Happy Spring (almost official)!

It’s hard to believe that we had snow on the ground last week, and are looking at temperatures in the 80’s this week. Well, that’s living in Dallas for you. February seemed to go by in a flash, but, as usual, the PTO was involved throughout the month at school.

Congratulations to our Volunteer of the Month winner, Jill Thomas. Jill has an 8th grade son, Hunter, and a 5th grade daughter, Katie. She has been a weekly volunteer in the cafeteria for 6 YEARS!  She has gotten to know so many of our children, and I know they appreciate her smiling face each Wednesday. 

For the month of February , I would like to recognize all of the homeroom parents who organized and helped put on the Valentine’s Day parties for the Preschool – 5th grade, as well as those parents who came to help make sure it went smoothly.  Everyone had a great day, thanks to your support!

• I would also like to thank Julie Whipple and Christina Neuhoff for providing delicious cupcakes to the Middle School children for a special treat on Valentine’s Day.
• The 6th graders enjoyed their day as well, playing Bingo, as a group of 100 participants.  They all had a great time.  Special thanks Caroline Anderson and Jill Bowman for coordinating it and especially to those parents who donated prizes for the kids – they LOVED having so many to choose from!
• Thank you also to Victoria Gossett, the 2nd Grade Level Representative and the 2nd grade homeroom parents put on a fun-filled Field Trip on Groundhog Day at the Majestic Theater and Science Place.  We appreciate the support of all of the parents who volunteered to chaperone as well.
• Lastly, thank you to Sally Wengierski, who coordinated a wonderful four-week seminar with Kathleen Fischer. Her seminars were insightful and enjoyable to attend.

Many thanks to Elizabeth Vincent, our Special Programs Coordinator, who organized enrichment programs for 5 different grades to come to the school in February:

• Preschool – Had a visit from Creature Teacher;
• Kindergarten – Learned about Japanese customs from Japan in a Suitcase;
• 1st Grade – Brought back SMS Dad, Carlos Olivo, to talk about plants;
• 4th Grade – Had a visit from the Historical Society;
• 6th Grade – Was visited by a priest

This month is largely spent organizing the incredible number of activities we have planned for April and May.   However, we are pleased to bring a new program to St. Monica’s.  On March 27th, Mary Sladek, our Parish/Family Coordinator, brings the City of Dallas out to St. Monica to give a presentation on Environmental Education to the students in 1st, 2nd, 6th, 7th & 8th grades.

Next month, we have activities going on in almost every grade, between Field trips, Confirmation, the Spring Dance, a Pizza/Bingo Family Night and more.  If you are interested in helping out, please let us know.  We’d love to have your help!

Enjoy the upcoming Spring Break week, and most especially, the beautiful celebration of Easter with your families!

Linda White
PTO President