Saint Ambrose News
Feb 13, 2026
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4
Dear Saint Ambrose Parents,
Thank you to those who have reached out with both support and concern following the recent safety and security incident. We are grateful for your partnership and care for our Saint Ambrose Catholic Community.
Yesterday morning, before the 8:00 am daily Mass, an individual came onto the Saint Ambrose Catholic Community campus and displayed concerning behavior. Out of an abundance of caution, the individual was formally trespassed from the property, and the Woodbury Police Department responded on site. Following the incident, the individual was taken into custody on an unrelated incident in Washington County and where he currently remains.
Based on new safety and security protocols implemented in 2025 prior to this incident, protocols were immediately followed, and the situation was addressed promptly. Security personnel have remained present on campus, and all parish, school, and ministry activities continue as scheduled. We remain in close coordination with the Woodbury Police Department as well as other law enforcement and concerned entities in nearby jurisdictions.
While this remains an active situation, we want to share clear information and respond to common questions as best we can. We understand the desire for transparency; however, based on the guidance of our security team and to protect our layered safety approach on campus, we are not able to share every detail at this time.
Why was there a police presence on campus on Monday, February 9?
Police increased their presence at the request of our Saint Ambrose leadership and security team out of an abundance of caution following a separate incident connected to the University of Saint Thomas.
What occurred at daily Mass on Wednesday, February 11?
The individual present displayed disorderly behavior pertaining to a church environment. Staff followed protocol and contacted authorities immediately.
Did the individual have a weapon?
No. The individual did not have a weapon.
How is Saint Ambrose connected to this individual?
The individual had previously attended Mass at Saint Ambrose and had met with Father Peter Williams in the past. More recently, concerns arose regarding his behavior.
What is the plan going forward? Will additional safety measures be in place?
Our current safety and security protocols will be met with additional heightened security measures both of which will remain in place for the foreseeable future. This includes an ongoing on-site presence from our contracted security partner, 360 Security Services, monitoring both the interior and exterior of campus. The Woodbury Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office will also continue increased patrol and presence around our property. In addition, the team continues to communicate with partner liaisons and law enforcement agencies outside of Washington County.
Who is 360 Security Services?
360 Security Services is a trusted team of investigators, analysts, and consultants with experience across federal, state, local, and private organizations. Their backgrounds include the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigative Division, U.S. Secret Service, and law enforcement agencies nationwide. Their mission is to provide expert guidance and proven solutions that help create safe and secure environments for communities like Saint Ambrose.
We will continue to communicate updates as appropriate-expect an update on Monday or early Tuesday morning. The safety of our students, staff, and families remains our highest priority as we continue to maintain a normal and consistent school day for our students.
Betsy Osterhaus-Hand
Principal
Book Fair Update
Thank you to Rosanna Bamsey and Sarah Foote for chairing this book fair and to all of our wonderful volunteers for making the Ignatius Book Fair possible. Your time, energy, and support made a meaningful difference for our students and school, and we are so grateful. Also, a big thank you to all the families that donated books to classroom libraries. We appreciate your generosity.
As we look ahead, please take a moment to complete the survey below to help guide decisions about what our Book Fairs may look like next year. Your feedback is truly appreciated.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid Applications are due March 16th. Our Financial Aid Committee will consider all applications and make recommendations to us regarding the distribution of our financial aid dollars. We will make every effort to work with families so Saint Ambrose School is open to all. However, our assistance funds are limited, and we may not have funds available for those who do not apply by the deadline. Applications can be submitted online at www.tads.com. When you apply, mark the “Aim Higher Scholarship” and the “CSAF Scholarship” as those are two opportunities for our school to receive funding to support families in need.
Recess Help
If you love the cold and enjoy children, we need recess help. Let us know if you are interested.
Prayer to St. Michael
St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou,
0 Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Betsy Hand
Principal
Upcoming Dates to Add to Your Calendar
Save the Date:
Feb 13th and 16th - No School - President's Weekend
February 20 - All Pro Dads; 8:00 a.m.
March 5th - End of 1st Trimester
March 6th - No School - Teacher Retreat
March 9 - 13th - Spring Break
All Pro Dads
The next All Pro Dad program is next Friday, February 20.
This is the 18th season of All Pro Dads at St. Ambrose! The All Pro Dads breakfast is a monthly program in the Cafeteria for fathers (or other father figures) and their kids to spend quality time together. Join us for a buffet breakfast, a character-based lesson via a short video, and discussions about important family topics. The main goal of an All Pro Dad breakfast is to strengthen the bond between dads and their children in a casual, fun environment, fostering better relationships and providing resources for intentional parenting.
Couple Reminders:
· You MUST RSVP so we have enough food.
· If you have never attended the program before and would like to attend, please email struntzfamily12@gmail.com to be added to the invite list.
· Spread the word! Or bring a friend and add them to your count.
· Please try to arrive before 8:15 to get checked in and seated.
Program schedule:
· 8:00-8:10 – Arrival and check-in (pay for breakfast $6 to Lunch account)
· 8:15 – Program Starts
· Welcome
· Prayer
· Breakfast
· Program
· Free Dress Drawing
· 9:05 – End of Program
Mysteries of the Rosary — Lenten Series
This Lent, Saint Ambrose Catholic Community is invited to deepen their faith through our Mysteries of the Rosary series, a weekly experience of prayer, Scripture, and reflection centered on the Sorrowful Mysteries of Jesus’ life. Each evening includes engaging film segments, guided insights, and prayer to help bring the Rosary to life and draw individuals more deeply into Christ’s love and mercy.
The series runs Tuesday evenings from 6:30–8:00 pm during Lent and is perfect for anyone who wants to grow in understanding and appreciation of the Rosary — whether you’re just getting started or have prayed it for years.
Learn more and register here: https://saintambrosecatholic.org/mysteries-of-the-rosary/
I Love to Read Month - February
February is I Love to Read Month, a time to celebrate the joy, imagination, and learning that reading brings into our classrooms and homes. Throughout the month, students are encouraged to explore new books, revisit favorite stories, and build strong reading habits. By making time for reading and sharing our love of books, we help students grow not only as readers, but as thinkers and lifelong learners. Click here for more info!
Saint Ambrose Way and Faith Virtue: Embracing the Virtue of Patience
Saint Ambrose Way and Faith Virtue: Embracing the Virtue of Patience
As we enter the month of February, we are excited to introduce a special focus on the virtue of patience. We recognize that patience helps us slow down, show kindness, and respond with calm when things do not go our way. We all make mistakes, and patience allows us to give ourselves and others the time and grace needed to learn and grow. We acknowledge that we are all sinners, and God shows great patience with us—loving and forgiving us again and again when we are truly sorry.. Through the practice of patience, we learn to pause before reacting, to listen carefully, and to respond with understanding and compassion. We strive to practice the virtue of patience while also demonstrating the St. Ambrose Way of being accountable. We want to own our actions and always be truthful. We aspire to be humble—by not bragging when we win and by responding calmly when we lose. When we practice patience and accountability, we are better able to hear and see God in those around us.
Let’s work together to make February a month filled with calm hearts, thoughtful choices, and grace for one another. Patience is powerful—and it is healing. Wishing you and your family a month filled with patience, accountability, and peace.
SAVE THE DATE - Saint Ambrose Summer School Week is July 13-17th!
Summer School Enrichment Camp
We offer a summer enrichment program for students entering kindergarten through grade six. There are a variety of classes in a wide range of topics including STEM, computer programming/coding, mathematics, science, reading, cooking, art, lego, computer games and much more. This is considered an enrichment experience and students find it fun and exciting to explore topics and subjects that may not be a part of a typical curriculum.
Courses will be offered Monday through Friday from July 13-17th. Students may take from one to three courses. All courses will be 1.5 hours in length. Lunch will be provided.
If you are interested in having your child participate in the opportunity please save the dates of July 13-17th
More information about registration and specific classes will be sent out in mid-February.
Other Information
Extended Day 2025-2026 School Year: If you are interested in the Extended Day Program and have not already signed up, please complete this form.
Sycamore will be accessible to families on August 19, 2025.
Sycamore Communication Portal/App - click below to go to Sycamore Website
https://app.sycamoreschool.com/index.php
Please login to Sycamore to access the school calendar, lunch menu, and schedules/grades (JH only)
Safety and Security
To continue fostering transparency and shared understanding, we’ve compiled Safety and Security Frequently Asked Questions. to address common inquiries and provide clarity on the ongoing safety and security efforts within our Saint Ambrose Catholic Community.
If you have any questions, concerns or feedback, we are open to hearing directly from you via email or phone call. Or, complete this form.
