Parent Newsletter

Friday, November 9, 2007

 

Operation Safe Surf Assembly   On Wednesday, November 14, 2007 the students in Grades K – 8 will attend the Operation Safe Surf Assembly provided by the office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General. Operation Safe Surf is an Internet Safety awareness program from the PA Office of the Attorney General. Operation Safe Surf helps to educate kids and schools about the importance of being safe online. There will be 2 assemblies: Grades K – 5 at 9am and Grades 6 – 8 at 10am. Both programs are geared for each age group.

 

Girls 2007 Junior Varsity Volleyball Championships   On Saturday, October 27, 2007 our Girls Junior Varsity and Varsity Volleyball teams participated in the Diocesan Volleyball Championship at Monroeville Sports Center. Our Varsity girls won their first round match to St. Louise but lost in the quarterfinal round to St. Alphonsus the eventual winner of the Varsity tournament. Our Junior Varsity girls won both of their first and second round matches to St. John the Baptist and St. Germaine in thrilling fashion but lost in the semifinal round to St. Elizabeth and consolation match. Our girls are to be congratulated for such an enthusiastic effort this year. We at Bishop McDowell Regional School are extremely proud of both teams for having such an outstanding season. Congratulations to the girls and their head coaches Mr. Coulter and Mr. Pack on a very successful season! We look forward to seeing some fantastic volleyball again next year.

 

2007 Magic Classic Basketball Tournament   The Athletic Association would like to thank all those who worked their scheduled times this past weekend at the Bishop McDowell Regional School Magic Classic Basketball Tournament. Without the participation from our school families, our athletic program would not be nearly as successful. For your convenience, the worker’s schedule can again be found on the school’s website. Also, here is a list of when our school teams are scheduled to play this weekend. Girls Varsity will play on Sunday, November 11, 2007 at 5:40pm and Girls Junior Varsity will play on Sunday, November 11, 2007 at 6:50pm. A reminder all students that come to watch the games MUST be accompanied by an adult / guardian.

 

50/50 Holiday Raffle Fundraiser   Wondering how you’re going to pay off your Holiday bills? Beginning on Friday, November 2, 2007 Bishop McDowell Regional School has just the solution. We would like you to participate in the 50/50 Holiday Raffle Fundraiser event at Bishop McDowell Regional School by taking a chance on buying a 50/50 raffle ticket for only $1. These raffle tickets can be purchased in the school office Monday – Friday from 7:30am – 3:30pm, and on the weekends after masses at both St. Albert the Great Church and St. Wendelin Church. Also, we are asking all school families to get involved by doing your part in helping to sell as many chances as possible. The more chances sold the higher the prize. Everyone will be able to watch the pot grow as we post the amount on the school website daily, every other day, and weekly. I’m sure the anticipation of the drawing will help everyone to get in on the selling frenzy. Return all sold tickets and money in an envelope to the school office marked: “50/50 School Raffle”. Just a reminder tickets and money must be returned together or we can’t pay the winner. The winning ticket will be pulled on New Years Eve Monday, December 31, 2007, just in time for those first of the month holiday bills.

 

Advisory Council Meeting Canceled   The Advisory Council Meeting scheduled for Monday, November 12, 2007 at 7:30pm in Room 206 on the main floor of the Bishop McDowell Regional School building has been canceled. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 14, 2008.

 

Activities Committee Meeting   There will be an Activities Committee Meeting on Wednesday, November 14, 20067at 9am in the Cafeteria of the school building. The Activities Committee will continue planning the Trim-a-Tree Event scheduled for Friday, December 7, 2007. More details about this event will be posted in a future newsletter. All committee members are asked to make this meeting a priority and as usual new members are always welcome.

 

Marketing and Communications Meeting   On Tuesday, December 4, 2007 at 7pm the Marketing and Communications Committee will meet to discuss further implementation of the 2007-2008 Marketing and Communications Plan. The main topic of interest will be planning Catholic Schools Week 2008.

 

Savory Homemade Cookie Dough and Ashley Farm Pie Pick-up   On Thursday, November 15, 2007 all Savory Homemade Cookie Dough & Ashley Farm Pie orders can be pick-up at the school from 2:30pm – 4pm or 6pm – 7pm. Just in time for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

 

Seton - La Salle Catholic High School Fall Drama   The Drama Club of Seton-La Salle Catholic High School is proud to present “Matchmaker” on Friday, November 16, 2007 and Saturday, November 17, 2007 at 7:30pm in the school auditorium. Admission is $5 each for all performances. For more information or to reserve seats call Seton - La Salle Drama at (412) 561 - 3583.

 

Bishop McDowell Regional School Annual Poinsettia, Wreath and Centerpiece Sale   Bishop McDowell Regional School is holding its Annual Poinsettia, Wreath and Centerpiece Sale. The sale will begin today Friday, November 9, 2007. All orders are due to the school office by Friday, November 30, 2007. See the attached order form with week’s newsletter for additional information and make all checks payable to: Bishop McDowell School. Look for further information about the pick-up date in a future newsletter. Proceeds from this sale benefit Bishop McDowell Regional School. Thank you for your support and have a blessed and happy holiday season. See attached order form.

 

2008 Magic Club   Reverse Raffle and Dinner Dance- Applications for memberships are now being accepted.  Memberships make great Thank You gifts or Christmas presents.  Why not show your appreciation for that special someone you just don’t know what to buy. Go get a jump on your holiday shopping. For more information or any other questions about this exciting evening call Janet Grgurich (412) 885-1752. Don’t be left out, it’s a great evening and can be quite profitable.

 

Bishop McDowell Regional School Rainbows and Butterflies Story Hour   On Wednesday, November 14^th the Bishop McDowell Regional School Rainbows and Butterflies Story Hour will kick off 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.

 

Computer Café and Activity Alley   Beginning on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 the Bishop McDowell Regional School Marketing Committee will be sponsoring a monthly activity and use of the computer lab in conjunction with the Rainbows and Butterflies Story Hour from 7pm – 8pm. This month families who attend will be able to play board games for all ages in the school library or make use of the computer lab. See the attached flyer for more information or call the school office at 412-884-5676 and ask to speak with Mr. Grgurich. We look forward to seeing on Wednesday evening November 14^th!

 

2007 Santa Lunch   Our annual Santa Lunch is scheduled for Saturday, December 8, 2007 from 12pm – 3pm in the Bishop McDowell Regional School Cafeteria. Come join us for lunch, ice cream sundaes, raffles, door prizes, crafts and a visit from Santa. All tickets will be $8 a person and must be purchased by Friday, November 30, 2007. For more information call Lisa Henning at (412) 884 – 6138.

 

2007 Santa Christmas Shop   The Bishop McDowell Regional School Santa Christmas Shop will begin on Monday, December 3, 2007 and the school sale will conclude on Friday, December 7, 2007. Items will be priced from approximately $10 and under. A schedule of when each class is going to shop and an envelope for shopping with an itemized list on it will be sent home on Tuesday, November 27, 2007. For more information about the Santa Christmas Shop contact Wendy Wrubleski at (412) 881 – 1688.

 

Multiple Intelligence Activity Period   On Monday November 19, 2007 the students in grades K – 8 will be participating in their 2^nd Multiple Intelligence Activity period beginning at 1:15pm in the old church area. This time, the focus will be on the Logical/Mathematical Intelligence, which consists of the capacity to analyze problems logically, carry out mathematical operations, and investigate issues scientifically. In Howard Gardner's words, it entails the ability to detect patterns, reason deductively and think logically. This intelligence is most often associated with scientific and mathematical thinking. The children will be permitted to dress down in comfortable clothing (jeans, sweatpants, and gym shoes) with exception to any clothing that goes against the catholic nature of our school along with wearing their NEW Gray Bishop McDowell Spirit T-shirt. As usual Mr. Grgurich deems the right to determine what is appropriate and what is not.

 

Little Sisters of the Poor Food Drive   On Monday, November 5, 2007 our Thanksgiving Food Drive for the Little Sisters of the Poor began and will continue until Tuesday, November 20, 2007. To help you know what items are needed you may request a copy of the wish list by calling the school office. We certainly appreciate all you have done in the past, and thank you in advance for being so generous with this year’s food drive. This service project is being sponsored by our HOPE Team. Also, there will be a competition for the entire school to collect 500 non-perishable items. If this goal is accomplished by Tuesday, November 20, 2007 everyone in Grades K – 8 will receive a dress down day on Wednesday, November 21, 2007. Good Luck and remember every item collected will help someone less fortunate this holiday season. What a great opportunity for the Bishop McDowell Regional School community to show their spirit of giving. Let’s get motivated and collect more than 300 items.

 

December Market Day Orders   All December Market Day order forms are due to the school office on Monday, December 3, 2007. Internet orders are due by noon on Thursday, December 6, 2007. Pick up is scheduled for Wednesday, December 12, 2007 from 6pm - 7pm in the Cafeteria of the school building. As always we are in need of volunteers to help on Market Day, consider giving 1or 2-hours. If you would like to volunteer or have any questions call the school office at (412) 884 – 5676.

 

Protecting God’s Children   St. Albert the Great Parish is sponsoring a Protecting God’s Children course on Thursday November 15, 2007 from 7pm – 10pm. This course will be held in the Bishop McDowell Regional School on the main floor of the school building. 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 are required 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.