February 2013 - Villa Joseph Marie High School

Celebratin
g
of Academ 80 years
ic Excellen
ce!
V ILLA J OSEP H
M ARIE H IGH S CHOOL
Monthly Newsletter of the Parents’ Guild
ISSUE 05 February 2013
In this issue
Parents’ Guild President Message
VJM President Message
Save the Date: Guest Speaker
7th Grade Practice Test & Essay Contest
Mini-THON
Campus Ministry Opportunities
Event Information and Reminders
P.1-2
P.3
P.3
P.3-4
P.5
P.6
P.7-9
Auction, Mother-Daughter Retreat, Golf Outing, and Mother-Daughter Tea
2012-13 Parents’ Guild President
Campus Store
Get Connected to Villa Social Media
Guild Treasurer’s Report
Upcoming Events
P.10
P.11
P.12
P.13
Dear Villa Parents,
Parents’ Guild
Executive Board Officers
As I write this article for our February newsletter it is freezing outside and I am longing
for Springtime! However, I know that my wishing for warmer weather will mean that
we are that much closer to the end of 2012-2013 school year. Our girls will have
completed another year of high school and the cliché that we hear all too often about
how quickly high school passes by will become a reality.
Ann Borell
President
Please be sure to attend the Parents' Guild General Meeting, scheduled
for Wednesday, February 6 at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will include updates on various
events the Guild is responsible for supporting. Additionally, Mrs. Koopman is arranging
to have Teachers and Department Chairs on-hand to review new courses, prerequisites and suggested work that will be involved with some of the electives offered
in the 2013-2014 school year.
There are so many exciting events coming up at Villa in the next few months and I urge
you to get involved either by attending, volunteering, or supporting in some other
way. Please don’t feel intimidated because you may not know another parent going to
Continued on next page
Carol McDonald
Past President
Shari Farley
1st Vice President
JoAnn Duffy
2nd Vice President
Lisa Huchler-Smith
Treasurer
Jennifer McDonald
Assistant Treasurer
Sue Eagen
Recording Secretary
Aida DeColli
Corresponding Secretary
an event. I want to stress that any form of volunteering is genuinely appreciated. It
doesn’t always require you to attend a meeting or ask someone for a donation and it
is for all grade levels! We need your help and there are many ways to support our
school. As you read this newsletter and learn about what is happening around
school, I hope that you find something that interests you and fits into your
schedule. I am confident that it will enrich your family’s Villa experience.
As you have probably heard by now, THON is coming to Villa. I hope that you have
Friday, March 22 on your calendar and your daughter is looking forward to
participating in this special day. This is a huge undertaking for our girls and a
wonderful opportunity for them to be part of something great. Stay in touch with
the Parents’ Guild because our girls cannot lead a fundraising event of this size
without some assistance.
Our annual auction, Run for the Roses, a Night at the Derby is scheduled for
Saturday, April 13. Last year the event sold out, so please do not delay in reserving
your spot. You will be amazed at how the school will be transformed into an elegant
venue for such a worthy cause. The evening is filled with great food and drink,
wonderful gifts, “auction exclusive” Villa Spirit Gear created by some awesome
parent volunteers and a lot of laughs.
Our annual Golf Outing is scheduled to take place on Monday, May 6 at the Spring
Mill Manor County Club. Mark your calendars and start talking to parents and
friends about putting together a foursome. Remember this is not just for our dad’s!
There will be plenty of mom’s that use this as a great opportunity to schedule a day
with friends while enjoying a round of golf.
The Guild is continuing its efforts and working with our School Administrators on the
new design and replacement of furniture in the library and cafeteria. I am sure many
of us can appreciate that remodeling and planning for decorating is a process that
happens in phases. So while you may not see that work is being done, I can assure
you that the committee of parents and Administrators working on these projects is
making progress. It will be exciting to see things all come together and have the girls
enjoy the new space(s).
In closing, our March and April Parents’ Guild General Meetings will include an
opportunity to talk with current Board members about positions on the Parents’
Guild that will become available next school year. There will be signup sheets at
these meetings for the various open positions and elections will take place in late
April. We will also have current Officers on-hand to answer any questions you may
have and provide you with details on the requirements of the positions.
Thank you for all of your continued support of our Guild and I look forward to seeing
you soon!
VJM Parents’ Guild
Purpose and Mission
Purpose:
The Parents' Guild of Villa Joseph
Marie High School exists to foster,
promote, and encourage the social,
financial, and educational activities of
VJM and to foster communication
between the school and parents.
Mission:
Our goal is to engage the parent
community in becoming involved in
Parents’ Guild sponsored initiatives
and events to enrich and enhance the
school environment through social
activities and fundraising events that
promote school spirit.
General Meeting
All meetings are held in the VJM
gymnasium at 7:30 p.m. on the first
Wednesday of the month unless
otherwise indicated below with an
asterisk. The meeting schedule for the
2012-13 school year is listed below:
Peace and many blessings,
February 6, 2013
Ann Borell
VJM Parents’ Guild President
March 6, 2013
April 10, 2013
May 8, 2013
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THE
President’s Message
Please join us in welcoming the Honorable District Justice Donald
Nasshorn as our guest speaker at the Parents’ Guild General Meeting,
on Wednesday, March 6, 7:30 p.m. in the VJM gym. Judge Nasshorn
governs District Court #07-2-07 in Newtown Borough which
jurisdiction is Newtown borough and township as well as Upper
Makefield and Wrightstown townships. He is the President, Ex-Officio
of the Council of Southeast PA, Inc. which focuses on prevention,
intervention, and addiction recovery solutions. He also is on the
Board of Directors of the Bucks County Council on Alcoholism and
Drug Dependence.
Judge Nasshorn’s presentation will focus mainly on underage
drinking and its consequences, as well as social media issues. Please
mark your calendars and join us for this very informative
presentation.
7TH GRADE PRACTICE TEST
Saturday, February 23, 2013
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: February 21, 2013
All students interested in attending Villa Joseph Marie High
School are encouraged to take the 7th Grade Practice
Test. While this is certainly not mandatory, it helps many
students to become comfortable with the test and gain an
understanding of where their strengths and weaknesses
lie. It is important to note that the practice test is simply
that--practice--and the results will not be considered if the
student applies for admission as an eighth-grader.
Dear Villa Family,
In the midst of winter, which, at times
feels cold and dark, the life-giving spirit
of our students calls us to reawaken, to
serve and help others and to enjoy the
many wonderful large and small
miracles we witness here at Villa each
and every day!
“MiniThon” has served as a catalyst to
think beyond ourselves, to become
involved and committed to fighting
pediatric
cancer.
The
passion,
leadership and sustained work by our
students to make a tangible difference
“For the Kids,” actively witnesses
“mission” and models Christ’s call to
serve others.
Please consider becoming involved in
some way – a gift of time, self, prayer,
participation, donation will not only
“help the kids” but lighten the soul by
being a part of something greater, a
noble and just cause. Reserve Friday,
March 22, 2013, 1:00-9:00 p.m. for a life
giving, life changing experience!
In this month of February, blessings of
gratitude, love, gentleness and caring ~
Students who score 90 or above on the 7th Grade Practice
Lovingly,
Test may be invited to participate in an Early Candidates’
Mary T. Michel
Program. These students will interview prior to the 8th
Grade Entrance/Scholarship Examination and have the
opportunity to complete the admissions and acceptance
process early.
3
VJM President
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MINIGet ready for an amazing new student
experience, as the THON phenomenon comes to Villa!
March 22, 2013
time up until March 15, 2013. All money must be
submitted with a pledge grid, which can be found on
the FTK Mini-THON page on the VJMHS website. Checks
should be made payable to “The Four Diamonds Fund.”
Our goal is to raise as much money as possible FOR THE
KIDS!
1:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Students are registered. DJs are booked. T-shirts are
designed. Diamond cookies have been sold. Villa is
gearing up for our school-wide service event to fight
pediatric cancer!
Villa families, alumni, teachers and friends are
welcome to come cheer, support, and witness the
change we will make on March 22, 2013. For eight
hours we will participate in games and activities, all
while staying on our feet. At the end of the evening, we
will reveal the total amount of money we have raised.
“FTK” is the motto of THON, meaning everything we do
is “For The Kids.”
THON is Penn State’s annual Dance Marathon, a unique
charitable event that raises funds in the fight against
pediatric cancer. Partnered with the Four Diamonds
Fund at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital, THON
has raised more than $89 million for the Fund to ensure
that counselors, social workers, music therapists and
other specialists can provide comprehensive care to
children with cancer in a family-focused atmosphere.
If you know of a family affected by pediatric cancer,
please email Ms. Newns at [email protected] with the
family’s contact information. We will dedicate each hour
of our dancing to a specific child, either “in memory of”
or “In solidarity with” a child who has fought or is now
fighting cancer. At 7:00 p.m., we will have a family hour,
where speakers will share their stories.
Modeled after the Penn State event, Mini-THONs are
held by high schools all over Pennsylvania to raise
additional money for the Four Diamonds Fund. Thus far,
Mini-THONs have raised more than $6 million dollars in
the fight against pediatric cancer.
If you are willing to assist with our concession stand by
donating items and working a two-hour shift at MiniTHON, please email Ms. Newns at [email protected].
On March 22, 2013, Villa Joseph Marie will join this
incredible movement! From 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Villa will
host its first annual Mini-THON. Villa students who chose
to be dancers and registered by February 1, committed
to raising a minimum of $50.00 for the Four Diamonds
Fund.
Thank you for your support! We KNOW we can make a
difference dancing for a cure!
Sincerely,
All students, whether on the dance floor or cheering in
the bleachers, are welcome to contribute to the Four
Diamonds Fund. Pledge money can be handed in at any
Julia Lauer, ’13
Overall Chairperson
5
Jaclyn Newns, Campus Minister
Mini-THON Moderator
Campus Ministry Opportunities 2012
FEBRUARY
February 5
February 9
February 11
February 14-16
February 19
February 21
February 26
February 27
Blessed Sarnelli House,
Winterfest, Mercy Vocational High School
Twining Village, Valentines Craft
Urban Challenge, Camden, New Jersey
Aid for Friends Meal Making
Twining Village, Bean Bag Toss
Blessed Sarnelli House
Athletes Helping Athletes Game Night
3:00 to 8:15
9:00 to 2:00
3:00 to 4:30
MARCH
March 5
March 7
March 12
March 14
March 17
March 22
March 26
Blessed Sarnelli House
Twining Village, St. Patrick’s Craft
Blessed Sarnelli House
Ronald McDonald House
St. Patrick’s Brunch, Sacred Heart Church in Trenton
Mini-THON
Blessed Sarnelli House
3:00 to 8:15
3:00 to 4:30
3:00 to 8:15
3:00 to 8:15
3:00 to 5:00
3:00 to 4:30
3:00 to 8:15
6:00 to 8:30
1:00 to 9:00
3:00 to 8:15
APRIL
April 1-5
April 9
April 11
April 16
April 18
April 20*
April 23
April 30*
Spring Break Service Experience, Philadelphia
Cradles to Crayons, Conshohocken
Twining Village, Spring Craft
Blessed Sarnelli House
Twining Village, Spring Craft
Athletes Helping Athletes Field Day
Blessed Sarnelli House
Philabundance, Philadelphia
6:00 to 8:00
3:00 to 4:30
3:00 to 8:15
3:00 to 4:30
10:00 to 12:00
3:00 to 8:15
6:00 to 8:00
May 2
May 7
May 9
Twining Village Senior Prom
Blessed Sarnelli House
Twining Village, Fashion Show
6:30 to 8:30
3:00 to 8:15
3:00 to 4:30
MAY
* Tentative Dates
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DATE: Thursday, April 18, 2013
TIME: 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Campus Ministry presents Villa’s first annual Mother-Daughter retreat on
Thursday, April 18 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Designed for 15 senior students and their moms, the evening will consist
of dinner, art, music, prayer and sharing. Mrs. Terri Michel will guide a
reflection circle with moms and Ms. Jaclyn Newns will lead an activity with
the seniors. There will also be time for mother-daughter pairs to meet
individually.
Amidst our business, we rarely make the time to BE with one another.
Consider joining us for fun, relaxing, meaningful evening together where
our relationships with one another and God become our focus.
Please register by emailing Ms. Newns at [email protected]. Space is
limited to 15 pairs.
88
May 6, 2013
th
12 Annual Golf Outing
Mother-Daughter Tea - October 20, 2013
2013 Sophomore
Parent Volunteers are needed to chair
100 East Penn Square
Philadelphia, PA 19107
and staff the 2013 Mother-Daughter Tea
Committees. Please do not miss this
opportunity to be a part of planning one
of the most memorable experiences for
your daughter here at Villa Joseph Marie.
If you are interested and would like
additional information please contact:
Ann Borell [email protected]
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Campus Store
SHOPPING HOURS:
The Campus Store is open every Thursday in the month of February during all lunch periods.
Regular store hours of Tuesday and Thursday will resume in March.
Look for the Spring Special Order Form that will be coming out shortly. The Campus Store will soon be offering
several new apparel items for the Spring.
Thank you for all of your support. Please note all profits from the Campus Store are used to sponsor a variety of
activities and events throughout the year for the students. Please contact us if you have any questions:
Mary Messina
Margie Callahan
Chris Franko
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
In the Campus Store Now
10
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VJM Email Use for Information
Receive VJM Calendar Alerts
Email communications are becoming the common means
to communicate events, information, and reminders
regarding Villa Joseph Marie High School and the Parents’
Guild. The email address linked to your family in the
Student Directory is the primary email where these
notices are sent.
The website calendar is equipped with a Site Alerts section
that will enable you to sign up to receive Alert Notifications
via email. When you register, you can receive News Alert
Updates and Calendar Event Reminders. This is a great way
to keep up to date on the various events occurring at Villa
Joseph Marie every day.
In order to make certain you are receiving information
sent via email, please be sure to add the following email
addresses to your contacts within your email account:
To register and get started, click the button at the top of
the calendar page that looks like this:
Contact the Parents’ Guild
[email protected]
[email protected]
Do you have a suggestion for the Parents’ Guild? Do you
want to become a board member for the upcoming year?
Do you want to volunteer to work on a committee for one
of our fundraising events? The Parents’ Guild can be
contacted via email at [email protected].
Many personal email services will spam bulk emails with
no notice to the recipient.
Email Address Changed?
Changes to your email information can be submitted
online using the Update Contact Info page on the VJM
website.
VJMHS has a Twitter account and it is used to announce (in conjunction
with
Grade
Connect)
school closings, schedule
changes, activity changes,
activity announcements,
etc. Please follow us at:
VillaJosephMarieHS
VJMHS has a Tumblr account which is mainly a
student campus ministry/
service blog administered
by our Campus Minister.
This is used by students in
documenting campus ministry service activities. Students can follow us at:
vjmhscampusministry
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Villa
Students Are Amazing.
Click here to access Villa's Mashup Page,
JEMazing, featuring a student blog, pics, videos,
polls, and more from our Villa students
2012-13 Parents’ Guild Executive Board
Officers
The following is an un-audited summary of the Parents’ Guild Fund
for the 2 months ending December 31, 2012:
Beginning Balance 11/1/12
Total Revenue
Total Expenses
Ending Balance 12/31/12
$75,468
33,533
27,727
$81,274
Revenue is from Campus Store sales and Special Order ($21,192),
Ornament Sales ($2,300) Faculty Christmas Fund collection
($8,305), Mother Daughter Tea ($870), General meeting Raffle and
Christmas meeting Vendor donations ($715) and Red Cross
Collection ($150). The primary expenses for the period were
purchases for Campus Store ($11,554), Ornament ($1,459), Faculty
Christmas Fund ($9,700), Donation to Angel Fund ($2,000),
Yearbook party ($1,497), It’s a Villa Christmas ($195), Ring Day
($173) ,Hospitality ($678), Red Cross Donation ($150) and
Miscellaneous ($320). Proceeds in excess of $14,000 from the 2012
Golf Outing remain in the ending balance for School Library
renovations. The school will begin making improvements to the
Library this school year. In addition, $35,000 was raised from the
Mother Daughter Tea and will be used to purchase new Cafeteria
furniture as well as cover the costs associated with the students
participating in additional Community Service Learning
Opportunities this school year.
President
Ann Borell
Past President
Carol Ann McDonald
1st Vice President
Shari Farley
2nd Vice President
JoAnn Duffy
Treasurer
Lisa Huchler-Smith
Assistant Treasurer
Jennifer McDonald
Recording Secretary
Sue Eagen
Corresponding Secretary
Aida DeColli
Committees
Campus Store
Margie Callahan
Chris Franko
Mary Messina
Fathers’ Club/Golf Outing
Tom Burns
Tim Edbrooke
Hospitality
Kathy Lawler
Donna Ludovico
Mother-Daughter Tea Co-Chairs
Alison Cacchio
Stacey Stein
Luann Wons
Lisa Huchler-Smith
Newsletter
Margie McKevitt
VJM Parents’ Guild Treasurer
Ways & Means
Mary Piecyk
Anna Rusden
Website Design Coordinator
Tom Burns
VOLUNTEERS
NEEDED:
Class Representatives
Freshman Representatives
for Parents’ Guild Event Activities
Are you resourceful? imaginative? service-minded?
....then we need you!
Are you new or a veteran to Villa? Do you have time, talent,
and energy you want to put toward worthwhile efforts. Then
visit the Parents’ Guild page of the Villa website and click on
the ‘Volunteer’ tab. There you will find many opportunities to
become involved with Guild activities held during the school
year. If you have any questions about becoming involved,
please contact one of our Executive Board members below:
Ann Borell, President
Shari Farley, 1st Vice President
Joann Duffy, 2nd Vice President
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
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12
12
Leticia Brzezicki
Kathy McIntyre
Maureen Menarde
Lisa Pfiester
Sophomore Representatives
Laura Durnin
Chris Giaimo
Mary Rigau
Junior Representatives
Marilyn Dabronzo
Denise Giaccio
Diann Hritzo
Senior Representatives
Denise Atkinson
Beth Henninger
Mary Piechocki
Cathy Poncia
Alumni Representatives
LeeAnn Christian
Dolores Prunetti
Laura Shelley
Upcoming Events
Chicks with Sticks
College Planning Night
7th Grade Practice Test
Winter Choral Concert
Talent Show
Father-Daughter Dance
Mini-THON
Run for the Roses Auction
February 10, 2013
February 12, 2013
February 23, 2013
February 26, 2013
March 1, 2013
March 9, 2013
March 22, 2013
April 13, 2013
2:00 to 6:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
Questions or Suggestions for the Parents’ Guild?
Please feel free to contact a Parents’ Guild member with any questions
or suggestions regarding Guild functions that may enhance their ability
to help the school provide an excellent high school experience for our
children. Suggestions are always welcome! Please send us a note
either through school or via email at: [email protected]
Villa Joseph Marie High School
Parents’ Guild
1180 Holland Road
Holland, PA 18966-5135
215.357.8810 ph
www.vjmhs.org