Our Lady of Mount Carmel School
Crusader Connection
November 2012

November 1st Solemnity of All Saints Day

All School Mass: OLMC students will attend the parish Mass at 8:15 in celebration of All Saints Day.  This liturgical solemnity is a necessary reminder to us that in the midst of the toils and joys of this life, we are ultimately called to holiness, which ties us, even now, to our heavenly home.  All Saints celebrates all those holy men and women who are united with God forever in heaven, and who through holiness of life in whatever state, career, circumstance, health, family ties, etc, have chosen to cling to the will of God above all things.  Students are to be in Mass day uniform on November 1st (Thursday) and November 2nd (Friday - normal All School Mass day).
 
Hall of Saints: Traditionally at OLMC, the students study lives of the saints during the month of November.  The Church holds up for us innumerable men and women who have radiated the light and life of Christ in every generation. These holy heroes are models and exemplars of holiness for any and all life circumstances.  Through their studies, the students come to know about the lives of these men and women, and through their prayer, they embrace them as big brothers and sisters in the faith, who become sure guides and companions along the way of Christ.
 
The Fourth Grade students delight us annually by preparing for the Hall of Saints.  Having studied the biography and contributions of a particular saint, they prepare a memorized "autobiographical" speech and dress up as their saints and shares stories from their lives.  Please join us at 9:30am (or shortly after Mass) and walk the Hall of Saints.
 
All Saints Parties : Classes in grades PreK-5 will celebrate All Saints with a party at 2:00pm.  (PreK may adjust their party time to include those who dismiss early).   Please contact the homeroom parent of your child's class to learn how you can contribute and enjoy the fun.
 

 
Week of November 5th-9th
 
Science Fair: OLMC recently reinstated its school-wide science fair.  Due to the talent and partnership of parents, teachers, and community businesses, OLMC is proud to claim excellence in science both within the curriculum and in extra curricular venues like robotics and the math/science club.  On the evening of November 8th, the school gym will be filled with experiments and projects reflecting the scientific method.  Students in lower grades participate in a single class-wide project, while students in grades 5-8 complete independent projects under the mentor-ship of their science teachers.  This is a great night to inspire a love for the inner scientific workings of God's world, and to build ideas for future projects and meaningful work to be done in the field of science. 
 
Poor Clare Food Drive: The Poor Clare cloistered nuns shared property with OLMC Parish/School for many years.  Although they have relocated to an appropriately rural location in Barhamsville, Virginia, we continue to depend upon their prayers for our school program and for the children here.  Each year we are pleased to hold a food drive that provides for their needs.  As cloistered Sisters, their prayer for the world is their primary work.   Additionally, they make communion hosts for use at Mass.  Consequently, they depend on benefactors for many of their needs, including food that cannot be grown on their property.  Please be generous in donating to these good Sisters.  We hope to achieve 100% participation.
 
Scholastic Book Fair: The Scholastic Book Fair is set up in the OLMC School Library in the middle school building.  Only students in grades pk-1st grade will have a preview day on November 5th. 
Book Fair hours are as follows:
Monday 8-3
Tuesday 8-5:30
Wednesday 8-5:30
Thursday 8-3 and 5:30-8:30 (along with the Science Fair the same evening)
 
Any proceeds benefit the OLMC Library collection.

 
November 10th Making a Difference Race
 
Join us for our annual Making a Difference Race at Mariner's Museum.  Registration is required and can be completed in advance or on race day.  Races begin at 8:30 a.m.  Following the races, awards are given and sponsors of the race are present at booths with food, fun, and games for all ages.

 
November 16: End of Trimester #1

Report cards for students in grades first through eighth will go home with children on November 21st, just prior to Thanksgiving Break.  These are to be signed and returned to the homeroom teacher the following week.  
 
The academic honor roll is acknowledged for students after each trimester, and these awards are distributed in the homeroom classroom.  At the end of the year (generally the last day of school) a school-wide awards assembly recognizes achievements, both academic and extra curricular.  Please refer to pages 17 and 18 of the parent/student handbook for an explanation of the breakdown of academic awards.
Coming up in December:

Dec 1st:  Craft Fair in school building from 9am-3pm.   t