Dr. Stritch's Office Connection tag:www.stlblog.org,2010:/mstritch/26 2010-03-02T21:42:00Z Movable Type 3.33 Attention Parents tag:www.stlblog.org,2010:/mstritch//26.685 2010-03-02T21:28:44Z 2010-03-02T21:42:00Z We are all aware of the fact that, "Sexting," "Texting" and "Cyber Bullying," are very serieous issues that our children confront daily. If you are concerned and feeling out of the loop about what your child may or may not... Dr Michael Stritch We are all aware of the fact that, "Sexting," "Texting" and "Cyber Bullying," are very serieous issues that our children confront daily. If you are concerned and feeling out of the loop about what your child may or may not be doing on line, then I strongly encourage you to attend an "eye opening" session dealing with the above mentioned issues, at the Oak Lawn Village Hall on March 10th from 7:00-9:00pm. Call (708) 741-5659 for more information. Teacher Saves the Day! tag:www.stlblog.org,2010:/mstritch//26.581 2010-02-04T18:12:22Z 2010-02-05T15:26:34Z Just over two weeks ago, fifth grader Shannon Baker was topping off lunch with a "Snickers" bar. As she took a last bite and swallowed, a piece lodged in her throat and she began to choke. Lucky for her and... Dr Michael Stritch Just over two weeks ago, fifth grader Shannon Baker was topping off lunch with a "Snickers" bar. As she took a last bite and swallowed, a piece lodged in her throat and she began to choke. Lucky for her and for us, Mrs. Morg, the new fifth grade teacher, was having lunch in the room. She happened to glance over at Shannon and noticed she was having difficulty breathing. She immediately rushed over and performed the "Heimlich" maneuver. The piece of candy popped out! Thank you Mrs. Morg, for being there at the right time, and knowing what to do! Welcome Back.... tag:www.stlblog.org,2010:/mstritch//26.494 2010-01-08T16:54:20Z 2010-01-11T02:01:36Z Happy New Year....I hope everyone had an enjoyable Christmas. I am writing this morning to ask for your assistance with the following: a. TV time....Please try and make sure you monitor the programs your children are watching on television. I... Dr Michael Stritch Happy New Year....I hope everyone had an enjoyable Christmas. I am writing this morning to ask for your assistance with the following: a. TV time....Please try and make sure you monitor the programs your children are watching on television. I know this is 2010, and times change, but I am amazed at some of the language and the sexual content of some prime time shows. When I speak with our students regarding shows such as: South Park, Family Guy, Jersey Shores, MTV, quite often I'm told they watch them on a regular basis. Even though our STL adolescents think they they are adults, they are not. They are impressionable young teenagers and should not be exposed to such content. I fear words and phrases that were strictly taboo a short time ago, are becoming perceived as acceptable because our children are becoming desensitized. God help us! While I'm on the subject (standing on this soap box) I have been told that now there is an adult "You Tube" site. So you might want to check your computer settings as well. b. On a much lesser note, we are experiencing problems once again with the one way time limits on Lawler Avenue. The Oak Lawn Police have been notified and will be monitoring the area issuing citations to violators. Remember, from 7:30-8:30 and 2:30-3:00 Lawler is one way south. Thank You for choosing Saint Linus School. Holiday Season! tag:www.stlblog.org,2009:/mstritch//26.468 2009-12-18T19:55:38Z 2009-12-18T22:01:43Z From everyone here at Saint Linus School, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of our Saint Linus Families. Enjoy the Holidays and stay safe! Respectfully and Sincerely, Dr. Stritch... Dr Michael Stritch From everyone here at Saint Linus School, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of our Saint Linus Families. Enjoy the Holidays and stay safe! Respectfully and Sincerely, Dr. Stritch Fifth Grade tag:www.stlblog.org,2009:/mstritch//26.444 2009-12-10T20:41:10Z 2009-12-10T20:48:31Z I have been aksed several times within the past week or so about Mrs. Tierney's recovery and a time line dealing with her return. I far as I know, Karen's recovery is going according to plan. That being the case,... Dr Michael Stritch I have been aksed several times within the past week or so about Mrs. Tierney's recovery and a time line dealing with her return. I far as I know, Karen's recovery is going according to plan. That being the case, I would suspect, based upon my conversation with Mrs. Tierney, that she will be back in the classroom when we return from the Christmas break. If I hear anything to the contrary, I will post it. I hope we see you on the 16th for our Cristmas concert:-) Welcome Back! tag:www.stlblog.org,2009:/mstritch//26.418 2009-12-02T20:17:20Z 2009-12-02T20:27:43Z I hope you and your family had a wonderfull Thanksgiving....and are now officially getting into the Christmas spirit. I don't know about you, but I had a little trouble with decorations starting to appear before halloween! There was a time... Dr Michael Stritch I hope you and your family had a wonderfull Thanksgiving....and are now officially getting into the Christmas spirit. I don't know about you, but I had a little trouble with decorations starting to appear before halloween! There was a time when people and merchants waited until after Thanksgiving. I guess times have changed...:-) Please plan on attending our School Christmas Concert on December 16th at 7:00pm in the church. Each class will present their favorite Christmas song. Plus we will sing our tradional rendition of the 12 days of Christmas. You do not want to miss it! Vaccination Update tag:www.stlblog.org,2009:/mstritch//26.388 2009-11-18T17:47:39Z 2009-11-18T17:52:25Z CCHD VACCINATION UPDATE! A. VACCINATIONS WILL BE GIVEN IN OUR GYM TOMORROW STARTING 8:15. B. UNLESS THERE IS A DOCUMENTED MEDICAL REASON, SUCH AS ASTHMA, ALL REGISTERED STUDENTS WILL RECEIVE THE LIVE VIRUS NASAL VACCINE C. IF FOR SOME REASON... Dr Michael Stritch CCHD VACCINATION UPDATE! A. VACCINATIONS WILL BE GIVEN IN OUR GYM TOMORROW STARTING 8:15. B. UNLESS THERE IS A DOCUMENTED MEDICAL REASON, SUCH AS ASTHMA, ALL REGISTERED STUDENTS WILL RECEIVE THE LIVE VIRUS NASAL VACCINE C. IF FOR SOME REASON YOU NEED TO BE PRESENT, YOU ARE INDEED WELCOME. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT MRS. DELISI, @ 425-1656. H1N1 Vaccine tag:www.stlblog.org,2009:/mstritch//26.382 2009-11-17T18:25:49Z 2009-11-17T18:28:53Z Look for information regarding H1N1 vaccinations in tomorrow's "Brown Envelope." At present the Cook County Health Department will be here on Thursday, November 19th. I do not yet have their arrival time, but my quess is that they will start... Dr Michael Stritch Look for information regarding H1N1 vaccinations in tomorrow's "Brown Envelope." At present the Cook County Health Department will be here on Thursday, November 19th. I do not yet have their arrival time, but my quess is that they will start early. If you have questions, please call my office @ 425-1656. H1N1 Update tag:www.stlblog.org,2009:/mstritch//26.338 2009-11-06T19:15:19Z 2009-11-06T19:49:33Z As of Friday, 11/6/09, we have six students absent with flu like symptoms....seventeen total. Considering an enrollment of 378.....I would suggest that is not an extreme number...Regards, Mike Stritch, Principal... Dr Michael Stritch As of Friday, 11/6/09, we have six students absent with flu like symptoms....seventeen total. Considering an enrollment of 378.....I would suggest that is not an extreme number...Regards, Mike Stritch, Principal Instructional Aide tag:www.stlblog.org,2009:/mstritch//26.335 2009-11-06T18:07:43Z 2009-11-06T18:09:27Z Dear Second Grade Parents/Guardians: I’m please to report that we have hired an Instructional Aide to assist with Ms. Anderson’s second grade class. Starting Monday, November 9th, Mrs. Susan Morg will begin working at STL on a daily basis. I... Dear Second Grade Parents/Guardians: I’m please to report that we have hired an Instructional Aide to assist with Ms. Anderson’s second grade class. Starting Monday, November 9th, Mrs. Susan Morg will begin working at STL on a daily basis. I have spoken with Ms. Anderson about her responsibilities and have directed her to focus on the areas of Reading and Mathematics. Mrs. Morg is a Illinois Certified teacher who has spent part of her career as a first and second grade teacher here at Saint Linus. I think we are very fortunate in having a “Certified” teacher serving in this position and look forward to her joining our family and enhancing the educational program. Please extend a warm welcome when you see her. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Sincerely, Michael P. Stritch, Principal H1N1 Update tag:www.stlblog.org,2009:/mstritch//26.292 2009-10-29T17:38:37Z 2009-10-29T17:40:23Z Dear Parents/Guardians We now have our second confirmed case of the H1N1 virus. One student is enrolled in grade six, now back in school, and one in grade four. My guess is that some of the other 13 absences are... Dr Michael Stritch Dear Parents/Guardians We now have our second confirmed case of the H1N1 virus. One student is enrolled in grade six, now back in school, and one in grade four. My guess is that some of the other 13 absences are also H1N1 but are being diagnosed simply the "flu." Please keep reminding your children to wash their hands and limit close contact with friends. As I posted on my “blog,” earlier, we are currently in the process of trying to schedule a "Vaccination" day through Oak Lawn and the Cook County Health Department. More detailed information regarding that project was sent home in yesterday’s "Brown Envelope." It should also be pointed out that 13 absences are not unusual for a school of nearly four hundred. So, the rumor of a “pandemic” here at Saint Linus is, at least for the present, unfounded. Hoping all is well with you and your family……. H1N1 tag:www.stlblog.org,2009:/mstritch//26.289 2009-10-28T19:26:33Z 2009-10-29T17:37:31Z We now have our first confirmed case of the H1N1 virus...Grade six. My guess is that some of the other absences are also H1N1 but are being diagnosed simply the "flu." Pleased keep reminding your children to wash their hands... Dr Michael Stritch We now have our first confirmed case of the H1N1 virus...Grade six. My guess is that some of the other absences are also H1N1 but are being diagnosed simply the "flu." Pleased keep reminding your children to wash their hands and limit contact. We are currently in the process of trying to schedule a "Vaccination" day through Oak Lawn and the Cook County Health Department. More detailed information is being sent home in today's "Brown Envelope." School Safety tag:www.stlblog.org,2009:/mstritch//26.216 2009-10-13T16:35:17Z 2009-10-13T16:40:53Z Please keep in mind when you come to school, that all parents must check in at the office prior to visiting a classroom. Students have been directed not to open any doors for anybody other than their teacher. All visitors... Dr Michael Stritch Please keep in mind when you come to school, that all parents must check in at the office prior to visiting a classroom. Students have been directed not to open any doors for anybody other than their teacher. All visitors should enter through the Main Office doors on Lawler avenue or buzzed in through the gym doors. Any parent entering through the gym doors still needs to come to the office before going to class. Thank you in advance for your coooperation in this matter. Pre-school tag:www.stlblog.org,2009:/mstritch//26.208 2009-10-09T14:59:25Z 2009-10-09T20:38:03Z Since Ms. Reich's departure, I have been observing the activities taking place in the Pre-school room, and I'm pleased to report that I have been very impressed. Ms. Krahn, with the help of Mrs. Gute, has done an outstanding job... Dr Michael Stritch Since Ms. Reich's departure, I have been observing the activities taking place in the Pre-school room, and I'm pleased to report that I have been very impressed. Ms. Krahn, with the help of Mrs. Gute, has done an outstanding job with the difficult task thrust upon her. Her organizational skills are exemplary, and the activites, both play and instructional, are most definitely age appropriate. I recently met with Ms. Krahn and discussed the possibility of her staying on until a replacement is found and she has, to my delight, agreed. It is comforting to know that while we begin the search process we will have someone in place who will bring continutity and competence to the program. As you can imagine, finding the RIGHT person to fill the pre-school position will not be an easy task. We will move cautiously to make sure the right decision is made. I would suspect that the timeline will take us into at least the Christmas break. We ask for your prayers as we move through this process. Pre-School tag:www.stlblog.org,2009:/mstritch//26.194 2009-10-06T17:22:21Z 2009-10-06T17:32:59Z Dear Parents and Guardians: As you probably know by now, on Monday,Septmber 28th, Ms. Reich submitted her resignation and after conferring with Father Corcoran it was accepted effective immediately. Contrary to rumor, Ms. Reich was not asked by this administration... Dr Michael Stritch Dear Parents and Guardians: As you probably know by now, on Monday,Septmber 28th, Ms. Reich submitted her resignation and after conferring with Father Corcoran it was accepted effective immediately. Contrary to rumor, Ms. Reich was not asked by this administration to resign. It was her decision and only her decision. When she left school on Thursday, September 24th, I had no idea she was leaving the building or considering resigning. There are issues of confidentiality involved with this situation that I can not address publicly. What I can address however are the issues of public domain that were involved. Those issues were: a.Safety…Ms. Reich and I had numerous conversations about “play.” We talked about play that is structured Vs play that is unstructured. Play needed to be defined so that all of the children in the preschool program would remain safe. b.Attendance…There is no wiggle room on this issue. The State of Illinois and the Archdiocese of Chicago are very specific on this issue. We need to keep accurate records of attendance. Not only for State purposes but for purposes of insurance and tuition as well. Our program is a preschool program where children are registered for daily attendance, it is not a day care center that fluctuates daily. I can assure you that we will do our best to ensure that the educational process continues and transitions in a non disruptive fashion. During this interum, Ms. Katelyn Krahn will be filling in for Ms. Reich and Mrs. Gute will remain as the Instructional Aide. Finally, replacing Ms. Reich will not be an easy task. In the meantime, I ask for your support and your prayers as we move forward. If you have any other questions, please feel free to call and if I can, I will be happy to answer them. Respectfully, Michael P. Stritch, Ed.D.