Parent Newsletter

Friday, September 7, 2007

 

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Student Mass   The students in Grades K – 8 will be attending Mass on Friday, September 14, 2007 at 1:30pm in the St. Albert the Great Church. The 5^th Grade students will minister at this Mass. Exaltation means to hold up, to give joyful praise. Even though Jesus died on the cross, he gave his life out of love for us, and the Father raised him to new life. The cross is no longer a sign of sorrow but of God’s love and our new life. All are welcome to join us in celebration!

 

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.

 

Protecting God’s Children Workshops   St. Wendelin Parish will be hosting a Protecting God’s Children Workshops on Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at 1:30pm in the St. Wendelin Parish Center. Any parent that wants to volunteer for student activities, cafeteria, playground, field trips or will be coaching/working the concession stand/door during the sports season MUST attend a Protecting God’s Children Workshop. The next Protecting God’s Children workshops will be held at Bishop McDowell Regional School on Monday, October 22, 2007 and Thursday, November 15, 2007. Both of these workshops will be begin at 7pm. 

 

2007 – 2008 School Pictures by Gino Startari Photography   On Wednesday, September 26, 2007, Pre-K (4 year old), Fourth through Eighth Grade and Thursday, September 27, 2007, Pre-K (3 year old) Kindergarten through Third Grade will have their school pictures taken by Gino Startari Photography. Students will be permitted to dress up in an appropriate manner on their picture day or wear their school uniform. This is NOT a dress down day No JEANS/SHORTS of any kind, T-SHIRTS/SWEATSHIRTS. Pictures will be taken in Room 206 on the main floor of the school building both days. Price forms will be attached with next week’s newsletter.

 

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.

 

Last Call for all 2007 - 2008 School Forms   Reminder to all parents / guardians that all School Forms should have been in the school office, if you have not turned your in yet, take time this weekend to sign and return them ASAP. (Memorandum of Understanding, Photo Release, Family Survey, Loan of Text Book, Emergency Information Sheet, School Directory, Free and Reduced Price Meal Program,  Volunteering for various school activities and Request for Administration of Medication *on an as needed basis*.

 

Bishop McDowell Regional School Brick Campaign   Bishop McDowell Regional School continues to sponsor the Brick Campaign for this 2007 – 2008 academic year. The goal is 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 brick is $50, 8 x 8 brick is $100 and 12x12 alfages $200.00. Eventually the bricks will form a walkway to, through and from the Butterfly Garden. If you have any questions contact the school office. So far we have sold 23 bricks. In order to begin this wonderful project we need to place an order of 25 bricks with the Bricks R Us Company. Wouldn’t it be nice to see this pathway being started soon? I know the entire school community would be proud of this permanent enhancement to the Butterfly Garden along with knowing our contributions would be going toward establishing a tuition assistance fund. A quick way to order a brick is through a link on the school website titled: Brick Campaign Donor Site. Just 2 more bricks are needed!

 

Sally Foster Wrapping Paper Fundraiser   On Friday, September 7, 2007 Bishop McDowell Regional School kicks - off the Sally Foster Wrapping Paper fundraiser. This is another 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 is a packet of information being sent home about this fundraiser with today’s newsletter.

 

Bishop McDowell Regional School Fall Golf Outing   On Saturday, September 29, 2007 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 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 a reservation form and return it to the school office with your payment. We look forward to seeing you at the outing!

 

2007 – 2008 Lottery Calendar Fundraiser   Our annual $40 Lottery Calendars are in and were sent home with your child on Friday, August 24^th. 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 in the K – 8 program sell a minimum of 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 and unsold calendars are due to the school office on or before Friday, September 21, 2007.

 

Marketing and Communications Committee Meeting   The Marketing and Communications Committee will meet on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 at 7pm in Mr. Grgurich’s office to continue discussing the goals and objectives for the 2007 - 2008 Marketing and Communications Plan.  One main focus at this meeting is planning the presentation of this year’s marketing and communications plan at the October Advisory Council Meeting.

 

Student Absenteeism   A reminder to parents of students in Grades K – 8, it is your responsibility to call the school office by 8:20am to let Mrs. Schumacher know if your child(ren) will be absent for the day.  Attendance is a very serious part of your child’s education. We keep records on attendance for each child every day and it is important that we keep accurate records. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

 

2007 NFL Pepsi Punt, Pass, and Kick Competition   On Thursday, September 20, 2007  the local NFL Pepsi Punt, Pass and Kick Competition will be held at Bishop McDowell Regional School during school hours (in case of rain there is a rain date scheduled for Thursday, September 27, 2007). All students in Grades 3 - 8 (boys and girls) will participate during their gym classes. 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). The winners in each age bracket will move onto the Sectional Competition held on Saturday, October 13, 2007. There is a Release of Liability form that has to be signed by the parent/legal guardian of each participant. Sign and return this form to Mrs. Naylor ASAP.

 

Boys & Girls Basketball Open Gym Time   There will be open gym time for all boys & girls in grades 2 - 8 for the various basketball teams. Please note the time of your first open gym. Additional dates will be given to you at your first open gym time. Boys JV - Friday 9/7 from 5:00-7:00. Boys Varsity - Monday 9/10 from 5:30-7:00. Boys & Girls 2nd-4th Grade - Tuesday 9/11 from 4-5:30. Girls JV & Varsity - Saturday 9/15 from 11:00-12:00. The above open gyms will be held at the Hough Building.

 

Athletic Registration Forms   If you were unable to attend the Athletic Sports Registration meeting on Tuesday, September 4, 2007 you can pick up all of the necessary forms at the school office. Sports offered this year include volleyball, basketball, hockey and bowling. Please fill these forms out ASAP so that we can assess how many children we will have participating in each sport.

 

Bishop McDowell Basketball Warm-Up Shirts   The shirts are black and teal trim and match the standard uniforms. A size which is one shirt size larger than your child's uniform is recommended. The player's last name is placed on the back of the warm-up shirt. Payment for the shirt ($26.00 each) is the responsibility of the parent and should be submitted with your order form. Checks should be made payable to the: BMAA. Contact Anthony Parente at (412) 881-8478 if you have any questions. Sample warm-up shirts are available at the school for you to gauge the proper size for your child. Orders forms (available in the school office) must be received by Thursday September 27, 2007.

 

Bishop McDowell Basketball Warm-Up Pants   Tear-away pants that match the warm-up shirts will also be made available to any interested player. Samples are available at the school office so that your child's size can be determined. Payment for the warm – up pants is the responsibility of the parent and should be submitted with your order form ($25.00 each. For an addition $5.00 you can place your child's name down the pant leg).  Please have all orders in by Thursday September 27, 2007. Checks should be made payable to the: BMAA. Contact Anthony Parente at (412) 881-8478 if you have any questions. Please note that your order will not be placed unless your payment is received up front.

 

Bishop McDowell Regional School Preschool/Kindergarten Rainbows and Butterflies Story Hour   On Wednesday, September 19^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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

2008 Entertainment Book Fundraiser   Bishop McDowell Regional School is selling the 2008 Entertainment Book. 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. They are available right now for purchase in the school office. Call in your order or stop by the school office, make your payment and pick up your Enjoy Book ASAP.

 

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.

 

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 7pm 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.

 

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 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!!

 

October Market Day Order Forms   October Market Day order forms are due Monday, September 24, 2007. Internet orders are due on Thursday, September 27, 2007 by noon. Pick up is scheduled for Wednesday, October 3, 2007 from 6pm - 7pm in the Cafeteria of the school building.