MBSCS


To Jesus Through Mary

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.
 

February 15, 2018   

Phone: 410-208-1600

Fax: 410-208-4957

[email protected] 

Your ways, O Lord, make known to me;
teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my savior. 
Psalm 25
 
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Wednesday, February 14th began the Season of Lent.
  1. The Season of Lent is a time of atonement and reflection.
  2. The days of penance are Ash Wednesday and all Fridays in Lent.
  3. The manner of fulfilling the precept of penance:
  • Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence
  • All Fridays in Lent are days of abstinence only.
Church Law requires:
  • The law of abstinence (not eating meat) obliges those who have completed their fourteenth year.
  • The law of fast (only one full meal each day, nothing between meals) obliges those who have completed their eighteenth year until the beginning of their sixtieth year.
  • Proportionately grave inconvenience excuses from the laws of fast and abstinence.
The substantial observance of these laws is a grave obligation.
  • Anyone who neglects all forms of penance violates divine law and is guilty of grave sin.
  • Anyone who occasionally violates the law of fast and/or abstinence is not guilty of sin.
RICE BOWL
During Lent, our 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 participate in the Operation Rice Bowl program that is sponsored by the Catholic Relief Services. In doing so, we join Catholic families across the globe in responding to God's people who are in need. Each family is received a "rice bowl" box in last week's folder. We ask that you fill it with change and plan to return it to MBSCS during Holy Week. 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 and the glory of the Resurrection.
   
   
 
DIOCESAN and MBS TUITION ASSISTANCE -
DEADLINE QUICKLY APPROACHING
The Diocese of Wilmington is now accepting Tuition Assistance applications for the 2018-2019 upcoming school year. Tuition assistance through the Diocese of Wilmington is provided to children attending grades K-12. Pre-school, before and after care are not funded through this program.  
To be considered, parents must submit an application online to FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment for evaluation at www.online.factsmgt.com/aid. FACTS representatives are available to guide parents through the application process and to answer any questions by calling 1-866-441-4637. Completed applications, including all supporting documentation such as tax forms, are due March 5th. Applications that are submitted after that date will NOT be considered for assistance.
PLEASE REMEMBER: ALL families who wish to be considered for MBS assistance must complete and submit the FACTS application.   
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Volunteers are still needed to help out for Casino Night. If you would like to be a dealer, help with the kitchen, ticket sales, check out auction items, man the roulette table or sell Mega 50/50 tickets, your help will make this night a success. No contribution is too small. We need you. If you can help on Casino Night please complete and turn in the Volunteer Form and/or email Michelle Parsons at [email protected].
Reminder: Class Projects are due at school Thursday February 22nd.
Make your reservations today and don't miss out on our biggest and last fundraiser of the year! Advanced reservations can be purchased for $45 each online at www.mostblessedsacramentcatholicschool.com or by sending your check into the office. Online ticket sales will close Friday February 23rd at noon. Tickets at the door are $50 each.
Please text or call Michelle Parsons at 302-584-3216 or email Saron Hand at [email protected] for questions regarding MBS Casino Night.
 
VISIT TO WBOC 
On Tuesday, February 13th our 8th grade toured the studios of WBOC television and radio stations. In addition to the tours, our students watched the taping of Delmarva Life. We were provided with outstanding hospitality by the staff of WBOC. Our students thoroughly enjoyed the day and learned a great deal of information about the television media industry. Following the field trip, our students and chaperones enjoyed lunch at Chick-fil-A.

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Mark your Calendar for the Spring 2018 Musical! 
April 26th at 6:30 p.m.
April 27th at 7:00 p.m.
April 28th at 7:00 p.m. 
Rehearsals for the upcoming Spring musical, Mary Poppins JR are now underway! The following are rehearsal dates for next week:
  • Tuesday, February 20th until 4:30pm- CHIMNEY SWEEP DANCERS ONLY
  • Wednesday, February 21st until 5:30pm- "B" Cast Members
Questions? Please contact Mrs. Bennett at [email protected]  
 
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MAGIC TREE HOUSE: Pirates Past Noon KIDS 
Students in second, third, and fourth grades have begun rehearsing for the MBS School Production of The Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon KIDS,featuring our third grade "Stars of Tomorrow" in the lead roles. 2nd Grade students will complete the ensemble as members of the pirate crew and island creatures, while our 4th Grade "veteran" actors and actresses will fill out the cast and take on production responsibilities, including costuming, props and scenery production. The middle school drama class and sewing group will help to make costumes, design and create scenery, and work as the stage crew. We are looking for adult volunteers to help in all areas of stage production. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Mrs. Selba at [email protected].
 
The following is a list of materials needed for the show:
Pirate Costumes - hats, shirts, swords, etc.
Island themed decorations
Island Creature costumes and/or accessories -
Seagull, Pelican, Crab, Starfish, Jellyfish, Lobster, Lizard
 

FIBER OPTIC INTERNET FOR MBS
In July, our school entered into a contract with Comcast Business Services to install and provide fiber optic internet service to our facility. In calculating the costs, Comcast made an error and didn't include 5,000 feet of wiring that would be required to be run along route 589. As a result, the costs would have been higher than expected and Comcast made the decision to retract from the agreement. Needless to say, we were very disappointed not only with the retraction of Comcast from the agreement. We were also disappointed with the lack of communication from Comcast regarding the circumstances. Thankfully, Cards Computers did some investigating and discovered that the Maryland Broadband Cooperative currently has fiber optic wiring installed along route 589. We have entered into an agreement with Bay Country Communications to install and provide fiber optic internet to our facility. As a result of our experience with Comcast Business Services, Bay Country Communications has offered to provide installation services at no cost to our school. A site survey was conducted around our facility by Bay Country Communications and we anticipate that the project will be completed by mid to late April. We are most grateful to Cards Computers for their diligence and perseverance and to Bay Country Communication for their generosity.
 
2017-2018 YEARBOOK
Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School is in the process of creating its 2017-2018 yearbook.  We are asking  if you might consider creating and placing an advertisement in our yearbook.  The rates for ads in the yearbook are as follows: full-page ad (9.75" long x 7" wide) $190.00 or  half-page ad (5" long x 7" wide) $100.00.The deadline to submit ads and payments is Friday, February 23, 2018.   If  you choose to place an ad in our yearbook, you can send your ad copy  as a jpeg or in pdf format to my email at [email protected], or if you prefer you can fax the ad copy to 410-208-4957.  Payment can be made by check. Checks should be made payable to MBSCS.   Send remittances  to the attention of Yearbook Ad  at our school address:  Most Blessed Sacrament School, 11242 Racetrack Road, Berlin, MD 21811. If you have any questions, please call Mr. MacGuinness at 410-208-1600 and leave a message, and he will return your call as soon as possible.
   
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MBS CAR RAFFLE
Benefiting the Technology Development Fund of MBS

MBS Car Raffle tickets, 1 for $10, 6 for $50, 13 for $100- 2018 Chevrolet Spark OR $10,000 CASH!
Have you sold your raffle tickets? We are asking every family to sell a minimum of 15 tickets for our MBS Car Raffle, to benefit the technology development fund of MBS. Through this fund, we will be able to purchase iPads and Surface Pro tablets. The goal is to have a one to one digital technology ratio to be used in classroom instruction for third through eighth grades. If each family sells a minimum of 15 tickets, that will bring in close to $15,000 for our technology development fund!  You can also encourage friends and family to purchase tickets online on our website at www.mostblessedsacramentschool.com or click this link: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=xryz7ocab&oeidk=a07eepeuy0sc6a98d39.
 
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LIBRARY CORNER 
 
"Hit The Books" bookmarks have been distributed and extra bookmarks are available in the library.  This is an optional activity for any student who would like to earn two free Delmarva Shorebirds tickets for a game in May.  Bookmarks are due to Mrs. Lenox by Thursday, March 1st with four books the student has read & their name/information filled out on the bookmark.  Please make sure your child remembers to write their name on the back of the bookmark.  We had several turned in last year without names. 
 
The Spring Book Fair is scheduled for 4/30 to 5/4.  Please email [email protected] if you would like to be included on the book fair volunteer list.  Any volunteers from the past are automatically included.  More information and an online signup sheet will be provided in April.  Thank you!
 

   
COUNSELING CORNER
MS Service Hours
7th and 8th grade volunteer opportunity
We have been asked for students to help with an event at St. Andrew's Hall on March 24th.  They are holding the 8th annual St. Joseph's Festival from 11-6.  They need helpers from 11am-8pm.  The students would help bus tables and clean up.  Parents, please be aware wine and beer are offered at this event.  It would be helpful for a few parents to volunteer as well to oversee our student helpers.   If your child is willing to offer a few hours of service, please contact [email protected]  with times they are available to help.  Remember, our MBS students need 20 hours of community service before completing the 8th grade.
 
   


We are in full swing of the cold/flu/virus season. Here are some tips to help stop the spread of these illnesses throughout the classroom.
  • If you suspect your child has a virus or any other illness, it is recommended to have an evaluation by your primary care provider as soon as possible.  Don't forget your doctor's note to return to school. This note informs the school that the student is not or is no longer contagious and may return to school.
  • School policy requires that when your child is out 3 days or more, he/she must have a doctor's note to return to school.
  • If your child is sent home from school, your child is to stay home until symptoms cease without medication. This will mean the student must stay home from school the next day.
  • For questions regarding the Health policies of the school, please refer to your Family Hand Book, pages 13-15, or call Mrs. Carlson @410-208-1600.
  • By keeping your child home, you will help contain the spread of illnesses and your child will get the rest they need.  If you feel your child needs another day at home because of a recent sickness, please keep them home. Because of all the other viruses that are in peak now, your child is less likely to pick up another illness if they have enough rest.
  • With all illnesses it is important to remind your child about frequent hand washing, no sharing of food/utensils, and cover your cough and sneeze.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping to prevent the spread of illnesses/viruses.  
 
      
   
ATHLETICS

Recognition:  Congratulations to both the JV Girls and JV Boys for their victories over Lighthouse Christian on Thursday, February 8th.
 
8th Grade Player/Parent Event: On Thursday, February 15 at 5:00PM (after the girls game but before the boys game) we will recognize our 8th grade basketball players. 
 
Winter Season Whole Team Recognition Assembly: Monday, March 12 @ 9:00AM in the Cafeteria.  
 
Assistant Coach Needed- Girls Lacrosse : Please email Mr. Haskell at [email protected] if you are interested in helping out with the Girls Lacrosse program. Practices will   be held on Mondays and Wednesdays 3:30-5:00PM. 
 
Upcoming Basketball Games:
2/15: Blue/White Girls Varsity Home 4:00PM
2/15: Blue/White Boys Varsity Home 5:15PM
 
  
box top
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 
BOX TOP CHALLENGE WINNER
The class that brought in the most Box Tops for our Catholic Schools Week Challenge is 3rd Grade!! They beat 4th Grade by only 60 Box Tops. The total amount raised just from this contest was $303.40. Please keep sending them in to the school They have expiration dates, so send them in often. We appreciate your help in this fundraising effort.


  
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 IMPORTANT DATES
   
February 

19th                Presidents Day - School Closed
24th                Casino Night, 6:00 p.m. 
   
 
PARISHES 
St. Ann 
Hello Parents from St. Ann's Parish,
Every year, MBS families host "Donut Sunday" from October to April at St. Ann's in Bethany after 10:30 Mass.  We provide donuts and make coffee for parishioners to enjoy in Delaney Hall.  Our children are encouraged to wear their MBS polo shirt so that our Parishioners recognize them and know that they are part of the MBS family. The children help serve and clean up as well. If you are interested in helping out any of these dates, please email me directly. You may earn FIP hours for your time.
Dates are: 3/11 and 4/8.
 
St John Neumann
Parents of 2nd Graders: Our next important date is 3 March beginning 9 AM at MBS. All of the children with a parent/guardian must attend this workshop! We will finish by 12 Noon.

Confirmation 2018- Our next gathering will be Sunday 11 March beginning at 12:30. Please bring your lunch, your Carpe Diem and any assignments or paperwork that are due.
 
Save the date! SJN Lenten Soup, Salad, Pizza Dinner. Friday March 9, 2018
                5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School
Featuring DeNovo's Tomato Basil Soup & Pizza!!!
Admission:
$10.00
$5.00 Children Under 12
Reservations due by 5 March.
For more information, please contact the Parish Office 410-208-2956
 
St. Jude the Apostle
Come join St. Jude's Garden Committee
         At the Philadelphia Flower Show
          On March 7, 2018.
     This year's theme is "Wonders of Water". 
Tickets are $65.00 and includes show ticket and bus fare.
Bus will leave St. Jude's at 10:45 am and leave Philadelphia around 6pm
For reservations, please call Jean Stewart
at 302-644-2890, Monday-Tuesday, 8:30 am- 3:00 pm,
Wednesday-Thursday, 8:30 am -12 Noon.

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi is the March selection of the Parish Book Club of St. Jude The Apostle Church.  A discussion of the book will take
place in the Religious Education Center on Wednesday, March 14 at 2 p.m.  The author was a young neurosurgeon, who at age 36 is diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. As a new father and promising doctor about to embark on a bright future, he has written a memoir that attempts to answer the question What makes a life worth living in the face of death?  All are invited as we look at this question through the author's perspective and in light of the teachings of the Christian faith.
 
Two copies of the book are available to borrow for a one-week loan from the parish library.  Multiple copies are also available in the Delaware library system.
 
The Parish Book Club meets monthly the second Wednesday of every month in the Religious Education Center of St. Jude The Apostle Church at 2 p.m.  from January through November. 
St. Jude The Apostle Church is located at 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes, just north of the intersection of Rte. 1 and Five Points. For further information and a list of the 2018 book titles and discussion dates, contact the Religious Education Office, 302-644-7413.   
   
    
   
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.