Parent Newsletter

Friday, August 31, 2007

 

Opening School Mass   Our Opening School Mass for the 2007 - 2008 academic year is on Friday, September 7, 2007 at 9am in the St. Albert the Great Church. The 8^th Grade students will minister at our opening Mass. Come and Celebrate with us as we begin a new academic year. Bishop McDowell will celebrate Mass with us.

 

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 $7 for each application completed to be paid by the school. The school computer lab is 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.

 

2007 Bishop McDowell Day   The administration, faculty, students and parents will celebrate Bishop McDowell Day on Friday, September 7, 2007. The day will begin with mass in the St. Albert the Great Church at 9am. Bishop McDowell will be in attendance and provide the Homily. The day will continue with a Laser Light Assembly at 10:45am. Beginning after lunch the Activities Committee has organized a Safety Day with the resourcefulness of Steve Wilharm from the Allegheny County Department of Emergency Services and school parent. Some activities included for the afternoon are the county 911 van that teaches children the correct way to use the 911 system; the Command post used for big events such as large structure fires, natural and man made disasters, the County Fire Marshals Office is schedule to bring Coal an arson detection dog, the County Police school safety program in conjunction with AAA is bringing the talking car for seatbelt safety and lastly Bear a heavily armored vehicle which is used for bomb and SWAT are all confirmed. Also, included with the Safety Day of events will be an opportunity for the students to wet their whistle with the ever popular Rita’s Italian Ice. What a great way to kick-off the 2007 – 2008 academic year. The students in grades K – 8 will be permitted to wear their gym uniform for the day or they are expected to be in their school uniform. These are the only 2 choices.

 

Advisory Council Meeting   The Advisory Council will meet on Monday, September 10, 2007 at 7:30pm in Meeting Room 206 on the main floor of the Bishop McDowell Regional School building. All are welcome to attend.

 

2007 – 2008 Curriculum Night   On Thursday, September 6, 2007 Bishop McDowell Regional School will hold Curriculum Night for parents who have enrolled their child(ren) in our K – 8 program. All parents of students in Grades K - 8 will meet at 7pm on the main floor of the school building for a brief presentation about the new academic year along with faculty introductions. After the presentation the faculty will hold individual classroom sessions for the parents. These sessions are an opportunity to listen to the explanation and general overview of the curriculum your child(ren) will be learning this year. Also, this evening gives each faculty member an opportunity to explain your child’s schedule, their own homework policy, and classroom expectations. Mark your calendar now and remember this is the first step in establishing an open line of communication with your child or children’s teachers and having a successful academic year. We look forward to seeing you.

 

Last Call for all 2007 - 2008 School Forms   Reminder to all parents/guardians that all School Forms should have already been turned into the school office, if you have not completed these forms yet take time this weekend to sign and return them by Tuesday, September 4, 2007. (Memorandum of Understanding, Photo Release, Family Survey, Loan of Text Book, Emergency Information Sheet, School Directory, Volunteering for various school activities and Request for Administration of Medication *on an as needed basis*.)

 

Morning Breakfast Program    Each day your child can purchase breakfast for .75¢. Breakfast includes milk & toast along with your choice of Cereal or Poptarts. Begin your child’s day with a nutritious breakfast and begin yours with peace of mind.

 

Hot Lunch Program begins Tuesday, Sept. 4th   The Hot Lunch Program begins on Tuesday, September 4, 2007 and will be served 5 days a week, 4 days (Tuesday – Friday) by Ches Anthony and 1 day (Monday) by Pizza Hut / Spartan Pizza beginning on Tuesday, September 4, 2007 for $2.85. This includes your choice of milk. As usual if you Brown Bag and would like to purchase milk or iced tea you may purchase Milk for .40¢ or Iced Tea for .75¢. Purchasing lunch for the week will cost $14.25. Please pay by the week and make all checks payable to Bishop McDowell School.

 

School Value for the 2007 - 2008 Academic Year   Every academic year each Catholic School chooses a gospel value to work on as a school. This year Bishop McDowell Regional School has chosen Faith. Throughout the 2007 – 2008 academic year we will focus on the gospel value of faith through our liturgies and prayer services along with our continued efforts in the area of service, both locally and globally. The main bulletin board on the third floor of the school building will relate to the gospel value of faith each month. Also, the 8^th Grade HOPE Team is working on providing a number of service projects for the entire school community to work on throughout the year. Look for details in future newsletters.

 

Car Rider Notes   It is important that parents send in notes stating that your child will be a car rider for the day, week, month or year. This helps us greatly during dismissal time and causes less confusion. Send this note to your child’s homeroom teacher and the school office will receive it in the morning attendance folder. Also, last minute calls to the office at the end of the day can sometimes cause confusion or even be forgotten. Things do tend to get busy at that time of the day. Remember to write a note and by following this policy it will help to make dismissal run smoothly. Thank you for your cooperation and continued support of Bishop McDowell Regional School

 

September Market Day Pick-up   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.

2008 Entertainment Book Fundraiser   Bishop McDowell Regional School is selling the 2008 Entertainment Book. We are accepting pre-orders right now along with your payment. The cost of each book is $20. If you are interested in purchasing a book, stop by the school office. 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.

 

2008 Enjoy Book   Bishop McDowell Regional School is selling the 2008 Enjoy Book for $25.00. The 2008 Enjoy Book are available for purchase in the school office stop by the school office and pick up your copy.

 

Protecting God’s Children Workshops   St. Wendelin Parish will be hosting two Protecting God’s Children Workshops. The first workshop will be held on Tuesday, September 4, 2007 at 6:30pm and the second workshop will be held on Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at 1pm. Both workshops will be held in the St. Wendelin Parish Center. Any parent that wants to volunteer for student activities, field trips or will be coaching/working the concession stand/door during the sports season MUST attend a Protecting God’s Children Workshop.

 

2007 NFL Pepsi Local Punt, Pass, and Kick Competition   On Thursday, September 20, 2007 the NFL Pepsi Local Punt, Pass and Kick Competition will be held at Bishop McDowell Regional School during gym classes. All students in Grades 3 - 8 (boys and girls) will participate during their gym class. During the competition the participants will compete in these age brackets 8 - 9 year old (boy), 8 - 9 year old (girl), 10 - 11 year old (boy), 10 - 11 year old (girl), 12 - 13 year old (boy), 12 - 13 year old (girl), 14 - 15 year old (boy), and 14 - 15 year old (girl).  In case of rain there is a rain date scheduled for Thursday, September 2 7, 2007. The winners in each age bracket will move onto the Sectional Competition to be held on Saturday, October 13, 2007.

 

Busing Problems   It is very important that all parents report busing problems to the school office. We in turn will call the bus garage in question, report the incident and come to some resolution. Also, it is important to note that at the beginning of any school year there are a number of busing issues that need to be worked out. Sometimes it may take as long as one month before things settle down. Your patience in this matter will help to facilitate a positive working relationship between the bus garages and the school. Thank you for your cooperation.

 

Sally Foster Wrapping Paper Fundraiser   On Friday, September 7, 2007 Bishop McDowell Regional School will Kick - Off the Sally Foster Wrapping Paper fundraiser. This is an important fundraiser for the 2007 - 2008 academic year.  If you have any questions about the wrapping paper fundraiser contact the school office at (412) 884 - 5676. There will be a packet of information being sent home about this fundraiser with next week’s newsletter. Just a reminder this is one of many fundraising opportunities throughout the 2007 - 2008 academic year. With the help of each school family participating in this fundraiser Bishop McDowell Regional School will realize our fundraising goal of $80,000.00 for this academic year. Remember that meeting our fundraising goal is not an option it is an expectation in order to meet the total operating expenses of the school budget each year and it is certainly not the responsibility of either parish to make up the difference. Your help in doing your part is greatly appreciated.

 

Bishop McDowell Regional School “Craft Fair”   Bishop McDowell Regional School will be 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.

 

2007 – 2008 Lottery Calendar Fundraiser   Our annual $40 Lottery Calendars were sent home with your child last week. 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 school family in the K – 8 program sell ten (10) calendars. Our Lottery Calendars have been a very successful fundraiser in past years and it is our goal that it will continue to be as successful this year. Make every effort to do your part. In advance thank you for your continued support of Bishop McDowell Regional School and Catholic education. All money, calendars stubs and unsold calendars are due to the school office on or before Friday, September 21, 2007.

 

Bishop McDowell Regional School Four Ball Scramble Fall 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 and continental breakfast beginning at 7:00am 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 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 teams, fill out the reservation form that is attached with today’s newsletter and return it to the school office with your payment. Please note the wrong starting tee time was printed on the reservation form. The correct starting tee time is 7:30am.We look forward to seeing you at the outing!

 

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, should call the school office. Everyone’s help and participation in this fundraiser is needed and appreciated.

 

Activities Committee Meeting   The Activities Committee Meeting will meet on Wednesday, September 5, 2007 at 9am in Meeting Room 206 to finalize the plans for Bishop McDowell Day. The activities committee is looking for new members to join, new and exciting ideas and student and family activities for the 2007 – 2008 academic year. The first student activity will be Bishop McDowell Day followed by our annual Harvest Fest activity for Halloween. Come and join us on Wednesday, September 5, 2007. 

 

Back to School Cookout, Thank You   The Back to School Cookout was a huge success and a wonderful chance to renew old friendships along with making new ones. We must have had over 70 parents and students in attendance. Thank you to Mr. Cook and Mr. Dziadyk who volunteered their time to cook, to the parents and alumni who helped with setup, and cleanup. The evening was fun, relaxing and a great way to begin the new academic year.

 

Marketing and Communications Committee Meeting   The Marketing and Communications Committee will meet on Tuesday, September 18, 2006 at 7:30pm in Mr. Grgurich’s office to continue planning the goals and objectives for the 2007 - 2008 Marketing and Communications Plan.  One item on the agenda at this meeting is to plan and present this year’s marketing and communication plan at the October Advisory Council Meeting. Any parent in the PreK and K – 8 program interested in joining the committee is asked to attend this meeting.

 

Calling All Current Band Members   On Wednesday, September 5, 2007 Mr. Schmidt our band director will be at Bishop McDowell Regional School to begin lessons with our current band members. Those students should bring their instruments & books to school on that day. Also, Mr. Schmidt has already met with all students in grades 4 – 6 to talk about the various wind & percussion instruments for those students that may be interested in playing an instrument.

 

Instrumental Band Parent Meeting   All students in grades 4 – 6 had an opportunity on Wednesday, August 29, 2007 to see various instruments from the brass, woodwinds and percussion families during an instrumental band assembly. As a follow up to this assembly there will be a Parent / Student meeting on Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at 7:00pm in Room 206 on the main floor of the school building. At this time Mr. Schmidt, our instrumental band instructor, will explain in detail the Diocesan Instrumental Program to all interested students and parents. This is a great opportunity for our young aspiring musicians to develop their musical skills. I hope they take advantage of this opportunity.

 

Bishop McDowell Regional School Athletic Association Sports Registration Sports Registration will be held on Tuesday, September 4, 2007 at 7pm on the main floor of the school building.  Early registration will be very important for the Athletic Association this year in developing the annual budget.  This meeting is important for all parents to attend with sports participants.

 

Bishop McDowell Regional School Athletic Association Meeting for Board Members   There will be an Athletic Association Board meeting right after the Sports Registration meeting on Tuesday, September 4, 2007.  If you have questions about sports registration night, would like to be a part of the concession committee or would like to assist in coaching, please contact our Athletic Director: Anthony Parente at 412-881-8478 or Board President: Kim Taylor at 412-885-3366.  They will be happy to help. 

 

Uniform Exchange Program   There will be a Uniform Exchange on Thursday, September 6, 2007 during Curriculum Night on the main floor of the school building. Drop off uniforms by Wednesday, September 5, 2007. If you have any questions concerning the uniform exchange contact Judy Perin-Parente at (412) 881 - 8478.

 

2007 – 2008 8^th Grade HOPE Team Officers   Congratulations to the following 8^th grade students who were nominated and elected by their classmates to be officers of the 8^th Grade HOPE Team for the 2007 – 2008 academic year: President J.J. Reimond, Vice President Megan Cook, Secretary Michala Facchiano and Treasurers Rachel Mowder and Ed Lyle. Good Luck!!!

 

Pizza Hut Fund Raiser Night   On Thursday, September 13, 2007 at the Brentwood Towne Center Pizza Hut, Bishop McDowell Regional School will have a fund raiser day. Eat in and carry out orders for lunch and dinner are eligible on September 7th and a portion of the sales goes to our school. Just bring the attached coupons WITH TODAY’S NEWSLETTER to Pizza Hut that day and 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, September 13^th and come hungry!!