The mission of Holy Rosary School is to help each child discover and fully develop their God-given talents. As a Catholic School community, we strive for excellence in our students’ spiritual, academic, physical, mental, aesthetic, and social-emotional growth. It is our intention that those who attend this institution mature into active citizens leading a committed faith life and reaching out to help others locally, nationally, and internationally with their wisdom, time, talent, and financial resources.
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
Dear Holy Rosary Families,
It’s Auction Week! We are thrilled to celebrate our 44th annual auction this week and honor all that makes the Holy Rosary Community tremendous!
Many hours went into planning the auction over most of the school year and we will join together Saturday night to raise money for the school we hold so dear to our hearts. Please join me in thanking our Auction Chairs Jet Lin, Iwona Konarski, Wendy Mowat, Shannon Daniel, Steffanie Zazulak, and Jamie Soderquist who far exceeded their volunteer hours, working all year long, to make this evening happen. I’d also like to thank the dozens of volunteers who worked behind the scenes to attend to all of the little details involved with Saturday’s event, and our Advancement Director Beth Martin and her assistant Sophia LeBel.
Even if you are not attending our auction this year, you will be with us in spirit! And if you would like to contribute to our fund-an-item this year, which is gym upgrades (to include new bleachers, a new scoreboard, and a fully refinished gym floor), there is still time to do so! Fifteen percent of funds raised through this fund-an-item will also go to support Holy Family School in White Center, as we have done in recent years. When we are all strong as Catholic schools, we all succeed as a Catholic community. We are honored to be able to support Holy Family again.
See you at the auction!
In Christ,
Anna
PASTOR’S MESSAGE
How is Lent going so far? Have your personal sacrifices or pious practices been going well, as defined as leading you closer to Christ and His mercy? What about any family sacrifices or pious practices you are undertaking this season? Are you becoming holier? If not, its not to late to change course, that this might be a fruitful season for you as you grow in the glory of God.
Holy Rosary is hiring a new administrator to help manage our fiscal, human and capital resources. This position serves the parish and school, and is essential to the success of our community and the carrying out of our mission. If you are someone with the necessary gifts and a passion for our community and church, or know someone who this sounds like, check the parish website for a full job description and application.
In Christ,
Fr. Matthew Oakland
UPCOMING DATES
- March 4th – Auction
- March 10th – Noon Dismissal (Teacher-In-Service)
- April 7th – Noon Dismissal
- April 10th-14th – Easter Break
NOTES & REMINDERS
SPAM Messages
There has been an uptick in people sending messages that are intended to look like they are coming from Father Oakland or Anna Horton. They often ask for a favor, or say to text/respond back because they are busy or in a meeting. These are NOT coming from the school/parish. When in doubt, contact one of us directly to verify and double check the “reply to” that it is indeed our domain (@holyrosaryws.org or @holyrosaryseattle.org).
School Year 2023/24
We are already hard at work planning next school year. Below are the major calendar dates. We ask that when you are planning family vacations, please schedule them during non-school times. There is one change to the 2023/24 calendar that we would like you to make note of. We will not have a day off in February 2024 for Winter Break. This will allow us to complete our required number of school days. There will be a full 2023/24 calendar available soon.
First Day 9/5/23
Fall Conferences 11/20/23-11/22/23
Christmas Break 12/18/23-1/1/24
President’s Day 2/19/24 (No Winter Break)
Spring Break 4/1/24-4/5/24
Last Day 6/14/24
COVID And Health Screening
Please find the latest COVID screening flowchart on our website and linked here. We have testing available on site and can test any student, parent or family member if needed. NOTE- parent permission will always be obtained prior to testing at any time. This permission slip can be found here and should be returned to the school office.
Please contact the office as soon as possible if anyone in your family tests positive at any time at office@holyrosaryws.org or COVID@holyrosaryws.org. Kristin Bentler will work with you then on protocols and next steps.
Students who have a family member test positive may remain in school, but should engage in a Test to Stay Protocol testing prior to attending school each day. Per the Department of Health (DOH) guidance, students are asked to mask at school if a family member tests positive until that family member is no longer contagious. If a student tests positive, he/she should wear a mask until day 10 even if returning to school on day 6, per DOH guidance as well.
Due to the disruption it causes to the learning environment, Zoom instruction will not be offered building-wide this year. Individual teachers will share protocols for addressing COVID-related absences. Number of new COVID cases in the school this week (as of Thursday am) = 1
ACTION ITEMS
Lenten Collection
Lenten Collection for St. Martin de Porres Shelter
Fri. March 3rd:
Last Names A-L: Disposable razors and shaving cream (travel size)
Last Names M-Z: Brown Bag Lunches (perishable OK)
Fri. March 17th:
Last Names A-L: Brown Bag Lunches (perishable OK)
Last Names M-Z: Men’s socks
Fri. March 24th:
Last Names A-L: Men’s deodorant (regular or travel sized), toothbrushes, toothpaste (travel size toothpaste)
Last Names M-Z: Brown Bag Lunches (perishable OK)
Fri. March 31st
Last Names A-L: Brown Bag Lunches (perishable OK) and/or reading glasses
Last Names M-Z: Brown Bag Lunches (perishable OK) and/or reading glasses
EVENTS & FUNDRAISING
Auction
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SATURDAY’S AUCTION If you did not receive a confirmation email today with the subject line VIVA Las Vegas, then we do NOT have you listed as a guest. Please check your email, and spam, to verify that you purchased tickets. If you thought you purchased tickets, but did not receive the email contact Beth Martin.
ONLINE AUCTION if you didn’t pick up your items during the designated times, then please come to the main office between 8:30-4pm this week to pick up.
TEACHER BOOKS and BUY BACKS will be available through Sunday, March 5 to purchase online. Purchase here.
BINGO BASH available to purchase through Sunday, March 5th here. Pending space you may also be able to purchase closer to the date in April.
RAFFLE TICKETS Only available at the event now.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Desperately in NEED of some volunteers for auction night. Please consider signing up, even if you have completed your hours.
AUCTION NIGHT VOLUNTEER POSITIONS AVAILABLE sign up HERE.
Questions? Please reach out to Auction Volunteer Lead Renee Kurdzos at renee.kurdzos@gmail.com.
Good Society Night Out
Third Tuesday of the month (see dates below) is HRS night at The Good Society! Grab a pint and a bite at The Good Society and 25% of your sale goes to HRS. Social time, great beer and fundraising for HRS…it’s a WIN-WIN! Be sure to mention you are there to support Holy Rosary!
- March 21st
- April 18th
- May 16th
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
3rd Grade Girls Basketball
Register for 3rd grade girls basketball using this link: https://www.teamsideline.com/sites/seattlecyo/current-programs
For more information: https://www.teamsideline.com/sites/seattlecyo/content/18956/3-8-Basketball
Track & Field
Register for 4th-8th grade track and field using this link: https://www.teamsideline.com/sites/seattlecyo/current-programs
For more information: https://www.teamsideline.com/sites/seattlecyo/content/18961/4-8-Track-Field
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Auction Volunteers Still Needed
AUCTION NIGHT VOLUNTEER POSITIONS AVAILABLE sign up HERE. Questions? Please reach out to Auction Volunteer Lead Renee Kurdzos at renee.kurdzos@gmail.com.
Holy Rosary Soup Kitchen
The Holy Rosary Soup Kitchen group meets the first two Thursdays of the month to prepare soup for the Saint Martin de Porres center. The are looking for a couple of people who can commit to helping out for the rest of the school year. If you are interested, please reach out to Chris Dormaier at 206-412-0168 or Chrisdormaier@aol.com.
Safe Environment Training
There are many opportunities to help out this year. All of our volunteers are required to take Safe Environment training prior to volunteering with the school or church. If you have not taken the class, please sign up as soon as possible. There are in-person as well as online classes. **It can take a couple of weeks after you’ve taken the class for you to be cleared to volunteer.**
Traffic Patrol
We are looking for parent/guardians to do traffic patrol duty this year for volunteer hours. You would need to be fully vaccinated, and available to arrive on time and stay until your duty is complete. This would be a trimester obligation.
Start Date:
December 12th – March 24th
March 27th – June 16th
Times: 8:00-8:40am
2:45-3:15pm 1:45-2:15pm (Wednesdays) 11:55-12:20pm (1/2 days)
You could choose to do one day per week, AM or PM, or both AM & PM on the same day if you wish. Please contact Maggie Judd if you are interested.
Playground Volunteers
We are looking for playground volunteers to help us during lunch recess. Shifts are Monday through Friday from 10:55am to 1:05pm. If you have one or two days available each week, please contact Maggie Judd. Prompt arrival and a full shift are needed. Covid vaccination is not necessary.
Reporting Volunteer Hours
The volunteer hours portal is ready for the 22/23 school year.
- Go to ‘Report Volunteer Hours‘ (also a red hyperlink on our home page.)
- New families: If you haven’t set up a volunteer log-in yet, you will need to do that first, use the same link! Remember, only one account per family, NOT per parent
REMEMBER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES ARE ALSO LISTED HERE!
PARISH NEWS
Lent
It’s the Season of Lent-Make time for Jesus!
Lent 2023 started yesterday on Ash Wednesday, February 22, and lasts until the beginning of the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday on April 6. Please see the attached Holy Rosary Calendar of Lent events to help you reflect and renew on Jesus for the next six weeks. A great way to connect with Lent is to attend our Lenten Gathering on Sunday, February 26th in the School Hall, 9:30am-12:30pm for activities, crafts, and coffee and donuts. See the flier.
Book Study
Fr. Oakland is planning a book study on one of his favorite books, Les Miserables, the theatrical production of which is coming to town this spring. It’s a great work filled with all sorts of Christian themes. If interested, email him at froakland@holyrosaryseattle.org
COMMUNITY NOTICES
Summer Programs At Seattle Prep
Seattle Prep is offering Summer Prep programs- inspiring camps for middle school students entering the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades in Fall 2023. Summer Prep – Seattle Preparatory School (seaprep.org)
Endolyne Children’s Choir
Spring Session Registration for Endolyne Children’s Choir (ECC) opens February 27. ECC is a secular, no audition choir welcoming all singers in grades K-12. Join other singers from over 20 schools in West Seattle, including 3 of our very own from HRS. Students learn music theory and practice performance skills all while building community in a fun and supportive environment. Don’t wait – registration closes March 8!
4th Annual Summer School At St.George Parish School
Dates: June 26 through July 28 with the exception of July 3rd and 4th
We offer a 5 week academic summer school program with certificated teachers
and instructional assistants for students currently in Grades K-5. It is not a
summer camp. It’s an all or none program in order for students to make the most
gains academically.
Summer School registration opens March 1, 2023 to all students currently attending a Catholic school. Your own school uniform is the required dress code. All students who apply must come with a positive, cooperative attitude ready to learn. Your child’s teacher/principal will supply us with Spring MAP Student Progress Reports along with recommendations for areas of focus during summer school.
Registration opens March 1st and will be limited. If you would like more information and/or an application, please email Anna Horton (ahorton@holyrosaryws.org) ASAP.
Southwest Lacrosse Club
Did you know that all Seattle Metro Catholic High schools have boys and girls lacrosse? Are you looking for a fun and fast-paced team sport for your K-8th grader? Registration is currently open for the 2023 Seattle Metro Youth Lacrosse Season.
Founded in 2008, the Southwest Lacrosse Club is dedicated to promoting, organizing, and developing K-8 youth lacrosse from West Seattle to Federal Way. Our mission is to teach lacrosse fundamentals and good sportsmanship while emphasizing the importance of discipline, teamwork, and physical fitness. Players of all skill levels can develop their game, and we will prepare each athlete for the next level of play. No prior lacrosse experience is required, the club can provide all equipment if needed. We offer full and partial scholarships for those who qualify and have equipment available to loan.
Practices begin mid-February, and games run from March through the end of May. You can check out our website or contact us at swlctitans@gmail.com with any questions.
After School Art Classes for HRS students – In-person
These super fun art classes are taught by former Holy Rosary art teacher, Lacey Reuter. Classes are held in-person at Hope Lutheran, and all HRS students are welcome to join. (This is not a Holy Rosary School program.) www.rainbowparrotart.com
