Saint Ambrose News
May 22nd, 2026
“For I know well the plans I have for you, says the Lord.”
— Jeremiah 29:11
“Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.” — Luke 1:28
This week at Mass, we honored our Blessed Mother with a beautiful May Crowning. As we placed flowers before Mary, we were reminded of her love, faith, and example for us all.
Dear Saint Ambrose Parents,
What a week! Celebrating our 8th grade graduates is always a gift, and yesterday was lovely. Thank you to our 7th grade parents who hosted us, and to Home and School for sponsoring the event. Our 8th grade teachers did a wonderful job honoring our students, and Father Peter sent them out with a prayer that each of these young people knows they are loved by Jesus.
Thank you to the Nelson children for taking over Principal duties today. We raised money for Diabetes research and enjoyed being out of uniform.
Staffing Update
Megan Carson, 2nd grade teacher, will live the next phase of her vocation at home with her two children. We are so grateful for her Megan's dedication to Saint Ambrose-she has spent all 13 years of her career here. Her positive demeanor and deep love of children will be missed. We wish Megan the very best, and know her boys will flourish under the care of her generous spirit.
We are excited to welcome Shelby Miller to our staff as our next School Operations Manager (currently Janet). Shelby is currently the Director of Magical Minds Preschool and Childcare Center in Stillwater, and has experience and skills that will serve us well. We know Shelby will be a welcoming and nurturing presence at the front desk, and that she is willing to juggle the many "other duties as assigned" that make this place run smoothly. She is excited to integrate her faith and work life at Saint Ambrose.
Last Day of Week of School Info
Students may be out of uniform on Thursday, May 28th, for field day! Students may bring a cinch sack for a water bottle/sunscreen.
We recommend no backpacks on the last day, Friday 29th, unless students take the bus.
You are invited to join us for a 2:00 pm Mass to end this wonderful school year together in prayer. The church doors will be locked at 1:45. If you arrive after this time, you must enter through the school. Students may wear their Swarm shirts on this day.
When: Friday, May 29th
Time: Arrive at 1:40 for 2 pm Mass
If you are attending Mass, we ask that you pick up your children from their classrooms from 1:40 to 1:50, then proceed to Mass in the church.
If you are unable to attend, your child will sit with their teacher for the Mass.
Immediately following Mass, families might like to enjoy a cool treat at Bridgeman's for our school fundraiser. They will be donating 20% back to Saint Ambrose. Mention Saint Ambrose at the checkout.
We are asking all families to depart by 3:20, allowing for buses to transport those students who still require transportation. We would like to know your child's plan for dismissal that day -Complete this form to help us plan.
Junior High Uniform Addition for Next Year 2026-2027
Beginning next fall, junior high students will be permitted to wear the approved Saint Ambrose uniform joggers. These joggers must be purchased through the school’s official uniform provider, the same source as the school sweatshirts. The approved joggers are navy blue and include the Saint Ambrose logo. This is the only jogger style permitted as part of the uniform. Joggers from other brands or without the official logo are not allowed. We have samples that can help determine sizing. Ordering information will come in the future.
Bus Transportation
South Washington County Schools (SoWashCo) will use an opt-in transportation system for the 2026-27 school year to help ensure the most efficient routing for students eligible to ride a school bus. The form can be found here. Every family must complete the opt-in form by Friday, May 15, 2026.
Yearbooks
If you forgot to order a yearbook online, there’s still time! Please send $20 (cash or check payable to Saint Ambrose School) in a clearly labeled envelope with your child’s name and teacher. Be sure to note that the payment is for a yearbook. Yearbooks will be distributed during the last week of school.
Thank you for sharing your children with us! We are focused on finishing strong.
Angel of God,
my guardian dear,
To whom God's love
commits me here,
Ever this day,
be at my side,
To light and guard,
Rule and guide.
Amen.
Betsy Hand
Principal
18th season of All Pro Dads at St. Ambrose
The 18th season of All Pro Dads at St. Ambrose concluded with Grandparents Day on May 8, marking another meaningful program year.
All Pro Dads provides a valuable opportunity for fathers (and other father figures) and their children to connect in a fun, welcoming environment. Each session includes breakfast, a short character-based video, and guided discussions focused on important family values and relationships. The goal of the program is to strengthen the bond between dads and their children while equipping families with tools for intentional, engaged parenting.
As we wrap up this year, the All Pro Dads team—Kevin Hustings, Jake Girtz, Mark Olson, Frank Martin, and Tim Struntz—extends sincere thanks to all the dads who attended one or more sessions throughout the year.
Planning is already underway for next year, so please watch for upcoming communications and program dates this fall. If you would like to be added to next year’s invite list, please contact Tim Struntz at struntzfamily12@gmail.com with your email address and cell number.
Wishing everyone a safe, fun, and blessed summer!
Saint Ambrose Parents,
As we begin the important process of discerning and hiring the next principal of Saint Ambrose
Catholic School, I want to thank you for your continued prayers, support, and investment in the
life of our school community.
A Hiring Committee, comprised of representatives from the School Advisory Committee, school
faculty, and parish administration, will help guide this process. I am grateful to share that the
following individuals have accepted the invitation to serve on the committee:
Kris Woolsey, School Faculty
Sean Jones, School Faculty
Peter Berens, School Advisory
Sam Mickelson, School Advisory
Matt Lasure, Business Administrator
Erin Weinzettel, Director of Communications
I am appreciative of their willingness to serve our community in this important responsibility and
for the perspective, insight, and leadership they will bring from the various areas of the
community they represent.
As the Hiring Committee begins its work, we are inviting parents and families to participate in a
brief survey regarding the qualities and characteristics most important in the next principal of
Saint Ambrose Catholic School.
The qualities included in the survey were intentionally developed to reflect many of the core
competencies identified by the Archdiocese for Catholic school leadership, including Catholic
identity and faith leadership, communication and leadership, academic excellence and student
support, community and relationships, and the future vitality of the school.
While the Hiring Committee prayerfully discerns these competencies throughout the search
process, the survey is intended to help better understand the qualities families most value and
hope to see in the next principal of Saint Ambrose Catholic School.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts, feedback, and prayers as we move
forward together in this important time for our school community.
Survey Link: https://forms.gle/A9rannA2yanvNdAm7
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Peter J. Williams
Pastor
🔎 Lost and Found Reminder!
Our Lost and Found is overflowing with jackets, water bottles, and other treasures! If your child is missing something, please stop by the gym hallway to take a look.
All remaining items will be donated or cleared out on May 29th.
Thank you for helping us return lost items to their rightful homes!
Parent Input Form
Parent Input Form
As part of our class placement process, we invite parents to share any information they believe would support us in making thoughtful and informed placement decisions for their child.
Class placements are determined using a variety of factors, including educational data, input from licensed staff, the creation of balanced classroom rosters, and our professional judgment as we strive to find the best overall fit for each student. This process is not designed for requesting specific teachers or for placing particular students together.
Even if you have already shared some of this information with a staff member, completing this form ensures we have everything in one place as we move forward.
Timeline for placement:
Deadline for Parent Input Form- June 3rd, 2026
Admin will work on class assignments- June -August 2026
Class lists posted Back to School Day 2026
Limited Spots Remaining in Select Classes!
2026 Saint Ambrose Summer Enrichment Program Grades K-7
Saint Ambrose offers an engaging summer program for students entering kindergarten through grade seven. With a diverse selection of hands-on classes, children can explore STEM, science, reading, cooking, art, LEGO, computer games, and more. There's something for every interest, making summer both fun and enriching!
View the Catalog with 30 class options and registration information here!
Upcoming Dates to Add to Your Calendar
Save the Date:
May 21 - 8th Grade Graduation
May 25 - No School - Memorial Day
May 29 - Last Day of School
Saint Ambrose Way and Faith Virtue
St. Ambrose School continues its focus on Faithfulness. During the month of May, we will take a closer look at unity. We define unity by recognizing that we are all equal and connected. We care for everyone in our school, and we each have the responsibility to help others and develop their faith and virtue.
One way students and teachers are bringing the virtue of unity to life is by focusing on perseverance. Students can persevere by challenging themselves to choose what is right in heart, body and mind. In addition, perseverance can be practiced by displaying resilience when things don’t go as planned. When students choose to keep trying when things are hard, they serve as role models to others and themselves.
Unity is not only a virtue, but it also creates an environment of belonging that is experienced by all who enter our community. As stated in our daily faithfulness prayer each morning, “... faithfulness brings us together on the path to Heaven.” How we show up for each other, persevere when life gets hard, and make good choices for our hearts, minds, and bodies display the ways we can practice the virtue of unity.
Calling to mind and taking action to live our lives focusing on unity blesses us with the opportunity to not only bring our school together, but to also take this virtue with us as we go out and live with patience and kindness as we seek understanding for those who differ from us.
A few ways we can practice unity and perseverance:
Be the best you can be
Look for creative solutions for difficult problems
Be aware of others and their needs
Pray for each other
Practice positivity
Look for and celebrate the good in others
Do a little better each day
Perform acts of kindness
Saints we pray with this month:
St. Damien of Molokai - May 10
Our Lady of Fatima - May 13
St. Joan of Arc - May 30
Selected Reading: You Are Mine by Max Lucado
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.
Thank you to all who attended our Safety Through Connection presentation on Monday night. Check out slides and handouts here: https://saintambrosecatholic.org/safety-through-connection/
Before School Activities
To ensure a safe and organized start to the day, we will now have a staff member stationed at the main school entrance from 7:45–8:30 a.m. to supervise student drop-off and help direct students to their appropriate locations for before school activities. This added supervision will help ensure that all students arrive safely and transition smoothly to their activities. All students arriving before school for any activities should enter through the main school doors. This is a change from some previous procedures for certain activities, and we appreciate your attention to this update. Thank you for your partnership in helping us maintain a safe and orderly environment for all of our students. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
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.
