Principal's Announcements

Principal Cecilia Saint John

Cecilia St. John

Principal

Welcome to St. Dominic Elementary School's Web Site!

The primary mission of Saint Dominic Elementary School is to incorporate the teaching, values and traditions of our Catholic faith into the religious, academic, physical, and social development of our students in order to prepare them to become the leaders of tomorrow.

It is my desire to continue  the vision and mission of academic excellence at Saint Dominic Elementary School by integrating the message of the Gospel into all academic areas while utilizing the tools of the 21st Century.

 

 


Come, Holy Spirit



Fill the hearts of your faithful; and kindle in them the fire of your love.



Congratulations to our eighth graders as they receive the
Sacrament of Confirmation this week.
May the gifts of the Holy Spirit be with them all the days of their lives!



N-36!
How do you spell fun? B-I-N-G-O. 
Last Friday night was a fabulous, fun night for the St. Dominic families. The excitement of the night filled the air as each letter and number was called. Congratulations to all the winners, and once again, thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Head for chairing this fun event, and to ALL the parents who helped out in providing refreshments for the evening.



This week the students in Kindergarten will enjoy a field trip to the LI Children's Museum, the students in grades 5 and 6 will experience the second week of the Dolan DNA Lab's in-house field trip/science instruction, grades 3, 4, 5, and 6 will continue the Nassau County HEPP Program, and the students in grades 7 and 8 will  go to the movies to see Oceans, in honor of Earth Day.

Thank you to Miss King, Mrs. Winter, and Mrs. Ramsdell for arranging these educational experiences for our students!

Speaking of Earth Day, the whole school will honor this special day by Dressing Down in Green on Thursday, April 22nd. A park ranger from the Teddy Roosevelt/Sagamore Hill National Historic Site will present an assembly program for all the students in the school about the Nation Parks System, as well as learn about Teddy Roosevelt and the conservation efforts that he established while President of the United States. Thanks to TR,  thousands of acres of U.S. land was put aside as national parks for future generations to enjoy. Thank you TR!!!






The American Red Cross Babysitter Training Class is confirmed for this Tuesday from 2:45-3:45. The students enrolled in this after school activity should be picked up from the Social Room at 3:45.


That's it for this week!!!
Have a GREAT ONE!!!

Mrs. St. John
Happy Easter!


Our journey toward Easter is complete in the Lord's resurrection. May we find new life in the Lord Always!!!




Welcome Back!



Easter vacation was a well-deserved break for all! The summer-like weather melted away the "winter blahs." It  reminds us that summer is just around the corner. But before we start planning our summer vacations, there is still much work to be done. Some of the most important curriculum components are taught in the third trimester. Good effort and class participation are crucial!

This week we begin two new after school activities: Chess Nuts and The American Red Cross Babysitting Course. Students enrolled in these after school activities should bring a small snack to eat. The activities begin at 2:45 P.M. and end at 3:45 P.M.  Dismissal is from the Social Room. If anyone is interested in joining Chess Nuts, there is still room available. The age requirement has been changed to include 2nd graders. Please call the school office for information regarding enrollment.

A 2nd grade parent meeting for Communion is scheduled for Tuesday evening at 7:00 P.M.

On Wednesday, the students in Kindergarten through 3rd grade will participate in a safety assembly program called Safety Party. The program will teach personal safety. The children will  learn how to identify "Tricky People" and their tricks, who to turn to for help, how and what to yell for help, and many more skills critical for keeping themselves safe.

Also on Wednesday, Nassau County's Health Education Program for Prevention (HEPP) begins. This program is for students in grades 3,4,5, and 6.  An educator trained in health education  will  instruct the students for eight weeks in drug awareness and health issues.

The students in grades 1 and 2 will enjoy a day at the Vanderbilt Museum for its Butterflies and Moths presentation. The Vanderbilt's worldwide collection of butterflies and moths provides an up-close encounter with these colorful insects. A brief slide presentation will introduce the children to the concepts of metamorphosis, camouflage, migration, mimicry and symmetry. A "hunt" among the collections highlights the diversity of these exotic creatures. Using costumes, children "become" butterflies and moths in order to compare and contrast the different insects. Applying their new knowledge, the children will design and create a butterfly in a floral setting.

Thank you Mrs. Paterson and Mrs. Bossong for arranging this wonderful educational experience for the 1st and 2nd graders!

The week will end with two exciting events.  First, our Family Bingo Night will be held on  Friday evening at  7:00 P.M. in the Social Room. It should be a fun night for all. Thank you to Mrs. Nancy Head for all your hard work in coordinating this event!

Second, our first  Springtime Open House for our Early Childhood Program will take place on Sunday, April 18th after the 9:00 A.M. Family Mass and 10:30 A.M. Welcome Mass for our  new parishioners.

The Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st grade classrooms will be open for visits. Registration materials will be available as well. If you know of anyone who has a child ready for Pre-K, Kindergarten or 1st grade, send them our way!!!

THANK YOU

I would be remiss if I didn't take the opportunity to thank ALL the parents who have so generously given of their time and talent in helping support our school, both academically and financially.  In the past month of March alone, so many people helped support our school. Thank you to...
  • All the parents who participated in the Middle States interviews. I know some of you were very nervous, but you did a fantastic job in showing your support for the school.
  • All the parents who helped set up for Middle States, especially Mrs. Lisa Dagher, who made the beautiful centerpieces for the tables.
  • Mrs. Edie Dickman and Mrs. Margaret Marchand who, along with their mom, baked and provided all the delicious desserts for the Middle States Reception.
  • Mrs. Stacey Bowden, who used her time and talent to provide the Kindergarten and 1st graders with a fabulous discovery science lesson on color and  absorption.
  • All the parents who were involved and who attended the Canivan Gala and Auction.
  • Mrs. Laura Russo, who so expertly organized and ran the March Madness night at Canterbury's.
  • To the class parents who provided the students with such wonderful springtime crafts and parties for Easter.
All the wonderful things going on in our school is made possible by the help and assistance of the parents in collaboration with OUR WONDERFUL TEACHERS!!! Thank you to them for their constant hard work and dedication. Being a Catholic school teacher is more than a job, it is a vocation!!!

Have a GREAT week!!!

God Bless,

Mrs. Cecilia St. John



Canivan Gala and Auction



The elementary school honored Corinna and Louis Pillari at the Canivan Gala and Auction. It was a wonderful disply of love and support for the Schools of St. Dominic.


For myself, it was a first-time experience at an auction, and I had a great time! It was also the first-time I was auctioned off! I hope the two new principals for a day don't get too comfortable, or I might be out of a job!

Thank you to all who helped make the Canivan Gala and Auction such a success. Each and every event hosted by the community further affirms my dedication and love for St. Dom's . You are truly a special parish and I am honored to be a part of it.

Affectionately,

Mrs. Cecilia St. John



Parents As Reading Partners
PARP



The students went above and beyond their reading goal of 10,000 minutes. They collectively read 12, 214 minutes. Congratulations to each and everyone. An ice cream party celebrating this achievement was enjoyed by all today!!!


Thank you Mrs. Marchand, mom of Vinnie and Ronnie, for coordinating this wonderful event!!! You truly help to bring a love of reading to our students and school!!





Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Everybody is GREEN today!!!
Today, the school students had a very exciting day. They were dressed in green in honor of St. Patrick's Day AND in celebration of our NEW recycling program.
Mrs. Nancy Head, mom of Tim and Thomas, spearheaded and created our school's recycling program called God's Green Team. This program will give the students the opportunity to recycle water bottles for redemption at Stop 'N Shop and sort plastics for the weekly town collection.






During the assembly, Mrs. Nancy Carney, from Oyster Bay, informed the students about the town's recycling efforts. The students learned what to recycle, how to recycle it, and most importantly, the new products that can be made from the recycled goods.
The students learned so much. They pledged to be "Recycling Rangers."
The assembly ended with all the students promising to tell you about the day. As a thank you to the students for their pledge they were
exempt from homework!!!
A special THANK YOU to Mrs. Head for her tireless efforts in bringing this program to our school!!!
GOD BLESS YOU!!!

Our Lenten Journey



Hunger Banquet

March 10, 2010




On Wednesday, March 10th the students in grades K-8 participated in a Hunger Banquet. The program enabled the students to visualize what it would be like to live in a third world country, a developing country, and an industrialized country. The main purpose was to raise the students' awareness of the world's food supply, and how it is not equally distributed among the nations of the world. The banquet concluded with "Operation Rice Bowl." This operation provides money to feed people living in third world and developing countries.

The students also received a purple prayer bracelet. The bracelet is a visual cue to remind the students to pray more often during Lent.

The students also had the opportunity to take a "thorn" from the wooden cross that now stands in the main hallway.  They will complete the good deed or activity written on the back of the thorn. As the days of Lent progress, the thorns will be displayed on the bulletin board outside the main office, symbolizing the children's completion of their "Good Deeds for Jesus."



National Junior Honor Society

Congratulations to the following students who were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society:
Raffaela Anile
Kiera Coyne
Jack Daly
Timothy Head
Allison Mahon
Conor McAuliffe
Samantha Milano
Louis Pillari
Gillian Stern

Thank you Ms. Ramsdell for coordinating this event.



Middle School Basketball


Congratulations!!!

The Boys Middle School Basketball Team made it to the championship game this season!!! It was their first time playing together and they performed like a seasoned team. Great job boys!!!




New Student Registration
Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and Grades 1-8

Registration for the 2010-11 school year for new students is now taking place. Please call the school office for details at (516) 922-4233.




Catholic Schools Week Events

This was a very busy week for St. Dominic Elementary School. Here is a photo review of the week.
Monday: February 1

The students enjoyed a special assembly program entitled "Circus Follies." During this assembly the children were entertained by two former Ringling Brothers Circus clowns. They juggled and performed old- fashioned Vaudeville acts in only the way professional clowns could.


Tuesday: February 2
Parents, current and new, had the opportunity to see classes in session. This truly was a wonderful display of support for our school. In the afternoon students in grades K-5 attended the first session of Mad Science.

Wednesday: February 3

Teacher Appreciation Day was celebrated. Thank you to our wonderful Parents Association who provided a delicious luncheon for the faculty!!!
The students from Pre-K to grade eight also had their throats blessed in honor of the Feast of St. Blaise. Thank you Fr. Kevin and Fr. Gerry.

Thursday: February 4

The students enjoyed a special lunch provided by our Parents Association in celebration of Student Appreciation Day. Students in Pre-K and Kindergarten also had the opportunity to meet a dental hygienist, who  demonstrated through reading, song, and dance, how to properly take care of one's teeth and gums.



Following lunch the students in the older grades  "buddied-up" with the students in the younger grades for story time.


Friday: February 5

The week ended with  First Friday Mass. The students in grades 1 and 2 hosted the Mass. They did a beautiful job reading the Liturgy of the Word and presenting the Offertory. The Mass ended with the students singing a song for the school and presenting every student with a special pin commemorating Catholic Schools Week. Thank you Mrs. Paterson and Mrs. Bossong for preparing the students so well. It was a wonderful way to end this special week!!!





Our first annual curriculum fair was a huge success. Thank you to all the teachers and students for your hard work and effort. It truly showed!!!


The opening Mass for Catholic Schools Week was a wonderful display of your support. I was so happy to see so many students in their uniforms attending Mass.

Thank you to the newly elected student council officers and representatives who did a fabulous job reading and presenting the gifts. Bravo to the children's choir who sang beautifully!!!
Hands for Haiti



On  Friday, January 22nd,  the students of St. Dominic Elementary School dressed down  to support the Haitian Earthquake Relief Fund. Children who donated $1.00 or more had their names written on  paper hands, which are displayed in the main hallway outside the office.

$ 1,154.10







Congratulations to the following students who were elected as their Class Representatives on Thursday, January 21st.

Grade 3:    Daniel Striano
Grade 4:    Olivia Hilepo
Grade 5:    Michael Doyle
Grade 6-1: Isabel Van Wie
Grade 6-2: Adrianna Bifulco
Grade 7:    Kate Weiler
Grade 8:    Katarina Bifulco

Our newly elected Student Council Officers are as follows:
President: Matthew DiConza
Vice President: Samantha Milano
Treasurer: James Hilepo
Secretary: Marcella DiSciullo

Congratulations!

Mrs. St. John












God Bless,

Mrs. Cecilia St. John
Principal


As the temperature drops and the winter weather approaches, please be aware that the following media outlets will be notified of the elementary school's closing:

The school’s two web sites:
KW02:  www.stdoms.org
eChalk: www.stdomsob.org

TV:
News 12 Long Island
WNBC Channel 4

Radio:
WCBS 880 AM
WBAB 102.3 FM
WBLI 106.1 FM
WKJY 98.3 FM
WHLI  1100 AM
B103 103.1 FM
WMJC 94.3 FM
WRCN 103.9 FM
LVG 96.1

Please note that when the Oyster Bay-East Norwich School District is closed, St. Dominic Elementary School will be closed. Delayed openings do not apply to our school.

 


The Meal Pay Cards are in Effect
You can access your child's account from any computer with Internet access to see the balance on the account. You do not need your child's card to do this, only their account number. If you did not write down your child's account number, you can call the main office and Mrs. Pinto will assist you with this information.

The teachers distribute the cards to the students before lunchtime. The cashier from W&S returns the cards to the teachers after lunch for distribution the next day.





REMINDER:


St. Dominic Elementary School is a Peanut Free School. Please make sure your child does not bring in any items containing peanuts.



What's For Lunch???
The weekly lunch menu is posted under school resources for your planning purposes.


Support St. Dominic Elementary School
:
Shop at Stop and Shop and Target
Login to: www.stopandshop.com
Choose Oyster Bay
Under A+ Click:
Register your Stop and Shop Card
Create an account
Choose St. Dominic Elementary School

Login to: www.target.com.
Click on "Take Charge of Education" at the bottom of the page under "Company Information"
Follow the directions to apply for a  Target REDcard.

In order to cultivate responsibility in our students, an effort to curtail students from calling home for homework assignments, forgotten books, and gym uniforms is being made. The continuity of the school day is paramount to the success of a child's education. Interrupting a class to announce that a child's book or gym uniform  is in the office is detrimental to the class at large. Returning to school for a forgotten book is also discouraged.
Forgotten lunches may be dropped off at the main office. The  student will be notified that his/her lunch is in the office during the homeroom period before lunch. Please make every effort to pack your child's lunch in the morning.


The new discipline code is in effect. Please refer to the school calendar for the policy. If your child receives a  demerit, it must be signed and returned to school within 24 hours. You will receive  a copy of the signed demerit  for your records.


The students promised abide by the policies and promised to be students who will be helpful, compassionate and tolerant of everyone in the school community.
Each received a copy of the promise and is required to return  it to school signed.

All the information that is sent home via the children will be posted on the school's beautiful web sites. If you know of any Saint Dominic  Elementary School Parent who is unaware of the web site, please spread the word. Communication is Cooperation!!!