Donor Luncheon

Thank You Donors!

St. Ann family and friends are very supportive and are an extremely necessary part of our school. Because of the generosity of those who support St. Ann Catholic School, we have been able to hold steady on tuition from last year. We hope to hold steady again for next year. We won't know if this is possible until March of 2020 when we put the budget together. If we can follow the plan we put in place for each department to not go over-budget, we will probably be able to hold where we are on tuition. To me, Catholic education needs to be affordable and available to all who want to be a part of St. Ann.

St. Ann Donor Luncheon

The cost of operating a school goes up every year. So, how can we expect to hold steady on tuition? The answer to that question is that our donors make this possible. Simple. No secret formula. No magic spells. No complicated master plan. Our donors provide the school with gifts to make financial aid possible in order to help families needing tuition assistance. Our donors fulfill teacher wish lists to better help educate our students. Our donors pay for school improvements, renovations, and updates. Our donors purchase classroom furniture. Our donors enable us to improve school security. Our donors help us keep current on technology... You get the picture.

St. Ann Donor Luncheon

Because of what all our donors do for St. Ann, we are able to hold tuition steady. Donors pay for all non-budgeted items the school needs. If we add those items to the budget, the per pupil cost would increase. The per pupil increase would reflect on the tuition. The lower the per pupil cost, the lower the tuition.

We just need to continue to work hard to improve our school (Good things come to those who work hard and never quit.), stay true to our mission statement (Our mission is to provide a Catholic education through faith, service, and love.), stick to our philosophy of transparency (the reason this blog exists), include our families in day-to-day operations, continuously develop an already incredible faculty and staff, and do all this while keeping Christ and our students first.

This past Thursday, St. Ann hosted a donor luncheon. We wanted to bring our donors together to

St. Ann Donor Luncheon

simply say "Thank You" because without you, not sure St. Ann would still be here. Thank you for your faith, service, and love.

Sixty of our donors where able to break away from their busy lives to come tour St. Ann, have lunch together, and allow us the privilege of appreciating their commitment to St. Ann. It was a great day for school. For some of our donors, they had not been in the school building in decades. For others, this was their first time to visit the school.

Thank you parents, grandparents, alumni, parishioners, and friends of St. Ann Catholic School for your support. Thank you for helping to improve the lives of our students. Thank you for helping to keep our tuition affordable. Thank you for helping our teachers educate our students. Thank you for valuing a Catholic education. And, thank you for your love.

If you would like to support the students at St. Ann Catholic Schools, here are some ways you too can help.

Annual Giving

Sister Connie Passing on the Faith Scholarship

Alumni: Click Here to share your information with the school

Wish List Part 1

Wish List Part 2

If you have questions on how you can support St. Ann Catholic School, please contact Angela de Jong at angela.dejong@sascolts.org. Mrs. de Jong is our development director.

God bless you,
Didier Aur, Principal
St. Ann Catholic School

St. Ann Scholarships

In an effort to keep Catholic education affordable, we constantly seek ways to help families with tuition assistance. One fantastic way to accomplish this and at the same time honor people who do or have done so much for others is through scholarships. At St. Ann, we have a number of scholarships set up to help our families. Recipients of three scholarships were recognized at the school Mass this past Thursday and at the 11:30 am Sunday Mass.

Below is a description of each of the three scholarships as well as this year's scholarship recipients.

Sr. Connie Tarello

The Sister Connie Passing on the Faith Scholarship is given in honor of Sr. Connie Tarello for her dedication, service, and commitment to not only the Catholic faith but also to St. Ann. Sr. Connie is a member of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and an active member of St. Ann Catholic Church. She was a first grade teacher at St. Ann from 1971 until her retirement in 2013. This scholarship is awarded to students who are formed and grow in the Catholic faith at St. Ann Catholic School. These students are instruments of God's hands and have proven that they carry on the faith in actions and words. These scholarships also serve to help families as they strive to give their children a Catholic education. This year's recipients are Yoeni Morales (2nd grade), Ryan Cronin (4th grade), and Monserrat Zamudio (7th grade).

This scholarship was originally designated to be awarded to two St. Ann students. Because of the generosity of our donors and the success of St. Ann Trivia Night, three students now receive the Sr. Connie Scholarship. If you would like to contribute to the Sr. Connie Scholarship, you can CLICK HERE and donate online through our website. You can also participate in the St. Ann Trivia Night in the spring. Tentative date for trivia night is Saturday, March 28th. All proceeds from Trivia Night go to support the Sr. Connie Scholarship. If you cannot attend that evening, please consider being a trivia night sponsor.

The Dr. Ruth Dinkins Memorial Scholarship in honor of Dr. Ruth Dinkins for her dedication, service, and commitment to St. Ann. Dr. Dinkins, or "Dink" as her friends called her, was a pioneer in medicine. One of the few women in the 60's to study medicine, she became a pediatric anesthesiologist. She also served in the U.S. Army Medical Corp. She was a practicing doctor, but more importantly was a doctor to her small community in Medina, TN. Serving others and being with family and friends gave her the most joy in life. The purpose of this scholarship is to reward students who honor their Catholic faith and have shown an interest and aptitude towards math and science. This year's recipients are Lio Gomez (3rd grade), Evie Arrington (4th grade), Caroline Parker (5th grade), James Kargauer (7th grade), and Karla Ochoa (7th grade).

The Edward J. Kitts Educational Scholarship is sponsored by the St. Ann Knights of Columbus Council #7170. This scholarship is awarded to a student who exhibits Christ-like characteristics such as kindness, thoughtfulness, and a caring attitude towards their teachers and fellow students. This year's recipient is Christian Varela (Kindergarten).

If you would like to learn more about our scholarships and how you can support St. Ann through scholarships, please contact our development director, Angela de Jong, at (901) 386-3328 or angela.dejong@sascolts.org.

Once again, thank you to all those wonderful parents, grandparents, parishioners, alumni, staff members, and friends of St. Ann who constantly support our students. You are making a positive difference.

God bless you,
Didier Aur, Principal
St. Ann Catholic School

Click here to catch up on past blogs.

St. Ann Wish List Part 2

This week's blog is PART 2 of the St. Ann Wish List.  PART 1 is still online. CLICK HERE to view the first wish list. Lyrics2Learn Starfall, and 10 of the 20 head phones have all been donated.

If you would like to help the students and teachers with wish list items, you can either purchase them directly and have the item(s) sent to St. Ann or you donate directly to St. Ann and specify where you want your gift directed. CLICK HERE to go to our donation page.

PK-4, Mrs. Harty’s class, would like to add a Sony CFDS7-BLK CD/MP3 Cassette Boombox Home Audio Radio. The computer is across the room from the carpet area, and is too hard to use when Mrs Harty has to keep going across the room. The religion series for PK has a lot of songs with it. The class also has a lot of books on cassette tape, which could be utilized for student learning. The cost for this radio is $60.49 through Amazon.

PK3 would like to have a SUNYAO Kids Kitchen Step Stool with Safety Rail so the students can safely reach the sink when washing their hands.  The cost of the step stool with safety rail is $79.99 through Amazon.

Ms. Scarlett, the art teacher, has added several items to the wish list.  This includes real clay, color sharpies, watercolors, crayons, and difference sizes of canvases. These items can be purchased pretty much anywhere from Knowledge Tree to Target to Michael’s. Ms. Scarlett did not specify a quantity. I’m guessing that we need whatever is given for art class.

The first item on Mrs. Wendenon’s SPARKS wish list is to develop a classroom library.  A library wish list of books for SPARKS already exists on Amazon.  CLICK HERE to access the wish list. Books range from $5 to $24. The selection is pretty extensive.

Mrs. Wendenon would also like to have a Furinno 5-Cube Reversible Open Shelf, White/Light Blue, 11069 WH/LBL to house the new SPARKS classroom library. The cost is $25.13 through Amazon.

SPARKS students would like to have a class subscription to Mystery Science https://mysteryscience.com. A class subscription is $99 per year.

 And, SPARKS students would also like to have a subscription to Generation Genius. https://www.generationgenius.com  A one year subscription is $120.

We doubled the number of students in SPARKS this year. The students are excited and so is the St. Ann staff.

Mr. Gage would like a classroom set (25 copies) of The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. The paperback is about $10 through Amazon.  He would like to use this book for the 8^th graders. The Alchemist is one of my favorite books. Might have to read it again the students.

PK4, Mrs. Morgan’s class, would like to have a  The Learning Journey Code and Learn! Ladybug and The Learning Journey Code and Learn! Space Ship. The cost of these is between $24 and $44 through Amazon. These two are also available through Walmart.

Mrs. Miller’s 4^th grade class would like to have 10 Webster’s Student Dictionaries. Working on reading and writing, the dictionaries will come in handy. It is important for the students to learn to look up words and definitions instead of just Googling (Google as a verb). The cost is less than $5 each through Knowledge Tree or Novel for those wanting to shop local.

 

Mrs. Miller would also like to have a yearly subscription to Flocabulary.  CLICK HERE to see how Flocabulary works to keep students engaged. If students are not engaged, learning will not take place. A yearly subscription for the 4^th grade class is $120.

Mrs. Ghio has asked for two televisions and wall mounts for the new study rooms in the libraries. Students will be able to use Apple TV when collaborating, and teachers can use them for small group instruction. The rooms in the library have been converted to study rooms for student use. Each Toshiba TV costs $230 and the Wall Mount Bracket costs $32.

We have a great school, and through your support we just keep getting better. The new school year is off to a great start. Thank you.

God bless you,

Didier Aur, Principal

St. Ann Catholic School

2019-20 St. Ann Wish List

We have a number of very generous supporters who asked me to post a school wish list for non-budgeted items the students and teachers need. Below is a wish list the teachers have started sending my way. There will be more items to come and some items have already been gifted to us, so I have taken them off the wish list.

If you would like to contribute to one or more of the wish list items, please CLICK HERE to access our giving page. In the comment section, please designate the wish list item you would like to help purchase.

For the computer lab near the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade classrooms- Califone International CII3068AV10L Switchable Headphones Classpack of 10.  Each set of 10 is $93.13.  We need two sets for a total of $186.26. To be used for IXL and ReadWorks.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013TQ7E50/ref=nav_timeline_asin?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

For our growing school band: Used musical instruments in good condition.  If you have a used band instrument you no longer use, we are in need of instruments because the school band is growing, improving, and competing.

Patrick’s Press Quiz Pro Deluxe buzzer system for Knowledge Bowl competition.  The cost of the system plus shipping is $525.  $510 has been donated so for towards the purchase of the buzzer system. We are on $15 away from being able to make this purchase for the Knowledge Bowl team.  http://www.patrickspress.com/buzzers1.htm

BrainPop and BrainPop Jr. are educational websites with over 1,000 short animated movies for students in grades K-12, together with quizzes and related materials, covering the subjects of science, social studies, English, math, engineering and technology, health, and arts and music.  The cost for an annual subscription for the whole school is $2,550. An annual subscription for an individual teacher is $230 for BrainPop and $175 for BrainPop Jr.  https://www.brainpop.com

Starfall was created to teach children to read.  It includes language arts and mathematics for PK-3rd grade.  Starfall’s emphasis on phonemic awareness, systematic sequential phonics, and common sight words in conjunction with audiovisual interactivity has proven effective in teaching emergent readers.  Starfall activities are research-based and align with individual and common core state standards in English language arts and mathematics.  The cost for a school membership is $270.  The PK teachers have added Starfall to the school’s wish list.  

www.starfall.com

Jupiter JTU700 Tuba is the band director's dream. This 3/4 size tuba includes a detachable lead pipe, valve body and bell for easy cleaning and repair, plus durable construction that is perfect for the classroom. The tighter wrap and compact size will not overly tax younger players, while still offering an ample dynamic range and rich, sweet tone. The 378 tuba features stainless steel piston valves for easy action, plus a size, which makes the sound easy to control for beginning tuba player. The Jupiter JTU700 is a full-sounding 3/4 tuba any band director will enjoy hearing hold down the low end.  The cost for this tuba is $3,389.

If you have any questions regarding the wish list, please feel free to contact me at didier.aur@sascolts.org. Thank you.

God bless you,

Didier Aur, Principal

St. Ann Catholic School

Colts Cafe'

When people think of school cafeterias, they don't think of them as restaurants. Yet, our Colts Cafe' is just like any restaurant you see lining Stage Road. About the only difference is the Colts Cafe' serves only St. Ann students and staff.

We have a cafeteria manager, Noel Syriac. She is wonderful and is responsible for making sure the Cafe' is fully staffed, made spotless after every meal and passing health inspections, planning the meals a month ahead of time, overseeing purchases, serving a quality meal, while making sure the students and staff are happy and served quickly.

When Fr. Ernie hired me, I said that I would take the first year to see how the school operates. After the first year, improvements would be made where needed.

With that being said, we have made changes with the Colts Cafe' because the Cafe' has not been making a profit. At the end of 2018-19, the Colts Cafe' was roughly $24K in the red, and it is my understanding this has been the norm. We have to figure out how to increase revenue without increasing our prices.

So, Noel and I met this summer to review the numbers. In order for the Cafe' to break even, our revenue needs to be $400 per day. Last year, revenue was about $260 per day, which left us short $140 per day. -$140 per day times 170 days equals -$23.8K. There's our roughly -$24K difference.

How do we increase revenue?

Noel calculated each meal served. What we had to do was figure our what meals the students and staff were and were not purchasing. After the review, we have simply eliminated all non-profitable meals.

The second part of our plan to increase revenue is to better advertise our lunches. We want to make it easier for you to know what we are going to serve. Here's the link to our Colts Cafe' website page.  https://www.saintannbartlettschool.org/colts-cafe/

The third part of our plan is for me to be as transparent as I possibly can via my blog, and let you know about the profits and losses as well as the changes we are making with the Colts Cafe'.

The fourth part of our plan is to give you another option on school birthday parties. Whenever a student celebrates a birthday, many parents bring in pizzas and cupcakes for the class. When you bring in pizza for the whole class, the Colts Cafe' will have a whole class not purchase lunch. When you bring in cupcakes for the whole class, the Colts Cafe' will have a whole class not purchase desserts. We miss out on revenue from the foods not purchased. I'm sure the pizza companies greatly appreciate when you purchase 5 to 8 pizzas for your child's class to eat. We don't.

Here's our option to you. When you plan to bring pizzas and/or cupcakes to celebrate your child's birthday, contact Noel Syriac at noel.syriac@sascolts.org to order pizzas and cupcakes from the Colts Cafe'. Our pizzas are fresh, homemade, less expensive, and will be ready and waiting for you at school. The same with the cupcakes. Noel will have cupcakes ready that will also meet the needs of our students with food allergies. No eggs or milk in the cupcake or frosting. By the way, the pizzas are also gluten free.

All you have to do is contact Noel a couple of days before the birthday and she will take care of you. You can pay online with your PayForIt account https://www.payforit.net/, or you can just pay the Cafe'. We want to simplify the birthday process for you while helping you celebrate your child's birthday.

Last Friday was day one of the new planned improvements for the Colts Cafe'. Our revenue for that day was over $600. We are headed in the right direction. Please continue to give the Colts Cafe' the opportunity to serve you and the students and staff at St. Ann. Thank you.

God bless you,
Didier Aur, Principal
St. Ann Catholic School

Introducing Some New Colts Part II

Annmarie Ghio Painting Library Mural

In my last blog, I introduced four of the seven new folks at St. Ann for the 2019-20 school year. Now, it is time to introduce the rest of the gang.

We will start off with Lola Scarlett. What I've quickly learned about Ms. Scarlett is that everybody loves Lola. She has worked at so many of the Jubilee Schools plus St. Paul and St. Francis. Ms. Scarlett is our new art teacher, and she will be teaching the art classes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. She will continue teaching at St. Paul on Tuesday and Thursday. Ms. Scarlett is originally from Portugal and taught in Catholic Schools in Portugal for about ten years before moving to the United States. We are hoping she helps us with the school plays as well. She has already helped Annmarie Ghio paint a new mural in the library. Ms. Scarlett has been described by many who have worked with her as a ball of energy. We are excited that ball of energy will be with us at St. Ann!

Lola Scarlett Painting Library Mural

Tina Ostrowski also comes to us from the Catholic School system where she taught at St. Michael. Years ago, she was also the principal at St. Michael before moving back to Chicago. She moved to Memphis years ago and earned her Bachelor's degree from Memphis. She later received a Master's from Louis University in Chicago. She is a Cubs fan, which has already created a little competition with Stacey Griffith and Julia Langford (Cardinals fans), and John Baum (Pirates fan). Makes it more interesting that all three are in the same division. It really doesn't matter because whoever wins that division will lose to the Dodgers anyway. Kind of a moot competition there. Miss Ostrowski will be teaching 6th grade religion and social studies as well as 7th grade social studies. We are excited Miss Ostrowski will be with us at St. Ann. Just as with Lola Scarlett, people love Tina Ostrowski.

Judy Thomas is our new LIFE teacher. Mrs. Thomas worked at St. Ann last year as a part-time PK3 aid. She comes to us from Shelby County Schools (SCS) where she is a Title I teacher. One of her Title assignments was at St. Joseph where she worked with Leslie Harden, our new assistant principal. Mrs. Harden said, "Judy Thomas exudes compassion and a love for teaching and guiding students. She is extremely knowledgeable in her role as a Title teacher." Much of her teaching experience comes from working with students who need some extra academic help. So, she fits our LIFE teacher role perfectly. Mrs. Thomas is the St. Ann teacher with the most teaching certifications. And, she will continue her duties as a Title teacher with SCS.

That's it for the introduction of our new staff members. Lots of new topics coming soon in future blogs. The countdown to the first days of school for 2019-20 is on. See you soon at St. Ann!

Don't forget our $10K Challenge Match.  We are quickly approaching $8K in the St. Ann portion of the match led by the Class of '86. We would love to see other St. Ann classes help us meet the $10K match. All funds from the challenge match are earmarked for financial assistance.
https://stannbartlett.weshareonline.org/St.AnnAlumniMatchingChallenge

God bless you,
Didier Aur, Principal
St. Ann Catholic School