January 25, 2015

Dear St. Raphael School Families and Parishioners,

We are so proud of our 8th Grade class as they join tens of thousands in Washington D.C.this week to stand up for Life. These young men and women represent St. Raphael as participants in the March for Life, in support of the right to life for unborn children. They do not take this trip lightly. Our 8th Graders have a wonderful time and see many sights in our nation’s capitol, but all of the sightseeing is secondary to their real purpose. Ask any of these 8th Grade students the purpose of their trip, and they will tell you that this trip is a pilgrimage, a chance to show the nation that they believe in Life. What a gift these students are to us, and how blessed are they to be a part of this St. Raphael community that supports their commitment.

Registration for the 2015-2016 school year officially begins on the day of our Open House, Sunday, January 25th. We encourage returning families to come to Open House and pick up their Registration Packets in the cafeteria anytime from 11am to 3pm. Your forms will be filled out for you with all of the information we have in our database, so all you have to do is make changes if necessary. You can even turn in your Letter of Intent right there at Open House. Returning families who turn in their Letter of Intent by February 1st will have their $15 Registration Fee waived, just as a bonus. So please stop by, get your kids registered for next year, and enjoy some of Mrs. Ruggieri’s famous chili and nachos!

Our featured teacher this week is Mr. Joe Simpson, our Music Teacher. Over the last 27 years, he has worked with children ages 0-21 and their families in various capacities within Social Services, as well as education. He has a M.S. Ed in Counseling and K-12 Vocal Music Certification. Mr. Simpson has been a Liturgical Musician for over 30 years, and shares his love for beautiful and contemporary music with us at school masses. He sings in a 3 time International Champion, 150+ member A Capella Barbershop chorus, The Ambassadors of Harmony. Mr. Simpson has a contagious love for music and invites his students to experience and love music of all kinds. He has introduced African drumming into the music room and the kids love it! We all love Mr. Simpson’s easy manner and fun loving approach, and we are so happy he is part of our SRA School Family!

Looking Ahead…

• Catholic Schools Week……………………………...Jan 26 - 30

• 6th Grade at FOCUS Retreat………………………...Jan 27

• Student Appreciation Day at Science Center………...Jan 28

• Culture Day & Noon Dismissal.……………………..Jan 30

• SRA Trivia Night…………………………………….Jan 31

Thanks for all of your support, and please come see our beautiful, productive, and faith-filled school during our Open House!

Peace & Blessings,

Kim Vangel

Principal