March/April 2015 - Presentation of Mary Academy

Presentation of Mary Academy
Enlightening Hearts and Minds
March and April 2015 Newsletter
182 Lowell Road Hudson, NH 03051
www.pmaschool.org
Updates on the New Gymnasium and Arts
Center Plans are Underway!
Plans for our new gym/arts center are well
underway. We have been at planning
meetings, building meetings, architectural
meetings construction meetings, financial
meetings, capital campaign meetings, sisters
meetings, you name it, we’ve been at a
meeting for it. I wonder if Noah had as many
meetings when he decided to build the Ark. In
a few weeks, (after a few more meetings), we
will be ready to present you with the first
official architectural drawings of the new gym/
arts center.
This is an exciting and awesome time in the
history of our academy. During a time when
so many schools are facing enrollment declines
and financial hardships, PMA is forging ahead
into the 21st century with what will be a stateof-the-art gymnasium/arts center. It is only
possible because of your commitment to your
child’s education, and your countless hours of
service and volunteerism, and the fact that
YOU spread the GOOD NEWS about PMA.
It would not be possible otherwise.
We have been dreaming of this gymnasium for
years. Finally, we are in the planning stages
with the real hopes that by 2017 our children
will be performing plays and shows, winning
basketball games, and joining hands at prayer
assemblies to pause and thank God for all the
great things He has done for us.
As we enter into this holy season, may we find
time in our lives to reflect on how profoundly
loved we are by God. May our hearts and lives
be ready and open to all that God calls us to be.
As I shared with the children on Ash
Wednesday, this Lent, we are all going on a
“trip” for 40 days and nights –two things God
asks of us on the “trip” to be more loving and
more forgiving.
Wishing you a wonderful Lenten trip.
Sr. Maria Rosa,
Principal
Live Auction Items
Get your tickets now!
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PMA Dinner Auction
Sat., March 28, 2015
Nashua Country Club
“A Masquerade Ball”
On Saturday, March 28, 2015,
Presentation of Mary Academy is
hosting its 6th Annual Dinner and
Auction “A Masquerade Ball.” It is
an evening of great food, drinks, and
silent and live auctions and dancing at
the Nashua Country Club. This is a
festive affair that both celebrates and
showcases our school community.
The evening will start with appetizers
and a cocktail hour. We will feature a
PMA signature martini, courtesy of
Dumont-Sullivan Funeral Homes!
For every martini sold, a donation
will be made to PMA.
Silent auction items will be available
for viewing; then the doors to the
ballroom will open and you will have
access to the club’s famous food
stations: the pasta bar, the mashed
potato bar as well as two carving
stations, so you can eat till your heart’s
content. Then the live auction will
begin with exciting items for everyone
and our special PMA exclusives!
We’ll end the evening with a DJ and
dancing for everyone to enjoy!
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Easter Egg Hunt for your class on
Easter Monday
Ride to School in a Police Car –
Donated by the Hudson Police
Department
Two Pre-season tickets to a Patriots
Football Game – Section 330, Row 17,
Seats 5 and 6 - Donated by King
Family
Rosa Seaside Escape –One week
Summer Rental in Narragansett, RI.
PMA Premier Parking Spot
U2 Concert Tickets (4) Wed July 15
Autographed Football—2014-2015
Patriots Team including Brady &
Gronkowski – Donated by Pavletich
Family
Hooky Day with Sister Maria – your
child & 1 friend,
Jeff Dunham Vegas Experience –
hotel, dinner for two, tickets to show &
meet & greet w/Jeff after the show.
With a $300 gift card to put towards
airfare.
Use of the PMA Sign for a day
Taylor Swift Concert Tickets (4)
Friday July 24, 2015. Donated by the
Moynihan Family
Night on the Town – Dinner for 6 at
the Bancroft in Burlington with limo
from Grace Limousine.
It’s Real, It’s Signed, It’s Inflated!
Now INFLATE your BID!
Patriot Fans Wanted at the PMA Auction!
Please Mark Your Calendars for March and April
Friday, March 6:
Mother and Son Game Night sponsored by
the Parent Group. Moms, bring your sons.
Sons, bring your moms for a fun time
together playing board games and
socializing with other moms and sons.
The event begins at 6:30 PM in the school
cafeteria. Tickets on sale now.
Wednesday, March 11:
 Progress Reports for Grades 1-3.
 Mass for students in Grades 1-3.
Time-TBA. All family and friends
welcome!
 Auction meeting at 7:00 pm in the
conference room. Please use cafeteria
entrance to get into the building
 Students in grades 1-3 will receive
Progress Reports in their white
shuttle envelopes today.
 Parents with children in grades 4-8,
please follow your child’s daily
progress on-line by logging into
ENGRADE-PRO. We encourage you
to contact your child’s teacher/s, if
you would like to discuss his/her
progress at PMA.
Thursday, March 12: Grade One
Science Fair: Please be sure to drop by
the first grade classrooms located on the
second floor to view all of their
magnificent Science Projects! They are
out of this WORLD. Parents welcome
from 6:00-7:00pm.
Friday, March 13:
Students vs. Staff Basketball Game at
Rivier University at 6:00 PM. You don’t
want to miss this show … free admission
and great family fun. Come and cheer our
PMA staffers as they beat the students!
Wednesday, March 18 and Thursday,
March 19: Grandparents Appreciation
Breakfast: Don’t forget to remind your
grandparents to mark their calendars!
PMA will be serving breakfast to all of
our wonderful grandparents, and you get
to give your grandparents a private tour of
your school.
March 18, 2015
Students whose last names begin
with the letters A-N
7:00 AM until 8:00 AM
March 19, 2015
Students whose last names begin
with the letters O-Z
7:00 AM until 8:00 AM
Come and meet other PMA grandparents
while enjoying breakfast with your
grandchild/ren! The breakfast is sponsored
by the PMA Faculty and Staff!
March 16-20:
CAT Test Preparation Week for students in
grades 2-8! Parents, PLEASE plan ahead.
Do not schedule appointments and vacation
time during the week of March 23-27.
Tuesday, March 17 -St. Patrick’s Day:
$2 dress down day! Dress in green or come
on in as a Leprechaun! It’s all good ...we
are celebrating St. Patty’s Day while raising
money for our new GYM/ARTS CENTER.
The results can provide valuable insights
into areas of a student’s strengths and
needs. It is our goal to use the test results
to:
1. support, improve, or develop new
instructional strategies;
2. assist in the evaluation and
development of curriculum;
3. assist in identifying strengths and
weaknesses and to monitor
longitudinal growth for individuals,
groups and the school.
Individual test results will be sent to
parents in June.
March 30-April 1: CAT Test make-up
days for students who were absent during
testing week.
Friday, March 27 Auction Dress
Down Day: As a way to get the entire
Friday, March 20:
school community to participate in the
Pre-Kinder and Kindergarten Report Cards Auction Fundraising event, we are asking
sent home today.
that every student donate $5 towards our
auction. The money will be used to
March 20: Annual Sweet Treat Bingo
purchase items for the auction. Students
Tickets must be pre-purchased for this
who donate $5 will get a dress down day
event; limited seating available. You do not on Friday, March 27.
want to miss this fun-family event
sponsored by the Parent Group.
Saturday, March 28:The PMA Sixth
March 23 through March 27:
Spring Standardized Assessment
Students in grades 2 through 8 will be
assessed with the Terra Nova test, and, in
addition, grades 4 and 7 with the InView
tests, all part of the California Testing
program. The tests will be administered at
various time slots (usually in the morning)
during the week of March 23 through
March 27.
Parents, please refrain from scheduling
appointments or vacations for your child
during this time. Rescheduling missed
tests is very difficult for the child and
teacher.
The Terra Nova Assessment provides us
with a useful profile of instructional
strengths and weaknesses as well as
traditional comparisons with national
norms. The results from the InView
section will help determine whether
students are working up to their scholastic
potential. Test results will be used in
conjunction with other factors about the
students to meet individual and school
instructional needs.
Annual Dinner Auction: PMA “Masquerade Ball” You don’t want to
miss this wonderful event - an elegant,
fun night out with friends while
supporting our wonderful school! For
tickets, please call the main office!
Wednesday, April 1:
 Warm weather uniform begins.
 Staff Meeting in the Library 3:00pm.
 Parent Group Meeting at 7:00 PM in
the Conference Room located on the
second floor. All welcome!
Wednesday, April 1, and Thursday,
April 2: Easter Egg Sale for all students
in grades PreK-8 during lunch time.
More information to come home in your
white shuttle.
Holy Thursday, April 2:
Prayer Service in the Chapel at 1:00pm
followed by the Penny Challenge Great
Reveal!
Friday, April 3: Good Friday—No
School.
EASTER SUNDAY: April 5
We pray that the Risen Christ bless your
hearts and homes with all that you need to
experience the depth of His personal love
for you this Easter and always!
Wednesday, April 8 :
Mass for students in grades 4-8 at
10:00am. and for students in grades K-3
at 1:00pm.
Sunday, April 8:
PMA Grand Piano Recital at 2:00pm in
the Alumni Hall. Come support our
PIANO STUDENTS!
Wednesday, April 15 Report Cards:
Students in grades 1-8 will receive their
report cards in their white shuttle
envelopes on April 15. Again, we
encourage you to contact your child’s
teacher/s if you would like to discuss his/
her progress at Presentation of Mary
Academy.
Friday, April 17: PMA
WALKATHON
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
It’s time once again to plan
for the annual PMA
Walk-a-Thon! We strongly
encourage every child to
join together with faculty, staff, and friends
for this “invigorating” fundraising event. Our
students have a great time walking with
classmates, enjoying fresh air and exercise, all
within the safety of our school grounds.
Wednesday, April 22: Earth Day: Do
Your Part to Protect the Planet:
Earth Day is an ideal time to become more
earth-friendly and take action to make our
planet a cleaner and safer place to live. As an
individual, you can start with something as
simple as picking up trash on the ground--or
turning off the water while you brush your
teeth or shave. Together we can make a BIG
difference.
Administrative Assistant Day:
Don’t forget to thank Mrs. Flint, Mrs. Nolet
and Mrs. DesRuisseaux for the wonderful
things they do to make our school run
efficiently and safely. Isn’t it a wonder how
they do it always with a smile and a spirit of
true hospitality! Send them a card! It will
make their day!
Friday, April 24:
$2.00 Dress Down Day for the GYM.
Arbor Day!
April 27- May 1:
No School - Spring Vacation!
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
After-School Parents’ Tardiness:
The after-school program closes at 6:00PM.
Please BE ON TIME! Our after-school
personnel are contracted until 6:00PM.
Picking up your child one minute late
creates undue stress on their personal
schedules and commitments to their own
families. In the event of an
EMERGENCY, PLEASE BE SURE TO
CONTACT THE AFTER-SCHOOL
DIRECTOR AT 889-6054 X207 to inform
her that you will be late. A late fee of $1
per minute will be charged to your account.
INCLEMENT WEATHER SCHOOL
CANCELLATIONS AND DELAYED
OPENINGS: In the event we experience
inclement weather, and it is necessary to
either delay the opening of school or
cancel the school day, the information will
be posted on WMUR - NH channel 9,
WMUR website under school closings,
and WZID - FM 95.7. Please remember
to look and listen for the Presentation of
Mary Academy announcement. PMA is
listed separately from the Hudson school
system. You can also call the school
holiday/closing line at (603) 889-6054 ext.
456. School opening delays will be
implemented when deemed appropriate.
In the event that there is a delay, the
Before-School Program will
automatically be cancelled that
morning. The After-school program will
still be offered in the afternoon. The
following is the expected arrival times
for students for a 90 minute delayed
opening:
Delay
Gr. 6-8
Gr. 3-5
Gr. 1-2
Pre-K & K
9:00AM
9:10AM
9:20AM
9:40AM
SECOND GRADE FIRST
COMMUNION
Sacramental preparation of children is
both the right and responsibility of
parents/guardians. Please be sure to
contact your parish priest to make certain
that your child is registered in the Parish’s
sacramental preparation program which
differs slightly from parish to parish.
Parish catechists also provide support
through a series of classes for children
and parents. Please do not wait until May
to register your child for the sacrament of
Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist.
AFTER-SCHOOL PICK-UP &
CAR LINE REMINDERS
 Any student left at PMA after the
2:45 designated end of car line
time will be sent to the afterschool program. Parents who
arrive late to pick up their child/
ren will need to sign their child
out with after-school program
personnel and will be charged the
appropriate fee.
 When picking up students from
programs that are conducted after
school, we ask that parents do
not park in the circle to wait for
their dismissal. The circle is
reserved for the after-school
program only after 2:45pm.
Parents can either wait in the
parking lot and walk over to get
their child or park in a line going
down the driveway and proceed
into the circle only when the
children come out for pickup.
 We ask that parents do not leave
their vehicles unattended at any
time when they are located in the
line of flow for car line. If for
any reason you need to leave
your vehicle to come into the
school, please park your car in a
parking space. We have noticed
a number of vehicles being left in
car line unattended, and it
disturbs the flow of car line.
 Parents should not wait outside
the locker room entrance to pick
up their child. All students are
sent to the car line pickup area,
and parents should drive into the
circle to pick up their child.
 Please remember when driving
up the school driveway that it is a
school zone, and speeds should
be kept to a maximum of 20mph.
If you have any questions about car
line and pick up procedures, please
call Mrs. Flint in the school office
(603) 889-6054 ext. 200.
LOST AND FOUND BOX
Parents, please check the lost
and found box located in the
school cafeteria for missing items
belonging to your child!
Unclaimed items will be sent to
Goodwill stores on the LAST
FRIDAY OF THE MONTH!
Events and Information
PMA Alumni Reunion
October 18, 2015
from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM
This year we will be celebrating years
ending in 5 and 0!
1990 Graduates (25 years)
1965 Graduates (50 years)
The reunion is for all Alums who
attended and/or graduated from PMA or
OLMA in Gorham, NH.
All years are invited to attend the yearly
reunions.
The PMA Parent Group had the honor of hosting John Halligan
who spoke to students in grades 5-8 on February 11, 2015. John
and Kelly Halligan lost their thirteen-year-old son, Ryan, to
suicide on October 7, 2003. At the time of his death, Ryan was a
middle school student in Vermont. It was revealed in much
A great big “Thank You” to the PMA
greater detail after Ryan’s death that he had been ridiculed and
Parent Group for making Catholic
humiliated by peers at school and online. All students in grades 58 joined together and listened quietly as John shared his son's Schools Week a memorable event! An extra
special ‘thank you’ to all the moms who
heartbreaking story. He emphasized the importance of treating
others kindly at school and more importantly, online. Mr. helped to prepare special activities for staff
Halligan shared with the students how his son was treated and and students, especially Angela Moynihan,
the impact that bullying and cyberbullying can have on a who coordinated so many of the meals and
person's life. The presentation ended with a question and answer
treats for staff and students.
session between Mr. Halligan and the students. For more You made us feel extra super-duper special!
information on bullying, cyberbullying and adolescent
The students claim that this was the BEST
depression, go to www.ryanpatrickhalligan.org.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK EVER.
PLAN AHEAD FOR YOUR SUMMER
CAMPS AT PMA
We are in the process of planning four weeks of
summer camp at PMA for students of all age groups.
The camps will run from June 15-19 to accommodate
families who have a hard time finding child care the
week after school finishes. July Summer camps will
run for three weeks beginning July 13 and end on July
31 for five days a week from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM.
Registration information and details about the various
camps being offered was sent home in February. We
will offer a variety of programs and camps including
sports clinics, swimming, arts and crafts, cheerleading,
drama and theatre, wilderness adventures, robotics,
etc.
Congratulation to Grace Lehto (grade 8)
and Nazirah Gerow (grade 4.) The girls
won the Knights of Columbus Christmas
Poster Contest. We are very proud of our
two WINNERS!
The Fifth Annual PMA Great Penny Challenge is ON!
This year, the PMA staff and students will work extra hard to save coins for the Annual Great Penny Challenge. All the money
raised through the Penny Challenge will be donated to help Christians in the Middle East who are being evicted from their homeland
due to their faith, especially Catholic Christians. We have a direct connection with these persecuted Christians as two of our
families have families in the Middle East directly affected by this horrific crisis. The money raised through our Penny Challenge
will be sent to a Catholic Mission church responsible for aiding the persecuted and homeless Catholics in the Middle East. The
challenge began on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Thursday, April 2, with a prayer service. Parents, save your coins and join
our Penny Challenge. Thank you!
Door Contest Winners!
Second Graders in Mrs. dePenasse!
Pre-K students receive ashes from their teachers on Ash Wednesday
Congratulations!
Akhilesh Makam and
Alexander Ross
Akhlesh in the 7th grade is our
school Geography Bee
Champion! He will compete in
the STATE GEOGRAPHY
CONTEST!
In second place we have fourth
grader Alexander Ross.
PMA GRIFFINS SCORE BIG
Several Presentation of Mary basketball players
recently participated in various CYO All-Star games
on Saturday, February 14th. Representing the
Griffins in three different games were Sadie
LaMothe, Iruka Obinelo, P. J. Soucy, Aiden
Szewczyk, Nick Cardenas, Greg Fallon and Allan
McPhee. P. J. Soucy was named the MVP of the
Nashua White squad in a close battle during the Boys
Mites All-Star Game. In addition to the All-Star
games themselves, the state free throw competition
took place in conjunction with the weekend. PMA's
Bailey Carroll was crowned State Free Throw
Champion competing against 5th and 6th grade girls
from the Nashua and Manchester area. It was a very
successful weekend for PMA!
We remember with grateful hearts our
friend and classmate Zach who passed
away on March 8, 2010.
PMA Spelling Bee Winner
Jardine Allen, Grade 6,
Competing in Regional
Spelling Bee in Concord!
Sister
Maria
congratulates
Jardine Allen, sixth grader, for
winning the school spelling bee.
Jardine went head to head with a
seventh grader, and after several
rounds, won the school’s spelling
bee competition. Jardine will be
competing in the State Spelling
Bee to take place in Concord, NH.
From Zach’s Website
“Zachary Tompkins was healthy, young, athletic
and vibrant. On March 8, 2010, Zachary passed
unexpectedly in his sleep. Yet, the gripping story of
Zachary Tompkins doesn’t end with his passing; in
fact it’s just beginning. You see, in addition to
being a scholar and a respected member of
the Bears’ community, Zachary Tompkins dreamed
as if he’d live forever. Not only did he envision
greatness, but Zach eternalized it. Shortly before
his passing, Zach crafted a piece of art in his own
hand on which he wrote: Hudson-Litchfield
ZACH’s Stadium Home of the Bears. Exhilarated,
Zachary shared his dream with me that someday, he
wanted to own a stadium for his team, The Bears. A
dream that supercharged Zach, and only a week
later, tragedy struck. Zach’s words spoke volumes;
he wanted to make a difference and never lose sight
of his dream, further characterizing his legacy as a
true champion, on and off the field. It’s time to
listen to his words and give meaning to the next
chapter of Zach Tompkins’ story.”
Please
follow
Zach’s
story by
visiting
www.zachary
tompkins.org
.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
ABOUT THE SCHOOL
CALENDAR
As we have done in past years, and
after carefully examining the school
calendar, we have looked at a creative
and educational solution to address
the number of “snow” days we have
to make up at the end of the school
year. We have agreed that it would
be educationally beneficial to the
students that we add a half- hour of
instruction to each school day
beginning April 6 and ending June
12. This allows us to accumulate the
additional instructional hours that we
lost through the snow days. This
schedule adjustment allows us to
remain faithful to our school calendar
with the last day of school remaining
June 12.
Beginning April 6
and Ending June 12
Present Pick-Up Time
New Pick-up
Gr. 6,7,8:
2:30 pm
Gr. 3,4:
2:20 pm
Gr. 5:
2:25 pm
Gr. 2:
2:15 pm
Gr. 1
2:10 pm
Kindergarten: 1:55 pm
Pre-K:
1:50 pm
PMA WALKATHON TO SUPPORT CANOPY/
OVERHANG FOR CAR LINE WAITING AREA!
Our Walk-a-Thon fund-raising challenge this year is a
unique one, and one that should be near and dear to the
hearts of every PMA parent and child. We want to raise
$50,000! The goal? A new industrial-strength canopy/ roof
overhang for the carline drop-off and pick-up location to be
constructed for use at the back of the school. This is a much
needed and costly structure for the protection of our
children and staff during inclement weather of rain, snow
and/or freezing temperatures. You have no doubt witnessed
the need for this structure first-hand!
3:00 PM
2:50 PM
2:55 PM
2:45 PM
2:40 PM
2:25 PM
2:20 PM
A Legacy of
Excellence
Beyond
Academics
Presentation of Mary
Academy’s Capital
Campaign
for a New Gymnasium
and Art Center
2015-2017
We count on your
prayers as we begin
the planning stages
to launch off our
Capital Campaign.
It is all for the
Children!
CALLING IN AN ABSENCE OR TARDINESS
If for any reason your child will not be attending school or will have a tardy arrival, please call
the school attendance line by 8:30am. The number is (603) 889-6054 ext. 456. Please leave
the child’s name along with his/her class code and the reason for the absence or late arrival.