Notes from Mrs. Alonso

April 17, 2012

Dear parents of eighth graders,

         Here we are, going into our last six weeks as a class. I know how busy everyone is, and with the tons of paperwork going through your homes, it may be hard to find the letter I sent last month outlining our events.  So, being a “Now-where-did-I-put-that?” kind of parent myself, I am providing for you a day-by-day outline of activities, times, required dress, etc.

Friday, May 4: Great America, by bus, 9:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m. (approx.)

Please see the separate notification and sign the permission form included with this letter.

Friday, May 11: Graduation dance at St. Agnes 7:30 p.m.-9:30p.m.

More information will be sent as the time approaches.

Thursday, May 17: Giants Game via BART

Game time is 12:30. We will leave school at 9:30, go by car to the Pleasant Hill BART station, and walk from the Embarcadero station to ATT Park, which takes about thirty minutes. Our return time depends on the game, but we will plan to leave the park no later than 3:30, which will put us back on BART at about 4:00, and back to school at about 5:00 p.m. We have enough tickets for 12 chaperones.

Dress for the occasion: Casual free dress. Comfortable shoes for walking are a must. The weather in San Francisco is unpredictable, so sweatshirts or jackets are advisable, along with hats and sunscreen! Remember that we represent the school, so appropriate attire is required. Also, we start the day at school, so handbook guidelines must be followed. Parents may be called to bring a change of clothes.

I will send the permission form home later this month.

Tuesday, May 29: Retreat The day begins with mass at 8:00 a.m.

The class retreat day is from 8:30 a.m. until 3:00, in the Msgr. Wade Hall.

o   A pizza lunch will be delivered.

Thursday, May 31: Mass for the graduates at 8:00 a.m. followed by breakfast.

Parents and friends are welcome to attend the mass. Students may leave for the day after breakfast. Students must dress nicely for mass. Boys: slacks and collared shirts, girls: dresses, skirts, or dressy pants. Observe required skirt length. Shoulders and midriffs must be covered. The breakfast is usually finished by 9:45 a.m.

An awards ceremony and slide presentation will be held in the Church. All students are honored, and parents and friends are encouraged to attend. The students will arrive by 8:30 am. They need to bring their pressed graduation gowns on hangers labeled with their names. After the awards ceremony, we’ll leave the gowns in the 8^th grade classroom and put them on before the evening’s graduation ceremony.

Remember that the awards ceremony and graduation ceremony take place in the Church, so students need to dress with respect for the location.

Graduation attire:

Students need to dress up for these events, according to the following directives:           

Please keep in mind the age appropriateness of clothing, especially for girls. The current style in clothing that resembles slips or reveals too much of the anatomy is not appropriate. Sleeveless dresses are fine if the top of the shoulder is covered and lingerie straps are not showing. Spaghetti straps or tank-style tops are not allowed. Skirts that are too tight, too short (less than two inches above the knees), or have deep slits are not allowed. Shoes need to allow for ease in walking and navigating steps. Good luck!  (Right around now, the boys’ parents are smiling with relief). For boys, no jackets are needed, but dress shirts with ties, dress pants and dress shoes are required.

Students arrive at 6:30 p.m. in the 8^th grade classroom to put on their gowns and line up. The gowns belong to the students, so they should keep them after the graduation ceremony.

There are no words that express how grateful I am to have spent this academic year with your children. They are amazing.

            Many blessings,

            Mrs. Carol Alonso