January 24, 2024

 
 

NEW!  Thank you! - Saint Christopher Academy is honored to announce the generous gift of over $6,000 from local Knights of Columbus councils. Spearheaded by St. Boniface Council 11907, the donation will be used to replace aging Bibles for every student in every classroom of the Academy. Joining St. Boniface Council 11907 in this momentous effort is Immaculate Conception Council 13904, St Joseph’s Council 12311, Rev. Robert Faucher Council 5162, and Bishop Peterson Council 4442.


“This contribution will have a significant, long lasting impact on the students of Saint Chris,” says Principal Cindy Clarke, “helping us to lay the solid Catholic foundation that is at the heart of our mission now and for many upcoming years to come. We are honored that the Knights of Columbus chose to support our school and students in this meaningful way.” Stickers denoting the Knights’ donation will be placed in each Bible as a way to thank them for their gift.


Mr. Kirk Pomeroy, Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus Council 11907, presented a check to Mrs. Clarke and Fr. David Harris, pastor of St. Christopher Parish and Academy Board Member, following the upper campus Mass today. 


The partnership between the Knights of Columbus and Saint Christopher Academy has been ongoing for many years. In particular, local councils have been active supporters of the school's annual auction as sponsors and donors. “We are blessed to have such a wonderful connection with our local K of C councils,” continues Mrs. Clarke, “and we are most thankful that the Knights include us in their mission to empower Catholic men to live their faith in their community.”


Men who are interested in joining the Knights of Columbus are encouraged to visit KofC.org/joinus and enter Agent Referral Code KBROWN for free membership.

 

NEW! A Fond Farewell – We are sad to share that Mrs. Irene Foran, kindergarten aide in KA, will be leaving Saint Chris at the end of the month. Mrs. Foran has been an important part of our Saint Christopher school community for the past 17 years, selflessly assisting teachers and sharing her love with countless students. Mrs. Foran has taken a new position at the Grey Nuns Thrift Shop in Nashua and looks forward to a more relaxed schedule as she enters this new chapter of her life. Please read a message from Mrs. Foran HERE. We wish Mrs. Foran all the best!

 

NEW! Kindergarten Aide – With the departure of Mrs. Foran, we are looking for a longterm substitute to assist in the KA classroom. This position would be during school hours until the end of the current school year. Please contact Mrs. Clarke at [email protected] if you are interested!

 

NEW! Congratulations! Congratulations to our upper campus scholars who achieved Honor Roll status for the second quarter! See the list HERE!

 

NEW! Catholic Schools Week/Saint Chris Spirit! Next week, January 29 through February 2nd is Catholic Schools Week/Saint Chris Spirit Week! We have a full week of activities planned, including a number of fun themes and activities! Look for an email tomorrow, Thursday, January 25, with all the details!

 

Re-enrollment Past Due - The Re-enrollment deadline has now passed. If you have not completed your student’s re-enrollment packet for the 2024-2025, your child may lose his or her seat for the Fall.  If you intend for your child to return in the Fall, please complete the packet immediately. It can be found under “Enrollment/Reenrollment” in your Family Portal. If your child will not be attending in the Fall, please reach out to Lorrice Bedard at [email protected] to make appropriate arrangements. Thank you!

 

New Family Enrollment - Tours and applications for students interested in joining our school community for next year have increased over the past few weeks as many parents respond to changes in local schools. If you know of any family who is interested in Saint Chris, please encourage them to contact Lorrice Bedard at [email protected] for a tour or to apply as soon as possible! Applications are considered on a first come, first served basis and open spots in several grades are limited. Thank you!

 

Yearbook Ordering –Last week, parents received an email from O’Connor Studios about ordering the Saint Christopher Academy 2023-2024 yearbook!  Please take the time to open the email, read the information, and place your order...the ordering window closes at midnight on February 23!  Don't forget, in addition to the yearbook itself, families in all grades may purchase a Personal Message and/or a Family Sponsorship!  8th grade families only may also purchase a 1/4 page graduate ad.  For more information, please see the Yearbook Ordering email HERE that was sent to parents. Please contact Carol Fiore at [email protected] for more information.

 

Upper Campus Reminder - The walkway by the cafeteria that runs out onto Bartlett is not a driveway and is not to be used as a drive through in either direction. The only access to the back parking lot is from Columbia Ave, and the only exit is the driveway next to Thomas More that runs out onto Concord St.  We have many students and staff exiting the cafeteria doors, and this becomes a serious safety issue. Thank you for your cooperation.

 

NEW! Faithful Fridays - Upper campus students and their parents are invited to join Ms. Thompson and Mrs. Lester for prayer and adoration in the chapel every Friday from 7:00 - 7:30 AM.  Donuts and fellowship follow each week! 

 

NEW! UC Supplies Needed - The upper campus is in desperate need of tissues, paper towels, and Clorox wipes! Next time you are at the grocery store, consider picking up one of those important items and send them in to Mrs. Coker! Thank you!

 

NEW! Bishop Christian Scholarship - Please see a letter from Superintendent David Thibault HERE in regards to the Bishop Christian Scholarship awards for 2024.

 

TONIGHT! Auction Committee Meeting - The Auction Committee will be meeting at 7:00 PM TONIGHT, Wednesday, January 24, at the upper campus. It’s not too late to get involved in planning the Auction….all are welcome!

 

NEW! After Care on February 9th - Due to a wedding in the church, After Care on Friday, February 9th will take place in the 1st/2nd grade wing of the school rather than in the church hall. Parents should pick up their child from After Care by ringing the doorbell at the far left end of the school (along Brookline St.). This is the same door that was used earlier in the year for Extended Care when the church was under construction.

 

NO SCHOOL Day - Wednesday, February 7th, will be our next no school day. Teachers will be participating in professional development. Note: Our 5th grade students will be participating in our annual Step-Up Day at the upper campus from 9:00 to 11:30 AM. Parents of 5th grade students will receive more information about Step-Up Day this week.

 

NEW! Step-Up Day Reminder - Parents of 5th grade students are reminded to RSVP for the 5th grade Step-Up Day on February 7th by completing the SignUp Genius HERE. Please RSVP by Friday, February 2, 2024 so that the upper campus staff can prepare appropriately..

 

UPDATED! Annual Fund - Thank you to all those who have already responded to our December Annual Fund letter with a gift! Our current donation total is $40,676, halfway to our $80,000 goal! All gifts to the Annual Fund stay here at Saint Chris and directly benefit our students through advanced academics, updated technology and facilities, financial aid, and other important programs. In addition, because the cost of educating our students exceeds our tuition, EVERY Saint Christopher Academy student receives discounted tuition supported by our fundraising efforts. It’s not too late to participate! To donate quickly and safely online, please click HERE. Thank you!

 

THIS WEEK! Upper Campus Service Project - Saint Christopher Academy Upper Campus is supporting the efforts of the United Way’s Shoebox Project for Seniors.  Through this Friday, January 26, we will be collecting useful items for low-income, homebound seniors.  We hope that our upper campus community will come together to provide the folks served by the United Way with some Valentine’s cheer by purchasing items from the wish list below:

  • Large print puzzle books
  • Healthy recipes
  • Note and greeting cards
  • Stamps
  • Magnifying glasses
  • Pocket calendars
  • Colored pencils
  • Adult coloring books
  • Combs & brushes
  • Post-it notes
  • Batteries
  • Dental floss
  • Pocket facial tissue packages
  • Travel size shampoo
  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrushes
  • Soap
  • Travel size hand cream
  • Hot chocolate
  • Tea and coffee bags

 

Items will be collected each morning during Advisory.  Thank you to Max Frasca for coordinating this effort and for your donations!

 

STEM Day Speakers - Are you in a STEM field? Would you like to share your love of or experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math? We have begun planning for this year’s STEM Day, to be held on May 16. We are looking for speakers to present to students about their interest and/or careers in any STEM-related field, whether as a professional or hobbyist. Presentations will be approximately 20-30 minutes in length. If you are interested in speaking, please email Carol Fiore at [email protected].

 

Upper Campus Art Installation at NCC - Does your upper campus student have Art Class on Mondays? Then they currently have artwork on display at Nashua Community College! (If your upper campus student has Art Class on Tuesdays, theirs is on display outside the Cafeteria at Upper Campus) Please click on the link HERE to see a description of their work. 

You can join Mrs. Fessenden at the NCC Open House on Wednesday, March 6th from 5-7 PM to view the artwork. To see the artwork during the NCC Open House, the main entrance at Streeter Hall (facing 101A) is the easiest way in the building. And the best way to describe the work is just “next to the atrium”.

You can also see the artwork outside the Open House hours by contacting Christina Forbes at the NCC in advance. Her email is [email protected] and her phone number is 603-578-8900, extension 1523. Due to security regulations at the NCC, drop-in visits are not possible.

 

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Five Ways to Roar at Our 20th Anniversary Auction Extravaganza!

 

1. Gatsby Gala Awaits! Get your tickets now! Indulge in a night of dinner, dancing, raffles, and epic auctions. Bonus: Gift a teacher a special night out by donating a ticket for one of our hardworking teachers!
 
2. Raise a Glass to the Roaring Twenties! 🍇 Let's toast to education! Contribute a bottle of wine valued at $20 or more, bringing a touch of vintage charm to our soirée.
 
3. Donate a bottle of bourbon valued at $40 or more. It’s not just a drink; it’s an investment in our students’ futures!
 
4. Grade level Basket Bonanaza! Every grade makes a basket for the silent auction – help fuel their impact by giving to their basket fund. Every contribution counts! Click HERE to donate to your student’s class basket!
 
5. Local Legends Wanted! Connect us with a local business or company! Please help us identify silent auction gems or event sponsors. 

 

As we step into the Roaring Twenties, let's make our 20th Anniversary Auction a chapter worth remembering. Every ticket sold, every bottle shared, and every connection made, propels us into a future as bright as the jazz age. Together, let's create memories that echo through time and leave a legacy for generations to come. Roar on because our school's best years are yet to come! 

 

Our sponsors are the bee’s knees!

Presenting Sponsor

Matrix PMO

 

Gold Sponsor

Wanderlust Therapeutic Services

Wireless Zone

 

Silver Sponsor

Ciardelli Fuel Company

Nashua Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry

 

Bronze Sponsor

Kevin Brown '99 - the Knights of Columbus Insurance 

Family Chiropractic of Merrimack and Wellness Center

Nashua Riverfront Dentistry

 

Decorations Sponsor

NEW! Playa Bowls

 

Linen Sponsor

Crown Linen Service

 

Heads or Tails Sponsor

Catholic Medical Center

 

Cooler Raffle Sponsor

Grey Nuns Thrift Shop

 

Faith in Action Video Sponsor

St. Joseph Hospital

 

Copper Sponsor

Labelle Winery

FACTS

NEW! The Valade Family

 

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Hot Lunch Volunteers - Thank you to our fabulous Hot Lunch volunteers! The schedule for the next week is:

Thursday, January 25

LC:  Sarah Colon, Sarah Daugherty

UC: Susette Parks, Jamie Viveiros

Friday, January 26

LC: Sarah Clauss, Brenda Milinazzo, Katrina Adell, Amy Milinazzo

UC: Nadra Bell, Kate Aquino

Monday, January 29

LC: Renee Gabree, Stephanie Ellison

UC: Liz Cryran, Nadra Bell

Tuesday, January 30

LC: Haddy Marte, Emily Rodriguez

UC: Emily Uong, Diana Morel

Wednesday, January 31

LC: Greidy Medrano, Erik Smith

UC: Rocio Spencer, Becky Kosterman

 

Hot Lunch Substitutes Needed - We are in need of a hot lunch volunteer sub at the lower campus for February 8th! Please email Marta at [email protected] if you can help!

 

Popcorn Poppers: Our popcorn poppers for this Friday are:

LC:  Melissa Michels, Kristie Healey, Jill Queenan

UC: Tara Canaway, Melissa Szymansky, Daliana Spencer

 

Upcoming School Masses - All parents are invited to attend our weekly school masses! Parents must enter through the front door of each campus facility, sign in, and receive a nametag to attend. All masses are at 9:45 AM on both campuses unless otherwise noted. The schedule for the next month is:

January 29 - Lower campus Masses to kickoff Catholic Schools Week

Note: Change in schedule for January 29 – All upper campus students will travel to Bishop Guertin for a Catholic Schools Week mass.

February 14 - Ash Wednesday Mass at 9:45 AM on both campuses

February 20 - Lower campus (grades 3-5) Mass



COMMUNITY NEWS! 


Graveyard Tour - Saint Christopher Academy is partnering with the Nashua Historical Society! “Voices from the past: The Final Tour” is looking for participants to guide visitors from gravesite to gravesite as actors portray notable Nashua citizens from days gone by in their annual graveyard tour from 2-4pm on May 4th. Join Mrs. Fessenden and Mrs. Bouchard in the fun! Participation involves a bit of costuming, a bit of talking, and gets you access to one of the most interesting historical sites in Nashua! We are also looking for student artwork for the t-shirts representing this event! Click HERE for T-shirt details. The chosen design will receive 4 “Voices from the Past” t-shirts, and a FREE FAMILY MEMBERSHIP to the Nashua Historical Society. Interested students, staff or families should email [email protected] or contact Paula Lochhead of the Nashua Historical Society at [email protected]


 

NH Blast Lacrosse Registration - Registration OPEN for NH Blast Lacrosse!!  Register today for the fastest sport on two feet.  Boys and Girls K-8 with or without previous lacrosse experience are encouraged to register !! For more information, visit www.nashualacrosse.com.  💙🥍💜🥍💙


CHRISTOPHER PARISH NEWS! 


Eucharistic Adoration at St. Christopher Parish - The parish would like to extend a warm welcome for parents to join them for Eucharistic Adoration on the first Friday of each month from 12:00 - 3:00 PM. This is a great opportunity to spend quiet time with our Lord in prayer and/or contemplation. Adoration is on a drop-in, come-and-go basis, so parents are welcome to come by for whatever time they have available during the Adoration hours…maybe for a few minutes before our 3:00 PM pick-up time? The next Adoration takes place on Friday, February 2. Enter the church through the side door.