Greetings St. Clare of Montefalco families,
 
Writing the Newsletter is becoming more “normal” as we move closer to being done with this pandemic. Activities we were unable to implement are slowly returning to the school. This week we did an all school outside event as the students participated in the nation’s ACES program. Picnics are being scheduled for individual classrooms and we will return to All School Mass next Wednesday. We navigate this COVID-19 adjusting to the conditions as they present themselves. Families, thank you for moving through the adjustments with us. Please read the Parish Bulletin each week as highlights of what is happening in the school are acknowledged. This allows witness by parishioners of the good news coming from the school. This week Grade 2 zooming with WDIV Brandon Roux and Grade 6 and Grade 7 zooming with former classmate who moved to French Guiana in South America were highlighted.
 
Teacher Appreciation Week – Words cannot express enough how much the St. Clare of Montefalco teachers are appreciated. They are the reason our school was able to open face to face and students did not miss a day of instruction with their teachers all school year. The teachers taught full days everyday whether in person or virtual. They devoted after school hours in trainings to be proficient in the virtual world for delivering lessons to their students. This week teachers were acknowledged by students who shared personal thank you cards, lilacs from Mrs. Conlan’s garden, lunch provided from Jumps by the principal, and other small gifts from families.
 
STAR Testing – Parents, be aware that next week teachers are administering the End of the Year STAR assessment. The test will provide information on the growth, strengths, and weaknesses for your children across the school year. Please make sure your children have good rest all week and eat a healthy breakfast. Unlike so many other schools in our local community, St. Clare of Montefalco has been able to not miss a beat in providing instruction and assessment of our learners. 
 
FACTS Roll Out:  Shout out to Taneya Louis as the first student fully enrolled via FACTS with the release of this online enrollment packet. Thanks go out to Nikki Rittenour for volunteering to trouble shoot using the format and enrolling Franca and Mina Grassi before the release. All grades and other school information will be accessed through FACTS Family Portal, including enrollment for future school years. All families who have registered for next school year must complete the FACTS online enrollment packet. Help sessions are available before Dismissal early next week. You must call the office or email Ms. Cooley ( scooley@stclarem.org) to sign up for a help session.
 
Auction:   Nikki Rittenour and the Auction Committee were able to generate over $83,000 with this event. We are so appreciative of all those who support the school through this exciting event every year.
 
2021/2022 Calendar: A tentative calendar is near completion for release. Locked in is the school start date of Monday, August 30 ^th. This will be a half day for all students including preschool. Tuesday, August 31 through Thursday, September 2 ^nd full day classes will be held for Kindergarten through Grade Eight. Students will have a four-day Labor Day Weekend beginning Friday, September 3 ^rd. 

PTO Newsletter:  Click here for the May PTO Newsletter.
 
Important Dates and Reminders:
1.      STAR Testing – May 10 through May 14 (academic growth since August will be assessed)
2.      FACTS Rollout Assistance – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday May 10 -12 at 2:30 PM in Technology Lab
3.      PTO Zoom Meeting – Tuesday, May 11 at 7:00
4.      Confirmation – Sunday, May 16 ^th at 11:00
5.       Tentative Field Day (COVID-19 status based)– Friday, May 21 ^st
6.      Tuition Assistance Application 2021/2022 -- https://www.detroitcatholicschools.org/tuition-assistance-scholarships May 21, 2021 is deadline for first round applications.

Peace and God’s Blessing wished to you,
Ms. Crowley