Saint Ambrose August News
August 29, 2025
“God does not require that we be successful, only that we be faithful.”
– St. Teresa of Calcutta
Preparing for the 2025-2026 School Year
Dear Saint Ambrose Parents,
At Saint Ambrose, we had a strong start to our school year. Thank you to teachers, students and parents for being part of this amazing community.
Next Friday is a SWARM SHIRT Friday. (The first Friday of the month). Students can wear any of their Swarm shirts from the last few years. Students are allowed to be out of uniform for the rest of their attire. Please follow out of uniform guidelines below.
TRANSPORTATION
Next week our bus transportation begins. Janet is working hard to help clarify bus issues; we have limited control in this realm, but are doing our best. Thank you for your patience. Know that as drivers learn the routes, pick up and drop off may be later than scheduled.
For parents who drive their children:
Drop-Off Procedures
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Supervision on both the north and south sides of the building begins at 9:00 a.m.
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Students must remain in vehicles until a supervisor is present outside.
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Families are expected to remain in their vehicles and utilize the drive-up lanes for drop-off on both sides of the building.
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Families who are walking a child to the Early Childhood (EC) program and also accompanying a school-age child may do so. Please park near the EC entrance and use designated sidewalks and crosswalks to ensure safety.
Afternoon Dismissal Procedures
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Students will be dismissed from their classrooms at 3:40 p.m.
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South side dismissal: Families will park and meet their students in Fellowship Hall.
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North side dismissal: Families will remain in vehicles. Students will be escorted to cars in the circle drive in front of the church doors. To improve efficiency, please display a sign with your family’s last name on the vehicle’s windshield.
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For safety, all drivers must:
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Drive slowly and remain alert.
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Refrain from using cell phones.
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Pull forward as directed before stopping to load students.
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Spirit Wear: Please use this link to order Spirit Wear. This link will be active from August 5 -29th. Items will be delivered to school sometime in early October. Starting in Septemeber the order window will be open each month from the 1st to the 7th.
Volunteer Requirements
We look forward to welcoming volunteers to our campus this year. If you are new to Saint Ambrose and want to serve as a volunteer, please complete the Essential 3 Requirements outlined on the parish website. Volunteers are required to re-credential every 3 years. You will be alerted by the Archdiocese if you need to re-credential. Thank you for your compliance.
Mark Your Calendars: Parent Information Night is Wednesday, September 10 at 6:30. We hope to have 100% attendance from our families as we kick off a great school year. Need childcare? Fill out this form for complimentary child care (must be potty trained).
School Meals Reminder
All students are eligible for one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day. Please note that if a student’s lunch account has a negative balance, they will not be able to purchase a second entrée or any à la carte items.
Glorious Virgin Mary,
Saint Michael the Archangel,
Every angel and saint:
Please pray for peace.
Pray for unity amongst all people.
Pray for the most vulnerable.
Pray for those suffering.
Pray for the fearful.
Pray for those most in need.
Pray for us all.
Jesus, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, hear our prayers.
Jesus, I trust in You!
Amen.
Betsy Osterhaus Hand
Principal
Home and School News
We are grateful for our outgoing Home and School Board and welcome our incoming Home and School Board members (see board info below). Thank you for your support in our previous years' fundraisers that focused on school security. With donations and fundraising, we were able to purchase additional outside cameras, acquire walkie-talkies, add a secure entrance between Extended Day and the school, update doors between the parish gathering space and the school, and access training for staff. With funds leftover and additional dollars we will raise this year, we have decided to update our playground this fall (see photo below). Our upcoming Marathon fundraiser will be focused on dollars for this playground refresh.
Thank you to our Home and School for providing lunch for teachers on Wednesday, August 20. If you would like to bring a dish or donate to this meal, please sign-up here. We are grateful for your support!
All Pro Dads
Advice for Dads on Parenting, Marriage and Relationships
Welcome to our new-comers, and welcome back to the veterans.
We’re rolling into our 18th Season of All Pro Dads at St. Ambrose, (and last one for me unfortunately.)
Please spread the word and get us emails for new Dads or anyone who might want to be on the invite list!
Looking forward to another great year, spending time with our kids and other Dads. Building a stronger family.
Below are the dates and notes about this year.
Couple Reminders
- Only people on this email list will receive the invite.
- Give us emails of people you know what to be invited.
- We send an email evite 1 week program
- You MUST RSVP so we have enough food.
- 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.
Schedule for event days:
8:00-810 – Arrival and pay for breakfast ($6 to Lunch account)
8:15 – Program Starts
Welcome
Prayer
Breakfast
Program
Free Dress Drawing
9:05 – End of Program
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE PARISH FALL FESTIVAL
Friday, September 20 & Saturday, September 21
Please Complete the forms
We access funding from Title Grants from the state each year. Completing these forms allows us access to access funds. Please mark the "I do request...." choice for each of these three title grants.
We are Looking for Help With a Few Things...
Substitute Teachers
If you are interested in being a substitute teacher at Saint Ambrose or know someone that is, please contact Dianna Helmberger at dhelmberger@saintambroseschool.org or 651-768-3078.
Please view the following presentation for more details and information - https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1AWeJsxdO371fNvSmQ9Q2W9CHmPaCI0ZQl4SHMeyFkFY/edit?usp=sharing. We also have a wonderful training that we can send new people to that is through CSCOE.
Recess Help
If you are interested in helping with recess please contact Janet Seidenkranz in our school office. 651-768-3000.
Uniforms for 2025-2026
SAINT AMBROSE OF WOODBURY CATHOLIC SCHOOL
UNIFORM POLICY
This uniform policy has been established to help provide a non-distracting learning environment.
Students are expected to dress in a way that will be a credit to themselves, their parents and their school. The dress code will be strictly enforced.
ALL uniform items must be purchased through Donald’s Department Store, 972 Payne Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55101. 651-776-2723. www.donaldsuniform.com
Girls:
Uniform jumper #8298 (length within 2 inches of the knee)-GRADES K-5.
Uniform White Polo shirts (with logo) - K-5 under jumper.
Uniform navy blue twill pants worn in lieu of the jumper-GRADES K-8
Uniform navy blue cardigan sweater-GRADES K-8
Uniform navy stretch bike shorts worn under jumpers and skirts - GRADES K-8
Uniform navy blue twill shorts (length within 2 inches of the knee) - worn only September, May and June GRADES K-8.
Spirit Wear uniform approved blue hooded sweatshirt may be worn over uniform shirts. GRADES K-8 (Purchased through Saint Ambrose).
Uniform skirt #3498 (length within 2 inches of the knee)-GRADES 6-8.
White knit polo shirt with logo (banded or traditional) - GRADES 6-8
Spirit Wear uniform approved ¼ zip or long sleeve hooded shirt may be worn over any white shirt. GRADES 6-8. (Purchased through Saint Ambrose).
Physical education uniform (purchased at Saint Ambrose)-GRADES 6-8
Solid navy or white tights, knee-highs or anklets (purchased at any store); or optional white socks with uniform plaid ruffle (purchased at Donald’s); White, black or navy blue socks (purchased at any store).
Navy blue or black leggings.
Tennis or dress shoes with non scuff soles that are black and/or white only.
Garments worn under blouses must be white or beige without any writing, logos or pictures of any kind (purchased at any store).
Boys:
Uniform light blue knit polo shirt with logo (banded or traditional)-short or long sleeve-GRADES K-5.
Uniform navy blue twill pants-GRADES K-8.
Uniform navy blue twill shorts (length within 2 inches of the knee)-worn only September, May and June-GRADES K-8.
Uniform navy blue cardigan sweater - GRADES K- 8.
Spirit Wear uniform approved blue hooded sweatshirt may be worn over uniform shirts. GRADES K-8 (Purchased through Saint Ambrose).
Uniform white polo shirt with logo (banded or traditional)--short or long sleeves-GRADES 6-8.
Spirit Wear uniform approved ¼ zip or long sleeve hooded shirt may be worn over any white shirt. GRADES 6-8. (Purchased through Saint Ambrose).
Navy blue or black belt (purchased at any store)-optional
Physical education uniform (purchased at Saint Ambrose)-GRADES 6-8
White, black or navy blue socks (purchased at any store).
Tennis or dress shoes with non scuff soles that are black and/or white only.
White undershirts, if worn, must be without any writing, logos or pictures of any kind (purchased at any store).
Additional Requirements:
Shoes: Must have non-scuff soles and must be close-toed. No sandals, clogs, moccasins or platforms. Tops of shoes must be ankle-height or lower. Heels must be no higher than 1½ inches. Shoelaces must be the same color as the shoe. Shoes must be solid black, solid white or black and white. No colors are permitted.
Shirts: Undershirt must be white if worn under the spirit wear approved hooded t-shirt or ¼ zip. Uniform shirts must be worn under sweatshirts and cardigans. Shirts must be tucked in at all times. Only the top button may be left unbuttoned. All cuffs must be buttoned.
Hair: Must be well-groomed and out of the eyes. No unconventional coloring or haircuts allowed. Hair accessories must be solid black, solid white or uniform plaid.
Make-up: Permitted for girls in grades 6-8 and must be tasteful and minimal.
Jewelry: Must be simple and conservative, if worn. No unconventional jewelry allowed. No dangling earrings for girls and no earrings for boys.
Watches: No smartwatches allowed
Other notes:
All clothing and shoes must be size-appropriate and should be labeled with the student’s name. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen clothing.
Uniforms must be worn on all school days, unless the principal declares a no-uniform day. The principal must authorize any circumstance for which a student is out of uniform.
Uniforms must be clean and neat.
OUT-OF-UNIFORM AND SCHOOL-SPONSORED EVENTS
Out-of-uniform days and school-sponsored event (e.g. dances) attire must reflect both modesty and Christian values in respect to slogans, graphics and physical fit. Clothing must be neat, clean and in good repair. Non-uniform shorts and skirts must cover at least mid-way down the thigh. Shirts must have sleeves, and midriffs must be covered. Clothing must be in good taste and not provide a source of competition or distraction. Inappropriate clothing on a no-uniform day or at a school-sponsored event will result in consequences which may include removal of the student from classes or activities.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Students in grades 6-8 change clothes for physical education class. Students in grades 6-8 will be required to wear the Saint Ambrose physical education uniform in order to participate in class. Students may use any past years SWARM shirt as a physical education top.
MESSAGE FROM DISTRICT REGARDING TRANSPORTATION
Bus riders will be required to have an identification card to scan getting on and off the bus. Students will be asked to have these ID badges attached to their backpacks for easy access/scanning. Please look at these few items below to better acquaint yourself with the District Busing procedures using the new rider id cards.
Believe & Read at Saint Ambrose
Believe & Read at Saint Ambrose
Believe & Read is a powerful program helping young school students build strong literacy skills. We know that children must first learn to read before they can read to learn, and this program supports that essential foundation.
At Saint Ambrose, we are grateful for the Catholic Schools Center of Excellence (CSCOE), whose support made it possible to implement Believe & Read.
About Groves Literacy Partnerships®
Reading is the foundation for both educational success and future opportunities. In the early grades, students learn to read; by third grade, they are expected to read to learn. Yet, research shows that 60% of American students are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade. Groves Literacy Partnerships® is working to change that—one school, one teacher, and one student at a time.
By sharing evidence-based literacy instruction with educators in Catholic schools, Groves equips teachers with the tools to help every child become a confident reader, illuminating the path to lifelong learning.
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)
