st. jude SCHOOL NEWS

WHAT’S NEW Spiritual Life........................2

JANUARY 2014 VOLUME 14.1

Media Center .....................3 Circus of the Kids.............4-5 New Faculty & Staff ...........6 Development updates.........7

St. Jude the Apostle Catholic School nurtures the formation of Saints and Scholars

RENOVATIONS Aquarium increases security

PASTOR Msgr. Fennessy

Over the summer we enhanced our building with several major renovations! New security upgrades were put into place and all parents and visitors are now “buzzed” into a glass enclosed area, known as our “Aquarium.” We installed LobbyGuard, a new visitor management system, that streamlines the sign-in process and tracks everyone who enters the school. Kerry Haertel checking in using the new LobbyGuard system.

PRINCIPAL Patty Childs

Idea Lab gives technology an edge

PRINCIPAL’S ADVISORY BOARD

In early October, the St. Jude Idea Lab opened for business! The building project transformed the exterior space between the 6th grade classroom and the art room into a technology lab with 32 PC laptops, 4 Macbooks, and an interactive white board. Choosing modular computer tables and wireless connectivity gives us the flexibility to continue redesigning the space as needs change in the future. The old computer lab was converted into the 7th and 8th grade social studies classroom.

Billy Tice, Chair Ann Czabala Tim Roche Mark Uebelacker Greg Long Brian McCarthy Jim Connell Tracy Navarro Hilary Dixon Mary Tapp Kris Tummillo

2013-2014 PTA EXECUTIVE BOARD Susan & Brian Linnihan Amy & Brian Weick Louise Hamrick Ashley Goodrich Julie Oliver Hope Long Cathy Clipson Chris Curtin Emily Callahan Lisa Foy Laura Treanor CONTACT US: SAVE THE DATES>>> [email protected] 770.394.2880 ext. 424

The smaller “footprint” of the student workstations allows 7th and 8th graders the opportunity to work on the iPads and PC’s concurrently.

New Spanish Room is multipurpose The new Spanish room provides a dedicated classroom for this enrichment class. Our kindergarten through fifth grade classes have Spanish twice a week, and the middle school grades meet once a week. The room also serves as a mutli-purpose room for evening activities or early morning meetings. With an entrance into the center courtyard, this new space provides a unique room for a variety of events! Senorita Bloom working with the 3rd grade class on a special project.

SAVE THE DATE! Pipe Dreams Auction MARCH 29, 2014

BLESSING OF THE PETS

SPIRITUAL LIFE

Mrs. Beck with her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, “Maggie” - joined by 1st graders Mabry Dixon and Kaelyn Sweeney.

Father Bill offers a special blessing!

The McLaughlin family, Lauren, 5th grade, Patrick, 7th grade, Erin, 3rd grade, along with “Bailey” - enjoying the morning.

Veterans Mass We honored our Veterans with a special Mass followed by a reception on Friday, November 15th. Our Mass was led by the Student Council.

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God of peace, we pray for those who have served our nation and have laid down their lives to protect and defend our freedom....... Ben Hamrick, 6th grade, with his grandfather, Army veteran, Jack Buford.

SAINTS MASS On Thursday, November 1, the third grade dressed as their patron saints and celebrated All Saints Day with a special Mass. This timehonored tradition follows a month long, in-depth study of the lives of the saints.

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ST. JUDE SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

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Mrs. Cheryl Cleary and her husband, Navy Commander, Chuck Cleary, retired.

Fun in the Media Center

The 2nd Grade girls enjoyed a special American Girl Tea Party on October 22, 2013. The girls had to read a book about an American Girl doll and pass their Accelerated Reader quiz. They enjoyed lemonade and cupcakes while telling stories about their dolls and sharing what they liked about the books they read.

Cheryl Mure and Cassandra Jones, the authors of the book, “Ahoy, Titanic!” spent some time with students in grades 1-3. They read the book, answered questions, and signed autographs. A grand lunch followed in the library with special guests and music.

Second grade boys attended an All Star Hall of Fame party in the library on November 26th, 2013. To be invited to this special event, every boy had to read a fiction book about sports, pass an Accelerated Reader quiz, and prepare a brief book report.

News Crew by Eleonora Straub

On Monday, December 2nd, 2013, our St. Jude News Crew had a unique hands-on experience at the Georgia Tech Cable Network thanks to Mr. Scott Sergent. Everyone had an opportunity to work with the teleprompter, camera, video mixer, and green screen. The tour included a brief stop at the Georgia Tech football stadium and lunch at the Varsity.

“It was exciting to use the teleprompter and camera to produce a live news show ” Cullen Doyle, 7th grade

“It was a thrilling experience because we got to see the Georgia Tech newsroom and the stadium!” Justin Batista, 7th grade

“My favorite part was taking a news story I had written and seeing it turned into a real broadcast” Carolyn Shipley, 7th grade.

ST. JUDE SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

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CIRCUS OF THE KIDS! 125 middle school students performed “under the big top” in the St. Jude gym, September 25th - 29th. Acts included triple trapeze aerialists, tumbling, teeterboard, suspended silk aerialists, juggling, spectacular trick skaters, balancing, and more!

“Balancing Buddies” – Natalia Palamera, center (8th), Ben Kingsfield, bottom left (6th), Parker Echemendia, bottom right, (8th), Rob DeLorme, top (6th).

“I learned that whatever it is you do, you can do it with help and practice. My favorite part of the Circus was when we were all in the box, nervous, and anxious just to get out with smiles and styles!”

Hip Hoppers!

Tyler Brazle, 6th grade

(performed in the Hip Hoppers act, pictured right, front center)

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Rya Mattier. , s s Mistre Pfeffe Ring or, Bruce , l a p i t Princ s crea hilds, cus of Kid C y t t Pa and Cir ST. JUDE SCHOOL (8th)NEWSLETTER

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Ciara Smith, 6th grade, on the Suspended Silk!

UNDER the BIG TOP

Kathryn Thomas, 6th grade, dazzled as a Spectacular Skater.

The Super Cyclers!

“I loved the circus! It will always be one of my finest memories - I just wish it wasn’t over! I would highly advise all middle schoolers to particpate...it’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss out on!” Timmy Brosnan, 6th grade

“May all your days be Circus Days!” Bruce Pfeffer, Circus

Lindsey Mattei, 6th grade, spun in the Triple Lyra.

Globe Trotters Zach Brecker, 8th grade, deftly balances Maggie Fason, 6th grade, on his shoulders.

Shaun Gutman, 6th grade, catches rings tossed by the Jocular Jugglers.

Circus Clowns Brennan Quinn, 8th grade, Ansley Reynolds, 7th grade, and David Straub, 8th grade, entertained the crowd “Gangnam Style!”

ST. JUDE SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

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WELCOME NEW FACULTY AND STAFF

NEW TEACHERS: (left to right) Aliesha Scholten, 6th grade, Ashley Whitt, 1st grade, Jodi Stultz, 6th grade, and Carley Rex, Resource 3rd – 5th grades.

New Assistants: (left to right) Molly Strozier, 3rd grade, Caitlin McKenzie, 2nd grade, Ann Cote, Media Center, Bridgett Calia, Media Center, Carey Stachler, 2nd grade. Not Pictured: Veronica Brown, 5th grade.

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ST. JUDE SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

NEWS FROM THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE Development team: (Left) Katy Cowan, Director of Development and Chris Thomas, Development Assistant.

It is hard to believe we are already settled into the second half of the school year! I am thrilled to be here in my new role as the Director of Development and I want to share some exciting updates from our office.

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As the school year kicked-off, we hosted a “Thank You” dinner/reception at Founder’s Hall in Roswell for our Major Donors. We are grateful for their continued dedication and tremendous support!

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This year’s Annual Fund drive began in September; letters were mailed to parents, parishioners, alumni, and friends.

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We held our Phone-A-Thon October 2-3. I am grateful to all of our Annual Fund class reps (listed below) for making calls and helping to build awareness of the Annual Fund. Our goal is 100% parent participation - no gift is too small!

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In November, we mailed out Thanksgiving cards to over 500 grandparents in our database. The card included a letter from our Annual Fund Grandparent Chair, Xia Davis. Our grandparents are an important part of our school community!

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1100+ Christmas cards were mailed using a Christmas card created by one of our third graders (cards were a PTA fundraiser).

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On Monday, December 16th, we had an afternoon carpool promotion and gave away Chick-fil-A coupons for a free sandwich + a “100 Grand” candy bar. This was a fun way to thank our parents for donating to the Annual Fund, and a reminder for those who have not yet sent in their donation.

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A new Development Committee was formed and we had our first meeting on November 20, 2013. Thank you to the members of this committee: Patty Childs, Aileen Leahey (Director of Admissions), Mark Uebelacker (Development Committee Chair, PAC member), Gabrielle Braswell, Dan Castro, Annie Lindsey, Staci Parker (Annual Fund Chair), John Shipley, and Amy Weick (PTA President-elect). I am grateful for their input and ideas on growing our Development office in all areas of fundraising, marketing, and public relations!

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St. Jude is now connected via Social Media! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @StJudeSchoolAtl!

ANNUAL FUND CLASS REPRESENTATIVES KA: Jessica & Scott Camp KB: Meg & Matt Connelly 1A: Beth & Nall Gearheard 1B: Lisa & Darren Crosby 2A: Emily & Dennis Callahan 2B: Maria & Fran Lutz 3A: Amy & Mark Bordenca 3B: Rhona & Joe Federer 4A: Julie & Glen Smith 4B: Michelle & Brian Twiner

5A: Mary & David Peterka 5B: Lara & Matt Kitchin 6A: Melissa & Don Nordin 6B: Christine & Tory Mattei 6C: Heather & Rami Odeh 7C: Tracey & Scott Jennings 7D: Cristy & Steve Hotz 7E: Casey & Rem Reynolds 8A: Suzie & Ed Bohm 8B: Chris & Patrick McMullan

I would also like to extend a special thank you to Nida and Elaine for all of their time, training, and advice during my transition into the Development office. I appreciate their hard work and I am confident we are set up for success and continued growth! Katy Cowan

Director of Development ST. JUDE SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

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ST. JUDE THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

NON-PROFIT ORG

Development Office 7171 Glenridge Drive NE Atlanta, GA 30328

U.S. POSTAGE PAID ATLANTA, GA PERMIT NO. 5264

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

SAVE THE DATES! THURSDAY, JANUARY 30 SERVICE PROJECT Stop Hunger Now - packaging 10,000 meals at St. Jude Church, Ministry Hall.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31 APPLICATION DEADLINE Applications accepted online at www.saintjude.net for the 2014-2015 school year. Contact Aileen Leahey, Director of Admissions, at 770-394-2880, ext. 423.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

IN JUNE 2013, HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS FROM ST. JUDE SCHOOL’S CLASS OF 2009 VISITED OUR CAMPUS FOR A LUNCHEON BEFORE DEPARTING FOR COLLEGE.

ST. JUDE SCHOOL ALUMNI, FORMER FACULTY & STAFF, AND FORMER PARENTS... Send us your updated contact information for details on upcoming events. Go to www.saintjude.net and click on Alumni and Update your Information, or email [email protected], or call 770-394-2880, ext. 424.