From the Desk of the Principal

Dear Bishop Family –



I hope you enjoy Super Bowl Weekend; reminder students have no classes on Monday, February 12, 2024, as BMCHS Faculty/Staff have an In-Service Bonding Day. Please know faculty/staff will not be available for phone calls or e-mails during this time.

Looking forward to seeing students return for classes on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, as they may celebrate Valentine's Day Theme Dress Down sponsored By SGA for $3.00. Please see Handbook, p. 20, for Dress Down approved attire.

On Ash Wednesday, February 14, 2024, the Church solemnly enters into the Season of Lent. Lent is the most sacred time for Catholics to reflect on the passion and death of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, as Catholics, we fast, abstain from meat, pray, and offer alms. We will not offer any food during break time. Students will celebrate Mass at BMCHS in the EDPAC, starting with prayer before Mass at 9:45 AM. Parents are invited to join us. Please follow our procedures and sign in and out at the office. Dress code attire is Mass uniform.

Lastly, if you have not done so already, please purchase your tickets for our Annual Navy and Gold Gala, with the theme of UnGala (see below for the link).

Take care and create peace,

Ms. Jenalisa Zummo

Principal 

Scholarship Applications Available

St. Joan of Arc Knights of Columbus Council #11317

The St. Joan of Arc Knights of Columbus Council #11317 has opened applications for their annual scholarship. Candidates who are parishioners of St. Joan of Arc or practicing Catholics of other parishes in Hernando County and are BMCHS students, including those graduating this year, are eligible.

To receive a packet of information with the application, please stop by the office during school hours. Once you receive the packet you will submit the application and supporting documentation according to the instructions in the packet to the St. Joan of Arc Knights of Columbus. All scholarship awards are determined and awarded by them.

If you have scholarship questions, please contact scholarships@bmchs.com.

From January 22^nd to 26^th, Instructional Coach Dawn David, Social Studies Chair Nicholas Rivera, and Math teacher Caroline Yaeger attended the Future of Educational Technology Conference (FETC) at the Orlando Convention Center. For four days, our teachers attended keynotes, workshops, sessions, and networking opportunities focused on EdTech. Topics covered a huge range of technology and the benefits and implications in our classrooms. While we explored the downside of too much tech, we also explored the importance of integrating the scariest of them all: AI. Students who do not learn how to use AI, and the emerging technologies connected to it are at a disadvantage in college as well as in the working world. I used AI in writing this email, so I’d like to mention that it is actually quite helpful while already working in many facets of our lives.

The teachers also had the opportunity to visit hundreds of EdTech vendors in the Expo Hall. Throughout the Expo Hall, teachers, coaches, administrators and superintendents visited booths showing their wares: learning management systems, security measures, learning tools, and computer software and hardware. All of us returned with many resources to share with our Bishop Family. One vendor, Lenovo, held a drawing on the last day for $30,000 worth of prizes including a classroom VR setup. Mrs. Dawn David, our Instructional Coach was thrilled to win this amazing prize package for our school, and implement its valuable resources in her English and Technical Theatre (Set Design) courses, as well as with all of our other students and teachers. Mrs. David is currently Micro-Credentialing in AI for schools and Virtual Reality in the Classroom.

We will soon receive 30 Lenovo ThinkPad 300w units (Windows). And the brand new Lenovo Desktop gaming units – Lenovo Go (Windows), with the Lenovo Vive Focus Plus VR headset, and a two year license for software.

Mrs. Dawn David, M.A.T.

Instructional Coach

English Teacher- Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School

Technical Director- Eleanor Dempsey Performing Arts Center

English Adjunct Professor- Pasco Hernando State College

There’s still time for your students who are interested in engineering to sign up for our FREE Explore Engineering event on Saturday, Feb. 10. Parent programming will also be offered.

At Explore Engineering, current high school sophomores, juniors and seniors can learn about a career in engineering and what makes a University of Dayton engineering degree unique. They’ll participate in hands-on activities in our labs, meet our faculty and current students and tour our campus and engineering facilities.

In addition, the Women Engineering Program and the Multi-Ethnic Engineers Program are hosting Extra Exploring — a lunch program where your students will learn how UD students engage in these programs. 

This Extra Exploring session is open to all who are interested in learning how they could engage in these programs as UD students. We welcome students of all backgrounds and experiences to be part of our community.

Explore Engineering Schedule

Saturday, Feb. 10

Explore Engineering 

11 a.m. — Optional campus tour

Noon — Lunch on your own

1 to 5 p.m. — Explore Engineering program

Explore Engineering + Extra Exploring Schedule

10:15 a.m. — Optional campus tour

11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. — Extra Exploring lunch program

1 to 5 p.m. — Explore Engineering program

Space is limited for these events, and registration is required. Registration will close on Monday, Feb. 5 or when full. Please encourage your students to register today to secure their spots! You can also download this flyer to share with your students.

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact me at 937-229-3296 or udengineering@udayton.edu.

Sincerely,

Shawnee Breitenstein

Director of Engineering Engagement

University of Dayton

Click here for information regarding class of 2024 Senior Responsibilities and Activities.

Senior families, please make sure that your child has his/her photos done by Studio Artistry ASAP. There are 12 seniors who have not had their senior portrait session.

Studio Artistry must be notified of chosen picture by February 29, 2024. Please keep in mind that families must make an appointment to go to the Studio Artistry office to choose the yearbook photos. If this is not completed by February 29, the student's school ID photo, in Mass uniform, will be in the yearbook. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact kendra.messana@bmchs.com

Where is the year going? 

Winter Sports completed their successful seasons and as you have heard before, the future is very bright. Bishop Spring Sports are in full swing and are beginning their play. The Bishop Spring Sports Media Day was a huge success and we loved seeing all the smiles. The Bishop Student Athletes are asking the #NavyNation for your support by attending their events and by also helping work the events.  

Complete your service hours with Spring Sports Volunteer Opportunities

Athletic Membership                

Sponsorship Opportunities        

Please visit our Athletic Calendar for up to date Athletic Schedules

Thank you for your support of Bishop Athletics!      

PARENT SERVICE HOUR REQUIREMENT

(2023-2024 Student and Family Handbook, page 27)

As part of the Bishop family, parents are required to support the school’s mission and our students through volunteerism. Presence at school activities is one way to show support. School volunteer opportunities are NOT community service hours but are volunteer hours through school-sponsored events. All BMCHS families are required to complete ten (10) hours of volunteer service per family each school year. All hours completed should be submitted through the FACTS Family Portal. Upon successful submission of all hours, parents will receive an email confirmation. Parent service hours not completed for the school year will be fulfilled and billed through the FACTS Incidental Billing Agreement at a rate of $30/hour for the remaining balance due on April 30th.

JOIN US ON MARCH 2, 2024, BY CLICKING ON THE IMAGE BELOW!

Parent Service Hours Opportunity!

Want to donate to the unGALA?

Want to sign up to volunteer for BMCHS Ceremonies?

Click on the image BELOW!

February 12th

Faculty Professional In-Service Day, No School for Students

February 14th

9:45 AM - Ash Wednesday, All School Mass, Mass Uniforms

February 18th

Last Day to Place Order for BMCHS Parents Group Easter Flower Fundraiser

February 19th

Presidents' Day Holiday, School Closed

March 2nd

Navy & Gold UnGala 2:00 - 7:00 PM

Interested in Volunteering?

To ensure the safety of our students, all volunteers must complete the three requirements below.

Each volunteer will need:

1. A Volunteer Application Form: Click here
2. Background/Fingerprinting. Background and Fingerprinting can be scheduled by the volunteer applicant at: https://dosp-scheduler.fingerprintlocations.com/landing (BMCHS does not pay for this.)
3. CMG Safe Environment Training. CMG training is located at https://stpetersburg.cmgconnect.org/. Please email certificate to marketing@bmchs.com.



Link to Safe Environment Frequently Asked Questions: Click here

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School staff member you will be volunteering with.