true cross parent information...true cross parent information 2 introduction you are appreciated! we...

True Cross Parent Information

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Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 2

Important School Contact information ..................................................................................... 2 Just a few reminders.................................................................................................................. 3 TCCS Teacher and Staff information sheet .............................................................................. 3 General School Calendar .......................................................................................................... 4 School Website http://www.truecrossschool.org/ .................................................................. 5

Financial information (Fast Direct) .......................................................................................... 5 IRIS Alert System ..................................................................................................................... 5

Service to the School Opportunities ......................................................................................... 6 Fund Raisers.............................................................................................................................. 9

Fall Festival:.......................................................................................................................... 9 Steps 4 Students: ................................................................................................................. 11

Spring Fling Event: Monte Carlo Night.............................................................................. 11 Additional Fund Raisers that benefit the school - all year .................................................. 12

School Wide Parties throughout the school year .................................................................... 14

School Wide Activities throughout the year .......................................................................... 16 Special Activities by Grade .................................................................................................... 19

Early Childhood (Pre-K3 through 1st Grade) .................................................................. 19

2nd

Grade ......................................................................................................................... 19 3rd Grade ........................................................................................................................ 19

4th Grade ......................................................................................................................... 20

5th

Grade .......................................................................................................................... 20 6

th Grade ......................................................................................................................... 20

7th

Grade .......................................................................................................................... 20

8th

Grade .......................................................................................................................... 20 True Cross Extra Curricular: ................................................................................................... 21

Music: Mr Rangel .............................................................................................................. 21 Sports: Coach Reagan ......................................................................................................... 21 Additional after school learning: ........................................................................................ 22 Ministries ............................................................................................................................ 22

Outside Organizations:........................................................................................................ 23 Extended Day (after school care) ............................................................................................ 23 True Cross Summer Programs ................................................................................................ 23

Summer Adventure Program .............................................................................................. 23 Shrine of the True Cross Vacation Bible School ................................................................ 23

Home School Association (H.S.A.) ........................................................................................ 24 Staff appreciation luncheons ............................................................................................... 24

School wide general assistance ........................................................................................... 24 School wide improvement Projects .................................................................................... 24

Supplemental Forms Links: .................................................................................................... 25


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Introduction You are appreciated! We thank you so much for choosing True Cross Catholic School for your child’s education. We have a strong belief in the students, parents, teachers, administrators at this school and we think it takes every one of them to make TCCS such a special place. The education of your child is not solely a responsibility of the Teacher, but we count on each and every parent to help provide that safe and functional environment to help a child succeed. Thank you so much for taking your very valuable time to contribute to the school. You will be creating wonderful memories for your children. In addition you will be creating a wonderful opportunity to bond with the families that attend True Cross. With this in mind, we have a policy of maintaining fairness throughout the school and at school wide parties. We would like all children to have a similar experience so no student or class is “left out”. Each classroom has a room parent to help coordinate school events and maintain a level of fairness throughout the school. Each parent is welcome to participate in any decision and discussion about the events of the classroom. If you can volunteer as room parent, that is great, and if not still try to maintain contact with the room parent to see how and when you can participate. HSA is another opportunity that needs your time and talents. This guide will help define many of the events and activities that occur within the school, and outside normal school hours, and also other volunteer opportunities that families may participate in. Note that this Guide has some of the same information as described in the Student Handbook. If this information is in conflict, the Student Handbook is the official source of information. This guide is to provide reminders and helpful hints to the parent as their children progress through True Cross Catholic School. If you have questions or suggestions for this guide contact the Main School office, Principal or your HSA officers.

Important School Contact information Main Office Number: 281-337-5212 True Cross School Address: 400 FM 517 E. Dickinson, TX, 77539 Extended Day Phone number: 281-337-5212 or 409-392-0580 School Website: http://www.truecrossschool.org/ School grades and financial website: http://fastdir.com/truecrossschool/

http://www.truecrossschool.org/http://fastdir.com/truecrossschool/


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Just a few reminders Ms. Agrella will need to approve all correspondence before it is sent out. A copy

should be given to the office several days before it is needed to be sent out. If an item is to go in the Thursday folder then it should be provided to the office by Monday.

If you come to the school to participate in class activities or work, please sign in (and out) with the front office.

Parents must have taken the VIRTUS training in order to interact with the students.

Office hours are 7:30am-4:00pm August – May. (Shorter hours in summer)

TCCS Teacher and Staff information sheet Grade Name Birthday Email

Principal Yolanda Agrella 1/4 [email protected]

Administration Phyllis Mitchiner 4/16 [email protected]

Book Keeper Margaret Colasont 8/19 [email protected]

Nurse Dee Longoria 8/6 [email protected]

Assistant Brenda Mitchiner 12/20

Assistant Elise Donnow 5/16 [email protected] Assistant Georgia Dubcak 3/15

Pre-K3 Katie Whatley 2/23 [email protected]

Pre-K4 Alisa Godinich 11/15 [email protected] K Doris Falk 1/12 [email protected]

1st Dana Paulissen 5/17 [email protected]

2nd Ruby Urbina 7/20 [email protected]

3rd Diane White 9/29 [email protected]

4th Anna Ramirez 11/10 [email protected]

5th Lauren Miller 12/29 [email protected]

6th HR/English & Lit Cora Wright 10/2 [email protected]

7th HR/History & SS Miguel Rangel 9/9 [email protected]

8th HR / Math & Computers Jeff Eller 1/5 [email protected]

Science & Religion Joe Overton 4/7 [email protected]

Art Sandra Burnett 12/29 [email protected]

Library Cheryl Liggio 9/9 [email protected]

Spanish Veronica Mauricio 6/24 [email protected]

PE Melissa Reagan 5/17 [email protected]

Band and Music Miguel Rangel 9/9 [email protected]

Cafeteria Ester Rodriguez 7/29

Cafeteria Juana Jaurigue 1/12

Cafeteria Sally Quintanilla 8/1

Maintenance Mike Neal

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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General School Calendar (Dates are estimates only –see actual yearly school calendar for actual dates)

August Meet the teacher School starts

A few days prior to school start Around 2nd week of August

September Labor Day Holiday Parent Conferences Open House

1st Monday Around 2nd Friday Around 3rd Thursday

See School Activities

October Red Ribbon week Fall Festival Individual and Sports photos

Mid October Sunday around Oct 20th End of month

See Fund Raisers

November Thanksgiving parade/Party Thanksgiving break

Friday before Thanksgiving Week of Thanksgiving

See School Parties

December Adopt a Family School Ministry Christmas Program Christmas Party Christmas Break

(Christmas) Friday prior to Christmas Break ~3wks around Dec 19 - Jan 5th

See School Parties See School Activities See School Parties

January Class photos Pastries with Parents Grandparents Mass and Open House

Mid month End of the month Last Wednesday morning End of the month

See School Activities

February Parent Conferences Steps 4 Students: 5K fun run

Around 3rd Friday Mid February

See Fund Raisers

March 8th Grade Washington DC Trip Mardi-Gras Parade/Party Spring Break

Early March Mid-March Prior to Ash Wednesday Mid-March

See Special Activities See School Parties

April 5th grade Camp Kappe Trip Graduation Photos Monte Carlo Night School Field Day

Early April Mid April Saturday around April 24th Around the last week

See Special Activities See Fund Raisers See School Activities

May May Crowning Band And Choir concert Sports Banquet Early Childhood Splash Day Kindergarten Graduation Awards Day Graduation

Early May TBD May TBD May TBD May Last week of School Last week of School Last week of School

See School Activities See School Activities See School Activities See Special Activities See Special Activities See School Activities See Special Activities

June-July Summer Adventure Program Vacation Bible School

Provided by TCCS teachers (optional) Service of Shrine of True Cross

See Summer Programs See Summer Programs


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School Website http://www.truecrossschool.org/ The school website contains much of the information needed during the school year.

Upcoming events are posted on the site, along with special announcements, school and

student accomplishments, the school lunch calendar, links to relevant documents, link to

FastDirect, contact information for the teachers, links to Church events and other

information. In addition this document and the Student Handbook are also posted to the site

and links to relevant documents are embedded in the electronic version online.

If you have comments or concerns or additions to suggest to the school website , please

contact the main office.

Financial information (Fast Direct) School grades and financial website: http://fastdir.com/truecrossschool/

TCCS Book Keeper Margaret Colasont [email protected]

The tuition and fees for the school are shown in the Student Handbook. A couple of

important reminders are as follows (Student Handbook is the official source): Tuition is due

on the first day of the month , if late a fee may be assessed. Lunch accounts also always

need to remain positive to prevent a fee from being assessed. EDP accounts will be billed the

first week of the month and must be paid by the 10th

to prevent the late fee.

Questions can be addressed to the school book keeper at the above contact information.

Insight as to current financial status of accounts can be found be visiting the Fast-direct

website listed above.

Each family is given an access code for the first time log in to the fast-direct website. Once

you log in, you will be asked to create an account login and password. Please remember this

information. The Fast direct site gives you access to the Tuition account, Lunch Account,

and Extended Day account (if enrolled). In addition it links you to the teacher grade books.

By clicking on the account balance amount, you can access the detailed entries for that

account (EDP and tuition entered monthly, lunch entered daily).

Online payment of accounts is available via Fast Direct..

A summary of the deposits made during the year is available on the ‘tax printout’ button. Be

sure to select the current year. This information is useful for tax reporting purposes.

Contact Ms. Colasont for the school Tax ID code if needed for Tax purposes.

IRIS Alert System The IRIS alert system is used by True Cross to alert the parents to events and items of

interest/concern. Things such as school emergency closings, special events, activities are all

sent via this alert system. The system uses emails to contact the parents for wide distribution

of the information. Please contact the office if you change your contact information or if you

are not sure if you are enrolled in the IRIS alert system. Also please ensure that the email

http://www.truecrossschool.org/http://fastdir.com/truecrossschool/mailto:[email protected]


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address [email protected] is an approved/allowed email address in your system so the

messages are not blocked or sent to junk mail.

Service to the School Opportunities It is the families that make the school something special. There are many, many opportunities to participate in the education of the students. Being a room parent is one of those opportunities, and a list of additional opportunities is included at the end of this document, but many opportunities are not listed. If you see a need at the school, coordinate with a teacher or school staff member and volunteer. Each family is required to earn at least 10 service hours by participating in events, activities and volunteering within the school. These hours can be “bought out”, but it is highly encouraged to not buy out these hours and instead actually volunteer to help out. It is extremely easy to earn the 10 hours throughout the year (one hour a month – 9 hours earned). There are many, many different ways to volunteer for the school. Things such as monitoring lunch hour so the teachers can have a short break, or providing different donations throughout the year. Other help is also needed at the school including maintenance and other behind the scene activities. These activities may not require interaction with students so these can be done prior to getting VIRTUS training. In order to participate in volunteer activities with the students, parents are required to take the VIRTUS class offered several times a year. These classes also suffice when a refresher is needed. http://www.virtus.org/virtus/ http://www.archgh.org/our-programs/safe-environment/

VIRTUS' Protecting God's Children This program is designed to equip adults who work with minors with the skills and information necessary to help prevent the abuse and exploitation of young people. It is required for all adults who have regular contact with minors. Required for adult volunteers and employees. It is administered by the Archdiocesan Office of Safe Environment. More information can be found at: http://www.archgh.org/Our-Programs/Safe-Environment/.

VIRTUS' Keeping the Promise Alive (Refresher needed 5 years after taking “Protecting God’s Children” VIRTUS) This program is a required, refresher course for all adults who have previously completed the Protecting God's Children. Required if PGC certification is over 5 years

mailto:[email protected]://www.virtus.org/virtus/http://www.archgh.org/our-programs/safe-environment/http://www.archgh.org/Our-Programs/Safe-Environment/http://www.archgh.org/Our-Programs/Safe-Environment/http://www.archgh.org/Our-Programs/Safe-Environment/


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old It is administered by the Archdiocesan Safe Environment Office. More information can be found at: http://www.archgh.org/Our-Programs/Safe-Environment/ .

Jeremiah 1:7 This program is for teens who work with other minors in a ministerial setting. It is designed to equip the teens, in an age appropriate manner, with the skills and information necessary to help prevent the abuse and exploitation of young people. It is administered by the Archdiocesan Office of Youth Ministry and more information can be found at: http://www.archgh.org/youthministry/jeremiah17/.

Liturgical Sunday The First Sunday of each month while the school is in session is the Liturgical Mass. The 10am Mass at the Shrine of the True Cross is the “Children’s Mass”. True Cross Students that attend this mass in full dress uniform receive a Free Dress pass the following Monday. Older students, sixth (?) grade and up, are eligible to become ambassadors and greet parishioners, help with collection, distribute bulletins. These students get an additional Free Dress day.

http://www.archgh.org/Our-Programs/Safe-Environment/http://www.archgh.org/Our-Programs/Safe-Environment/http://www.archgh.org/youthministry/jeremiah17/http://www.archgh.org/youthministry/jeremiah17/


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School Committee Opportunities There are several committees that need help each year. We ask parents with different skills

to please help out as your talents allow:

Service Committee: Coordinates with the teachers, administration and student body to involve the school in service to the community. Teacher Appreciation Committee: Explore different ways to show our TCCS staff how much they are appreciated by celebrating the teachers birthdays each month, making sure the teacher wish list is up to date, planning special gifts/services for the teacher appreciation week and end of year. Special Event Committee: Assists HSA and room moms with the planning and execution of special events throughout the school year including, decorating, serving for Grandparents Breakfast, Red Ribbon Week, Veterans Day Celebration, Christmas and Mardi Gras Parties, etc. Fund Raising Committee: Works with the administration and HSA to come up with fundraising options and to help implement and coordinate the fundraisers. Box-Top Brigade: Assists box top coordinator with collection, cutting and counting of all labels including box tops and help implement and coordinate student appreciation and class rewards. Caring Crusaders: Provides aid to our Crusader families in times of need, supporting students and staff during testing weeks, etc.


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Fund Raisers There are three main fundraising events for the School (and also supporting the Church): Fall Festival (October), Steps for Students (Feb) and Spring Fling (aka: Monte Carlo night) (April). Service hours can be earned by participating on the Committee for either of these, as well as numerous other activities in support of these events. In addition the school participates in many community fund raisers such as Box Tops for Education, Kroger Neighbor to Neighbor Share Program, and the Target Red Card program. Occasionally there will also be special events in the community such as the Chick-fil-a family share night

Fall Festival:

Craft festival and carnival type event, has vendors, activities and silent and live auctions. Benefits both the Shrine of the True Cross and True Cross Catholic School Details of classroom assignments are provided in September

Fall Festival T-Shirt Contest:

Students are allowed to submit a design for the fall festival T-Shirt each year. Designs are turned in to Ms. Burnett per her schedule Final judging by Fall Festival Core Committee in September.

Main Responsibilities include:

Provide Scavenger hunt items: These items are collected in each classroom, and the classroom that gets the highest tally of the items will get additional tickets to use during the Fall Festival.

o Room parents should expect to tally the results of the collections by no later than the Friday morning before the Fall Festival so the office can award the tickets to the winning classroom(s).

o The Fall Festival the Scavenger hunt items will be sent home in September.

Silent Auction Baskets

o Each classroom has been assigned a theme for an auction basket. Plan on having all items in the classroom by the Friday morning before the Fall Festival for assembling the basket. If a two smaller baskets can be made from the items donated by the families, then please do so. If you are not able to assemble the basket just let one of the volunteers know and they will take care of it for you.


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o Additional Silent Auction items or Live Auction items can be dropped off any time before the all Festival weekend at either the Church or School Office. You will need to complete a form when you drop off your item.

Item that can be donated include New items for live or silent auction Crafts and homemade items for artisan’s alley

Festival Booth (requires 1 hour time not included as part of the service hours)

o Each classroom has been assigned a “game booth” or ‘activity” their classroom supports the day of the festival. For booths, coordinate with the class to decorate the booth either Saturday before the festival or first thing Sunday morning.

o The booth will be supplied with all the items needed to run the booth. o Be sure to have a decorated coffee can or other container to the family

staffing the booth to collect tickets. o Students are expected to support the booth with the supervising adult. o Be sure to have the sign-up sheet for the parents to sign into as they work

the booth to receive their credit.

Raffle Tickets o Each student will receive raffle tickets to sell prior to the Fall Festival.

The Raffle tickets list the prizes that are available. We ask that each family sell (or buy) a total of 6 books or $60 worth of tickets

o Tickets will be sent home with the students or can be picked up at Mass on Sunday at the back of the Church or at the Church office.

o Sold tickets with the information completed and the money should be turned in to the Church office or can be brought in after Mass.

Secondary areas that can use help: (hours supporting may be able to count as service hours)

Plant sale (donations or working the booth) o All plants that are for donation should be dropped off Saturday before the

festival in the front of Deslatte Hall. o Plants should be labeled with the type of plant

Cake Sale o Can be dropped off the Saturday before the Festival in the Parish Hall o Please do not donate cakes that need refrigeration

Setup and cleanup


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Steps 4 Students:

Steps for Students is an annual archdiocesan-wide event where all school and parish communities can come together as one to support Catholic education. The goal of Steps for Students is to raise awareness of the importance of a Catholic education and provide much needed resources for our Catholic Schools. This day of family fun includes a 5k USA Track and Field Association sanctioned race, the David K. Guite Memorial 1k Family Fun Run, Catholic School Parade and Post Race Party. This is typically held in Mid February at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy, Houston, TX 77002 Note: registration is required to allow True Cross to receive credit for their supporters.

There are two ways in which to participate as a registrant ($15 cost), you may walk with us, hit the ‘snooze for students’

If neither of these options appeal to you, there are other ways to support as well, you can

Become a sponsor of steps for students Provide a direct donation. Volunteer your time to the event

Be sure to designate your registration to Shrine of the True Cross Catholic School. Undesignated registrations or pledges will support the archdiocesan Tuition Assistance Fund. The Archdiocesan Tuition Assistance Program is a commitment that the Archdiocese makes to keep Catholic schools accessible, available and affordable to all families. This commitment is the hallmark of our faith and service in regards to the educational mission of the Church.

Steps for Students is an opportunity for all members of the Faith community to work together to support education of mind, heart, and spirit in the many Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston More information will be provided in your student’s folder. Or you can visit the following websites. http://www.steps4students.org/ http://www.firstgiving.com/stepsforstudents

Spring Fling Event: Monte Carlo Night

Adults only gaming and gambling event with silent auction and prizes. Benefits True Cross Catholic School

This is an adults only event since there will be alcohol served.

Main responsibilities include: Silent Auction Baskets

http://www.steps4students.org/http://www.firstgiving.com/stepsforstudents


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o Each classroom has been assigned a theme for an auction basket. Plan on having all items in the classroom by the Friday morning before the Fall Festival for assembling the basket. If a two smaller baskets can be made from the items donated by the families, then please do so. If you are not able to assemble the basket just let one of the volunteers know and they will take care of it for you.

Live Auction Class Art projects o Generally the class will do a project that is sold in the live auction. o Occasionally the classroom teacher may ask for assistance in this project

Additional Fund Raisers that benefit the school - all year

Box Tops for Education:

Box Top for Education is one of the biggest year-long fund raisers. Families collect box tops

all year long. This is a continuing program and the students should turn in Box Tops each

month because there are incentives given for the class that turns in the most Box Tops each

month (ice cream parties, Pizza Party at the end of the year, or free dress days are examples

of these incentives).

Note that Box Tops should be trimmed to the dotted lines of the Box Top if at all possible. If

it is not done when sent in, volunteers must trim the Box top. Also please be aware of the

expiration date on the box-top. If they are expired, then cannot be used.

Kroger Rewards program: This is a program that allows you to share a percentage of the money you spend at Kroger buying your regular groceries back to the school. There are no actions on your part other than enrolling for a Kroger Card and signing up your school at the beginning of each school year. This can be done on-line with your Kroger grocery card.

True Cross School NPO# 84237 See website: www.krogercommunity rewards.com. Signup for a Kroger community Rewards account by entering your zip code, clicking favorite store, enter your email address, create a password and agree to the terms and conditions. In the confirming email you receive. Follow the instructions, and then edit your Kroger Community Rewards information and input your Kroger Plus card number. Update or confirm your information and enter our school’s NPO number. When you see our school name on the right side of the page, you are good for this school year! Igive program: Is an online program that suggest vendors that will donate a small percentage to the school from your purchases. We are set up with them @ igive.com.

http://www.krogercommunityrewards.com/


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Target Red Card program: Enroll your red card (credit or debit card) with The Shrine of the True Cross school. The school will receive one percent of sales. You will receive five percent off of your bill every time you use this card. You can get a red card at the store and enroll on line. Local Restaurants family night: Occasionally local restaurants will offer to donate a portion of their proceeds from an evening to True Cross. As these events occur information will be sent home in the Students folders. Chick-fil-a and Chilis restaurants have participated, and in addition CiCi’s pizza also supports students with free child pizza’s as a reward or incentive.


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School Wide Parties throughout the school year Halloween There are no school wide Halloween parties for any grade. PK3, PK4, and Kindergarten will need to check with your teachers to see what they would like to do. Goodie bags at the end of the day are allowed, if it is okay with the teacher. Thanksgiving There is no school wide Thanksgiving party for any grade. PK3, PK4, and Kindergarten may have a special activity in their classrooms and invite the parents, please check with your teachers to see what they would like to do. The school has also previously offered a Thanksgiving lunch special where parents may purchase a lunch to eat with their students. Specifics for each school year will be sent out to parents. Christmas The Christmas party is typically the early release day immediately before Christmas Break. HSA will provide the paper goods for the parties in the cafeteria and multipurpose room including: Tablecloths, cups, napkins, plates, and table decorations.

o PK3, PK4, and Kindergarten have no restrictions on their parties unless they choose to have their parties at the same time and place as the rest of the school, then the set guidelines will need to be followed. Check with your teachers to see what they would like to do.

o Grades 1-5 will have their party at 10:30 am in the cafeteria. o Grades 6-8 will have their party at 10:30am in the Multipurpose room.

Bring bags and baggies Goodie bags are to be handed out in the classroom at the end of the day. Once again, it is okay for parents to bring extra or special treats that are not on the menu, but please let them know they will not be served or given out at the party. They will go home with the children at the end of the day in their goodie bags. Come at 8:00am and stay to set up and make bags. You are responsible for setting up, supervising, serving and for cleanup. Check with your teacher to see if extra help is needed in the classroom that day. There is no gift exchange among the students. We choose to participate in an “Adopt a Family”. The office will send home an information page detailing each class’ families and their Christmas wish list near Thanksgiving.


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Valentines As with Halloween, there are no school wide parties for any grade. PK3, PK4, and Kindergarten will need to check with your teachers to see what they would like to do. Goodie bags at the end of the day in the classroom are allowed, if okay with the teacher. Mardi Gras Celebration The Mardi Gras parade and parties will be held the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. HSA will provide the paper goods for the parties in the cafeteria and multipurpose room including: tablecloths, cups, napkins, plates, and table decorations.

o PK3, PK4 and Kindergarten: check with your teacher to see what they would like to do. If they choose to have parties at the same time and place as the rest of the school then the set guidelines need to be followed.

o Grades 1-5 will be in the cafeteria o Grades 6-8 will be in the multipurpose room

Any extra or special treats will be sent home at the end of the day. You are responsible for setting up, supervising, serving and for cleanup. The Pre K and Elementary students will participate in a Mardi Gras parade throughout the hallway. Check with your teacher to see how your child’s class will be participating. Typically PK3,Pk4 and Kindergarten classes create the “parade” with homemade floats and other special activity items and pass out treats and beads to the 1-5th grades student “spectators” who line the hallways. Birthdays Birthdays may be announced at the morning announcements and no formal party is held. Treats (cupcake, cookies) are allowed in the classroom or at lunch if okay with the teacher.


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School Wide Activities throughout the year Crusader of the Month: Each month a student from each grade will be honored by being selected as Crusader of the Month. The purpose of this selection is to shine a spotlight on those students who exemplify the qualities that are being taught within the school. Photo days: Twice during the year school photos are taken. In the fall, they consist of individual student photos. Sibling photos may be requested but are not guaranteed. In the spring class photos are taken. Additional photos of sports teams and other group photos are also taken (choir, band, Alter Servers, etc.) For the individual student photos, appropriate free dress is allowed. For the class photo session in the spring, the School Uniform is requested. Photo packages choices are available the day of pictures (the package will be sent home prior to the photo day). The package selection and monies need to be turned in on the day of the photos. Reprints / additional copies are available directly from the studio. True Cross Open House with spaghetti dinner: Twice a year True Cross hosts open houses for the families to come see how their students are doing, and talk with the teachers and other families and also to invite prospective new families to see the wonderful school we have. At these open houses the 8th grade hosts a spaghetti dinner (dine in or take out) which is a fund raiser for their keystone Washington DC field trip. This is one of the major fund raisers for this trip. Additionally the 5th grade hosts a bake sale at the open house as a fund raiser for the 5th grade field trip to Camp Kappe. This is a great opportunity to invite your friends, neighbors and family out to visit True Cross and have an easy dinner and desert and help out the 8th and 5th grade classes. Field Trips: Classes will occasionally go on fields trips or have in school field trips. There may be an additional cost associated with these field trips. If they travel they will need parent volunteers to drive. In order to be a parent driver, they must have taken the VIRTUS training, and have a valid Driver’s license and insurance on file with the school Teachers organize the classroom field trips through-out the school year and have those plans defined by the end of September. If a parent has a suggestion for a field trips, this information needs to be given to the teacher as soon as possible so they can consider it in their planning. There are two standard field trips within the school: 5th grade Camp Kappe trip and 8th grade Washington DC Trip. See Special Activities on each of these annual field trips.


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Pastries for Parents: This is a parent student event … (more information needed). Red Ribbon Week: This occurs in October and includes special activities all week to help the children focus on ‘say no to drugs’. Veterans Program This occurs in November (near Veterans Day) and includes special activities to honor Veterans and special honors to Veterans of TCCS familys Christmas Program: This is a school wide opportunity to present the performance talents of the student body. There are activities put on by every grade, band and choir. Spring concert: In the spring, the True Cross Band and Choir perform in a spring concert. This is a free event for the families. The Band and Choir work hard all year to make this concert a success and it is great when there is a large turn out to see the wonderful performances. School Wide Field Day: This is a school wide fun field day for the students. Fun competitions will occur between classes. Each classroom creates a class team shirt. Teachers may need help with T-shirts for the class. Seventh and Eighth grade students help with this activity. Parent volunteers are needed to help with the events during the field day. End of School Pizza Lunches: The end of school Pizza luncheon is held at regular lunch periods for all classes. HSA will provide the pizza, lemonade, and paper goods. Classrooms are responsible for setting up, serving, supervising and for cleanup. Sports Banquet: At the end of the school year, there is a sports banquet held to recognize the students who were part of the True Cross sports teams. Scholastic book sales and mail orders: Several times throughout the year, there is a scholastic book sale in the library. Also periodically, scholastic book order forms are also sent home. Be sure to look for good deals to help your student progress, and generally each teacher has a “wish list” at the Library book sales for their classrooms. The Scholastic book sale near the end of the year is a half-price sale!


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Fish Fries during Lent: As service support to the Knights of Columbus, True Cross Families provide deserts for the weekly fish fries that are held each Friday night during the Lent season. Service hours can be earned by providing deserts to the School on Friday mornings in support this. The Knights of Columbus provide funds that support the 8th Grade Field Trip for this service provided by TCCS families.

Free Dress Days: Several times throughout the school year there are “free dress” days. These days are at the discretion of the Principal, and may be offered as special incentives for the students. They support Red Ribbon week, Individual student photo days, Mondays following Liturgical Sunday for those students that attended mass, or are rewards for activities such as the class that gathers the most box tops or Fall Festival Scavenger hunt items. Note that “Free Dress” still requires students to dress appropriately as defined in the Student Handbook (modest and appropriate for wear in the Catholic school setting). Inappropriate dress may result in a call to the parent to bring in alternate clothing.


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Special Activities by Grade

Early Childhood (Pre-K3 through 1st Grade)

Early childhood Spring family picnic/ splash day: PK3, PK4, Kindergarten and 1st grade students participate in a family picnic/ splash day event toward the end of the year to celebrate their progress. Families are needed to help set up, monitor, and clean up as well as to just come enjoy the students.

Kindergarten Mother’s Day Tea: As part of the kindergarten lessons, each student is taught proper table manners and how to serve their Mother (or other participant) at a Brunch/Tea party in early May. This is a special gift to the Kindergarten mothers, grandmothers, aunts, or other participants.

Kindergarten Graduation The Kindergarten class has a special graduation as they proceed from early childhood learning to a full-fledged grade schooler! As such there is a special ceremony for each of the PK 3 students, Pk4 Students and finally the graduating Kindergarten students. The kindergarten students get to walk in a graduating ceremony with a Cap and Gown and receive their Kindergarten graduation certificate. This ceremony is typically held in the evening and refreshments are served.

2nd Grade

All Saints Museum As part of their Religious education the 2

nd Grade class chooses a Saint to research, learn

about, then dress up as. Then the whole school comes to an ‘All Saints Museum’ that

consists of the 2nd

grade students in their costumes. The 2nd

graders then provide the

information they learned while researching to the students that visit their “display”

First Communion Celebration Students will complete their first communion while in second grade. As they complete this The Shrine of the True Cross provides a celebration which is to congratulate the students accomplishment.

3rd Grade

Special class activities include Titanic presentations (diorama contest), bibliography book reports (dress up as your subject), ‘celebrations around the world’ activity (around Christmas time), and finally a class field trip to Kemah in May.


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4th Grade

5th Grade

Camp Kappe Trip (April) http://www.archgh.org/Camp-Kappe/Directions/ Camp Kappe is a 4 day 3 night camp designed for 5th grade Catholic students. It is held on 130 acres at 7738 Camp Kappe Rd Plantersville, TX 77363. This camp brings together students from throughout Texas to a camp type retreat focusing on environmental education stewardship within the Catholic Church. Many outdoor activities are the focus of this camp, including hiking canoeing, team building, and farmhouse activities.

True Cross Fund raisers for this event include hosting a desert table at the open house/Spaghetti Dinners. Additional Funds will come through other school fundraisers such as Steps for Students.

6th Grade

7th Grade

8th Grade

Washington DC Trip (March) The final field trip for a True Cross Student is the 8th grade trip to Washington DC. This is a week-long trip around Spring Break where students and chaperones travel to Washington DC. Throughout the School year the 8th grade participates in fund raisers to help finance this trip. The two primary fund raisers are the Spaghetti Dinners at open houses.

8th Grade Graduation (May) The eight grade graduations ceremonies are held at the end of the year. Typically the graduation ceremonies and parties are sponsored by the 7th grade class (need information on this activity.)

http://www.archgh.org/Camp-Kappe/Directions/


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True Cross Extra Curricular:

Music: Mr Rangel The band and choir perform for the school at various events during the school year. Occasionally the band or choir is invited to perform outside the school. Transportation is needed to these activities.

Choir: $20/month (choir fees waived if in both band and choir) Meets Wednesday after school 3-4pm Grades 3rd-8th Band: $40/month Beginner Band Monday-Friday 3-4pm (excluding Wednesday) Advanced Band Monday – Friday 7-7:50 am

Sports: Coach Reagan

Note for more information on sports including eligibility, grade requirements, and behavior see the TCCS Athletic Handbook. Additionally, the TCCS Athletic handbook contains required medical history forms, physical examination forms, transportation forms, waiver forms, and the mandatory service agreement for the parents of students participating in a sports activity. Participation in a sport requires a current sports physical on record with the school prior to participating in sports (valid for 1 year). Parent Volunteers to help coach, and provide snacks are requested.

$60 per sport Volleyball: September – mid October Girls 5th -8th

Soccer: September – Mid October Co-Ed 5th – 8th Basketball: October – December “Junior Varsity” and “Varsity” (based on grade and ability) Boys: 4th - 8th Girls: 4th - 8th Track: April- May Boys:


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For parents who are able to assist with transportation to or from Sporting events, registration must be on file with the school. This includes proof of insurance, driver’s license and VIRTUS training. For students that need to be transported by someone other than their parent, the student must have a signed transportation waiver for each time being transported.

Additional after school learning:

After school Spanish: Grades 1st - 8th: Ms. Mauricio $35 Registration, $35 per month 1st grade- 8th grade Wednesday 3pm-4:30pm After school/weekend Art Class: Grades 2nd - 8th: Ms. Burnett $ ?? Registration/ $?? Per class/month Held 1 Saturday a month for 4 hours – lunch provided After school Tutoring

Younger students may receive tutoring by contacting Ms. Falk. She offers assistance with reading, handwriting and study skills for students in PreK-3rd grade. She specializes in the area of early childhood reading readiness and recovery. Older students may receive tutoring by contacting Jeff Eller

Piano Lessons Starting in 2013, afterschool piano lessons have been offered in the cafeteria. This is for ages XX-XX (grades XX-XX) _ for a cost of TBD… The lessons run on which days of the week for what hours?

Ministries Altar Servers (4th -8th Grade Boys) See Mr David LeCompte True Cross Catholic Church Altar Servers – Students are needed to assist with Wednesday School Mass services, as well as regular weekend Mass Services. Cantors/ Lectors If your child is interested in being a Cantor please contact the school front office.


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Outside Organizations:

4H: Please contact Katie Whatley at [email protected] Cub Scouts: Boys in 1st -5th Grade. Please contact the Bay Area Council, Boys Scouts of America – www.bacbsa.org, 409-744-5206 if interested,

Extended Day (after school care) True Cross school offers an after school care program from 3-6pm. And also an early day program from 7-7:45am. In order for your child to attend either session they must be registered as an extended day student. Contact Mrs.Burnett for more information

True Cross Summer Programs

Summer Adventure Program To help the students carry on with the progress they have made throughout the school year, True Cross has been able to offer a summer-time camp for students in grades: PK4- 5th . This camp is staffed primarily by True Cross Teachers. The camp runs from 7:30am – 5:30 pm and is a mix of fun and educational activities. Typically the camp has run from the first week of June until near the end of July. The students have the opportunity to participate in the Shrine of the True Cross Vacation Bible School during the week it is offered then return to the Summer Adventure Program for the afternoon. If the Summer Adventure Program is available, information will be sent out with students toward the end of the year.

Shrine of the True Cross Vacation Bible School In the summer the Shrine of the True cross offers vacation Bible school for half days during one week – usually in July. For more information contact Rachael Hinojosa [email protected].

mailto:[email protected]://www.bacbsa.org/


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Home School Association (H.S.A.) The Home School Association (H.S.A.) supports True Cross and the True Cross Families through helping organize events and disseminate information to the Families. All families are encouraged to attend and become members of the HSA. Children are welcome; please bring a labeled game to share. H.S.A. meeting dates are typically the third Tuesday of each month during school months. They are announced on each of the news letters that are sent home with the children in the Thursday folders. They are open meetings that begin at 6:00pm usually in the Cafeteria, but specific locations will be announced.

Staff appreciation luncheons

To show appreciation for all the staff that work day in and out to provide a wonderful service to our children, HSA is continuing the tradition of providing occasional staff luncheons. Each class will be assigned a month to help with coordinating and providing a luncheon for the faculty and staff. It is, as Room parent, your preference as to how you handle lunch. Please do not ask your parents for money for this event. You may communicate to them, and offer the option of baking or buying or donating whatever they feel comfortable. You may have a variety of help and can coordinate a parent pot lunch, or you may elect to pool your resources and to have a lunch catered. However you choose, we ask that you let us know your theme so as not to repeat.

You will be responsible for a lunch that feeds approximately 35 people , decorations, paper goods, and utensils for eating and for serving

There will need to be volunteers to serve and relieve teachers so they can enjoy their luncheon in the multipurpose room, and to clean up.

All leftovers should be divided between the two teacher’s lounges for the following day

School wide general assistance HSA is also very involved in the school wide events and activities. They, along with the Special Event committee assist with the planning and execution of the special activities including decorating and serving for Grandparents Breakfast, Red Ribbon week, Veterans Day celebration, Christmas and Mardi Gras parties, etc. :

School wide improvement Projects

HSA helps coordinate and organize general school wide improvement projects such as improving the school cafeteria sound system or providing fans for the pavilion or bleachers for the soccer field. If you have suggestions or would like to help with this please contact a HSA officer to participate in the committee. In addition HSA also helps organize any school wide sales item fund raisers.


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Supplemental Forms Links: Insert Link to volunteer service hours tracking sheet

Insert Link to volunteer service opportunities:

Insert Link to sports transportation waiver form:

Insert Link for medication release form:


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Yearly Room Parent Addendum:

(information expected to change every year) True Cross School Board information 2013-2014

Church Sponsor Father Larry Wilson School Sponsor Principal Agrella President Jay Bush Recording Secretary Peggy Tasler Member Ronald Smith Member Dennis Sipos Member Patricia Flores

True Cross Room Parent information 2013-2014 Room Parent contact list

Grade Name Email PK3 Lisa Garcia [email protected] PK3 Amber Cornwell [email protected] PK4 Stephanie Cooper [email protected] PK4 Amber Cornwell [email protected] K Adrienne Keenan [email protected] K Pebbles Teare [email protected] K Amber Uddin [email protected] 1 Karen Bush [email protected] 1 Amber Uddin [email protected] 2 Madelyn Guidry [email protected] 2 Katie Hameka [email protected] 3 Margarita Brumlow [email protected] 3 Kathleen Bolton [email protected] 4 Tracy Sheridan [email protected] 4 Pebbles Teare [email protected] 5 Karen Bush [email protected] 5 Madelyn Guidry [email protected] 5 JoAnn Rankin [email protected] 6 Elise Donnow [email protected] 6 Katie Whatley [email protected] 7 Barbara Hilton [email protected] 7 Angie Parma [email protected] 8 Carolina Housh [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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True Cross H.S.A. officers 2013-2014 Name Email President Margarita Brumlow [email protected] Vice President Katie Hameka [email protected] Treasurer Barbara Hilton [email protected] Recording Secretary Deborah Neal [email protected] Corresponding Secretary Kathleen Bolton [email protected] Committee/Room Mom Coordinator Madelyn Guidry [email protected]

True Cross H.S.A. Meeting Dates HSA board member meetings begin at 5:30 and the open meetings will begin at 6pm and last about 1 hour. Children are welcome.

Room Parents are requested to attend if possible: Location to be announced. September 17, 2013

October 15, 2013

November 19, 2013

December 17, 2013

January 21, 2014

February 18, 2014

March 18, 2014

April 15, 2014

May 20, 2014

Staff Appreciation Luncheon Schedule 2013-2014 Month Date Luncheon Hosted By

September 9/25/13 6th Grade

November 11/6/13 5th Grade Kindergarten 3rd Grade

February 2/12/14 1st Grade PK4 7th Grade

May 5/7/14 PK3 2nd Grade 4th Grade 8th Grade

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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2013-2014 Student Allergies Please ask parent to mark baked goods if the contain the following:

o Peanuts o Gluten

Classroom (HSA) Bake Sale Schedule 2013-2014 Month Date Bake Sale Hosted By Notes

September 9/20/13 3rd Grade

October 10/11/13 1st Grade

November 11/1/13 PK3 and 7th Grade

December 12/6/13 PK4 and 2nd Grade

January 1/10/14 6th Grade

February 2/7/14 Kindergarten

March 3/7/14 4th Grade

April 4/4/14 8th Grade

May 5/2/14 5th Grade

Bake sale information Each class is asked to participate by hosting a bake sale. They will begin in September and are typically held the first Friday of the month.

Please note that there are some allergies in the school, please inform your parents to mark if any baked goods contain items that may cause allergies (contact the office if you are unsure of the allergies).

The Room Parent Guide to Bake Sales at TCCS First and foremost, than you for your time. We truly appreciate you. School lunches begin at 11:00am. Please plan to arrive by 10:00 am. On arrival, ask the front office for the Bake Sale Box. In the box you will find:

Plastic Tablecloths Gloves Baggies Napkins Plates Cutting Knife Purell hand sanitizer Notebook to record donated items HSA Money Receipt form Money Box stocked with $20. 10 x one dollar bills, and 40 x quarters


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First, please record who has donated and the items donated in the supplied notebook. It is requested that the number of items be listed as well. A helpful suggestion is to request the parent put a sticky note on their bake sale item container listing who supplied it, if it contains any allergens (peanuts, etc.), and how many items are provided. This will help the parents who are setting up the bake sale. Make two copies of the listing of donated items recorded in the notebook, one will be submitted with the money to the office and the second please keep for your records. The original should remain in the binder. Please note that some parents from other grades will send in bake sale items. If there are any questions, save the identifying label in the notebook. You will need to cover the tables with the plastic tablecloth. Wearing gloves, after washing your hands, please cut the whole items sent. It is standard to charge $0.50 an item, if there are small items, cupcakes or cookies, please place two items on the plate or napkin. It is requested that one room parent be in charge of handling the money. This parent will sign out the money box and be responsible for returning all monies to the office immediately following the sale. Lunch is over at 12:45pm and the money should be turned in to the office by 1:15pm. The HSA Money form will need to be filled out, counted by the parent, and again with the office staff accepting the money. Please place a copy of the signed form in the bake sale folder. We know this takes time and appreciate your attention to details. Please throw away the tablecloths, wipe down the tables as needed and leave the area as it was and return the bake sale box to the office. Thank you so much for all of your help! TCCS H.S.A. Please note that the cushioned chairs and table near the stage are for the teacher’s lunches only. Please be respectful of their space.


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2013-2014 FALL FESTIVAL Classroom Baskets and

games GRADE[ORG] GAMES BASKET THEME

PK3 Toss & Tumble Disney

PK4 Duck Pond/Floating Rings Legos/Knex

K Crazy Hat Day at the Beach

1 Angry Birds Family Fun Night

2 5 in 1combo moonwalk Grilling Time/BBQ

3 Plinko Scrapbooking

4 Ring a Drink Go Gators

5 Giant Slide Car Wash/Care Kit

6 2 Castle moonwalks Go Longhorns

7 Obstacle course Lottery Tickets

8 Confetti eggs/Silly String/Face Painting Go Aggies

Boy Scouts Fish Bowl

Altar Servers Dunking Booth

2013-2014 FALL FESTIVAL Scavenger Hunt Items

o 2 liter drinks

o Confetti eggs

o Silly string

o Small new wrapped toys e.g. McDonalds toys


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2013-2014 MONTE CARLO Classroom Baskets GRADE BASKET THEME

PK 3

PK 4

K

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

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