Dear Saint Ursula Community,

By the time that you receive this letter, we will be a couple of days into the final term of the school year - astounding!  As you well know, this time of the school year has its own special sense of excitement and challenge:  students are looking forward to the upcoming summer break, and there is much to do and accomplish before the year concludes.  We are looking forward to celebrating our seniors with all of their special activities while being even more aware that they will be dearly missed on campus.  Thanks for all of the patience and support that you provide our students as they enter this final sprint of a term after an already long race.

As parents and caretakers, we understand that it can be challenging to keep up with schedules, particularly with all of the culminating events at the end of the year.  The following are a couple of reminders about upcoming events with a few slight changes to mark on your calendars:

• Reminder:  Friday, March 15 - early dismissal at 1:25 pm in order for our faculty and staff to participate in professional development.
• Reminder:  Tuesday, March 19 - celebration of the life and ministry of Sr. Thea Bowman, thanks to the efforts of our Sister Jerome and the Ursulines of Cincinnati.  As a gift to our SUA community, they have commissioned a painting of Sr. Thea Bowman that will hang in Chapel Hall.  Our school community will gather for Mass at 10:25 am in the Gym, and we would love for you to join us if your schedules allow.  Here is the invitation and biography of Sr. Thea that was previously shared in this Bulletin.
• Please note:  Wednesday, March 27 - early dismissal at 1 pm in order for our faculty and staff to participate in a professional development opportunity.
• Reminder:  Thursday, March 28 - NO SCHOOL as the students will enjoy an early start to spring break as a reward for their outstanding efforts on the grand raffle.
• Reminder:  Monday, April 8 - NO SCHOOL in order for our school community to take advantage of the historic solar eclipse in our region.
• Please note: Friday, April 19 - we will follow the previously shared Bulldog schedule, and all students in grades 9-12 will have an early dismissal at 2 pm.

With the nicer spring weather, we have noticed an increase in foot traffic around campus.  Most people in our area are just out walking, exercising, or strolling with their dog, but we continue to remind students to use strong situational awareness skills.  We reinforce that being aware of their environment and knowing how to keep themselves safe are critical life skills that will benefit them in all situations.

To that end, we need your help.  We instruct students to never, under any circumstances, open a door to allow anyone into the building other than a student, teacher, or staff member wearing an SUA badge.  We definitely want SUA to be a welcoming place for parents, caregivers, and visitors, but for the safety of our students, we need all visitors to check in at the Main Office and get a visitor’s badge. We know that the students would appreciate not being in the uncomfortable situation of having to turn away from a parent at a door.   Lelia and I greatly appreciate your support with this matter.

Have a great rest of the week.  Go Bulldogs!

Kathy

Here is the updated two-week calendar.