XMS Weekly Newsletter Sept 20

Middle School Weekly Newsletter

9/20/23

God of the seasons, there is a time for everything: there is a time for dying and a time for rising. We need courage to enter into the transformation process.

God of autumn, the trees are saying goodbye to their green, letting go of what has been. We, too, have our moments of surrender, with all their insecurity and risk. Help us to let go when we need to do so

God of fallen leaves lying in colored patterns on the ground, our lives have their own patterns. As we see the patterns of our own growth, may we learn from them. from Beliefnet

XMS Safety Drills

In 2023-24, the Xavier System implemented safety protocols from the “ I Love You Guys” Foundation with support from the Appleton Police Department. The“I Love U Guys” programs for crisis response and post-crisis reunification are used in more than 40,000 schools, organizations, and communities around the world. The protocols are created through research-based best practices of school administrators, public safety experts, and first responders. Here is a link to the document identifying the protocols. This information is posted in each room of the building. This week at our Monday Spirit Assembly, we discussed these safety protocols with the student body. On Thursday, we will practice the Hold and Secure procedures, and the teachers will discuss the other more significant initiatives in an age-appropriate manner

Xavier Middle School also participates in two tornado drills annually, and monthly fire drills.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding these drills or the safety of our students in general, please contact me.

Thank you, Sara Meyer

Weekly Mass

Mass is generally celebrated at 9:26am on Tuesdays at Xavier Middle School. (See the calendar for occasional alternate mass days/times ) We welcome you to join us! Please check in the school office to be directed to the auditorium.

Casual for a Cause - September 22, 2023

Each month XMS offers a casual day for a cause The purpose is to raise funds in order to do good. We invite students and staff to donate one dollar or more to dress in casual attire. This Friday, September 22nd will be our first collection. The funds raised will go to support the work of the Student Campus Ministry group. Throughout the year this group volunteers, prays, performs acts of service and leads prayer opportunities in school and in the community Thank you for your support!

School Photo Retakes

Wednesday, October 5th will be picture retakes in the morning in the auditorium. Any student who is having a picture retaken should bring in their original photo envelope to the photographer. If a student was absent on the original picture day in August, they too should have their picture taken. Anyone who is having a picture taken on October 5th may have a dress up day that day (uniform attire or better)

Hawk Time Update

Hawk Time has been working well! Thank you for your flexibility as we work out the specifics of our new dismissal time. Here are a few reminders:

1. You may pick up your child at 3:00. If students are still outside for pick up after 3:15, we will bring them into the library

2. The following links show the availability of teachers for individual help. ( 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade) Students not receiving help, are supervised in the library until 3:30. Aftercare begins at that time.

3 Students may not use their cell phones in Hawk Time but can check periodically to receive communication from you. They can also ask for permission to use their phone to call or text regarding pick-up

4. Students may use their school Chromebooks to complete homework, but they need to be returned to the docking station in their KIDS group before they leave for the day.

5. No computer games are to be played during Hawk Time. Students may work on homework or independently read They may also work on a puzzle or play a board game.

6 After 3:30 students may not stay in the building unsupervised This is a safety issue and we ask that your child be in supervised Aftercare if you need to pick them up after 3:30

Lost and Found

Please click here to take a look at the Lost and Found items we have collected to see if any belong to your family. Your child can pick their things up from the office lobby All lost and found items will be donated after October 31st!

AfterWords Writing Group

Do you enjoy writing? Our school has a club calledAfterWords Writing Group. This group does not meet at any time, but it is a group of students who love writing and would like to enter a writing contest. Our first contest is the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest. The Patriot's Pen is sponsored by the Appleton VFW and open to students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades The VFW loves to encourage our young people to be aware and involved in thinking about those who served our country in the military. This year's essay contest is based on the theme, "How are you inspired by America?" What can you do to support these brave men and women in our community? Your essay would need to be between 300 to 400 words If you are interested in entering, please contact Ms Bouchard, jbouchard@xaviercatholicschools.org. The deadline is October 20th.

Inside Out Cafe

Inside Out Cafe is a place where students can come and be inspired to write poetry or short stories, hear poetry read, savor the written word, and become inspired by each other. Students will have opportunities to respond with writing and may share those writings with our supportive group! The first meeting is next week Thursday (9/28) after school until 3:50, in Ms. Bouchard's room, 1411. Bring a writing journal and pencil or pen You can find information about contests and more on Ms. Bouchard's teacher web page.

Appleton PAC Field Trip Opportunity

Each semester theEvolution of Theatre class has an opportunity to go on a field trip to a performance at the Appleton PAC. This year, all 8th grade students will have the opportunity to participate in this trip. As a parent, if you are an approved chaperone (and have completed virtus training), you may also join your student on the trip This semester, we will go to see Afrika Stomp at 7:00 pm on October 3rd. The price is $18.00 per ticket Transportation to and from the PAC is the family’s responsibility If you or your student are interested in attending, please fill out the attached form and return it to school.

Do You Volunteer?

We appreciate all our volunteers throughout the Xavier system, but did you know there is now an update?

The Diocese of Green Bay has now required yearly updated training for ALL volunteers. All you need to do is login to your account at virtusonline.org and update any incomplete information. If you need to verify that you are compliant or have any further questions, please email Sara at sstammer@xaviercatholicschools.org.

XHS Volleyball Youth Night

The high school volleyball team will be hosting youth night on Thursday, September 21st. The JV1 and JV2 games start at 5:30 pm, and the Varsity begins at 7:00 pm.

The first 100 elementary & middle school aged students will receive a coupon for a free Mr Reynebeau cookie After the game, the varsity will be signing team pictures for all youth in attendance. Go Hawks!

Fox Valley Saints Wrestling Registration is Open Saints Wrestling registration is now open! Welcoming all levels of experience, the 5th-8th grade program focuses on making wrestling fun with friends, learning the basics of wrestling and building confidence while advancing wrestling skills. Led by Xavier's new varsity head wrestling coach Austin Stebane and coach Brandon Cline Visit www.Foxvalleysaints.com to learn more about Xavier's exciting new sports program. Season starts after Christmas break, earlybird discounts for those who register in September.

Xavier Youth Basketball Association - Registration Open Registration for 2023-2024 XYBA Season is now open! The registration deadline is earlier this year. It will close on September 22nd Please click herefor more information and to register

Christmas Stars ticket sales are open online and at the box office!

Join us at the Xavier Fine Arts Theatre forChristmas Stars, a spectacular Broadwaystyle holiday-themed extravaganza featuring singers, dancers & actors ages five through senior citizens.

Each year a cast of volunteer performers dazzles audiences with eye-popping production numbers including a spectacular New York style parade right on stage and a stunning “Living Nativity” finale to bring home the true “reason for the season.” As always, there will be some special surprises

7:00 pm November 30, December 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 1:00 pm December 2*, 3, 9, 10

*An American Sign Language Interpreter will be provided at the 1:00 pm performance on December 2nd.

Purchase your tickets on the website, http://www.christmasstars.org, or visit the box office, (920) 733-8840, Mondays & Wednesdays from noon – 3pm.

Please use the main theatre entrance under the canopy, door number one, when visiting the box office in person. Convenience parking will be available near door number one during box office hours.

We hope you’ll join us for a delightful celebration of the most wonderful time of the year at Christmas Stars, Wisconsin’s biggest Christmas party!

View photos or video highlights at www.christmasstars.org

From the Scrip Office

The Scrip Office will be closed on Friday, September 29th.

Attendance Guidelines

Students will be sent home and must remain home until they are symptom free for 24 hours if they are experiencing any one of the following symptoms

Fever (temperature 100 or above)

Diarrhea

Nausea and/or vomiting

Students MUST remain home until they are symptom free for 24 hours without the help of any medication

Attachments

Lunch Menu - August/September

5th Grade Conservation Days Field Trip (9/27) -

Permission Slip - DUE 9/18

8th Grade to St. Norbert (10/13) - Permission SlipDUE 10/2

St. Pius X - Women’s Group

Links/Information

XMS Daily Schedule

Hawk Time Availability: 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade

XMS Anticipated Absence Form

2023-2024 XMS Student Directory (Coming Soon)

XCS Lunch Program

XCS Care Program

Xavier Online Spirit Store

Xavier Catholic School Volunteer Procedure

XMS Parking Lot Map

2023-2024 XMS School Calendar

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, September 26

9:26 - Mass

Wednesday, September 27

5th Grade Conservation Field Trip

Thursday, September 28

Diocesan Mass

3:05 - 3:50 pm - Inside Out Cafe

Friday, September 29

No School - System Inservice

Tuesday, October 3

9:26 - Rosary Prayer Service

Thursday, October 5

School Photo Retakes - 8:00 am

Friday, October 6

Homecoming - Xavier Casual Day

6:30 pm - Middle School Band Night @ XHS