Diocese of Pittsburgh Database Application - As you know, the Diocese of Pittsburgh is committed to providing a safe environment for the children entrusted to our care. The Office for the Protection of Children and Young People is continuing to make efforts to provide a safe environment for your child. In order to comply with the requirements of the USCCB's Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, Bishop Zubik and the Diocese of Pittsburgh has mandated that anyone, including both paid and volunteer staff, (parents, coaches, lunch & playground volunteers, field trip chaperones etc.) on the school level that has direct contact with minors (under 18 years old) are required to complete an on-line application that will include a national criminal background check. It is mandated that if you plan on volunteering anytime with student programs in the school or field trips including the Sports Program & Lunch/Playground Program you MUST complete this on-line application ASAP. ALL parents that have children registered for the 2011 - 2012 academic year are required to complete this application. The school computer lab will be made available upon request for anyone not having Internet service at their house or needing assistance. The application process will only have to be done once and will take approximately 15 - 20 minutes to complete. For the Protection of our Children and for providing a safe environment for our children, take time to complete this application. If you have already completed an on-line application you do not have to reapply for this school year. See the enclosed checklist for further information related to the requirements for the Diocesan Safe Environment program or go to the school website and look for the Parents Link in order to find the safe environment link. Reminder if your safe environment school file is not updated by Friday, September 9, 2011 you will not be permitted to volunteer for any school activities or school fundraising events for the 2011 - 2012 school year. You may contact Mr. Grgurich in the school office at 412-882-9900 if you have any further questions.

August School Office Hours - The School Office will re-open on Thursday, August 11, 2011 from 9am - 2pm. Beginning the week of Monday, August 22, 2011 the school office hours will be extended to Monday through Thursday from 7:30am - 3:30pm and Friday 7:30am - 3pm. These hours will continue throughout the remainder of the 2011 - 2012 academic year. In the meantime if you need to reach Mrs. Long or Mr. Grgurich contact the school office at 412-882-9900 and leave a message on the voice mail system.

First 2 Days of the 2011 - 2012 Academic Year - Our official start of the 2011 - 2012 academic year for Grades K - 8 will begin on Thursday, August 25, 2011 at 8:10am. There will be an early dismissal at 11:30am on Thursday, August 25, 2011. Friday, August 26, 2011 will be a full day of school with the students attending the parish festival beginning at 12:30pm until 2:25pm. Both days will be casual dress (jeans, sweat pants, shorts of the appropriate length or Capri pants (girls) and gym shoes (absolutely no short shorts or words on the backside of your shorts, sweatpants or jeans). Also, any type of shirt (no sleeveless shirts/tank tops/crop tops/ tight fitting shirts, etc.) may be worn with exception to decals, sayings or symbols that go against the Catholic nature of our school. As always Mr. Grgurich reserves the right to deem what is appropriate and what is not. If you are not sure of something you might wear would be considered inappropriate call the school office. Keep it simple. Reminder phone calls will be made to parents about inappropriate clothing. Our first uniform day of school will be on Monday, August 29, 2011 at that time students in grades 1 - 8 are expected to wear the regular school or gym uniform unless otherwise noted.

BACK TO SCHOOL COOK OUT - To celebrate the start of a new academic year - All St. Sylvester School students including preschool students and their families along with faculty and staff are invited to a BACK TO SCHOOL COOK OUT. The Cookout will take place on the St. Sylvester School grounds on Monday, August 29th from 6:30pm - 8:30pm. We are asking each family to bring their favorite side dish or desert to share with everyone; we will provide the beverages, hamburgers and hotdogs. RSVP by calling the school office on or before Friday, August 26th. We look forward to seeing you there!!

Market Day 2011 - 2012 - It's the start of a new academic year and time to continue one of our most popular fundraisers, "Market Day". All Market Day order forms are due to the school office on Thursday, September 1, 2011. Internet orders are due on Friday, September 2, 2011 by 11pm. Pick up is scheduled for Thursday, September 8, 2011 from 4:30pm - 5:30pm in the Church Hall. The Market Day program runs September - June and requires a few hours of your time one Thursday a month. As always we are in need of volunteers to help on Market Day, consider giving 1or 2-hours. If you would like to volunteer, please contact our chairperson Mary Gasiorowski at (412) 884 - 7165. The enclosed Market Day order form is for September 2011.

St. Sylvester School Scrip Fundraising Program - Just a reminder that the Scrip Program is a simple and effective fundraising program for our school. It's simple-Scrip participating retailers agree to sell gift certificates to our organization at a discount. School families like yours buy the certificates for full face value, they redeem them for full face value, and our school keeps the difference as revenue. The benefits of the program are as follows: the retailer gets cash up front and repeat business, you get a powerful fundraising alternative that involves no selling and our school gets a regular source of revenue and you get tuition credit. Additional information & forms regarding the Scrip program can be found by going to the parent link on the school's website.

Catholic School Parents Memorandum of Understanding - The purpose of this memorandum issued by the Secretariat of Education from the Diocese of Pittsburgh is to remind all families enrolled at St. Sylvester School of the primary reason for our existence as a Catholic School in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. If you have not signed one of these forms for your child(ren) for the 2011 - 2012 school year please request one by calling the school office at 412-882-9900. Each family is required to sign one form for each of your enrolled children. Return this form to the school office ASAP or by the first day of school, Thursday, August 25, 2011.

Emergency Information Card, Internet Policy Form, Text Book Loan Form, and Photo Release Form - Take time to read and fill out each form carefully. Return each of these forms to your child's homeroom teacher or school office by Friday, September 2, 2011.

2011 - 2012 Pastor Verification Forms - A reminder to all families that are not members of St. Sylvester Parish you must have a Pastor Verification Form signed by your Pastor in order to receive the Registered Member tuition rate. If you have not yet returned the completed 2011 - 2012 Pastor Verification Form to the school office return it ASAP or by the first day of school, Thursday, August 25, 2011. Call the school office if you need an additional form.

2011 - 2012 School Calendar - The 2011 - 2012 School Calendar is enclosed with today's newsletter. If you happen to misplace it throughout the school year you will be able to find it on the Parents Link of the school website (www.saintsylvesterschool.org.) Take time to review the school calendar and post it on your refrigerator. If you have any further questions you may contact Mr. Grgurich at 412 - 882 - 9900.

2011 - 2012 School Supply List - The 2011 - 2012 School Supply List is enclosed with today's newsletter. If you happened to misplace your copy of the school supply list it is posted on the Students Link of the school website at www.saintsylvesterschool.org. Take time to review the school supply list and post it on your refrigerator so when you are out and about school shopping you can find what you are looking for.

2011 - 2012 St. Sylvester Sports Club Registration "Pool Party" - Please join us for an evening of fun on Sunday, August 21, 2011 at the Baldwin Pool (off of Churchview Avenue) from 6pm to 8pm. Pizza, drinks and snacks will be served! During the Pool Party the St. Sylvester Sports Club will be accepting registrations for all children in Grades K - 8. The sports programs available for the 2011 - 2012 school year are: Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, Cross Country, Track and Cheerleading. If you are unable to attend the Pool Party but are still interested in joining our sports program this year you may contact Trish Cerro, Sports Club Secretary at 412-315-8040 or tricia-cerro@comcast.net for more information. We look forward to seeing you there!

St. Sylvester Sports Club Physician/Parent Release & Physical Form - Parents are reminded that all students participating in this year's volleyball - girls(fall) and boys(spring) - 4th - 8th grades, cheerleading(winter) - K - 8th grades, soccer(fall & spring)- boys/girls 3rd - 8th grades, cross country(fall) boys/girls 3rd - 8th grades, track(spring) boys/girls 3rd - 8th grades and basketball(winter) boys/girls 3rd - 8th grades programs will need a completed Physician/Parent Release form prior to the start of their respective season. These forms are enclosed with this newsletter or available in the school office. One completed form per student is required.

St. Sylvester School Lunch Program - The St. Sylvester School Lunch Program will begin on Tuesday, September 6, 2011. The cost of the lunch program will be $2.35 per lunch or .40¢ for reduced per lunch. A carton of milk will be .50¢. In the meantime all students in Grades K - 8 will have to Brown Bag their lunch beginning Friday, August 26, 2011 and continue for the first full week of school, Monday, August 29, 2011 - Friday, September 2, 2011. We look forward to your continued support of the lunch program.

St. Sylvester Parish Festival 2011 - Beginning on Monday, August 22, 2011 and continuing each evening through Saturday, August 27, 2011 St. Sylvester Church will hold its annual Festival beginning at 7pm each evening. Activities will include: Chinese Auction, Flea Market, DJ (Saturday), Bake Sale, BINGO, and Rides by Reinhart Amusement. Also, we are looking for volunteers each evening to help work a booth, or do various other activities. What a great way to do service for your Church. If you are interested in volunteering or need more information about the festival contact the St. Sylvester Church Rectory at (412) 882 - 8593. We are looking forward to seeing you at the festival. See the enclosed Volunteer Form.

2011 - 2012 School Uniform Policy for Grades 1 - 8 - For the 2011 - 2012 academic year the uniform policy is the same as last year and is posted on Student Link of the school website. Take time to familiarize yourself with the policy and speak with your child(ren) about the policy. Just a few uniform dress code reminders the color navy blue & khaki are still the only color options for the walking shorts or pants and once again gym shoes are permitted to be worn throughout the academic year. If you have any questions, you may contact Mr. Grgurich in the school office. Don't forget about the uniform exchange, it's a wonderful thing. Also remember we have a new uniform company Educational Outfitters. Learn more about the new uniform company by going to our website and clicking on the Students Link. The school uniform dress code begins on Monday, August 29, 2011.

2011 - 2012 School Uniform Shorts Policy - Students in Grades 1 - 8 will be permitted to wear the uniform shorts through the months of August 2011, September 2011, October 2011, April 2012 and May 2012. Parents take time to see that your child's uniform shorts are in good repair and the proper length. A phone call will be made home or to work to ask for a change of uniform clothing if the uniform policy is not strictly followed.

2011 - 2012 Gym Uniform Dress Code - Students in Grades 1 - 8 will be permitted to wear their gym uniform all day on either (Monday and Thursday Grades 1 - 6) or (Monday & Tuesday Grade 7, Tuesday & Thursday Grade 8). Gym uniform shorts will be permitted to be worn the months of August 2011, September 2011, October 2011, April 2012, May 2012 and June 2012 on the designated gym day. Gym uniform sweatpants are permitted to be worn throughout the entire school year on the designated gym day. Parents take time to see that your child has the proper gym uniform by referring to the dress code policy. A phone call will be made to ask for a change of gym uniform clothing if the gym uniform policy is not strictly followed. Gym uniform items can be purchased at Educational Outfitters. Go to the Students Link to find out about the gym uniform items.

St. Sylvester School Extended Day Program - Once again St. Sylvester School will offer the Extended Day Program to students in Preschool 3 & 4 yr old PM, 4 yr old full day, and Grades K - 8. Our rates for Extended Day Program will stay the same for the 2011 - 2012 academic year. The rates are as follows: an annual $25.00 registration fee, $6 an hour for 1 hour of care, $5 an hour for 2 hours of care and $4 an hour for 3 or more hours of care. The hours for the Extended Day Program are as follows: 2:45pm - 6pm every full day school is in session and from 11:30am - 6:00pm on early dismissal days. The first day for the Extended Day Program will begin on Monday, August 29, 2011. Any child in Preschool 3 & 4yr old PM, 4 yr old full day, and Grades K - 8 needing this service should respond to the enclosed parent/guardian agreement form by Monday, August 22, 2011. Anyone still considering the Extended Day Program after this date may contact the school office at 412 - 882 - 9900 on an as needed basis throughout the 2011 - 2012 academic year.

Attendance at a Protecting God's Children Workshop - This is a national program developed by the Virtus organization and was implemented to create an awareness of child sexual abuse and a plan to prevent abuse. These workshops (one, 3 hour class) are held throughout the Diocese of Pittsburgh at various parishes.
" Go online to the Virtus web site (www.virtus.org) to view a list of upcoming sessions.
" You will be asked to select your organization - select "Pittsburgh, PA (Diocese)" from the drop down menu to get the list of upcoming sessions.
" Once you have completed a session, please forward the original certificate indicating proof of attendance to either the parish or school office where it will be kept on file.
" If you have not attended one of these sessions in the past then parents, parent volunteers and volunteer coaches should make every effort to attend.
Calendar Party September 25, 2011South Hills Country Club The beginning of the school year is quickly approaching! The new school year brings our first major fund raising event, our annual Calendar Party. We are currently looking for hostesses for themed tables. If you are interested in hosting a table, please contact Dawn Ziegler at 412 - 352 - 4653 (cell) or 412 - 885 - 6469 (home). Dawn can also be reached at 6zieglers@comcast.net. Dawn has been chairing this event for several years, and will be happy to guide you through making your table a success! Each hostess will be credited 100 fund raising points for their table. You also have the ability to earn 5 points for every ticket that you sell for your table out side the school community.

Cafeteria / Playground Duty Schedule - A reminder that any who has returned their Cafeteria / Playground Duty form to Mrs. Long has been scheduled for the 2011 - 2012 school year. Each month you will receive a Cafeteria / Playground Duty Calendar. Hopefully this schedule will enable you to plan ahead. However if a change is necessary you can make a switch with someone else to cover your day or call the school office ASAP so we can contact someone on the "EXTRA" list. Thank you for volunteering to help supervise our children in the Cafeteria and Playground.

Fund Raising Points

Are you wondering what you can be doing RIGHT NOW to start fund raising for the school? Here is a list of current and upcoming events:

Foot Ball Mania - 10 Points per Ticket Each family was given 7 Football Mania tickets at the end of the school year to sell at $20 each. This fund raiser has the potential to bring in $14,000 to our school. You will be credited 10 points for each ticket your family sells. If you have any questions, or are interested in more information please contact Jennifer Darkowski at 412-885-6539.

Bingo - 5 Points per Hour (Average of 25 Points per Night) Each week, we host a bingo in our church hall. We need volunteers to work and floor and the kitchen. We are committed to making our bingo a success! If you are interested in working bingo, please contact Rob Muse at (home) 412-882-4998 or (cell) 412-979-9531.

Scrip Gift Cards - 1 Point for Every Dollar Credited to the Angel Fund (Plus Tuition Credit)
Are you buying gift cards for groceries, gas, prescriptions and back to school supplies? Stop in the rectory to review what is available through our Scrip program. This program allows you to earn a quarterly tuition credit as well as fund raising points. We not have Target and Dick's Sporting Goods in stock for back to school.

Scrip Sales at Masses - 5 Points for Every Mass We are currently looking for a chairperson to handle the scheduling and stocking for the sale of scrip cards at masses. This would take approximately 2 hours per week depending on the amount of volunteers. We are especially in need of adding a member to this team that is available to sell cards at the 8:00am mass. If you are interested in selling Scrip before and after masses, please contact Christine Saitta at 412-719-6549.

Children's Festival Afternoon August 26th 12:00pm - 3:00pm - 5 Points per Hour We are currently looking for volunteers to work our food and gaming booths for the children's festival. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Jane Long at 412-882-9900.

Calendar Party September 25th South Hills Country Club - 100 Points for Each Hostess
We are in need of hostesses for our annual calendar party on September 25, 2011 at the South Hills Country Club. Each hostess will be required to set up a themed table for their 8-10 quests. If you are interested in more information, please contact Dawn Ziegler at 6zieglers@comcast.net.

Reminder school begins on Thursday, August 25, 2011 at 8:10am