"Every person is called to recognize and respond to God’s call to their own vocation in order to carry out God’s plan for their life and fulfill the mission prepared for them since before the beginning of time. Mary’s “Let it be done to me according to Thy Word,” in response of the Angel Gabriel’s greeting, is the response required of all Christians to God’s Plan.

The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is a time to celebrate the great joy of God’s gift to humanity in Mary, and to recognize with greater clarity, the truth that each and every human being has been created by God to fulfill a particular mission that he and only he can fulfill."-Catholic News Agency

This morning, Friday, December 8, we celebrated a prayer in honor of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception at the Main Campus.

Friday, December 8 - School Prayer Service ⛪ : Immaculate Conception; NJHS Members Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army @ Five Below from 4-6 pm 🔔

Saturday, December 9 - Open Gym to all Basketball Players from 1-3 pm 🏀

Monday, December 11 - Home Basketball Game vs. SLS @ 4:00 🏀; MS to be dropped off at 515 in the morning. Ballerinas from The Nutcracker will be at BSS during flag-raising. Deje a su estudainte de middle school en el Main Campus.

Tuesday, December 12 - Bring flowers in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe 💐

Wednesday, December 13 - MS to be dropped off at 515 in the morning. All school concert rehearsals. Deje a su estudiante de middle school al Main Campus-van a practical para el concerto de Navidad.

December 11 - December 15 - Christmas Village hosted by Student Council🧑‍🎄

Friday, December 15 - K-8 Students attend BDC's Nutcracker🎄; Reconcilliation @ 10am ⛪ 📿🙏; Christmas Concert & Eight Grade Nativity @ 6:00 pm 🎼🎶🎵🎤🎄

Saturday, December 16 - Home Basketball Game vs. IHM @ 9:30 am 🏀

Monday, December 18 - Little Knights Christmas Parties from 11-noon; K-8th Christmas Parties 2-3 pm 🥳🎉🪅🎄

Tuesday, December 19 - Out of Uniform - Christmas Best or Worst; Early Release at 11:30 am; NO AFTERSCHOOL CARE AVAILABLE.

December 20, 2023 - January 1, 2024 - Christmas Break 🧑‍🎄🎄

January 2, 2024 - Classes Resume

Friday, January 5 - School Mass ⛪

Saturday, January 6 - Away Basketball Game vs. SH @ 9:30 am 🏀

Open Gym!

From Coach Derrick Goodman:

There will be an Open Gym tomorrow, Saturday, December 9th from 1-3 pm for all basketball players.

¡Gimnasio abierto!

Del entrenador Derrick Goodman:

Habrá un Gimnasio Abierto mañana sábado 9 de diciembre de 1 a 3 pm para todos los jugadores de baloncesto.

Bring Home the Magic

We've partnered with Early Rising Productions to produce a high-quality video recording of our Christmas Concert and 8th-grade Nativity.

Pre-order today! Once the video is ready, you'll receive a link by email. 

CLICK HERE to place your order!

Christmas Parties Links

On Monday, December 18th all of our classes will have their Christmas parties. Teachers will share more details with you soon. 

Here is a link to all of the party sign-ups:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1perhMZnqkW6tSQbQypgu9TGzIaJMVrM_r8gQVTBV_lE/edit

Let me know if you have any questions!

Beth Fitzgerald 

[email protected] 

Drop-Off Reminders

Dear BSS Families,

Many students are arriving late to school and are just left outside the school doors--this is a security hazard as there are no teachers once school starts. If you happen to arrive late, please walk your child to the front door and sign in that your child arrived late.

Elementary & Little Knights - School Starts at 7:45 am

Middle School Students - School Starts at 7:55 am

Thank you for your help and understanding!

Recordatorios a la hora de llegada

Estimados padres de familia,

Muchos estudiantes llegan tarde a la escuela y se quedan afuera de las puertas de la escuela; esto es un peligro para la seguridad ya que no hay maestros una vez que comienzan las clases. Si llega tarde, acompañe a su hijo hasta la puerta principal y registre que llegó tarde.

Primaria y Little Knights: la escuela comienza a las 7:45 am

Estudiantes de secundaria: la escuela comienza a las 7:55 am

¡Gracias por su ayuda y comprensión!

BSS Scrip Cards

Did you know we sell gift cards in the office? Here is a list of the ones we currently have in stock! 

The school makes a small profit for each card we sell. CLICK HERE to access the order form.

Stop by the office or contact Beth Fitzgerald to place an order!

[email protected]

BSS Gives Back: Week of Giving

December 4th - December 8th

Each year, our school takes a week in December to give back to our community. We make sure each class has a special project. They are involved in every step of the process. Students make or assemble the gifts and then deliver them to their recipients! I will be turning the Makerspace into Santa’s Workshop for the week! Below is a list of activities each class will work on.

Elementary and Middle School parents are invited to walk with their children when we deliver the items. Please meet on the front stairs at the time and date indicated below.

**Please note that BSS Gives Back Week items and Christmas party items will be coming in around the same time. We ask that you label everything you send in so we can make sure it all goes to the right place!**

Little Knights

This year, the Little Knights will be making goodies baskets for hospital workers. A representative for Cone Health will be collecting these baskets and putting them in lounge areas at the hospital. 

Contact Mrs. Glenn or Mrs. Fitzgerald with any questions!

• Preschool- Coffee and Treat Baskets for Hospital Workers
• Pre-K- Coffee and Treat baskets for hospital workers



CLICK HERE to see pictures of the students making goodie baskets.

Kindergarten - Placemats for Meals on Wheels

Kindergarten students will be making Placemats for Meals on Wheels clients. CLICK HERE for more pictures of the students making the placemats.

1st & 2nd Grade - Pet Treat Bags for Meals on Wheels recipients with pets

Our 1st and 2nd grade students collected dog and cat treats. They made treat bags that will be given to people with pets on the Meals On Wheels food distribution.

Please let Mrs. Allred, Mrs. Byerly, Mrs. Bost, or Mrs. Fitzgerald know if you have any questions!

Will deliver on Monday, 12/18 at 10:30 am. CLICK HERE for more pictures of the students making treat bags.

3rd- Cookies for the Fire and Police Departments

Traditionally, the 3rd grade class makes goodie bags for the Police and Fire Departments. They decorate paper bags and fill them with Christmas treats! The students always enjoy this service project!

Students walked to the Fire and Police Departments on Friday, December 8th. Parents and grandparents were invited to join us.

Students delivered items on 12/8 after Mass.

4th - Ornaments for Hillcrest Ave. and High St. Neighbors

Our 4th-grade students made Christmas ornaments for our Hillcrest Ave and High St. neighbors. We know that our school traffic can cause trouble for them. Each year, our 4th-grade students make them ornaments as a little thank you for their patience. Students will deliver these on Friday, December 8th. Parents were invited to walk with them on this walking field trip. 

4th grade students delivered to neighbors on Thursday, 12/7 at 1:10 pm. CLICK HERE to view more pictures of the students making the ornaments.

Middle School - Christmas Treat Bags! 

Middle School students will be creating small treat bags to help spread Christmas cheer to employees and downtown businesses!

Students will be delivering these in the morning on Monday, December 18th. 

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Fitzgerald.

• 5th - Christmas Candy Treat Bags for Library Workers
• 6th- Christmas Candy Treat Bags for employees at stores/restaurants on E. Davis St.
• 7th- Christmas Candy Treat Bags for Meals on Wheels and employees at Paul's Pastry Shop and other businesses close by.
• 8th - Christmas Candy Treat Bags for employees at stores on W. Davis, S. Main St., and S. Spring St.

Will walk downtown to deliver candy bags on Monday, December 18th at 10:00. CLICK HERE for pictures 6th & 7th graders working on making the treat bags. CLICK HERE for pictures of 5th & 8th graders making the treat bags.

Volunteer Opportunities for Parents & Grandparents -Christmas Village

Hi! Over the next few weeks, we will have several volunteer opportunities for our parents and grandparents. We will be hosting BSS Gives Back Week and Christmas Village. These are two of my favorite events I do for the school each year. It is always so much fun to see the children get excited to make and purchase gifts for others.

I hope you are able to join me for these special memories with the kids!

Sign-up at the links below!

BSS Gives Back Week Volunteers

Christmas Village Volunteers

Not able to volunteer, but want to help? We are accepting donations of gently used Christmas decorations, gift wrap supplies, and any items you'd like to clear out of your home. We want to offer plenty of shopping options for our students! 

Let me know if you have any questions!

Beth Fitzgerald

[email protected]

Yearbook Fundraiser 2023-2024 - Attractions Books!

The Yearbook Club is raising money to attend a workshop at the Jostens Southeast Conference in Charlotte, NC (Carowinds) in April 2024. All Coupons are valid now through 2024! Over $4.600 in LOCAL Savings!

Make sure you use EZ Pay Code: 5324665 or BSSKNIGHTS

Cost: $30.00

Follow this link to purchase:

https://www.attractionsbook.com/ezpay/checkout-form/

Thank you for your support!

Mrs. Lee, Mrs. Ortiz and the BSS Yearbook Staff

Le Petit Ballet Co.

Last Wednesday, December 6th, Ms. Linda Santiago Benitez and her Ballet class performed for their families! It was wonderful to see the girls dance. Make sure you sign up for the Spring sessions which will run from January 24 to March 6, every Wednesday from 3:15 - 4:00 pm. The cost is $175 for the 12 sessions. CLICK HERE to sign up!

Registration is now open to students ages 3 to 2nd grade. Sign up online for the next ballet session beginning January 24th!

This school year has brought many changes to Blessed Sacrament School. For the first time in over a decade, we have several double classes and we are blessed to be able to hire more teachers. We want our school community to get to know our teachers and staff better, so we have chosen to bring back our Teacher & Staff Spotlight. We will feature a teacher or staff member with their short bio and interesting facts about them every week. This week we are introducing one of our fourth-grade teachers, Mrs. Cassandra Ortiz!

This is the first year Mrs. Ortiz is teaching at Blessed Sacrament School. She is an AlumnKnight and graduated in 2004. It is wonderful to have her return to the same halls as a teacher. Mrs. Ortiz is the fourth-grade reading teacher and decided to join us because it truly is "a special place." Before coming to BSS, Mrs. Ortiz previously taught at OLG - Our Lady of Grace Catholic School (5 years) and for ABSS (4 years). She enjoyed working most recently at the Alamance Virtual School because it allowed her to explore teaching in a new way.

Originally from Colorado, Mrs. Ortiz moved to Burlington with her parents in 2001 when she began her middle school years at Blessed Sacrament School. She has lived in Burlington for over 20 years. She graduated from UNC-Greensboro with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Bachelor of Arts in English in 2014. GO SPARTANS!

Mrs. Ortiz and her husband have two daughters, Isabella (6th grade) and Victoria (1st grade), who both attend BSS. When Mrs. Ortiz is not working, she enjoys traveling with her family. She has visited with her parents, all but one state in the union-Hawaii! It is her family's goal to have their daughters travel to all 50 states too! On a nice day, they also enjoy playing soccer and volleyball at the park. 

Fun Facts about Mrs. Ortiz:

Birthday: October 16

My favorite places to eat: Outback, Steakhouse and Chick-fil-A

My favorite place to get coffee: The Blend; The Daily Grind 

My coffee order is: Iced latte (vanilla, peppermint, Carmel, or pumpkin)

My favorite thing for breakfast: Oatmeal with fruit; Bojangles chicken biscuit

I love to shop at: Target, TJ Maxx, Amazon

My favorite colors are: Yellow

My favorite sports team is: The Denver Broncos 

My favorite candy/snack is: Hershey Kisses; Slim Jims 

My favorite drink is: Rootbeer; Iced Coffee

Other information: I love fall! Pumpkin Everything! 

T-shirt size: L

monogram (first, middle, last) CMO

Hobbies: reading, photography, and traveling

Classroom/Office Wishlist: colored cardstock

sharpies

post-it notes

stickers

colored printer paper

Blessed Sacrament School

2023-2024 Winter Sports Schedule

Practices:

Mondays:

Pep Squad: 3:00-4:00pm Multi Purpose Room Main Campus

Varsity Cheer: 3:30-4:30pm Knights' Castle

JV Boys Basketball: 5:00-7:00pm Knights' Castle

Tuesdays:

Running Club: 3:00-4:00pm Main Campus (ends before Thanksgiving Break)

Varsity Girls Basketball: 3:30-5:30pm Knights' Castle

Varsity Boys Basketball: 5:30-7:30pm Knights' Castle

Wednesdays:

Competition Cheer: 3:30-4:30pm Knights' Castle

JV Boys Basketball: 5:00-7:00pm Knights' Castle

Thursdays:

Varsity Girls Basketball: 3:30-5:30pm Knights' Castle

Varsity Boys Basketball: 5:30-7:30pm Knights' Castle

Looking forward to a great winter sports season!!

Upcoming Games:

• Home Basketball Game v. Sacred Heart (SH) (Knights Castle, 400 W Davis St) 
• Saturday, November 18 @ 9:30 am
• This is a change from the original PECSAA schedule. We now play SH at home on November 18 and away at SH on January 6, 2024.  

CLICK HERE to access the full schedule of games; our home games are highlighted in yellow; game(s) dates/schedules may change. 

The volunteer signup for Home Games (concessions/admissions/book/clock) can be found HERE. We need several more volunteers to make our first home games a success. 

Please sign up if you are able.  

Please email Derrick Goodman and Tracy Miller, Co-Athletic Directors, at [email protected] with any questions.

Competition Cheer 2023-24

Practices- Students who make the Competition Cheer Team will attend required practices MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY at the Knight Castle. Students who have conflicts with Volleyball, XC, and Soccer will be accommodated until Fall Sports are over.

Performances: Students who make the competition team are expected to perform in the competitions. Additional expenses include but are not limited to, lodging, meals, and gas. More information will be provided as competition approaches.

• Winter Cheer Classic-Date TBA
• Shamrock Tournament @Charlotte Catholic High School February 16-18, 2024

Competición de Animación de Porristas 2023-24

Prácticas- Los estudiantes que formen parte del equipo de porristas de competencia asistirán a las prácticas requeridas.LUNES Y MIÉRCOLES en el gimnasio (Knight’s Castle). Los estudiantes que tengan conflictos con Voleibol, Atletismo y Fútbol serán acomodado hasta que terminen los deportes de otoño.

Actuaciones: Se espera que los estudiantes que forman parte del equipo de competencia se desempeñen en las competencias. Los gastos adicionales incluyen; pero son entre otros, alojamiento, comidas,y gasolina. Se proporcionará más información a medida que se acerque la competencia.

Winter Cheer Classic-Fecha por confirmar

Torneo Shamrock en Charlotte Catholic High School del 16 al 18 de febrero de 2024. 

Please pray for:

Please remember in your prayers, David, brother of Abby (1st and Lizzie, Class of 2021) for his health.

Keep in your prayers, George Tompkins and Patty Kearney, brother-in-law and sister-in-law of Mrs. Kearney for better health. 

Nicholas (3rd) has asked to keep his father in your prayers.

Dear Parents,

Thank you to Mrs. Fitzgerald for setting up BSS Giving Back Week. Thank you all for the donations and volunteering for this Giving Back Community Week. 

Your children have been preparing for our Christmas Concert. They sound angelic. See you next Friday.

The NJHS has been ringing the bells for the Salvation Army. You can catch them today from 4:00-6:00 at Five Below. 

Mrs. Gomez

Hi BSS Families! The NC Opportunity Scholarship has expanded and now every single family in NC is eligible to apply regardless of income or previous public school enrollment! CLICK HERE for the income guidelines. Make sure you apply on February 1st, 2024 to be considered as funds will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis. For more information please visit ncseaa.edu/k12/opportunity/

Tuition Letter Announcement & Re-enrollment Timeline

Hello BSS Families,

Please CLICK HERE for a letter by Mrs. Gomez where we explain our new tuition schedule for the 2024-2025 school year. As enrollment has increased over the past two years, we will start re-enrollment of our current families earlier. We will begin sending re-enrollment agreements to parents before we go to the Christmas Break. CLICK HERE to see our enrollment timeline.

Welcome to Blessed Sacrament School!

We are excited for another school year. Thank you for choosing Blessed Sacrament School for your children's education.

Blessings,

José Rico Benavides

School Tours

Mr. Rico will be available at the office on Mondays & Wednesdays for any questions or concerns related to admissions.

You can reach Mr. Rico at 336-570-0019 ext. 212 or by email at [email protected] Hablamos Español!

Here is a link to our admissions page: https://www.bssknights.org/admissions

Winter Uniforms

Friendly reminder, we will transition to our Winter Uniforms next Monday, November 6!

Winter uniforms begin next Monday, November 6. Just a few reminders:

1. French Toast items run very differently in sizing from Lands End. Sounds like the tops are much smaller.
2. Review our Uniform Guidelines by CLICKING HERE.
3. If you order any logo items and they are the wrong size, they CANNOT be returned.
4. Orders are arriving in about a week. So if you need new shirts, you should order them as soon as possible to receive them in time.
5. Graham Sporting Goods is the ONLY provider of PE shirts. French Toast will not be offering them.

Recordatorio amistoso, ¡haremos la transición a los uniformes de invierno el próximo lunes 6 de noviembre!

Los uniformes de invierno comienzan el próximo lunes 6 de noviembre. Solo algunos recordatorios:

1. Los artículos de French Toast tienen un tamaño muy diferente al de Lands End. Parece que las tapas son mucho más pequeñas.
2. Revise nuestras Pautas Uniformes HACIENDO CLIC AQUÍ.
3. Si solicita algún artículo con el logotipo y tiene el tamaño incorrecto, NO SE PUEDE devolver.
4. Los pedidos están llegando en aproximadamente una semana. Entonces, si necesita camisetas nuevas, debe pedirlas lo antes posible para recibirlas a tiempo.
5. Graham Sporting Goods es el ÚNICO proveedor de camisetas de educación física. French Toast no los ofrecerá.

Lunch Information

My Hot Lunchbox is excited to be partnering with Blessed Sacrament School again this year as the hot lunch provider. To begin ordering lunches, click the link below to log in or follow the instructions to create your free account!

Important Note: You will need to Update Your Profile with the student's correct teacher to view the meal calendar.

ORDER NOW!

Our new lunch menu beginning August 2022:

Monday: Chick-Fil-A

Tuesday: Cici’s Pizza

Wednesday: Subway

Thursday: Highway 55 Burgers

Friday: La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant

If you have any questions, please give us a call at (888) 894-8295 or email us at [email protected]. We are looking forward to serving your school!

If you are bringing lunch to your child, please make sure it is labeled with your student's name and grade level and leave it on the table just outside the front door of the school--Do not forget to buzz the office to let us know you dropped by.

Middle School Filed Trip to Dollywood

• As stated in the Middle School Handbook: Field Trips are a privilege.  
• Students receiving 5 infractions will be ineligible for the MS field trip in the Spring.

Who: All Middle School Students 5th-8th

When: May 20 & 21, 2024 

Where: See Itinerary attached

Price: $395 per student (you can pay in full or 3 payments -$115( after $50 deposit)each -due 11-15-23, 1-19-24 & 2-23-24)

Adult prices: Double room (please tell me who you want as a roommate) $450 per person.

Single room $ 535

Return THIS DOCUMENT completed to Mrs. Kearney or your middle school homeroom teacher.

Important Payment due dates

Deposit of $50 per person-Oct. 25

First payment of $115 is due November 15,2023

Second payment of $115 is due January 19,2024

Final payment of $115 is due February 23,2024.

See above prices for parent amounts.

Note: You must check Option C regularly for trip updates and information

Questions?? Email Mrs. Kearney at [email protected]

Viaje de escuela secundaria (Middle School) a Dollywood

• Como se indica en el Manual Para Padres y Estudiantes: Las excursiones son un privilegio.
• Los estudiantes que reciban 5 infracciones no serán elegibles para la excursión de MS en la primavera.

Quién: Todos los estudiantes de secundaria de 5º a 8º

Cuándo: 20 y 21 de mayo de 2024

Dónde: Ver itinerario adjunto

Precio: $395 por estudiante (puedes pagar el total o 3 pagos -$115 (después de un depósito de $50) cada uno -vencimiento el 15-11-23, 19-1-24 y 23-2-24)

Precios adultos: Habitación doble (por favor dime a quién quieres como compañero de cuarto) $450 por persona.

Habitación sencilla/de un solo cuarto $535

Devuelva ESTE DOCUMENTO completado a la Sra. Kearney o al maestro de su escuela secundaria.

Fechas de vencimiento de pago importantes

Depósito de $50 por persona-oct. 25

El primer pago de $115 vence el 15 de noviembre de 2023.

El segundo pago de $115 vence el 19 de enero de 2024

El pago final de $115 vence el 23 de febrero de 2024.

Consulte los precios anteriores para conocer los montos de los padres.

Nota: Debe consultar la Opción C periódicamente para obtener actualizaciones e información sobre el viaje.

¿¿Preguntas?? Envíe un correo electrónico a la Sra. Kearney a [email protected]

ONLINE PAYMENT OPTIONS or PAY AT the SCHOOL OFFICE CASH/CHECK:

CLICK HERE if you would like to pay for the $50.00 DEPOSIT for your child(ren) field trip.

CLICK HERE if you would like to pay for your child(ren) field trip in FULL ONLINE for $395.00

CLICK HERE if you would like to make THE FIRST PARTIAL PAYMENT for your child(ren)'s field trip. This first payment of $115.00 must be submitted no later than Wednesday, November 15th, 2023, after making the DEPOSIT.

CLICK HERE if you would like to make THE SECOND PARTIAL PAYMENT for your child(ren)'s field trip. This first payment of $115.00 must be submitted no later than Friday, January 19th, 2024. 

CLICK HERE if you would like to make THE THIRD PARTIAL PAYMENT for your child(ren)'s field trip. This first payment of $115.00 must be submitted no later than Friday, February 23rd, 2024. 

Want to accompany your child? You must become a Chaperone.

CLICK HERE to pay online for an adult who is coming to pay for a DOUBLE ROOM-Make sure you write down whom you would like to room with. $450.00

CLICK HERE to PARTIALLY PAY online for an adult who is coming to stay in a DOUBLE ROOM-Make sure you write down whom you would like to room with.

CLICK HERE to pay online for an adult coming to pay for a SINGLE ROOM. $535.00

CLICK HERE to PARTIALLY PAY online for an adult coming to stay in a SINGLE ROOM.

Chaperoning in the field trip?

If you are coming to the trip, you are agareeing to be a chaperone you will need to take a Safe Environment Training and a Background check. We will have more details in the first week of November.

The dates for Safe Environment training will be announced later. You will also need to contact the front office (336-570-0019) to schedule your background check.

Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities for the 2023-2024 school year

We have new Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities for the 2023-2024 school year. We would love to help promote your business, while you support our school! 

Money raised during the 2022-2023 school year was used for several major and unexpected expenses. We are in the process of replacing our 26-year-old Fire Alarm System at the Main Campus. We also replaced and repaired flooring in several areas of the building. A few rooms also received new paint!

Due to increased enrollment, we purchased 100 new Chromebooks for our students. None of these things would have been possible without the support of our community!

CLICK HERE to Review Sponsorship Level

CLICK HERE to Pay/Donate Online

If you or someone you know owns a business and would like to partner with our school, contact us today! 

I look forward to working with you! Contact me with me any questions!

Beth Fitzgerald

[email protected] 

Director of Advancement