November Update – Book Fair and more!

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving & Holiday Season

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We wanted to take a moment to let you know how thankful we are to have families like you! We are grateful for your help throughout the year. We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family.

– The PTO Board



 

Fall News

We’ve some exciting news & info to share!


Did you know the PTO is running a Fall Fundraiser for the next 10 days?

Check it out below – the delicious cookies and popcorn could help with your to-do list going into the holiday seaso

Let’s buy some cookie dough! …and popcorn!


Were you aware that SchoolStore fundraising is also going on right now? This can be a great way to give back to the school by purchasing items you were going to buy anyway.

So before you buy a gift card for your mail person or subscription for your nephew, head over to SchoolStore and see if you can make your purchase conveniently through the Monsignor Clarke SchoolStore and give back to the school while you shop!


MCS is endeavoring to take on a new tradition and inviting you to come one, come all to the Live Nativity Drive-through!

Tickets sales will start in the coming weeks; meanwhile, click the poster below to learn how you and your family can be a part of this new tradition.


As the temperature drops, you may find yourself missing sunny days at the links (when it wasn’t raining this summer).

We hear you and we’re already busy planning the July MCS Annual Golf Open! So give your golf-loving self a dose of dopamine and save the date:

Monday, July 8th, 2024


Don’t sleep on the fantastic events (including Scholastic Book Fair) the PTO has in the works.

Planning is well under way; some events are noted below with firm dates booked while others have target dates which will be shared in future communications as they are firmed-up.

Check out the entire event list!


As always, don’t hesitate to reach out via email (pto@monsignorclarkeschool.org) or check out our website HERE.

NEWS FROM THE PTO!

SchoolStore Fundraiser

On Tuesday, your student will come home with a kick off packet for the School Store Fundraiser. You can purchase gift cards for teachers and shop the bookstore to earn money for the school, but you can also support MCS when you shop at popular retailers!

Click here before you shop at Walmart, Target, Old Navy, Gap, Kohl’s and many more! A percentage of your sale goes to MCS!


The Halloween Spooktacular is back!

Don’t miss out on all of the MCS fall fun.

Tickets ($5/adult and $8/child; $30 max/family) are available to purchase now. Advance purchase is encouraged, but they will also be available at the door.

We also need volunteers! This is a really fun way to help make the event a success. Consider committing just an hour to help run a game, keep an eye on bowling, hand out popcorn or set or clean up. Volunteers are the key to making this event run smoothly. Click here to sign up.

Lastly, there are a few spots left to sign up here to contribute your car, van or truck trunk to Trunk or Treat! You decorate your trunk and we provide the candy. Prizes will be awarded for best trunk!

 


Be a Part of this New Christmas Tradition!

The MCS Live Nativity Project!

This year the PTO, in collaboration with MCS administration, are striving to create a very special new tradition that involves the entire MCS community and more closely reflects our school’s Catholic identity, while still raising funds to support our students and school.

Please take a moment to read more about The MCS Live Nativity project and complete the google form to see how you can participate in making this event a new tradition for MCS and all of South County.

At the informational meeting on October 12th we hope to share ideas, brainstorm and create a great vision for the wonderful event alongside our many stakeholders and volunteers.

We are excited to create an event that incorporates our students, staff, parents and families’ collective and unique talents and gifts!! We hope to see you there!

Complete the google form by clicking the button below

Plan to attend an information meeting to learn more about this event

Thursday, October 12th 6:30pm – MCS Library

Click here to join us in celebrating this new tradition

MCS Halloween Spooktacular Sat Oct 14 – all the details!

Join us for MCS’s Halloween Spooktacular on

Saturday, October 14th!

This annual MCS tradition will feature many fun activities for the whole family. Trunk or treat, games, food trucks, spooky mini-golf, duckpin bowling and more!

Tickets ($5/adult and $8/child; $30 max/family) are available to purchase now. Advance purchase is encouraged but they will also be available at the door.

Sign up here to join the other families to contribute your trunk to Trunk or Treat! You decorate your trunk and we provide the candy. Prizes will be awarded for best trunk!

Finally, this event cannot run without the help of volunteersWe are looking for parents that are willing to donate just an hour of your time  options include:

  • Set up on Friday night and Saturday afternoon
  • During the event itself – helping with spooky bowling and other games, handing out popcorn, monitoring parking, and working with our middle school volunteers
  • Clean-up on Sunday morning (coffee and donuts provided!!!)

Click here to parent volunteer sign up

We are also looking for middle school volunteers for the following tasks:

  • Set up on Friday night and Saturday afternoon
  • During the event: to set up and participate in some “spooky scenes” around the event. This will be a great way to use your creativity and help set a spooky atmosphere. We are also looking for students to judge the best costume and best trunk!
  • Clean-up on Sunday morning (donuts provided!!)

Click here for middle school volunteer sign up

Click here for all the information (including FAQs)!

Registration Open for Middle School Flashlight Night at the Corn Maze

Join your friends at the Clark Farm Corn Maze for a frightfully fun time! 

The event runs from 5pm – 9pm. Hay rides will be available until dusk, at which point the flashlight corn maze fun will begin.

Tickets are $17.50 and must be purchased by Thursday, Oct 19.

In order for the event to run, we must have a 1:4 chaperone: student ratio. All parents attending must also purchase a ticket. If your child will be attending with another parent, we will ask you to indicate their name in the form. 

Please email with any questions.

Purchase Tickets Here

MCS Parent’s Night Out – This Thursday at Shaidzon Brewery! 6-8pm

Please join us for the very first Parent’s Night Out of the year!

We hope to see you at Shaidzon Brewery on Thursday, October 6-8pm. Come by for a beer, pizza and laughs with new and old friends.

MCS Halloween Spooktacular – Tickets Now Available!

Join us for MCS’s Halloween Spooktacular on

Saturday, October 14th!

This annual MCS tradition will feature many fun activities for the whole family. Trunk or treat, games, food trucks, spooky mini-golf, duckpin bowling and more!

Tickets ($5/adult and $8/child; $30 max/family) are available to purchase now. Advance purchase is encouraged so that we make sure to have enough candy, but they will also be available at the door. All students should be accompanied by parents.

We also need volunteers! This is a really fun way to help make the event a success. There are various duties available for as long or as short as you are able to commit. Please note that volunteer spots are open just for parents, middle school slots will open at a later date. Click here to sign up.

Lastly, sign up here to contribute your trunk to Trunk or Treat! Families and teachers outdo themselves every year in their creativity. You decorate your trunk and we provide the candy. Prizes will be awarded for best trunk!

Click here for all the information (including FAQs)!

A New Tradition at MCS

Be Part of This New Tradition!

Living Nativity Project

This year the PTO has decided to take a pause on the Christmas Bazaar and try something new. The PTO in collaboration with MCS administration want to create a special event that involves the community and more closey reflects our school’s Catholic identity while still raising funds to support our students and school.

Please take a moment to read more about The Living Nativty concept and complete the google form to see how you can particpate in making this event a new tradition that puts MCS on the map.

At the informational meeting on October 12th we will share and discuss details and the general concept with you.

We are excited to create an event that incorporates everyone’s unique talents and gifts! We hope to see you there.

Complete the google form by clicking here

Plan to attend an information meeting to learn more about this event

Thursday, October 12th 6:30pm –  MCS Library

October PTO Save the Dates

Save the Dates for the fun, upcoming events!!

 

🌟 Welcome Back to Monsignor Clarke School! Meet Your 2023-2024 PTO Board & Exciting Updates 🌟

Dear Monsignor Clarke School Families,

I hope this email finds you and your families in great health and spirits. As we step into a brand new academic year, it’s my honor to extend a heartfelt welcome on behalf of our dedicated PTO Board of Directors. Whether you’re a returning family or new to our Monsignor Clarke School community, we’re thrilled to have you! The year ahead is brimming with opportunities and enriching experiences for our students and families.


💌 Your Roadmap for the Year Ahead

We recognize that this introductory email is quite comprehensive, but we wanted to provide you with a thorough orientation and valuable insights for the upcoming year. Going forward, rest assured that we will aim to keep our communications as concise as possible!


💫 Introducing Your 2023-2024 PTO Board

We’re delighted to present our dynamic team of parent volunteers who are committed to helping our community of families make this school year truly exceptional:

  • Kent Dresser – President
  • Julie Johnson – Serving Past President
  • Rebecca Fasula – Family Ambassador
  • Kay O’Neill – Social Chair
  • Monica Mabe – Book Fair Chair/Social Co-Chair
  • Lisa Stanleun – Fundraising Chair
  • TBD – Middle School Delegate

To learn more about our board members – follow this link


🎯 Our Collective Pursuit and Your Integral Role

While the PTO Board spearheads initiatives and facilitates events, the heart and soul of our organization lies in the collective strength of every one of our parents and teachers. Every parent and teacher is a member of the PTO. Our pursuit to enhance every student’s educational journey, furnish indispensable resources, and nurture a thriving community spirit can only be fully realized with your active involvement. Remember, the PTO is not just a select few—it’s all of us, united in purpose, faith, and mission. Each voice, each hand, and each idea adds to the tapestry of our success. We wholeheartedly invite you to join us, infuse your unique flair, and together, let’s make an enduring, positive impact on our children’s futures. There is no minimum volunteer commitment at Monsignor Clarke School. Our only appeal is that you wholeheartedly ask yourself: ”How can I positively contribute to our school’s success?” For more information on volunteering, please email us at PTO@Monsignorclarkeschool.org!


💡 The Impact of Your Generosity: Past, Present, and Future

Through the years, PTO fundraising has had a transformative impact on the Monsignor Clarke School environment. Your generous contributions have enabled us to establish a state-of-the-art science lab, equip classrooms with Chromebooks, provide Bibles to our middle-school students, enhance security across the campus, and even remodel the elementary bathrooms last year.

Looking ahead, the list of aspirations for this year and beyond is just as ambitious. From installing air conditioning in the library and the gym to adding a new innovation center in the library—every dollar raised serves a crucial purpose.

We pledge to keep you informed about how your contributions are making a difference. Your ideas are the lifeblood of our PTO, so we warmly invite you to share any suggestions you may have for new projects or improvements!


💰 Our Promise of Fiduciary Responsibility

We are deeply committed to ensuring every dollar we raise is allocated effectively and transparently. From enriching our educational offerings to supporting our exceptional staff and improving our facilities, we’re meticulous in putting each penny to its most impactful use. Your trust is not just appreciated—it’s sacred to us.


🔮 New Ambitions for the Year: Elevating Excellence

As we look ahead, our ambition reaches beyond just the norm! This year, we’re not just aiming high; we’re shooting for the stars to support our school and advance educational improvements. Here’s what’s new and noteworthy:

Digital Transformation: Step into the future with us! Throughout this year we will upgrade the PTO’s communications platform. We will revolutionize how we connect, engage, and collaborate. Gone are the days of traditional PTO Meetings; we’re creating a more dynamic and interactive space for our community.

Streamlined Volunteer Platform: Volunteering is becoming more accessible than ever. We’re rolling out an intuitive, user-friendly platform designed to match your unique skills and availability with the perfect opportunities, making your contribution even more impactful.

Holiday Surprise: Hold onto your Santa hats! We’re piloting an awe-inspiring Christmas event that promises to be the talk of the season. This is one holiday spectacle you’ll definitely want to be a part of!

But that’s not all—your favorites are here to stay! From our beloved annual Book Fair to the much-anticipated Field Day, we’re continuing to offer many of the events and fundraisers that have become treasured traditions within our community.

Get ready to be part of something extraordinary. Together, let’s make this year a monumental success and set a new standard of parent and community involvement for Monsignor Clarke School!


🎉 2023-2024 Events Unveiled!

The Perfect Blend of Fun and Purpose: Our Event Categories Explained!

At the heart of every PTO event lies one guiding principle: enriching our children’s educational experience. However, we’re not just about achieving goals; we’re about having an absolute blast while doing it! Our events come in two delightful styles:

Pure JOY Events (aka Fun-Raisers): These are the events where the only agenda is JOY, connection, and a whole lot of fun. Think Rock Spot Middle School Night or the ever-enchanting Father-Daughter Dance. No fundraising, just fun-raising! Any fees here are designed to cover the cost of the event.

Purpose-Driven Events (aka Fund-Raisers): Don’t let the term fool you; these events are packed with fun, but they serve a dual mission—raising vital funds for school building and educational improvements. Events like the Color Run and Golf Tournament blend the excitement of friendly competition with the satisfaction of contributing to a meaningful cause.

So, whether you’re looking to purely revel in the spirit of our community or to combine enjoyment with a dash of altruism, we have an event tailored just for you!

🗓️ Mark Your Calendars for 2023: Follow this link to see our events for the 2023-2024 school year! 

* There is always the potential of a slight date change or weather cancellation due to unforeseen logistics. Please be sure to always check your latest news and announcements to confirm these dates!


🤝 How to Get Involved

We’re not just seeking volunteers; we’re inviting you to become the heart and soul of our PTO:

General Interest Sign-Up: Look out for a general interest email arriving this week. This email will provide the opportunity to express interest in a specific event that will be coming up this school year. There is no obligation here!

Event-Specific Commitment: Subsequent emails will follow throughout the school year as specific events draw near. Responding to these emails means committing to helping with a specific event. 

If you have specific questions about volunteering, or if you have an event or idea that you would like to pitch, please feel free to email us at PTO@monsignorclarkeschool.org anytime! We would love to hear from you. 


🌱 Beyond Events: Our Holistic Approach

While our events and fundraisers are often the most visible aspects of our work, the PTO’s contributions span a broader range of activities, all aimed at enriching the Monsignor Clarke School experience:

  • Book Fair: Our annual event that not only promotes the joy of reading but also raises funds for crucial educational materials.
  • Blessed Bibles: Each year the PTO helps our Campus Ministry by funding blessed bibles for Middle School Students.
  • School Store: This convenient hub offers school essentials and serves as an additional fundraising source for enrichment programs.
  • Teacher’s Back-to-School & Christmas Breakfasts: These special gatherings kick off the academic year and the holiday season with warmth, setting the tone for positive, collaborative relationships with our educators.
  • Teacher Appreciation Week: A week-long celebration filled with gratitude, recognizing the tireless efforts of our teaching staff.
  • Field Day: A day of outdoor activities and games that promote teamwork, physical fitness, and school spirit.
  • Box Tops for Education: This program makes it easy for families to contribute to our school simply by purchasing everyday items.
  • Squad Locker: Our online store where you can purchase Monsignor Clarke School gear, a portion of the proceeds from which goes back to our school.

All these initiatives are guided by our commitment to the core values of Faith, Respect, Leadership, Service, and Kindness, ensuring a nurturing and dynamic educational atmosphere for everyone involved.


✝️ Staying True to Our Core Values and adding to the JOY!

As we venture into this promising academic year, let us not forget the core values that are the cornerstone of our Monsignor Clarke School community: Faith, Respect, Leadership, Service, and Kindness. Our PTO initiatives and activities are designed not just to meet functional needs but also to deeply resonate with these guiding principles. We’re committed to fostering an environment where these values are actively practiced, celebrated, and upheld by all.


🙏 Our Spiritual Theme: The JOY of the Lord is Our Strength

This year, our Campus Ministry has chosen the uplifting theme “The JOY of the Lord is my strength,” inspired by Nehemiah 8:10—a fitting parallel as our school doors open at 8:10 AM! In this theme, “JOY” serves as an acronym for “Jesus, Others, You.” We are deeply committed to ensuring that the essence of this theme resonates through all our events and activities for the year.


💰 A Friendly Budgeting Message for the Year Ahead

We’re thrilled about the enriching activities and community-building events we’ve planned for this academic year. While we always strive to keep costs to a minimum, it’s worth noting that many of these events do have participation fees that cover the costs of hosting the events. As you are planning your budgets for the coming months, you may want to set aside funds to fully enjoy the events that interest you and your family the most. Our events calendar listed above is designed to help you plan and budget for upcoming events. Our goal is for all events to be productive and inclusive. If you are struggling to send your child to a particular event, please email me directly and I will help you find a solution. kent@dressermarine.com 

We promise you that each event is designed to provide exceptional value, not just in terms of fun and community spirit, but also in how they contribute to our children’s educational experience. So let’s start planning today for a year full of meaningful and joyous engagements!


🌟 Expectations: Our Pledge and Your Role

The PTO Board is committed to dedicating focused, positive, enthusiastic, and strategic energy towards achieving the best solutions for our school community. We are volunteers. We are not perfect, but our hearts are in the perfect place to carry out this work. We pledge to maintain a solution-oriented approach, always seeking innovative and effective ways to enhance our school’s environment. In return, we kindly ask our wonderful families to mirror this commitment by fostering a thoughtful mindset within our community. Let’s replace criticisms with constructive suggestions, meet challenges with a proactive and solution-based attitude, and if offering feedback also offer to help. By working collaboratively, with everyone doing their part, we believe our community can thrive, ensuring a productive and cooperative academic year for all.

We eagerly look forward to an inspiring year filled with achievement, laughter, and community spirit. Should you have any questions, feel free to reach out at any time. You can call or text me at 401-835-3088. You can also email the PTO’s general inbox at PTO@Monsignorclarkeschool.org.

May God bless us all for an excellent year!

Warm regards,

Kent Dresser

President, Monsignor Clarke School PTO