St.Theresa School News

Celebrating 57 Years of Excellence, 1950 - 2007
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2007-2008 SCHOOL YEAR

SCHOOL WEB PAGE: http://www.rc.net/boston/st_theresa_school/

E-MAIL:sttheresaschoolboston@comcast.net
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CALENDAR FOR DECEMBER ·  SCHOOL LUNCH MENU

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Statement of Mission

St. Theresa of Avila School is rooted in the Catholic tradition and serves students of diverse population. In a Christ-Centered and nurturing environment, we strive to instill in our students the confidence that will empower them, as informed and compassionate individuals, to effect change in our world. Consistent with our Gospel values, we are committed to the education and formation of the whole person.

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CHARACTER EDUCATION

We have put in place a character education program as an integral part of the school curriculum.  Each month’s Newsletter has a short write-up about the virtue of the month so that parents can enhance the school curriculum by discussing and practicing these virtues at home.

 

September    - TOLERANCE                    February    - COOPERATION

October        - RESPECT                           March        - COMPASSION

November    - RESPONSIBILITY            April           - SINCERITY

December    - CHARITY                           May           - COURTESY

January        - KINDNESS                        June           - JOYFULNESS

Virtue of the month: CHARITY

      Throughout December, let us together work on CHARITY.  Kindness, generosity, and giving are our tangible ways of putting Charity into our lives.  The words of kindness that we can use when we speak with our children, the generosity of our actions towards other people when we help them, the giving of our time and ourselves when money would be easier are all ways that we can reveal Charity to children.  It is this thinking about others at school and at home that we need to encourage and nurture in all Children and Adults.  The good seeds that we sow now will be harvested for years to come.

 

Your sharing in the character education of our children is needed and greatly appreciated.

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EMERGENCY FORMS

            Please fill out and return the emergency form to school immediately.

 

 

 

THANK YOU!

     …To all who participated in our Parkway Orchestra Concert, and Turkey Shoot! Special thank you to all our volunteers and bakers who made all these events possible. We are grateful for your help and cooperation.

      Most important of all, thank you for your presence and support of Catholic Education as a volunteer in the yard, cafeteria, library, traffic, computer room and room parents.  Your interest, involvement and support of St. Theresa School is wonderful and greatly appreciated.

 

 

A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

 

     The St. Theresa PTA and the Faculty, Administration and Staff of our St. Theresa School wish every one of our students and their families a blessed and lovely Christmas and a wonderful New Year.  This year, as always, a gift which requires no money is available for immediate giving:  the gift of ourselves and our love - unquestionably the greatest gift we can give and such a special gift that it will be remembered long after the others have vanished.  This is a gift that rewards both the giver and the receiver.  It is the gift you often hear people say that they wished they had given but had put off until it was too late.

 Peace on Earth and Happy Holidays to all!

 

 

 

GOBBLE, GOBBLE

 

Saturday, November 17th was a great afternoon for Turkey Shooters! Many lucky participants went home with fixings for their Thanksgiving dinners - everything from decorations to baskets of veggies and bottles of wine and cider. Many thanks to the PTA members involved in planning and presenting the Turkey Shoot. Thanks to our "runners" who brought youthful enthusiasm (and young legs) to the afternoon and to the many bakers who provided the goodies. Thanks, too, to Roche Bros. for their generous support. Once the feathers settle, we'll have a more accurate number, but right now, it looks like this event brought in a great crowd. Now that's something else for us to be thankful for!

 

ST. THERESA COMBINED CHOIRS CONCERT

   St. Theresa’s Parish Choir, Children’s Choir and Choristers, along with the Holy Name Church Choir, will be presenting an Advent/Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 4:00p.m.  in St. Theresa’s Main Church.  Refreshments will be served after the concert in the pavilion.  All are most welcome to attend.

 

ENCORE! ENCORE!

 

      St. Theresa's Eighth Annual Parkway Concert Orchestra Fall Pops Concert on November 4th was an afternoon of marvelous music. Thanks to P.E. Murray, Doherty & Sons Funeral Home for sponsoring this event and Dr. Bunbury and the choirs and everyone else who worked so hard to bring us this entertaining and uplifting experience. The choirs were wonderful! The Parkway Concert Orchestra was outstanding! Everyone, take a bow!

 

 

PTA MEMBERSHIP AND DUES  

PTA membership dues for this school year are $ 15.00 per family.  An envelope is attached to this Newsletter for your convenience.  Please write your family name on the envelope and return it with the dues enclosed.  Checks may be made payable to St. Theresa PTA.  Since the PTA gives a substantial gift to the school each May, membership dues are the most important source of “start up” capital for the PTA each fall.  Thanks!

 

 

CALENDAR/HANDBOOK

            Your child has received the 2007-2008 Calendar/Handbook.  Please be sure to read this information with your child to be sure all the guidelines are fully understood.  Parents, please note change in tuition policy.  It is essential that you and your child sign the form on the first page and have it returned with your child to his/her teacher.

 

 

Parking and Safety 

We remind you again that there is NO PARKING ON PINE LODGE ROAD OR ON ST. THERESA AVENUE FROM THE INTERSECTION AT CENTRE ST. TO HOMEWOOD ROAD during school hours. There is NO STOPPING, DROPPING OFF OR PICKING UP in this school zone. If you ignore the NO PARKING signs, your plate number will be reported to the Boston Police Dept.

     Winter is coming and St. Theresa Ave. can be treacherously slippery. Please do not expose your children or anyone else's to additional hazards by parking or dropping off on St. Theresa Ave.!

We cannot stress enough the importance of
NOT PARKING ON EITHER SIDE OF SAINT THERESA’S AVENUE
OR PINELODGE ROAD AT ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL TIMES.

 

 PARKING LOT MONITORS

 

A special thank you is necessary for the wonderful people who help with traffic control during the morning and afternoon.  Should anyone else wish to contribute their time to this effort, please contact Mrs. Gibbons at 617-323-1050. As you are aware, line 4 is no longer in existence.  Parents must come into the schoolyard to pick up their children.  Again, there have been “near misses” with cars and children running.  Cars continue to drive on the sidewalk, over grass etc. in their haste to get home.  We continue to ask your cooperation and to set a good example for your children.

 

IN HOUSE VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers are asked to stay in the area of service they have committed to this year.  We have found volunteers in other parts of the building without the knowledge of the principal.  The Archdiocese has clear rules and regulations pertaining to volunteers in our building.

 

YARD DUTY VOLUNTEERS

 

     Thank you to the regulars who consistently volunteer for yard duty and to any newcomers who have been helping.  We realize that the colder weather is coming but the children still need supervision during this time.  If you have been to the schoolyard during the lunchtime recess, you know your presence is necessary and appreciated by both the children and the teachers on duty.  The children are allowed to play games if there are enough parents to help supervise.

 

ST. THERESA CHURCH ORNAMENT

 

     The PTA is continuing to sell a very attractive, hand-painted ceramic ornament of St. Theresa Church.  The ornament would make a wonderful gift for Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries or other special occasions.  For additional information, please contact Anne Remmes at 617-323-3826

 

ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL PROCEDURES***

    Arrival time is 7:45 a.m. We have added 20 minutes to our day in order to begin our summer vacation on time. School begins at 7:55 a.m.  If children are not in their seats at 7:55 a.m. they are tardy.  Please plan time in the morning so children are on time and ready to start their day.

     Safety Reminder:

     People picking up children at dismissal time are asked to drive INTO the schoolyard via LANDSEER TERRACE.

     All children being driven from school should be taking Line 3.  We are very concerned about people parking their cars on St. Theresa Avenue and other side streets.   In the interest of the safety of ALL of our children, we ask that you please refrain from parking on St. Theresa Avenue to pick up children. NO PARKING signs have been posted on the street by the Boston Police.

ABSENTEE PROCEDURES

 When a student is kept home from school for reasons of health or family emergency, the parent is asked to follow the procedures below:

1.      Call the school (617) 323-1050 between 7:00 and 8:30 A.M. on the day of absence to explain the reason for absence. If the call is not received or is questioned for validity, a school staff member will contact the parent either at home or at work.

2.      Provide the student with a dated letter indicating the date(s) of absence as well as the reason. This letter, signed by the parent, must be presented to the homeroom teacher on the day of return.

WE APPRECIATE YOUR COOPERATION IN THIS MATTER.

 

FUNDRAISER UPDATE

The Early Bird Winner- drawn on November 13^th

The Henshaw  Family – Watertown.  CONGRATULATIONS!!

Just a reminder returns for the fundraiser ended on Nov. 30^th.  Final drawings will take place on December 10^th.   Thank you to all who supported our efforts on behalf of our school.

 

BLANKET AND COAT DRIVE

 

     Looking for another way to care for our brothers and sisters in need? St. Theresa School is also sponsoring a blanket and winter coat appeal to benefit the Boston Healthcare for the homeless program. There is a great need for adults especially men’s coats. Please send donations of clean, usable coats to the School Office by December 3rd. Remember, "Whatsoever you do for the least of my brethren, you do for me."

 

CHRISTMAS WREATH PICKUP

 

     The Christmas Wreathes ordered via the PTA will be available for pick up on Thursday, Dec. 6^th 2:00-3:00, Friday Dec. 7^th 11:30-12:30 and Saturday, Dec 8^th 9:00-11:00am. in the schoolyard.  The PTA thanks you for your order.

The Faculty and Staff wish you and your family a Blessed Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

FIRST PENANCE

 

First Penance will be held December 3^rd and 4^th at 7:00 p.m in the main Church. Children whose last names begin with A- K will attend on December 3, 2007.  Children whose last names begin with L-Z will attend on December 4^th.

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL PARENTS

 

ALL teachers, staff and volunteers who are ministering directly to our children MUST SUBMIT CORI FORMS ANNUALLY to the Archdiocese of Boston. 

 

BOSTON COLLEGE EDUCATIONAL SEISMOLOGY PROJECT:

The Boston College Educational Seismology Project(BC-ESP)  offers an educational opportunity for students, teachers and their communities to be directly involved with scientific research.  This project is operated by Weston Observatory, a research laboratory of the Department of Geology and Geophysics at Boston College, in partnership with the Boston College Lynch School of Education.  The BC_ESP uses seismology as a medium for inviting students into the world of science research by inquiry-based learning through investigation of earthquakes recorded by seismographs in K-12 classrooms.  Seismology is an interdisciplinary science that requires understanding a wide range of scientific concepts, and seismology also teaches students how the natural environment impacts society.  Thus, the BC-ESP offers numerous possibilities for introducing students to the nature of scientific inquiry and to the importance of science in their everyday lives.

 

It is truly fascinating that it is possible to record earthquakes at great distances using seismographs.    In fact, it does not take a particularly complex seismograph to record earthquakes from across the globe.  Seismographs measure the pulse of the Earth, and provide direct information about earthquakes, plate tectonics, and the structure of the Earth’s interior.  Thus, having their own seismograph in the classroom gives students a way of collecting real-world data and making measurements that provide them with an understanding of the internal structure of the earth and processes by which the Earth changes.  The AS1 seismograph, which serves as the classroom seismograph for this work, is ideal for this purpose because it is affordable, records earthquakes quite well considering its low cost, and is relatively simple to install and operate.

 

The Boston College team, led by geophysicist Dr. Alan Kafka in collaboration with Dr. Michael Barnett of the Lynch School of Education and Dr. John Ebel, geophysicists and Director of Weston Observatory, operates educational seismographs in classrooms and provides curriculum resources for students in the K-12 schools.  The exercises associated with these in-class seismographs teach students not only about seismology and seismic waves, but also about plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain building, as well as about how the forces of nature shape the Earth’s surface.  Furthermore, our seismology curriculum, based on the in-class seismographs, also teaches students about various aspects of physics, such as energy, mechanics and waves, and encourages a culture of scientific inquiry in K-12 schools.

 

We are working on a date for a parent information night. The staff and the scientists of Weston Observatory will present this program.  This is wonderful opportunity, and cross curricula teaching tool to benefit our children.  The investment is large, but it is well worth the investment.  We are currently working on applications for grant money, any and all help and money will be accepted.

 

HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR

We're bringing back the Holiday House Tour here in West Roxbury! Sunday, Dec. 9th from 2:00-5:PM. Departing from Holy Name School Hall and show casing 6-7 Parkway area homes decorated for the Holidays. Some of you may remember this successful fundraiser from years ago when the Bernadines ran it. Well, they're back helping us out to make this successful fundraiser for West Roxbury Main Streets. Advanced tickets/buttons will be on sale prior to 12/9. The cost is 20.00 in advance and 25.00 the day of the House Tour.  Trolleys will be available for the tour, however you may also drive yourself. Please, come join us for this festive community event (must be 18 yrs. or older) - and, pick up a few tips to decorate your home! For information, please call Kathy Butler or Kelly Tynan at WRMS (617)325-6400, OR email kbutler@wrms.org.

 

 

THOSE BOXTOPS ADD UP!

 

  Parents, please don’t forget to save over the summer for our free fundraisers!!  Box Tops 4 Education coupons, Hood Sox tops for Kids, and Tyson Labels, can be clipped and you can leave them in the basket at the back of the church, or you can hold them until September, or you contact me at dolan.carol@verizon.net  if you would rather drop them off at my house.

 

Please remember that if you need additional collection sheets for the Box Tops you can either make one yourself, or go to the website and print one off at www.boxtops4education.com/activitycenter. This school year has been such a big success with the Box Tops 4 Education.  We are hoping that the Hood Sox Tops for kids and the Tyson labels program will take off as well and help us raise extra money for our school.  Remember, each Box Top is worth 10 cents, Tyson labels are worth 24 cents, and the Hood Caps are worth 5 cents.  Check out the schools progress on any of the websites.

www.boxtops4education.com/Login.aspx, www.tyson.com/projectaplus

 

Thanks to all of our families for the overwhelming response to the Box Tops this year and we wish you all a very happy and safe summer vacation!!

 

This is all trash that we are turning into cash for our school.  Keep up the good work everyone!!!

 

PARISH OUTREACH PROGRAM

Would you like to be part of our Parish Outreach Program?  Would you be willing to drive an elderly person to church on Saturday or Sunday?  Would you be able to take an elderly person to the grocery store or to a medical appointment?  If you can help in any way, please call Sister Virginia @ 617 325-9175.  Thank you for any assistance you can give.

 

RCIA

   Your child is a student at St. Theresa School. You and your child feel very much part of the school and parish community. Perhaps you even accompany your child and spouse to Mass each week. The liturgy is comforting and uplifting. But you are not Catholic. If this description sounds familiar, perhaps it may be a good time to think about the place of faith and religion in your life today. If you are interested in becoming Catholic and learning more about the Catholic faith, RCIA might be just what you're looking for.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process of formation and instruction that the Church uses to bring people into the Church.

RCIA is for you if:
You have never been baptized but would like to join the Catholic Church;
You were baptized and raised in another faith and now wish to be received into the Catholic Church,
or You were baptized Catholic, but never received First Communion or Confirmation.

RCIA at St. Theresa's begins mid-October; instruction sessions are held Tuesday evenings. A team of parishioners lead weekly discussions on topics of Scripture, prayer morality, and Catholic traditions. If you are interested in learning more about RCIA, please leave your name and contact information at the Rectory (617-323-1300) before October 7th.

RECYCLING PROGRAM

Our recycling is progressing very well.  We will continue to “save trees” and our planet.

 

RECYCLE, RECYCLE, RECYCLE

   We have been very successful!  They are paying us to recycle, and we are saving our environment at the same time.  Thank you for all your help.

St. Theresa's is involved in a recycling project which will earn us computer and sports equipment. Please save all your used printer cartridges (laser and inkjet) and send them to the school office. These will be recycled and will earn our school points that can be redeemed for equipment.

Did you know that you can recycle newspaper, magazines, shopping catalogs office and school papers and mail, 24 hours a day 7 days a week at our school.  It’s that easy Recycle your paper every week and help us raise money for projects like playgrounds, books and other worthwhile activities.  The paper Retriever is located in the school parking lot, just send it in or drop it off. Please remember that there is no PLASTIC, GLASS, METAL, or TRASH to be put in, just paper.  Not only does this help our school but,  it makes the world a better place for our children.

 

PROTECTING GOD'S CHILDREN PROGRAM

   Saint Theresa’s Parish conducts a program for our employees, our parish volunteers, and the sisters and priests of the parish.  It is entitled “Protecting God’s Children.”  The purpose of the program is to alert everyone who has any kind of contact with children and young people about the steps we should all take to protect them from any kind of sexual abuse and dangers of other kinds.  There is a heavy emphasis in the program about the warning signs, which can alert people to the danger that something harmful may happen to children or young people.

ALL VOLUNTEERS MUST PARTICIPATE IN THE PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN PROGRAM AND SUBMIT A CORI FORM IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES IN SCHOOL.

On Monday September 24, 2007 and February 4, 2008, the above course will be offered from 9-11a.m. and 7-9p.m. at Monsignor Donahue Hall.

 

 

CORI FORMS

The Archdiocese is requiring that each CORI form be presented in person and verified.  We must have all volunteers come to school and verify their form.  This will take place during the week of September 10-14.  Please remember that no volunteer can work in the school without a CORI form and participating in “Protecting God’s Children”.  Thank you for your continued cooperation.

 

TUITION/ BOOKS & SUPPLIES FEE

The tuition bill will be mailed on December 18.  Please enclose the bottom portion of the bill with your tuition payment to assist us in applying your payment to the correct family. 

 

SCHOOL NEWS

The current month’s SCHOOL NEWS and other interesting information about St. Theresa’s School can be seen on our SCHOOL WEB PAGE:

http://www.rc.net/boston/st_theresa_school/

 

ADOPT-A-BOOK • Adopt-A-Book

   Need a gift idea for that upcoming First Holy Communion or Graduation? Would you like to honor a grandparent or special friend? Please consider our ADOPT-A-BOOK program! You would be making a lasting contribution to our school library while at the same time honoring a person of your choice. An order form is included below. If you need more information, please call Mary Kercz at 325-7037. Thank you to all who have already participated!

   What can be as satisfying as seeing an avid reader find something exciting and new to read? How about enticing a reluctant reader by being able to offer attractive books on many interesting subjects at his or her reading level? In the past 2 years, the School Library has added about 400 new hardcover books thanks to the ADOPT-A-BOOK program so generously supported by parents, parishioners and alumni. We've made a great start, but the need for new books is on-going! For a tax-deductible donation of $20.00, you too can "adopt" a book for the library. The book will contain a bookplate commemorating your gift. You can make a donation in honor of a special occasion or a special person. Your gift now will make a difference to St. Theresa's students for years to come! If you have questions, please call Mary @ 325-7037.

ADOPT-A-BOOK    FORM

 

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TECHNOLOGY

As you probably already know, the computers in our school are maintained by a Tech Committee, made up of volunteers who come in once or twice a month to fix any problems that may arise.  If you are computer savvy and would like to be a part of this group, please call Diane O’Donnell at our school (617) 323-1050. We are most grateful for all you do to support the school and our fund-raising, which allows us to continue providing an excellent education and enhanced technology for our children.

 

TECHNOLOGY 4 KIDS

   The Technology 4 Kids Program continues. Please keep shopping online just as you have been doing! For further information, please call Michael Giunta at (617) 327-7825.

   You can help provide new computer equipment for our school just by shopping for yourself and your family! When you buy goods or services from Technology4Kids sponsors, St. Theresa's receives points redeemable for needed equipment. You don't have to change your buying habits or make huge purchases - you just send in UPC's or receipts from participating products or merchants such as Duracell Batteries, PepBoys and Bob's Stores.

   Don't forget- if you shop online, you can get valuable points for the school by shopping at www.Technology4Kids.com. You can access over 200 stores, including favorites like Amazon, Staples, Toys R Us, Gap and Old Navy through the website. There is a one-time registration, which takes less than ten minutes to complete. There are no added costs to you.  St. Theresa's code is  02132031.  

   Technology4Kids also credits the school for computer printer cartridges and deactivated cell phones which we recycle with them. If you have any used cartridges cluttering up your home or office, please send them in to the school office. Have you traded up to a sleeker cell phone? Changed your plan (and who hasn't?) and had to buy a new phone? Send the old one in to the school office and that phone you're no longer using can be transformed into cash for St. Theresa's. Thanks!

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Welcome to our Web Site Visitors ! ! !

We are:

St. Theresa of Avila School

40 St. Theresa Avenue

West Roxbury (Boston), Massachusetts 02132

USA

Telephone: (617) 323-1050

E-MAIL:sttheresaschoolboston@comcast.net

Mrs. Jane Gibbons, Principal

We are a Parochial Elementary School (Kindergarten I & II through Grade 8) accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. (NEASC). If you are interested in obtaining more information about our school, please write to Sr. Virginia Kelleher at the above noted address.

This Newsletter is published monthly throughout our school year (September - June).

ENVIRONMENTAL NOTICE

According to the Environmental Protection Agency's Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA, 40 CFR, Part 763) requirements, re-inspection and updating of the management plan is required every three years. Therefore, St. Theresa School was inspected in the spring of 2004. The next inspection will be done in 2007. THERE WERE NO DEFICIENCIES NOTED DURING THE REINSPECTION! The results of the re-inspection are on file in the management plan in the school's office.

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St Theresa School
40 St Theresa Ave
West Roxbury, Mass. 02132
    (617) 323-1050
sttheresaschoolboston@comcast.net

Monsignor William Manning Helmick, Pastor
Mrs. Jane Gibbons, Principal

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Created by Thomas Samaras                                                                   

Updated 9/11/2007