The Chatterbox - St. Nicholas School

September 11, 2009
Volume 2, Issue 1
Special points of
interest:
New Beginnings 1
Sept. Calendar 2
Gold Club 3
Principal Awards
2
6 Honor Roll 4
Scouts Pack 888
Student Council 5
Saints Sports
Magazine Drive 6
Boosters Welcome
Memo Envelopes
Unity in Community
Book Fair 7
Art Workshops 8
Greek Workshops 9
Daycare Update 10
Sean Ferguson and
Nicholas Dinsmore
2008
St. Nicholas School
The Chatterbox
Welcome back for the 2009 – 2010 school year. Father Anthony and I both agree
that it has been much too quiet on campus, but on Tuesday, September 8, we welcomed
back the laughter of our children and the smiles of our faculty. Traditionally, St. Nicholas
School begins the new school year with the Blessing of the Waters church service. During
the service, each student is blessed by the sprinkling of holy water. The children welcomed
the blessing and we took the opportunity to count each child as one of our blessings.
Back to School Orientations will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15 for
Pre‐School through Grade 5 and at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 16 for Grades 6
through 8. The Scholastic Book Fair will also be open at 6:00 p.m. prior to the Orientations,
as well as at 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 9/15 – 9/18.
Once again, we have much to be thankful for this new school year. Our Boosters
Club, with the help of many parent volunteers donated $35,000 last year for the renovation
of Room 214 as our new Library/Computer Lab. New furniture and carpeting have been
ordered. The room is being rewired to accommodate our computers, which will have
internet access. Library books are being purchased along with the needed equipment to
check out books.
We are requesting that parents donate books to honor their children. A book plate
will be placed in the inside cover of the donated books to acknowledge your generosity. The
Book Fair will be our first opportunity to begin collecting donated books. We ask that only
appropriate hardback books be donated for our school library.
Library/Computer Lab Blueprints of Floor Plan

Page 2 The Chatterbox Volume 2, Issue 1
September 2009
SUN MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SAT
6 7
13 14
LABOR DAY
9:00 am
Liturgy
Elevation Of
Cross
1 2 3 4 5
8
School Resumes
Blessing of the
Waters 2:30 pm
Church
15
Book Fair
2:30-4:00 pm
and 6:00-7:00
Savalas Room
PS-5
Orientation
7:00 pm
Auditorium
9 10
3:00 pm
Kids Music N
Motion Free
Trial Class
Savalas Room
16
Book Fair 2:30-
4:00 pm and 6:00-
6:30 pm
Savalas Room
Back to
School Night
Grades 6-8
6:30 pm
Auditorium
20 21 22 23 24
27 28 29 30
17
Magazine Drive
Assembly 2:15
pm Auditorium
Book Fair
2:30-4:00 pm
Student Council
Elections 8 th Grade
8:30 am Gym
11
Family Directory
Due
18
BOOK FAIR
2:30-4:00 pm
Student Council
Declarations Due
25
7 th & 8 th grade
Back to School
Dance
6:30-9:30 pm
Savalas Room
12
19
26

Page 3 The Chatterbox Volume 2, Issue 1
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
You can take
your turn
first. I can
wait.
Qvsqptf; To motivate students to practice the Golden Rule.
To develop and practice the following character
!
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!
!
Sfxbset;
!
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traits:
• Caring
• Honesty
• Patience
• Courage
• Forgiveness
• Respect
• Manners
• Sportsmanship
• Responsibility
• Perseverance
Thank you!
You are so
kind, but I can
wait. You go
ahead first.
1. Student becomes a member of the Gold Club and earns a
gold star.
2. Grades K – 5: Student earns a free dress day for each month
he/she earns the most gold points in their class.
3. Grades 6 – 8: Student earns a free dress day for each month
he/she earns the most gold points in their class.
Ipx!Up!Fbso!Qpjout!boe!Cfdpnf!b!Hpme!
Dmvc!Nfncfs;!
!
1. The student in each class who earns the most points in a
month becomes part of the Gold Club.
2. In class: Every time a student demonstrates the Golden Rule
and/or the character traits above = 1 point
3. Outside of class: Every Gold Slip earned for demonstrating
the Golden Rule and/or the character traits above = 1 point
4. Teachers will keep a chart posted in the room showing how
many points each student has for the month.
5. At the end of each month, the points will be totaled to
determine the Gold Club Member for the month.
!
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! Bxbset
!
Qvsqptf;! To motivate students to exemplify good
citizenship in work and in deed, both
inside and outside the classroom, and to
acknowledge those students who do.
Sfxbse;! Principal Award Certificate and a special
monthly reward, which will vary each
month. This month, students can earn a
Freebie Ticket, which will entitle them
to a free pass for one homework
assignment approved by the teacher.
Dsjufsjb;!!!
1. Punctuality: Attendance is taken at 8:15 at line-up
for morning exercises. Therefore, anyone not in
line-up is tardy. Names will be announced aloud
while the teachers mark their attendance book.
One tardy per month is permissible.
2. Homework: All homework must be complete,
neat, and on time. Therefore, any student not in
compliance on any given day is disqualified.
Teachers will keep a record of all homework
turned in.
3. Behavior: Students will be disqualified from
earning a Principal’s Award, if they earn a study
hall, pink slip, or are referred to the principal.
Disruptive behavior with special teachers, such as
Greek or religion will also cause the student to be
disqualified.

Page 4 The Chatterbox Volume 2, Issue 1
2009 Second Semester
It is an impressive accomplishment to earn Honor
Roll at St. Nicholas School, since a 93% or above is
required to earn an A. In addition, a 3.6 grade point average
is required in all of the core subject areas.
For the second semester of the 2008 – 2009, the
following 6 th and 7 th grade students earned honor roll:
Theodore Cristescu, Michael Curtis, Alyssa Deobler,
Marika Fox, Rachel Luu, Michael Messiha, Jeffrey Palmer,
Georgia Perris, Lauren Safady, Damian Savas, William
Stasinis, and Mina Tawfick.
Class of 2009 Seniors, Athanasia Kyriazis and
Anthony Luu, earned 4 semesters of Honor Roll, while
Patrick Cassley achieved two semesters during their 7 th and
8 th grade years. Athanasia and Anthony also graduated
from Middle School with a perfect 4.0 grade point average.
Pinewood Derby – March 2009
Cub Scout Pack 888
Seant Ryan, Jordan Palmer, and Dmitri
Schuyler-Lynch race the cars they made
themselves.
Oliver Cabrera and his
father at Tree Planting 2009
The competitions at Camporee in early June
was the sight of St. Nicholas School’s Cub Scout Pack
888’s impressive achievement in winning six
ribbons!!! Five scouts from our pack, Seant Ryan,
Theo Fox, Broderick Gutzman, Oliver Cabrera, and
Jordan Palmer, rose to challenge. Together they earned
three first place ribbons, 2 second place and 1 third
place. We are so proud of their accomplishments.
Pack 888 is trying to get new Cubs with parents
who are willing to keep this pack going. Mrs. Pauline
Ryan has done a wonderful job as our Cub Scout leader
for 4 years, but must now pass the torch onto other
willing parents who can help provide a meaningful
experience for our boys. She is willing to be an
assistant to the new leader and to support the troop. “I
wouldn’t want these scouts to be disappointed, and I
want pack 888 to stay active,” Mrs. Ryan commented.
If there are any parents who are interested, please call
Mrs. Ryan at 818-718-8374.
Memorial Day from left to right, Broderick Gutzman, Jordan
Palmer, Seant Ryan, Oliver Cabrera, and Mrs. Pauline Ryan.
Camp Josepho 2009
Theo Fox at
Camporee 2009

Page 5 The Chatterbox Volume 2, Issue 1
8th Grade
Student Council
Eighth grade students, who qualify, will be able
to participate in student government by running for
Student Council. They will learn about campaigning,
election procedures and the necessary requirements to
become a representative. Each aspect of the
campaign and the election promises to be an
enjoyable learning experience.
The Student Council will consist of up to nine
members, which will be elected by the Middle School
students. The top nine nominees who receive the
most votes will become part of the student council.
Being a senior Student Council Representative at St.
Nicholas School is a privilege which carries
responsibilities. Each representative must maintain a
minimum "C" average in all subject areas. Equally
important is the consistent demonstration of good
citizenship inside and outside the classroom.
Therefore, no "Us" on the report card are permissible.
All Student Council members are expected to be role
models not only for the senior class but for the entire
student body in every respect.
In order to run for office, the nominees must apply
by Friday, September 18 and must qualify to run for
office, which means there cannot be any U's, or less
than 77% on the second semester report card during
his/her 7th grade year. The nominee must also be in
good standing as a citizen of St. Nicholas School. All
officers must also be available for monthly school
meetings that will take place in the morning at 7:30
a.m. The day and time will be decided upon by the
council and sponsors, Mr. Wapner and Mrs. Barefoot.
Officers must be willing to devote time to carrying
out their responsibilities.
Students will be able to campaign for office
beginning the week of September 21 by creating
posters to put up in the classrooms and passing out
stickers to encourage support. NO "treats for votes"
are permitted. A 2-minute speech will be presented
on Election Day, Thursday, September 24. More
detailed information will be distributed to the eighth
graders during the second week of school. Good
luck to all those who plan to run for office.
Team tryouts were held Thursday and Friday, September 10 - 11.
The members of the 2009 Boy’s Flag Football Team
and Girl’s Basketball Team will be announced very soon.
Flag Football 2008

Page 6 The Chatterbox Volume 2, Issue 1
On Thursday, September 17, we
will launch our Drive with an
assembly lead by Mr. Scott Green in
the Auditorium. We ask for your
support once again in helping to
make this a successful fundraising
event for our school.
Mr. Green, who has been our
representative for over 25 years, will
explain to our students how easy it is
to earn fantastic prizes by selling
magazine subscriptions to friends
and family.
For families who have more than
one child, please submit each child’s
orders to their respective classes.
Do not send in combined orders with
one child, so that each child will
receive credit and prizes he/she
earned.
Collection dates are the next
three Tuesdays on September 22, 29,
and October 6.
Unity in Community
St. Nicholas School is thrilled to be able to participate
in the fundraising efforts to renovate the Grande Ballroom
and Gymnasium. The students enthusiastically contributed
by selling raffle tickets to their friends and neighbors.
Some of our Middle School students also volunteered to
serve at the Coconut Grove Night dinner. Our dedicated
parent volunteers will intensify their fundraising efforts to
help make these renovations an expeditious reality. Our
children are looking forward to the impressive
transformations that have been planned.
THE BOOSTERS WELCOME YOU
TO A NEW SCHOOL YEAR!!
The St. Nicholas Booster Club warmly welcomes all students and
their parents to the 2009-2010 school year. We are looking forward to
sharing many wonderful events and activities with all of you. The Booster
Club activities and events that are coming up this month are the Book Fair
which will take place on Sept. 15 through 18 and the Magazine Drive which
begins on September 17.
We would like to invite all parents to get involved and join the
Booster Club. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to get involved with
your child’s school. Take part in making this school year a wonderful
experience for you and your kids. Join us for a General Booster Club meeting
on October 13 at 7:00 pm.
Become a member of the Booster Club to enjoy
discounts for various events and activities by filling out the
blue Booster Club Membership form available at the office.
We are looking forward to a stupendous school year!
Memo Envelopes
Be in the Know – Read all Communications
As of Thursday, September 10, we will once again begin sending out
memos and flyers in our weekly envelope. The envelope will be sent home
with the youngest sibling, and must be returned by the next day, Fridays.
Please make sure to check your child’s backpack every Thursday. Take out all
memos and read them carefully to stay informed concerning school events
and important upcoming activities.
In addition, we will be communicating to some extent by email.
Emails will be used for important bulletins and reminders, as well as our
monthly “Chatterbox”, our school newsletter. If you do not receive our
emails, call the office to ensure we have your correct email address.
Sell Raffle Tickets For
Our New Gym and Auditorium
Sell raffle tickets to all your friends and family to
help raise the money needed to renovate our
gymnasium and auditorium. The Number 1 seller of
raffle tickets will win a Free Month’s Tuition. The
Top Selling Class will win a pizza party with
cupcakes and balloons! The Winners of the Raffle
Drawing will win a beautiful cross in white gold and
diamonds valued at $4,800 and a Two Night Stay at
the Venetian in Las Vegas with VIP check-in.

Page 7 The Chatterbox Volume 2, Issue 1
Book Fair Blizzard
Savalas Room
Tuesday - Friday, September 15-18
Each day from 2:30-4:00 p.m.,
Tuesday 6:00-7:00 & 8:00-8:30 p.m.
(Grade PS - 5 Back to School Night)
Wednesday 6:00-7:00 & 8:00-8:30 p.m.
(Grade 6 – 8 Back to School Night)
Donations for Our New School Library
We are requesting that parents donate books for our
new library to honor their children. A book plate will be
placed in the inside cover of the donated books to
acknowledge your generosity. The Book Fair will be our
first opportunity to begin collecting donated books. We
ask that only appropriate hardback books be donated for
our school library.
Don't forget your students "Wish List".
We'll see you at the Fair!!!

Page 8 The Chatterbox Volume 2, Issue 1
The following 8-week art Workshops are now available.
Drawing Basics Grades 2-4 includes:
Focus will be on the individual development of student's skills with emphasis on blind
contour line drawing and shape drawing methods. Students will experiment with various media,
such as watercolors, pencil, pastels, charcoal, ink, marker and oil crayon resist.
Class dates: Sept. 14, 21, 28 Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26 Last class Nov. 2
*Students must be picked up by 4:30 to avoid daycare charges
Instructor: Mrs. Duschinsky Mondays 3:30 - 4:30
Tuition $ 90.00
Drawing II Grades 4- 8 Includes:
There will be continued individual development of student's drawing skills. Focus is on
realistic drawing and a variety of subject matter: still life, wild life, landscape, human form and
perspective, experimenting with various media, such as pencil, charcoal, acrylic, watercolors, and
pastels.
Class dates: Sept. 14, 21, 28 Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26 Last class Nov. 2
*Students must be picked up by 5:45 to avoid daycare charges
Instructor: Mrs. Duschinsky Mondays 4:45 - 5:45
Tuition $ 90.00
Art Workshops The tuition for the 8 weeks includes materials. Turn in this tear‐off with a check
payable to St. Nicholas School. Tuition is Non‐ refundable. Be Creative!
Student Name:______________________ Grade:_______________
Check class enrolling: Drawing Basics 2-4 Art Enrichment 1-8 Cartooning 3-8 Drawing II 4-8
Student Name:______________________ Grade:_______________
Check class enrolling: Drawing Basics 2-4 Art Enrichment 1-8 Cartooning 3-8 Drawing II 4-8
Student Name:______________________ Grade:_______________
Check class enrolling: Drawing Basics 2-4 Art Enrichment 1-8 Cartooning 3-8 Drawing II 4-8
Parent Signature___________________________________ Phone ________________

Page 9 The Chatterbox Volume 2, Issue 1
ST. NICHOLAS SCHOOL
GREEK LANGUAGE WORKSHOPS
APPLICATION/INFORMATION
2009 - 2010
Greek language workshops will begin September 17 th and end June 4th. The workshops are designed to further
enrich beginning through advanced level students who wish to become more proficient in conversational Greek, as well
as, reading and writing the Greek language. The tuition for the Greek Language Workshops will be $ 375 for fair share
members of St. Nicholas Church and $ 475 for non-members, excluding books. The cost of books and materials will be $
15. The first half of the tuition is due at registration and the remaining half is due the first week of January. The classes
are scheduled weekly as follows:
Beginning (Kindergarten – Grade 2) = Thursdays 3:30 – 5:00
Intermediate through Advanced (Grades 3 – 8) = Fridays 3:30 – 5:00
The success of each student in the program will depend on the cooperation of all parents in bringing their children
regularly and on time. Parent cooperation is also required by showing interest in your child’s lesson progress. On days
when children will be attending the workshops, children should be sent with a snack. An added highlight of the program
will include a presentation in the school’s Greek Independence Day Performance.
To register your child, complete the information below, particularly the emergency information, and send a check
of $ 202.50 (Fair share member) or $ 252.50 (non-member) payable to St. Nicholas School in the enclosed envelope.
Classes will begin on Thursday, September 17 th for the beginning class and Friday, September 18 th for the advanced class.
Child’s name__________________________ Birthdate___________ Grade_________
Child speaks Greek: Fluently___ Some Greek____ No Greek_______
Child’s name__________________________ Birthdate___________ Grade_________
Child reads Greek: Fluently___ Some Greek____ No Greek_______
Parents’ names___________________________________________________________
Address_________________________________________________________________
Home phone_______________________ Cell phone____________________________
Emergency contact person_______________________ Relationship (relative/friend)_________________
Emergency telephone___________________________
Students must be picked up by 5:00 to avoid a daycare charge.
Tuition is non-refundable.
Parent Signature: ___________________________ Date: __________________
I understand and agree that tuition is non-refundable.

Page 10 The Chatterbox Volume 2, Issue 1
Daycare Update
Children usually work up an appetite and require
a snack in daycare. We ask that parents, who use our
daycare services, donate snacks for the children. You
can donate various snacks, such as cereal, chips,
pretzels, cookies, or crackers. The children always
look forward to snack time and are very appreciative
of your generosity. In addition, children in
kindergarten through 2 nd grade will now be in
Room 205 (upstairs) from 3:20 – 4:30 pm.
If you have any questions or comments regarding anything written in The
Chatterbox, please use the following email address: info@stnicholaseducation.com.
It would be greatly appreciated if you could send us any pictures you take at the
various school events. You can put them on a disc and drop them off at the
office. We use photos for our yearbook, our Chatterbox, our church bulletin (The
Wonder Worker), as well as for our archives.