Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School
Educating the Mind, Body, and Soul
Pelican Express
October 27- November 3, 2016

School Hours:  7:25 am - 2:45 pm with a ssembly beginning at
7:45 am and c arpool ending at 3:10 pm  

A Message from Cheri Gioe:

This week I have had the pleasure of spending time in many classrooms.  I was able to tell Halloween stories to our Kindergarten–2nd grade students and supervise a 5th grade class for an hour.  Something all of these classes had in common was writing.  From writing numbers and letters to lengthy Halloween stories, all of the students in all of the classes were writing something.  Some were writing independently and some were writing in groups, and they all made me proud.

Thinking about writing, I feel it is a lost art.  How many people receive hand written notes or letters these days?  I’d venture to say very few.  In lieu of hand written notes and letters people exchange quick emails, text and/or snap chat (what is that?)! When I was five years old, my grandmother, who lived in Mississippi, started writing letters to me.  Every time she wrote me, I wrote her back.  She and I wrote letters to each other until her death about 8 years ago. 

When I was seven I used two precious dollars from my piggy bank to purchase pen pals from the PBS television show ZOOM.  Within a few weeks I was the proud pen pal of Laurie, from England, and Anna, from Norway.  We wrote to each other for over 20 years (incidentally, we are friends on Facebook, now). Letter writing became a hobby and the love of beautiful stationery and pens came with it.  To this day, I love writing notes and cards to friends and family members. 

Now back to our MBS students and their writing.  I must say I was very impressed by our student's writing skills today and for this I must give a shout out to the MBS teachers.  The students were collaborative, creative, witty, accurate and were able to elaborate and use amazing vocabulary…so impressive!  One of our curriculum focuses for MBS this year has been writing, and it is obvious that under the instruction and guidance of the teachers, the students have been practicing and are thriving!  This weekend, take some time and ask your child to share a school writing assignment with you.  You’ll be pleasantly entertained, just as I was …and don’t forget to thank your child’s teacher for encouraging and fostering the special gift of writing!   

In Christ,

Cheri Gioe
Important Dates
October 28 - Monster Mash Fall Walk (Fall walk shirt with uniform bottoms)

October 31 - Family Night / Halloween / After Care will close at 5:00pm

November 1 - Saints & Souls Mass

November 2 - Picture Retakes

November 7-10 - ACT Aspire Summative Testing

November 8 - No Bus Service - Dismissal from the Gym

November 10 - Progress Reports

November 18 - Grandparent's Day (11:15am Dismissal)

November 21-25 - No School (Thanksgiving Holidays)
Upcoming Events 
High School Open Houses:

St. Michael Open House - October 27

St. Michael High School will be hosting their Open House on Thursday, October 27th for 6th, 7th & 8th grade students and parents.  We invite students at Most Blessed Sacrament to visit at 5:30pm.  If this time is not convenient for your family, feel free to join us anytime between 4:30pm-7:00pm. 

For additional information, please call 225-753-9782 or visit the school’s website at www.smhsbr.org.  We hope to see you at St. Michael on the 27th!   
Baton Rouge Magnet High School Open House- November 3  

Who:  Current 8th graders and parents
What: Prospective Student Open House and Student Talent Showcase
Where: BRHS 2825 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
When:  Thursday, November 3 from 8:00am - 9:30am
Lee Magnet HS Open House - November 3 (9:00-11:00am)
Catholic High School Open House - November 10

Young men in grades 6-8 and their parents are invited to the Open House at Catholic High School on November 10 .  Tours begin at 5:00pm.

For additional information regarding these events or the admissions process, please visit the CHS website at www.catholichigh.org or click here for more information.
Saints and Souls Mass - November 1

Click here for more information on Mass and the Book of Life.
Sweet Dreams Collection

MBS 4th Graders are sponsoring their seventh annual Sweet Dreams collection, to provide for the needs of the homeless at the St. Vincent de Paul Women & Children’s Shelter. From Monday, Oct. 31 through Monday, Nov. 7 , 2016, students may bring items in bags or boxes, for transporting to the shelter.  

Items needed are:  baby shampoo and detangling conditioner, baby lotion, baby powder, adult shampoo/conditioner, soap, wet wipes, new children’s socks, disposable diapers (newborn, toddler and pull-ups), disposable juice cups, and instant fruit drink mix.
ACT Aspire - Summative Test 

The ACT Aspire Readiness Assessment System is a comprehensive testing resource that all schools in the Diocese of Baton Rouge utilize in Grades 3-8 to measure academic development, explore areas of strength and need, and make plans for achieving academic goals.  The test also correlates with the American College Test (ACT) taken by all students in high schools within the diocese. The testing system includes interim (benchmark) assessments, given to the students within the context of core classes at the beginning and end of the year, as well as the summative test (a pen-and-paper norm-referenced standardized test) administered in the fall.  

This year, the summative testing dates will be Monday, November 7 - Thursday, November 10. It is very important that students attend school and arrive on time on testing days.Please ensure the students come to school on test days having a good breakfast, being well-rested, and being ready to do their best.
Club Information
Beta Club

Next Meeting is Tuesday, November 1.  Beta Rally is Saturday, November 12 at East Ascension High School.
Important Reminders
Election Day - No Buses

On Election Day, November 8 , EBR will not have school.  Therefore, MBS will not have bus service.  We will have carpool dismissal from the gym. 
Cafeteria 

Click here the October Menu.

Click here pay your fees online.
News
Fall Walk  

This year, all students will be able to walk.  Students who supported the walk with at least a $25 contribution will walk wearing the Monster Mash Dash t-shirt. Students wearing walk shirts must follow the spirit shirt dress guidelines found in the parent handbook.  

Spirit shirts may not be worn.  
Winter Open House 

Most Blessed Sacrament School will host a Winter Open House on W ednesday, November 30, 2016 from 8am until 1pm .  You are invited to join us for a walking tour of the campus, observe classes in session and visit with teachers, administration and prospective parents. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact the
school office at 751-0273.
Time and Talent Card

P lease remember to turn in your pink Time and Talent Card when you have reached 30 hours.  Time and Talent hours are required and reviewed prior to re-registration each year.  More information can be found on Page 3 in the Parent/Teacher Handbook under Parent’s Commitment to Church and School.

The deadline to have hours turned in is March 1, 2017 . 
From the Office of Child Protection:

Scout parents should have received child protection paperwork notices this week. If you have received a notice, please complete the necessary paperwork and return to me. Some are new scout parents who need to complete the entire child protection process, while some need to update their training and/or code of ethics.

Also, please note completing the child protection process for the Parish, since scouts are sponsored by MBS Parish, does NOT make you compliant to volunteer at MBS School.  Louisiana law requires school volunteers to have a fingerprint background check done. If you have any questions concerning your status for child protection, please contact me at 225-753-5526 or [email protected].

Thank you,
Beverly Peterson, Child Protection Site Coordinator
Red Ribbon Week
            Distracted Driving Simulation