August 2, 2022
Dear St. Charles Families,
It is hard to believe that we are approaching the end of summer and getting ready for the opening of SCCS for the 2022-2023 academic year. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all of our new and returning families. I must share that it is very exciting to see that SCCS has become a very lively place again after the quiet days of summer! There is clearly eager anticipation as we make final preparations for the upcoming school year. This newsletter contains a great deal of important information for all of our families so please be sure to read it in its entirety.
Our teachers and staff continue to be committed to their ministry and for that reason we have very few changes. Miss Clay will be moving to teach 3rd grade and Miss Heitmeyer is making the move to teach 4th grade. Mrs. Thompson will be taking over the role as our school librarian. Mrs. Melita Bellman will be our new cafeteria manager and joining her in the cafeteria this year is Mrs. Georgia Rettig as the cashier and Mrs. Coleman. We are still looking for a Preschool lead teacher and I hope to be able to introduce them to the parents soon.
Class Assignment Pick-Up – Classroom assignment information for all students PS-8 will be available to pick-up on August 15th from 9:00-4:00, August 16th from 5:30-7:30, or August 17th from 9:00-4:00 in the school office. PS/PK families will also sign up for their orientation slot during this time. All fees and outstanding balances must be paid and tuition payment plans set prior to picking up your child’s assignment information. If you are unable to pick up your child's information during these hours your child will be able to pick up their information on the first day of school in the office.
Welcome to School – All new and returning families are invited to meet the teachers and staff on Tuesday, August 16th from 6:00-7:30 p.m. The open house is an opportunity for you and your child to meet your child’s teacher and tour the school building. This is a great time for children to become acquainted with their teacher and their school.
Kindergarten Orientation – We will be conducting an in-person parent/student orientation for ALL incoming Kindergarten families on the first day of school, August 18th. We will welcome the boys and one parent/guardian from 8:30-10:00 and the girls and one parent/guardian from 12:00-1:30. We ask that you enter at the front of the school building and check in at the office. We also request that you bring with you the red folder you will receive when you pick up your child’s classroom assignment information. The orientation will walk you through a day in the life of a Kindergarten student, introduce you to school procedures, and raise awareness of academic expectations. You will meet staff members including our school counselor, the Kindergarten team, and our specials team.
First Day of School - The teachers, staff and I are looking forward to seeing ALL students in grades K-8 on Thursday August 18th for the first day of school. Preschool/Prekindergarten students will begin on Wednesday, August 24th. A reminder that all students should be in their classrooms by the 7:50 tardy bell.
Thursday Early Dismissal - Keeping with the spirit of collaboration among the Lima Catholic Schools, we will continue to dismiss every Thursday at 2 p.m. in order to collaborate or for professional development. Regular bus services and the Extended Day Program will be available at this time. Please note if there is a 2 or 3 hour delay on Thursdays, school will dismiss at 3 p.m.
Uniforms - For information about student’s uniforms, please consult the website under student handbook. We have a Used Uniform Room. Parents may label and send in uniform clothing in good condition for our Uniform Room. This is a free lending room available to all students and is open during normal school office hours during the school year.
Morning Drop Off – Parents are welcome to drop off their child/ren on Primrose or Cable Road entrances to the school beginning at 7:30 am. Please note that the doors will not be unlocked until 7:30 and there is NO SUPERVISION before this time and it would be negligent to leave your child unattended. Please do not drop off your child/ren in front of the school building on Elm St. For the safety and security of our school, parents/guardians may not enter the school building in the morning to walk their child/ren to the classroom. We ask that you say good-bye in the car or before your child enters the building. There are students and staff members assigned to greet and help your child get to their designated spot. Students are considered tardy at 7:50 a.m.
Dismissal Procedure – Students riding buses will leave the building on Primrose and 8th grade students and their families will have the privilege of being assigned to Row 10 in front of the building. Row assignments for all families will be distributed with the class assignments. Click here for a map of our dismissal process. Students walking home will be dismissed after all vehicles have left the premises to assure their safety. We are hopeful the public school bus garages will have routes available very soon along with their policies for riding the bus. Dismissal begins at 3 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and 2 p.m. on Thursdays.
School Lunches – Students may choose to pack a lunch or purchase a hot lunch. Kindergarten - 8th graders will be able to choose components of the meal which must include at least one fruit or vegetable. Specialty salads and meals will also be available for students in grades 3 - 8. Monthly menus will be posted on the St. Charles School website. All lunches should be prepaid using the student I.D. Payments can be made through cash, check, or online through PaySchools Central. A reminder that the USDA announced that lunch meals will NOT be free this school year. If you think you might be eligible for a free & reduced lunch you need to fill out the free and reduced meal application and return it to school.
Pre School – Grade 4 $2.65, Grades 5 – 8 $2.70, Adults $5.00
Communications – We will continue to communicate weekly via email in the Thursday Flyer once the school year begins. If you do not get this information, please contact the school office and check your email address. Those families that do not have an email account may request a printed copy. The St. Charles web site is sccslima.org and will provide links to the faculty and staff, calendars and on- line grades for our 3rd – 8th grade students. You are also encouraged to download our school app, St. Charles Redwings, OH for updates and information. Set your notifications so you can receive alerts.
All delays and cancellations are announced on WLIO TV and the Maverick Media web sites as the Lima Catholic Schools. Primary parents/guardians will be notified via text, voice call, or email so be sure to have your most up-to-date information to the office.
I am looking forward to another wonderful year at St. Charles. I welcome you to involve yourself in our school in a variety of ways. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or can be of further assistance to you and your family. We continue to pray that you have a safe and blessed summer!
Yours in Christ,
Mrs. Megan Scheid
Principal