August 2006

 

 

NEUMANN SCHOLARSHIP

This year Our Lady of the Angels School families received $142,000 in tuition assistance. This is due to the generosity of many businesses that make use of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit. Pennsylvania businesses donate money and receive tax credit from the state. The businesses have the option of designating particular schools. Our Lady of the Angels has been blessed by the generosity of:

A&L Doors

Conestoga Title Insurance Co

Sahd Salvage

Anonymous Donor

Thank You!

 

 

 

 

 

NEW REPORT CARD

This year Our Lady of the Angels will be piloting the new Diocesan report card. At the September Home and School Association meeting I will be sharing and discussing the report card. There will be a time when parents will be asked to share their thoughts about the report card. This is the pilot year so this is when we hope to address any concerns. Due to this process we will not be having the Honor Roll. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this process.

 

 

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT

The dates are listed on your calendar. This is an important opportunity to meet your child/ren’s teachers and get an insight into the procedures and expectations for the 2006-2007 school year. The evening will begin at 7PM in the respective building cafeteria to go over the schedule for the evening.

 

 

2005 – 2006 BUDGET

For the fiscal year 2005 – 2006 Our Lady of the Angels met their budget expectations. We did NOT run at a deficit. I am grateful to the pastors and parishioners who so generously subsidize Catholic education in Columbia. I would also like to thank those who contributed to the Annual Appeal. As you probably know we did exceed our goal. I am also grateful to the parents who sacrifice to send their children to Our Lady of the Angels for fulfilling their financial commitment. We are on track and I am sure with the prayers and financial support of those I mentioned we will continue our successful journey.

 

 

HANDBOOK

In an effort to keep the handbook up to date it will be included in the front section of your child’s homework journal. Each child will be given a journal on the first day of school. We hope this works but again like any change there may be challenges so please let us know so that we can address them. We have been requiring that all students have and use their homework journal. The journal should be taken home every night and then brought back to school the next day. There will be a form in your child/ren’s journal that we ask that you sign after you and your child have reviewed the handbook.

 

 

A WORD OF CAUTION

St. Peter Church is in the process of constructing a new parking lot. While this is going on there may be some inconvenience to the parents dropping off and picking up students at the Primary Building. I ask that you be patient and I will do my best to keep you informed.

 

 

 

OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS FACULTY AND STAFF

K3 & K4                                 Mrs. McGrath

K5                                           Mrs. Zeamer

1st                                            Mrs. Williams

2nd                                                Mrs. Detz

3rd                                           Miss Buchheit

4th                                           Mrs. Benko

5th                                           Mrs. Collins

6th                                           Mrs. O’Donnell

7th                                           Mrs. Barninger

8th                                           Mrs. Fischer

Flex Teacher                         Mrs. Wickenheiser-Roach

Library/ Art                         Mrs. Spicer

Computer                              Mrs. Carey

Gym                                       Mrs. Chmiel

Music                                      Mrs. Grochowski

IU Reading and Math          Mrs. Lardner  PB

Mrs. Murphy  EB (Mon. Wed, and Fri.)

Speech                                    Mrs. Sweitzer

Guidance                                Mrs. Foster

Secretary                               Mrs. Diffenderfer

Administrative Assistant        Mrs. Crumbling

 

 

CLASSROOM VISITS

Parents are not to visit the classrooms before or after school. Teachers are required to supervise the students in their care which requires them to be physically and mentally present. They are unable to do that if parents are standing at their door attempting to have a conference.

 

 

SEPARATE CHECKS

There are times during the year when checks are being sent to the office for a multitude of reasons (lunch, tuition, gym uniforms, stationery, scrip, etc.).  This can become very confusing so we are asking that you write separate checks so that the money can be deposited in the correct account.

 

 

SECURITY

Our goal is to provide a safe learning environment for your children. All doors are locked at 8:05 and are to remain locked during the day. Students have been instructed not to open the door for anyone. Parents are buzzed into the building and then come to the office to sign the visitors' book. When they leave the building they are asked to sign out.

 

 

*EMERGENCY FORMS*

Of all the forms you will be completing this year this is probably the most important. Please make any changes on the enclosed form using the enclosed red pen. Also throughout the year as information changes please send the new information in writing to the school office. These forms are necessary for the welfare of your child. If this form is not received and updated the school will not be held responsible for decisions made on your child’s behalf.

 

 

SCHOOL YEAR VACATIONS

Trips during the school year have been on the rise. There is a form, enclosed in this envelope, that is to be completed prior to your trip. The form is also available at www.ourladyoftheangels.org  This also serves as an excuse note. Please do not request work prior to the trip. Teachers will keep track of what your child has missed and give it to them when they return to school. Understand that it is the child’s responsibility to make up the work, projects and tests.

 

 

RETREATS

Retreats are a part of our School Plan. Students in grades 1 through 8 participate in a retreat experience.   Each year our students will have this special opportunity to grow in God’s love.

   

 

WE SAVE…

Listed below are the things that Our Lady of the Angels School saves that benefit the students and teachers:

1.      Campbell Labels (last year we purchased

      Electric pencil sharpeners)

2.   Rednar Receipts

3.   General Foods Box Tops

       Supplements the cost of field trips  

       for the 2006-2007 school year

4.    Ink Cartridges for Printers

       Consumable supplies for the

       Technology department

5.    Discarded Cell Phones

       Technology fund.

6.    New for 2006 – 2007 is

       Home Team School Rewards

       Program from Fast Fixin/Advance

        Brands

Enclosed in this envelope is information on all of these items. Please take a little extra time and help your school.

 

 

EXCUSE NOTES

For your convenience we have enclosed some notes that can be completed when your child is absent. The parent is to complete the form and the child is to bring it to school when they return. The form does indicate the procedure that will be followed when a form is not returned. This form is also available at our website www.ourladyoftheangels.org.

 

 

FRIDAY MASSES

It is important that you check your calendar for the location of the Friday Mass. Students are dropped off at the site where the Mass is celebrated. Only under extenuating circumstances do we change the location.

 

 

MONTHLY STATEMENT

Each month in the Family Envelope you will receive a financial statement if your payments are not up to date. Please take the time to review the statement and call at that time if you have any questions.         

 

 

 

WELCOME

There are some new faces and we would like to welcome them and thank them for joining us in our vision.

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Lyle

Miss Christine Moore

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Finegan

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Geyer

Ms. Carolina Santiago

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Askey

Mr. and Mrs. Trey Detwiler

Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Redding

Mr. and Mrs. James Perry

Mr. and Mrs. James Gambler

Mr. and Mrs. Todd Kauffman

Ms. Ana Fajardo

Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Peffer

Ms. Christine Sumpman

Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Snyder

Mr. and Mrs. Steven Zeamer

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Haas

Mrs. Jolin Dees

Ms. Carmen Mellinger

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Murphy

 

 

VOLUNTEERING

Abiding by the guidelines set by the Diocese, Our Lady of the Angels School does require that all volunteers who have contact with the children have a State Police Check, Child Abuse check,  have a TB test, view a video provided by the Diocese, complete the information in the Volunteer Handbook and attend an Orientation meeting. This year the meeting is scheduled for October 10th.

 

 

UNIFORMS

Students are to wear their school uniforms the first day of school. If you are ordering new gym uniforms we ask that your students wear dark shorts and a white tee shirt until the new ones arrive. We do not keep a stock of gym uniforms because of the cost involved. The uniforms are ordered in September and December. There are sample sizes available at the school offices and they will also be made available at the back to school night.

 

CHANGING MODES OF TRANSPORTATION

Please make every effort to have transportation plans made prior to your child’s arrival at school. If your child/ren will be changing how they go home please put it in writing and send it to your child’s teacher. There may be times when you have to call school and leave a message but we ask that this not become a practice. Our Lady of the Angels School does not have the authority to give permission for students to ride a bus if they do not live in that district. I have shared this information with the districts that bus our children. If there is nothing in writing and no phone call, the child will be sent home using their regular mode of transportation. This will be the practice even if the child says they are to do something different. You are the parent and we will only follow your instructions.

 

 

MONEY

All money sent to school is to be in an envelope and clearly labeled with the name, homeroom, amount and its designation. You were provided with a zippered pouch with your family name written on it. All money envelopes as described are then placed in the zipper pouch.

Our Lady of the Angels will not be held responsible for any lost or stolen money that students are carrying with them.

 

 

SMOKE FREE

Our Lady of the Angels is a smoke free school property. There is no smoking permitted on school property during the school day, at extracurricular activities or school functions. We are role models for our children.

 

 

TEACHER COMMUNICATIONS

The teachers of Our Lady of the Angels School are dedicated to providing your child/ren with the best possible education. The best way to achieve this is to become a partner with the parents. An important part of that partnership is communication. Several of the teachers have weekly notes or letters that keep parents informed. If parents need to talk with a teacher they can do so by calling the office to arrange an appointment, write a note or e-mail the teacher. The teachers’ e-mail addresses are their first initial, last name @ourladyoftheangels.org. These can be found on the website www.ourladyoftheangels.org. I ask that you not call teachers at home for any reason.

 

 

PICTURES

This year the students will have their pictures taken professionally two times. There will be one in the Fall on November 8th. For this program parents preorder packages of pictures. In the spring we will be offering a new program and parents will receive proofs and then order the pictures that they would like. Both of these programs are volunteer programs. You are not required to purchase any of the pictures.

 

 

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are for educational or spiritual purposes. There are no class trips. Teachers may request chaperones from time to time. Chaperones must be on the approved volunteer list and are responsible for the group of students assigned to them, which may or may not include their child. We are grateful to our volunteers. During this time in our country, chaperones have a serious responsibility.

 

 

BULLYING

In this family envelope you will find the guidelines that we have adopted. I ask that you talk with your children about this document.

 

 

SCHOOL HOURS

Students may enter their classrooms at 7:55. Our day begins with prayer at 8:05. With the exception of students that ride buses students are not to arrive before 7:55 unless there is a note on file. Dismissal for grades 1 – 8 is at 2:45. The Primary Building is dismissed from the Union Street door and car riders are dismissed first. At the Elementary Building buses are called first.

 

 

STATIONERY FEE

When parents pay this fee the teacher provides all the necessary supplies. This eliminates students not having the tools for a successful year. The fees are as follows:

            K4 - $20

            K5 - $35

            Grades 1 – 8 - $25

All supplies with the exception of a book bag will be provided. Students do not need to bring anything on the first day of school.

 

 

LUNCH MENUS

The monthly menu will be sent home in the Family Envelope and it will be posted on the website. There will be a menu for each child. You are to write the child’s name and homeroom at the top and circle if they want a sandwich or are packing on a particular day. If they want the entree they do nothing. If a menu is not returned the child will be served the entrée until we receive the menu. The menu must be returned before the beginning of the month. The menu included in this envelope is to be returned on the first day of school. The teachers will not be taking lunch count each day. Last year there were numerous times when children forgot their lunch and parents had to be contacted. It is not our intention to deprive children lunch. When the menu indicates that the child is packing it is the parent’s responsibility to assure that the child has a lunch. We do not always have extras and are records need to be accurate for the government programs.

 

 

FEDERAL LUNCH PROGRAM

Our Lady of the Angels participates in the Federal Lunch Program, this allows us to provide quality lunches at a reasonable cost of $1.75 a day. Milk is available for $.35 per day if your child is packing.  Lunch and milk money may be paid weekly or monthly.  This program provides eligible families with free or reduced lunches at a cost of $.40 per day. It costs the school nothing. There is an application in this envelope. Please take advantage of this program and complete the application if you feel you may be eligible. All information is confidential. If your financial circumstances change during the school year please contact the office for a form. If you were eligible for the 2005-2006 school year you will receive these benefits until September 8th. YOU MUST COMPLETE A NEW FORM EACH YEAR.

 

 

SCHOOL DELAYS AND CANCELLATION

Please note that this does not only apply to snow days. There may be other times when delays, cancellations or early dismissals may be necessary. This information will be broadcast on WARM 103 and WGAL. There is a modified schedule for K3 and K4 on these days. If your child rides a public school bus they are to follow their delays and dismissals. As a parent I know that when these things happen it causes many concerns. The best thing to do is to have a plan in place for these events and inform your child of the plan. We ask that you don’t call the school because that ties up the phone lines.  If school is dismissed early all planned evening activities will be cancelled.

 

 

INTERNET

A permission form is required before students are permitted to access the Internet. Please read the information in your packet carefully. Teachers use the Internet to enrich the curriculum.  In the past some of our older students have engaged in inappropriate conduct when using the Internet. I would encourage parents to make every effort to know how your children are using this technology. We are adding the following information to our Internet policy:

“The internet is a public forum with unrestricted access. For this reason, the school restricts permission for the posting of information related to the school, our staff and our students on the internet. No person is permitted to use images of the school, the school logo, school staff, or students in any form on the internet or any form of electronic communication without specific written permission from the administration. The posting of any such information on any website, bulletin board, chat-room, e-mail or other messaging system without permission, or the posting or transmission of images or information in any format related to the school, staff or students that are defamatory, scurrilous, pornographic, or which could be construed as threatening or impugning the character of another person is prohibited and will make any person involved in the posting or transmission of such material subject to disciplinary action deemed appropriate by the

administration at the school and/or the Diocese of Harrisburg.”

 

 

MEDICATION

Students are not permitted to carry medicine to and from school when riding a bus or walking. Parents are to bring the medication to school and if necessary pick it up. This pertains to ALL medicine not just prescription. We will be requiring a physician’s signature on the medication form for prescription medications. This is for the protection of your child/ren. Students can be suspended or expelled if they are carrying medication on their person or in back packs.

 

 

EASY MONEY

·        If you have a Target charge account be sure to designate Our Lady of the Angels School as the recipient of a percentage that you charge.

·        Verizon Extra Credit For Schools Program – if you have Verizon long distant you can name Our Lady of the Angels School and we

will receive 5% of your long distance bill each month. According to Verizon you can call 1-888-215-5717 to sign up.

Remember every little bit helps!

 

 

SCHOOL CONCERNS

It is very important that there be complete unity in authority between the teacher and parent. It is also important to withhold judgment on what appears to be a grievance until you get all the facts.

 

1. Get your facts from the proper person.

2. Classroom teachers appreciate being called first when a problem becomes known.

3. Discuss your problem with the proper person. In most cases, the concern will be resolved with little difficulty. This act of courtesy will be greatly appreciated.

4. Should the above steps leave the concern unresolved, a conference with the principal may be requested.

 

This newsletter is also available at www.ourladyoftheangels.org