News

As we come to the end of a very successful and exciting academic year, I find myself ever grateful to a loving and wonderful God for the rich and wonderful blessings He showers on us individually and as a Catholic school family. Please know that my prayers and positive thoughts are with each of you as you move from the hectic pace of school to (hopefully) a rest filled and enjoyable summer.

May God share His peace with you and fill your hearts, as you are surrounded by family, with a sense of His eternal love.

Please let me take this opportunity to remind/inform you of the following things:


2008-2009 Bus Route Changes

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Earlier today I received the following email message from Wendell Shreve, DCPS Transportation Director.

· Due to redistricting, there will be some major changes to some bus routes. Some pick up times and/or drop off times may vary as much as 30- 40 minutes from this year.

He asked that we inform our parents of this potential change. He suggested that parents check with the bus garage before school starts for the potential changes. He also informed me that the information will be posted on the DCPS website (www.daviess.k12.ky.us).

I have already received a few emails from anxious parents concerning these changes. I have requested copies of the route summaries for review so that I have a better idea of the proposed changes and their impact on our students. I am specifically concerned about late arriving busses and overly long bus rides. As I find out more information from Mr. Shreve and can appropriately assess the situation and its impact on OCS, I will keep you posted.


Report Cards

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It is my intent to have the reports cards in the mail no later than Friday, June 11th. As you know, the OCS tuition policy requires that we retain all school records, including report cards, until all financial obligations are settled.

For those with an outstanding financial obligation, a letter detailing the balance owed will be mailed in lieu of the report card. Once the balance has been settled, the report card will be released. If there are questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact the OCS Business Office at 686- 8896.


Pre-Registration for 2008-2009

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Our pre-registration numbers for the 2008-2009 academic year are definitely keeping pace with last year. As of May 22nd, there are 1265 students pre- registered. As last year, we are seeing growth in our lower grades (111 in Kindergarten, 96 in 1st Grade and 98 in 2nd Grade). Due to these positive numbers, the Education Council approved the addition of a 5th 2nd Grade class. We will have 5 Kindergarten, 1st Grade and 2nd Grade classes in 2008-2009.

Our first day of class enrollment last August was 1320. It is both our intent and hope to surpass that enrollment number on August 13th. We are working hard to encourage those who have not pre-registered to complete the Pre-Registration Form (please note the link to the form below) and turn it into the Central Office with the required $50 fee.

Every effort is being made to enroll any/all new families who have expressed an interest in learning about the incredible benefits and advantages available to students who attend OCS. Please contact Karen Gross at karen.gross@owensborocatholic.org or 686-8896 if you would like information or you know of an interested family.


Education Council - 2008-2009 Executive Officers

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At its meeting on Monday, May 26th, the Education Council approved by acclamation the following slate of executive officers for 2008-2009:

Chair - Laura Naviaux - St. Pius X
Vice-Chair - Mel Windle - St. Stephen's
Treasurer - Rob Mitchell - St. Augustine
Secretary - Karen Danhauer - Sts. Joseph and Paul

Please join me in congratulating these individuals and thanking them for their willingness to serve in these important roles.


Registration - Tuesday, July 29, 2008

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I realize that you want to enjoy the summer awhile before you begin thinking of a new school year. In some ways, I wish the same would be true for us in the Central Office.

Preparations for that new school year are well under way. Registration for the 2008-2009 academic year will take place on Tuesday, July 29th from 12:00 to 6:00 PM at OCHS.

Please note the change from a two day registration event to a one day event. The change is being made as an outgrowth of comments and suggestions that have come from our parents after the past few registration events.

Please mark your calendar and plan to attend. As we have the past few years, additional information concerning the event will be mailed as we get closer to the event.


World's Finest Chocolate

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As I reported to you earlier this year after we completed the WFC fundraiser, we have lots of chocolate in storage.

We are interested in finding ways to move the chocolate in ways that would help both OCS and others gain some profit from selling the chocolate bars. Any interested party please contact me concerning the opportunity to purchase a case (or multiple cases) of WFC for $25 or 50¢ per bar.

That would allow for the sale of the bars for $1.00 and a profit of 50¢ per bar. Please contact me if you have any interest in this fundraising opportunity.


Summer Facility Upgrades

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The summer months allow us the opportunity to take on facility projects that cannot be accomplished while school is in session. We are excited about the opportunity to upgrade our facilities. The projects this summer include the following:

· Painting of bathrooms at the K-3 Campus
· Painting of the hallways, cafeteria, gym and classroom doors at the 4-6 Campus
· Painting of the hallways and cafeteria at OCMS
· Painting of the OC and ACES logo in the gym at the 4-6 Campus
· Replacement of the floor tiles in the fourth grade hallway at the 4-6 Campus
· Replacement of the ceiling tiles and lights in the fifth grade hallway at the 4-6 Campus
· Replacement of the ceiling tiles and lights in the hallways and classrooms at OCMS
· Replacement of the gym and cafeteria roof at OCMS
· Replacement of the big gym and Parrish Avenue Wing roof at OCHS


NCEA SPICE Conference

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Every year the National Catholic Education Association in conjunction with Boston College hosts a summer conference on a topic or issue currently relevant in the arena of Catholic education.

This year the title of the conference is "Design for Success: New Configurations for Catholic Schools". The conference will be held at Boston College from Thursday, June 26th to Saturday, June 28th.

Keith and I will be attending. I am excited about the opportunity to begin networking with other consolidated Catholic school systems. We can learn so much from each other.


In Closing . . .

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Your comments and insights are important to me. I encourage you to keep them coming. I can be reached via phone at 852-8028 and email at ken.rasp@owensborocatholic.org.

God's Peace!

Ken R. Rasp
Director

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