A Christ-centered community,
provides excellence in education
to meet the needs of the whole child.
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Dear OLMC parents,
Today I would like to take a moment to open up a conversation regarding our current OLMC lunch program and offer a bit of the history surrounding it. We are now at a point where we are seriously discerning the future of our program, and we believe that your feedback is essential to our next development. I recognize that this text is exceptionally lengthier than usual, but I firmly hold that this is an important topic for OLMC families and your input is necessary. Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation!
This is now my 8th year on staff here at OLMC, and years ago when I was a 5th grade teacher I heard a lot of grumbling from the students and parents about the lunches that were served. At that time, OLMC participated in the federal lunch program, and therefore our school had no choice but to follow the guidelines for the limited lunch options that were established by that strict program. The students consistently voiced their dissatisfaction with the food that was served, and so only a small percentage of students were purchasing lunch. In 2017, a representative from the federal lunch program visited our school for a mandatory check of our lunch operations. During that time, she told us directly that if we chose to move forward with the federal program, we would have to complete many additional reports in order to be in compliance with the new rules. That would mean that OLMC would have to hire another staff member just to keep up with these new reports, and the administration realized that we would need to financially support another paycheck. We readily understood that these new mandates would not leave our lunch program financially stable. At the same time, we also knew our students were displeased with the limited choices the program offered, so OLMC decided to part ways with the federal lunch program and outsource with a private company to supply our needs.
OLMC School made the decision back in the summer of 2017 to partner with Aladdin Food Services. Aladdin came to us with a high recommendation from Guerin Catholic; this school maintained a positive working relationship with Aladdin and the students loved the food. OLMC figured that if we could get approximately 40% participation from families, the program would actually pay for itself and we could run a hot lunch service that was financially stable. However, in the last 2 years, the data shows that only about 25% of families are participating regularly in this program. This low participation rate has left the school with a hefty deficit as we have lost over $40,000 each year. Needless to say, our school cannot move forward with such an annual loss.
We have tried many new things to appeal to our families: more options, less options, better quality products, salad bar, a la carte items, cookies and larger portions. These changes have resulted in small increases in participation but have not been enough to sustain this style of lunch service.
If we do not reach a 40% participation rate, the truth is that OLMC will have to adopt a program like many schools use in which the parents will have to order a month in advance for their children to get a school lunch. Practically speaking, that would mean that families would receive a lunch menu a month before the meals are served and will have to pay for those meals weeks in advance. Such a model would preclude parents from the opportunity of making last minute decisions for their children to buy lunch. Any student whose parent did not order a lunch a month earlier would not be able to buy lunch at school on any specific day; a lot of pre-planning on the part of OLMC families would become a necessary part of a family’s daily operations, and our new program would not be as convenient as it is today.
Now that we are at this point of discernment regarding the future of our lunch program, Mr. Fletcher and I would like to invite you to offer your feedback by filling out a simple survey so the OLMC administration can make decisions which accurately reflect your family’s preferences. I thank Katie Rigg and Aimee Fleming, two OLMC moms and PTO members, for helping with this survey. Please take a moment and share with us your thoughts about our lunch program. We certainly appreciate your time!
Blessings on your week,
Sister Maria Benedicta, O.P.
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September
19 I-Learn scores sent home
19-25 40% off at Lands' End - see info below
20 7th Grade Leadership Day
20 Jr High Social 3pm Gym
24-26 Book Fair
26 Open House
27 2 Hour Late Start 9:45am
30 - Oct 4 Disability Awareness Week
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We Want Your Feedback!
In order to better improve our school lunch program we would appreciate if you could please take the time to answer the following questions. If you have not read the Letter from the Principal above, it will provide more information about this.
Your participation in this survey will greatly benefit the school lunch program. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
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I-Learn Results - Grades 4-8
Your child’s ILEARN reports will be coming home Thursday with your child.
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Get Ready for Open House Grades K-5:
September 26 from 6-7pm.
The annual school Open House is for grades K-5.
The classrooms are open for parents/family to visit with their children.
This is an opportunity for yo
ur child to take you on an informal tour of their classroom. Teachers will not be in the rooms.
- The book fair will be open for shopping
- SCRIP will be for sale
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Trash Bag Sale - Support OLMC Sports!
Sep 11- Sep 25
Feel free to stock up for the year. Paper order forms are going home Thursday with your youngest child.
Click here to print one.
All checks/orders should be put in an envelope marked trash bags (checks payable to OLMC Sports) and dropped off at the school office.
Orders will be delivered to school. Due to the heavy nature of the bags, they are not sent home with children. Watch here for an announcement on what day to pick up your order after carpool!
On behalf of OLMC Sports, we'd like to thank you in advance for your support .
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The Book Fair is next week!
We are pleased to announce that the Book Fair begins next week! We have a new Book Fair vendor this fall, Blue Ribbon Book Fairs.
- Classes will visit at a scheduled time (Tuesday, September 24-Thursday, September 26)
- Students may bring in cash or checks (made out to OLMC PTO) or make a wish list during their visit time.
- Credit cards will be accepted for parents who wish to use this option when visiting the fair themselves.
- The fair will be open on Thursday night during the Open House. All
are welcome to stop by anytime that the fair is open.
Please consider volunteering your time to help next week if you can, especially parents of Kindergarten and 1st graders willing to come when your child visits the fair. It is not required to sign up, just come when you want and siblings are welcome.
A note about purchasing books with a check: If you send in a check with your child, please know that cash change will be provided to your child. For example, if your spending limit is $10, you may write a check for $10 to the OLMC PTO and then if your child spends only $7, they will be given $3 back in change.
The class visit schedule and volunteer sign up are posted here:
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Uniform Reminder:
As of October 1, students may no longer wear shorts (boys) or skorts/plaid split skirts (girls).
Girls from October 1-April 30:
K-3: Plaid jumper or Lands’ End navy blue dress slacks.
4 – 8: Plaid skirt or Lands’ End navy blue dress slacks.
All skirts & jumpers will be worn at or below the knee.
Girls may wear white, navy blue or black leggings under the skirt/jumper for warmth.
Boys from October 1-April 30:
K-8:
Lands’ End Navy blue dress slacks.
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If you are in need of used uniforms, please email Haley Church at
sunlily55@yahoo.com
or text at 317.514.4569. Orders will be filled by the 15th of each month.
Please continue to turn in old uniforms to the bin marked Used Uniforms in the school Atrium.
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SCRIP sales every Thursday at The Rock (weather permitting)
In the event of rain, we will move inside to the atrium.
SCRIP will be for sale Thursday, Sep 26 from 6-7pm during the Open House.
We encourage everyone to take advantage of
MyScripWallet
this year.
MyScripWallet
allows you to purchase Scrip online 24/7, and have the Scrip you purchase available to use via your cell phones. It significantly improves the convenience of utilizing Scrip.
Please give it a try. If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Lesher,
stephrufe@yahoo.com
.
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2019 Mothers' Mass & Brunch
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Monday, October 7
8:00 am Mass
9:00 am Brunch and Shopping at the Ritz Charles - Enter through the front doors.
RSVP by 9/30/19
The invitations were sent out electronically from Greenvelope. You may need to check your spam/trash folder. You will register online and pay with a credit card.
This event starts with a special 8am Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel and is followed by shopping, fellowship, and brunch at the Ritz Charles. Our very own, Maria Bedford, inspiring OLMC Mom, will be speaking.
- The cost is $28 per person (financial assistance available please contact Jayne Slaton at slatonj@olmc1.org)
- Limited babysitting available.
- 8th Grade Moms: the electronic invitation gives you the option of requesting to sit at an 8th Grade Moms Table.
- Newcomers: We will have a newcomer’s table and you can register for that on the invitation.
- Guests should bring cash for the raffle tickets. We will have a lot of great raffle prizes!
Any additional questions regarding the event can be directed to Dawn Hein (
dawn.hein@gmail.com).
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Trinity Free Clinic Run For Wellness
It’s time to get warmed up for the annual Trinity Free Clinic Run for Wellness!
This year’s race takes place on Saturday, October 12 at 9 a.m. Participants can choose from 5K, 10K, or 15K, distances, and we want YOU to run with us this year!
This family-friendly event includes age-group prizes, disposable chip timing, TECH shirt, custom finisher medal, generous post-race refreshments, a pre-race stretch, and indoor waiting. Family activities such as jugglers, face painting, balloon twisting, and crafts make this an event the whole family will enjoy! Best of all, proceeds from the race help Trinity Free Clinic provide free medical, dental, and vision care for families in need right here on the OLMC Campus.
P.E. Extra Credit!
Any students in Mrs. Gardner’s class who bring their race bib in can also receive extra credit for P.E.
Service Hours! There are numerous opportunities for service hours related with the race for middle school and high school students. Many volunteer positions allow participants to receive free race registration as well. All volunteers receive a free tech shirt and refreshments during your shift. This is a great way to earn service hours while having FUN!
To register, volunteer, or sponsor this year’s race, visit
www.TrinityRun.org
. Early registration discount ends 9/13/19 – REGISTER TODAY!
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Student Artwork on Display in Carmel
The World's Smallest Childrens Art Gallery (WSCAG) is located right here in downtown Carmel.
Each year they showcase artwork from different schools in Carmel and OLMC is one of them! Mrs. Hinshaw prepares a display that includes artwork of each student in the school that have art class (grades 1-8).
If you missed the open house on Sep 8, the artwork is still on display during the month of September. The address is 40 W Main St Carmel, IN 46032 and they are open every Friday & Saturday 5-7pm, and Sunday 2-4pm during the month of September.
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Check the picture above to see if anything belongs to your family.
- Uniform sweatshirts - several sizes (old logo)
- pants, shorts, IU t-shirt, sleeping bag cover, cute headbands, water bottles....
Items are kept for several weeks and then donated to the Used Uniform Committee or the Merciful H.E.L.P. Center.
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Junior First LEGO League: Grades 1-3
Do you have a first through third grader interested in STEM, robotics, LEGOs, or bettering the world around them?
Junior First LEGO League might be perfect for your child.
We will have a parent organizational meeting September 17th in the football scoring booth from 6:45-7:15pm.
Click here for more information:
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OLMC PARISH TAILGATE
Friday, October 4
Guerin Catholic vs. Notre Dame Prep (MI)
5:30 pm Tailgate, 7 pm Kickoff
OLMC families are invited to join us for a tailgate prior to Guerin Catholic vs. Notre Dame Prep football game on Friday, October 4. All students in grades K-8 will receive free admission to the game! Dinner will be available from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and advanced registration
is required
at
GuerinCatholic.org
by
8 am on Wednesday, October 2
.
CYO football players and cheerleaders are encouraged to wear their uniforms and will be introduced at halftime! Go Golden Eagles!
Visit
GuerinCatholic.org
for more info.
"In the Footsteps of Mother Guerin" Adult Retreat
Friday, October 4
St. Mary-of-the-Woods College
Cost: $60, includes breakfast, lunch and transportation
6:45 am departure from Guerin Catholic, 4:30 pm return
See attached flyer for more details-All are welcome!
ADMISSIONS NEWS
8TH GRADERS - APPLY NOW! Now accepting applications for 2020-21.
Golden Eagle for a Day
Spend the day experiencing high school life at Guerin Catholic through our Golden Eagle for a Day shadow program. Select dates available from September – January. Register at
GuerinCatholic.org
.
FALL 2019 High School Placement Test Dates
Saturday, October 5, 8:30 am - Noon
Saturday, November 2, 8:30 am - Noon
Saturday, December 7, 8:30 am - Noon
SAVE THE DATE!
Open House
All grades and families welcome!
Sunday, October 27
1-3:30 pm
ATHLETICS
THIS WEEK!
BOYS TENNIS
Pack the House/Youth Night: Thursday, September 19
Guerin Catholic vs. Cathedral HS
4 pm Guest Warm-Up with the Team
5 pm Match
NEXT WEEK:
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Senior Night: Tuesday, September 24, 7 pm
Guerin Catholic vs. Covenant Christian
Seniors, including OLMC alumni Lizzy DiBlasio (player) and Emerson Pulone (Manager), will be honored before the start of the game!
BOYS SOCCER
Pack the House Night/Senior Night: Tuesday, October 1,
5:30 pm
Guerin Catholic vs. Lafayette Central Catholic
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September 21 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Carmel St. Vincent Hospital - Back parking lot
13500 N. Meridian St.
Carmel, IN 46032
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