Parent Newsletter

Friday, September 21, 2007

 

8^th Grade Parent Meeting   On Thursday, September 27, 2007 at 7:15pm in Room 206 in the Bishop McDowell Regional School building there will be an 8^th Grade Parent Meeting to discuss the end of the year trip, fundraising efforts for the trip and graduation. It is mandatory that one parent for each child is present for this meeting. There will be a number of decisions to be made.

 

Installation of Bishop David Zubik   As you know, the installation of Bishop David Zubik as the Bishop of Pittsburgh is scheduled for this 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!!!

 

Sister Catherine Ann, Educational Consultant   On Monday September 24, 2007 Sister Catherine Ann the Educational Consultant of the South Hills Deanery will be visiting Bishop McDowell Regional School for her initial visit. She will spend a majority of her time with me in my office plus some time visiting faculty and students in their classrooms. Welcome Sister Catherine Ann!

 

2007 School Choice & Educational Income Tax Credit Dress Down Day   On Tuesday, September 2 5, 2007 there will be a Dress Down Day. All students in Grades K - 8 should wear their Bishop McDowell School Gym Spirit Wear.  Remember this is the only choice for this dress down day. This dress down day activity will show our support of the school choice movement and Educational Income Tax Credit program in the state of Pennsylvania and across the country. Maybe some day we will even have the pleasure of a voucher system. Continue to write your legislators on this most important issue.

 

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. If you misplaced your price form you may call the school office at 412 – 884 – 5676 to request another one.

 

Online RVS GradeBook User ID and Password   A reminder to parents that your User ID and Password for the online RVS GradeBook is the same as last year. It’s as easy as logging onto to the school website at www.bishopmcdowellscool.org, then look for the GradeBook link on the left side of the Bishop McDowell School home page. Click on the GradeBook link and you will be at the RVS GradeBook logon screen. Type in your User ID and Password and you should be ready to view your child’s grades. If you have any problems getting to the logon screen or problems with your User ID or Password call the school office and ask to speak with Mr. Grgurich for assistance or email Mr. Grgurich for assistance.

 

Lunch Program Reminder   Just a reminder to parents if your child is absent they may still order lunch by calling in your child’s order for the next day if you know they will be returning or your child may sign up in the morning in their classroom. Your child must place their order in the morning they return from being absent or they will have to eat the alternate (Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich) for that day.

 

Bishop McDowell Day Thank You   Thank you to the Activities Committee for planning such a fun day of events for the students in our preschool, and K – 8 programs. The day began with mass. As usual the homily was provided by Bishop McDowell. It is always a joy and blessing to have Bishop McDowell in our presence. The morning continued with a laser light show that dazzled and amazed the student body. In the afternoon the student’s learned about safety in many ways during our Safety Day presentations. Finally, we ended the day in ice cold fashion with Rita’s Italian Ice. As with any event I would like to thank the many people who took time out of their busy day to provide these special events for our children. Thank you to Mrs. Cook, the Activities Committee and parent volunteers for running with the idea and developing the day into a fabulous day of activities. Also thank you to Mr. Steve Wilharm for organizing our Safety Day. The students, faculty, parents, volunteers and administration learned a great deal and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Great Job as usual by all of our volunteers and I look forward to next year’s event.

 

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 - 2008 School Uniform Policy   Reminder Monday, October 15, 2007 begins the policy of no uniform shorts until May 2008.  If we happen to have an Indian summer spurt during the month of October there may be an exception made to the uniform shorts policy depending on how warm it gets. This will be a last minute decision. Remind your child(ren) that when the no uniform shorts policy goes into effect gym shoes are only to be worn on Wednesdays (Gym day K – 3) or Thursdays (Gym day 4 - 8). Also, the mornings are a little cooler now make sure your child(ren) brings the proper uniform sweater or uniform sweatshirt to wear in the building. Coats, Jackets, Hooded Sweatshirts etc. are not permitted to be worn in the classroom, in the cafeteria during lunch or at ANYTIME during the school day. Please refer to the school dress code or contact Mr. Grgurich for clarification.

 

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. 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 always 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 Tuesday, September 25^th.

 

2007 – 2008 Lottery Calendar Fundraiser   Our annual $40 Lottery Calendars are in. 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. 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 School and Catholic education. All Money and unsold calendars are due to the school office on or before Tuesday, September 25, 2007.

 

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.

 

Hangers Needed for the Uniform Exchange   We are looking for hangers for the Uniform Exchange Program.  Shirt hangers, pant hangers any type of hanger you can donate would be appreciated.  Please send your hangers to the school marked "Uniform Exchange".  If you have any questions please contact Judy Parente at 412 - 881 - 8478.  Thank you for your help.

 

Uniform Exchange Program & Thank You   I would like to take this opportunity to thank Judy Parente, parent of a fifth grade and second grade student, for her efforts in preparing our Uniform Exchange Program for Curriculum Night and the 2007 – 2008 academic year. As usual the program is always kept very neat, well organized, and easy to identify the size of the uniform shirts, pants, shorts, & skorts. Mrs. Parente, your efforts are greatly appreciated. Also, a reminder to all parents you may continue to take advantage of the Uniform Exchange Program throughout the remainder of the 2007 – 2008 academic year by either sending in or bringing in uniforms for the exchange of items you are in need of.  

 

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!

 

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 4 – 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.