PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Dear Holy Rosary Families,
Yesterday we celebrated Ash Wednesday and had a prayerful day filled with ashes and conversations about Lent.  All of our students were able to receive ashes in the church this year, something we missed doing last year.  One of my goals during Lent is to share with you resources your family might use during this time to draw yourselves closer to Christ.  This week I am providing a resource from the Maryknoll Missionaries, a guide for families journeying with Jesus during Lent.  
I also wanted to share with you that this week that our longtime music teacher, Janet Mudge, made the decision to leave her position with us.  Denise Davis, who has been subbing for her in music this winter while she has been on leave, has graciously agreed to remain our music substitute for the remainder of this year.  Janet has been a valued member of the Holy Rosary community for a very long time, and she will be missed.  We will be able to honor and celebrate Janet later this year and we wish her well on her new adventures!
Finally, you have likely been following the news and have seen that Governor Inslee and later Public Health of Seattle and King County, have set a date for lifting the indoor mask mandate.  This change includes schools as well, which means that as of March 14th masks will be optional for staff and students in the K-8 program.  We continue to look at the best choice in our preschool program and are working with our preschool families to gather additional information.  As a reminder, we continue to have a number of other very important mitigation strategies in place including 3′ spacing in classrooms, hand washing stations in classrooms and in hallways, high quality air filtration in all classrooms, vaccinated staff, and a well-ventilated building.  We are also at over 81% of our student body that is vaccinated.  
For some, this day brings excitement and relief.   For others, this transition brings increased stress, worry, and anxiety.  The most important thing, as we make this transition, is that we remain steadfast in our care for one another.  The consistent message that will be shared with students is that we will be respecting the choices of one another and caring for one another.  Some students and staff will continue wearing their masks.  Others will make the choice not to.  And both will be OK and respected.  We want to make sure that every person and every family is able to make the choice that is right for you, and that you know you will be supported in that choice. Please join me in speaking to your children about the importance of demonstrating high levels of respect during this transition period.
We expect updated written guidance for schools from the State Department of Health early next week, and I will communicate any further updates or changes with you as soon as we have them.  I don’t anticipate any changes to the other current required mitigation strategies, but we may see additional requirements put in place for higher risk activities such as indoor sports.  Again, we will communicate once we know more.
We have begun our journey in Lent.  During these 40 days, we will journey alongside Jesus through our prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.  Thank you for your support of our Lenten service projects and our ministry to the St. Martin de Porres shelter.
May the peace of Christ be with you!
Anna
Let us Pray for Peace in Ukraine
From Maryknoll Missionaries:
Holy Spirit, breath of God. You drove Jesus into the desert for 40 days that opened his eyes to your mission. He emerged to see a world in need of your love, especially among the sick, poor and oppressed. Drive us into our own deserts this Lent where we can remove the blinders that keep us from having an encounter with your holy presence. Open our eyes and impassion us with the fire of love for everyone and all creation. Come Holy Spirit, increase our compassion for those at the margins.

COUNSELOR’S CORNER

In this week’s Counselor’s Corner, I have included some tips and tricks with helping your child manage and regulate their emotions.  Keep reading

UPCOMING DATES

• March 11th – No School
• March 18th – Noon Dismissal
• April 15th – Noon Dismissal, Good Friday
• April 18th-22nd – Easter Break

NOTES & REMINDERS

Calendar Dates

We are still awaiting approval on our calendar from the Office for Catholic Schools.  But we do want to share with you that school will start next year on September 6th and the last day of school will be June 16th.    This change was made for a few reasons, as we project the calendar out the next few years.  We are trending towards a post Labor Day start for a few years because of earlier Labor Days.  Additionally, we strive to end around the end of the second full week in June.  If we started before Labor Day this year we’d be out much earlier in June, which we know presents childcare challenges as many local camps are not open until closer to when the public schools are out.  We anticipate being able to provide more detailed information including the complete calendar in the near future.

Comfy Cozy Day This Friday

To celebrate “Read Across America” we will be having a Comfy Cozy Free Dress day on Friday.  We will be curling up with a good book for an all school read-in Friday afternoon.

 Read Across America 2022

Feb 28- March 4

This week-long event was rebranded in 2019 to “a celebration of diverse readers’ rather than focus on Dr. Seuss. There are many wonderful authors and books that teachers and librarians can share with students to encourage a love of reading. 
Thursday           Celebrating Reading and Books
March 3             Read a book that celebrates reading and books
 
Friday                 Favorite Book Day  (Free Dress with Comfy Cozy)
March 4              Have students and staff share their favorite books. 
                           Whole school Read-In to celebrate reading! 2:15- 2:50 pm

Playground Use After School

In order to allow us to properly attend to and supervise the large number of kids in our after school program at this point, the playground area (upper, lower, and big toy area) will be closed each day for play beginning at 3:15.  Only BASE students will be allowed out there after 3:15.  The play area will open back up to the public at 6:00.  We will begin this transition after mid-winter break. Thank you for your understanding.   

Isolation/Quarantine Guidance

We have posted the most current guidance under the COVID-19 tab on our website. If ANYONE in your family tests positive for COVID please keep your child(ren) home and contact the office immediately to discuss next steps.

COVID Cases

If ANYONE in your family tests positive for COVID please keep your child(ren) home and contact the office immediately to discuss the next steps. Likewise if your student comes in contact with anyone who is currently positive for COVID 19, contact the school office immediately. You’re efforts help us to keep our school open for in-person learning.

Zoom Instruction

As a reminder, Zoom instruction is primarily available for students in COVID quarantine or isolation or for those who are sick for 3 days or more due to our strict sick policy. Zoom is a good tool for people that have to quarantine for multiple days, but opening a Zoom and checking in with Zoomers while also teaching live students takes time away from instruction, so whenever possible, we want to reserve Zoom for relatively rare cases. Please stay in touch with your child’s homeroom teacher if your child needs to be gone from school so we can figure out the best way to address the absence.  Generally it will take at least a day to prepare materials and homeroom teachers will notify you when they are available for pick up.  Thank you for your patience and understanding with this.

ACTION ITEMS

Brown Bag Fridays For St. Martin De Porres Men’s Shelter

Over the years, as part of our Lenten Outreach, Holy Rosary School has provided lunches and additional items to the men at St. Martin de Porres shelter. Students are asked to help pack a lunch or bring an additional item on designated Fridays during Lent.  These lunches can be kept cold, so perishable food is fine. (Sandwiches and fruit are encouraged for this outreach).  **If you are interested in driving a few students to deliver the lunches one Friday in Lent, please contact Kristin Bentler in the school office. 
Please note the collection dates and items below:  
Fri. March 4
     Gr. K-4 men’s gloves
     Gr. 5-8 Lunches              
Fri. March 25
     Gr. K-4:  brown bag lunches       
     Gr. 5-8:  men’s socks
Fri. April 1
     Gr. K-4:  travel size toothbrush and toothpaste
     Gr. 5-8: brown bag lunches
Fri. April 8
     Gr. K-4: brown bag lunches
     Gr. 5-8: disposable razors and travel size shaving cream

Lenten Food Drive

Holy Rosary School will hold a schoolwide food drive this Lent, in addition to our ministry to St. Martin de Porres shelter.  This local food drive will benefit our neighbors most in need in the West Seattle Community through the Holy Rosary St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry. Help us stock the food pantry up for summer! Items can be brought directly into the school and left on the table in the front hallway.  Items they currently need are:
FOOD ITEMS:  Peanut Butter (16oz,), Canned Chicken, Canned Tuna, Tomato Sauce, Canned Fruit, Crackers (Saltines, Ritz) 
HOME AND PERSONAL CARE ITEMS:   Paper Towels, Liquid Dish Soap (small/medium size), Toothpaste, Single Packaged Toothbrushes,
Individually wrapped bars of soap (unscented if possible), Shampoo.
Thank you for your generosity as we take care of our neighbors!

Holy Rosary School Commission Would Like To Hear Your Voice!

School Commission has an opportunity for new members for the 2022-2023 school year.  The School Commission is an advisory group to the Principal and Pastor on school policy and long-term planning.  This is a wonderful opportunity to provide a voice for all Holy Rosary parents and to be a leader in our school community.
Each School Commission member serves a 3 or 4 year term.  Each hour spent on School Commission business counts towards fundraising volunteer hours.  For the upcoming year, we are looking for parents with interest and expertise in Catholic Identity, Alumni, Fundraising, or Diversity & Inclusion.
If you are interested, please fill out the application and submit it to scvp@holyrosaryws.org by March 31, 2022.”

Free COVID Tests

HRS Social Media

Calling all HRS familes! We want to put a spotlight on all the amazing things going on in our community. Did your kid accomplish something awesome? Do you have some cool pictures from extracurricular activities? Updates from HRS alumni? Or anything else fun to share that is HRS related? Please send it to us at socialmedia@holyrosaryws.org so we can feature you on our social media channels! Visit http://holyrosaryws.org/social-media/ for more info about submissions. Children need to be masked and following COVID protocols per the Archdiocese.

Volunteer/Parent Vaccination Information

Per Governor Jay Inslee’s directive, all volunteers working in proximity to students must be vaccinated. In accordance with this, please fill out the attached form and include a copy of your Covid-19 vaccination card. If we do not receive a vaccination card from you, you will not be able to participate as a volunteer where students are present. If you have any questions, please contact Kristin Bentler.

Student Vaccination Information (K-8th grade)

On the recommendation of Public Health, and in order to support us in making decisions regarding programming, we are seeking information on the percentage of eligible students (K-8) who are vaccinated. Individual student information will be kept confidential. The aggregate data will help us with programming decisions and mitigation efforts.
Please fill out the attached survey. If we do not receive a response from you, your child will be counted in the category of unvaccinated. Decisions around our programming and activities will be based on the percentages of vaccinated students. If you have any questions, please contact Kristin Bentler.

EVENTS & FUNDRAISING

Parents Club Event

In lieu of the typical Parents Club Meeting, we would like to invite you to join us for a community-building, fundraising, family-oriented event- or two. We have arranged for two separate family friendly cook along classes through PCC. Sign up for one, or both. Arrange to meet your friends on Zoom and create some yummy treats for your family to enjoy all while supporting the Parents Club. 
Below are details specific to each of the classes. Cost will be $50 per family to attend each event. (You are welcome to attend both.) Proceeds will go to support the Parents Club and classroom parties, teacher gifts, etc.
By signing up here  https://holyrosaryws.org/parents-club-cooking-class/ , you agree to have your FACTS account charged the non-refundable fee. Enrollment is limited to 50 families for each event- sign up now to ensure your family can participate!
Approximately one week prior to the event, you will receive the Zoom link and a packet of information which will include an ingredient list, prep instructions and the recipes. You will also get a video recording of the class afterwards.
DELICIOUS DESSERTS
March 30 from 6:00-7:30pm
Marianna Stepniewski
Eat dessert first when Marianna is in the kitchen! You’ll learn how to make a luscious Chocolate Budino (Italy’s answer to pudding) and a delicate Shortbread that you will be able to easily customize to make your own. Dietary Notes: Vegetarian with eggs, dairy and gluten.
About the instructor:
Marianna is a pastry chef and Washington native who grew up in the central part of the state. After several years in the veterinary industry, Marianna switched careers and now teaches cooking all around the Puget Sound and as far east as Snoqualmie. Marianna focuses on technique-driven classes and loves to demystify the cooking and baking process and its associated sciences.
LET’S MAKE BRUNCH!
April 2 from 10:00–11:30am
Erica Weisman
Cook along with Erica and make brunch a breeze as you learn how to make some of her favorite staples – Cheesy Baked Eggs and tender and flaky Scones. She’ll also share her tips for make-ahead success for a stress-free morning. Dietary notes: Vegetarian with eggs, dairy and gluten. 
About the instructor:
Erica is a passionate cook and educator. She received her bachelors degree in Urban Planning at the University of Washington while working at Seattle’s renowned fine-dining restaurant, Canlis as a professional cook. In 2017 she went on to co-found Seattle Cucina Cooking School. The Cucina team has grown from 2 to 19, is now in 40+ Seattle area schools, and runs more classes out of their learning kitchen. Erica is thrilled to be sharing her love of cooking and eating together with Seattle kids and families. She also enjoys spending her time with her cat, singing in a few choirs and watercolor painting.

Online Auction

ONLINE auction will open the week of March 28.  Lots of great items.  Need a vacation, tickets to a sporting event or a play, restaurant certificates?  The ONLINE AUCTION will have something for everyone!

Gator Aid Request Form

GatorAid was established by our School Commission in 2018/2019 to support families struggling to cover school expenses and activities that fall outside of tuition.  The community chest program is largely funded by families for families.
GatorAid can be used to help cover extra school costs – examples such as a student’s yearbook fee, school uniforms, a monthly Chess Club* fee, or a night at Glow Bowl*. (*activities currently unavailable because of COVID-19 during 2021/22)
Families can request aid or you can make a request on behalf of a family here. GatorAid requests are sent directly to HR Principal, Anna Horton, and are granted confidentiality.

Good Society Night Out

Third Tuesday of the month 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!

ADMISSIONS

Ambassador Families

Ambassador families wanted! Volunteer and help welcome New Families to Holy Rosary School! Need families in all grades! Earn volunteer hours during the summer for the 2022/23 school year. Details here.

FACTS Credit Card Fee Increase

Hot off the press from FACTS, effective April 25th the fee charged to credit card payments on the FACTS system will increase to 2.95% from 2.85% (a FACTS company increase).  Billing for 2021/2022 through FACTS will end June 30th, after which all 2022/23 billing and payments should be occurring on our new SchoolAdmin system.  The only exception is that financial aid applications will still utilize the FACTS platform.  Any questions, please contact Beth Martin (bmartin@holyrosaryws.org).

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Looking For A CYO Director

Our current director is graduating. Duties include: Attending meetings each season, managing the CYO supplies, recruiting and assisting coordinators, helping recruit coaches, advertising athletics and registration, and being the liaison between CYO and the parish.  If we do not fill this position, we will be unable to run CYO sports programs.  If you are interested, please contact Fr. Oakland or Anna Horton.

Holy Rosary Parish CYO Needs A Track And Field Coordinator, Head Coach, And Assistant Coaches

The coordinator and coach positions may be filled by one person. We will be unable to participate in CYO Track and Field this year if these positions are not filled. If you are interested, please contact Fr. Oakland or Anna Horton.

Holy Rosary Parish CYO Is Looking For A Volleyball Coordinator 

The season is under way, but there is still work to be done. The coordinator arranges coaches and teams, reports scores to CYO, and helps the season run smoothly for our student athletes and coaches.  If you are interested, please contact Fr. Oakland or Anna Horton.

All of these are excellent ways to fulfill your volunteer hours! 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

REMEMBER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES ARE ALSO LISTED HERE!