OLD MISSION MONTESSORI SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

Tuesday, February 26, 2013 office@omms.org

St. Polycarp Polycarp knew people who had known Jesus. That made him a second generation Christian. We know the names of very few people of this generation. The apostle John appointed Polycarp bishop of the city of Smyrna, Turkey. This link with Jesus made Polycarp precious to people. During his long service as bishop, Polycarp faced many challenges. Christians were a minority there. Most of the people of Smyrna worshiped Roman gods and their living emperor as well. Polycarp also faced difficulties from within the faith. A parade of false teachers appeared, one after the other. Polycarp bravely spoke against them to protect his people from confusion. Around the year 155, a great pagan festival was held in Smyrna. The Romans were hunting for known Christians who could be sacrificed. Polycarp was a very old man, and his friends insisted that he hide. When Roman police found his hiding place, he offered them a meal. While they ate, Polycarp prayed for all Christians throughout the world. He was then taken to the stadium. The crowds gathered the wood for his execution by fire. But, according to an ancient story, the flames would not burn him, so he was stabbed to death. Polycarp showed so much courage when he died that the emperors police burned his body so that Christians would not try to worship it. Polycarps burnt bones are entombed, with honor, in the church of St. Ambrose in Rome. St. Polycarp, pray for us.

JOIN US for GENERAL PTG MEETING, Thursday, February 28th, 6:30 pm, McKeon Center Come early to hear information from our Pastor, Father David
Good Friday, March 29th, 12:00 noon Prayer Service, 1:00 pm dismissal (approximate time) March 30th April 7th Easter Vacation Monday, April 8th, Students return to school

o
DATES TO REMEMBER REMEMBER EME

o o

Thursday, February 28th, Credit Union Banking Day for students, 8:15 8:45 a.m. Thursday, February 28th, General PTG Meeting, 6:30 pm, McKeon Center. We

o o

recommend that each family have a representative present at this meeting.

Principal Notes: REGISTRATION for 2013-2014

Attached to todays newsletter you will find the Student Registration Form for the 2013-2014. Please return this form no later than Friday, March 29th. We look forward to another year with your

o o o

Friday, March 1st, 11:00 am all school Mass, 12:30/12:45 pm dismissal Thursday, March 7th, Science/Art Fair Sunday, March 10th, Daylight Savings Time begins

family to continue your childs educational journey at OMMS.

GENERAL PTG MEETING

Dont forget our second annual GENERAL PARENT MEETING will be held next week on Thursday,

February 28, at 6:30 p.m. in the McKeon Center. We hope to see many families present for
this important meeting.

ring the bell to gain entrance into the school. The camera will provide us the visibility and opportunity to view the individual(s) prior to releasing the electronic lock. The electronic lock will open again at the end of the day at 3:00 p.m. or 12:30 p.m. on our scheduled early days for dismissal. This new procedure will begin on Wednesday, February 27.

Do you have a question or concern?

In being parents we sometimes hear of situations that happen within our childs life at school and perhaps have questions or concerns about the circumstances. Please listen and ask your child about the details surrounding the situation, ask how it was resolved and then if you have questions or concerns please contact the teacher. Teachers are known for the eyes in the back of their head, but in reality it is impossible to see everything. Teachers are there to assist every child, but can only do so if they are aware of the incident in a timely fashion. They are made aware through personal observation or communication by either the student and/or the parent. Teachers have a desire to assist all students in developing strategies to not only resolve conflicts, but empower them to stand up for what is right. Therefore to assist your child and adhere to the protocol discussed during classroom orientations encourage your child to communicate with the teacher verbally or via a written note and we request that you communicate with your childs teacher(s) and if necessary the teacher will then communicate with the other parents. Focusing on this strategy will ensure timely assistance, help eliminate misunderstandings, encourage confidence and growth within each student plus provide opportunities for all students to discuss conflict resolution strategies during their classroom community meetings. Remember education is continuous and an essential component to education is social development.

Thank you in advance for your patience with this new procedure, a procedure designed to provide additional safety measures for our students and school.

A NOTE ABOUT UNIFORMS.....

Please remember all students are expected to adhere to our Uniform Policy. If you are uncertain about the policy, please ask and the office would be happy to provide you with a copy of the guidelines. Free Dress or non-uniform days are a privilege extended to those who adhere to the requirements; faculty and staff have noted that some students are forgetting what is within the OMMS UNIFORM POLICY Guidelines and have asked that parents assist their child by reviewing these guidelines. REMEMBER when the weather is colder than normal students are permitted to wear their winter jackets (not necessarily navy blue); when conditions are normal their sweaters, jackets, etc. are navy blue. Nail polish and make-up are not permitted. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

HELP NEEDED and GREATLY APPRECIATED.....

Parents if you have some time and are looking for ways to fulfill your Parent Participation Hours here are a few areas that would benefit from your assistance.... ~ Can you re-distribute the play chip/bark within the playgrounds? ~ Can you re-paint our game areas on the concrete or pavement? ~ Can you help fill holes in an area we will utilize for P.E.?

SECURITY UPDATE
A new security measure for the main entrance of the school has been installed. You will notice a new device located to the left of the main entrance door, this is equipped with a camera and a bell. This door will be unlocked from 8:00 8:45. At 8:45 the door will close and lock. If you arrive after 8:45 you must escort your child to the entrance and

......if you have the time and can assist with any
of the above please contact the school office for additional information. Thank you in advance for your consideration!

PTG CORNER

PARISH WIDE LENTEN RETREAT

Bishop Michael Lenihan from La Ceiba, Honduras, (also originally from Ireland) will be hosting our Year of Faith Lenten Retreat. The three days of reflection will be March 4th March 6th, Monday Wednesday, beginning 7:00 pm, in the Parish Chapel.

Annual Spaghetti Dinner

& Scholastic Book Fair
Looking for an evening of great food and fun? Come join us Thursday, March 14, 2012 from 5:30-8:00pm for our Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Scholastic Book Fair. This years food is being catered by Fratellis Italian Kitchen in Oceanside. Advanced ticket purchase prices are as follows: Adults $6.00, Children under 10 years of age $4.00 and Seniors 55+ are $5.00. Tickets purchased the day of the event are: $9.00 adults, $6.00 for seniors 55+, and $5.00 for children under ten. All meals include one generous serving of pasta and sauce, salad, bread and butter, and one beverage. Second helpings and dessert will be available for purchase at an additional charge. Order forms are available in the front office.

Catholic Schools Night with the Padres

Once again the Padres are hosting Catholic Schools Night on Friday, April 12th. The Padres will be playing the Colorado Rockies. This is always a great family event. Not only do we receive a great discount on the tickets but up to 15 students from our school are able to participate in the pre-game ceremony by lining the outfield along with other Catholic Schools. Our school name will be listed on the scoreboard and the Swinging Friar will visit our students in the stands sometime during the game. The order form for the tickets is attached to todays newsletter. The deadline to order tickets is Friday, March 8th. Please make checks payable to OMMS.

2nd ANNUAL

NIGHT AT THE MISSION

Mark your calendars because May 10th will be the 2nd Annual Night at the Mission Wine Tasting Event. Pricing and ticket information to follow in a later newsletter.

Parent Volunteers Needed To Help Serve Student Lunches o We are in need of parent volunteers to help
with the hot lunch program. You would be needed from 10:45 am to 1:00 pm during the student lunches. The parent who assists would be given a $10 lunch credit each day that is worked. If you are willing to help out with one or two days a week it would be greatly appreciated. Please call the school office or Cheri Bell at (760)724-6010. Thank you.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY
It is Christmas in July RAFFLE TICKET time! Each OMMS Family will receive $100 worth of tickets today attached to your newsletter. As per your Tuition Agreement, you have agreed to purchase or sell these tickets to benefit the school. The drawing will be held on Sunday, July 14th, at our Christmas in July event. Thank you for support this important fundraiser. WE ARE IN NEED of stuffed animals for our Christmas in July Kids Zone. So, as you spring clean, please consider donating them for prizes. If you have any questions, please contact Holly Davidge @ 512-791-6330 or e-mail to hwdavidge@aol.com.

2012-2013 OMMS Yearbooks

It is time to place your order for the OMMS Yearbook. Unfortunately, the school will be unable to order extra copies of the yearbook, so if you would like to have one, please place your order before the deadline. We are also accepting orders for Love Notes, sponsorship, and business sponsors. Order forms are available in the school office. Be sure and place your orders before April 1st!

MISSION SAN LUIS REY BLOOD DRIVE

There will be a blood drive inside the church on Sunday, March 3rd from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. To schedule your appointment, please sign up after mass with the youth group or go online to redcrossblood.org, Code: MSLR

OMMS SPORTS NEWS

The annual North County Parochial League Track Meet for Transition 8th grade will be Saturday, March 9th, 2013 at 9:00 am. Registration forms are available in the front office. Parent volunteers are needed.

Prayer Corner
Please keep the following members our school family in your prayers: ~ John Haggerty ~ Madge Brown ~ Linden and Olivers new niece, Madeleine ~ The Friedman Family ~ Kelly Family ~ Paredes Family ~ Cheryl and Khana Fleming Family ~ Matt Good and family ~ Lauren and Jennas aunt, Pat Wheeler ~ Kainoa and Athenas Aunt Kristin ~ Silva-Santisteban/Takamori Family ~ Steve and Kris Golina ~ Donna Dreier ~ Our deployed men and women of the Armed Forces