ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSE - Bishop McNamara High School

November 2015
Bishop McNamara’s Family Newsletter
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Wednesday, November 11th, 8am - 11am
Paper copies of report cards WILL NOT be available on
Nov. 11th. Please have your student’s report card on your
personal device or print a copy of your student’s report card
from Maccess prior to arriving for Conferences.
Thank you for your help as we work to become
a green, paperless school!
Quarter 1 report cards will be posted to
Maccess by noon on Monday, November 9th.
Each parent and each student has a separate username and
password for Maccess this year.
Haven’t logged into Maccess this year?

Email support@bmhs.org
Forgot your username or password for Maccess?

Go to BMHS.org, click on the M for Maccess in top
right corner

On the log in screen, go to BMHS Login Center

Click “I Forgot My Username/Password”

Enter your username or email of record

Password reset instructions will be sent to your
email of record (link expires after 72 hours)
Locked out of Maccess? Email support@bmhs.org
Tuition payments must be up-to-date
to receive access to report cards.
Tuition payments made on Conference Day must be
paid in certified funds. (Cash, Money Order, Certified
Check, MasterCard, Visa, or American Express)
Contact the Mrs. Mary Gessner at 301-735-8401, ext.
158 or Mary.Gessner@bmhs.org with questions.
Bishop McNamara High School Alert System
informs you of any School Closings, Delays, Early Dismissals,
School Emergencies and/or important alerts. DON'T WAIT
FOR THE SNOW!! Are you signed up yet to receive
ALERTS? We are no longer using SchoolReach. You must sign
up for ALERTS for your email and/or text messages on your
mobile phone at Alerts Sign-up today before the bad weather
starts!
See sign-up instructions
on pages 7-9 of McNews or
click here
Vol. 25, No. 4
ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, November 8th, 12:30-4pm
All parents and prospective students
interested in learning more about Bishop
McNamara High School are invited. Tours
will be offered throughout the afternoon.
Please invite your friends and neighbors
who have 7th and 8th grade students.
For more information, contact the
Admissions Office: 301-735-8401Mrs. Garber, ext. 113; Mr. Gloster, ext. 108
or Mr. Southworth, ext. 102;
School Closing Policy
 Bishop McNamara High School generally follows the
Prince George’s County Public Schools policy
(www1.pgcps.org) in regard to cancellation, late
opening and early dismissal of students. Please listen
to local radio and TV stations for announcements.
BMHS ALERT Message System will announce
changes via email and/or text message.
 Families should, however, access local media, the
school website or call the school to check for special
information regarding BMHS in the event that the
school schedule differs from the decision made by
PG County. An evaluation by the BMHS administration will determine whether or not after school/
evening events will take place in the event of an early
dismissal.
 Unplanned Cancelled School Distance Learning:
After two days of cancelled school, one Maroon day
and one Gold day, assignments will be posted on
teachers’ websites by 9am for each day thereafter.
Students are expected to work from a distance to
maintain the learning process. These distance learning assignments will be for the classes scheduled on
each day that was cancelled after the first 2 days.
 Special Note: Winter Weather is coming! Have you
signed up to get ALERT messages from the new
BMHS ALERT System?
See article to the left for
instructions to sign-up.
Bishop McNamara High School • 6800 Marlboro Pike • Forestville, MD 20747 • 301-735-8401 • http://www.bmhs.org
COUNSELOR’S CORNER
The first quarter has just come to a close and you will be receiving your child’s report card on November 11. After
meeting with your students’ teachers and reviewing his/her grades, you may decide that your student needs some extra
help to achieve academic success.
 Encourage your student to speak with the teacher and request extra help as a first step in improving
classroom performance.
 Attend a department-sponsored group study session:

Math Power Hour ~ Wednesdays, 3:15-4:15 in the library
Modern & Classical Languages ~ Tuesdays, 3:15-4 PM; Spanish Rm 102; French Rm 305;
Students studying other foreign languages must make arrangements for tutoring with their individual teacher.
Request a peer tutor from the Counseling Center.
Please check the Counseling Center page on the BMHS website for student enrichment opportunities,
college and career fairs and workshops.
Senior Parent
College Financial Aid Information Night
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
6:30pm in the cafeteria
Join Ms. Treichel and Mrs. Auchmoody, our Senior
Counselors, as they provide materials, information
and guidance for residents of Maryland and the
District of Columbia on applying for federal, state
and local aid for college. This information night is
intended for senior parents only. If you have
questions please call Ms. Treichel at 301-735-8401,
ext. 140 or Mrs. Auchmoody ext. 144
Class of 2016 Graduation
Announcements & Accessories
Graduation is FRIDAY, May 27th!!!
 Graduation Announcement & Accessories order form packets were distributed to all seniors
during the week of October 6th.
 FULL payment and order forms will be taken by the
Balfour rep during lunches on Thursday, November 12th
(girls) and Friday, November 13th (boys).
 Students must turn in the order form with their measurements for the graduation gown, even if they ar e not
ordering announcements. There is no fee for the gown.
Graduation Diploma Forms
Past Due!
Forms verifying students’ correct names and spelling
were distributed to all seniors in early October. They
were due to Mrs. Mendiola in the Counseling Center by
October 9th but many are still missing.
Please have your senior return the completed form to
Mrs. Mendiola immediately.
Attention all Sophomore Girls:
All sophomore girls (class of 2018) must have a
current physical that is good through the end of the
second semester (6/3/16) to participate in PE II.
Questions? Please contact Nurse Slack at
Stacey.slack@bmhs.org
After School Study Program 4:00pm-6:00pm
Any student who remains on campus after 3:30pm and is
not in a supervised practice, class, rehearsal, or other
school sponsored activity must report to the After School
Study Program in the cafeteria. Students who remain on
campus for sports activities must be picked up by the
time the event ends or report to the After School Study
Program. Each student who reports to the Program
location (whether at the end of the school day or after a
sporting event) will be charged a fee of $5.00 per
day. This is a flat fee, & will be charged regardless of the
amount of time the student remains in the study hall location. Registration forms are available on-line or may be
picked up in the Main Office.
Questions?
Email Ms. Johnson at deanna.johnson@bmhs.org
Senior Bricks
Parents of Class 2016, have you ever noticed the
engraved bricks and pavers in front of the Fine Arts
and Athletic Center? You can order one for your
Senior Student. Bricks are $150.00 ($115.00 is a tax
deductible donation) and Pavers are $250 ($200 is tax
deductible). You can engrave three lines on each
brick (15 spaces per line) or 4 lines on a paver. This
is a gift that will last a life time. Please note that
payment in full is due no later than January 31, 2016
so the bricks will be installed prior to the 2016 Senior
Week activities. If you are interested in ordering a
brick contact Alice Case at 301-735-8401 x 122 or
alice.case@bmhs.org
NHS Inductions
Monday, January 11th, 6:30 PM
in the Fine Arts Theater
Early Dismissals
Unannounced walk-ins for early dismissal are very
disruptive to classes!!. Please send in a note or call the
attendance office with the student’s name & desired pick up
time at 301-735-8401 x149 before time student needs to be
picked up. All early dismissal students will be picked up in
the attendance office.
No Classes
Parent Volunteer Service Opportunities
 Monday, November 2nd (Faculty/Staff Retreat)
 Wednesday, Nov 11th (Parent/Teacher Conferences)
The Volunteer Service Coordinator is
Alice Case- Call her at 301-735-8401 x122
 Monday-Friday, November 23rd—November 27th
(Thanksgiving Recess)
Redskins Games Concession Stand
BMHS has staffed a concession stand for all home football
games and events at the FedEx Field for the Redskins games
since the stadium opened back in 1997.
ALL NEW VOLUNTEERS must attend a tr aining
session to get certified and receive a photo ID BEFORE they
can work at the stadium. You must participate in a 3.5-hour
training session to work as a Redskins Volunteer. Parents
that completed the October 26th training can work the game
on November 1st..…
Training Schedule and Requirements:
If you are a new parent and need training the scheduled
classes are listed below. Training is 3 hours long and you
receive 5 hours for attending. You get your 5 hours when
you work your first game. If you plan to attend let me know.
Bring a valid ID to all training classes.
All training is at FedEx Field and you par k on the cir cle
in LotB1 (staff lot) and then enter the door at the loading
dock. You must arrive on time as the doors close at the start
of the class.
Next Training Date at Redskins Stadium:
Monday, November 10 6:30pm
Contact: Sterling Spriggs (301) 832-0092 or
Sspriggs9@comcast.net
Date
Sun. Nov. 15
Sun. Nov. 29
Mon. Dec. 7
Sun. Dec. 20
Team
Saints
Giants
Cowboys
Bills
Check in
1:00 PM
1:00 PM
8:30 PM
9:00 AM
Game Time
9:00 AM
9:00 AM
4:30 PM
1:00 PM
ADMISSIONS UPDATE
2016-2017Admissions Application deadline is
December 15, 2015.
Any 8th or 9th grade student who wishes to apply to
BMHS and does not attend an Archdiocesan school
MUST REGISTER to take the Archdiocesan Entrance
Exam (HSPT). To r egister for the December 12th
test at BMHS, go to www.ADW.org and click on
“Education” or call the Admissions office at 301-7358401 x102 or x113. Questions? Please contact
Mrs. Garber at 301-735-8401 x113.
High School Placement Test Administration
on December 12th: Parent volunteers needed
from 8 am-2 pm. Please contact Mrs. Garber at
301-735-8401 x 113.
Teens In Action: Par ent Volunteer s: ar e needed to help with Teens In Action programs & activities. Need more info? Please contact Mrs.
Pezzuto at info@campfir eusa-patuxent.org.
Queen of Peace Soup Kitchen: Par ent Volunteers needed: to drive and volunteer with students during the school day at Our Lady Queen of
Peace Soup Kitchen. The driver will take 3 students from school at 7:45am to the soup kitchen
in Southeast DC and return to school at 11am.
If interested, please contact Ms. Longest at
rachel.longest@bmhs.org.
Eleventh Annual Fall Gala: Volunteer s ar e
needed to help solicit gifts and sponsors for
“Masquerade”, November 7th. Parents interested
in working on one of the committees should contact Melissa Antonio Huar at 301-735-8401 x138
or email at melissa.antoniohuar@bmhs.org.
Annual Canned Food Drive
December 2nd—11th
Parent volunteers are needed to help box
food each morning from 7:30-9:30 am.
If interested,
Please contact Angela.DeLeonibus@bmhs.org .
Parents’ Club Meeting
December 9, 2015
Dinner will be served at 6:30 pm and the meeting will
start at 7:00 pm. Our meeting will feature the BMHS
Counseling Center with a discussion on “ Preparing your
child for college – a grade by grade review”. Please plan
to attend. If you have any questions, please connect with
us on the Parents Portal in McAccess.
Labels for Education
High School Placement Test
Saturday, December 12, 2015
Bishop McNamara will administer the High School
Placement Test for 8th grade students who do not attend
Catholic elementary schools. Parents must pre-register
at www.adw.org.Questions? Contact the Admissions
Office: Mrs. Garber, 301-735-8401 ext 113 or
Mr. Southworth, ext. 102.
The Parents’ Club is collecting labels from Campbell
products (soups and juices including V8), Prego, Pepperidge Farm, Swanson Broth, and Franco-American
Gravies to earn fr ee mer chandise for McNamar a.
Check www.labelsforeducation.com for new partners in
Labels for Education or for more information.
Please contact Sandi Hodges at 301-868-2402 with
questions. Collection box is located in the main office.
ATHLETICS NEWS
Winter Sports
Practices start November 7th (Date may change)
BMHS offers the following winter sports:
Boys Basketball
Head Coach- Marty Keithline martin.keithline@bmhs.org
Girls Basketball
Head Coach- Frank Oliver, Jr. frank.oliver@bmhs.org
Cheerleading
Head Coach- Dawnica Green dawnica.green@bmhs.org
Dance Team
Head Coach- Taylor Graham taylor.graham@bmhs.org
Indoor Track & Field Head Coach- Keith Chapman keith.chapman@bmhs.org
Swimming & Diving Head Coach- Francisco Leonard francisco.leonard@bmhs.org
Wrestling
Head Coach- Kevin Bellamy
kevin.bellamy@bmhs.org
Please contact the head coach for further information regarding team specifics.
All students participating in a winter sport must have a current Physical and Medical A uthorization Form (dated after
June 1, 2015) and Mandatory A thletics Concussion Information Sheet form on file. Forms can be found on the
BMHS website under "Athletics Downloads" on the Athletics page. If you have additional questions, contact
Jessica Nash (jessica.nash@bmhs.org). For athletics updates, visit www.bmhs.org/athletics. Click on Teams &
Schedules for individual sports or Athletics Calendar to view all athletics news.
Fall Sports Awards Ceremony
Tuesday, November 17th at 6pm
SOFTBALL WINTER CLINIC
Annual Alumni Basketball Game
Friday, November 27th at 6:30pm
If you are interested in preparing for the next level, this
is a great place to start. The clinic is open to Middle
School and High School Girls. Instruction is provided
by the softball coaching staff of Bishop McNamara
High School
2015 White House Ornament —$19 each
Date: Jan. 3rd – Feb. 14th, 2016 ; 2:00 PM—5:00 PM
(Sundays Only *no clinic weekend of February 7th *)
Please contact Coach Marty Keithline at 301-735-8401 x121
or Athletic Director Tony Johnson at x103.
Contact Peggy Shelton at 301-292-7515 or
Linda Marshall 301-297-5069
Proceeds benefit the Men’s Soccer Teams
available now in school
see Mrs. Walther in the Main Office
Basketball Games
Get your McNamara Sports Pass before the season begins
 GOLD Sports Pass $65 (non-transferable): Entitles
you to enter all HOME basketball games free (Men’s &
Woman’s) PLUS extra goodies
 Regular Sports Pass $35 : Entitles you to 8 game
tickets of your choice PLUS extra goodies.
For more information, contact Diane McDuffie at 202-398-7846
Please note: pass is non-transferable
Location: Bishop McNamara High School
Fine Arts/Athletic Building
6800 Marlboro Pike
Forestville, MD 20747
Registration forms found on BMHS website. The
deadline to turn in registration is December 8, 2015
Cost: $125.00
Checks made Payable to: Bishop McNamara Softball
For more information contact Mrs. Angelina Diehlmann
at angelina.diehlmann@bmhs.org or
Mr. Anthony Johnson, Athletic Director
at anthony.johnson@bmhs.org .
∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞
Driver’s Education Class
November 6th-20th from
3:15 pm-6:30pm
There will be no class on
Wednesday, November 11th
Bishop McNamara offers Driver’s Education classes on
campus through Greg’s Driving School.
The class will cost $350 per student. Students can be
registered online at www.gregsdrivingschool.net/.
Questions?
Please contact Angela.DeLeonibus@bmhs.org
Senior Thanksgiving Dinner
Thursday, November 19th
6:30-9 PM in the Cafeteria
BUSINESS OFFICE NEWS
FINE ARTS NEWS
Theatre Program presents
2015 Fall Musical
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s
Cinderella
Performances:
Friday & Saturday Nov. 13, 14, 20 & 21 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, November 15 & 22 at 2:00 pm
All tickets are $10.
All tickets are $10.00 each.
Purchase tickets at the www.bmhs.org website.
Questions? Please email
Mary.MitchellDonahue@bmhs.org
FADE Colloquium #3
Washington Samulnori
Tuesday, December 1st, 2015; 7:00 p.m.
Fine Arts Theater
Free and Open to the Public!
We hope to see you there!
Citrus, Citrus, Citrus!
The Band, Choir & Orchestra programs are selling
Florida Indian River Citrus to raise money for the Music Trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida in April
2016.
First Sale Dates: October 26th to November 6th, 2015
First Sale Pick Up Day: November 18th, 2015
Second Sale Dates: November 9th to 20th, 2015
Second Sale Pick Up Day: December 9th, 2015
Orders may be placed online at www.BMHS.org or
with any Band, Orchestra, or Choir student to make a
purchase.
Fine Arts Christmas Festival
Friday, December 11th &
Saturday, December 12th at 7:00 p.m.
The performance will be held
in the Main Auditorium.
Online tickets will go on sale on the
www.bmhs.org website beginning
Friday, November 20th.
Get your tickets early – the performance sells out.
Tickets & Info coming soon at www.bmhs.org
FACTS Tuition Management
Payments are deducted on either the 1st, 5th, 15th or 20th of
each month. If you have any questions about your tuition
account, please contact Mrs. Gessner at 301-735-8401 x158
or Mary.Gessner@bmhs.org..
Bishop McNamara High School
Tuition Grant Program
FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment Service will once again
conduct the financial need analysis for the upcoming school
year. Families requesting consideration for financial aid must
apply on-line and submit the necessary supporting documentation directly to FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment.
The online application is now available at
https://online.factsmgt.com/signin/3FS09
Please pay careful attention to the deadline of
December 15, 2015
FitzGerald Program
a tuition assistance program of the Archdiocese of Washington.
Applications for the 2016-2017 FitzGerald Program are
available until December 5, 2015 at www.adw.org.
In order to be eligible for the Fitzgerald Program, applicants
must also complete the online
TADS Financial Aid Assessment Form
by December 4, 2015 available at
http://adw.org/tuition-assistance/.
NO LATE APPLICATIONS/FORMS ARE ACCEPTED
2016-2017 Archdiocesan Financial Aid Forms
Applications are available at the
Archdiocese of Washington website tuition assistance page
http://adw.org/tuition-assistance
Make sure you download forms for 2016-2017 school year.
Please pay careful attention to the deadline of
Friday, December 4, 2015
No late applications are accepted.
2-4
2-11
5
5
8
8
8
9
11-12
12
14-17
15
18
December Calendar
Kairos 32
Food Drive
SAT (Center 21291)
WAMTC Fall Band Festival
AM Liturgy Feast of the Immaculate Conception
4PM Progress Reports on Maccess
6:30PM Senior Parent Financial Aid Mtg
Fine Arts Festival Dress Rehearsal
Fine Arts Christmas Festival
HSPT Archdiocesan Admission Test at McNamara
First Semester Exams
BMHS Application Deadline for Class of 2020
Inclement Weather Exam Make-Up Day
January Calendar
Jan 3
SCHOOL RESUMES (from Christmas recess)
Jan 4-6 Spring Play Auditions
Holy Cross Service Program
Service Agreement & Action Plan: Students who did not submit the Ser vice Agr eement & Action Plan
by October 2 received notification and will have to complete an additional 5 hours of service. This
document still must be turned in by those students for us to record service hours for them.
Resources in Maccess: All students ar e a par t of a Holy Cr oss Ser vice gr oup in Maccess. Her e
students can find resources and reminders about the Holy Cross Service Program. Links are also available
there to the Approval Request Form and List of Pre-Approved Opportunities.
Service Sites:
List of Pre-Approved Service Opportunities: Students may volunteer with the or ganizations on the
list of Pre-Approved Opportunities for their particular grade level. These lists are available on the
bulletin board outside of the Campus Ministry office. They are also available on the school’s website,
through the Faith & Service section.
Approval Request Form: Students wanting to volunteer with an or ganization that is not on the
pre-approved list, may request approval by submitting the Approval Request Form. This form is filled-out
and submitted on-line through the Faith & Service section of the school’s website. Requests cannot be
submitted through email. Campus Ministry reserves the right to reject any hours that were not approved in
advance. Approval is only valid for current school year and for the student submitting the request (anyone
else wishing to get approval for the same site must submit their own request).
Mt. Calvary Tutoring and Aftercare: Freshmen interested in volunteer ing at Mt. Calvar y need to
come to Campus Ministry for more information and to sign-up for dates. Volunteers are needed to tutor on
Monday from 3:45 – 4:45. Additionally, other volunteers are needed Monday through Friday,
from 3:30 – 6:00 to help with aftercare with the 4, 5, and 6 year olds.
November/December Events
Daily Mass at 7am in the Chapel
November 16th: Thanksgiving Liturgy – Join us at 8:15am!
December 2nd-4th: Kairos 32
December 8th: Feast of the Immaculate Conception Liturgy – Join us at 8:15am!
Also December 8th: Advent Praise & Worship Holy Hour – 5:30pm
Teens in Action Service Opportunities are sent to students monthly. Signups take place on line.
To register for: Teens In Action, go to http://svy.mk/YXWUR6.
Service Opportunities, go to http://bit.ly/Service1
We need parents to chaperone, help drive and to participate in Service Projects including--outreach to the elderly, outreach to the poor, Driving Safety Programs, and Emergency Readiness Programs. Contact Mrs. Pezzuto if you can
help at rosemary.pezzuto@bmhs.org or Campfireinfo@gmail.com
Holiday Christmas Project: Teens in Action will be working with National Honor Society to provide holiday gifts to
needy children and families. If you are interested in helping a family, contact Ms. Pezzuto for info. We wrap gifts the
weekend before Christmas and deliver them to families on Christmas Eve Morning. Family participation is encouraged. We take Food Baskets and Gifts so all the help we can get is needed. Parent coordinator help is welcome.
POINSETTIA SALE
During November Teens in Action Sells Poinsettias to support our service projects. Please
purchase Flowers to help us complete service
opportunities that impact our community. Flowers can be ordered at
www.campfirepatuxent.org/flowers or by
contacting any teens in action member or by emailing
Mrs. Pezzuto at rosemary.pezzuto@bmhs.org
NEEDED
Fire Fighters, EMT's and Law Enforcement
Parents who can help with our Teen Driving Safety
and Emergency Readiness Programs.
If you can help, please contact Mrs. Pezzuto at
rosemary.pezzuto@bmhs.org or
Campfireinfo@gmail.com.
Last year, we launched Maccess for students. In August, we
launched Maccess for all Parents! It is an online BMHS
community tool that will provide valuable school information,
help you to maintain excellent communication with the Faculty &
Staff, and enhance your student's classroom experience! The
online learning environment will allow parents and students to see
all classes in one place, view the syllabus, resources, calendars, assignments, videos, links
and more for each class. In addition, parents can check calendars and information for clubs
and sports teams. With one click in MACCESS, you will be able to update your family
contact information, check student grades, view attendance, discipline records and
more. MACCESS is easy to access - automatically sized to any device. For those who have
not already done so, you should update information TODAY!
All parents were sent an email in August to login and set their password. If you did not receive your email or you have not yet set your password, contact Support@bmhs.org with
your name and student’s name with a brief summary of your situation. We will get back to
you in 24-48 hours with a response.
Login at the “M” on any page of www.bmhs.org
Insert your user name and password (see below)
You are now logged in and may click on different areas of Maccess – feel free to
explore all areas such as grades, group spaces, assignments, calendars, etc.
Parents/Guardians are “guests” in group spaces—you are in “View Only” mode; certain areas will not be viewable to parents.
Bishop
McNamara
ALERT
System
Announcing the Bishop McNamara
High School Alert System. The
Alert page on the website is updated
with information about School
Closings, Delays, Early Dismissals
or any other school emergencies or
important alerts. The page –
ALERTS (http://www.bmhs.org/
page.cfm?p=2191) is on our website
and will be edited as school alerts happen. If you sign up, you will receive an email and/or a text
message immediately. PagePops will also appear on the website and emails will still be sent to all family
& student emails.
To subscribe to
BMHS ALERTs:

Login to Maccess

Once logged in, go
to My Subscriptions

In Edit Subscriptions,
make sure to set up
emails and
text enabled phones.
Continue on the next page

Go down to the Setting
wheel under CURRENT
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Manage News Subscriptions
 Make sure the correct email address(es) are listed and you have added your
text enabled phone.
 Make sure to select the Alerts Category in both SMS/Txt Msg. and/or Email columns.
 You may select other news pages on the site, as well.
 Be sure to Update Settings in lower right and close this window.
For online instructions How to Sign Up for BMHS Alerts,
go to ALERTS.