October  3, 2012  

In This Issue
Inspiring Ideas
Dragon Golf Classic - Win a Week in Manzanillo
Alum of the Month
O'Dowd Welcomes New Chaplain
Zoo Walk 2012 a Roaring Success
O'Dowd Actor Profile: Aria Charles '13
Advanced Jazz Band Wows at Festival
Johnnie Bryant '03 Named Player Development Assistant For Utah Jazz
Archer Sisters Establish Themselves as Key Players for the Huskies
School Holiday on Monday
Dress Code Reminder
Senior & Parent Mass Set for Oct. 15
Harvest Festival Coming Up
Have You Got an Hour for College Power?
"Tattoos on the Heart" Author to Visit Campus
"Almost Maine" Tickets Now Available
Parents in Prayer
Fund a Dream Luncheon Set for Nov. 7
Admissions News
Reunion News
San Leandro BART Shuttle Service Offered
Find Us on Facebook
INSPIRING IDEAS

Make sure to check this section each week for a story or video that serves to inspire and provoke thought.

 

The mysterious workings of the adolescent brain... 

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Bishop O'Dowd High School focuses on excellence in Catholic education, preparing tomorrow's leaders for lives of personal, intellectual and spiritual growth.

We invite you to read about our efforts to promote critical thinking, teamwork and creativity for lifelong learning, leadership and service.




Dragon Golf Classic - Win a Week in Manzanillo   

We Still Have a Few Cards Left      

     

The 22nd Annual Dragon Golf Classic is taking place next Monday, Oct. 8, 2012, at Oakland's Sequoyah Country Club. Not a golfer? You can still participate!  

 

Purchase a $100 card from the deck of 52 cards and secure your opportunity to win  a fabulous week in a spectacular privately owned Manzanillo Villa on the Mexican Riviera, featuring three bedrooms, an inviting pool, and a two person staff that will shop, cook and clean for you. You need not be present to win. Purchase a ticket now!   

 

All proceeds from the tournament support Transforming Lives,

O'Dowd's scholarship program.  

 

For more information, please contact Cathy McFann at cmcfann@bishopodowd.org or (510) 553-8632.

 

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Alum of the Month    

         

 

 

We hope you enjoy our Alum of the Month feature, designed to recognize alumni who are doing interesting and exciting things, or who have made exceptional contributions to their chosen field or profession. We welcome your suggestions for future Alum of the Month features.

 

Contact Director of Communications Lisa Coffey Mahoney '76 for more information.

 

Author Adele Moore Berry '89 Redefines Relationships

 

Read more... 

 

O'Dowd Welcomes New Chaplain

Fr. Gerald Pedrera Provides Pastoral Presence on Campus     

         

 

 

O'Dowd students, faculty and staff now have an on campus spiritual resource - the school's new chaplain Fr. Gerald Pedrera.

 

"Father Gerald is a gift to our community.  The fact that Archbishop Cordileone was willing to send us one of his best young priests is a sign of how important O'Dowd is to the Church in the East Bay. Father Gerald has already made many friends among faculty, staff and students. The four languages he speaks, including Spanish, Japanese, and Tagalog, his multiculturalism, and his sense of humor and warm pastoral tone bring joy to our community," O'Dowd President Steve Phelps said.  

 

Most recently, Fr. Gerald was parochial vicar at St. Leander's Church in San Leandro. As a Claretian Missionary for 15 years, working in both the Philippines and in Japan, he served as high school principal, a college professor, and ministered to urban and rural poor communities, migrant workers, prostitutes and those suffering from AIDS. "These experiences really formed me and helped me understand what human life is about," Fr. Gerald said. "We are all valuable persons that should be loved and respected." Read more... 

 

Zoo Walk 2012 a Roaring Success     

   



Bishop O'Dowd High School students raised more than $62,000 for student activities and athletics through the fourth annual Zoo Walk, held at the Oakland Zoo on Sept. 21.

Students were asked to sell $75 worth of raffle tickets. Those who sold their quota had a chance to be chosen to spin a prize wheel on days leading up to the Zoo Walk. They also were entered in the drawing for several exciting grand prizes.

 

In addition, those who students who raised more than $150 received a special Zoo Walk t-shirt that can be worn in place of the standard O'Dowd polo on specific days throughout the 2012-13 school year.

 

Top fundraisers included Bonnie Davis's homeroom, which raised almost $3,000 and won a trip to an A's game next spring.  Read more...  

 

O'Dowd Actor Profile: Aria Charles '13    

      

   

 

Aria Charles '13 talks about life as an O'Dowd drama student. Read more...  

   

Advanced Jazz Band Wows at Festival      

      

 

 

O'Dowd's Advanced Jazz Band started the year off with a bang this past Saturday with a rousing performance at the Our Lady of Grace Fall Festival. Stay tuned for more information about performances by this group and other O'Dowd groups at the upcoming Harvest Festival, set for Sunday, Oct. 14.   

   

Johnnie Bryant '03 Named Player Development Assistant For Utah Jazz   

      

In his new role, Johnnie Bryant '03 will create and implement individual skill development plans for all Jazz players. Read more... 

   

Archer Sisters Establish Themselves as Key Players for the Huskies       

         

Only sophomores, Chelsea and Christina Archer '11 are making an impact on the University of Washington women's soccer team. Read more...

 

School Holiday on Monday    

         

School will be closed on Monday, Oct. 8, in observance of Columbus Day.

 

Dress Code Reminder    

         

As cooler weather approaches, remember that only O'Dowd outerwear may be worn on campus between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Other coats or sweaters can be worn to school but must be placed in the locker all day.

Orders for outerwear in a wide range of prices may be made online or thru the Dragon Den. If your family is not able to afford a purchase, please make Mr. Kevin Cushing or one of the Deans aware of the situation so the school can assist your family. Thank you for your cooperation.

 

Senior & Parent Mass Set for Oct. 15    

       



The Senior & Parent Mass is set for Monday, Oct.15, beginning at 1:15 p.m., in the large gymnasium. Seniors are encouraged to dress up for this special occasion.

   

Parents of all faiths are invited to join their sons and daughters for this special celebration of the beginning of their final year of high school.  

 

Harvest Festival Coming Up        

 



Plan to attend Bishop O'Dowd High School's Harvest Festival, set for Sunday, Oct. 14, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., in the Living Lab. Get details...

 

Have You Got an Hour for College Power?  
Parent Volunteers Needed   

      

The Counseling Department is seeking parent volunteers to host a college representative visit for one hour during the month of October.  O'Dowd will host more than 30 sessions with admissions counselors who meet with interested juniors and seniors.  

 

This is a great opportunity for parent volunteers to get "up front and personal" with the world of college admissions. Find out the latest on applications, costs, housing, and financial aid. Contact Janet Huff at jhuff@bishopodowd.org or (510) 553-8602 for additional details.

 

"Tattoos on the Heart" Author to Visit Campus 

         

Fr. Greg Boyle, author of our One Book, One Community selection "Tattoos on the Heart" will come to campus on Thursday, Oct. 18, to speak to our students. This is a student-only event, but we hope to receive permission to Live Stream the talk on our website.

 

Fr. Boyle is speaking at Holy Names University on Wednesday, Oct. 17, beginning at 7 p.m. This event is open to the public and there will be a book signing after his talk. There is a suggested donation of $10, with proceeds going to Homeboy Industries. Get more information... 

 

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"Almost Maine" Tickets Now Available    

   

 

 

The Bishop O'Dowd High School Drama Department will present "Almost Maine" this fall.

 

The play will be staged  Nov. 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 8 p.m., and Nov. 11 and 18 at 2 p.m.  Order tickets...  

 
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Parents in Prayer

         

Parents in Prayer is a group of O'Dowd parents and caregivers who meet each Wednesday at 8:45 a.m. in the Chapel to pray for our students and our school. We would love to have you join us!  

Any questions or prayer requests can be sent to prayers@bishopodowd.org. 

 

Fund a Dream Luncheon Set for November 7

NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott is Keynote Speaker

         

Join us in launching the first annual Fund a Dream luncheon, set for Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012.  Get more information...    

Admissions News

Get Ready to Experience O'Dowd         

 

Prospective applicants are invited to participate in campus tours and shadow visits beginning in October. O'Dowd's Open House is set for Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Learn more about O'Dowd...

 

Reunion News

 

 

 

Several class reunions will take place this fall. Check the listing of reunions...   

 

San Leandro BART Shuttle Service Offered 

    



Bishop O'Dowd High School offers morning and afternoon shuttle service to and from the San Leandro BART station. Get details...

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About Bishop O'Dowd High School  

 

Bishop O'Dowd High School believes that innovative curriculum, cutting-edge technology and leadership development are essential elements for student success in the 21st century. Every day we engage our students in programs and activities that foster their academic and spiritual growth because we believe our graduates will be leaders who transform the world.

Contact   

 

Lisa Coffey Mahoney '76, Director of Communications

Bishop O'Dowd High School

9500 Stearns Ave.

Oakland, CA  94605 

(510) 577-9100, ext. 302  

lmahoney@bishopodowd.org   

www.bishopodowd.org   

 

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