September 24, 2020
Dear Crusader Families,
I would like to give thanks to the teachers and assistants of CtRCS. They are working tirelessly to provide our children the best possible education under extremely demanding circumstances. The teaching profession is one of the most challenging, albeit rewarding, professions. However, this year the challenges go far beyond any other. Working simultaneously with students on-campus and at home is a HUGE undertaking. It takes a tremendous amount of planning, technological skills, patience and an openness to learn new things at the drop of a hat. Visiting classrooms and hearing from parents, I am reminded of how truly AWESOME they are, and have been, through all of this. I know they will continue to be awesome... I know they will continue to thrive... but it is a lot of work. Let us pray for continued patience, perseverance, and most of all STRENGTH for our CtRCS teachers! We love each of you and know you are CRUSADER STRONG!
This week we experienced our first (and hopefully last) school closure. We apologize to those of you who did not receive communication. This is not like CtRCS and we promised to do better moving forward. We believe we have fixed the problem. However, to be sure, we will send out a test text message tomorrow at exactly 10 am. If you receive the text message there is no need to take any action. However, if by 10:30 am you have not received this test text, please email registrar@ctrschool.com with the subject, no text received. In the body of the letter please include your name and your child(ren)'s name(s) and we will be sure to fix the problem in our system.
Finally, I wanted to clarify the four ways we communicate school closures:
1. Via Text message
2. Via email
3. On our FB page
4. On the homepage of our website.
We usually follow Cy-fair ISD when it comes to weather-related closures. However, there could be other circumstances that lead CFISD or CtRCS to close independently of one another. If you are ever in doubt please check our website.
Embracing His strength,
Daniel J. Courtney, M.A., M.Ed.
Principal
Daniel J. Courtney, M.A., M.Ed.
Principal
PLEASE BE SURE TO READ THROUGH OUR ENTIRE NEWSLETTER
(You may have to click "view entire message" after scrolling to the bottom of your email). THIS WILL HELP TO ENSURE THAT YOU ARE RECEIVING IMPORTANT REMINDERS AND UPDATES.
SAVE THE DATE:
Virtual Monthly Assembly:
RESCHEDULED FOR MONDAY, SEPT. 28th
Families will receive a link VIA Flocknote on Monday, Sept. 28th by 9 am
We will celebrate Summer and September Birthdays
2:15 pm early release: Tuesday, Oct. 6th:
NOTE the following carline start times:
PreK-1st Grade Carline will begin at 2:05 pm
2nd-8th Grade Carline will begin at 2:15 pm
*There will be Aftercare
Virtual Back to School Nights:
Due to our later start date, we have moved our Back to School Nights.
Thursday, Oct. 8th at 6 pm: PreK-5th
Thursday, Oct. 15th at 6 pm: Middle School
Virtual Chili Cook-Off Pep Rally: Friday, Oct. 16th
Chili Cook-Off Spirit Week: Oct. 19th-Oct. 23rd:
SCHOOL RECEPTIONIST REMINDERS
School Reception Desk Hours: Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For the safety of our students and staff, please remember we are a closed campus this year. Our receptionist cannot accept any items from home this includes but is not limited to gifts, lunches, homework or assignments (including VCC), water bottles, jackets, and sweaters. Thank you for your support and understanding. We will ensure students who don't have a lunch get one from our cafeteria.
*Don't forget to email reception@ctrschool.com
- To report absences, tardies, and early dismissals for both on-campus and VCC students.
- Students being picked up early must be picked up no later than 2:45 pm on regular dismissal days. On 2:15 pm early dismissal days no later than 1:30 pm, and on days with a 12:00 noon dismissal no later than 11:15 am.
- To request changes in transportation.
- Requests must be made by 12:00 noon.
- To request additional carline tags.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
*Please include Nurse Hall on emails regarding a student illness. Nurse Hall's email is candice.hall@ctrschool.com.
*Homeroom teachers MUST be included in any correspondence regarding attendance and transportation.
Please visit the Parent/Student Handbook for complete policies and procedures.
2019-20 Yearbooks and Supplements:
2019-20 Yearbooks and supplements were delivered to your child's homeroom on Wednesday, Sept. 16th. Students participating in our Virtual Crusader Classroom we will have your order included in the next VCC materials pick-up.
If you pre-ordered a 2019-20 yearbook and have not received it or have pictures to share to help create our 2020-21 please email yearbook@ctrschool.com.
Still, need to order a 2019-20 CtRCS Yearbook? Don't worry, it's not too late.
We still have extra 2019-20 yearbooks available to order now through our webpage! Yearbooks will be distributed to your child's homeroom once the order is received.
SCHOOL-WIDE MASS
We continue to celebrate Mass together as a CtRCS Community. This week our middle school students were able to return to the church, while our VCC and younger students continue to participate virtually. We will continue to welcome students back to the in-person celebration of mass gradually.
We invite our families to continue to join us in our celebration of school mass each week.
Reminder: Mass uniforms are required every Wednesday.
Dear Parents,
We are in our third week of school and I just wanted to say thank you for all your support and keeping your kids home when they’re not feeling well! I appreciate you helping to keep CtRCS a safe and healthy environment for all the students and staff.
Just a few reminders, especially as we approach flu season in the next few weeks.
- Please do not send your child to school if they are sick. If they’ve had a fever or other symptoms during the weekend, the same guidelines apply, even if they have a negative COVID-19 test. The student must be out for 72 hours after a fever, but also meet the other criteria listed on the chart below from the archdiocese. If your child is not feeling well over the weekend, please schedule an appointment for them to be evaluated. Do not send them to school with symptoms, even if they had a negative COVID-19 test over the weekend.
Your child will be sent home with any of the following:
- Cough, congestion, runny nose
- Shortness of breath, fatigue
- Chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Loss of taste or smell
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever (100* or above)
If your child experiences the symptoms above, please follow the map attached (Listed on Question #3 of “May I Enter the School?” Ten days must have passed after their symptoms first appeared, or you must obtain a note from your doctor to return. If you have any questions about this chart please email me.
- Do not send your child to school if you are awaiting COVID-19 test results. Please let me know if your child is getting tested, and again when you have received the results. This is especially important over a weekend. I check my email regularly, so please still reach out.
- Do not send your child to school medicated for a fever.
Thank you again for your support and please contact me with any questions or concerns.
Nurse Hall
832-678-5434
OCTOBER LUNCH ORDERS
The October Lunch Menu is available on our website or through the attachment below. To help to Justus & Co. in their planning, please email a copy of your student's lunch order to ANNJSTS@NETZERO.COM. Once the order is processed you will receive an invoice from Justus & Co. Catering via email with a link to pay via credit card.
*PLEASE REMEMBER that we cannot accept anything dropped off to the reception desk. If you choose to turn in a paper copy and a check, please do so through your child's Black Communication Folder.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
ATTENDANCE FOR VCC STUDENTS:
We have had, from our perspective, a strong start to our Virtual Crusader Classroom. We know there are still concerns that we are addressing, which should improve with each passing day. One way you can ensure your child is getting the most out of his/her learning experience is to ensure they are in ALL his/her classes each day. Students who miss an afternoon or a morning session will be counted absent for either that morning or afternoon. If they miss one or more in both the morning and afternoon classes they will be counted absent for the day.
If you have a reason to miss, such as a doctor's appointment, please notify your teacher so we may excuse your child from a particular class and not mark him or her absent. (Just as we would for late arrival or early dismissal). Please carefully read our Parent Handbook for further information on school absences. All policies within the Handbook apply to our virtual learners as well.
From our CARE Coordinators:
What a blessing it is to be back at our beloved CtRCS!! Our Crusader teachers and staff have worked tirelessly to re-open and to do so safely, we are so proud to be a part of such a wonderful community.
Kathy and I wanted to take a minute to let you know a little bit more about how CARE (our teacher/staff appreciation committee) is going to look this school year. Clearly, these are unprecedented times and we are rolling with the punches. After all, we are Crusader Strong!
Traditionally CARE raises funds throughout the year through bake sales and the like but due to COVID, we will be reworking how we fundraise. This year we are looking into some fun new ways to raise money so we can continue to spoil our fabulous staff! Be on the lookout for a new Halloween surprise.
One of the other ways you as parents helped CARE throughout the year was by graciously donating food and drinks for the monthly staff meetings. This process will look slightly different this year but we will still be needing your help either monetarily or through item donations.
All information about CARE’s upcoming events will be communicated via The Crusader Chronicle, CtRCS Facebook page, flyers sent home with your children, or the Volunteer Flocknote. If you are not receiving the Volunteer Flocknote and would like to, please email Marilyn Lazano at marilyn_lozano@yahoo.com
If you have any questions or would like to help support CARE feel free to reach out to either of us!
Wishing you a blessed year,
Your CARE team
Kathy Morales and Katy Haynes
kathy_phelan2000@yahoo.com
Wishing you a blessed year,
Your CARE team
Kathy Morales and Katy Haynes
kathy_phelan2000@yahoo.com
What will YEAR 7 look like?
#CtRCSChiliCookOff
Here are just a few "samplings"...
- VIrtual Chili Cook-Off Pep Rally
- Friday, Oct. 16th
- Chili Cook-Off Spirit Week
- Oct. 19th-Oct. 23rd
- Virtual/Online Auction
- Opening Monday, Nov. 2nd
- Closing Saturday, Nov. 14th
- Best Bowl Chili Team Competition
- We are working out the final details. More information will be sent in the first week of October.
- Family Chili Kits
AND MORE.....
Ways to Support the Cook-Off:
The Chili Cook-Off is our largest "FUN"raising event of the year and helps to support the school’s operating budget, directly funding important needs in every classroom. The net proceeds also close the gap that exists between tuition and the actual cost of providing a holistic education for our students. The cook-off is a wonderful opportunity for our families and friends to support CtRCS in a very special way.
Become a Sponsor or Underwriter:
Every year there are costs associated with hosting the Chili Cook-Off and the events that follow (E.G. Teacher for the Day). We count on the generosity of our community to help defray those costs; this year is no different. We offer a variety of sponsor levels and opportunities. Click on the button below to make your gift online or download the form attached and send it in through your child's Crusader Communication Folder.
Make an In-Kind Donation:
The 7th Annual Chili Cook-Off will once again host an online auction. The Auction will consist of all of the CtRCS favorites: Flip Flop Passes, Grade Level Projects, Crusader Themed Quilt, Principal for the Day, Pastor for the Day, Teacher for the Day, themed baskets, experiences, and so much more. Our auction has grown over the years through the donation of in-kind gifts from our community. In-kind gifts range from gift cards and experiences, to customized products and gear, even vacation homes for a weekend...all given to support a great cause. To make your in-kind donation download the attached form and email it to chili@ctrschool.com.
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS:
Are you interested in being part of the 2020 Chili Cook-Off planning committee? Email Katie Griep at katie.griep@ctrschool.com for more information. Our committee will meet on Mondays at 10 am via Zoom.
There are so many ways that families can support Christ the Redeemer Catholic School when you shop your favorite brands and retailers. CtRCS receives important funds through programs like Amazon Smile and Box Tops for Education. Below you will find important details on how you can help support CtRCS through these opportunities. Question: Please contact Katie Griep, Advancement Director at katie.griep@ctrschool.com.
What is AmazonSmile?
AmazonSmile is a simple way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. AmazonSmile is available at smile.amazon.com on your web browser and can be activated in the Amazon Shopping app for iOS and Android phones.
How do I shop at AmazonSmile?
To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com on your web browser or activate AmazonSmile on your Amazon Shopping app on your iOS or Android phone (found under settings on your app). On your browser, you may also want to add a bookmark to smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile. When you’re using the app, always check for the “AmazonSmile” logo to ensure you’re activated for AmazonSmile.
How do I select a charitable organization to support when shopping on AmazonSmile?
On your first visit to smile.amazon.com, you need to select a charitable organization (Christ the Redeemer Catholic School) to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. We will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make through AmazonSmile will result in a donation. AmazonSmile will occasionally contact you about donation amounts disbursed to your chosen charity or about the program.
AmazonSmile is a simple way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. AmazonSmile is available at smile.amazon.com on your web browser and can be activated in the Amazon Shopping app for iOS and Android phones.
How do I shop at AmazonSmile?
To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com on your web browser or activate AmazonSmile on your Amazon Shopping app on your iOS or Android phone (found under settings on your app). On your browser, you may also want to add a bookmark to smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile. When you’re using the app, always check for the “AmazonSmile” logo to ensure you’re activated for AmazonSmile.
How do I select a charitable organization to support when shopping on AmazonSmile?
On your first visit to smile.amazon.com, you need to select a charitable organization (Christ the Redeemer Catholic School) to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. We will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make through AmazonSmile will result in a donation. AmazonSmile will occasionally contact you about donation amounts disbursed to your chosen charity or about the program.
BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION:
Box Tops for Education is transitioning from traditional "clips" to an App. Instructions for downloading the App are attached below. Please continue to support Christ the Redeemer Catholic School through this program. For additional information please visit The Box Tops for Education webpage.
**Still have "clips" at home? Please send valid clips to school through your child's Communication Folder in an envelope or ziplock labeled Box Tops with his/her name and homeroom.
Please see important reminders and updates from our Enrichment Team!
VIRTUAL CRUSADER CLASSROOM ENRICHMENT WEBSITE
Parents, please use the website and password shown below to access your VCC Enrichment Classes.
Welcome to the wonderful world of reading! CtRCS Library will look a little different this year. For our VCC learners please search for lessons, links, and videos posted to the VCC Enrichment page under the library tab. There you will find the skills and themes being taught in the weekly library classes; they will be updated each month. Reading is a lifelong skill that is so very important to students of all ages. Please encourage your student to be reading EVERY DAY for 20-30 minutes! Remember, reading takes us on a journey when we have to stay where we are!
- eBook Subscriptions: CtRCS has subscriptions to digital eBook streaming services with Tumblebooks and Junior Library Guild. Please see the library webpage and/or the VCC library enrichment link for more information and passwords. Passwords and links have been shared with teachers and/or students for our on-campus learners.
- Digital Research Databases: Please see the library webpage or VCC library enrichment link for digital research databases available to your Crusader.
- Harris County Public Library: Our local public library offers many eBooks and audiobooks as well as curbside service. Please check out their website and find the location closest to you. If you do not have a library card, you can apply instantly for a digital library card to begin using HCPL digital services. All middle school students have been shown how to apply for a digital card as well as download the Libby App offered by Overdrive which allows searching for books online through HCPL much easier. I highly encourage all of our middle school students to take advantage of HCPL Digital Services and Libby App in order to have a wider variety of eBook options. https://www.hcpl.net/services/digital-media
VIRTUAL CRUSADER CLASSROOM PE SUPPLY UPDATE
Parents, please note that our 2nd through 8th grade PE Packs are missing juggling scarves and some jump ropes. Both of these items are back-ordered. We are hopeful that the equipment will arrive before the next scheduled VCC pickup. Thank you for your understanding. Be active and stay active!
Go Crusaders!
"Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually."
-1 Chronicles 16:11