St. John Vianney News

The Spanish classes at St. John Vianney have a piñata full of activities to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place from September 15 through October 15. The students will focus on the contributions of Hispanics and Hispanic Americans with varied grade-based activities. Junior High students will research, prepare and present multi-sensory reports on famous Hispanic Americans. A Hispanic "Country of the Month" will be featured throughout the school year, with classes learning about each country's unique culture. Food, games and other cultural presentations will be shared with classmates. Learning about other cultures is one way our school promotes ethnic literacy, and prepares our students to respect and appreciate our diverse society. Spanish is taught to all students in First through Eighth grade. The program is led by SJV Spanish teacher Ms. Carmen Elger.

Ms. Elger began teaching Spanish at SJV in 2004. She attended college at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where she received her B.A. with a double major in Spanish and Sociology. During her studies at UW-O, Ms. Elger spent three weeks studying in Costa Rica and Peru. After her graduation, she worked as a substitute teacher for a number of school districts around the Milwaukee area. She enjoys traveling, camping, fishing, and most other outdoor activities. 

 If you want to learn more, you can visit National Hispanic Heritage Month.  Another fun website is Famous First Hispanic Americans. 

 School Parent Lisa Greco contributed to this article. 

Want to know more about St. John Vianney School and Parish ? Did you know that there are still openings -- in the 5K, 2nd, 6th, 7th and 8th grades?  Interested in visiting the school?  Contact principal Jayme Hartmann at jaymeh@stjohnv.org or call 262/796-3940.

Mark your calendars and save the dates:  

Parent Information Night, Tuesday, September 9th, 2008,  7:00pm, Church and School

Parents are asked to gather in the Church at 7:00 pm.  Home and School members, School Board members, and the faculty will be introduced.  The sessions for meeting with homeroom and specials teachers will run for 20 minutes.  Teachers will share their expectations and helpful hints that will assist with your child's success.

Back to School Pizza Bash, Friday, September 12th, 2008,  6:00 pm - 9:00 pm, School Cafeteria

A great way to get reacquainted with other SJV school families.  Special Guests: Father Ken Knippel and new fifth grade teacher Mrs. Deb Blaha

New Family Social  Thursday, September 18th, 2008 (More details to follow)

An opportunity to personally meet Principal Jayme Hartmann, members of the Home and School Board, exchange stories with other new families, and learn about extra curricular activities and many of the other events throughout the year. 

SJV Trivia Night   Saturday, October 4th, 2008,  6:30 pm Doors open, 7:00 pm Game begins, School Cafeteria

Put together a team of 10, pick a name and a theme.  Come to the SJV Cafeteria and prepare for trivia questions from a range of topics.  Costumes and table decorations are welcome, though not necessary.   Cash prizes for best table decoration! 

VIP Day   Friday, October 17, 2008,  8:30-9:30 am Liturgy,  9:30-11:00 am Classroom visits

Time to invite grandparents, godparents, parents, aunts and uncles, or that very special person in your child's life they don't get to see very often.  VIPS participate in classroom activities and enjoy a reception in the school cafeteria. 

Fall Fest Wednesdy, Wednesday, October 29th, 2008, 7:00 pm., Activity Center

Come hear spooktacular Halloween songs, along with your favorite college fight songs.  Mrs. Joan Lueneburg, Mrs. Maria Gesiorek and Mr. Jared Ziegler have a great line up for the 2nd Annual St. John Vianney/St. Dominic String and Band concerts.  Read about last years Fall Fest

Want to know more about St. John Vianney School and Parish ? Did you know that there are still openings -- in the 5K, 2nd, 6th, 7th and 8th grades?  Interested in visiting the school?  Contact principal Jayme Hartmann at jaymeh@stjohnv.org or call 262/796-3940.

Kathy's House is a hospitality house dedicated to providing lodging and a supportive environment in a home-away-from-home atmosphere.  Visitors to Kathy's House are the caregivers and relatives of patients traveling to Milwaukee area hospitals for medical treatment.  Kathy's house gives them a place to not only stay while their loved one is in the hospital, but also gives them a place to meet and talk with other people in similiar circumstances.  On Tuesday, August 6th, eleven members of SJV parish, led by Susan McNeil of St. Dominic Parish, stopped by Kathy's house and baked cookies for their patients and their families. As the Quad Parishes Summer Series comes to a close, it has been wonderful observing the ongoing participation and volunteerism from SJV parish.   If you'd like to volunteer at this hospitality house click here or call Herb Ayres at 414/453-8290

Two fifth graders can't wait to get started on the sprinkles.

Now...if only they would bake cookies at their own house.

Synchronized cookie scooping.

Want to know more about St. John Vianney School and Parish ? Did you know that there are still openings -- in the 5K, 2nd, 6th, 7th and 8th grades?  Interested in visiting the school?  Contact principal Jayme Hartmann at jaymeh@stjohnv.org or call 262/796-3940.

At left, frosting and sprinkles time. 

Four of SJV's very own 8th graders, Elizabeth Capper, Casey Crooks, Kaitlin Hohl, and Mary Newby, inspired by an annual assignment from Mrs. Schmitt's Social Studies class unit on Social Justice, have coordinated a small fundraiser over at Brookfield Farmers Market.  This fundraiser, to be held this Saturday (August 9th) and next Saturday (August 16th), will benefit the people of West Allis and Waukesha . They will be using the money they raise at the Farmer's Market to buy batteries for the Waukesha and West Allis  fire departments. These fire departments will be giving away batteries to people in need for use in their own home smoke detectors.  

Just another example of our school's efforts to guide our children about social justice, encouraging them to think about what they can do for their community.  The Social Studies assignment was to come up with an action plan of helping a person or a group of people.  Many of the student plans included garage sales, outdoor movie nights, and food drives.  If our eighth graders actually execute their plans, they will receive extra credit in their 8th grade Social Studies classes - not to mention helping people their community! 

Want to know more about St. John Vianney School and Parish ? Did you know that there are still school openings -- in the 5K, 2nd, 6th, 7th and 8th grades?  Interested in visiting the school?  Contact principal Jayme Hartmann at jaymeh@stjohnv.org or call 262/796-3940.

Don't miss the following opportunities to help out through August:  You can register for these Summer Series Events by calling St. John Vianney, 262-796-3944, ext 116. (Registrations are taken up to 3 days prior to each event.)

Tuesday, August 12, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM—Growing Power, 5500 W. Silver Spring Rd., Milwaukee Take a tour of this remarkable and only remaining farm in the city of Milwaukee. Then join their staff for hands-on projects in their greenhouses and gardens. The primary mission of Growing Power is to provide access to high quality, healthy and affordable food for all people as well as teach communities of people to be self-sufficient through innovative methods of agricultural and horticulture. You’ll be amazed! Open to teens and adults. Limit of 10. Leader: Keri Ackley

Wednesday, August 13, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM—St. Vincent de Paul Meal Program, 10th & Madison site Serve beverages and/or food to guests, and then join them for dinner and conversation. This program is open to any age, as long as parents supervise their children. Be there by 5:00 PM for prayer, finish around 7:00 PM and stay for reflection with the group. Leader: Heidi McCormack/Renew Group

Leaders: Laureen Spitz & Candy Wimmer

Monday, August 18, 9 AM – 4 PM—Meta House ―Queen for a Day  Event, Milwaukee Meta House is a treatment center for women who are recovering from addictions. This Queen for a Day event will focus on helping residents prepare for re-entry into the work world by focusing on hair, makeup, wardrobe, and interaction with people in a work setting. We will also provide and serve a special lunch to residents. We need people with beauty expertise as well as lunch helpers. Limit of 15. Leaders: Anne Leggio & Dinah Van Krevel-Polzin

Saturday, August 23, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM—Hunger Task Force Food Sort (I-94 & Hawley Rd.) Milwaukee                                                         Help organize Hunger Task Force’s Food Pantry by sorting food, checking items and stocking shelves. This event is exclusively for young adults, with a limit of 30. (Wear closed toe shoes.) Leaders: Mike & Sara Lipski

Want to know more about St. John Vianney School and Parish ? Did you know that there are still school openings -- in the 5K, 2nd, 6th, 7th and 8th grades?  Interested in visiting the school?  Contact principal Jayme Hartmann at jaymeh@stjohnv.org or call 262/796-3940.

Our Summer Service Series continues with SJV Parishioners most recently organizing a picnic over at The Commons at All Saints Church Milwaukee.

Who doesn't love a picnic? Ashlyn Elizabeth loves one and so does... Ashlynn Elizabeth. The two girls met for the first time on July 26th when a group from The Quad Parishes (St. John Vianney, St. Dominic, St. Joseph and St. Mary Elm Grove) shared a picnic with members of The Commons from All Saints Church, as part of the Summer Service Series.

This is the second year for the event, and was once again led by SJV Parishioners Laurie Pasternak and Vickie Shultz. The Pasternak and Shultz families, along with several other families provided food, drink and fun in the beautiful courtyard at All Saints Church for the women and children who benefit from the mission of The Commons.

The Commons, started in 2005, supports women in need of housing and works to transition the residents from dependence to independence. Currently, twelve women and six children reside in the former convent. The Commons is unusual in that services are provided until the goal of independence is met. It is not unusual for a woman to remain at The Commons for at least one year. During that time, The Commons is much more than a safe home. It is a place where women are connected to needed services.

The parish of All Saints, with the help of several other community organizations and benefactors, provide material, educational and spiritual assistance. Barb, a former resident, independent for a year, came back to the picnic. Just a few tests away from earning her GED, she comes back often to help out in the home, and undoubtedly is an inspiration to the others at The Commons.

Elizabeth Owens, Director of The Commons, and Fr. Carl Diederichs, whose vision led to The Commons, are proud of the many successful transitions. Yet both know there is much more to accomplish and running a home for nearly twenty is costly. Donations are necessary, and anything one would need to run his or her own home is also needed at The Commons. Cash donations are used wisely.

Scott, son of picnic organizer, Vickie Shultz, was happy to report that the event "sure didn't feel like a service project. It's just really one, big, fun picnic!" The children played lawn tennis, football, made jumbo bubbles and broke a candy-filled piñata. School supplies and small gifts were given to the children residing at The Commons. Seven-year-old Aaron, opened his new bouncy balls and immediately shared one with his new football playing friend from St. John Vianney.

And what about Ashlyn Elizabeth and Ashlynn Elizabeth, two girls who share a name and a birth month? It goes without saying that they played all afternoon.

How can you help support the mission of The Commons?  Check donations may be made to All Saints Church, attn: The Commons, 4060 North 26th Street, Milwaukee, WI  53209.  Donations of household items, food, clothing, paper products and anything else needed to run a large household are welcome.  Please call Elizabeth at 414/444-5610 to arrange for drop-off or pick-up.   

Want to know more about St. John Vianney School and Parish ? Did you know that there are still school openings -- in the 5K, 2nd, 6th, 7th and 8th grades?  Interested in visiting the school?  Contact principal Jayme Hartmann at jaymeh@stjohnv.org or call 262/796-3940.

Thinking about volunteering this summer?  Consider helping out at one of SJV's several summer service series. Recently, a group of SJV school children and their parents spent the evening over at the Hunger Task Force sorting food.  They sorted 15,000 pounds of food on June 10, 2008.  No lazy summer nights for this group!  Thanks to the Greco Family (Lisa, Tom and R.J.) for organizing this!

 Here are some other opportunites to volunteer during July!   

2008 SUMMER SERVICE SERIES EVENTS!

Register for these July events by calling St. John Vianney @ 262-796-3944, ext 116. (Registrations are taken up to 3 days prior to each event.)

Friday, July 11, 6:00-10:00 PM. American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Brookfield East High School, 3305 Lilly Rd

Family friendly event where volunteers help with various activities including selling tickets, registration, games, set-up (day before) or clean-up (day after). No limit to the number of volunteers. Leader: Kathy Smith

Saturday, July 12, 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM. St. Benedict the Moor Center - Game Day with the Homeless

How better to experience the poor than to play with them! Come and join the fun in playing board games and snacking with the homeless at this center in Milwaukee. You will have a great time! Open to adults and teens, up to a limit of 10.

Monday, July 14, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. St. Vincent de Paul Meal Program, 10th & Madison site

Serve beverages and/or food to guests, and then join them for dinner and conversation. This program is open to any ages, as long as parents supervise their children. Be there by 5:00 PM for prayer, finish around 7 PM and stay for reflection with the group. Leader: Mary Janowak  Above: SJV parishioners sort food for Hunger Task Force

Thursday, July 17, 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM. Art Truck at Prince of Peace Parish, 25th & Scott in Milwaukee

Come and join with children there as the Art Truck (from Artists Working in Education) comes to lead a morning of interacting and doing art together. Open to children ages 4-14 and their parents, with a limit of 25 children from here, and 25 from there. There will also be a simple lunch following the art morning. Parents must accompany their children. Leaders: Heidi Lemke & Mary Janowak

Monday, July 21 through Friday, July 25, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM. St. Vincent de Paul "Lunch in the Park", Haertel Field, Waukesha

Sign up for one of more days to play games with the kids in the park while others distribute bag lunches. We are in need of 6-8 volunteers per day, and families with children over the age of 5 are most welcome. Leader: Susan McNeil

Wednesday, July 23, 9:00 AM - Noon. Next Door Foundation Reading Day for Kids in Milwaukee

Kids in the inner city need reading help and attention. This event pairs volunteers from the suburbs with kids from the city for reading, then snacks, and a tour of the place (time permitting). Open to adults and kids with a parent. Limit of 20 people. Leader: Betsy Wellenstein

Saturday, July 26, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM. All Saints Commons Family Picnic, Milwaukee

Bring your family to join with families at All Saints Commons transitional home for an afternoon of food, fun and community. This potluck picnic is open to families or individuals of all ages. Limit of 25. Leaders: Laurie Pasternak & Vicki Shultz

Thursday, July 31, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM. Easter Seals Day Camp Field Trip to State Fair Park, West Allis

Assist an Easter Seals leader chaperone a small group of -campers‖ for a day at State Fair Park. Easter Seals serve children and adults with disabilities. Ages 14 and older. Bring a canned food item for park admission! Leader: Mary Altschaefl

Father Ken Knippel began his second weekend at St. John Vianney by celebrating the combined faith of Peter and preaching of Paul, Apostles to a packed church of parishioners.  It's only fitting that he would begin his second weekend on a beautiful summer day.  One could tell just how excited everybody was by the number of people lining up after church to chat and welcome him to the St. John Vianney community!  Here's some biographical information about Father Knippel:

College:  St. Francis de Sales College Seminary in 1972, where he earned a B.A. with a major in Theology, minor in Philosophy,  He also earned a M. Div. (Master of Divinity) from St. Francis Seminary School of Pastoral Ministry in 1976.

Ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee:  May 28, 1976 at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist by Archbishop William E. Cousins

Fr. Knippel has served in six assignments as a priest: As associate pastor at St. Sebastian from 1976-1981, as team member at Mary Queen of Heaven in West Allis from 1981-1984, for the Archdiocese as Residency Director of the Call to Ministry Program and subsequently as Director, including teaching part time at Dominican High School from 1984-1990, as pastor of St. Mary of Czestochowa (now Our Lady of Divine Providence) from 1990-1996, as pastor of St. Eugene Congregation from 1996-2008, and now here at St. John Vianney Parish as pastor. 

An appreciation reception was held in the chuch hall after the 11:00 am Mass on Sunday, June 15th to honor Father Paul Hartmann for his dedicated leadership as administrator of St. John Vianney Church for the past 18 months.  Fr. Paul will assume the presidency of Catholic Memorial High School  on July 1st.   

As Doug Miller of the SJV Parish Council put it, "Father Paul has done a wonderful job shepherding our Parish through some tough times and we would like the reception to be a lasting memory for him as he moves on to his new position at Catholic Memorial High School."  A 1984 graduate of Catholic Memorial, Fr. Paul will be the first alumnus to serve as president in the school's 60 year history.  Join us in wishing him continued success as he begins his new post. 

Father Paul displays his farewell cake. 

I mentioned this last year, wanted to mention it again, the best deal in town is this Saturday, June 7th, at the SJV Festival.  For $18.00, your children enjoy select unlimited Carnival rides from 1:00 pm till 5:00 pm.  With four children, I find this deal hard to resist, so I encourage everybody to take advantage of this special.  Here are the rest of the details regarding the festival:

SJV PARISH FESTIVAL - June 6th, 7th,& 8!!!

Located at Calhoun & Gebhardt in Brookfield, there’s easy access along with reachable and available parking

Ticket to Ride Raffle: 2008 Mercedes Benz C-Class or Mustang G.T. Convertible (your choice - see at left and below) and you OWN it!  Only 2000 tickets available!  Buy a ticket: before or after mass, at the parish office, by phone with a credit card at (262) 796-3940              

Silent Auction and Pick-your-Prize Raffle: Please drop off any donations at the Parish Office. Any and all new items or services are welcome!

All Day and Everyday: Rides, Games for Young and Old, Burgers, Brats & Pizza

Friday, June 6th 5-11:30pm
Music: Cold Sweat & the Brew City Horns and ROSHAMBO 6:30–11:30 pm
Fish: Baked or Fried 5–8 pm

Saturday, June 7th 12-11:30 pm                                                                                         Wristband Saturday –  For $18.00, enjoy select unlimited carnival rides from 1-5 pm
Music: The Eddie Butts Band & Stray Voltage (Two Stages) 6–11:30pm
Pig Roast 4-8 pm 

Sunday, June 7th 12:30-7pm                                                                                                     Bingo: 12:30-2pm
Celtic Nation: 1pm
Music: Leah's Luck 3-7pm                                                                                                                 Chicken Dinner: 12-6pm

6th Annual Run for the Pig V on Saturday, June 7th. 5K Run at 8:30 am
2 Mile Walk to follow. Awards for top male and female finishers and winners in each age division.
All participants receive t-shirts and are eligible for treats and grab bag gifts.
Cost: $15 per person or $12/person for family registration before June 6th, $18 & $15
for race-day registration.                                                 

For more information about the festival and to register for "Run for the Pig" please visit the SJV Festival

Got a chance to stop by the SJVineyards Wine Tasting Benefit on April 19th.  After picking up our handpainted "SJV" wineglasses, created by Cami Adel and Amy DiPiazza, we got a chance to peruse the raffle items, which were fantastic.   Some of the offerings included 4 Festival Dinners with beer tickets and a VIP parking pass, an autographed ball from Yi of the Bucks, an Aveda Gift Basket and a Fall 2008 Trivia Night Table.  With beverages provided by Consumer Beverages from Hales Corners, school families and parishioners sampled European, Californian, and desert wines.   My husband is allergic to wine, allergic to all liquor, and yet he seemed to have more fun than anybody else!  One of the best parts of the evening was getting a chance to catch up with other couples we haven't seen in a while and to watch the raffle winners announced.   All proceeds from this benefit will be used for advancements in SJV school technology and new computer equipment for the computer lab!. Special thanks to JoAnn Cekanor and Beth Dobrzynski, co-chairs of the first SJVineyards Wine Tasting Beneift, for coordinating this fun and very social event!                                     

 Principal Jayme Hartmann with Matt Fricker, winner of the "Spa" Wine Basket                                                                                                

Beth Dobrzynski and Jayme Hartmann congratulate Beth DeGuire, winner of a Season Pass for entrance into all SJV athletic home games. 

Divine Savior Holy Angels High School (DSHA) senior and St. John Vianney alumna Heather Crosby received second place honors at the 46th Junior Science Engineering & Humanities Symposium (JSEHS) in Madison.  With the project, A Role for BP180 in the Attachment of Cells to Lamina-5, she was awarded a $1500 undergraduate tuition scholarship from the Departments of the Army, Navy and Air Force.  She will also have a chance to compete at the National Junior Science Symposium in Florida from April 30th to May 4th for significant miliary scholarships!

Good luck at Nationals in Florida, Heather! 

Thanks to a grant from Northwestern Mutual, SJV has received a litter of 4-slotted piggy banks to help educated students about money.  Every child that attends a short class about Penny, with a parent, will get their own Penny the Pig.  Penny has four slots for deposit, save, spend, donate, and invest and offers a template for parents to begin talking to their children about money and finances. 

Classes will be offered Tuesday, April 22nd at 6:15 pm in the Lower Church Hall and Wednesday, April 30th at 6:15 pm in the Church Hall.

If you would like to attend one of these classes, please reserve your own Penny the Pig by contacting Mrs. Kovars 262-796-3942 or terik@stjohnv.org

Oink!  Oink!   

I came across an article recently that said that people who drink wine occasionally may have a lower risk of developing dementia, which is a good enough reason for any SJV parishioner to get over to the SJV Winetasting Event on April 19th, SJV Cafeteria, 6:30 - 9:30 pm.  Not only will you reduce your risk of future memory loss, you will also contribute to the school's computer technology, the proceeds earmarked for new computer equipment.  Advance tickets only.  Ticket orders being taken till April 11th. In addition to the winetasting event itself, there are opportunities to enter the winetasting raffle or purchase hand painted or beaded wine glasses (see below).  Check out more of the details at SJV Winetasting Event

Handpainted wineglasses by Cami Adel and Amy DiPiazza 

Here's a chance to see our 6th, 7th & 8th graders have an opportunity to perform.  Mark your calendars now to see the SJV school musical, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory on April 24th & 25th, shows are at 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm.  Joining the performers, other students are participating in the stagehand roles of props, lighting and sound. And the school band will be playing the overture!   

Jill Fischer, one of our fourth grade teachers, was recently awarded prizes for being B93.3's February "Teacher of the Month"  Air personality Julie Davidson read two award nominations from the Greco and Reuteman school families.   Every month B93.3 awards a local teacher with great prizes including a Target gift card for school supplies from Layton State Bank, a certificate from BBC Lighting, a certificate for fine desserts from Suzy's Cream Cheesecakes and a plaque from RCB Awards in Wauwatosa. 

Jill Fischer began teaching at SJV in 1998. She previously taught sixth grade at Mother of Good Counsel in Milwaukee and fifth grade in Watertown. Mrs. Fischer is awaiting approval for National Board Certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards for excellence in teaching. This level of excellence is based on the teaching standards established by the Department of Public Instruction. This past summer, she began her master's degree at Marquette University in Educational Policy and Leadership with Principal Licensure.  She has a Bachelors of Arts degree in Social Sciences from Marquette University.   Mrs. Fischer is an alumna of SJV, class of 1987. She, her husband Scott, and their two daughters, are members of St. John Vianney Parish.

On Wednesday, March 19 at 2 p.m. the students of St. John Vianney School, led by CHAMPS (the student council) prayed The Stations of the Cross while dramatizing each station. Seventh and Eighth grade students took on the role of Jesus, Mary, Veronica, Simon, Judas and Roman soldiers in dress and demeanor. Each station was acted, then the actors froze in place while the prayer of each station was meditated. This was a unique opportunity for our students to experience and learn the significance and meaning of each station. 

Throughout the week, the SJV students have been involved throughout the church's observance of Holy Week as altar servers, instrumentalists, ushers and choir members.

Here's a schedule of the remaining Holy Week masses: 

Thursday, March 20, 2008 -- Mass of the Lord's Supper

8:30am Morning Prayer, 7:00pm

Friday, March 21, 2008 --  Good Friday of the Lord's Passion

7:00am Morning Prayer, 12:30pm Commemoration of the Lord's Passion

Saturday, March 22, 2008 Easter Vigil

8:00am Morning Prayer, 8:00pm

Sunday, March 23, 2008  Easter Sunday

7:30am, 9:30am, 11:00am  (Please note: there will be no 5:00pm Mass on Easter Sunday)

A note about Easter Vigil:  Father Hartmann is encouraging all to attend the East Vigil celebration this year.  He is aware that the reputation of this mass is that it starts late and lasts forever.  However, since there are fewer adult sacraments to be celebrated and since Easter is so early on the calendar, sunset (which dicates the start time for the vigil mass) is also earlier than usual.  So, this is a wonderful opportunity to try attending the Easter Vigil mass for the first time:  it starts earlier and will likely be shorter than in other years.

Four of SJV students, Steve Yoss, Nick Veling, Jack Sandstrom, Alex Dorff, were recently chosen as finalists in the Time Warner Cable's Hang Tough video contest.  As the four boys were writing their script titled "Bullying Stinks" and discussing some of their ideas, SJV students Mallory O'Halloran and Kirsten Siladi commented on how inspired they felt by the theme and how they thought it was great that the boys were writing their script.  When "Bullying Stinks" was chosen as a finalist and the SJV scriptwriters realized that didn't have any girls to fill the two girl roles, the boys asked Mallory and Kirsten to join them in filming their public safety announcement!  It's great to see SJV students involved in enouraging other students to lead productive and healthy lives.  Watch the "Bullying Stinks" video -- along with the nineteen other video finalists any time on your schedule on WIsconsin on Demand (WIoD) Digital Channel 1111.   

High Interest Day is scheduled for Friday, February 22, 2008  and where else can you find so many parents offering their talents to teach our children, other than St. John Vianney? This day, entirely set aside for our students to learn about different hobbies, is one of SJV's most popular.  It's very encouraging to see the participation and dedication of so many of our school parents, offering their talents to teach and inspire our children.  Here are some ot the new classes our parents have to offer:

Drawn to Animals - John Kebesik will offer simple step-by-step illustrated instructions, guiding the students through the basic process of combining various lines and shapes to create a cartoon or an animal.  Your children will amaze you with their creations!

Does your child love popcorn?  What kid doesn't?  It's not just buttered popcorn anymore!  Cami Adel is preparing a Popcorn Tasting tour for our youngsters. Wait till they bring home chocolate or ranch flavored popcorn!  No raiding the samples! 

After this delicious tour of popcorn, some of our older children might be thinking of getting some exercise.  They can learn the art of Pilates with the help of Colleen Wallace, pictured at left teaching one of her students at Bluemound Elite.  Join Colleen in appreciating this popular form of body strength and core conditioning!

Ever hear of Geocaching?  Geocaching, also known as a GPS stash hunt, is a recreational activity in which someone "buries" something for others to try to find using a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver.  Mary Sue Kulpins will be providing the students with quite the adventure, as they unravel clues to find a hidden geocache treasure! 

What would High Interest Day be without the take-away crafts?

Stop by Kim Tallmadge's classroom to create an exquisite Panoramic Easter Egg.  Build beautiful Easter sugar eggs creating spring scenes inside each hollow egg with yummy decorative icing!    Come join Mrs.Tallmadge as she creates Easter eggs like this one, pictured below right:

Let's not forget our returning school parents who year after year share their talents to give our children a unique experience. Michael Uy is back with his Balloon Animals, Kathy Uy returns with her Sushi Making, Lori Yordan with Candy Making, and Judy Gilbert (Celebrity Kids) with Picture Perfect.  Gina Tegge is again teaching Sharpie Book Covers, Sheila Barker is back with the basics of Skin Care, Michael Paris with Mexican Fiesta and Lee Crooks with Storytelling. 

New teachers returning with an old favorite, we have Tracey DiPiazza, assisted by Kathy Reilley, teaching the ever popular Knotted Fleece.  Not to mention the SJV Athletic Department teaching Basketball... 

Other new classes are Intro to Improv, Physical Comedy and Stage Combat, courtesy of The Milwaukee Rep and coordinated by Christine Keyes.  And who hasn't heard of Karl Debelack? He returns with the ever popular Ultimate Paper Airplane and introduces two new classes, Bubble-ology and Topsy Turvey. 

Special thanks to High Interest Day co-chair Sherie Zweber for coordinating so many of our new presenters.  Joining Sherie in encourging presenters to return are our High Interest Day committee members Anne Ebsen, Laurie Engler, Nora Hauser, Christine Keyes and Patti Miller. 

Can't wait to be part of this inspiring day?  Want to join our parents in volunteering?  Please e-mail Sherie Zweber @ SLMZWEBER@aol.com 

See you on Friday, February 22, 2008! 

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Here are some upcoming events that take SJV families to the end of the year:

Vianney Varieties,  Tuesday, November 13, 2007, 1:00 pm & 7:00 pm, School Gym

Come join us for SJV's annual variety show, a showcase of 5th through 8th graders talents.  Enjoy SJV's Eighth graders annual skit, along with dancing, singing and the students playing instruments. 

Home and School Meeting,  Wednesday, November 14, 2007,  9:30 am, Lower Church Hall 

"Bring a friend" to this H&S meeting and your name will be entered in a drawing to win special prizes throughout the meeting.  Food and beverages will also be provided.  Come see what's new with Home and School! 

McDonald's Night, Wednesday, November 14, 2007, 4:00 - 8:00 pm (Bluemound & Brookfield Roads)

Stop by or drive through to support our school.  Part of the proceeds from the sales will benefit SJV. 

Secret Santa Workshop, Friday, December 7, 2007, 9:00 - 2:30 pm, Hallway outside the School Gym

Our children get the chance to select the perfect gift for someone they love!  If you want to be a part of this magical day, please volunteer to help.  Call Beth Dobrzynski, Susan Koehn or Cindy Oleson with any questions. 

SJV Christmas Concert, Tuesday December 11, 2007, 1:00 pm &  7:00 pm, School Gym

A favorite of many SJV families!  A showcase of our children singing in our annual Christmas show.  In addition, come list to the  SJV and St. Dominics combined band and SJV Strings.  Tip:  The 1:00 pm show is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the show -- without having to search for a parking space. 

Homework Time...For Parents 

 As the first quarter of the school year winds down and, as SJV parents, as well as most other Brookfield school parents, are marking our calendars with PTS conference times, this is a good time to do some of our homework. 

The parent-teacher conference is an opportunity to get a better perspective on your child's educational and social growth. With the average conference lasting a mere 15 minutes, parents should do some of their own "homework" to make the most of this time with your child's teacher. For a productive and positive meeting, keep in mind the following tips before, during and after your conference.

Before you go:

▪ Find out whether your child should or should not be at the conference. Every teacher and/or school will have a preference concerning this. ( At SJV, our children our required to be present at their conference.)

▪ Talk with your child several days before the conference. Ask your child what questions he or she would like you to ask the teacher. Ask your child what he or she thinks the teacher will bring up. Ask about your child's favorite and least favorite subjects. Without judgment, listen for clues about his or her concerns in these questions and comments.

▪ Review your child's report card. If the school provides a web-based grading system, log on to review homework and project scores.

▪ Make a list of questions you have. Also, list your child's special interests and hobbies. This personal information will help the teacher better understand your child and teach to those interests.

▪ Consider telling the teacher about any family changes or special situations that might affect your child's behavior, academic performance or energy level.

At the conference:

▪ Be on time. Not only does this show respect for the teacher, but this also makes the most of your allotted time.

▪ Ask your prepared questions. Ask the teacher to explain any educational term that is not familiar to you.

▪ Remain open to constructive criticism. Your child may act differently, whether this is better or worse, in the classroom setting.

▪ Listen carefully for what goals the teacher is setting for your child, and ask how these goals will be monitored and evaluated. (At St. John Vianney, students are present and they set goals with the teacher before their conference.)

▪ Agree on a plan of action that includes you, your child and the teacher. If needed, set a time for a follow-up discussion.

After the conference:

▪ Follow up on all suggestions your child's teacher makes; include your child in the discussion.

▪ Keep track of your child's progress. Regularly review classroom material, homework and tests. Frequently monitor the web-based report system and teacher website, if available at your school.

▪ Keep in touch with your child's teacher. It is not necessary to wait for a formal conference to seek out assistance from your child's teacher.

Parents, you are your child's first and best advocate. With some planning and forethought, the parent-teacher conference is an effective bridge building tool. Good luck to you and your student as this first semester comes to a close.

Former Principal Colleen Terry and school parent Lisa Greco contributed to this article.