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All-School eNews | January 25, 2019

FEATURED STORY:
"A Unique Place in All the Country"

By Damian Hermann, Head of School

 
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ASH has been busy with activity. The change of semester marks a fresh start for our students in the classroom and a renewed focus for our faculty, who are working hard to implement important instructional changes. In particular, our K-8 students are about to take the NWEA Map test. This testing is taking the place of the Stanford test. Our students will take this adaptive test three times each year (October, February and May) in Math, English Language Arts (ELA), and Reading. Each adaptive test takes about 30 minutes and we receive the resulting data back within 24 hours.


This is our first year of implementation and we are thoughtfully providing our teachers with the professional development they need to look at the data and make "in time" instructional decisions to meet the academic needs of each student. We look forward to sharing your child's growth data with you after the third testing period in May. This Parent Toolkit Resource is a great place to learn more.


Measuring our academic excellence with data is important and expected, but I would be remiss if I did not also make clear that we are forming the whole child in unique and special way. In fact, during a visit from an executive director from a national educational association this past week, I was told, "This is a unique place in all the country." It was nice to hear what I already believed. We are forming the heart, mind and will in equal parts. There is much evidence to list, but I think I would be preaching to the choir on this point.


There is much to look forward to in the weeks ahead, including Open House this Sunday. Pray for good weather, so that our crowd arrives in droves. We have put great effort into our marketing and communications, and I believe it is starting to pay off. Our students also have a fun video message on social media encouraging attendance (a still photo is included above). Please also plan to attend the State of the School on February 5 at 7 p.m. I'm promising a concise and clear message of where we've been, where we are, and where we are going. With enrollment and re-enrollment season beginning, I hope to clarify any questions you may have.


Finally, the snow day bumped our visit from Archbishop Vigneron. We've already rescheduled for March 20. There should be no better way to celebrate the first day of Spring than with a liturgy with His Excellency.


I'd also like to offer my gratitude for the attention you've shown to our new traffic pattern. Please continue to practice caution and courtesy in the drop-off areas and parking lots.

 

Last Chance! Ticket Sales for Pistons v. Knicks on February 8 Close Today!

Don't wait another minute! Today is the last day to order your Pistons tickets using the special offer for ASH families. Purchase your tickets now for the Friday, February 8 game vs. the New York Knicks at 7 p.m. Our exclusive ticket pricing ($70 for 100-level end or $30 for 200-level end) includes a Pistons item and an opportunity to take a free throw on the court after the game. A portion of the proceeds benefit ASH. 

Looking Ahead to "The Secret Garden Gala"

 
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We are looking forward to our 63rd annual benefit, "The Secret Garden Gala," on March 9! A flyer about the Gala Magazine was sent home with your child(ren) this week, and invitations will be arriving in your mailboxes next week. The generosity of our families, alums and friends is what drives the success of this event! Please look for emails from your Heart Beats class captains regarding collections for learning community baskets and other donations. We are in need of concert tickets, sporting event tickets, unique experiences and tours, etc.

Look for secrets to be revealed as we get closer ... you won't want to miss this, so purchase your tickets early! Please contact Danielle Bell, Director of Events, for more information at dbell@ashmi.org or 248.410.6772.

ASH Booster Bowl Pre-Game Party

 
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Are you ready for some football? RSVP for the ASH Booster Bowl Pre-Game Party, Saturday, February 2 at the Oakland County Boat Club at 6 p.m. You must be an ASH Booster Club Member to attend.
We hope you will join us! This FREE members-only event (adults, 21+ years) includes dinner, a guest speaker, drinks, games, music and door prizes. Space is limited.

There is still time to join the Booster Club. Click here for detailed information on the membership levels offered. To attend this event, new membership payments must be received no later than January 28. 

Celebrating Catholic Schools Week

We begin Catholic Schools Week on Sunday with the All-School Open House from 1-3 p.m. Just announced - we will close the week with a "Serving Detroit" t-shirt free dress day on Friday, February 1! Have your children show their Catholic school/ASH pride by wearing their tees. Thank you for helping us spread the word about the #ASHDifference! 

Amazon Clothing Drive
By Grayson Wallace '19

 
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The Upper School Amazon Project Term is asking for clothing donations to bring down and trade with the people we will be meeting in Peru. The Amazon is very hot, so we are asking for gently-used spring/summer clothing. Light jackets are good as well, but no winter clothing. Soccer is very popular there so, if you have any cleats, uniforms or other sports items, those would be great. We need clothing of all sizes, so don't hesitate to bring anything you can. Beginning on Monday, February 4, there will be baskets in each of the learning communities where you can drop off your donations. We are also in need of gently-used suitcases to bring the clothing down in and leave there. The collection continues through Monday, February 18. We really appreciate anything you can donate. Thank you!

ASH Bash 2019 is Less Than a Month Away!

Let's celebrate Goal Four, Building of Community as a Christian Value, as we join together on Saturday, February 23 for an evening of prayer, food and fun. Enjoy mass at 4 p.m., followed by dinner catered by Plum Market, bounce houses, games and much more! For the entire family, the cost is $35; after February 18, the price is $50. Register now!

ENRICHMENT UPDATE

Winter Classes Underway!

 
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HEART Enrichment classes for winter started this past week.  Several will meet for the first time next week, such as Mr. Bob's Hands-On Science, Amazing Athletes, American Girl Doll and Tennis. If you haven't signed up, you still have time!  Register Here for Winter Enrichment.

 

Summer at Sacred Heart - The 2019 summer camp themes have been posted on the camp webpage, www.ashmi.org/summer. Please review the themes and other camp information, because registration for camp begins on February 4. You can reach out to Mr. Bob if you have any questions. 

 

Cache-Cache Mania! Next Friday, February 1, is the first winter Cache-Cache for Primary students. The LS/KH/MSG will get their chance on Friday, February 8 to participate in this student-favorite group hide-and-seek game. Click here to register for Cache-Cache and other events.

 

State of the School Child Care - HEART Enrichment will again offer FREE child care on Tuesday, February, 5, during the State of the School presentation. Drop-in child care will start at 6:45 and continue until the program is over. Please note: We are not providing dinner this year, but we will provide a small snack.