Welcome back! We hope that you and your family had a wonderful holiday season. Bishop DiMarzio has deemed 2021 as  the“Year of Renewal for Catholic Education.” It seems to be the perfect theme for the start of the new year. Best wishes for a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

 

Travel Policy Reminder

NYS COVID-19 Travel Advisory: The NYS COVID-19 travel advisory requires individuals who have traveled out of New York State to non-contiguous states for more than 24 hours to either quarantine for 10 days upon return to New York State or “Test to Exit” quarantine.

For students who were out-of-state for more than 24 hours:

Students must obtain a test within three days of departure, prior to arrival in New York.

• The student must, upon arrival in New York, quarantine for three days.
• On day 4 of their quarantine, the student must obtain another COVID test. If both tests come back negative, the student may exit quarantine early upon receipt of the second negative diagnostic test.

The Office of the Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Brooklyn has expanded the International Travel Advisory to include all International Travel.

Full Information on the NYS COVID-19 Travel Advisory can be found at: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory

Full Information on the CDC Recommendations for Holiday Celebrations and Travel can be found at:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.htm

Please if you have traveled this holiday season and must quarantine or test out of quarantine, let OLMCA know as soon as possible so we can advise you of the exact dates of testing and successful return to school. It is vital that you are honest with us because failure to adhere to these policies can put all students and staff at risk.

TerraNova Exams Canceled (Grades 3-8)

 

Please be advised that the TerraNova, Grades 3-8, test administration in January 2021 will not take place and has been postponed until Fall 2021 because of COVID-19 concerns. We will continue to use iReady as an additional tool to obtain student data.

 

Hunt for the Golden Chocolate Bar: Final Results!

 

On December 14^th through the 18^th we announced the “HUNT FOR THE GOLDEN CHOCOLATE BAR” fundraiser with Aigner’s Chocolate Shop. It is with great pleasure that we share that this event raised  more than $2,000 in sales for the small family owned business, and brought in $453 for Our Lady of Mercy that will be put towards paying for COVID expenses. We shared the attached photos of the winners and their prizes on our Facebook and Instagram pages, listed further below.

 

This was a “sweet” and wonderful way for us to come together as a community, especially during a time when we aren’t able to conduct our more traditional fundraising gatherings at our school location. We are grateful to our families and school for all your support.

 

A Special THANK YOU to the following people: 

• Rachel Keller with Aigner’s Chocolate Shopfor their partnership. 
• Rosangela DeJesus with Angela’s Dominican Cake Mixfor their sponsorship and donation of delicious cakes. 
• Peter Garguilo withGrand Designs Creative for the professional promotional artwork.
• Melissa Rober with Semiya Marketingfor event development and execution. 

WINNERS:

– Erin, Nursery: a$50 gift card to Aigner’s Chocolate Shop to buy more goodies, and a dress down day!

– Noah, 4^th Grade: Fresh baked cake AND 2 flavors of cake mix from Angela’s Dominican Bakery in Brooklyn, a $50 value- and a dress down day!

– West, 2^nd Grade: a $25 gift card to Queens Bagel- home of the rainbow bagel- and a dress down day!

– Cameron and Julien, 8^th grade: a $25 gift card and a dress down day!

– Isabel, 5^th Grade: Principal for a Day…the grand prize!

 

Change of Date: Catholic Schools Week

 

Please be advised that Catholic Schools Week has been pushed back to the week of February 7^th. More details to follow.

 

FORMED

 

Father Frank received a grant for an online platform called Formed. There are movies, articles, and much more to help shape an individual’s Catholic Identity. Please see the flyer that will provide you with additional information for signing up. There are also many wonderful faith formation resources for students. 

 

 

January 2021

Snow Days

 

As you may have heard on the news, there has been discussion about a snowstorm Wednesday into Thursday. With anticipation of the storm, Extended Care will be canceled on Wednesday, December 16^th.

 

Planning for a snowstorm during a pandemic will be much different since all schools can switch to remote learning. The Diocese of Brooklyn has decided that we will align with the DOE’s position regarding “snow days.” Although the school building may be closed, “snow days” no longer exist, as all Catholic Academies and Parish Schools will move to a remote learning platform, taking attendance and providing a full-day instructional schedule.

 

If the New York City Public Schools close, all Catholic Academies and Parish Schools within the Diocese of Brooklyn will follow this practice and close their school buildings as well. 

 

To make things as smooth as possible, we are going to move the Special Lunch to Friday, December 18^th. The Ugly Holiday Sweater Day will also be moved to Friday, December 18^th. If you have any questions, please call the office.

Christmas Travel

 

As we enter winter, many of us are starting to make plans for the holidays. Whether you are visiting family members one state over or across the globe, travel makes up a huge part of the holiday season. There is always a risk of getting sick while traveling because of the inherent stress of traveling, interacting with frequently touched surfaces in public places, and changes in climate and environment. But this year brings different considerations because of the Coronavirus Pandemic and the New York State Travel Advisory.

 

Things to consider as we enjoy this time with Family.

 

NYS COVID-19 Travel Advisory

The NYS COVID-19 travel advisory requires individuals who have traveled out of New York State to noncontiguous states for more than 24 hours, to either quarantine for 14 days upon return to New York State or “Test to Exit” quarantine.

 

For travelers who were out-of-state for more than 24 hours:

• Travelers must obtain a test within three days of departure, prior to arrival in New York.
• The traveler must, upon arrival in New York, quarantine for three days.
• On day 4 of their quarantine, the traveler must obtain another COVID test. If both tests come back negative, the traveler may exit quarantine early, upon receipt of the second negative diagnostic test.

 

The Office of the Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Brooklyn has expanded the International Travel Advisory to include all International Travel.

 

Full Information on the NYS COVID-19 Travel Advisory can be found at: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory

 

CDC Recommendations for Holiday Celebrations and Travel

Full Information on the CDC Recommendations for Holiday Celebrations and Travel can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html

 

Please Note:    As per the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH), schools can implement safety and health protocols that go above the NYS DOHMH and NYC DOHMH required safety and health protocols.

 

Christmas Raffle

 

We are so excited for our December raffle! Try your luck for one of these six incredible prizes! We will be announcing winners live on Facebook on Wednesday, December 16^th with a special guest. All proceeds will help offset Covid-19 costs.

Buy Raffles to win one of six great prizes!

#1) CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER FROM METRO MEATS Includes a fully cooked fresh ham, three vegetable sides and dessert. Feeds 8-10 people.

#2) XBOX ONE S 1TB and MINECRAFT GAMES  

#3) LEGO™ TROLLS WORLD TOUR -Ages 6+, 380 pieces.

#4) LEGO™ MINECRAFT  -Ages 8+, 834 pieces.

#5) EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS™  $100 GIFT CARD AND SNACK BASKET

#6)EXQUISITELY CRAFTED BAKED SPECIALTY GOODS, CHOCOLATES, JAMS AND     CHRISTMAS COASTERS  

 

***Special Thanks to Angela Martin, Cathy Aliperti, and Gary Di Franco, and Trevor Stokes, for donating the raffle items****

RAFFLE TICKETS ARE $10 EACH OR 8 FOR $50. Tear off and mail/send WITH YOUR PAYMENT to the school or place in the Rectory door by December 15, 2020.  

Christmas Concert

Our students in Grades K-4 are so excited for their first ever virtual Christmas concert. Wait until you hear our incredible singers!

The virtual concert will be on Thursday, December 17^th. A Zoom Link has been emailed to parents.

 

Are you ready to get your Willy Wonka on?!?! OLMCA has partnered with Aigner Chocolates to give out golden tickets! Will you be one of our lucky winners?

 

 

 

Parent Teacher Conferences (Nursery-Grade 8)

 

Thursday, December 10^th

 

Zoom conferences are for students in Grades Nursery-Grade 8. Report Cards will be distributed on Wednesday, December 10^th. Conferences will be conducted from 1-3PM and 6-8PM via Zoom. If you have not yet signed up for a conference, please contract your child’s teacher.  Please note that accounts must be fully up to date for you to receive your child’s report card. Courtesy letters have been sent to families that are not fully up to date. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the office. Dismissal will be at 12:30PM for all students. Hot lunch will be served at 11:30AM for all students. There will be Extended Care until 6PM in the Parish Hall.

 

 

Christmas Toy Drive

 

Help make a child smile this holiday season! Donate a new, unwrapped toy by Tuesday, December 15^th.  Our Lady of Mercy Parish will collect the toys and deliver them to Bridge to Life. Your donations will directly benefit the less fortunate and bring the Christmas spirit to children across the city. Thank you to all of the families that have already donated toys.

 

Christmas Raffle

 

 

We are so excited for our December raffle! Try your luck for one of these six incredible prizes! We will be announcing winners live on Facebook on Wednesday, December 16^th with a special guest. All proceeds will help offset Covid-19 costs.

 

Buy Raffles to win one of six great prizes!

#1) CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER FROM METRO MEATS Includes a fully cooked fresh ham, three vegetable sides and dessert. Feeds 8-10 people.

#2) XBOX ONE S 1TB and MINECRAFT GAMES  

#3) LEGO™ TROLLS WORLD TOUR -Ages 6+, 380 pieces.

#4) LEGO™ MINECRAFT  -Ages 8+, 834 pieces.

#5) EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS™  $100 GIFT CARD AND SNACK BASKET

#6)EXQUISITELY CRAFTED BAKED SPECIALTY GOODS, CHOCOLATES, JAMS AND     CHRISTMAS COASTERS  

 

***Special Thanks to Angela Martin, Cathy Aliperti, and Gary Di Franco, and Trevor Stokes, for donating the raffle items****

 

RAFFLE TICKETS ARE $10 EACH OR 8 FOR $50. Please complete tickets below,  indicating the PRIZE NUMBER # above you want to win. (If you do not indicate a prize number, your ticket will be placed in Basket #6.) Tear off and mail/send WITH YOUR PAYMENT to the school or place in the Rectory door by December 15, 2020.   

 

 

 

Christmas Concert

 

Our students in Grades K-4 are so excited for their first ever virtual Christmas concert. Our students will be recording their songs on Friday, December 11^th.

 

 

On FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11th, we ask that you have your child wear:

• Their FULL uniform (polo, pants/skirt, shoes, etc.)
  • NO gym uniforms, please!
• ONE Christmas accessory (think: Santa hat, scarf, bow, etc.)

 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this process or the virtual concert, please contact Ms. Altieri at jaltieri@olmercyca.com.

 

The virtual concert will be on Thursday, December 17^th. We will send out a Zoom link as we get a bit closer to the date.

 

Upcoming Events

 

• 12:30PM Dismissal for Parent Teacher Conferences on December 10^th
• OLMCA’s Golden Ticket Fundraiser with Aigner Chocolates from Monday, December 14^th– Friday, December 18^th
• Breakfast with Santa on Wednesday, December 16^th
• Virtual Christmas Concert on Thursday, December 17^th at 7PM
• Special Lunch on Thursday, December 17^th
• Last Day of School before Christmas Break, December 18^th (Regular Dismissal with NO Extended Care)

 

 

Have a peaceful rest of your week.

Help make a child smile this holiday season!

Donate a new, unwrapped toy by December 15^th

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Academy will collect the toys and deliver them to Bridge for Life

Lego for boys and girls

Basic block sets

Baby dolls

Cars and trucks

Musical toys (toys that make sounds)

Games (Monopoly, Life, Trouble, Candy Land)

Diapers (new born, toddler pull-ups)

Pajamas (new born, infant, toddlers)

Hats, mittens, gloves (all ages-toddlers to pre-teen)

Thank you for your support!

 

REMEMBER OUR LADY OF MERCY CATHOLIC ACADEMY on GIVING TUESDAY DEC. 1
Give the gift of “ 2020 $$$” and celebrate “ Our School Conquered COVID in 2020”

All gifts are acknowledged and go to our teachers professional development and classroom improvements. See our flyer below- it’s easy. God bless you and THANK YOU.

Dear Families,

 

We have been blessed throughout previous academic years with families who understand the importance of our mission for Catholic Education and who are committed to working alongside us to accomplish these goals. This year, while unbelievably challenging, has demonstrated the level of commitment our families have to supporting the Catholic Academies and Parish Schools within the Diocese of Brooklyn. It is incredible to witness. I find it inadequate to simply say thank you, as those words don’t even begin to cover my gratitude for your unending support but nonetheless, I will try.

 

Thank you for your patience. This year has been the most challenging, regarding opening the Catholic Academies and Parish Schools that I have seen in over 40 years in Catholic Education. The phrase “unprecedented times” has been used endlessly, but it really encompasses the experience.  Families have encountered tremendous uncertainty; from questioning health and safety to wondering if their Catholic Academy/Parish School will even open tomorrow. I thank you for your patience this year that undoubtedly has been stretched to its breaking point in the shifting regulations and constant barrage of information. Thank you for continuing to weather this storm. 

 

Thank you for your time. I know in the life of families even extra minutes of preparation can tip the scales for the day. Wellness checks, symptom monitoring, packing extra masks and sanitizer, adjusting to shifting schedules, and facilitating online learning have dramatically altered your day to day lives. Your diligence in shifting your own schedules to adjust to this “new normal” has been paramount in helping our Catholic Academies and Parish Schools reopen and your children succeed. 

 

Thank you for adjusting to new roles. Being a parent or guardian, while wonderful, is a constant job. You wear many hats daily, and this academic year has added even more. As you have navigated through fears and worry, you have also worked with your children to help them process this experience. You are constantly providing for the emotional needs of your children in typical times. This situation has amplified those needs, but you have continued to provide. While shifting between in-person, hybrid, and remote learning, families have been tasked with increased supervision and education roles. You have selflessly stepped into these roles, despite your other commitments and jobs, to make learning a priority.

 

Above all, thank you for the gift of your precious children. You have entrusted your children to our Catholic Academies and Parish Schools.  This is something we do not take for granted.  Being a parent myself, I understand that nothing is a quick decision, especially when you must weigh the risks associated with COVID-19. We are honored that you continue to choose the path of Catholic Education. 

 

As you prepare for your Thanksgiving celebration, however different that may look this year, know that prayers are being said throughout the Diocese for you and your family. I pray this short break provides you a much-needed opportunity to unwind and decompress. I pray for your continued health, safety, happiness, and peace. 

 

In Gratitude,

 

Thomas Chadzutko

 

Thomas Chadzutko, Ed.D.

Superintendent ~ Catholic School Support Services 

Holiday Celebrations and Holiday Travel:

As we enter Fall and Winter many of us are starting to make plans for the holidays. Whether you’re visiting family members one state over or across the globe, travel makes up a huge part of the holiday season. There’s always a risk of getting sick while traveling because of the inherent stress of traveling, interacting with frequently touched surfaces in public places, and changes in climate and environment. But this year brings different considerations because of the Coronavirus Pandemic and the New York State Travel Advisory.

Things to consider as we enjoy this time with Family.

NYS COVID-19 Travel Advisory

The NYS COVID-19 travel advisory requires individuals who have traveled out of New York State to noncontiguous states for more than 24 hours to either quarantine for 14 days upon return to New York State or “Test to Exit” quarantine.

For travelers who were out-of-state for more than 24 hours:

• Travelers must obtain a test within three days of departure, prior to arrival in New York.
• The traveler must, upon arrival in New York, quarantine for three days.
• On day 4 of their quarantine, the traveler must obtain another COVID test. If both tests comes back negative, the traveler may exit quarantine early upon receipt of the second negative diagnostic test.

The Office of the Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Brooklyn has expanded the International Travel Advisory to include all International Travel.

Full Information on the NYS COVID-19 Travel Advisory can be found at: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory

CDC Recommendations for Holiday Celebrations and Travel

Full Information on the CDC Recommendations for Holiday Celebrations and Travel can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html

Please Note: As per the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH) schools can implement safety and health protocols that go above the NYS DOHMH and NYC DOHMH required safety and health protocols.

 

First and foremost, I want to thank the Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Academy families for their overwhelming support for the mandated onsite Covid-19 testing. Our Catholic Schools are continuing to work closely with the state and Department of Health to ensure that we can make this as easy as possible for our students. At this point, I do not have any additional information about testing. As soon as this becomes available to me, I will let you know immediately. I appreciate your patience and your diligence!

 

In terms of recent statements from Mayor DeBlasio about the closing of public schools, we understand your concern about what that means for OLMCA. As you can see from the Mayor’s Statements, the closing of the public schools is focusing on the re-opening plan submitted by the teachers’ union. The Diocese has worked diligently to ensure that all schools can remain open with our services (nurse, food, transportation) provided from the DOE. We continue to work to ensure that the health and safety of everyone in our communities is a priority and we will continue to provide a safe and caring environment. Please know that we will never compromise the health and safety of our faculty, staff, and students.

 

 

Parent Teacher Conferences (Nursery-Grade 8)

The First Trimester will conclude on Friday, December 5^th. Report Cards will be distributed on Wednesday, December 9^th in a sealed envelope.

 

As with all things in 2020, Parent Teacher Conferences will look quite differently this year. Parent Teacher Conferences will be conducted remotely on Thursday, December 10^th. Your child’s teacher will send out notices in advance about scheduling conferences. We will send more information about this shortly.

 

Please note that accounts must be fully up to date for you to receive your child’s report card. We will be giving courtesy letters to families that are not fully up to date. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mrs. Alleva at dalleva@olmercyca.com or 718-793-2086.

 

Thursday, December 10^th will be a 12:30PM dismissal for all students. Hot lunch will be served at 11:30 for all students. There will be Extended Care from 12:30PM-6PM.

 

Change to December Calendar

The Superintendent’s office has notified us that Friday, December 18^th will be our last day of school before the Christmas holiday break.  School will resume on Monday, January 4^th.

I know that changes in the calendar can be difficult, so I wanted to give you as much notice as possible.

Fifth Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon (Grades Nursery-8)

While we will miss our parents and family members at our Thanksgiving feast, we are still excited to celebrate one of our favorite OLMCA traditions. As this is a day of celebration, students may “dress up.” We will post pictures to our Facebook and Instagram pages.

As always, Mrs. Roy and Mrs. Vaccaro have coordinated this event.

Thanksgiving

A tremendous thank you to all the families that have supported our pie sale this year. It has been our most successful pie sale yet! We have collected 70 pies for the Our Lady of Mercy’s Food Pantry! This is 40 more pies from last year! Thank you for all your generous contributions to the Pantry. Many families in our community will now have a delicious Thanksgiving Day meal.

A tremendous thank you to Mrs. Roy and Mrs. Vaccaro for coordinating our special event. They have worked to ensure that our students celebrate together while maintaining the “Core Four.”

Our Thanksgiving raffle has been a tremendous success! We are announcing the winners live tomorrow at 1PM on our Facebook Page. Please tune in to see if you won one of the spectacular prizes! All the proceeds from the raffle will go to our hefty Covid-19 expenses.

Following is a description of the prizes that are available: 1. Thanksgiving Turkey and Sides from Metro Meats: Includes a fully cooked 10-12 lb. turkey, gravy, homemade cranberry sauce, stuffing and two vegetable sides. Enough to feed 8-10 people 2. Thanksgiving Basket: Includes a set of 12 Autumn Scroll Damask Napkins, and a cornucopia of products including: stuffing, pumpkin cookies, cranberry sauce, cakes/cookies/bread mixes, seasonings, sweets, and nuts. 3. Wine and Cheese Basket: Includes 4 bottles of wine, variety of cheeses and sweet/savory treats. Raffle Tickets are $10 dollars each OR 8 for $50. Raffle tickets were sent home. If you need additional tickets, please contact the office. When filling out the raffle tickets, kindly indicate the prize you want to win. Tickets will be sorted and entered for each prize. Raffles without a Prize Number will be placed in #3. All proceeds will help to cover the cost of Covid-19 related expenses.

 

There will also be a 7:30PM Thanksgiving Vigil on Tuesday, November 24^th at 7:30PM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish. You can also stream the mass at: https://mercyhills.org/    

 

Thank you again for your continued support!