Principal's Memo

Building Confident Catholic Leaders Through Faith, Community

 and Education

           

Dec. 18, 2012

Cookie Dough

Cookie dough is for sale at $10.00. The following tubs are available: 2 Reese’s Peanut Butter, 2 Monster, 6 Peanut Butter , 3 M & M’s 2 Lemon Drop 1 Walnut Chocolate Chunk. Pre-Portioned: 1 Chocolate Chunk, 1 M & M’s, 4 Oatmeal Raisin, 5 Snicker Doodle, 1 Classic Sensation, 1 Walnut Chocolate Chunk, 3 White Chocolate Macadamia, and 4 White Chocolate Oatmeal Cranberry.

Christmas Program

All are welcome on to join us in the church on Wed. Dec. 19 at 7:00 p.m. for the Christmas performance by the talented students from prek-8^th grade. Join us at 6:00 p.m. for refreshments provided by hospitality before the Christmas Program!

After School Foreign Language

Enrichment Program

Hola! Cultural Bytes is offering After-School FULL IMMERSION classes in SPANISH at St. Dominic School. Imagine learning and speaking a new language in a fun and game-based environment! Whether your child is a novice or a native speaker, we will challenge them in a fun and competitive environment. Classes are divided into groups of  10 students maximum: The groups include: Pre K and Kinder; 1^st and 2^nd grades: 3^rd and 4^th; 5^th and 6^th; and 7^th and 8^th. And teachers and students ONLY speak the target language 60 minutes a week! Speak from day one, learn tongue-twisters and enjoy the culture our natives speakers bring to each class. This Enrichment Program is currently offered at other Catholic schools in the area. Enroll online for eleven Fridays from 1:45-2:45 pm starting 01/11-3/22 $220 plus $30 materials and workbook fee-Check our website for more information at www.cultural-bytes.org

The location for the Spanish presentation and demonstration lesson has changed. Join us on Wed. Dec. 19 in the 3^rd grade classroom at 6:30 p.m. prior to the Christmas Program.

Santa’s Workshop

We need parent volunteers to assist in Santa’s workshop on Wed. from noon to 4:00 p.m. and Thu. from noon to 4:00 p.m.  Please call Emma Duke at 323-254-2545 if you are able to help.

Student Council

On Tue. Dec. 18, Student Council will sell hot chocolate during recess for 50 cents. Students may wear their favorite cap, hat, scarf, etc, (in Christmas or Advent colors) with their P.E. uniform for free. On Thu. Dec. 20, Student Council will have a bake sale. Students may wear Christmas or Advent colored socks for free.

Character Education Assembly

On Monday, Dec. 17, our students were privileged to participate in an amazing character education assembly. The production focused on inspiring the students to become Champions at school and in life. Instead of paying a fee for the program, the NED show makes NED (Never Give Up, Encourage Others, and Do Your Best) messaged items available for purchase for 5 days following the show. These items reinforce multi-sensory learning and are tangible reminders that increase your children’s ability to retain NED’s message long after the assembly. The proceeds from your purchase will allow another school to experience the NED Show at no cost as well!

Choice Lunch

It is time for the fourth grade parents to sign up to volunteer to serve lunch. Parents are able to earn lunch credit for their child. If you are interested please call ASAP.

Parents need to be fingerprinted and have attended a Virtus training session.

Parent Updates

Updates will go out in the family envelope the last week of January. The updates will include tuition, raffle, service hours, fiesta hours, and mandatory meetings.

Catholic Schools Week

Sunday, January 27, 2013 marks the beginning of Catholic Schools Week. Here at St. Dominic’s we start out with Mass at 9:00 a.m. Following Mass, please join us for our Open House from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Scholastic Book Fair will be open during Open House. Students will have a fun filled week of activities!

Mandatory PTO Date Change

The January 16 scheduled PTO/Preschool meeting has been changed to Wednesday, Jan. 30. A special speaker, Mike Norman, is scheduled for the January meeting.

School wide Learning Expectations

These are the Schoolwide Learning Expectations students are expected to review this week.

A student of St. Dominic Parish School will be...

an active and involved student who:

• is a self-motivated learner who demonstrates the skills and technological knowledge to succeed.
• builds a solid foundation in the academic subjects and an appreciation for the arts.
• communicates effectively, thinks critically, and is a creative problem solver.

a committed Catholic who:

• builds a firm foundation in, knowledge of, and love of the Faith.
• actively participates in the Mass, sacraments and traditions of the Church.

Principal's Memo

Building Confident Catholic Leaders Through Faith, Community

 and Education

           

           

Dec. 11, 2012

Reconciliation

One of our requirements as Catholics is to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation at least once a year. Our students are fortunate to have the parish priests available to offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation twice a year during school hours. This Advent season is the first opportunity this school year for students in 3^rd to 8^th grades to go to confession. Confessions will be this Friday Dec. 14, at 9:00 a.m.

Advent

During the second week of Advent at school we light the second purple candle on the Advent wreath. We will pray all week for those who need it the most.  This is how we will wait and prepare for the coming of Jesus.

Perhaps as a family you might ask Our Lady of Guadalupe to bless our country.  

See’s Candy

All order forms for See’s Candy are due this coming Thursday, Dec. 13. Orders will be delivered on Monday, Dec. 17. Candy orders will arrive in time for the Christmas holidays!

Santa’s Workshop

Santa, Mrs. Duke, and the elves are preparing to open the Christmas workshop on Monday, Dec. 17. Santa’s Workshop will be held in the school library for all to do Christmas shopping.

Preschoolers and kindergarten parents: please put your child’s money in an envelope and give it to their classroom teacher. The teacher will keep the envelope until it is time to visit Santa’s Workshop.

Student Council

Student Council is hosting a raffle for a giant candy cane. Students may purchase tickets for 75 cents all week and the drawing for the candy cane will be on Monday, Dec. 17.

On Tuesday, Dec. 18 the Student Council will sell hot chocolate during recess for 50 cents. On that day students may wear their favorite cap, hat, scarf, etc., (in Christmas or Advent colors) with their school uniform for free. On Thursday, Dec. 20 Student Council will have a bake sale. On that day, students may wear Christmas or Advent colored socks for free.

Raffle Winners

The annual school raffle drawing was held Friday, Dec. 7 after the Honor Roll assembly. Congratulation to the school raffle winners:  first prize of $1,000, Marilyn Fuentes; second prize of $500, Jillian Lerma; third prize of $250, Marcela Barajas.

Schoolwide Learning Expectations

These are the Schoolwide Learning Expectations students are expected to review this week.

A student of St. Dominic Parish School will be...

a committed Catholic who:

• willingly shares his/her gifts to serve others in the Church and global community.

a responsible and respectful person who:

• understands his/her innate value and the value of others as beloved children of God.
• is self-confident and self-motivated and has the inner strength to make moral, compassionate, and healthy choices.
• is prepared to make a positive difference in the world through his/her words and actions.
• appreciates and values the diversity of all God’s people.

Principal's Memo

Building Confident Catholic Leaders Through Faith, Community

 and Education

           

           

Dec. 4, 2012

Honor Roll Assembly

The first trimester honor roll assembly is this Friday, Dec. 7 at 1:00 p.m. Honor roll is for  students in 4^th-8^th grades who have distinguished themselves with at least a 90% average in the academic subjects and have shown good study habits, good effort and good behavior.

Sunday Collection/Matching Grant

We are trying to raise $6000 to assist families  on the Catholic Education Foundation waiting list. The CEF will match the other $6000! On Sunday, Dec. 2 the following students from 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grades served as collection ushers: Saturday 5:00 p.m. - Carla and Jesus; Sunday 7:30 a.m. - Matthew, Cate, and John, and Gabby; 9:00 a.m. - Caitlyn, Nick, William, and Cameron; 10:30 a.m. - Cristina, Richard, Bryan, and Dominick C.; 12:00 p.m. - Karl, Janmae, Melissa A., and Max; 1:30 p.m. - Mina, Victoria M., Christopher, and Victoria B.; 5:00 p.m -  Sammy, Elias, Dominic L., and Ty. We want to thank these students for serving St. Dominic School.

Scrip/Raffle/See’s Candy

The PTO board and Scrip committee were extremely busy on Sunday morning selling scrip, raffle tickets and See’s Candy.

We want to thank Eva Matas, Martha Marquez,  Sheila Quintana, and Annette Manning from the PTO Board for working on such a busy, rainy day. We also thank Annalie Leis, Gayle Campos, Marcos Lujan and Robert Carreon for assisting with the fundraising.

Scrip and See’s Candy will be sold again this coming Sunday, Dec. 9 after all the morning Masses.

Uniform Exchange

All used uniforms will be on sale Friday, Dec. 7 and 14. All used uniforms will be on sale for $1.00. Now is the time to exchange your child’s outgrown uniform or purchase any used item for $1.00. We have many unclaimed in the uniforms: P.E. shirts, gray sweatshirts, and crew green sweatshirts. Please claim any lost uniforms by Friday, Dec. 7. before the items are placed on sale. After the Dec. 14 sale, all unclaimed or donated used uniforms will be donated to St. Vincent de Paul.

Advent

During the first week of Advent at school we light the first purple candle on the Advent wreath. We will pray all week for those who need it the most.  This is how we will wait and prepare for the coming of Jesus.

Please refer to the Advent pamphlet sent last week for some ideas on how to gather during family time and pray. Perhaps as a family decide how to share with those less fortunate.

Mandatory Raffle Tickets

All school families are required to submit the money for the mandatory raffle by this Thursday, Dec. 6. The annual school raffle drawing is this Friday, Dec. 7. The raffle will be held after the 8:00 a.m. Morning Prayer assembly. First prize is $1,000, second prize is $500, and third prize is $250. Good luck to all families! We pray for a school family to win.

St. Nicholas

St. Nicholas is known for leaving small gifts in shoes the night of Dec. 5, the eve of his feast day. St. Nicholas will visit St. Dominic students on Thu. Dec. 6 at about 1:00 p.m. Students, remember to leave a shoe outside the classroom so St. Nicholas can leave a treat for you!

Mass

We invite you to join us for our all-school Mass during this Advent season on Friday, Dec. 7 at 9:00 a.m. Our 5th grade students will lead the student body Mass.  We hope to see many parents at Mass.  Preschool students are now attending our all-school Mass!

Reconciliation

One of our requirements as Catholics is to receive the sacrament of reconciliation at least once a year. Our students are fortunate to have the parish priests available to offer the sacrament of reconciliation twice a year during school hours. This Advent season is the first opportunity this school year for students in 3^rd to 8^th grade to go to confession. Confessions will be next Friday Dec. 14, at 9:00 a.m.

Blessed Sacrament Confraternity

Every year the kindergarten students are invited to sing Christmas carols for the Blessed Sacrament Confraternity luncheon. Their performance is entertaining and brings joy to the ladies of the parish during the holiday season. The kindergarten students will sing on Tuesday, Dec. 11 at 12:45 p.m. in the Parish Hall and this year, for the first time, both preschool classes will also perform!

Christmas Program

The spirit of Christmas has arrived at St. Dominic. Students are anxiously preparing for their Christmas performance on Wednesday, Dec. 19. The schoolwide performance starts at 1:00 p.m. in the church and again at 7:00 p.m. for parents.

School Choir

SDS Marketing News -- Our school choir has been invited to use their wonderful talents and perform at two local events.  On December 10 they will be singing at the Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce Christmas mixer to be held at City Hall.  Then, on December 14, they will perform at the Lutheran International School's annual Christmas program.  This will be the second year that our school has been invited to sing at the Lutheran School.  We know they will shine and make our school proud of their school spirit! We THANK them and wish them luck. This is also a great marketing opportunity for our school name to get out into the Eagle Rock community.

Hearing Screening

Vanessa, a nurse from Queen Care Hospital, will conduct a hearing screening on Mon. Dec. 10 for kindergarten students.

Fresh & Easy

Please turn in your receipts from Fresh & Easy before the Christmas holiday.  The closing date to fundraise for Fresh & Easy is Dec. 31^st.  Mrs. Ramirez will collect the Fresh & Easy receipts when we return from the Christmas holidays.  St. Dominic School will receive $1.00 for every $20 receipt submitted.

School wide Learning Expectations

These are the Schoolwide Learning Expectations students are expected to review this week.

A student of St. Dominic Parish School will be...

an active and involved student who:

• builds a solid foundation in the academic subjects and an appreciation of the arts.
• communicates effectively, thinks critically, and is a creative problem solver.

a committed Catholic who:

• builds a firm foundation in, knowledge of, and love of the Faith.
• actively participates in the Mass, sacraments and traditions of the Church.
• shows respect, tells the truth, and tries to be like Jesus.

Principal's Memo

+ Faith + Community + Education

www.stdominicla.us                

Nov. 27, 2012

Notice of Filming

The Universal Network Television will be filming the sitcom The Office on Wed. Nov. 28 from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at 1701 Colorado Blvd.

Our parking lot will be the base camp for the production. The valet drop-off will continue as usual but parents should plan to arrive at school early to find alternative parking for dismissal.

Advent

Enclosed is your Advent family activity prayer booklet for the four weeks of Advent.

At school the students experience the lighting of 3 purple and 1 pink candle as symbols of waiting for the coming of Jesus. The students learn about the liturgical season of Advent. Share with your child how you celebrated waiting for the coming of Jesus when you were a child.

E-Scrip

We need all families to re-register for e-scrip. You can go to www.escrip and register for St. Dominic School. Please register for grocery shopping and department store shopping.

St. Dominic receives a portion of your total monthly purchases. The profit will be credited to the St. Dominic Scrip account on a monthly basis. 

Choice Lunch

4^th grade parents - it is your opportunity to volunteer to serve lunch during the month of December. If you are interested in earning lunch credit for your child please call the school office ASAP.

You need to have been fingerprinted and have attended the Virtus training session.

Make-up Pictures

Students who were absent for picture day will take their school picture next Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 9:00 a.m. Place your order today at mylifetouch.com.

Students are to wear their complete school uniform. Please do not wear shorts or sweatpants on picture day.

Santa’s Workshop

Santa’s workshop opens the week of Dec. 17 in the school library. Students can purchase gifts ranging from $1.00 to $5.00 for their parents, siblings, and friends.

Christmas Program

The students getting into the spirit of Christmas by practicing for our annual Christmas program! The program will be on   Wed., Dec. 19. The students will perform at 1:00 p.m. in the church for the student body and again at 7:00 p.m. for their parents and families.

Dress attire for the performance will be announced in next week’s memo.

School Raffle

Parents, if you sold all the raffle tickets to your friends and family during the Thanksgiving holidays don’t forget to pick up extra tickets in the school office as the Dec. 7 raffle drawing is quickly approaching.

Cookie Dough

If you are interested in purchasing cookie dough, please call or stop by the school office.

We have the following $14.00 tubs available for sale: 2 Reese’s Peanut Butter, 2 Monster, 6 Peanut Butter, 3 M & M’s, 2 Lemon Drop, and 1 Walnut Chocolate Chunk.

The following $16.00 pre-portioned boxes are available for sale: 1 Chocolate Chunk, 1 M & M, 4 Oatmeal Raisin, 5 Snicker Doodle, 1 Classic Sensation, 1 Walnut Chocolate Chunk, 4 White Chocolate Macadamia, and 4 White Chocolate Oatmeal Cranberry.

.

Schoolwide Learning Expectations

These are the Schoolwide Learning Expectations students are expected to review this week.

A student of St. Dominic Parish School will

be...

a responsible and respectful person who:

• understands his/her innate value and the value of others as beloved children of God.
• is self-confident and self-motivated and has the inner strength to make moral, compassionate, and healthy choices.
• is prepared to make a positive difference in the world through his/her words and actions.
• appreciates and values the diversity of all God’s people.

an active and involved student who:

• is a self-motivated learner who demonstrates the skills and technological knowledge to succeed.

                       

Principal's Memo

+ Faith + Community + Education

www.stdominicla.us                

Nov. 20, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving!

Teacher Luncheon

We want to thank Mrs. Ruiz and the 5^th grade parents for providing the lunch from El Pollo Loco. Thank you to everyone for the generous contributions for the Faculty/Staff Luncheon.

Adopt-a-Family

Student Council continues to encourage students to participate in the annual Adopt-a-Family collection drive for the month of November. Dried and canned food items as well as personal hygiene products are greatly needed. All items will be picked up and delivered to needy families living on Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-Teacher Conferences are next week on Thu. Nov. 29 and Fri. Nov. 30.

If you need to change your conference time please call the school office.

See’s Candy

This is a non-mandatory fundraiser but we ask parents who can support the fundraiser to ask friends and/or families to purchase See’s Candy.  The fundraiser begins today, Nov. 20 and ends Dec. 13. Candy orders will be delivered before students leave for the Christmas holidays.

Cookie Dough

If you are interested in purchasing cookie dough, please call or stop by the school office.

We have the following $14.00 tubs available for sale: 4 Reese’s Peanut Butter, 3 Monster, 6 Peanut Butter, 3 M & M’s, 3 Lemon Drop, 4 White Chocolate Macadamia, 2 White Chocolate Oatmeal Cranberry, and 1 Walnut Chocolate Chunk.

The following $16.00 pre-portioned boxes are available for sale: 1 Chocolate Chunk, 1 M & M, 4 Oatmeal Raisin, 5 Snicker Doodle, 1 Classic Sensation, 1 Walnut Chocolate Chunk, 4 White Chocolate Macadamia, and 4 White Chocolate Oatmeal Cranberry.

Uniform Logo

A representative from Dennis Uniform will meet with me next week to finalize our uniform logo for polo shirts, sweaters, sweatpants, jackets, pullovers, cardigans, etc. As mentioned at the PTO meeting, the green color will remain the same for the school uniform. Patches for the uniform will not be allowed.

The old uniforms in the uniform exchange will be donated to St. Vincent de Paul or Goodwill.

Schoolwide Learning Expectations

These are the Schoolwide Learning Expectations students are expected to review this week.

A student of St. Dominic Parish School will

be...

a committed Catholic who:

• Actively participates in the Mass, sacraments and traditions of the Church.
• Shows respect, tells the truth, and tries to be like Jesus.
• Willingly shares his/her gifts to serve others in the Church and global community.

                                   

Principal's Corner

+ Faith + Community + Education

www.stdominicla.us                

Nov. 13, 2012

Mandatory Preschool and PTO Meetings

Wednesday, Nov. 14 is the first mandatory preschool parent meeting. The meeting will start at 6:00 pm. in the Parish Hall. The PTO meeting on the same evening starts promptly at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall. We look forward to seeing all parents at the meetings.

Family Mass

We have made some schedule changes for our Saturday Family Masses. We have combined two grades for the family Saturday Masses for the rest of the school year. This Saturday, November 17, the 5^th and 6^th grade students and parents are encouraged to attend Mass as a school community. These two classes together make up 40 students. We pray that all students and parents can join us to pray together.  

The celebration after Mass will be held in the Parish Hall. Parents are asked to sign up to bring finger food items. The celebration is a time for building community and making new friends.

The 3^rd and 4^th grade Saturday Mass will be in January; the 1^st and 2^nd grade Saturday Mass will be in March, and the 7^th grade Saturday Mass will be in April.

Parent Volunteers Needed

We need parent volunteers to assist Ms. Angela supervise the students during lunch playtime.

We also need parents to serve during Friday pizza lunch. This is an easy way to earn service hours! If you are interested, please call the office ASAP. This opportunity is also open to preschool parents.

Adopt-a-Family

Student Council continues to encourage students to participate in the annual Adopt-a-Family collection drive for the month of November. Dried and canned food items as well as personal hygiene products are greatly needed. All items will be picked up and delivered to needy families living on Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles.

School Raffle

Our first mandatory fundraiser for this school year is the school raffle (not to be confused with the parish carnival raffle that occurred last week-end).

Every family is responsible for $75.00 worth of raffle tickets. The raffle sale will begin on Monday, Nov. 19 and ends Friday, Dec. 7.

Raffle tickets will go home this Friday, November 16. This is a great opportunity to sell to your family members, friends, and neighbors during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-Teacher Conferences are on Thu. Nov. 29 and Fri. Nov. 30. A note was sent home today with all students for parents to schedule a conference time. Please indicate your 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd choice on the schedules and your child’s teacher will return the note with the confirmed day and time.  If you need to change your conference time, please call the school office.

Boys “B” Basketball

Mr. Ramirez will hold tryouts for the boys “B” basketball team on Thursday November 15^th. Tryouts will be held in the school parking lot from 3:15 to 4:30 p.m.

Girls Basketball

We need a coach for the girls “A” and “B” basketball teams. CYO fees were paid as the girls expressed an interest in playing basketball.

If you are interested in coaching and earning service hours please the school office at 323-255-5803 ASAP.

    Marketing Team

On Sat., Nov. 3 our Marketing Team attended the Celebrate Marketing event sponsored by the Archdiocese of LA at the Pasadena Convention Center.  It was a time for reflection and to hear about new ideas for marketing strategies.  Also, on Tuesday, Nov. 6, our team gave a 45-minute training presentation about our Pre-School Outreach at the monthly MAXLA meeting at Bishop Alemany.  It was our lucky day at both events because our team won a Nexus tablet at the first event and then won a $250 gift card at the second event. 

Don't forget!  Everyone can always help our efforts by putting in a good word to your friends and family to come visit and hopefully enroll their children at our school.

Schoolwide Learning Expectations

These are the Schoolwide Learning Expectations students are expected to review this week.

A student of St. Dominic Parish School will

be...

an active and involved student who:

• is a self-motivated learner who demonstrates the skills and technological knowledge to succeed.
• builds a solid foundation in the academic subjects and an appreciation of the arts.
• communicates effectively, think critically, and is a creative problem solver.

a committed Catholic who:

• builds a firm foundation in, knowledge of, and love of the Faith.