Parent Newsletter

Friday, May 16, 2008

 

3 year old Preschool End of the Year Program   The 3 year old Preschool students will have their end of the year program on Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 10:00am on the main floor of the Bishop McDowell Regional School building. Following the ceremony there will be a cookie and punch reception. Thanks Mrs. Naylor and Mrs. Moeslein for a great year. Have a nice summer and we look forward to seeing you back in the fall!

 

 4 year old Preschool End of the Year Program / Graduation Program   The 4 year old Preschool students will have their end of the year graduation program on Friday, May 23, 2008 at 10:00am on the main floor of the Bishop McDowell Regional School building. Following the ceremony there will be a cookie and punch reception. Thanks Mrs. Naylor and Mrs. Moeslein for a great year. We look forward to seeing our graduating 4 year olds in our Kindergarten program this fall. Have a terrific summer vacation!

 

Date Change!!! Last Multiple Intelligence Activity Period   On Monday, May 19, 2008 the Bishop McDowell Regional School students in Grades K – 8 will participate in the final multiple intelligence activity period of the year. This activity period will focus on the Interpersonal Intelligence which is concerned with the capacity to understand the intentions, motivations and desires of other people. It allows people to work effectively with others. Educators, salespeople, religious and political leaders and counselors all need a well-developed interpersonal intelligence. The students in grades K – 8 should dress down on Monday, May 19, 2008 in comfortable clothing (jeans, sweatpants, shorts (no short shorts or ripped shorts/jeans), Capri pants and gym shoes (no sandals/open toe shoes) along with wearing the Gray Bishop McDowell Spirit T-shirt.

 

Surprise! Surprise! Last Day of School   The last day of school for the 2007 - 2008 academic year is scheduled for Wednesday, June 4, 2008. The day will consist of the students in Grades 1 - 7 receiving their final report card of the year, saying their goodbyes and being dismissed at 10am. Bus transportation will be provided for all bus riders. If you have not re-registered for the 2008 - 2009 academic year do so ASAP.

 

Early Dismissal / Faculty Meeting   The students in Grades K - 7 will have an early dismissal on Friday, May 23, 2008 at 12:15pm. This will be a casual dress down day (jeans, sweat pants, Capri’s, shorts of the appropriate length, and gym shoes). Any type of long or short sleeve shirt (absolutely no sleeveless shirts/tank tops/crop tops/ etc.) may be worn with exception to decals, sayings or symbols that go against the Catholic nature of our school. As always Mr. Grgurich reserves the right to deem what is appropriate and what is not. If you are not sure if something you might wear would be considered inappropriate call the school office. Keep it simple. Reminder phone calls will be made to parents for inappropriate clothing.

 

Early Dismissal Snack Break   On Friday, May 23, 2008 the students in Grades K – 7 will participate in the regular HOPE Team snack break procedure at 10:25am. As always you are not required to participate, if you do $1.50 should be more than enough money to purchase a snack and drink.

 

6^th & 7^th Grade “Science Fair”   The 6th and 7th grade students will have their annual Science Fair on Wednesday, May 28, 2008. Their projects will be on display on the main floor of the Bishop McDowell Regional School building from 7pm – 8pm. We look forward to seeing you there.

 

8th Grade Cedar Point Field Trip   Our 8th Grade students will be going on their final field trip as Bishop McDowell Regional School students on Thursday, May 22, 2008.  The 8^th grade Class of 2008 will go to the Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio.  Enjoy, Be Safe and Have A Great Time!

 

Tobacco Prevention Program Grades 4 – 8   On Tuesday, May 27, 2008, Jamie Moder from the Allegheny Intermediate Unit will return to conduct another Tobacco Prevention presentation. This time she will bring aging software. This software has the ability to simulate how a person may age from tobacco use.

 

1^st, 2^nd & 3^rd Grade Eastman Chemical Field Trip   Mrs. Dern and Mrs. DeFrancesco along with the 1^st, 2^nd, & 3^rd grade students have planned a field trip to Eastman Chemical for Wednesday, May 21, 2008. The group will leave Bishop McDowell Regional School at 9am and return in time for dismissal at 2:30pm. The 1^st, 2^nd, & 3^rd grade students are required to wear a long sleeve shirt and long pants. Snack and Lunch will be provided. It sounds like the students are in for a great day of learning and exploration.

 

4^th & 5^th Grade Field Trip   Ms. Wolfe & Mrs. Mitchell along with the 4^th & 5^th grade students have planned a field trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium for Thursday, May 22, 2008.  The 4^th & 5^th grade students will leave Bishop McDowell Regional School at approximately 9am and return in time for dismissal at 2:30pm. Students will need to pack a brown-bag lunch. Sounds like a fun-filled day of activity.

 

6^th & 7^th Grade Field Trip   Mrs. Mazzocco along with the 6^th & 7^th grade students have planned a field trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium for Monday, June 2, 2008. The 6^th & 7^th grade students will leave Bishop McDowell Regional School at approximately 9am and return in time for dismissal at 2:30pm. Students will need to pack a brown-bag lunch. Have a Great Day.

 

Kindergarten Graduation/End of the Year Program   The students in Kindergarten will have their graduation/end of the year program on Monday, June 2, 2008 at 10am on the main floor of the Bishop McDowell Regional School building. Thank you to Mrs. Kuhn for preparing her students for this special day. Following the program there will be a cookie and punch reception. Congratulations to our Kindergarten students for having a successful first year of school and good luck next year!

 

8th Grade Graduation   The students in 8th Grade will be graduating on Monday, June 2, 2008 at 7pm in the St. Wendelin Church. Following the Graduation Ceremony there will be a reception in the St. Wendelin Parish Center. Thank you to the parents of our 8^th grade Graduates for your commitment to Catholic education and Good Luck next year to our Graduates.

 

Baldwin Library Summer Reading Program Assembly   On Monday, June 2, 2008 beginning at 9am the students in Grades K - 5 will be attending an assembly about the Baldwin Library Summer Reading program. Gina Leone, the Baldwin Library Children’s Service and Program Coordinator, will talk to our students about the importance of reading during the summer months and present the summer reading program the Baldwin library will offer throughout the summer. It should be a great opportunity to get our students in Grades K – 5 excited about reading during their summer vacation.

 

Kennywood Ride-All-Day Passes   If you missed the Kennywood Ride-All-Day Passes ticket sale on Wednesday, May 14, 2007 you may still purchase Ride-All-Day passes at $19 each in the school office until Thursday, June 12, 2008 for your convenience, (Cash only). Reminder the school picnic is scheduled for Saturday, June 14^th. No personal checks will be accepted.

 

Faculty Luncheon Thank You   The administration, faculty and staff are very grateful to the Activities Committee and the parents of Bishop McDowell Regional School for the delicious luncheon that was put on in honor of our faculty on Friday, May 9^th. We enjoyed the food, the extra class time off to eat and the relaxing atmosphere. We love our gift, flower baskets. Thank you!

 

June Market Day Orders / New Coordinator   All June Market Day order forms are due to the school office on Monday, June 2, 2008.  Internet orders are due by noon on Thursday, June 5, 2008. Pick-up is scheduled for Wednesday, June 11, 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. We are presently looking for a parent(s) to take over as Market Day coordinator(s) for the 2008 – 2009 academic year, if you are interested contact Mr. Grgurich at (412) 884 – 5676.

 

Instrumental Band Concert   Our Instrumental Band program, under the direction of Mr. Jeffrey Schmidt, will have their Spring Concert on Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 7pm on the main floor of the school building. Our Instrumental Band students performing will be: Nina Baker, Alexia Facchiano, Giavanna Facchiano, Amanda Henning, Raeleen Kwiatkowski, Zacharey McGuire, Samantha Stangl, Madison Gallucci, Jena Grgurich, Michael Mankos, and Nicholas Rubenstein. Come out and support our Instrumental Band program for an enjoyable evening of music.

 

Mother and Fathers Day Boutique Thank You   The Mother and Father’s Day Boutique was a success. Thank you so much to the following volunteers Lori Lydon, Lori McCann, Brenda Schneider, Laurie Robison, Donna Dziadyk, Carol Hodermarsky, Jane Kosco, Erin Brown, Madison Wrubleski, Megan Mient and Kenny Wrubleski for all their hard work, support and wonderful gift wrapping skills. Thank you also to the parents who donated wrapping paper, bags, ribbon and tape. A special thank you goes to Wendy Wrubleski for organizing and running our Mothers and Fathers Day Boutique. We hope everyone had fun and we look forward to next year’s boutique.

 

3 & 4 year old Preschool Registration   Bishop McDowell Regional School is presently accepting registrations for our 3 & 4 year old Preschool program for the 2008 – 2009 academic year. At this time we have (5) 3 year olds and (15) 4 year olds registered for the 2008 – 2009 academic year. If you would like to learn more about the program contact the school office at (412) 884 – 5676 and ask to speak with Mr. Grgurich.

 

End of the Year Cook Out   To conclude the 2007 - 2008 school year - All Bishop McDowell Regional School students, faculty and their families are invited to an End of the Year Cookout. The Cookout will take place on the school grounds on Tuesday, June 3^rd from 6:30pm - 9:00pm. We are asking each family to bring their favorite side dish or desert to share with everyone. We will provide the beverages, hamburgers and hotdogs. RSVP by calling the school office on or before Monday June 2^nd. We look forward to seeing you there!!

 

Bedners Nursery Spring Flower Sale Pick-up   Bishop McDowell Regional School spring Flower Sale pick up is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2008 after school. Don’t forget to pick-up your order.

 

Fuzzy’s Hoagie Sale   Bishop McDowell Regional School is sponsoring a Fuzzy’s Hoagie Sale. All Hoagie Master Order forms are due Tuesday, May 20, 2008. Pick up is scheduled for Thursday, May 29, 2008 after school. Your help in participating in this fundraiser is greatly appreciated. Call the school office at 412 - 884 - 5676 for additional order form if needed

 

Field Day 2008 Volunteers   Field Day is scheduled for Wednesday, May 28^th with a Rain Date scheduled for Thursday, May 29^th. At this time we are looking for parent volunteers to help direct our field day stations. Presently we only have 6 volunteers. In order for the day to run smoothly we need at least 10 more volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering fill out a Field Day volunteer form and return it to the school office. As always we appreciate your involvement in helping to make Field Day a huge success!

 

Bishop McDowell Regional School Preschool/Kindergarten Rainbows and Butterflies Story Hour   On Wednesday, May 21^st 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. This will be the final story hour for the 2007 – 2008 academic year. Mrs. Dern and the administration of Bishop McDowell Regional School would like to thank you for coming to our story hour, we hope the children enjoyed spending time listening to the stories along with participating in the related story activities. We invite you to come back next school year and look forward to seeing you beginning on Wednesday, September 17, 2008.

 

Rock Band Competition   We could use help planning and running the Rock Band Competition. We need help with the following areas: plan and run the concession stand, registration, door, collecting items for one large Chinese auction item, being a judge and help with setting up the equipment and lining up the contestants. Without parent involvement we will not be able to have this fun day for the kids. The Reverb Communications Company is providing us with one Rock Band unit for us to use that day, we would hate to send it back unused. Please contact Karen Cook at 412-885-0646, 412-445-6258 or karendavid12@aol.com, ASAP.

 

Genesis of Pittsburgh Collection   Genesis of Pittsburgh is a pro-life service organization that offers practical help for woman facing unplanned pregnancies. Tutoring, baby clothing and equipment, counseling, emergency housing and adoption referrals are just a few of the many free services provided to women of all ages. Genesis is a volunteer group that does not make a profit. The students of our school have been asked to help with the yearly Genesis Tag Day at St. Wendelin Church. Students and/or families are needed to offer rose appliqués in return for donations. The collection will take place after the Saturday, May 17^th 4pm Mass and after the 8:30am and 11am Masses on Sunday, May 18^th. Contact Mrs. Dern by calling the school office at (412) 884 – 5676 for more information or to volunteer. This is a wonderful way to show honor to our Blessed Mother and all mothers in the month of May.

 

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!

 

4^th, 5^th & 6^th Grade 2008 English Festival   On Friday, May 23, 2008 the following 4^th, 5^th and 6^th grade students: (Team#1) Stephanie Bott, Madison Gallucci, Jena Grgurich, Shannon Redding, and Elise Zielinski, (Team #2) John Cottle-Stone, Steven Dziadyk, Antonio Parente, and Samantha Stangl will participate in the 2008 English Festival at Seton LaSalle Catholic High School. The day will be one of learning and fun, with our students competing against students from other Catholic and public schools. The 4^th, 5^th and 6^th grade classes have prepared for this competition by reading four novels, and have reviewed these materials in their Reading & Language Arts classes along with doing a variety of activities to improve their knowledge of these books. Thank you Ms. Wolfe and Ms. Devlin for all your preparation time spent in the classroom. Good luck to our Teams!

 

Diocese of Pittsburgh Spelling Bee Results   Sixth year student, Zacharey McGuire represented Bishop McDowell Regional School at the Diocese of Pittsburgh Spelling Bee on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at St. Paul’s Seminary. Zacharey made it to the 4^th round. Way to Go Zacharey!