Bishop Montgomery High School

5430 Torrance BoulevardTorrance,

California 90503(310) 540 - 2021

www.bmhs-la.org

parent newsletter

bmhs

from the principalMs. Rosemary Distaso-Libbon, Principal

January 2011

Dear Parents!

Happy New Year! We begin a new year and a new semester. It hardly seems possible that we are beginning the year of 2011 and that we are already in the second semester of the 2010-2011 school year! I ask that you pray for the seniors and their parents as they continue with the college application process and begin to await acceptance decisions. This is a particularly stressful and sometimes difficult time for our seniors and their parents as they apply for college, apply for financial aid and other programs, await decisions, and finally, make their choices for the future. Our prayers of support are so important.

Here are a few dates to remember in January:

• Wednesday, January 5th, Classes resume with an 8:45 start

• Wednesday, January 12th, ACT Test Day grades 9-11 (Senior holiday)

• Thursday, January 13th, Incoming freshman application deadline, 10 am

• Monday, January 17th, Martin

Luther King, Jr. Holiday• Saturday, January 22nd. High

School Placement Exam

We begin second semester with a few administrative changes. The administrative positions are: Ms. Yvette Vigon, Vice-Principal; Mr. Steve Miller, Assistant Principal; Mrs. Casey Dunn, Director of Curriculum and Admissions; Mr. Lee Flores, Dean of Men; Ms. Alexa Johnson, Dean of Women; Mrs. Milana McDermott, Dean of Student Life; Mrs. Dorothy Morski, Campus Minister; Mr. Doug Mitchell, Head Guidance Counselor; Mr. Kareem Mutrie and Mr. Ed Hodgkiss, Co-Athletic Directors. I am very grateful to all of these members of the Administrative Council for their service.

As we look forward to this new year of 2011 and make our resolutions, it is good to remember that in spite of our resolutions, God has a plan for us. I know that this is something that I always have to remember—My plan is not always God’s plan—and it is my challenge to trust in His plan, not mine, even if His plan is one that I don’t fully understand. This meditation by Cardinal John Henry Newman is a favorite of mine. He reminds us here that we all have a mission, that God cares for each of us, and that we are

meant to give Him service not only through our strengths and talents, but also through our weaknesses and failings. I hope that this meditation is meaningful to you, too, and that you will return to it as I do throughout the coming year.

God has created me to do Him some definite service;He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another.I have my mission—I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next.I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons.He has not created me for naught.I shall do good—I shall do His work;I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it, if I do but keep his commandments.Therefore, I will trust Him.Whatever I am, I can never be thrown away.If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him; in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him; if I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him.He does nothing in vain; He knows what He is about.He may take away my friends,He may throw me among strangers,He may make me feel desolate, make my

from the principal cont.

Christ-centered

spirits sink, hide my future from me—still He knows what He is about.--A Meditation by Cardinal Newman—

On behalf of the Bishop Montgomery administration, faculty, and staff, I wish you a Happy New Year filled with the many gifts that God’s blessings bring. Know that you are, as always, in my prayers.

Rosemary LibbonPrincipal

carpool

Ms. Yvette Vigón - Vice Principal - ext. 231Mrs. Casey Dunn - Guidance/Studies Coordinator - ext. 226

guidance & curriculum

I’m interested in arranging a carpool from the Baldwin Hills, Windsor Hills, Culver City area. Please contact me at310 367-7656 or at ImMallette@aol.comElaine Mallette

San Pedro carpool with two students is looking for up to two more families to share the drive. Contact Cindy Donnelly at (310) 832-1962 or (310) 617-0841.

New parent for BMHS interested in a carpool in or by the LAX/Ladera/View Park area. Please contact me at (323) 273-3913.Michele Roland-Duval

Looking for 1 or 2 families to join a carpool from San Pedro. We currently have 3 families in our carpool and could add 1 or 2 more.Laura Satalich310.505.3059 celllsatalich@sbcglobal.net

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is required for students who wish to receive financial aid from a given college or university. The online applications may be accessed at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. Similar to the college application process, the electronic application is the preferred method of submission. Students will be able to obtain a paper FAFSA by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243. We will have a financial aid workshop on January 13th at 7pm in the gym. This will begin with a general presentation that covers the role of financial aid, cost of attendance, expected family contribution, financial aid resources, and financial aid application processes. The evening will conclude with a FAFSA presentation that walks parents and students through the online and/or paper FAFSA, line by line. As we begin the new year, please be aware of the following calendar dates:

Wednesday, January 5, 2011 Classes resume 8:45am startThursday, January 13, 2011 Financial Aid Workshop 7pm GymWednesday, January 12, 2011 ACT Test day (9-11, Sr. Holiday)Monday, January 17, 2011 Martin Luther King Jr. HolidaySaturday, January 22, 2011 High School Entrance Exam 8-11am

We hope that the holiday season will bring together your family and loved ones. Please accept our wishes for a happy and healthy new year.

Sincerely,

Casey DunnGuidance/Studies Coordinator

socially responsible

disciplineMs. Yvette Vígon, Vice-Principal, ext. 231Mr. Lee Flores - Dean of Men - ext. 232

Jackets: The ONLY jackets with logos acceptable to wear during the school day are official BMHS athletic team jackets and the uniform jacket (available from Norman’s). Students wearing jackets with other logos will receive violations.

Attendance: Be sure to call in your student’s absence or tardy directly to the Attendance Office at 540-2021, ext. 233, or 540-3070 in the morning. We have 24-hour voice mail for your convenience. Also, a phone call does not necessarily excuse an absence or tardy. It merely lets us know that the parent/guardian was aware of the absence or tardy. The nature of the absence or tardy (excused or unexcused) will be determined by the Deans and Attendance Office. Failure to call the Attendance Office the day of your student’s absence will be unexcused. Refer to your Parent-Student Handbook (page 11) for what constitutes an “excused” absence or tardy.

Detentions: Detentions are to be served on or before the date indicated on the violation or referral slip. It is the responsibility of the student to make alternate arrangements for transportation if a detention is to be served. Disregard for assigned detentions may result in probation and

detentions take precedence over sports practices and school activities (Parent-Student Handbook, page 13).

No Messages. The Attendance Office and the Front Office staff do not deliver messages during the day. It is time consuming and disruptive to classes.

Prom Time. Prom is just around the corner. As a reminder, “the school does not permit the renting of hotel rooms or other facilities for students’ use for activities before or after Bishop Montgomery dances... The school does not assume responsibility or liability for damages, loss of property, or injury caused when such rental agreements are incurred by students or their parents.” (Parent-Student Handbook, page. 19)

Prom Dress Attire. The dance is formal. Gentlemen are required to wear tuxes or suits. Ties are required unless dress shirts with a mandarin collar are worn. Gentlemen may not wear earrings, sunglasses, hats, gloves, nor may they carry canes or chains on wallets. Ladies may wear two pair of earrings on each earlobe but may not wear sunglasses. Fitted dresses may not be excessively tight. Dresses should be comfortable for dancing and sitting.

The slit on the dress may not exceed three inches above the knee. Sleeveless and strapless dresses are permitted provided that the bodice appropriately covers the chest and back. Backless dresses may not fall below mid-back. Ladies are reminded that the display of excessive cleavage is inappropriate and unbecoming. DRESSES MAY NOT SHOW A BARE MIDRIFF OR CONTAIN CUTOUTS WHICH EXPOSE THE TORSO. Additionally, the dress material which covers the chest to mid-thigh area must be opaque, not transparent (mesh or chiffon style material is not permitted in this area).

Dress shoes are required for ladies and gentlemen. The hotel requires that shoes remain on at all times while on the premises. Students’ attire should be appropriate, modest and in good taste.

PLEASE DO NOT ASSUME ANY LIBERTIES WITH THESE GUIDELINES WHEN YOU OR (IN THE CASE OF GENTLEMEN WITH GUEST PASSES) YOUR DATE PURCHASE A PROM DRESS. ALL NON-BMHS GUESTS ARE REQUIRED TO CONFORM TO THESE GUIDELINES. ANYONE NOT ADHERING TO THE ABOVE STATED GUIDELINES WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO ENTER THE DANCE, AND WILL BE SENT HOME. IN THESE

discipline cont.CASES THE BID MONEY WILL NOT BE REFUNDED. THE SCHOOL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ADMITTANCE TO ANY PERSON NOT PROPERLY ATTIRED.

*****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, can come into the campus.2. Parents may not make a left turn into the East Parking Lot.3. 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.4. 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 will enter the East Parking Lot through the northeast entrance by the marquee.

5. The Security staff will be available to control traffic

Parents driving east on Torrance Blvd.1. Parents driving east on Torrance Blvd. cannot 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 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. Please do not merge to make a left on Henrietta, as attempting to do so 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 your students in areas that are safe. We have received many reports that students are being dropped-off by their parents/carpool drivers in the middle of the street on Palos Verdes Blvd. In the interest of the safety all pedestrians and drivers, we encourage that students be dropped-off on campus were their safety can be ensured. Also, please be aware of the weather forecast. Rainy days will always create traffic delays.

Students Parking Off-CampusIf 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 children to obey all traffic and pedestrian laws. Many students are crossing the street when the signal light is red or are not using the appropriate crosswalks. We have received phone calls from parents, faculty, and residents concerned over our students’ safety. Please remind them to follow all traffic and pedestrian laws.

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

activities

Happy New Year from the Activities Department! I hope that you have had a blessed and joyful holiday season and wish you a very prosperous 2011.

OPEN HOUSEThe annual BMHS Open House for prospective students and families was held on December 3rd and it was a great success. Over 1200 prospective students and families visit our school during Open House each year, from a broader and broader area. It is wonderful to see such great interest in our school and in what is happening at BMHS. Thanks to the faculty, ASB, Bishop Ambassadors, and the Mothers’ Club for all their help and support that day and for showcasing our school well!

BARNES AND NOBLE BOOK FAIRThanks to those of you who supported the Bishop Montgomery Bookfair held at Barnes & Noble on December 7th. Special thanks goes to the students from ASB, Concordia, Key Club, Campus Ministry and music class who participated by wrapping gifts, singing Christmas Carols and reading Christmas stories to children. This event helped raise money so Our Lady of the Rosary Elementary School can purchase new books for their classrooms and library. Your participation and support is much

appreciated.

Here are some important dates for this month:

SHORT FLAGSJanuary starts competition season for our wonderful short flag squad. They will be announcing their competition dates during morning announcements. We invite you to come support them as they represent our school.

JUNIOR RINGSJosten’s will be outside of the Activities Office in January to collect ring balances and distribute rings. Please note these dates and remind your student that they should not miss this opportunity to pay their balance and pick up their ring so they have them for the Mass and Junior Ring Blessing on February 1st.

Thursday, January 6th - Collecting payments

Thursday, January 27th -

Collecting payments and distributing rings

WINTER SPIRIT WEEKASB is proud to present the first Winter Spirit Week at Bishop Montgomery! This week will recognize our winter

athletic teams, as well as promote school spirit through some fun activities and class competitions. Everyone is looking forward to the 2nd Annual Student vs. Faculty Volleyball Match! Will the students take the title away from the faculty this year? GO KNIGHTS!

Before school, during lunch and after schoolBefore school, during lunch and after school

Mr. Steve Miller - Assistant Principal - ext. 241 Mr. Kareem Mutrie - Director of Athletics - ext. 255 Ms. Alexa Johnson – Director of Athletics – ext. 269

athletics

Winter Sports Home schedulesJan. 4, 2011Girls F/S basketball vs. Redondo Union HS @ 4PMGirls JV basketball vs. Redondo Union HS @5:30PMGirls Varsity basketball vs. Redondo Union HS @7PMJan. 7, 2011Boys F/S basketball vs. Narbonne @4PMBoys JV basketball vs. Narbonne @5:30PMBoys Varsity basketball vs. Narbonne @7PMJan 11, 2011Girls Basketball vs. St. Bernard F/S @ 2PM JV @ 3:30PM Varsity @ 5PMGirls Soccer vs. St. Joseph JV @ 3PM Varsity @ 5PMJan. 12, 2011Boys Basketball vs. Serra F/S @ 2PM JV @ 3:30pm Varsity @ 5PMBoys Soccer vs. Cathedral JV @ 3:30PM Varsity @ 5PMJan 18, 2011Girls Basketball vs. Bishop Amat JV @ 5:30PM Varsity @ 7PMGirls Soccer vs. Bishop Amat JV @ 3:30PM Varsity @ 5PM

Jan 21, 2011Boys Basketball vs. Bishop Amat F/S @ 4PM JV @ 5:30PM Varsity @ 7PMBoys Soccer vs. Bishop Amat JV @ 3:30PM Varsity @ 5PMJan 22, 2011Girls Basketball vs. St. Anthony JV @ 5:30PM Varsity @ 7PMJan 26, 2011Boys Basketball vs. LaSalle F/S @ 4PM JV @ 5:30PM Varsity @ 7PMBoys Soccer vs. St. Paul JV @ 3:30PM Varsity @ 5PMJan 28, 2011Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Cathedral @ 5PMJan 29, 2011Boys Basketball vs. St. John Bosco Frosh @ 11:30AM JV @ 1PM

Mr. Andy Marafino - Marketing and Public Relations Director - ext. 246 - development@bmhs-la.orgMrs. Dione Dierks - Marketing and Public Relations Assistant Director - ext. 249 - ddierks@bmhs-la.orgMrs. Amy Traxler - Marketing and Public Relations Assistant Director - ext. 249 - atraxler@bmhs-la.org

development

academically dedicated

A Night of Knights…Bishop’s “Black & Gold Gala” is coming soon on Saturday, February 12th at the Manhattan Beach Marriott, and with it comes a very simple way for BMHS families to fulfill PSI hours. These hours can easily be satisfied with a donation (or donations) to the silent or live auctions (1 hour of service per $15 increment of item’s retail value). Due to the size of the venue we do ask that each item auction have a retail value of $100 or more (with the exception of gift certificates and gift cards). If you are not planning to attend the fundraiser, you may also volunteer to work at the event itself. We have very limited avail-ability for the event and few spaces left. If you’re interested in any of these opportunities, please contact Amy Traxler at 310-540-2021 x249.

It Takes a VillageThe success of our Black & Gold Gala would not be possible without the support of so many people and businesses in our school and local communities. We, in the Development Office, are often humbled by the generosity that is extended to us in support of this event, most of it coming directly from our own BMHS families. It is our sincerest desire, both leading up to and after the Black & Gold Night, to publicly acknowledge those in our community who take the time and effort to help ensure the success of this very important event and to advertise whenever and wherever possible the goods and services they provide. We ask that when you see these families mentioned in BMHS publications to please consider patronizing their businesses and show your appreciation for their commitment and loyalty to BMHS.

State of California—Health and Human Services Agency California Department of Public Health

MARK B HORTON, MD, MSPH ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER Director Governor

EARLY ALERT TO SCHOOLS Assembly Bill 354 Becomes Law

2011 Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Immunization Requirements for Students September 30, 2010

Whooping cough (pertussis) has been widespread in California during 2010. The California Department of Public Health recommends that all Californians 10 years and older receive a booster shot against pertussis (also known as “Tdap”1). Moreover, Assembly Bill 354, now chaptered into California law, requires students to be immunized against pertussis2: For the 2011-12 school year only, all students entering 7th through 12th grades will need proof of a Tdap booster shot before starting school. This requirement:

Begins July 1, 2011. Can be met by receiving one dose of Tdap vaccine on or after the 10th birthday. Applies to all public and private schools. Does not affect students enrolled in summer school.

Beginning July 1, 2012, and beyond, all students entering the 7th grade will need proof of a Tdap booster shot before starting school. Starting now, please use your school websites, newsletters, report card messages, and other communications to send the following information:

Pertussis is widespread. If your child 10 years and older has not yet received the ‘Tdap’ pertussis booster shot, please contact your doctor or health department. Getting a booster shot now will protect your child against the ongoing threat of pertussis and meet a new school requirement that begins in the 2011-12 school year (California law - Assembly Bill 354). Adults are also advised to get a pertussis booster shot, if they haven’t already, to protect themselves, their families, and their students.

Updates on implementing this new law will be posted later in the 2010-2011 school year at www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/discond/Pages/Pertussis.aspx, which currently has general information about pertussis disease and immunization.

1 “Tdap” = Tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis vaccine. 2 Exemptions permitted for verified medical conditions or personal beliefs.

Immunization Branch/Division of Communicable Disease Control, MS 7309 850 Marina Bay Parkway, Building P, 2nd Floor, Richmond, CA 94804

(510) 620-3737 Internet Address: www.cdph.ca.gov

DRIVER’S EDUCATION - 2011Tuesdays – Wednesdays – Thursdays

(2:15 – 3:35)

START: March 8 (Tuesday)

END: May 12 (Thursday)

25 Total Days

NO CLASS: Wednesday, March 16 (Re-Registration) Wednesday, April 20 (Holy Thursday) Thursday, April 21 (Easter Vacation) Tuesday, April 26 (Easter Vacation) Wednesday, April 27 (Easter Vacation) Thursday, April 28 (Easter Vacation)

PRICE: $150.00

Textbook: $30.00 (Books must be ordered no later than Wednesday, February 23)

REGISTRATION: Begins in the Bookstore – February 7, 2011

CELEBRATE THE START OF 2011… JAN 10TH @ 7 PM! December’s 8th Grade Open House Mothers’ Club serves over 1000 cookies to potential BMHS students... yummy! Another fantastic job done by our volunteers...... Christmas Luncheon & Craft Fair Highlights

We begin 2011 with our Student Appreciation Day February 18th... we will draw for an event chair, and volunteers at the January meeting. “Just Desserts” will be provided by the Senior moms...! Let’s start the new year together and make 2011 a BMHS year to remember… PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS: CAROLYN KINAHAN 310-293-3205 CKINAHAN@AOL.COM LORI RODRIGUEZ 310-594-7780 LORI4XJUICE@YAHOO.COM

Just a sampling of the beautiful tables at our “Wonderland

Christmas” Luncheon on Dec. 5th, which was a great success! Made possible by our hundreds

of volunteers, creative and generous table hostesses,

fantastic offerings by our loyal vendors, and a great caterer

Zayna's Flaming Grill of Redondo Beach. There is not enough room here to thank each and every one of you personally,

but you know who you are!

Many of our BMHS parents, and alumni, went above and beyond

the call, staying past their assigned shifts, to make this

event a special time for all those attending Thank you and God

Bless you all!

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