From the Principal

Dear Marist Families,

As the days of lost power gained on us, I became increasingly anxious for our Marist students and you, their families.  We are so aware that even in the best of times, life can be trying.  Hurricane Sandy may have added insult to injury for some of us.

What we have in our favor is that we are Marist.  We are a faith-based community, a family that is here for one another.  As we resume our daily interaction, be sure that you share your needs with us.  If we can be of help in any way, let us know.  All of our Guidance Counselors can direct you to services.  Ms. Kehoe has FEMA information and is ready and willing to help our families to complete necessary forms.  Contact her at mkehoe@marist.org or at ext. 220.

We are obviously concerned about lost instructional time as we are sure you are.  To that end, we've made decisions that we hope will salvage time between now and the mid-term exams.   Here's the plan:

1. We will extend the first marking period until Wednesday, November 14; you can expect report cards to be mailed to you by the 16th or the 17th at the latest.  Study Hall will begin Monday, November 19th.
2. The Parent-Teacher Conference planned for this Thursday night, Nov. 8, will be postponed since report cards will not be ready.
3. We will not hold Principal's Breakfast , Year Level Assemblies, or Faculty Professional Development  on November 13 as previously planned so that Tuesday, November 13 will be a full instructional day.
4. The Coop exam has been postponed until Friday, November 16, so there will be no class that day, but there will be a full day of class this Friday, the 9th.
5. In addition, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving will be a full day of classes as well, instead of a half day of service as previously planned.
6. The Teachers will forego their retreat day on Monday, December 10 so that we can have a full day of classes that day.
7. Lastly, we will have a day of regular instruction on Monday, January 14 so exams will begin a day later than originally scheduled, on the 15th of January.

The calendar associated with the website now reflects these changes.  We feel that this arrangement will help us recoup at least some of the instructional time we've lost these past seven days.

Sincerely,

Senior Encounter was held in Esopus October 18-21.  Ten members of our senior class, along with students from other Marist schools participated in this four day retreat, which gave them the opportunity to think, pray and discover more of who they are in their relationship with God.  Our seniors were accompanied by Mr. Power and Mr. Short. Two of our graduates were on the Young Adult team. Girls will have a chance to go in February.

Guidance News

Focus Seniors: Ms. E. will be taking the Focus Seniors to visit the Regional Center at Fairleigh Dickenson University on November 14th.  Parents, look for the permission slips on or around November 9th.  The trip will include an information session about the application process, 504 accommodations, and various options available to students with learning disabilities (also applicable for schools other than FDU) along with a tour of the University (weather permitting), as well as a free lunch.  If you have any further questions, please contact Ms. E. at (201) 437-4545 ext. 301 or by email at meisenmenger@marist.org.

Other News

Comcast has a new initiative called Internet Essentials.   This product offers the following to families who have students that are enrolled in partial or full school lunch programs:

• Comcast Internet for $9.95 per month
• Refurbished laptop for only $149.95
• Computer training

Additional info is available via the link below:

http://www.internetessentials.com/default.aspx

Update your contact information: As the winter starts to approach and the weather begins to change, it is important that we have up-to-date contact information for your student.  In the event of a school closing or delay, you will receive an automated phone call.  If we don't have a working number on file for you, you may not be aware of such a closing or delay.  Please go to www.marist.org/parentupdate to submit your preferred email address and preferred telephone number.  Your information will be updated in our systems as soon as we receive your submission.  It is important to complete this in a timely fashion.

Ballet Folklorico, the annual field trip sponsored by our language department, is scheduled for November 15.  Students who sign up will visit the Park Theater in Union City for a Latino presentation of music and dance.  Cost is $27.  See Mr. Holtz for a permission slip if you are still interested in going.  Don't forget to bring extra money for lunch.

It's a Wonderful Life will be performed by our drama club as a radio show on November 30 and December 1.  Under the direction of Mrs. Beatriz Esteban, the students have been rehearsing to bring this "wonderful" show "to life"!  We hope many of you can join us. 

Student Council is busy this month supporting the canned food drive in anticipation of Thanksgiving.  Collections take place in homeroom each morning.  Please be generous in donating non-perishable items to help those in need. 

First Flea Market Fundraiser:  The first flea market fundraiser will be held this Saturday, November 10 from 8-2.  Vendor Tables are still available.  Applications can be found on the website under Parents.  We are hoping that this will be a repeatable event.  Come over on Saturday to see what's happening!

The New Electronic Sign:  The sign arrived and was erected in early October.  An "unveiling" is being scheduled.  Stay tune for time and date.  Marist High School is grateful to the Parents' Association, SRA Electric, and the generosity of one of our alum for this most generous gift.