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

TOY DRIVE: The SJS Student Council is sponsoring a toy drive this Christmas. Each St. Jerome class willsponsor their corresponding grade level at our sister school, Mother of Sorrows. Gifts should be: new, wrapped and have a tag. We ask that every family participates in this very worthy cause. Gifts should not be too extravagant nor too inexpensive. Because the students will receive them together, each child should receive a gift that is adequate. It may be their only gift get Christmas.

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!!!!  SATURDAY, JANUARY 21st  DOUBLE HOUR OPPORTUNITY!!!!
Calling all PLUMBERS, PAINTERS, AND HANDYPERSONS-your help is needed!  You will receive double
hours for completion of a particular task.  After watching Mr. Martinez work diligently all summer,
I have a whole new appreciation and respect for all that Mr. Martinez does for St. Jerome School.
There is an enormous amount of work to be done. Outside contractors are too costly, so it’s up to
the parents, to keep our school beautiful and clean for our children. This opportunity is very rewarding,
fun and the fellowship is one of a kind. There will be more details as the date approaches.  For further
information and sign ups, please contact Carolyn Gurich at gurich1us@yahoo.com or call 424 207-8558
after 6:00pm to volunteer.   

REPORT CARDS: Report Cards have been distributed to students in Grades 1-8.  Please sign and return the report card and the envelope by the end of the week.

CHRISTMAS TREE ORDERS: All Christmas tree order forms and money were due yesterday.
Pick-up for any items ordered will be on Saturday, December 10th here at the school.

AWARDS ASSEMBLY:  The End of the Month Assembly will continue to take place in front of the school.  The traffic monitors will stop cars from entering the grounds at 7:55, and the gate will be closed.

MARKET PLACE: Did you know that you can shop online and our school will get credit for a percentage
of your purchases? It’s easy and quick. Just go to the school’s website www.stjeromewestchester.org.,
click on fundraising and then click on Market Place. Many stores will pop up to cho0se from. See’s
Candy, Best Buy, Target, Barnes & Noble, and Staples, are just a few of the stores to choose from.

TARDY STUDENTS: Students are to arrive at school before 7:55am. Tardy students should provide a note from their parent explaining the reason for their tardiness. When returning from a medical or dental appointment, a note from the doctor is needed.

YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS: “The Word” 8th grade Bible Study is this Friday, Dec. 2nd at 7PM in the Youth Center. Dec. 4 and 11 are our youth Masses this month. Join us for celebration with our Confirmation year 1 and 2 candidates!

WORLD’S FINEST CHOCOLATE: Coming soon will be boxes of chocolate bars that you may purchase and sell at your convenience. There are 50 bars in each box. Each box is $50.00. Make checks payable
to St. Jerome School. Your family will receive $25.00 fundraising credit for each box that you buy.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.”

Norman Vincent Peale