Saint Ambrose News
September 19, 2025
“Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.”
– St. Augustine of Hippo
Safety and Security Update
Dear Saint Ambrose School Families,
Thank you to those who have reached out with both encouragement and concern regarding
school safety and security. Your care for our parish and school is a true source of strength for
our entire community.
We have been working diligently to bring together community and regional experts to help guide
decisions, develop plans, and oversee safety protocols and emergency preparedness. We
continue to work closely with law enforcement, and we are grateful for their partnership.
This week, we were blessed to meet with representatives from the Minnesota Department of
Public Safety, Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Woodbury Public
Safety, and 360 Security Services. Their time, generosity, and expertise helped us further
discern how best to move forward together. Their shared goal is clear: to provide a safe and
supportive environment for our children, while identifying areas within our control to mitigate
risks and prepare for effective response.
These conversations were constructive and affirming. They highlighted the importance of strong
leadership, collaborative planning, and sustainable practices rooted in the values of our Catholic
faith community. We are grateful for the diverse perspectives these experts bring and will share
specific outcomes and next steps with you in the coming weeks.
One key reminder that emerged is that the safety of Saint Ambrose requires the vigilance of our
entire community. We ask all families to remain attentive to the measures already in place –
following pickup and drop-off procedures, supervising children in the parking lot, checking in at
the office when picking up early or late, signing in when visiting, and simple acts like using the
proper entrances and ensuring doors remain closed. These small steps make a significant
difference.
We also remind you of our school Mass protocols: parish doors are locked at 9:30 am, a police
presence is maintained, and additional staff are stationed in the gathering space before, during,
and after Mass.
We will continue to keep you informed as new measures are implemented, and we are grateful
for your help in carrying them out. Thank you again for your continued partnership, support, and
prayers as together we remain united in our commitment to the safety of our Saint Ambrose
Catholic Community.
In Mary’s Arms,
Father Peter Williams and Betsy Osterhaus-Hand
Dear Saint Ambrose Parents,
I hope all of you have a wonderful (and not too wet) time at Fall Fest this weekend. Our students are so excited for this fun community event.
Marathon Event & Fundraiser
Students should wear SWARM shirts and athletic shorts or pants and shoes next Friday, September 26. We are encouraging our students to run laps and enjoy their time outside as we raise funds for our school. Here is information you need regarding the fundraiser, the event and the prizes. If you plan to join us for the event, we will start at 2:00. If you are not able to attend, your child will remain with their teacher and classmates. Use this form to RSVP by Monday September 22 for planning purposes. As we prepare for the upcoming Marathon event, we are seeking donations of water and popcorn to help keep our participants energized and hydrated. If you are able to contribute, please sign up using the link: Sign Up Here. We are also still looking for volunteers to help on the day of the Marathon. If you are able to help, please sign up using this link: Sign up to Volunteer. After the event, head to Bridgeman's for a treat. They will donate a portion of what we spend back to Home and School. Thank you so much for your continued generosity and support. We couldn’t do it without you!
- Conference Information below - We encourage all families to attend fall conferences.
- Reclaiming Sundays resources
Archbishop Hebda is encouraging our Catholic school communities to participate in the Archdiocese’s Reclaiming Sundays initiative to take meaningful steps to reorient the Lord’s Day toward peace, rest and leisure. Find out more here: Reclaiming Sundays resources
REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help,
or sought thy intercession was left unaided.
Inspired with this confidence,
I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother;
to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions,
but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Betsy Osterhaus Hand
Principal
No Bussing on Monday, September 29th!
Our primary goal is student safety. All pick up will require parents to park and walk into the building to meet your child(ren) inside. Please read the information below:
Drop off - If you plan to regularly drive your child(ren) to school, you will keep your regular routine for morning drop off. Drop off on the north side (from Bailey road) or on the south side (from Woodbury Drive). We will guide you to a drop off line.
If your child(ren) will typically ride the bus, please drop off by car at the doors by the playground.
Pick-up-Everyone must park and come inside to collect your child(ren)
If your child does not regularly take the bus:
Pick up time is early- 3:30. You must park your car and enter the building.
Regular North Side families: pick up in the gym
Regular South Side families: pick up in the cafeteria
If your child(ren) do typically ride the bus:
Students will be dismissed from classrooms at 3:45.
WE WILL NOT HAVE BUS RIDERS TO THESE LOCATIONS EARLY
Please pick up based on last name:
Last names
A-N North Side- park your car, enter the building through door #3 and pick up in the gym
Last names
O-Z South Side-park your car, enter through the church doors and pick up in the cafeteria
Both north and south pick up will be park and walk in for your child.
Exciting Update – New Bookfairs at Saint Ambrose!
Dear Families,
We are excited to share that this year, Saint Ambrose will be moving away from the Scholastic Bookfair and instead trying two new options that better align with our Catholic mission and values.
📚 I55 Bookfair
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Dates: November 11–14, 2025
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This bookfair will give families the opportunity to shop ahead of the holiday season. You’ll find a wonderful selection of faith-based, educational, and family-friendly titles.
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Learn more about I55 here: I55 Bookfairs Website
📚 Ignatius Bookfair
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Dates: Early February 2026 (exact dates coming soon)
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Ignatius Press offers an excellent variety of Catholic literature, saints’ stories, spiritual growth resources, and wholesome books for children and adults.
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Learn more about Ignatius here: Ignatius Press
Scholastic Book Club Update
While we are moving away from the Scholastic Bookfair, you may still see teachers using the monthly Scholastic Book Club options in their classrooms. We want to continue to leave this as a teacher choice at this time and we will discern next steps.
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If you have money remaining in your Scholastic Wallet, here’s how you can use it: Scholastic Wallet Information.
Volunteer Opportunity
Bookfairs are only possible with the help of volunteers. If you are interested in assisting at either the November or February bookfair, please sign up using this Google Form.
Thank you for your continued support of Saint Ambrose and for helping us build a culture of joyful reading rooted in faith!
Sept 2025 Family Wellness Challenge
September is National Fruits & Veggies Month
Sadly, according to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, about 90% of Americans don't eat enough vegetables, and 80% don't get enough fruit.
So the challenge for this month is:
Every Time You Eat Have a Plant Have a Plant Website with Recipes
Why should students try new fruit and vegetables?
Early exposure shapes behavior
Early exposure to fruits and vegetables doesn’t just prevent malnutrition, it builds lifelong healthy habits. It also:
Shapes taste preferences: Repeated, positive exposure encourages produce enjoyment.
Supports development: Fruits and vegetables fuel growth, boost brain function, strengthen immunity and support emotional well-being.
Improves long-term outcomes: Early healthy eating habits are linked to reduced risk of chronic disease later in life.
Happy Eating,
The Wellness Committee
Hallow App Permission Slip - 3rd - 8th grade
Dear 3rd-8th grade parents and guardians,
Saint Ambrose is excited to be partnering with Hallow this year to provide a tool for mental
and spiritual health for faculty, staff, and students. Hallow is the #1 Catholic app and provides thousands of audio-guided sessions to listeners, covering a variety of prayer techniques, topics, and styles. The Hallow team works with Catholic schools and parishes to offer Hallow at a discount for teachers to use it in the classroom with students.
In order to set up your child’s Hallow account, Hallow needs your permission. (The company complies with Federal COPPA guidelines, and you can read more about their privacy policy at hallow.com/privacy.)
Your student will have a personal Hallow account designed for use in the classroom and at home. The content on Hallow includes music, sleep stories, meditations, and prayers designed specifically for kids and students of all ages, as well as families.
If you have any questions about the product or how your child’s account will be set up, please reach out to the Hallow team at schools@hallow.app or at 773-900-7145.
Parent-Teacher Conferences are Coming Up in October
Conference Scheduling Open Friday the 26th
Our parent/teacher conferences are on Thursday, October 9th and Tuesday, October 14th.
K-5 & Specialists Conferences will be in-person both days.
6-8 Conferences will be in-person on 10/9, and virtual on 10/14. Parents may choose one or the other. Parents will be able to schedule conferences via Sycamore beginning Friday, September 26 at 4pm. Click here to learn how to schedule your conference online
K-5 Parents
We will open conference scheduling at 4pm on Friday, Sept 26th. Choose one slot for each child’s teacher.
6-8 Parents (choose one option)
Thursday, October 9-in person conferences. No appointment necessary,(no scheduling) teachers will be available for conferences from 4:15-7:30 in their classrooms.
Tuesday, October 14th -virtual conferences.
Conference scheduling will open on Friday, September 26 at 4pm. Schedule one conference for your child with the grade level homeroom team, who will be together on the meeting. This gives you the opportunity to get feedback from multiple teachers during one virtual meeting.
- 6th grade team-schedule with Ms. Jorgensen (you will meet with Ms. Becker, Ms. Petronack, Mr. Herzog and Ms. Jorgensen)
- 7th grade team-schedule with Ms. Loney (you will meet with Ms. Loney, Mr. Shriver, Ms. Toninato and Ms. Soenen).
- 8th grade team-schedule with Ms. Woolsey (you will meet with Mr. Morgenroth, Ms. Woolsey and Ms. Schisler).
Specialist Teachers
Schedule with any teacher you would like to see on Sycamore.
If you have a question or concern, please reach out. You do not need to wait for conferences to communicate.
Teachers will need to stick to the scheduled time; thank you for helping with this.
Believe and Read
September 2025
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we continue our partnership with Groves Literacy Organization, generously offered to us through a grant from CSCOE, we are excited to see all the reading progress that has been made over the past few years.
Three times a year, the reading skills of all of our K-3 students are assessed to ensure students are making academic gains in their literacy skills.
This year, we are transitioning to FastBridge as our primary literacy assessment tool. FastBridge provides valuable information about foundational reading skills, fluency, and comprehension, and it helps teachers target instruction to meet the needs of each learner.
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Kindergarten–2nd Grade: Students will take FastBridge only.
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3rd Grade: Students will take both Aimsweb+ and FastBridge as part of the transition process. This will allow us to compare results and ensure consistency in the data as we move forward.
Each spring, you will receive a report of Saint Ambrose’s K–3rd grade assessment results, where we will share our successes and areas for improvement.
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.
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)
