HALLOWEEN PARADE We are excited to put on a Halloween Parade for ALL students on October 29th at 1:30pm. Please register by clicking here. ​ ​ Classes will end at 1:00pm to accommodate anyone and everyone who wishes to attend. Cars may be decorated and students of all ages should dress in their spooky, cute, fun costumes. Participants will remain in their cars AT ALL TIMES during the parade; bathrooms will not be available to use at this time. Any participating cars should enter by the traffic light in front of the school at 1:30pm, go to the left of the Middle School wing, continue around the back of the building, come up the side of the Church and cross the front parking lot along the sidewalk to then exit out the front entrance by the light. Faculty and Staff will be out front to greet everyone with some Halloween tunes and spooky decorations. Mrs. Schrom and other staff will be giving our sealed Halloween goodie bags for all of our students outside the front entrance doors. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Schrom at [email protected]. ​

But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

SUPPORT ST. PIUS X HSA!!

Stay healthy…wear your very own St. Pius X mask. We have youth and adult size masks for sale. They are $10 each (via cash or check).

If you would like to order a mask or shirt, please contact Megan Bogley, (301) 974-2676, or [email protected]. Mask pick-up will be conducted at the school. ​

News from the School Advisory Board

th Middle School Parent Administration Forum October 27 ​ at 6 PM th ​ The next Parent Administration Forum is October 27 ​ at 6 PM for th th ​ Middle School Parents and Guardians (6 ​ to 8 ​ Grade). The forum will be virtual. A link to the meeting will ​be distributed​ by the school via News Notes,​ see calendar rectangle above. The Forum is an opportunity for parents to discuss​ school topics and priorities relevant to specific grades with the Administration and

2 School Board. Please reach out to your teachers or Mrs. Schrom for matters relating specifically to your child(ren). VIRTUAL PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES ​ NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 DUE TO REPORT CARD CONFERENCES.

PK THROUGH 5TH GRADES: Virtual report card conference appointment times for parents with students in grades Pre-K thro​ ugh 5 will be sent home over this coming weekend, via email. Please be sure to confirm your appointment time by replying to your child’s teacher by Friday, Novemb​ er 6, 2020. Reminder that we use the email information collected from your TADS account to contact you. ​ 6TH THROUGH 8TH GRADES: Virtual report card conferences will NOT be scheduled for students in grades 6 through 8. An online ​ scheduler listing conference times in intervals will be used this year. Parents should sign-up for a specific conference time with any teacher they wish to see on November 11 by going to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0944a4a82aa1fe3-6thgrade2. The link will be accessible star​ ting on Friday October 23rd at 5pm to Tuesday November 10 at 5p​m​ . This link will take you the Sign Up Genius where you will find a tab for each group of teachers: 6th Gra​ de, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, Specials and Resource teachers. Conferences may be scheduled from 8:00 to 11:30am and from 12:20 to 3:00pm. You are encouraged to have a conference with any teacher that you think necessary. Report cards will be sent home electronically to K-8 students on November 10th; an email will be sent when they are ready. Scantron results will be mailed directly to your home.

OCTOBER SERVICE PROJECTS

During the month of October our students will be asked to take part in two service projects. The first project is NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS. Students, staff and faculty will provide an act of kindness to a neighbor. This could include: checking in on a neighbor, calling a grandparent or distant relative, raking leaves, bringing a meal or treat to a neighbor or relative, or carrying groceries. You are asked to email a picture or video of you doing your good deed to Ms. Kolosky at [email protected] Let’s bring a smile to someone’s face and make them feel appreciated!​ ​

Our second project will begin in mid October. Students are asked to make cards with a written note inside to our veterans. These brave men and women have protected and defended our country to preserve our freedom and keep us safe. Let’s honor them with a card to show our gratitude for their service.

In order to follow social distancing protocol, these cards can be dropped off during school hours in the Veteran Card Box, which will be placed outside the doors of our school from 3 October 26 - November 2nd. The cards will be delivered to the veterans at The Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington, D.C. on November 11th.

HSA FRESH FRUIT DRIVE FUNDRAISER The HSA is sponsoring a Fresh Fruit Drive fundraiser. Fresh hand picked Indian River Fruit is available for purchase. No in-person delivery, product distribution or cash to handle. This Ship to the Home fruit sale is a great way to send your family and friends fresh fruit for the Holidays. With this fundraiser, You can support St. Pius X Regional School by sharing this link https://www.floridaindianrivergroves.com/ecommerce/622547 via email, text and social media ​ with family and friends. You, your family and friends can purchase products under your child's name online during October 16, 2020 through October 30, 2020, with delivery before Thanksgiving. There is a flat rate shipping of $6.95 per box, regardless of box size or weight. Payments can be made Online. Online payments are secure and can be made by check, credit card, or debit card. This fundraiser supports HSA activities and will go towards your FSO. Any questions? Send your inquiries to the HSA President Faith Proctor at [email protected] OR HSA Vice President Pamela Diedrick at ​ [email protected]. Thank you for supporting St. Pius X Regional School. Go St. Pius ​ X.

Getting to (Virtual) Church

Our Regional Parishes have reopened, but many families continue to worship from home. if your family hasn't yet connected with church online, here are some ways to connect you with worship from our regional parishes:

Weekend masses with Fr. Mike Jones (St. Pius): https://www.spxbowie.org/watch-mass

Daily and weekend masses with Fr. Tim Daniel (Ascension): https://www.facebook.com/watch/ascensionbowie/

Sunday masses from St. Edwards with Fr. Scott Holmer: https://stedwardbowie.com/ ​ Other Area Parishes with online masses: https://adw.org/live-streamed-masses-and-prayer ​ 4

VFW Youth Scholarship Programs

The 2020-21 theme is: What is Patriotism to Me?

The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation. If you are a patriotic middle school student interested in winning $5,000, these scholarships may be for you.

Patriot's Pen: Each year more than 138,000 (public, private or parochial or home-study) ​ students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of more than $900,000 in state and national awards. Each first-place state winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first place winner wins $5,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300- to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. All student entries must be submitted to a sponsoring local VFW Post by midnight, October ​ 31, 2020.

Want to apply? Please contact Megan Bogley, Commander, Bowie Memorial VFW Post 8065, [email protected]. You can also read more information about the rules and eligibility ​ requirements, and download the 2020-21 entry form application from the VFW webpage, ​ ​ ​ (https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships). ​ ​

TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 2021-2022

The open application period for the 2021-2022 Archdiocesan Tuition Assistance Program will began on Thursday, October 1, 2020. The deadline for returning families to apply is Friday, December 4,2020. The deadline date for new families to apply is Friday, February 19, 2021.

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October Nurse Corner ​ Halloween Tips for 2020 Halloween is something most children look forward to each year. Costumes, candy, fun, what more could a kid ask for? Here are a few tips to keep you and your children safe this year during the Pandemic. Halloween may be discouraged in some communities so please check your area before going out. ● Decorate pumpkins, paint them, carve them, make pumpkin pie. ● Host a virtual movie night, kids can dress up as a character in the movie you are showing, talk with their friends and eat themed snacks that go along with the movie. (Harry Potter is popular at my house right now, we plan to watch Harry Potter dressed as Hogwarts students, I plan to decorate our kitchen and eat themed snacks. ) ● A Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed things to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house admiring Halloween decorations at a distance, in costume of course. ● Find an outdoor event in your community that allows you to socially distance, wear your mask. Outdoor Pumpkin patches, apple picking and corn mazes may still be open in your area. I wish all the Families a Happy and Healthy HALLOWEEN!

NEWS FROM THE FINANCE OFFICE

Tuition and ESP payments must be paid on or before the due date each month. Failure to do so will result in withholding a student’s progress report, report card, academic record, yearbook, etc. If your tuition and/or ESP account becomes overdue by 30 days, your child(ren) may not attend school until it is paid in cash or certified funds in the school office. If payment is made directly online to TADS, it must be paid 7 days prior to this 30-day deadline, so that the funds have time to clear the bank.

There is no need to call us to confirm the status of your account; we see the same information as you on TADS. If your TADS account shows the payment was made and nothing is past due, then you are in good standing.

Thank you to the many families who do pay their tuition on time each month! We truly appreciate it! As a token of our appreciation, a prize will be awarded to one family at the end

6 of the year from all who have kept their tuition current every month all year! It is very time consuming to track down families to make their payments. We ask for your cooperation and understanding with this

SUPPORT ST. PIUS X CYO AND GET YOUR SWAG!!

Stay healthy…wear your very own St. Pius X CYO mask. We have youth and adult size masks for sale. They are $10 each (via cash or check).

If you would like to order a mask or shirt, please contact Megan Bogley, (301) 974-2676, or [email protected]. Mask pick-up will be conducted at the school.

Teacher of the Year

Without our nation’s veterans, America wouldn't be the great nation it is today. Our youth deserve to learn about our rich history, traditions and the role of our veterans in creating and shaping America.

The VFW Teacher of the Year award contest recognizes three exceptional teachers for their outstanding commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students. Each year, a certified/licensed elementary, middle school and high school teacher whose curriculum focuses on citizenship education topics can be nominated for the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award.

Winners receive:

● A $1,000 award for professional development expenses. ● A $1,000 award for his/her school. ● Two award plaques: one for the teacher, the other for his/her school.

Please review the rules and eligibility requirements and nominate a teacher you know by ​ ​ submitting the 2021 nomination form. ​ ​

Looking to share updated information and materials on VFW's Voice of Democracy, Patriot's Pen and Teacher Award programs? Share our National Scholarship Brochure with the ​ ​ students and educators in your community.

7 Want to nominate a teacher? Please contact Megan Bogley, Commander, Bowie Memorial VFW Post 8065, [email protected]. You can also read more information from the VFW webpage, (https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/teacher-of-the-year). All ​ ​ entries must be submitted by midnight, October 31, 2020 ​

VFW Sponsored Programs: Buddy Poppy and Loyalty Day

(All student entry forms must be submitted to a sponsoring local VFW Post by midnight, October 31, 2020)

Interested students who want to show their patriotism and earn scholarship money, please see information below.

Requirements: Participants must be less than 18 years old on 15 January 2021. Participants will answer questions before a panel. Buddy Poppy Program: Participants will answer 12 questions associated with the VFW Buddy Poppy Program. Loyalty Day Program: Participants will answer 11 questions associated with Loyalty Day and the American Flag.

For those that are unfamiliar with the Buddy Poppy or Loyalty Day:

Buddy Poppy: Since 1922, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) has distributed Buddy Poppies to “Honor the Dead by Helping the Living.” Proceeds from Buddy Poppy donations are used to assist the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Home in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, the National VFW Rehabilitation Services in Washington, D.C., the Rehabilitation Services in Maryland, and to provide direct assistance to the needy and disabled veterans and their families within our communities. Loyalty Day is observed annually on May 1st. In the United States, National Loyalty Day is a special holiday meant for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States of America, and for the recognition of the heritage of American freedom. Loyalty Day was made an official reoccurring holiday on July 18, 1958. The purpose is to counteract Communism and the radical elements in our society, and to promote loyalty to our country and respect for our flag.

Want to participate? Please contact Megan Bogley, Commander, Bowie Memorial VFW Post

8 8065, [email protected] ​

Saint Pius X Cub Scout Pack 730 Fall Fundraiser: Mickman Brothers Christmas Wreaths and Greenery St. Pius X Cub Scout Pack 730 is partnering with Mickman Brothers this month to raise funds for the Pack by selling Christmas wreaths and other holiday greenery. There are several options to help support the Pack:

1. Traditional Orders: Order a Classic 25” Wreath ($30) or a Classic Door Spray ($25). Please email Christine Mantich ([email protected]) or Jenni Manson ​ ​ ([email protected]) with your order. In lieu of writing a check and sending to ​ ​ school (due to distance learning), you can prepay for your items electronically via PayPal or Venmo once your order is confirmed. All orders and payments must be made before October 31st. Ordered items will be available around the week of Nov. 29th, and ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ we will contact you when they are ready for delivery or pick up. 2. Holiday Gift Program: A great way to send a holiday gift to a friend or loved one while supporting our Pack! Orders are prepaid, and you can write a Holiday Note Card to be sent directly to the gift recipient with their item. 3. Gift It Forward: You can also purchase items online through the Gift It Forward program. Go to www.giftitforward.com and use our fundraising code PK730MD001. ​ ​ ​ Items will be shipped directly to you via FedEx.

Pack 730 thanks you in advance for your support!

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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS

The Maryland State Council of the Knights of Columbus in partnership with the Knights of Columbus Insurance Advisors is the sponsor of several High School Scholarships for its members and for Catholic students in general. Below is a summary of these scholarships and information regarding eligibility for scholarship awards. To get more detailed information or an application, click on their site here. ​ ​

The Frederick M. Gossman Memorial High School Scholarship Designed to assist those Brother Knights, in good standing and holding membership in councils within the jurisdiction of Maryland in paying tuition for their sons and daughters at accredited Catholic High Schools; three grants of $1,500.00 per year, for up to four years, will be awarded. Awards will be made based on academic excellence, personal qualifications, and financial need. The children of deceased members are also eligible, provided the member was in good standing at the time of death.

The William J. O’Brien Jr. Memorial Catholic High School Scholarship Three grants of $1,500.00 per year for up to four years will be awarded. This program is open to any Catholic student who is a resident of the State of Maryland, including children and grandchildren of any member, in good standing, of a Knights of Columbus council within the jurisdiction of Maryland. Applicants must have been officially accepted at or must be students at accredited Catholic High Schools. Applications will be judged on academic excellence, personal qualifications, and financial need.

Application period is from October 1, 2020 to February 1, 2021. All applications must be received by the Scholarship Committee no later than February 1, 2021.

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8TH GRADE HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION

DATE ITEM

October 26 HSPT Online Registration Opens

November 20 DEADLINE for parents to register and pay for HSPT $67.50 - scores sent to up to 4 schools in ADW; $15 for one school outside of ADW, either Baltimore or Arlington dioceses.

November 23 1. Window for selecting High School Choices opens; return to the HSPT registration page to make high school selections. Check your high schools for their application due dates and requirements. 2. Authorization to Release Records (hard copy) form due to homeroom teachers WITH hard copy HSPT registration confir​ mation. Mail this completed form to St. Pius Schoo​ l, care of Mrs. Prendergast

December 1 1. Check your high schools for their application due dates and requirements. Parents are responsible for submitted applications and fees to high school. St. Pius sends transcripts. 2. Letters of recommendation - if needed - due to homeroom teachers.​ Letters turned in to teachers after this date will not be included in transcript packets sent to high schools.

December 2 HSPT at St. Pius

December 4 Deadline for TADS application for high school tuition assistance.

December 11 Transcript packets compiled and sent to high schools.

December 13 Window for selecting High School choices closes.

January 2021 HSPT scores distributed by STS to parents electronically.

11 If you have any questions, please consult your 8th grader’s Homeroom Classroom page or reach out to Mrs. McGinnis and/or Mrs. Prendergast at [email protected] and [email protected]. ​ ​ ​

YOU SHOP AND WE GET PAID - HELP US EARN $$

Your shopping can help St. Pius X earn money! These fundraisers bring in thousands of dollars to our school each year and don’t cost you a cent. Thank you to those families who participate in these fundraisers now. Your efforts are much appreciated! Thank you in advance to those families who will follow the simple steps below to begin participation.

AMAZON SMILE REWARDS PROGRAM: You probably already shop online at Amazon, and now you can help support​ SPX simply by using the special link here. Shop on Amazon.com. Our unique School Rewards link will take you directly​ to Amazon, where you​ ​ can browse and shop just as you normally would. Each month, Amazon will pay us 5% or more of all purchases made by shoppers who reached Amazon through our link. Please support us by bookmarking this link in your internet browser - then making it the​ first link you click each time you shop​ at ​Amazon. And be sure to pass it on to your friends, family, neighbors, acquaintances, and anyone else​ who might like to help us raise funds by shopping at Amazon.

BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION: This program allows our school to collect box tops/labels of food and household products and redeem​ them for cash. Simply check the items you buy at the grocery store/ Target/Wal-Mart for Box Tops for Education labels. You will find the labels on dozens of different types of products like: food/drink, paper products, office supplies, cleaning supplies, food storage, tableware and many more. Once purchased, please cut the labels off and return them to school. Don’t forget to check the expiration date, as we cannot get credit for expired labels. We will earn 10¢ for every label. St. Pius X can also earn cash from Bonus Certificates, which can be found primarily in stores on specially marked packages and at checkout printed on a receipt. These vary on value based on the promotion. Bonus codes begin with the letter A. Also look for eBox Tops Codes, which are a 16 digit eBoxTops code that is printed on the product. You would be surprised at how many products you buy every day carry a Box Tops for Education label.

HARRIS TEETER ’S TOGETHER IN EDUCATION PROGRAM: This programs translates your spending at Harris Teeter to rewards for SPX. We need YOU​ to register and it’s easy and it’s FREE. Simply give the cashier our code, 4154, and your VIC card when you check out and your card will be linked for the entire school​ year.​ That’s it! You only have to link your VIC card once each school year. Once your card is linked, St. Pius X Regional School will receive a percentage of your Harris Teeter brand (Harris Teeter, H.T. Traders, Harris Teeter Organics, HT Farmers Market and purchases in the HT Pharmacy) purchases credited back to our account. This program does not interfere with your VIC savings or cost you any money! Don’t forget to link your VIC card to our account code next time you are shopping at Harris Teeter.

Your purchases at Amazon Smile, Box Tops and Harris Teeter this holiday season (and all

12 year long) will directly support our school! Thanks in advance for your help

ACRONYM GLOSSARY Are you new to St. Pius X and unfamiliar with our acronyms? Here is a quick list of our most used abbreviations: ADW - Archdiocese of Washington CFA - Chick-fil-A CYO - Catholic Youth Organization HSA - Home and School FSO - Fundraising Support Obligation ESP - Extended School Program HSPT - High School Placement Test SAB - School Advisory Board SSC - Student Support Center TADS - Tuition Management VSP - Volunteer Service Program

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