Dear Parents and Guardians,

This weekend, we spring forward, gaining an extra hour of daylight as we lose one hour of sleep. Easter is especially early this year, so with only seven days remaining before Easter Recess, please be aware of the following upcoming events and deadlines!

2016-2017 REGISTRATION & SCHOLARSHIPS

Our Early Registration deadline is April 15. Until then, registration for next year is $50 per child; after that date, it goes up to $75. Please register as soon as possible. We are preparing our budget for next year, and class size decisions are being made by the end of April!

The scholarship process is ongoing, and families will receive a $25 materials fee credit for completing the scholarship application process at mytads.com. Since OLCA opened in 2009, our families have received over $1.5 million in scholarships through Futures in Education!

SECOND TRIMESTER REPORT CARDS & FINANCIAL DEADLINES

On Tuesday, March 22, we will distribute report cards. To receive your child’s report card on that date, all tuition and fees through the eighth payment must be received by Tuesday, March 15.

CHANGES TO THE NY STATE TESTING PROGRAM

Included with this letter are revisions of New York State’s Testing Program. Effective with next month’s ELA and Math exams, tests will now be untimed, feature fewer questions, and be created by teachers. I am excited for these changes and I believe they will benefit all of our students!

You can read about these revisions here:

2016.01.29 - Grade 3-8 Test Changes Flyer for Parents - English

2016.01.29 - Grade 3-8 Test Changes Flyer for Parents - Spanish

SPRING PICTURES

Spring Pictures will be taken for all grades on Tuesday, March 15 at Rockaway Boulevard, and on Wednesday, March 16 at 128^th Street. This is a free Dress Up day. Students may Dress Up or wear their regular uniform. Speaking of Dress Up…

REVISED DRESS UP RULES

There has been much confusion about the Dress Up rules, so I want to explicitly state: no boots on Dress Up Days! Also, boys must wear a collared shirt with a neck tie or bow tie. All Uniform Violations related to Dress Up are waived from counting against Wall of Fame until Tuesday, March 15.

Here are the revised guidelines:

Dress Up/Dress Down

(Revised 3.11.16)

Occasionally, there will be opportunities for students to Dress Up or Dress Down. Please note the requirements below:

DRESS UP

Boys:

• Collared dress shirt with bow tie or neck tie, leather belt, dress pants, and dress shoes
• Dress pants must be worn at waist
• No jeans, t-shirts, sweatpants, or sneakers are permitted

Girls:

• Knee-length skirt or dress with stockings/leggings, flat dress shoes with strap or buckle.
  • No slip-on/open-toe/ballerina shoes/sandals/flip-flops/boots
• Dress slacks and blouse may also be worn.
• No jeans, t-shirts, tank tops, sweatpants, or sneakers are permitted

DRESS DOWN

Students must follow these rules carefully, or they will lose the privilege of dressing down.

Boys

• Jeans worn at the waist with a belt, correct fit (not too tight or too loose)
• No messages or designs inconsistent with our Catholic identity (i.e., negative/rude messages)
• Sneakers with socks – no lights, loud designs, or wheels
• If wearing shorts, they must reach the knee when sitting down
• No sleeveless shirts
• Jewelry rules still apply: only post earrings and one small religious necklace/bracelet, tasteful watch. No neon colors or oversized jewelry or anything else that may distract from the uniform.
• No hats may be worn inside of the school building

Girls

• Jeans worn at the waist with a belt, correct fit (not too tight or too loose)
• No messages or designs inconsistent with our Catholic identity (i.e., negative/rude messages)
• Sneakers with socks – no lights, loud designs, or wheels
• If wearing shorts or a skirt, must reach the knee when sitting down
• No slip-on/open-toe/ballerina/sandals/flip-flop shoes
• No low-cut or sleeveless tops
• Jewelry rules still apply: only plain, small post or plain, small hoop earrings are allowed, and a small religious necklace/bracelet, along with a tasteful watch. No neon colors or oversized jewelry or anything else that may distract from the uniform.
• Make-up rules still apply: no eye make-up, lipstick, lip gloss, colored nail polish, nail tips, etc.

Have a Blessed Lent and Easter Recess!

Sincerely in Christ,

Kevin John Coyne

Principal