St. Augustine School Ossining, NY November 2012 From the Office of Sr. Mary Elizabeth, Principal Dear Parents, What a busy start to our new school year. We want to continue to share our thoughts and prayers for all the families that were affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Donoghue, OP Principal

School Phone Phone: (914) 941-3849 then press: 1 ........ Main Office / Leone Stangle 2 ............................. School Nurse 3 ..................... Sr. Mary Elizabeth 4 ............................ Mrs. Fessman 5 ................Cafeteria/Maintenance 6 ..................................... Alumni Tax ID #13-2706038

Dates to Remember DECEMBER

I want to thank the Monsignor for making the time to spend the day with us for our school’s annual Walk-a-thon. The students had a beautiful day and you helped generate funds by your donations that will go toward our adding air conditioning to our first floor. I also want to congratulate the Madori family, this year’s winner of our “Free Tuition” raffle. Thank you to all that helped us raise over $3000 with this fund raiser. I hope that you all noticed the new windows that we installed in the school over the summer. This will help us in conserving on our heating and air conditioning expenses. We could not have done this without your continued support. You should also stop into the Jr. High science room to see the renovations completed to the lab desks. Our students just concluded another year of ITBS tests – whew! I would like to remind everyone again about the dropping off of your children in the morning. We have experienced a tremendous increase of car drop offs which is resulting in long waits for all students (both cars and busses). This results in students entering the school late each morning. I encourage you to utilize your local school bus provided transportation as often as you can. As I have shared in the past, if we do not use this tax payer funded bus transportation, we risk losing this valuable service. It was a pleasure to welcome our new students. The faculty and staff are happy that you chose to be part of St. Augustine School. Please know that my office if always open to help.

1st - Annual Christmas Craft & Book Fair 6th ½ day grub day 7th NO School – Teacher Conference 11th – 6th Grade Bake Sale 14th Christmas Show (Grades K, 1, 2) 7:30 pm 20th Christmas Assembly 21st Full day – 2:30 dismissal for Christmas Break

Thank you and God bless, Sister Mary Elizabeth

Christmas Craft & Book Fair ~ Saturday ~ December 1st

JANUARY 1st New Year’s Day – No School 2nd - School Resumes 4th – First Friday – Full Day of School 15th – Grade 5 Bake Sale 21st No School – Martin Luther King Day Observed 25th Family Fun Night (Grades K, 1, 2) 25th – 2nd Quarter Ends 27th – Catholic Schools Week Begins 27th – 10 am Mass – Catholic School’s Week 27th – Open House 11 am to 2pm 28th – Open House 9 am to 11 am 28th – Holly Rock Assembly 29th – Open House 9 a to 11 am

10 am to 4pm We have many new vendors !! Over 70 vendors for all to shop. And…new this year….a popcorn machine!!!

Box Tops For Education Susan Cavanagh sends her appreciation to everyone that worked hard and submitted Box Top sheets during the past few months. Almost 17,700 box tops were submitted last month. The school should receive a check for $1,700 this month. During the Christmas season please remember to shop at the box tops marketplace, www.btfe.com/marketplace. You can earn eBoxTops with every qualified purchase at over 200 stores. Just go to the Box Tops Marketplace® website which has special links to each of these stores that allow our school’s account to be credited. Be on the lookout for the December/ January collection sheets. They will be sent home shortly. Just complete 1them and your child will receive a NUT card for February. Thank you again to all our families for your continued support of this fundraiser.

Computer Room News

Ann Godfrey

Choose a Career! Go to College. Will you incur student loans? How much? Buy a car or a house. Can you afford it? How about the insurance? $ave your money and/or invest? How much? Welcome to the modern game of "Life" called MY MATHEMATICAL LIFE (Sunburst Technology Corp.) that our 7th and 8th Grade students have been playing at the beginning of the school year. Students compete against one another in game that tracks their happiness, health and wealth. If they tip the balance in any one of these areas, it's game over! A terrific lesson in the future workings of life. Students are introduced to Banking, learning how to acquire assets and minimize liabilities in a quest for a positive Net Worth. It's produced a couple of millionaires, right here at St. Augustine School (aka Cailen Lopez, Anthony Petratos, Jadwiga Varga and Danny Hughes). There is a secret to beating the game, but you're not getting it from me. Where was this game when I was in middle school?

Sweet Taste of Success!

Mrs. Daddazio

Congratulations to our eighth grade students on the success of this year’s first school wide bake sale. Kicking off the year with strong participation, the students couldn’t help but be pleased with the results. Many thanks to the students and their parents for the enthusiasm with which you baked, bought, or provided appealing treats to be sold. The variety of goods was impressive and well worth every calorie. A word of thanks also to our dedicated parents who rolled up their sleeves and manned the tables with the students. We are grateful for your time. Way to go!

Walk-a-thon 2012

Mrs. Daddazio

Did you see the eighth grade students that participated in the walk-a-thon? You may not realize it, but the final Walk-athon, is one that these students have waited so long to enjoy. As is the custom, eighth grade students had the opportunity to gather together before the start of the walk-a-thon and color their hair with all types of hair color. On that day, anything goes! What an exciting time for these young students as they celebrate their years at SAS.

Christmas Shopping Fun!

Home & School

Families love saving with hundreds of valuable coupons at fabulous places to SHOP, PLAY, and EAT! Use just a few coupons and save more than the $25 cost of the book! The $25 is due by the end of the month. If you would like to purchase the book simply send your $25 in the envelope provided. If not simply return the book to school.

Hooray for Hobbit Day!

Katie Kennon (8K)

Going to the movies is an entertaining way to spend time with family or friends. As you know, going has gotten expensive; on top of the ticket price, there is the cost of popcorn, candy, a drink, etc. It’s especially disappointing when you find that the movie was not that good. Luckily, I have found a movie I am sure everyone will enjoy. It is “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.” What, you don’t know what a Hobbit is? Never heard of Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf the White, Middle-earth or Gollum? Sounds like you may have never read J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit or The Lord of the Rings (This epic fantasy novel was written over a time period of 17 years is the third best-selling novel ever written!) Perhaps you may recognize the movie’s director, award-winning Peter Jackson. Many actors you may have seen in these acclaimed “Lord of the Rings” films came back for the production of the “The Hobbit” - trilogy, including Elijah Wood and Orlando Bloom. Coming out on December 14, 2012, “The Hobbit” is approaching the theaters quickly, so be sure to be ready for its release…and enjoy “the journey!”

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TACHS Exam Preparation

Mrs. Daddazio

Our eighth grade students are busily preparing for many special 8th grade events. One important item was the TACHS (Test for Admission to a Catholic High School) exam which was held on Friday, November 9. For a good part of the First Quarter, these students remained after school each Tuesday for review classes conducted by our junior high teachers. Knowing the stress that comes along with preparing for this important exam, the teachers offered this instruction, at no charge, with the hope that students gained confidence in their abilities to handle the demands of the exam. Thank you for your prayers for our students! Here are some 8th grade girls enjoying a much deserved pizza lunch after they all took the exam!

SAS Logo Gear and Gifts FANTASTIC CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS! For mom, dad, your brother and sisters, teachers, 2012 grads, 2013 grads, etc. You will even find gifts for your pets at SAS’s CaféPress website! Christmas stockings, clothes, jewelry, golf balls, coffee mugs, Christmas ornaments, hats, Phone and computer cases, lunch bags, duffle bags and so much more!

** The School makes money on every item of school logo purchased. http://www.cafepress.com/staugustine

CHESS CLUB

Mr. Gallagher Mondays 2:30 to 3:30 pm - SAS Music Room - $9 per class. Reminder: Even though the chess club has started, all students are invited to join at anytime during the year regardless of their level. The new November sign-ups will be coming out soon. NEW!! Advanced Chess Club: Mondays 2:30 - 4pm - SAS Music Room – $12 per class This is open to children who have been in chess club at least 3 years and/or those who can play an entire game of chess without making an illegal move. They will review master games, learn more about tactics and strategy and have more time to play and finish their games. Please contact Mr. Gallagher for more information if you're interested in joining either chess club.

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Praying Mantis at SAS

Mrs. Colleran Mrs. Colleran’s third grade class is learning about insects up close. We have a praying mantis in residence. We learned that our praying mantis, named Tyson, is a female when she created three egg sacs. We were able to watch her make one of them. She is very content with a steady diet of crickets. It is amazing to watch her stalk and catch a moving cricket. We drew pictures of Tyson in our science notebooks and labeled the parts of an insect. We are looking forward to being “grandparents” in the spring.

But…It is Illegal to Kill a Praying Mantis… Turns out that's an urban legend and completely false. It has never been illegal to kill a praying mantis in any U.S. state, nor is there any federal protection for mantids. That said, why would you want to harm one of these fascinating insects? Many gardeners consider them a beneficial insect, since they consume many of the pests afflicting our veggies.

8th Grade Compositions - Confirmation

Mrs. Daddazio

How prepared were the eighth grade students to receive the sacrament of Confirmation? Well, according to Monsignor Franco, this year's group of confirmandi was among the finest that St. Augustine School has ever seen. As each candidate was interviewed by Monsignor or Father Slavik prior to their special day, it became increasingly evident that these students were well aware of the commitment they were making to their faith. Their thorough preparation and their enthusiasm was contagious! Having spent some time in quiet reflection, the students were asked to put into words exactly what receiving Confirmation meant to them. Publishing all thirty six reflections would not have been possible; however, the following three pieces pretty well say it all! Congratulations to all; once again, you have made us proud. ~ Mrs. Daddazio

Receiving the last Sacrament of Initiation is very important for me as a Christian. In the Church, I will be marked as an adult and will be expected to act as Jesus’ disciple. Although it might seem difficult at times, I know I am not and will not be alone. Blessed to have a wonderful sponsor, I know I can always rely on her for guidance. Reflecting on Saint Clare, who is my chosen saint, can help me realize that being a good Catholic requires giving of myself and sacrificing for the sake of others, even if it is hard. Because my parents are admirable Catholics, I know I am blessed to be raised in a family where I was taught great Catholic values. On November 10, I know I will be nervous. People will be watching me. Regardless, the only thing that matters is the Holy Spirit descending upon us and that all of us receiving Confirmation use the gifts we receive to show the world the goodness of God’s love. - Katie Kennon Drive Safe “Cecilia, be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Few spoken words in your life can change it forever and hold the key to something beyond the imaginable. These few uttered words turn the page to begin a new chapter n our faith. Preparing for Confirmation I he completed the required community service and documents as everyone else has. Well, than what makes this sacrament individualistic? The answer to this question is one my religion teacher has stressed to us for a while; what makes this your sacrament is what is within your heart that day. If your spirit is not fully prepared, you are not going to receive the fullness of the sacrament. As James wrote in Chapter 2 verses 18 - 26, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith, without works is dead also.” Receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit, I will complete works to keep my faith “alive.” In closing, receiving Confirmation is like getting the keys to your very own car. Having your own car gives you freedom to go to great places with your car with some bumps and obstacles along the way. When you crash, you can call upon that person who can fix your broken car so you can continue on your traverse. If you put in ultimate or supreme fuel, your ride will be smoother and the bumps will be fewer. Likewise, with our faith, we have freedom to go on to spread the good news with struggles and problems to face along the way. Supplying our faith with the premium “fuel”, however, can help us avoid these struggles and have a smoother ride. However, if we “crash,” god will be there to repair our faith so we can move forward. Receiving Confirmation is a huge step for my faith, and if will give you a last piece of advice; take the keys and drive safe! - Katie Danahy As a Catholic, receiving the sacrament of Confirmation is very important to me. Attending Catholic school for the past eight years had prepared me to receive the Holy Spirit this Saturday, November 10. Preparing for this sacrament, I have participated in many community service projects as a volunteer. In my opinion, this was the most eye-opening and inspiring experience throughout the process. Other preparations had to be made, though, such as choosing a saint’s name and a sponsor. Deciding on a saint’s name was very difficult for me, but I eventually chose Saint Cecelia for a few reasons. Like Saint Cecelia, I play the piano (although I am probably much worse) and my grandmother’s name is also Cecelia. Even though I am very nervous to become a Confirmed member of the Church, I am also excited to receive the Holy Spirit. Maggie Kennon

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Shopping Certificate Program Thanks to all the families who support the Shopping Certificates program. Download the form on the St. Augustine's website for more details! As you know, the profits from this program support so many programs here at our school. If you would like to order certificates through this program, please fill out the form located on our website here: http://www.staugustineschool.org/Certificate_Order_Form.pdf , and return to the school office with your payment to ATTN: Shopping Certificates Program. Checks can be made out to “St. Augustine’s School.”

Mark Your Calendar • • •

MONTHLY SAS CALENDAR: Get updated version of the SAS calendar by downloading from our website at this location: http://www.staugustineschool.org/november11.shtml The first annual Girl Scouts Father Daughter Dance will be held Friday, January 18, 2013 at SAS. ADMISSIONS & ENROLLMENT: Mark you calendars for our Open Houses. Pass the word and also please consider volunteering at one (or more) of the Open Houses: Sunday – January 27 (11 am to 1pm) Monday & Tuesday January 28th & 29tht (9 am to 11am)

8th Grade Confirmation – Saturday, November 10th After months of preparation, including community service hours, the writing of reports and many hours of studying, the 8th grade class was blessed to be confirmed by Cardinal Egan.

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Art News

Mrs. L Here come the holidays! Fall is always full of colorful art projects and holiday fun. I hope you are enjoying the beautiful scenery that Autumn brings to Eagle Park. The Christmas Show features grades K-2 this year, so we will soon be busy working on our best artwork for display that evening. Have a great year! Mrs. L

Class Moms Special thanks to the moms that have volunteered to be class moms for this school year. They are off to a great start having organized class contact lists, party planning and bake sales. Please make sure they have your correct contact information and verify address, email and phone numbers.

Hand Bell Choir

Mr. Gallagher

Hand Bell Choir: Meets every Thursday (2:30 to 4:00 pm), at SAS. If you are in 5th, 6th, 7th or 8th grade and you are interested in joining the group, please contact Mr. Gallagher to set up a day where you can come to one of their rehearsals to listen, watch and even try out the bells! Hope to see you there!

Recess Fun

Home & School SAS Needs YOU! Looking for something to do to help SAS? We still need some parents that would like to assist with recess duty. Please consider donating just an hour and a half – one day a week. That is all that we ask. If interested, please contact Trish Sabini [email protected]

Did you know? • •

That both our Girls and Boys CYO Basketball teams have started their practices. Make sure to stop in and cheer on our SAS hoop players this season! That you should make sure to check for new and important messages on your SIS home page “School News” after you sign in to the system.

Walk-a-thon Fun

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EAGLE’S EYE ON SAS WEBSITE! Please go to the SAS home page and view and/or download the latest edition of the Eagle’s Eye. http://staugustineschool.org/index1.shtml You can also forward the link to family, friends and prospective SAS families!

WANTED! Eagle’s Eye Newsletter Writers! • Do you enjoy composition class but wish you could write even more? • Do you dream about one day being a correspondent or journalist for a major media company? • Do you think you could interview someone and then write about it? • Are you in 6th, 7th or 8th grade? If you answered yes to the above – please consider becoming a staff writer for the Eagle’s Eye. We have three publications left for this school year – lots of opportunity for you to dive into this chance to put those great writing skills to work! Please send your name, homeroom and parents email by December 10th , to: Mrs. Nancy Kennon [email protected]

The Eagle’s Eye is published 4 times during the school year: October/November, January, March/April and May/June. If you have any items or photos you would like to submit, contact Nancy Kennon – [email protected]. The next deadline is January 17th, 2013.

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