"Our Lady of Guadalupe School fosters Gospel values, inspires academic excellence, and develops service and leadership. We face this as a sacramental community united and empowered by the Holy Spirit."
October 20th Newsletter
October 20, 2016
Dear OLG Families,
Our teachers and students are busy preparing for next week’s fall conferences! We look forward to seeing you and sharing goals and celebrating your child’s learning and growth.
Highlighting Our Third Grade Teacher, Ms. Kysa Sedivy! We are thrilled to have our new third grade teacher on board at OLG. We already appreciate her kind demeanor, good sense of humor, and commitment to making it a great year of learning, community and fun her students. Third graders went to the Pike Place Market today and are busy learning about their chosen saints, in preparation for sharing with our OLG community at our All Saints’ Day Mass on Nov. 1st at 9:00 am!
“I am so excited to be part of the OLG community! I am originally from Vancouver, Wa, and I am a Coug at heart! I have three cats: Pumpkin and Felix who live with my parents, and Paul who lives with me! I love going new places, whether it is a new town nearby or far away. I cannot wait to see what this year brings!”
After-School Tutoring Program Update
Welcome to our new After-School Coordinator, Heather Owens! We are very excited to have her join our OLG staff, and I know that she will do a fantastic job with this important program. We’ll be getting our After-School Tutoring Program (for grades K-5, by teacher recommendation) off the ground in early November. Middle school students will have the opportunity to apply to be trained and serve as tutors.
A few words from Heather…
“Hello, my name is Heather Owens and I have two kids here at OLG: Kelsey (3rd) and Kellen (Pre-K). I am very excited to take on the role of the After-School Tutoring Program Coordinator. I know I have very big shoes to fill; however, I am up for the challenge! I am very eager to get started, as I know we have some kids who are excited to get to work. I feel very blessed for this opportunity and look forward to working with your kids!”
Secret Garden Book Fair
Mrs. Sommerville, our new school librarian, is looking for volunteers to help with the Secret Garden book fair. This book fair promotes reading, supports our school’s Langen Library & Learning Lab, and helps us to build our library collection. Books will be available for purchase during conference days! Helpers will be needed on Monday October 24th to help with set-up. In addition, assistance is needed to help sell books during conference week. Set-up will occur right after the morning bell, and shouldn’t take more than thirty minutes. If you can help, please contact Mrs. Sommerville.
Two OLG Graduates Named National Merit Semifinalists
Congratulations to OLG graduates, Gabriel Berger ’13 (Seattle Prep) and John Ursino ’13 (Raisbeck Aviation High), National Merit Semifinalists. This recognition, based on 2015 PSAT scores, qualifies them for consideration as National Merit Finalists and makes them eligible for National Merit Scholarships. This year’s National Merit Semifinalists comprise less than 1% of high school students nationwide.
Congratulations, John and Gabriel!
Help Us Reach Our School Fund Drive Goal!
In the FCEs this week, you will find information about a classroom incentive program we are running for the School Fund Drive. Make a pledge by November 4th to help earn these special incentives for your class.
80% participation = class party
90% participation = class party and free dress
100% participation = class party, free dress and NO HOMEWORK!
If you have already given, thank you! All preexisting pledges will be counted towards your children’s class totals as well. If you have not yet had a chance to make a pledge, please do so by November 4th. You can return the envelope included in the FCE, or donate online here.
Don’t they just play? The answer is yes and no; young children learn best through play. So we teach them while they are also having fun. Below are some examples of what we have been learning, and all the while making new friends and having fun.
In Religion, we developed our Class Covenant. It was interesting to witness the process they went through to come up with the pledges that they made as a class. We have discussed and started to practice the Sign of the Cross!
In Science, we have been learning about the growth and lifecycle of apples and pumpkins.
In Social Studies, we took a trip to Remlinger Farms to experience how others live outside the city. We also have discovered how home life and school life may be different.
In Math, we are masters of counting to ten! We are starting a unit on the numbers 1 – 5! We also are predicting and making realistic guesses as we use math in our every day activities.
In Language Arts, we have been writing and sounding out of the letters B, F, H, P, A and L, as well as learning to write our own names and holding a pencil correctly. We have weekly journals that we use. Ms. Janet writes a word, and then we draw a corresponding picture to go with it. We complete daily “school work” assignments!
In Literature, we are developing understanding of how to follow along with a story that is being read and then recalling parts of the story
afterwards. Do you know that books have titles, authors and illustrators? We are busy with independent “reading” time!
Celebrating The Day Of The Dead at OLG School with Señora Brodahl:
What is EL DIA DE LOS MUERTOS?
The Day of the Dead is sometimes explained as a Mexican or Latin American version of Halloween, but it really is not. El Día de los Muertos, is celebrated two days from November 1st to November 2nd; preparations start on October 31st.
It is a time when people remember their loved ones who have passed away. It is believed that on those days the souls of the dead return to visit. We honor them and welcome them back by creating ofrendas, altars on which offerings of their favorite foods, photos, belongings and other items are set out for their return. In Mexico and other countries that commemorate this time, it is customary to also visit and clean the graves of loved ones. Some people also play music in the cemetery. The Day of the Dead is also a time when death is recognized, and even celebrated, as a natural part of the cycle of life, a reminder that the dead are always still with us, and that death is not something to be feared. Rather, it is a time to celebrate your loved ones that have passed away.
This month is my favorite time of the year, as I share with the students at OLG this beautiful celebration that is so special to the Latin American culture. The students will be reading books, watching documentaries on the Day of the Dead, seeing movies, singing and creating different crafts for each grade level. We will be making marigold flowers with tissue paper, candles with cards stock paper, decorating skeletons and skulls, creating books, making sugar skulls, and trying Pan de Muerto and chocolate caliente.
All the student’s activities will be put on an altar in the hallway.
I invite you to see our beautiful altar on November 1 and 2nd, if you would like to see your child’s great art of El Día de los Muertos in the hallway at school.
Gracias; if you have any questions, please email me.
Señora Brodahl
Keep Up with our Current and Former OLG Students!
See OLG 8th grader, Emily Amesquita, in the Seattle Opera’s performance of Hansel and Gretel
We all know the story of Hansel & Gretel, but Seattle Opera is performing a contemporary version of the story, so it may not be what you expect!
Dates, times and ticket information can best be accessed through Seattle Opera’s website. Sunday, October 30th is Family Day, with special rates!
See OLG Alums Perform in Seattle Prep’s Fall Play, Frankenstein!
Victor Frankenstein is obsessed with the recreation of life. His brilliance brings life from death, but it is this new reinvigorated life that now haunts him. His Creature, childlike in innocence but grotesque in form, is cast out into an unknown and unkind world. Friendless and vengeful, the Creature unleashes a campaign of murderous revenge against his creator.
Frankenstein is directed by Adam Othman and features a talented cast, including a leading role for OLG ’13 alum Sam Hiatt as the Creature! The production also features OLG alums Gabriel Berger ’13, Jessica Sommerville ’15 and Cyrus Berger ’16 in supporting roles. Get your tickets now for this thought-provoking tale of love, hate and revenge. (Note: Due to the intense nature of the story, parental discretion advised for children under 10.)
You may have seen the great new items in the display case by the main office. The Apparel and Gear Sale orders are due to school by October 21st and will be filled within approximately 2 weeks. Stock up on OLG gear for the whole family! Orders can also be placed online. Please note which items are approved for PE use in middle school. In addition, you can order Uniform Sweatshirts & Vests, which are in stock in most sizes. Questions? Contact your Parent Org Fall Fundraiser Chair!
Halloween Carnival It’s a fun-raiser! If you haven’t already, please click here to add your help to the fun-making event of the school year. 30 cakes are still needed for the Cake Walk.
Help still needed for The Halloween Carnival:
We are still in need of 17-20 volunteers for 2nd shift 5:45 – 8:00 pm
This is a fun way to get your commitment hours and meet new people.
Purchase Halloween advance purchase & discounted wristbands online. Wristbands* are $12 & tickets are 10/$5. Advance purchase tickets & wristbands will be available for Will Call pick-up at the event.
*Wristbands include bounce, Haunted Hall/laser tag, games, beauty parlor, Pumpkin Fishing, & more. Ticketed attractions include Zoo, Cakewalk, Photos, & Ice cream. The 8th grade families will provide food for purchase. Contact Natalie Trius with any questions.
PO Meeting Minutes
Curious as to what was discussed during the past Parent Organization meetings? Check out the minutes here! Scroll to the bottom of the page.
Family Math Night!
Mark Your Calendars: November 14th is the OLG Family Math Night for K-5, sponsored by Parent Org!
6:30 p.m. in the School Hall
Come join other OLG families to explore fun and engaging games that you can play with your kids to develop your kid’s competence and confidence in math. This fun event will introduce your family to everyday games that are not only fun to play, but help your kids develop core math skills. Thank you to Lisa Booth for organizing this fun and important event for our OLG community. Lisa is looking for some extra help! Do you like math? Do you love games? Are you looking for a fun way to earn commitment hours? If so, this is the job for you (6th – 8th grade students are encouraged to help)! If you are interested in helping with this year’s Math Night, please email Lisa Booth.
Box Tops for Education
Time to turn in Box Tops! Please drop off labels from Box Tops products at the school office or by the church library. Clean out your stash in the month of October so we can meet our next deadline! To learn more about participating products, visit our Fundraising page, or contact
Hurricane Matthew: Emergency Relief through Catholic Relief Services Haiti is reeling from Hurricane Matthew, which crashed ashore on October 4, bringing 145 mph winds, storm surges and up to 40 inches of rainfall. The storm has caused massive devastation and flooding in Haiti, which is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, and which has yet to fully recover from the catastrophic earthquake in 2010. Catholic Relief Services and local partners are responding now in some of the most affected areas. Their priorities are emergency shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene, and living supplies. CRS is also working in Cuba, Dominican Republic and Jamaica. To donate to emergency relief, visit the CRS website, call 1-877-HELP-CRS or send a check to Catholic Relief Services at P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, MD, 21203-7090.
Community Meal: Help Serve!
Come help us put on a fabulous meal for the community! The Community Meal happens each month at OLG and aims to provide a free meal for anyone in the greater community who wishes to attend. We are looking for people who can help on October 30th in the Walmesley Center with setup (9:45 am – 11ish), serving (12:30 pm – 2ish), and cleanup (2:00 pm – 3:30ish). If you are not able to stay that day, you can participate by dropping off a homemade or store-bought dessert for our guests (any time after 9:45 am). If you’re able to help, please contact Colleen. Thank you for serving our OLG and West Seattle communities!
Catholics Care. Catholics Vote. Form Your Conscience
In their statement on Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, the U.S. Catholic bishops urge Catholics to form their consciences through being open to truth, studying Scripture and Church teaching, examining facts and background information, and prayerful reflection. See the insert in today’s bulletin to learn more and visit our parish website to read the statement, watch videos, and access other great resources. Resources are also available on the Faithful Citizenship table in the narthex of the church.
South Seattle Deanery Planning Process: Let Your Voice Be Heard!
If you were unable to attend one of the Listening Sessions, a draft of the pastoral planning recommendations that are intended to address issues related to the pastoral care of parishes is now available for your review through a Survey Monkey link, which is accessible on a computer or smart phone. You can find the link on our parish website’s home page. You will be able to read not only the recommendations themselves, but also to read a summary of the highlights of what led to these recommendations. You will also have a chance to give your feedback. If you do not have access to a computer or smart phone, please contact Helen at (206) 935-0358 and arrangements can be made to make the information available to you. Deadline for responses is October 31st. This is your last chance to give feedback before the plan is submitted to Archbishop Sartain.
All parishioners are invited to join our liturgical ministers for a morning of renewal and reflection on Saturday, November 5th from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm in the Walmesley Center. In this Jubilee Year of Mercy, we will reflect upon the significance of Sabbath in the midst of our busy lives.
Our Lady of Guadalupe School & Parish acknowledges that we are on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present, and honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.
commitment to making it a great year of learning, community and fun her students. Third graders went to the Pike Place Market today and are busy learning about their chosen saints, in preparation for sharing with our OLG community at our All Saints’ Day Mass on Nov. 1st at 9:00 am!
Mrs. Sommerville, our new school librarian, is looking for volunteers to help with the Secret Garden book fair. This book fair promotes reading, supports our school’s Langen Library & Learning Lab, and helps us to build our library collection. Books will be available for purchase during conference days! Helpers will be needed on Monday October 24th to help with set-up. In addition, assistance is needed to help sell books during conference week. Set-up will occur right after the morning bell, and shouldn’t take more than thirty minutes. If you can help, please contact 
special incentives for your class.
witness the process they went through to come up with the pledges that they made as a class. We have discussed and started to practice the Sign of the Cross!
growth and lifecycle of apples and pumpkins.
afterwards. Do you know that books have titles, authors and illustrators? We are busy with independent “reading” time!
believed that on those days the souls of the dead return to visit. We honor them and welcome them back by creating ofrendas, altars on which offerings of their favorite foods, photos, belongings and other items are set out for their return. In Mexico and other countries that commemorate this time, it is customary to also visit and clean the graves of loved ones. Some people also play music in the cemetery. The Day of the Dead is also a time when death is recognized, and even celebrated, as a natural part of the cycle of life, a reminder that the dead are always still with us, and that death is not something to be feared. Rather, it is a time to celebrate your loved ones that have passed away.
can culture. The students will be reading books, watching documentaries on the Day of the Dead, seeing movies, singing and creating different crafts for each grade level. We will be making marigold flowers with tissue paper, candles with cards stock paper, decorating skeletons and skulls, creating books, making sugar skulls, and trying Pan de Muerto and chocolate caliente.
It’s a fun-raiser! If you haven’t already, please 
month of October so we can meet our next deadline! To learn more about participating products, visit our 
