Portland St. Patrick Catholic School

This weekend, I found myself watching many basketball games at several locations and with a variety of age groups.  I watched our Shamrock varsity and junior varsity girls basketball teams play at home on Friday evening.  On Saturday morning, I traveled to Bath to watch my son’s fifth grade team play and then to Haslett to watch my daughter’s seventh grade team.  On Sunday I was off to Holt to watch my son’s team play again.  
I studied the crowds at these games and watched the different ways fans reacted to the activities on the floor. ........(Click here to read the rest of Mr. Hodge's Reflection or to comment on it.)

(12/10)  Basketball Games Rescheduled

The girls basketball games that were canceled on December 9, have been rescheduled for January 20. 2010 at Bath.  The JV team will play at 6:30 p.m.

(12/10)  School Newsletter is Online

This week's school newsletter is now available to read online.

(12/10)   BASKETBALL GAMES CANCELLED

The JV basketball games scheduled for tonight have been canceled.  They will be rescheduled.

(12/9)   NO SCHOOL TODAY.  ALL GAMES AND PRACTICES ARE CANCELED.

(12/8)  Athletic Association Minutes

The minutes from the December Athletic Association meeting are now online.

• Welcome to new member Sue Bosworth
• Bus drivers are still badly needed.  The Ath. Assn. will pay for all costs associated with licensing. Are you retired, and willing to drive the bus to a few games a year?  Do you have a student who plays sports, and you go to the games anyway?  If so, please contact Randy Hodge or Pat Russman and they can give you more information about the licensing procedure.

(12/8)   Scrip Alert

We will have the Scrip/Gift Card box available in the lobby of the parish hall after each Mass on Sunday December 20th.  We will also have those great Win 25 Large tickets available that morning.  $25,000 first prize!   What a year changer that could be for someone.

We’ve had many requests for Gift Cards that can be used at McDonalds, Kroger and Target.  While those three vendors choose not to directly participate, you can purchase items at those stores and get a rebate back by simply ordering Visa prepaid cards.  We’ve sold quite a bunch so far this school year.  It is the perfect solution.  They can be used for a quarter pounder with cheese; err I mean a nice healthy side salad and we get part of the cost back toward the tuition investment at our top-rated school.  Such a deal!  The very best educational opportunity in the area and we can use the lunch menu at McDonalds to support it.

We have a very tight race so far in the highest volume through 12/31/09 competition.  We’ll see who closes the fastest in these last few weeks.  We do keep a Scrip box available on every weekend.  Give us a call at 517 647-2462.

(12/8) Varsity Basketball is off and running
Varsity girls win a nailbiter against Saranac with a final score of 38-36.  Varsity boys have a slow start, but have a strong finish losing 57-48. See photos in the Photo Gallery.

(12/6) More Pack the Pit Photos are in the Photo Gallery...GO ROCKPILE! 

(12/4) Gate and Concession Workers

Thanks to all the parents of high school basketball players & cheerleaders for signing up to work gate and concessions at the home games.  The sign-up sheets will be circulated at the games through next week's JV game on Thursday.  They will be posted on this site when complete.  Contact Connie Vallier 647-2225 if you have any questions.

(12/3)   Athletic Association Agenda

Here is the agenda for Sunday's Athletic Association meeting.

(12/3)   School Newsletter Online

This week's issue of the school newsletter is now online.

•  Christmas Program is scheduled for December 15 at 7 p.m. at PHS Auditorium
• PTO meeting will be held on December 16 at 6 p.m. in Room 110
• School Handbooks will go home in Friday Folders this week.  Please read through and sign the form at the back of the book and return it to school.
• Toys for Tots runs through Dec. 17.
• And, much, much more!

(12/3)  Facility Usage Form

A new Facility Usage Form has been posted on the Forms and Publications page of the website.  If you or your group need to use any of the school or parish facilities, please print the form and fill it out.  Instructions are included on the form.

(12/3)   Pack the Pit Photos

Photos of last Monday's "Pack the Pit" game against Morrice are now online.

(12/3)   Winter Sports Schedules

Please note that there have been some changes in the winter sports schedules.  The updated schedules are all online now.The small, pocket-size schedules from the PFCU are out and are accurate.  The Varsity basketball games at Saranac, originally scheduled for a Friday have been moved to Monday, December 7.

(12/2)   College Planning Workshop

A College Planning Workshop for parents and students (grades 9-12) will be held in the Parish Hall on Tuesday, January 19.  The seminar will be presented by Dr. Frank Bernier, PhD.    Complete information is available online.  This workshop is open to all parents and high school students.  Pre-registration is strongly recommended.

(12/2)   Student Handbook

The St. Patrick School Student Handbook is now online.  Please note that there is only one handbook for the entire school.

(12/2)  School Commission Notes

The notes from this week's School Commission meeting are now online.  

(12/2)  More Photos!

More photos in the 2009-10 School Year album in the Photo Gallery.  Scroll all the way to the bottom to see Kindergarten students making Christmas cards with their 7th grade Church Buddies.  Also, Mr. Hodge added photos of the 7thbgrade volleyball team, as well as two photos---along with a disclaimer!

(12/1)  Athletic Association Meeting

The December meeting of the Athletic Association will be held this Sunday at 9:0 a.m. in Mr. Russman's room on the second floor.

(12/1)  More Photos

Take a look at the Photo Gallery for more photos!  Look in the first album (2009-2010 School Year) and scroll all the way to the bottom....to see the DK students having fun, and also the 3rd grade Pilgrim Feast.

(11/30) SPS Items for Sale
 
The Juniors, as part of their Economics/Junior Achievement business class, are selling new Rock Pile t-shirts at $10 per shirt and car decals at $5 each.  Contact Kaye Sandborn or any St. Patrick Junior student for more information.   

(11/30)  Reminder About Tonight's Games

Don't forget that the girls basketball teams will be playing their games at our own gym, the Pit, tonight.  Because of the limited amount of parking around the gym, St. Pat's fans are asked to park in the lot by Father Flohe Field, near Alton Park, and on the west side of the school.  This will allow our visitors to park in the lots and on the streets closer to the gym entrance.  Thanks, Shamrocks fans!

(11/30)    More Photos to See!

There are more photos in the Photo Gallery!  (Thanks, Mr. Hodge, for posting them!)

(11/30)     Scrip News

We’ve received some requests from members of the school family to consider keeping some new vendor cards in stock during the holiday period. In response to those suggestions, we’ll keep some cards for the following merchant partners:

• Aeropostle
• American Eagle
• Barnes and Noble ($10 and $25)
• Toys R Us
• Younkers

Along with these choices, we’ll begin keeping some BP cards in stock when the weekly order comes in this Thursday.

Check out www.glscrip.com to see all the vendors that have increased their rebates for the holidays.

(11/25)    Thank You From the Barnes Family

 The family of Kelly Barnes would like to thank everyone who helped with the Benefit Breakfast.  The support was overwhelming and touched the family more than you can imagine.    We are truly blessed to belong to such a generous community.   The response we received for help with the benefit was way beyond our requests.   We would like to thank every person that had a hand, a thought, or a prayer for the benefit.  Your actions are a wonderful tribute to a remarkable family.  You will all live in our hearts….forever!

(11/24)   Shamrock Auction Reminder

Just a reminder, that if you're out doing shopping on Black Friday, keep the Shamrock Auction in mind.  If you find a super-duper sale on something that you don't need for yourself, consider picking it up and donating it to the auction.

(11/24)   Volleyball Photos in Gallery

Look in the Photo Gallery for new pictures of this year's volleyball teams.

(11/20)    Scrip Alert

Stock up for those Black Friday sales!  The Scrip room will be open next Wednesday, November 25 from 8:00 am until 10:00 am.  We will have the Scrip box available the entire weekend of Thanksgiving by calling 517 647-2462.

(11/19)    Barnes Family Benefit

 Food for the breakfast can be dropped off at the KC Hall on Saturday after 4:00 or early Sunday morning.  If you have questions, contact Stacy Russman at stacyrussman@portlandstpats.org.

(11/19)    School Newsletter Online

This week's school newsletter is now available to read online.  Some of the articles of interest:

• Toys for Tots is going on now throuth December 17
•  The Appalachian Project is going on through November 26
• The WION food drive will be held on Sunday, November 29
• The Lost and Found box is overflowing
• Jean Day:  An extra, unscheduled Jean day will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 24
• Don't forget the Benefit Breakfast for the Barnes family this Sunday, 8 am - noon
• Much much more!

(11/18)    Teacher Feature

Mr. Terry Austen is featured this week in our Teacher Feature.

(11/17)  Another Basketball Schedule

Athletic Association President Dan Lawless put together a spreadsheet of basketball game dates....which combines all of the high school games into one master schedule, arranged by date.  Thanks, Dan!

(11/17)   Welcome to New Teachers

A warm Shamrock welcome to our new music teacher, Ms. Jennifer Clack and our new science teacher, Mr. Jordan Smith.

(11/17)    Photo Gallery Additions

Two new photos have been added to the 2009/10 Photo Album in the Photo Gallery.  Today was crazy hair day in the DK, in honor of the letter H.  See photos of one of the students and her really crazy hair!

(11/17)     Earn $$$ for the School

Don't forget that you can earn dollars for the school by using www.goodsearch.com as your internet search engine.  Each time you make a search or purchase a product through Goodsearch, it adds money to our school account.  Complete information is available at http://www.goodsearch.com/.  (Type Portland St. Patrick School in the search box to find our account.)

(11/16)   Radio Station Food Drive

This Thanksgiving, St. Patrick School is partnering with WION radio (i1430 AM) to collect food and non-perishable personal care items (laundry detergent, soap, etc.) for the needy of Ionia County .  Donated items can be dropped off at the school office between now and Sunday, November 29.

• On November 29, the radio station will broadcast live from our school from 1-4 p.m. 
• Cash donations are welcome at all Ionia County branches of Independent Bank.  Please specify WION Food Drive.
• Proceeds will be donated to area non-profit food pantries.  The Helping Hands Ministry at Epic Church will receive the Portland donations.
• Listen to WION for additional information or visit their website: http://www.i1430.com/.

(11/12)  Photos of Veteran's Day

Lots of new photos have been added to the Photo Gallery.

(11/12)  Teacher Feature!

Be sure to look at the Staff Members page for our new Teacher Feature.  This week, Ms. Jeanne Sokolowski is featured.

(11/12)   Win $25,000!

     By now you’ve probably heard about the new raffle entitled “Win 25 Large”. If not, you can find details on the raffle page on this website. Tickets for the raffle went on sale last week.
     The St. Patrick School Commission is sponsoring this new raffle, which gives you the opportunity to win big money.

    * Tickets cost just $20 each.
    * The top prize is $25,000 and there are several smaller prizes, too.
    * This raffle will run until the drawing date, which is set for May 16, 2010.
    * There is no limit to the number of tickets a person may purchase, but there will only be 3500 tickets sold altogether.

    This new raffle will take the place of the Shamrock Scholar raffle. The Scholar raffle served our school very well throughout the years. We certainly thank the people who created this fundraiser and those who worked on and supported it.
     The new raffle will provide a chance for a much bigger cash award, and will provide more net proceeds for the school.  So, while you will not receive a packet of ten tickets for the Scholar raffle next month, you are still very welcome to buy a big bunch of these new tickets!  And, be sure to spread the word about this raffle. $25,000 can really make a difference for someone.

(11/12)  School Newsletter Online
    This week's school newsletter is now available to read online.  Among the articles in this issue:

• Toys for Tots will be collected between now and December 17.
• Blood Drive was a huge success!
• Welcome to new science teacher, Jordan Smith.  He will begin on November 16.
• Lots of thank yous from Mr. Hodge

(11/12)  Another Powerful Testimonial
     Be sure to read the testimonial from Dennis and Victoria Klein about why they chose St. Patrick School for their two boys.

(11/12)  Remembering the Veterans
     The Veteran's Day program at St. Patrick School was a huge success!  The church and gym were packed with people who came to show their respect and appreciation for our veterans---past and present.  A special thank you to the veterans who came and spoke, to Rep. Brian Calley who took time out of his busy schedule to participate, and to the Ionia Sentinel Standard for their outstanding coverage.  Be sure to pick up a copy of today's paper and read all about it.

(11/11)  Late Nite Catechism 2---Sister Strikes Again!
     Tickets are now on sale for the off-Broadway play, Late Nite Catechism 2, which will be performed at the 2010 Parish Festival.  There will be just one performance, on Friday, June 25, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.  Ticket price is $30 in advance, $35 at the door.  Tickets are available at the Parish Office---and they will make GREAT Christmas gifts for everyone on your list!  For additional information, visit the Parish Festival website.  

(11/11)    Winter Sports Schedule
     The combined winter sports schedule is now online.  At this point, it covers all of the basketball games.  Bowling schedules will be added to it as soon as they are completed.

(11/11)    Reminder:  Sport Banquet Tomorrow
     The Fall Sports Banquet will be held on Thursday, November 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the K.C.Hall.  Families should bring a dish to pass and their own table service.  The main dish and beverages will be furnished.  A free-will offering will be taken, to help cover the cost of the event.

(11/11)    Why the Website Was Down
     You probably noticed that the school and parish websites were down all day yesterday.  Out west, where our web host is located, a fiber optic cable was accidentally cut, and needed to be replaced.  Thank goodness, it only took one day!  Things seem to be back to normal today.

(11/10)    Basketball Schedules Online
     The schedules for all of the 7-12 grade basketball teams have been finalized and are online for your convenience.  Click on Athletic Programs (on the navigation bar on the left side of the screen), then click on the program of your choice (boys basketball or girls basketball). 

(11/10)    Scrip Alert:  Gift Card Volume Promotion

     From Ralph Willemin:  With the holiday time approaching very quickly, we will start our annual Gift Card volume promotion.  This year we will run it through the end of the calendar year.  And because I forgot to get this announcement put together on time, we’ll make it retroactive to October 25th so purchases made then will count.
    The account with the highest overall dollar volume will win $150.00 in Gift Cards.  The winner gets to pick the cards they’d like.  There are many merchant partners offering higher than usual rebates during this time.  Too many to list in this space, but plenty of them are food related, so that is good.  Check out www.glscrip.com to see what is happening in real time with the over 600 partners.  Send any questions to ladybug48875@yahoo.com

(11/10)   Library Notes

• Amazon Wish List:  St. Patrick’s library Amazon Wish List is a hit already!  Thank you to Kelly Ward for donating two books from the online wish list.  The books are ready to be checked out by our eager student readers.  If you would like to donate to the library, go to www.amazon.com.  Type Portland St. Patrick in the “Gift and Wish List” search box.  Remember to include any memorial or other note when you check out.    
  
• Book Fair Donations:  Thank you to the PTO for the donation of books from the Scholastic Book Fair. 
• St. Patrick Library Christmas Project:  This year, you have two choices for the Library Christmas Project:  You can order from our Amazon wish list as described below, or you can purchase books from Rivertown Bookstore.  The bookstore is located in Raffaeles’ Marketplace on Kent Street in downtown Portland.  For your convenience, several discounted books have been set aside at Raffaeles’ for St. Pat’s Christmas Project.  You can choose from this collection or from the children’s section. 

(11/10)   School Commission Meeting Notes
     Notes from the November meeting of the School Commission are now available to read online.

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