Message From Our Principal

5/13/2021

Middle School Retreat and Service Opportunity

Thank you for your prayers for the 6th-8th graders.  They participated in a successful retreat and service opportunity. 

The following is from the Catholic Schools Office.

 Pfizer Vaccine Now Available for People Ages 12-15

Today, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the FDA extended the EUA on the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine to include those who are 12-15 years old.

Note that the parent must accompany the child for the vaccine so that they can sign the consent form.

 OLOL will begin scheduling and administering to patients in this eligibility group at our vaccination sites offering the Pfizer vaccine across our ministry. To schedule an appointment or to view the vaccine available at each location, click here.

5/11/2021 Eagle Bulletin

Tutoring Schedule Reminder

Monday, 1-8 ELA

Tuesday, 4-5 Math

Wednesday, 1-3 Math

Thursday, 6-8 Math

*** Last day of tutoring will be Thursday, 5/20.

Wednesday, 5/12

8:00  6th -8th Grade Mass

Thursday, May 13th

PK and K Last Day of School

 

Middle School Our Daily Bread service opportunity and Retreat

9:00-10:30 6th and 8th boys Our Daily Bread Service/7th and 8th girls retreat

 

10:30-Noon 6th and 8th boys retreat/7th and 8th girls Our Daily Bread

Wear complete uniform.

We will have lunch at school. 

 

Friday, May 14th 

8th Grade last Day of School; Breakfast, Awards Ceremony, Plant a Tree/ Time Capsule

 

Monday, May 17th 

9:00 PK Graduation

11:00 Kindergarten Graduation

 

Tuesday, May 18th

4th-7th Grade Global Wildlife Field Trip! 

Bring a bag lunch.  Café will not serve food to 4th-7th.

Bring lots of water from home. 

Bring extra $1 bills for animal food cup refills and water.

 

Wednesday, May 19th

8:00 1st-7th Grade Mass

5:00 PM 8th Grade Mass in Church

6:00 PM 8th Grade Graduation in Gym

 

Monday, 5/24

Full Day of School

 

Tuesday, 5/25

Full Day of School

Report Cards Distributed

 

Reflection: https://catholic-daily-reflections.com/2021/05/10/grieved-at-changes-in-life/

Jesus said to his disciples: “Now I am going to the one who sent me, and not one of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts. But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” John 16:5–7

Jesus continues to speak prophetically to His disciples about the necessity for Him to go to the Father so that He can send the Holy Spirit. What’s interesting in this passage is that Jesus points out to His disciples that “grief” has filled their hearts because of what He has said to them. Clearly, this grief in their hearts is because they do not understand what they will soon experience and do not want their relationship with Jesus to change.

Throughout our lives, our Lord will call us to change. At times, He calls us away from that with which we are familiar and comfortable, and He calls us to something new. This can be frightening and can become the cause of “grief” for us also. To help, let’s consider this passage above in detail.

Recall that there were many times, prior to Jesus death, that Jesus slowly started to reveal to His disciples, especially to the Twelve, that He would be going to the Father and that He would no longer be with them in the way He had been. Jesus wanted the Twelve to begin to understand that their relationship with Him, with the Father, and with the Holy Spirit would soon take on new meaning in their lives. But the fact that this was something new, a change to what they had grown accustomed, meant that they were more focused upon the grief that accompanies loss than they were focused upon the joy that awaited.

This same experience can often be found in all of our lives. Though dramatic change is not necessarily a regular occurrence throughout life, most everyone will experience change at various moments in life. And when that change occurs in accord with the will of God, it must be embraced with hope and great expectation.

For example, vocational changes, such as getting married, having children, or entering a religious vocation, always bring with it much change—but a change that God can use for much good. Also, the death of a loved one, a move to a new community, a new job or school, the establishment of new relationships and the like can be difficult but also fruitful. Since the Gospel passage above specifically refers to the change that comes from the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, it might be helpful to consider the fact that whenever some new change takes place in our lives, the Holy Spirit is there, waiting to enter into the new situation in ways we could have never imagined. So if you find yourself at times experiencing the grief of some loss, or difficulty with some new endeavor in life, know that the disciples experienced something similar. But in the end, Jesus’ words came true—“it is better for you that I go.” Though they did not want to see Jesus die and then ascend to Heaven out of their sight, this was part of the plan of God for their lives. So also when the changes we encounter in life are part of God’s divine plan, we can be certain that good things await.

Reflect, today, upon anything that our Lord may be asking of you in regard to a change in your life. Are you open, ready and willing to do whatever He asks? Or are you fearful or grieved by the thought of some change. Be open to anything our Lord asks of you and know that the full embrace of His holy will is the only path to true happiness in life.

My dear Jesus, You prepared Your disciples for the new life of grace that they would receive after Your death and Resurrection. Though fearful and uncertain, they embraced the new life You called them to live, and You did marvelous things through them. Please open my heart to the full embrace of my vocation and any changes that You desire for my life. I say “Yes” to You, my Lord, and pray that You work powerfully through me by the Holy Spirit. Jesus, I trust in You.

 

4/26/2021 Eagle Bulletin

Thank you!

Thank you to everyone who was involved in any way in making our Steak Dinner Fundraiser a huge success.

Congratulations!

Mr. Jason LaMArca for earning the Mother Seton Award and Mrs. Lolita Chatelain who was nominated by her colleagues to be named Teacher of the Year!

Wednesday, 4/28

3rd and 4th Graders LEAP ELA Testing

8:00  4th-8th Grade Mass

 

Thursday, 4/29 (Spirit Day Today!  Bring $1 or more to wear crazy socks to support Leukemia.)

3rd and 4th Graders LEAP math Testing

 

 

Friday, 5/30  (NO SPIRIT DAY…  WEAR UNIFORM FOR CLASS PICTURES)

Barberito takes class pictures.

3rd and 4th Graders LEAP make-up Testing

2021-2022 Grant & Aid

We have added another opportunity to apply for financial assistance for the upcoming school year!

 

To apply for need-based financial aid, parents must file with FACTS, an on-line national financial aid assessment program, using the following link.

 

https://online.factsmgt.com/signin/43Y3K

 

Parents provide information, FACTS calculates a recommended need-based award, and the school determines whether the FACTS recommendation can be met. 

 

You may call FACTS at 866-441-4637 if you have any questions or need help with the application process.

 

Go to our webpage.  Click “Admissions” and then “Grant & Aid” for further information. 

 

You may also call Mrs. Heather or Mrs. Carmella at 985-878-4295 if you need further assistance.

Tutoring Schedule Reminder

Monday, 1-8 ELA

Tuesday, 4-5 Math

Wednesday, 1-3 Math

Thursday, 6-8 Math

 

Louisiana Department of Education Trauma Recovery Program

The new Louisiana Department of Education Trauma Recovery Program is available for students in grades PreK-12.  Mental health and behavioral modification counseling by private/licensed therapists are now available free of charge to eligible families in Louisiana. 

 You may contact Anna for further information.  

 Anna Novogratz

TRDG Project Coordinator

Louisiana Department of Education at 225-366-9170

Monday, 5/3 (Leukemia Fundraiser Ends)

3rd and 4th Graders LEAP science Testing 

5th-8th Graders LEAP ELA Testing

1:30 8th Grade Ribbon Ceremony, Time Capsule, Plant a Tree

Faculty Meeting to develop Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment – No Tutoring

Tuesday, 5/4

3rd and 4th Graders LEAP SS Testing 

5th-8th Graders LEAP math Testing

 

Wednesday, 5/5

8:00  1st-3rd Grade Mass

5th-7th Graders LEAP science Testing

5:30 School Advisory Board Meeting

 

Thursday, 5/6 

5th-7th Graders LEAP SS Testing

Friday, 5/7

May Crowning

Monday, 5/10

3rd-5th Graders ACT Aspire Testing

Faculty Meeting –No Tutoring

Tuesday, 5/11

3rd-5th Graders ACT Aspire Testing

8th Grade Field Trip

 

Wednesday, 5/12

3rd-5th Graders ACT Aspire Testing

8:00  6th -8th Grade Mass

Thursday, May 13th

3rd-5th Graders ACT Aspire Testing

PK and K Last Day of School

 

8:30-10:00 6th and 8th boys Our Daily Bread Service/7th and 8th girls retreat

 

10:00-11:30 6th and 8th boys retreat/7th and 8th girls Our Daily Bread

 

 Friday, May 14th 

3rd-5th Graders ACT Aspire Testing

8th Grade last Day of School; Breakfast and Awards Ceremony

 

Monday, May 17th 

9:00 PK Graduation

11:00 Kindergarten Graduation

 

Wednesday, May 19th

8:00 1st-7th Grade Mass

6:00 PM 8th Grade Graduation 

 

Monday, 5/24

Full Day of School

 

Tuesday, 5/25

Full Day of School

Report Cards Distributed

Reflection:   https://catholic-daily-reflections.com/2021/04/25/recognizing-the-voice-of-god/

But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as the shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice. John 10:2–4

Do you recognize the voice of the Shepherd? Does He lead you each and every day, guiding you into His holy will? How attentive are you to what He speaks each day? These are some of the most important questions to ponder.

Recognizing God’s voice is something that many people struggle with. There are often many competing “voices” that speak to us each and every day. From the latest news in the headlines, to the opinions of friends and family, to the temptations all around us within the secular world, to our own self-drawn opinions, these “voices” or “ideas” that fill our minds can be hard to sort through. What is from God? And what is from other sources?

Recognizing the voice of God is indeed possible. First of all, there are many general truths that God has already spoken to us. For example, everything contained in the Holy Scriptures are the voice of God. His Word is alive. And when we read the Scriptures, we become more and more familiar with God’s voice.

God also speaks to us through gentle inspirations that result in His peace. For example, when considering a certain decision you may need to make, if you present that decision to our Lord prayerfully and then remain open to whatever He wants of you, oftentimes His answer comes in the form of a deep and certain peace of heart.

Learning to recognize the voice of God in your daily life is accomplished by building an interior habit of listening, recognizing, responding, listening some more, recognizing and responding, etc. The more you hear the voice of God, the more you will recognize His voice in the most subtle of ways, and the more you come to hear the subtleties of His voice, the more you will be able to follow. In the end, this is only accomplished by an ongoing habit of deep and sustaining prayer. Without that, it will be very difficult to recognize the voice of the Shepherd when you need Him the most.

Reflect, today, upon how attentive you are to God in prayer. What does your daily prayer look like? Do you spend time each day, listening to the gentle and beautiful voice of our Lord? Do you seek to form a habit by which His voice becomes clearer and clearer? If not, if you do struggle in recognizing His voice, then make the decision to establish a deeper habit of daily prayer so that it is the voice of our loving Lord Who leads you every day.

Jesus, my Good Shepherd, You speak to me each and every day. You are constantly revealing to me Your most holy will for my life. Help me to always recognize Your gentle voice so that I can be led by You through the challenges of life. May my life of prayer become so deep and sustaining that Your voice always echoes within my heart and soul. Jesus, I trust in You.

 

4/13/2021 Eagle Bulletin

“Eggcellent” Students conduct an “Eggcellent” Engineering STEM project at MDCS!”

On Thursday, April 1st, the 4th through 8th grade students were put into teams of 3 to 5 students and given a list of household items, such as a Ziplock bag, cotton balls, plastic cups, balloons, rubber bands, tape, and paper.  They were instructed to construct a structure that would reduce the force on a raw egg when dropped from approximately 10 feet high to keep the egg completely intact without damage upon impact.  The students had one hour to complete the project.  Each team presented its structure to be dropped by Mr. Brogan Webb while three engineers judged and critiqued each structure.  The engineers were MDCS Alumnus Russell Johnson, MDCS Alumnus Brett Johnson, and the spouse of an MDCS Alumnus Kylie Bates.  There were five different teams awarded prizes for Most Creative Design, Least Use of Materials, and Best Overall 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place.  The project was led by two parents of MDCS students, Tina Johnson, cGMP Specialist for BASF, and Jeanne Sinagra, certified science and chemistry teacher for grades 6 – 12.  It was a great experience for everyone involved.  When given just a few materials to work with and little instruction to go on, it was amazing to see all the different creative designs that the students came up with in an hour’s time.  STEM rocks at MDCS!!!

                   

                     

 

                                        

Tremendous Thank You!

The Home & School would like to thank everyone that came out to volunteer to help with the spaghetti dinner sale on Sunday. It was a very successful day! We sold a total of 953 dinners and raised $6,442.07 for our school! The great work ethic and teamwork put forth by all is greatly appreciated! 

Wednesday, 4/14

8:00  AM 4th-8th Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Wednesday April 14

6:00 PM Home and School Club Meeting in the gym. 

6:30 PM  Dad’s Club Meeting in the gym

No Bus Service

April 14th and May 5th due to Tangipahoa Parish Virtual Days

United in Prayer on the 15th

Since Mater Dolorosa's, Our Lady of Sorrows, Feast Day is September 15th, let’s all pray/fast/refrain (Whatever God is calling you to do) on the 15th of each month.  Let’s invite Jesus and Our Lady to be at the center of our school community.

Wednesday, 4/21

8:00  1st-2nd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing. (Test preparation in other grades)

Friday, 4/23

Progress Reports Distributed

Saturday, 4/24

Steak Dinner Fundraiser

*****STEAK DINNER FUNDRAISER*****

The Annual Steak Dinner Fundraiser is our largest and most important fundraiser of the year. It is very important that we have the participation of all the families of the students involved in helping us make this event a success! If you have not done so already, please request your Steak Dinner ticket(s) to buy or sell by the end of this week. Tickets are $100 per couple. All steak dinner tickets and money will be due by Monday, April 19th. All raffle tickets and money will be due by Wednesday, April 21st. Remember, there is a prize for the student and the class that sells the most tickets. 

We will need parent volunteers to help with setting up the gym next week for the steak dinner and to make/purchase appetizers for that evening. Look for a letter coming home with your child this week from Home & School to see how you can help. For more information, please contact Tina Johnson at (985) 507-3375. 

Wednesday, 4/28

8:00  1st-2nd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.  (Test preparation in other grades)

Monday 5/3

Faculty Meeting – Curriculum Development- No Tutoring

Wednesday, 5/5

8:00  4th-8th Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Wednesday, 5/12

8:00  1st-2nd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.  (Test preparation in other grades)

Thursday, May 13th

PK and K Last Day of School

Friday, May 14th

8th Grade last Day of School

Monday, May 17th

PK Graduation 9-10 and Kindergarten Graduation 11-Noon

Wednesday, May 19th

8:00 1st-7th Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

6:00 PM 8th Grade Graduation Mass followed by Graduation Ceremony in Gym

Friday, May 28th

5:30 PM  1st Grade Moving Up Ceremony in Gym

Emergency Broadband Benefit

Families who participate in the Free/Reduced Lunch Program through Child Nutrition may be eligible for funds to help defray costs of broadband service or to purchase a computer device.  More information can be found at https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Fundraiser April12th-May 3rd

https://catholic-daily-reflections.com/2021/04/12/a-holy-push/

Nicodemus answered and said to him, ‘How can this happen?” Jesus answered and said to him, “You are the teacher of Israel and you do not understand this? Amen, amen, I say to you, we speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen, but you people do not accept our testimony.”  John 3:9–11

As we reflected upon yesterday, Nicodemus is one of the only Pharisees who ultimately converted, became a follower of Jesus, and is today considered a saint. The only other Pharisees who were recorded by name as converts to Christianity were Saint Paul and Gamaliel. Acts 15:5 also indicates that some other Pharisees ultimately converted.

When the many encounters between Jesus and the Pharisees are considered as a whole, it’s clear that there was great resistance among them toward Jesus and His teaching. They were constantly seeking to trap Him and, of course, ultimately were responsible for His death, along with other leading religious leaders from the Sanhedrin. For that reason, it’s easy to understand that there must have been great pressure upon all the Pharisees to reject Jesus. Each one of them would have felt the power of peer pressure to act in accord with the general view of Jesus’ condemnation. This is the context of this passage above in which Nicodemus questions Jesus. This passage continues yesterday’s Gospel conversation in which Jesus says clearly to Nicodemus that the way to Heaven is to be “born from above.” Nicodemus questions how one can “be born again,” and then Jesus issues this apparent criticism of Him quoted above.

It’s helpful to understand that Jesus’ criticism was not a condemnation of Nicodemus. It was not in the tone of His normal “Woe to you…” statements; rather, it was a gentle but very direct challenge to Nicodemus so as to move him from his questions to faith. And that’s the key. Nicodemus did not come to Jesus to trap and condemn Him like the other Pharisees did. Nicodemus came because he was confused. And most likely, he was confused because he felt great peer pressure from his fellow Pharisees to condemn Jesus.

Understanding this context should help us understand not only the goodness and courage of Nicodemus but also the loving boldness of Jesus. Jesus knew that Nicodemus was open. He knew that Nicodemus could be won over. But Jesus also knew that Nicodemus needed to be challenged in a direct and firm way. He needed a bit of a “holy push” so as to enter into the gift of faith. Of course, Jesus’ challenge ultimately won Nicodemus over.

Reflect, today, upon any way in which you, too, need a “holy push” from our Lord. What form of worldly pressure do you experience in life? Do friends, neighbors, family members or co-workers impose upon you in some way a peer pressure that is contrary to the life of true holiness? If so, ponder the ultimate courage of Nicodemus, Saint Paul and Gamaliel. Let their witness inspire you and allow our Lord to challenge you where you need it the most so that you, too, will receive the “holy push” that you need to be a more faithful follower of Jesus.

My Lord of all strength, You are unwavering in Your determination to challenge me in the area that I need it the most. Help me to receive your gentle rebukes of love when I am weak so that I will have the courage and strength I need to be a faithful follower of You. Give me clarity and understanding, dear Lord, and help me to overcome the misleading pressures of the world. Jesus, I trust in You.

 

3/29/2021 Eagle Bulletin

Dear Eagle Families,

Thank You!

Another huge thank you for the outstanding time and effort that the Dad’s Club put into the success of the shrimp dinner fundraiser!  Thank you to all who worked the event, including some students, and all who supported the school by buying dinners.  The students will benefit from your generosity.

Great News!

We now have a 1:1 ratio of students to Chromebooks in grades 2-8 and a 1:1 ratio of students to iPads in grades Pk-1.  Of course, we still have our computer lab as well for students to use!  Tremendous improvements have been made in technology this school year.

Lenten Rice Bowls

Thank you for your generosity in giving to our Lenten Rice Bowls.  A representative from Catholic Relief Services spoke to 4th-8th graders on March 16th to inform students how the money we raised will help those in need.

Calendar

2021-2022 School Year Calendar is attached.

Tuesday, 3/30

6:00 PM Home & School Meeting will be in the gym.  We’ll be discussing the upcoming spaghetti dinner sale and steak dinner.

Wednesday, 3/31

8:00  1st-3rd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Friday, 4/2-Sunday, 4/11

Enjoy the Easter Holidays!

Sunday, 4/11

Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser (Attachment)

Monday, 4/12

Faculty Meeting (No Tutoring)

Wednesday, 4/14

8:00  4th-8th Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Thursday, 4/15

Mrs. Marilyn plans to take class pictures.

Week of April 19th

3rd-5th LEAP and 6th-8th ACT Aspire

Wednesday, 4/21

No Mass - Testing

Friday, 4/23

Progress Reports Distributed

Saturday, 4/24

Steak Dinner (Attached)

Week of April 26th

6th-8th LEAP

Wednesday, 4/28

8:00  1st-3rd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Monday 5/3

Faculty Meeting (No Tutoring)

Wednesday, 5/5

8:00  4th-8th Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Week of 5/10

3rd-5th Grade ACT Aspire

Wednesday, 5/12

No Mass - Testing

Thursday, May 13th

PK and K Last Day of School

Friday, May 14th

8th Grade last Day of School

Monday, May 17th

PK Graduation 9-10 and Kindergarten Graduation 11-Noon

Wednesday, May 19th

8:00 1st-3rd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

6:00 PM 8th Grade Graduation

Monday, 5/24

Full Day of School

Tuesday, 5/25

Full Day of School

Report Cards Distributed

Reflection:   https://catholic-daily-reflections.com/2021/03/28/expressing-your-love-of-god/

Then Judas the Iscariot, one of his disciples, and the one who would betray him, said, “Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days’ wages and given to the poor?” John 12:4–5

Jesus was with His disciples at the home of Lazarus, Martha and Mary. He regularly spent time at their home and was close to them. This meal took place just before Jesus entered into Jerusalem for the first Palm Sunday and Holy Week. It was six days before Jesus would die on the cross.

Recall that Lazarus had recently been raised from the dead by Jesus and also that Mary, Lazarus’ sister, was deeply devoted to Jesus and is recorded as the one who sat at His feet, while her sister Martha served. During this visit, Mary offered another act of devotion to Jesus when she anointed Him with “a liter of costly perfumed oil.” She offered Him an act of love and devotion. The Scripture passage above records Judas’ response as he also was at the meal. Jesus rebukes Judas and defends the act of devotion given by Mary, and the meal continues on. 

One clear lesson this teaches us is that nothing is too good for our Lord. It’s true that we must do our part to help care for the poor, but Jesus’ response to Judas is quite interesting. He says, “Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” Jesus was not downplaying the importance of caring for the poor; He was emphasizing the importance of offering acts of love and devotion to Him.

As we enter into this the holiest week of the year, we are given this image of Mary lavishing upon Jesus this liter of costly perfumed oil as a way of inviting us to do the same. Though we serve Christ in others who are in need, we must also seek to regularly offer Him devotion and love directly, even in ways that others may think is excessive. Honoring Him, expressing our love, spending time with various devotions, praying for extended periods of time, and even offering Him our financial resources are all ways in which we give Jesus the glory that is due Him.

Reflect, today, upon ways in which you can imitate this act of loving devotion offered by Mary to Jesus. In what ways can you pour forth in an abundant way your time, money, talents, and energy upon our Lord? How can you best express your devotion to Him this Holy Week? Seek out ways to do this directly for the one and simple reason that you love our Lord and want to express that love this week.

My glorious Jesus, You are worthy of all praise and honor. You are worthy of our deepest devotion and love. As I enter into this Holy Week, I pray that it will be a time in which I may express my deepest love for You. Help me to pour forth that love in abundance this week so as to show You the glory and praise You deserve. Jesus, I trust in You.

3/16/2021  

Eagle Bulletin  

 United in Prayer on the 15th (Yesterday!)

Since Mater Dolorosa's, Our Lady of Sorrows, Feast Day is September 15th, let’s all pray/fast/refrain (Whatever God is calling you to do) on the 15th of each month and/or some day(s) this week.  Let’s invite Jesus and Our Lady to be at the center of our school community.

Home and School Meeting Tonight, Tuesday, 3/16

The next Home & School Meeting will be tonight, Tuesday, March 16th @ 6 pm in the gym.

St. Patrick's Day, Wednesday, 3/17

Students may wear blue jeans or uniform bottoms with GREEN shirts and/or accessories. School shoes must be worn. No rips, tears, or holes are allowed in the blue jeans. 

8:00  4th-8th Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.  

Friday, 3/19  

9:00 Stations of the Cross for students

Spirit Day!  Students may wear blue jeans or uniform bottoms with their MDCS spirit shirts. School shoes must be worn. No rips, tears, or holes are allowed in the blue jeans.

3rd Quarter Report Cards Distributed  

  Week of 3/22  

5th and 8th Grade ACRE Tests   

Wednesday, 3/24 

8:00  4th-8th Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing. (Yes!  Two weeks in a row because of Exams)    

Friday, 3/26  

9:00 Stations of the Cross for students

Crazy Hair and Spirit Day!  Students bring in $1 or more to wear crazy hair in support of Rice Bowl fundraiser.

Spirit Day!  Students may wear blue jeans or uniform bottoms with their MDCS spirit shirts. School shoes must be worn. No rips, tears, or holes are allowed in the blue jeans.

Dad’s Club Shrimp Dinner!  (See attachment.)

Saturday. 3/27

6:30PM-10:00PM:  5th-8th Grade Dance (See attachment.)

Students should wear masks and keep all cell phones home.

Wednesday, 3/31 

8:00  1st-3rd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.  

Friday, 4/2-Sunday, 4/11  

Enjoy the Easter Holidays!   

Monday, 4/12

No Tutoring after school

Faculty Meeting to Improve Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

Reflection

One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been ill for a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be well?” John 5:5–6

Only those who have been crippled for many years could understand what this man endured in life. He was crippled and unable to walk for thirty-eight years. The pool he was laying next to was believed to have the power of healing. Therefore, many who were sick and crippled would sit by the pool and try to be the first to enter it when the waters were stirred up. From time to time, that person was said to have received a healing.

Jesus sees this man and clearly perceives his desire for healing after so many years. Most likely, his desire for healing was the dominant desire in his life. Without the ability to walk, he could not work and provide for himself. He would have had to rely upon begging and the generosity of others. Thinking about this man, his sufferings and his ongoing attempts for healing from this pool should move any heart to compassion. And since Jesus’ heart was one that was full of compassion, He was moved to offer this man not only the healing he so deeply desired but so much more.

One virtue in the heart of this man that would have especially moved Jesus to compassion is the virtue of patient endurance. This virtue is an ability to have hope in the midst of some ongoing and lengthy trial. It is also referred to as “longsuffering” or “longanimity.” Usually, when one faces a difficulty, the immediate reaction is to look for a way out. As time moves on and that difficulty is not removed, it’s easy to fall into discouragement and even despair. Patient endurance is the cure for this temptation. When one can patiently endure anything and everything they suffer in life, there is a spiritual strength within them that benefits them in numerous ways. Other little challenges are more easily endured. Hope is born within them to a powerful degree. Even joy comes with this virtue despite the ongoing struggle.

When Jesus saw this virtue alive in this man, He was moved to reach out and heal him. And the primary reason Jesus healed this man was not just to help him physically but so that the man would come to believe in Jesus and follow Him.

Reflect, today, upon this beautiful virtue of patient endurance. The trials of life should ideally be seen not in a negative way but as an invitation to patient endurance. Ponder the way you endure your own trials. Is it with deep and ongoing patience, hope and joy? Or is it with anger, bitterness and despair. Pray for the gift of this virtue and seek to imitate this crippled man.

My Lord of all hope, You endured so much in life and persevered through it all in perfect obedience to the will of the Father. Give me strength in the midst of the trials of life so that I can grow strong in the hope and the joy that comes with that strength. May I turn away from sin and turn to You in complete trust. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://catholic-daily-reflections.com/2021/03/15/patient-endurance/

3/9/2021  

Eagle Bulletin  

 Tuesday, 3/9  

6th-8th Grades Social Studies and Religion Exams  

Wednesday, 3/10

(No Tutoring) Professional Development Meeting to Develop Curriculum

8:00  1st-3rd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing. (Yes!  Two weeks in a row because of Exams)    

6th-8th Grades Science Exam  

6:30 PM in Gym Dad’s Club Meeting  

Thursday, 3/11  

5th-8th Grades Math Exam  

Friday, 3/12 

9:00 Stations of the Cross for students

Last Day of 3rd Quarter  

Make-up Exams  

Spirit Day!  Students may wear blue jeans or uniform bottoms with their MDCS spirit shirts. School shoes must be worn. No rips, tears, or holes are allowed in the blue jeans.

5:30-8:30 PM   Adult Faith Formation  (Adults in Church; Children in Gym)  

 Monday, 3/15  

1st Day of 4th Quarter  

  Wednesday, 3/17 

8:00  4th-8th Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.  

Friday, 3/19  

9:00 Stations of the Cross for students

Spirit Day!  Students may wear blue jeans or uniform bottoms with their MDCS spirit shirts. School shoes must be worn. No rips, tears, or holes are allowed in the blue jeans.

3rd Quarter Report Cards Distributed  

 Week of 3/22  

5th and 8th Grade ACRE Tests   

 Wednesday, 3/24 

8:00  4th-8th Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing. (Yes!  Two weeks in a row because of Exams)    

 Friday, 3/26  

9:00 Stations of the Cross for students

Spirit Day!  Students may wear blue jeans or uniform bottoms with their MDCS spirit shirts. School shoes must be worn. No rips, tears, or holes are allowed in the blue jeans.

Dad’s Club Shrimp Dinner! 

 Wednesday, 3/31  

8:00  1st-3rd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.  

Friday, 4/2-Sunday, 4/11  

Enjoy the Easter Holidays!   

Reflection:

Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. Matthew 18:21–22

Forgiveness of another is difficult. It’s much easier to remain angry. This line quoted above is the introduction to the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. In that parable, Jesus makes it clear that if we want to receive forgiveness from God, then we must forgive others. If we withhold forgiveness, we can be certain that God will withhold it from us.

Peter may have thought that he was being quite generous in his question to Jesus. Clearly Peter had been considering Jesus’ teachings about forgiveness and was ready to take the next step of offering that forgiveness freely. But Jesus’ answer to Peter makes it clear that Peter’s concept of forgiveness greatly paled in comparison to the forgiveness demanded by our Lord.

The parable that Jesus then tells presents us with a man who was forgiven a huge debt. Subsequently, when that man encountered a person who owed him a small debt, he failed to offer the same forgiveness that was given to him. As a result, the master of that man who was forgiven the huge debt becomes outraged and requires once again a full payment of the debt. And then Jesus ends the parable with a shocking statement. He says, “Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart.”

Note that the forgiveness God expects us to offer others is one that comes from the heart. And note that a lack of forgiveness on our part will result in us being handed “over to the torturers.” These are serious words. By “torturers,” we should understand that the sin of not forgiving another brings with it much interior pain. When we hold on to anger, this act “tortures” us in a certain way. Sin always has this effect upon us, and it is for our good. It’s a way in which God constantly challenges us to change. Thus, the only way to freedom from this interior form of torture by our sin is to overcome that sin, and in this case, to overcome the sin of withholding forgiveness.

Reflect, today, upon the calling God has given to you to forgive to the fullest extent. If you still sense anger in your heart toward another, keep working at it. Forgive over and over. Pray for that person. Refrain from judging them or condemning them. Forgive, forgive, forgive, and God’s abundant mercy will also be given to you.

My forgiving Lord, I thank You for the unfathomable depths of Your mercy. I thank You for Your willingness to forgive me over and over again. Please give me a heart worthy of that forgiveness by helping me to forgive all people to the same extent that You have forgiven me. I forgive all who have sinned against me, dear Lord. Help me to continue to do so from the depths of my heart. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://catholic-daily-reflections.com/2021/03/08/forgiving-from-the-heart/

 

3/2/2021

Eagle Bulletin

Great News! 19 Chromebooks and a charging cart were delivered to our school last week! More should be on the way before the school year ends!

Uniform Shorts

Some boys asked me when they could start wearing uniform shorts. Parents may use the weather forecast to determine that during the school year. There is no specific date.

Water Bottles

Students should bring their own water bottles and thermoses to school.

Tonight, Tuesday, 3/2

TONIGHT! Home & School meeting will be Tuesday, March 2nd at 6:00 PM in the gym. Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Wednesday, 3/3

8:00 1 st -3 rd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited. Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

5:30 Advisory Board Meeting

Monday, 3/8

5th -8 th Grades ELA Exam

Tuesday, 3/9

6th -8th Grades Social Studies and Religion Exams

Wednesday, 3/10 (No Tutoring) Professional Development Meeting to Develop Curriculum

8:00 1st -3rd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited. Wear masks and practice physical distancing. (Yes! Two weeks in a row because of Exams)

6th -8th Grades Science Exam

6:30 PM in Gym Dad’s Club Meeting

Thursday, 3/11

5 th -8 th Grades Math Exam

Friday, 3/12

Last Day of 3rd Quarter

Make-up Exams

5:30-8:30 PM Adult Faith Formation (Adults in Church; Children in Gym)

Monday, 3/15

1st Day of 4th Quarter

Wednesday, 3/17

8:00 4th -8 th Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited. Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Friday, 3/19

3rd Quarter Report Cards Distributed

Week of 3/22

5th and 8th Grade ACRE Tests

Wednesday, 3/24

8:00 4th -8th Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited. Wear masks and practice physical distancing. (Yes! Two weeks in a row because of Exams)

Friday, 3/26

Dad’s Club Shrimp Dinner!

Wednesday, 3/31

8:00 1st -3rd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited. Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Friday, 4/2-Sunday, 4/11

Enjoy the Easter Holidays!

Reflection

As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the Twelve disciples aside by themselves, and said to them on the way, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.” Matthew 20:17–19 What a conversation that must have been! As Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem with the Twelve just prior to the first Holy Week, Jesus spoke openly and clearly about what would be waiting for Him in Jerusalem. Imagine what the disciples would have thought. In many ways, it would have been too much for them to comprehend at the time. In many ways, the disciples probably preferred not to hear what Jesus had to say. But Jesus knew they needed to hear this difficult truth, especially as the moment of the Crucifixion drew near. Oftentimes, the full message of the Gospel is difficult for us to accept. This is because the full message of the Gospel will always centrally point us to the sacrifice of the Cross. Sacrificial love and the full embrace of the Cross needs to be seen, understood, loved, fully embraced and confidently proclaimed. But how is this done? Let’s start with our Lord Himself. Jesus was not afraid of the truth. He knew that His suffering and death was imminent, and He was ready and willing to accept this truth without hesitation. He didn’t see His Cross in a negative light. He did not look at it as a tragedy to be avoided. He didn’t allow fear to deter Him. Instead, Jesus looked at His imminent sufferings in the light of truth. He saw His suffering and death as a glorious act of love that He was soon to offer, and, therefore, He was not afraid to not only embrace these sufferings but also to speak of them with confidence and courage. In our own lives, we are given the invitation to imitate Jesus’ courage and love every time we must face something difficult in life. When this happens, some of the most common temptations are to be angry about the difficulty, or to look for ways to avoid it, or to blame others, or to give into despair and the like. There are numerous coping mechanisms that kick in by which we tend to try and avoid the crosses that await us. But what if we followed the example of our Lord instead? What if we faced any and every pending cross with love, courage and a willing embrace? What if instead of looking for a way out, we looked for a way in, so to speak? That is, we looked for a way to embrace our suffering in a sacrificial way, without hesitancy, in imitation of Jesus’ embrace of His cross. Every cross in life has the potential of becoming an instrument of much grace in our own lives and in the lives of others. Therefore, from the perspective of grace and eternity, crosses must be embraced, not avoided or cursed. Reflect, today, upon any difficulty you are facing. Do you see it in the same way that Jesus sees it? Can you see every cross you are given as an opportunity for sacrificial love? Are you able to embrace it with hope and confidence, knowing that God can bring good out of it? Seek to imitate our Lord by joyfully embracing the difficulties you face and those crosses will ultimately share in the Resurrection with our Lord. My suffering Lord, You freely embraced the injustice of the Cross with love and courage. You saw beyond the apparent scandal and suffering and transformed the evil done to You into the greatest act of love ever known. Give me the grace to imitate Your perfect love and to do so with the strength and confidence that You had. Jesus, I trust in You.

 

2/23/2021

Eagle Bulletin

Welcome!

Heather Cefalu will be our Administrative Assistant.  Welcome to our Eagle family, Heather!

Thank You To…

Tony F. for donating two Smart TVs to replace Smartboards in 3rd and 7th grade classrooms!

Dad’s Club for approving items to install the TVs!

Doug J. and Phil W.  for installing TVs!

Wednesday, 2/24

8:00  4th-8th Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Friday, 2/26

Father Reuben plans to be on campus on Friday, 1/26, to hear confessions. 

Wednesday, 3/3

8:00   1st-3rd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

5:30   Advisory Board Meeting

Monday, 3/8

5th-8th Grades ELA Exam

Tuesday, 3/9

6th-8th Grades Social Studies and Religion Exams

Wednesday, 3/10

8:00  1st-3rd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing. (Yes!  Two weeks in a row because of Exams)   

6th-8th Grades Science Exam

6:30 PM in Gym Dad’s Club Meeting

Thursday, 3/11

5th-8th Grades Math Exam

Friday, 3/12

Last Day of 3rd Quarter

Make-up Exams

5:30-8:30 PM   Adult Faith Formation  (Adults in Church; Children in Gym)

Monday, 3/15

1st Day of 4th Quarter

Wednesday, 3/17

8:00  4th-8th Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Friday, 3/19

3rd Quarter Report Cards Distributed

Week of 3/22

5th and 8th Grade ACRE Tests 

Wednesday, 3/24

8:00  4th-8th Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing. (Yes!  Two weeks in a row because of Exams)  

Friday, 3/26

Dad’s Club Shrimp Dinner!

Wednesday, 3/31

8:00  1st-3rd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Friday, 4/2-Sunday, 4/11

Enjoy the Easter Holidays! 

Reflection

February 23, 2021

Tuesday of the First Week of Lent

Jesus said to his disciples: “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Matthew 6:7–8

Recall that Jesus used to go off by Himself at times and spend the whole night in prayer. Thus, it’s clear that Jesus is in favor of long and sincere times of prayer, since He gave us His own example as a lesson. But there is clearly a difference between that which our Lord did all night and that which He criticized the pagans for doing when they “babble” with many words. After this criticism of the prayer of the pagans, Jesus gives us the “Our Father” prayer as a model for our personal prayer.

The Our Father prayer begins by addressing God in a deeply personal way.

That is, God is not just an all-powerful cosmic being. He is personal, familial—

He is our Father. Jesus continues the prayer by instructing us to honor our Father by proclaiming His holiness, His hallowedness. God and God alone is the Holy One from which all holiness of life derives. As we acknowledge the holiness of the Father, we must also acknowledge Him as King and seek His Kingship for our lives and for the world. This is accomplished only when His perfect will is done “on earth as it is in Heaven.” This perfect prayer concludes by acknowledging that God is the source of all of our daily needs, including the forgiveness of our sins and protection from all evil.

Upon the completion of this prayer of perfection, Jesus provides a context in which this and every prayer must be prayed. He says, “If you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.” Prayer will only be effective if we allow it to change us and make us more like the Father in Heaven. Therefore, if we want our prayer of forgiveness to be effective, then we must live what we pray for. We must also forgive others so that God will forgive us.

Reflect, today, upon this perfect prayer, the Our Father. One temptation is that we can become so familiar with this prayer that we gloss over its true meaning. If that happens, then we will find that we are praying it more like the pagans who simply babble the words. But if we humbly and sincerely understand and mean every word, then we can be certain that our prayer will become more like that of our Lord’s. Saint Ignatius of Loyola recommends pondering every word of that prayer very slowly, one word at a time. Try to pray this way, today, and allow the Our Father to move from babbling to authentic communication with the Father in Heaven.

Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come.

Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.  Jesus, I trust in You.

https://catholic-daily-reflections.com/2021/02/22/praying-the-our-father/

 

 

 

 

2/9/2021

Eagle Bulletin

Wednesday, 2/10

8:00AM 1st -3rd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited. Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

The Home and School Club will partner with the Dad's Club on Wednesday, 2/10, to discuss possible Covid-19 friendly fundraisers.  The Home and School Club meeting will start at 6PM in the gym, and the Dad's Club meeting will join the Home and Club meeting at 6:30PM.  Please wear masks and practice physical distancing.  

Friday, 2/12

Bring in $1 or more to support a school family who lost material possessions in a recent house fire.

Students may wear blue jeans or uniform bottoms with their MDCS spirit shirts or Mardi Gras colors (purple, green, and gold).  School shoes must be worn. No rips, tears, or holes are allowed in the blue jeans.

Mardi Gras Holidays!

2/15-2/19

Schoolplies

Based on feedback from the Google forms survey, we will NOT be using “Schoolplies” (pay one price for a package of supplies without going shopping) next year.

Basketball

Thank you again, Coach Keli, for your leadership in teaching lessons both on and off the court.

Independence Baseball Registration Form

Please open the attached form if your child is interested in playing baseball this summer!

Prayer

I would like for our school family to unite in prayer and fasting (whatever God is calling you to do) on February 15th (and the 15th of each month) for God and Our Lady to be with us as we partner to do what is best for our students.  May God’s will be done in and through our efforts.

Reflection

When the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus, they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands. Mark 7:6–8

It seems quite clear that Jesus’ instant fame led these religious leaders to jealousy and envy, and they wanted to find fault with Him. As a result, they carefully observed Jesus and His disciples, and they noticed that Jesus’ disciples were not following the traditions of the elders. So the leaders began questioning Jesus about this fact. Jesus’ response was one of severe criticism of them. He quoted Isaiah the prophet who said, “This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts.”

Jesus strongly criticized them because their hearts were lacking true worship. The various traditions of the elders were not necessarily bad, such as the careful ceremonial washing of one’s hands before eating. But these traditions were empty if they were not motivated by a deep faith and love of God. The external following of human traditions was not truly an act of divine worship, and that’s what Jesus wanted for them. He wanted their hearts to be set ablaze with a love of God and with true divine worship.

What our Lord wants of each one of us is worship. Pure, heartfelt, sincere worship. He wants us to love God with a deep interior devotion. He wants us to pray, to listen to Him, and to serve His holy will with all the powers of our soul. And this is only possible when we engage in authentic worship.

As Catholics, our life of prayer and worship is grounded in the holy Liturgy. The Liturgy incorporates many traditions and practices that reflect our faith and become a vehicle of the grace of God. And though the Liturgy itself is far different from the mere “tradition of the elders” that Jesus was criticizing, it’s useful to remind ourselves that the many Liturgies of our Church must move from the external actions to interior worship. Going through the motions alone is pointless. We must allow God to act on us and within us as we engage in the external celebration of the Sacraments.

Reflect, today, upon the burning desire in the heart of our Lord to draw you into worship. Reflect upon how well you allow yourself to be drawn into this worship every time you attend the holy Mass. Seek to make your participation not only an exterior one but, first and foremost, an interior one. Doing so will help ensure that the rebuke of our Lord upon the scribes and Pharisees does not also fall upon you.

My divine Lord, You and You alone are worthy of all worship, adoration and praise. You and You alone deserve the worship I offer You from the depths of my heart. Help me and Your entire Church to always interiorize our exterior acts of worship so as to give You the glory that is due Your holy name. Jesus, I trust in You.

2/2/2021

Eagle Bulletin

Catholic Schools Week Is This Week Part 1

Please use the attachment to learn how students, faculty, and staff are celebrating each day during Catholic Schools Week this week!

Registration

You may print and complete the attachments that are also included on our webpage and send them with your payment in an envelope marked “Registration” with your child’s name and grade level.  Please contact Mrs. Carmella Coslan, our Bookkeeper, at 985-878-4295 or ccoslan@mdeagles.org if you have any questions.

Catholic Schools Week (Part 2)

All schools are encouraged to invite students, parents, and other stakeholders to “attend” this year’s Catholic Schools Week Mass & Award Program.

St. George Church has made its You Tube page available to view the Mass and Award Ceremony on Wednesday, February 3 at 10 am.  Link:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4ChjeVDLhQEvahp5I4-c6Q

The Mass & Award Program can also be watched following the event using the same link. 

Rosary:  The Office of Vocations would like to invite school communities to join us in a Lenten Rosary Novena for an increase in healthy and holy vocations to the priesthood and religious life in our Diocese of Baton Rouge. See attached.

Per Page 9 of the Student/Parent Handbook

If a child is absent two or more consecutive days, a note from a physician on original letterhead must be presented to the teacher upon the child’s return to school.  

Circle of Grace

Next week, teachers will be teaching the Circle of Grace curriculum.  The Circle of Grace curriculum is posted on the diocesan web site at the following link https://learn.evangcatbr.org/circle-of-grace/ so that parents may review it online prior to it being taught.  The password to log in to view the lessons is CareSafeChurch.   Please see the attached summary of Key Concepts of the program and Parent Permission Form that should be completed, signed, and returned by Friday, 2/5.

St. Joseph’s Altar and Procession   

This year is dedicated to St. Joseph.  The Altar and procession through town is currently scheduled for March 21st after the 11am Mass. (tentative schedule due to Covid) Father Reuben would like student involvement in the procession and the Altar (pending Covid restrictions)  More details will follow.

Tuesday, 2/2

5:00  Basketball vs. Kehoe France Northshore at Kehoe France

Wednesday, 2/3

8:00  4th-8th Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

5:00  Basketball vs. St. Joseph School at MDCS.  Because of Covid-19 restrictions, guests are limited to two per player.  Bring your own chairs, wear masks, and practice physical distancing.

Friday, 2/5

Spirit DayStudents may wear blue jeans or uniform bottoms with their MDCS spirit shirts. School

shoes must be worn. No rips, tears, or holes are allowed in the blue jeans.

Progress Reports Distributed

Wednesday, 2/10

8:00  1st-3rd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

6:30 Dad’s Club Meeting in Gym.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Friday, 2/12 Spirit Day!

Students may wear blue jeans or uniform bottoms with their MDCS spirit shirts. School

shoes must be worn. No rips, tears, or holes are allowed in the blue jeans.

Mardi Gras Holidays!

2/15-2/19

Reflection

“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”  Luke 2:29-32

At the time of Jesus’ birth, there was a man named Simeon who had spent his whole life preparing for one significant moment. Like all faithful Jews at the time, Simeon was waiting for the coming Messiah. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would indeed see the Messiah before his death—and so this happened when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus into the Temple to offer Him to the Lord as an infant.

Try to imagine the scene. Simeon had lived a holy and devout life. And deep within his conscience, he knew that his life on earth would not come to an end until he was privileged to see the Savior of the World with his own eyes. He knew this by a special gift of faith, an interior revelation of the Holy Spirit, and he believed.

It’s helpful to think about this unique gift of knowledge that Simeon had throughout his life. Normally we gain knowledge through our five senses. We see something, hear something, taste, smell, or feel something, and as a result come to know it to be true. Physical knowledge is very reliable and is the normal way we come to know things. But this gift of knowledge Simeon had was different. It was deeper and was spiritual in nature. He knew he would see the Messiah before he died, not because of some external sensory perception he had received but because of an interior revelation from the Holy Spirit.

This truth begs the question, which type of knowledge is more certain? Something you see with your eyes, touch, smell, hear or taste? Or something that God speaks to you in the depths of your soul by a revelation of grace? Though these types of knowledge are different, it’s important to understand that the spiritual knowledge that is given by the Holy Spirit is far more certain than anything perceived through the five senses alone. This spiritual knowledge has the power to change your life and direct all your actions toward that revelation.

For Simeon, this interior knowledge of a spiritual nature suddenly united with his five senses when Jesus was brought into the Temple. Simeon suddenly saw, heard and felt this Child Whom he knew he would one day see with his own eyes and touch with his own hands. For Simeon, that moment was the culminating moment of his life.

Reflect, today, upon anything that our Lord has spoken to you in the depths of your soul. Too often we ignore His gentle voice as it speaks, preferring instead to live only in the sensory world. But the spiritual reality within us must become the center and foundation of our lives. It is there where God speaks, and it is there where we, too, will discover the central purpose and meaning of our lives.

My spiritual Lord, I thank You for the countless ways in which You speak to me day and night in the depths of my own soul. Help me to be always attentive to You and to Your gentle voice as You speak to me. May Your voice and Your voice alone become the guiding direction of my life. May I trust in Your Word and never waver from the mission You have given to me. Jesus, I trust in You.

1/26/2021

Eagle Bulletin

Catholic Schools Week Is Next Week! 

Please use the attachment to learn how students, faculty, and staff will celebrate each day during Catholic Schools Week!

The schools in our diocese are participating in a Charities drive during Catholic Schools Week.  Our school is asked to donate household goods:  gift cards, napkins, paper towels, toilet paper, paper plates, laundry baskets, air freshener spray, dishwashing liquid, and dish cloths.

Per Page 9 of the Student/Parent Handbook

If a child is absent two or more consecutive days, a note from a physician on original letterhead must be presented to the teacher upon the child’s return to school.  

Circle of Grace

Teachers will be teaching the Circle of Grace curriculum this semester.  The Circle of Grace curriculum is posted on the diocesan web site at the following link https://learn.evangcatbr.org/circle-of-grace/ so that parents may review it online prior to it being taught.  The password to log in to view the lessons is CareSafeChurch.   Please see the attached summary of Key Concepts of the program.

St. Joseph’s Altar and Procession   

This year is dedicated to St. Joseph.  The Altar and procession through town is currently scheduled for March 21st after the 11am Mass. (tentative schedule due to Covid) Father Reuben would like student involvement in the procession and the Altar (pending Covid restrictions)  More details will follow.

Wednesday, 1/27

No bus service.

8:00  1st-3rd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

5:00 Basketball vs. Courtney Christian School at MDCS.  Because of Covid-19 restrictions, guests are limited to two per player.  Bring your own chairs, wear masks, and practice physical distancing.

Friday, 1/29 Charitable Hat and Spirit Day!

If students bring one or more dollars, they may also wear a hat for the Pregnancy Center.

Students may wear blue jeans or uniform bottoms with their MDCS spirit shirts. School

shoes must be worn. No rips, tears, or holes are allowed in the blue jeans.

Saturday, 1/30

7:30 AM -9:00 AM Saturday Detention

Tuesday, 2/2

5:00  Basketball vs. Kehoe France Northshore at Kehoe France

Wednesday, 2/3

8:00  4th-8th Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

5:00  Basketball vs. St. Joseph School at MDCS.  Because of Covid-19 restrictions, guests are limited to two per player.  Bring your own chairs, wear masks, and practice physical distancing.

Friday, 2/5 Spirit Day

Students may wear blue jeans or uniform bottoms with their MDCS spirit shirts. School

shoes must be worn. No rips, tears, or holes are allowed in the blue jeans.

Progress Reports Distributed

Wednesday, 2/10

8:00  1st-3rd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

6:30 Dad’s Club Meeting in Gym.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Friday, 2/12 Spirit Day!

Students may wear blue jeans or uniform bottoms with their MDCS spirit shirts. School

shoes must be worn. No rips, tears, or holes are allowed in the blue jeans.

Mardi Gras Holidays!

2/15-2/19

Reflection

“Here are my mother and my brothers.  For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”  Mark 3:34–35

Jesus said many things that caused people to pause and think. Today’s Gospel passage is one of those times. Just prior to the passage quoted above, Jesus was told that His mother and brothers were outside looking for Him. After hearing this, instead of going to greet them, He asked those around Him, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” Then He looked around and answered His own question with the above quoted Scripture.

What may have caused some people to pause and think at that time, and even now when this passage is read, is that Jesus’ comments can easily be misunderstood. Some will conclude that He was distancing Himself from His own family and that He was even disowning them to a certain extent. But nothing could be further from the truth.

First of all, we know that Jesus had a perfect love for His dear mother Mary and that she loved Jesus with a perfect reciprocal love. As for His “brothers,” it was common to refer to one’s extended family (such as cousins) as brothers and sisters. Therefore, these brothers who were coming to see Jesus were relatives to one degree or another. And though our Blessed Mother, the mother of Jesus, was perfect in every way, Jesus’ extended family was not. Recall that some of them thought Jesus was out of his mind and tried to prevent His public ministry.

But back to our question: Was Jesus disowning His family members in some way? Certainly not. Instead, He was establishing a deeper context for His new family in grace. Though biological bonds are a gift and must be respected and cherished, the spiritual bonds established by our joint conformity to the will of God is of much greater importance. Jesus simply pointed to this fact, elevating the spiritual family bond over the purely natural. Of course, it’s also important to point out that Jesus’ mother was first and foremost His mother, not only because she gave physical birth to Jesus, but primarily because she was in perfect conformity to the will of God with Him and, thus, the most intimate member of His family by grace. And the same can be true for all of us. When we conform our wills to the will of God, we become Jesus’ “mother” in the sense that He enters our world through us. And we become His “brothers and sisters” in that we become intimate members of His eternal family and enjoy a profound and spiritual union with Him.

1/19/2021 Eagle Bulletin

Great News!

Tuition and fees will not increase, and we will be accepting 2-year-olds for the 2021-2022 school year!  Registration will begin on February 1st.  Please encourage families who are interested in enrolling their child at MDCS to call the school office for more information and to schedule a private tour.  The tuition and fees document is attached.

A Blessing for Our Parish and School Community

The students get so excited when Fr. Reuben visits them on campus!  Thank you, Fr. Reuben, for your leadership and genuine care for our parish and school!

 

MDCS Basketball Team

I am so proud of this team!  I was present at their first game and witnessed amazing teamwork and outstanding sportsmanship when one of our players extended his hand to help an opposing player stand up.  Thank you, Coach Keli, for your dedication to our athletes.  Because of Covid-19 restrictions, guests are limited to two per player.  Bring your own chairs, wear masks, and practice physical distancing.

 

Eagles Fall To Holy Ghost, But There Is Hope

By: David H.

The Eagles returned to the court on Wednesday night and faced off against Holy Ghost Catholic School. This Eagles squad had to replace four starters who had graduated and tipped off the 2021 campaign with a much younger team. Led by the steady veteran leadership of Coach Keli G., the Eagles’ defense played hard versus the veteran Patriots for the first quarter, and then the opponent’s experience turned the tide and won the game. 

Elijah S. led all Eagles in scoring with 7 points. Gage D. was second in scoring, and pulled down two rebounds. Dane D. added seven rebounds and two assists. John-Austin B. and Madison C. both added a trio of rebounds, and Esmeralda G. added a rebound and an assist.  

The Eagles’ next opponent is Holy Ghost’s second varsity team at our place on Wednesday the 20th, with tip-off at 6:00 PM. Our Eagles will also play on the road against Ponchatoula Christian Academy on Thursday the 21st. Please support our Eagles in spirit! 

Aftercare

In response to Covid-19, please put multiple pens in your car to sign your child out of aftercare each day.

Storm Make-Up Day

Monday, March 15th was a scheduled holiday because of The Independence Sicilian Heritage Festival, but since the festival will now be held June 4-6, 2021, we will have school on Monday, March 15th for our instructional storm make-up day instead of Wednesday, May 26th; therefore, our last day of school will be Tuesday, May 25th.

Yearbook Order Forms

Please return yearbook order forms that were distributed last week.  Please note the financial incentives for turning them in early!

Circle of Grace

Teachers will be teaching the Circle of Grace curriculum this semester.  The Circle of Grace curriculum is posted on the diocesan web site at the following link https://learn.evangcatbr.org/circle-of-grace/ so that parents may review it online prior to it being taught.  The password to log in to view the lessons is CareSafeChurch.   Please see the attached summary of Key Concepts of the program.  More information will follow at a later date.

Catholic Schools Week January 31-February 6th

The schools in our diocese are participating in a Charities drive during Catholic Schools Week.  Our school is asked to donate household goods:  gift cards, napkins, paper towels, toilet paper, paper plates, laundry baskets, air freshener spray, dishwashing liquid, dish cloths.

St. Joseph’s Altar and Procession   

This year is dedicated to St. Joseph.  The Altar and procession through town is currently scheduled for March 21st after the 11am Mass. (tentative schedule due to Covid) Father Reuben would like student involvement in the procession and the Altar (pending Covid restrictions)  More details will follow.

Wednesday, 1/20

Fr. Reuben is taking some time off January 18th-20th; therefore, there will be no Mass on January 20th. 

The next 4th-8th grade Mass will be Wednesday, February 3rd.

6:00 Basketball vs. Holy Ghost at MDCS.  Because of Covid-19 restrictions, guests are limited to two per player.  Bring your own chairs, wear masks, and practice physical distancing.

Thursday, 1/21

6:00 Basketball vs. Ponchatoula Christian Academy at PCA

Friday, 1/22, Spirit Day

Students may wear blue jeans or uniform bottoms with their MDCS spirit shirts. School

shoes must be worn. No rips, tears, or holes are allowed in the blue jeans.

Tuesday, 1/26

6:00 Basketball vs. St. Peter at MDCS.  Because of Covid-19 restrictions, guests are limited to two per player.  Bring your own chairs, wear masks, and practice physical distancing.

Wednesday, 1/27

No bus service.

8:00  1st-3rd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Thursday, 1/28

5:00 Basketball vs. Courtney Christian School at MDCS.  Because of Covid-19 restrictions, guests are limited to two per player.  Bring your own chairs, wear masks, and practice physical distancing.

Friday, 1/29 Spirit and Charitable Hat Day!

Students may wear blue jeans or uniform bottoms with their MDCS spirit shirts. School

shoes must be worn. No rips, tears, or holes are allowed in the blue jeans.

If students bring one or more dollars, they may also wear a hat for the Crisis Pregnancy Center.

Saturday, 1/30

7:30 AM -9:00 AM Saturday Detention

Tuesday, 2/2

5:00  Basketball vs. Kehoe France Northshore at Kehoe France

Wednesday, 2/3

8:00  4th-8th Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

5:00  Basketball vs. St. Joseph School at MDCS.  Because of Covid-19 restrictions, guests are limited to two per player.  Bring your own chairs, wear masks, and practice physical distancing.

Friday, 2/5 Spirit Day

Students may wear blue jeans or uniform bottoms with their MDCS spirit shirts. School

shoes must be worn. No rips, tears, or holes are allowed in the blue jeans.

Progress Reports Distributed

Wednesday, 2/10

8:00  1st-3rd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

6:30 Dad’s Club Meeting in Gym.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Friday, 2/12 Spirit Day!

Students may wear blue jeans or uniform bottoms with their MDCS spirit shirts. School

shoes must be worn. No rips, tears, or holes are allowed in the blue jeans.

Mardi Gras Holidays!

12/15-2/19

Reflection:

As Jesus was passing through a field of grain on the sabbath, his disciples began to make a path while picking the heads of grain. At this the Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” Mark 2:23–24

The Pharisees were greatly concerned about many things that were distortions of the law of God. The Third Commandment calls us to “Keep holy the Sabbath Day.” Furthermore, we read in Exodus 20:8–10 that we are not to do any work on the Sabbath but are to use that day for rest. From this Commandment, the Pharisees developed extensive commentary on what was permitted and what was forbidden to do on the Sabbath. They determined that picking the heads of grain was one of the forbidden actions.

In many countries today, the Sabbath rest has all but disappeared. Sadly, Sunday is rarely set aside any longer for a day of worship and rest with family and friends. For that reason, this hypercritical condemnation of the disciples by the Pharisees is hard to relate to. The deeper spiritual issue seems to be the hyper “nitpicky” approach taken by the Pharisees. They were not so much concerned about honoring God on the Sabbath as they were interested in being judgmental and condemning. And though it may be rare today to find people overly scrupulous and nitpicky about the Sabbath rest, it’s often easy to find ourselves becoming nitpicky about many other things in life.

Consider your family and those who are closest to you. Are there things they do and habits they have formed that leave you constantly criticizing them? Sometimes we criticize others for actions that are clearly contrary to the laws of God. At different times, we criticize others on account of some exaggeration of fact on our part. Though it is important to speak charitably against violations of the external law of God, we must be very careful not to set ourselves up as the judge and jury of others, especially when our criticism is based on a distortion of the truth or an exaggeration of something minor. In other words, we must be careful not to become nitpicky ourselves.

Reflect, today, upon any tendency you have in your relationships with those closest to you toward being excessive and distorted in your criticism. Do you find yourself obsessing over the apparent minor faults of others on a regular basis? Try to step back from criticism today and renew, instead, your practice of mercy toward all. If you do, you may actually discover that your judgments of others do not fully reflect the truth of God’s law.

My merciful Judge, give me a heart of compassion and mercy toward all. Remove from my heart all judgmentalness and criticalness. I leave all judgment to You, dear Lord, and seek only to be an instrument of Your love and mercy. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://catholic-daily-reflections.com/2021/01/18/keeping-holy-the-sabbath/

1/12/2021 Eagle Bulletin

Free Tutoring!

The oldest and only students were given the attached letter last week regarding the offer of free tutoring after school.  Forms are due Wednesday, 1/13, to take advantage of this opportunity.

Outerwear/Cold Weather Wear- Boys and Girls- All Grades

Non-uniform appropriate outerwear may be worn outside on cold weather days.  Non-uniform cold weather outerwear must be taken off inside.

Yearbook Order Forms

These are being sent home today.  They are due Wednesday, 1/20.

Circle of Grace

Teachers will be teaching the Circle of Grace curriculum this semester.  The Circle of Grace curriculum is posted on the diocesan web site at the following link https://learn.evangcatbr.org/circle-of-grace/ so that parents may review it online prior to it being taught.  The password to log in to view the lessons is CareSafeChurch.   More information will follow at a later date.

Catholic Schools Week January 31-February 6th

The schools in our diocese are participating in a Charities drive during Catholic Schools Week.  Our school is asked to donate household goods:  gift cards, napkins, paper towels, toilet paper, paper plates, laundry baskets, air freshener spray, dishwashing liquid, dish cloths.

St. Joseph’s Altar and Procession   

This year is dedicated to St. Joseph.  The Altar and procession through town is currently scheduled for March 21st after the 11am Mass. (tentative schedule due to Covid) Father Reuben would like student involvement in the procession and the Altar (pending Covid restrictions)  More details will follow.

Mark your calendars!

Wednesday, 1/13

8:00  1st-3rd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

6:00 Basketball vs. Holy Ghost at Holy Ghost

6:30 Dad’s Club Meeting in Gym

Friday, 1/15, Spirit Day

Students may wear blue jeans or uniform bottoms with their MDCS spirit shirts. School

shoes must be worn. No rips, tears, or holes are allowed in the blue jeans.

Monday, 1/18

Holiday!

Wednesday, 1/20

8:00  4th-8th Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Yearbook Order Forms are due.

6:00 Basketball vs. Holy Ghost at MDCS

Thursday, 1/21

6:00 Basketball vs. Ponchatoula Christian Academy at PCA

Friday, 1/22, Spirit Day

Students may wear blue jeans or uniform bottoms with their MDCS spirit shirts. School

shoes must be worn. No rips, tears, or holes are allowed in the blue jeans.

Tuesday, 1/26

6:00 Basketball vs. St. Peter at MDCS

Wednesday, 1/27

8:00  1st-3rd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Thursday, 1/28

5:00 Basketball vs. Courtney Christian School at MDCS

Friday, 1/29 Spirit and Charitable Hat Day!

Students may wear blue jeans or uniform bottoms with their MDCS spirit shirts. School

shoes must be worn. No rips, tears, or holes are allowed in the blue jeans.

If students bring one or more dollars, they may also wear a hat for charity today.  We are still generating ideas regarding which charity we may support..

Saturday, 1/30

7:30 AM -9:00 AM Saturday Detention

Tuesday, 2/2

5:00  Basketball vs. Kehoe France Northshore at Kehoe France

Wednesday, 2/3

8:00  4th-8th Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Friday, 2/5 Spirit Day

Students may wear blue jeans or uniform bottoms with their MDCS spirit shirts. School

shoes must be worn. No rips, tears, or holes are allowed in the blue jeans.

Progress Reports Distributed

Wednesday, 2/10

8:00  1st-3rd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Friday, 2/12 Spirit Day!

Students may wear blue jeans or uniform bottoms with their MDCS spirit shirts. School

shoes must be worn. No rips, tears, or holes are allowed in the blue jeans.

Mardi Gras Holidays!

12/15-2/19

Reflection:

In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet!  Come out of him!” Mark 1:23–25

There were numerous times when Jesus directly confronted demons in the Scriptures. Each time He rebuked them and exercised His authority over them. The passage above illustrates one such case.

The fact that the devil shows himself over and over in the Gospels tells us that the evil one is real and needs to be dealt with appropriately. And the appropriate way to deal with the evil one and his fellow demons is to rebuke them with the authority of Christ Jesus Himself in a calm but definitive and authoritative way.

It’s very rare that the evil one makes himself fully manifest to us in the way that he did in the passage above to Jesus. The demon speaks directly through this man, which indicates that the man was fully possessed. And though we do not see this form of manifestation often, it doesn’t mean that the evil one is any less active today. Instead, it shows that the authority of Christ is not being exercised by the Christian faithful to the extent that is necessary to combat the evil one. Instead, we often cower in the face of evil and fail to confidently and charitably stand our ground with Christ.

Why did this demon manifest himself in such a visible way? Because this demon was directly confronted with the authority of Jesus. The devil usually prefers to remain hidden and deceptive, presenting himself as an angel of light so that his evil ways are not known clearly. Those whom he controls often do not even know how much they are influenced by the evil one. But when the evil one is confronted with the pure presence of Christ, with the Truth of the Gospel that sets us free, and with Jesus’ authority, this confrontation often forces the evil one to react by manifesting his evil.

Reflect, today, upon the fact that the evil one is constantly at work all around us. Consider the people and circumstances in your life where the pure and holy Truth of God is attacked and rejected. It is in those situations, more than any other, that Jesus wants to bestow upon you His divine authority to confront evil, rebuke it and take authority over it. This is primarily done through prayer and deep trust in the power of God. Don’t be afraid to allow God to use you to confront the activity of the evil one in this world.

Lord, give me courage and wisdom when I face the activity of the evil one in this world. Give me wisdom to discern his hand at work and give me courage to confront and rebuke him with Your love and authority. May Your authority be alive in my life, Lord Jesus, and may I daily become a better instrument of the coming of Your Kingdom as I confront the evil present in this world. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://catholic-daily-reflections.com/2021/01/11/confronting-the-evil-one/

1/5/2021 Eagle Bulletin

Welcome back!

We hope you and your family had a Merry Christmas!  Happy New Year!

Catholic Schools Week January 31-February 6th

The schools in our diocese are participating in a Charities drive during Catholic Schools Week.  Our school is asked to donate household goods:  gift cards, napkins, paper towels, toilet paper, paper plates, laundry baskets, air freshener spray, dishwashing liquid, dish cloths.

Water

Students will be responsible for bringing their own water bottles/thermoses to school.  Teachers may refill students' water bottles /thermoses using the water fountains if needed.  Students are not allowed to use the water fountains at this time due to Covid restrictions.  Thank you to all parents who have donated cases of water for the students since the beginning of school.  

6th-8th Grade Soccer Team

Soccer practice is scheduled at school from 4:00-5:15 PM on Wednesday, 1/6, and Thursday, 1/7.  Please be prompt dropping off and picking up your child.

If a child is not picked up from school by 3:00, then he/she will be sent to aftercare from 3:00-4:00, and you will be charged per handbook policy.  In addition, the same will apply if no one is at school to pick up your child at 5:15.  

In accordance with CSAA Sport Competition Guidelines, players need to come to practices and games with masks.  

In addition to masks, please bring cleats and shin guards to practices and games.  

If there are any questions, please contact Mr. Haydel at dhaydel@mdeales.org

6th-8th Grade Basketball Team

Basketball practice is scheduled on Mondays and Tuesdays from 2:45-4:30 in the gym.  Students who are not picked up by 4:30 will be sent to aftercare at that time, and you will be charged per handbook policy.  In accordance with CSAA Sport Competition Guidelines, players need to come to practices and games with masks.  

If there are any questions, please contact Mr. Haydel at dhaydel@mdeales.org

Wednesday, 1/6

8:00  4th-8th Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

5:30  Advisory Board Meeting

Thursday, 1/7

2:45-3:20 Beta Club Meeting – Please pick up students in the regular afternoon carline at 3:20. Students who are not picked up by 3:30 will be sent to Aftercare and charged fees.

Friday, 1/8

Report Cards Distributed

Tuesday, 1/12

Soccer vs. St. Joseph

Wednesday, 1/13

8:00  1st-3rd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Soccer vs. Holy Ghost

Basketball vs. North Christian

6:30 Dad’s Club Meeting in Gym

Thursday, 1/14

Basketball vs. OLL

Monday, 1/18

Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday!

Tuesday, 1/19

Basketball vs. St. Peter

Wednesday, 1/20

8:00  4th-8th Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Soccer vs. Holy Ghost at MDS

Thursday, 1/21

Soccer vs. PCA

Basketball vs. MQP

Monday, 1/25

Basketball vs. Christ Episcopal

Tuesday, 1/26

Soccer vs. St. Peter at MDCS

Wednesday, 1/27

8:00  1st-3rd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Basketball vs. Holy Ghost

Thursday, 1/28

Soccer vs. CCS at MDCS

Saturday, 1/30

7:30 AM -9:00 AM Saturday Detention

Wednesday, 2/3

8:00  4th-8th Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Friday, 2/5

Progress Reports Distributed

Wednesday, 2/10

8:00  1st-3rd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Mardi Gras Holidays!

12/15-2/19

Reflection:

A Heart of Compassion

Tuesday after Epiphany

When Jesus saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. Mark 6:34

What is compassion? It’s an attribute by which someone sees the suffering of another and experiences true empathy for them. This empathy, in turn, leads the person to reach out and share in the person’s suffering, helping them to endure whatever they are going through. This is what Jesus experienced within His own Sacred Heart as He looked out upon this vast crowd.

The Scripture above introduces the familiar miracle of the feeding of the five thousand with only five loaves of bread and two fish. And though the miracle itself offers much to ponder, this introductory line also gives us much to ponder regarding our Lord’s motivation for performing this miracle.

When Jesus looked out at the large crowd, He saw a group of people who seemed lost, were searching and were spiritually hungry. They desired some direction in their lives, and, for that reason, they were coming to Jesus. But what’s very helpful to reflect upon is Jesus’ Heart. He was not annoyed by their insistence, He was not burdened by them; rather He was deeply moved by their spiritual poverty and hunger. This moved His Heart to “pity,” which is a form of sincere compassion. For that reason, He taught them “many things.”

Interestingly, the miracle was simply an extra blessing but was not the primary action Jesus took on account of His compassionate Heart. First and foremost, His compassion led Him to teach them.

Jesus looks at each one of us with the same compassion. Whenever you find yourself confused, lacking direction in life and spiritually hungry, Jesus gazes at you with the same gaze He offered this vast crowd. And His remedy for your needs is to teach you, also. He wants you to learn from Him by studying the Scripture, by daily prayer and meditation, by reading the lives of the saints and learning the many glorious teachings of our Church. This is the food that every wandering heart needs for spiritual satisfaction.

Reflect, today, upon the most compassionate Heart of our Divine Lord. Allow yourself to see Him gazing at you with the utmost love. Know that His gaze is one that drives Him to speak to you, to teach you and to lead you to Himself. Trust this most compassionate Heart of our Lord and allow Him to reach out to you in love.

Lord, help me to see You as You gaze at me with the most heartfelt love and compassion. I know You know my every struggle and my every need. Help me to open myself up to You and Your mercy so that You become my true Shepherd. Jesus, I trust in You.

Wednesday, 12/16

A few reminders, clarifications, and changes follow.

Thursday, 12/17 

Students may wear blue jeans or uniform bottoms with their MDCS spirit or any Christmas themed shirt tomorrow, Thursday, 12/17. School shoes must be worn. No rips, tears, or holes are allowed in the blue jeans.

Friday, 12/18  

Noon Dismissal 

No Bus Service 

No Aftercare 

Middle School Make-Up Exams 

Pajama Day (Guidelines were sent in Tuesday's Eagle Bulletin. You may also go to our school's website, click "About" and then click "Message From Our Principal".)

Friday, 12/18
Because of copyright issues, we will not livestream the Christmas program on Friday.  In addition, only 8th grade parents are invited due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

 

12/15/2020

December 15th

Dad's Club Meeting in gym at 6:30 PM.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing. 

Military Care Packages

The Beta Club is collecting items for Military Care Packages through Wednesday, 12/16.  Students may bring the items to their homeroom teachers.

https://www.veteransunited.com/network/what-deployed-troops-really-want-in-their-care-packages/

 Water

Students will be responsible for bringing their own water bottles/thermoses to school.  Teachers may refill students' water bottles /thermoses using the water fountains if needed.  Students are not allowed to use the water fountains at this time due to Covid restrictions.  Thank you to all parents who have donated cases of water for the students since the beginning of school.  

6th-8th Grade Soccer Team

Soccer practice will be held at school from 4:00-5:30 PM on Wednesday, 12/16, and Thursday, 12/17.  Please be prompt dropping off and picking up your child.

If a child is not picked up from school by 3:00, then he/she will be sent to aftercare from 3:00-4:00, and you will be charged per handbook policy.  In addition, the same will apply if no one is at school to pick up your child at 5:30.  

In accordance with CSAA Sport Competition Guidelines, players need to come to practices and games with masks.  

In addition to masks, please bring cleats and shin guards to practices and games.  

If there are any questions, please contact Mr. Haydel at dhaydel@mdeales.org

Wednesday, 12/16

8:00  1st-3rd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Middle School Science Exam

Thursday. 12/17

Middle School Math Exam

Students may wear blue jeans or uniform bottoms with their MDCS spirit or Christmas shirts.  School shoes must be worn.  No rips, tears, or holes are allowed in the blue jeans.

Friday, 12/18 Noon Dismissal

No Bus Service

No Aftercare

Middle School Make-Up Exams

Pajama Day

Guidelines for Pajama Day

This day is designed to create school spirit, and part of that is your cooperation in following the guidelines.  Remember you are in school, not at home; even though you are wearing pajamas, your dress must be appropriate for being out in public.

Footie Pajamas are okay.  Feet should have some type of non-slip surface on the bottom.

Must have top and bottom, no pajama dresses.

No “back flap” PJs

Loose sweats and t-shirt type shirts are okay. (heavier shirts, such as sweat shirts are okay)

Any bottoms worn must go past the knee. (no shorts)

There may NOT be any writing on the rear-end of the pants.

Appropriate words down the leg okay  - (school or sports team or brand names are okay)

Logos must be appropriate.

Tops must have sleeves; you may not wear a tank-top style top.

Slippers are okay; bring appropriate shoes to go outside.  (slippers with hard soles (like normal shoes) are okay for outside as long as toes and heels are covered.)

Sneakers and comfortable shoes are okay  - must have a toes and heels covered

Robes are acceptable (uniform or dress code must be followed underneath robe)

8th Grade Nativity Play Friday, 12/18  (Only 8th grade parents are invited due to Covid-19 restrictions.)  We plan to live-stream the performances at 8:30 for grades PK-3rd and approximately 9:30 for grades 4th-8th graders.

Monday, January 4th

Return to School

No Bus Service

Reflection:

Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: “What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ The son said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he changed his mind and went. Matthew 21:28–29

This Gospel passage above is the first part of a two-part story. The first son says he will not go work in the vineyard but changes his mind and goes. The second son says he will go but does not go. Which son are you most like?

Of course, the ideal would be to have said “Yes” to the father and then actually have followed through. But Jesus tells this story to contrast the “prostitutes and tax collectors” with the “chief priests and elders.” Many of these religious leaders of the time were good at saying the right thing, but they failed to act in accord with the will of God. By contrast, the sinners of the age were not always ready to agree at first, but many of them eventually listened to the message of repentance and changed their ways.

So, again, which group are you most like? It’s humbling to admit that we often struggle, especially at first, with embracing all that God asks of us. His commands are radical and require a tremendous amount of integrity and goodness to embrace. For that reason, there are many things we at first refuse to embrace. For example, the act of forgiving another is not always immediately easy. Or making the immediate commitment to daily prayer can be challenging. Or choosing any form of virtue over vice may not come to us without difficulty.

One message of incredible mercy that our Lord reveals to us through this passage is that, as long as we live, it’s never too late to change. Deep down we all know what God wants of us. The problem is that we often allow our confused reasoning or disordered passions to hinder our absolute, immediate and wholehearted response to the will of God. But if we can keep in mind that even the “prostitutes and tax collectors” eventually came around, we will be encouraged to eventually change our ways.

Reflect, today, upon that part of the will of God that is most difficult for you to immediately and wholeheartedly embrace and do. What do you find yourself saying “No” to, at least at first. Resolve to build an interior habit of saying “Yes” to our Lord and following through with His will in every way.

Precious Lord, give me the grace I need to respond to every prompting of grace in my life. Help me to say “Yes” to You and to follow through with my actions. As I see more clearly the ways I have refused Your grace, give me courage and strength to change so as to more fully conform to Your perfect plan for my life.  Jesus, I trust in You.

12/8/2020

Add to Calendar

Dad's Club Meeting in gym on December 15th at 6:30 PM.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing. 

No bus service on 12/18/2020 and 1/4/2021

Adjustments to Calendar

Thursday, 12/17, will be a Christmas /Spirit Shirt Day

Friday, 12/18, will be a Pajama Day with Noon dismissal with no bus service or aftercare.

Great News!

The work to upgrade our computer network began last week after working collaboratively with the Catholic Schools Office and Tangipahoa Public School System to secure funding.

Military Care Packages

The Beta Club is collecting items for Military Care Packages through Wednesday, 12/16.  Students may bring the items to their homeroom teachers.

https://www.veteransunited.com/network/what-deployed-troops-really-want-in-their-care-packages/

Soccer and Basketball

Teams plan to begin practices before Christmas in preparation of competitions beginning after the Holidays.

Wednesday, 12/9, Yes, two weeks in a row since exams are next week.

8:00  4th-8th Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Friday,12/11

Students may wear blue jeans or uniform bottoms with their MDCS spirit shirts.  School shoes must be worn.  No rips, tears, or holes are allowed in the blue jeans.

Advisory Board

Our first meeting was successful!  We plan to meet again in January.

The members are…

Dykes, Fr. Ruben

Fields, Zachary

Johnson, Tina

Thiel, Sarah

Dotey, Monique

Matherne, Ernie

Ford, LaBentria

Genco, Lisa

Fagan, Tony

Bruno, Nick

Ourso, Deacon Steve

Monday, 12/14

Middle School ELA Exam

Tuesday, 12/15

Middle School Social Studies/Religion Exams

Dad's Club Meeting in gym at 6:30 PM.  Please wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Wednesday, 12/16

8:00  1st-3rd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Middle School Science Exam

Thursday. 12/17

Middle School Math Exam

Students may wear blue jeans or uniform bottoms with their MDCS spirit or Christmas shirts.  School shoes must be worn.  No rips, tears, or holes are allowed in the blue jeans.

Friday, 12/18

No Bus Service

No Aftercare

Middle School Make-Up Exams

Pajama Day

Guidelines for Pajama Day

This day is designed to create school spirit, and part of that is your cooperation in following the guidelines.  Remember you are in school, not at home; even though you are wearing pajamas, your dress must be appropriate for being out in public.

Footie Pajamas are okay.  Feet should have some type of non-slip surface on the bottom.

Must have top and bottom, no pajama dresses.

No “back flap” PJs

Loose sweats and t-shirt type shirts are okay. (heavier shirts, such as sweat shirts are okay)

Any bottoms worn must go past the knee. (no shorts)

There may NOT be any writing on the rear-end of the pants.

Appropriate words down the leg okay  - (school or sports team or brand names are okay)

Logos must be appropriate.

Tops must have sleeves; you may not wear a tank-top style top.

Slippers are okay; bring appropriate shoes to go outside.  (slippers with hard soles (like normal shoes) are okay for outside as long as toes and heels are covered.)

Sneakers and comfortable shoes are okay  - must have a toes and heels covered

Robes are acceptable (uniform or dress code must be followed underneath robe)

Last Day of School before Christmas Holidays!

Monday, January 4th

Return to School

No Bus Service

Reflection:

God Never Gives Up on You

Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent

“In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.”  Matthew 18:14

Jesus makes this statement after telling the parable of the one lost sheep.  The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine and goes searching diligently for that little one.  The parable goes on to state that, “If he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray” (Matthew 18:13).

We are all “one of these little ones.”  At first, it may seem unfair that the shepherd rejoices more over the one lost sheep than over the ninety-nine.  But if we understand that each and everyone of us is that one lost sheep, it makes sense.

As we ponder this parable it’s essential that we reflect upon the deep desire of the shepherd to find us.  We must look at his concern, his tireless effort and his diligence in seeking us out.  This is the care God has for you.

Reflect, today, upon you being that one lost sheep.  Being “lost” in our sin is not a pleasant experience.  Sin brings fear, despair, confusion, anger and the like.  But if we can turn our eyes to the Good Shepherd in the midst of our sinfulness, we will regain hope.  We will regain hope that our God cares for us so much that He will never stop searching for us.  And when He finds us, His heart will be filled with the greatest joy!

Lord, in the midst of my sinfulness and confusion I turn to You.  I trust that You will seek me out.  May I always trust in Your burning love for me.  Jesus, I trust in You.

12/1/2020

Welcome Back!

We hope all of you had a Happy Thanksgiving with your families.

Friday, 12/18 Noon Dismissal

Please mark your calendars!  There will be a Noon dismissal on the last school day before the Christmas Holidays with Pajama/Spirit dress down day.  There will be no aftercare or bus service that afternoon.

Turkey Fry

This year’s Turkey Fry was a huge success!  Thank you to everyone who was involved to help our school and students.

Our Daily Bread Food Bank

Thank you for donating over 1,000 pounds of food to support Our Daily Bread Food Bank!

https://www.ourdailybreadhammond.org/

Lost and Found

Students may ask Mrs. Webb in the front office to look through the Lost and Found if they are missing anything. Students’ names should be written on the inside of all sweatshirts, etc. so they may be returned to the rightful owner.  

Masks

Students should come to school with extra masks each day.

Wednesday, 12/2

8:00  4th-8th Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

5:30 in Gym – 1st Advisory Board Meeting! (members only)

Friday,12/4

Students may wear blue jeans or uniform bottoms with their MDCS spirit shirts.  School shoes must be worn.  No rips, tears, or holes are allowed in the blue jeans.

Wednesday, 12/9, Yes, two weeks in a row since exams are next week.

8:00  4th-8th Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Friday,12/11

Students may wear blue jeans or uniform bottoms with their MDCS spirit shirts.  School shoes must be worn.  No rips, tears, or holes are allowed in the blue jeans.

Monday, 12/14

Middle School ELA Exam

Tuesday, 12/15

Middle School Social Studies/Religion Exams

Wednesday, 12/16

8:00  1st-3rd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Middle School Science Exam

Thursday. 12/17

Middle School Math Exam

Friday, 12/18,  Noon Dismissal

Middle School Exam Make-up Day

Please mark your calendars!  There will be a Noon dismissal on the last school day before the Christmas Holidays with Pajama/Spirit dress down day!  There will be no aftercare or bus service that afternoon.

Reflection:

Humility Before the Mystery of Faith

Tuesday of the First Week of Advent

“I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.”  Luke 10:21b

So are you “wise and learned” or “childlike?”  Which better describes your life?  At first, that question may be hard to answer.  If we didn’t know that Jesus elevated the quality of being childlike, we may be drawn to call ourselves wise and learned.

Of course there is nothing wrong with being wise or learned.  The problem comes with what these qualities mean in the mind of Jesus.  Jesus uses them to refer to those who think highly of themselves, are a bit pompous and are what you might call “know-it-alls.”

The sad truth is that a “know-it-all” does not actually know it all.  They actually fool only themselves.  The ideal is to be like a child in that a child is open to learn in a humble way, at least most of the time.  This childlike quality of humility and openness disposes us to receive the true wisdom from above.

Jesus gives praise to the Father for hiding the mysteries of faith from the wise and learned while revealing them to the childlike.  This is especially important to reflect on as we enter into Advent.  Advent is a time when we need childlike faith and openness to understand and penetrate the beautiful mysteries of the Incarnation.  Without this humble openness we will never fully understand the wonderful gift of God this Christmas.

Reflect, today, upon the openness within your heart.  Are you ready and willing to soak in the great mysteries of God who came to make His dwelling place with us and within us?  Are you willing to embrace that childlike faith necessary to penetrate the great mysteries of our faith?  If so, it will be a wonderful Advent and Christmas.

Lord, give me the simple and humble faith of a child.  Help me to see You as You are and to allow Your presence in our world to penetrate my life.  Jesus, I trust in You.

11/17/2020

As we approach Thanksgiving week, I am thankful for…

… God and Our Lady, Mother Mary …

for always being present with us at the center of our school.

… Fr. Reuben…

for celebrating weekly Masses, hearing monthly confessions, visiting campus, and being a strong supporter of our school. 

…  Bishop Duca…

who is another supporter of our school.  I would like to thank Mrs. Shana for bringing her students to the computer lab to virtually participate in Bishop Duca’s Mass last Wednesday!  You may watch Live Liturgies by following this link.  http://www.catholiclifetv.org/televised-liturgy/today-s-mass

… Faculty and Staff…

who have been working tirelessly to help our students master the Learning Standards of the Diocese of Baton Rouge.

… Parents…

who are supportive, cooperative, and true partners in helping us accomplish our mission:  The mission of Mater Dolorosa Catholic School is to teach morals and values of the Catholic faith, instill strong leadership qualities, and promote academic growth and excellence.

… Students…

for bringing so much life and joy to the school each day.

Technology Upgrade!

After working collaboratively with the Catholic Schools Office and Tangipahoa Public School System, together we secured money to upgrade our school’s technological infrastructure.  Work should begin after the Thanksgiving Holidays!

Wednesday, 11/18

1st-3rd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Please wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Friday, 11/20, Spirit Day

Students may wear blue jeans or uniform bottoms with their MDCS spirit shirts.  School shoes must be worn.  No rips, tears, or holes are allowed in the blue jeans.

Friday, 11/20

Progress Reports distributed

Masks

Students should keep extra masks in a ziplock bag in their schoolbags.  All students should wear masks as soon as they exit cars and busses before entering the school building. 

COVID-19

If a student is waiting on results from a Covid-19 test, please keep the student home until a negative test is confirmed.  In addition, if a family member, who is living in the same house with a student, is waiting for results from a Covid-19 test, please keep the student home until a negative test is confirmed.

According to the Louisiana Dept. of Health School Isolation/Quarantine Recommendations, any child who misses school due to a positive COVID test or symptoms of COVID must be cleared by a physician in writing before returning.  They will need to be 10 days from either the positive test or the start of symptoms, fever free for 24 hours without medication, and free of other COVID symptoms.  Any child with a close exposure to someone diagnosed with COVID will need notify the school and quarantine for 14 days.  If that child never develops symptoms, they will not need a doctor’s note to return after the 14 days.

Reminders!

Fried Turkeys Fundraiser

The oldest and only child received one ticket to sell on Friday, 10/16, along with information about service hour opportunities for this fundraiser.

Please consider earning service hours for this event that will help our students. More information about service hours is listed under “Service Hours for Student Families” on page 32 in our Parent and Student Handbook that is posted on our webpage.

https://www.mdeagles.org/editoruploads/files/MDS_PARENT_Student_Handbook______8-2020.pdf

Thursday, 11/26 (Thanksgiving Day)

Fried Turkey Pick-Up between school and gym

7:30 a.m – 11:00 a.m.

Soccer and Basketball Coaches Are Needed

The league we belong to plans to organize soccer and basketball games following CDC guidelines.  The students expressed an interest in playing, especially soccer.  Please contact Gabi Webb, our secretary, at gwebb@mdeagles.org or David Haydel, our Athletic Director, at dhaydel@mdeagles.org if you are interested in coaching our students.

Cheerleader and/or Dance Coaches Are Needed

If you are interested in moderating/coaching the cheerleader/dance teams following CDC guidelines, please contact Gabi Webb, our secretary, at gwebb@mdeagles.org.

Food Drive

Thank you for the on-going support you have given to our food drive sponsored by the Beta Club to help the Daily Bread Food Pantry. Please continue to send canned goods and non-perishable food items to school through 11/19.  Thank you!

Box Tops and Community Coffee

You may earn money for our school by using Box Tops and Community Coffee!

Lost and Found

Students may ask Mrs. Gabi in the front office to look through the Lost and Found box if they misplaced anything during the school day.  Please write students’ names in clothes to make them easier to identify.

I sincerely wish all families enjoy a safe, healthy, and Happy Thanksgiving! 

Reflection:

“Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.”  Luke 19:5b

What joy Zacchaeus had at receiving this invitation from our Lord.  There are three things to note in this encounter.

First, Zacchaeus was seen by many as a sinner.  He was a tax collector and, therefore, was not respected by the people.  There is little doubt that this would have affected Zacchaeus and been a temptation for him to see himself as unworthy of Jesus’ compassion.  But Jesus came precisely for the sinner.  Therefore, truth be told, Zacchaeus was the perfect “candidate” for the mercy and compassion of Jesus.

Second, when Zacchaeus witnessed that Jesus came to him and selected him out of everyone present to be the one to spend time with, he was overjoyed!  The same must be true with us.  Jesus does pick us and He does want to be with us.  If we allow ourselves to see this, the natural result will be joy.  Do you have joy at this knowledge?

Third, as a result of Jesus’ compassion, Zacchaeus changed his life.  He committed to giving half his possessions to the poor and to repay four times over anyone he had previously cheated.  This is a sign that Zacchaeus began to discover true riches.  He began to immediately repay to others the kindness and compassion shown to him by Jesus.

Reflect, today, upon Zacchaeus and see yourself in his person.  You, too, are a sinner.  But God’s compassion is far more powerful than any sin.  Let His loving forgiveness and acceptance of you overshadow any guilt you may feel.  And allow the gift of His mercy to produce mercy and compassion in your own life for others.

Lord, I turn to You in my sin and beg for Your mercy and compassion.  Thank You in advance for showering Your mercy upon me.  May I receive that mercy with great joy and, in turn, may I shower Your mercy upon others.  Jesus, I trust in You.

https://catholic-daily-reflections.com/2020/11/16/love-for-the-sinner-2/

11/10/2020

Wednesday, 11/11

4th-8th Grade Mass - Parents and guardians are invited.  Please wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Wednesday, 11/11

Dad’s Club Meeting at 6:30 in gym.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Soccer and Basketball Coaches Are Needed

The league we belong to plans to organize soccer and basketball games following CDC guidelines.  The students expressed an interest in playing, especially soccer.  Please contact Gabi Webb, our secretary, at gwebb@mdeagles.org or David Haydel, our Athletic Director, at dhaydel@mdeagles.org if you are interested in coaching our students.

Cheerleader and/or Dance Coaches Are Needed

If you are interested in moderating/coaching the cheerleader/dance teams following CDC guidelines, please contact Gabi Webb, our secretary, at gwebb@mdeagles.org.

TARC “Penny Power” Fundraiser

Please bring in coins, cash, or check donations this week to support TARC.  The Mission of TARC is to provide opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to realize their full potential, and to become self-directed and contributing citizens.  This fundraiser ends this Friday, 11/13.

Reminders:

Food Drive

Thank you for the on-going support you have given to our food drive sponsored by the Beta Club to help the Daily Bread Food Pantry. Please continue to send canned goods and non-perishable food items to school through 11/19.  Thank you!

Box Tops and Community Coffee

You may earn money for our school by using Box Tops and Community Coffee!

Friday, 11/13, Spirit Day

Students may wear blue jeans or uniform bottoms with their MDCS spirit shirts.  School shoes must be worn.  No rips, tears, or holes are allowed in the blue jeans.

Fried Turkeys Fundraiser

The oldest and only child received one ticket to sell on Friday, 10/16, along with information about service hour opportunities for this fundraiser.

Please consider earning service hours for this event that will help our students. More information about service hours is listed under “Service Hours for Student Families” on page 32 in our Parent and Student Handbook that is posted on our webpage.

https://www.mdeagles.org/editoruploads/files/MDS_PARENT_Student_Handbook______8-2020.pdf

Friday, 11/13

Last day to purchase Fried Turkey Ticket

Cost: $50.00 per ticket

****All Turkeys are fried in peanut oil****

Call the school office at 985-878-4295 to purchase a ticket or for more information

Wednesday, 11/18

1st-3rd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Please wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Friday, 11/20

Progress Reports distributed

Thursday, 11/26 (Thanksgiving Day)

Fried Turkey Pick-Up between school and gym

7:30 a.m – 11:00 a.m.

Reflection

“When you have done all you have been commanded, say, “We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.”  Luke 17:10b

Reflect, today, upon your motivation for loving service to others.  Try to speak these words of the Gospel within the context of your life.  It may be hard at first, but if you can serve with the mind that you are an “unprofitable servant” and that you have done nothing more than what you were “obliged to do,” then you will find that your charity takes on a whole new depth.

Lord, help me to serve freely and wholeheartedly out of love for You and others.  Help me to give of myself regardless of the reaction of others and to find satisfaction in this act of love alone.  Jesus, I trust in You.

11/3/2020

Food Drive

MDCS will be participating in our annual food drive sponsored by the Beta Club.  We will be collecting non-perishable food items for the Daily Bread Food Pantry. 

Box Top and Community Coffee

Please see the Box Top and Community Coffee attachments that contain information about how to earn money for our school.

Wednesday, 11/4

1st-3rd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Please wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Friday, 11/6,  Spirit Day

Students may wear blue jeans or uniform bottoms with their MDCS spirit shirts.  School shoes must be worn.  No rips, tears, or holes are allowed in the blue jeans.

Wednesday, 11/11

4th-8th Grade Mass - Parents and guardians are invited.  Please wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Wednesday, 11/11

Dad’s Club Meeting at 6:30 in gym.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Fried Turkeys Fundraiser

The oldest and only child received one ticket to sell on Friday, 10/16, along with information about service hour opportunities for this fundraiser.

Please consider earning service hours for this event that will help our students. More information about service hours is listed under “Service Hours for Student Families” on page 32 in our Parent and Student Handbook that is posted on our webpage.

https://www.mdeagles.org/editoruploads/files/MDS_PARENT_Student_Handbook______8-2020.pdf

Friday, 11/13

Last day to purchase Fried Turkey Ticket

Cost: $50.00 per ticket

****All Turkeys are fried in peanut oil****

Call the school office at 985-878-4295 to purchase a ticket or for more information

Wednesday, 11/18

1st-3rd Grade Mass – Parents and guardians are invited.  Please wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Friday, 11/20

Progress Reports distributed

Thursday, 11/26 (Thanksgiving Day)

Fried Turkey Pick-Up between school and gym

7:30 a.m – 11:00 a.m.

Reflection

“A man gave a great dinner to which he invited many. When the time for the dinner came, he dispatched his servant to say to those invited, ‘Come, everything is now ready.’ But one by one, they all began to excuse themselves.”  Luke 14:16-18a

Reflect, today, upon God coming to you and inviting you to share more fully in His life of grace.  How is He inviting you?  In what way are you being invited to this fuller participation?  Do not make excuses.  Answer the invitation and enter into the feast.

Lord, help me to see the numerous ways in which You call me to share more fully in Your life of grace and mercy.  Help me to recognize the feast that is prepared for me and help me to always make You the priority in my life.  Jesus, I trust in You.

10/27/2020

The Catholic schools in Tangipahoa Parish decided to have a Noon dismissal tomorrow, Wednesday, 10/28.

 

There will be no bus service or aftercare.

 

The 1st-3rd grade Mass will be postponed until Wednesday, 11/4.

 

Students may wear crazy or mix matched socks with their school uniform and school shoes tomorrow.

 

10/27/2020

Hurricane Zeta

We will follow the decision of TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM that stated the following on their webpage:

 We are monitoring the weather at this time. A decision regarding school will be made this evening (Tuesday) between 4-6pm. Please start making plans and preparations for your family to remain safe. Updates will be provided on the district's Facebook page and website.

Child Nutrition Update

Good News!  Now through the end of May 2021, ALL students are eligible to receive FREE Breakfast & Lunch.  The Afterschool meals program (Supper) will continue to be provided as normal; this is also FREE to all students.  

FREE Grab & Go Breakfast

Grab & Go Breakfast started this week! 

 

Q: Why school breakfast?

A: Children who eat a well-rounded breakfast of whole grain, protein, and a fruit or vegetable are shown to perform better in school both mentally and physically. When bellies are full, attention spans are longer, and behavior is improved.

 

Q: What types of foods are offered for school breakfast? 

A: School breakfast contains foods like milk, fruit juice, cereal bars, meat, pancakes, pop tarts, fresh fruit, string cheese, and muffins. Breakfast will be served in “Grab & Go” style at student drop off.

 

Q: Who can participate in the program & how much does it cost? 

A: It’s FREE to any student who attends our schools!

Wednesday, 10/28

1st-3rd Grade Mass at 8 AM in church… Parents and guardians are invited.  Please wear masks and practice physical distancing.

WEDNESDAY, 10/28: PUT A SOCK ON DRUGS

Students may wear crazy or mix match socks with their SCHOOL UNIFORM and school shoes.

THURSDAY, 10/29: BE BRAVE

Students may wear a Superhero, Halloween, or Fall shirt with jeans (no holes or tears) and school shoes.

FRIDAY, 10/30: HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Students may dress up in a Halloween costume (Wear Covid-19 Masks, not Costume Masks) or wear a Halloween, Fall, or Spirit shirt with jeans (no holes or tears) and tennis shoes.

Reminders: 

Wednesday, 11/11

Dad’s Club Meeting at 6:30 in gym.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Fried Turkeys Fundraiser

The oldest and only child received one ticket to sell on Friday, 10/16, along with information about service hour opportunities for this fundraiser.

Please consider earning service hours for this event that will help our students. More information about service hours is listed under “Service Hours for Student Families” on page 32 in our Parent and Student Handbook that is posted on our webpage.

https://www.mdeagles.org/editoruploads/files/MDS_PARENT_Student_Handbook______8-2020.pdf

Friday, 11/13

Last day to purchase Fried Turkey Ticket

Cost: $50.00 per ticket

****All Turkeys are fried in peanut oil****

Call the school office at 985-878-4295 to purchase a ticket or for more information

Thursday, 11/26 (Thanksgiving Day)

Fried Turkey Pick-Up between school and gym

7:30 a.m – 11:00 a.m.

Reflection

Again he said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened.”  Luke 13:20-21

Reflect, today, upon this image of yeast causing dough to rise.  Do you see this as an image of your soul?  Do you see the Holy Spirit working on you little by little?  Do you see yourself changing slowly but steadily?  Hopefully the answer is “Yes.”  Though conversion may not always take place overnight, it must be constant so as to enable the soul to progress to that place prepared for it by God.

Lord, I do desire to become holy.  I desire to be transformed little by little every day.  Help me to allow You to change me every moment of my life so that I can continually walk the path You have laid out for me.  Jesus, I trust in You.

 

10/20/2020

Early Childhood Spotlight

Pk and Kinder are learning how to listen and respond to a gospel reading.

Wednesday,10/21

4th-8th Grade Mass at 8 AM in church… Parents and guardians are invited.  Please wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Child Nutrition Update

Good News!  Now through the end of May 2021, ALL students are eligible to receive FREE Breakfast & Lunch.  The Afterschool meals program (Supper) will continue to be provided as normal; this is also FREE to all students.  

Friday, 10/23,  Spirit Shirts

Students may wear blue jeans or uniform bottoms with their MDCS spirit shirts every Friday of the school year starting this Friday, 10/23.  School shoes must be worn.  No rips, tears, or holes are allowed in the blue jeans.

 Friday, 10/23

No AM or PM Bus Service

Week of 10/26

Please see the attachment for the non-uniform days for Red Ribbon Week next week.

Wednesday, 10/28

1st-3rd Grade Mass at 8 AM in church… Parents and guardians are invited.  Please wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Wednesday, 11/11

Dad’s Club Meeting at 6:30 in gym.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Fried Turkeys Fundraiser

The oldest and only child received one ticket to sell on Friday, 10/16, along with information about service hour opportunities for this fundraiser.

Please consider earning service hours for this event that will help our students. More information about service hours is listed under “Service Hours for Student Families” on page 32 in our Parent and Student Handbook that is posted on our webpage.

https://www.mdeagles.org/editoruploads/files/MDS_PARENT_Student_Handbook______8-2020.pdf

Friday, 11/13

Last day to purchase Fried Turkey Ticket

Cost: $50.00 per ticket

****All Turkeys are fried in peanut oil****

Call the school office at 985-878-4295 to purchase a ticket or for more information

Thursday, 11/26 (Thanksgiving Day)

Fried Turkey Pick-Up between school and gym

7:30 a.m – 11:00 a.m.

Reflection

Jesus said to his disciples: “Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.”  Luke 12:35-36

Reflect, today, upon how ready you are to open immediately every part of your life to the grace and will of God.  Let Him in with great joy and enthusiasm and let His plan continue to unfold in your life.

Lord, I do wish to let You into my life more deeply each and every day.  I desire to hear Your voice and respond generously.  Give me the grace to respond to You as I ought.  Jesus, I trust in You.

10/13/2020

Fried Turkey Fundraiser on Thanksgiving Day!

The oldest and only child will receive one ticket to sell soon.

7:30 a.m – 11:00 a.m.

Cost: $50.00 per ticket

Last day to purchase ticket is November 13th

Pickup between School and Gym

 ****All Turkeys are fried in peanut oil****

Call the school office at 985-878-4295 to purchase a ticket or for more information

Wednesday, 10/14

No Mass… Fr. Reuben is doing well.  Let’s continue to pray for his speedy recovery!

Friday, 10/16

Report Cards distributed

Wednesday,10/21

4th-8th Grade Mass at 8 AM in church… Parents and guardians are invited.  Please wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Week of 10/26

Red Ribbon Week! Details will follow.

Wednesday, 10/28

1st-3rd Grade Mass at 8 AM in church… Parents and guardians are invited.  Please wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Wednesday, 11/11

Dad’s Club Meeting at 6:30 in gym.  Wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Friday, 11/13

Last day to purchase  Fried Turkey Ticket

Cost: $50.00 per ticket

****All Turkeys are fried in peanut oil****

Call the school office at 985-878-4295 to purchase a ticket or for more information

Thursday, 11/26 (Thanksgiving Day)

Fried Turkey Pick-Up between school and gym

7:30 a.m – 11:00 a.m.

Monday, March 15th

Sicilian Heritage Festival – No School

Tuesday, May 25th

Instructional Storm Make-up Day

2020 - 2021 School Year 

The Important Dates below may also be found by clicking “Calendar” on our school’s webpage.

https://www.mdeagles.org/calendar/

Important Dates

Monday, August 10th First Day of School

Monday, September 7th Labor Day – No School

Monday, November 23rd-Friday, November 27th - Thanksgiving Holidays- No School

Monday, December21st-Friday, January 1st – Christmas Holidays – No School

Monday, January 18th – Martin Luther King Holiday – No School

Monday, February 15th-Friday, February 19th – Mardi Gras Holidays- No School

Monday, March 15th - SICILIAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL Holiday - No School

Friday, April 2nd-Friday, April 9th – Easter Holidays – No School

Wednesday, May 19th – 8th Grade Graduation

Thursday, May 20th – Kindergarten Graduation

Tuesday, May 25th – Instructional Storm Make-up Day

Wednesday, May 26th - Last Day of School

Reflection

The Lord said to him, “Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. You fools!”  Luke 11:39-40a

Lord, I want to become holy.  I want to be cleansed through and through.  Help me to see my soul as You see it and to allow Your grace and mercy to cleanse me in the ways that I need to be cleansed.  Jesus, I trust in You.

10/6/2020

Wednesday, 10/7

 4th-8th Grade Mass at 8 AM in church… Parents and guardians are invited.  Please wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Students’ Needs Forms that were given to students on 9/30 are due to homeroom teachers today if applicable for your child.

 6th-8th Grade Science Exam

More than one dad would like to form a Dad's Club, and they would like as many fathers to join in order to support our students!  The first meeting will take place in the gym on Wednesday, 10/7, at 6:30 PM.  Please bring face masks and practice physical distancing.  Contact Tony Fagan at 985-969-1974 if you have any questions.

Please consider earning service hours as a member of this club that will help our students. More information about service hours is listed under “Service Hours for Student Families” on page 32 in our Parent and Student Handbook that is posted on our webpage.

https://www.mdeagles.org/editoruploads/files/MDS_PARENT_Student_Handbook______8-2020.pdf

Thursday, 10/8

6th -8th Grade Math Exam

Friday, 10/9

Last Day of 1st Quarter

Wednesday, 10/14

1st-3rd Grade Mass at 8 AM in church… Parents and guardians are invited.  Please wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Friday, 10/16

Report Cards distributed

Fr. Reuben plans to be on campus in our chapel to hear students’ confessions.

Wednesday,10/21

4th-8th Grade Mass at 8 AM in church… Parents and guardians are invited.  Please wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Week of 10/26

Red Ribbon Week! Details will follow.

Wednesday, 10/28

1st-3rd Grade Mass at 8 AM in church… Parents and guardians are invited.  Please wear masks and practice physical distancing.

Saturday, 10/31

Saturday School Detention 7:30-9:00

 

10/2/2020

Subject:  MDCS Forms to Address Students' Needs

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Students' needs forms were sent home with your child on Tuesday, 9/30.  Please return them if applicable to your child's homeroom teacher by Wednesday, 10/7.

Thank you,

MDCS Administration

 

10/2/2020

Subject:  MDCS Dad's Club

Dear Eagle Families,

Father Reuben and I have been in communication with Dr. Mel, our Superintendent, to form an Advisory Board.  After forming the Advisory Board, we plan to work collaboratively with the board to form a Home and School Club.

In the meantime, we have exciting news!  More than one dad would like to form a Dad's Club, and they would like as many fathers to join in order to support our students.  The first meeting will take place in the gym on Wednesday, 10/7, at 6:30 PM.  Please bring face masks and practice physical distancing.

Contact Tony Fagan at 985-969-1974 if you have any questions.

Jesus appointed seventy-two other disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”  Luke 10:1-2 

Lord, I give myself to Your service.  I lay my life down at Your feet and commit to the mission You have in store for me.  I thank You, Lord, for loving me enough that I may be used by You.  Use me as You will, dear Lord.  Jesus, I trust in You. 

 

9/29/2020

Science Spotlight

Coach Brett is doing an amazing job teaching science.  He brought his class to the computer lab and taught them how to research the elements as part of the project.

Reminder:  Free Breakfast, Lunch, and Supper

Now through the end of December 2020, ALL students are eligible to receive FREE Breakfast and lunch.  The Afterschool meals program (Supper) will continue to be provided as normal.  This is also FREE to all students.  Students in grades 3rd-8th will have a choice of what is planned on the calendar or pizza each day.  “Grab and Go Free Breakfast” begins Monday, October 5th!

Wednesday, 9/30

Mass, Grades 1-3…  We welcome parents and guardians! 

Students in grades 4-8 will recite the rosary in school.

Calendar

The October calendar is attached.  Due to Covid-19 restrictions, there are certain social activities such as Grandparents Day and Fall Fest that may need to be postponed to keep our school community safe and well.  We will continue to follow the guidance of the CDC, Louisiana Department of Education, Our Lady of the Lake medical professionals, and the Diocese of Baton Rouge Catholic Schools Office.  Thank you all for your understanding.

Fried Turkeys Fundraiser

Since this fundraiser takes place outdoors under the bus pavilion and proper Covid-19 guidelines may be safely followed, planning for our Fried Turkey Fundraiser has already begun!  The requirements in the “What is God calling you to do for our students at MDCS?” section below do not apply to this fundraiser since you will not be working directly with children.  Please consider earning service hours for this event that will help our students. More information about service hours is listed under “Service Hours for Student Families” on page 32 in our Parent and Student Handbook that is posted on our webpage.

https://www.mdeagles.org/editoruploads/files/MDS_PARENT_Student_Handbook______8-2020.pdf

More information will be shared soon!

What is God calling you to do for our students at MDCS?

Volunteers and chaperones for Mater Dolorosa Catholic School are invaluable. All room mothers/fathers, field trip chaperones, volunteers for school events, and anyone who has the potential to be alone with a student, are mandated by the Diocese of Baton Rouge to complete the four stated requirements below. Please consider completing the following now so that when we are able to return to the “Pre-Covid 19 Days”, you will be immediately available to offer support to our students.

1. Louisiana State Police Background Check with fingerprints (Results are sent directly to the school.)

2. EAPPS Volunteer Application https://csobr.org/documents/2015/12/Volunteer%20Application.pdf

3. Safe and Sacred on-line test

https://safeandsacred-diobr.org/login/index.php

4. Code of Ethics

https://csobr.org/documents/2020/3/Code_of_Ethics.pdf

All paperwork (numbers 2-4 above) must be completed and turned into the school office and given to Gabi Webb, our secretary.

Exams

6th-8th Graders will take exams during the 1st Quarter.

Monday, 10/5

ELA Exam

Tuesday, 10/6

SS and Religion Exams

Wednesday, 10/7

Science Exam

Thursday, 10/8

Math Exam

Friday, 10/9

Last Day of 1st Quarter

 “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”  John 1:51

Lord, thank You for the gift of the Archangels whom we honor today.  Thank You for their powerful working in our lives.  Help us to rely upon them and to love them for their service.  Archangels, pray for us, heal us, teach us and protect us.  Jesus, I trust in Yo

9/22/2020

Confessions

Thank you, Fr. Reuben, for being on campus in our chapel to hear students’ confessions last Friday!  What a blessing you are to our school community!

Reminder:  Free Breakfast, Lunch, and Supper

Now through the end of December 2020, ALL students are eligible to receive FREE Breakfast and lunch.  The Afterschool meals program (Supper) will continue to be provided as normal.  This is also FREE to all students.

Spirit Shirts and Sweatshirts

Forms were sent home yesterday.  Please return order form(s) and money by Friday, 9/25. 

Wednesday, 9/23

Mass, Grades 4-8…  We welcome parents and guardians!  Please wear masks and practice physical distancing. 

Students in grades 1-3 will recite the rosary in school.

Wednesday, 9/30

Mass, Grades 1-3…  We welcome parents and guardians!  Please wear masks and practice physical distancing. 

Students in grades 4-8 will recite the rosary in school.

Calendar

The September calendar is attached.  Due to Covid-19 restrictions, there are certain social activities such as Grandparents Day and Fall Fest that may need to be postponed to keep our school community safe and well.  We will continue to follow the guidance of the CDC, Louisiana Department of Education, Our Lady of the Lake medical professionals, and the Diocese of Baton Rouge Catholic Schools Office.  Thank you all for your understanding.

Fried Turkeys Fundraiser

Since this fundraiser takes place outdoors under the bus pavilion and proper Covid-19 guidelines may be safely followed, planning for our Fried Turkey Fundraiser has already begun!  The requirements in the “What is God calling you to do for our students at MDCS?” section below do not apply to this fundraiser since you will not be working directly with children.  Please consider earning service hours for this event that will help our students. More information about service hours is listed under “Service Hours for Student Families” on page 32 in our Parent and Student Handbook that is posted on our webpage.

https://www.mdeagles.org/editoruploads/files/MDS_PARENT_Student_Handbook______8-2020.pdf

More information will be shared soon!

What is God calling you to do for our students at MDCS?

Volunteers and chaperones for Mater Dolorosa Catholic School are invaluable. All roommothers/fathers, field trip chaperones, volunteers for school events, and anyone who has the potential to be alone with a student, are mandated by the Diocese of Baton Rouge to complete the four stated requirements below. Please consider completing the following now so that when we are able to return to the “Pre-Covid 19 Days”, you will be immediately available to offer support to our students.

1. Louisiana State Police Background Check with fingerprints (Results are sent directly to the school.)

2. EAPPS Volunteer Application https://csobr.org/documents/2015/12/Volunteer%20Application.pdf

3. Safe and Sacred on-line test

https://safeandsacred-diobr.org/login/index.php

4. Code of Ethics

https://csobr.org/documents/2020/3/Code_of_Ethics.pdf

All paperwork (numbers 2-4 above) must be completed and turned into the school office and given to Gabi Webb, our secretary.

Exams

6th-8th Graders will take exams during the 1st Quarter.

Monday, 10/5

ELA Exam

Tuesday, 10/6

SS and Religion Exams

Wednesday, 10/7

Science Exam

Thursday, 10/8

Math Exam

Friday, 10/9

Last Day of 1st Quarter

Uniforms

Thank you for your cooperation regarding uniforms.  Please continue to follow the guidelines in our on-line Student/Parent Handbook.

https://www.mdeagles.org/admissions/parent-student-handbook.cfm

The Young Entrepreneurs Academy

The Young Entrepreneurs Academy at Southeastern Louisiana University is hosted by the College of Business and the Louisiana Small Business Development Center. The program is open to all 6th-12th graders, and applications close on September 25th. The program cost is $250 for the year (all-inclusive) with additional scholarships available.  See the attachment for further details.

“The way of truth I have chosen.”  Psalm 119:30

Jesus, help us always see your truth.

Sincerely,

Mr. Fields

Principal

 

9/13/2020

Dear MDCS Families,

Support for Families Affected by Hurricane Laura

Thank you for your generous donations for the families who were affected by Hurricane Laura. 

Mrs. Little was overwhelmed by our support.  Thank you for putting our prayers into action!

Wednesday, 9/16

Mass, Grades 1-3…  We welcome parents and guardians!  Please wear masks and practice physical distancing. 

Students in grades 4-8 will recite the rosary in school.

Friday, 9/18

Fr. Reuben plans to be on campus in our chapel to hear students’ confessions.

Wednesday, 9/23

Mass, Grades 4-8…  We welcome parents and guardians!  Please wear masks and practice physical distancing. 

Students in grades 1-3 will recite the rosary in school.

Wednesday, 9/30

Mass, Grades 1-3…  We welcome parents and guardians!  Please wear masks and practice physical distancing. 

Students in grades 4-8 will recite the rosary in school.

Exams

6th-8th Graders will take exams during the 1st Quarter.

Monday, 10/5

ELA Exam

Tuesday, 10/6

SS and Religion Exams

Wednesday, 10/7

Science Exam

Thursday, 10/8

Math Exam

Friday, 10/9

Last Day of 1st Quarter

Uniforms

Thank you for your cooperation regarding uniforms.  Please continue to follow the guidelines in our on-line Student/Parent Handbook.

https://www.mdeagles.org/admissions/parent-student-handbook.cfm

FORMED.org Reminder

We look forward to a wonderful year working with you to help share our beautiful Catholic

faith with your children.

We are excited to announce a learning tool called FORMED that will be used by some of our

teachers, and more importantly by students and parents in the home.

FORMED.org is a premier on-line platform filled with over 4,000 Catholic studies, movies, cartoons, audio dramas, ebooks, and talks – and it’s free for every parishioner.

All parents and guardians need to subscribe to FORMED so students can complete

assignments throughout the year. Use the simple steps below:

1. Go to https://signup.formed.org/ to subscribe.

2. Enter our parish zip code.

3. Enter your name and email address. You’re in!

After you Sign Up, download the FORMED App by searching “FORMED Catholic” in your App

store.

For technical support: https://watch.formed.org/contact/support.

Thank you for your commitment to being the primary educators of your children. It is from

you that they first learn about the truth and beauty of their faith.

SchoolStore Fundraiser

I want to personally thank all of the families who have already participated in our SchoolStore fundraiser! We are on our way to reaching our goal, but we need everyone’s help to make sure our teachers get the essential tools they need to help our students succeed.

If your family hasn’t participated, there’s still time!

This safe and easy fundraiser is 100% online so there is no face-to-face selling, collecting money, or delivering products. Participation only takes 12 minutes and your child will win fun and exciting prizes. Every student will receive a valuable Wild Republic Hugger, just for participating. More prizes will be rewarded when goals are reached. 

Please help now. It really will make a difference.

Go to https://www.schoolstore.net/sid.t?0000120684 to show our valued teachers your support.
 

Mater Dolorosa Catholic School - Independence LA 70443

PS: Family participation is the key to our success, and we are counting on you!

What is God calling you to do for our students at MDCS?

Volunteers and chaperones for Mater Dolorosa Catholic School are invaluable. All room

mothers/fathers, field trip chaperones, volunteers for school events, and anyone who has the potential

to be alone with a student, are mandated by the Diocese of Baton Rouge to complete the four stated

requirements below. Please consider completing the following now so that when we are able to return

to the “Pre-Covid 19 Days”, you will be immediately available to offer support to our students.

1. Louisiana State Police Background Check with fingerprints (Results are sent directly to

the school.)

2. EAPPS Volunteer Application, found on the Diocese of Baton Rouge’s website:

www.diobr.org (Print certificate and send back to Gabi Webb.)

3. Safe and Sacred on-line test, found on our school’s website by clicking “Activities” and then “Home &

School Club” https://safeandsacred-diobr.org (Print two certificates and send back to Gabi and Brogan

Webb.)

4. Code of Ethics, found on the Diocese of Baton Rouge’s website: www.diobr.org (Print

certificate and send back to Gabi Webb.)

All paperwork (numbers 2-4 above) must be completed and turned into the school office and

given to Gabi Webb.

Closing

“As therefore you have received Jesus Christ the Lord, walk ye in him:
Rooted and built up in him and confirmed in the faith, as also you have learned: abounding in him in thanksgiving.
Beware lest any man cheat you by philosophy and vain deceit: according to the tradition of men according to the elements of the world and not according to Christ.
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead corporeally.
And you are filled in him, who is the head of all principality and power.”
Col 2.6-10

Sincerely,

Mr. Fields, Principal

 

 

9/7/2020

Dear Eagle Families,

Wednesday, 9/9

Parents and guardians of 4th-8th graders are invited to join us for Mass at 8:00.  Please wear masks and practice physical distancing.

2nd Grade Spotlight

Students are learning how to…

Create knowledge of the seven sacraments in religion.

Locate and identify continents and oceans.

Identify characters and setting.

Develop comprehension skills by retelling.

Identify subjects and predicates in sentences.

Understand the genre realistic fiction.

Use consonant blends.

Use flash cards and computer games to learn math facts.

Friday, 9/11

Eagle Non-Uniform Day #2 – Students who bring in $1 or more to support all families who were affected by Hurricane Laura will be allowed to participate in a non-uniform day following the guidelines below.

Girls

Shorts and skirts, one inch (1”) above the knee, capris, or jeans may be worn.

Boys

Shorts, one inch (1”) above the knee, or long pants may be worn.

Shirts

Sleeveless shirts that follow the three-finger-wide rule, with appropriate neckline height, are

acceptable. Text and graphics on shirts must be appropriate.

Shoes

Sandals, open back, platform type shoes, heels, cleats, and cowboy boots are not allowed.

Volunteers and Chaperones

Volunteers and chaperones for Mater Dolorosa Catholic School are invaluable. All room

mothers/fathers, field trip chaperones, volunteers for school events, and anyone who has the potential

to be alone with a student, are mandated by the Diocese of Baton Rouge to complete the four stated

requirements below. Please consider completing the following now so that when we are able to return

to the “Pre-Covid 19 Days”, you will be immediately available to offer support to our students.

1. Louisiana State Police Background Check with fingerprints (Results are sent directly to

the school.)

2. EAPPS Volunteer Application, found on the Diocese of Baton Rouge’s website:

www.diobr.org (Print certificate and send back to Gabi Webb.)

3. Safe and Sacred on-line test, found on our school’s website by clicking “Activities” and then “Home &

School Club” https://safeandsacred-diobr.org (Print two certificates and send back to Gabi and Brogan

Webb.)

4. Code of Ethics, found on the Diocese of Baton Rouge’s website: www.diobr.org (Print

certificate and send back to Gabi Webb.)

All paperwork (numbers 2-4 above) must be completed and turned into the school office and

given to Gabi Webb.

 

8/29/2020

Dear Eagle Families,

Cafeteria Menu for Week of 8/31

It will be the same as the last full week in August.

Monday

Chicken/Red beans

Tuesday

Mac and Cheese, broccoli, pineapple

Wednesday

Flatbread Pizza

Thursday

Hamburgers

Friday

Quesadillas

Wednesday, 9/2

Parents and guardians of 1st-3rd graders are invited to join us for Mass at 8:00. Please wear masks and practice physical distancing. 

Friday, 9/4

Eagle Spirit Day # 1 – Students who bring in $1 or more to support Mrs. Little’s family and friends who are from the Lake Charles area and were affected by Hurricane Laura will be allowed to participate in a non-uniform day following the guidelines below.  Mrs. Little was our Interim Principal last school year.

Girls

Shorts and skirts, one inch (1”) above the knee, capris, or jeans may be worn.

Boys

Shorts, one inch (1”) above the knee, or long pants may be worn.

Shirts

Sleeveless shirts that follow the three-finger-wide rule, with appropriate neckline height, are acceptable. Text and graphics on shirts must be appropriate.

Shoes

Sandals, open back, platform type shoes, heels, cleats, and cowboy boots are not allowed.

Confessions

Fr. Reuben plans to be on campus Friday, 9/4, to hear students’ confessions.

Monday, 9/7

Labor Day Holiday

Wednesday, 9/9

Parents and guardians of 4th-8th graders are invited to join us for Mass at 8:00. Please wear masks and practice physical distancing. 

Friday, 9/11

Eagle Spirit Day # 2 – Students who bring in $1 or more to support all families who were affected by Hurricane Laura will be allowed to participate in a non-uniform day following the guidelines below.

Girls

Shorts and skirts, one inch (1”) above the knee, capris, or jeans may be worn.

Boys

Shorts, one inch (1”) above the knee, or long pants may be worn.

Shirts

Sleeveless shirts that follow the three-finger-wide rule, with appropriate neckline height, are

acceptable. Text and graphics on shirts must be appropriate.

Shoes

Sandals, open back, platform type shoes, heels, cleats, and cowboy boots are not allowed.

 

8/25/2020

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Go from student to CEO with YEA! Apply today

 Do you have a big idea?  Have you always wanted to start your own business?  Do you have an invention or project that you want to take to the next level?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should apply for the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, or YEA!  YEA will be offered beginning in October and will take you through the process of brainstorming a business idea, writing a business plan, pitching your plan to investors (think Shark Tank meets American Idol meets the Apprentice), obtaining funding and launching a REAL business.  Start as a student, and finish as the CEO of your own company!

 The YEA Northshore chapter is perfect for students grades 6th-12th in Tangipahoa, St. Tammany, and Livingston Parishes.

Apply by September 25th!  Our class is limited to 25 students, so don’t delay. You can find more information and our online application at www.yeanorthshore.org.

Volunteers and Chaperones

Volunteers and chaperones for Mater Dolorosa Catholic School are invaluable. All room mothers/fathers, field trip chaperones, volunteers for school events, and anyone who has the potential to be alone with a student, are mandated by the Diocese of Baton Rouge to complete the four stated requirements below.  Please consider completing the following now so that when we are able to return to the “Pre-Covid 19 Days”, you will be immediately available to offer support to our students.

1. Louisiana State Police Background Check with fingerprints (Results are sent directly to

the school.)

2. EAPPS Volunteer Application, found on the Diocese of Baton Rouge’s website:

www.diobr.org (Print certificate and send back to Gabi Webb.)

3. Safe and Sacred on-line test, found on our school’s website by clicking “Activities” and then “Home & School Club” https://safeandsacred-diobr.org  (Print two certificates and send back to Gabi and Brogan Webb.)

4. Code of Ethics, found on the Diocese of Baton Rouge’s website: www.diobr.org (Print

certificate and send back to Gabi Webb.)

All paperwork (numbers 2-4 above) must be completed and turned into the school office and given to Gabi Webb.

Chronicles 16:10  Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.

8/22/2020

Dear Eagles Families,

The current forecast indicates that TS Marco will affect our area beginning mid-day on Monday, and TS Laura may affect our area beginning on Wednesday.  If both systems land on the Louisiana coast, our area will be affected for several days.  In the interest of everyone’s safety, both during and after the storms, Catholic schools in the Diocese of Baton Rouge will be closed for the entire week (August 24 – 28), with classes resuming on Monday, August 31.   

Thank you,

MDS Administration

 

8/21/2020

Sports and Clubs

Elementary and Middle Schools Suspend Athletic Competition for Fall Semester

Catholic elementary and middle schools in the Diocese of Baton Rouge have decided to suspend extra-curricular athletics for the fall semester. There are approximately 25 Catholic elementary and middle schools in the diocese whose levels of academic instruction and sports programs run through the eighth grade. The suspension applies to all school sports, such as football, boys and girls basketball and volleyball, as well as auxiliary sports like swimming, cross country and soccer. Not all schools compete in all fall sports, so the suspension will apply differently depending on each school's athletic program. The decision to suspend play resulted from a consensus on the part of the schools' principals in collaboration with the Catholic Schools Office.  Athletic competition at diocesan high schools is not affected by this decision. High school athletic programs are governed by the Louisiana High School Athletic Association. 

The Catholic Schools Office issued the following statement in announcing its decision: 

Catholic elementary and middle schools in the Diocese of Baton Rouge reopened in August with appropriate procedures in place to mitigate the chance of COVID-19 transmission on campus.  The health and safety of students and staff were of primary importance in the decision to reopen school buildings in service to students and families.  With that focus, it has been determined that extra-curricular athletics will not be held during the first semester of this school year.  With time, it is hoped that it will be possible to consider resuming sports programs in elementary and middle schools during the spring semester.  These are extraordinary times that have caused us to take this extraordinary action.  School leaders are grateful for the support and cooperation of all stakeholders as decisions are made to ensure safety of all. We share the disappointment of our students, their families, our faculties and staffs, and the communities in which our athletic teams have participated for decades. We all pray for a safe environment in the spring that will permit a return to spirited sports competition.

We appreciate your partnership with us as we work together during these unprecedented times to do what is best for our students.  As stated earlier, this is a tentative plan which will be updated and adapted as things continue to evolve. We will keep you informed as further plans develop.

 

8/18/2020

Dear Eagle Families,

Faculty and staff have been working collaboratively with Fr. Reuben to develop our religion program.

Masses

Fr. Reuben plans to celebrate Mass beginning with 4th-8th graders beginning Wednesday, 8/19.

Lower School students will attend Wednesday, 8/26.

Groups will alternate each week.  All should wear masks and physically distance in church.

Parents and guardians are welcome to join us at 8:00!

Rosary

Teachers will lead students in the recitation of the rosary for the grade levels that do not attend Mass.

Confessions: 

Fr. Reuben plans to be on campus to hear teacher and student confessions on the following dates beginning approximately 9:15.

8/28,  9/18,  10/16,  11/20, and  12/18

Water Bottles

Enough water should be brought to school to last the entire day.  Water may be poured into clear water bottles.

Peanut Allergies

For the safety of our students who may have peanut allergies, please avoid packing foods that contain peanuts or any of these ingredients:

Arachis oil (another name for peanut oil)

Artificial nuts

Cold-pressed, expelled or extruded peanut oil*

Goobers

Ground nuts

Lupin (or lupine)—which is becoming a common flour substitute in gluten-free food. A study showed a strong possibility of cross-reaction between peanuts and this legume, unlike other legumes.

Mandelonas (peanuts soaked in almond flavoring)

Mixed nuts

Monkey nuts

Nut meat

Nut pieces

Peanut butter

Peanut flour

Peanut protein hydrolysate

BBQ Chicken Dinners

Saturday, August 22, 2020 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 the Independence Italian Cultural Museum located at 524 Pine St, across from our school will be selling BBQ Chicken dinners for $10 per plate:

1/2 chicken
Baked Beans
Corn on the Cob
Bread
Dessert
Sausage may be exchanged for chicken

All proceeds are for the continuation of museum improvements.  Call 985-878-6259 for further information.  All proceeds are for the continuation of museum improvements.

Volunteers and Chaperones

Volunteers and chaperones for Mater Dolorosa Catholic School are invaluable. All room mothers/fathers, field trip chaperones, volunteers for school events, and anyone who has the potential to be alone with a student, are mandated by the Diocese of Baton Rouge to complete the four stated requirements below.  Please consider completing the following now so that when we are able to return to the “Pre-Covid 19 Days”, you will be immediately available to offer support to our students.

1. Louisiana State Police Background Check with fingerprints (Results are sent directly to

the school.)

2. EAPPS Volunteer Application, found on the Diocese of Baton Rouge’s website:

www.diobr.org (Print certificate and send back to Gabi Webb.)

3. Safe and Sacred on-line test, found on our school’s website by clicking “Activities” and then “Home & School Club” https://safeandsacred-diobr.org  (Print two certificates and send back to Gabi and Brogan Webb.)

4. Code of Ethics, found on the Diocese of Baton Rouge’s website: www.diobr.org (Print

certificate and send back to Gabi Webb.)

All paperwork (numbers 2-4 above) must be completed and turned into the school office and

given to Gabi Webb.

But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing the Lord’s praise,
for he has been good to me.

Psalm 13:5-6 

Sincerely,

Mr. Fields

Principal

8/13/2020

Dear Eagle Families,

Thank you!

The school year is off to a smooth start thanks to the dedication of the faculty and staff and our partnership with you.

Reminder

For safety, only faculty, staff, and students should be inside our school buildings.  Adults who have approval to enter should have their temperature checked and wash/sanitize their hands upon entering the school. Adults who have a fever greater than 100.4 degrees will be asked to leave the campus.

Late Arrivals

For safety, it is best practice to park in the Visitor Parking Lot and do not let anyone exit the vehicle until directed by a staff member after calling the school at (985) 878-4295.  If your child has fever, he/she will not be allowed to come to school.  Please have pens available to use in your car to sign in your child.

Early Check Out

For safety, if a student needs to be checked out for any reason throughout the school day, the parent/guardian should park in the Visitor Parking Lot, remain in the car, call the front office at (985) 878-4295, and the student will be walked out to the car by a staff member.  Please have pens available to use in your car to sign in your child.

Communication

Teachers’ emails are accessible by clicking the “Faculty & Staff” tab on our website.

Volunteers and Chaperones

Volunteers and chaperones for Mater Dolorosa Catholic School are invaluable. All room mothers/fathers, field trip chaperones, volunteers for school events, and anyone who has the potential to be alone with a student, are mandated by the Diocese of Baton Rouge to complete the four stated requirements below.  Please consider completing the following now so that when we are able to return to the “Pre-Covid 19 Days”, you will be immediately available to offer support to our students.

1. Louisiana State Police Background Check with fingerprints (Results are sent directly to

the school.)

2. EAPPS Volunteer Application, found on the Diocese of Baton Rouge’s website:

www.diobr.org (Print certificate and send back to Gabi Webb.)

3. Safe and Sacred on-line test, found on our school’s website by clicking “Activities” and then “Home & School Club” https://safeandsacred-diobr.org  (Print two certificates and send back to Gabi and Brogan Webb.)

4. Code of Ethics, found on the Diocese of Baton Rouge’s website: www.diobr.org (Print

certificate and send back to Gabi Webb.)

All paperwork (numbers 2-4 above) must be completed and turned into the school office and

given to Gabi Webb.

BBQ Chicken Dinners

Saturday, August 22, 2020 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 the Independence Italian Cultural Museum located at 524 Pine St, across from our school will be selling BBQ Chicken dinners for $10 per plate:

1/2 chicken
Baked Beans
Corn on the Cob
Bread
Dessert
Sausage may be exchanged for chicken

All proceeds are for the continuation of museum improvements.  Call 985-878-6259 for further information.  All proceeds are for the continuation of museum improvements.

LaCHIP Insurance

Information is attached.

Habakkuk 3:18: “ yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”

Sincerely,

Mr. Fields

Principal

8/10/2020

Dear MDS Families,

We are off to a great start on the first day of school!

Tangipahoa School System contacted me today regarding buses.  The following information is subject to change.

 The students should have the same drivers and follow the same routes as last year.

For students in grades 1-8 with last names A-K, there will be bus service from August 12-17th.

For students in grades 1-8 with last names L-Z, there will be bus service from August 18th-21st.

For all students in grades PK-6, there will be bus service for the remainder of the year starting on the 24th.  However, it is my understanding that 7th-8th graders will not be allowed to ride the buses after August 21st.

Please call 985-748-2408 if you have any questions.

8/12/2020

Aftercare

Aftercare students will be escorted to the cafeteria. Aftercare staff will direct students to an assigned seat to maintain physical distancing.  The child will also be encouraged to work on assigned homework.

NOTE:  In the interest of safety, the school cannot provide community toys and games for the children in aftercare.  Therefore, your child may bring educational activities in a bag with his/her name on it, and the bag may be taken home each day or kept at school.  Mater Dolorosa School is not responsible for lost items.

Pickup of students in aftercare will occur in the same morning and afternoon carline routine.  For safety, please remain in your car, call 985-878- 9556, and wait for an aftercare worker to escort your child to your car.  The staffer will also ask you to sign out your child. 

Please have multiple pens available.

After Care Fees

Students who are not registered and picked up by the end of Afternoon Carpool Line will be sent to the Cafeteria for Aftercare.  The following applies to all students.

Signing out between 2:40-3:40  = $3.00

Signing out between 3:41-5:30 = $6.00

The parent agrees to pick up his/her child/children NO LATER THAN 5:30pm. The parent agrees to pay a $10.00 per child LATE FEE if they pick up child/children after 5:30 p.m.

 

 

July 20, 2020

Dear MDS School Families,

We are excited to return to a full-time school schedule in August and look forward to seeing our students on campus!   In the event of a mandatory stay-at-home order, however, teachers are prepared to implement home learning plans based on professional development opportunities that they participated in during the summer. 

Our Mater Dolorosa Safe Return Plan for the 2020-2021 School Year aims to provide a safe and comfortable environment for our students, faculty, and staff, while enacting appropriate precautions which were developed following the most recent guidance from the CDC, Louisiana Department of Education, Our Lady of the Lake medical professionals, Diocese of Baton Rouge Catholic Schools Office, faculty, and staff.  This is our tentative plan which will be updated and adapted as things continue to evolve. We will keep you informed as further plans develop.

Face Masks

Please acclimate your child with proper mask usage prior to the first day of school.

During arrival and dismissal, all students Prek-3 to 8th grade must wear face coverings.

During class time, adults and students (3rd grade and up) will wear face coverings, as able, to the maximum extent possible. Any child over age two may wear a face covering.

Students will be required to have a face covering in their possession at all times.

Individuals with severe breathing difficulties should not wear face coverings. Parents must provide a doctor's note if the child is unable to wear a face covering.

Please obtain a washable/reusable mask face covering for your child. You may get any solid color or type of washable/reusable mask face covering.

Solid-color neck gators are allowed.  They may be purchased on Amazon. 

Masks and/or neck gators must not contain any offensive messages, fabrics, or be distracting to the learning environment.

Bandanas are not allowed.

Arrival

At this time, we have not been informed of the status of bus service; therefore, please make plans to bring students to school between 7:10 and 7:38.  To facilitate the carlines, we request that parents/guardians begin each day by taking their child(ren)’s temperature prior to leaving the home. Gates will close promptly at 7:38 to insure that all students will be ready to launch the school day with announcements at 7:40 AM. All students who are not at school by 7:40 will be considered tardy.

Morning Drop Off Line:

MDCS-issued name placards must be clearly visible from the car’s rear-view mirror. Students will be dropped off at the breezeway entrance near the lunchroom (similar to “Rainy Day or Mass Schedule”)

NOTE: Teachers will take the child’s temperature upon arrival. If the child has a temperature which exceeds 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, the child will not be allowed to come to school. If a child comes to school by bus with a fever, the child will be promptly brought to the school office and the parents will be contacted to return the child home as soon as possible. The child must depart campus by 8:45 AM. Children sent home due to fever will not be allowed to return to school until they have a signed doctor’s note.

For safety, parents are not allowed inside the school building or gym without prior approval. Approved adults will also need to have their temperature checked and wash/sanitize their hands upon entering the school. Adults who have a fever of greater than 100.4 degrees will be asked to leave the school.

Teachers will be on duty. Parents will watch for the teachers’ signals for traffic flow. Parents will not be allowed to get out of the vehicle. The teacher will open the door to let the student out of the vehicle. Vehicles that do not have a passenger side door that opens from the outside will be asked to pull over and park, for the interest of safety for all involved. The children will be directed by a teacher when it is safe for them to exit, and they will have their temperature checked.

Breakfast:

Breakfast will be served from 7:10 to 7:25.  Students will eat their breakfast at the tables outside or under the breezeway by the lunchroom. Social distancing will be maintained and there will be a teacher on duty. No breakfasts will be given out after 7:25.

At 7:35, the teacher will escort the students who ate breakfast into the main building and allow them to go to their respective classrooms. No food will be allowed in the main building.

Late Arrivals

Park in the Visitor Parking Lot and do not let anyone exit the vehicle until directed by a teacher or staff member after calling the school at (985) 878-4295.  Your child will still be marked as tardy, and if fever is discovered, the child will not be allowed to come to school.

Early Check Out

If a student needs to be checked out for any reason throughout the school day, the parent/guardian will park in the Visitor Parking Lot, remain in the car, call the front office at (985) 878-4295, and the student will be walked out to the car by a faculty or staff member.

Lunch/Recess

Students will eat and have recess with classmates from their grade levels.  All students, including PK-2nd graders, should be able to independently open any container/package/etc. that is brought to school.  Enough water should be brought to school to last the entire day.  Water may be poured into clear water bottles.

Afternoon Dismissal

Parents will pick up students at the same location they were dropped off.   Students will be escorted outside by homeroom teachers and seated in the recess yard. Social distancing will be maintained.  In the event of inclement weather, students will remain in their respective classrooms with the teacher until notified that their ride has arrived. Once the child has been notified, they will be allowed to leave the class and proceed directly to their vehicle.

Aftercare (updated 8/4/2020)

Aftercare students will be escorted to the cafeteria. Aftercare staff will direct students to an assigned seat to maintain social distancing.  The child will also be encouraged to work on assigned homework.

NOTE:  In the interest of safety, the school cannot provide community toys and games for the children in aftercare.  Therefore, your child may bring educational activities in a bag with his/her name on it, and the bag may be taken home each day or kept at school.  Mater Dolorosa School is not responsible for lost items.

Pickup of students in aftercare will occur in the same morning and afternoon carline routine.  For safety, please remain in your car, call 985-878- 9556, and wait for an aftercare worker to escort your child to your car.  The staffer will also ask you to sign out your child. 

Sports and Clubs

Due to COVID restrictions, several club and team events will be postponed until COVID restrictions are lifted.  We will inform you of any after-school clubs and teams that will be in operation. 

We appreciate your partnership with us as we work together during these unprecedented times to do what is best for our students.  As stated earlier, this is a tentative plan which will be updated and adapted as things continue to evolve. We will keep you informed as further plans develop.

“Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.”  (Jeremiah 33:6)

 Sincerely.

Mr. Zachary Fields

Principal

 

July 20, 2020

 Dear Parents,

It is recommended that all PK-8​th​ grade students have access to the Internet and a computer that meets the recommendations below for the 2020-21 school year.

The computer must be able to run the latest version of Google Chrome and receive regular security updates via the Internet. Computers that run Windows 10 (with active Antivirus software) are suitable. 

Apple iMac or MacBook users may use Safari in lieu of Google Chrome. 

For iPad or Android Tablet users, you must be able to download the app for Google Classroom. Tablets should typically have been purchased within the last 5 years. 

The computer must have a working camera, microphone, and speakers/headphones. 

It is not recommended for a student to perform his or her work from a smartphone or E-reader, such as an Amazon Kindle. (Amazon products do not run Google well.)

 

For families looking to purchase a new computer, the HP 14" Chromebook Model 14-DB0023DX starts at $199, and is available at many stores.  The price of Chromebooks varies, and there is little difference in reliability and performance. 

 

You can also purchase insurance for the device from SquareTrade (www.squaretrade.co​m)​ for as low as $70, and their policy even covers damages from drops and spills. Typical turnaround for a repair is 4-5 business days.  In the event the Chromebook is damaged, the minimum service charge for repair is $150 for labor, plus replacement parts. A replacement power supply is $40. 

 

Please contact me at dhaydel@mdeagles.org​ if you have any additional questions. ​                              

   

Sincerely,

Mr. David Haydel

Technology Coordinator

Teacher