Ms. Dana McCann                                                                                70-25 Kessel Street, Forest Hills, NY 11375

Principal                                                                                              Phone (718) 793-2086               

                                                                                                                               Fax: (718) 897-2144     

June 17, 2022

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Final Days of School

Hot lunch will be served until Wednesday, June 22nd. The last day for early morning drop-off and the breakfast program is Wednesday, June 22nd. The last day for Extended Care is Friday, June 17^th. School is closed on Monday, June 20^th in observance of Juneteenth. There are half days (12:30pm dismissal) on Tuesday, June 21^st and Wednesday, June 22^nd. 

Due to the unavailability of the Parish Hall and Church, there has been some important changes to the Awards Ceremony on June 22^nd. The Awards Ceremony for Grades 2-7 will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, June 22^nd at 10:15am. A Zoom link be shared on Tuesday, June 21^st.

Report cards for students in Grades 1-7 will be distributed on Wednesday, June 22^nd.

Report cards are only released if all tuition and fees are paid in full. After June 22^nd, report cards will be available for pick up in the office.

Staffing Updates and Classroom Updates

I am happy to announce that Ms. Andrea Edwards will be moving to 3K. After many years in Nursery and a stellar year in PreK, she is excited to work with our youngest learners!

Mrs. Carla England will be our new second grade teacher. She is excited to return to Second Grade after a fantastic year in Kindergarten! Mrs. Starace will continue to work with Second Grade. We wish Ms. Plona the best of luck at her new school where she will work with special education students in early childhood.

Summer Packets

All students entering Grades K-4 at OLMCA in September will receive hard copies of their summer packet next week. Students entering Grades K-4 will also have the assignments posted on Google Classroom. All students entering Grades 5-8 will have digital assignments posted on a summer Google Classroom. All information will be shared with students next week. Students are asked to complete the summer packet and return it to their homeroom teacher on the first day of school. The directions for the packets will also be made available on the school website. For new families, summer packets will be emailed.

OLMCA Office Hours

Monday, June 27-Thursday, June 30  9AM-12 PM

Monday, July 4 & July 5: Office Closed

Wednesday, July 6 and July 7 from 9AM-12PM

July 11-July 15: Office Closed

July 18-July 29 from 9AM-12PM

August 2- August 3 from 9AM-12PM

August 8-August 12: Office Closed

August 16-September 1 from 9AM-12PM

The office will be closed on Mondays and Fridays throughout July and August. If you need to schedule an appointment outside of office hours, please contact Ms. Hinkson at rhinkoson@olmercyca.com.  or call the office at 718-793-2086 for an appointment. We are happy to accommodate your schedule.

See You in September!

Save the Dates:

Tuesday, September 6…Back to School Night for 3K and PKA(In-person)

Wednesday, September 7 (1^st Day of School for K-8) 12:30PM Dismissal

Thursday, September 8 (1^st Day for 3K and Pre-K from 8:30-10:30am) 3PM Dismissal for K-8

Thursday, September 8…Back to School Night for K-8 at 6:30pm (In-person)

Friday, September 9 (3K and Pre-K from 8:30-10:30am) 3PM Dismissal for K-8

Monday, September 12 (1^st Full Day with Extended Care)

June 2022

Christ is Risen: OLMCA Winners

Out of 300 entries and 25 schools, we are so thrilled to announce that OLMCA had three winners. The students were tasked to create a drawing of “Christ is Risen.” Students had to use symbols and their knowledge of the Bible to render this powerful Easter imagery. Students experimented with different mediums as they deepened spiritual connection with Jesus.

Congratulations to:

• Sara Mendieta (Grade 4)
• Angelina Pustovoytov (Grade 6)
• Gabriel Grzymkowski (Grade 7)

The students and their families attended a special ceremony to honor their beautiful artwork. Congratulations to our winners and all the students that submitted their work. A tremendous thank you to Ms. Paz for organizing this exciting project for our student.

Reporting a Positive Covid-19 Case

As a reminder, if your child or a member of the household tests positive for Covid-19, please contact Ms. McCann and Ms. Hinkson by email or phone.

How to Isolate

• Stay home, in a separate room from other household members, if possible, for at least 5 days from onset of symptoms or positive test date, whichever came first.
• Isolate for at least 5 days, if symptoms persist a longer isolation will be required.
• Return from Isolation after a minimum of 5 days and the following: (Positive Test date or Symptom Onset Date is Day 0)
  • Fever free for 24 hours with no fever reducing medication
  • Symptoms are improving
  • Licensed Healthcare Provider Note, dated after Day 5, stating the individual can safely return to in person instruction
• REQUIRED: To wear a face covering while at school/work for Days 6-10 after returning to school/work after testing positive for COVID-19.

Professional Day: May 20^th

Friday, May 20th is a Professional Day for Nursery (Ms. Debbie) and Grades K-8. It is a regular instructional day for PreK. The Breakfast and After school program are still available for our 3K (Ms. Alyssa Loscalzo) and PreK for All students. 

Race for Education: Update

Many thanks to all those who have helped make a great start for our 15^th Annual Race for Education! Thanks to your generosity we are more than 37% of the way toward our goal of $25,000 to fund new purchases for our school gymnasium and technology program. Congratulations to Lucas Holloway and Alexandra Acierno-Romano for leading the way with the most paid sponsorships so far! 

Just a few reminders: the next early return day is Tuesday, May 24th. Return your sponsorship form with a minimum paid donation of $25 and receive 2 NUT cards!!  Please remember to return sponsorships as soon as possible. If you returned a pledge sheet, please begin to collect payments and send in as well. Remember every little bit helps!  Our goal is to have every student return at least 1 sponsorship!

The first class that has 100% fundraising participation will get to dump buckets of freezing cold ice water over teachers and staff of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Academy on the race day! Fourth Grade continues to lead the way! We have confirmed Ms. McCann, Mr. Wise, Mr. Duffy, Mrs. Beadle, and Mrs. Hoffman for the faculty. Which teachers should we add next?

Newly Announced Teachers to be Dunked: Mrs. Cuccio and Mrs. Ray

We are also looking for volunteers to help organize both the morning of the Race as well as the days before. We are so excited to have the barbecue back and restore the Race to its fully glory! Please contact Mrs. Paula Deist at plovhd@hotmail.com to see how you can help!

Be sure to share the Giving Zone link with your family and friends! Here is the link: https://www.givingzone.com/project/pTcynmcRcH/olm-catholic-academy-15th-annual-race-for-education

Thank you all for your continued generosity and support. Looking forward to a fun race day!

Spring Concert Update

Due to the rise in Covid-19 cases this month, we have decided that it is in the best interest of the safety of the students and staff to change the format of our upcoming Spring concert.

            Please note:

• The concert will now take place on Thursday, May 26th at 1:30pm.
• Students in grades K-5 will attend with their classes but, unfortunately, we will not be able to admit families to attend in person at this time.
• We will be recording the concert to share with you afterwards.
• The updated dress code for your students is as follows:
  • School uniform (NO gym uniforms, please)
  • Crazy socks (for Spirit Week!)
  • One brightly colored accessory (optional)

Thank you for your understanding. We hope you are able to tune in!

Many thanks to all those who have helped make a great start for our 15^th Annual Race for Education! Thanks to your generosity we are more than 37% of the way toward our goal of $25,000 to fund new purchases for our school gymnasium and technology program. Congratulations to Lucas Holloway and Alexandra Acierno-Romano for leading the way with the most paid sponsorships so far! 

Just a few reminders: the next early return day is Tuesday, May 24th. Return your sponsorship form with a minimum paid donation of $25 and receive 2 NUT cards!!  Please remember to return sponsorships as soon as possible. If you returned a pledge sheet, please begin to collect payments and send in as well. Remember every little bit helps!  Our goal is to have every student return at least 1 sponsorship!

The first class that has 100% fundraising participation will get to dump buckets of freezing cold ice water over teachers and staff of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Academy on the race day! Fourth Grade continues to lead the way! We have confirmed Ms. McCann, Mr. Wise, Mr. Duffy, Mrs. Beadle, and Mrs. Hoffman for the faculty. Which teachers should we add next?

We are also looking for volunteers to help organize both the morning of the Race as well as the days before. We are so excited to have the barbecue back and restore the Race to its fully glory! Please contact Mrs. Paula Deist at plovhd@hotmail.com to see how you can help!

Be sure to share the Giving Zone link with your family and friends! Here is the link: https://www.givingzone.com/project/pTcynmcRcH/olm-catholic-academy-15th-annual-race-for-education

Thank you all for your continued generosity and support. Looking forward to a fun race day!

First Holy Communion

Congratulations to all the OLMCA students have that had their First Communion over the weekend. It was a beautiful and moving Mass as our students strengthened their bond with Jesus as they received communion for the first time. Our second graders have been hard at work preparing for First Holy Communion. From visits with Monsignor McGuirl to lessons and projects with Ms. Plona and Mrs. Starace, our students were so eager and prepared to receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. Thank you to Fr. Frank, the teachers and Ms. Tavares for organizing such a wonderful celebration of our Catholic faith. Thank you to our parents for their wonderful participation and partnership in the development of their spiritual development.

Our Lady of Mercy Blood Drive

Sunday, May 15

 8:45 am to 2:45 pm Parish Hall

 Only one week until our Spring Blood Drive. Last weekend, everyone was busy celebrating Mother’s Day. When you go home, before you head out to a restaurant or a visit please leave yourself a note to make a blood donation appointment. Remember that your donation of one pint of blood has the potential of helping 3 patients. That pint has an effect not only on the recipient but also helps the spouse, children and other family members. Do you know that: -There are 2.4 trillion red blood cells in one pint of blood. -The human body manufactures 2-3 million red blood cells per second. -It takes only 20 to 60 seconds for a drop of blood to travel from your heart, through your body, and back to your heart again. Pretty impressive numbers, but it may take only one pint of blood to make the difference between life and death for a person! To make an appointment, please go to NYBC.org. Use the Donate Blood tab (under the New York Blood Center logo) and when the drop down appears, click on Schedule Donation. Click on the Sponsor Name Search tab and then enter Our Lady of Mercy. Enter 05/15/2022 in both the Start Date and End Date boxes and click on Search. On the next page, click on Schedule and when the next page appears, choose Whole Blood or Automated Red Cell (automated red cell is a double red cell donation) and then select your donation time. You may also schedule an appointment by calling the Blood Center at 1-800-933-2566. For the safety of the donors and Blood Center workers, donors must wear masks and observe social distancing throughout the entire donation process. Remember to bring your donor card or your donor ID number, if you have one, and a photo ID on May 15th. Eat a good meal before donating and do not skip breakfast! It only takes a little of your time. Please help save lives.

Progress Reports

Progress Reports will be distributed to students in Grades 1-8 on Thursday, May 12. We ask that you sign and return the reports by the following Monday. I would like to remind you that all grades are consistently posted on FACTS.

Professional Day: May 20^th

Friday, May 20th is a Professional Day for Nursery (Ms. Debbie) and Grades K-8. It is a regular instructional day for PreK. The Breakfast and After school program are still available for our 3K (Ms. Alyssa Loscalzo) and PreK for All students. 

Race for Education

Many thanks to all those who have helped make a great start for our 15^th Annual Race for Education! Thanks to your generosity we are more than 20% way toward our goal of $25,000 to fund new purchases for our technology lab and gymnasium. Congratulations to Alexandra Acierno-Romano, Jake Scacalossi, and Lucas Holloway for leading the way with the most paid sponsorships so far! Congratulations also to Fourth Grade for leading the way with class participation!

Just a few reminders, the first early return day is Tuesday, May 10, 2022. Return your sponsorship form with a minimum paid donation of $25 and receive 3 dress down cards!! Sponsors can also make secure donations through The Giving Zone.  Remember every little bit helps work towards our goal and sponsorships continue through Race Day May 27^th!!

We are all gearing up for a great day Friday, May 27th!  Please remember to return sponsorships as soon as possible. If you returned a pledge sheet, please begin to collect payments and send in as well. Remember every little bit helps!  Our goal is to have every student return at least 1 sponsorship!

We are also looking for volunteers to help organize both the morning of the Race as well as the days before. 

Thank you all for your continued generosity and support. Looking forward to a fun race day!

Thank You

Thank you so very much for remembering me on Principal Appreciation Day. I enjoyed reading all the cards from the students! It is my hope that every principal gets a chance to have students like these! I was touched by their beautiful words and pictures. Many teachers were shed!

A tremendous thank you to the OLMCA faculty for organizing this special day and keeping it a surprise!

Many thanks to all those who have helped make a great start for our 15^th Annual Race for Education! Thanks to your generosity we are more than 20% way toward our goal of $25,000 to fund new purchases for our technology lab and gymnasium. Congratulations to Alexandra Acierno-Romano, Jake Scacalossi, and Lucas Holloway for leading the way with the most paid sponsorships so far! Congratulations also to Fourth Grade for leading the way with class participation!

Just a few reminders, the first early return day is Tuesday, May 10, 2022. Return your sponsorship form with a minimum paid donation of $25 and receive 3 dress down cards!! Sponsors can also make secure donations through The Giving Zone.  Remember every little bit helps work towards our goal and sponsorships continue through Race Day May 27^th!!

We are all gearing up for a great day Friday, May 27th!  Please remember to return sponsorships as soon as possible. If you returned a pledge sheet, please begin to collect payments and send in as well. Remember every little bit helps!  Our goal is to have every student return at least 1 sponsorship!

We are also looking for volunteers to help organize both the morning of the Race as well as the days before. 

Thank you all for your continued generosity and support. Looking forward to a fun race day!

Hi Families!

We are excited to be hosting a school wide Race for Education Fundraiser! 

During the event your student will run laps. We are looking for sponsors for completed laps.

GivingZone, our fundraising partner, has made it easy for you to collect pledges/donations from your network of family and friends. 

PARENTS CLICK BELOW TO GET STARTED –>> Simply click the following link and choose your student to get started:

https://www.givingzone.com/s/pTcynmcRcH

 Start SHARING TODAY and we will run our laps on May 27th!

Please find the May calendar here:

May 2022

NYS Math Testing

Mathematics New York State Testing are scheduled for students in Grades 4, 6, and 7 on Tuesday, April 26^th and Wednesday, April 27th. Our students and their teachers have been hard at work preparing for these exams. We wish them the best of luck as they take their exams. For students to truly do their best, they need to come to school on time, have a good night’s sleep, and eat a healthy breakfast. Best of luck to all our students as they apply their math skills to these exams!

Summer Uniform

Students may begin to wear their summer uniform on Monday, May 16^th. Please be sure to refer the Family Handbook for uniform guidelines.

Holy Week Schedule

Holy Thursday: 9:00am – Morning Prayer

 7:30pm – Mass of the Lord’s Supper

Good Friday: 9:00am – Morning Prayer

3:00pm – Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion

7:30pm – Stations of the Cross

Holy Saturday: 9:00am – Morning Prayer 8:00pm

Easter Vigil Easter Sunday: Masses at 9:00am, 10:30am, and 12:00pm

Please be sure to visit our Facebook page and Instagram page to see all the activities related to Holy Week that our students are working on.

Easter Egg Hunt

EASTER EGG HUNT IS BACK! Easter Sunday, after the 10:30am Mass, there will once again be an Easter Egg Hunt for the children. Please bring at least 2 surprise filled plastic eggs for each child who wishes to participate (extras are always appreciated for unexpected guests). Please deposit the eggs in the baskets that will be in the vestibule prior to the 10:30am Mass. After Mass we ask that the children assembly on the Juno Street lawn, 5 years and older on the side nearest St. Francis and those younger than 5 on the other side of the walkway, for the “Hunt”. Please contact the rectory for additional information. Have Fun!

Grease!

You’re the one that I want…to attend Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Academy’s production of Grease! It’s our first musical production with our new Parish Hall sound and light system.

The show dates are Thursday, April 28th at 1:30pm and Friday, April 29th at 7pm.

Get your leather jackets, poodle skirts, bobby sox ready to attend this incredible production, directed by Ms. Jessica Altieri.

We are also looking for volunteers to check patrons in as well as serve refreshments. If you are available for either shows, please contact Mrs. Alleva at dalleva@olmercyca.com.

The Tablet Fundraiser

On Monday, the school distributed information about “The Tablet’s Covid-19 Relief Fundraiser for Catholic Schools.” This program will directly benefit our school. Please help us offset the costs of making our school COVID-Safe this past year AND give our children the opportunity to earn incredible rewards by MAKING A NEW SUBSCRIPTION OR RENEWING A PRIOR SUBSCRIPTION to the Diocese of Brooklyn weekly newspaper, THE TABLET,  from  March 22-April 29. Get the latest Catholic News and Events in the Diocese, the USA, and the world  at up to 67% off the usual cover price.

All sales will help us to obtain additional technology grants for our students. Thanks to DeSales and your support in the past, we have received over 100 iPads and 40 Chromebooks!

You can access the link here:

https://thetablet.org/CovidReliefFundraiser/SchoolPage/?school=our-lady-of-mercy-catholic-academy

If you have any questions, please call the office at 718-793-2086.

Easter Recess

As a reminder, Wednesday, April 13^th is a 12:30pm dismissal. There is no Extended Care on this day. Lunch will be served at 11:30am. Classes resume on Monday, April 25^th.

Last Day of School

It’s hard to believe that we are already planning for the last few months of school. The last day of school is Wednesday, June 22^nd. More information to follow on step-up dates for Nursery, 3K, PreK, and Kindergarten once we return from Spring Break.