OLC NEWSLETTER 04.04.2025

Dear Parents,

Thank you to the many parents who came with their families to the Raising Cane’s fundraiser last week. The fundraiser generated $5,103 in sales. According to our agreement with Cane's, OLC retains 15% of that amount, so we will be receiving a check for $766! This will go toward student scholarship assistance.

Mr. Matt de la Peña is an American writer of children's books. He won the prestigious Newbery Medal in 2016 for his book Last Stop on Market Street, and several of his books have been on the New York Times bestseller list. He is a resident and native of San Diego, California. Mr. de la Peña will be at OLC on April 9 to speak to students in grades 5-8 and to all teachers on the writing craft and how he generates ideas for his novels. We are very fortunate to have this nationally acclaimed author visiting our school. He will be autographing and distributing free copies to students of two of his books: Last Stop on Market Street and Carmela Full of Wishes.

Our Varsity boys’ basketball team is in the playoffs! Join us at our next game at St. Mary of Czestochowa social center gym on Wed., Apr. 9, at 5:45. It will be against either Our Lady of Tepeyac or St. Leonard. Go Panthers!

We have NO SCHOOL on Thurs., Apr. 17. It is the first day of Easter break. We return to school on Mon., Apr. 28

Did you know we have a new camera system? It’s schoolwide, and it’s working out great keeping our school safe and secure. We’re always looking for ways to improve our campus, and we’re happy to share that we’ve recently installed new security cameras. While we haven’t had any safety concerns, we believe these cameras will provide extra peace of mind and help us continue fostering a secure and caring environment. These updates are part of our commitment to keeping our school a safe and welcoming place for all our students, families, and staff.

You are invited to our Redemptorist Mission Masses here at OLC at noon on Wed. and Thurs., April 9 and 10. All 6th, 7th, and 8th graders will be attending.

Upcoming events:

Tues., Apr. 15: PTO meeting at 7:45 AM in the Spanish room

Tues., Apr. 29: Confirmation for OLC students at St. Mary of Czestochowa at 7:00 PM; confirmandi must be at St. Mary’s Makuch Hall by 6:00 that evening.

Fri., May 2: May Crowning 9:00 AM in the church. Also, breakfast for 2nd and 8th grades.

Sat., May 3: 1st holy Communion at OLC at 1:00; Communion photos in the cafeteria from 10:00-11:30.

Fri., May 9, 1:00-2:00: You are invited to attend a meeting to be conducted by Cicero District 99 at their

Administration Building, 5110 W. 24th Street, to discuss how students with disabilities who attend OLC can be served here by Cicero District 99 during the 2025-2026 school year. If your child has an Individualized Service Plan or 504 Plan at OLC, you are encouraged to attend.

Yours in Christ,

Frank S. Zarate, Jr., Ed.D.

Principal

(708) 652-0262

fzarate@olc-school.org