Saint Ambrose News

Dear Saint Ambrose Parents,

Thank you to all who attended the beautiful Christmas Concert last night. It is a blessing to hear the voices of children as we anticipate celebrating the birth of our Savior. We are so proud of our music program, and thank Mrs. Bertsch and Ms. Schneider for sharing their gifts with us.

Our registration link for next year will be sent over break. We look forward to having you back next year!

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. I am heading to Iowa tomorrow for a pre-Christmas visit with my parents. There are now more than 80 stockings hung by the chimney with care! I am truly blessed and looking forward to spending time with family over the break.

Let us pray:

Lord, in this holy season of prayer and song and laughter, we praise you for the great wonders you have sent us: for shining star and angel's song, for infant's cry in lowly manger. We praise you for the Word made flesh in a little Child. We behold his glory, and are bathed in its radiance.

Be with us as we sing the ironies of Christmas, the incomprehensible comprehended, the poetry made hard fact, the helpless Babe who cracks the world asunder. We kneel before you shepherds, innkeepers, wisemen. Help us to rise bigger than we are. Amen.

Betsy Osterhaus Hand

Principal

Save the Date:

December 22 - January 4 - Christmas Break

Monday, January 5 - School resumes

Friday, January 16-Mid-Trimester

Monday, January 19-No School, MLK Day

Sat-Sun January 24-25-Celebration of Catholic Schools Week at weekend Masses

January 26-30-Catholic Schools Week

As we enter into the month of January, we are excited to introduce a special focus on the virtue of forgiveness. We aim to recognize that we all make mistakes so it is important to forgive and give others a second chance. We acknowledge that we are all sinners and God is forgiving us over and over again for the mistakes we make when we are truly sorry. He has mercy on us and we are called to extend that to others. We strive to practice the virtue of forgiveness by 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 if we win. If we lose, we do not show anger. When we practice forgiveness and accountability, we are better able to hear and see God in those around us.

Here's how we plan to encourage and acknowledge acts of forgiveness among our students:

Acts of Forgiveness Recognition:

1. Teachers will be actively observing and recognizing students who are practicing the virtue of forgiveness.

Acknowledgment with a paper bandage cut out:

2. When a teacher witnesses a noteworthy act, the student will be acknowledged and invited to the office to receive a special paper bandage with their name on it.

Saint Cards as Reminders:

1. In exchange for their bandage, students will be presented with a saint card. This card serves as a tangible reminder to continue embodying the virtue of forgiveness in their daily lives.

*We believe this initiative will not only foster a culture of forgiveness, but also encourage our students to reflect on the exemplary lives of saints who embody this virtue. We encourage you to discuss the significance of forgiveness with your child and how they can actively participate in this. Let's work together to make January a month filled with forgiving hearts by offering grace to one another. Forgiveness is healing!

Wishing you and your family a month filled with lots of accountability and forgiveness!

The holiday season is the perfect time to inspire families with their child's artwork – while raising funds for your art program!

Our most popular gift items – including holiday cards, ornaments, coffee mugs, magnets, snap jewelry, and more – will be on sale soon. It's the perfect opportunity for families to find meaningful gifts that also support your art room!

Why Teachers Love Fundraising with Artsonia

• Earn 20% of all orders placed.
• Parents order directly on our website – no forms or payments to collect
• Orders ship directly to families.
• The more artwork you publish, the more gift options families have.
• Upload your winter and holiday artwork soon to give parents plenty of choices!

Key dates for featured fundraising promotions

November 17 - Greeting Cards

Artsonia will kick off the season with a special holiday greeting card sale. Family members can choose the artwork and design they'd like to appear on the front and add a personalized message for the inside.

November 24 - Holiday Ornaments

Our beautiful, sturdy, metal holiday ornaments make great keepsakes for families to admire throughout the years.

December 3 - Coffee Mugs

Family members can wake up to a work of art every morning with these white ceramic coffee mugs - our top selling product.

December 9 - Last Minute Stocking Stuffers

The last sales of the year offer some great last-minute gift ideas for stocking stuffers! Featuring an assortment of our most popular products, just in time to wrap up holiday shopping.

2025 Holiday Shipping Deadlines

December 16 - Last Day Standard Delivery Service

December 18 - Last Day Express Delivery Service

Have questions?

Email info@artsonia.com or Call 800-869-9974

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

Sycamore Help Guide

Sycamore Parent Checklist

Please login to Sycamore to access the school calendar, lunch menu, and schedules/grades (JH only)

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.

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January Lunch Menu

January Breakfast Menu

School Website

School Facebook Page

Did you know that we have a Saint Ambrose Facebook Page and Instagram Page? Please follow us for school updates and photos. Click the links at the bottom of this email for quick access to our social media pages.