Parent Newsletter

Friday, September 14, 2007

 

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.

 

Early Dismissal / Faculty Meeting   There will be an early dismissal on Friday, September 21, 2007 at 12:15pm in order for the faculty to have a meeting & professional development in-service. Also, we will follow our early dismissal snack procedure with snacks being sold by the 8th grade HOPE Team in the 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.

 

2007 – 2008 Official School Calendar Date Change   As you know, the installation of Bishop David Zubik as the Bishop of Pittsburgh is scheduled for Friday, September 28, 2007. In light of the significance of this event and his desire for this be a special day of celebration throughout the diocese, Bishop Zubik has announced that all Catholic elementary and secondary schools in the Diocese of Pittsburgh will be CLOSED on Friday, September 28, 2007. Mark your calendars!!!

 

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 resume 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.

 

2007 – 2008 School Pictures by Gino Startari Photography   On Wednesday, September 26, 2007 , Pre-K (4 year old), Fourth through Eighth Grade and on 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, absolutely 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 are attached with this week’s newsletter.

 

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.

 

Sally Foster Wrapping Paper Fundraiser   On Friday, September 7, 2007 Bishop McDowell Regional School began selling Sally Foster Wrapping Paper. This is an important fundraiser for the 2007 - 2008 academic year. Your participation is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions concerning the wrapping paper fundraiser contact the school office at (412) 884 - 5676. A reminder that a packet of information was sent home with last week’s newsletter. Money and Orders are due on or before Thursday September 27^th.

 

October Market Day Orders   All Market Day order forms are due to the school office on Monday, September 24, 2007. Internet orders are due by noon on Thursday, September 27, 2007. Pick up is scheduled for Wednesday, October 3, 2007 from 6pm - 7pm in the Cafeteria of the school building. Please make sure that you get your orders in on time. Also, we are still 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 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 is $75. This price will include 18 holes of golf, a golf cart, a drink and hot dog at the turn and lunch. There will be a continental breakfast beginning at 7am before the 7:30am tee time. We are presently looking for businesses, individuals or families to sponsor a hole at our golfing 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. Also, there will be a Chinese Auction & 50/50. If you need a registration form to golf or a sponsorship form, contact the school office at (412) 884 -5676. The Directions from Pittsburgh to 7 Springs Golf Course are as follows: Take Rt. 51 South. After crossing the Elizabeth Bridge, proceed to the 3rd traffic light (Rt. 48) and make a left. (Note: It is about 3 miles from the bridge to the 3^rd traffic light) Go 200 feet and make a right and follow for about 300 yards. Make a left turn onto Pineview Drive (there will be a sign marking the way). Continue on Pineview Drive for about ½ mile. The entrance to the golf course is on the left. All money for each foursome and sponsorship is due to the school office on Monday, September 24^th.

 

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.

2007 – 2008 Junior Achievement Program   We are very excited about the beginning of the new school year and the start of the Junior Achievement program K – 8 at Bishop McDowell Regional School. Over the past four years our school has been recognized by Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania for the Impact Award. This award is given to schools who participate in the Junior Achievement program K – 8. It is quite an honor to be recognized by Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania. At the present time we are looking for parent volunteers to teach grades 2 – 7. All materials are provided for the 5 class course. If you are interested in volunteering to teach or team teach you may contact Mr. Grgurich in the school office at (412) 884 – 5676. Dates and times can be flexible and fit into your schedule.

 

Bishop McDowell Regional School Athletic Association Sport Registration Reminder   This is a reminder, if your child is currently in Grades 3 – 8 now is the time to register for the 2007 – 2008 sports season. The programs being offered this year are basketball, bowling, cheerleading, deck hockey and volleyball. If your child is interested in participating in any of these programs you may request the registration papers by calling the school office at (412) 884 – 5676 or send in a note Attn: Sports Registration.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Shop n’ Save SEED Program   The Shop n’ Save SEED Assembly Program is made possible through a unique partnership with the Carnegie Science Center and Carnegie Museum of Natural History. In order to qualify for an assembly our school is required to collect $250 per student in Shop n’ Save register tapes for each participating student. Beginning June 1, 2007 and continuing through March 11, 2008 Bishop McDowell School will be collecting Shop n’ Save register tapes to receive an assembly through Carnegie Museum. Our goal by March 2008 is $20,500.00 in register receipts. Start saving your register tapes and bring them to the school office to deposit!

 

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 24 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 1 more bricks are needed!

 

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.

 

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.