St. John Vianney News

The Calm Before the SJV Festival Storm

2008-07-23T15:32:41Z

All this talk of flash floods and heavy rain over the weekend got me thinking about the last time we experienced extreme weather -- the Saturday afternoon of the SJV Festival. Here are some pictures from the fest BEFORE the crazy weather broke in:

Lots of clouds but they can't stop this festival goer from having fun...

Waiting for a ride...

The day still looking good....

The "Bean Queens" (SJV moms) organizing and serving beverages at the coffee kiosk....

Festivalgoers finally but reluctantly starting to scramble....

Want to know more about St. John Vianney School (it's known for much more than its great festival!)? Did you know that there are still openings -- in the 5K, 2nd, 6th, 7th and 8th grades? Interested in visiting the school? Visit the St. John Vianney School Website or contact principal Jayme Hartmann at jaymeh@stjohnv.org or call 262/796-3940.

Join our Summer Service Series!

2008-07-08T12:38:00Z

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

Introducing Father Ken Knippel

2008-07-07T22:20:00Z

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:

Birthplace: Milwaukee on May 29, 1950,

Grade Schools: — Pius X (K-2), Mother of Good Counsel (3), and St. Margaret Mary (4-8).

High School: De Sales Preparatory Seminary

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.

In August 1997, Father was appointed dean of District 11 by Archbishop Weakland and upon the arrival of Archbishop Dolan, was reappointed dean. He held this position for 11 years until he accepted the appointment as pastor of St. John Vianney Parish. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Catholic Community Foundation and the Advisory Board of the St. Clare Center at Cardinal Stritch University.

Father Ken has said that once it became evident that St. John Vianney Parish was open listed for a new pastor, it didn't take him long to come and tour the parish with Father Paul and to decide it would be his number one choice. Aware of its size and aware that he would be waiting a year for an associate pastor, he still felt that it was the best possible choice!

Welcome Father Ken!

Farewell Reception for Father Paul

2008-07-07T22:10:39Z

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.

Don't forget Wristband Saturday

2008-06-04T14:58:48Z

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

An Evening at SJVineyards

2008-04-30T19:06:00Z

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.

SJV Graduate wins 2nd at Science Symposium!

2008-04-18T16:19:40Z

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!

Penny the Pig is coming to SJV

2008-04-12T14:56:53Z

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!

Winetasting and Willy Wonka

2008-04-04T18:30:00Z

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!

SJV Teacher Wins Radio Award

2008-03-25T19:48:00Z

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.

Holy Week

2008-03-20T14:07:54Z

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.

Hang Tough

2008-03-14T16:01:00Z

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.

School Parents Make the Difference

2008-01-10T19:17:21Z

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!

Upcoming November/December Events

2007-11-09T15:19:00Z

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.

Tips for Parent-Teacher Conferences

2007-11-01T17:30:00Z

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.

Music Teachers Band Together

2007-10-16T21:00:00Z

On Tuesday, October 30, 2007 at 7:00 pm, the Saint John Vianney and St. Dominic's Strings and Band Orchestras will present the first annual Fall Fest. This concert will highlight Halloween songs and college fight songs. Recognizing the need for the advanced students to perform more often and, learning of other orchestras that give Halloween concerts, strings and band instructors Maria Gesiorek and Joan Lueneburg began considering a fall performance. After learning St. John Vianney music teacher Jared Ziegler was teaching college fight songs to some of the same students, their idea of a Halloween-Football Fan themed concert resulted in the combined schools' First Fall Fest. Students will perform in Halloween costumes.

While any performance carries a responsibility to be prepared, a Halloween themed concert will put students at ease as they show off their costumes before the big day and perform in a family friendly environment. The Strings, as well as the combined Bands (5-8th), will be playing three Halloween songs, the Jazz band one. Added to the mix will be Jared Ziegler performing on tuba, an instrument he played in high school in addition to saxophone. He will be joining the students in the Star Spangled Banner song, along with the fight songs from Michigan, Ohio, Northwestern and Wisconsin universities.

Both Ms. Gesiorek and Mrs. Lueneburg hope this Fall Fest will become a tradition. This is a wonderful opportunity for the music students to present without the pressure of a year-end recital or formal concert. And with twelve parents playing their own instruments along with these fight songs, this concert promises to be anything but formal!

Maria Gesiorek started the Strings Program at SJV in 1991. Previous to that, Ms.Gesiorek was a violin and viola teacher for three years at Alverno College in the Community Arts Department and for ten years at Carroll College Project Create. Her teaching includes St. Dominic School and private students as well. She loves playing her viola and violin and performing in the chamber groups. Her constant goal is to help her students develop real love for music and enjoyment in playing their instruments. She hopes to achieve this by teaching them good practicing habits and technical skills, so they will accomplish all of their own musical goals.

Joan Lueneburg taught general and instrumental music in the Milwaukee Public Schools for ten years, general music at St. Anthony's in Menomonee Falls for two years, and subbed in Elmbrook for two years. She has directed youth and adult vocal and handbell choirs for 24 years. Mrs. Lueneburg has been teaching privately and accompanying choirs and solos for 34 years. She has taught splitting her days between SJV and St. Dominic's since 1999. She believes that playing an instrument provides students with the opportunity to express themselves and excel at an individual level, as well as in a group. Being involved in music not only strengthens the students personally, but also crosses over to other areas of education.

Jared Ziegler, whose most recent saxophone performance was this past Sunday at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, teaches K5-8th grade music. He has two degrees in music; a Bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire, and a Master’s degree in saxophone performance from Northwestern University. Mr. Ziegler has performed many styles of music with a variety of groups, most recently performing with the Kenosha Symphony. One of his personal goals is to instill in students a desire to seek out music in their daily lives and to be an active participant, not only as a listener, but as a music maker.

Students, get your costumes ready. Parents, ransack your closets and pull your old college sweatshirts! Join us for this spooktacular show!

Fall Fest Tuesday, October 30, 2007 7:00 pm SJV Gym, 17500 W. Gebhardt Road, Brookfield

Fall Upcoming Events

2007-09-20T16:28:00Z

Here are a couple of Fall upcoming events at SJV you won't want to miss:

New Family Social Thursday, September 20th Two Available times: 9:00-10:30 am or 6:00-7:30 pm

If you're a new family to the school, this is a can't miss event. This is an opportunity to meet our new principal Jayme Hartmann, exchange stories with other new families, and learn about extra curricular activities and many of the other Home and School events throughout the year.

VIP Day Friday, October 12, 2007, 8:30-9:30 am Liturgy, 9:30-11:00 am Classroom visits

Traditionally, a very special event at St. John Vianney. This is a great 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. School families, invite your guests as soon as possible, so they can save the date for this special celebration.

SJV Trivia Night Saturday, October 13th, 2007, 6:30 pm Doors open, 7:00 pm Game begins

Bring your A game for this one (or at least a memorized list of celebrity saints). 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. Cash prizes for best table decoration!

Students Inspired by Social Studies

2007-08-22T22:42:00Z

Two of SJV's very own 8th graders, Matthew Cekanor and Sung Yeon Won, prompted by an assignment from their Social Studies class unit on Social Justice, have coordinated a fundraiser. This miniature golf fundraiser, to be held at the National Golf Center in Big Bend, will benefit the DAAA (Dwarf Athletic Assocation of America). The Dwarf Athletic Assocation of America promotes and provides quality amateur athletic opportunities for dwarf athletes in the United States. The National Golf Center is owned by Paul Mindel and his family, a parish and school family. A donation will be made by the National Golf Center to DAAA for every round of miniature golf and bucket of range balls purchased during the weekend.

This fundraiser is just one example of SJV's efforts to educate our students about social justice and inspire them to think about what they can do for their community. The assignment was to come up with an action plan of helping a person or a group of people. Many of the plans included babysitting, helping a neighbor, creating a fundraising lemonade stand, and even holding a sports camp. If the students actually execute their plans they will receive extra credit in their 8th grade Social Studies classes - not to mention helping their community!

Minature Golf Fundraiser August 24th 4:00-9:00 pm, August 25th 9:00am-9:00pm and August 26th 9:00am-9:00pm,

National Golf Center in S74 W24255 National Avenue, Big Bend, Wisconsin

For more information on dwarfism, visit http://www.daaa.org or Little People of America http://www.lpaonline.org

The National Golf Center website is http://www.nationalgolfcenter.com

Join our 8th graders for a weekend of miniature golf, driving range, refreshments and raffle!

Welcome Back!

2007-08-19T20:22:00Z

With the sad realization that summer is winding down, the new school year brings the exciting news of recent Saint John Vianney school improvements. With the help of guidance counselor Teri Kovars, I got the opportunity to tour the school the other day and see the recent changes.

For the first time ever, a new air conditioning system, something our students and staff will notice on those remaining hot September days.
Newly installed heating units.
Recently installed energy efficient windows and doors in the cafeteria. In addition, a brand new brick wall was built around the windows to enhance the energy system. The cafeteria floor was resurfaced and freshly painted, most notably the athletic stripes on the floor, as the room is often used as an auxiliary gym.
A freshly painted health room and school office, along with new chairs for waiting school visitors.
A new bench directly outside the school office, for the students to wait for carpools or busses.
Courtesy of the Bid for Kids monies - six new Smart Boards have been installed. A seventh Smart Board, along with a supplemental computer program called SynchronEyes for the computer lab, was donated by a very generous school family.
Also courtesy of Bids for Kids - a new acoustic piano, a digital Clavinova piano, new desks in the 6th grade, new religion and language texts throughout the school, and a new concrete play area outside the K4 classroom.

Walking through the school, I could not help feeling that the new additions seem to reflect the pride and joy of the St. John Vianney community. Along with our new principal, Mrs. Jayme Hartmann, we are also proud to introduce Mrs. Joyce Block as our computer teacher, Mrs. Gerise Grzeszczak as the Reading Specialist and Mrs. Jennifer Williams as a first grade teacher. With all of this, we are truly blessed to have such a wonderful start!

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, August 29th: 1st Home and School Meeting, 7:00 pm, Room P209
Friday, August 31st: Orientation Day, 8:00-11:30 am
Tuesday, September 4th: First full day of classes
Monday, September 10th, Parent Information Night, 6:45-8:45 pm
Friday, September 14th, Back to School Pizza Bash, 6:00-9:00 pm
Thursday, September 20th, New Family Social, Two Available times: 9:00-10:30 am or 6:00-7:30 pm

Wanted: Your SJV Ideas

2007-07-02T02:56:59Z

With the school year ending and with the very successful SJV Festival behind us, I’m looking for any article suggestions, comments and story ideas for our ongoing SJV blog. SJV parents, parishioners and Brookfield community members, please send me any suggestions for the upcoming summer months at this blog’s email address, Kellysblog@wi.rr.com

Here are some other updates from the school and the parish:

BROOKFIELD PARADE
Join us for Mass at 9 AM on Wednesday, July 4, and then stay to watch the Brookfield parade. The parish offices will be closed in observance of Independence Day and will reopen on Thursday, July 5.

MARKET DAY
Market Day sale will be held on Monday, July 16, from 4:30–5:30 PM in the school cafeteria.
Stock up on all of the great items you’ll need to last until our September sale! Paper order forms are available at the Parish Office. Completed paper order forms should be returned to the Parish Office by Monday, July 9. An even easier way to place your order is to enter it online at www.marketday.com until NOON on Thursday, July 12. If you have any questions about Market Day, please contact Judy Goodman(262-641-5194) or Gina Tegge (262-798-8088).

SJV SCHOOL OPENINGS
St. John Vianney School has openings in grades 4K (afternoon), 6, 7, and 8. Please call the school office, 262-796-3942, if you are interested.

SUMMER SERVICE SERIES
Sign Up Now!
If you haven’t already signed up, call today to reserve your space for the following events:
• Tuesday, July 17: Hunger Task Force Food Sort from 5-8 PM. Help to organize Hunger Task Force’s Food Pantry by sorting food, checking items and stocking shelves. Open to adults and older teens. Help break last year’s record! Limit of 30 people. Must wear closed toe shoes.
• Wednesday, July 25: St. Vincent de Paul Meal Program at 10th & Madison site, from 5 PM-8 PM. Serve beverages and/or food to guests, and then join them for dinner and conversation. Open to ages 8 and up with supervision. Limit: 20.
• Sunday, July 22: Door Ministry at the Cathedral. Begin with the 9:30 AM Mass, then serve lunch at this meal program until 1 PM. Space limited to 12. TO REGISTER FOR ALL EVENTS, CALL THE CHRISTIAN FORMATION OFFICE AT 796-3944.