Parent Newsletter

Friday, October 19, 2007

 

Tuition Reminder Alert!   For those families who chose option 1, 2 or 3 some of your accounts are past due by as many as 3 or 4 months. Meeting your tuition payment on a timely basis is crucial to the school paying their bills on time. Take time to call Mrs. Schumacher @ 412 – 884 – 5676 to make sure your tuition account is up to date. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your continued support of Bishop McDowell Regional School.

 

Trax Farm Field Trip Grades K – 3   On Friday, October 26, 2007 the students in Grades K – 3 will be taking a field trip to Trax Farm. The students will leave Bishop McDowell Regional School about 9am and arrive at Trax Farm around 10am. The day will include an educational hayride through the decorated fruit and vegetable fields, an inside peek at a working bee hive, a produce washer demonstration, a tour through the produce cooler and a seasonal vegetable lecture/presentation. If time allows the students will enjoy the on-your-own activities like the cornstalk maze and play area. In addition each student will receive an apple, a sample of cider and 3-5 pound pumpkin. The group will arrive back to school in time for dismissal. Students are asked to bring a lunch and drink (only plastic bottles or juice bags). Dress is causal with some type of Bishop McDowell Regional School Spirit Shirt. Dress your child for the weather of the day. This may include coats, hats and gloves if needed. Sounds like a fun day.

 

Punt Pass and Kick Sectional Results   Last weekend on Saturday October 13, 2007 the Punt, Pass and Kick Sectional was held at Blueberry Hill Park Football Field located in the North Hills. Here are the results for the students from Bishop McDowell Regional School: Lauren Klimo 3^rd Place 8 – 9 year old girl’s bracket, Alexia Facchiano 3^rd Place 10-11 year old girl’s bracket, Zachary McGuire 3^rd Place 12-13 year old boy’s bracket, and Alyssa Taylor 1^st Place 12 – 13 year girl’s bracket. Congratulations as well to Corey Reimond, Michala Facchiano, and Eddie Lyle who competed and represented Bishop McDowell Regional School. If Alyssa makes it to the Team Championship at Heinz Field we will let you know in a future newsletter. We are proud of all our students for doing an outstanding job.

 

Multiple Intelligence Activity Period   As part of the school goals for the 2007 – 2008 academic year. Bishop McDowell Regional School will continue to promote the Multiple Intelligence Theory throughout the 2007 – 2008 academic year. Once again the Multiple Intelligence Activity Period will occur 8 times during the year. Each activity period will focus on one of the Intelligences which will include a group assembly followed by a number of interactive activities for the students to participate in. On Tuesday, October 30, 2007 our first activity period will focus on the Bodily/Kinesthetic Intelligence. For all inquiring minds this intelligence focuses on those students that learn through bodily/tactile movement (our athletes). 

 

Black and Orange Dress Down   On Wednesday, October 31, 2007 the faculty, staff and students in PreK – 8 will have a jeans or sweatpants, gym shoe and Black and Orange Dress Down Day. Any shirt (absolutely no sleeveless shirts / crop tops / tank tops etc.) that is black/orange may be worn with exception to GORY decals, sayings or symbols that go against the Catholic nature of our school. Halloween t-shirts, sweatshirts and sweaters are acceptable. As always Mr. Grgurich reserves the right to deem what is appropriate and what is not. If you are not sure if something you might wear would be considered inappropriate call the school office. Keep it fun and simple. Reminder phone calls will be made to parents in order to resolve any inappropriate clothing issues.

 

Fall 2007 Conference Forms   On Tuesday, October 16, 2007 conference forms were sent home in order to begin scheduling parent teacher conferences. Request forms should be returned on or before Wednesday, October 24, 2007.  Reminder as time slots fill your second or third choice may need to be considered. All report cards will be handed out at conferences or after conferences are over. Parents not attending conferences should expect to see their child’s report card on either Thursday, November 8, 2007 (Grades K – 3) or Friday, November 9, 2007 (Grades 4 – 8). Look for your scheduled conference times on Thursday, November 1, 2007 they will be coming home in your child’s bookbag.

 

Bishop McDowell Regional School Athletic Association Board Meeting   On Tuesday, October 30, 2007 at 7pm in the Hough Building there will be an Athletic Association Board Meeting.  This meeting is important for all board members and parent reps to attend. Discussion will focus on details about the tournament

 

November Monthly Lottery Tickets   Just a reminder all monthly lottery ticket stubs and money are due back to Judy Parente by Friday, October 26, 2007 including unsold tickets.  The cost of each lottery ticket is $5 and is based on the evening drawing of the 3-digit number. If you are able to sell more tickets contact Judy Parente at (412) 885 0677 and additional tickets will be sent home.

 

Marketing and Communications Committee Meeting   The Marketing and Communications Committee will meet on Monday, October 22, 2007 at 7pm in Room 206 to begin planning the Celebrity Readers event that will be held on Friday, November 30, 2007. 

 

Fall 2007 Parent / Teacher Conferences   Parent Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Wednesday, November 7, 2007 Grades K – 3 (4pm - 8pm), and Thursday November 8, 2007 Grades 4 – 8 (4pm - 8pm). Be on time for your conference and be considerate of others by keeping with your scheduled ten- minute conference. The students in Grades K – 3 will have the day off on Wednesday, November 7, 2007 and the students Grades 4 – 8 will have the day off on Thursday, November 8, 2007.  Reminder conference forms went home in your child’s bookbag on Tuesday, October 16, 2007.

 

Annual Bishop McDowell Regional School Harvest Fest   On Wednesday, October 31, 2007, the students in Preschool through 8^th grade will participate in the Annual Bishop McDowell Regional School Harvest Fest following lunch. The children will celebrate by participating in a costume parade; visiting the pumpkin patch, playing games and much more. The students in Preschool - 8 will be permitted to dress in costumes after lunch and parade about the building and school grounds for parents / grandparents and family beginning at approximately 12pm . (No Weapons of Any Kind/Gory face masks/inappropriate costumes will be permitted to be worn. If you are not sure if something would be considered a weapon/gory or inappropriate call the school office. Students are not permitted to wear their costume to school.) All Harvest Fest activities will begin around 12:15pm and finish at 2:15pm this will allow time for volunteer clean up, change of costumes if students would like and some down time for both the students and faculty before dismissal. **Reminder all Preschool students are welcome to come to the Harvest Festival.  On this day lunch in the cafeteria will be served at 11am in order for all students to have enough time to change into their costume and be ready for the parade at approximately 12pm.

 

Bishop McDowell Regional School Bowling Program   The Bowling Program is canceled for this Friday, October 19, 2007 due to the students having the day-off. The Bowling Program will resume on Friday, October 26, 2007 at the Playmor Bowl on Buttermilk Hollow Road beginning at 3:30pm so plan on being at the lanes no later than 3:15pm. Reminder dues are $5.50 each week and will cover the shoe rental and lane fees. Good luck and have a great year bowling!

 

November Market Day Orders   All November 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. 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.

 

Protecting God’s Children   St. Albert the Great Parish is sponsoring a Protecting God’s Children workshop on Monday October 22, 2007 from 7pm – 10pm. This workshop will be held in the Bishop McDowell Regional School building in the Cafeteria. Protecting God’s Children is a requirement by the diocese for any adult working with children. There is no fee. If you have not attended one of these sessions in the past then parents, parent volunteers and volunteer coaches should make every effort to attend. For more information and to reserve your place call the St. Albert the Great Religious Education Office at (412) 884 – 8282. You must register for this course in order to reserve enough materials for each participant.

 

Bishop McDowell Regional School Sports Registration   All sports registration, emergency and physician papers along with payment ($30.00 per sport / $110.00 max per family) must be handed in ASAP in order for your child(ren) to participate in this year’s sports programs. If you have misplaced your forms send a note to the school office requesting new forms or ask a board member at the gymnasium. If you have any further questions contact Anthony Parente at (412) 881 – 8478.

 

2007 Sarris Christmas Candy Sale   Today, Thursday, October 18, 2007, begins our Sarris Christmas Candy Sale. Take a few minutes to look over the Sarris Candy brochure and start asking family, friends, and neighbors to make a purchase. Our Sarris Christmas Candy sale will conclude on Friday, November 9, 2007. At that time return your completed Master Sheet (white and yellow sheets) and payment. Checks should be made payable to Bishop McDowell School. The delivery to the school and pick-up is scheduled for Wednesday, December 12, 2007 from 2:30pm - 4pm and 6pm – 7pm in the school office. If you have any question concerning the Sarris Christmas Candy fundraiser you may contact Kathy Moeslein at (412) 885 – 5628. Before you know it Christmas will be here so get out and Sell, Sell, Sell!!!

 

Seton La Salle Catholic High School Open House   There will be a Junior High School Student Open House held at Seton La Salle Catholic High School on Sunday, October 21, 2007 from 12:30pm – 3:30pm. This will be an opportunity for parents & students in grades 6 – 8 to explore the varied academic, spiritual, growth and service opportunities offered by Seton La Salle Catholic High School. For more information contact Nancy Rizza @ 412 – 561 – 3583 ext. 129 or email rizzan@slshs.org. See you on October 21^st.

 

Home Interior Christmas Candle Sale   Our Home Interior Candle fundraiser began on 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. 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.

 

Bishop McDowell Regional School Cookie Dough & Pies Fundraiser   On Friday, October 12, 2007 Bishop McDowell Regional School kicked-off the Savory Homemade Cookie Dough & Ashley Farms Gourmet Pies sale. There is only 1 week left to sale. The Savory Homemade Cookie Dough come in 11 flavors - $12.00 per tub and the Ashley Farms Gourmet Pies come in 9 different varieties at various prices. The sale ends on Friday, October 26, 2007. Delivery and pick up is scheduled for Monday, November 19, 2007. Just in time for the holidays!!

 

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.

 

Giant Eagle Apples for the Students Program   The Giant Eagle Apples for Students Program begins Sunday October 28, 2007 and continues until Saturday, March 15, 2008. Again this year, you will not need to send in receipts from Giant Eagle. All you need to do is be a registered supporter. If you registered last year, you are automatically registered for this year. If you are not a registered supporter, it’s very easy to become one. Take a moment to register. You will need your Giant Eagle Advantage card handy then call 1-800-474-4777. An automated system will talk you through the process. Our school ID number is 1022. You can also register by visiting the Giant Eagle website at www.gianteagle.com and click on the Apples for Students icon. Each time registered supporters shop at Giant Eagle using their Giant Eagle Advantage Card; they earn points for our school. These points are redeemed for great educational tools. The points are automatically credited to our school through the Giant Eagle Advantage Card.

 

Presents for Patients at Oakleaf Personal Care Home   This year, to make the holiday season even more special for their residents, Oakleaf Personal Care Home is participating in Presents for Patients. Oakleaf is located at 3800 Oakleaf Road in Baldwin. Presents for Patients is a touching Campaign that was established in 1984 and co-sponsored in Southwestern Pennsylvania by St. Barnabas Charities and WPXI-TV to provide men women and children in nursing and personal care homes with holiday gifts and visits to guarantee that someone is remembered during what could otherwise be a lonely time. At this time Oakleaf is asking Bishop McDowell Regional School families if they would like to become a Presents for Patients donor. Gifts start at $5 and up. If anyone has any questions, contact Wendy Wrubleski at Oakleaf 412 – 881 – 8194 or at home 412 – 881 – 1688.

 

Girls Junior Varsity and Varsity Diocesan Volleyball Championships   Good luck to both our Girls Junior Varsity and Varsity Volleyball teams. They will play in the Diocesan Elementary Junior Varsity and Varsity Volleyball Championships on Saturday, October 27, 2007 at the Monroeville Sports Center. Both teams have had outstanding season. Our Girls JV Volleyball team ended the season with an undefeated record and presently our Girls Varsity Volleyball team is undefeated with one game remaining on their schedule. We hope to see you at the Championships to cheer on our teams. Way to go Girls!

 

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.

 

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!