Academy Newletter 4/25/09

I write this letter after attending a joyous event—the wedding ceremony of our Academy Athletic Director, Nick Butler, and Janet Landry.  I know you join me in wishing Nick and Janet all the best as they begin their life together.   Nick will be out of the office until Tuesday, May 5 so please direct any athletics related questions directly to your son’s coach or to Kris Fritsch or me. 

 

Last evening was one of my favorite events of the year—“Father (Uncle, Grandfather, etc)/Son Game Night.”  Everyone had a great time playing board games, card games, and, of course, that SJJ favorite, Battleball.  It was a close match, but the “Fathers” ultimately prevailed defeating the sons two games to one.  IN fact, we had such a good time that we’re going to see if we can squeeze another “Father/Son Campout” into the schedule in May. 

 

Thanks to Jim and Lisa Zoltowski, parents of Zach, for helping to arrange a great service project yesterday.  Twelve Academy students did spring yard clean-up at the Sylvania Post of the American Legion.  The boys enjoyed a beautiful and were treated to brats for lunch thanks to the kindness of the Legion. 

 

Also yesterday, Sean Wheelock, Harry Thaman, and Amir Horani represented the Academy at the Lucas County Commissioners’ “Youth Sustainability Summit” at the main branch of the Toledo-Lucas County Library.  David Mann from the Commissioners’ office told me he was very expressed with the boys’ knowledge, experience, and ideas.  

 

Five teams of Academy students participated in the Knowledge Master Open Spring Challenge last week.  This is an online computer that students from all fifty states participate in.  700 teams nationwide competed, including 34 in Ohio.  Our leading team composed of Harry Thaman, Dominic Scarlett, Amir Horani, Sean Wheelock, and Dominic Zirbel finished second in the state and fifty-eighth in the nation—an outstanding accomplishment!!

 

Eighth grade students continue to work on their year-end project/exhibition.  I am attaching the directions that were originally given to the boys so you can check on your son’s progress.

 

Friday, May 1 and Monday, May 4 the 7^th grade students will work on a project with their junior Big Brothers—building bottle rockets out of two-liter pop bottles.  Save your empty two liter bottles for us and we’ll make them into rockets and have a contest to see whose rocket stays airborne the longest.  It should be a blast(off)!

 

We need pictures!  As you attend various Academy events, sporting and otherwise, please consider e-mailing me any pictures you take.  We are always looking for pictures to add to the website or use for promotional materials.  Any photos you can pass along are greatly appreciated!

 

Finally, after opening with good news, I close with some sad news as the Academy lost a good friend last week when Jeff Fretti, SJJ class of ’79, passed away while vacationing with his sons.  Jeff, with his good friends and classmates, Michael Perriatt and Andy Anderzack, helped start the Academy basketball program and coached a team for three years.  He loved working with the Academy boys and was looking forward to returning to coach next year, but, sadly, that won’t happen.  Our sympathy and prayers go out to Jeff’s family and many friends. 

Academy newsletter 3/28/09

:  I just returned from the Sylvania Business Expo where our “Schools Lighting the Way” team has a display complete with the Academy banner and BOGO lights.  The students, under the direction of Mrs. Chambers, are continuing their campaign to raise awareness of the “energy poverty” that pervades the lives of almost two billion people globally.  Sean Wheelock, Dominic Zirbel, Amir Horani and Mrs. Chambers manned the booth and spread the word.  Mrs. Chambers put together such an effective display that it drew the attention of WTOL-TV 11 and meteorologist Robert Shiels sent a crew over to do a story.  Look for it tonight on the 11:00 p.m. channel 11 news.   The “BOGO light raffle/dress down pass” sale was a big hit–$955.00!  The boys will use this money to buy BOGO lights to send to “light impoverished” areas.  A special thanks to Mr. Welling for his “persuasive” selling of tickets and passes in his classes!

 

I am glad to report that both 7^th grade travel groups returned safe and sound (and tired) from their Space Camp and Chicago experiences.  The boys had a great time on both excursions and pictures will be posted on the website in a few days. 

 

Congratulations to Mr. Heintschel and the varsity basketball team on another in a long line of successful seasons.  Reaching the final four of the state tournament for the sixth time in the last seventeen years is a tremendous accomplishment that brought excitement to the large community of proud SJJ fans throughout northwest Ohio.    

 

Academy spring sports are getting underway.  Mr. Butler does a great job of organizing all of these programs and trying to control the costs associated with all of them.  Your cooperation in paying the fees for each sport is crucial to allow us to provide these opportunities.  If you still have fees outstanding from the winter season or owe for fees for the spring season please pay them as soon as possible.  Thank you!!

 

On Thursday the 8^th grade travels north to the DeSales center in Brooklyn, Michigan to retreat from the business of Academy life for a day of reflection.  Please keep them in your prayers on that day especially.

 

Last call for raffle tickets!  Please turn in all ticket forms and money by the end of school on Tuesday, March 31.  The raffle will be held next Sunday during intermission of the SJJ production of “Beauty and the Beast.”  Tickets for this tremendous production are available by calling the Valentine Theatre box office-419-242-2787- or by visiting www.valentinetheatre.com  -Special offer—-I will give a dress down pass to any Academy student who presents me his ticket stub from attending a performance of the musical.  My incentive to go see a show I know everyone will enjoy!

 

Next Friday Mr. Huther and I will travel to Columbus with the Mock Trial team to participate in two trials.  The “case” is based on the novel “The Outsiders” and the team will present one side—prosecution or defense—in the trial.  Thanks to Mr. Huther for his time and effort preparing the team. 

 

Next week there will be a school wide mission collection to support the 16 high school students who will be journeying to Guatemala this summer on a service experience.  Money collected will be used to buy school supplies for the Francisco Coll School and the Santa Clara Nursery that are located on the edge of the city dump where many of the schoolchildren’s parents labor to make a living by scavenging each day.  I had the privilege to travel with this group over the last four summers and I can promise you that your contribution is both greatly needed and appreciated by the children of the dump community.  It is through caring for those in need that we can find deeper meaning in our own lives.  In that spirit I also extend my thanks to John Emmenecker, Kassem Abbas, Marcus Thornton, Connor Bopp, and Hunter Clay for volunteering to spend their Easter break working with the mountain community in Mingo County, West Virginia.  They have opened their hearts, minds and committed their time and labor to work with those in need and I know that they will come back telling us that they received much more than they gave.

 

Enjoy the rest of your weekend. 

It was a busy weekend for Academy students and their families. One of our 7^th grade basketball teams played for the CYO 7^th grade championship on Saturday morning, and though they fell short, they can take solace in an undefeated regular season and a 2^nd place tournament finish.  Approximately 25 students participated in the Science Olympiad yesterday at the Lima branch of Ohio State University.  We’ll have a full report later, but Mr. Nichols reports that several students brought home medals in their events including a few gold medals.  Finally, three Academy students competed in the Power of the Pen regional tournament yesterday in Findlay and when we receive the final results we’ll let you know if anyone advanced to the state finals. 

 

Things slow down a little this week as we concluded our swimming program last Thursday and will hold our last scuba diving session this Friday. Academy Boy Scouts will meet Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.  The scouts are working on their physical fitness badge and will be going over to Shadow Valley for some activities.  Also, Friday there is a Lenten Reconciliation Service that is open to all students and next Saturday is the state final of MathCounts and we have a team comprised of Sean Wheelock, Harry Thaman, Connor Bopp, and Dominic Zirbel competing.   

 

Next week, March 16-20, every day will be a late start with school beginning at 10:15 a.m.  We will be open for those who need to come to school early and all buses will be running on the regular schedule. 

 

 

7^th grade class trips are only two weeks away.  Please send in final payment for your son’s trip as soon as possible.  The Space Camp trip leaves on Sunday, March 22 at 6:00 a.m. and the Chicago trip leaves Tuesday, March 24 at 6:00 a.m.  Detailed agendas for the trips will be sent home this week with third quarter report cards. 

 

Congratulations to the high school Men’s Chorus, which includes several Academy graduates. On Friday March 6th, the SJJ Men’s Chorus received the highest possible rating (I – Superior) at the Ohio Music Educators Association Large Group Adjudicated Event at Archbold High School.  The chorus competed in Class A, a first for the ensemble.  The rating of I, or “superior,” qualifies the chorus for state contest, which will take place in early May.  Another first for the chorus is a perfect score from all three performance judges.  This is only the third time in recent memory that the chorus has qualified for state contest.

 

Tennis practice begins this week.  The varsity tennis team has bumped us from our time slot for the month of March, so our new times will be Tuesday & Thursday 7:00 – 8:00 a.m. and Friday 3:30 – 5:00. Starting April 1st we will be back to our original times Tues, Thurs, and Fri 3:30 – 5:00.  Other spring sports will be starting soon.

 

Have a good week.

 

Academy Newsletter 3/1/09

The fourth quarter begins on Tuesday and we look ahead to numerous activities and events as we head toward our May 28 8^th grade graduation. 

 

On Monday the Academy students will visit eight high school students from Belgium who are visiting the school for two weeks and staying with SJJ high school students.  Over the Easter break our high school students will travel to Belgium to reverse roles and be the guest of the Belgian students.

 

Students in our YMCA swim program conclude their lessons this week while 8^th grade scuba divers continue wind up their introduction to scuba next Friday.

 

On Wednesday and Thursday 7^th graders will enjoy a pizza lunch and activities with their junior Big Brothers during their fourth period lunch.  A list has been posted so your son should know which day he will be set for lunch on us.

 

The latest installment in our “After-school Movie Series” will be shown on Thursday in the Academy classrooms as we watch “August Rush,” an inspiring tale of a young boy who believed in hope and the power of music.  Visit the website to check it out.  http://augustrushmovie.warnerbros.com/  Students who attend and stay for the whole movie will receive pop and snacks and a dress down day pass.

 

Students can buy a “Jeans Day” pass for Friday, March 6 for $2 to support the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. 

 

Next Saturday students head to Lima and Findlay to participate in Science Olympiad with Mr. Nichols and the regional finals of Power of the Pen in Findlay.  Unfortunately students who wish to compete in both are not able to due to the conflicting schedules. 

 

Last call for the spring break Appalachia trip.  I need to have a final count of Academy students committed to going on this great adventure by Tuesday.

 

The week of March 16-20 there will be a late start every day due to state mandated Ohio Graduation Testing being administered to the sophomores.  School will begin each day at 10:15 a.m.  We are trying to set up some service experiences that wee so we might ask a few boys to come in early on one of those days, but for now, plan on the late start.

 

7^th grade trips will be blasting off for Space Camp and Chicago in a couple of weeks. The Space Camp trip will depart the school parking lot early Sunday morning, March 22 and return late Wednesday evening, March 25.  The Chicago trip leaves school early Tuesday morning, March 24 and returns late Wednesday night, March 25.  All 7^th grade students are excused from school on Thursday, March 26 since the trips are returning so late.  In addition, there is no school for anyone on Friday, March 27 as the entire SJJ staff will be participating in service projects for a staff retreat experience. 

 

Congratulations to Mr. Carroll on another successful swimming season.  The season ended this weekend with the state championships and seven SJJ swimmers were participating.  Mr. Carroll was once again named “District Coach of the Year” along with his co-coach Andy Dugan for their work with the SJJ boys and Notre Dame Academy girls.

 

Mr. Szynkowski and the hockey team continue to move forward in the state tournament.  They will play on Saturday evening for the district championship.

 

Have a great week.

Academy newsletter 2/23/09

It was a busy weekend with the admissions test of next year’s 7^th graders on Saturday morning, the Mardi Gras/Reverse Raffle on Saturday evening (it was good to see many Academy parents in attendance), and “Sundaes with Mom” Sunday evening.  The “Sundaes” event was an enjoyable evening as we played some games, enjoyed a light supper, made picture frames for mother/son “portraits” that were taken in the commons, and, of course, enjoyed ice cream sundaes.  Also, congratulations to one of our 8^th grade basketball teams for their tournament championship victory on Sunday—see the following note form Mr. Butler:

 

 

          Just wanted to take a second to congratulate Coach Starcher’s 8th grade basketball team on winning their season ending basketball tournament yesterday afternoon at Cardinal Stritch High School. Due to the fact that they are on such a roll, Coach Starcher has entered them in another tournament this weekend. We wish them and Coach Periatt’s 7th grade team the best, as they to will be participating in tournament games this weekend.  

Mr. Butler

 

* PLEASE NOTE PRACTICE TIMES FOR THIS WEEK….

PERIATT

MONDAY FEB. 23RD (5:30 – 7:00)

WED. FEB. 25TH (7:00 – 8:30)                STARCHER

MONDAY. FEB. 23RD (5:30 – 7:00)

WED. FEB. 25TH (7:00 – 8:30)

 

On to a new week.  This is the last week of the third quarter–I know, where did it go?  Most teachers do not give third quarter exams, but many will have a test this week.  Please make sure your son has completed all his projects and homework so he finishes the quarter on a high note. 

 

Wednesday begins the holy season of Lent.  We will celebrate a separate Academy Ash Wednesday mass at 8:30 a.m. in the main chapel.  Parents, relatives, and friends are welcome to join us. 

 

A reminder that every Tuesday after school the Boy Scout meets in the Academy from 3:30-4:30 p.m.  Newcomers are always welcome! 

 

Academy students are invited to join the Adventure Club on a Ski/Snowboard Weekend to Boyne Highlands, Michigan from March 6-8.  Total cost is $227 with equipment rental.  For more information contact Kym Sloan at 419-704-8593 or kymbsa@bex.net

 

Our condolences go out to Chase and Casey Shugarman and their mom, Joni Coci, on the passing of Joseph Coci, Joni’s father, and the boys’ grandfather.  Grandparents play such an important role in students’ lives and their passing is often a young person’s first experience with grief.  Academy students are always welcome to participate in a “Grief Group” sponsored by Mr. Heintschel.  They meet every 2-3 weeks and several high school students also participate.

 

A mission collection is being held this week to raise funds for the spring break Appalachian service trip.  Funds collected help purchase supplies and much needed materials to assist the people who live in the impoverished area.  Academy 8^th grade students will be a part of the service team.

 

The car raffle has been extended to April 4 when the winning ticket will be drawn at intermission of the spring musical, “Beauty and the Beast.”  So, you have a little more time to reduce the cost of your son’s class trip by $10 for every ticket sold.  The 7^th grade trips are coming up in March, but we can give you a few more days for final payment extending it until Friday, March 13.

 

Have a good week.

Academy newsletter 2/14/09

:  Hope you are all enjoying a four-day weekend.  This is a great opportunity for the boys to work on projects—8^th graders have Social Studies and English projects-and catch up on any missing homework.  The third quarter ends on February 27 so remind your sons to use the extra time they have to make sure they are caught up and in good standing in all their classes.

 

Next week is “Spirit Week” at school and students may dress down—an SJJ t-shirt and jeans—every day or dress according to the theme of the day.  Tuesday is “pajama day.”  We’ll have the list for the rest of the week posted when the boys return on Tuesday so they can be prepared for the theme days.

 

Best wishes to our Lego Robotics team, which is competing in the state tournament this weekend at Wright State University in Dayton.  Thanks again to coaches Vicki Kurtz and Carol Wedding and SJJ Tech Coordinator Joni Trempe for all their time and effort working with the boys.

 

We also extend our best wishes to Dominic Scarlett who will represent us in the Lucas County Spelling Bee Tuesday, February 17 at 7:00 p.m. at the Maumee Theater.

 

This Thursday, February 19 we will hold another Academy Information Night at 7:00 p.m.  Please encourage anyone you now who might be interested in joining us next year to attend.  We will administer the Academy admission test next Saturday, February 21 at 8:30 a.m. and next Monday, February 23 at 5:00 p.m.

 

Wednesday, February 18 at 6:30 p.m. we will hold an informational spring sports meeting.  Coaches from all the spring sports will be on hand to share information about their programs and answer any questions.  Contact Academy Athletic Director Nick Butler at nbutler@sjjtitans.org if you have any questions.

 

Next Saturday, February 21 is the “Mardi Gras/Reverse Raffle” here at school which includes a great dinner provided by “Bravo’s” restaurant, a reverse raffle, games of chance, a silent auction, and music and snacks throughout the evening. It’s a great time and an important fundraiser for the Fathers’ and Mothers’ clubs.  Let me know if you need a ticket or more information.

 

Sunday, February 22 is “Sundaes with Mom,” a chance for Academy students to enjoy some time with their mom, a light dinner and, of course, ice cream sundaes are on the menu along with games and activities—no battleball, though!  Activities start at 5:00 p.m. in the commons and we’ll conclude at 7:30 p.m.  So we know how many to plan for I’m asking that you e-mail Kris Fritsch, Academy administrative assistant, at kfritsch@sjjtitans.org, to let us know if you’re coming.

 

Students who are in our 7^th grade seventh period exploratory class will be part of another new program at the Academy as we begin a mini-class on public speaking.  Chris Davis, a BGSU graduate student in communications will join me in working with these students to hone their communication and public speaking skills.  It should be enriching and enjoyable.    

 

Seventh grade class trips are coming up in March.  23 students are signed up for the Space Camp experience with the remainder going on the Chicago trip.  Please remember that these trips must be paid for before departing.  The tour company requires us to pay before we leave so we ask your help in making that possible.  The Chicago trip is $300 and the Space Camp trip is $500.  Checks can be made out to SJJ and sent in anytime.  Remember, any car raffle tickets sold by your son reduce the cost of the trip by $10 for each ticket sold.

 

Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Academy newsletter 2/9/09

We have an abbreviated, but busy week ahead.  Tomorrow is our first “Academy Career/Service Opportunity Day.”  While the high school is engaged in house activities Academy students will be learning about a career or performing service in the community.  Forty-five Academy students are taking the opportunity to shadow a professional for the day while the remaining students will be serving at either Camp Miakonda, the Catholic Club, or the Toledo Seagate Foodbank.  An important note—school ends at 2:00 p.m. tomorrow—the SJJ buses will leave the school at 2:06 p.m. while the other buses will be on their regular schedule.

 

Thursday morning we will have a late start.  Students do not need to be here until 9:15 a.m., however the building will be open for those who need to come at their usual time.

 

Friday all of the staff will be involved in meetings so there is no school for the students, thus kicking off a four-day weekend as Monday we are closed for Presidents’ Day.

 

May I suggest that sometime between Wednesday, February 11 and Sunday, February 15 you stop at Westfield Shopping Center and treat yourself—and your family—to a delicious “Wetzel Pretzel?”   Why, you ask?  Kyle and Lori Brodie, parents of 7^th grade students Nick, are the owners of “Wetzel’s Pretzels” and they are donating 20% of their sales during Feb.11-Feb. 15 to the Academy class trip fund.  Forms were sent home with the students on Friday and they are also being mailed home today.  Thanks to the Brodies for their support!

 

Congratulations to our MathCounts team on their tie for first place in the district competition on Saturday.  Using tie-breaking mechanisms we were officially moved to second place, but our team moves on to the state competition in Columbus.  Congratulations to Sean Wheelock, Harry Thaman, Connor Bopp, and Dominic Zirbel.  Thanks also goes to Ben Oberhaus, Dominic Scarlett, Zach Oberhaus, Dylan Futrell, Mazzin Elsamaloty, Nick Carroll, Raymond Antypas, and Amir Horani for their participation and to Mr. Szynkowski for his great coaching job preparing the boys for the competition.

 

 

Don’t forget to turn in car raffle tickets.  Students receive a $10 credit towards their class trip for each ticket they sell.  A limited number of tickets will be sold and the winning ticket will be drawn at the “Mardi Gras/Reverse Raffle” on Saturday, February 21. 

 

A spring sports information night will be held on Wednesday, February 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the commons.  This is an opportunity to learn about all the spring sports and to speak with the coaches.  Contact Mr. Butler, mbutler@sjjtitans.org, if you have any questions.

 

Finally, a great service opportunity for 8^th grade students is approaching—the spring break Appalachian Service Experience.  We have openings for six 8^th graders to join a group of SJJ high school students working in Nagatuck, West Virginia doing small construction projects, working with local residents, and learning to live with less for a  few days from April 12-17.  Let me know if your son is interested.  I’ll be meeting with the boys this week and sending more information home. 

 

 

Academy Newsletter 2/2/09

:  Sorry this edition is a day or two behind, but hopefully, it is just as timely.

 

It was great to see so many of you at “Academy Premiere Night” last Thursday evening at the Maumee Theater.  Seven groups of students presented their original films in front of an audience of over 200 people.  We concluded our time with Ed Radtke, our filmmaker in residence throughout January, on Friday and returned to a normal pace of Academy life today.  Our “normal pace,” however is still pretty hectic!

 

Last Saturday nine students participated in the Power of the Pen district writing competition.  We look forward to receiving the results next week to discover if any students advanced to the regional competition.  Thanks to Bob Scarlett, father of 8^th grade student Dominic, and Mrs. Chambers for serving as judges for us.

 

This Saturday twelve students will represent the Academy as we attempt to defend our crown as district MathCounts champions on Saturday at the UT College of Engineering. 

 

Archery, scuba diving, and swimming—Academy students started “diving into” these activities last week.  Through a grant we received from the Ohio Department of Wildlife we joined the National Archery in Schools Program and Mr. Butler and Mr. Szynkowski have been working with @ 20 students each day.  Groups of 8^th graders started learning about scuba diving last Friday through a program with Aqua Hut on Reynolds Road, and starting tomorrow fifteen Academy students will learn how to swim through a program we developed with the Wolf Creek YMCA.  These opportunities replace the students’ physical education class for the time they are engaged in the activity.  Next month we’ll be providing unique opportunities in the arts, including pottery and metal working.

 

This Thursday, February 5 at 7:00 p.m. is our first Academy information night for students interested in joining us next year.  Please encourage any friends or relatives who may have an interest in the Academy to attend. 

 

A reminder—Tuesday, February 10 is “Academy Career/Service Opportunity Day.”  Please complete the yellow selection form that was mailed home so we know if your son will be learning about a career that day or would like to participate in service work. We have organized three service activities:  working at Camp Miakonda; painting and cleaning at the Catholic Club; and packing boxes of food at the Toledo Seagate Foodbank.  The school day ends at 2:00 p.m. that day as the high school is holding a “House Day” and the SJJ buses will leave at 2:00 p.m. with other buses keeping their usual schedule.

 

If you still owe for football, basketball, or wrestling fees please send your payment in a soon as possible.  We have to pay these fees before the seasons begin and we rely on your help to cover these costs.

 

Congratulations to 8^th grader Dominic Scarlett, who won the Academy Spelling Bee and will represent us at the Lucas County Spelling Bee on Tuesday, February 17 at 7:00 p.m. at the Maumee Theater.

 

Students can look forward to lunch with their high school “Big Brothers” next week. 

 

Thanks to those who continue to support our cell phone collection program.  We appreciate your cooperation and trust.  So far we have not had any problems as a result of students turning their cell phones in each morning and receiving them back at the end of the day.  On Wednesday we‘ll be handing out dress down passes for those students who turn their cell phone in as a token of our appreciation for their cooperation.

 

Another reminder—no school On Friday, February 13 as we will be here for a staff in-service day and there is no school on Monday, February 16 in honor of Presidents’ Day.

Academy newsletter 1/19/09

:  We’re in the last day of an unexpected four-day weekend thanks to the cold weather.   Things were back on track by Saturday and we had over 1200 7^th and 8^th graders attend our “Fun Night/Dance.”  Thanks to all those parents who were able to assist us as we once again had a problem-free evening.  The success of these events is a real tribute to all the young people who attend and enjoy the time without causing any problems.  Anytime you have 1200 people in one place there is a chance there could be some trouble, but credit goes to these young people for their outstanding behavior and their ability to have a good time in a positive manner.

 

Tuesday we will begin the day with an Academy assembly that will include a presentation from Jake Eddingfield, a SJJ alum who is spent the fall semester in Guatemala working with impoverished children at a local school.  Jake is trying to raise the financial support to go back for the winter semester and weare happy to help himaswehave committed to raising

$280.00 to support Jake for a month in his mission to the children of Guatemala.   Also at our assembly we will split the students into small groups to be lead by Mr. Nichols, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Szynkowski, Mr. Bumpus, Mr. Butler, and me.  The purpose of these groups is to provide more individual attention and support for the students.  As we have grown to 100+ students we don’t want to lose the personal attention that is such a key component of our program and important for this age group. 

 

Over 30 students are actively engaged in the filmmaking process with Ed Radtke, our artist in residence.  One lesson they are all learning—making a film is hard work!  What we see on the screen is the result of hours of planning, rehearsing, shooting, and editing and it’s not all fun.  The end result, though, is a product to be proud of.  We are looking forward to the premier of the students’ films on Thursday, Janaury 29 at 7:00 p.m. at the Maumee Theater. Please plan to attend to support these young filmmakers.  The theater holds @ 400 people and we want a full house!

 

Next Tuesday all of the Academy students will learn even more about the film industry when local movie producer (and SJJ board member) will be here to discuss the producing aspect of the film business.  Mr. Iott’s latest film, “Call of the Wild 3-D” (www.callofthewild3d.com) is premiering at the Santa Monica Film Festival this week.  You are welcome to join us at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27 to hear Mr. Iott and Ed Radtke share their experiences and their views.

 

The first meeting of the Academy Boy Scout troop will be after school tomorrow, January 20.  If your son is interested but unable to attend please contact troop leader Kym Sloan at kymbsa@buckeye-express.com.  

 

Starting the first week of February in partnership with the Wolf Creek YMCA we are able to offer a swimming phys. ed. unit for any students who would like to learn to swim or become better swimmers.  The unit consists of eight lessons in the mornings.  We can work around student schedules so there are no class conflicts.  We’ll be asking the students if they are interested, but they will need your permission to participate.  Also, in conjunction with Aqua Hut Diving Center we are once again offering an introduction to scuba diving for 8^th grade students.  The two hour lesson takes place on Friday mornings and the students can pick a day that works best for them.

 

A great evening for parents is coming up—Saturday, February 21 the Fathers’ and Mothers’ Clubs are sponsoring a “Mardi Gras Night” with dinner provided by Bravo’s from 5:30-7:30 p.m., a reverse raffle, and a silent auction.  Contact the school office for tickets or call Julie Sofo at 419-829-9928.  More info will be coming.

Academy Newsletter 1/12/09

:   As we face the prospect of more bad weather just a reminder that if we are delayed or cancelled it will be displayed on television as “Toledo Catholic Schools.”  We have used one day so far, let’s hope we don’t’ need many more.

 

There will be a late start on Wednesday, January 14.  Students do not have to be here until 9:15 p.m..

 

There will be a short meeting for those students who are interested in playing tennis this spring next Tuesday, January 13^th after school. The meeting should last about 20 minutes. If your son would like to play tennis but will not be able to attend the meeting, just have them stop by and let Mrs. Fritsch or Mr. Butler know sometime prior to the meeting.

 

We have another 7^th/8^th grade “Fun Night” coming up this Saturday and, as usual, we need help!  If you can assist us in chaperoning the 1000+ young people who usually attend please e-mail Kris fritsch at kfritsch@sjjtitans.org to let her know.

 

A baseball note from Bill Negrini regarding tryouts for the travel baseball team he coaches:

A number of kids that signed up did not show up at the tryout today. We assume that it was due to the snow and the cancellation of a number of other events. We will have a make up tryout next Sunday, Jan 18th from 3-4 pm at the same location, Greater Toledo Baseball.

Please let us know if you plan on attending the tryout.

Thanks,

Bill Negrini

 

 

Over 30 Academy students are actively working on a film project with our Artist in Residence, Ed Radtke.  Mark your calendars for the “Academy Movies World Premier Night” on Thursday, January 29 at the Maumee Theater on Conant Street at 7:00 p.m.  Admission is free and popcorn and beverages are provided.  Let’s pack the house to recognize the student filmmakers’ efforts.

 

On Thursday we kicked off our “Light the World” initiative with an Academy assembly that included a reporter and photographer form The Toledo Blade—look for a story soon.  Following is a note from Mrs. Chambers explaining the project (Mrs. Chambers has been the driving force behind this program and does a great job coordinating the enrichment opportunities for the Academy): On behalf of the Academy, we are very excited about our recent Bogo light kick off that is part of our year-long Green Light Project.  What started as a snowball has grown to an avalanche, and I wanted to share the recent updates with all of you.  

 

The Green Light Project is a year long study of alternative energy and global climate change.  The Academy teachers have been introducing these concepts and their implications in their lesson plans.  Several student conducted an energy analysis of the Academy to graph energy usage and waste.  Our Lego Robotics team built their state championship presentation on this concept as well, and created a website, www.4ourearth.net, to create awareness of alternative energy.    In addition, the Academy is implementing a Green newsletter to share information about green living and energy conservation.  

 

As part of an Academy Enrichment Program, some of our students took a different approach to creating awareness about energy.  In their research, they discovered the concept of “energy poverty” that impacts 1.9 billion people around the globe.  These people, who live primarily in third world countries, have no electricity.  They have no computers or cell phones.  They are not safe.  They cannot generate clean water or refrigerate medications.  And once the sun sets, they live in complete darkness unless they have kerosene, an expensive and dangerous source of light and heat.  The boys discovered a company that is trying to help.  They produce a solar powered flashlight called a Bogo (buy one, give one)  light.  Every time a Bogo light is purchased, one is given to someone in a third world country who is not on the electrical grid.  

 

The company that produces Bogo lights agreed to work with us to start a new program called “Schools Lighting The Way.”  I am proud to say that our school is the first to join this movement.  They manufactured a custom blue and gold Bogo light for us with our school crest imprinted on the side.  They even created a URL in make purchasing the Bogo lights easy.  It is www.schoolslightingtheway.com.  The Academy boys want to “light the world” by Earth day 2009.  Every time someone buys a blue and gold Bogo light from this site, one will be donated to a third world country.  The Academy boys hope to create awareness about energy poverty in the true spirit of being men for others.  

 

Yesterday, we had an assembly for the Academy and revealed the official SJJ Bogo light.  Each boy was presented with his own “Titans Lighting The Way” T-shirt.  The Toledo Blade joined us and stayed to interview the Academy students for an upcoming story about their work.  It will appear next week.  

 

In the true spirit of school unity, an SJJ High School student, Hassan Abbas,  created a group on Facebook called “Schools Lighting The Way” and uploaded a photo of the Titan Bogo Light.  This group is growing daily.  If you have a facebook page, please add this group to your profile page and help us to further the message about energy poverty and continue to drive awareness about our campaign.  

 

Report cards will be on their way in a couple of days.  Take care and pray for everyone’s safety during the days ahead!