Keeping our Kids Healthy

We are all well aware of that there is great concern for the upcoming flu season. According to the CDC there have been over 5000 hospitalizations associated with the H1N1 virus. CDC analysis supports the conclusion that the virus has caused the greatest burden on people younger than 25 years of age. The presence of this flu may be unavoidable but there are steps we will take to protect our students and staff:

• Frequent contact and communication with our parish health minister, county health department and Office of Education
• Encourage families to obtain the flu vaccine for all family members
• Remind both staff and students to stay at home if flu symptoms are present
• Teach kids to cough into their elbow and cover their cough
• Wash hands Wash hands Wash hands!
• Keep Purell containers in classrooms filled
• Encourage correct tissue diposal in proper receptacles
• Regularly clean door knobs, desk tops, telephones
• Have a plan in place for teaching students at home for extended length of time
• Have a plan in place should school need to be closed

We did it!

Today is the day we've been waiting for since March 6th. The day all our hard work paid off.The day that just gave us a great reason to celebrate. What day is it? The day we found out WE RECEIVED A 6 YEAR ACCREDITATION FROM WASC. Six wonderful years. I like the number six. Our School Board, Parent Club Board, Staff, Students, alumni and parishioners all had a hand in and contributed to the Self-Study we compiled before our WASC Team visited last March. The Catholicity of our school shines through each and every day at OLPH and we know that and we were able to share that with the team. Our academic standards and the love all stakeholders have for our school definitely sets us apart from surrounding schools. We are blessed! Take a moment to pray for our school's continued success. Then take a moment to hug your child and remind them what an awesome opportunity they are being given attending a Catholic school. Thank you everyone! You make me proud~

Uniform Ready?

One of the best things about Catholic School has got to be the uniform. Of course, that's from a parent perspective and definitely not the students. One day when their own children are in Catholic School they will appreciate not having to worry about what will be worn each day or what the other kids will be wearing. We have totes and totes and more totes full of donated uniforms in the school office. Stop by anytime to trade or purchase. A sample of the new Thursday Cougar T-shirt is in the office and a sample of the new navy Cougar short will be here soon. If you visit Dennis uniform ask them about the 1/4 zip sweatshirt that may be purchased to wear each day as well. Maybe all the staff should start wearing uniforms....

Weekly Communication

Every Tuesday an email is sent out to all families that begins with the Principal's Page loaded with information. Following the Principal's Page are additional forms and flyers such as hot lunch (once a month), fundraising information, events on campus and more. Please take time to read this each week. If you know someone that is not receiving the email and would like to, have them log on to our school web site and click the "Sign up" link to register online. If you have a question that isnt answered in the packet of information, please email me and I will be sure to include it in the next week's packet. Chances are likely that if you have a question, someone else has the same one. Also, if you would like to share some family or student news with our school community, just send me an email and I will be happy to include special awards, recitals, competitions, or other exciting information. Have a great end to your week!

Summer School Came & Went

It's hard to believe but today is August 1st and summer school is over. We had two three week sessions of summer school on campus this year. Mrs. Forcey and I planned great lessons and field trips and had lots of fun with the kids in attendance. We met some new friends and many of our great OLPH students were there as well. Not only did we practice writing, math, and spend time reading and taking AR tests, we did some great art projects and learned a few new things on the computer. We went bowling, to the Clovis Library, and we ended with a ice cream at Maggie Moo's and a movie at Sierra Vista Mall. Visit our school web site soon for School Supply Lists and get ready for school to start soon!

McTeacher's Night

Does it look like Ms. Sanchez & Nathaniel are having a good time at McDonald's? Lots of apple pies, cookies, and hamburgers were sold during the evening and our school benefited to the the tune of $500.00! A wonderful evening of fellowship and food was enjoyed by all in attendance.

6th Grade Science Camp

Our 6th grade class recently spent one week in Oakhurst at Calvin Crest learning & living among friends old and new. Coach Washington along with parent chaperones shared many activities in the beautiful mountain environment, one of which was a 3 mile hike which coach did twice a day! The kids enjoyed zooming down the zip line, singing silly songs, competing (and winning) in a quiz show and even camp food. Father Robert & I along Mrs. Madrigal and Mrs. Friesen visited camp on Wednesday and shared in Mass along with another diocesan school also at camp, MIQ. The week ended with cleanup and packup of cabins and the 45 minute trek back to campus. We thank our parent chaperones for "roughing it" with the kids for the week and of course, our well mannered and enthusiastic group of 6th graders. You're awesome!