Announcements Week of December 17, 2012
Gaudete Week
Our week begins with “Gaudete Sunday.” Gaudete means “rejoice” in Latin. It comes from the first word of the Entrance antiphon on Sunday. The spirit of joy that begins this week comes from the words of Paul, “The Lord is near.” This joyful spirit is marked by the third candle of our Advent wreath, which is rose colored, and the rose colored vestments often used at the Eucharist.
The second part of Advent begins on December 17th each year - this year, in 2012, it is Monday of the Third Week of Advent. For the last eight days before Christmas, the plan of the readings changes. The first readings are still from the prophesies, but now the gospels are from the infancy narratives of Matthew and Luke. We read the stories of faithful women and men who prepared the way for our salvation. We enter into the story of how Jesus' life began. These stories are filled with hints of what his life will mean for us. Faith and generosity overcome impossibility. Poverty and persecution reveal glory.
Emergency/Crisis Plan
Some parents have expressed concern regarding the latest school attack in Newtown, Connecticut. As per Archdiocesean policy there is a crisis plan drawn up each year and shared with the faculty along with an evacuation procedure. One of the many problems with all this set up is the amount of telephone numbers that are incorrect on emergency cards and on the SIS system. If your telephone number has changed please update the number with Alba.
There are also 24 survelliance cameras in the school and another 24 in the rectory.
Probably the most important thing for a parent to do is to e-mail all their elected officials and insist that gun control be brought before Congress. Today, not tomorrow go to the League of Women Voters website at http://www.lwvnyc.org/TRY_find.html and find ALL your elected officials and e-mail or call them and express your concern about gun control and your child's safety.That includes e-mailing Mr. Obama and expressing your concern.
After School Program
On January 3, 2012 when we return from Christmas break the after school program will see some changes. To address the new Mathematics Common Core State Standards Mr. Placido will return to the classroom as a Mathematics tutor for all the classes in the After School Program.
Ms. Silvia Cabreja, from Mother Cabrini High School, will coordinate the program for Mr. Woods for the remainder of the school year. Mr. Placido and Mr. Woods will transition the parents and students this last week of school as to the changes that will occur.
Parents should remember that the After School Program is an extension of the school program and therefore any concerns should be brought to Mr. Woods' attention. It is Mr. Woods intention to assist every student in becoming proficient in Mathematics. No longer is it acceptable that students say or feel that they don't like Mathematics. It is essential that all students become Mathematically proficient.
Regionalization of Catholic Schools
Recently you may have heard that 27 schools are at risk of closing at the end of June, 2013.
While we are not on that list of at risk schools a new goverance pattern for the remaining schools will take place in September, 2013. This plan is explained by Dr. McNiff, the Superintendent of School at www.adnyschools.org under the title of Pathways to Excellence.
So what this mean to Our Lady Queen of Martyrs?
Beginning in September of 2013 the school will no longer be a parish school but a regional school governed by a board of directors. Mr. Woods will continue as principal and the board of directors will assist Mr. Woods in coordinating academic programs, financial decisions, classroom observations and the everyday running of the school. Fr. Antonio will be be one of the board of directors in terms of the continued Catholicity of the school along with its spiritual development.
Parents with educational experience may be requested to join the board to assist it in making decisions.
These decisions are being made to make all remaining Catholic Schools financially stable and academically strong. More information will follow and parents should remember these are new developing trends and there may be some rocky roads ahead but it is for the good of our Catholic School system. As more information becomes available Mr. Woods will post the information here.
Archdiocesean Bullying Curriculum
Recently, the Archdiocese of New York developed a Bullying Curriculum that will be taught to your children beginning in January, 2013. ADAPP (Archdiocesean Drug Abuse Prevention Program) developed the program to meet the mandates of New York State regarding bullying in schools, on line on social media networks and other areas where children may be exposed to bullying.
Part of these curriculum topics also come under the guidelines of the Archdiocese in the Parents Handbook under Harassement. As the curiculum is reviewed by the faculty and Mr. Woods there will be posting here about signs that parents should be aware of regarding bullying.
One of the main things is that parents should remember that not every instance of a child to child conflict is bullying but many time horsing around or rough game playing that gets out of hand.
Another thing that parents should be aware of is that------ all the adults (parents, teachers, counselors) must settle the matter with the children involved through talking, counseling and maybe at time psychological guidance.
Probably the biggest factor where bullying occurs is on Facebook. Again, Mr. Woods reminds parents that it is not cute or creating maturity for your child to have a Facebook acount UNLESS YOU THE PARENT are watching it DAILY. When a Facebook issue breaks out, and we have had one already this year, the direction is that the offending child and parent are recommended to file an order of protection at the Police Department. Avoid the issue by continually monitoring your child's access time on the computer.
Unit II Week V
Monday, December 16th - Feast of St. Olimpias
Map a Month Due
This week's morning and evening prayer led by the Confirmation Class will be in memory of the children and staff of Sandy Hook Elementary School.
Tuesday, December 17th - Feast of St. Rufus
Morning Prayer 7:30 AM, Evening prayer 2:30 PM
Wednesday, December 18th - Feast of St. Nemesius
Morning Prayer 7:30 AM, Evening prayer 2:30 PM
Shopping bags are needed to pack all books in closets for Christmas cleaning.
Thursday, December 20th- Feast of St. Dominic of Silos
Jesse Tree Contest will be judged by Fr. Antonio.
Friday, December 21st- Feast of St. Peter Canisus
Lessons and Carols 10:00 AM in Church Parents welcome to attend.
Classroom parties in afternoon.
Students may wear dress up clothes for Church - reds and greens would be appropriate.
No Jeans, no sneakers.
Sunday December 23rd - Fourth Sunday of Advent
Students are to attend Mass with their parents.
School office will be closed today.
Christmas Recess begins at dismissal.
School resumes --- Thursday January 3, 2013
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
