The re-registration period in January is a time of registration for the next school year (2013-2014), dedicated to current students and siblings of current families entering OLMC School. We strongly encourage registering your children during this time in order to partake of two specific advantages: (1) to guarantee a seat for your child in his/her rising grade level, and (2) to receive a significant registration fee discount, which is only offered during this two week period. Many decisions for the next school year are made based on how many students return, or join the school, at each grade level. Having an accurate picture of this enrollment dynamic helps the school to be well prepared for the coming academic year.
Early Dismissals
January 9 & January 23
OLMC Faculty and Staff have completed the majority of the work for the self-study and re-accreditation year. There will be several more early dismissals for this purpose and for the purpose of professional develompent and inservices for the teachers and staff.
Mid-Year Exams for Middle School
January 9-11
Students in grades 6-8 will prepare for and take mid-year exams just before the interim. A letter went home prior to Christmas break explaining the scope of the test at each grade level as well as the dates of each test and the weight of the grade earned. Study guides are currently posted online and are to be used to help students focus on what content will be tested during these days. Please ensure your middle school child has sufficient sleep and a healthy breakfast each of these mornings.
Used Book Sale
January 20-25
Each year OLMC sponsors a used book sale, the proceeds of which support the growing library collection. Please consider donating any used books for this sale. Books are sold "by the inch". Softcover books are sold for $.50 per inch of binding, and hardcovers are sold for $1.00 per inch. Books are organized according to genre and general age-level interest, and parent volunteers staff the booksale each day.
Mid-Year Interims
January 22
January marks the middle of the academic year and 2nd trimester interims will come home on January 22nd, for students in grades 1-4. Students in grades 5-8 can view their mid-term grades on Edline. Hopefully, you each have met with your child's homeroom teacher and understand how he/she has progressed in the first half of the year. Should there be any concern about your child passing one or more subjects, you will be notified in a letter accompanying this interim report. Parents of middle school students also receive a letter if there is cause for concern in passing one or more classes. It is recommended that you make an appointment to meet with the classroom teacher and one administrator to ensure strategies are in place to support your child's academic improvement in the second half of the year.
Catholic Schools Week
January 25-February1
One of the greatest weeks of the year is the national celebration of Catholic Schools Week. At OLMC School, each day of the week is marked with recognition of a particular group of stakeholders that makes the school so successful. Mondays are dedicated to our parents, without whose sacrifice and belief in Catholic education, we would not be here! Parents will be offered a sweet treat at morning carpool this week, along with smiles of gratitude. Tuesday is dedicated to the parish and parish staff, the root of our school. Wednesday is devoted to the students for whom we primarily exist. This is generally an out of uniform day, with the promise of no homework and extra recess - favorites of all students! Thursday is dedicated to our teachers and staff who are the backbone of the daily operation of the school. On this day our teachers are invited to dress down and are treated to a luncheon which is made possible by volunteer cooks and bakers, as well as lunch/recess substitutes (organized by the Home & School). Teachers are also treated to a coffee cart this week. Friday is devoted to our wonderful volunteers whose joyful contribution builds the community day in and day out. All volunteers, coaches, homeroom coordinators, school Mass coordinators, School Board, Home and School members, Tuesday helpers, manna salesman, used uniform closet organizers, gardeners, and all who contribute time, talent, and treasure to the school, are invited to a reception following Friday morning School Mass. This is held in the school cafeteria from 9:15-10:00. Thank you for your goodness to the school!
Italian Dinner and Talent Show
January 23 & 25
Students in all grades can audition for the annual talent show. A committee of teachers and staff approve the acts prior to the auditions and a panel of volunteers helps to judge which acts are admitted into the talent show. The dress rehearsal occurs during the school day at a student assembly on January 23rd at 12:45 pm. The full dinner and show are on the evening Friday, January 25th. There are two seatings for dinner and different acts for each seating. If you have a child participating in the talent show, you will want to be sure to have tickets for the correct seating. Proceeds for the Italian Dinner and Talent Show support the many experiences of the 8th grade year including their retreat, a trip to Washington DC, various field trips, and a gift they leave to the school at graduation. The parents of 8th graders cook and the 8th grade students serve the meal. All families, parishioners, grandparents and friends are invited!
Open House
January 27
Open House falls on the Sunday of Catholic Schools Week and is held from 1-3 pm. This is a time when prospective families are invited into the school to hear about all that OLMC has to offer. After learning about academic opportunities, extra curricular clubs and electives, the philosophy of Catholic education and its increasing importance in our culture, they will have the opportunity to tour the school and meet the teachers. Current parents of OLMC students rising into middle school often enjoy attending this Open House to see what the coming year holds. Please share this date and time with families you know who may be interested in attending OLMC School.
Hundred Can Challenge
January 28 - February 1
PreK and Kindergarten classes host the Hundred Can Challenge each year around the 100th day of school, which this year will be January 31st. They challenge every grade level to bring in 100 cans of food (or any non perishable) for the parish food pantry. Our youngest students, who have been counting up to this 100th day since the first day of school, spend a part of the day counting the cans at each classroom to see who has met their challenge. This is a wonderful way to achieve curriculum objectives for the PreK and K students while giving service to those in greatest need in our community. Please plan to shop for an extra can or box of non perishable food if you are able to support this project. |
