Sunday, September 28, 2014

Week of September 28, 2014 Announcements




Welcome Back Miss Alma
Ms. Alma has returned to OLQM to teach music to students in grades PreK, Kindergarten, Grades 1, 2 and 3.
She will be here on Mondays and Wednesdays beginning this week.

Cornerstone Students Information System
Parents wishing to have login and password information regarding the Student Information System may request the information by sending an e-mail to Mr. Woods at olqm1@aol.com.
Last week only 32 parents showed up for information. The next time that Alan will be available to assist parents one to one will be on Report Card night which is November 14th from 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM.

Progress Reports
The first Progress Report will be sent home this Friday October 3rd with your child. Please look at it carefully and if you have questions please call Alba to schedule an appointment to see your child's teacher(s). The best way for you as a parent to keep up with your child's progress is to monitor the SIS (Student Information System) weekly.

IRIS - Immediate Information Response System.
The IRIS system will be tested today - Sunday September 28th. If you did not receive a recorded message please inform Alba or Alan so that your information may be verified.

Feast of St. Francis of Assisi-October 3rd --9:00 AM Mass
The annual blessing of domesticated animals will take place on Friday October 3rd at the 9:00 AM Mass. Students may bring their animals from home to be blessed. Due to allergies dogs and cats will have to return home after Mass--please make arrangements for them to return home.

Smart Tuition
Mr. Woods and Alan will be attending a meeting between the Superintendent of Schools Office, the regional principals and Smart Tuition on October 8th. Parents who are experiencing problems should e-mail Mr. Woods at olqm1@aol.com so that it may be addressed at this general meeting.

Interim Assessment #1
The first Interim Assessment will be administered to students in grades Kindergarten - 8th grade the week of October 20th. It will cover all the material that has been covered by teachers in Unit I of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).

Monday September 29, 2014
Reminder Candy Bars are in the office to assist parents in fund raising.

Tuesday September 30, 2014
Feast of St. Jerome
October calendars will be sent home today.

Wednesday October 1, 2014
Feast of St. Therese of the Child Jesus

Thursday October 2, 2014
Feast of Guardian Angels

Friday October 3, 2014
Mass in honor of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi 9:00 AM
Parents Welcome.
Animals Welcome!!
led by the students of the 7th grade.

Saturday October 4, 2014
Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

Sunday October 5, 2014
First Day of Sacramental Program
All students MUST attend Mass here at 1:00 PM
They must sit in the front of Church with Mr. Woods.




Sunday, September 21, 2014

Week of September 21, 2014 Announcements



To Parents - An eye opening article from the Wall Street Journal

Fighting the Internet Invasion of Childhood

When I heard my daughter's screams from Web deprivation, I knew I was onto something.
By
MARTIN KUTNOWSKI
Sept. 9, 2014 7:10 p.m. ET
From inside the fortress of her bedroom, my 10-year-old daughter launches guerrilla warfare. Her weapon: piercing screams. She is angry with me because she has discovered that her iPad cannot get online. Last night I managed to selectively program our wireless modem so that specific devices connect to the Web only one hour a day, compared with the four or five hours that she and her 9-year-old brother had recently been spending online. Now I can finally limit their surfing time without constant personal involvement.
American children need 60 minutes of moderate to intense activity a day, according to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control. One could only hope to meet that standard. Returning from work every evening, I would find two zombies—the cliché never gets old, because it is accurate—in front of the computer. In a catatonic state, the children would respond to my greeting with an unintelligible mumble. After turning the computer off, I would try to talk them into riding the bicycle or going to the park.
Failing that, I'd make them to do chores or homework, often musing how much easier it would be to haul an elephant up a mountain. At dinner, if asked what they had learned at school—the kind of conversation I used to have with my parents—my annoyed children would respond "nothing," absently looking into the distance, longing to tether themselves online as soon as I turned my back.

Corbis
My daughter's screams and sobs are an eye opener, indicating the real extent of their electronic addiction. As a professor in a four-year undergraduate university, I meet young people just as they emerge from the public-school pipeline, and from years of excessive electronic stimulation. Differences among these entering students are profound, in physical health, in skill level, in social and academic engagement, and ultimately in their chances for success. Many of these students have urgent needs: Some don't understand their own nutrition, how to form a coherent and complete sentence, how to focus long enough to read one chapter of a book, or how to talk and collaborate with one another or with the teacher.
I help as much as I can, and often my students become engaged with their academic and social environment. An earlier intervention—fewer videogames, more activities outdoors and more guided reading, for instance—could have saved those who give up. And no, l don't buy the fantasy that failing students will be "successful" dropouts like Steve Jobs or Bill Gates. Statistics predict that most people without a postsecondary education will be low-wage earners.
I shudder at the idea of my own children becoming like these vulnerable youth. During my children's childhood, the quality of which is my absolute responsibility, I don't want TV, videogames, Internet, tobacco, alcohol, drugs or any other kind of poison or addiction to wreck their development. When videogames were restricted to PlayStations, Xboxes or the Wii, it was easy: I just didn't purchase any of these. We went once a week to the arcade at the mall.
But as my children grew older, their relationship with the Internet posed a bigger challenge. Before hacking my modem, I considered quitting my job or reducing my hours so that I could be back at home in the afternoon. That wasn't feasible. Neither was pulling the entire household off the grid forever.
Fade to black and fast forward. It has now been several months since I imposed stiff electronic rations. Like fish returning to a river that had been polluted for decades, my children have radically altered their habits, behaving in ways that seemed extinct. If they get bored, they now find things to do, playing with marbles if necessary. They complain occasionally, but tough luck. They are once again avid readers, and, just as significantly, avid talkers.
When we watch TV shows together as a family—not to fill the day but because the day is done—we discuss what the story taught us. Keeping the parasitic electronic stimulation at bay, for now I have managed to emulate for them the simpler, less invasive environment of my own childhood. I dwell in the temporary truce, knowing that new parental challenges will keep me on my toes. This is a long war that can never be won—only tied perhaps—until they grow up and leave home. Soldier on.
Mr. Kutnowski, a pianist and composer, is the director of the fine arts program at St. Thomas University in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada

Cornerstone Student Information System Training
Cornerstone training for parents to access their child's grades will be provided this week by Alan in the school library.
Parents are urged to bring a laptop or iPad for easy setup.
Training will be:
Tuesday 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Wednesday 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Thursday 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Friday 7:00 AM -10:00 AM


Classroom Inc Program
Classroom Inc begins this week for students in grades 5 and 8.
Students who have laptops and are able to bring them to school every week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays should do so for the program.
DO NOT BUY A LAPTOP if students have one and they are responsible enough to bring it to school that will make the program run smoothly.
iPads do not work with Classroom Inc.
Ms. Serewko and Mr. Placido will post more information on their blog entries.

Sacramental Program Registration
Sunday September 28th is the LAST Sunday for registration.
All students in the sacramental program will begin by attending Mass as a group on October 5th at 1:00 PM.
Parents may register on Sunday September 28th from 12:00 noon until 2:00 PM.

IRIS - Immediate Response Information System.
Due to flaws with the Cornerstone system this week the IRIS system was not able to be set up.
We should be testing the system this week and you will be notified of the posting of the blog, half days and if need be closing due to snow through this system.

Monday- September 22nd

Autumn begins today at 10:29 PM

Tuesday September 23rd
Classroom Inc begins. Students in grades 5 & 8 laptops
Cornerstone training for parents 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM in library.
Special Gym Classes - Kindergarten, Grades 5, 6, 7 and 8

Wednesday September 24th
Classroom Inc Grades 5 & 8
National Punctuation Day
Cornerstone training 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM in Library

Thursday September 25th
Cornerstone training for parents 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM in library
Special Gym Classes
Grades PreK -2 (Ms. Rodriguez) 5, 6, 7 & 8


Friday September 26th
Cornerstone training for parents 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM in library.
Special Gym Classes
Grades PreK -1; Grades 3, 4 and 8



Sunday, September 14, 2014

Week of September 15, 2014 Announcements



Friday - September 19, 2014 - Dismissal at 12:00 noon
As mentioned on the monthly calendar - Friday September 19th dismissal will be at 12:00 noon so that the faculty may meet together with Mr. Woods.
Parents who are need of child care for their child may see Mr. Marcial for a special rate on half days.

Parent Sign Off Sheets
On Friday September 12th parent signature pages for the school handbook, emergency cards, free lunch etc. were due to the classroom teacher.
A number of parents forgot to hand in the papers and your child may be denied the free breakfast & lunch unless we have an income sheet handed into the office.
Parents are requested to make sure the papers are handed in this week to the classroom teacher.

Extended Day Math Classes
Students in grades 5-8 will attend school until 5:00 PM once a week
to prepare them for the upcoming Interim Assessments in October along
with New York State Preparation.
Grade 6 will be dismissed on Mondays at 5:00 PM
Grade 5 will be dismissed on Tuesdays at 5:00 PM
Grade 8 will be dismissed on Wednesdays at 5:00 PM
Grade 7 will be dismissed on Thursdays at 5:00 PM

Title I Classes
Title I classes will again be offered to students this year who did not meet the standards in ELA and Math on the most recent NYS tests. Classes will also be offered to students in Kindergarten. Letters will be sent home in the next week for a parent signature and parents are free to see the Title I teachers should they have questions. This is a voluntary program and parents have the right to request that their child not attend these classes.

Smart Tuition
A reminder that payments are due to Smart Tuition by the 20th of each month. If not paid in time there is a $35.00 late fee charged. If a parent needs an extension they are requested to see Mr. Woods or send an email to olqm1@aol.com (Mr. Woods' e-mail.) Last year Smart Tuition collected $6,930.00 in late fees and NONE OF THAT MONEY CAME BACK TO THE SCHOOL. Parents who request an extension before the 18th of the month are granted the extension without incurring the late fee.
Parents who have questions regarding the billing cycle etc. may call Alan in the school office at 212-567-3190.
Alan is in the office:
Mondays 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesdays 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesdays 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursdays 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Fridays 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Teacher e-mails
All e-mail communication to teachers must be sent to olqm1@aol.com wherein Mr. Woods will forward the e-mail to the requested teacher. This policy enables Mr. Woods to screen the communication between parents and teachers and ensure that all communication is appropriate.

Appointments with teachers/Mr. Woods
Parents who wish to meet with their child's teacher are requested to call Alba to schedule an appointment. Many teachers have family commitments or attend graduate school after dismissal and Alba will be able to coordinate meeting times for parents. Parents wishing to see Mr. Woods may see him on any Sunday (except holiday weekends)from 10:00 AM - 12:00 noon without an appointment. Should parents be unable to meet at this time then parents may schedule an appointment with Alba. Weekday appointments are made from 6:30 AM - 7:30 AM before school begins for the day.

Monday - September 15, 2014 Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows

Tuesday - September 16, 2014

Candy bars will be available in the tuition office to assist parents in their fund raising. Candy money may be paid to Smart Tuition or may be paid at the tuition office and we will forward the payment to Smart Tuition.

Wednesday- September 17,2014
Feast of St. Robert Bellarmine

Thursday - September 18, 2014
Special Gym Classes - Grade PreK-2; Grades 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8

Friday - September 19, 2014
Early Dismissal Day 12:00 Noon

Sunday - September 21, 2014
Registration for Sacraments 12:00 noon - 2:00 PM
Baptism
Reconciliation
First Holy Communion




Sunday, September 7, 2014

Week of September 8, 2014 Announcements




Back to School Prayer
We thank you for the fragrance of a new box of crayons, Lord,
The rainbow in each perfect row;
Thank you for each bundle of snowy white notebook paper,
Awaiting fresh possibilities.
May they remind us that you make all things new and bless us with abundance.
Thank you for this ruler; for every eraser that tops every pencil.
May they help us remember to measure our blessings ,
But never your boundless love for us;
To allow for the making of mistakes as a normal part of human learning.
As we lay out our new clothes for these first days of school,
Help us remember to put on Christ each day, too,
And to “clothe the naked” as He asked us.
But mostly, God, help us remember
that Jesus is always our best and most devoted teacher—
That we never outgrow all his lessons on how you want us to live and to love.

By Home Faith editor Mary Lynn Hendrickson Give Us This Day

Yearly Calendar
Parents wishing to review the yearly calendar may click on
the link to the school website at the top of this page.
The yearly calendar was set up in
the summer of 2014 and periodically may have dates, times etc. changed.
It is important to read this blog weekly and check the announcement
board in the lunchroom if there are changes.

Extended Day Math Classes

Students in grades 5-8 will attend school until 5:00 PM once a week
to prepare them for the upcoming Interim Assessments in October along
with New York State Preparation.
Grade 6 will be dismissed on Mondays at 5:00 PM
Grade 5 will be dismissed on Tuesdays at 5:00 PM
Grade 8 will be dismissed on Wednesdays at 5:00 PM
Grade 7 will be dismissed on Thursdays at 5:00 PM

Breakfast & Lunch Program
As a reminder income forms are due to the classroom teacher
for the free breakfast & lunch program.
Breakfast is served from 7:00 AM - 7:45 AM


Monday September 8, 2014 Feast of the Birth of Mary
Opening School Mass at 9:00 AM led by he 8th grade students.
Parents Welcome
Reminder all parent forms are due to classroom teacher by Friday September 12, 2014

Tuesday September 9, 2014
Computer and gym classes begin today.
Reminder all parent forms are due to classroom teacher by Friday September 12, 2014

Wednesday September 10, 2014
Reminder all parent forms are due to classroom teacher by Friday September 12, 2014

Thursday September 11, 2014 Patriot Day
Art Classes begin today.
8th grade parent meeting regarding High School Admission process.
Library at 7:00 PM
Reminder all parent forms are due to classroom teacher by Friday September 12, 2014

Friday September 12, 2014
Feast of the Holy Name of Mary
Reminder all parent forms are due to classroom teacher by Friday September 12, 2014

Sunday September 14,2014
Registration for Sacramental Program 12:00 noon - 2:00 PM
Sacrament of Reconciliation Grade 2
Sacrament of First Holy Communion Grade 3
Sacrament of Confirmation Grades 7 & 8
Baptism - Grades 2-8 must meet with Mr. Woods
Parish Feast Celebration 12:00 noon - 5:00 PM