Parent Newsletter

Friday, March 28, 2008

 

Teacher Clerical Day   The students in Grades PreK – 8 will have the day off on Monday, March 31, 2008. The faculty will use this day as a Clerical Day to prepare report cards for the end of the third nine weeks.

 

Report Cards for Third Nine Weeks   On Tuesday, April 1, 2008 your child(ren) will receive their report card for the 3^rd time this school year. Take time to sit down with your child(ren) and review their grades they have received for each academic area. Also, this is a good time to have your child(ren) set goals for the fourth and final nine weeks in all academic areas and to let your child(ren) know you are very interested in their behavior in the classroom as well. If you would like to schedule a phone conference with a teacher to discuss your child’s report card call the school office and leave a message.

 

2008 – 2009 Registration & Re-registration   Tuition rates have been set and registration has begun. All information regarding registration and re-registration for grades K – 8 was 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 registration must be a priority!

 

2008 – 2009 Registration Incentive   Those families turning in their registration on or before Friday, April 4, 2008 will result in your child(ren) being permitted to have casual dress down days every Monday and Friday in the month of May along with dressing down for the entire week of Monday, June 2^nd – Thursday, June 5^th. If you do not register by Friday, April 4^th then your child is expected to wear the regular school uniform every Monday and Friday in the month of May and the week of June 2^nd – 5^th until your registration is received. Reminder registration will not be considered complete until the $100.00 registration fee is received.

 

2008 Volunteer Mass & Breakfast   In honor of National Volunteer Week, the Bishop McDowell Regional School community will honor our School Volunteers on Friday, April 4, 2008 beginning with Mass at 9am in the St. Albert the Great Church followed by a Continental Breakfast in Room 206 on the main floor of the Bishop McDowell Regional School building. The students in Grades K - 8 will attend the School Volunteer Mass. The Eighth Grade is preparing to minister at this Mass. Join us as we honor our School Volunteers. Invitations have been sent. Call the school office and RSVP on or before Wednesday, April 2, 2008.

 

2008 Writing Assessment   On Wednesday, April 2, 2008 the students in grades K – 8 will be participating in the Diocesan Writing Assessment. The students have been practicing the writing domain process and learning the domain-scoring guide that will be used for the assessment during their Language Arts classes this year and are now ready to participate in the assessment. The students will work on the writing assessment for approximately 40 - 60 minutes, depending upon their grade level. The Diocesan Writing Assessment is in direct alignment with the PSSA Writing Assessment given to the students in the public schools. Make sure your child is in school and on time. Thank you for your cooperation in advance.

 

Bishop McDowell Regional School Preschool/Kindergarten Rainbows and Butterflies Story Hour   On Wednesday, April 16^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.

 

Activities Committee Meeting   The next Activities Committee meeting will take place on Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at 10am in the Bishop McDowell Regional School cafeteria. The agenda will focus on finalizing details for Kite Day, the Faculty Luncheon and Student BINGO, discussion about Amateur Night, 7^th & 8^th Grade Spring Outing, Spring Musical Refreshment Table and the End of the Year Picnic. Take time now to mark your calendars and thank you for your support of school activities.

 

2008 Bishop McDowell Regional School Kite Day   We are having Kite Day on Friday, April 11, 2008 beginning at 1:15pm in the school parking lot. Each child is responsible for bringing in their own kite. Bishop McDowell Regional School will not be held responsible for fixing or replacing any damaged kites. We are looking for volunteers to help supervise the children during this activity. Without your help we will be unable to provide this activity. Volunteers will need to be at Bishop McDowell Regional School by 1pm. Our weather related makeup day has not yet been determined. If you have any questions, contact Karen Cook at (412) 885 – 0646.

 

2007 – 2008 Gym Uniform Shorts Dress Code & Policy   Starting on Thursday, April 17, 2008 the students in Grades 1 - 8 will be permitted to wear the Gym Uniform Shorts to school (only on Thursdays) for the remainder of the 2007 - 2008 academic year. Parents take time to see that your child’s shorts are in good repair and the proper length. A phone call will be made home to ask for a change of clothing if this policy is not strictly followed.  If you have any questions contact Mr. Grgurich in the school office. Thank you in advance for following this policy.

 

Pizza Hut Fundraiser Night   On Thursday, April 10, 2008 at the Brentwood Towne Center Pizza Hut, Bishop McDowell Regional School will have a fundraiser day. Pizza Hut 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 night, you will get credit towards your tuition as well! Reminder this fundraiser begins at lunchtime and includes dinner. See you on Thursday, April 10^th and come hungry!!

 

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 “Flea Market / Vendor Sale”   Bishop McDowell Regional School will be sponsoring a Flea Market / Vendor Sale on Saturday, April 12, 2008 from 9am 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 Dance”   The Bishop McDowell Regional School Fundraising Committee is sponsoring a “Spring Dance” on Saturday, April 19, 2008 from 8pm – 12am in the School Cafeteria. The admission is $13 per person and you must be 21 years of age or older to attend this event. The evening will include DJs Rod and Ed playing music from the 70’s and 80’s, a 50/50, a Chinese Auction, beer, setup, and B.Y.O.B. For tickets contact the school office at (412) 884 – 5676. Purchase your tickets in advance and save a $1.00 per ticket. All proceeds will benefit Bishop McDowell Regional School.

 

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!

 

April Market Day Orders   All April Market Day order forms are due to the school office on Monday, April 7, 2008.  If you have access to the Internet you can place your own order. It’s easy! Go to Market Day.com for step by step instructions. Internet orders are due by noon on Thursday, April 10, 2008. Pick-up is scheduled for Wednesda y, April 16, 2008 from 6pm - 7pm in the Cafeteria of the school building. As always we are in need of volunteers to help on Market Day, consider giving 1or 2-hours. If you would like to volunteer or have any questions about Market Day 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.

 

Mother’s and Father’s Day Boutique   Get ready the Mother’s and Father’s Day Boutique is right around the corner. This year we will have a boutique open during the week of May 5^th – May 9^th. Students, parents and staff will have the chance to shop for those special gifts. The boutique will be similar to the Santa Shop. We will have a variety of items and prices to fit every budget. Gift wrapping will be available. A volunteer list will be sent home soon. As always we count on parent support to make this a success. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer contact Wendy Wrubleski at (412) 881 – 1688.

 

“Pompadours and Poodle Skirts” After School Rehearsal   All students participating in the spring musical “Pompadours and Poodle Skirts” will have one mandatory after school rehearsal on Monday, April 21, 2008 from 2:30pm until 4:30pm. This rehearsal will take place on the main floor of the Bishop McDowell Regional School building and will include all actors, actresses and dancers. Take time to prioritize this date on your calendar.

 

“Pompadours and Poodle Skirts” 2008 Spring Musical Evening Dress Rehearsal   On Wednesday evening, April 23, 2008 from 6pm - 9pm there will be a mandatory Dress Rehearsal at Seton LaSalle Catholic High School Auditorium for all members of the cast, dancers, and crew of “Pompadours and Poodle Skirts”. Please be on time for the Dress Rehearsal. There are many things that need to be accomplished in a short period of time. We appreciate your cooperation.

 

“Pompadours and Poodle Skirts” 2008 Spring Musical   The students of Bishop McDowell Regional School will be performing “Pompadours and Poodle Skirts” at 7pm in the Seton LaSalle Catholic High School Auditorium on Thursday, April 24, 2008.

 

Bishop McDowell Regional School Athletic Association’s “Night At The Races”   “Night at the Races” will be Saturday, April 5, 2008 at 6:00pm in the School Cafeteria. We will need your help to make this fundraiser a success! The success of this “FUNDRAISER” benefits our children in many ways. It supports the Athletic Program as it is today. It also provides necessary funds for the “Sports Banquet”. Please continue to show us your spirit by making this event a success for our children. Request for the Horse ownership deadline is due ASAP. There are still horses available at this time. Send your request for tickets ($10/ticket) to the school office. We are asking for a couple of scratch off lottery tickets and a bottle of liquor (basket of cheer) from each family whose child/children are involved in the Athletic Program. The Bishop McDowell Regional School Athletic Association thanks you in advance for your generosity.

 

Nestle Pure Life Go Play   If you or your family and friends drink any size bottles of Nestlé Pure Life bottled water or Nestlé Pure Life Natural Fruit Flavored Water Beverages, or Nestlé Pure Life Green Tea Refreshers, you can help our school earn points toward sports gear, gym equipment and other cool stuff. Simply collect the labels from the bottles and place them in the marked collection box at the entrance of the school.  Each label is worth 2 Go Play! points. The more labels our school collects the more points we earn towards rewards. If you would like to learn more about this great program for our school, visit www.goplaylabels.com or contact Judy Parente at 412 – 881 – 8478 for more information. Thanks for your support!

 

50/50 Easter Holiday Raffle Winner   Congratulations to Kathy DeFrancesco winner of the 50/50 Easter Holiday Raffle. The Bishop McDowell Regional School community sold a total of 676 tickets and the winner received $338.00. Thanks to everyone who participated in selling and Good Luck next time.

 

8^th Grade Retreat @ Seton La Salle Catholic High School   The students in 8^th grade will be attending a retreat at Seton La Salle Catholic High School on Tuesday, April 1, 2008 beginning at 9am. The students are required to wear the school uniform and bring a lunch. Seton La Salle will provide drinks and provide transportation as well. This retreat is a follow up to the sacrament of Confirmation all of our students have recently received. Discussion and reflection will focus on the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. Students will return before the 2:30pm dismissal. 

 

Seton La Salle Catholic High School Spring Musical “Barnum”   The Drama Department of Seton La Salle Catholic High School presents “Barnum” on Friday, April 4^th, Saturday, April 5^th, Friday, April 11^th and Saturday, April 12^th beginning each evening at 7:30pm in the school auditorium. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased at the door or call 412 – 561 – 3583 to make ticket reservations.