MBSCS

Mission Statement
  
Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School, serving students in the eight sponsoring parishes of the region in grades pre-kindergarten to eight, is dedicated to excellence in education by developing life-long learners and leaders. We foster a faith-filled environment in partnership with families, emphasizing reverence, respect, and personal responsibility in the traditional spirit of Christian teaching.
 

 

Parent News & Muse

March 30, 2017  

Phone: 410-208-1600

Fax: 410-208-4957

 God is our refuge and our strength,
an ever-present help in distress.
Thus, we do not fear, though earth be shaken
and mountains quake to the depths of the sea,
Though its waters rage and foam
and mountains totter at its surging.
Psalm 46:2-4
 
Dear Parents and Guardians,
 
Operation Rice Bowl
During Lent, ou r church encourages us to build a closer relationship with the Lord through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. In order to provide an opportunity to our families to join in almsgiving, our school will par ticipate in the Operation Rice Bowl program that is sponsored by the Catholic Relief Services. In do ing so, we join Catholic families across the globe in responding to God's people who are in need. Each family received a "rice bowl" box. We ask that you fill it with change and plan to return it to MBSCS in a zip locked bag by Monday, April 10th. Thank you, in advance, for whatever you can do in this regard. May God bless us with a holy Lenten Season as we move forward to the Triduum.

Sacred Silence
On Wednesday, April 12th from 8:30-11:30 a.m., our students and staff will practice Lenten sacrifice by observing a day of Sacred Silence. Each grade, according to age appropriate expectations, will observe Sacred Silence. One might ask, "How can you observe silence and continue to teach and to learn?" Our teachers are quite innovative in their instructional delivery styles that support such an endeavor. The important lesson for our children to learn and to practice is that we should be willing to sacrifice as a form of Lenten observance.
 
In conjunction with our day of Sacred Silence, our eighth grade students will present the "Stations of the Cross" through shadow vignettes that depict the fourteen Stations of the Cross. This will be our fifth year of this presentation and it is always a very compelling moment for our students and staff.

Faculty Retreat Day
The faculty and staff of MBS held our annual retreat on Monday, March 28th.  We visited four area centers for the homeless and impoverished including Casa San Francisco in Milton, DE, the Seton Center in Princess Anne,  MD,  Diakonia in West Ocean City and Halo Ministries in Salisbury, MD.  From 8:30-11:30 a.m., we toured the facilities and, afterwards, we performed various volunteer duties including sorting donated items, stocking food pantries, weeding flower beds and assisting in thrift store duties.   We performed a combined total of 99 hours of volunteer service.  
 
We then returned to MBS at 12:00 noon for prayer, lunch and reflection.  The feedback from our staff was very positive. After that, we held a session on personal wellness presented by a local wellness therapist.  Our day concluded at 3:00 p.m.

 
HAPPY EASTER!
School will close Wednesday, April 12th at 12:10 p.m. for Easter vacation and will resume on Monday, April 24th. The school office will also be closed for Easter break during this time.
AFTERCARE IS AVAILABLE UNTIL 3:00 P.M. ONLY ON WEDNESDAY, April 12th.

WBOC-TV and Delmarva Life are coming to MBS!
On Thursday, April 6, 2017, film crews from WBOC-TV and the local "Delmarva Life" TV show will be visiting MBS. They will be shooting scenes for a new commercial to air starting in mid to late April and Delmarva Life will be taping a spot for an upcoming episode that will air on April 24, 2017 from 5-6 that will feature Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School. This week those families who have NOT YET turned in their release form will be provided an additional form being sent home today. Please sign and return prior to April 6th. If you DO NOT wish for your child to be filmed in any way, please make note of that on the release form and send back to school. Also, any child who we DO NOT have a release form for WBOC on file, will not be allowed to participate in any filming. For questions, please contact Lisa Edmunds in the school office or email at ledmunds@mbscs.org.    

MBS STREAM Night: Important Dates  
Monday April 3 : Background Research Paper (title page; report that summarizes the following- STREAM project question or topic, definitions of all important words, concepts, and equations that describe the project, mathematical formulas, history of similar projects, answers to background research questions); reference page)
Wednesday April 12 : Experimental Procedures and thorough list of materials
Monday April 24 : Display of data collected (Experiment/ solution/ invention must be completed in order to do this and all subsequent steps.)
Monday May 1 : Conclusion
On or about Wednesday May 17: Presentation Board to be displayed at STREAM night and class presentations will take place in conjunction with this event.
Reminder: Students must have a 3 ring notebook and it should include all paperwork pertaining to the project. I recommend dividers in the notebook for better organization.  This will be handed in at the project's conclusion in May.
 
Please refer to the information packet sent home in January for additional details on each of these items, including a timeline, examples, checklist, display board templates, and rubrics.  Students should be prepared to conduct research, write a research paper, construct a display board, keep an organized notebook of the process, and deliver an oral presentation explaining their projects to the class.
 
Please help your child stay organized and remind them to have fun!  Thank you!
 
 
HSA News
The MBS Bull & Oyster Roast set for May 6th has been rescheduled for September.  Stay tuned for details.
  
 
 


Facts Tuition Tax Information
By simply clicking "View Printable Payments Summary" on the Payments tab in your FACTS Tuition account, families can retrieve and print a summary of payments for the 2016 year or any other specified time frame. Each payment summary contains the date range, family name, sub accounts, and the school's Federal Tax ID number.


Spring Musical, Madagascar
Mark your calendars for the spring musical, "Madagascar." The show will be staged on Friday, April 28th and Saturday, April 29th at 7:00 p.m. with a matinee on Sunday, April 30th at 3:00 p.m.
 






Madagascar Practices
Thursday, March 30 --- Entire Cast (except Zookeepers), till 5:00 p.m.
Monday, April 3 --- Entire Cast, till 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 4 --- Entire Cast, till 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 5 --- Entire Cast, till 5:00 p.m.
Monday, April 10 --- Entire Cast, till 5:00 p.m.

DRESS REHEARSALS (ENTIRE CAST MUST ATTEND) WILL BE HELD ON
 Saturday, April 22 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 23 from 12:00 noon - 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 26 - after school till 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 27 - after school till 5:30 p.m.

NO practice on Thursday, April 6
NO practice on Tuesday, April 11

Those sharing roles, MUST indicate their preferences of days of performances. This should be given to Mrs. K in writing so that she can create the schedule.



Props Needed 
Oversized plastic spoon 
Thick cut of steak (if someone has something like this as a pillow?) 
An old fashioned video recorder 
2 toy walkie talkies 
2 larger than life syringes (preferably plastic or styrofoam) 
Air horn 
Palm trees 
Seaweed on a stick (if someone could make these for me using gummy worms and any other kinds of gummy fish?) 
Black eye masks for 9 Foosa 
Brown rug 
4 bow ties, the kind that are stretchable on elastic 
2 signal flags for Private


Primary Musical
Please join us for our primary grade (1,2,3) musical, "Magic Tree House-Knight at Dawn." There will be 2 performances, Thursday, April 6th at 6:30 p.m. and Friday, April 7th at 9:00 a.m. All are welcome.
 

Summer/Warm Weather Uniform
The MBS uniform policy requires that students begin to wear the summer/warm weather uniform on APRIL 24th. Please check the Family Handbook for warm weather uniform requirements. Remember ALL uniforms, both school and Phys Ed must be purchased through Flynn & O'Hara. This date may change should the weather turn warmer earlier. 
  •  We ask parents of girls to please note the requirement for the length of kilts and jumpers (no more than 2 inches above the knee). Even though many girls wear shorts under their kilts and jumpers, we ask that all kilts and jumpers measure at the required length. Thank you for your assistance with the matter.
  •  All students must tuck in their shirts.
  • The used uniform closet is open on Monday and Friday each week.
Nurses Suite
Update:  Lions Club Screening 
The Lions Club did come to MBS today and The Vision Screener was not properly working, therefore, the vision screening will be re-scheduled.  Initially pre-K3 up to 1st was to be tested, after talking with the gentleman from The Lions Club, they only test pre-K 3 to Kindergarten.   We will update you with the re-scheduled date.

Athletics
Softball:
Upcoming Games:
-Tuesday, April 4th (Home Game) against Crisfield Academy @ 4pm
Practices will be held on Mondays & Wednesdays @ 3:30-5pm.
If you have not turned in a sports physical and/or sports fee($40), please do so ASAP.
***The 4/6 game against Lighthouse Christian has been postponed.***
Lacrosse:
Upcoming Games:
Monday, April 3rd (Away Game) against Easton Warrior Club @ 4pm
Practices will be held on Mondays & Wednesdays 3:30-5pm.
If you have not turned in a sports physical and/or sports fee($40), please do so ASAP.
We are actively searching for another coach or two who would be willing to help with the Girls' lacrosse program. Please email me for more info.
Functional Training:
***ATTENTION***We have decided to run one class(3:30-4:15pm). At this time there is no need for 2 separate classes. If we get more interested participants, we will possibly separate the classes at that time. Thanks!!!

Counseling Corner
Each year, I am required to teach lessons from our Diocese curriculum guide to educate our students.  We use a program called, "Keeping Our Promises- For the Sake of God's Children".  Over the next month, I will be in each grade focusing on Trusted Adults, Appropriate Boundaries, Safe Environments, Good Touch/Bad Touch, and Secrets.  I will use age appropriate lessons while speaking with our children.  I strongly encourage the children to talk more about this at home with their parents/guardians.  Parents, please never hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about the material we discuss.  tgabbard@mbscs.org 
 
This past week, I met with middle school and Pre-3.  In middle school, our discussion of safety varied from personal safety of self and body as well as online safety.  I stressed to our middle school the importance of keeping open lines of communication with parents.  In Pre-3 we read, "The Berestain Bears Learn about Strangers." We will talk more in Pre-3 about safety, during our next lesson. Below is a link from Parent Magazine with tips on talking to our children about this topic.
 
School Wide Community Service Project
Our 7 th grade student Hannah Short has organized our 3 rd Trimester Service Project.  From April 5-7 MBS will collect items for the Humane Society.  We are looking for the following items: Old Bath Towels, Clothes Detergent, Pet Toys, Canned Cat/Dog food, Cat Litter, Newspaper.  We will have a collection spot in each pod from April 5-7 th.  Thanks to Hannah Short for organizing this Community Service Project!!


Library Program
 Thank you for your continued support of our MBS Library Program.  Our next book fair is scheduled for May 1-5.  An online signup sheet will be created soon for any parents who may want to volunteer.  All volunteers will earn FIP hours to be applied to this school year.


Non-Mbs Flyers
All non-MBS flyers will be listed here as links on the digital version of the newsletter.
 
Important Dates

April
6th                           "Magic Tree House; Knight at Dawn", 6:30 p.m.
12th                          Easter Holiday Begins - 12:10 Dismissal
13th - 21st                 Easter Holiday - School Closed
28th, 29th                 "Madagascar", 7:00 p.m.
30th                         "Madagascar", 3:00 p.m.     
 
PARISH NEWS
 
St. John Neumann
Confirmation 2017:   Our next gathering will be Sunday 2 April beginning at 12:30 p.m.  Please bring those LONG overdue sponsor forms. Don't forget your homework!
WWWJ@SJN
What - Wednesday Walk With Jesus
When - Every Wednesday in Lent beginning on Ash Wednesday from 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Where - The church aisles of St. John Neumann will be our labyrinth as we walk side by side with Jesus opening our hearts to Him alone.
Why - Want to walk in with your issues and walk out with new direction?
How - Labyrinth walking is one of the simplest forms of focused meditation.
A labyrinth is an important tool that can offer a spiritual awakening. It is a help in discovering what God is calling us to do with our lives and depending on Him rather than depending on ourselves, things and people outside.
**Bring your children if you'd like so that they too may walk, do their homework, or watch a video in the library.
Soup, Salad, Pizza and Fellowship!
Friday, March 31. Serving 5:00 - 6:30 PM. Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School. Admission:  $10 ($5 children under 12) Please make your reservations at the Parish Office
Easter Basket Project 2017 to Benefit Seton Center and Diakonia Sponsored By Religious Education
As we continue our journey during this season of Lent, the youth of our parish invite you to lend a helping hand to families in need by participating in the Easter Basket Project 2017. Over the past several years, countless individuals have generously given of their time, talent and treasures for this project. The project provides a memorable Easter experience for many young people who may not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy a tradition many of us may take for granted. Please prayerfully reflect on this service opportunity and make a donation. May God continue to bless you during the Lenten and Easter seasons, and throughout the year.
Please bring your basket donations to St. John Neumann by April 2nd  and place your bag in the Gathering Area. Our students will put the baskets together for delivery and pick up for the many organizations. Last year we were able to make 115 baskets due to your generosity.
Some ideas for items to include to make fun and useful baskets:
Traditional Easter Candy (Must be individually wrapped)
Markers
Coloring Books                               Paperback Game Books
Crayons                                           Small Toys
Toothbrush/Toothpaste                   Stickers
Pez Dispensers                                Card Games
Pocket sized Games                        Teddy Bears or Bunnies (small)
Children's Socks                             PREFILLED Plastic Easter Eggs
*The baskets are not large so PLEASE no large items - keep everything at the short compact size!
 
St. Jude the Apostle
Stations of the Cross will be held every Friday during Lent at 4 p.m. in the Church.
The Knights of Columbus will have their Fish Dinners every Friday during Lent in the Parish Life Center.  Please read the bulletin for more details.
Tenebrae - the Service of Shadows
St. Jude's will celebrate the Tenebrae service on Tuesday, April 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the Church. Tenebrae is the Latin word for "shadows" or "darkness."  Based on a tradition of celebrations from the Divine Office beginning in the 12 th century, Tenebrae is celebrated during Holy Week as a meditation on the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ. A principle feature of the service is the gradual extinguishing of candles, symbolizing Christ's death. The Psalms are divided into a series of Nocturns, which are chanted and recited by cantor and congregation.  Readings include "Lamentations," the writings of St. John Chrysostom, and the letters of St. Paul.   
All are invited to attend.  Please bring a flashlight.  St. Jude The Apostle Church is located at 152 Tulip Dr., Lewes DE.
  •  Sunday, April 2, there will be a special Noon Mass as we honor the International Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima.  There will be a special All Night Vigil of the Most Blessed Sacrament and the Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima on Sunday, April 2 from 7 p.m. til 6 a.m.  A sign up sheet is in the Chapel if you wish to have an assigned hour for adoration.
  •  All are invited to a Praise & Worship night on Friday, April 7th at 7 p.m. in the Church.  The musical group ' Mercy' will lead us in song as we prepare our hearts for Holy Week. 
     
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    Vision Statement  
     

    Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School provides rigorous and technologically relevant instruction that is intentionally integrated with Catholic identity.  Together, as Pastors, administrators, teachers and parents, we nurture the development of the mind, the body, and the soul, in each of our students.  Our students are able to make sound decisions based upon the teachings of Jesus Christ and modeled upon the lives of the saints.  As a faith and learning community, we teach students a passion for the truth and a love for discovery and knowledge. Our students are prepared to relate their Catholic faith to their culture and actively live their faith as members of the greater community.