Parent Newsletter

Friday, April 18, 2008

 

No School for Grades PreK – 8, Primary Election   The students in Grades PreK – 8 will have the day off on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 due to Bishop McDowell Regional School being used as a polling place for the Primary Election. School resumes on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 8am.

 

Early Dismissal / Faculty Meeting/ Snack Break/ Dress Down Day   There will be an early dismissal on Friday, April 25, 2008 at 12:15pm in order for the faculty to have a meeting and professional development in-service. Also, we will follow our early dismissal snack procedure with snacks being sold by the HOPE Team Members in the school cafeteria beginning at 10:25am. The items being sold are not mandatory to buy; you always have the option of sending in a snack with your child(ren). $1.50 should be more than enough money to purchase a snack and drink. Students will have a casual dress down for the early dismissal. Casual means: jeans (no ripped jeans), sweatpants, sweatshirts, t-shirts, and gym shoes (NO shorts or Capri pants). Any shirt (absolutely NO sleeveless shirts/tank tops/crop tops/ HOODED SHIRTS/SWEATSHIRTS/etc.) may be worn with exception to inappropriate decals, sayings or symbols that go against the Catholic nature of our school. As always Mr. Grgurich reserves the right to deem what is inappropriate. If you are not sure of something you might wear would be considered inappropriate call the school office for clarification.

 

“Pompadours and Poodle Skirts” 2008 Spring Musical Dress Rehearsal   On Wednesday, 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, chorus 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. Be ready to enjoy the fabulous fifties with this musical. We have a variety of personalities to look for. Curtis Jackson, a rock n’ roll star, pays a visit to the community of Victor. A greasy motorcycle gang kidnaps Alex, the all-star football hero. Other characters include Tillie Thompson, the dense waitress, Wilbur and Bertha, an awkward couple, who find love in the stars and many more. Of course, our dancers will be dancing to rock n’ roll songs of the fifties. Come and enjoy the evening to see what happens to our football star. The cost of admission will be $1 for students, $2 for adults and $5 for a family. Also, there will be a 50/50 drawing along with a refreshment table available for purchases before the start of the musical and at intermission. Also, make sure to come early so you won’t miss out on the premier of our 2007 – 2008 Year in Review. The students of Bishop McDowell Regional School look forward to seeing you at their performance and guarantee an enjoyable evening.

 

School Musical Refreshment Table   The School Musical “Pompadours and Poodle Skirts” is scheduled for Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 7pm in the Seton LaSalle High Catholic School Auditorium. The Bishop McDowell Regional School Activities Committee is sponsoring a refreshment table for the evening performance. To cut down on the cost of the refreshments: we are asking families to donate either pop or cookies. Your refreshment donation will depend on what grade your child is in. If you have children in the primary grades as well as upper grades then you make the decision as to what you would like to donate.

Grades K – 4 Pop (2 liter bottles) or Juice Bags/Box and Grades 5 - 8 (Cookies or Chips/Snacks).

 

2007 – 2008 Uniform Shorts Dress Code & Policy   Starting on Monday, April 21, 2008 the students in Grades 1 - 8 will be permitted to wear the uniform shorts and gym shoes 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 should have any questions about this policy call the school office and ask to speak with Mr. Grgurich. Thank you for your cooperation in helping to finish the academic year on a positive and upbeat note.

 

2008 – 2009 Registration & Re-registration   All information regarding registration and re-registration for grades K – 8 was sent in the mail on Friday, March 7, 2008. It is very important that you take time to look over and complete all registration or re-registration forms. Make note the registration fee has increased to $100.00 for the 2008 – 2009 school year. Registration will not be considered complete until the registration fee is received.

 

2008 – 2009 Registration Incentive   Those families that have turned in their registration 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. Remember until your registration is received 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. Reminder registration will not be considered complete until the $100.00 registration fee is received.

 

Families not returning for the 2008 – 2009 academic year   Any family not returning for the 2008 – 2009 academic year must notify the school office in writing in order for your child(ren) to receive the same privilege to dress down every Monday and Friday in May along with dressing down for the entire week of Monday, June 2^nd – Thursday, June 5^th. If you do not state your intentions in writing then your child is expected to wear the regular school uniform every Monday and Friday in the month of May and the entire week of June 2^nd - 5^th until your written notification is received. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

 

3 & 4 year old Preschool Registration & Re-registration   On Thursday, March 27, 2008 Bishop McDowell Regional School kicked off its 3 & 4 year old Preschool registration & re-registration for the 2008 – 2009 academic year. If you know of anyone interested in our 3 or 4 year old Preschool program get the word out that we are taking new registrations and would be very interested in talking to them about our program.

 

NCEA Assessment of Catechesis Religious Education (ACRE) Assessment Program   The students in Grades 5 & 8 will be taking the ACRE Assessment on Monday, April 21, 2008. The assessment will test the knowledge of each student in the areas of Religious Knowledge, Personal Beliefs, Attitudes, Practices, and Perceptions.

 

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 the 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 form is attached with today’s newsletter. 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.

 

Muffins with Mom   On Wednesday, May 7, 2008 on the main floor of the school building from 7am - 8am Bishop McDowell Regional School is sponsoring Muffins with Mom in honor of Mother’s Day. A reminder to all parents that due to the Muffins with Mom event the School Breakfast Program will not be offered on the morning of Wednesday, May 7, 2008.

 

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 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!

 

Amateur Night 2008   Amateur Night 2008 will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 7pm in the School Cafeteria. If your child is interested in performing return the participation form by Friday, May 2, 2008. If you misplace your participation form call the school office for another form. Also, there will be a full dress rehearsal on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 during school. At that time all aspects of the student’s performance will determine appropriate or inappropriate by the Activities Committee. Take time now to get your act together and we look forward to seeing your act performed at Amateur Night.

 

May Market Day Orders   All May Market Day order forms are due to the school office on or before Monday, May 5, 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, May 8, 2008. Pick-up is scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, 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.

 

Home Interiors Spring Candle Sale   On Tuesday, April 8, 2008 Bishop McDowell Regional School began sponsoring a Home Interiors Candle Sale. All orders and money are due on Friday, April 25, 2008. Make all checks payable to: Bishop McDowell School. Incentives for selling include: a pizza party to the classroom that sells the most and the top two student sellers each win a $25 gift card to Toy R Us. Good Luck!

 

May Monthly Lottery Tickets   On Monday, April 7, 2008 the May Monthly Lottery Tickets were sent home in your child’s bookbag.  We ask that each family try to sell at least (10) tickets each month. The cost is $5 per ticket and is based on the evening drawing of the 3-digit number. Once again this fundraiser has proven to be a great source of income for the school. We have the potential to make over $2,000.00 a month if all the tickets are sold. Just a reminder if you are able to sell more than (10) tickets, contact Judy Parente at (412) 881 - 8478 and she will send you additional tickets. All ticket stubs and money are due back to Judy by Wednesday, April 30, 2008 including unsold tickets. This is the last month for the monthly lottery tickets.

 

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. Thank you for your support!

 

Catholic Charities Women’s Need Program   In conjunction with St. Wendelin Church and the St. Wendelin CCD Program, Bishop McDowell Regional School will participate in the Catholic Charities Women’s Need Program by collecting diapers, baby wipes, formula and other essential items. This collection begins today Friday, April 4, 2008 and concludes on Thursday, May 1, 2008. Items can be dropped off in the school office, in the back of the St. Wendelin Church or at the St. Wendelin Parish Center. Let’s make a great effort to collect as many items as we can during this month of April.

 

Athletic Uniform Return   The Bishop McDowell Regional School Athletic Association is requesting that all basketball uniforms shorts be returned to the School Office by Friday, May 2^nd. Please place your clean uniform(s) in a plastic bag with your child’s name attached to the bag. In the meantime we look forward to seeing you at the Athletic Banquet scheduled for Sunday, May 4, 2008 in the School Cafeteria beginning at 3pm.

 

Battle of the “Rock Band” Competition   continue to look for more information in future newsletters. The date is set for Saturday, May 31, 2008 in the St. Wendelin Parish Center & CCD Building beginning at 9am. In the meantime get your band together for the competition.

 

First Holy Communion   The students from Bishop McDowell Regional School that belong to St. Albert the Great Church will be receiving their First Holy Communion on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 1:30pm as a group with the students from the St. Albert the Great CCD program and the students from Bishop McDowell Regional School that belong to St. Wendelin Church will be receiving their First Holy Communion over the next several weekends at either the Saturday 4pm Mass or Sunday 11am Mass. Congratulations to all of our 2^nd grade students!

 

National City 2008 African American History Contest   Congratulations to Madison Wrubleski, a 7^th grade student, for winning first place in the Poetry category, ages 10 – 13, of the National City 2008 African American History Contest. To honor her achievement, Madison will be recognized at an awards ceremony on Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at the Carnegie Science Center.