Parent Newsletter

Friday, March 7, 2008

 

2008 – 2009 Registration & Re-registration   It’s Here! Tuition rates have been set and registration will begin. All information regarding registration and re-registration for grades K – 8 will be sent in the mail on Friday, March 7, 2008. It will be very important that you take time to look over and complete all registration or re-registration forms on a timely basis. Make note the registration fee has increased to $100.00 for the 2008 – 2009 school year. Remember registration will not be considered complete until the registration fee is received. The deadline for returning your registration information is set for Friday, April 4, 2008.  Your cooperation in honoring this deadline is very important.

 

3 & 4 year old Preschool Open House / Orientation and Registration Night   Bishop McDowell Regional School will hold its 3 & 4 year old Preschool Open House / Orientation and Registration Night on Thursday, March 27, 2008 at 7pm in Room 206 on the main floor of the Bishop McDowell Regional School building. For the upcoming 2008 – 2009 school year our 3 year old program will meet on Tuesday and Thursday from 8:15am – 11am. In order to participate in our 3 year old program your child must be 3 years old by September 1^st. Our 4 year old program will meet on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:15am – 11am. In order to participate in our 4 year old program your child must be 4 years old by September 1^st. We look forward to meeting you on Thursday, March 27^th. Help to spread the word to your friends and neighbors that Bishop McDowell Regional School is ready to begin preschool registration for the 2008 – 2009 school year.

 

Spring Musical Practice   Spring Musical Practice for Monday, March 10, 2008 has been canceled due to a number of our 8^th grade students receiving their Confirmation that evening. Practice will resume as regularly scheduled on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 and Thursday, March 13, 2008.  Thank you for your cooperation.

 

Sacrament of Confirmation   On Monday, March 10, 2008 at 7pm in the St. Wendelin Church, Bishop Paul J. Bradley will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation with the candidates from St. Wendelin Church and St. Basil Church. Congratulations to all of our candidates!

 

School Mass   On Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at 1:30pm the students in Grades K – 8 will attend a School Mass in the St. Albert the Great Church. The 4^th grade students will minister at this Mass. Join us as we continue our Lenten journey.

 

Advisory Council Meeting   There will be an Advisory Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at 7:30pm in the St. Wendelin Parish Center. All meetings are open to both parish communities and the school community.

 

Shop n’ Save S.E.E.D. Assembly   On Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 10am the students in Grades K – 8 will attend this year’s assembly titled Fasten Your Seat Belts. The Shop n’ Save SEED Assembly Program is made possible through a unique partnership with the Carnegie Science Center and Carnegie Museum of Natural History along with the generosity of both parish communities and members of the community at large who have helped in collecting Shop n’ Save receipts throughout the 2007 – 2008 school year. The students of Bishop McDowell Regional School thank you for your kindness.

 

March Market Day Pick-up   Pick-up is scheduled for Wednesday, March 12, 2008 from 6pm - 7pm in the Cafeteria of the school building. If you would like to volunteer 1or 2 hours on the scheduled pick up day contact the school office at (412) 884-5676.

 

4^th & 5^th Grade Recorder Concert at the Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland     The 4^th & 5^th grade students of Bishop McDowell Regional School will be one of many Diocese of Pittsburgh Catholic Schools participating in an Interactive Recorder Concert on Thursday, March 13, 2008 at the Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland beginning at 10am. This concert is being held in conjunction with the Duquesne University School of Music and the Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute in New York. The students have been working with the Communities Link Up! curriculum, provided by the Weill Music Institute, over the past 6 months in order to prepare and participate in the interactive concert with the Duquesne University Symphony Orchestra. The students have done a tremendous job in preparing for the concert. This will be a great opportunity and wonderful experience for our 4^th & 5^th grade. Due to Thursday being a gym day, 4^th & 5^th students are asked to bring their gym clothes to school and will change after they return from the concert.

 

Pizza Hut Fundraiser Night   On Thursday, March 13, 2008 at the Brentwood Towne Center Pizza Hut, Bishop McDowell Regional School will have a fundraiser day. Just bring the coupon that was attached with last week’s newsletter to Pizza Hut and they  will donate 20% of your purchase to the school. As an added bonus---buy your Pizza Hut certificates at the school or after mass and use them to pay for your pizza that day, you will get credit towards your tuition as well! Reminder this fundraiser begins at lunchtime and includes dinner. See you on Thursday, March 13^th and come hungry!!

 

Stations of the Cross   The students in Grades K - 8 will be attending Stations of the Cross on Friday, March 14, 2008 at 1:30pm in the St. Albert the Great Church. Mrs. Murawski along with the students in Grades 6 - 8 are preparing to pray the Stations.

 

Rescheduled 8^th Grade Parent Meeting   There will be an 8^th Grade Parent Meeting on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 7 pm to discuss any further fundraising needed for the end of the year trip, the end of the year trip costs and graduation. One parent for each student is expected to be in attendance. This meeting will take place in the St. Wendelin Parish Center. We look forward to seeing you.

 

2008 - 2009 PSAS Form   Final reminder! The 2008 – 2009 PSAS Form must be postmarked by Friday, March 14, 2008 in order to be considered for the Bishop’s Education Fund or the SOS Fund financial aid programs. If you still need a PSAS Form call the school office ASAP and Mrs. Schumacher will send it home with your child. Do not hesitate to apply every little bit of financial assistance can make a difference in your overall tuition payment.

 

Terra Nova Tests Make-ups Grades 2 - 8   The students in Grades 2 - 8 who missed any tests last week will be making up the Terra Nova Standardized Tests this week Monday, March 10, 2008 and continuing through Thursday, March 13, 2008. We ask that in order for each child to be fully prepared when taking these tests, make sure that your child(ren) is getting plenty of rest each night and eating breakfast in the morning. It is very important to have your child(ren) in school and on time each day. Make every attempt to clear all outside appointments from your child’s schedule for this week. This helps to finish all make up tests and limits the number of interruptions. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

 

Bishop McDowell Regional School Preschool/Kindergarten Rainbows and Butterflies Story Hour   On Wednesday, March 12^th the Bishop McDowell Regional School Rainbows and Butterflies Story Hour will be held at 6:30pm in the Kindergarten Room of the Bishop McDowell Regional School building. Mrs. Dern our first grade teacher will host this hour of storytelling and activities for Preschool and Kindergarten age children. This program will be open to Preschool and Kindergarten students of Bishop McDowell Regional School as well as children of St. Albert the Great, St. Basil and St. Wendelin Parishes of Preschool and Kindergarten age. For any further questions call the school office at (412) 884 – 5676.

 

Catholic Schools Night at PNC Park   On Friday, May 9, 2008, 7:05pm at PNC Park, the Diocese of Pittsburgh will have a wonderful opportunity to join with the Pittsburgh Pirates (Lumber Co. Bobblehead Series- Willie Stargell) in celebrating our 12^th annual Catholic Schools Night. Catholic Schools Night began in 1997 to showcase and recognize all of our Catholic schools and students in our diocese. The Pirates will return a portion of the proceeds for each ticket purchased in the form of a check that will be presented to a Diocesan official that evening for the Bishop’s Education Fund. Since PNC Park opened in 2001, the Pirates have donated $62,506.00 to the fund. The Pirates have set a cut - off date for ticket orders by Friday, April 18, 2008 for seating. Since this game is a Fireworks Night the Pirates are expecting a sell out. Send your ticket orders directly to Bishop McDowell Regional School no later than Friday, April 11, 2008. At that time we will send your orders to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Thank you for supporting Catholic Schools Night. See the attached order form.

 

Bishop McDowell Regional School Athletic Association’s “Night At The Races”   This year the “Night At The Races” is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2008 in the School Cafeteria at Bishop McDowell Regional School. Doors open at 6:00pm, the cost per person is $10 and the races begin at 8pm. At this time we are looking for each family in the Athletic Association to sell at least one horse. The cost of purchasing a horse is $5. The owner of the winning horse in each race receives a purse of $20. Call the school office at (412) 884 – 5676 to request a horse owner’s form.

 

4^th & 5^th Grade Magic Classic Basketball Tournaments   The 4^th & 5^th Grade Magic Classic Basketball Tournaments continue this week with action resuming on Wednesday, March 12^th and continuing through Championship Sunday, March 16^th.Come and show your support for the tournament, the Athletic Association  and to our 4^th & 5^th grade boys and girls teams.

 

Bishop McDowell Regional School “Flea Market / Vendor Sale”   Bishop McDowell Regional School will be sponsoring a Flea Market / Vendor Sale on Saturday, April 12, 2008 from 8am to 2pm, in the School Cafeteria. The cost for a 6 ft. table is $20.00 and an 8 ft. table is $25.00. For more information about this event contact Judy Lee at (412) 882 – 2999 or the school office at (412) 884 – 5676.

 

Bishop McDowell Regional School Spring Golf Outing   On Saturday, May 10, 2008 Bishop McDowell Regional School is sponsoring a Golf Outing at 7 Springs Golf Course located in Elizabeth, PA. The cost per person will be $75. This price will include 18 holes of golf, a cart, a hot dog and drink at the turn and lunch. Also, there will be a Chinese Auction, a 50/50 raffle along with continental breakfast beginning at 7:30am before the 8am tee time. Presently we are looking for businesses to sponsor a hole at the outing. Sponsorship is $50 per hole. Call the school office if you are interested in sponsoring or know of a business willing to sponsor a hole. All checks should be made payable to Bishop McDowell School. In the meantime line up your team or teams, fill out a reservation form and return it to the school office with your payment. If you have misplaced your registration form call the school office for another copy. We look forward to seeing you at the outing!

 

Mother’s Day Brunch   Calling all Mom’s! Why fight the crowds at other eating establishments this Mother’s Day when you can enjoy your family and friends in the welcoming surroundings of our very own school. On Sunday, May 11, 2008 Bishop McDowell Regional School is sponsoring a Mother’s Day Brunch from 8:30am – 1pm in the School Cafeteria. The cost for Adults is $10 and $5 for Children (12 and under). Brunch will include scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, potatoes, pancakes, toast, muffins, fresh fruit, orange juice, apple juice, coffee, tea, and made to order omelets by Chef Steve-O. Pre-order by Thursday, May 1^st and save $1.00 per ticket purchased. We look forward to seeing you for brunch

 

Bishop McDowell Regional School 50/50 Easter Holiday Raffle Fundraiser   So far we have sold 406 tickets. The winner will receive $203.00. We need to continue to build the winnings so it will be enticing to others as we continue to sell.  Get your tickets and money in we have only 1½ more weeks to sell. Call the school office if you need more tickets and don’t forget to check the school website for updates throughout the week. The winning ticket will be picked on Tuesday, March 18, 2008. Remember the incentive for the school community to sell 1,500 tickets will allow our children in grades K – 8 to have 4 dress down days in a row beginning on Tuesday, March 25^th – Friday, March 28^th. If each family sells 25 tickets ($1 per ticket) we will have met our goal of 1,500 tickets plus. Only 1,094 more tickets to sell!

 

Giant Eagle Apples for the Students Program   Final Reminder! The Giant Eagle Apples for the Students Program began on Sunday October 28, 2007 and continues until Saturday, March 15, 2008. Again this year, you will not need to send in receipts from Giant Eagle. All you need to do is be a registered supporter. If you registered last year, you are automatically registered for this year. If you are not a registered supporter, it’s very easy to become one. Take a moment to register. You will need your Giant Eagle Advantage card handy then call 1-800-474-4777. An automated system will talk you through the process. Our school ID number is 1022. You can also register by visiting the Giant Eagle website at www.gianteagle.com and click on the Apples for Students icon. Each time registered supporters shop at Giant Eagle using their Giant Eagle Advantage Card; they earn points for our school. These points are redeemed for great educational tools. The points are automatically credited to our school through the Giant Eagle Advantage Card.

 

Private School Aid Service (PSAS) All parents applying to either the Bishop’s Education Fund or Scholastic Opportunity Scholarship Fund must have their need assessed by Private School Aid Service (PSAS), a company from Rocky River, Ohio which specializes in evaluating need for families attending private elementary or secondary schools. Parents will submit a copy of their federal tax return (and state tax return if applying to SOS), a completed 2008 – 2009 “Student Aid Form” (with their pastor’s signature if applying to BEF) and a $20 administrative fee. “Student Aid Forms” are due to PSAS no later than Friday, March 14, 2008. Incomplete forms will be returned. The signed “Student Aid Form” must be sent directly to PSAS as indicated in the instructions on the form itself. Photocopied forms will not be accepted by PSAS. PSAS forms are available now; just contact Mrs. Schumacher in the school office at (412) 884 – 5676 for a PSAS form. Do not hesitate in applying for tuition assistance before you know it Friday, March 14^th will have come and gone.

 

Tuition Assistance Available for the 2008 – 2009 Academic Year   Re- registration for Grades K – 8 is fast approaching for the 2008 – 2009 academic year and this is just a reminder of two sources of tuition assistance, the Bishop’s Education Fund (BEF) and Scholastic Opportunities Scholarship (SOS), available for families with students in Catholic Schools. The Bishop’s Education Fund is awarded on the basis of financial need. In order to be eligible the applicants must be practicing Catholics registered in a parish in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, attend one of the diocesan, parish, or regional schools and have demonstrated financial need. The Scholastic Opportunity Scholarship (SOS) Tuition Assistance Program was developed when the General Assembly of Pennsylvania established Act 4 in May of 2001. This law provided for the establishment of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) to be administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). Act 4 authorizes the award of tax credits to businesses that make contributions to the scholarship organizations. Therefore the Diocese of Pittsburgh has formed the Scholastic Opportunity Scholarship program (SOS) to receive tax credit gifts. The funds available through the SOS program will be awarded to families based solely on economic eligibility requirements. Students who are Pennsylvania residents enrolled in any Catholic school in the Diocese of Pittsburgh are eligible. Applicants can be Catholic or non- Catholic. The funds will be sent in the students name to the school where the child is enrolled. You must complete the 2008 – 2009 PSAS form to be considered for either of these tuition assistance programs.