Dear Parents,

There are many exciting events and happenings around Our Lady’s Catholic Academy. I would like to get you up to speed on how our school is moving forward on behalf of your children.

CANDY SALE

Families who did not request specific boxes of chocolate will receive their three required boxes next week. Demand for chocolate has been enormous, and we are doing our best to keep up with all of the motivated sellers! Please expect a turnaround time of 1-3 days for chocolate requests. Often, we can fill an order on the same day, but not always. The candy sale will not end until Thanksgiving, so you still have plenty of time to sell those boxes. Thank you for your enthusiastic support of this crucial fundraiser.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

OLCA has finally been assigned Speech Therapists, Counselors, and Physical Therapists for both campuses. The agencies will be contacting the parents directly. We are working with several different SETSS providers to find the setup that is most beneficial for each student. IESP’s are written with public schools in mind, with services being provided during the school day. When services are scheduled after-school, it is sometimes best for the child to receive longer sessions on fewer days. We can work together to find the best fit for your child.

PARENT-TEACHER COMMUNICATION

Students in Grades 1-8 have now received their first progress reports, and teachers have been meeting with individual parents to work out plans to better meet their child’s needs. One successful strategy is the use of Student Contracts. These are not disciplinary in nature. The purpose of the contract is to develop self-regulation within students in the areas that they struggle, while also giving them positive feedback for their daily successes. Additionally, these contracts deepen communication between school and home. In years past, contracts have been consistently successful in improving both academic work and overall behavior.

Sometimes, the partnership between school and home can become strained. I ask that your concerns be addressed to the teacher first, and that this is done in a quiet setting outside the earshot of other students and parents. Lineup and dismissal are not appropriate times to discuss serious or sensitive issues, but they are an excellent time to communicate quick information and set up appointments.

When there is a conflict between students, it is the responsibility of the OLCA staff to mediate the conflict. Please do not approach the child of another parent, as it is unfair for them to be spoken to without their own parent present. If there is a serious matter that has not been resolved to your satisfaction after you’ve spoken to your child’s teacher, please schedule an appointment with Mrs. Hernandez or myself, and we will do our best to address your concerns.

Next week, parents will receive login information for Option C, which will allow you to monitor your child’s grades and assignments online. I also remind you that all homework is posted on this website. Simply navigate to your child’s classroom page.

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

The first wave of after-school activities have been a big success! Thanks to parent Karen Allim, we will be offering an additional activity: Karate. Classes will be at the 128th Street campus this trimester, and at Rockaway Boulevard next trimester. 128th Street parents can refer to the handout provided for more information.

If you have a child attending an after-school activity who is not picked up on time, they will be placed in the After-School program at your expense. We are happy to provide our extra activities at no cost to you, but we cannot provide free supervision beyond the time of the activity. Additionally, siblings of students in activities are not allowed to stay in the school building without parental supervision. They will also be placed in the After-School program at the normal rate.

UPCOMING EVENTS

A few additions have been made to the October Calendar:

School Liturgy - Tuesday, October 23. 10 AM. St. Teresa Church (Grades 1-8)

United Nations Assembly - Wednesday, October 24

• Rockaway Boulevard Campus - 9:00 AM
• 128th Street Campus - 1:00 PM
• Free Dress Up
• Parents are encouraged to attend

In closing, thank you to all of the teachers, staff, and parents who have been supportive and patient during this transition. Change is difficult, and the enthusiastic support and feedback makes such a positive difference. From many, we truly are becoming one.

Sincerely in Christ,

Mr. Kevin John Coyne

Principal