On-line Centralized Database in the Diocese of Pittsburgh   As you are aware, the Diocese of Pittsburgh is committed to providing a safe environment for everyone entrusted to our care.  The newly established Office for the Protection of Children and Young People is now preparing to take the next step in that continuing effort. In order to comply with the requirements of the USCCB’s Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, Bishop Bradley has approved the creation of an on-line centralized database in the diocese.  Anyone, including both paid and volunteer staff (parents, coaches, lunch volunteers, chaperones etc.) on the school level that have direct contact with minors (under 18 years old) will be mandated to complete an on-line application that will include a national criminal background check.  This application process began on Friday, June 1^st. It is mandated that if you plan on volunteering anytime with student programs in the school or field trips including the Sports Program & Lunch Program for the 2007 – 2008 academic year you MUST complete this on-line application ASAP. Information needed to complete this on-line application was attached with the June 1, 2007 parent newsletter. If you are in need of another copy of the directions just contact the school office. The fee is FREE if completed by Tuesday, July 31st. If the on-line application is not completed by July 31^st the school will incur a cost of $7 for each application completed after this date. The school computer lab is still available for anyone not having Internet service at their house or needing assistance. Just call to make arrangements. Every parent MUST fill out this application. The application process will only have to be done once and will take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. For the Protection of our Children and for our continued efforts to provide a safe environment for our children, take time to complete this application TODAY.

August School Office Hours The School Office will re-open the week of Monday, August 6, 2007 from 9am – 2pm. Beginning the week of Monday, August 20, 2007 the school office hours will be extended to Monday through Thursday from 7:30am – 3:30pm and Friday 7:30am - 3pm. These hours will continue throughout the remainder of the 2007 - 2008 academic year. In the meantime if you need to reach Mrs. Schumacher or Mr. Grgurich contact the school office at 412-884-5676 and leave a message on the voice mail system.

First 2 Days of the 2007 – 2008 Academic Year   Our official start of the 2007 - 2008 academic year will begin on Thursday, August 23, 2007 at 8am . There will be early dismissals at 12:15pm on Thursday, August 23, 2007 and Friday, August 24, 2007. Both half days will be casual dress (jeans, sweat pants, shorts of the appropriate length or Capri pants and gym shoes absolutely no short shorts). Also, any type of shirt (no sleeveless shirts/tank tops/crop tops/ tight fitting shirts, 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 of something you might wear would be considered inappropriate call the school office. Keep it simple. Reminder phone calls will be made to parents about inappropriate clothing. Our first full day of school will be on Monday, August 27, 2007 at that time students in grades 1 – 8 are expected to wear the regular school uniform unless otherwise noted.

No Snack Break Items for Sale   The school will not be providing or selling snack items during snack break for the first 2 half days of school (Thursday, August 23^rd or Friday, August 24^th). We are asking that each parent send in a small snack with their child on both days. Starting with our early dismissal/faculty meeting day on Friday, September 21^st we will begin selling snack items on each half day for the remainder of the 2007 – 2008 academic year. In advance thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Opening School Mass / Bishop McDowell Day   Our opening school Mass for the 2007 - 2008 academic year is scheduled for Friday, September 7, 2007 at 9am in the St. Albert the Great Church. Come and Celebrate with us as we begin a new academic year, and celebrate Bishop McDowell Day.

BACK TO SCHOOL COOK OUT  To celebrate the start of a new academic year - All Bishop McDowell Regional School students including preschool, faculty and their families are invited to a BACK TO SCHOOL COOK OUT. The Cookout will take place on the Bishop McDowell Regional School grounds on Thursday, August 23^rd from 6:30pm - 9:00pm. We are asking each family to bring there 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 Wednesday August 22^nd. We look forward to seeing you there!!

Kindergarten Orientation   On Thursday, August 23, 2007 at 9am in the Kindergarten Room on the main floor of the school building there will be an Orientation program for the parents of our students entering Kindergarten. Please make every effort to attend the orientation. Call the school office at (412) 884 – 5676 to RSVP on or before Wednesday, August 22, 2007. The Kindergarten students will have their official start to the 2007 – 2008 academic year on Monday, August 27, 2007.

Entertainment 2008 Book Fundraiser   Bishop McDowell Regional School is selling the Entertainment 2008 Book. We are accepting pre-orders right now along with your payment. The cost of each book is $20. If you are interested in reserving a book, stop by the school office to place an order. The books will be available beginning the week of Monday, August 13^th. As soon as you receive your book you may begin using the coupons. No need to wait until November. These books make great birthday presents, thank you gifts or even Christmas gifts. So, don’t delay get your order in now, we have a limited supply of books. See the attached order form.

2008 Enjoy Book   Bishop McDowell Regional School is selling the 2008 Enjoy Book for $25.00. The 2008 Enjoy Book will be available for purchase in the school office by mid-August. Call in your pre-order or stop by the school office and make your payment. 2007 – 2008 Lottery Calendar Fundraiser   Our annual $40 Lottery Calendars will be sent home with your child on Friday, August 24, 2007. The Lottery Calendar runs from October 1, 2007 thru September 30, 2008 with prizes each day. The winning number is based upon the evening drawing of the PA Daily Lottery. We ask that each family sell ten (10) calendars. If you have a favorite number or numbers that you would like to request call the school (412) 884-5676 by Friday, August 17, 2007. Our $40 Lottery Calendars have always been very successful as a fundraiser in past years and it is our goal that it will continue to be as successful this year. It is extremely important that you make every effort to do your part. In advance thank you for your continued support of Bishop McDowell Regional School and Catholic education.

Lottery Calendar Sorting   We are looking for school families to help sort the 2007 – 2008 Lottery Calendars on Saturday morning, August 18, 2007 at 10am in Room 206 on the main floor of the school building. If you are able to help with sorting call the school office at (412) 884 – 5676 by Friday, August 17^th or just show up Saturday morning. Remember to get the word out to your customers that we are ready to sell the 2007 – 2008 Lottery Calendars. We look forward to your help with sorting on August 18^th.

Bishop McDowell Regional School Calendar Party   The 6^th Annual Bishop McDowell Regional School Calendar Party will be held on Sunday, October 21, 2007 at the Wendel Inn. Come enjoy a relaxing, social afternoon with friends, good food, a super Chinese Auction, door prizes, a 50/50 raffle and great fun. Doors open at 12pm, lunch will be served at 1pm. Admission tickets are $12 per person. In order to host a table, to purchase tickets or for more information, contact the school office at (412) 884 – 5676.

Donations are Needed for the Calendar Party   We are looking for items to use as door prizes and Chinese Auction items. Donations can be monetary, gift certificates, home, kitchen or decorating items or anything else. Send donations via the school marked “Attn: Calendar Party” or contact the school office at (412) 884 – 5676. In addition, anyone interested in helping to obtain donations from local businesses, call the school office. Everyone’s help and participation in this fundraiser is needed and appreciated.

Market Day 2007 - 2008   Welcome Back! It’s the start of a new academic year and time to continue one of our most popular fundraisers, “Market Day”. All Market Day order forms are due to the school office on Wednesday, August 22, 2007. Internet orders are due on Thursday, August 30, 2007 by noon. Pick up is scheduled for Wednesday, September 5, 2007 from 6pm - 7pm in the Cafeteria of the school building. The Market Day program runs year round and requires a few hours of your time one Wednesday a month. As always we are in need of volunteers to help on Market Day, consider giving 1or 2-hours. If you would like to volunteer call the school office at (412) 884 - 5676.

Bishop McDowell Regional School “Craft Fair”   Bishop McDowell Regional School is sponsoring a Craft Fair on Saturday, October 6, 2007 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. See the attached flyer for more information.

Bishop McDowell Regional School Four Ball Scramble Golf Outing   On Saturday, September 29, 2007 Bishop McDowell Regional School is sponsoring a Four Ball Scramble 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 7am before the 7:30am 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 a hole or know of a business willing to sponsor a hole. All checks should be made payable to Bishop McDowell School. Continue to look for more details in future newsletters. In the meantime line up your teams, fill out the reservation form that is attached with the newsletter and return it to the school office with your payment by Friday, September 21, 2007. We look forward to seeing you at the outing! See the attached reservation form.

Catholic School Parents Memorandum of Understanding   The purpose of this memorandum issued by the Secretariat of Education from the Diocese of Pittsburgh is to remind all families enrolled at Bishop McDowell Regional School of the primary reason for our existence as a Catholic School in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Each family will be required to sign one form for each of your enrolled children. Copy this form as needed or extra copies will be available in the school office. Return this form to the school office by Friday, August 31, 2007

Family Survey Form   Bishop McDowell Regional School participates in several Federal Programs that provide your children with a variety of materials and services. This is one of the few ways in which your children receive benefits from your tax dollars. Review the enclosed survey and simply answer Yes or No to the questions. All information will be kept in confidence. Return the Survey Form to the school office by Friday, August 31, 2007.

Emergency Form, Internet Policy Form, Text Book Loan Form, and Photo Release Forms   Take time to read and fill out each form carefully. Return each of these forms to your child’s homeroom teacher by Friday, August 31, 2007.

Advisory Council Meeting   Our first Advisory Council Meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 13, 2007 at 7:30pm in the Bishop McDowell Regional School building, Room 206. Our Advisory Council meetings are open to the school & parish communities, all are welcome to attend.

2007 - 2008 Pastor Verification Forms   A reminder to all families that are not members of either St. Albert the Great or St. Wendelin Churches you must have a Pastor Verification Form signed by your Pastor in order to receive the Registered Member tuition rate. If you have not yet returned the completed 2007 - 2008 Pastor Verification form to the school office return it on or before the first day of school, Thursday, August 23^rd.

Sports Physician/Parent Release Form   Parents are reminded that all students participating in this year’s volleyball, bowling, cheerleading, hockey and basketball (grades 3 – 8) programs will need a completed Physician/Parent Release form prior to the start of their respective season. This form is attached with the newsletter. One completed form per student is required. Copy this form as needed or extra copies will be made available in the school office.

Bishop McDowell Regional School Athletic Association Executive Board Meeting   There will be a meeting of the Executive Board on Tuesday, August 14, 2007 at 7pm in the Bishop McDowell Regional School building in Room 206. Board members are expected to make this meeting a priority.

Bishop McDowell Regional School Summer Basketball Camp   A basketball camp will be conducted by the coaches of the Bishop McDowell Regional School basketball program for students going into Grades 2 – 8 beginning Monday, August 13, 2007 and continuing through Thursday, August 16, 2007. The camp will be held from 6pm – 8pm each evening on the Bishop McDowell Regional School parking lot. No pre-registration is necessary, however the Enrollment and Permission Form included with the newsletter will need to be signed by a parent or guardian prior to your child’s participation. This form will also be available at the camp. Your child is asked to bring a basketball and water bottle each evening. If you have any questions, contact Anthony Parente, Athletic Director at (412) 881 – 8478.

2007 - 2008 Bishop McDowell Regional School Sports Registration   Attention to all parents/students, it’s that time again, time to sign up and become a member of the Bishop McDowell Regional School Athletic Program. The programs available for the 2007 - 2008 academic year are: Volleyball, Deck Hockey Basketball, Bowling, and Cheerleading. If you are interested in joining our sports program this year, a Sports Registration meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, September 4, 2007 at 7pm on the main floor of the Bishop McDowell Regional School building. Junior Sports (Grades K – 3) sign-ups will be later in the year.

Bishop McDowell Regional School Spirit Wear   Once again Bishop McDowell Regional School is having a Spirit Wear Sale. If you are interested in purchasing any items refer to the attached order form with this newsletter. All orders are due by Friday, September 7, 2007. For further information contact or leave a voice message for Mrs. Schumacher in the school office at (412) 884 - 5676.

2007 – 2008 School Uniform Dress Code   For the 2007 – 2008 academic year there has been one change to the uniform dress code the Uniform Skirt has been eliminated as an option for the girls in Grades 5 – 8. Also, just a few reminders the color navy blue is still the only color option for the walking shorts or pants and once again gym shoes are permitted to be worn with the walking shorts or pants through the months of August, September, May and June. The girls in Grades 1 – 8 are permitted to wear the uniform culottes throughout the academic year. If you have any questions, you may contact Mr. Grgurich in the school office. The school uniform dress code begins on Monday, August 27, 2007.

2007 - 2008 Gym Uniform Shorts Dress Code Policy   Students in Grades 1 – 8 will be permitted to wear the gym uniform shorts through the months of September and October. Parents take time to see that your child's gym uniform shorts are in good repair and the proper length. A phone call will be made home or to work to ask for a change of gym uniform clothing if the gym uniform policy is not strictly followed.

Marketing and Communications Committee Meeting   The Marketing and Communications Committee will meet on Tuesday, August 7, 2007 to begin reviewing the Marketing and Communications Plan from the 2006 - 2007 academic year. During this meeting we will take a look at our current situation and continue to review our marketing plan for the school. Once again our plan will continue to include three areas of marketing: advertising, public relations and promotions. When we have completed our meetings over the next couple of months: our plan will establish goals for marketing the school for the 2007 - 2008 academic year along with a formal presentation that will be made at a future Advisory Council meeting. A few marketing activities to begin the academic year will include the formal presentation of the 2007 – 2008 Marketing and Communication plan, Bishop McDowell Day set for Friday, September 7, 2007 and publicizing the 2007 Punt, Pass and Kick event. As a committee we are very excited about the endless possibilities of marketing our school for the 2007 – 2008 academic year.

We Need YOU! New Technology Committee Members   The Technology Committee is in need of new committee members. Our present meetings are mostly working meetings which consist of general maintenance procedures on each computer station & troubleshooting. Also this year we need to update our technology plan. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Technology Committee, send a note, email or leave a voice message for Mr. Grgurich. We look forward to hearing from you.

Bishop McDowell Regional School Afterschool Program   The Bishop McDowell Regional School Afterschool Program is still in need of a new coordinator for the 2007 – 2008 academic year. If you are interested in this position contact Mr. Grgurich. The Afterschool hours are 2:30pm – 6pm. All interested inquiries must have Act 34, 151, the FBI fingerprint check, Protecting God’s Children and the Pastoral Code of Conduct.

Afterschool Care   Once again Bishop McDowell Regional School will offer the Afterschool Care to students in Grades K - 8. Our rates for Afterschool Care will stay the same for the 2007 – 2008 academic year. The rates are as follows, $6 per child per hour, the second child in the same family is $4 per hour. The hours for Afterschool Care are from 2:30pm – 6:30pm. The first day for Afterschool Care will begin on Monday, August 27, 2007. Any child in grades K - 8 needing this service should contact the school office at (412) 884 - 5676 in advance. Anyone still considering Afterschool Care after this date can contact the school office on an as needed basis throughout the 2007 - 2008 academic year.

Bishop McDowell Regional School Float & Parades   Many thanks to the school families who volunteered their time in order to create our fabulous Butterfly Garden float for the Baldwin Community Day Parade held on Saturday, June 2, 2007 and the Brentwood 4^th of July Parade. The whole experience of creating the float and participating in both parades was a lot of fun. It goes without saying that we owe a huge THANK YOU to Gail and Mike Facchiano for their leadership in helping us to create a float representative of our school and lending us their trailer. Also I must thank all of the school families who either helped to decorate the float, participate in the parades and donate candy or materials We look forward to doing this again next year. Thank you to all for helping to keep Bishop McDowell Regional School visible in the communities of Baldwin, Brentwood and Carrick. You made us very proud!

School Breakfast Program   The Bishop McDowell Regional School Breakfast Program will begin on Monday, August 27, 2007. The cost of the program will continue to be the same price .75¢per breakfast. The breakfast will include milk, toast and your choice of Poptarts or cereal.

Pizza Hut/Spartan Pizza and Ches Anthony School Hot Lunch Program   The Bishop McDowell Regional School Hot Lunch Program will begin on Tuesday, September 4, 2007 with the Ches Anthony program. The first Pizza lunch day will be on Monday, September 10, 2007. The cost of the lunch program will continue to be the same price, $2.85 per lunch. A weeks worth of lunches will cost $14.25. We will continue with the snack bar program with the usual menu. In the meantime all students in grades K – 8 will have to Brown Bag their lunch for the first full week of school, Monday, August 27, 2007 – Friday, August 31, 2007 and may purchase Milk for .40¢ or Iced Tea .75¢.We look forward to your continued support of the lunch and snack bar programs.

Bishop McDowell Regional School Brick Campaign Bishop McDowell Regional School continues to accept brick donations for the school’s Brick Campaign. This campaign is designed to establish a Tuition Assistance program for the school and provide a lasting legacy in our Butterfly Garden. Your purchase of a brick will help pave an educational pathway for our students in our school while providing a permanent enhancement to the Butterfly Garden. The cost of a 4 x 8 red brick is $50 4 lines/21 characters/line, 8 x 8 red brick is $100 8 lines/21 characters/line and a 12x12 alfages red is $200 12 lines/25 characters/line. The bricks will eventually form a walkway to and from the Butterfly Garden. Presently we have sold 20 bricks. In order to begin this enhancement to the Butterfly Garden we need to sell 9 more bricks. If you would like to purchase a brick go to the school’s website and click on the link Brick Campaign Donor Site. These engraved bricks can represent many things from graduating classes to a remembrance of a loved one. Help us to complete this first phase of the brick campaign by making your purchase soon.

Junior Achievement Impact Award   CONGRATULATIONS to the Bishop McDowell Regional School community for receiving an award on Thursday, June 14, 2007 from Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania. At the Annual Junior Achievement meeting held at the Sheraton Inn Station Square, Bishop McDowell Regional School was presented with the Impact Award. The Impact Award is given to recognize organizations and schools who provide six or more volunteers for their Junior Achievement programs To receive this award is quite prestigious and a high honor from Junior Achievement. Once again congratulations to our school community as a whole and in particular to our volunteers who make this program a huge success every year. I look forward to continuing the program in full again this coming academic year. If you are interested in presenting lessons to any grade level call the school office with you name, phone number and the grade level you would like to teach.

St. Wendelin Church Festival   Beginning on Wednesday, August 8, 2007 and continuing each evening through Saturday, August 11, 2007 St. Wendelin Church will hold its annual Festival from 7pm - 11pm each night. Activities will include: the Flea Market, BINGO, Reinhardt Amusements, nightly dinners from 5pm – 7pm that include: Ham Dinner Wednesday evening, Fish Fry Thursday evening, BBQ Chicken and Pulled Pork Sandwiches Dinner Friday evening & Italian Dinner Saturday evening, games of chance, a chance to win a 37” Digital Wide and Flat Screen TV, Food Booth (pizza, soft pretzels, churros, and more) sponsored by Bishop McDowell Regional School, Classic Car Show Friday evening in the Parish Center Parking Lot along with the Sweet Treat Patrol from WJAS Radio 7pm – 9pm, Rocky DJ will entertain nightly and coordinate a dance contest on Saturday evening. The Newman Chiropractic Center will available nightly for health screenings. Also, we are still looking for VOLUNTEERS each evening to help work a booth, work the BINGO, work a dinner, work the Chinese auction or do various other duties. What a great way to do service for your Church and Bishop McDowell Regional School. If you are interested in volunteering or need more information about the festival contact the St. Wendelin Parish Center at (412) 882 – 1480 or Cindy Schumacher (412) 882-7806.