The Blessed Times
2016 October Newsletter
Blessed Sacrament Catholic School
The mission of Blessed Sacrament Catholic School is to provide, within an active Christian learning environment, quality education and formation of the whole person by nurturing the development of each child’s talents in the love and service of God and community.
We are a non-profit 501(C)(3) organization who admits students of any race or national origin to programs and activities of the school with all rights and privileges. Equal opportunity and access is provided to persons without regard to race, national origin or gender in the implementation of employment policies and procedures.
Email: michael.fierro@blessedschool.com
Website: www.blessedschool.com
Location: 600 Oblate Drive, San Antonio, TX, United States
Phone: (210) 824-3381
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bscsstax/
Twitter: @BSCS_Bulldogs
From the Principal's Desk....
Dear Blessed Sacrament Families,
The Eighth Grade Class has just returned from their annual retreat at MO Ranch. This three day, two night adventure incorporated a balance of leadership skill development, community building, and spiritual formation. The students challenged themselves by participating in many physical, social, and mental challenges which required them to trust God, themselves, and each other. The students also participated in two retreat sessions led by Mrs. Padilla, Mrs. Murry, Mr. Carrilo and Mr. Leal. Each session focused on respect of self and respect of others using the 10 Commandments as our standard of respect. The students were also commended by the ranch staff for finishing four meals with zero waste! Congratulations Class of 2017!
The Catholic Church promotes the importance of the Blessed Mother and the Holy Rosary in a special way during October. As a school community, we will be reciting a decade of the rosary each morning throughout the month with the hopes of helping our students develop an appreciation of the Holy Rosary. I invite you, as parents, to spend time on designated Family Nights to pray the rosary with your child(ren). Please contact me if your family needs a rosary or would like information on how to pray the rosary.
The month of October also brings to a close the first grading quarter of the school year. As with previous years, Blessed Sacrament requires all parents to meet with their child(ren)’s teachers. A strong partnership between the home and school is vital to the success of our students. Homeroom teachers will be sending home information regarding the scheduling of individual parent-teacher conferences. There will be a 12:30 p.m. dismissal on Thursday, October 20th and Friday, October 21st to allow time for these important conferences.
Each October, our faith community begins the final preparations for our annual Halloween Carnival. The carnival’s steering committee begins meeting more frequently ensuring that all items have been ordered for the night’s festivities. Homeroom parents scramble to make certain all shifts at the booths have been filled. Parents brainstorm creative ways to sell their remaining raffle tickets. Each of these efforts culminates with an opportunity to raise additional funds for Blessed Sacrament. As the school principal, however, I see a greater purpose and the amazing impact the Halloween Carnival has on our faith community. First, it is a true testament to St. Paul’s message that we are all members of the Body of Christ. The body has many parts, each with different functions, but remains one body. Secondly, it demonstrates the strong belief our community has in the mission and purpose of Catholic education. Finally, it celebrates the presence of children in our lives. As we near our 47th Annual Halloween Carnival, it is my sincere prayer that the labor of our community produces much fruit that will help us continue building the City of God.
As always, thank you for your commitment to Catholic education and Blessed Sacrament Catholic School. Please know that you and your family remain in my prayers throughout this season of harvest. May the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph continue to watch over you .
FAITH FORMATION
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Father Jack O'Donoghue, Mr. Fierro and the Blessed Sacrament Faculty and Staff congratulate the students above for demonstrating amazing Christian virtues and excellent manners during the month of September!
Respect and Responsibility
Saying Please and Thank You
Working Quietly
PARENTS AS PARTNERS
Tips for Parent-Teacher Conferencing
Family Engagement: Free Parent Training Classes
Dear STEM, Why should I care?
Wednesday, October 12, 2016 9:00 a.m. - 12 Noon
It's a Whole New World Out There...And Success Starts Here!
Wednesday, October 19, 2016 9:00 a.m. - 12 Noon
Writing Activities that Promote Learning
Wednesday, October 26, 2016 9:00 a.m. - 12 Noon
The 7 Habits of Sucessful Families, Part I
Tuesday, November 1, 2016 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
For more information and additional sessions, visit www.esc20.net/parentresources
How to Register:
Contact Lori Williams at (210) 370-5466 or lori.williams@esc20.net
DÍA DE LOS BULLDOGS
Parent Volunteers
We are still looking for volunteers to help out at various booths throughout the night. Please visit our Halloween Carnival Volunteer Sign-Up site to sign-up!
Pre-Kindergarten 4
Pumpkin Pitch
Kindergarten
Skull Toss
First Grade
Soda Ring Toss
Second Grade
Plinko
Third Grade
Cake Spin
Fourth Grade
Soda and Water Sales
Fifth Grade
Chalupas and Nachos
Sixth Grade
Pizza
Seventh Grade
Chicken on a Stick
Eighth Grade
Brisket, Sausage, Hamburger
and Corn Cups
Donations Needed
As in previous years, we are asking for donations to help minimize our carnival's expenses.
Pre-Kindergarten 4 through 4th Grade students are asked to donate two 2-Liter bottles of soda. Sodas are due on or before Thursday, October 20th to your child's homeroom teacher. Any student who brings in two 2-Liter sodas will earn a Free Dress Day.
Fifth Grade through Eighth Grade students are asked donate at least one store bought cake or a dozen store bought cupcakes for our Cake Walk Booth. For freshness purposes, we ask that donated items be brought directly to the School Office on Thursday, October 20th or Friday, October 21st. Any student who brings in a baked good will earn a Free Dress Day.
Please contact Mrs. Jackie Pearson with any questions regarding donations.
Raffle Tickets
Thank you to the many students who have sold their 50 Halloween Carnival Raffle Tickets! While not mandatory, ticket sales minimize carnival costs and add to our revenue which is planned income for our school.
Those students who sold 50 Raffle Tickets on or before October 6th have earned a month of Kickin' It with Spike! This means you can wear any shoe with your school uniform as long as they are closed toe (i.e. no sandals).
Free Dress Days earned will be assigned in November. Please check the November Activity Calendar for those dates.
Please stop by the School Office if you are in need of additional tickets.
Go Bulldogs Go!
Please contact Mrs. Anita Gutierrez with any questions regarding raffle ticket sales.
BULLDOG COUNTRY HAPPENINGS
First Grading Period
All parents and guardians are reminded that Blessed Sacrament will be hosting our First Grading Period Report Card Conferences on Thursday, October 20th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday, October 21st from 8:00 a.m. to 12 Noon.
Homeroom teachers will begin scheduling conferences with their homeroom parents.
Elementary conferences will be held in Building A. Intermediate and Middle School conferences will be held in the Parish Hall.
Run with a Mission
The Department of Catholic Schools invites you to their annual Run with a Mission 5K on Sunday, October 23, 2016! This annual event helps build community among Catholic Schools and brings awareness to our mission.
Those interested in participating and representing Blessed Sacrament Catholic School are asked to contact Michael Fierro or (210) 824-3381.
National Junior Beta
This year, Blessed Sacrament conducted our first election for our National Junior Beta Club President and Vice-President.
After a week of campaigning, our Fourth through Eighth Graders selected Isabella Gonzalez and Gavino Ramos for their President and Vice-President.
Together, they hope to increase student participation, academic excellence and service.
A very special thank you to Ralph Anderson, Tyler Carmona and Francisco Garcia who also participated in this year's elections.
Veterans Day Project
The National Junior Beta Club will be putting together a special Veterans Day slide show for our school community.
We invite you to send us pictures of your favorite veterans, via text message, to (210) 526-1182 by Monday, October 31, 2016.
Please include the Veteran's name and branch of service.
Our completed project will be sent to our parent community and emailed to our parents ahead of Veterans Day.
Moment of Science
As mentioned at the September PTC Meeting, the University of Notre Dame is hosting a STEM presentation on Friday, November 11, 2016, at Venue Villita from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
This free event is geared towards middle school students and will provide various presentations and demonstrations geared to helping students truly appreciate math and science.
Parents can register their students here. Parents must accompany their children and check-in with Mr. Carrillo for attendance credit.
#MomentofScience #ShamrockSeries
Family Survey
Each year, Blessed Sacrament Catholic School has provided our families with an opportunity to gather and celebrate Thanksgiving. For the past few years, we have had a dinner celebration. In other years, we have held our gathering during the lunch hour.
The PTC Executive Council would like take a poll to see how we should proceed for the next two school years. We invite you to take our Thanksgiving Planning Survey by 12 noon on Wednesday, October 19, 2016.
BULLDOG ATHLETIC PROGRAM
Bulldog Athletics
The BSCS Bulldog Athletic Program focuses on the following IDEAS:
A TTITUDE
T ENACITY
H EART AND HUSTLE
L EADERSHIP
E XCELLENCE
T EAMWORK
I NTENSITY
C HARACTER
S PIRIT AND SUCCESS
Athletic Director
October Volleyball
5: St. John Berchmans (H)
11: Holy Name (H)
12: St. Leo (A)
18: St. James, Seguin (A)
H: Home Game
A: Away Game
October Football
14: St. Mary Magdalen**
20: St. Leo**
* Lifegate Christian School
** Field TBA
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Each of the volunteer opportunities counts towards your annual required parent service hours. Each parent must complete at least 10 hours of service each school year. Consider volunteering a half-hour or hour on a weekly or monthly basis. One time volunteering is also welcomed!
Monday through Thursday
10:45 a.m. through 12 noon
Contact: Ms. Davina Aguilar
Recess Supervision
Monday through Friday
11:15 a.m. through 12:15 p.m.
Contact: Ms. Davina Aguilar
Library Organization
Monday through Friday
Will Work Around Your Schedule
Contact: Mrs. Lela Reyes
Parish Bulletin Stuffing
Fridays
8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Contact: Mrs. Norma Wilbanks
Project Wisdom Readers
Tuesdays through Fridays
7:55 a.m. (T-H), After Mass (F)
Contact: Mr. Michael Fierro
PE Class Assistants
Monday through Friday
Various Times
Contact: Mr. Andrew Torres
EXTRACURRICULAR CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Chess Club
Mondays - 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Parish Hall - Room 201
Sponsor: Deacon Mark Harden
Cub Scouts
Every Other Monday - 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Blessed Sacrament School Cafeteria
Sponsor: Mr. Paul GonzálezGirl Scouts
Tuesdays - 3:15 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Parish Hall - Room 201
Sponsor: Mrs. Debra Palmer
Handbell Choir
Thursdays - 3:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Music Room, Building C
Sponsor: Mrs. Dorothy Marton
School Choir
Wednesdays - 3:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Sponsor: Sister Misty Garriga, CDP