On Tuesday 14 November, academic honors were presented to students in grades 3-8. Ribbons were distributed by Mr. Billings and the teachers. Many proud parents were also in attendance. The complete list of students can be found in the Wednesday folder under School Updates.

Parents --please join your child for lunch on Thursday 16 Nov. at 11:30a! If you can attend, please RSVP Mrs. Mercado at [email protected].

On Friday 17 November school will be dismissed at 12 noon so teachers and parents can meet regarding the first report card. Please be sure to contact your teachers to make an appointment.

We are returning to our practice of collecting food at Thanksgiving. This year our collection will be shared with the Little Sisters of the Poor, who have a facility in Throgs Neck and Fordham Bedford Community Services. Thanks to all our students and families for their generosity.

We are happy to announce Mr. Scott Sewell is our new Title I teacher. Mr. Sewell will be assisting in grades K-6 four days a week. He will focus on small group instruction and one-on-one where needed. This is a great addition to our staff and resource for our students.

For all boys, grades 1-8, this means white dress shirt and school ties. Girls in grades 5-8 should wear white blouse, school sweater and grey school slacks. NOTE: girls' slacks MUST be purchased from FlynnO'Hara. Girls in grades 1-4 wear the school jumper with a white blouse. All students wear black shoes.

We are very excited about the start of another year for our band. Last year was the biggest group we've ever had (51 students) and we are looking for more this year. Mr. Levitt will set up the groups and contact everyone this week.

We are pleased to welcome Mrs. Mireya Ramirez to our staff as our new guidance counselor. Mrs. Ramirez will be in the building four days a week (M, T, Th, F.) She is looking forward to working with our students and families.

Whether you are a new family thinking about enrolling or a current family looking for some extra help, PLEASE CALL US. There is a significant amount of financial aid still available. Don't assume you can't afford us. Consider: Our tuition is the LOWEST of Bronx Catholic Schools. Over 90% of our families receive some aid and many of our families pay less than $3000. a year. Please call 718-367-3081

This week we took delivery of an entire Science Lab! This included 8 lab tables, 28 lab stools, microscopes, scales and other items. The lab will be located in room 407 and available to ALL STUDENTS. Grades 6, 7 and 8 will have a regularly scheduled double lab period. We are excited and hope you are too. More details to follow.

Click on the title of this article for more information.

As is our practice, last week 10 of our new 8th graders volunteered to help organize the building for September. For 2 days they moved desks, chairs, tables, books and lots of items not nailed down. What a great job they did!! Thanks go to Alex, Angela, Emely, Jacob, Jayden, Kenny, Lia, Priscilla, Sydney and Yanset.

We have just started summer break and we have exciting news. Our 4th floor project is well under way with most of the painting and repairs to the restrooms completed. Next on tap is the installation of new whiteboards. We are confident that everything will be ready for our 6th, 7th and 8th graders come September!

Parents interested in Our Lady of Refuge School can now tour the building in person. Tours are available daily, from 9a to 2p, and after school if more convenient. Please call (718-367-3081) to schedule your personal family tour.