Conference Sign Up Conferences will be: 3:00 - 7:00pm on Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17 in classrooms. Please take the time to read the two pages of information in this newsletter on scheduling your conferences online. The online conference scheduler will be live tomorrow, March 6 at 7:00am until Sunday, March 15 at midnight. After scheduling your conferences, please print or write down your conference schedule. You will not be able to go back to the scheduler after March 15 at midnight.

Exciting things are happening during conferences March 16 & 17!! • Interested in earning FREE money to reduce your

tuition without spending an EXTRA DIME? Learn how at the Scrip Information/Help session during conferences from 6:00-7:00pm in St. Mary Center.

• Do you have questions about the STO application process or need assistance completing your FACTS application? Help will be available during conferences from 3:00-7:00pm in St. Mary Center.

Attendance Reminder If you have a planned absence, the K-5 and 6-8 Absence Request Forms can be found on our school website under the Resource heading and Forms. http://www.boscocatholic.org/vimages/shared/vnews/stories/55dcc0d507de3/Absence%20Request%20form.pdf

Lost and Found Please label your student’s lunchbox, sweatshirts, coat, hat, snow pants, gloves, mittens, etc.

3rd & 4th Grade Baseball Reminder For the parents of 3rd and 4th grade boys there will be a baseball practice in St. Mary Center tonight starting at 5:30pm with a parent meeting to follow from 6:30-7:00pm.

Did you know… This week is Read Across America week? Read Across America is focused around Dr. Seuss' birthday and is a way to celebrate the importance of reading in the lives of children. St. Joseph's has done many things to celebrate and encourage the importance of reading, including inviting guest readers into our classes throughout the week. Some of these readers include Mrs. Douglas, Mr. Redmond, Ms. Kay Dellagardelle, Tiffany Kay from K98.5, the Gilbertville fire chief, a sergeant from the Black Hawk County Sheriff Dept., a few Don Bosco Basketball players, and many other parents, grandparents, and community members. The students have loved seeing the people around them represent and share the importance of reading! https://k985.com/k98-5-97-7-kcrr-participate-in-read-across-america-in-cedar-valley/

Immaculate Conception/St. Joseph Newsletterwww.boscocatholic.org March 5, 2020

The Bosco Catholic School System provides students and families with academic, spiritual, moral, and sacramental formationso that they are prepared to be faithful disciples who are the light of Christ in the world.

Please send all newsletter items to icsjnewsletter@boscocatholic.org by 8:00am on Wednesday, March 11.

Kindergarten Parent Meeting The 2020-2021 Kindergarten Parent meeting will be in St. Joseph Church on Thursday, March 12 from 5:30pm - 7:00pm. At this meeting, you will hear about our school system and our kindergarten program, meet the teachers and ask questions. Registration materials will be distributed and the registration process will be explained. Please call 319-233-5980 to let us know you will attend the meeting so materials will be ready for you.

COF Breakfast Mark you calendars for the Catholic Order of Foresters’ Matching Fund Breakfast on Sunday, March 22. This year’s proceeds go to Don Bosco High School. We need lots of volunteers to help make this a success for our school. If you are able to help with either shift (7:45-10:00am or 9:50-12:30pm) please call Carol Berry at 319-296-1089 or email cberry@boscocatholic.org .

Nurse's Notes I feel this is a good time heading into Spring but still fighting germs and illnesses to send out a reminder about good health practices. The number one thing that can be done to protect yourself from illness is to wash your hands. Most people do not wash correctly. The correct way to wash your hands is to wet your hands, apply soap, scrub your hands for 20 seconds, this means tops, palms, between your fingers and around your nail beds. After you have lathered well scrubbed all surfaces (the friction of scrubbing helps remove bacteria and viruses) rinse your hands well with running water. Use a paper towel to dry your hands then use the paper towel to turn off the faucets. This would be a great time to have a family hand washing session at home. Watch how your children wash. Remind them of the steps. Help them remember that they need to scrub their hands for 20 seconds. Sing the ABC song or happy birthday. Find a 20 second timer. Remind them that they should wash their hands before eating, after being outdoors, after using the bathroom, after blowing their nose or coughing and sneezing, and after they have played with pets. Keep your hands away from your face. Only use a tissue once and then dispose of it and wash your hands. Wash your hands after returning home from a public place or event. Clean common surfaces, light switches, handrails, telephones, faucets, counter tops, bathroom stools and sinks frequently. Read the label on your cleanser. How long does it need to be on the surface wet to be effective? What type of bacteria and viruses is it effective against? Stay home if you are sick. Only return to work or school after you are fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication. Do not return until you have not vomited or had diarrhea for 24 hours. Germs are not for sharing! Marianne Hickey RN

Mother Son Sweetheart Dance • Friday, March 13, 2020 from 6:00pm-7:30pm in Saint

Mary Center• Join us for music, games, snacks, photo booth, Prince

and Princess raffle and FUN!!  • Boys can bring Mom, Grandma, Aunt or other special

guest. • This event is open to all ages, and BCSS and St. A’s, as

well as friends and family. • Tickets are $5.00 per person. Please RSVP if you plan

to attend. A pink flyer was sent home with your student. 

• This flyer can be sent in to school as your RSVP.• Hosted by the Fun Run Committee.

Luau Glow Dance St. Athanasius School will be hosting a Luau Glow Dance for St. A and IC students in grades 5-8. There will be music, games, dancing, black lights, and concessions in the St. Athanasius gym form 6:00-9:00pm on Saturday, March 14. There will be a $5.00 admission at the door (to help cover the cost of glow bracelets, prizes, etc. * Parents and students: Anyone wanting to go to the Luau Glow Dance and does not have a ride, please let Ms. Berry know. Mrs. Douglas will be at IC on Saturday, March 14 at 5:30 and can take up to 7 students in the school van. If we have any other parents willing to drive kids, please let Ms. Berry know so we can coordinate! *

Lenten Resources The National Catholic Educational Association has compiled a variety of Lenten resources for families. Check it out at https://www.ncea.org/NCEA/Learn/Resource/Lenten_Resources/Lenten_Resources.aspx?WebsiteKey=60819b28-9432-4c46-a76a-a2e20ac11cfd&hkey=2c80486e-9de1-4e75-bbef-b528bf2fb084&Lenten_Resources=2#Lenten_Resources .

Apply for STO (Tuition Assistance) • The online FACTS application for STO award

consideration is open and available at https://online.factsmgt.com/aid .

• If families applied through FACTS last year, they should use their same user name and password.

• Families must upload a completed 2019 federal tax return and related tax documents if they are required to file a federal return.

• The application deadline is April 15, 2020. • The STO application is required for your local school

tuition assistance program. •

Bosco Catholic School System † PO Box 256 † Gilbertville, IA 50634 IC 319-296-1089 † SJ 319-233-5980 † Fax 319-296-3847

Vacation Bible School 2020 We are looking forward to VBS 2020! Please follow the link if you are interested in your students attending or volunteering so we can get the dates nailed down. This year's theme is Rocky Railway! Questions can be directed to Mrs. Ownby, Ms. McMaster, or Mrs. Wellman. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPHSEaNee-tESIPpw37T9WVCGATKG1G8NbSJ8PjjiyLPxk-Q/viewform?usp=sf_link

United States Census 2020 Not counting yourself in the 2020 Census results in less federal funds for our communities, causing higher property taxes and increased rent. Count yourself! Learn more at youcount-bhc.com . Be on the lookout for your 2020 Census Questionnaire. It is extremely important you complete it.

2020 Archdiocesan Men’s Conference The Archdiocese of Dubuque 2020 Men’s Conference will take place on Saturday, March 14, 2020 at Xavier Catholic High School, Cedar Rapids. The day includes keynote talks by Patrick Madrid, host of "The Patrick Madrid Show" on Relevant Radio, breakout sessions with local speakers, and Mass celebrated by Archbishop Michael Jackels. More details and registration may be found at www.CatholicMenOnline.com.

Catholic Order of Foresters News Saturday, March 14 all COF youth members can see the Hockey game between the Waterloo Blackhawks & Sioux Falls Stampedes at the Young Arena in Waterloo for just $4.00. The game starts at 7:05pm with doors opening at 6:00pm. Tickets must be ordered in advance by Tuesday, March 10. Friends and any adult tickets are $9.00. Please call Donna Delagardelle at 827-1609 or 239-9945 for prearranged tickets.

No Waterloo buses March 16-17-18.

529 Plan -Iowa 529 Savings Plans Information The Iowa 529 Savings Plan is an account established by any Iowa taxpayer to save and invest money for tuition in any K-12 religious/private Iowa school and/or any college in the country. The account is designated for a specific student and can be used only for tuition for that student. All withdrawals used for tuition, including investment gains, are free from both federal and state taxes. Each taxpayer’s situation is different so it is important to talk to a tax professional before setting up an account. HOW DO I SET UP A 529 ACCOUNT? The Iowa Treasurer’s Office is in charge of this program. Any taxpayer can go to their website at www.CollegeSavingsIowa.com, submit an application, and transfer the funds into their 529 account. As part of that application, a beneficiary (the student) has to be named and an investment option provided on the form has to be chosen. WHO CAN SET UP A 529 ACCOUNT? Anyone can set up an account for any student. The beneficiary does not have to be related to the taxpayer. There is no limit as to how many accounts can be set up.

Dear families-- We will be having a mother/son event on Friday, March 13 that you should have received a flyer about. If you have a son that would like to go but no female family member or friend free to take him, please let Mrs. Douglas know. Her son is too old to attend and she would be happy to attend with any of our boys that would like to go. She could even pick him (or a group) up! Just email her at sdouglas@boscocatholic.org!

Immaculate Conception - St. Joseph March 5, 2020

Dear Families, The time is here for your student and his/her teacher to share with you about your student’s overall progress. All students in grades PK-8 are required to participate in the conferences. Students, parents, and teachers should all participate in the conference.

Conferences will be: 3:00 - 7:00 PM on Monday, March 16 3:00 - 7:00 PM on Tuesday, March 17 There will be no classes March 19 & 20

Exciting things are happening during conferences March 16 & 17!! • Interested in earning FREE money to reduce your tuition without spending an EXTRA DIME? Learn how at

the Scrip Information/Help session during conferences from 6:00-7:00pm in St. Mary Center. • Do you have questions about the STO application process or need assistance completing your FACTS

application? Help will be available during conferences from 3:00-7:00pm in St. Mary Center.

Parents will schedule conferences online with the Parent Teacher Conference (PTC) scheduler on our website. PK-5 conferences will be scheduled in 15 minute increments. 6-8 and specials conferences will be scheduled in 10 minute increments. Instructions for scheduling conferences are below. Conferences for grades PK-5 should be scheduled with the student’s homeroom teacher. 6-8 grade conferences may be scheduled with the teacher(s) you would like to see. To schedule a conference with specials, (Mr. Bergan, Mr. Chicchelly, Ms. Bogaard, Mrs. Rosauer, Mr. Fahnle, Mrs. Rutherford) you will need to go the Grades 6-12 group.

These teachers will be available in classrooms:

These teachers will be available in classrooms at Don Bosco: Ms. Mayer - Algebra (DB Room 107) Mr. Mikita - Band (DB Band Room)

The PTC scheduler will go live on the website Friday, March 6 at 7:00 in the morning. Please sign in and schedule your conferences. You may schedule conferences from March 6 at 7:00am

• Ms. Heather - (SJ PK Room)• Mrs. Bolick - (SJ Room 105) • Mrs. Olson - (SJ Room 103) • Mrs. Neverman - (SJ white building) • Mrs. Wellman - (SJ white building)

• Ms. McMaster - (IC Room 205) • Mrs. Ownby - (IC Room 207) • Ms. Johnson - (IC Room 206) • Mrs. Schroeder - (IC Room 203) • Mrs. Gutierrez - (IC Room 204) • Mrs. Bird - (IC Room 103)

• Mr. Armbruster - (IC Room 106) (beginning at 2:40) • Mr. Kellogg - (IC Room 105) • Ms. Sandman - (IC Room 104) (beginning at 2:40)

• Mrs. Rosauer - (IC Room 107) • Mr. Bergan - (IC Room 200) • Mr. Chicchelly - (SMC Gym) • Ms. Bogaard - (IC Room 102)• Mr. Fahnle - (IC Room 202) • Mrs. Rutherford - (IC Nurse’s Office)

until March 15 at midnight. Anyone who does not schedule a conference time will be assigned a conference time. Please print or write down your conference schedule. You will not be able to go back to it after March 15 at midnight.

PTC Registration Process for Parents/Guardians

To Start

• Click on the P/T Conferences tab on our website. This link http://www.boscocatholic.org/vparentteacher/ will also take you to the registration/sign in screen.

• Sign In or new families - Sign Up

YOU ARE NOW AT THE PTC SCREEN

Signing Up for Parent-Teacher Conferences

PK-5 conferences will be scheduled in 15-minute increments. Grades 6-8 and specials will be scheduled in 10-minute increments.

Step 1: Choose the conference date you wish to attend. Once you've chosen your conference date click on the grades of your student, you will be taken to a list of teachers.

Step 2: Select the teacher(s) you wish to conference with from the list or start typing the last name in the "Search Teacher" field.

Note: You can reserve time with up to eight teachers. You can register for additional teachers once you complete the current process.

Step 3: Enter the student's name.

Step 4: Click continue.

Step 5: Check the box next to the conference times(s) you wish to reserve.

Step 6: Click Update.

The timeframe/s you chose will be colored green. Watch your times, do not double book with two teachers at the same time.

At this point you may sign up for conferences for additional students in that same grade group by clicking on the “Teacher Selection” button at the bottom of the page.

To schedule a student in another grade group click on the Bosco Catholic logo, then P/T Conferences and repeat step 1-6.

At the bottom of the screen you will see the confirmation of your conference registration. You will have the option to "click here to print" to get a copy of your Conference Registration Report.

If you have any questions about the process or have difficulty registering, either email cberry@boscocatholic.org or call Carol Berry at 319-296-1089 for assistance.

Print or write down your conference times/date.