BMHS Parent Newsletter Oct 2013

From the PrinciPal: Ms. Rosemary Distaso-Libbon, Principal

WHERE GREAT THINGS HAPPEN

BishoP montgomery high school

octoBer 2013Parent newsletter

5430 Torrance Boulevard Torrance, California 90503(310) 540 - 2021 www.bmhs-la.org

Dear Parents,

I want to begin this newsletter with congratulations and thanks to Mr. Ron Jenkins, Mr. Doug Mitchell, and Ms. Bernadette St. James. All three are celebrating twenty-five years of service to Bishop Montgomery High School. I hope that if you have occasion to speak with them you offer your congratulations.

I want to thank all of you who attended the Freshman Parent Meeting, Back-to-School Night, and the Freshman Family Barbeque. I was so happy to meet many of you for the first time and to see so many of you I already know! I know that it takes time and effort to attend these events and I want you to know how grateful we are for your presence!

As you know, technology has become an increasingly important part of daily school life. Last year we formed a technology committee of teachers led by Mr. John Hong. The committee has been exploring the next step forward with regard to technology and education. At Bishop Montgomery the goal of incorporating technology into our classrooms is not to be fashionable, but to make learning more meaningful for the students, that is, to enhance our curriculum. This requires that we find different ways to deliver instruction to meet the needs of our 21st century learners. Shannon Tabaldo, Senior Instructional Designer at Loyola Marymount University, and one of our parents, has been invaluable as a resource and as a member of our technology committee. We have made great progress! In this newsletter and each newsletter that follows, look for the page from Mr. Hong and his committee citing our progress. There are many things that have been accomplished to date which I reviewed at Back-to-School Night which Mr. Hong will include in this issue of the newsletter. We are committed to creating the program best suited to Bishop Montgomery, one that serves our students and teachers but does not put unnecessary financial burden on our families.

As you probably know, this is our accreditation year. The committee representing the Western Catholic Education Association and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges will be here for three days in February to review our self-study and to observe our school. The report is almost complete and I want to thank Mrs. Laura Fabbri, our WCEA/WASC Chair, for her leadership as well as the members of the faculty, staff, parents, and students who worked so hard on this report. Mrs. Fabbri will post the final version of the report on our website for you to read.

October is always a very busy and exciting month. I encourage you to carefully review the school calendar but here are a few dates that deserve particular attention:

· Faculty Faith Formation Day: Since our faculty is scheduled to attend a mandatory in-service day on Monday, October 21st at St. Joseph High School, our students will have a holiday.

· Fall Fundraiser: As you know this is our one mandatory fundraiser for the year. Proceeds from this fundraiser are applied directly to the school’s operating budget for the current year and help us to meet increasing operational costs. Since the charged tuition is approximately $2000 less per student than the charged tuition, additional fundraising is essential. Tuition money pays for faculty and staff salaries and benefits. I want to thank you for all of you for your generous support.


From the PrinciPal:Ms. Rosemary Distaso-Libbon, Principal

· PSAT Test Day: Wednesday, October 16th is PSAT Test Day. Freshman, Sophomores, and Juniors will take the PSAT on this mandatory test day. They will be dismissed at 11:15 a.m. Seniors do not sit for this exam and so have a holiday.

· Homecoming Week begins on October 7th with Unity Mass at 8:00 a.m. and the exciting Spirit Games are scheduled on October 8th and 9th. Homecoming Day, October 11th, will begin with the Black and Gold Breakfast at 8:00 a.m. At 12:45 we will attend the Homecoming Rally followed by the Barbeque at 4:00 p.m. and the game at 6:00 p.m. The Homecoming Dance will be held at the Torrance Marriott on Saturday, October 12th. Homecoming Week is always exciting and certainly the many events would not be possible without the student government led by Matt Kurata, ASB President, and Gabriella Podegracz, ASB Vice-President and directed by Mrs. Milana McDermott, Dean of Student Life. They deserve many thanks for all of their hard work!

I want to say a special thank you to Mr. Steve Miller, Assistant Principal, Athletics, whose duties include plant management, for all of his hard work repairing and improving the plant this summer. Mr. Miller is such an effective plant manager and our Maintenance Crew is exceptional. I can never say thank you enough for all that they do so quietly and gracefully behind the scenes to maintain and improve our environment.

Finally, I want to close with a quotation from St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians. In this letter, St Paul says, “For we are God’s handiwork, God’s work of art, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance that we should live in him.” Let us pray together for your children, our students, for they are God’s handiwork, God’s work of art, created in His image and likeness, each with a mission particular to their gifts and talents. My daily prayer is that they each come to know themselves, their strengths, their weaknesses, that they each come to know themselves as a great work of God, that they each come to know the great work that they are meant to do in the world, that they each come to know that together as a community, we can do even greater things. It is the community that nourishes us, makes us strong. I pray for your children, our students, and for each of you—God’s handiwork, God’s great work of art.

Rosemary LibbonPrincipal

guidance & curriculum: Ms. Yvette Vigón-Morffi - Vice Principal - ext. 231 Mrs. Casey Dunn - Guidance/Studies Coordinator - ext. 226


As the school year begins, we would like to welcome our returning and new students to Bishop Montgomery High School. We hope you had a relaxing summer and are ready for the challenges of the 2013-2014 school year. On behalf of our guidance staff, we look forward to working with your children throughout the year.

Standardized TestingRegistration is open for the Fall SAT and ACT. If your student would like to take these standardized test(s) and has not registered yet, please do so as soon as possible. We encourage you to register online, for the SAT at www.collegeboard.com, and for the ACT at www.act.org. Please note that registration for the November SAT and the November ACT is just around the corner.

For students planning to take an SAT II language test with listening, they must do so in November. We encourage students to register early and check with the admissions offices of the schools they plan to apply to to inquire if testing must be completed before December.

Wednesday, October 16th, is the PSAT test day. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors will take the PSAT, and seniors will have the day off. Students will need to be in their assigned classroom at 8:00am and should be dismissed no later than 11:15am. The results of the exam will be distributed in January.

News for Seniors and Their ParentsOn Friday, September 6th the guidance counselors spent a class period with each senior English class. A one-page timeline was distributed and discussed. There is a copy of the timeline in each student’s agenda book as well as on the website under the Guidance Tab and Senior Information Section. Test dates, registration deadlines, application deadlines, and other important information are included. Also handed out in class were the Parent/Student/Counselor Contract, CSU and UC step by step guidelines to the college application process as well as the Common Application step by step guidelines. Please be sure to ask your student’s for the information or go onto the website to find it. In order to be sure that your son/daughter is on track, in the College Application process, please remind him/her that the following forms were due on Sept 27th: 1. Student/Parent/Counselor Contract to Counselor’s drop box 2. Registration on Common App (if applying to these schools) 3. FERPA Form (for Common App Schools), 4. Resume 5. Data Sheet must be completed in Naviance.

Remember to utilize Family Connection from Naviance. Family Connection is a web based application that enables our counseling office to offer a comprehensive website that you and your student can use to help in making decisions about colleges and careers. Family Connection is linked with Naviance, which we use in our office to track and analyze data about college and career plans, so it provides up-to-date information that is specific to Bishop Montgomery.Family Connection will allow your student to:

· Keep track of the process-Build a resume, complete online surveys, and manage timelines and deadlines for making decisions about colleges and careers

· Research colleges-Compare GPA, SAT scores, and other statistics to actual historical data from our school for students who have applied and been admitted in the past.

· College visits- Find out which colleges are visiting our school and when they will be here.· Scholarships- All of the scholarships that we receive in the guidance office will be posted on Family Connection.

Please contact your student’s counselor if you have any questions regarding Family Connection.If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me at [email protected].

Sincerely,Casey DunnGuidance/Studies Coordinator


disciPline: Ms. Betty Behen - Dean of Women - ext. 234 Mr. Lee Flores - Dean of Men - ext. 232

Medical Appointments/Attendance: pgs. 11-12 Parent-Student HandbookAs a reminder, students who miss school due to a medical absence MUST bring verification from the doctor/dentist when returning to school to ensure that the absence will be regarded as “excused.” Also, please remember to call in the morning of your student’s absence or it will be officially noted as unexcused.

Uniform: pg. 30 Parent-Student HandbookWe are doing all that we can to insure that ill-fitting clothes (pants too baggy or too long, shorts too short, etc.) not be sold to students. Students will be held accountable for any ill-fitting uniform items. Be advised that parents, as primary educators and caretakers for their children, have the final responsibility. The deans are not accepting “but-that’s-the-way-the-uniform-company-sold-it-to-us” type of excuse as a way of justifying ill-fitting clothing. As a reminder, solid white or black socks are required and must extend at least 2 inches above the shoe, shirts must be tucked in at all times, pants must be worn at the waist with a black belt, and hair style/color should comply with the BMHS policy. Students will be held in the Deans’ office if a dress code infraction cannot be corrected. Their absence from class will be recorded as unexcused with no make up permitted. BMHS jackets and sweatshirts are the only acceptable outerwear during the school day. Hooded sweatshirts or jackets will not be permitted during the regular school day.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Sites: Due to the high volume of traffic on Torrance Blvd. after 7:30AM, it will take parents longer to drop-off their students at the drop-off point. To avoid the congestion associated with the traffic on Torrance Blvd., please make an effort to drop-off your students early. Please note that students are allowed to come onto the campus as early as 7AM. Also, please make sure that your students have all their belongings ready to exit your vehicle the moment that you arrive at the drop-off point so that the flow of traffic is not delayed by students having to get their belongings from the trunk of the car. Finally, parents are advised NOT to use the professional buildings east of the school, the parking lot across the street, or Burger King as pick-up or drop-off sites before and after school. This, of course, would also include carpools. The doctors in the professional buildings have told us that it is a severe inconvenience when their lots are used for such purposes. Also, the white condominiums located on the west near the front of the school are not to be used for pick-up or drop-off sites. Please keep the driveway clear as you wait to enter the campus. Failure to abide by this request will result in disciplinary consequences for your students. Your cooperation in this matter will be appreciated. Please read the Student Drop-Off and Pick-up Procedures at the end of the Dean’s section of this newsletter.

Student ParkingIn an attempt to be courteous to our neighbors, we request that our students who park off-campus do not park on the side streets off Henrietta Blvd. Students, if they choose to, may park on Henrietta Blvd.

Loitering: We are asking parents to please discourage your children from loitering at Burger King or McDonalds before school and/or after school.

Cell Phones on Campus:Please be aware that although students are allowed to bring their cell phones onto the campus, the students are not allowed to have their cell phones in their backpacks or on their person during school hours. All students must turn off their cell phones and leave them in their lockers during school hours, which include break and lunch. Students found to be in possession of a cell phone during school hours, whether the phone is turned on or not, will have their phone confiscated and will receive a referral. Furthermore, cell phone use in any of the building is prohibited regardless of the time of day. Confiscated phones may only be picked up by a parent/guardian.

Student Identification CardsStudents are required to have their school identification card with them at all times when they are on campus or at any school related event or activity. A student’s failure to have their school identification card may result in a disciplinary violation. Students who do not have their school I.D. will not be allowed to participate in school dances.

For Students Riding a Bicycle to SchoolBicycle racks are provided on the east-side of campus in-between the Chapel and the First Building. Please make sure your students secure their bikes to the racks using a reliable bike lock and/or cable. Please have your student follow all guidelines concerning bicycle safety including using a “fastened” helmet. The “Helmet Law” is stated below for your perusal.

Section 21212(A) of the California Vehicle Code States: A person under 18 years of age shall not operate a bicycle, a non-motorized scooter, or a skateboard, nor shall they wear in-line or roller skates, nor ride upon a bicycle, a non-motorized scooter, or a skateboard as a passenger, upon a street, bikeway, as defined in Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, or any other public bicycle path or trail unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Con-sumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or standards subsequently established by those entities. This requirement also applies to a person who rides upon a bicycle while in a restraining seat that is attached to the bicycle or in a trailer towed by the bicycle.

*****STUDENT DROP-OFF & PICK-UP PROCEDURES*****

Drop-off Procedures Parents driving west on Torrance Blvd.

1. Parents driving west on Torrance Blvd., who are making a left turn, must turn into the campus. They may not make a left turn into the East Parking Lot.

2. Parents must drive onto the campus and continue driving until they have arrived to the designated drop-off point located in the East Parking Lot.

3. Drop-offs are prohibited in front of the school. Parents must drop-off students in the designated passenger drop-off points located in the East Parking lot adjacent to the school. Parents who are conducting official business with the Main Office must park their vehicles in the East Parking Lot and walk to the Main Office. Parents will enter the East Parking Lot through the northeast entrance by the marquee.

4. The Security staff will be available to control traffic

Parents driving east on Torrance Blvd.1. Parents driving east on Torrance Blvd. may not enter the campus. All parents

driving east on Torrance Blvd. must proceed to enter the East Parking Lot in order to drop-off their students in the designated drop-off points. Students may not be dropped-off on Torrance Blvd.

Please note that u-turns are not permitted. The only legal place to make a u-turn when heading west is on Torrance Blvd. and Prospect.

Exiting the East Parking Lot1. All drivers exiting the East Parking Lot must make a right turn only. Cars may not

proceed onto the street until they have stopped at the stop sign.2. Drivers may not merge to make a left on Henrietta, as attempting to do so is unsafe and will cause a delay for the other parents who are attempting to exit.

Around the NeighborhoodWe encourage all parents to drop-off their students on-campus. To avoid the last minute rush, we encourage you to arrive before 7:30AM. The traffic flow on Torrance Blvd. is heavier after this time and may affect how quickly you are able to exit the campus. If you decide to drop-off your students anywhere else, please refrain from dropping off your students at our neighboring businesses or residential driveways as this creates an inconvenience for our neighbors. Also, please make sure to drop-off


disciPline: Ms. Betty Behen - Dean of Women - ext. 234Mr. Lee Flores - Dean of Men - ext. 232

your students in areas that are safe. We have received many reports that students are being dropped-off by their parents/carpool drivers illegally by the red curb zones or in the middle of the street on Palos Verdes Blvd and on Henrietta. In the interest of the safety of all pedestrians and drivers, we encourage that students be dropped-off on campus where their safety can be ensured.

Students Parking Off-Campus

If your student parks on Henrietta, please remind him/her to be courteous and respectful to our neighbors. We request that your student not drive into the residential areas playing loud music or leave trash on the street. Our neighbors will welcome your student’s courtesy.

Also, the City of Torrance has also asked that our students not park on the side streets near Henrietta. The residents are unable to park in front of their homes when our students park on the residential streets.

Lastly, in the interest of our students’ safety, we also would like for you to remind your students to obey all traffic and pedestrian laws. Many students are crossing the street when the signal light is blinking red or are not using the appropriate crosswalks. We have received phone calls from parents, faculty, and residents concerned over our students’ safety.


disciPline: Ms. Betty Behen - Dean of Women - ext. 234Mr. Lee Flores - Dean of Men - ext. 232

GRADUATION 2014Graduation for the Class of 2014 will be held on Friday, May 30 in Knight Stadium. Admission to the ceremony will be by ticket only, and each graduating senior will receive seven tickets. These tickets will be distributed at graduation practice in May. Questions? Please email Dione Dierks at [email protected].


activities: Mrs. Milana McDermott - Dean of Student Life - ext. 273

Hello from the Activities Office!

I hope the school year has started out well for you and your student. I have outlined a couple of important business reminders, as well as some information on some upcoming events and activities.

STUDENT IDs: Every effort was made to ensure that all students took an official school photo, and were issued a student ID for 2013-2014. However, it is the responsibility of the student to make sure they have a current student ID, as they are required to have it with them at all times while at school, and at all BMHS events throughout the year.

If a student should lose their ID, it is their responsibility to order a replacement through the Activities Office immediately. The replacement fee is $20. Please remind your student to “guard their card”. Students who do not have their ID with them upon request will risk being given a violation.

PARKING PERMITS: Parking permits have been distributed to students who purchased an on-campus parking space for the school year. Permits should be displayed clearly in the car windows during the school day, as outlined in the parking regulations. Cars without permits displayed and cars whose license plate numbers are not registered with the Activities Office will be ticketed. Please remind your student to abide by the rules they received with the parking application, as tickets are as follows: 1st violation = $10; 2nd violation = $25; 3rd violation = $50. Parking policies will be enforced throughout the year in an effort to provide safety and security for students, faculty and staff.

ACTIVITIESASB and Class Officers have been busy planning and coordinating all of Bishop Montgomery’s activities for this year. The month of September was very busy!

ALOHA WEEK:Aloha Week is a fun way to welcome everyone back to the new school year. Aloha Week welcomes students, faculty and staff with a variety of new and traditional events: performances by our BMHS Band and Spirit Squads, information on current clubs, the Big/Lil Sis Lunch and the week culminated with the Welcome Frosh Dance/Big Kahuna Hula, the first dance of the year.

CLUBS FOR 2013-2014: Club Awareness Day was held on September 10th during lunch. This was an opportunity for students to find out more about the various clubs they might be interested in joining this school year. Students were invited to attend club meetings during Club Open House, which goes from September 11th through September 30th, so they could decide which clubs they wanted to be part of this year. Club Sign-ups were held during club meetings the first week of October. Lists of BMHS clubs and their meeting dates and times are posted in the 3rd building and are available in the Activities Office. This is a great way to be involved!

BIG LIL’ SIS LUNCH: All senior and freshman girls are paired and the seniors welcome their little sisters to Bishop Montgomery with goodies and a special picnic lunch on September 12th on the upper field. This is always a great way for the freshman girls to meet the seniors and learn more about BMHS!

CLASS OPEN MEETINGS: Class officers will hold open meetings to invite ideas and participation from their classmates in upcoming activities, such as Homecoming Week class competitions and class masses. Encourage your student to get involved and help make their class activities successful! Meeting dates will be announced by class officers in morning announcements.

FRESHMAN OFFICER ELECTIONS: Our new class officers will be elected on September 24th. They will be in office just in time to get the class of 2017 enthused for Spirit Week and Homecoming in October!


activities: Mrs. Milana McDermott - Dean of Student Life - ext. 273

Students can look forward to the following activities in October and should listen to announcement for more details.

HOMECOMING WEEK: Homecoming Week will kick off on October 7th and it will be filled with lots of spirited activities for the Bishop community! Activities will include the Unity Mass, class competitions, Spirit Games, Pep Rally, Homecoming Football Game, Coronation, and will culminate with the dance on Saturday, October 12th. Thanks to all of our ASB and Spirit Squad members for all their planning and preparation to make this an enjoyable week for everyone.

KNIGHTS OF HONOR: This program recognizes some of our outstanding students. Students will be chosen throughout the year and presented to the Bishop community so they may be recognized among their peers. A description of each program is outlined below.

Knights of HonorFaculty members are invited to nominate individuals who demonstrate the ideal of a Bishop Montgomery student. The Knight of Honor is recognized by both students and faculty alike as a person of character who exhibits a generous spirit. They are dedicated to their education, committed to and involved in student life and put faith into action and witnesses to the message of Jesus Christ.

We look forward to recognizing the efforts of our students through these programs and are excited to share them with you each grading period.

Have a great month!


athletics: Mr. Steve Miller - Athletic Director - ext. Mr. Ed Hodgkiss - Assistant Athletic Director - ext. 260 Mr. Arnold Ale - Assistant Athletic Director - ext.

Fall sports are in full swing. Join us here at Bishop Montgomery to cheer on your 2013 Knights. The full athletic calendar can be found in the back of this newsletter.

Football has won its first two games, 48-6 and 25 – 0. They are looking forward to beginning league play on September 27th at home vs Mary Star.

Women’s Volleyball, Tennis, Golf and Coed Cross Country have been training hard and about to start their seasons.

On Friday, September 6, Bishop Montgomery inducted six new members into the Athletic Hall of Fame at a ceremony on campus. The six new members, the third class to be inducted, are Dr. Rodney Stetson (posthumously), Forrest Hunt ‘61, Irl Davis ‘66, Mike Gonzales ‘82, Carmelita Jeter ‘98, and Noelle Quinn ‘03.

Prior to the Knights’ football game against Contreras High School, BMHS hosted a reception in the gymnasium for the public to meet the new inductees. During the reception, the inductees were introduced to those in attendance and they spoke to the audience. At halftime of the football game, the inductees were presented to the crowd during the second part of the ceremony.

The Athletic Booster Club is always looking for new members. You can read more information on the Athletic Booster Club on our website, www.bmhs-la.org.

Homecoming 2013 – October 11, 2013

Alumni, Students, Parents, Faculty and Friends – Join us for some Food, Fun and Football!!!

Go Knights!


develoPment: Mr. Andy Marafino - Director of Development and Alumni - ext. 246 Mrs. Amy Traxler - Assistant to the Director of Development and Public Relations - ext. 249 Mrs. Dione Dierks - Assistant to the Director of Development and Public Relations - ext. 249

KNIGHT PRIDE - ANNUAL APPEALBy now, most of you have received our “Knight Pride” Annual Appeal letter. It was sent home in July along with a remit envelope. All gifts to Bishop Montgomery’s Annual Appeal Fund go directly to helping our students and enhance the education we provide – it does not go to the operational costs of the school, which is covered by tuition and the fall fundraiser. If you have not done so already, we ask that you continue your commitment to Catholic education and to Bishop Montgomery with a pledge to Knight Pride. Your financial gift can be directed to the Queen of Angels Tuition Assistance Fund, the Field of Dreams Fund, or any other area of your choice. You can give monthly or make a one-time gift. The amount is not important, the support of our students is. It is our goal to have 100% participation from you, our parents. Take a minute. Make your gift to Knight Pride for 2013-2014. With your support, Bishop Montgomery will continue to be a place “Where Great Things Happen.” If you have any questions, call Andy Marafino, Director of Development at 310.540.2021 ext. 246.

OFFICIAL BISHOP MONTGOMERY APPARELAre you looking for some cool Bishop Montgomery fall weather gear for you or your kids? The official Bishop Montgomery online store has many great items and styles available for adults and kids. Just go to www.bmhs-la.org and click on the link in the bottom right-hand corner of any page to purchase t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, shorts, sweatpants and more. 20% of every purchase comes back to BMHS.

ALUMNI PARENTSIf you are an alumnus of BMHS and you did not receive the new BMHS publication, Veritas, please contact the Development Office so we can add you to our database. You can call 540-2021 ext. 246 or e-mail: [email protected].


PerForming arts: Mr. Eric Hankey - Music Director

This Is Marching Band Season! On August 12th, forty of our best BMHS students returned from summer vacation early to be at Band Camp, and their hard work and early morning practices are paying off. During September, the Knight Band and Colorguard were seen at our three home football games, two school pep rallies, and the West High School Band Competition. We’ve really jumped right back in with both feet - thanks for everybody’s kind words and support, and we look forward to playing for you at our next gig!

“Like” Our Facebook Page! Yes, it’s true – now you can go to the official BMHS Music Department Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bishop-Montgomery-High-School-Music-Department/250295355054244 All of our pictures and videos from all of our groups, as well as up-to-the-minute information about events and activities – “Like” us!

More Upcoming Events10/19 - Band & Guard Competition at Baldwin Park HS12/1 – Hollywood Christmas Parade with newly formed LA Catholic Schools Band12/6 – Winter Concert12/8 – El Segundo Christmas Parade

“Knight Music” Booster Club The Band Booster Club has now been renamed the “Knight Music” Booster Club, in order to better reflect the wide variety of student ensembles it represents, which include Band, Jazz Band, Drumline, Vocal Jazz, and Music Production. Their meetings are usually on the same Monday nights as Athletic Booster Club and Mother’s Club, at 6:00 pm in the Conservatory (convent) – additional meetings are scheduled as needed. Please join them to help keep the many projects they organize rolling.

Things We NeedAs always, we are grateful for any musical equipment and cash donations – they are also always graciously

accepted, and are eligible for tax deductions. At this point, we are also outfitting more of the Conservatory’s (convent’s) rooms with recording equipment, and donations of amplifiers, headphones, and cables would be very useful. Thanks!

We’re always practicing, planning, and organizing, including school concerts, local performances, competitions, parades, tours, and lots of other important things – come on up any day before or after school, 6:45am or 2:15-3:00pm (although we’re often there earlier and later.) To get in touch with Mr. Hankey, please call the school, or email at [email protected].

We give thanks to God for a very good start of the year. We were fortunate to have Bishop Solis celebrate our first mass which was very spirited and reflected the theme we share this year: “YOU are God’s work of ART, what is your Magnus Opus” A special thank you to Annabelle Bertucci who sang a beautiful meditation song reminding us that we are all a beautiful “Reflection” of God. Our first junior Emmaus retreat went very well. It was led by seniors: Justin Bibbins, Jolene Blee, Justin Cariaga, Marc Gehrig, Sarah Glasco, Stephanie Jaquez, & Celeste Porche. All freshmen retreats are within the month of October. Our first senior Kairos retreat is November 6-8. It will be held at Paradise Valley Ranch in Hemet. Thank you in advance for your prayerful support. A reminder to all that Fr. Richard Sunwoo is our chaplain this year. He is on campus once a week, every Wednesday. He is available for confessions, class masses or any way he can minister to our Bishop community. Feel free to email Fr. Richard or me if you have prayer intentions you would like shared with the community at large. Fr. Richard’s extension is 236 mine is 243; Fr. Richard’s email is [email protected] mine is [email protected]. Each day begins with prayer in our chapel at 8:45 all are most welcome to join us. Mass is every Wednesday at 7:30AM. Hope to see you there!


camPus ministry: Dorothy Morski - Campus Minister - ext. 243 Fr. Richard Sunwoo - Chaplain - ext. 236


technology: John Hong - Technology Committee Chair

Below: Mrs. McDorman and her Honors American Literature class use the new Chromebooks to work on their Declaration of Independence project.

The term “digital native” refers to our students’ generation. It is a generation that has grown up with the internet at their fingertips, that communicates through social media, and that constantly utilizes wireless technologies. Technology continues to play an increasingly important role in the lives of our students and how they learn. In order to better teach and assist our students, Bishop has formed a Technology Committee comprised of faculty members and administrators. Also a part of our Technology Committee is Senior Instructional Designer at Loyola Marymount University and Bishop parent, Shannon Tabaldo. Shannon has been an immense resource and brings her knowledge and expertise to our committee. Our goals are to utilize technology to increase student learning and to make the classroom an interactive learning center.

The following are some areas that the Technology Committee has been working on:● A draft of the Technology Action Plan has been created to outline the school’s objectives and timeline

for our technology program. After the plan has been revised, it will be posted on our school’s website.● Tony Echevarria has created a google account and school email address for all students and faculty.

Students can utilize this account to save files, work on assignments, and compose school emails. Every-thing is saved via the “cloud” and can be accessed anywhere there is an internet connection.

● On September 30, our faculty and staff will have a google apps training session conducted by Shannon Tabaldo.

● Bishop has purchased 2 sets of chromebook carts. Chromebooks are laptop computers that support ap-plications that reside on the web.

● A select group of teachers are piloting a chromebook program. These teachers will integrate the chromebook computers into their curriculum and will acquire feedback from the students.

● The school’s internet connection has been upgraded to a fiber line. The internet speed has been in-creased and additional access points will be installed to accommodate the devices.

● We are in the process applying for E-rate and the California Teleconnect Fund. Both of these programs will assist with the technology utilities at Bishop. Andy Marafino and Shannon Williams are also exploring grant writing and private funding to help with our technology program.

● Ms. Mary Gilker has been sending our faculty an “App of the Week” video which informs and trains them in innovative technology applications that they can use in the classroom.

There are many new and exciting changes coming to Bishop in terms of technology!

Bishop Montgomery Parents, Our theme for this year at school is “Discover Your Magnum Opus.” Every day, we seek to discover the great work that is in each of us. Our hope is that the students, faculty, staff, and administration continue to learn that their work here is to search for that great work, that mission that they are each called to do, and that they strive to be the very best people that they can be each and every day. Each student will be receiving a free “Magnum Opus Spirit T-Shirt” and they are encouraged to wear it on all spirit days, to all athletic events, and any other school functions to show their school pride and promote unity within the school.We encourage you, our parents, to purchase a t-shirt for yourselves.

Cost: $15.00 (Cash or checks made out to “BMHS”) Where: BMHS Bookstore

Sizes and quantities are limited

Will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Magnum Opus

BACKFRONT

Gardening PSI Club

Need PSI Hours?

Saturday Mornings starting at 8:30am

October 5thNovember 2nd

NO December GardeningJanuary 11thFebruary 1stMarch 1stApril 5thMay 3rdMay 24th

Great Opportunity to get your PSI hours.Bring your gardening tools and gloves.

Go Knights!

DON’T MISS OUT ON THE BEST OPPORTUNITIES… .... OCT 28 th @ 7 PM Our 2013-2014 year is moving quickly… We’ve already done a new Welcome Freshman B-B-Q dinner and dance and Back to School Night, fun for all who attended October is full of promise and opportunity to fulfill PSI hrs. and help your students. Oct 1st are the Under Grad Awards & Oct 11th is the Black & Gold Breakfast. So… come join us! Be sure to arrive by 7 pm as we have a full agenda… THE 2013 CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON IS SATURDAY (DEC 7th)! This is an opportunity for you to fulfill all your PSI hours… We’ll need lots of help and we will continue selecting the Volunteers at this meeting. Table hostess forms, Vendor forms, and other luncheon related information is available now. Copies can be found in the monthly Parent Newsletter on the website, bmhs-la.org. Also visit us on Facebook.

CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON DEADLINES TABLE HOSTESSES TABLE OF 10 $250/$25 PER PERSON OCT 15, 2013 FIRST DAY TO TURN IN RESERVATION AND CHECK NOV 1, 2013 LAST DAY TO TURN IN RESERVATION AND CHECK NOTE: TABLES MAYBE BE SOLD OUT SOONER THAN 11/1, FIRST PAID, FIRST SERVED VENDOR BOOTHS 1 TABLE $75, PLUS $25 VALUE RAFFLE ITEM OCT 15, 2013 FIRST DAY TO TURN IN RESERVATION AND CHECK NOV 1, 2013 LAST DAY TO TURN IN RESERVATION AND CHECK NOTE: BOOTHS MAYBE BE SOLD OUT SOONER THAN 11/1, FIRST PAID, FIRST SERVED If you have not provided contact information, please do so asap. Deadline to get into our parent directory is Oct. 7th. All information can be sent via email to your class reps: **********************************************************************************************

SENIORS: Marie Murphy [email protected] Petty Santos [email protected]

JUNIORS: Maryann Leslie [email protected] Mary Frances Bertucci [email protected] SOPHOMORES: Nay Stinson [email protected] Allison Burnett [email protected] FRESHMEN: Kim DiGiaimo [email protected] Scott Matthews [email protected] ********************************************************************************************** Our superb SENIOR moms will provide delicious refreshments and drinks, our “Just Desserts,” for the SEPTEMBER Meeting.... Our superb JUNIOR moms will provide delicious refreshments and drinks, our “Just Desserts,” for the OCTOBER Meeting.... PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS: CO-PRESIDENTs: MONICA SWAFFORD & JUDY TOLIN [email protected] “Know also that WISDOM is sweet to your SOUL; if you find it, there is a FUTURE HOPE for you, and your HOPE will not be cut off.” Proverbs 24:14

2013 CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON VENDOR RESERVATION FORM There are a maximum of 34 VENDOR BOOTHS, approx. 8 ft x 8 ft, with a 6 ft table and 2 folding chairs. Please organize your products and displays within these limits to allow for easy access. If you would like to include lunch with your vendor table, there is an additional fee of $25 per lunch. To purchase ad space in our program, a business card size AD space is $25. Vendors who choose to advertise and hold a booth will receive a $5 discount, so the cost is $20 for the AD space. Ads are black & white copies of your business card, or your premade card size copy, 3.5 x 2 inches. First time BMHS vendors are located in the RAFFLE PRIZE ROOM, the first room on the left when entering the luncheon building, this area is also where the raffle prizes are located for prior viewing. Each VENDOR table is $75. Each vendor TABLE donates a $25 raffle prize. If you choose to purchase 2 tables, then 2 raffle prizes would be donated. Mothers’ Club will take vendor FORMS starting at the meeting on Oct. 15th and ending Nov. 1, or when tables are sold-out, whichever comes first. All monies due with vendor form. Please make checks out to “BMHS Mothers’ Club”

TIMELINE: SEPT 23, 2013 RECEIVE VENDOR INFO AND FORM OCT 15, 2013 FIRST DAY TO TURN IN VENDOR FORM AND CHECK NOV 1, 2013 LAST DAY TO TURN IN VENDOR FORM AND CHECK NOTE: TABLES MAY BE SOLD OUT SOONER THAN 11/1, FIRST PAID, FIRST SERVED DEC 7, 2013 VENDOR BOOTH SET-UP 7 am – 10 am 10 am Vendor Check in & $25/TABLE Raffle prize pick up. 10:30 Booth ready for viewing.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

NUMBER OF TABLES REQUESTED: ($75 ea) ______ New Vendor? ______Yes ______ No MAX # OF TABLES IS 2. New Vendors are those who have not participated in the last 3 years.

ADD’L TABLES MAY BE PURCHASED AFTER NOV 1 IF AVAILABLE

NUMBER OF LUNCHES: ($25 ea) ____ AD W/BOOTH ($20)____ AD W/OUT BOOTH($25)______ There is no min/max of lunches, but lunch must be pre-ordered with vendor form. AD Space info due with form.

VENDOR NAME(S): ___________________________________________________________________ PHONE:_____________________ CELL: ____________________ EMAIL: ______________________ ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________________________ Products/Services you will be offering (This is REQUIRED. Failure to provide info could FORFEIT spot): _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________ Please note that there are NO REFUNDS for no-shows or cancellations of Vendors.

We appreciate your participation and look forward to seeing your vendor booth! Any questions, please call the Chair, or email Judy Tolin at [email protected].

”…. serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13

October 2013

BMH

S ATHLETIC CALE

ND

AR

(Check M

onthly New

sletter for Updated Schedules)

SundayM

ondayTuesday

Wednesday

ThursdayFriday

Saturday

13:00 PM

GTen-Var@

Amat

23:00 PM

Glf @

St. Paul3

3:00 PM G

Ten-Var@ S

t.Joseph

3:15 PM FB-JV @

Cantw

ell

4:00 PM G

VB(3) v. LaSalle

47:00 PM

FB-Var @C

antwell

5

6( ) = N

umber of Levels

F/S = Frosh/S

oph

Fr = Freshman

JV= Junior Varsity

Var = Varsity

73:00 PM

Glf v. C

onnelly

4:00 PM G

VB(3) @ Bishop

Amat

82:00 PM

XC(2) @

LeagueD

uals

3:00 PM G

Ten-Varv.St.M

onica

91:00 PM

Glf @

Knabe Cup

103:15 PM

FB-JV v. Bosco

Tech

4:00 PM G

VB(3) @S

t.Joseph

116:00 PM

FB-Var v. Bosco

Tech

HO

MEC

OM

ING

12

13FB = Football

Glf= G

irlsG

olf

GTen = G

irlsTennis

GVB = G

irlsVolleyball

XC= C

ross Country

1415

2:30 PM

Glf @

LaSalle

3:00 PM

GTen-Var @

LaSalle

4:00 PM G

VB(3) v. Serra

XC(2) @ Cam

inoDel Rey

Assoc. Duals

163:00 PM

Glf v. S

t. Joseph17

3:00 PM G

Ten-Varv.Bishop Am

at

Glf @

4 TeamM

atch(Tentative)

1819

2021

Glf @

LeagueP

reLims-TBA

NO

SCH

OO

L

223:00 PM

GTen-Varv.St.

Joseph

4:00 PM G

VB(3) @LaS

alle

2324

3:00 PM G

Ten-Var@S

t.M

onica

4:00 PM G

VB(3) v. Bishop

Amat

Glf @

League Finals-TBA

253:30 PM

FB-JV @ LaSalle

7:00 PM FB-Var @

LaSalle

26

2728

6:30 PM Athletic Booster

Club-Library

Glf @

TeamD

ivisionalC

hamp.

294:00 PM

GVB(3) v.S

t.Joseph

GTen-Va

r@ League

PreLims-TBA

3031

3:30 PM G

VB(3)@ Serra

Glf @

CIF-SS Ind.

Regionals

GTen-Var@

LeagueFinals-TBA

Sep 2013S

MT

WT

FS

12

34

56

78

910

1112

1314

1516

1718

1920

2122

2324

2526

2728

2930

Nov 2013

SM

TW

TF

S1

23

45

67

89

1011

1213

1415

1617

1819

2021

2223

2425

2627

2829

30

October 2013 A

cademic

Sun M

on Tue

Wed

Thu Fri

Sat

Respect for Life

Week

1 p. 4 T

uition Due

Cal State app filing period

begins U

ndergrad Aw

ards p. 6, 1 2 p. 3 D

enim D

ay H

omecom

ing Bid sales end

Hom

ecoming K

ing/Queen

vote per. 2

3 p. 2

4 p. 1 #4 8:00am

start/12:45 Dism

iss Feast of St. Francis R

ept. Cards m

ailed/CIF eligibility

Fundraiser Collection

4:00pm gym

closed

5 SAT

6 7 p. 6 #9 8:00am

Unity M

ass C

lass Color D

ay

8 p. 5 #6 Spirit G

ames

9 p. 1 #6 Fundraiser C

ollection Dead-

line—A

ll Money D

ue 7:00pm

Coll. Sys. Info. N

ight 10th-12th (gym

)

10 p. 4 #1 Spirit G

ames

New

sletter Due

2:10 gym closed H

omecom

ing rehearsal

11 p. 3 special sched. 8:45am

start/2:10 Dism

iss 8:00am

Black/G

old Breakfast 12:45pm

Hom

ecoming R

ally/Fundraiser D

rawing

4:00pm H

omecom

ing BB

Q

6:00pm H

omecom

ing Gam

e T

uition Late Fee

12 c/o ‘73 Reunion 7:00pm

—10:00pm

H

omecom

ing Dance—

Torrance Marriott

13 14 C

olumbus D

ay—R

egular School Day

100% D

ay

15 p. 2 Frosh R

etreat 16 8:00am

—11:15am

PSAT

Test (9th—11th M

andatory) Senior H

oliday

17 p. 1 Frosh R

etreat D

eadline to request letters of rec/transcripts for early action/decision apps

18 p. 6 #4 8:00am

start/12:45 Dism

iss C

lub t-shirt orders due

19 B

and Com

petition @

Baldw

in Park HS

Am

erican Martyrs Fair

20 A

merican M

artyrs Fair

21 Faith Form

ation In-service @

St. Joseph High School

Student Holiday

22 p. 5 Frosh R

etreat 23 p. 4, 5, 6 #5 8:00am

Curr. M

tg. 8:00am

College Essay W

kshp Im

prov @ lunch

24 p. 1, 2, 3 #5 8:00am

Fac/Dept. M

tg.

25 p. 3 # 4 8:00am

start/12:45 Dism

iss 5:00-7:00pm

Fall Rock B

and Show

(TMH

)

26 A

CT

27 28 p. 2 Spirit Squad candy sales begin 6:00pm

Band Bst. Mtg.—

Conv.

6:30pm A

th. Bst. Mtg.—

Lib. 7:00pm

Mothers’ C

lub Mtg.-Fac. C

tr.

29 p, 1 R

eligions of the World field trip

Frosh Retreat

30 p. 6 #2 Fac. W

ASC

Mtg. 7:45am

8:45am

Start D

enim D

ay

31 p. 5 Frosh R

etreat H

alloween

Talent Show sign-ups

Club sign-ups @

lunch

Spirit Week—

Canned Food D

rive

Dram

a Production

Lab Days 8:45am

—2:20pm

BMHS Parent Newsletter Oct 2013

Documents

school night

school calendar

joseph high school

daily school life

mandatory fundraiser

western association

great progress

john hong