New Home Raffle Sales Kickoff!

Be sure to listen to WBKR (FM 92.5) on Monday, January 4 beginning at 7:15 am. Fr. Carl McCarthy will be live on the air to kickoff the New Home Raffle ticket sales!

Buy your ticket today for your chance to win a brand new home!

New Home Raffle Information

Elementary K-3 Campus Reminders - January 4-8

Monday, January 4, 2010
First Day Back to School- HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Thursday, January 7
Report Cards go Home
9:00- Mass- Mrs. Boehmann

Elementary 4-6 Campus Reminders - January 4-8

Students will be participating in the Bluegrass in the Schools Program this week during their music classes.

Wednesday, January 6
4th & 5th Grade Academic Team Practice

Thursday, January 7
9:00 Mass planned by Mrs. Hardesty's class. Father Mark Buckner will be celebrating with us.
Report Cards go home today.

Friday, January 8
Spirit Day! All students need to wear their new green spirit shirt for a school picture that will be taken today for Catholic Schools Week.

Director's Corner - Follow-Up From the Minor Fire

On Wednesday, December 23rd you were informed via In-The-Loop that we experienced a small fire earlier that morning at the OCS Elementary 4-6 Campus. The fire itself was contained in the boiler room with minor smoke damage through the building. Before the firemen left the building on Wednesday, the process of preparing the building for a Monday, January 4th start of the 2nd semester began in earnest.

I am pleased to inform you that we will absolutely meet that objective. All necessary repairs will be completed and the building will be cleaned from one end to the other and from top to bottom in time to welcome all students on the Monday the 4th. Special thanks goes to all who have worked so hard this week in preparing the building so quickly!

I appreciate all you do to help us fulfill our mission of excellence in Catholic faith formation and academics. As always, your comments and insights are important to me. I can be reached via phone at 852-8028 and email at ken.rasp@owensborocatholic.org.

God's Peace!
Ken R. Rasp
OCS Director

Director's Corner - New Home Raffle

As I sit down to write this Director's Corner on the final day of the first semester, I find myself prayerfully reflecting on the many blessings bestowed on Owensboro Catholic Schools by an incredibly loving Father God. The many accomplishments and successes earned by our students both in the classroom and through their extra-curricular activities are certainly a testament to the strong foundation being laid every day for them through the partnership of family, parish and school. As we prepare for the 2nd coming of Christ during this Advent season, let us prayerfully thank God for all He has done for us and purposefully ask for continued blessings in the weeks, months and years ahead.

Several months ago, we were approached by Saints Joseph & Paul Parish and Jagoe Homes with a potential fundraising idea that could provide significant financial support for Catholic education. Out of those discussions, a partnership, called the Catholic Education Partners, has been formed uniting Saints Joseph & Paul Parish, Jagoe Homes, Independence Bank, WBKR and Owensboro Catholic Schools.

On behalf of the Catholic Education Partners, I am pleased to announce the following fundraising campaign:
Our goal is to sell 3000 raffle tickets for $100 per ticket. The raffle winner will receive a new home valued at $150,000 being built by Jagoe Homes at 2006 Meadow Grass Creek in the Greens of Heartland. After expenses, all profits earned will be split between Saints Joseph & Paul Parish and Owensboro Catholic Schools. If all 3000 raffle tickets are sold, current projections for the profit realized would top $200,000. What an incredible opportunity to benefit the efforts of both Saints Joseph & Paul Parish and Owensboro Catholic Schools to fulfill the Mission of the Church to Build the Body of Christ. For additional information on the raffle and the home being built please visit http://www.newhomeraffle.info/.

Now that all of the pre-work is done, the important task of selling 3000 raffle tickets is now before us. The drawing will take place on Saturday, April 10, 2010 at 10:00 AM at Saint Joseph & Paul Parish Hall. I invite you to join us in three ways.

1. We ask that you prayerfully consider purchasing a raffle ticket. Tickets can be purchased at any of the following locations: Saint Joseph & Paul Parish Office, OCS Central Office, all Independence Bank locations, WBKR, and Jagoe Homes model homes and office, and via http://www.newhomeraffle.info/.

2. To successfully sell 3000 raffle tickets, we realize the importance of selling them beyond the Saints Joseph & Paul Parish and Owensboro Catholic Schools families. Each of you has access to people who might be interested in purchasing a raffle ticket. Please talk it up. Our preliminary discussions with various groups and individuals in Greater Owensboro concerning the raffle have provided a positive sense about a broad based interest in the raffle and the purchase of a raffle ticket. We also ask you to consider becoming a member of our sales team. Please contact Keith Osborne at 686-8896 or keith.osborne@owensborocatholic.org for more information and to volunteer. The more we involve in spreading the word and actually selling the raffle tickets, the greater the opportunity for us to realize the maximum profit.

3. As you can imagine, this is a monumental undertaking. Many hours of preparation are already in the books. We ask that you pray for the success of this important endeavor.

4. The kickoff is now underway with a live broadcast on WBKR (92.5 FM) on Monday, January 4, beginning at 7:15 am.

At this point I would like to acknowledge the work of the Catholic Education Partners. Rallying behind the common goal of Building a Foundation for Catholic Education has fostered an atmosphere of insight and creativity.

On behalf of all in the OCS family, thank and God bless each of the partners.I appreciate all you do to help us fulfill our mission of excellence in Catholic faith formation and academics.

As always, your comments and insights are important to me. I can be reached via phone at 852-8028 and email at ken.rasp@owensborocatholic.org.

God's Peace!

Ken R. Rasp

OCS Director

Minor Fire at the OCS Elementary 4-6 Campus

Earlier today, there was a minor fire at the Elementary 4-6 Campus. It was contained in the boiler room, damage was minimal and there were no injuries.

Repairs are already underway, and all will be back to normal before school resumes on Monday, January 4.

OCS Elementary School Sites Present Christmas Programs

Each of the grades at the Elementary school sites sang and performed to celebrate the Christmas season.

Elementary K-3 Campus Photo Montage

Elementary 4-6 Campus Photo Montage

OCMS ‘The Toys Take Over Christmas’

The OCMS Drama Club presented ‘The Toys Take Over Christmas.’ The cast included Nicholas Gray, Rebecca Gross, Kyle Alvey, Samuel Johnson, Meagan Millay, Cecilia Crowe, Evan Todd, Emily Wills, Ashley Mattingly, Eric McBride, Brooke Raley and Jenna Carrico.

The crew included Simmie McCormack, Eric Thomas, Stephanie Hayden, Emily Wills, Reece Payne. The production was co-directed by Dr. Teresa Wills and Mrs. Brittany Payne.

Special thanks to Mrs. Flaherty and the OCMS staff, the OCS Elementary PTO, Rachael Whittaker, Matthew and Steve Wills, Sherwin-Williams, Julie Crowe and the Owensboro Theater of Owensboro.

Watch the photo montage of the performance.

Central Office and SCRIP Office Open at 10am – December 28

On Monday, December 28, the OCS Central Office and SCRIP Office will open at 10 am due to fire alarm testing.

The Offices will be open 10 am – 5 pm that day.

Grandparents Day and Reception at Elementary K-3 Campus

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, February 2, 2010 - Grandparents Day at the Elementary K-3 Campus. A short program begins at 12:30 with each class singing a special song for grandparents.

Following will be refreshments and an Open House in the classrooms.

All Grandparents are invited!

ODT Auditions for Spring Production

Owensboro Dance Theatre will be holding open auditions for its spring production,
“In Concert featuring High School Musicale K-12,” on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Male and female dancers, actors, and gymnasts ages 6 to 14 years old are encouraged to audition for roles as “extras.”

Auditions will be held at the Company School, Johnson’s Dance/Gymnastic Studio, 2705 Breckenridge Street, Owensboro.

Owensboro Dance Theatre will present “In Concert featuring High School Musicale K-12” on March 20th, 2010, at 7:00 PM at RiverPark Center in downtown Owensboro, with performances for area schools on March 19, 2010.

Current Johnson’s Dance/Gymnastics Studio students do not need to attend the audition.

Please call (270) 684-9580 for more information.

Christmas Deadlines and Reminders for SCRIP

ATTENTION All SCRIP SHOPPERS! There is 1 week left to get all your gift cards for family and friends.

The SCRIP office will be open through Wednesday, December 23 at 5PM.

This Saturday, December 19 will be the last day SCRIP will be available at the K-3 Campus.

The SCRIP SUCCE$$ number is 852-8033.

Financial Peace is back at Immaculate for 2010

Due to the great success of the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Seminar last year, the Family Life Committee at Immaculate is offering the series again in 2010.

This 13 week class will meet on Monday nights starting January 4th. Classes last about 1 ½- -2 hours, and cover a wide range of personal financial topics. If you are interested in the class, feel free to contact Chip Pride, class coordinator, at 270.316.1233.

For more information on Dave Ramey's FPU

Diocese of Owensboro Welcomes New Bishop

We are pleased to announce that the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, has appointed Rev. William Francis Medley as the fourth Bishop of the Diocese of Owensboro.

For more information please refer to the Diocese of Owensboro website.

Attention - All High School Girls (Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors) - 'Come Awake'

There will be a program offered at Carmel Home, 2501 Old Hartford Road, in the Sun Room on Saturday, December 19th, from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Please note, this program is for ALL high school girls, freshmen - sophomores - juniors - seniors.

We will discuss ways to discover peace in God's plan for our lives through the Heart of the Risen Christ. Mary will be our model and guide as we ask the tough questions about ourselves and about our Father. Dinner and snacks will be provided. I hope to see you there!

There is no charge for this program. For more information, or to RSVP (appreciated!), please email Olivia Osborne at oosborne001@student.franciscan.edu or you may call after December 10th, 270-925-2204.

"You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You." - St. Augustine

OCMS Cheerleaders - Christmas Service Project

On Saturday, December 12th, the Owensboro Catholic Middle School cheerleaders held their Christmas party. After eating breakfast, the squad got to work wrapping presents for a family in need. The cheerleaders and their families donated money to purchase gifts for a family less fortunate than themselves. They wanted to do a community service project and decided that helping one their fellow students would be a wonderful place to start.

“I talked with the squad about several options, and they were determined and excited to give to one of their peers”, said Coach Bethe Lowe. “Our middle school has a compassionate group of kids on this squad, and being the representatives they are, they make me and our school very proud.”

Kent McCarthy Named All State Band

Congratulations to Kent McCarthy on making the All-State Band this past Saturday at John Hardin High this past Saturday.

Kent is the first OCHS Student to make All-State band since 1995! There are two All-State bands and Kent placed in the top 5 in the state in percussion and made the Symphonic band---which is the top band. Kent will participate and perform at the State Music Conference in Louisville in February.

Kent is a senior at Owensboro Catholic High School.

Advent Prayer - Third Week

Let us pray,

O Key of David, Jesus Christ,

the gates of heaven open at your command,

come and show us the way to salvation.

OCMS Weekly Reminders - December 14-18

Monday, 12/14
Another practice written assessment from 3:00 to 3:30 in Mrs. Renshaw's room. If you have been recommended or if you have a keen interest in Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts, or Arts and Humanities, please come on Monday afternoon to take the practice test.
Meeting of parents at 5:30 p.m. for students in FCA going to Washington, DC, for the March for Life.
In celebration of Christmas. our band is having a concert at Blessed Mother parish hall, 7:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend.

Tuesday, 12/15
Spelling Bee 1:15

Wednesday, 12/16
Health Survery
8th Grade: Explore tests results will be mailed home today. These results have been shared with your child. The testing program was explained at the November PTO meeting. To assist you with the interpretation of these results, a guide has been sent home with your child. Make sure you receive that guide from your child.

Thursday, 12/17
Delivery of Giving Tree gifts to Birthright.
Last day to take AR tests for 2nd quarter.

Friday, 12/18
Last day of school before Christmas Break!
January 4, 2010, will be the first day back.
End of second quarter.
Delivery of Giving Tree gifts to St. Joseph's Peace Mission.

There will be no community problem solving practice this Friday. We will meet again after the holidays.

Elementary K-3 Campus Reminders - December 14-18

Thursday, December 17- 9:00- Mass- Ms. Orth's 1st Grade Class

Friday, December 18-Santa Visits K-3 Campus

Friday, December 18- Free Dress Day

MERRY CHRISTMAS! ENJOY YOUR CHRISTMAS VACATION!

Elementary 4-6 Campus Reminders - December 14-18

Monday, December 14
AR Cut off for the second quarter. 9:00 Christmas Program Practice.

Tuesday, December 15
Christmas Program Practice 10:00.

Wednesday, December 16
Non-Uniform day for students who did not receive an infraction from November 23- December 15.
8:10 Christmas Program Practice.
12:15 Drive-in Movie. Students will need to bring in a bottled drink for the movie.

Thursday, December 17
8:30 Advent Service.
9:00 Mass planned by Mr. Gary's class.
Father John Meredith will be celebrating with us.
12:30 School-Wide Spelling Bee to determine our school representative for the Diocesan Spelling Bee in February.

Friday, December 18
End of the second quarter.
Non- Uniform for students. Students need to dress in Christmas colors. Jeans without holes may be worn. Shorts should not be worn.
10:00 Christmas Program in the gym.
1:00 Classroom Christmas Parties.

Elementary 4-6 Campus Newsletter Online

The Elementary 4-6 Campus newsletter is now available online.

Attention - Freshmen and Sophomore Girls - 'Come Awake'

There will be a program offered at Carmel Home, 2501 Old Hartford Road, in the Sun Room on Saturday, December 19th, from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m.

We will discuss ways to discover peace in God's plan for our lives through the Heart of the Risen Christ. Mary will be our model and guide as we ask the tough questions about ourselves and about our Father.

Dinner and snacks will be provided. I hope to see you there!

There is no charge for this program. For more information, or to RSVP (appreciated!), please email Olivia Osborne at oosborne001@student.franciscan.edu or you may call after December 10th, 270-925-2204.

"You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You." - St. Augustine

Special Ticket Price for OCHS Students this Season at TWO

The Theatre Workshop of Owensboro is offering a special for High school students. High school students may purchase a ticket for just $5 to see any performance at TWO this season. These tickets are regularly $10 each.

For select shows at TWO an After Program Gathering will take place with students and the director and cast to discuss elements of the show and to ask questions. An After Program Gathering will take place this Sunday, December 13 after the showing of "Over the River and Through the Woods." This event will include pizza and discussion.

For more information regarding any of these programs, please contact Stephen Coppisk at 683- 5333.

Theatre Workshop of Owensboro is located at 407 West 5th Street

OCS Students Named to All Star Youth Football Team

Congratulations to Weston Jacob and Max Rafferty for making the West All-star team, the Riversharks of the Owensboro-Daviess County Youth Football League (ODCYFL).

Weston was given the MVP award in their win against Marion County scoring two touchdowns. Weston also scored 1 touchdown in a loss Sunday. The Riversharks finished 3rd in the King of the Hill Classic.

They also played in the Kentucky Youth Football State Tournament.

OCHS Students of the Month of December

The following OCHS students were named Students of the Month for December.

Seniors: Mallory Sims and Max Heckel
Juniors: Erin Ballard and Sam Thompson and Matthew Jacobs
Sophomores: Anna McNulty and Will Bickett
Freshmen: Avery Trogden and Isaac Wilkerson

Mechatronics Club - Lego League Regional Competition

OCMS students worked on their presentation during the regional First Lego League regional competition. The mechatronics club at OCMS has met several times a week since August and will continue to meet until May.

The students have built a robot and have learned to write computer based programs that allow the robot to complete special missions. The students have increased their team working skills and have shown "gracious professionalism" at practice and during competitions.

Mechatronics members are Cory Burdette, Samuel Johnson, Jack Padgett, Alex Hayden, Gavin Cecil, Ben Keller, Mason Jackson, Jennifer Withers, Alex Wink, Mary Eichholz, Dylan Gaddis, Adam Hayden, Jake Hayden, Rex Berry. The Club faculty sponsor is Mrs. Jennifer Payne.

PTO Used Uniform Sale Scheduled

Date: Saturday, January 16, 2010
Time: 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Location: K-3 Campus School Cafeteria

If anyone wants to donate gently used uniforms for the sale, please drop them by the school office.

Also if any parents would like to volunteer to help with the sale (help with setting up, selling, taking down after the sale), please contact Sherry Krampe at 929-5443.

6th Grade Academic Showcase – 2nd Place Finish

Congratulations to our Sixth Grade Academic Team and coaches for their 2nd Place victory in the Academic Showcase!

The following students placed in the subject area assessments:
Lucy Kurtz - 1st in Arts & Humanities and 1st in Language Arts
Isaac Settle - 2nd in Social Studies
Matthew Caldwell - 4th in Science

The team also placed 2nd in Quick Recall.

A big thank you to our coaches Karen Bickett, Susie Alvey and all those who assisted the team this season.

Holy Day of Obligation - The Immaculate Conception of Mary

Tuesday, December 8 is a holy day of obligation.


Please join us for mass at our school sites
Elementary K-3 Campus – Our Lady of Lourdes parish – 9 am
Elementary 4-6 Campus – Blessed Mother parish – 9 am
OCMS – Immaculate parish – 9 am
OCHS – OCHS Large Gym – 10:35 am

Advent Prayer - Week 2

Let us pray.

O King of all nations, Jesus Christ,

only joy of every heart,

come and save your people.

H1N1 Vaccines Now Available for the General Public

Effective Monday, December 7th, 2009, the Green River District Health Dept. will be offering the H1N1 vaccine to the general public. What this means is that anyone who wants the H1N1 vaccine will now be able to receive it, even if they are not in the initial CDC target group.

If you want to get your H1N1 vaccination and have not already done so, please contact your local health department for details on upcoming clinic dates and appointment scheduling. All seven counties within the Green River District are participating. Although research has shown that those who are most vulnerable to H1N1 are pregnant women, children, and those with underlying health conditions that would put them at higher risk, there have been significant numbers of people who have been affected who are not in these groups. This is why it is important to get vaccinated.

Vaccinations are our number one line of defense against H1N1, so please take advantage of this opportunity to protect yourself, and those around you that you love, throughout this holiday season. What a better Christmas present than to know that you are protecting those that you love! Even though the level of H1N1 seems to be declining and the peak is over, we are anticipating another wave of activity.

Public Health encourages you to continue to be vigilant in your efforts to stay healthy by washing your hands, staying home when ill, and covering your cough, as seasonal flu will begin circulating soon.

Please remember that the vaccine is available to you free of charge!

For any questions, please contact your local health department.
Daviess County: 270-686-7744
Hancock County: 270-927-8803
Henderson County: 270-826-3951
McLean County: 270-273-3062
Ohio County: 270-298-3663
Union County: 270-389-1230
Webster County: 270-639-9315

Elementary 4-6 Campus Reminders - December 7-11

Tuesday, December 8
8:30 Advent Service.
Mass 9:00 planned by Mr. Calhoun's class. We celebrate the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. God gave Mary, Jesus' mother, the special grace of having no stain of sin, even from the time she was in her mother's womb.
Junior FPS until 5:00.

Wednesday, December 9
Junior FPS until 5:00
Meeting after school for all 4th & 5th grade students interested in the academic team for this school year. The coaches would also like to meet with all parents of these students at 4:00 after the student meeting.

Thursday, December 10
12:30 OCMS Drama Club Christmas Play 'The Toys Take Over Christmas'
Junior FPS Qualifying Competition

Friday, December 11
Spirit Day!

AR Quarter End will be next Monday, December 14th. Please check with your child to make sure he/she has earned their goal for the second quarter.

S-P-E-E-D and Jump Development Clinic

Once again Coaches O’Brien, Ivey and Ralph are hosting a Speed and Jump clinic beneficial to all sports.

This will be a ‘learn by doing’ clinic. Each participant will have his/her current running/sprint form videoed and analyzed. The goal is to introduce proper running/spring form during these sessions. Age appropriate plyometrics and resistance training with emphasis on safety and form will be introduced.

They will have limited total enrollment of 24 children for the 6th-7th-8th grade and 24 children for the 4th-5th-6th grade sessions. Parents of 6th graders should discuss maturity of your child for proper placement.

Session for 4th, 5th, 6th graders
Dates: Monday, December 28 – Thursday, December 31
9:00 am – 11:00 am

Session for 6th, 7th, 8th graders
Dates: Monday, December 28 – Thursday, December 31
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Sessions will be held in the OCHS Large Gym
Clinic Fee - $60 per child. (same family – 2nd child $45; 3rd child $30, 4th child free)

Contact Coach Ivey at 570-8412 or by email at jim.ivey@owensborocatholic.org

Registration paperwork will be filled out the first day of the clinic.

OCMS Play – ‘The Toys Take Over Christmas’

The OCMS Drama Club will present the Christmas production of ‘The Toys Take Over Christmas.’

The public performance date is:
Thursday, December 10 – Open to parents and the public in the Immaculate Parish Hall at 7 pm

Tickets $3 for adults and $2 for students – be ready for a great night of talent!

SCRIP Bonus Discounts

Sears/KMart - 6% Bonus

Incredible news! For the first time, and just in time for the holidays, Starbucks Coffee Company is offering a 2% bonus contribution, through Friday, December 25th, when you order a $10 or $25 Starbucks Card, or reload your Starbucks Card.

Barnes & Noble will be offering a 2% bonus contribution through Friday, December 11, 2009.

The Home Depot are pleased to announce a 2% bonus through Friday, December 18, 2009.

L.L.Bean is pleased to offer a special 2% bonus on L.L.Bean gift card purchases through Friday, December 11, 2009

Ryan's is pleased to be offering a 1% bonus through Friday, December 25, 2009.

iTunes® is pleased to offer a 3% bonus on iTunes Gift Cards.

When you purchase a Staples Gift Card through Friday, December 11, 2009, your card will be loaded with a little extra FREE money. When you purchase the $25 gift card, the card will have a value of $26.25, and when you purchase a $100 gift card, that card will be worth $105!

Build-A-Bear Workshop® is making your holiday shopping a little easier by offering a 2% bonus rebate through Friday, December 18, 2009.

Lands' End® is pleased to offer a 2% bonus rebate through Friday, December 18, 2009

Domino's Pizza is pleased to be offering a 3% bonus through Thursday, December 31, 2009.

Lowe's is pleased to announce a 2% bonus through Friday, December 11, 2009.

Burger King® is pleased to be offering a 1% bonus rebate through Friday, December 25, 2009

Bass Pro Shops® is pleased to offer a 2% bonus rebate on Bass Pro Shops Gift Cards. The cards will have a 11% contribution, instead of the normal 9% contribution through Friday, December 25, 2009.

Elementary K-3 Campus Reminders - December 7-11

Sunday, December 6- St. Nicholas Day- Students leave out "shoes" for a treat from Saint Nicholas. They will see what he brought on Monday, December 7 when they get to school!

Tuesday, December 8-9:00- Mass- Ms. Flahardy- Feast of Immaculate Conception

Friday, December 11- 9:00- K-3 Christmas Program in the Gym

Attention Freshmen and Sophomore Girls

There will be a program offered at Carmel Home, 2501 Old Hartford Road, in the Sun Room on Saturday, December 19th, from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m.

We will discuss ways to discover peace in God's plan for our lives through the Heart of the Risen Christ. Mary will be our model and guide as we ask the tough questions about ourselves and about our Father. Dinner and snacks will be provided.

I hope to see you there! There is no charge for this program. For more information, or to RSVP (appreciated!), please email Olivia Osborne at oosborne001@student.franciscan.edu or you may call after December 10th, 270-925-2204.

"You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You."