December 12, 2009

IHOP Gift Certificates - they are here and now available for purchase. All the funds raised support our athletic program. So for every four certificates you buy ($5 per certificate), we give you a fifth one for free. A win win situation for all. The gift certificates are like cash and can be redeemed at the Westchester IHOP only ($10 per party per visit). The certificates will be sold after masses this weekend but you can purchase by simply sending in payment to the school. Thanks in advance for your support.

ATTENDANCE AT MASS: each class (1-8) attends the 8 AM Mass during the week. This is not optional. Everyone needs to arrive by 7:45 AM in order to walk to church with the class. IF there is an occasion that the student is late, bring them to school and they will wait in the office. Entering church late is extremely disruptive. Please make every effort to arrive early on Mass day.

BLANKETS: All donations need to be received by this Friday please.

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM ATTIRE: Please have the children wear their best Christmas outfits for the program on Thursday Dec. 17. No Jeans are permitted. This is a dress up occasion.

CHRISTMAS TREES: If you ordered a tree or wreath and did not pick it up on Satuday,please do so today. We also have a few trees that are for sale, so call the office if you are interested.

REPORT CARDS: Enclosed in the family envelope are the first trimester report cards. Please go over them with your students, sign them and return them in the envelope tomorrow. The test scores are yours to keep.