Friday night == Movie Night!

RSVP today for PTC Movie Night featuring "Wreck It Ralph!"

Some quick tips to make Movie Night more enjoyable:

- Kids bring your sleeping bags and pillows and come in your comfy clothes or PJ's.
- Adults bring your camping chairs for a comfy seat (folding chairs will be available).
- Bring a picnic dinner with you or eat beforehand and enjoy the popcorn and water.


Doors open at 6:30pm, movie starts at 7pm!  See you there!

A huge thank you to Carla Covarrubias for Chairing this event!

Lock-Down... what a scare!

We can breath a huge sigh of relief now and thank God for watching over everyone at the school. 

Today we all received that dreaded voicemail: "The school is on lock-down. Please stay away...."  Even with the reassurances that the children were fine, I know it took quite a bit of strength for any parent to stay away.

During this time, there were a few things that helped:

1. Security Cameras... knowing these camera's are there gives me some relief. What a great tool to have available.

2. Communication... I was so glad to receive the voicemail message not only on my home phone, but my cell phone, my husband's cell phone, and our email addresses. I prefer over communication for something like this!

3. Community... Voicemails, postings, and texts from other parents helps keep us all informed.

4. Quick Action... Just a few minutes after PTC posted about this on our facebook page, we received the "All Clear" voicemail. Thank God!

I have yet to know the specifics but am sure we will learn more as the day unfolds.  Was there something the school could have done better? How did you feel? Comment below to let us know...

CCSS??? What is that!?!?!

I don’t know about you, but when I read Principal Abate’s letter about CCSS, it kind of scared me. It sounded a little overwhelming and I was wondering how this was going to change school curriculum and how it was going to impact our family. But before giving it a thumbs-down and allowing negative thoughts to bubble up at the mere thought of CCSS, I thought I’d do a little more research. Here’s a couple basic questions I had and what I learned…. 

 

What is it? 

CCSS stands for Common Core State Standards. It directs teachers to instruct based on standards that children are to meet. For all the background info on CCSS, click here.

  

Are we guinea pigs for a new program? 

No, this effort started in 2009 (ok, so we’re not guinea pigs).  It has been implemented in many schools nation wide and many states are planning full implementation in the coming years.

 

Why is it being implemented? 

The concept is to have a national standard that ensures our children are able to do two things: 1) compete in the modern workforce and 2) ensure college readiness.

How is it going to impact my family? 

I’m still not 100% sure on this one. I hope our teachers are prepared for this new change and we don’t struggle implementing it. I’ve been told that they are attending seminars and gaining knowledge in this area. I hope our teachers understand we do our best to manage school, work, social, and family obligations. I am confident that they will not expect us to take on the teaching role but find ways to help us in supporting this change with guidance and the right tools.

After learning a bit more I felt much more comfortable with this new program. I expect there will be an adjustment period, but I know we will get through it.  What questions do you have about CCSS and implementing it at St. Bernard’s? Let us know… maybe we can find out for you or have Principal Abate address your concerns.

Help the Scrip Program!

Did you know the school counts on a certain income generated from the Scrip program to cover operational costs? Yes it does and it needs your help!

For the last two years, Scrip sales have been down. PTC excess funds have been used to cover those operational costs.  Wouldn’t we all love to use those funds to assist with other areas of the school?

Help make this year the year Scrip hits its target.  Do you have any summer plans? Let Scrip help you get it done!  Some ideas…

             Home, Garden, Projects                   Home Depot (4%), Lowes (4%),

             Home décor, clothing, misc.             Marshalls/Home Goods (7%), Ross (8%)

             Summer clothing                              Macys (10%)

             Summer gas and groceries               Safeway, Raley’s (4%)

             Camping                                          Walmart (3%)

             Need a coffee break?                       Starbucks (7%)

             Need a break from dinner?                Various food vendors available

             Travel                                            Marriott (8%), Hyatt (9%)

We appreciate your help…. Go to the office or send your list with your child’s work…. Together, we can do this!  How do you use Scrip during summer?

Father Daughter Dance

They grow so fast… you hear it all the time and it is so true! It makes nights like Father Daughter Dance so memorable.  When I asked, my daughter said her favorite part of the dance was “spending time with just me and Daddy!”… my husband said his favorite parts was that our daughter was “so happy and excited” about the event.  The decorations were great, the treats were yummy, and the DJ was very encouraging…. I heard even the shyest Dad walked down the Soul Train line with his Daughter!  I can’t wait to see the pictures.

Thank you Adriana Cashen (Chair) and Adaire Whetstone (Co-Chair) for coordinating this special event and all the volunteers who helped make it a success. All your time and effort is truly appreciated as we treasure these moments. A first for our Kindergarteners and for our 8^th graders, the last before high school events take their place….  Didn’t I say they grow so fast!?!

I came across this prayer for Fathers and Daughters and would like to share with you all, check it out here.

What was your favorite part of St. Bernard's Father Daughter Dance?

Golf Tournament News

Spring is in the air... and Golf is on my mind!

*** The 22nd Annual St. Bernard's Golf Tournament ***

Saturday, August 24th at Tracy Golf and Country Club.  Early team and player registration open now through August 1, 2013!  Sponsors are welcome...  check out all the information here! This is one event you don't want to miss!

If you've been to one of St. Bernard's Golf Tournaments, tell us all about it..... comment below!

Welcome!

Welcome to St. Bernard's School PTC website.

We've heard your feedback and are committed to providing you additional information to help you understand the role of PTC at St. Bernard's Catholic School in Tracy, CA.  We hope this site will be helpful in providing information on events, chairperson responsibilities, fundraising efforts,  and much more.

We appreciate your support and patience as we get this site up and running.