Bishop Montgomery High School Parent Newsletter October 2015
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL: Ms. Rosemary Distaso-Libbon, Principal BISHOP MONTGOMERY HIGH SCHOOL OCTOBER 2015 PARENT NEWSLETTER 5430 Torrance Boulevard Torrance, California 90503 (310) 540 - 2021 www.bmhs-la.org Dear Parents, Since our September newsletter we’ve been busy at Bishop Montgomery! Aside from our students and teachers beginning the year’s academic endeavors in earnest, we have celebrated our first school Mass where we also congratulated Mr. Andy Marafino and Mr. John Fitzsimons who are celebrating 25 years at Bishop Montgomery, had Back-to-School Night, had our Big-Little Sister Lunch, our Welcome Frosh Families Barbeque, inducted our newest members into our Athletic Hall of Fame and kicked off our one and only all school fundraiser for the year. There have been, of course, football games, tennis and volleyball matches, and cross-country meets as well as the Band Day at UCLA! So what is ahead? Here are a few events to note in October: • Spirit Week, October 3-10. On Tuesday, October 6, we celebrate our Unity Mass, have Spirit Games (so exciting!) on Wednesday and Thursday, and all of the Homecoming Activities on Friday beginning with the Black and Gold Breakfast and ending with the Homecoming Rally and Game. The Homecoming Dance at the Torrance Marriott is on Saturday. The many homecoming events would not be possible without the Student Government, led by our ASB President Kelly Huben, the ASB Vice-President, Danny Robinson, under the direction of Mrs. Milana McDermott, Dean of Student Life. We owe them many thanks! • 100% Day is on October 12 th . All students who sell 100% of their tickets will have the day off from school as a thank you. Proceeds from this one yearly fundraiser are dedicated to the school’s operating budget for the current year and help in our efforts to meet increasing costs. This is the only mandatory fundraiser for the year. Thank you for your generous support! • PSAT Test Day is on October 14 th . The 9 th through 11 th graders will sit for this test from 8:00 am until 11:15 pm. Seniors will have a holiday. • Undergrad Awards are on October 20 th during periods 1 and 2 in the lower gym. • Faculty Faith Formation In-Service is on October 29 th . Since our faculty is scheduled to attend this mandatory in-service, our students will have a holiday. Finally, I want to thank all of you who attended the Senior Information session, the Freshman Parent meeting and Back-to-School Night on September 14 th . In my address at the general session I focused on our school budget and the projects that we completed this summer as well as those that we have planned during the coming year. I know you sacrifice to send your children to Bishop Montgomery and that paying tuition is not easy— even though our tuition is far lower than most other private as well as Catholic schools. I do so appreciate all you do to make it possible for your children to attend. It is, as always, important to note that we are completely self-supporting. We do not receive any financial assistance from the Archdiocese and the tuition we charge is approximately $2000 less than the actual yearly cost to educate one student. Again, thank you. I know how much you sacrifice in so many ways to support your children. I want to close this letter with St. Paul’s meditation on love in his letter to the Corinthians. I pray with you that your children, our students, come to understand and grow in this love.
Transcript
From the PrinciPal: Ms. Rosemary Distaso-Libbon, Principal
Since our September newsletter we’ve been busy at Bishop Montgomery! Aside from our students and teachers beginning the year’s academic endeavors in earnest, we have celebrated our first school Mass where we also congratulated Mr. Andy Marafino and Mr. John Fitzsimons who are celebrating 25 years at Bishop Montgomery, had Back-to-School Night, had our Big-Little Sister Lunch, our Welcome Frosh Families Barbeque, inducted our newest members into our Athletic Hall of Fame and kicked off our one and only all school fundraiser for the year. There have been, of course, football games, tennis and volleyball matches, and cross-country meets as well as the Band Day at UCLA! So what is ahead? Here are a few events to note in October:
• Spirit Week, October 3-10. On Tuesday, October 6, we celebrate our Unity Mass, have Spirit Games (so exciting!) on Wednesday and Thursday, and all of the Homecoming Activities on Friday beginning with the Black and Gold Breakfast and ending with the Homecoming Rally and Game. The Homecoming Dance at the Torrance Marriott is on Saturday. The many homecoming events would not be possible without the Student Government, led by our ASB President Kelly Huben, the ASB Vice-President, Danny Robinson, under the direction of Mrs. Milana McDermott, Dean of Student Life. We owe them many thanks!
• 100% Day is on October 12th. All students who sell 100% of their tickets will have the day off from school as a thank you. Proceeds from this one yearly fundraiser are dedicated to the school’s operating budget for the current year and help in our efforts to meet increasing costs. This is the only mandatory fundraiser for the year. Thank you for your generous support!
• PSAT Test Day is on October 14th. The 9th through 11th graders will sit for this test from 8:00 am until 11:15 pm. Seniors will have a holiday.
• Undergrad Awards are on October 20th during periods 1 and 2 in the lower gym.• Faculty Faith Formation In-Service is on October 29th. Since our faculty is scheduled to
attend this mandatory in-service, our students will have a holiday.
Finally, I want to thank all of you who attended the Senior Information session, the Freshman Parent meeting and Back-to-School Night on September 14th. In my address at the general session I focused on our school budget and the projects that we completed this summer as well as those that we have planned during the coming year. I know you sacrifice to send your children to Bishop Montgomery and that paying tuition is not easy—even though our tuition is far lower than most other private as well as Catholic schools. I do so appreciate all you do to make it possible for your children to attend. It is, as always, important to note that we are completely self-supporting. We do not receive any financial assistance from the Archdiocese and the tuition we charge is approximately $2000 less than the actual yearly cost to educate one student. Again, thank you. I know how much you sacrifice in so many ways to support your children.
I want to close this letter with St. Paul’s meditation on love in his letter to the Corinthians. I pray with you that your children, our students, come to understand and grow in this love.
WHERE GREAT THINGS HAPPEN
From the PrinciPal:Ms. Rosemary Distaso-Libbon, Principal
St. Paul’s First Epistle to the Corinthians Chapter 13: 1-13
Now I will show you the way which surpasses all others.
If I speak with human tongues and angelic as well, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong, a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and, with full knowledge, comprehend all mysteries, if I have faith great enough to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give everything I have to feed the poor and hand over my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient; love is kind. Love is not jealous, it does not put on airs, it is not snobbish. Love is never rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not prone to anger; neither does it brood over injuries. Love does not rejoice in what is wrong but rejoices with the truth. There is no limit to love’s forbearance, to its trust, its hope, its power to endure.
Love never fails. Prophecies will cease, tongues will be silent, knowledge will pass away. Our knowledge is imperfect and our prophesying is imperfect. When the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away. When I was a child I used to talk like a child, think like a child, reason like a child. When I became a man I put childish ways aside. Now we see indistinctly, as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. My knowledge is imperfect now; then I shall know even as I am known.
There are in the end three things that remain: faith, hope, and love, and the greatest of these is love.
I pray for you daily, knowing the many challenges of being a good parent.
As the school year begins, we would like to welcome our returning and new students to Bishop Montgomery High School. We hope you had a relaxing summer and are ready for the challenges of the 2015-2016 school year. On behalf of our guidance staff, we look forward to working with your children throughout the year.
Standardized TestingRegistration is open for the Fall SAT and ACT. If your student would like to take these standardized test(s) and has not registered yet, please do so as soon as possible. We encourage you to register online, for the SAT at www.collegeboard.com, and for the ACT at www.act.org. Please note that registration for the November SAT and the November ACT is just around the corner.
For students planning to take an SAT II language test with listening, they must do so in November. We encourage students to register early and check with the admissions offices of the schools they plan to apply to to inquire if testing must be completed before December.
Wednesday, October 14th, is the PSAT test day. The redesigned PSAT is excellent practice for the new SAT. The PSAT is tightly aligned with the redesigned SAT and will provide students with that chance to check in on their progress. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors will take the PSAT, and seniors will have the day off. Students will need to be in their assigned classroom at 8:00am and should be dismissed no later than 11:30am. The results of the exam will be distributed in January.
News for Seniors and Their ParentsOn Friday, September 4th the guidance counselors spent a class period with each senior English class. A timeline was distributed and discussed. Test dates, registration deadlines, application deadlines, and other important information are included.
Remember to utilize Family Connection from Naviance. Family Connection is a web based application that enables our counseling office to offer a comprehensive website that you and your student can use to help in making decisions about colleges and careers. Family Connection is linked with Naviance, which we use in our office to track and analyze data about college and career plans, so it provides up-to-date information that is specific to Bishop Montgomery.Family Connection will allow your student to:
· Keep track of the college process-Build a resume, complete online surveys, and manage timelines and deadlines for making decisions about colleges and careers
· Research colleges-Compare GPA, SAT scores, and other statistics to actual historical data from our school for students who have applied and been admitted in the past.
· College visits- Find out which colleges are visiting our school and when they will be here.· Scholarships- All of the scholarships that we receive in the guidance office will be posted on Family Connection.
I have included a list of Principal’s Honor Roll, St. Anthony, and George Montgomery scholars for the current seniors, juniors, and sophomores, based on their spring 2015 performance. I would like to congratulate these students for their outstanding achievement and dedication as Bishop Montgomery students. Those who have received the awards will be recognized at the Undergraduate Awards ceremony on Tuesday, October 20th.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me at [email protected].
Sincerely,Casey DunnGuidance/Studies Coordinator
Principal’s Honor Roll 4.0
George Montgomery Scholars 4.5 and aboveAguirre, Dominic Altshuler, Rebecca Arce, Christopher Arucan, Brian Atienza, Leonel Victor Baldo, Mark Bazan, Jonathan Bernal, Carlos Bernas, Krystine Bero, Emilie Blair, Emily Blood, Shannon Buenabad, Brianna Cainglet, Kayla Capicoy, Joseph Carnahan, Sean Clapp, Muriel Crudele, Lauryn Devereaux, Tamaya Di Padua, Sabina Egekeze, Carolyn Fabbri, Mateo Frichtel, Mikaela Garcia, Alexander Geber, Sean Gonzalez, Eunice Graz, Kathryn Guzman-Touchberry, Tylere Hadnett, Raymond Hall, Erin Hayes, Samuel Heisen, Alyssa Henry, Adela Hernandez, Brianna Herrera, Margarita Hickerson, Ben Hishinuma, Natsuki Huben, Kelly Jones, Tyler Kim, Ashley Kim, Euibin (Chris) Leon, Luis Leoncio, Anna Lidzbarski, Lourdes Lim, Jerald Lopez, Jennifer Macaraeg, David Madrigal, Megan Marquez, Alexa Marsella, Milena Martis, Megan Mata, Herbert Mendoza, Alexis Miles, Gillian Moini, Donovan Moore, Rebecca Muir, Jeff Nonato, John O’Donnell, Kevin Pasco, Angelo Peete, Kimberley Petersen, Christine Pilon, Isabella Prachumsri, Supavich Quast, Anna Rabadi, Haya Reynolds, Madison
St. Anthony Scholar 4.25-4.44
Robinson, Daniel Rocca, Thomas Rong, Qiao (Rachel) Rupp, Alec Sawa, Kiefer Schmieder, Adam Serrano, James Seto, Jessica Shahidi, Shalyz Simone, Nicolas Simones, Kara Sitter, Theresa Smet, Catherine Smet, Michael Sodeika, Sarah Soqui, Mikaela Starkey, Conor Sullivan, Abigail Sutton, Katherine Tapanes, Rebecca Tran, Simon Trelease, Stephanie Trinh, Valerie Tuazon, Nicole Anne Verduzco, Ariana Vicelja, Anthony Vu, Carolyn Vu, Cindy
disciPline: Ms. Betty Behen - Dean of Women - ext. 234 Mr. Lee Flores - Dean of Men - ext. 232
Medical Appointments/Attendance: pgs. 12-13 Parent-Student HandbookAs a reminder, students who miss school due to a medical absence MUST bring verification from the doctor/dentist when returning to school to ensure that the absence will be regarded as “excused.” Also, please remember to call in the morning of your student’s absence or it will be officially noted as unexcused.
Uniform: pg. 32 Parent-Student HandbookWe are doing all that we can to insure that ill-fitting clothes (pants too baggy or too long, shorts too short, etc.) not be sold to students. Students will be held accountable for any ill-fitting uniform items. Be advised that parents, as primary educators and caretakers for their children, have the final responsibility. The deans are not accepting “but-that’s-the-way-the-uniform-company-sold-it-to-us” type of excuse as a way of justifying ill-fitting clothing. As a reminder, solid white or black socks are required and must extend at least 2 inches above the shoe, shirts must be tucked in at all times, pants must be worn at the waist with a black belt, and hair style/color should comply with the BMHS policy. Students will be held in the Deans’ office if a dress code infraction cannot be corrected. Their absence from class will be recorded as unexcused with no make up permitted. BMHS jackets and sweatshirts are the only acceptable outerwear during the school day. Hooded sweatshirts or jackets will not be permitted during the regular school day.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Sites: Due to the high volume of traffic on Torrance Blvd. after 7:30AM, it will take parents longer to drop-off their students at the drop-off point. To avoid the congestion associated with the traffic on Torrance Blvd., please make an effort to drop-off your students early. Please note that students are allowed to come onto the campus as early as 7AM. Also, please make sure that your students have all their belongings ready to exit your vehicle the moment that you arrive at the drop-off point so that the flow of traffic is not delayed by students having to get their belongings from the trunk of the car. Finally, parents are advised NOT to use the professional buildings east of the school, the parking lot across the street, or Wendy’s as pick-up or drop-off sites before and after school. This, of course, would also include carpools. The doctors in the professional buildings have told us that it is a severe inconvenience when their lots are used for such purposes. Also, the white condominiums located on the west near the front of the school are not to be used for pick-up or drop-off sites. Please keep the driveway clear as you wait to enter the campus. Failure to abide by this request will result in disciplinary consequences for your students. Your cooperation in this matter will be appreciated. Please read the Student Drop-Off and Pick-up Procedures at the end of the Dean’s section of this newsletter.
Student ParkingIn an attempt to be courteous to our neighbors, we request that our students who park off-campus do not park on the side streets off Henrietta Blvd. Students, if they choose to, may park on Henrietta Blvd.
Loitering: We are asking parents to please discourage your children from loitering at Wendy’s or McDonalds before school and/or after school. Students are to purchase their food items and walk back to campus.
Student Identification CardsStudents are required to have their school identification card with them at all times when they are on campus or at any school related event or activity. A student’s failure to have their school identification card may result in a disciplinary violation. Students who do not have their school I.D. will not be allowed to attend school dances.
For Students Riding a Bicycle to SchoolBicycle racks are provided on the east-side of campus in-between the Chapel and the First Building. Please make sure your students secure their bikes to the racks using a reliable bike lock and/or cable. Please have your student follow all
guidelines concerning bicycle safety including using a “fastened” helmet. The “Helmet Law” is stated below for your perusal.
Section 21212(A) of the California Vehicle Code States: A person under 18 years of age shall not operate a bicycle, a non-motorized scooter, or a skateboard, nor shall they wear in-line or roller skates, nor ride upon a bicycle, a non-mo-torized scooter, or a skateboard as a passenger, upon a street, bikeway, as defined in Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, or any other public bicycle path or trail unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or standards subsequently established by those entities. This re-quirement also applies to a person who rides upon a bicycle while in a restraining seat that is attached to the bicycle or in a trailer towed by the bicycle.
*****STUDENT DROP-OFF & PICK-UP PROCEDURES*****
Drop-off Procedures Parents driving west on Torrance Blvd.
1. Parents driving west on Torrance Blvd., who are making a left turn, must turn into the campus. They may not make a left turn into the East Parking Lot.
2. Parents must drive onto the campus and continue driving until they have arrived to the designated drop-off point located in the East Parking Lot.
3. Drop-offs are prohibited in front of the school. Parents must drop-off students in the designated passenger drop-off points located in the East Parking lot adjacent to the school. Parents who are conducting official business with the Main Office must park their vehicles in the East Parking Lot and walk to the Main Office. Parents will enter the East Parking Lot through the northeast entrance by the marquee.
4. The Security staff will be available to control traffic
Parents driving east on Torrance Blvd.1. Parents driving east on Torrance Blvd. may not enter the campus. All parents driving east on Torrance Blvd.
must proceed to enter the East Parking Lot in order to drop-off their students in the designated drop-off points. Students may not be dropped-off on Torrance Blvd.
Please note that u-turns are not permitted. The only legal place to make a u-turn when heading west is on Torrance Blvd. and Prospect.
Exiting the East Parking Lot1. All drivers exiting the East Parking Lot must make a right turn only. Cars may not proceed onto the street until
they have stopped at the stop sign.2. Drivers may not merge to make a left on Henrietta, as attempting to do so is unsafe and will cause a delay for the other parents who are attempting to exit.
Around the NeighborhoodWe encourage all parents to drop-off their students on-campus. To avoid the last minute rush, we encourage you to arrive before 7:30AM. The traffic flow on Torrance Blvd. is heavier after this time and may affect how quickly you are able to exit the campus. If you decide to drop-off your students anywhere else, please refrain from dropping off your students at our neighboring businesses or residential driveways as this creates an inconvenience for our neighbors. Also, please make sure to drop-off your students in areas that are safe. We have received many reports that students are being dropped-off by their parents/carpool drivers illegally by the red curb zones or in the middle of the street on Palos Verdes Blvd and on Henrietta. In the interest of the safety of all pedestrians and drivers, we encourage that students be dropped-off on campus where their safety can be ensured.
Students Parking Off-Campus
If your student parks on Henrietta, please remind him/her to be courteous and respectful to our neighbors. We request that your student not drive into the residential areas playing loud music or leave trash on the street. Our neighbors will welcome your student’s courtesy.
Also, the City of Torrance has also asked that our students not park on the side streets near Henrietta. The residents are unable to park in front of their homes when our students park on the residential streets.
Lastly, in the interest of our students’ safety, we also would like for you to remind your students to obey all traffic and pedestrian laws. Many students are crossing the street when the signal light is blinking red or are not using the appropriate crosswalks. We have received phone calls from parents, faculty, and residents concerned over our students’ safety.
WHERE GREAT THINGS HAPPEN
GRADUATION 2016
Graduation for the Class of 2016 will be held on Friday, May 27 in Knight Stadium. Admission to the ceremony will be by ticket only, and each graduating senior will receive seven tickets. These tickets will be distributed at graduation practice in May. Questions? Please email Dione Dierks at [email protected].
**************Addendum to the BMHS Cell Phone policy***************
CELL PHONES: Students must keep cell phones in lockers during school hours 7:15 – 3:00pm. Students may not use cell phones during the school day 7:15 – 3:00pm. Cell phones should be kept in the off position. Cell phone use is prohibited in all buildings and classrooms regardless of the time of day. Any confiscated cell phone is subject to having its contents reviewed by an administrator. The only location a cell phone may be used is at the entrance to the Chapel between the hours of 2:10 – 3:00pm. Cell phones kept in backpacks during the school day or used throughout the school day will be confiscated and not returned until the end of the school day, after the bell has rung. In cases where a cell phone is confiscated the student will be issued a referral. It is the student’s responsibility to see the Deans to pick up the cell phone & referral at the end of the school day. The Deans will NOT call out a student to pick up the cell phone.
September 9, 2015
Dress Code for Homecoming
Please adhere to the following dress code for Homecoming, and do not assume any liberties with these guidelines when you, or an invited guest, purchase dress attire for the event. All BMHS and non-BMHS guests are required to conform to these guidelines. Anyone not adhering to the guidelines WILL NOT be permitted to enter the dance, and will be sent home. If you are asked to leave Homecoming, the bid money will not be refunded, and may result in disciplinary action from the Deans. BMHS reserves the right to refuse admittance to any person not properly attired.
Gentlemen-Required to wear tuxes or suits.Ties are required unless dress shirts with a mandarin collar are worn. Dress shoes are required.MAY NOT WEAR earrings, sunglasses, hats, gloves, nor may they carry canes.
Revised as of 9/9/15Ladies-May wear two pairs of earrings in the lower lobe, but may not wear sunglasses.The length of the dress should be in accordance with the stated uniform dress code guidelines for skirts and shorts, as stated on page 32 of the BMHS Student Handbook. The dress material must be solid material throughout. Fitted dresses may not be excessively tight. Dresses should be comfortable for dancing and sitting. Neither backless nor strapless dresses are permitted. The back of the dress may not fall below mid-back. Dresses may not show a bare midriff or contain cutouts, which expose the torso (front or back). Ladies are reminded that the display of excessive cleavage is inappropriate and unbecoming.
Just a reminder that the hotel requires that shoes remain on at all times while on the premises. Students attire should be appropriate, modest, and in good taste. All grades are welcome to attend Homecoming.
WHERE GREAT THINGS HAPPEN
activities: Mrs. Milana McDermott - Dean of Student Life - ext. 273
Hello from the Activities Office!
I hope the school year has started out well for you and your student. I have outlined some important business reminders, as well as some information on some upcoming events and activities.
STUDENT IDs: Every effort was made to ensure that all students took an official school photo, and were issued a student ID for 2015-2016. However, it is the responsibility of the student to make sure they have a current student ID, as they are required to have it with them at all times while at school, and at all BMHS events throughout the year.
If a student should lose their ID, it is their responsibility to order a replacement through the Activities Office immediately. The replacement fee is $20. Please remind your student to “guard their card”. Students who do not have their ID with them upon request will risk being given a violation.
PARKING PERMITS: Parking permits have been distributed to students who purchased an on-campus parking space for the school year. Permits should be displayed clearly in the car windows during the school day, as outlined in the parking regulations. Cars without permits displayed and cars whose license plate numbers are not registered with the Activities Office will be ticketed and fined. Please remind your student to abide by the rules they received with the parking application, as tickets are as follows: 1st violation = $10; 2nd violation = $25; 3rd violation = $50. Parking policies will be enforced throughout the year in an effort to maintain a safe secure campus.
ACTIVITIESASB and Class Officers have been busy planning and coordinating all of Bishop Montgomery’s activities for this year. The month of September was very busy!
ALOHA WEEK:The Big Kahuna Hula kicked off a series of welcome activities for our students. It was our first dance of the year, and was well attended by students of all ages. This event showcased the talent of our own music production students, as well as the Improv Team, along with shaved ice and Hawaiian atmosphere. A great time was had by all!
Aloha Week is a fun way to welcome everyone back to the new school year. Aloha Week welcomes students, faculty and staff with a variety of new and traditional events, including Club Awareness Day, and the Big/Lil Sis Lunch.
CLUBS FOR 2015-2016: Club Awareness Day was held on September 15th during lunch. This was an opportunity for students to find out more about the various clubs they might be interested in joining this school year. Students were invited to attend club meetings during Club Open House, which goes from September 16th through September 30th, so they could decide which clubs they wanted to be part of this year. Club Sign-ups are held during club meetings the last week of September. Lists of BMHS clubs and their meeting dates and times are posted in the 3rd building and are available in the Activities Office. This is a great way to be involved!
BIG LIL’ SIS LUNCH: All senior and freshman girls are paired and the seniors welcome their little sisters to Bishop Montgomery with goodies and a special picnic lunch on September 17th on the upper field. This is always a great way for the freshman girls to meet the seniors and learn more about BMHS!
CLASS OPEN MEETINGS: Class officers held open meetings to invite ideas and participation from their classmates in upcoming activities, such as Homecoming Week class competitions and class masses. Encourage your student to get involved and help make their class activities successful!
WHERE GREAT THINGS HAPPEN
Carpools
• There is now a carpool section on our Transportation page on www.bmhs-la.org
FRESHMAN OFFICER ELECTIONS: Our new class officers will be elected on September 24th. They will be in office just in time to get the class of 2019 enthused for Spirit Week and Homecoming in October!
Students can look forward to the following activities in October and should listen to announcement for more details.
HOMECOMING WEEK: Homecoming Week will kick off on October 5th and it will be filled with lots of spirited activities for the Bishop community! Activities will include the Unity Mass, class competitions, Spirit Games, Pep Rally, Homecoming Football Game, Half-time Show and Coronation, and will culminate with the dance on Saturday, October 10th. Thanks to all of our ASB and Spirit Squad members for all their planning and preparation to make this an enjoyable week for everyone.
KNIGHTS OF HONOR: This program recognizes some of our outstanding students. Students will be chosen throughout the year and presented to the Bishop community so they may be recognized among their peers. A description of each program is outlined below.
Knights of HonorFaculty members are invited to nominate individuals who demonstrate the ideal of a Bishop Montgomery student. The Knight of Honor is recognized by both students and faculty alike as a person of character who exhibits a generous spirit. They are dedicated to their education, committed to and involved in student life and put faith into action and witnesses to the message of Jesus Christ.
We look forward to recognizing the efforts of our students through these programs and are excited to share them with you each grading period.
Have a great month!
WHERE GREAT THINGS HAPPEN
athletics: Mr. Eric Wood - Athletic Director - ext. 269 Mr. Ed Hodgkiss - Assistant Athletic Director - ext. 260 Mr. Arnold Ale - Assistant Athletic Director - ext. 262
Football is undefeated and have their first home game coming up. The Knights will play 5 straight home games before returning to the road on October 30th. Be sure to check the schedule and make it out to a game. Girls Volleyball and Girls Tennis begin home matches in September. All times and dates can be found at the end of this newsletter and the BMHS website. Bishop Montgomery is happy to introduce 2 new head coaches for the fall season…Mr. Nick Davidson is the new Girls Golf coach. Mr. Davidson has coached for over 25 years. Recently working as Program Manager for the Southern California Golf Association, where he managed all operations of the Youth on Course access program. Mr. Angel Quimson has been our assistant coach for many years and is up to the challenge of being the head coach of the tennis program. Cross Country and Golf have also begun competition. All teams are excited to begin league play and advance to the CIF playoffs in November. Keep up to date with Bishop Montgomery athletics by checking this link: http://www.bmhs-la.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=98134&type=d&pREC_ID=438152 Click under teams page to find sport you are interested in. You will find schedules, coaches info and much more. Check back often.Bishop Montgomery has a $100 athletic participation fee for all athletes. This is a one- time, play as many sports, as you can fee. Any athlete listed on a roster must pay this fee. This fee helps to defray some of the costs to run the athletic program. All fall athletic parents should be receiving a letter regarding our annual participation fee. Please return payment promptly. Parents please remind your student athletes to always lock their valuables in their lockers. Lockers have been distributed to all fall sports teams and PE classes. It is very important to lock all valuables. If your student athlete still needs a locker please have them see Ms. Reyes for Lady sports and Mr. Ale for Men’s sports. All locks must be purchased through the Bishop Montgomery student store.GO Knights!
develoPment: Mr. Andy Marafino - Director of Development and Alumni - ext. 246 Mrs. Amy Traxler - Assistant to the Director of Development and Public Relations - ext. 249
ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25You are invited to join us for BMHS’ Athletic Hall of Fame induction on Friday, September 25. Please join us in the gym beginning at 5:00pm for an open reception honoring our inductees and their outstanding contributions to BMHS Athletics. During halftime of that evening’s varsity football game, the 2015 Hall of Fame class will be inducted: Marv Wood, Lorna Kollmeyer ’76, Nicole Haynes ’92, Katie Olsovsky ’00, Derrick Craven ’01, Errick Craven ’01 and Doug Mitchell.
HOMECOMING BBQ – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9Bring your friends and family and join other BMHS families, alum, faculty and staff in celebrating Homecoming 2015 at the 12th Annual Homecoming Pre-Game on Friday, October 9 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm in the south end zone of Knight Stadium. We will be bringing in food trucks for the game: The Grilled Cheese Truck, Rock N Lou’s Pizza Truck and Beto’s Soft Serve City. Game time is 6:00pm vs. Bosco Tech. Questions? Email Amy Traxler at [email protected].
ALUMNI PARENTSYou may not be receiving our magazine, Veritas. If you do not receive Veritas or know of fellow alumni who does not, please contact the Development Office so that we may update our database. Please call 540-2021 ext. 246 or e-mail: [email protected].
TARGETDo you have their REDcard? Support BMHS by simply shopping at Target or Target.com and use your REDcard. Visit https://www-secure.target.com/redcard/tcoe/view-or-change and register your card and support BMHS. The Bishop Montgomery High School code is 2783. Through their Take Charge of Education program, Target will donate 1% of every purchase back to the school!
AMAZON SMILEWho doesn’t love Amazon.com? Now you can support Bishop Montgomery each time you shop at Amazon. Go to www.smile.amazon.com and login with your Amazon account information. Type in “Bishop Montgomery High School” when prompted to select a charitable organization. On the next page, click “select” and you are ready to shop and support BMHS. Amazon will donate .5% of every purchase back to BMHS!
OFFICIAL BISHOP MONTGOMERY APPARELAre you looking for some cool Bishop Montgomery fall weather gear for you or your kids? The official Bishop Montgomery online store has many great items and styles available for adults and kids. Visit www.bmhs-la.org and click on the link in the bottom right-hand corner of any page to purchase t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, shorts and more! 20% or every purchase comes back to BMHS. It’s the perfect Christmas gift for you and our school!
GO KNIGHTS!
Join us for our Annual Homecoming Pre-Game and celebrate BMHS’ past, present and future!
All alumni, students, faculty, staff, family & friends are invited to attend.
Friday, October 9 5:00 - 8:00 pm
in the south end zone of Knight Stadium
The Grilled Cheese Truck, Rock N Lou’s Pizza Truck &
Beto’s Soft Serve City
WHERE GREAT THINGS HAPPEN
yearBook: John Hong - Yearbook Advisor
SENIOR ADS:The yearbook staff is now offering the opportunity to “personalize” the yearbook in a very special way with a “Senior Ad”. Space is available to congratulate a graduate. We will be sending out a Senior ad packet to all the graduating seniors in the following weeks. Please follow the directions in the packet.
If you have any questions or concerns please email the Yearbook Advisor, Mr. Hong, at [email protected].
PRICES/SIZES: BLACK & WHITE Black and white ads are available in the following sizes for the prices shown:EARLY PRICING REGULAR PRICING LATE PRICINGDue: FRI, OCT 30 Due: FRI, NOV 6 Due: FRI, NOV 20¼ page: $100 ¼ page: $150 ¼ page: $250 ½ page: $150 ½ page: $200 ½ page: $300full page: $250 full page: $300 full page: $400
PRICES/SIZES: COLOR ADSColor ads are available in the following sizes for the prices shown:EARLY PRICING REGULAR PRICING LATE PRICING Due: FRI, OCT 30 Due: FRI, NOV 6 Due: FRI, NOV 20¼ page: $150 ¼ page: $200 ¼ page: $300½ page: $250 ½ page: $300 ½ page: $400full page: $350 full page: $400 full page: $500
Attention all Seniors!
Make sure you have taken your senior portrait during the summer with Prestige/Lifetouch. If you haven’t taken your senior portrait, please call Prestige/Lifetouch (310-542-5500) and schedule an appointment ASAP. If you do not take a senior portrait, you will not be in-cluded in the yearbook! If you have any questions or concerns please contact Mr. Hong at [email protected]
FROM THE TUITON OFFICEYEARBOOK INFORMATION:The yearbook has been added to your Smart Tuition Shopping Cart, this is an optional purchase and I have attached instructions on how to proceed if you choose to pre-order the yearbook.Please note that the yearbook will be available to pre-order for a fee of $125 until the end of February. If you have not pre-ordered the yearbook by that time, you will have to wait until all pre-ordered books have been distributed on May 17, 2016 before you can purchase one for an increased rate of $150, availability permitting.Sincerely,Jamey McElroy
WHERE GREAT THINGS HAPPEN
PerForming arts: Mr. Eric Hankey - Instrumental and Vocal Music Director
Bishop Montgomery High School “Knight” Music Departmentincluding Knight Band and Guard, Jazz Band, Drumline, Music Ministry, Music Production, and Video Production
Spend Spring Break in Italy – and see Pope Francis! The BMHS Music Department and World Languages Department have joined forces to offer a once-in-a-lifetime trip opportunity – the Spring 2016 Tour to Italy! The dates of the tour are March 28th-April 4th, and will include performances in St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square, for Mass with His Holiness Pope Francis. In addition, we will be touring all of Vatican City, Imperial and Modern Rome, Naples, and Pompeii. The tour price is $3750 per participant, and the first deposit of $500 was due September 15th. Please contact Mr. Hankey or Mrs. Reano – [email protected] or [email protected] for more information, and to find out if there are any additional spots available. If you are interested in sponsoring any portion of this trip for our students, please also contact Mr. Hankey or Mrs. Reano above – no amount is too small, and all donations are greatly appreciated.
Music Ministry – Sing or Play at Mass If you know someone who likes to sing or play an instrument and would enjoy being part of a large ensemble at Mass, then point them toward Music Ministry! The ensemble is 26 strong this year, but we’re always looking for new musicians. Music Ministry meets Wednesdays during lunch and after school in Room 318 – contact Mr. Hankey or Ms. Everhart for more information: [email protected] or [email protected].
Winter Music Ensembles Even though we’re right in the middle of our fall competition season right now, Winter Ensembles will be upon us before you know it! Here’s what we have planned:
- Indoor Drumline- Indoor Colorguard (a.k.a. Winterguard)- Concert Band- Jazz Band
See Mr. Hankey for more information.
“Knight Music” Booster Club The “Knight Music” Booster Club represents the Band, Jazz Band, Drumline, Music Production, Video Production, and Music Ministry. Their meetings are usually on the same Monday nights as Athletic Booster Club and Mother’s Club, at 6:00 pm in room 318 – additional meetings are scheduled as needed. Please join them to help keep the many projects they organize rolling.
We’re always practicing, planning, and organizing, including school concerts, local performances, competitions, parades, tours, and lots of other important things – come on in any day before or after school, 6:30 am - 3:30pm (although we’re often there earlier and later.) To get in touch with Mr. Hankey, please call the school, or email at [email protected].
WHERE GREAT THINGS HAPPEN
technology: John Hong - Technology Committee Chair - ext. 276 Brian Adams - Technology Curriculum Integration Specialist - ext. 272
With the Chromebook program in its infancy, BMHS would like to quickly discuss our Chromebook and Technology initiatives on campus. Why did we choose Chromebooks? The Chromebook device has four “abilities” that support its use in education. From the perspective of the IT team here at BMHS, the first two abilities are very relevant: “Deployability” and “Sup-portability”. Chromebooks take, on average, ten minutes to configure per device, making the devices very deploy-able. When the IT department at BMHS needs to interact with every single device brought to campus; the ability to enroll and deploy the Chromebooks quickly is a huge time saver. The devices are very supportable. Chromebooks are almost self-sustaining and require very little to no interaction from the IT department at BMHS. Most relevant for students and parents are the last two “abilities”: usability and affordability. Chromebooks are a very familiar device to both stu-dents and teachers. Chromebooks feature fully modern Chrome browsers, have batteries that last substantial amounts of time, and power up to boot very quickly. Finally, Chromebooks are very affordable. When comparing a Windows or Apple laptop’s entry level price point to the $175 - $275+ Chromebook laptop, the price can diverge quickly. Fur-thermore, Chromebooks have a Google operating system and work very well with the BMHS assigned student Google accounts. Why are we focusing on technology? Our vision on campus is to increase both the use of technology in the classroom, and the use of computer science concepts/skills in the curriculum. First, by simply using technology in the classroom, it is possible to increase student engagement and/or understanding of the material being presented. Second, incorpo-rating computer science concepts into curriculum we are reinforcing many other important skills like: critical thinking, creativity, logic, collaboration, and more. Finally, we are trying to expose and prepare the students for the opportuni-ties they will have in the future. An often overlooked aspect of preparing students for the future is the emergence of new occupations that did not exist eight to ten years ago. For example, in 2008, Apple launched their App Store for mobile devices. Before the launch of this Apple service, being an app developer for mobile devices was not a voca-tional choice. Other positions have emerged as well: Information Enabler, Social Media Manager, Mobile Technology Expert, User Experience Manager, and many more occupations have emerged over the last ten years. Furthermore, computer science and computer engineering are both within the top 5 highest average starting salaries for under-graduate majors. The National Association of Colleges and Employers, in their most recent 2014 survey of average starting salaries for various college majors, listed computer science as the second highest paying average starting sal-ary at $67,300 and computer engineering in fourth place at $66,600 (http://bit.ly/nace_2014_salary).Our vision on campus is to increase the amount of technology used in the classroom, and additionally to increase the influence of computer science concepts/skills in all curriculum areas at BMHS. Integrating the use of technology as a tool, lessons can be designed that increase student engagement, subject understanding, and to enhance higher order thinking skills, or overall student achievement. Our goal is to create a digitally literate and innovative student. A student capable of accessing, digesting, evaluating and engaging with the vast amount of information available to them today. Where are we in the process? Major changes are underway. There are new tools available in the classroom to both students and teachers. Furthermore, there are new methods, strategies, and techniques being used by teachers to deliver instruction. BMHS made a considerable investment in our network infrastructure, so that we can ensure the smooth operation and access to network resources and the internet. We have been providing our faculty and staff with professional development opportunities. We are offering new courses to our students. There are many changes taking place on campus in this time of transition. BMHS is aware that not everything about our initiatives will be a suc-cess. Teachers will be trying new lessons, technology will fail, batteries will die, networks will crash, and Chromebooks will break. BMHS recognizes that each incident of our intentions not working out according to plan, is an opportunity for reflection and refinement.
WELCOME TO THE 2015-2016 BMHS Booster Club. The BMHS Booster Club is designed to provide support for all BMHS athletic programs. This is a great opportunity to consider joining the BMHS Booster Club. Membership is open to all BMHS families, not just those with student-athletes!! Members of the Booster Club volunteer their time at many athletic functions and provide support to the Athletic Director, coaches, and student-athletes. Whether you are a NEW Bishop parent or a returning seasoned BMHS parent please plan on attending our monthly meetings. Please join us for the October meeting on Monday, Oct. 19 @ 6:30 BMHS Library.
What’s In It for You? -Entrance to ALL sports games on campus at BMHS.-Opportunity to fulfill your Parent Student Involvement (PSI)commitment hours by volunteering through the Booster Club.-Great way to give back to our school and enjoy BMHS sports!-Great opportunity to meet other families at BMHS.
October 2015
Board Members:President- Scharmel Watanabe Membership- Gay DeRushaVice President- Susan Farr Merchandise and 50/50 Coordinator- Jeff Fraley/Susie FraleyTreasurer- Marilisa Bernas BMHS Athletic Director- Eric WoodSecretary- Susie Fraley
Stop by the Boosters Merchandise Table at our Homecoming Football Game vs Bosco Tech on
Friday, October 9 at 6pm.
Join in on the 50/50 raffle. Raffle tickets sold during game. Winner announced beginning of
3rd qtr. Don't miss out!!
Membership Application Forms will be available at merchandise table. All Sports Pass Individual or Family Pass will be ready for pick up.
Come and learn about PSI Opportunit ies for November and December at our next meeting
OCT 19th @ 7 PM Kim Ketterman of Ketterman College Funding wi l l be our
guest speaker, discussing col lege planning options. Don’t Miss it!
Junior Moms wil l be providing refreshments
Join us for the 2015 Christmas Luncheon
“Christmas Around The World” This is a great opportunity for you to fulfill all your PSI hours. We’ll need 40 plus volunteers, and will be recruiting at this meeting! Table hostess forms, Vendor forms, and other luncheon related information is available now. Copies can be found in the monthly Parent Newsletter on the school website, www.bmhs-la.org
CHRISTM AS LUNCHEON DEADLINES TABLE HOSTESSES TABLE OF 10 $250/$25 PER PERSON Oct 19, 2015 first day to turn in reservation and check Nov 2, 2015 last day to turn in reservation and check Note: tables maybe be sold out sooner than 11/2, first paid, first served VENDOR BOOTHS 1 TABLE $75 PLUS $25 VALUE RAFFLE ITEM Oct 19, 2015 first day to turn in reservation and check Nov 2, 2015 last day to turn in reservation and check Note: booths may be sold out sooner than 11/2, first paid, first served
2015 CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON TABLE HOSTESS RESERVATION FORM
Each Table hostess must guarantee (10) ten guests @ $25 each, for a total of $250. We will take
table reservations in the BMHS Office starting on Oct. 15th and at our Oct 19th meeting, ending Nov. 2, or when tables are sold-out, whichever comes first. All monies due with table reservation form in order to reserve table. Please make checks out to “BMHS Mothers’ Club” for $250 per table. Make copies of the form on the back for your guests if you would like them to pre-pay you for their seat.
TIMELINE: SEPT 21, 2015 RECEIVE TABLE HOSTESS INFO AND FORM
OCT 19, 2015 FIRST DAY TO TURN IN TABLE RESERVATION AND CHECK NOV 2, 2015 LAST DAY TO TURN IN TABLE RESERVATION AND CHECK
Note: Tables May Be Sold Out Sooner Than 11/2, First Paid, First Served LUNCHEON SET-UP FRI.12/4/15; 5:00 PM
LUNCHEON DAY SAT. 12/5/15; 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM ______________________________________________________________________________ NUMBER OF TABLES REQUESTED: ________ MAX NUMBER OF TABLES IS 2. ADD’L TABLES MAY BE PURCHASED AFTER NOV 2 IF AVAILABLE ______________________________________________________________________________
There is no need to give us a list of your guests since you are pre-paying for your table.
Please note that there are NO REFUNDS for no-shows or cancellations of individual guests Thank you for hosting a table! We appreciate your participation and look forward to seeing your décor!
Any questions, please call the event chair, or email us at [email protected].
“…. serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13
October 2015
Sun Mon
Tue Wed
Thu Fri
Sat
1 p. 4 Tuition D
ue H
omecom
ing Bid sales end
Cal State filing period opens
2 p. 3 Rept. Cards m
ailed/CIF eligibility 3 SAT
Improv 9:30am
—4:00pm
4 Feast of St. Francis 5 p. 2 #2 7:45 Fac. M
tg. 8:45 Start G
ym closed at 6:00pm
6 p. 1 #9 Fundraiser C
ollection D
eadline—A
ll Money D
ue 8:00am
Unity M
ass Class Color D
ay PSA
T Parent info 7pm Retreat
Ctr .
7 p. 6 #6 D
enim D
ay Spirit G
ames
Improv @
lunch
8 p. 5 #6 N
ewsletter due
Spirit Gam
es 2:10 gym
closed Hom
ecoming
rehearsal
9 p. 4 special sched. 8:45am
start/2:10 Dism
iss 8:00am
Black/G
old Breakfast 12:45pm
Hom
ecoming R
ally/Fund.Draw
5:00pm
- 8:00pm H
omecom
ing BBQ
6:00pm
Hom
ecoming G
ame vs Bosco
Tech
10 La H
abra Band Competition
7:00pm—
10:00pm
Hom
ecoming D
ance Torrance M
arriott
11
12 p. 3 100%
Day
Columbus D
ay—Regular School D
ay
13 p. 3 Club t-shirt orders begin—
student store
14 8:00am
—11:15am
PSAT
Test (9th—11th M
andatory) Senior H
oliday
15 p. 2 16 p. 1 #4 G
rade Updates D
ue to VP
Deadline to request letters of rec/
transcripts for early action/decision apps 1:45pm
Students vs. Teachers Im
prov match
7:00pm H
ome Football gam
e vs St. A
nthony
17 Practice H
SPT 8:00am
—11:00am
(8th graders only)
18 19 p. 6 Frosh. Retreat 6:00pm
Band Bst. Mtg.—
Rm
. 316 6:30pm
Ath. Bst. M
tg.—Lib.
7:00pm M
others’ Club M
tg.—Fac. Ctr. 20 p. 5
Club t-shirt orders due U
ndergrad Aw
ards p. 1,2
21 p. 4,5,6 #5 8:00am
Curr. Comm
. Mtg.
8:00am College Essay W
kshp
22 p. 1,2,3 #5 8:00am
Dept. M
tg. 9:00am
Principal’s Reception Retreat Ctr.
23 p.3 #4 7:00pm
Hom
e Football game vs.
St. Bernard
24 Band Com
petition A
CT
Practice HSPT
8:00am—
11:00am (8th
graders only)
25 26 p. 2 Frosh. Retreat
27 p. 1 Spirit Squad candy sales begin Frosh. Retreat Band com
