NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER 2013

NOVEMBER
NEWSLETTER
2013
The Leap of Faith
But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise
your heads because your redemption is at hand.
Luke 21:28
In those parts of the world where there are seasons, this is one of rather
dramatic change. What was green is now brown, much of what was
living is now dead, and there is nothing left to do with it all but break it
down, rake it up, bag or burn it. That is, destroy it.
But if there are children, perhaps there is something else to do with the
dry piles that make us weary just by being there, signs of the end times.
For if there are children, perhaps there is time to play. They see the dead
leaves, not as wearisome signs of death and labor, but as a chance to
engage with the moment and live more fully. And they leap.
Since the Ascension of Jesus, we dwell in that season of end times. It can
scare us sometimes to contemplate these signs in our own lives or in the
greater world. But Jesus points the way ahead, through this season to
the next, giving us the grace to have faith in him-and leap.
Jesus, with faith in your, I choose life.
Amy Welborn
Taken from “Living Faith”, Daily Catholic Devotions
THANKSGIVING
As a school parish community, we would like to take this time to thank…Our clergy for their
spiritual guidance and availability…Our parents, past and present, for their continued help
and support…Our dedicated Faculty and Staff for their commitment to Catholic
education…Our students who are the heart of our school, and who make it all worthwhile.
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CHRISTIAN AWARD
The following students earned the Christian Award for the month of September. We are proud of you!
Kindergarten
Brooklyn Medrano
Grade 1
Savanna Ramirez
Grade 2
Andre Hernandez
Grade 3
Daniel Estrada
Grade 4
Sarah Gutierrez
Grade 5
Kassidy Alabanza
Grade 6
Andrea Bailey
Grade 7
Christopher Swanson
A.C.E. AWARD
Grade 8
Samantha Barrios
…become model citizens by learning to take
responsibility for their actions.
Congratulations to the following students who received the A.C.E. Award for the month of September:
Kindergarten
Yaretzi Briseño
Liliana Castillo
Priscilla Diaz
Allison Garcia
Sidney Ibarra
Gianna Linares
Bobbi Mendoza
Makai Ortiz
Nicholas Padilla
Leandro Preciado
Danielle Ramirez
Nayeli Sanchez
Nicolas Swanson
Grade 4
Janneel Alvarado
Juanandres Camacho
Juandiego Camacho
Juliana Diaz
Sarah Gutierrez
Ashley Obeso
Jayson Pascual
Elizabeth Preciado
Ashton Quinones
Mia Rodriguez
Danielle Trujillo
Emily Valenzuela
Grade 1
Nathann Gutierrez
Daniella Ramos
Sofia Rangel
Amelia Reyes
Emma Villagrana
Grade 2
Max Joshua Fernandez
Janis Lopez
Samantha Padilla
Natalie Ruiz
Grade 3
Monique Cardona
Adrian Curiel
Mitzi Duarte
Adrian Linares
Ricardo Rodriguez
Grade 5
Kassidy Alabanza
Ariani Briseño
Roberto Curiel
Max Elijah Fernandez
Celeste Gomez
Ethan Hernandez
Jacqueline Lopez
Amaya Mendoza
Grade 6
Andrea Bailey
Charlie Du
Kylie Guzman
Alexandra Muñoz
Kimberly Obeso
William Park
Jillian Pasqual
Ariel Ramirez
Andrew Riese
Madison Sanchez
Grade 7
Frida Arreola
Christian Garcia
Brandon Gutierrez
Sebastian Jimenez
Patrick O’Brien
Careena Romo
Laura Sarmiento
Christopher Swanson
Thomas Toledo
Miranda Trejo
Grade 8
Jennae De Guzman
Alexis Fabricio
Brianna Hernandez
Trigg Mancera
Andrew Martinez
Alex Reyes
Matthew Rodriguez
Philip Tafoya
HANDWRITING AWARD
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The following students earned the Handwriting Award for the month of September. Good job!
Kindergarten
Jayme Pascual
Grade 1
Joshua Perry
Grade 2
Samantha Padilla
Grade 3
Summer Rodriguez
Grade 4
Mia Rodriguez
Grade 5
Izabela Mancera
Grade 6
William Park
Grade 7
Careena Romo
Grade 8
Bella Gil-Sandoval
CHRISTIAN AWARD
The following students earned the Christian Award for the month of October. We are proud of you!
Kindergarten
Jayme Pascual
Grade 1
Sofia Rangel
Grade 2
Kimberly Salazar
Grade 3
Keana Espina
Grade 4
Dyana Garcia
Grade 5
Mia Jimenez
Grade 6
Andrew Riese
Grade 7
Patrick O’Brien
A.C.E. AWARD
Grade 8
Eric Avalos
…become model citizens by learning to take
responsibility for their actions.
Congratulations to the following students who received the A.C.E. Award for the month of October:
Kindergarten
Liliana Castillo
Allison Garcia
Jayme Pascual
Leandro Preciado
Nayeli Sanchez
Nicolas Swanson
Grade 4
Raquel Barquero
Juandiego Camacho
Anthony De La Torre
Juliana Diaz
Arlene Garcia
Sarah Gutierrez
Ashley Obeso
Jayson Pascual
Mia Rodriguez
Grade 1
Oscar Gomez
Christian Gonzalez
Daniella Ramos
Sofia Rangel
Grade 2
Laura Balagot
Janis Lopez
Grade 5
Kassidy Alabanza
Roberto Curiel
Max Fernandez
Celeste Gomez
Izabela Mancera
Grade 7
Christian Garcia
Brandon Gutierrez
Sebastian Jimenez
Patrick O’Brien
Jacob Retana
Careena Romo
Laura Sarmiento
Christopher Swanson
Grade 6
Charlie Du
William Park
Jillian Pascual
Ariel Ramirez
Madison Sanchez
Grade 3
Joshua Alabanza
Monique Cardona
Mitzi Duarte
Jonathan Garcia
Adrian Linares
Ricardo Rodriguez
Grade 8
Isabelle Bernardino
Jennae De Guzman
Brianna Hernandez
HANDWRITING AWARD
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The following students earned the Handwriting Award for the month of October. Good job!
Kindergarten
Gianna Linares
Grade 1
Patrick Almeida
Grade 2
Natalie Ruiz
Grade 3
Vincent Rios
Grade 4
Omar Shoukry
Grade 5
Alyssa Santos
Grade 6
Simone Gil-Sandoval
Grade 7
Laura Sarmiento
Grade 8
Julia Hernandez
SCHOOL PHONE NUMBER
Please take the time to program into your cell phone and home phone our school phone
number and keep in mind that our direct extension is 228. It is suggested that you listen to
any voice message that may have been left, before you return a missed call. Our school
phone number is: 562-863-5721. When you press “2” or “228”, you will be directed to the
school office. Thank you.
CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE
Our 3rd Annual Christmas Boutique was again successful and well supported
by our school and parish families. The large hall was transformed by the array of
quality vendor tables. The aroma from the kitchen serving breakfast, lunch and
sweets, lingered throughout the day. One vendor in particular commented, “I am
going to book again next year, this was the only time I was given the opportunity
to eat during an event.” Raffle prizes were abundant and winners of each prize
were greeted by our very own Student Council helpers in their Santa hat. We raised $2,370.00 at this
community building event and are so grateful to Mrs. Lourdes Chavez and her dedicated committee of
SJOG parents, who planned, set up, decorated, and solicited the community for donations to alleviate
most expenses. This annual event will continue to be repeated every November prior to Thanksgiving
and Christmas holidays. If you missed out as a vendor this year or know of someone who would like
to participate as a vendor, please contact the school office.
VIRTUS “PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN”
VIRTUS “Protecting God’s Children” is a three hour training for adults which teaches the five basic
steps of child sexual abuse prevention. This program is mandated for all adults who work with or
around children or youth on a regular basis. Most parents attended this class here at St. John of
God in January of 2011. If you attended this class at another site, please bring your certificate of
completion to the school office for our files. If you have not attended this class, or are new to St. John
of God School, please register for a class from the list provided on page 3. Bring a copy of your
certificate to the school office so we can record your completion of this class.
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Hunley in the school office.
VIRTUS “PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN” FOR ADULTS
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To register for a class online, go to
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virtusonline.org
On the left side of the page, Click on “registration”
Click on ”View a list of sessions”
Click on the drop down arrow at “Select Your Organization”
Choose “Los Angeles-San Pedro Region (Archdiocese)
Click on “Select”
Follow the directions as you register
The sessions listed below are open to members of other parishes and schools. Online, you will see more
sessions offered but they are not “open”, or are the second class “Keeping the Promise Alive” which is only
needed to recertify. Those who took this class in January of 2011, are certified through to 2015. At that time,
you will need to recertify. (Unless you are registered online after taking “Protecting God’s Children” and
complete the monthly updates online. In this case, your certification does not expire and you are automatically
kept updated.)
Where:
When:
Estimated length of session:
Spaces:
Notes:
Where:
When:
Estimated length of session:
Spaces:
Notes:
Where:
When:
Estimated length of session:
Spaces:
Notes:
ENGLISH
St. Bartholomew Catholic Church (Long Beach)
Saturday, November 16, 2013 @ 9:00 a.m.
3 hrs
Unlimited
This session is opened to members of other parishes
and schools but you must call (562) 438-3826 to reserve a place.
Participants must arrive on time in order to be
admitted to the session. Sessions will be held at the Youth Center.
St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church (Whittier)
Sunday, November 17, 2013 @ 2:30 p.m.
3 hrs
Unlimited
This session is opened to members of other parishes
and schools but you must call (562) 698-0107 to reserve a
place. Participants must arrive on time in order to be
admitted to the session.
SPANISH
St. Aloysius Gonzaga Catholic Church (Los Angeles)
Saturday, November 16, 2013 @ 2:00 p.m.
3 hrs
Unlimited
This session is opened to members of other parishes
and schools but you must call (323) 585-4485 to
reserve a place. Participants must arrive on time in
order to be admitted to the session.
SAFETY
To ensure traffic safety, as adults, we must always be cautious, especially in areas where children
naturally congregate – like schools. Here’s a tip to make sure that you are not rushing each morning
to get your child/ren to school: set your clocks ahead by five minutes. This may help you to get your
child to school safely and on time.
Safe Drop off Rules
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Always follow the signs.
Watch for Pedestrians at ALL areas
Please drive no faster than 5 mph.
Always drop off at drop off zones.
Do not drop off at intersection (entry).
Encourage students to exit on right side of vehicle.
Never try to pass on the left side of vehicle in coned drop off zone.
Please be courteous and pull as far forward as possible.
Do not park or pull through the Faculty/Staff parking area.
Please do not hurry.
FUNDRAISING NEWS
Thank you to all who helped make our World’s Finest Chocolate Candy fundraiser a success! The
classes that sold the most candy and won a pizza party were TK, Grade 3 and 8. These classes
received their party on October 22nd. At the same time, many students got to “Jump for George”, and
won a cash prize. The top seller, Ricardo Rodriguez, Grade 3, sold 18 cases of candy, and therefore
won 4 tickets to Knott’s Berry Farm! Students selling 3 cases of chocolates or more, were entered
into a drawing to win 2 tickets to Knott’s Berry Farm and guess whose name was pulled…Ricardo
Rodriguez. Congratulations!
Our second fundraiser, Genevieve’s Catalog, is now over and we are expecting the arrival of orders
on Monday, November 18th.
FAMILY NIGHT FRIDAY
“Thank you” to the Parent Council & Family Night Committee for another fun evening under the stars.
New Preschool parents, Mr & Mrs. De La Cruz, parents to Sofia, took the lead and provided a night of
good times.
Thank you to all the parents who worked behind the scenes to make this event even more special.
The outdoor movie, “Nightmare Before Christmas”, set up by the Obeso Family was a great touch of
entertainment.
On Friday, January 31, 2013, we are planning another Family Night Friday event. This will end our
Catholic Schools Week. We hope you can join us. If anyone is looking for a committee to join, we
highly recommend your involvement. Just call the school office and speak to Mrs. Hunley.
SCHOOL UNIFORMITY
For your convenience, School Uniformity will be here in the large hall on Wednesday, November 20th,
between 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. There is a flyer attached to your newsletter to remind you of the date.
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30TH ANNUAL ARTURO SANCHEZ, SR., HALLOWEN PARADE
Sunday, October 19, 2013, our Parent Council President, Mrs. Cherisse Reyes, along with Ms. Mary
J. Pekarcik, Principal, organized and chaperoned our students during the 30th Arturo Sanchez, Sr.
Halloween Parade. Some members of our Parent Council as well as students, marched the 1.5 mile
parade route and passed out Halloween goody bags with a St. John of God School business card
attached.
The sense of pride and ownership that our students displayed during the parade was exciting for all
involved and we encourage those students to continue that pride in their classrooms, in the academic
decathlon, on the courts, and on stage.
These were some of the items we highlighted about our school:
• Strong Christian Formation
• Academic Excellence
• Extra-Curricular Activities
• 200 Days of School
• Extended Day Care Program
• Preschool through Grade 8
Thank you very much to the Arturo Sanchez, Sr. Family for allowing us to participate in their parade,
and of course, to our parents, students and future Chargers! We couldn’t do this without you!
SCRIP NEWS
Got SCRIP? With the Holidays quickly approaching, we are sending you this friendly reminder on
what our SCRIP Program carries. We have a big variety of SCRIP available for your Thanksgiving
feast! Plan ahead and order SCRIP in advance!
For the Chef in you, shop:
Albertsons - available in denominations of $25.00 & $100.00
Stater Brothers - available in denominations s of $25.00 & $100.00
Sam’s Club/ Walmart - Available in denominations $25.00 & $100.00
Smart & Final – available in denominations of $25.00, $50.00 & $100.00
Vons - available in denominations of $25.00 & $100.00
Don’t feel like cooking? No problem! Restaurants and markets around town are gearing up and
happy to give you a hand...and a thigh, and a leg. Pre-made meals are available at participating
markets/restaurants: Albertsons, Stater Brothers, Vons, Boston Market & Honey Baked Ham.
Got Dessert? A parade of pies are a must! Your guests will love you and your taste buds will thank
you. J
Cheese Cake Factory - available in denominations of $25.00
Coco’s - available in denominations of $10.00
Albertsons - available in denominations of of $25.00 & $100.00
Stater Brothers - available in denominations of $25.00 & $100.00
Sam’s Club/ Walmart - available in denominations of $25.00 & $100.00
Smart & Final – available in denominations of $25.00, $50.00 & $100.00
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Because some things are worth the money……You never know if your guests will show up with white
gloves waiting to check every nook and cranny. Call Merry Maids (available in denominations of
$50.00).
Get ready for the BIGGEST Holiday shopping season of the year! Black Friday and Cyber Monday!
We have lots of great selections on hand, but be sure to order ahead of time. Grab some morning
fuel at Dunkin’ Donuts (available in denominations of $10.00), Coffee Bean (available in
denominations of $25.00), and Starbucks (available in denominations of $10.00 & $25.00). If waking
up at 4 a.m. isn’t your cup of tea, you’ll be happy to know that you can shop online in your p.j’s.
Amazon.com (available in denoinations of $25.00 & $100.00), Target, Macy’s, Sears, Kohl’s, JC
Penney’s & much, much more!
SPORTS COMMITTEE NEWS
Congratulations to our Golfers, Runners, Volleyball and Football Teams!
October 13th, Mitzi Duarte won First Place in the Girls C Division at the CYO Fall Golf Tournament at
Arroyo Seco Golf Course! There were a total of 152 golfers who participated. St. John of God was
represented also by Keana Espina, Jasmine and Glenn Reyes. There are two more CYO Golf
Tournaments scheduled this school year, one in January and the other in March. If you are interested
in registering, please let Mr. Luna know.
That same day, three of our students participated in the CYO Cross Country Invitational at Cerritos
Regional Park. More than 500 runners from 35 schools took part. Here are the times our St. John of
God athletes ran: Mia Jimenez, Grade 5 ran 1 mile in 11:05 minutes, Adilene Ramirez, Grade 8 ran
1.5 miles in 17:07 minutes, and Hector Rodriguez, Grade 8 ran 1.5 miles in 13:58 minutes!
The Girls’ Varsity Volleyball Team placed 3rd in their division of season play and went to playoffs! The
Boys’ Varsity Football Team ended the season with not the best record in season wins, but played
hard and enjoyed the sport. The Girls’ B Volleyball Team played their last season game and finished
the season off with a tournament. Many thanks to the Girls B Volleyball coach, Mrs. Ana Garcia, for
providing the “CYO Jumper” last week for those who participated in Fall Sports. Several parents also
brought sandwiches, pizza, soda and cupcakes to celebrate a fun and rewarding season.
Basketball season is here! Parents, if your son/daughter has a uniform from last year, please, check
now to see if it still fits them! If it does not, please be sure to order a new size. An order form will be
sent home with your contract and other paperwork. Please be prepared for a $40 CYO fee and a $50
uniform fee.
We are looking for a Boys’ Varsity Volleyball Coach for the Spring Season following basketball. If you
are interested or know of someone who would like to offer their time, please contact the school office
or Mr. Mark Luna, our Athletic Director. Mr. Luna says (and we agree), “Volunteering looks good on
your resume”!
Keep it up CHARGERS, we are proud of you all!
PARISH CONTRIBUTIONS
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Please take careful note of the Plan A requirements, all parish contributions should be met by
Sunday, November 24, 2013. Make sure your envelope is clearly marked with your Last Name (not
your student’s name) and the envelope number. You should even practice marking your envelope
“School Family”. Thank you for all your contributions.
HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL
Thank you to our wonderful room parents, under the direction of Mrs. Angela Barquero, for organizing
and running the Halloween Carnival. Congratulations to our Halloween contest winners!
Class Halloween Costume Contest Winners: (Winners received a Regal Movie Ticket)
Preschool & T-K: Whole Class
Kindergarten: Nicolas Swanson & Liliana Castillo
Grade 1: Christian Gonzalez & Daniella Ramos
Grade 2: Matthew Chavez & Janis Lopez
Grade 3: Miguel Guerrero & Anaisa Castillo
Grade 4:
Grade 5:
Grade 6:
Grade 7:
Grade 8:
Ashton Quinones & Ashley Obeso
Isaiah Perry & Arianna Reyes
Daniel Castellanos & Jamie Hurtado
Christopher Swanson & Frida Arreola
Juan Gonzalez & Samantha Barrios
Halloween Pumpkin Decorating Contest Winners:(Winners received a $10 Target Gift Card)
Family:
Family:
Family:
Family:
Family:
Family:
Family:
Linares: Adrian (3) & Gianna (K)
Ramire: Crystal (4) & Savanna (K)
Garcia: Jonathan (3)
Duarte: Mitzi (3) & Ralph (TK)
Rangel: Sofia (1)
Barquero: Raquel (4) & Omar (1)
Mendoza-Reyes: Amaya (5), Alyssa (3), Amelia
Mummy Wrap Winner: (Winners received $5 Starbucks Gift Card)
Ms. McAuliffe: Grade 7 and her Student Council Team: Glenn Reyes, Brandon Gutierrez & Sebastian
Jimenez.
Halloween Coloring Contest Winners: (Winners received a $5 Target Gift Card)
Primary Grades: K-2
Jayme Pascual, K
Joshua Perry, 1
Samantha Padilla, 2
Intermediate Grades: 3-5
Joshua Alabanza, 3
Jayson Pascual, 4
Samantha Davalos, 5
Department Grades: 6-8
Caterina Almeida, 6
Careena Romo, 7
Alexis Fabricio, 8
“Deal or No Deal” Contest:
Preschool & T-K: Churros (Teachers: Free Dress)
Kindergarten: Extra Recess
Grade 1: Homework Pass
Grade 2: Free Dress
Grade 3: Video & Popcorn
PARISH THANKSGIVING BASKET DONATIONS
Grade 4: Homework Pass
Grade 5: Video & Popcorn
Grade 6: Extra Recess
Grade 7: Extra Recess
Grade 8: Homework Pass
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St. John of God Parish School is once again sponsoring a Thanksgiving Food Drive. We feel
confident that you will be as generous as you have been in the past with your contributions.
Different items for voluntary contribution have been assigned to each grade. Remind your child that
this is an exercise in self-sacrifice. If you have two, three, or more children at St. John of God School,
you may wish to make a contribution as a family. All items should be turned in to your child’s
classroom teacher between Thursday, November 14 and Wednesday, November 20, 2013.
We wish each and every one of you a very happy Thanksgiving and deeply appreciate your part in
making this special occasion a happy and festive one for others!
FOOD LIST SUGGESTIONS
Preschool, T-K and Grade 1
Cereal
Pasta
Cookie Mixes
Canned Vegetables
Canned Fruit
Tuna
Grade 2
Jell-O
Tomato Sauce
Pancake Mix
Oatmeal
Peanut Butter
Canned Fruit
Grade 3
Canned Juice
Rice
Soup
Pudding
Canned Milk
Mayonnaise
Grade 4
Soup
Boxed Potatoes
Cereal
Crackers
Salad Dressing
Ketchup
Grade 5
Jelly/Jams
Cake Mixes
Cranberry Sauce
Canned Vegetables
Stuffing
Grade 6, 7, & 8
$1.00 from each student
to purchase turkeys
BOOKMARK CONTEST WINNERS
Saturday, November 2nd, two of our students will be honored and celebrated at the Norwalk
Public Library. Both of these students won First Place in the Bookmark Contest and we are
very proud of them! Ariel Ramirez, Grade 6, won in the Grade 6-8 division and Amanda
Derleth, Grade 5, won the Grade 3-5 division.
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