BISHOP MONTGOMERY High School
PARENT NEWSLETTER November 2016
From the Principal: Ms. Rosemary Distaso-Libbon, Principal Dear Parents,
Before I write anything else, I want to thank all of you for your participation in our fall fundraiser. I also want to thank our students and teachers for their efforts, the parent volunteers who assisted with sorting all of those tickets and counting and balancing the money, and Mrs. Yvette Vigon-Morffi, our Vice-Principal, who managed this effort. As I’ve mentioned before, the money raised from this fundraiser is applied to the school’s current operating budget. Again, thank you, parents. It is you who I have to thank most. I’m so grateful. I also want to thank Mrs. Milana McDermott, Dean of Student Life, Rebecca O’Connor, ASB President, Rebecca Tapanes, ASB Vice-President, and all of the members of ASB for a wonderful Homecoming Week. The Unity Mass was particularly meaningful as our very own Chaplain Father Ken Deasy was the celebrant! And, of course, the Spirit Games were, as usual, far too exciting for words. There was also the traditional Black and Gold Breakfast, the Rally, the Food Truck Event, the Football Game and finally the Homecoming Dance—all part of the wonderful spirit week celebrating the community! Congratulations to all of our students who were invited to the Undergraduate Awards Ceremony to honor their academic accomplishments during the 2015-2016 spring semester. Stephanie Trelease was the featured speaker and the following students were honored as Students of the Semester: Class of 2017: Daniel Schubert and Alyssa Heisen Class of 2018: Frank Chavez and Erin Hall Class of 2019: Matthew Craig and Kayla Padilla Please remember that the report card you receive in November addresses your student’s progress to date for the first semester. A discussion with your student regarding these grades is important as this is the last progress report you’ll receive before the final semester grade is issued and recorded on the transcript. Obviously, the ultimate question in all such discussions is whether the student is doing the very best work that he/she can no matter the grade. That is, after all, what we hope to see—that each student is doing his/her best.
5430 Torrance Boulevard Torrance, California 90503 (310) 540 - 2021 www.bmhs-la.org
BE YOU. Though this is the November newsletter, I do want to remind you that the Mothers’ Club Luncheon is scheduled for Saturday, December 3rd. I hope that you will attend this special event. Many thanks to Evelyn Diggs and Marlicia Woods, Co-Presidents, and all of the members for the work on the luncheon. As we approach Thanksgiving, my prayer is that you enjoy the beauty of the fall season as we prepare for the celebration of the holiday. My hope is that we join together to support those who are suffering from grief and loss, any kind of violence—the violence of war, of poverty, of natural disasters, and any need—spiritual, emotional, or physical. Our common prayer is so powerful. I pray, too, that during this lovely holiday, you each have the opportunity to step away from the busyness of your daily schedule to renew your commitment to your faith, your family, and your friends. I always think of Thanksgiving as a quiet and loving space in the calendar year—a time to be with family, a time to spend some time alone, a time for celebration, and a time for silence. As I give thanks for you, this is my prayer. I want to close with a lovely little prayer from Dorothy Day that I have often used as grace before a meal on a special occasion. I hope that it speaks to you of the meaning of community as it does to me. “We cannot love God unless we love each other, and to love each other, we must know each other in the breaking of the bread and know that we are not alone anymore. Heaven is a banquet and life is a banquet, too, where there is companionship. Remember, that love comes with community.” I pray for each of our students and for you, parents, every day. Happy Thanksgiving! Rosemary Libbon Principal
BE SUCCESSFUL.
Guidance & Curriculum: Ms. Yvette Vigón-Morffi - Vice Principal - ext. 231, Mrs. Casey Dunn - Guidance/Studies Coordinator - ext. 226 Guidance & Curriculum With the month of November quickly approaching, the college admissions cycle has begun in earnest for the class of 2017. The California State University (CSU) filing period began on Saturday, October 1 and the University of California (UC) filing period begins on Tuesday, November 1. Both state university systems require that applications be submitted by Wednesday, November 30. Please encourage your student to apply early to both systems. College Applications For UC and private school applications, great care should be taken with the written response portions. Starting to work on the personal statement, essay question(s), and/or short answer statements should begin well before the application due date. Please encourage your student to have a teacher or counselor proofread his or her rough draft before a final copy is submitted. These writing samples reveal pertinent information regarding an applicant’s academic intent, personal talents and strengths, and ability to succeed as a college freshman. A rushed writing sample, one that includes grammatical and usage errors, is a poor reflection on the applicant and indicative of not approaching the process with a mature, comprehensive attitude. For the universities who ask for letters of recommendation, students are to request both transcripts and letters by Friday, November 4. Be sure your child knows the deadlines for each school which they intend to apply. Student Absences If a student misses more than three consecutive school days, he or she should contact their respective teachers electronically (email access is available through the BMHS website) and request missing assignments.
Sincerely, Casey Dunn Guidance/Studies Coordinator
BE DYNAMIC.
Discipline: Ms. Betty Behen - Dean of Women - ext. 234, Mr. Lee Flores - Dean of Men - ext. 232 ATTENDANCE Be sure to call in absences or “late-to-schools” directly to the Attendance Office at (310) 540-2021 ext. 233 or (310) 540-3070 in the mornings. We have 24-hour voice mail for your convenience. Also, a phone call does not necessarily make the absence or tardy excused. It merely lets us know that the parent/guardian was aware of the absence or tardy. The nature of the absence or tardy (“excused” or “unexcused”) will be determined by the Deans and Attendance Office. Refer to the Parent-Student Handbook for what constitutes an “excused” absence or tardy. Phone calls must be made the morning of the absence or the absence will be noted as “unexcused.” Please Remember: Classes begin at 8:00am every day. Please plan accordingly so your student(s) arrives early. Oncoming traffic heading east on Torrance Boulevard will affect the traffic flow as you enter or leave campus, so please plan to come early to avoid the traffic. Regardless of the time you arrive on campus, in the interest of our students’ safety, your student will be expected to be dropped off at the drop-off zone only (in the East Parking Lot). Dropping off your child on campus in areas other than the designated drop-off zone or any illegal/unsafe area offcampus will result in your student receiving a disciplinary violation. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. COOLER WEATHER As the temperatures begin to cool, please remember that the Bishop Montgomery and Senior sweatshirts are the uniform sweatshirts to be worn at school. Also, school uniform jackets & sweaters are the only jackets and sweaters permitted as well. All sweatshirts and jackets should be the appropriate size for your child. If you are a Senior, a uniform polo or senior t-shirt is expected to be worn underneath the Senior sweatshirt. TRIPS Bishop Montgomery does not sponsor, condone, nor accept responsibility for trips, cruises, or excursions not sanctioned by the school. There may be a current trip disguised as a BMHS Senior Trip. BMHS is not organizing, sponsoring, or chaperoning any senior trip. Students found to be distributing fliers that advertise these trips will be reprimanded. DETENTIONS Detentions are to be served by the date indicated on the violation or referral slip. It is the responsibility of the student to make alternate arrangements for transportation if a detention is to be served. Disregard for assigned detentions may result in a referral or probation. Detentions take precedence over sports practices and school activities (ParentStudent Handbook, pg. 15). MESSAGES The Attendance Office and the Front Office staff do not deliver messages during the day. It is both time consuming and disruptive to classes. NO SMOKING AREA Our football stadium Knight Stadium has been designated as a No Smoking area by the Torrance Fire Department. This ban applies to all extra-curricular activities including football games and graduation exercises.
BE ENGAGED.
ATHLETIC EVENTS & SCHOOL DANCES Please be aware that students will not be allowed to congregate outside the gates during events nor in the parking lot areas. Remember that your student should be dressed modestly and appropriately when attending athletic games and school dances (Parent/Student Handbook pgs. 32-34). Gang-style attire, bare midriffs, excessively tight, or excessive short clothing is not acceptable. Also, please pick-up students immediately following school events as the school is not responsible for students who do not have rides home. Students are not permitted to leave home football games before the end of the third quarter. EMERGENCY INFORMATION Does your Emergency Card need to be updated? Has there been an employment change? Address change? Telephone number change? Change in custody? Please notify the Attendance Office at (310) 540-3070. MEDICAL INFORMATION Please be advised that any student with a pre-existing medical condition needs to inform the attendance office in writing of his or her condition. A note from the doctor is required. If your child requires medication or medical attention of any kind, it is important for you to communicate with the Deans’ office to establish a medical protocol for your child. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. DANCES Students will not be admitted to any school dance without his/her current student ID (Parent-Student Handbook, pgs. 10-11). Guest/date applications are available for various school dances and the deans must approve all guests prior to the dance. Guests must also present a current photo ID for admittance to a BMHS dance. VISITOR CHECK-IN If you are planning on visiting the campus, be sure to obtain a name badge from the safety officer when you arrive on campus during the school day. It is important for all parents and visitors to check in prior to visiting the campus. OFF-CAMPUS PARKING 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. The City of Torrance has asked that our students not park on the side streets near Henrietta. The residents are
Carpools •
Carpool needed from San Pedro area. Please contact Mr. Toru Saito, 424-356-2098 or Ms. Renrong Guo, 310-418-7608. The address is 783 Gatun St. Unit 309, San Pedro CA 90731. email: grr919@126.ccom
•
Please send your carpool requests to jhong@bmhs-la.org and we will include it in the next parent newsletter.
BE AMAZING.
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. PICK-UP & DROP-OFF OFF-CAMPUS All parents should pick-up and 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 Boulevard is heavier after this time and may affect how quickly you are able to exit the campus. If you decide to pick-up or drop-off your student(s) anywhere else, please refrain from doing so our neighboring businesses, apartment complex, or residential driveways as this creates an inconvenience for our neighbors. Please respect the property of our neighbors by refraining from moving trashcans, taking property, littering, or parking or pulling into our neighbors’ driveways. Also, please make sure to drop-off your student(s) in areas that are safe and legal. We have received many reports that there have been BMHS parents or carpools driving recklessly on Palos Verdes Boulevard and students are being dropped-off by their parents/carpool drivers illegally by the red curb zones, in front of fire hydrants or in the middle of the street. In the interest of safety for all pedestrians and drivers and as a courtesy to our neighbors, students should be dropped-off on campus. Students whose parents fail to comply with the pick-up and drop-off procedures will be dealt with on campus. The Torrance Police Department has also been contacted, and they have informed us that they will be citing drivers along Torrance Boulevard, Henrietta and Palos Verdes Boulevard. It is essential to give our neighbors the same respect and courtesy that we expect from each other on campus.
TIPS ON INTERNET SAFETY Dear Parents, Please take the time to review the school’s internet policy in the Parent/Student Handbook (p. 22). As a school, we are concerned over our students’ welfare and safety while using the Internet. The concern stems primarily over the students’ use of social networking websites such as Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Formspring, Kik, Afterschool, and YouTube in the privacy of your home. Through the use of such apps and websites, students are able to create their own profiles, post pictures and communicate with anyone in the world who has access to the Internet. It is important to note that on these sites there are no filters, no protections, and no monitoring. Students can post anything on their site whether it is appropriate or not. Oftentimes, students post messages that are inappropriate, offensive, or sexual in nature and most of the time they do it anonymously. More alarming is the fact that anyone can pose as a high school student and gain access to your student’s site; it is at this point when your son or daughter may be the most vulnerable. Sexual predators and pedophiles alike may have access to your children, especially if your child is unsupervised. Please be aware that it is not the school’s position to monitor these sites for their content. We encourage you, the parent, to be proactive in regards to your son’s or daughter’s internet use; however, if information is given to the school that your son or daughter is posting inappropriate or offensive messages, the school may take disciplinary action since your son or daughter is a representative of the Bishop Montgomery High School community. Again, we encourage you to monitor your student’s internet use. Here are a few tips you can use to keep your children safe: `````````````` 1) Become educated on the matter. There are several sites available online that provide general information and guidance about children’s internet use such as: “Kidz Privacy” http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/cononline/edcams/kidprivacy/index.htm
“A Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety” http://www.fbi.gov/publications/pguide/pguidee.htm
“Internet Safety Awareness” http://www.internet-safety.org/childrens_awareness.htm
2) Get rid of email accounts for your elementary and middle school children. Limit personal email accounts to high school or later. Allow younger students to use your family email address only to talk with relatives and approved friends. 3) Put passwords on all of your computers and change them frequently. 4) Make sure you have firewalls and software loaded to restrict the sites your child can visit on the computer. Information about internet filtering and monitoring software is available at Software4parents.com 5) Monitor the sites your child has visited. You can click on the “History” icon when you are online to monitor the sites that your child has visited. You can also check the sites that your child has been on by doing the following: · Click on “My Computer” · Click on “Local Disk (C:)” · Click on the “Documents and Settings” folder · Click on the folder for the user or the holder of the account, i.e. johnsmith · Click on the “Cookies” folder
At this point you should be able to see all the sites that have been visited using the account. You can also check the emails that your child has sent or received by checking the Recycle Bin on your hard drive or checking the “Deleted Items” or “Sent Items” folders on your email program. 6) Put the computer in a room where it is in plain sight of all adults. 7) Do a Google search. Go to google.com, type in your child’s name and click on “Search.” If your child has a webpage or if your child’s name is on the internet you will find it. If you want to know if your child has a site on Facebook.com you can go to Facebook.com, and do a search by entering your child’s email address or by going to “groups” and conducting a search by name of the school or any other organization that your child may belong. Please take the time to read the enclosed materials. If you have any questions about the Bishop Montgomery HS policy on Internet use or about this letter, please feel free to call Mr. Flores at (310) 540-2021, X232 or Ms. Behen at (310) 540-2021, X234. You may also find additional resources on the Health and Safety section on the BMHS website.
June 11, 2006 For Some, Online Persona Undermines a Résumé By ALAN FINDER When a small consulting company in Chicago was looking to hire a summer intern this month, the company’s president went online to check on a promising candidate who had just graduated from the University of Illinois. At Facebook, a popular social networking site, the executive found the candidate’s Web page with this description of his interests: “smokin’ blunts” (cigars hollowed out and stuffed with marijuana), shooting people and obsessive sex, all described in vivid slang. It did not matter that the student was clearly posturing. He was done. “A lot of it makes me think, what kind of judgment does this person have?” said the company’s president, Brad Karsh. “Why are you allowing this to be viewed publicly, effectively, or semipublicly?” Many companies that recruit on college campuses have been using search engines like Google and Yahoo to conduct background checks on seniors looking for their first job. But now, college career counselors and other experts say, some recruiters are looking up applicants on social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace, Xanga and Friendster, where college students often post risqué or teasing photographs and provocative comments about drinking, recreational drug use and sexual exploits in what some mistakenly believe is relative privacy. When viewed by corporate recruiters or admissions officials at graduate and professional schools, such pages can make students look immature and unprofessional, at best. “It’s a growing phenomenon,” said Michael Sciola, director of the career resource center at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn. “There are lots of employers that Google. Now they’ve taken the next step.” At New York University, recruiters from about 30 companies told career counselors that they were looking at the sites, said Trudy G. Steinfeld, executive director of the center for career development. “The term they’ve used over and over is red flags,” Ms. Steinfeld said. “Is there something about their lifestyle that we might find questionable or that we might find goes against the core values of our corporation?” Facebook and MySpace are only two years old but have attracted millions of avid young participants, who mingle online by sharing biographical and other information, often intended to show how funny, cool or outrageous they are. On MySpace and similar sites, personal pages are generally available to anyone who registers, with few restrictions on who can register. Facebook, though, has separate requirements for different categories of users; college students must have a college e-mail address to register. Personal pages on Facebook are restricted to friends and others on the user’s campus, leading many students to assume that they are relatively private. But companies can gain access to the information in several ways. Employees who are recent graduates often retain their college e-mail addresses, which enables them to see pages. Sometimes, too, companies ask college students working as interns to perform online background checks, said Patricia Rose, the director of career services at the University of Pennsylvania. Concerns have already been raised about these and other Internet sites, including their potential misuse by stalkers and students exposing their own misbehavior, for example by posting photographs of hazing by college sports teams. Add to the list of unintended consequences the new hurdles for the job search. Ana Homayoun runs Green Ivy Educational Consulting, a small firm that tutors and teaches organizational skills to high school students in the San Francisco area. Ms. Homayoun visited Duke University this spring for an alumni weekend and while there planned to interview a promising job applicant. Curious about the candidate, Ms. Homayoun went to her page on Facebook. She found explicit photographs and commentary about the student’s sexual escapades, drinking and pot smoking, including testimonials from friends. Among the pictures were shots of the young woman passed out after drinking. “I was just shocked by the amount of stuff that she was willing to publicly display,” Ms. Homayoun said. “When I saw that, I thought, ‘O.K., so much for that.’ “
TUITION OFFICE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR Information regarding financial assistance for the 2017-2018 school year is available on the BMHS website www.bmhs-la.org >> Admissions >> Tuition Assistance. Please read the information on the website regarding CEF (Catholic Education Foundation) and FAST (Financial Aid for School Tuition). Applicants for CEF must adhere to the CEF income guidelines. If you do not meet the CEF income guidelines, you may apply for tuition assistance through FAST. Applications for FAST will be available on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 Please be aware that tuition assistance will be awarded based on financial need. Late applications will be placed on a wait list to be considered if and when funds are available. DEADLINES CEF Deadline
Thursday, December 1, 2016
FAST Deadline
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
YEARBOOKS A paper invoice for the yearbook (optional) will be mailed to each family in November. The cost of the yearbook is as follows: Cost Deadline $125 December 1st $150 After December 1st to February 1st $175 After Yearbook Distribution (*students are not guaranteed a yearbook) To be sure your student receives a yearbook, please return the invoice/order form no later than Feb. 1. Form may be mailed or brought/dropped off in the tuition office. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Information regarding financial assistance for the 2017-2018 school year will be available soon. Watch for the information in your Smart Tuition email, in this newsletter, and on the BMHS website. SENIOR ADS: The yearbook staff is offering an opportunity to personalize your student’s yearbook by placing Senior Ads. Look for this special info. We will be sending out a Senior ad packet to all graduating seniors in the upcoming weeks. Please follow the directions in the packet. Order forms are online on our school’s website. If you have any questions or concerns please email Yearbook Advisor, Mr. Hong, at jhong@bmhs-la.org. PRICES/SIZES: BLACK & WHITE Black and white ads are available in the following sizes for the prices shown: EARLY PRICING REGULAR PRICING LATE PRICING Due: FRI, OCT 28 Due: FRI, NOV 4 Due: FRI, NOV 18 ¼ page: $100 ¼ page: $150 ¼ page: $250 ½ page: $150 ½ page: $200 ½ page: $300 full page: $250 full page: $300 full page: $400 PRICES/SIZES: COLOR ADS Color ads are available in the following sizes for the prices shown: EARLY PRICING REGULAR PRICING LATE PRICING Due: FRI, OCT 28 Due: FRI, NOV 4 Due: FRI, NOV 18 ¼ page: $150 ¼ page: $200 ¼ page: $300 ½ page: $250 ½ page: $300 ½ page: $400 full page: $350 full page: $400 full page: $500
BE INVOLVED.
Activities: Mrs. Milana McDermott - Dean of Student Life - ext. 273 HOMECOMING Special thanks to all of the students and faculty who put so much time and energy into making Homecoming 2016 a great success. So many of our students, faculty, and staff were involved with this week full of fun, enthusiasm, and energy. Thanks for showing your Knight Spirit! JUNIOR RING ORDERS Jostens has been on campus over the past couple of months to distribute class ring information and to take junior ring orders. The Junior Ring Blessing will take place on January 31 during the Junior Ring Mass. Along with blessing their rings, we will officially welcome our juniors into the ranks of “upperclassmen” at Bishop Montgomery. Junior parents are welcome to join us for this celebration. SPIRIT SQUAD, BAND & COLOR GUARD SEE’S CANDY SALES The BMHS Spirit Squad, Band & Color Guard members will be selling See’s Candy just in time for the holidays! This fundraiser helps off-set some of the expenses for the year and is a wonderful opportunity to start your Christmas shopping. Sales are from October 25 to November 10. Your support is much appreciated. SENIOR CLASS PANORAMIC PICTURE The senior panoramic picture will be taken on Thursday, November 17. All members of the senior class need to be in the gym no later than 8:00am. This is the class photo that will appear in the yearbook, so don’t miss out! Seniors should wear their senior t-shirts and will have an opportunity to purchase a keepsake copy. NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY Bishop Montgomery proudly announced its chapter of the National Honor Society a few years ago. Students are encouraged to apply for membership of this prestigious organization. Applications will be due in January. “The National Honor Society (NHS) is the nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students. More than just an honor roll, NHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character.” Information about the Bishop Montgomery Chapter - organization, qualifications, and requirements - can be found on our school website www.bmhs-la.org >> Academics >> National Honor Society. Thanks to all for your continued support of student life at BMHS. Your involvement is much appreciated.
BE COMPETITIVE.
Athletics: Mr. Eric Wood - Athletic Director - ext. 269, Mr. Ed Hodgkiss - Assistant Athletic Director - ext. 260, Ms. Camille Buckley - Assistant Athletic Director - ext. 262 FALL PLAYOFFS Fall sports are all currently completing league play and preparing for playoffs. All playoff games with times and locations will be updated on the BMHS website as they become available. BOYS BASKETBALL Bishop Montgomery’s storied boys’ basketball program, under the guidance of BMHS Athletic Hall of Fame inductee Doug Mitchel, recently signed an exclusive shoe and apparel contract with Under Armour. Under the contract, the Knights will receive shoes and apparel for the players and coaches for a period of three years.Last year, the Knights advanced to the State Southern California Regional Finals before falling to Chino Hills, the nation’s top-ranked team. GIRLS’ TENNIS Bishop Montgomery girls’ tennis standout Nnena Nadozie ‘17 made a verbal commitment to continue her playing career at San Diego State. Nadozie received a full scholarship offer from SDSU. Nadozie is a four-year member of the varsity tennis team and has been named all-league three times, including Del Rey League singles champion and MVP twice. She is currently the number one singles player for the Lady Knights this season. As a member of the tennis team, Nadozie has played a huge role in the Lady Knights winning the Del Rey League title every year she has been a member. As a sophomore, she helped lead the Lady Knights to the CIF semi-finals. We congratulate this wonderful student-athlete on a great accomplishment! GIRLS’ GOLF Bishop Montgomery Girls’ Golf just completed their season with sophomore Kaitlyn Bali making 2nd team Del Rey League. Congrats to Kaitlyn and the Lady Knights on a fine season. FALL BANQUETS Bishop Montgomery Fall Sports banquets are fast approaching. Please refers to the Bishop Montgomery website for each individual sport regarding announcements on times and locations. GO KNIGHTS!
BE CONFIDENT.
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 QUEEN OF ANGELS FUND During the month of November, each of you will receive Ms. Libbon’s annual Queen of Angels Fund Appeal Letter. This fund, established in February 2012, has helped BMHS provide tuition assistance to many students here at school. Please take a moment to read Ms. Libbon’s letter and consider making a gift to this important fund. All gifts to Bishop Montgomery are tax-deductible. ESCRIP Support BMHS when you shop by registering with eScrip. Shop at thousands stores (including online) and a percentage of every purchase is donated to BMHS. It only takes a minute to register. Visit www.escrip.com. ALUMNI PARENTS If you are receiving more than one copy of Veritas magazine (because you are on both our current parent and alumni lists) please contact the Development Office so that we may update our records. Call 540-2021 ext. 246 or e-mail: amarafino@bmhs-la.org. TARGET Do 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 SMILE Who 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 APPAREL Are you looking for some cool Bishop Montgomery apparel 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 “SHOP” on the left side of the home page.
BE CREATIVE.
Performing Arts: Mr. Eric Hankey - Instrumental and Vocal Music Director BISHOP MONTGOMERY HIGH SCHOOL KNIGHT MUSIC DEPARTMENT including Knight Band and Guard, Jazz Band, Drumline, Music Ministry, Music Production, and Video Production SILENT FILMS LIVE Members of the BMHS Band, Music Ministry, Music Production, and Video Production classes will be attending “Silent Films Live” in Malibu on Thursday, November 3 to hear great music from movies and television performed live and conducted by the composers themselves. JAZZ COMBO TO PERFORM AT ST. ANASTASIA PARISH PICNIC The BMHS Jazz Combo continues its tradition of community outreach performances on Sunday, November 6 with a performance at the St. Anastasia Parish Picnic in Westchester. BAND & GUARD LEADING THE LOS ANGELES CATHOLIC SCHOOLS BAND IN 85th ANNUAL HOLLYWOOD CHRISTMAS PARADE The BMHS Knight Band & Guard will again be performing in the Hollywood Christmas Parade on Sunday, November 27 with approximately 200 students from many of our Archdiocese of Los Angeles high schools. The Knight Band & Guard has anchored the LACSB since its inception in 2013, and we’re very proud of them for their leadership and talent - go Knights! JAZZ BAND SIGNUPS IN NOVEMBER The Knight Band & Guard performs as two separate groups during the second semester – Winter Guard and Jazz Band. Sign-ups for Beginning Band and auditions for Jazz Band will be held this month. See Mr. Hankey in room 318 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. MUSIC DEPARTMENT HOURS We’re always practicing, planning, and organizing 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 him at ehankey@bmhs-la.org.
BE SPIRITUAL.
Campus Ministry: Dorothy Morski - Co-Campus Minister - ext. 243, Amy Hendry - Co-Campus Minister - ext. 236, Fr. Ken Deasy - Chaplain - ext. 236 CAMPUS MINISTRY As we look ahead to Thanksgiving, it gives us a moment to reflect on all the blessings that have been bestowed on us. We want to extend our gratitude and appreciation to all of our veterans who have so honorably and bravely served our country. Please pray this November 11 for all veterans and their families that they may find comfort, healing, and peace in the Lord. As it says in Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, I am with you; be not dismayed; I am your God. I will strengthen you, and help you, and uphold you with my right hand of justice.” RETREATS In October, it was a pleasure to see the juniors go on their Emmaus Retreat, and we look forward to taking the next group in February. Spots are still open if you would like your student to attend. Permission slips are available in the Campus Ministry Office. Please pray for our upcoming Senior Kairos Retreat on November 9-11. This retreat will be led by our senior student team of Sean Carnahan, Harrison Cook, Madison Marozik, Jasmyne Robinson, Nick Simone, Celina Villanueva, and Nora Ward. They have been hard at work since the start of this school year preparing to make a meaningful retreat. Please begin writing letters to your student, and any senior you may know who is attending. SERVICE November 2 marks our first Denim Day for the month. Students are welcome to wear denim for donating $2 or more to help towards the assistance of the medical and burial cost of a student’s uncle who recently passed. May he rest in peace. THANKSGIVING MEALS For many years now Bishop Montgomery has provided Thanksgiving meals to over 100 families who were in need. Some homerooms have friendly competitions to see who can contribute the most. One meal costs $40 dollars, so any amount donated is appreciated. Parents and family members who would like to contribute this Thanksgiving, please send in cash or check with your son/daughter or made payable to BMHS. In the memo line of your check, please indicate “Thanksgiving dinner drive.” MINISTRY Please know that all parents and students are welcome to attend morning Mass in the Chapel at 7:30 a.m. We look forward to coming together as a whole school at our Thanksgiving Mass on Wednesday, November 23 at 8:00am. Parents are welcome to join us at this Mass which will be celebrated in the main gym. With gratitude and prayers, Mrs. Morski and Ms. Hendry
BE FAITHFUL.
Get your Game on! Fr. Ken, BMHS Chaplain Pray Always and Do Not Grow Weary How can you grow weary praying? It’s not like praying is a physical act in most cases. But it sure seems to be a struggle to just BE in the presence of God while going a hundred miles an hour. Perhaps the weariness is more of our “impatience factor” or the “What does God (Love) got to do with this!” Yet it is exactly in this silence and stillness of prayer that is the actual tapping into “the love of God Within, Among and Beyond.” Sadly, we are often so weary that we cannot even find silence. Or, we’ve missed the boat because we were standing on the wrong dock on the bay that WE chose, but God did not. Now, here comes a confrontation to our control freak-i-ness - The only way to own as real the depth of God’s guidance, comfort and trust in the spirit in order to turn it all over to Him while participating….. Silence. This “practice” is rather simple in words but confronts our Human-Doingness (as contrary to our Human Beingness); we give power other things more urgent than our own Becoming. But who’s the God in our lives? I totally get that nothing could be more urgent than peace of mind and soul, but I don’t always turn it over! Why? I confess, it’s that darn apple on the tree; PRIDE: fear of loss, fear of failing, fear of rejection, fear of being kicked-out (again!), fear of losing. Christ had all those fears…yet in His humanness and devotion to the PLAN…he kept on dragging the cross. I find it easy to feel how our point of reference leans more to that curse “inadequacy” as we are confronted with the hatreds, bigotries and lack of authenticity from the self-acclaimed “I am the greatest!” With a genuine Faith given to us in Christ…when we’ve taken the time to allow the reality of this great gift in silent prayers to develop as a real necessity…we actually do find peace in our annoying employers, nagging ungrateful children, entitled strangers at the market with 24 items (that you had to count, of course!) in the 15 or less line, and…. hold on…. even at the DMV! If something is getting you…. it’s already got you…so why not give it over to God? (Because if you don’t, you’re gonna dump it on us and we’re weary, remember?)
BE TECH-SAVVY.
Technology: John Hong - Technology Committee Chair - ext. 276, Brian Adams - Technology Curriculum Integration Specialist - ext. 272 OVERDRIVE AT BMHS LIBRARY Students can now borrow and read books digitally through our new BMHS OverDrive service. Students using their BMHS Google account now have access to the BMHS OverDrive digital book collection through the website below. Using the same account information, students may also access the digital collection by downloading the OverDrive app on the mobile device of their choosing. Our digital collection currently consists of titles from the BMHS required reading lists. Soon we will be adding new contemporary fiction, best-selling nonfiction, highly rated biographies, audiobooks, catholic material, and more. Detailed information about the OverDrive service will be emailed to students and faculty. https://bishophighca.libraryreserve.com/10/45/en/SignIn.htm?url=Default.htm
GENERAL INFO Whether you’re a NEW Bishop parent or a returning seasoned BMHS veteran, Mothers’ Club is the place to be to get your PSI hours! Please attend our next meeting, November 21 at 7:00pm in the Faculty Center (building next to the drop-off parking lot). This is a great way to build fellowship with other parents, learn about our school and most importantly, get involved in your child’s education. In addition, you have an opportunity to earn PSI HOURS while meeting new people. There are twelve (12) Mothers’ Club events during the year that offer opportunities to fulfill your hours. You can chair an event, work one, or set-up and break-down an event. SAVE THE DATE: The 2016 Annual Christmas Luncheon is Saturday, December 3, 2016.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21 MEETING AGENDA Annual Christmas Luncheon - Hawaiian Christmas Luau • We will go over details and requirements for chair positions and volunteers.
N O V E M B E R
Refreshments will be provided by sophomore parents. Mothers’ Club is open to all parents of all BMHS students - mothers, fathers, grandparents, uncles, aunts, etc.
QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? • Please leave a note in the school’s main office located across from the chapel.
2 0 1 6
6
Sun
Daylight Savings Time Ends
13
20
27 Hollywood Christmas parade
Tue 1 p. 2 Tuition Due Feast of all Saints Band apps distr. @ lunch
8 p. 3
15 p. 5
Latin/Mythology to Getty Villa
22 p. 1
Gym closed at 6:00pm
29 p. 5
Wed 3 p. 6
Thu Religions of the World field trip
9 p. 2
10 p. 1
Newsletter due Spirit Squad candy sales end
Lab Days 8:45am—2:20pm
#7 24 Thanksgiving Day School Holiday
4 p. 5
Fri
8:00am start/12:45 Dismiss
SAT
#4 5
Home football game vs. Cantwell
Grading period ends
Sat
12 Band State Semifinals
8am—3pm Latin Conv.
#4 19
Deadline for letters of rec/ transcript req. for apps due Jan. 1 Junior High Night—Knight stadium
11 Veterans’ Day School Holiday
#5 18 p. 3
Drama Production
25 School Holiday
26 Hollywood Christmas Parade rehearsal
Brookdale Senior Living
8:00am start/12:45 Dismiss 7:00am gym closed for prep 9:00am—12:00pm 8:00am Dept. Mtg. Grade updates due to 8th Grade 8:00am Sr. Panoramic Pict (gym) VP Doors closed at 7:45am for 3:30 SAC all rooms closed Open House senior panoramic 5:30—9:30pm Casino Night at Band apps due
#5 17 p. 1,2,3
Sr. Retreat Kairos
Rept. Cards mailed/CIF eligibility
16 p. 4,5,6
30 p. 4
8:00am Thanksgiving Mass 12:15 Dismissal
23 p. 6
Final Exams due to copy center
8:00am Curr. Comm. Mtg. Improv @ lunch 7:30—8:30am Band Clinic
4pm—7:30pm ACE Trades Day
Final Exams due to Dept. Chair Feast of all Souls
Denim Day 6:30am—5:30pm College Tour San Marcos & UC San Diego
2 p. 1
November 2016 Mon
7 p. 4 11:59pm Grades Due
14 p. 6
21 p. 2
Jostens Sr. Grad order info(Rel) 6:00pm Band Bst. Mtg.—Rm. 316 6:30pm Ath. Bst. Mtg.—Lib. 7:00pm Mothers’ Club Mtg.—Fac. Ctr.
28 Bishops’ Holiday— School Holiday
UC/CSU app deadline Jostens Grad orders due NHS info mtg. @ lunch