Principal's Memo

Building Confident Catholic Leaders Through Faith, Community,

and Education

May 28, 2013

High School for St. Dominic Graduates

We congratulate the Graduating Class of 2013! The students will attend the following high schools: Jared Armas – Cathedral; Dominick Congote – Notre Dame; Angela De Leon  –  Providence; Jesus Diaz – Cathedral; John Durano – Cathedral; Carla Galvez  –  Providence; Bryan Guerrero – Bellarmine-Jefferson; Dominic Leis – Cathedral; Olivia Lujan – Providence; Gabe Manabat – Cathedral; Elias Manning  – Loyola; John Michael Martin  –  Eagle Rock Highl; Angel Martinez  –  Cathedral; Samuel Martinez – La Salle; Richard Matas  – Cathedral; Janmae Pagador – Holy Family; Fritz Roxas  – Providence; Danica Tagupa – Providence; Ty Tiomico – Providence; Oscar Vernon – Cantwell Sacred Heart; Omar Veloz  –  Cathedral.

Student Council Officers

We congratulate the new 2013-2014 Student Council Officers:  Melissa De Leon, president;  Cristina Gonzales, vice president; Anela Leis and Deena Martin, co-secretaries; Mitchell Gravino and Nicole Ortiz, co-treasurers; Crystal Aguinaldo, religious coordinator; Victoria Barrios, spirit-activities; Victoria Melendez, ecology; Maximilian Garcia, historian; Miguel Lanza, publicity; Joshua Ng, newspaper editor;  Mika Watanabe, girls sports liaison; Nicholas Campos, boys sports liaison.

Thank you also to all the students who ran for office. Even if you did not win this time, you showed a commitment to serving your school and also demonstrated courage and spirit by speaking in the Parish Hall in front of the 3^rd-7^th graders.

May Crowning

Please join us for the annual May Crowning on Thu., May 30 at 9:00 a.m. in the Church. The annual May Crowning procession is led by the 2^nd grade First Communicants and the 8^th grade graduating class.

Talent Show

Join us for the annual Talent Show directed by Mrs. Marte and Ms. Thornton. The program starts promptly at 6:30 p.m. on Fri. May 31 in the Parish Hall. We will ask for a family donation as you enter the Parish Hall. Water, juice, chips and nachos will be sold at prices ranging from 50 cents to $1.50.

Oklahoma Tragedy

After the trauma and tragedy of the tornadoes near Oklahoma City this past week, the task of caring and rebuilding continues in earnest.  Our brothers and sisters of Catholic Charities in Oklahoma would surely put whatever we can offer to very good use.  You can help by making a check out to “Catholic Charities of Los Angeles” with the words “Oklahoma Relief” in the lower left-hand corner of your check.  Mail your donation to the address below and know that all monies collected will be forwarded directly to Catholic Charities of Oklahoma.

Catholic Charities of Los Angeles

P. O. Box 15095

Los Angeles, CA 90015-0095

Schoolwide Learning Expectations

These are the Schoolwide Learning Expectations that students are reviewing this week.

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

an active and involved student who:

• 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

Building Confident Catholic Leaders Through Faith, Community,

and Education

May 21, 2013

Student Council Speeches

Candidates for the 2013-2014 Student Council who are currently in the 5^th, 6^th, and 7^th grades will give their speeches on Wednesday, May 22 at 9:00 a.m.

Student Council Voting

Students in 4^th -7^th grades will vote for the  students they think will best represent them for the upcoming school year. Good luck to all students running for office. Voting takes place Thursday, May 23 at 9:00 a.m. Winners will be announced by the end of the school day.

BOGO Book Fair

Our Buy-One-Get-One-Free Book Fair will be May 28-May 30. If you would like to volunteer and earn service hours please call the school office. Nine parent volunteers are needed (3 per day). Parents must have received Virtus training and have been fingerprinted.

May Crowning

Please join us for our May Crowning on Thu., May 30 at 9:00 in the Church. The annual May Crowning procession is led by the second grade First Communicants and the 8^th grade graduating class. The 2^nd grade students are to wear their First Communion attire. The 8^th grade boys are to wear black pants, a white shirt and tie. The 8^th grade girls are to wear a modest Sunday dress.

Jeans and Accessories Day

As all of you know by now, Fr. Jerome is leaving St. Dominic Parish. He is being promoted to pastor at a parish up north.  We are happy for him but sad to see him go. We will have a jeans day this coming Friday, May 24, to collect money to purchase a going-away gift. Students may wear jeans for $1.00. Any additional accessories are a $1.00 each. The going away assembly will be held on Tue., June 4.

Choir

School Choir: Thank you for singing on Pentecost! Choir rehearsals are done for this year. Those going to Knott’s Berry Farm will be given more information very soon.

Preschool Survey

The last mandatory preschool meeting was held last Wednesday. The parents who attended the meeting were given a preschool survey. For those parents who did not attend the meeting your survey is enclosed in your Family Envelope. Please take the time to complete and return the survey to the school office by Fri., May 24. We want to hear from those families that are not returning as well as those that are continuing their children’s Catholic education at St. Dominic School.

Choice Lunch

The last day that Choice Lunch will be served is Thu., June 20. Please make certain that if your child has ordered an emergency lunch you pay for the lunch by June 14.  Parents of 8^th grade students, please may sure you pay for any emergency lunches before Monday June 10.

Tuition Increase

A tuition increase of 1.5% will be added to your current tuition rate. The $200 to support the Scrip program added to your tuition will remain the same.  Your tuition contract will be in the June 4^th Family Envelope.

Spanish Class

Spanish class was once again discussed at the last general PTO meeting. We heard testimonials from parents whose children are enrolled in the afterschool Spanish program. Parents believe their children are learning vocabulary well and understanding conversations. Some parents believe the Spanish program should remain an optional afterschool program. Other parents expressed that they would like Spanish to be part of the regular curriculum so that our students will to be ready for the High School Language Placement Exam.

Some parents believe that a foreign language is better left for high school, while other parents believe that the younger a child starts learning a second language, the easier it is to acquire that language.

A ballot for parents to vote on this issue will be included in the June 4^th Family Envelope. Parents will vote and decide whether or not to have Spanish class for the upcoming school year. If we have a Spanish class, it will cost each child an additional $20.00 per month.

Schoolwide Learning Expectations

These are the Schoolwide Learning Expectations that students are reviewing this week.

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

a responsible and respectful person who:

• 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
• builds a solid foundation in the academic subjects and an appreciation of the arts.

Principal's Memo

Building Confident Catholic Leaders Through Faith, Community,

and Education

May 7, 2013

First Communion

Our 2^nd grade students will make their First Communion this Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Dominic Church.

Keep the following students in prayer as they receive their sacrament of First Holy Communion: Jillian Abeniante, Aideen Alpuerto, Katia Corletto, Merielle Dauz, Gianna Flores, Edric Fresquez, Elyssa Fresquez, Adrianne Fuentes, Miles Johnstone, Diego Matas, Dianthe Montesa, Alex Perez, Kevin Quitiquit, Colleen Quizon, Amber Reeder, Donovan Reid, Malia Regalado, and Makayla Sandoval. Joey Garcia received his First Communion on Saturday of Holy Week at the Easter Vigil.

Progress Report

Third trimester progress reports were issued today to all students receiving a C or lower.

Students have seven weeks to improve their grades. 8^th grade students only have 6 weeks, including finals week, to study and bring up grades. Please stay positive and put forth your best effort. Good luck!

Walk-a-thon

We want to thank Mrs. Campos for the wonderful picnic style Walk-a-Thon this past Saturday, May 4. She had a great committee to support her. Thank you to all the parents in the committee for all the donations, organizing the event, set-up, clean up, and serving the lunches. GREAT JOB!

Student TV Central

Now available to watch on Student TV Central are six short videos. Our Earth day rally, “A Day in Preschool,” an 8^th grade science activity, P.E. activities, 2^nd grade math and science, and 3^rd grade’s video on the sacrament of Reconciliation. You can also access our older videos by clicking on the “Our Video Archive” button on the Student TV Central website.

Talent Show

Try-outs for our annual talent show are this today, Wednesday and Thursday. Please sign up for a time between 3:15 and 4:00 p.m. Try-outs will be held in the science room; students must audition to participate in the talent show. Students should remember to bring their CD or whatever music, props, etc., they need. If students are singing or dancing to a song with lyrics they must submit a printout of the lyrics to Mrs. Marte or Ms. Thornton.

Student Council

Students who are currently in the 5^th, 6^th, and 7^th grades and are interested in running for the 2013-2014 Student Council may pick up a Student Interest Form/Declaration of Candidacy on Monday May 13 in the school office. There will be a meeting on Thursday, May 16 at 3:15 for students interested in running for a Student Council office. Students, teachers, parents, and Ms. Lujan all must sign the eligibility form for  students who wish to run for office. In general, students must have a C average with no grade lower than a C minus, and nothing lower than a G (good) in Work Habits and Behavior. Some offices require a higher grade average.

Summer Daycare

Summer daycare will only be offered if we have at least 15 students who need the service. Please submit the $25 registration fee in the school office by May 24 if you are interested in summer daycare.  The summer daycare fee is $125 per week. We will accept students entering TK through students entering 8^th grade (current 7^th graders) for summer daycare. Daycare hours are 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.    

Mandatory Parent Meeting

The last mandatory meeting of the school year will be held next Wed., May 15. The Preschool meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. and the Kinder through 8^th grade meeting begins at 7:30 p.m.

Trina Cristi, director of sales from LunchMaster, a prospective school lunch vendor, will present at the beginning of the meeting and provide lunch samples for the parents. If you have a chance before the May 15th meeting please visit www.thelunchmaster.com to view prices and menus.

Friday Pizza Lunch

Friday, May 31 is the last pizza lunch day of the school year. If you pre-paid for the month of June please contact Ms. Angela for a refund.

Thank you to all the students and parents for making this fundraiser a success!

MOTHER’S DAY /FATHER’S DAY

We are selling Hallmark brand gifts and cards for moms and dads in the school library this week Mon.-Thu. from noon-3:30 p.m., and on Fri. May 10 from noon-2:00 p.m. Come and shop for mom, dad, grandma and grandpa!

Schoolwide Learning Expectations

These are the Schoolwide Learning Expectations that students are reviewing this week.

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

a responsible and respectful person who:

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

Principal's Memo

Building Confident Catholic Leaders Through Faith, Community,

and Education

               

April 30, 2013

Walk-a-Thon Meeting

Please join the Walk-a-Thon committee for the final planning meeting this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the school library. This walk-a-thon event is your last chance to earn service hours if you are short of hours.

MOTHER’S DAY /FATHER’S DAY

We will be selling Hallmark brand gifts and cards for moms and dads in the school library Mon. May 6 through Wed. May 8, noon-3:30 p.m., and Fri. May 10 from noon-2:00 p.m.

Come and shop for mom, dad, grandma and grandpa!

Summer School

St. Dominic will be having a 4 week summer school session this year. We will be offering computers/technology, P.E., and language arts, math, and arts and crafts. Summer school will cost $350 for the session with a non-refundable $25 registration fee. Summer hours will be from 8:00 a.m.-noon.

VIP Casino Winners

Kindergartener Kaden Cortez will be Kindergarten Teacher of the day and Principal . These VIP prizes were bid on at our Casino Night Fundraiser.  Kaden has a big day in the making on Fri. May 3 as teacher and principal.

Uniforms

We have several unclaimed school uniforms without names. Some of the sweaters are new. Please claim the uniforms before they are sold as used for $1.00.

Parents this is a friendly reminder that students are to wear a clean school uniform. Parents can always exchange outgrown uniforms for a larger jumper, skirt, or pant at no cost from the uniform exchange.

Every St. Dominic student is to wear a uniform with our school logo, either the old or new logo. Tennis shoes are to be black, gray, white, or brown blue with white or black shoe laces only. Uniform violations and detentions will be issued to students out of school uniform. Please refer to the parent/student handbook for uniform rules.

Alumni Corner

Are you part of a third generation of St. Dominic alumni?  Where are those people who won the St. Dominic medals at graduation?  Did you predict you would be doing what you are doing now when you were 7th or 8th grade?  The Marketing Committee met recently to brainstorm some ways to connect with all of you. “Stay tuned” for a flyer or a direct connection via e-mail or U.S. mail.  

Scoliosis Screening

The annual scoliosis screening will be in two weeks. A nurse will screen the girls in 5^th,  6^th, and 7^th grades. The boys in 8^th grade will also be screened for scoliosis. Please and return the scoliosis form only if you are not giving permission for your student to participate in the screening.

8^th grade & First Communion Photos

The group portraits for our 8^th grade graduation class and First Communicants are early this year. Students in 8^th grade will take their group picture on Mon., May 13 at 9:30 a.m. The 8^th graders will wear their graduation gowns for the group portrait but boys are to wear a white shirt with a tie, black or dark dressy pants and a dressy shoe. The girls are to wear their school uniforms and bring dressy shoes.

The 2^nd graders will wear their First Communion dress or outfits for their group photo.

Schoolwide Learning Expectations

These are the Schoolwide Learning Expectations that students are reviewing 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.

a responsible and respectful person who:

·        understands his/her innate value and 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.