MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Oct. 9-12 – Fall Book Fair (more info below)
Oct. 10 – PTO meeting
Oct. 11 – 1:45pm dismissal, P/T/S Conferences 2:15-7:00pm
Oct. 12 – 11:00am dismissal, P/T/S Conferences 11:30am-1:15pmOct. 13-17 – Fall Break
Oct. 12 – PTO Restaurant Night at El Nopal 11am – 10pm
Oct. 21 – Trivia Night
Oct. 24 – Open House for perspective families 9:00am-6:00pm
Oct. 27 – 6:00pm Trunk or Treat (more info below)
Greetings All!
September was a fabulous month for Ascension School! Here are some highlights:
– Students completed the three-week fall MAP testing.
– Our PTO led our biggest fundraiser of the year, Easy Money Sweepstakes (EMS).
– Our 2nd grade parents met with Ms. Duff and Fr. Robert to begin preparing for First Reconciliation on November 28th. Please keep them in your prayers.
– Library renovation is nearly complete.
– Bathroom stalls have been repaired.
– School has been painted.
– Landscaping will be completed soon.
– Athletic teams are competing in tournaments and doing well – more info to come!
MAP Test is the most trusted and innovative assessment for measuring achievement and growth in K–12 math, reading, language usage, and science. It provides teachers with accurate, actionable evidence to help inform instructional strategies regardless of how far students are above or below grade level.
At a recent Principals meeting, with the Archdiocese, Ascension was recognized for being one of two schools who are bright spots among all Catholic elementary schools on MAP testing this fall – our scores were amazing! Overall, we are in the 75th percentile in math, 78th percentile in reading and 77th percentile in language usage: That means we are 25%, 28% and 26% points higher than average (50%). I received an email from the Archdiocesan Data and Technology Specialist, Donna Brown, saying “your teachers are definitely doing something right!” The next MAP testing will take place in January and then again in April – I will keep you posted on our growth! It provides teachers with accurate, actionable evidence to help inform instructional strategies regardless of how far students are above or below grade level. It also connects to the largest set of instructional content providers, giving educators flexibility in curriculum choices.
The many projects happening around Ascension have been on the table for a couple of years and we are getting them done! Thank you to many of our parents and parishioners for your help! Bill Hesse, Tyler Baines, Nic Norwood, Nick Ising, Stephen Hoard, Phil Strohmeier, Bob Feger, Pete Welch, John Dwyer, Lee Earley, Justin Amburgey, Matt Amburgey, Bryan Back, Mike Brockman, Tom and Barbara Wagner, Brian Soverns, Tom Schmidt, Dennis Jones and Derek Simon. A big thank you to Tony and Susan Forns for their efforts to move these projects forward!
Thank you to our PTO for leading the EMS fundraiser! Our goal was 3k chances sold and we hit 2,648 (as of this printing). I think we will hit the goal before all is said and done – thank you to Susan Simmons for her extraordinary efforts! The money raised from this fundraiser will help support student technology and professional development for our teachers.
Danny Monaghan (8th grade teacher) Donna Jackel (K-5 Science teacher) and Dan Vowels will be recognized by the Archdiocese for their years of service in October. Danny 5 years, Donna 10 years and Dan 5 years. Fabulous teachers who are so deserving of recognition!
On another note, a parent recently requested time to meet with me as they are considering leaving Ascension. We met for over two hours having, what I felt was a very productive, conversation. The parents brought up their concerns surrounding too much time on iPad, concerns with parent resources to help their children with homework and a few other items. Following the meeting, I was able to speak to the faculty and followed-up with the parents to let them know iPad time in grades 3-5 is around 2 hours per week – much lower than what is published in our parent/student handbook. I want to ensure everyone we fully support a balanced approach to technology in classrooms. I did address the remaining issues as well.
Beyond those concerns they shared there is a general feeling of negativity in our community – a feeling not felt in over ten years. We discussed possible reasons as well as ideas for solutions. With that being said, I continue to invite anyone to discuss any issues you may be having in our community – I have always maintained an open-door policy for parents and students and want to ensure you all I will listen and to do what is best for our students.
I also would like to invite you all to a parent Q&A session:
– Grades K-2 on Monday, October 23rd at 6pm in the church.
– Grades 3-5 on Monday, October 30th at 6pm in the church.
– Grades 6-8 on Monday, November 13th at 6pm in the church.
These sessions might be a great opportunity to address concerns and/or dispel rumors. I welcome all parishioners as well. I will be sending more information via Lowdown and email about these sessions.
My hope is that we can all believe strongly enough in, what I feel is, the best community in the Archdiocese to overcome whatever issues we are feeling. This community has faced adversity in the past and through prayer, determination, spirit and togetherness, we persevered: It takes every one of us to keep this parish healthy. Every day I walk the halls, café, at recess and in classrooms; what I witness is a whole lot of happy students excited to be at school. They all have their bad days, and they do normal kid stuff, but in the end, I truly believe they love Ascension School! At times, I wonder if the issues we are having are more adult related than student? Ascension is amazing, just incredible! Please continue working hard to keep this parish vibrant, healthy and the talk of Louisville! I look forward to seeing you all at the parent Q&A sessions and thank you all for everything you do for our community!
Terrence Mullaney, Principal
CONGRATULATIONS!
Our 3rd/4th grade coed soccer team won the Our Lady of Lourdes fall soccer tournament on Sunday, 10/8! They had an undefeated season! GO LONGHORNS!
Team members are: Henry Welsh, Henry Gregory, Levi Amburgey, Finn Bates, Reeves Davie, Addie Simms, Rylend Wolczyk, Pete Heilman, Max Yee, Lucas Soverns, Matthew Soverns, Landon Spencer & John Guevara
Coaches are: Brian Soverns, Chris Gregory & Pete Welsh
FINAL FOUR CITY VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT – GR. 6 GIRLS TEAMS #1 & #2!
Come cheer on our Grade 6 girls who are in the final four volleyball tournament!
Team #1
When: October 10 at 7:00pm
Where: St. Albert
Team Members are: Caroline Jansen, Laila Aldred, Maggie McCulloch, Charlotte Cochran, Avery Farris, Maya Larosa, Brooke Bishop, Blakely Hayden, Stella Vincent, Nanette Ride & Emily Sanderfer
Coaches: Kristin Jansen & Teague Ridge
Team #2
When: October 10 at 6:00pm
Where: St. Gabriel
Team Members are: Rylie Flanders, Molly Gregory, Lilly Hartlage, Annmarie Mullin, Lizzy Earley, Ella Amburgey, Emily Simmons, Christa Ising, Gabby Sipes, Madison Yee & Julia Mullaney
Coaches: Cassidy McCracken, Hannah Pennington & Natalie Ising
BASKETBALL UNIFORM SIZING
If your 3rd through 8th grader is going to need a basketball uniform, you will need to attend one of the sizing dates in the gathering space:
Tuesday, October 17th from 6-7pm
Thursday, October 19th from 6-7pm
The cost will be $87.00 per uniform (cash or check).
PARISH OUTREACH
The parish outreach for the month of October will be the St. Bernadette Diaper Bank. The Bank collects diapers for children, the elderly and disabled, and supplies them to community agencies that assist low-income and homeless families. Currently, they are in need of children’s diapers size 6, and pull ups/training pants in sizes 2T-3T, 3T-4T, and 4T-5T. And, they are always in need of adult diapers and baby wipes. They do accept packages that have been opened. Place your donations in the baskets in the Gathering Space between the Sacristy and Worship Space doors throughout the month.
PARISH DIRECTORY
Our Church is doing a new pictorial directory! IT WON’T BE COMPLETE WITHOUT YOU!
Photo dates are: Nov. 7 – 9, 2023
You will have a professional photography session, see your proofs, and have the opportunity to purchase extra portraits for family and friends. You will also receive a complimentary 8×10 photo as well as the new directory.
You can make your appointment online. Click on the link below and make your appointment on-line.
https://instant-scheduling.com/sch.php?page=&lang=en&year=2023&month=11&day=01&subPage=newApp&aNum=3534502&step=2&sceId=&typId=65111&a=
SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR – MONDAY, OCTOBER 9 through THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12
You may take your “someone special” to the book fair after lunch.
The book fair will be open during conferences on Wednesday and Thursday!
The PTO has generously allocated the money for each student (K-8) to purchase a book from the Book Fair for $5.00 or less. (Students in preschool will receive their PTO funds during the Spring book fair).
Ewallet is now available to use as payment at the Book Fair. Ewallet is a safe, cashless way for students to shop, just set up a free account and add funds, Visit https://www.scholastic.com/b/ascensionschool13 for online shopping and ewallet information. Credit cards, checks and cash will also be accepted as payment.
All purchases benefit Ascension’s library and are tax exempt.
Email bwagner@ascension-parish.com with any questions.
Volunteers are needed! Please email bwagner@ascension-parish.com if you are interested.
PTO WEBSITE – https://sites.google.com/view/ascensionpto/home
PTO FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/groups/421480501922288/
PTO NEWSLETTER – https://sites.google.com/view/ascensionpto/monthly-newsletter
TRIVIA NIGHT – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21! DON’T MISS OUT!
Join the Ascension PTO for Fright Night: A Halloween Trivia Event. The event is Saturday, October 21st in the gym. Grab your table of 8 and purchase your tickets today on Eventbrite!
The winning trivia team will win $500 and the best-decorated table will win $100!!
If you would like to volunteer to work the event please email Chris Neichter at neichterc@yahoo.com or find the Sign Up Genius on the Ascension PTO Facebook page: Fright Night Trivia Night
TRUNK OR TREAT
Friday, October 27 @ 6:00pm
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E044EAAA82AA0FF2-44468969-ascension?useFullSite=true#/
Sign up below to reserve your spot to decorate your car for Ascension’s Trunk or Treat on Friday, October 27th. Have cars ready to go by 6:00PM. There will be best dressed boy and girl contest, best decorated car contest, split the pots, and DJ SLIKK. 8th grade selling dinner for the Grand Canyon Field Trip from 6-8.
BOX TOPS COLLECTION
Did you know that Ascension is a Box Tops school? During this challenging time, our teachers and students need more help than ever. No matter what school looks like, Box Tops for Education is a fast and easy way for you to help out from home.
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: Buy participating products and use the Box Tops mobile app to scan your store receipt. The app identifies eligible products and automatically adds Box Tops to your school’s earnings online. Even if you’re shopping online or doing grocery pickup, you can still submit your e-receipts and earn Box Tops. Twice a year, our school gets a check!
The PTO uses money earned from Box Tops to fund our iPad program and other classroom needs for our students!
Here’s how YOU can help earn money for our school!
• DOWNLOAD the Box Tops app and select our school to support. This ensures that your Box Tops purchases count toward our school’s earnings.
• SHOP for Box Tops products and use the app to scan your receipt to add to our school’s earnings online.
• LOOK for any remaining Box Tops clips on packages. If you find some, clip them and send them to school!
• SPREAD THE WORD about Box Tops!
FUN TIP: You can also use the “Invite Friends” feature in the app to ask friends and family to help support our school!
Your earnings may seem small, but they really do add up. The more people that participate, the bigger the impact we can make. So let’s give our teachers the support they need and help give more kids the opportunity to dream. Little by little, we can help make a BIG difference.
LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW BOX TOPS WORKS AT BTFE.COM
REMINDER
Student’s who are absent should be phoned in or emailed to Ms. Thomas by 8:15am. There is a 24 hour message system for you to phone in absences, 451-2535 ext. 22.
Also, it is very important that your child/ren arrive at school on time daily! Students should be in their class and chair by 7:55am. If your child is late, you must come in to sign them in. Thank you!