O’Gorman Junior High School

Sioux Falls, SD

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From the Principal’s Desk

Dear O’Gorman Junior High Families, As Christ’s birthday moves closer to us, it is time to reflect how much we need the light of God in our lives. Advent is important because it is a time of spiritual renewal, a time to deepen our commitment to follow Christ and live in the hope of His return. Throughout this Christmas season, we hope that OGJH students are able to recognize the “reason for the season” and continue to grow spiritually by sharing in prayers of praise, thanksgiving, faith, hope, and love. Our two Advent service projects, the Advent Baby Shower and the Student Hunger Drive, reflect our December virtue of service and keeps the true meaning of the Christmas season alive and well in our school. On behalf of the faculty at OGJH, I would like to extend warm and safe holiday wishes to all of you. May the time spent with friends and family bring all of us closer to each other and to our Lord. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Mr. Charron, Principal **A SPECIAL WELCOME TO ALL 6th GRADE FAMILIES! YOU WILL BE SENT OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SCHOOL YEAR. THIS WILL HELP YOU STAY ABREAST OF THE HAPPENINGS AT O’GORMAN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL. YOU WILL WANT TO BE AWARE OF TWO IMPORTANT DATES IN THE COMING MONTHS: ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, ALL 6th GRADE STUDENTS WILL VISIT OGJH IN THE AFTERNOON AND MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11 (7:00 PM) IS THE 6th GRADE PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT AT OGJH. MORE INFORMATION IS TO COME REGARDING BOTH OF THESE EVENTS.** December Dates to Remember Please join us for school Mass every Wednesday at 1:15 p.m.

7 8th Grade Retreat—Hartford; No First Friday Mass due to the retreat

12 Advent Reconciliation; No School Mass—Regular Schedule

14 Students for Life at 7:20 AM

19 Student Hunger Drive Dress Down Day (Homeroom winners are eligible)

20 Advent Baby Shower Dress Down Day (Those who donated by this time are eligible)

21 Noon Dismissal; 0 Infraction/Detention Dress Down Day; End of 2nd Quarter

**School resumes on Thursday, January 3**

8th Grade Spiritual Retreat The 8th Grade Retreat will be held on Friday, December 7, at St. George in Hartford. It will begin by students loading the bus at 8:30 am (they will attend homeroom prior to this) at OGJH and returning to school at approximately 3:00 pm. Lunch will be brought out to the students (the students will use their food service accounts to pay for this meal) or they may bring a sack lunch from home. This will be a faith-filled day with praise and worship, speakers, small group discussions (led by OGHS students), and Mass.

O’Gorman Junior High School Newsletter Page 2

OGJH Community Building Rules 1. We will treat all students with respect. 2. We will help students who are not being treated with respect. 3. We will work to include students who are left out. 4. We will tell an adult if we know that someone is not being treated with respect.

Christian Service at OGJH The Catholic Church and other Christian Churches are known for their Christian service. As a Disciple of Jesus, God calls each of us to be a Christian steward by sharing our time, talent, and treasure. Giving our time to serve our Lord and serve our neighbor is one way how we live our faith. To help build our community of faith, the theology classes at O’Gorman Junior High implement Christian service hours into the curriculum. Students are required to serve their church, community, and family. Students are expected to complete a total of three hour of Christian service throughout the school year. Every quarter students are expected to serve one hour of service for their church, one hour of service for their community, and one hour of service for their family. Here are some ideas: Church:

Server, lector, usher, sing in the choir

Volunteer to work in the nursery, cleaning/decorating the church

Volunteer for a function fall festival, dinner, benefit

Work in the church office Community (Outside of family):

Volunteer at an organization (back pack program, food pantry, Banquet, Humane Society, retirement home)

Helping a neighbor – especially an elderly one who needs the help with raking/cleaning

Watching young students during a school’s SFO meeting Family:

Extra chores that are not already a responsibility

Babysit or tutor a sibling

OGJH Peer Relations RESPECT IS NOT A SOMETIMES THING; IT IS AN ALL-THE-TIME BEHAVIOR THAT PROMOTES

CARING, MERCY, AND COMPASSION.

ATTENTION 6TH GRADE FAMILIES 6TH GRADE VISIT

January 24, 2019 DURING THE SCHOOL DAY

6TH GRADE PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT

February 11, 2019 – 7:00 PM

O’Gorman Junior High School Newsletter Page 3

Thank You!! Thank you to the parents who donated doughnuts and juice for our students the day before Thanksgiving and to those who donated items for our Banquet service project! Also, thank you to the following parents who donated other items throughout the month of November: Leo and Lilibeth Sarmiento Susan Sabers Joseph and Sharon Ulin Jason and Dawn Horst John and Lisa Meyer

Virtue of the Month: SERVICE The OGJH monthly virtue for December is Service:

An act of helpful activity

OGJH Website—Accessing Homework Assignments

Teachers post their assignments online for each day by 4:00. You may access all O’Gorman Junior High School's daily assignments by following these steps: 1. Go to ogormanjh.sfcss.org 2. On the very top banner, click "Class Assignments." 3. You will find all teachers assignments on one spreadsheet.

Attendance Matters at O’Gorman Junior High School It is important that habits of regular attendance be developed in junior high in order to prepare students for high school and future responsibilities. Students and parents must understand that students miss a vital part of their education when they are absent from school. Activities that take place in the classroom are an integral part of the teaching/learning process and the discussion that takes place between teacher and student cannot be duplicated. Because of this, students are strongly encouraged to take full advantage of the educational program provided. Absences will be closely monitored throughout the school year by the office. A letter and official school documentation will be mailed at five, nine, and twelve days of a student being absent during the year. Additionally, there may be attendance meetings arranged between school personnel and the student and/or parents. If a student misses up to fifteen days of school, the president is notified. .

Student Mental Health A U.S. Surgeon General report indicates that one in five children and adolescents will face a significant mental health condition during their school years. Mental health disorders affecting children and adolescents can range from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to autism, depression, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and others. Please know that the staff at O’Gorman Junior High School is not only sensitive to these real-life issues, but also do their best to recognize the warning signs in order to identify and support students who may have a condition. In conjunction with our parents and other professionals, it is our goal to promote social and emotional competency and build resiliency with our students. Together, we can help students cope with and/or overcome their particular condition in order to reach their fullest potential.

O’Gorman Junior High School Newsletter Page 4

Photos Needed for OGJH Yearbook We are in the process of preparing the yearbook for this school year and need your help. We need as many candid photos of school sponsored sports and events for this year. If you, or your student have appropriate photos that you would like to be considered for the yearbook, please e-mail them ***IN THEIR ORIGINAL DIGITAL FORMAT, NOT CROPPED*** to Mrs. Carol Nichols at cnichols@sfcss.org.

Holiday Giving The holiday season is an excellent time to reflect on the preciousness and beauty of life and all that it has to offer. There are many, however, who experience day-to-day struggles with the most basic needs such as clothing and food. Because of this, OGJH will be participating in a select few charitable activities during the month of December to help those in need. We want to make it very clear, however, that families are not obligated to donate to all of the causes. This can be a demanding time of year and we understand that we ask a lot from our families throughout the course of a year. Listed and explained below are the holiday charitable activities that we will be doing this year: • Student Hunger Drive: The Student Hunger Drive is a food and fund drive that is coordinated through the Sioux Empire area middle schools and junior highs. Students may bring nonperishable goods or money to their homeroom teacher. At OGJH, “Tom the Turkey” doubles as a traveling trophy throughout the competition giving bragging rights to the homeroom who has brought in the most daily funds/food. The winning homerooms will be awarded a dress-down day at an announced day prior to Christmas Break. The Student Hunger Drive is run by the OGJH Student Council. When: Monday, December 3 – Tuesday, December 18. • Advent Baby Shower: The Advent Baby Shower provides gifts of new clothing, toys, diapers, etc. to less fortunate families in our parishes, Catholic Family Services, foster homes, hospitals, and other places of need. There will be a crib in the OGJH office that these items may be placed in. Any student who donates to this cause will receive a dress-down day at an announced day prior to Christmas Break. The Advent Baby Shower is sponsored by the OGJH Students for Life and the Advent Teacher Committee. When: Monday, December 3 – Tuesday, December 18.

School Supplies Does your child need to replenish their school supplies? Please take some time to visit with your child to make sure they have everything they need (pens, pencils, calculator, etc.) so that they are prepared to succeed for the second semester of school.

Wish List Dixie Cups

Cough Drops

Hand Sanitizer

Band-Aids

Ibuprofen

Tylenol

DECEMBER 2018 O’GORMAN JUNIOR HIGH LUNCH MENU

8Th GRADE RETREAT –

SACK LUNCHES

7TH GRADE:

A) FRENCH TOAST STICKS

W/STRING CHEESE

B) PEPPERONI PIZZA-PIZZA RANCH

POTATO WEDGES

A) CHICKEN NUGGETS

B) BAKED POTATO

C) FIESTADA PIZZA

D) PASTA & MEAT SAUCE

W/GARLIC TOAST

STEAMED CARROTS

A) WALKING TACO

B) BAKED POTATO

C) BBQ CHICKEN WEDGES

D) FOOTLONG ON BUN

BLACK BEANS

A) FRENCH BREAD PIZZA

W/DIPPING SAUCE

B) BAKED POTATO

C) MINI CORN DOG

D) GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST

ON BUN

STEAMED BROCCOLI

A) *PULLED PORK SANDWICH

B) BAKED POTATO

C) BEEF & CHEESE TACO

WEDGE

D) SHRIMP POPPERS

TATOR TOTS

A) PANCAKES W/STRING CHEESE

B) BAKED POTATO

C) MAC & CHEESE

D) *SAUSAGE PIZZA-PIZZA

RANCH

BREAKFAST CUBES

A) ROUND PEPPERONI PIZZA

B) BAKED POTATO

C) *BBQ RIB ON BUN

D) HAMBURGER ON BUN

STEAMED CARROTS

A) HOT HAM & CHEESE ON

PRETZEL BUN

B) BAKED POATO

C) CORN DOG

D) RAVIOLI W/MEAT SAUCE

STEAMED BROCCOLI

A) HOT DOG ON BUN

B) BAKED POTAO

C) SLOPPY JOE ON BUN

D) FISH SHAPES

BAKED BEANS

A) CHRISTMAS CHICKEN

NUGGETS

B) *BREADED PORK CHOP

C) BREADED BEEF FINGERS

MASHED POTATOES W/GRAVY

KIWI/STRAWBERRY FRUIT SLUSHIE

NO LUNCH

EARLY DISMISSAL

NO SCHOOL

CHRISTMAS BREAK

NO SCHOOL

CHRISTMAS BREAK

NO SCHOOL

CHRISTMAS BREAK

NO SCHOOL

CHRISTMAS BREAK

NO SCHOOL

CHRISTMAS BREAK

A) CHICKEN PATTY ON BUN

B) BAKED POTATO

C) FISH FILLET ON BUN

D) ROUND PEPPERONI PIZZA

CRISS CUT SWEET POTATO

FRY

A) MOSTACCIOLI CASSEROLE

GARLIC TOAST

B) BAKED POTATO

C) CRISPITO

D) CHICKEN NUGGETS

STEAMED BROCCOLI

*CONTAINS PORK

BECAUSE OF EMERGENCY SITUATIONS MENU IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

MILK IS SERVED WITH EVERY MEAL

A VARIETY OF FRESH & CANNED FRUITS ALONG WITH FRESH VEGETABLES ARE AVAILABLE EVERY DAY

A) CHEESEBURGER ON BUN

B) BAKED POTATO

C) FRENCH BREAD PIZZA

W/DIPPING SAUCE

D) MEATBALL SUB

BAKED BEANS

A) MINI CORN DOGS

B) BAKED POTATO

C) *BBQ RIB ON BUN

D) HOT DOG ON BUN

SMILE POTATOES

PRESIDENT CURRICULUM ADMISSIONS BUSINESS OFFICE DEVELOPMENT HUMAN RESOURCES ALUMNI FOUNDATION336-6241 575-3338 575-3358 335-6557 336-6354 575-3350 575-3360 575-3343

DEC2018

Magazines make great Christmas gifts for that hard to buy someone!

Did you know that Great American Fundraising has hundreds of gift items to choose from besides magazines! They have tumblers, gift wrap, holiday wreaths and more! Every purchase benefits SFCS!

Go to: www.gaschoolstore.com and use code: 2503696 or search for your elementary school.

MAGAZINE & MORE!

NEW! EASY WAY TO SIGN UP FOR ECARDS ON YOUR PHONE!

Just in time for the holidays, an easier way to get eCards on your mobile device! With over 270 eCard options to choose from, you can get a lot more... and give a lot more back!

1. Email giftcards@sfcss.org to request the SFCS enrollment code and instructions.

2. Go to ShopWithScrip.com to register.

3. Choose the option to “Link Your Bank Account”.

4. Go to MyScripWallet.com; Log in with your shopwithscript username and password; Choose eCards and support SFCS at no extra cost to you!

For more information or to learn about our online option, go to www.sfcss.org/gift-card-program or call 605-575-3364.

DOUBLE YOUR DONATION$!

Did you know that many companies will double employee donations to nonprofits? SFCS is the beneficiary of thousands of dollars each year because of donors who secure matching gifts through their employers.

Check with your company to find out if they offer matching gifts. Here are some of the companies that currently match gifts to SFCS:

Questions? Contact Susanne Gale, Director of Development, 605-575-3342.

American Express Funds Anne McGilvray & Co • Aramark

Bank of America • Bard Davol, IncCambia • CNA Surety

Delta Air Lines FoundationFirst National Bank of Sioux Falls

Land O’Lakes FoundationLos Alamos National Security

Midcontinent Foundation • Monsanto FundNew York Life Foundation

Sammons Financial Group, IncStarbucks • The GE Foundation

The Medtronic FoundationThrivent Gift Multiplier

US Bank • Verizon FoundationWells Fargo Educational Matching Gift Program

SUPPORT THE KNIGHTS THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON!

CHRISTMAS SALE! 25% OFF YOUR PURCHASE

(excludes gym uniforms and gift cards)

Check out the Knight Locker for all of your Holiday shopping needs. The Knight Locker has items for toddlers, youth and adults along with some unique stocking stuffers.

• Sales starts on Friday December 7th • 8am-4pm• Saturday, December 8th during and after the Children’s Play from 2-5 pm• Last day for the Christmas sale is Monday, December 10th from 8-6:30pm

Regular Store Hours: M-F, 8AM-4PM