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Email Newsletter - October, 2009                                                                       olvbirmingham.com
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Catholic Schools Dividends for Live 
Reminders

OLV Book Fair   Monday, Oct. 19 through Friday, Oct. 30

Boosterthon Fun Run Thursday Oct. 22
 
Box Tops Bowl  the deadline for the fall contest is Friday, Oct. 23. Box Tops Bowl Information

25h Anniversary Celebration   Sunday, October 25 Learn more about the day's events.

Parent & Teacher Conferences  Monday, Oct. 26 & Tuesday, Oct. 27 Noon Dismissals

Fall Dance
Friday, Oct.30 7-9 PM for 7th & 8th grade students - sponsored by Student Council 

OLV Drama Dept. Presents the Secret Garden    Nov. 6 & 7 at 7 PM and on Nov. 8 at 2 PM

Used Uniform Sale Monday, Nov. 9 from 8-9 AM and 3-5 PM more details

Friday Masses

Oct. 23 - 6H Theme: Miracles
Oct. 30 - Schoolwide Theme: Christian Roots of Halloween
Nov. 6 - 5G Theme: Sensitivity
Nov. 13 - 5S Theme: Always Live in the Kingdom
Nov. 20 - 4H Theme: Thanksgiving
complete Mass Schedule 
 
 

25th Anniversary Celebration
October 25, 2009
25th anniversary logo
Mass of Thanksgiving at 11:00 A.M. followed by a reception, school tours and reunion
More information about the celebration!
 
Junior Thespian Hall of Honor to be Presented at 25th Anniversary Celebration

The Carol Turner Memorial Wall of Honor for Junior Thespian Troupe 88732 will be presented for the first time at the school's 25th Anniversary celebration on Sunday, Oct. 25th.  Sixteen current or former students have attained the status of Hall of Honor: Class of 2007 Sydney Fant, Holli Hobbs, Emily Meineke, Anna Howell, Natalie Quinn, Amy Skrodzki, Lillie Strachan; Class of 2008 Clark Galvin, J.C. Lentine, Lindsey Young; class of 2009 Catherine Buttrey, Madeline Chandler, Madison Fant, Miranda Stamps; Class of 2010 Kate Douglas, Emily Saab read the entire article
 

Alumni News
Eric Von Kampen, class of 2009, has been cast as Ralphie in Center Stage Production's A Christmas Story, December 4-13 at the Virginia Samford Theatre. Madison Fant has been cast as the newsboy /ensemble in STARS at Virginia Samford Theatre's production of Ragtime. JCCHS will present a compilation of 4 one act plays in Night O'Comedy on Nov. 12-15. The cast includes Madeline Chandler, Madison Fant & Sydney Fant   in Cinderella Wears Combat Boots; and Sydney Fant, Eric Von Kampen & Drew Romano in the Prodigal Son.

 
If you are an alumnus be sure to update your alumni records online  click here
SCRIP for the Holidays

With the holidays just around the corner, consider gift cards from SCRIP for your shopping or as gifts.  read this holiday guide for great ideas


New OLV Spirit Item

OLV Note Pads are just $2 each. They're available in the office.  Special thanks to Bill Moore, brother of Karen Gibson for printing the tablets.  
 

OLV Bulletin Board

Marriage Enrichment  presentation on October 29 at 7 PM in the Social Hall. It's Part II of the Mark Gungor DVD presentation "How to Laugh Your Way to a Happy Marriage" Make it a date night.  Child care is also available.

Newspaper Recycling Program to End We have been notified by SP Recycling that during October the newspaper recycling bin will be removed. An alternative place to take your newspapers is the recycling bin at Herdmont Park.

First OLV CheerleadersSilver Memories - reflections by faculty as we look back and celebrate the 25th Anniversary of OLV


Wonderful Memories!
By Ruth Ann Mann,
OLV faculty member for 24 years

When I heard we would be asked to write about our favorite memory I began to wonder how I could ever come up with a favorite.  The past 24 years at OLV are filled with many wonderful memories.
 

As I was reminiscing, I thought of one of my favorite books to read to the children as we prepare each year for Grandparents Day. The book is Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge.  Wilfred searches for the meaning of a memory because his friend in a nursing home is losing her memory. He is given five different definitions.  A memory is something from long ago, something warm, something that makes you smile, something that makes you cry, and something that is as precious as gold. read the entire article


Boosterthon Fun Run on Thursday

Please join your child at the Boosterthon Fun Run, Thursday, Oct. 22nd rain or shine!  This is a family event so bring grandma, grandpa, uncles, aunts, cousins, all siblings, neighbors, friends!  Don't forget your camera and video recorders!  Feel free to make signs to encourage your child!

25th anniversary logoImportant facts to remember:

Festivities start at 8:15 AM on the OLV soccer field (if rain in the gym).
Our own OLV graduate, Miss Alabama, Amanda Tapley will kick off the Fun Run with the National Anthem.

  • Preschool - 4th grade run -  8:30-9:30
  • 5th grade - 8th grade run -  9:30-10:30
  • Attire:  A Physical Fitness day!  Clothes appropriate for running/walking.   Dress according to weather.  5th-8th grade will wear PE clothes, can bring sweatshirts and sweatpants if cold.  Preschool - 4th grade should wear gym shorts or sweatpants, sweatshirts.  Children must wear tennis shoes.  Fun Run T-shirts will be given to all teachers and children.  They will be handed out the morning of the run.  They can wear over a t-shirt or will be allowed to change.  

The Fun Run is completely over at 10:30 so don't be late!  
Thursday, Oct. 22nd - last day for pledges
Thursday, Oct. 29th -  Fun Run money due
see photos from the Boosterhon Pep Rally

 
More News from Our Classrooms
Social Studies Mrs. Sanders' social studies classes have all been busy, to say the least! The 6th grade classes are delving deeply into the Industrial Revolution!  Not only are they discussing from that time period the inventions from the automobile to the brown paper sack, but they are learning what hardships the immigrants faced as they journeyed to America.  They are studying the beginning of labor unions, big businesses and famous business leaders. To top off the 6th graders' study of theAmendment CubeIndustrial Revolution, they participated in a mock factory setting in which they worked on an assembly line in "harsh" factory conditions such as loud noise, uncomfortable room temperatures, and a strict, overbearing supervisor.  The 7th graders are studying
the Constitution.  They have recited the Preamble, have learned which articles of the Constitution contain the three branches of our government, and are now learning the meaning of each of the 27 amendments.  They each creatively designed an "amendment cube" on which the student explained his/her amendment and used pictures, drawings, and/or political cartoons relating to the amendment.  The 8th grade social studies classes are currently enjoying learning about  the ancient civilizations of India and China. 

Math Quest 2009  was a great success.  Students enjoyed their journey mathquestwhich required team work and really fun applications of math skills.  Thank you to our parent volunteers for helping with all aspects of the activities, Joe Blaszczak of Publix for donating balloons, and our faculty. view pictures from Math Quest 2009

Counselor's Corner This week in Counseling classes in the lower hall we are all continuing with our lessons on drug awareness.  The upper hall finishes up the Six Pillars of Character and then begins drug awareness next week. read Counselor's Corner
Student Activities

 

secret gardenOrder your tickets today for the OLV Drama Department's production of The Secret Garden on November 6, 7 and 8, 2009. ticket order form

New Altar Server Training  OLV students (4th grade or higher) interested in learning how to be altar servers should see Mrs. Greenhalgh or Mrs. Hobbs to be scheduled for a class. Classes will be scheduled through the end of October (and into November if necessary).  There is one remaining SATURDAY NEW altar server class on Saturday, Nov. 17th beginning at 8:30 AM and concluding at noon.  Meet Deacon Bob in the back of Church.  Those who wish to attend this class should contact Deacon Bob before hand at papamartin@aol.com

Science Olympiad is off to a great start and needs mentors to he
lp thisScience Olympiad great team continue our tradition of success.  Mentors are especially needed for biology and chemistry.  Please email Mrs. Stevens if you can help at astevens@olvsch.com 

Soccer Awards  Mark your calendars--OLV Soccer Awards Monday, Nov. 2 at 5:30 PM in the Parish Center.  Players and families are invited to attend.  Head count is needed to coaches by October 31.

Student Council Fall Dance - Friday, October 30, 2009 - 7-9 PM in the Parish Center for 7th & 8th grade OLV students - tickets $5 (sold the week of the dance)

Basketball Registration Basketball is open to students in grades 1-8. The deadline for registration is October 30, 2009 registration form

OLV Spelling BeeSpelling Bee Please encourage your children to participate in Spelling Bee!  It's a wonderful event that celebrates the academic achievements of our children.more information about the spelling bee

New Thespians Inducted, Officers Installed OLV School Junior Thespian Troupe 88732 of the International Thespian Society (an honor society recognizing accomplishment sin the dramatic arts) inducted its new members, installed officers, and recognized point achievements with "star" designations at a ceremony in the Social Hall on September 13th. New Thespians are:  Kyle Chandler, Albert Dascher, Kaylee Gilchrist, Abby Hagelskamp, Courtney Hayhurst, Kelsi Hobbs, Marissa Latham, Maddie LeBeau, Kristin Martin, Allie Picou, Kimberly Rankin, Sara Sligh, and Catherine Tudisco.  New Thespian apprentices are: Caroline Buttrey, Rachel Cartwright, Alana Elward, Talia Marotta, Kimberly Martin, Mica Osio, Anna Portante, Maria Stamba, and Matthew Steele read the entire article


Uniform Notes
On Sept. 23, 2009, we had a school-wide uniform check and the uniform committee met on Sept. 30. Complete minutes from the meeting can be found on the web page.  Highlights from the meeting:
  • The random check went very well with most students being in compliance with the uniform policy
  • Reminder violations were mostly given for shoes, socks and belts
  • Length of skirts and skorts needs to be addressed.  (See handbook)
  • Jewelry - bands of any kind on wrists are unacceptable (other than watch bands)
  • Fleece material is changing from polar fleece to micro fleece, both are acceptable.  Polar fleece are now on sale for half price.
  • All parents and students should review the outerwear policies before the cold weather sets in.  Inappropriate outerwear is not allowed in school or church.
  • Croc type dress shoes are not allowed.
  • Return uniforms with loose logos to uniform store
  • Remind students to keep shirts tucked.
  • Make-up on middle school girls should be light (see handbook).
Also, please note that we've added a new item:  Navy blue v-neck vests with logo have been added to the uniform. In addition Monkey Toes shoe store donates a portion of their profits from shoes purchased to OLV.  This year we've received $350 from Monkey Toes. 

Used Uniform Sale Monday, November 9 from 8-9 AM and 3-5 PM in the Parish Center
Cool weather brings falling leaves and another Used Uniform sale to stock up on uniform needs for the winter months.  Sponsored by the PTO, the Used Uniform sale can help you make money by selling your used uniforms  - OR save money by getting used uniforms at reduced prices. used uniform sale information
  

OLV Cafeteria
Cafeteria News
 
The cafeteria is currently searching for someone to process monthly lunch forms in exchange for lunches for their children.  If interested please contact Shannon in the cafeteria at 991-9804.  Also, congratulations to Shannon Carney and Lynn Lanzi who have completed the Serve Safe Certification.  This Certification is a new requirement mandated by the health department an encompasses in-depth study on proper food handling, etc.  It consisted of 8 hours of class time an a comprehensive exam.

OLV
Book
Fair

 
Book Fair October 19-30, 2009
Hours Open Monday-Friday 7:30AM-4:00 PM

and on October 26th until 6:00 PM in the Library

The Scholastic Book Fair is a perfect opportunity to discuss books with your children and to get them excited about reading!  The book fair offers a wide selection of books for different age and reading OLV Book Fairlevels.  We encourage parents to come to the book fair and shop with your children.  If you're not able to do that, review the wish list that your child will complete when they visit the fair with their class.  As its name implies, the list is a "wish list."  Review the list with your children and decide together which books are suitable for them.  To select books from the wish list, have your child return the wish list with the items circled that they are permitted to purchase with money or a check for the amount, payable to OLV School.  We hope you and your children enjoy the book fair!