Our Lady of Mount Carmel School
Our Lady's Word        

 

 Noteworthy Dates: 

   

March 3-7th

Foreign Language Week

 

Tuesday, March 4

Spirit Wear

 

Wednesday, March 5

1:30 Dismissal

Ash Wednesday

All School Mass

End of Trimester 2

 

Saturday, March 1

Chili Cook Off

 

Friday, March 7

No School

Teacher Inservice Day

 

March 14th

Pi Day


  Bingo Schedule
Monday 3/3
Families Scheduled 
 
BINGO Reminders:

  1. Kitchen works arrive between 5:30 and 5:45.

  2. Floor workers arrive by 6:30.

  3. All - leave when dismissed

  4. Only people 18 years old and over can substitute for a parent volunteer

  5. Children 15 and over can work in the kitchen

  6. Thanks for all you do !

 
Floor Duty:
Agapay
Anderson
Bell
Gay
Geiger
Gillian
Orloski
Southworth
Vietez
Kitchen Duty: 
McLelland
Smith, Rita
Tanko
 
 
Floor Captains:   
  
In the event that a substitute is needed for your night, please contact Chad Spiller at 757-897-7601.  Substitutes are generally CNU or other college students, or families who sign up to be substitutes, and are paid directly a $50 stipend. 
rosary-beads.jpg  
Pray the Rosary for OLMC School
Every Tuesday
8:15-8:45 am in the Daily Mass Chapel
 This is a great opportunity to pray the Rosary if you  have never tried it before. Rosaries and prayer books are provided. For more information, please contact Rita Smith at
757-254-3994 or rita.smith257@yahoo.com  
  

For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.  

Matt 18:20

  
 
Club Pictures Monday, March 3rd
 

Club pictures will be taken on Monday for the yearbook.  Clubs include:  

 

*Times are approximations*

Cup Stacking 11:10

Drama Club 11:15

Forensics 11:15

Christian Service Club 11:20

Pope's Prayer Club 11:25

Band 11:30

Choir  11:35

Math and Science Club  11:40

Student Council 11:45

NJHS 11:50

Student Ambassadors 11:55

Lego Robotics 12:00

Chess Club 12:05
  

Thank you!

  
 
Apps Teens and Pre-Teens love that Parents Need to Monitor
 
Over the next couple weeks, four different apps will be discussed that attract youth and can alarm parents. A majority of children ages 12-17 download apps to mobile devices. Unfortunately, as technology changes so does the methods used by potential perpetrators. The information will be presented to hopefully create a dialog for all involved. A good rule of thumb is to monitor your child's mobile device, Google any unfamiliar apps to learn more about them, and keep the line of communication open.

 

  
 
VIRTUS Training

 

There will be a VIRTUS Session on Saturday, March 29th @8:30 am.  It will be held at the Knights of Columbus Building located at 12742 Nettles Drive, Newport News.  Interested attendees may sign up at www.virtusonline.org.

 

  
 
OLMC Yearbooks

 

Calling all shutterbugs out there...please help make this year's yearbook extraordinary. Please send picture into the school on a cd or thumb drive. We are looking for pictures of class parties, field trips, club activities, athletics, all the fun things we do at Mount Carmel.
 
Here is the link. What a great way to remember the excitement and accomplishments of this school year.

 

  
Join Our Mailing List
From the Principal's Desk
 
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Friends of Our Lady of Mount Carmel,  
 
You may know that each year, in addition to praying the Morning Offering with morning prayers and announcements, we pray a prayer that has to do with the spiritual theme of the year or a traditional prayer that all Christians ought to know, to help the children commit these to memory.  This year we began the year by continuing to pray the Nicene Creed through the end of the Year of Faith in November.  Then we prayed Advent prayers during December, and since the turn of the new year, 2014, we have been praying the prayer to St. Michael.  St. Michael is traditionally known as the archangel who contended with the devil, Lucifer, leading the good army of angels as their battle commander and defeating the enemy.  St. Michael, fittingly, is the patron of police officers who defend against evil on earth.  In Christian art and statuary, Saint Michael does not follow the modern depictions of sweet, angelic faces and bare bottoms.  Rather, he is clad in armor and wields a sword, powerfully poised to dispatch the gremlin-looking enemy who is trapped underfoot.  We are glad to be on the same side as St. Michael!  Though he is an archangel, he is ranked lower than Lucifer, who is widely accepted to be of the seraphim choir - created full of light and made to praise God and reflect His light and glory.  Michael cannot defeat the devil on natural strength, because he is a lower rank, but because he is united to God and has access to His strength and goodness, he is able to defeat one who is naturally stronger than himself.  There are at least two lessons for us here: 1) In the midst of battle, though our enemy has greater natural strength, we are capable of victory when united to the supernatural strength of God which we receive through a sacramental life and life of prayer and good works, and 2) We want to be clear about who our enemy is. While there are people - human beings - in our lives whose personalities rub us, or who even manipulate us or treat us unkindly, there is an enemy underlying such relationships.  Saint Paul teaches us that our battle is not against "flesh and blood, but against the principalities and powers of darkness."  That is, the source of evil underlies the sinful choices of flesh and blood - of human beings.  The principalities and powers of darkness are fallen angels.  (If you aren't an angel guru, you may not know that there are 9 choirs of angels listed in Scripture, two of which are entitled "principalities" and "powers.")  So our biggest battle is not against the person who snubs us or always takes a contrary position to us in conversation, but with those angels, who for all eternity, refused to live according to God's plan.  They said "non servium" I will not serve, and have tried to find servants for themselves among the human race since the beginning of our creation.  It is important then, to be grounded in two truths: the enemy is not usually visible to us AND although there are two invisible powers at work in the world, the power of God and of goodness is superior to, and stronger than, the power of the devil.  Remember, Michael, the lower angel, is capable of defeating the higher ranked angel, Lucifer.  The power of good is infinitely stronger than the power of evil.  However, we each participate in the battle.  Ultimately, God wins the battle, but on whose side we fight is a daily choice.  C.S. Lewis calls this the "intolerable compliment" that God gave us such freedom that our choices would participate in such high stakes - the spreading of one of the kingdoms (darkness or light) and eternal destiny.  None of us awakens in the morning and decides to work for the kingdom of darkness on a given day, but most of us freely make at least a few, and sometimes many, of those choices that help to spread that kingdom of darkness.  To that end, I invite you to root all of your actions in prayer, by joining us daily in the prayer to Saint Michael.
 
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. 
And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God,
Cast into hell, Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world
Seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

With prayers for your families,

Sister Dominic

_________________________________________________________

Clubs and After School Activities:

As noted in a previous newsletter, some teachers are able to sponsor after school clubs, and sometimes even free academic help.  Parents who choose to avail themselves of these clubs must pick up the children on time.  

 

The National Junior Honor Society is offering tutoring sessions Tuesday mornings from 7:30-8:00.  Parents who would like to have their child tutored during these sessions should email the NJHS Adviser, Sister Dominic, at principal@olmc-school.com.  Students should arrive at the school in time to be seated and working by 7:30.  

 

SNOW MAKE UP DAYS:

Please mark your calendar for the second make-up day, Thursday, April 17th as noon dismissals.  

 

If your family already had plans to travel on these days, please send in to Sister Dominic a written request for excused absence, as you would on any other school day.  The lateness of rescheduling will be taken into account in excusing the absences, particularly the February date.

 

Protected days which will NOT change or become in-school make up days include:

March 7, Friday

April 18, Good Friday

April 21-25, Easter Break

June 2, Graduation for 8th Grade

 

A schedule for the remainder of the make up days will be forthcoming after receiving requested information from the Office of Catholic Schools at the Diocese. Thank you for your patience.  

 

Attention All Lords and Ladies You are cordially invited to attend the OLMC School Auction. Invitations have been sent home in Wednesday folders. Please review your invitation and return the RSVP card. This event sells out so make your reservation soon.

 

 

   

Medieval Times: A Knight to Remember - OLMC Annual Auction Announcements:

Save the Date - OLMC's Auction is on March 22, 2014

Calling all parents to participate... review your Parent Packet for specific ways to help and to donate to the auction.  Support from each family is needed to make the auction a success.  The Parent Packet and Donor forms are also located on Edline. Start sending donations now!

 

Give to Gala:

Please stop by the school this week to pick a shield to support the auction. Many shields will display needed items for the auction.  Please pick up a shield on Thursday and donate or purchase the needed items. This is a fantastic way to lend a hand an support a wonderful event.

 

Auction Volunteers Needed: Volunteers are needed for the set-up on Friday, March 21st and clean-up on the night of March 22nd.  Please send in your two donations for the auction.  Check in the lobby for ideas of what is still needed to create packages for the auction.  

  

Miles 4 Mount Carmel:

On March 16, 2014, Craig Politte, an OLMC parishioner, and OLMC School parent is running in the Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach to benefit Our Lady of Mount Carmel School.

 

Running is a passion for Craig, yet more so he and his is wife, Alison,  love OLMC School. Every dollar donated will support Our Lady of Mount Carmel School programs. First is to support a new, noncompetitive, extra-curricular athletic and fitness program for 2014. If additional money is raised the funds will support an emerging readers program for the Pre-K 3 students. Miles4MountCarmel is a great way we can all help the school best serve its students.

 

Donations made to OLMC School are tax deductible, the school's tax ID number is 54-1172745. There are three ways to donate, with no minimum or maximum amount.

 

1) Online at www.olmc-school.com. Click the "donate" button on the bottom left of the home page. For tracking purposes, please type "Miles" in the "company" field on the form

 

2) Mail your gift to the school at: OLMC School, 52 Harpersville Rd Newport News, VA 23601

 

3) Drop off your donation at the school's office between 7:30 am and 3:30 pm. Please write "Miles" in the memo line of your check

 

Training included running over 585 miles for this 26.2 mile event. Please join Miles4MountCarmel on Facebook to follow this incredible journey. Contact Craig atMiles4mountcarmel@gmail.com with questions.

Thank you for your support! See you at the finish line!

 

 

Jump Rope for Heart:

 

 

Jump on board for the 35th Anniversary of Jump Rope for Heart! Funds raised support the heart association's research and education initiatives that save lives in our community. Heart disease in the number 1 killer of all Americans. The American Heart association is second to the U.S. government in funding research in heart disease and stroke. Additionally, OLMC School  earns money for PE equipment so we can keep our students moving! Prek-5th grade students will be participating in the event during their PE classes the week of March 9th. Students will be jumping rope and participating in a variety of jump activities. Middle school students will have their Hoops for Heart event during elective time on Thursday, March 13th. Due to middle school scheduling, only students who submit a donation of $5 or more by the due date of March 12th will be allowed to attend the event. An easy way of collecting/donating can be accomplished by following the AHA guidelines on setting up an online account through their website. Go to www.heart.org/jump  or www.heart.org/hoops to register today! Donation envelopes and online directions will be sent home this week. The deadline for both JUMP and HOOPS will be March 12th. Our goal is to raise $5000.00! With your help we can do it!

 

 

 

OLMC Home & School 6th Annual Chili, Cake Decorating, and Dessert Contests:

Bring a crockpot of chili, a decorated cake, or a yummy dessert (or any combination). All guests are invited to vote for their favorites. You can taste as many samples of the chili as you'd like, and you can vote for the prettiest dessert.

Hot dogs and drinks will also be served so that no one leaves hungry. We will collect $5.00 per family to offset the costs. Each $5.00 comes with ten tickets to use for voting for your favorite chili, plus one more for the cake raffle.

You do not need to bring chili, cake, or a dessert to attend.

All are welcome to attend this Home & School sponsored social event. Just come and have some fun!

Folks who plan to bring a crockpot of chili should make a reservation so that we can ensure we have enough electrical outlets available. Please send an email to Jerra Daugherty at jldmsw@hotmail.com to reserve a spot for your chili , putting "chili cook-off" in the subject line. A response is requested by 2/25. However, we can also accommodate walk-ins. Bring a Serving Spoon and any fixin's to go with your chili.

 

Drop-offs begin at 4:00 p.m.

Judging open from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Help is welcome; please volunteer to help and earn volunteer hours.

Questions? Please contact Jerra Daugherty at jldmsw@hotmail.com or

Teresa McGee at tmcgee1995@msn.com 

 

Children grow so fast:

Please remember Mrs. Judy Gounley, the School Nurse is in need of some slightly worn clothing to help when a student spills milk, paint, takes a tumble at recess, or has an accident. If your child has outgrown pants please drop them off with Mrs. Gounley. Sweatshirts of any size are always welcome too.

 

As always the Uniform Closet can help families whose children are growing fast as well. Please bring your used uniforms to the Uniform Closet. If you are in need of the next size uniform please peek in the Uniform Closet, remember donations are welcome.

 

Summer  Specialty Camps:

As plans for the summer months are being made remember OLMC offers exciting and educational Specialty Camps through Newport News Parks and Recreation!  More details are coming soon.  Look for a registration date in March where families can save on the registration fee.  What a great way to stay active an create summer memories for students PK through Middle School.

 

Parenting Classes:

Mary Immaculate is offering some wonderful free classes!

 

Girls Matter-A six part webinar series addressing adolescent girls behavioral health. This webinar series provides research, best practice, and critical thinking on the topics that professionals working with girls and young women need to know. Key areas are address each session including challenges, opportunities, and strategies for supporting and raising successful young ladies.

 

Dates:

February 25th-Adolescent girls today

March 13th-What can be hiding behind a girl's smile

April 22nd-Girls and substance abuse

May 20th-Positive and negative of girls and social media

June 10th-Behavioral health issues

July 24th-Principles of development

 

For more details and times contact delores_price@bshsi.org 

 

Child Abuse Prevention Update & Infant Safe Sleep Free Seminar

Thursday, march 6th from 9:00 am to noon

1 Bernardine Drive, Newport News 23608

Call or email to register:

Chris Scott 369.6807 or cscott@nngov.com

 

Classes Offered at CHKD

February 19th-Webinar 12:00-1:00 pm

Practical Parenting: Positive Discipline for Children with Special Needs-registration available at www.chkd.org/classes  

 

February 24th from 4:30-5:30 pm Suffolk Pediatrics Meet & Greet

1009 Hilltop Blvd, Suffolk

 

February 24th-Webinar 9:30-10:30 am

Practical Parenting Great Expectations; School-Age Children

registration available at www.chkd.org/classes 

 

February 27th from 6:30-8:30 pm Family Stress Free

Newport News location

 

 


Virginia Senior Games:

 

The City of Newport News and the Department of Recreation and Tourism are hosting the Virginia Senior Games this spring. Please contact Parks and Rec for more information for those interested. 

Our Lady of Mount Carmel School unites with family and community to provide a

Christ-centered and educationally stimulating environment, where students recognize their

God-given gifts and achieve their highest potential.
Crusaders Cash-$$

 

Current families can earn Crusader Cash to be used for the cafeteria, Manna, and the Spirit Shop just by helping to attract new families to Our Lady of Mount Carmel School. Crusader Cash cannot be used for tuition or fees, additional details available in the Business Office.