Saturday, December 11, 2010

Week of December 13, 2010 Announcements

Christmas is fast approaching.
And now that Christ has aroused our seasonal expectations,
he'll soon fulfill them all!”

St. Augustine, Sermon 51

Monday - Feast of St. Lucy
School Closed Data Day

Tuesday - Feast of St. John of the Cross
Please send in shopping bags
with your child so that the classrooms
can be packed for Christmas cleaning.

Wednesday - Map a Month Due Grades 4-8
Advent Confessions after Mass 9:00 AM
Grades 5 & 6

Thursday - Progress Reports will be sent home.
All students will receive their Progress
Report from Fr. Antonio today.
Parents are requested to look it over
carefully. If parents have questions
Mr. Woods will be in the office on
Sunday December 19th.

Friday- Early Dismissal Day 12:00 noon
Lessons and Carols in Church 10:00 AM
No After School Program today.
Christmas Recess begins at dismissal.
School resumes on Tuesday January 4th.

Sunday - Mass for students in sacramental
program 1:00 PM. No classes.

As a reminder Christmas Day is a Holyday
of Obligation and Catholics are obliged
to attend Mass. Students should attend
Mass with their families in celebration
Christ's birth. Please see the Church
bulletin.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Week of December6, 2010 Announcements

Advent Reflection

"Take time to be aware that in the very midst of
our busy preparations for the celebration of
Christ’s birth in ancient Bethlehem,
Christ is reborn in the Bethlehems of our homes and daily lives.
Take time, slow down, be still, be awake to the
Divine Mystery that looks so common and
so ordinary yet is wondrously present."

Edward Hays, A Pilgrim’s Almanac

National Hand Washing Awareness Week


Monday - Feast of St. Nicholas
Tuition Suspension Day

Tuesday- Feast of St. Ambrose
In 1941 Pearl Harbor was bombed by Japanese

Wednesday - Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
Mass at 9:00 AM led by the
students of the 2nd grade.

Thursday - Feast of St. Juan Diego
School Spelling Bee 9:00 AM
Parents Welcome to attend.

Friday- Mass at 9:00 AM for students
in grades 3 and 4 followed by confessions.
Parents Welcome to attend Mass and have
their confession heard after Mass.

Sunday - Third Sunday of Advent
Gaudete Sunday
Mass for all students in
Sacramental Program 1:00 PM

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Week of November 29, 2010 Announcements

First Week of Advent

Memory Awakens Hope. . . . . . . . .

"Advent is concerned with that very connection between memory and hope
which is so necessary to man. Advent’s intention is to awaken
the most profound and basic emotional memory within us,
namely, the memory of the God who became a child.
This is a healing memory; it brings hope.
The purpose of the Church’s year is continually to rehearse
her great history of memories, to awaken the heart’s memory
so that it can discern the star of hope.…

It is the beautiful task of Advent to awaken in all of us
memories of goodness and thus to open doors of hope.
Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, Seek That Which Is Above,1986

Cardinal Ratzinger is the present Pope Benedict XVI

Students in PreK, Kindergarten and First Grade will
have gym classes on Thursdays beginning this week.
Please make sure your child is dressed in gym clothes
on Thursdays.

Monday -
December calendars will be sent home with your child today.
Students in grades 4-8 will receive MAP-A-MONTH to
be completed by December 15th.

Tuesday- Feast of St. Andrew

Wednesday 12/1- World AIDS Awareness Day

Thursday 12/2 -
PreK, Kindergarten and First Grade have
gym classes.

Friday 12/3 - Early Dismissal Day 12:00 noon
Feast of St. Francis Xavier
Faculty Meeting
Parents in need of after school care for the
early dismissal should see Mrs. Ramsey or
the tuition staff.
Word Wall Test

Sunday - Confirmation Class 12:00 noon
Mass for all students at 1:00 PM

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Week of November 21, 2010 Announcements

Let us remember that, as much has been given us,
much will be expected from us,
and that true homage comes from the heart
as well as from the lips,
and shows itself in deeds.

~Theodore Roosevelt


ITBS (Iowa Test of BASIC Skills) and
New York State Tests


On Monday November 21st your child's
ITBS scores will be sent home.
Many parents have been concerned with test scores
the past number of years, believing that
one test says it all for their child.
No child's progress should be based on
one test score and that is why both
the ITBS tests and NYS tests are
administered to the children of
OLQM.

A child's academic progress should
be be analyzed using multiple measures
of success:
Norm Referenced Tests
Criterion Referenced Tests
Classroom Performance
Formative Assessment and
Portfolio Assessment

The ITBS is a norm referenced test
which means that your child is compared
via their test scores with thousands of
children across the United States who
are the same age. The scores of this
battery of tests are used as a diagnostic
tool by your child's teacher
in determining the academic needs
that can be addressed this year with your child.

New York State tests are criterion referenced
tests which means they are based on specific
curriculum benchmarks as determined by the
State Education Department. The New York
State curriculum deals in two specific strands
K-4 and 5-8.

The easiest way to understand the ITBS results
for parents is to look for the
Stanine Score listed.
A score of 1, 2, or 3 indicates that your
child is below level.
A score of 4, 5, or 6 indicates that your
child is in the average range.
A score of 7, 8, 9 indicates that your
child is above average.

What is the single most important analysis
of scores that the media does not tell
parents about scores is "Has there been
academic growth?"

Each child is unique and the question you
as their parent should ask - has my child
grown one year in their Reading, Mathematics
skills? This is the single most important factor.

If your child has not grown academically then
why is that so.

If your child was average last year and this
year is below level this is a cause of concern
which you as parent must address.

After looking at your child's scores should you
have questions please feel free to make an
appointment to see Mr. Woods or stop in any Sunday
after Mass. Mr. Woods can look at the scores
from last year's test (October, 2009) and then
this year's test score (October 2010)
and assist you in analyzing both scores.

Monday- ITBS test scores will be sent home.

Tuesday- 6th grade cake sale

Wednesday-
Thanksgiving Mass at 9:00 Am led by the students
of the 5th grade. Parents Welcome

Distribution of turkeys and canned food to the
needy of the parish by the Confirmation Class.

Thursday- Thanksgiving - School Closed
Friday - Thanksgiving Holiday - School Closed

Sunday - First Sunday of Advent
Mass for all students at 1:00 PM
No classes.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Week of November 15, 2010 Announcements

November 14th-November 20th is
Bullying Awareness Week
This year's theme is:
"Stand Up! (to bullying)"
As part of the NYS Education Law that
was signed into law by Governor Paterson
this past September your child will receive
instruction on the dangers of bullying.

Report Card Week
Report cards will be distributed by Fr.Almonte
on Thursday November 18th.
Parents are reminded that tuition must be
current for your child to receive their
Report Card. Parents should see the tuition
staff regarding any concerns.
There will be Parent-Teacher Conferences
on Thursday from 2:00 PM until 7:00 PM.
Mr. Woods will be in the auditorium if
parents have concerns.
Dismissal on Thursday will be at 12:00 noon.
Parents needing child care for Thursday
should see Mrs. Ramsey or the tuition staff.

Monday
Feast of St. Albert the Great
Patron saint of scientists.

Tuesday
Feast of St.Margaret of Scotland

Wednesday
Feast of St. Elizabeth of Hungary

Thursday
Report Card Day
Dismissal at 12:00 noon
Report Card Assemblies
Parents Welcome to attend
9:00 AM Grades 5,6,7 and 8
9:30 AM Grades 1, 2, 3, and 4
10:00 AM Kindergarten
Parent Teacher Conferences
2:00 PM-7:00 PM

Friday
Feast of St. Agnes of Assisi

Sunday November 21st
Reconciliation Class
12:00 noon
Mass for all students at 1:00 PM

11:00 AM-4:00 PM
SIS (Student Information System)
training for parents.

Reminder that cans foods are needed for
distribution to the needy of the parish by the
Confirmation Class on Wednesday.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

A letter from Fr. Almonte & Mr. Woods

Dear Parent or Guardian:

We hope this letter finds you and your family well.

As you may be aware, enrollment at many schools in the Archdiocese of New York has been declining for a number of years despite our best efforts to provide an excellent education, grounded in the Catholic faith.

As you know, the archdiocese’s strategic plan Pathways to Excellence, which was published in October, was developed as a roadmap for an academically excellent, fully enrolled Catholic school system. One of the recommendations of Pathways to Excellence was to create a Reconfiguration Committee, composed of pastors, principals, parents and representatives from the archdiocese. The committee began its work in July of this year and was charged with evaluating 185 archdiocesan and parish elementary schools, and challenged secondary schools, and with making recommendations as to their long-term viability.

There are multiple challenges facing schools that the committee has defined as at risk. “At-risk” means that a school has required significant support from the archdiocese to meet its financial obligations primarily due to declining enrollment and tuition. This archdiocesan support is not sustainable long-term, and therefore it could be reduced or withdrawn. This committee has identified several schools that are at-risk. Fortunately, your child’s school is not among them. We are sending this letter to you, however, to outline the process that many other schools in the archdiocese are undergoing.

In the next step of this process, pastors and principals of the at-risk schools will be invited to meet with members of the committee to discuss the combination of factors that led their school to be included on the list. They will be given the opportunity to share local insights that might be relevant in the evaluation process, and be invited to present a proposal for their school’s long-term sustainability. This effort will be critical to the committee’s final recommendation, so that no stone is left unturned in this collaborative evaluation process. If, at the end of the process, this designation remains unchanged, a school would have its archdiocesan subsidy eliminated or reduced significantly.

As a result of this process, our school may be welcoming new students affected by these changes. We know that you and our school community will do all we can to make these children and families feel at home. Whatever the outcome, the archdiocese has assured us that every child who wants a Catholic education will continue to have access to one.

We will keep you informed as these developments unfold. Our doors are always open to answer any questions you may have or to alleviate any of your fears. The complete list of at-risk schools is posted on www.adnyeducation.org.

As part of our community of faith, we ask that you join the Department of Education in prayer and contemplation during the coming days, as we continue to focus on strengthening our schools and elevating the spirits of the children in our care.

Sincerely,
Rev. Antonio Almonte, pastor
Mr. Andrew G. Woods, principal


Querido Padre o Guardián:
Esperamos que al recibir esta carta usted y su familia se encuentren bien.
Como usted se habrá dado cuenta, las inscripciones en muchas de las escuelas en la Arquidiócesis de Nueva York, han ido declinando por un numero años a pesar de nuestros mejores esfuerzos para proveer una excelente educación, arraigada en la fe Católica.

El plan estratégico de la Arquidiócesis Camino a la Excelencia, el cual fue publicado en Octubre, fue desarrollado como una guía para seguir un sistema escolar académicamente excelente y completamente matriculado. Una de las recomendaciones para Camino a la Excelencia, fue crear un comité de Re-configuración, compuesto por los pastores, los principales, y representantes de la Arquidiócesis. El comité empezó a trabajar en Julio de este año y fue encomendado a evaluar 185 escuelas Arquidiocesanas y parroquiales, elementales, y retó a escuelas secundarias con hacer recomendaciones sobre su viabilidad a largo plazo.

El comité ha definido como de alto riesgo, las escuelas que están enfrentando muchos desafíos. “Alto riesgo” significa que una escuela ha requerido de un apoyo significativo de parte de la arquidiócesis para cubrir sus obligaciones primarias. Debido a la disminución de inscripciones y pagos. Este apoyo arquidiosesano no es sostenible a largo plazo, y por lo tanto puede ser reducido o retirado. Este comité ha identificado algunas escuelas que están en alto riesgo. Afortunadamente, la escuela de su hijo no esta entre una de esas. Le estamos enviando a usted esta carta, de cualquier modo, para explicarle por el proceso que muchas otras escuelas en la arquidiócesis están pasando.

En el próximo paso de este proceso, pastores y principales de las escuelas de alto riesgo serán invitados para reunirse con miembros del comité para discutir la combinación de factores que llevo su escuela a ser incluida en la lista. Ellos darán la oportunidad de compartir la perspicacia local que podría ser pertinente en el proceso de evaluación, y ser invitado a presentar una propuesta para el sostenimiento de su escuela, a largo plazo.
Este esfuerzo será crítico para la recomendación final del comité. Asi que ninguna piedra se quedará sin ser virada en este proceso de evaluación colaborativo. Si, al final del proceso estas designaciones continúan sin cambios, la escuela tendrá su subsidio arquidiocesano eliminado o reducido, significativamente.

Como resultado de este proceso, nuestra escuela quizás este recibiendo nuevos estudiantes,
Afectados por estos cambios. Nosotros sabemos que usted y nuestra comunidad escolar haremos todo lo posible para hacer que esos niños y sus familias se sientan como en su casa. Cualquiera que sea el resultado, la arquidiócesis nos ha asegurado que todo niño que quiera una educación Católica, continuara teniendo acceso a ella.
Nosotros les mantendremos informado según se vayan desarrollando los planes. Nuestras puertas están siempre abiertas para contestar cualquier pregunta que usted pudiera tener o para aliviar cualquiera de sus miedos. La lista de escuelas en alto riesgo puede ser encontrada a través de www.adnyeducation.org.

Como parte de una comunidad de fe, nosotros pedimos que usted se una al Departamento de Educación, en oración y contemplación durante los proximos dias, mientras nos enfocamos en fortalecer nuestras escuelas y en elevar el espiritu de los niños a nuestro cuidado.

Sinceramente,
Padre Almonte
Senor Andres Madera

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Week of November 8, 2010 Announcements

"How important it is for us to recognize
and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!"

-Maya Angelou

Flu Shot Program
The Department of Health is offering to administer
the flu shot to students enrolled at OLQM.
Permission slips will be sent home on
Monday November 8th. They should be returned
to your child's teacher. Parents needing
assisting in completing the form should see
Alba or Mr. Woods.
No date has been set yet as the
Department of Health needs to ascertain
the number of students who will be
inoculated.

Monday-
Map a Month due for students in grades 4-8

Kindergarten and First Grade will have
their eyes screened by the
NYC Department of Health

Tuesday-

Wednesday-
Feast of St. Leo the Great

Thursday - SCHOOL CLOSED
Veterans Day

Friday-
Feast of St. Josephat
Word Wall Test

Saturday-
Confirmation Class will participate
in the Ronald McDonald Children's Charity Fun Run
Parents Welcome - please see Mr. Placido.
Parents wishing to sponsor a student should
see Mr. Woods, Alba or Mr. Placido.

Sunday -
Mass for all students at 1:00 PM
Mr. Placido will be taking attendance

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Week of November 1, 2010 Announcements

“True religion is real living;
living with all one's soul, with all one's goodness and righteousness.”

Albert Einstein

SIS - Student Information Training.
Student Information System Parent Passwords
and Login Information assistance will be
extended this week:
Saturday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
If you are familiar with the system then you
can pick up your password etc. from Alba in
the office. Parents who wish to be e-mailed
the information may e-mail Mr. Woods at
olqm1@aol.com - remember to put in the topic
of Parent Request. All the e-mails will be answered
on Saturday or Sunday.
Parents are reminded that this system is in place
to assist them in keeping up with their child's
academic progress. It is too late when on report
card day parents say to the teacher:
"Oh, yeah I forgot to look at the system."

Santa and Me Pictures
Santa will be here to take pictures with
students in grades PreK, Kindergarten and
First Grade on Wednesday November 3rd.
Envelopes for the picture company are due
to the tuition office.
Students may wear dress up clothes for
the pictures.

IRIS Alert System.
If you did not receive a testing message
from the IRIS system on Thursday October 28th;
or you are not getting
weekly updates from IRIS that this blog
has been posted ---please call Alba or
e-mail Mr. Woods with your telephone
numbers.

Monday 11/1 -Feast of All Saints
Mass at 9:00 AM led by students of grades 5-8.
Parents welcome.

Tuesday 11/2- Feast of All Souls
Election Day - SCHOOL IS OPEN.

Wednesday 11/3- Feast of St. Martin de Porres
Santa and Me Picture Day - grades PreK, K and 1.

Thursday - 11/4
Feast of St. Charles Borromeo
First Quarter Word Wall Test.

Friday - Early Dismissal Day 12:00 noon.
Faculty Meeting.
TACHS exam for 8th grade students.
Parents who need child care after 12:00 noon
should see Mrs. Ramsey in the after school program
or the tuition staff.

Saturday - SIS (student Information System)
Parent Passwords and Login information assistance
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM in school office.
Turn Clocks Back one hour before going to bed.

Sunday-SIS (student Information System)
Parent Passwords and Login information assistance
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM in school office.

12:00 noon - Communion Class in office area.
1:00 PM - Mass for all students in sacramental
program.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Test of IRIS Alert System by Archdiocese of New York

Emergency Alert Test

Dear Parent/Guardian,

This letter is to notify you that on October 28, 2010 every Catholic school in the Archdiocese of New York will be involved in the testing of the IRIS Emergency Alert System.

The Archdiocese has worked over the past year to make sure that all schools and their communities are linked together through the IRIS Emergency Alert System in the event of an emergency or inclement weather. On October 28th, your principal will send out a message that will read:
“THIS IS A TEST OF THE IRIS EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM. THIS IS ONLY A TEST. PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS MESSAGE”.

This notice will be sent to you by whatever form of contact you provided your principal
(e.g., cell phone, email, home phone, text message) and it will be sent on October 28th by 1:00pm. If for whatever reason you do not receive this test alert on October 28th then please contact your school principal immediately because there may be incomplete or incorrect information in the system, which is preventing the IRIS test alert from reaching you.

Please be mindful in the future that any time you change your cell phone number, email address, and/or home phone, that you give this new information to the school office so that they can update your information in the IRIS system. It is critical that the IRIS Alert System has your current contact information so that you may be reached in the event of an emergency or inclement weather notification.

Thank you for your support as we continue to provide a safe and healthy environment for your child.



Alerta de Emergencia de prueba


Estimado padre o tutor,

Esta carta es para notificarle que el 28 de octubre de 2010, cada escuela católica en la Arquidiócesis de Nueva York participará en la prueba del IRIS Sistema de Alerta de Emergencia.

La Arquidiócesis ha trabajado durante el último año para asegurarse de que todas las escuelas y sus ccomunidades están unidas a través del IRIS Sistema de Alerta de Emergencia en caso de una emergencia o tiempo inclemente. El 28 de octubre, el director enviará un mensaje que diga:
"ESTO ES UNA PRUEBA DEL SISTEMA DE ALERTA DE EMERGENCIA IRIS. ESTO ES SOLO UNA PRUEBA. POR FAVOR NO RESPONDA A ESTE MENSAJE”.

Este aviso será enviado a usted por la forma de contacto que proporcionó el principal de su
(Por ejemplo, teléfono celular, correo electrónico, teléfono de casa, mensaje de texto) y será enviado el 28 de octubre a las 1:00 pm. Si por cualquier razón usted no recibe esta alerta de prueba el 28 de octubre, por favor comuníquese con el director de la escuela inmediatamente, porque puede haber información incompleta o incorrecta en el sistema, que está impidiendo que la alerta de prueba IRIS le llegue.

Por favor, tener en cuenta en el futuro que cada vez que cambie su número de teléfono celular, dirección de correo electrónico, y / o teléfono de casa, que le dan esta nueva información a la oficina de la escuela para que puedan actualizar su información en el sistema IRIS. Es fundamental que el IRIS Sistema de Alerta tenga su información de contacto actualizada para que pueda ser alcanzado en el caso de una emergencia o notificación inclemencias del tiempo.

Gracias por su apoyo a medida que seguimos para proporcionar un ambiente seguro y saludable para su hijo.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Week of October 24, 2010 Announcements

On Hallowe'en the thing
you must do
Is pretend that nothing
can frighten you
An' if somethin' scares you
and you want to run
Jus' let on like
it's Hallowe'en fun.
- - - from an Early Nineteenth Century Halloween Postcard

Parents should check with their child's teacher
regarding what activities will happen in their class
on Friday October 29th in honor of Halloween.

All parents that did not come in the last
few Sundays may pick up their SIS login information
and password from Alba in the office.

There will be no training for SIS this Sunday October 31st.

Monday - Final day of Safe Environment Curriculum
Book Fair on second floor of school.

Tuesday-Book Fair on second floor of school.

Wednesday-Book Fair on second floor of school.

Thursday-Book Fair on second floor of school.
Candle Sale and Gift Wrap Sale ends today.
All monies and envelopes should be returned
to the tuition staff in the office.

Friday- Halloween Parade PreK and Kindergarten

Sunday - No Classes.
Mass for all students at 1:00 PM
Mr. Roberto Placido will be taking
attendance at Mass with Fr. Antonio.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Week of October 18, 2010 Announcements

...be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient;...
2 Timothy 3:14-4:2

A letter to parents regarding the
Safe Environment Curriculum.

Dear Parents,
Our Catholic tradition has always affirmed the
dignity of the human person as created in the image
and likeness of God. Every person with whom we come
in contact deserves to be seen by us with th eyes of
God. We know that ministry with children and youth,
in particular, is a sacred trust. We, at Our Lady
Queen of Martyrs School are committed to preserve,
at all times and in all places, this sacred trust
which is rooted in our faith in Jesus Christ.
In 2002, the United States Bishops approved
The Charter for the Protection of Children and
Young People in an effort to protect children
and youth from sexual abuse at ;all levels of
church life and to restore trust in a Church
scarred by the scandal of clergy and sexual
abuse. Article 12 of the charter directs all
dioceses to create programs and processes
to teach children and youth about sexual abuse
and prevention. In the Archdiocese of New York,
this training will be integrated this week.
October 18th-October 25th into the religious
education program in our school.
We thank you for your support and interest
as we partner to give our children the safest
possible environment to grow in faith, in
our parish, school and in our homes.

Sincerely,
Rev. Antonio Almonte, pastor
Mr. Andrew G. Woods, principal


This is National Chemistry Week
Theme: "Behind the Scenes with Chemistry"


Monday - Safe Environment Curriculum
will be incorporated into Religion classes.

Tuesday - ITBS
Reading and ELA
Safe Environment Curriculum
will be incorporated into Religion classes.

Wednesday - ITBS/CoGat
Reading Part II
and Makeup tests for students who were absent.

Thursday- ITBS/CoGat
Language and Makeups for students who were absent.
Safe Environment Curriculum
will be incorporated into Religion classes.

Friday - Word Wall Test
Full Moon
Safe Environment Curriculum
will be incorporated into Religion classes.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Week of October 11, 2010 Announcements

We must focus on Jesus, the source and goal of our faith.
Hebrews 12:2

Earth Science Week
Theme is Exploring Energy


This week ITBS (Iowa Tests of Basic Skills
along with CoGat testing begins.
All students in grades 1-8 are required to have
three #2 pencils.
If a child is absent the tests will be made up
when they return to school.

The testing schedule is as follows:
Tuesday - grid information filled in.

Wednesday - Math Concepts and Problem Solving

Thursday - CoGat- Session I Verbal Battery
Math Computation
Grades 1, 4, 6, & 8
Vocabulary
Spelling/Punctuation/Capitalization

Friday- Grade 1 - Listening
Grades 2-8
English Language Arts
Part 1 of Reading Comprehension

A reminder to all parents to join the
Twitter school account at
http://twitter.com/olqmnyc

Tuesday - Columbus Day

Wednesday 10/13
-
Title I Reading and Mathematics
Parent orientation meeting in Library on 3rd floor
at 8:00 AM

Thursday 10/14
- Christmas gift wrap and candle sale
will end in 2 weeks.

Friday-10/15
Feast of St. Theresa of Avila
Early Dismissal Day 11:30 AM
Superintendent of Schools Workshop
for teachers here at OLQM.
After School Program should pickup their
child/ren by way of the far door of the
school labeled 71 Arden.

Sunday -
Reconciliation Class 12:00 noon
classroom near Alba's office
Mass for all students 1:00 PM

SIS - Students Information System
Parent Passwords and Login in information
will be distributed.
2:00PM - 6:00 PM - in school office.
It is important that parents keep
up with their child's academic progress
by logging in at least once a week
to check their child's progress.

Parents wishing the login information
and password to be e-mailed to them should
e-mail Mr. Woods at olqm1@aol.com.
Please remember to put in the message
box "Parent of....."
The information will be e-mailed on
Sunday.
Also should you have problems or
want to ask questions someone
will be in the office to assist you
only on Sundays from 2:00 PM -6:00 PM.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

A letter from the Superintendent of Schools

October 5, 2010
Dear Parent or Guardian,
We are pleased to announce the publication of Pathways to Excellence, the first strategic plan for Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of New York. Bold and forward-focused, the plan seeks to ensure an academically excellent, fully enrolled school system grounded in the Catholic faith, both now and for the future.
Building on the long history of Catholic school success, Pathways to Excellence outlines a three-year strategy to
re-envision the Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of New York, which is responsible for one of the largest private school systems in the nation.
While the plan charts a three-year course, we have already implemented many of its recommendations regarding curriculum enhancements and professional development. In addition, we have launched the Catholic School Advantage Campaign, which was developed in partnership with the University of Notre Dame to enhance Catholic schools’ outreach and service to New York’s Latino communities.
Pathways to Excellence also outlines strategies to address challenges that are common to many parochial schools around the nation. One such challenge is declining enrollment, which undermines a school’s financial stability and often necessitates unsustainable levels of financial subsidies from both the archdiocese and its parish.
In response to these realities, a School Reconfiguration Committee composed of pastors, principals, and archdiocesan representative is currently evaluating challenges and opportunities at every school in the archdiocese, and working closely with local school leadership. Based upon its analysis, the Committee will make carefully considered recommendations regarding reductions in financial subsidies, for individual schools, which may result in the merger or closure of some schools. As detailed in Pathways to Excellence, we are confident that these difficult decisions will lead to stronger, more sustainable Catholic schools for generations to come.
We recognize parents as the prime educators of their children and as valued partners in Catholic education. Every family in our school community is important to us, and we are committed to ensuring that every child has access to an excellent Catholic school. If you have any questions about Pathways to Excellence, please speak with your pastor and principal who will be working closely with your district superintendent and my office. Updated information will also be posted on the Superintendent’s website www.adnyeducation.org.
Also, regional meetings are planned for every district in the archdiocese to explain the strategic plan and its impact on your school. Information about dates and times will be distributed through your school office, please let your pastor or principal know if you are interested in representing your school at your regional meeting.
Sincerely,
Timothy J. McNiff, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools


Octubre 5, 2010
Estimado Padre o Tutor,
Nos complacemos en anunciar la publicación de los Caminos Hacia La Excelencia, el primer plan estratégico para las escuelas elementales Católica de la Arquidiócesis de Nueva York. El plan está buscando asegurar la excelencia de lo académico, un lleno total de matriculas basados en los valores y tradiciones de la fe Católica, para hoy y el futuro.
Basado en el éxito de la larga historia de las escuelas católicas, Caminos Hacia La Excelencia, está diseñado por un periodo de tres años para pre-decir el futuro de las escuelas Católicas de la Arquidiócesis de Nueva York, la cual es responsable de una de los más grandes de los sistemas privados en la nación.
Mientras tanto el plan se va desarrollando en un curso de tres anos, ya habremos implementado muchas de estas recomendaciones concernientes a la mejora del currículo y el desarrollo profesional. Otro mayor iniciativa que ya es dada es la Campaña de Provecho para las Escuelas Católicas, la cual se desarrolla en colaboración con la Universidad de Notre Dame para incrementar y alcanzar las escuelas Católicas y servir las comunidades Latinas de Nueva York.
Caminos Hacia La Excelencia también muestra las estrategias para responder a las necesidades que son comunes a muchas escuelas parroquiales alrededor de la nación. Un reto es el descenso de matriculas, lo que afecta la estabilidad de la escuela y por consiguiente son insostenibles las necesidades financieras para subsidiarlas en ambos, para la Arquidiócesis y para la parroquia.
En respuesta a estas realidades, el Comité de Reconfiguración Escolar que está compuesto de pastores, principales, y representativos arquidiócesanos están constantemente evaluando los desafíos y oportunidades de cada escuela en la arquidiócesis, y trabajando cercanamente con el liderazgo de la escuela local. Basados en estos análisis el Comité hará cuidadosamente recomendaciones de consideración con respecto de los subsidios financieros, en la cual puede resultar el juntar o cerrar la misa escuela. De acuerdo a los detalles de Caminos Hacia la Excelencia, estas decisiones difíciles conducirán a fortalecer más escuelas Católicas que se pueden sostener por así mismo para las generaciones por venir.
Reconocemos a los padres cómos los primeros educadores de sus hijos y como partes valiosas en educación Católica. Cada familia en nuestra escuela comunitaria para nosotros; nosotros estamos asegurando que cada niño tenga acceso a lo excelente de la escuela Católica.
Si usted tiene alguna pregunta acerca del plan Caminos Hacia La Excelencia, por favor hable con su pastor, el principal, quien seguramente trabajará con el Superintendente del distrito y mi oficina. Información más actual será colocada en el website del Superintendente: www.adnyeducation.org.
También, se han planificado reuniones regionales para cada distrito en la Arquidiócesis de Nueva York para explicar las estrategias del plan y el impacto que producirán en su escuela. Información de fechas y tiempos serán distribuidos a través de la oficina de su escuela. Por favor déjele saber a su pastor o principal si usted está interesado en representar a su escuela en la reunión de su región.
Gracias por su continuo apoyo a la educación Católica.
Timothy J. McNiff
Superintendente de las Escuelas

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Week of October 4, 2010 Announcements

Be not simply good; be good for something.
Henry David Thoreau

This week is Fire Prevention Week.
Mr. Jose Rubio, a graduate of OLQM and
a New York City Fireman will speak to your
children on Thursday October 7th.
You are welcome to come to the presentation
in the school auditorium.

This is the time of year that you should go over
fire escape plans with your children and
designate a place to meet should there be a fire
or other emergency in your home.

Monday- Feast of St. Francis of Assisi
Mass at 9:00 AM led by the students of the 6th grade.
Blessing of domesticated animals will take place at this Mass.
October calendars will be sent home with your child.

Tuesday- next week begins the ITBS and
CoGat testing. All students will need
three #2 pencils.

Wednesday - Feast of St. Bruno

Thursday-Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.
Progress Reports will be sent home.
Fr. Almonte will distribute Progress Report to all
students. If your child "forgets" their report
please e-mail Mr. Woods at olqm1@aol.com. In the
message center please put -Parent of..... and
let Mr. Woods know that your child did not
receive the report and he will print another.
Mr. Woods can also attach the report if requested.
Fireman Bill will speak to students regarding
fire safety in the home.

Friday-Candle Sale begins for parents of
students in grades PreK and K. The Yankee Candle
sale is another means by which parents may
raise funds to assist the school and also meet
your fund raising obligations to the the school.
If parents have any questions they should see
the tuition staff.

Word Wall Test.

Sunday - Mass at 1:00 PM for all students.
There are no classes today because of the holiday
weekend.

Monday October 11th
Columbus Day SCHOOL CLOSED

Saturday, September 25, 2010

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
C. S. Lewis


Parents are reminded that candy bars are
available in the tuition office to assist
in your fund raising requirements. Parents
will receive a NUT (No Uniform Today)
card for each box of candy sold.

Next Monday October 4th is
the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. The 6th grade will
lead us at Mass at 9:00 AM and in the
tradition of St. Francis domesticated animals
will be blessed at this Mass.
Parents are welcome to join us for this
annual remembrance of St. Francis.
If you are bringing a cat or dog to Church to
be blessed they must return home after Mass.
Please make arrangements for their return home.
We are happy that Fr. Johnston will return to
Our Lady Queen of Martyrs as the main celebrant
for this Mass.

Parents are urged to join:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/olqmnyc
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/olqmnyc

This week IRIS messages will be broadcasted
this week as we upload data from the emergency cards.
Please listen to the message carefully. If you do not
hear it correctly it can be repeated by pressing
the Number 1 on your telephone.

Monday- Feast of St. Vincent de Paul

Tuesday- Feast of St. Wenceslaus

Thursday-Feast of St. Jerome

Friday
- Early Dismissal Day
Dismissal at 12:00 noon
Parents needing child care for early
dismissal days are requested to see
the tuition staff or Mrs. Ramsey.
Feast of St. Therese of Lisieux

Sunday-

Last minute Registration for Sacramental Program
11:00 AM - 12:00 noon.
Mass for all students 1:00 PM in Church.
Students are to sit as a group in the
front of the Church near the organ.
Parents are welcome to sit behind the
students.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Week of September 20, 2010 Announcments

Learning is not attained by chance.
It must be sought for with ardor and attended
to with diligence.

---Abigail Adams

Parents are reminded to join:
Twitter - http://twitter.com/olqmnyc
Facebook - www.facebook.com/olqmnyc

Candy Bars are available in the tuition office
to assist parents in their fund-raising
requirements. Please see the tuition staff.

Monday- Parents should check both the blog
and their child's assignment book for daily assignments.

Tuesday- Feast of St. Matthew

Wednesday- Catholic High School Fair 6:00 PM
this is for 8th grade students & their parents.
School auditorium.
St. Elizabteh's School will also be joining us.

Thursday- Autumnal Equinox @ 11:09 PM heralds
in the beginning of the season of Autumn.

Friday - National Punctuation Day.
Word Wall Test Grades 1-8

Sunday - Registration for Sacramental Program
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM in office with Mr. Woods.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Week of September 8th, 9th and 10th.

Welcome Back to School!

Wednesday 9/8/10 - First Day of School.
7:00 AM - Breakfast Program begins
8:00 AM Grades K-8
Grades 1-8 will line up in the backyard.
Kindergarten will go to classroom.

9:00 AM - Pre-K students are to arrive.

3:00 PM - Dismissal
After School Program Begins

Thursday 9/9/2010
School Hours
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Friday 9/10/2010
School Hours
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Parent Signature Pages due from Parent Handbook.
Emergency Cards are due.
Internet Usage form due.
Academic Contract due.
photo/Video release form due.

Sunday-09/12/2010
Parish Fair - school auditorium and backyard.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Follow us!

Follow us on twitter - twitter.com/olqmnyc

Find us in Facebook - facebook.com/olqmnyc

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Announcements - Week of June 20, 2010

Dismissal this last week of school is 2:30 PM on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Dismissal on Friday will be at 12:00 noon.


After School Program

The After School Program will end on Wednesday June 23rd.
Mrs. Ramsey and her staff are thanked for all the hard work
that was done during the year with the students who attended the
After School Program.

Student Information System (SIS)
The Student Information System (SIS) will not be accessible to
parents and students this last week of school as grades are
processed for review by Mr. Woods.
The system will be reset in August before school starts and parents returning to
Our Lady Queen of Martyrs will receive their user ID and passwords at
the opening meeting.

PreK Summer Program
Parents in PreK,Kindergarten and First grade are reminded that
there are a few spots left in the PreK Summer Program.
Parents are reminded to see Mrs. Resto this week as the program will
begin on Monday June 28th.

Summer School Registration
Registration will take place on Monday June 28th, Tuesday June 29th
and Wednesday June 30th from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM in the school office
with either Alba or Mrs. Resto.
A schedule will be given to all parents who register and classes
for Summer School will begin on Thursday July 1st.

Monday- 6/21/2010
Summer Solstice Jun 21 2010 7:28 AM heralds in Summer 2010.
Trips for students in Grades 1, 4, 5 and 6 today.
PreK-1 Graduation - Mrs. Fundora's class at 11:00 AM

Dismissal at 2:30 PM

Tuesday - 6/22/2010
PreK-2 graduation at 11:00 AM

Dismissal at 2:30 PM

Wednesday - 6/23/2010
Kindergarten Graduation at 11:00 AM
Parents must pick up gowns in the tuition office.

Thursday - 6/24/2010
8th Grade Graduation Mass and Graduation Exercises 9:00 AM
All students are to be in full uniform.

Friday- 06/25/2010
Dismissal at 12:00 noon
Report Cards will be distributed by Fr. Almonte
Awards Assembly in Lunchroom at 8:30 AM.
Honors, Field Day and Class Awards will be presented.
Parents Invited

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Week of June 14, 2010 Announcements

Kindergarten Parents
Parents of students in Kindergarten are
reminded that tuition for September, 2010 is
due this week.
It is important that tuition
is paid so that Mr. Woods may determine if
there will be enough students to open two
first grade classrooms.
A letter was sent home last` week with
your child and Mrs. Resto will be calling
parents to remind them. If there
is no response by June 16th then
your child will be put on a waiting list.

PreK Summer Program
The PreK Summer Program is filling up quickly.
Parents are reminded that the program is
open to students in PreK, Kindergarten and
First Grade. Should any parents have
a question regarding the program they are
asked to see Mrs. Fundora.

Field Day 2010
Due to budget cuts by New York State our annual
field day could not be held at Riverbank State Park.
This year Field Day will be held at the
Hudson River (Fort Washington Park)
located at the west end of Dyckman Street.


Monday- Flag Day- June 14th
New York Social Studies Test Grade 8 Part I

Tuesday- June 15th
New York Social Studies Test Grade 8 Part II
End of Year Exam Social Studies Grades 1-8
7th grade at Inwood Hill Park

Wednesday-June 16th
End of Year Exam in Language Arts Grades 1-8

Thursday - June 17th
Ring Day Grade 8 at 1:00 PM in Church
Final Day for permission slips for Field Day.

Friday - Dismissal at 2:30 PM
Field Day 2010
Parents are reminded to see Mr. Marcial
if they are interested in helping with Field Day.
Parents of students in PreK and Kinderagrten
are required to attend Field Day with their child.
All other parents are welcome to join the
festivities of the day.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Week of June 7, 2010 Announcements

Kindergarten Parents
Parents of students in Kindergarten are
reminded that tuition for September, 2010 is
due this week.
It is important that tuition
is paid so that Mr. Woods may determine if
there will be enough students to open two
first grade classrooms.
A letter will be sent home this week with
your child and Mrs. Resto will be calling
parents to remind them. If there
is no response by June 16th then
your child will be put on a waiting list.

PreK Summer Program
The PreK Summer Program is filling up quickly.
Parents are reminded that the program is
open to students in PreK, Kindergarten and
First Grade. Should any parents have
a question regarding the program they are
asked to see Mrs. Fundora.

Monday 6/7 -
Tuition Suspension Day
Any parent owing tuition will have their
access to he SIS (Student Information System)
shut down by 10:00 AM Monday. Since this
will be a shut down due to outstanding tuition
the system will not reset itself for this year.
All other parents will continue
to have full access to the SIS (Student Information System).

EOY (End of Year) Science Exam Grades 1-8

Tuesday 6/8

EOY Mathematics Exam

SIS form will be sent home to update all
student/parent information before the system
is closed at the end of June.

Wednesday - 6/9

Archdiocesan Religion Exam Grades 1-8

Thursday 6/10
EOY Reading Exam Grades 1-8

Friday - 6/11
SCHOOL CLOSED

Teacher Conference Day # 4

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Week of June 1st Announcements

Tuition Suspension Day June 7th

The final Tuition Suspension Day will take
place on Monday June 7th.

At this time all tuition for the 2010-2011
school year is due.

Parents are reminded that if there is a balance
on their tuition beginning June 7th their access to the
SIS (Students Information System) will be blocked
for the remainder of the year.

Tuesday 6/1- Review pages for exams will be posted
on the school blog to enable you to assist
your child in studying for their exams.

Parents are reminded that End of Year Exams
cover material from September 2009-June 2010.


June 2010 calendars will be sent home with your
child. Extras will be available near the tuition office.

Wednesday 6/2 - New York State Science Performance
Test Grades 4 and 8

Vocabulary Review Test for the 4th quarter.

Thursday 6/3 - Innovation Learning Walk for the
Title IId technology grant.

Friday - School if closed

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Week of May 24th Announcements

Tickets for the Spring Shows are available
in the tuition office.
Please buy your tickets early so we can
have enough seats set up in the auditorium
before the show.

The classes that will perform will be
dismissed at 12:00 noon from the
lunchroom. In this way the teachers
can prepare before the show.

Ms. Alma will be assisting the teachers
with the show.

June 2010 calendar will be sent home on
Tuesday June 1, 2010
School will be closed in June on:
Friday - June 4th
Friday - June 11th - Teacher's Conference Day


Monday- Spring Show for Grades 2 and 4 at 5:00 PM
Grades 2 and 4 will be dismissed at 12:00 noon.

Tuesday- Spring Show PreK-1
Mrs. Fundora's class)at 5:00 PM.
PreK-1 will be dismissed at 12:00 noon.

Wednesday- Spring Show PreK-2
(Ms. Ocasio's class) at 5:00 PM
PreK-2 will be dismissed at 12:00 noon

Thursday - Spring Show
Kindergarten Classes at 5:00 PM
K-1 and K-2 will be dismissed at 12:00 noon.

Friday - SCHOOL CLOSED

Monday - Memorial Day - SCHOOL CLOSED

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Week of May 17, 2010 Announcements

Summer School
Letters were sent home to parents of students
in grades 5-8 reminding them of strategies
needed to avoid Summer School.

Spring Shows
Tickets for the Spring Shows are available
in the tuition office.
The shows will begin promptly at 5:00 PM

Grades 1 and 3 - Tuesday, May 18th
Grades 2 & 4 - Monday, May 24th
PreK-1 - Tuesday, May 25th
PreK-2 - Wednesday, May 26th
Kindergarten - Thursday, May 27th

Monday May 17th - Tuition Suspension Day
Scoring of New York State Math Test Grade 4

Tuesday May 18th -
Spring Show Grades 1 and 3 --5:00 PM
Students in Grades 1 and 3 ONLY will be
dismissed at 12:00 noon

Progress Reports will be distributed by Fr. Antonio today.
Scoring of New York State Math Test Grade 6

Wednesday May 19th - NYSESLAT Listening 8:30 AM
Nick Meeting at St. Elizabeth's School 6:00 PM Sharp
for 8th grade students and parents.

Thursday May 20th - NYSESLAT Writing

Friday - May Procession at 10:00 AM
Parents are welcome to attend
All students should have rosary beads with them.
Students in the Communion Class should wear their
First Holy Communion outfits as they will lead the
procession.

Uniform Company will be here to measure students
in the library from 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Dismissal at 2:30 PM

Sunday - Mass Attendance for all students
in Sacramental Program. Fr. Almonte will
distribute certificates of completion after
Mass for students who received Reconciliation.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Week of May 10, 2010 Announcements

Summer School
Letters were mailed to parents last week regarding
the possibility of Summer School for students in
grades 1-4. Parents should schedule an appointment with
their child's teacher and keep abreast of their child's
progress by monitoring the SIS (Student Information
System).

Tuition Reminder
As a reminder the last payment for tuition for this year
is due by Monday May 17th. There will be a final tuition
suspension day on Monday, May 17th. All tuition for this
year should be paid by that date. Parents wishing to see
Mr. Woods regarding an extension may see him on
Sunday May 16th from 11AM -12:00 noon and 2:00 PM -6:00 PM.

PreK Spring Plays
The Spring Plays for PreK have been changed due to
choreographic delays.
The new days are:
PreK-1 - Ms. Fundora's Class- Tuesday May 25th 5:00 PM

PreK-2 - Ms. Ocasio's Class - Wednesday May 26th 5:00 PM

Monday - Scoring of NYS ELA Test Grade 8

Tuesday - Manhattan Catholic Schools Speech Contest

Wednesday - Tests Paper Distribution Grades 1-8
Students will receive test papers from Mr. Woods and
the parent should sign the papers and return them to
the classroom teacher.

Thursday- Ascension Thursday
Mass at 9:00 AM led by the students of Kindergarten.
Spring Play Tickets on sale in Tuition Office.

Friday - Dismissal at 2:30 PM
Scoring of New York State Math Test Grade 8

Saturday- Feast of St. Dymphna
Patron saint of the 8th grade.

Sunday - Mass for all students 1:00 PM

Monday - Tuition Suspension Day

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Week of May 3, 2010

Congratulations to all the students in
grades 2,3 and 6 who received either the
Sacrament of Reconciliation or
First Holy Communion last week.

Monday- Scoring of ELA-4 Exam

Tuesday- Scoring of ELA-6 Exam

Wednesday - New York State Math Test Grade 4 Part 1
Confirmation Ceremony 6:00 PM
Students in Reconciliation, Communion and Confirmation
Program are required to attend.
Bishop Gerald T. Walsh will be the main celebrant.

Thursday- New York State Math Test Grade 4 Part 2
Grades 6 and 8 Part 1
Trout will be released in Brewster, New York
by students of the 5th and 7th grades

Friday - 12:00 NOON dismissal
Faculty Meeting

Sunday - Mother's Day Plant Sale
Mass for al students 1:00 PM

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Week of April 25, 2010 Announcements

Monday - Feast of St. Aldo
Tuition Suspension Day
NYSESLAT Speaking Continues for students in grades K-4 this week.
NYS ELA (English Language Arts) Test Grades 4 & 6

Tuesday- Feast of St. Zita of Lucca
NYS ELA Test Grades 4, 6 & 8

Wednesday - NYS ELA Tests Grades 4, 6 and 8

Thursday - Students in Grades 5-8 are to wear gym clothes Thursday and Friday
Students, teachers and parents will depart today for New York State History Fair Competition in Cooperstown, New York.
Sacrament of Reconciliation 1:30 PM

Friday- NYSESLAT Speaking finishes today.
Students in Grades 5-8 are to wear gym clothes Thursday and Friday
Dismissal at 3:00 PM
Arbor Day

Saturday- First Holy Communion at 11:00 AM.
All students in Sacramental Program (Reconciliation and Confirmation) are required to attend the First Holy Communion ceremony.

Sunday - Mass at 1:00 PM for all students.

A reminder to parents of students in sacramental program - students must attend the Confirmation ceremony on Wednesday May 5th at 5:00 PM. Students will be dismissed at 1:00 PM so that they may go home and change etc. Students in the After School Program will be held in the school if necessary - please inform Mrs. Ramsey. A letter will be sent home by Mr. Woods this week.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Week of April 19, 2010 Announcements

A letter to parents will be sent home with all students on Monday
regarding proposed changes for the After School Program for
September, 2010. Parents are requested to sign the letter and
return the letter to the classroom teacher.

Monday - Letters will go home this week about the Tuition Suspension Day on Monday April 26th.
Parents will be able to meet with Mr. Woods on
Sunday April 24th
from 9:00 AM - 12:00 noon and 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
with concerns regarding the tuition. As the school year
is starting to come to and end all outstanding tuition must be
up to date for students to attend class.

Tuesday- NYSESLAT Speaking Grades K-8

Wednesday - NYSESLAT Speaking Grades K-8
Feast of St. Anselm

Thursday - NYSESLAT Speaking Grades K-8
Earth Day

Friday - NYSESLAT Speaking Grades K-8
Early Dismissal Day 12:00 Noon
Faculty Meeting
Feast of St. George

Sunday - 12:00 noon Communion Class
1:00 PM - Mass for all students
A reminder to parents and students in the Sacramental Program.
All students are required to attend the First Holy Communion ceremony
on Saturday May 1, 2010 at 11:00 AM.
All students will also be expected to attend the Confirmation ceremony
on Wednesday May 5, 2010 at 5:00 PM.

Monday April 26th - Tuition Suspension Day.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Week of April 12, 2010

Welcome Back

Monday 4/1
2 - School Resumes
Feast of St. Julius
The April calendar will be distributed today.

Wednesday 4/14
-
Manhattan Catholic Schools Science Fair
The Catholic Schools of North Manhattan will
exhibit the work of their students here from
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Thursday - 4/15 Report Card Day

Dismissal at 12:00 Noon
Parent Teacher Conferences will be held from
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM. There will be a 10 minute
time limit in order that all parents may meet
with their child's teacher.

Friday- Dismissal at 2:30 PM

Honors Assembly
1:30 PM - Grades K-4
2:00 OM - Grades 5-8

School Web Page

The school web page of
www.olqmnyc.org has been updated and revised.
We are grateful to Mr. Roberto Placido for
his hard work in setting up the school web page.

Week of April 12, 2010

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Week of March 22,2010

Reflection on the Fifth Week of Lent

The Midpoint of Lent

What if I'm at the midpoint of Lent and not much is going on?
I began with the best of intentions, but I am not sure what I'm doing or what I want to be doing. Can my Lent be 'rescued"? Can a six week journey be completed in the remaining next two or three weeks - waiting for my heart to be open? Of course, the answer is “yes.” It doesn't take long for God, when we are ready.

How to begin again
The first step to beginning again has already begun, if I have the desire for something real during Lent. A therapist once said that "we get better when we get tired of not being better." This isn't the same as "guilt." Feeling guilty for not doing much about Lent won't get us very far. What we need is a real desire - a real sense of expectation that God has something for me to hear, to learn, to change, and I want to be ready to listen.

This desire can co-exist with fear, with resistance, with bad habits that have been obstacles in the past. God doesn't need much of an opening to begin to free us and show us a transforming love.

A little desire is enough to shape deeper desires.
Once we can say we want to make something of these precious days remaining in Lent, then we can start naming some more specific desires.

For some of us, it is obvious. There is a big, glaring self-defeating pattern staring us in the face. Most of the time, however, it takes a little reflection, a bit of honest examination of conscience to really see what is getting in the way of my being a follower of Jesus.

Monday - 3/22 Feast of St. Basil of Anyca
Shopping bags are needed
this week in order to pack up
classroom desks so the the
classrooms may be cleaned and waxed.

Tuesday
- 3/23 North Manhattan Speech Contest
@ Incarnation School
9:00 AM

Wednesday - 3/24 World Tuberculosis Day
Feast of St. Catherine of Sweden

Thursday - 3/25 Stations of the Cross 10:00 AM
Easter Recess begins after recess today.
Students return to school on April 12th.

Friday
- 3/26 NO SCHOOL
Teacher Conference Day

Sunday - Palm Sunday
Mass for all students at 1:00 PM

School office will be open during the
Easter break from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
office will be closed Holy Thursday and Good Friday

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Week of March 15, 2010 Announcements

Lenten Reflection for the Fourth Week of Lent

Spring Cleaning for Freedom

So many of us have accumulated much more than we need. It bursts from our closets, overflows our shelves and clutters our lives. Lent might be a wonderful time to deliberately release ourselves from the many “things” we own by cleaning out our closets and simplifying our lives in a prayerful and intentional way.

On one level, this is ridding ourselves of things we don't need, or things that we hated to part with except that they are so "out of style." Certainly, many of us have many things that are "extra" or "unneeded" for us, but could be wonderful for those who can't afford to buy clothes at a store.

Another level of this journey into personal freedom is to ask ourselves how much I really do need. How many sweaters do I want to choose to have? How many jackets, sport shirts, dresses, shoes? How much jewelry? How much sporting equipment? How much electronic equipment? How many sets of silverware or dishes? How much of so many things we have in our lives?

We can get as serious and go as deeply into this as we desire to find fruit. This is not "should I get rid of what I don't need?" This is different, more faith-filled and takes us into giving up 'good' stuff -- perhaps stuff we are attached to -- because we want to experience the exercise of freedom. We do this because we sense that we are not free in some areas that are tremendously important for us, important for our salvation, and growing in freedom before the things of our lives can be a great grace. This freedom, too, will place us in greater solidarity with those who find such great happiness and joy in trusting in God, while having so much less than we imagine we could survive on.

What else might we do, that fits with my circumstances and the needs around us and in the world?


National History Day

We are proud to announce that Amanda Santana and Jonathan Romero, of the
seventh grade, were first place winners for their Digital Documentary:
Innovation in History Radiation Therapy.
Both students will now proceed on to the New York State competition that
will be held in Cooperstown, New York on April 30th.
We would also like to thank their teachers Mrs. Ramsey and Mr. Roberto Placido who
assisted the students in their endeavor.


Monday March 15th - Ides of March
Pi Day
New Moon
Tuition Payment for April due this week.

Tuesday March 16th - Feast of St. Julian of Antioch

Wednesday March 17th - Feast of St. Patrick,
patron saint of the Archdiocese of New York.
Green Day.
Students may wear green shirt, skirt, pants
and not wear their uniform. NO JEANS.

Thursday March 18th - Feast of St. Cyril of Jerusalem
The third quarter ends next Thursday.

Friday March 19th - Feast of St. Joseph
Mass at 9:00 AM led by the students of the 7th grade.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Week of March 8, 2010 Announcements

Reflection for the Third Week of Lent:

"Whoever wishes to be my follower must deny his very self,
take up his cross each day, and follow in my steps." (Luke 9:23)

Reflection.
WHAT TO GIVE UP DURING LENT....

Give up complaining. . . .focus on gratitude.
Give up pessimism. . . . . become an optimist.
Give up harsh judgments . .think kindly thoughts.
Give up worry. . . . . . . trust Divine Providence.
Give up discouragement. . .be full of hope.
Give up bitterness. . . .. turn to forgiveness.
Give up hatred. . . . . .. return good for evil.
Give up negativism . . . .be positive.
Give up anger. . . . . . .be more patient.
Give up pettiness. . . . .become mature.
Give up gloom. . . . .enjoy the beauty that is all around you.
Give up jealousy. . . . . .pray for trust.
Give up gossiping. . . . . control your tongue.
Give up sin. . . . . . . . turn to virtue.
Give up giving up. . . . . hang in there!

During this week Mr. Marcial will be testing
all students eyes for entry on
the SIS (Student Information System).

Parents are reminded the the SIS requires
passwords to be changed every 30 days. If
the password is not changed then the
profile will go into default and the office will
have to change them. The office will only change
or fix parents requests for passwords once a month
(usually at the beginning of each month.)
Parents are requested to please write down their
login and password and keep it in a safe place.
Mr. Woods reviewed the last login time that
parents have accessed their child's profile and
has found parent login time is very low and
some parents have never login during
this third quarter. Please keep abreast of your child's
progress by reviewing your child's grades at least once
a week.


Monday 3/8/10 - Feast of St. John of God
Third Grade will attend Mass and
the sacrament of Reconciliation will
be available for them after Mass.

Tuesday 3/9/10- Feast of St. Frances of Rome.
Test Paper distribution for students in grades
K-4 by Mr. Woods.

Wednesday 3/10/10-
Test Paper distribution for students in
grades 5-8.

Thursday- 3/11/10
Two weeks from today the third quarter ends.

Friday- 3/12/10 Early Dismissal Day
Dismissal at 12:00 noon
World Kidney Day
Faculty Meeting

Sunday -3/14/10
Turn clocks ahead one hour
12:00 noon - Confirmation Class
1:00 PM - Mass for all students

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Week of March 1, 2010 Announcements

Second Week of Lent Reflection:

Trust the LORD!
Be brave and strong and trust the LORD.
Psalm 27:14


Snow Days
For those parents that refer to the yearly calendar
there are two date changes:
March 12th will be 1/2 day 12:00noon dismissal.
June 4th - School will be OPEN!
These changes are to make up time lost due
to the snow closings so that we conform to
the NYS requirement of 176 + 4 school days.

Re-Registration for the 2010-2011 school year.
A reminder to parents that re-registration for the
2010-2011 school year is due by March 15th.
This is especially important so that we can
determine if there will be a need for
two Kindergarten classes or two first grade classes.
Those who do not re-register by this date will be
placed on a waiting list.

Lenten Confessions
Students in grade 4-8 will attend Mass this
week. After Mass the Sacrament of Reconciliation
will be offered should the child wish to have their
confession heard by one of the priests.

March 1-5 is National School Breakfast Week

Monday 3/1 - Calendars will be sent home today.
Extras will be available near the tuition office.
Grade 4 will attend 9:00 AM Mass

Tuesday 3/2- Dr. Seuss' Birthday
Read Across America Day
Grade 5 will attend 9:00 AM Mass
Nick Meeting for 8th grade students
and parents.

Wednesday 3/3 - Grade 6 will attend 9:00 AM Mass
8th Grade Graduation Class Picture Day
Meeting for parents of students receiving
First Holy Communion 7:00 PM in Library

Thursday 3/4 - Grade 7 will attend 9:00 AM Mass

Friday 3/5 - Stations of the Cross 10:30 AM
Dismissal at 2:30 PM

Sunday - 3/7
History Day at the Museum of the City of New York
Mass for all students in sacramental program
1:00 PM.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Announcements for the Week of February 22, 2010

Reflection for the First Week of Lent
Psalm 34:12-14
Whoever of you loves life
and desires to see many good days,
keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from speaking lies.
Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.


The pictures on the second floor hallway of the school were
taken by Mr. James Ransom father of Emma in PreK-1.
We are grateful for his time and talent in creating an
art exhibit for the school.

Monday- George Washington's Birthday

Tuesday - Feast of St. Polycarp
IRIS phone call will be issued
to remind parents that Progress Reports
are being sent home on Wednesday - to ALL
students.

Wednesday-Progress Reports will be distributed
by Fr. Antonio.
On this Progress Report there will be a sticker,
if necessary, indicating that Summer School or
Retention is a possibility based on the yearly
average to date.
There are 4 months until June and there is
ample time to improve marks. Parents should
keep informed of their child's academic progress
by viewing the Student Information System.
Parents will be reminded to make appointments
in the office to see their child's teacher if
there are questions regarding their child's
academic performance.

Thursday-4th grade parents are reminded that
they may access old New York State Math Tests
by visiting

http://www.nysedregents.org/Grade4/Mathematics/home.html


this will help them practice at home for success
on the upcoming NYS Mathematics Test next week.

Parents of students in grades 6 & 8 may also
view copies of old tests at

Grade 6 http://www.nysedregents.org/Grade6/Mathematics/home.html


Grade 8 http://www.nysedregents.org/Grade8/Mathematics/home.html


Friday - 10:30 AM Stations of the Cross
Parents invited
2:30 PM Dismissal
8th grade Graduation Picture Day

Sunday-
12:00 Noon Reconciliation Class
1:00 PM - Mass for all students

Monday, February 15, 2010

Welcome Ms. Kathy Liriano - K-1 Class

As many parents knew Mrs. Ana Sanchez of
K-1 is due to give birth any day. Mrs. Sanchez
left on maternity leave on Friday, February 12th
and will return in approximately 8 weeks.
During her leave Ms. Kathy Liriano will be the
substitute teacher.
Ms. Liriano will be assisted by the
Reading First Coach along with Mr. Marcial
for the posting of grades.
When Mrs. Sanchez gives birth it will be
posted on the announcement board in the
lunchroom.

Week of February 15, 2010

Monday - President's Day School Closed.

Tuesday- Feast of St. Onesimus
Mardi Gras

Wednesday- Ash Wednesday
Mass at 10:00 AM led by the students of the
First Grade. Parents Welcome.
As a reminder for parents ashes are only distributed
during Mass. The other Masses scheduled for the day are:
6:30 AM Spanish
9:00 AM English
6:00 PM Spanish
7:30 PM Spanish

Thursday - Full Moon
Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Science Fair
9:00 AM -11:00 AM in lunchroom.
Parents are invited to see the budding Einsteins
in our midst.

Friday
- Dismissal at 2:30 PM
Fridays during Lent are days of Fast and Abstinence.
Parents who send lunch in with their children are reminded
that on Fridays there should be no meat.

Sunday
- Communion Class 12:00 noon
Mass for all students 1:00 PM

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Week of February 8, 2010

Monday 2/8/10 - Feast of St. Jerome Emiliani
Mr. Marcial will be entering your child's height and
weight and the SIS system. We are required to update
your child's health records each year and this is the
first phase.

Tuesday 2/9/10 - Nick Meeting for students and parents
of 8th grade students at 6:00 PM. Parents are strongly
urged to let Mr. Placido know if they are attending.The
future of the scholarship for an 8th grade student
depends on a 75% attendance rate of parents - that means
at least 15 parents and students MUST attend the meeting.

Wednesday 2/10/10 - Feast of St. Scholastica
Last day for parents to let Mrs, Ramsey know if
they are interested in child care by
The After School Program for Monday Februray 15th

Thursday- 2/11/10 Feast of Our lady of Lourdes
Science Fair presentation boards should be
ready today for review by the classroom teacher.

Friday- 2/12/10 Dismissal at 12:00 Noon
Faculty Meeting

Sunday - Mass for all students at 1:00 PM
There are no classes today due a holiday weekend.

Monday - President's Day School Closed.


Re-Registration 2010-2011


It is hard to believe that 1/2 of the school year has
come.

The months of February and March are important for
a school as decisions need to be made regarding projected
enrollment for the 2010-2011 school year regarding staffing
and classroom arrangements.

The coming 2010-2011 school year will bring about a major
change in the structure of the school. The grant that
has financed the Extended Day Program has ended.
It ended in December of 2009 and with that many meetings
were held and hard decisions needed to be made. The grant
supplemented the school with $125,600.00 to finance salaries
for teachers, classrooms aids and staff along with
longer days of electrical and fuel needs.
In looking at the fact that we cannot expect parents
to absorb the cost of the Extended Day Program the program
will end in June of 2010.

The school day for the 2010-2011 school year will then be
8:00 AM -3:00 PM

It must be understood that on February 16th Fr. Antonio
and Mr. Woods will be meeting with Archdiocesan officials
to help us meet the gap that occurred so that the program
will continue until June. Tuition does not meet our daily
operational costs - a fact that Fr. Antonio spoke about
at all Masses on Sunday February 7th.

The After School Program will be available to assist
parents who will need child care along with an
expanded program of homework help and tutoring. The
After School Program will continue to run until 7:00 PM
each day.

Re-Registration forms will be due to the tuition
office by February 26th. We ask all parents
try to meet that goal or at least inform the
tuition staff of a date when you will be able
to re-register.
THIS IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT FOR PRE-K AND
KINDERGARTEN PARENTS AS THE DECISION NEEDS
TO BE MADE REGARDING THE NUMBER OF CLASSROOMS
FOR KINDERGARTEN AND FIRST GRADE NEXT YEAR.

If we do not hear from you Mrs. Resto will
call each family and I will be sending IRIS
messages to remind you.

Registrations for new students will be
be in March and fliers will be available
in a week announcing the days.

As mentioned on the February calendar no new
Cardinal Scholarships will be available for
the 2010-2011 school year. Should that change
parents in PreK (Ms. Ocasio's class only) will have
the first opportunity to apply for the scholarships.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Week of February 1st- February 5th 2010

This is Catholic Schools Week
The theme for this year is:
Catholic Schools - Dividends for Life:
Faith, Moral, Knowledge, Discipline.

All students will be writing letters to the
New York State Assemblyman and New York State
Senator in regards to the letter I posted on this
blog entitled Cuts to Catholic Schools.

Monday - History Fair 2:00 PM
Parents Invited
Open House 9:00AM -11:00 AM
Parents may visit classrooms
to see the teaching/learning that goes on daily.
February Calendars will be sent home today.

Tuesday - Class Picture Day -
All students should be in full uniform
Feast of the Presentation of
the Child Jesus in the Temple.

Wednesday - Feast of St. Blaise
Blessing of Throats 2:30 PM in Church
Honors Assembly following Prayer Service
Parents Invited
New Moon

Thursday
- Report Card Day
Fr. Antonio will be distributing
Report Cards to students in classrooms.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Friday - Individual Picture Day begins at 8:00 AM
Each student will have their picture taken
so that it may be uploaded to the SIS system.
Students may wear fancy dress down clothes.
No jeans!!!
Open House 9:00 AM -11:00 AM
Parents Invited
Speech Contest 11:00 AM
Dismissal at 2:30 PM

Sunday - 12:00 noon Confirmation Class
1:00 PM Mass for all students.

Parent Letter - Cuts to Catholic Schools

Dear Parents,

Over the last several years, state lawmakers have failed to reimburse our schools for the costs we incur in complying with state-imposed mandates and participating in state programs. This reimbursement is critical to controlling the cost of tuition. To make matters worse, state lawmakers imposed a new "payroll" tax to bail out the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which serves the 12 counties in and around New York City.

As a result of these actions, state lawmakers and agency officials have cost religious and independent schools approximately $243 million - an amount equivalent to approximately $500.00 per student.

Although we are fighting hard for the money owed to our Catholic schools, we may be forced to pass this cost off to families. Therefore, please help us to avoid any such step and join in our fight for these funds.

Specifically, we urge you to:
1) Call each of the following elected officials by March 9, 2010
demanding 100% reimbursement to Catholic
Schools for Mandated Services and the MTA Payroll Tax.


Govenor David Paterson - 518-474-8390

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver - 212-312-1420

Senate Democratic Conference Leader John Sampson 718-649-7653


2) Join the Catholic Advocacy Netwrok by visiting
www.nyscatholic.org and clicking on "Join the Network,"
and respond to the automatic Action Alerts you receive.

Again, we are disappointed with our state lawmakers and understand if you
share our frustration. However, it is essential that we direct these feelings into action aimed at the officials in Albany responsible for the problem. I am confident we can prevail- but only if you join us in our fight.

Sincerely,
Rev. Antonio Almonte, pastor
Andrew G. Woods, principal


Sunday, January 24, 2010

Week of January 25, 2010

Monday - Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul
Tuition Suspension Day
End of the 2nd Quarter

Tuesday
- Feast of Sts. Timothy and Titus

Wednesday- Feast of St. Angela Merici

Thursday- Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas

Friday - Dismissal at 2:30 PM

Sunday - Reconciliation Class 12:00 noon
Mass for all students at 1:00 PM
Catholic Schools Week Begins
Theme: Dividends for Life: Faith, Morals, Knowledge, Discipline


Some reminders -
Class picture day is Tuesday February 2nd
All students must be school uniform.

All children will have their picture taken so that is can be posted
on the SIS (Student Information System.

Individual picture day is Friday February 5th
(for individual pictures students may wear dress down clothes)
Parents should return picture money envelope to the tuition office by
Monday, February 1st.

Report Card Day is Thursday February 4th.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Week of January 18th Announcements

You learn to speak by speaking, to study by studying, to run by running, to work by working; and just so, you learn to love by loving. All those who think to learn in any other way deceive themselves. St. Francis de Sales

Monday - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
School Closed

Tuesday - Parent Meeting 7:00 PM
regarding SIS (Student Information System)
Parents will be given an overview of the
SIS system along with their login information
and password.

Wednesday - Mass for Peace and Justice at 9:00 AM led
by the second grade.
Mid Year Exam in Science grades 1-8
Tuition Suspension letters will be sent home today.

Thursday
- Mid Year Exam in Reading grades 1-8

Friday - Dismissal at 2:30 PM

Saturday
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM or
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Meetings with parents regarding
tuition suspension day.

Sunday - 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Meetings with parents regarding
tuition suspension day.
12:00 noon Communion Class
1:00 PM - Mass for all students

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Week of January 11, 2009

Why should society feel responsible only for the education of children, and not for the education of all adults of every age? ~Erich Fromm


Monday 1/11- Tuition Payment for February due.

Tuesday 1/12
- Social Studies Exam Grades 1-8
Nick Meeting for 8th Grade students
and their parents.
Sign up for YHMA
54 Nagle Avenue
Free Family Literacy Program
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Flyer was sent home last week.
Workshops for parents and students to
improve Reading Skills.
Dinner will be served each night of
Workshop
For more information call
Angela @ 212-569-6200 Extension 250



Wednesday 1/13- ELA (English Language Arts) Exam
Grades 1-8
Sign up for YMHA Free Literacy Workshops
see above.

Thursday 1/14
- Religion Exam Grades 1-8

Friday 1/15 - New Moon
Mathematics Exam Grades 1-8
Dismissal at 2:30 PM

Sunday 1/17 - Mass for all students at 1:00 PM

Reminder - SIS (Student Information System) Meeting
Tuesday January 19th at 7:00 PM
Parents will be shown how to access system
and be given their login and password information.

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Week of January 5, 2010

Happy New Year
...may they who love you be like the sun when it rises in its strength.
Judges 5:31


Tuesday (1/5/2010) - School Opens
Feast of St. John Neuman
Swine Flu Vaccine Stage II administered
The New York City Health Department will be
administering the 2nd vaccine for the H1N1 Flu.
Only those students who received the 1st vaccine here
at school will be receiving the 2nd dose.
Parents who wish to be present should sit
outside the school library on the third floor
after the arrival of the students.

Ms. Pamela Placido will be in lunchroom in the
morning to update telephone numbers on emergency cards.

Wednesday (1/06/2010)
Please look for the review notes for mid-year exams
that begin January 13th.
Ms. Pamela Placido will be in lunchroom in the
morning to update telephone numbers on emergency cards.

Thursday (1/07/2010)
The IRIS (Immediate Response Information System) will
be used today to remind all parents that dismissal on Friday
is at 12:00 noon. If you do not receive a message it indicates
that the telephone number listed on the emergency card is
incorrect and you should call the office or see Alba.
Also, you should have dropped off your e-mail address as
announcements will also be sent by e-mail. As of today
only 13 parents gave Alba their e-mail address.
You can also e-mail it to Mr. Woods at olqm1@aol.com

Friday - Dismissal at 12:00 noon
Faculty Meeting