Hello Class of 2018 Students and Parents
As we begin the fastest school year ever, we want to share with you some of the information that comes with being the oldest and most responsible class at Our Lady of Grace Catholic School. As an eighth grader at OLG, we have many responsibilities and opportunities for leadership, and we take part in a number of special events and activities throughout the year. Students from our class will be asked to help with delivering daily mail to the rectory, leading announcements, mentoring younger students, helping first graders and kindergarteners at Mass, assisting with the production of the yearbook, leading our Student Government in the offices of President and Vice President, and more! This letter will outline some of the details on special events that are taking place throughout the year in order to help organize the flurry of activities that lie ahead. PLEASE KEEP THIS SHEET POSTED!
CHALLENGE BY CHOICE FIELD TRIP
We just found out last week that, unfortunately The Challenge By Choice Program in South Fayette that we attend every year, has been shut down. The faculty, along with Mr. Donovan is in the process of planning a similar program to hold at school sometime in the next few weeks.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
8th graders have the opportunity to run for the offices of President or Vice President or they may choose to apply to become a room representative. Information on running for these offices and campaigning will be shared with students soon.
THROUGHOUT THE YEAR - SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteer service hours are a requirement for Confirmation and graduation at OLG. Opportunities like assisting with the parish food bank, helping with the Anointing of the Sick Mass, and helping with the Santa Breakfast, are shared with students as we receive the. Please take advantage of helping others throughout the school year! Mrs. Reicoff, the 8th grade religion teacher, is in charge of distributing and collecting all volunteer forms. Your student will be bringing home several blank forms today and it is their responsibility to keep these forms, complete them when they participate in an activity, and return the forms to Mrs. Reicoff by a date to be determined.
SPRING – CONFIRMATION
We will find out in January the date and time for 89th grade Confirmation. It’s up to the Diocese when we are assigned. Service hours for Confirmation and graduation are to be completed throughout the school year; DO NOT WAIT until spring to complete all of your hours.
DINNER AUCTION HOSTS – MARCH 17
Each year, the 8th grade class spends a great deal of time and effort helping to host the annual Dinner Auction. From creating an 8th grade scrapbook to be auctioned off at the event to offering services like babysitting and lawn mowing for the silent auction, to hosting that evening and helping with a variety of raffle sales and special tables, this event is one of the highlights of an 8th graders service at OLG.
MAY – THE CRAZIEST MONTH OF THEM ALL!
ATHLETICS PHOTOS: Any student who played a sport this year wears nice jeans and a white polo to school for an 8th grade athletics group and individual photos for their plaque. Date TBD.
8TH GRADE PHOTO: Following Confirmation and then after the second graders receive their First Holy Communion a date is scheduled to take a nice 8th grade class picture with all of the ladies in their dresses and the gentlemen in their suits and ties. Photos and other mementos can be ordered at that time. TBD.
GENESIS BABY SHOWER: Each May the 8th graders host a baby shower to help support the genesis Program. Mrs. Reicoff will share details as the date is set.
GETTYSBURG: Friday, May 11 is the date for our annual 8th grade trip to the Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmetsburg, Maryland and then the battlefields of Gettysburg, PA. Parents who are interested in chaperoning MUST BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE DIOCESAN SAFE ENVIRONMENT POLICY.
SPIRIT SHOW: Another unforgettable school-wide musical performance on Thursday, May 17.
DIME CARNIVAL: This is the last service project completed by the 8th grade class each year, and it typically takes place after Memorial Day. Proceeds go to help support the St. Joseph Hospitality House and other charities.
SCAVENGER HUNT: Over the past several years, 8th graders have taken part in an after-school scavenger hunt put on by the parents sometime in the last two weeks of school. Please help by taking part in this event if you are able!
GRADUATION: The date for graduation is typically set after there is NO CHANCE for snowfall.
Please let us know of any questions you may have. We are very happy to have the opportunity to once again share this special year with all of them. Thank you for your patience and support as we begin another exciting school year!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Reicoff & The 8th Grade Teachers