Parent Newsletter

Friday, October 5, 2007

 

“We Count” Pedometer Wellness Program   Bishop McDowell Regional School has been selected by the Diocese of Pittsburgh Department of Catholic Schools to participate in the “We Count” Pedometer Wellness Program, a pilot program funded by a $30,000 grant from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. Through the We Count Pedometer Wellness Program, every student at Bishop McDowell Regional School will receive a pedometer and We Count Curriculum Materials to reinforce the lessons being taught in school and help the students set a tangible goal. The students will learn about childhood obesity, physical activity and good nutrition while recording their average steps walked each week throughout an 18-week period.  In addition to Bishop McDowell Regional School 32 other schools throughout the Diocese of Pittsburgh will participate in the We Count Pedometer Wellness Program. Nearly 6,500 students will be impacted by the program during the 2007-2008 school year. “Highmark believes that there is true value in the pedometer program,” said Mary Anne Papale, Highmark Community Affairs director. “It is important to not only teach the children about the importance of physical activity, but to also give them the tools that will encourage them to become more active.” More information about the “We Count” Pedometer Wellness Program will follow in the upcoming weeks.

 

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 a late Indian summer spurt at the end 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) & Thursdays (Gym day 4 - 8). Also, the mornings are a cooler now make sure your child(ren) brings the proper uniform sweater or uniform sweatshirt to wear in the building. Coats, Jackets, Hooded Sweatshirts, Hooded Sweaters, etc. are not permitted to be worn in the school building, classroom, cafeteria or at any time during the school day. One exception, they may be worn on the playground during recess (ONLY).

 

Bishop McDowell Regional School Preschool/Kindergarten Rainbows and Butterflies Story Hour   On Wednesday, October 17^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.

 

Windy City Players “Cinderella” School Assembly   On Tuesday, October 9, 2007 beginning at 8:40am in the assembly area on the main floor of the school building, the students in grades K – 8 will attend the performance of Cinderella performed by The Windy City Players from Chicago, Ill. Cinderella is the classic story of learning to believe in yourself and daring to follow your dreams. Cinderella proves that money, wealth and power can never buy that which is most precious of all, true inner beauty and goodness. Similar to other performances in the past Cinderella features audience participation and interaction. Parents are welcome to attend this assembly. We hope to see you there! 

 

Bishop McDowell Regional School Golf Outing Thank You   The Bishop McDowell Regional School Golf Outing was a HUGE success and the fundraising committee is to be complimented once again for sponsoring another fun event. Thank you to our 16 sponsors for their support of the Golf Outing and Catholic Education. Thank you to Joy Baker, Dave and Karen Cook for helping to obtain sponsors and run the event. A special thank you to Kathy DeFrancesco and Mary Wilson for their support and help in making this event very successful. The outing raised $1,500.00 and looks like it will grow in terms of the number of golfers for the next outing. Make sure to mark your calendars for our Spring Outing set for Saturday, May 10, 2008 with an 8am tee time.

 

Home Interior Christmas Candle Sale   Our Home Interior Candle fundraiser begins today Friday, October 5^th and continues until Friday, November 9, 2007. The top 2 sellers will be awarded $25.00 gift cards from Toys R Us. The top selling class will receive a pizza party. Everyone loves candles and this fundraiser can be a huge success with the help of everyone. With Christmas approaching, candles would make a nice gift. The candles will be delivered in time for Christmas. Look for the order form that is attached with this week’s newsletter. The pick-up date is scheduled for Friday, November 30, 2007. Contact Wendy Wrubleski at (412) 881-1688 for further information. In the school office you will find sample sizes and some of the new fragrances. Last school year we sold over $4,000.00 worth of candles and made a profit of $1,042.00. Let see if we can outdo these numbers this year.

 

Sarris Christmas Candy Sale   On Thursday, October 18, 2007 begins our Sarris Christmas Candy Sale. Our Sarris Christmas Candy Sale will conclude on Friday, November 9, 2007. The delivery to the school and pick-up is scheduled for Wednesday, December 12, 2007 from 2:30pm -4pm and 6pm – 7pm in Room 206 of the Bishop McDowell Regional School building. If you have any questions concerning the Sarris Christmas Candy Sale you may contact Kathy Moeslein at (412) 885 – 5628. Before you know it Christmas will be here.

 

November Market Day Orders   All Market Day order forms are due to the school office on Monday, October 29, 2007. Internet orders are due by noon on Thursday, November 1, 2007. Pick up is scheduled for Wednesday, November 7, 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.

 

October Advisory Council Meeting   The Advisory Council will meet on Monday, October 8, 2007 at 7:30pm in Room 206 on the main floor of the Bishop McDowell Regional School building.  All are welcome to attend.

 

Activities Committee Meeting   The Activities Committee will meet on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 at 9am in the school cafeteria. The main topics of discussion will be the annual Harvest Fest activity scheduled for Wednesday, October 31, 2007 and the Family Fun Night Halloween Party/Dance scheduled for Saturday, October 27, 2007. All members are asked to make this meeting a priority. Also, we are extending an invitation to anyone who is interested in volunteering for the Activities Committee and helping to plan our school activities. 

 

Bishop McDowell Regional School Harvest Fest   On Wednesday, October 31, 2007, the students in Grades K - 8 will participate in the annual Harvest Fest following lunch. The children will celebrate by participating in a costume parade, visit the pumpkin patch, play games and much more. Each student will receive a pumpkin and treat bag. In lieu of sending in traditional treats for your child’s class, we are asking for a $3 per student donation to help defray festival expenses. Send your money to the school office by Monday, October 22, 2007. Mark the envelope “Harvest Fest”.

 

Family Fun Night Halloween Party/Dance   On Saturday, October 27, 2007 beginning at 7pm in the Bishop McDowell Regional School cafeteria in coordination with Activities Committee Bishop McDowell Regional School is sponsoring a Family Fun Night Halloween Party and Dance. DJ’s Rod and Ed will provide the music and the Activities Committee will provide the fun; games, costume contest, beverages and snacks. The cost for a family is $20.00 or $5.00 per person. Everyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent. We look forward to seeing you there! Call the school office at 412 – 884 – 5676 for more information and tickets.

 

 Marketing and Communications Committee Meeting   The Marketing and Communications Committee will meet on Monday, October 22, 2007 at 7pm in Room 206. One item on the agenda is planning the Celebrity Readers event that will be held on Friday, November 30 , 2007. New members are always welcome.

 

2007 Punt Pass and Kick Sectional Competition   On Saturday, October 13, 2007 at 11am on the Blueberry Hill Football Field in Franklin Park, our first place winners Lauren Klimo, Alexia Facchiano, Alyssa Taylor, Michala Facchiano, Corey Reimond, Michael Facchiano, Zachary McGuire and Eddie Lyle  will compete in the NFL Pepsi Punt, Pass and Kick Sectional Competition. If they place first in the Sectional and their score is one of the top 5 scores from the 8 other Sectional winners in each age bracket they will compete at the Team Championship held at Heinz Field before the Steelers Game on November 12, 2006. During halftime of that game the competitors will participate in a throwing exhibition. Good Luck and we hope to see you at Heinz Field.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Last Call 2007 – 2008 Lottery Calendars   It’s not to late to sell the 2007 – 2008 Lottery Calendar even though the first winners for the new lottery calendar year are being paid out this week. If you still have lottery calendars take time now to finish selling them and return your stubs to Mrs. Schumacher in the school office. So far we have 691 sold only 309 more to sell. Reminder, please return any unsold calendar to the school office ASAP.

 

Bishop McDowell Regional School Athletic Board Meeting   On Tuesday, October 9, 2007 the Bishop McDowell Regional School Athletic Board will meet at 7:00pm in the Hough Building downstairs in the Concession Stand area.

Bishop McDowell Regional School Bowling Program The Bowling Program will begin on Friday, October 12^th.  Each Friday unless otherwise noted, bowling will begin at 3:15 p.m. at the Playmor Lanes on Buttermilk Hollow Road.  Thanks to Ron Henning for helping out this year. 

Bishop McDowell Regional School Deck Hockey Program   Are you ready for some hockey?   Bishop McDowell Regional School Athletic Program will start the 2007-2008 Deck Hockey Season on Thursday October 11, 2007.  The gates will open at 5:45pm at the small gym.  Games will start at 6:00pm.  All boys and girls in grades 3-8 can take part in the action. If you haven't registered for hockey yet there is still time. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to another year of fun and action.

November Monthly Lottery Tickets   On Monday, October 1, 2007 the November Monthly Lottery Tickets will be sent home in your child's book bag.  We ask that each family sell at least (10) tickets each month. The cost is $5 per ticket and is based on the evening drawing of the 3-digit Pennsylvania lottery number. Once again this fundraiser has proven to be a great source of income for the school. We have the potential to make over $2000.00 a month if all the tickets are sold. Just a reminder if you are able to sell more than (10) tickets you may contact the school office at 412-884-5676 or contact Judy Parente at (412) 881 - 8478 or by email at pens@pitt.edu and she will send you additional tickets.  If you would like to request a favorite number or numbers for December please contact the school office or Judy.  All ticket stubs and money are due back to Judy by Friday, October 26, 2007 including unsold tickets.

 

7^th & 8^th Grade Hayride Outing   On Friday, October 12, 2007 the 7^th & 8^th grade students will enjoy a Hayride and Bonfire at Reilly’s Summer Seat Farm beginning at 7:30pm. The cost per each student is $10 and adult chaperone is $8. The cost will include the hayride, bonfire site, hot dogs, and drinks.  Students are also encouraged to bring along their favorite snack to share with the group. Adult chaperones will be needed to supervisor this activity at Reilly’s Summer Seat Farm along with transporting students to and from. We will meet in the school parking lot at 6:30pm. Send in your money and permission slip to Mr. Grgurich in a sealed envelope marked: “Hayride”. For further information refer to the informational letter that was sent home with your child on Thursday September 27, 2007.

 

St. Wendelin Church “Harvest Fest”   St. Wendelin Church will sponsor a Harvest Fest on Sunday, October 14, 2007 from 12pm till 7pm at the St. Wendelin Church Parish Center & Parking Lot. The Harvest Moon Fest dinner menu will include: Sauerkraut, Pork, and Mashed Potatoes. Other items for purchase will include: Hot Dogs, Hamburgers & Pizza. Desert will be Apple Pie. Pop & Water will be available as well. The cost for a dinner ticket is $10 per person.  Dinner Tickets will be on sale after all masses this weekend, Sat & Sun October 6^th & 7^th. Also, dinner tickets can be purchased at the St. Wendelin Parish Center Monday thru Friday, from 9:30am till 3pm. Added attractions to the Harvest Fest will include crafters, vendors and a pumpkin patch for the children. We look forward to seeing you!

 

Instrumental Band Program   Mr. Schmidt the Instrumental Band Director would like to give a gentle reminder that October lesson payments are due and that our new band members are adapting nicely to their instruments. Also he is very excited about how well our returning band members are playing. Mr. Schmidt is excited about the renewed interest in the band program.

 

Pizza Hut Fund Raiser Night   On Thursday, October 11, 2007 at the Brentwood Towne Center Pizza Hut 11am – 9pm, Bishop McDowell Regional School will have a fund raiser day. Eat in and carry out orders for lunch and dinner are eligible on October 11th and a portion of the sales goes to our school. Just bring the coupons attached with last week’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, October 11^th and come hungry!!

 

8^th Grade Extended 50/50 Student Raffle   The 8^th grade class is sponsoring an extended 50/50 Student Raffle in school beginning on Monday, October 8, 2007 and continuing until Monday, May 5, 2008. The tickets are .25¢ each. They will be sold at lunch time on Mondays and Fridays from October 8^th thru May 5^th. There is a twist though, instead of only one winner, there could be multiple winners. This is how it works for every $50.00 collected, $25.00 will go towards the 8^th grade end of the year field trip and $25.00 will go to the winner in the form of a gift certificate he or she chooses. The school has a variety to offer from Best Buy to Toys R Us. Good Luck!!!