* The Teachers are planning Mass.

* Join us this Thursday at 2:30 pm in the Church for Stations of the Cross.

TOLERANCE

Accepting other people and their beliefs, even if you don't agree.

"Therefore, let us not judge one another anymore, but resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way."     - Romans 14:13

Dates to Remember

Newsletter Deadline: Thursdays at Noon     Scrip to Go available on Friday mornings!

3/7  Stations of the Cross at 2:30 pm in the Church

3/7  Meeting with the Principal at 6:30 pm in Church

3/8  Meeting with the Principal at 8:00 am in Ross Hall

3/8  PTO Meeting at 9:00 am in the school library

3/8  Spirit Day

3/8  Scrip to Go - Open in PTO Office in school from 7:30-8:30 am

3/11 2^nd Grade Used Book Sale in school lobby

3/12 2^nd Grade Used Book Sale in school lobby

3/14  End of 3^rd Quarter (46 days)

3/15-24  Spring Break

3/25  Classes Resume

3/27  PTO Flower Order Forms due

3/29  Scrip to Go - Open in PTO Office in school from 7:30-8:30 am

3/29  Good Friday-Dismissal at 1:00/1:15 pm

3/29  Report Cards issued

3/31  Easter Sunday

4/1  Easter Monday-No School (Snow Make Up-if necessary)

PTO Thank Yous!

The PTO would like to thank Dawn Koers for all the hard work, time and effort she put in over the last month organizing and running the Spell-a-thon!  It was a huge success thanks to Dawn and her team of volunteers who worked together to pull off a great fundraiser for our school!

The PTO would like to thank Donna Treece for chairing the very successfully 1^st Annual Calendar Raffle.  Donna put many months of work, creativity and time into this fundraiser, and it raised a great deal of money for the school and parish.  There were many committee members that helped Donna, and we appreciate everyone's contributions!  We would also like to share a big thank you to the school families and parish members who supported the fundraiser and purchased raffle calendars.  It could not have been successful without everyone's support!  Good job to all!   (Mar-04-2013)

1st Annual SPX Raffle Calendar was a SUCCESS!

Almost 1000 calendars were sold.  Thank you to the calendar artists, ad sponsors, calendar buyers & amazing volunteers.  A special thank you to the following committees:  Ann Kellison & Susan Berry - Production & Planning; Catherine Haigerty & Becky Klee - Art Contest; Michelle Haimbaugh - Sponsor Ad Sales; Amy Clark & Lisa Melloh - Marketing & Processing; Mary Walsh, Melissa Knapp, Joy Stiver, Maggie Albright, Stephanie VanHorn, Mindy Blaiklock, Maura Lee, Cathy Nickerson, Maureen Chernoff, Edie Witchger, Suzanne Avery Lee, Alicia Russell, Brenda Keefe, Jenny Myers - filling orders, stuffing bulletins, and selling calendars in Narthex.

Thanks also to our printer, Brinkman Printing, (fellow parishioner, Tom Brinkman) for a quality calendar.

Congratulations to the classes that met calendar sales goals: Mrs. Tierney, Mrs. O'Brien/Mrs. Bruges, Mrs. Cook & Mrs. McNulty..  All four of these classrooms earned a pizza party during lunch.  Way to go!  Many students earned an out of uniform day for reaching their individual goals.  Kaden Morgan was the winner of "Principal for a Day".  All raffle winners are announced in the SPX parish website, in the weekly bulletin, and on a poster in the Narthex.  Listed are the winners to date: February 22, 2013 - Jared and Emily Snyder; February 15, 2013 - Natalie Dycus; February 8, 2013 - Kassy McPherson; February 1, 2013 - Brian Richter; January 25, 2013 - Michael Stuhldreher; January 18, 2013 - Jan and Alan Clements; January 11, 2013 - Elaine Stitle; January 4, 2013 - Mary Tarter;  Early Bird Winner - Kerry Keating.  Good luck to all the calendar owners! Soon you may see your name posted as a winner!  Again, thank you to everyone involved!  -Donna Treece & Kelly Stehlik, Calendar Committee Chairs  (Mar-04-2013)

Middle School includes 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th Grades and Jr. High includes 7^th & 8^th Grades.  If you have any questions, please contact Angie Hyre, Youth Ministry Coordinator ( ahyre@spxparish.org).

We have a series of Lenten Activities.  Please join us for the following:

6^th Grade Drop-In:  Monday, March 4^th at 12:00-12:45 pm in the Shalom

Middle School Group/EDGE :  Wednesday, March 6^th from 7:00-8:00 pm in the Youth Space on the 2^nd floor of Shalom (Note that this is a different time beginning in February.)

7th & 8^th Grade Gathering:  Friday, March 8^th at 7:00-9:00 pm at St. Lawrence

Jr. High Youth Council:  Monday, March 11^th at 4:30-6:00 pm in the Shalom

Middle School Group/EDGE:  Wednesday, March 13^th from 7:00-8:00 pm in the Youth Space on the 2^nd floor of Shalom (Note that this is a different time beginning in February.)

Easter Egg Hunt:  Holy Saturday, March 30^th at 9:30-10:30 am at SPX School

Easter Sunday:  Sunday, March 31^st Hallelujah!

(Updated Feb-25-2013; Sep-17-2012;)

Yes, Skiles Test has Softball!

Conveniently located just east of Binford Boulevard, Skiles Test Youth Baseball & Softball has become a great softball option for several St. Pius X families.  Softball commissioner Mark Goodpaster can answer any questions you might have about softball for your daughter.  To learn more, go to www.skilestest.com.  If you have any questions, you can contact Mark Goodpaster at markgoodpaster@sbcglobal.net.  You can find registration information on the website.  (Feb-04-2013)

Bishop Chatard Girls Basketball Open Gym

All girls in grades 6^th-8^th interested in improving their basketball skills are invited to participate in the following Open Gym Sessions at Bishop Chatard High School:

Monday, Mary 4^th from 7:30-9:00 pm;  Tuesday, March 5^th from 7:00-9:00 pm;  Monday March 11^th from 7:30-9:00 pm;  Tuesday, March 12^th from 7:30-9:00 pm;  Tuesday, March 26^th from 7:00-9:00 pm; and Thursday, March 28^th from 7:00-9:00 pm.  Cost is $25 for the entire spring sessions.  If you have any questions, please contact Dan Wagner.  (Mar-04-2013)

Yes, Skiles Test has Softball!

Conveniently located just east of Binford Boulevard, Skiles Test Youth Baseball & Softball has become a great softball option for several St. Pius X families.  Softball commissioner Mark Goodpaster can answer any questions you might have about softball for your daughter.  To learn more, go to www.skilestest.com.  If you have any questions, you can contact Mark Goodpaster at markgoodpaster@sbcglobal.net.  You can find registration information on the website.  (Feb-04-2013)

Butler Volleyball Camps

Sign up today to join Butler University Head Volleyball Coach Sharon Clark and staff for an exciting, informative and FUN camp experience!  Go to www.butlervolleyballcamps.com for more information and registration.  (Mar-04-2013)

Baseball and Softball at AYBS

Registration is now open for another fun season of baseball and softball at Allisonville Youth Baseball and Softball.  AYBS offers a fun, family oriented environment where children in grades 1 through 6 have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of baseball and softball. This year, AYBS will be running the Pee Wee League that was previously held at Allisonville Christian Church Pee Wee League (ACC), allowing us to extend the same philosophies and opportunities to children ages 5 and 6.  To register, go to http://aybs.us/.  (Feb-11-2013)

A message from Father Jim....

Adopt a Cardinal to pray for during the conclave!!!

You are invited to go to this website   www.adoptacardinal.org and you will be assigned a Cardinal to pray for during the conclave and for three days following the election of a new Pope.  You are asked to support him through prayer and intercession.  It only takes a few seconds and is so important. 

Welcome to another testing season.  As we mentioned last week, ISTEP testing will take place this week.  By the time you read this, the first day's testing will be underway.  We hope that all of the children were well rested and had a good breakfast filled with protein and good carbohydrates so that they could be alert and do their best thinking.  This week's testing covers Applied Skills.  Students will be writing short answers, giving written explanations for how they accomplish a math problem, and answering writing prompts.  The final portion of ISTEP, the Multiple Choice Questions, will take place April 29^th - May 3^rd.

3^rd Grade students will also take the IREAD-3 test on March 12^th.  This test will measure their grasp of the reading skills that will allow them to succeed in 4^th Grade and beyond.  IREAD-3 is in its second year.  Educators know that in kindergarten through 3^rd grade children "learn to read" and from 4^th grade on, they must "read to learn".  For this reason it is mandatory that we make sure they are prepared with the skills necessary to attack and conquer all the material that they will face during the rest of their educational career.  IREAD-3 will be a one day test.  It will be broken into several subtests and all together it will take about 90 minutes.  We ask for your help in making sure that the students are rested well on this day and also come to school with a good breakfast.  We are looking for great success from all of our students!    Blessings,  -Bill & Theresa  (Mar-04-2013)

The Principal needs to see YOU!

Please join us for an informal update on hot topics at St. Pius X on March 7, 2013 at 6:30 pm in the Church OR March 8, 2013, at 8:00 am in Ross Hall.  Topics include:  Common Core Curriculum and discussion about interest in The Leader in Me program.  Students whose parents attend will get an out of uniform day on March 28th!  Don't miss this occasion to know what's going on at school!  (Feb-19-2013)

Check out the April menu here and remember to order lunches for April today before you get caught up with Spring Break and forget!  You will not want to miss out on school lunches!  (Mar-04-2013)

Playground Supervisor Needed

We are looking for a playground supervisor for Fridays.  This can be a paid or voluntary position.  Please consider accepting this responsibility.  We could really use the help.  Please call the school office at 466-3361.  (Mar-04-2013)

The second grade is going to host a book sale Monday, March 11 and Tuesday, March 12 from 7:45 - 8:15 am and 2:30- 3:15 pm in the school lobby.  You will find books for $.50-$1.  If anyone has any used books they would like to donate, please send them in with your child.  (Please no textbooks or reference books.)  We are looking for children books for all ages and books interesting for adults.  Students can bring them to either Mrs. Stocker's or Mrs. Austin's 2^nd grade classes.  Everyone is welcome to come and buy.  Thank you!  (Mar-04-2013)

INDIANA TAX DEDUCTION FOR DEPENDENTS ENROLLED IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS

While St. Pius X School does not provide any advice regarding personal income tax requirements or filing, we do want to inform parents that IC 6-3-2-22 authorizes taxpayers to claim a $1,000 income tax deduction for each dependent who is enrolled in a private school or who is home schooled in grades K-12 and incurs costs for tuition, fees, computer software, textbooks or school supplies. To claim this credit, you will need to provide your accountant with the following information: St. Pius X School #C450 under the Archdiocese of Indianapolis #9200.  For Bishop Chatard High School - C705 and for Cathedral High School - C700.  (Feb-19-2013)

Program Listing for week of March 4 - March 13:

March 4^th - Broadway Kidz - 3:15- 4:15 pm in Ross Hall

March 5^th - Puppets FINAL CLASS - 3:15-4:15 pm in Kindergarten Room 9 (Sitzman)

March 6^th - Computer Design AFL FINAL CLASS - 3:15 - 4:15 pm in SPX Computer Room

March 6^th - Cookies & Canvas Session III (St. Patrick's) - 3:15 - 4:45 pm in Ross Hall

March 7^th - Winter Conditioning FINAL CLASS - 3:15 - 4:15 pm in Ross Hall

March 11^th - Broadway Kidz FINAL CLASS - 3:15- 4:15 pm in Ross Hall  (** Performance will be at 3:40 pm.  Parents and family members are welcome to attend.  If attending, please arrive on or after 3:30 pm.)

March 12^th - Scrabble FINAL CLASS - 3:15 - 4:15 pm in Ross Hall

March 12^th - Golf - 3:15 - 6:00 pm at Shortee's Golf Course (Off-site SPXtra student must have off-site permission form on file.)

March 12^th - Half Baked Pottery (Cross Boxes) - 3:15 - 4:15 pm in Art Room

March 13^th - Ice Skating - 3:15 - 6:00 pm in Carmel Ice Skadium (This is the re-scheduled date from February 26^th.  Off-site extra students must have off-site permission form on file.)

UPDATES:

1)  Half Baked Pottery items from Session III Cross Boxes will be distributed the week of March 25^th prior to the Easter holiday.

2)  IMPORTANT:  Please note the ENDING time on your student SPXtra.  All classes DO NOT have the same ending time.

PICKING UP STUDENTS :  When picking up your students after a SPXtra program, we ask that you pick up your student in the location of the program. If the program is still in session, PLEASE wait outside the room where the program is held.  This helps the students and the instructor finish the class without interruptions.  If your student needs to leave their class early, no problem, just send an email/note and we will have your student ready to leave early.  If you have requested, your student to go to Extended Care, your student(s) will be checked in after the class.

If you have any questions, please contact Mary Sims (mitsims4@sbcglobal.net).  (Mar-04-2013)

PTO Spring Flower Sale

It's Flower Sale time!!  We are so excited to offer these beautiful flowers again and the best news of all is that they will be in BEFORE Mother's Day and Teacher Appreciation Week.  We've got you covered.  You'll have a beautiful yard all while supporting our parish and school - it's a win-win!!  We can get almost anything!  If you don't find what you want on the form or need ideas, call us....Kathy Calvert or Ann Kellison.  See the order form here. 

Remember....pre-paid orders are due by Wednesday, March 27th.  Pick-up is on Tuesday, May 7th.  (March 04-2013)

SPX Dinner Dance and Auction 2013

With the planning of the 2013 Dinner Dance and Auction underway we are looking for Event Sponsors, Gold Sponsors, Purple Sponsors and Advertisers.  Please see the attachment here (or you can find it on Edline) to get a full description of each package.  Asking your employers or the businesses that you frequent are just some of the many ways to support St. Pius X Parish School.  If you participated in 2011, you will be getting a personal email inviting you to be a part of 2013.  If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Melloh (melloh@sbcglobal.net).  Thanks for helping us make this another successful event for St. Pius X Parish School.  (Feb-19-2013)

Circle of Grace Program

As we begin the New Year, we are introducing a new curriculum called, THE CIRCLE OF GRACE.  It is in response to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' "Charter for the Protection of Children & Young People."  Each diocese is mandated to have a safe environment program for children and youth.  Simply put: it is Virtus training for our kids!

The Circle of Grace is the recognition that God is always with us and is there to help us in difficult or unsafe situations.  This program helps children and youth to identify when they feel uncomfortable in a situation-and includes ways to seek the help of a trusted adult.

The Circle of Grace program covers grades K-12.  The curriculum is self-contained for each grade, using age appropriate lesson plans.  A link to all Circle of Grace documents can be found on EdLine.  Please read the parent letter and review your child's grade-specific lesson(s), which will be completed by the end of this school year.  You will find some helpful resources there as well!

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Donna Casper, MSW,LSW, SPX Safe Environment Coordinator (dcasper@spxparish.org ). Thank you!  (Feb 19-2013)

Scrip to Go:  Remember to stop by the SCRIP-TO-GO window in the school lobby open every Friday from 7:30-8:30 am! If you have questions about Scrip, please contact Lorrie Manuszak (manuszak@ameritech.net), Monica Hedrick (monica.hedrick@comcast.net) or Lisa Kraegge (lisakraege@gmail.com).  Thanks for supporting Scrip and helping our school! 

(Dec-3-2012)

SPX Girls' Softball!

Spring is almost here and it's time to start thinking about Girls Cadet Softball!  If your 6^th, 7^th or 8^th grade daughter is interested in playing CYO Softball, please register her on OrgsOnline now.  Registration deadline is March 15^th.  Please contact Steve Lee (hoosiertools@hotmail.com) if you have questions.  (Updated Feb 25-2013; Feb-11-2013)

Sign-ups for Boys Baseball

It's time to start thinking Spring and thinking about SPX Baseball!  All SPX 7^th & 8^th Grade boys interested in playing cadet baseball for SPX are encouraged to sign up.  Registration is only open to 7^th and 8^th grade boys and must be completed by Tuesday, March 10^th.  Please go to OrgsOnline to register.  If you have any questions, please contact Kiernan Keating (kiernan.keating@takeda.comor 508-1573).  (Jan-14-2013)

Vacation Bible School

We have started planning Vacation Bible School which is scheduled for June 10-14.  The theme this year is called " Kingdom Rock" and we need volunteers to continue the planning.  This is a wonderful week-long ministry for children and we need your help to make it happen.  Prayerfully consider being part of the action as a coordinator, station leader or another area.  Please contact Sue Thompson, Coordinator for Religious Education (sthompson@spxparish.org), if you have any questions or would like to let her know you would be happy to help!  (Jan-14-2013)

Cathedral High School Placement Test Prep Course

Current 7^th graders who want to maximize their potential for success on the High School Placement Test might want to consider Cathedral's Placement Test Prep Course.  For only $75, students can take a practice placement test on a Monday, receive direct instruction from math and English teachers for three days, and take another practice test on a Friday.  Prepare for success on the test, and earn scores that can be used for admission and/or merit scholarships during 8^th grade.  Choose from mornings or afternoons during one of the two weeks-June 10-14 or July 15-19.  Visit www.gocathedral.com/testprep or call (317) 968-7370 to learn more!  (Feb-25-2013)

2013 Science and Math Summer Camps

The Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab presents science and math summer camps that will be sure to bring science and math to you in new, different, and fun ways.  The theme is the environment and campers will explore, protect and advocate for it throughout the one week camps:  The 2013 Camp Schedule includes:  Week of June 10-14 - Math and Science Camp; Week of June 17-21 - Math and Science Camp; and Week of June 24-28 - STEAM Camp (STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math).  Camps are available for Kindergarten-8^th grade students, full of fun and hands-on activities and experiments. See the attached registration form and flyer. Go to http://www.marian.edu/about-marian/nina-mason-pulliam-ecolab/summer-science-camps for more information.

We are also pleased to tell you that this summer Marian University will host Camp Invention on campus the week of July 8 - 12.  The camp, for 1^st - 6^th grade students, from 9:00 am - 3:30 pm will engage students in creative problem solving activities with STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) themes.  Registration for Camp Invention is available at www.campinvention.org or 800-968-4332, ext. 1959.  (Mar-04-2013)