Auditions for the spring musical - Thoroughly Modern Millie – will take place today and tomorrow in the auditorium from approximately 3-4:30pm. You do not need to attend both days. Students should prepare both a one-minute monologue and a one-minute song selection of choice. For more information please visit the DJO drama group on Edmodo or see Ms. Zimmerman.

Congratulations to Ken Rudolph, for his participation in last weekend's District 12 Honors Orchestra concert, and Angela Cottini, David Koehlmoos, Jesse Amoss, Lexi Sacci, Kathryn Baker, and Domenic Allegra for auditioning last weekend at the District 12 Honors Band.

...and Congratulations to the Royalettes who competed in the East Coast Regional Championship yesterday taking home a 1st Place in the Variety Category, 3rd Place in Lyrical and 5th Place in Pom. With over 70 soloists in multiple categories, congratulations to Erika Williams - 2nd Place Lyrical, Haley Breaux - 2nd Place Jazz, plus 10 additional Royalette solo honorable mentions!

Hey all you entertainers, singers, bands, and dance groups! Superdance 2016 wants you to come audition to perform in the Assembly on February 5th. Auditions are tomorrow, Tuesday, January 12 in Mrs. O'Reilly's Room 328 after school from 3:00 to 4:30. A sign-up sheet can be found outside the Activities Office on the blue door! Don't be shy and stop on by!

There will be a model UN meeting Tuesday, January 12 at 3pm in room 122.

Registration to go on the March for life is closed. Students that did sign up received an email to their "Bishopoconnell.org" account containing details and permission forms. Please have all form and money turned in to the Activities office by January 15, this Friday. Any questions, please see Mr. Buckreis.

Students from St. Michael's parish are reminded that Fr. Carr & Fr. Pokorsky are coming to host a pizza party for you tomorrow, Wednesday, January 13th. Please come to the Trinidad Lobby entrance at the beginning of your lunch period to say hi and have some pizza & soda.

Bishop O'Connell is currently seeking American students and their families to host a Spanish student from October 7th to the 14th 2016. If your family is interested in learning more about hosting a student from Barcelona, please have your parents plan to attend a meeting to be held on Thursday January 28, 2016 at 6:00 PM in room 312.

Please join us on Wednesday evening, January 13th, in the Band Room for the annual Winter Piano Showcase.The members of the piano class have worked very hard this semester and will be performing numerous pieces for the enjoyment of their audience. Concert begins at 7PM, in the Band Room."

Today is the last day to audition for the spring musical - Thoroughly Modern Millie. Auditions will take place in the auditorium from approximately 3-4:30pm. Students should prepare both a one minute monologue and a one minute song selection of choice. For more information please visit the DJO drama group on Edmodo or see Ms. Zimmerman.

Hey all you entertainers, singers, bands, and dance groups! Superdance 2016 wants you to come audition to perform in the Assembly on February 5th. Auditions are today, Tuesday, January 12th in Mrs. O'Reilly's Room 328 after school from 3:00 to 4:30. A sign-up sheet can be found outside the Activities Office on the blue door! Don't be shy and stop on by!

There will be a model UN meeting today, Tuesday, January 12 at 3pm in room 122.

The Rho Kappa Social Studies Honors Society Induction ceremony is Thursday, January 14th at 7pm in the auditorium with a reception immediately following in the cafeteria where you and your guests are welcome. Remember that this is mandatory for all new inductees. If you don't come you will not be inducted. Please RSVP to Mr. Haas on the Rho Kappa Edmodo page or by email. Remember that all family members are invited so please include a total number of guests with your RSVP. Also, this Tuesday during Knight Time (B Lunch) we will have a mandatory brief practice in the auditorium. This should only take 5 to 10 minutes. But is important. Please be prompt.

Registration to go on the March for Life is closed. Students that did sign up received an email to their "Bishopoconnell.org" account containing details and permission forms. Please have all form and money turned in to the Activities office by January 15, this Friday. Any questions, please see Mr. Buckreis.

Dr. Vorbach remembers classmate Syd Albrittain in his blog today:

W. Sydney Albrittain, class of 1983, a valued member of our facilities committee and a principal at his family's business, Dittmar Corporation, died unexpectedly on Sunday. Syd was my classmate at Bishop O'Connell and there are many in the O'Connell community who knew Syd and his family.

In recent times, Syd's contributions to the school's improvement efforts have been tireless. At every turn, Syd was saying, "Let me see what I can find out about that..." or "Let me see what I can do about that..." In a very hands-on way, he walked the halls, tunnels, and parking lots with me and members of our staff and figured out how things could be fixed in the most cost effective ways.

Three examples make this point powerfully:

1. At a facilities committee meeting last year, we were reviewing a list of all the air conditioning units we have in the building. The list included the classroom units that were retrofitted into the classrooms of the main teaching wings in the mid-1980s. The list had serial numbers on it, but not the ages of each unit. Syd took the list and had the research done to correlate serial numbers with ages. A seemingly small thing, but very helpful to our efforts to understand the history of the physical plant and to plan for the future.

2. As we prepared for the dedication of Al Burch Stadium last year, we needed a proper edifice to mount the Al Burch and Jake Jacobs plaques. Syd volunteered to take care of it and really put his personal attentions into each aspect of the project -- he found the stone that matched our existing color schemes and consulted with our architect about how to accomplish the design. The photo here tells volumes about Syd's engagement.

3. For the past year, Syd has been helping us prepare to construct a new concession stand and outdoor restroom facility at the athletic field. From the moment of his first engagement in this project, his expertise, experience and energy were vital to the effort. It was always invigorating and enlightening to be with him as we followed a waterline back into the building or discussed the various options available to us regarding one or another detail of the actual construction.

Truly over the course of our school's history we have been blessed by the generosity of many. Following in the footsteps of his parents, Syd stands out as an exemplar of a generous heart bringing his time, talent and treasure to the table in support of Catholic education at Bishop O'Connell.

Please pray for Syd's family, especially his wife Whitney and their four children and his mother Gloria and his siblings.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Murphy's Funeral Home (4510 Wilson Boulevard in Arlington). Visitation is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, Jan. 16 at noon at St. Agnes Catholic Church, located at 1910 North Randolph Street in Arlington.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that contributions in Syd's memory may be made to Bishop O'Connell High School.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.

There is a Superdance Chair and Co-Chair meeting today in room 328 directly after school.

There will be a boys Varsity Basketball game at 7:30 tonight against our rival, Paul VI. The game will be a WHITE OUT.

Current players and students interested in trying out for the Boys Varsity Tennis Team are to meet today, Thursday, immediately after school in room 140. Thanks you so much!

Bishop O'Connell is currently seeking students and their families to host a Spanish student from October 7th to the 14th 2016. If you are interested in learning more about hosting a student from Barcelona, please plan to attend a meeting to be held on Thursday January 28, 2016 at 6:00 PM in room 312.

Registration to go on the March for Life is closed.Students that did sign up received an email to their "Bishopoconnell.org" account containing details and permission forms. Please have all form and money turned in to the Activities office by January 15, this Friday. Any questions, please see Mr. Buckreis

Deadlines for the Optimists Essay Contest, the Catholic Daughters Essay and Poetry Contests, and the Sons of the American Resolution Oration contests, as well as the Virginia Bar Association are fast approaching. Check these out on Edmodo under Contests - Essays and Oratorical. The Code is posted outside of room 326. You cannot win if you do not enter. See Mrs.Wentzel for additional details.

There will be auditions on Tuesday, Jan. 19 during B Lunch for all those interested in performing in Superdance.

All overdue library books must be returned and fines paid before semester exams begin (next Wednesday, Jan. 20).

Bishop O'Connell is currently seeking students and their families to host a Spanish student from October 7th to the 14th 2016. If you are interested in learning more about hosting a student from Barcelona, please plan to attend a meeting to be held on Thursday January 28, 2016 at 6:00 PM in room 312.

Registration to go on the March for Life is closed. Students that did sign up received an email to their "Bishopoconnell.org" account containing details and permission forms. Please have all form and money turned in to the Activities office by January 15, this Friday. Any questions, please see Mr. Buckreis.

Semester exams are scheduled for JAN. 20-21 and JAN. 25-26. The detailed schedule is as follows:

Students report directly to Advisory at 7:45 a.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 20
8:15 - 9:30 a.m. - Exams for Period 2 Classes
10:00 - 11:15 a.m. - Optional Study Sessions

Thursday, Jan. 21
8:15 - 9:30 a.m. - Exams for Period 4 Classes
10:00 - 11:15 a.m. - Exams for Period 6 Classes

Monday, Jan. 25
8:15 - 9:30 a.m. - Exams for Period 1 Classes
10:00 - 11:15 a.m. - Exams for Period 3 Classes

Tuesday, Jan. 26
8:15 - 9:30 a.m. - Exams for Period 5 Classes
10:00 - 11:15 a.m. - Exams for Period 7 Classes

There will be auditions for all those interested in performing in Superdance this Tuesday, January 19 during B-Lunch.

Please return all overdue books to the library before exams begin.

Bishop O'Connell is currently seeking American students and their families to host a Spanish student October 7-14, 2016. If your family is interested in learning more about hosting a student from Barcelona, please plan to attend a meeting to be held on Thursday January 28, 2016 at 6:00 PM in room 312.

The weather outside is frightful,
so you may find some of this delightful...

Stay warm and use the snow days to catch up on some of our blogs, podcasts and other web content:

Mr. Roque is back to blogging after a bit of procrastination, sharing his insights on...what else?...procrastination!

Our English department podcast unveils plans for a student-run video news broadcast.

Father Thompson has published his recent school homilies on the Knights of Faith blog.

Coach Orndorff highlighted the girls basketball team last week in his blog.

Have you read our student blog? The most recent entry reflects on the senior retreats.

Maybe the snow is making you think about Christmas...relive the sights and sounds of Advent at O'Connell!

Attention all Superdance chairs and co-chairs! There is a meeting today, Thursday, January 7 after school in Room 328.

We are still looking for singers for Broadway Desserts! Please see the sign-up sheet on the music room door! Speak with Mr. Kadeli if you have any questions.

For students belonging to St. Michael's parish: You should have received a flyer invitation in your advisory class the other day. The invitation is for a pizza party hosted by Fr. Carr & Fr. Pokorsky on Wednesday, January 13th. Anyone who belongs to St. Michael's parish and did not receive a flyer should stop by the campus ministry office to pick one up.

Crafternoon will be today, Thursday, Jan. 7 from 3-4 PM in the DJO Library! Bring your artistic talents and join us in the Library this afternoon for rock painting. Small stones and markers will be provided and snacks will be on hand for all you starving artists.

If you won a senior superlative and have not yet submitted your quote for the yearbook, please be sure to do that today. You may drop them off in Mrs. McDonald's Room (Room 223) or give them to a member of the Yearbook staff. Thank you!

The next Career Cafe program will take place on Friday, January 8th from 11:30am-12:00pm in the counseling conference room. All sophomores and juniors are welcome to come. Chris Inglese, will be speaking about business and accounting. He is currently a Certified Public Accountant.

There will be a Fiat meeting on Friday at 11:30 in Room 220. All junior and senior girls are welcome. Please see Ms. Funk with any questions.

Attention Freshman and Sophomore students: There is an opportunity to get 5 of your Christian Service hours completed on January 16th here at DJO! See Ms. Hogan to sign up for a shift and help at our 8th Grade Confirmation Retreat!

The next Career Cafe program will take place on Friday, January 8th from 11:30am-12:00pm in the counseling conference room. All sophomores and juniors are welcome to come.

Freshman and Sophomore students have another service opportunity available February 5th for the Catholic Charities Ball! See sign up information at the Christian Service Office!

Calling all entertainers, singers, bands, and dance groups! Superdance 2016 wants you to come audition to perform in the Assembly on February 5th. All people are welcome to come to the auditions on Tuesday, January 12th in Mrs. O'Reilly's Room 328 (?) after school from 3:00 to 4:30. A sign-up sheet can be found outside the Activities Office on the blue door! Don't be shy and stop on by!

There will be a model UN meeting Tuesday, January 12 at 3pm in room 122.

The entire Bishop O'Connell community has benefited in countless way from our expanded services for students with intellectual disabilities.

We are proud to be one of the area's Catholic schools mentioned in this week's story "More Catholic Schools Welcoming Special Needs Students," by Katie Scott in the Arlington Catholic Herald.

Read more about our expanded services.

Even in the snow, our school counseling team was able to be represented at several recent events that took place in honor of next week's National School Counseling Week:

On Wednesday, school counselor Joe Natalicchio represented Bishop O'Connell at a briefing on Capitol Hill. The briefing was sponsored by the American School Counselor Association, American Federation of Teachers , and National Education Association. The National School Counselor of the year, Katherine Pastor, along with two finalists and Ms. Pastor's superintendent, presented "From Kindergarten through Graduation: The Role of the School Counselor in College and Career Readiness." The presentation focused on the critical role school counselors play at all grade levels to ensure students complete high school college and career ready.

Our dean of student services, Erin O'Malley, who serves on the selection committee for the national school counselor of the year, was invited to the White House on Thursday for a ceremony hosted by the first lady, Michelle Obama. Mrs. Obama honored the school counselor of the year and the finalists from across the nation.

Be sure to say "Happy National School Counseling Week" next time you see your school counselor!

Preregistering for Superdance starts today and will end Thursday during lunch, so register early while you still can! All students who register early will receive a FREE Chick-fil-a sandwich following Friday's assembly! You can find the registration table in the cafeteria during all lunches and the cost is $10! Superdance Registration will continue after the Assembly, but not the Chickin'!

It's National School Counseling Week! National School Counseling Week focuses attention on the unique contribution of professional school counselors within U.S. schools. At Bishop O'Connell we are very proud of our outstanding comprehensive school counseling program. You may have seen the signs on each counselor's doors yesterday..."HAPPY NATIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELING WEEK." Today, we want to show you another sign. Did you know that the term GUIDANCE is no longer in the title of counselor? Our counselors are called SCHOOL COUNSELORS because they do a whole lot more than GUIDE. So, to our SCHOOL counselors--we thank you for all you do!

Debate team will be meeting TODAY, Tuesday February 2, immediately after school to discuss the upcoming tournament at Sherando. We will be selecting topics and going over logistics for the weekend. If you cannot attend, please be sure to sign up for a topic and check for further information on the edmodo group

The library is so excited to host Cr-afternoon this Thursday, Feb. 4 at 3 PM! This will be the best one yet so don't miss the chance to make a very special Valentine surprise for Mom, Grant-Auntie, Grandma, or any other Sweeties in your life! As always, the library will provide sumptuous sugary things to sip and savor as you craft to your heart's content!

Global Studies students- Mr. Betthauser will be offering the core course, Foundations of Global Business and Finance, on Thursday, February 4, directly after school from 3- 6pm Please email or see Ms. Webb reply to register for the course. This is particularly important for seniors who need this course to complete program requirements.

The boys hockey team is having their senior night on Friday at 3:50 pm vs Yorktown at Kettler Capitals Iceplex! Everyone should go out and support our team! Go Knights... also, can you guess which seniors these pictures belong to?

Bishop O'Connell is currently seeking American students and their families to host a Spanish student October 7-14, 2016. If you are interested in learning more about hosting a student from Barcelona, please plan to attend a meeting to be held on Thursday February 4 at 6:00 PM in room 312.

Did you know?

On June 1, 1982, just before the end of the school year, Bishop O'Connell High School hosted a very special guest speaker. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, on a trip to Washington, D.C. to address Congress, stopped by our school to speak to our young people.

Those in attendance remembered that she did not talk about honors received or about her work as founder of a religious order. She talked about Jesus and how He became poor for our sake and how serving the poor allows us to serve Him. She explained that through prayer and service to others, we too will have the joy of loving Jesus.

Father Mark Pilon--who was the school's chaplain at the time--recently shared some photos with the school, and a commemorative plaque has been created to be displayed near the main entrance of the school. The new photo and plaque remind all who enter about this historic day in the life of Bishop O'Connell.

The photo shows Father Pilon and the Most Reverend Thomas J. Welsh (Bishop of Arlington at the time) on stage with Mother Teresa and one of her fellow Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity.

The plaque reads:

Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, addressing the students of Bishop O'Connell High School, June 1, 1982:

"Now you have received this wonderful education. Now you are standing more or less on your feet and you have to face life. Face it with the strength of prayer."

"My prayer for you then: Let us grow in the likeness of Christ by loving one another as Jesus love us."

Bishop O'Connell's current Head of School, Dr. Joseph Vorbach, was a member of the class of 1983. "Most of all I remember how quiet the auditorium was as this small woman took the stage," he said. "It was as if we all knew we were in the presence of someone extraordinary."

P.E. teacher Jim Hayes recalls the question and answer period at the end of her presentation:

"How do you become holy?" a student asked.

Mother Teresa responded, "How do you get a sunburn?"

Another student asked, "How do we become like you?"

"Find your own Calcutta," she replied.

Pictured above: Dr. Vorbach and religion teacher Patrice Connolly hang the new plaque at Bishop O'Connell. Both were at the assembly in 1982.

Congratulations to the latest group of Bishop O'Connell student-athletes who have committed to play at the colleges of their choice:

Grace Boras (Soccer) - Catholic University
Myles Hudzick (Football) - Duke University
Brandon Magee (Football) - Robert Morris University
JayJay McCargo (Football) - University of North Carolina
Landan Word (Football) - University of Virginia

They join the following O'Connell seniors who signed their letters of intent late last fall:

Ako Adams (Basketball) – Rice University
Janiya Clemmons (Basketball) – Columbia University
Randall Gaskins (Basketball) – St. Francis University
Olivia Giaquinto (Softball) – Harvard University
Alicia Gonzales (Basketball) – Case Western Reserve University
Austin Kunde (Baseball) – Virginia Military Institute
Patrick Ryan (Baseball) – College of William & Mary
Jasmine Taylor (Basketball) – Boston College
Raffi Vazquez (Baseball) – Coastal Carolina University

See photos from both ceremonies at www.bishopoconnell.org/commit.

O'Connell chaplain, Rev. Gregory Thompson, invited several priests to concelebrate this week's school Mass. Our Catholic Schools Week Mass brings us together as a community to pray for vocations in our diocese and around the world.

Joining him yesterday were Father J.D. Jaffe, the director of the Arlington Diocese Vocations Office, and O'Connell alumnus, Father Jack Peterson '81, Assistant Chaplain at Marymount University.

Father Jaffe reminded the students that everyone has a vocation. "Every single one of us was intentionally created by God for a purpose...to better this world."

Father Peterson shared his journey to becoming a priest and Youth Apostle at the end of Mass, too.

"Each student is on a path of discovery of what special role God has for them," said Father Thompson. "Having this opportunity to highlight the importance of discerning a vocation, whether to marriage, priesthood, or consecrated life, helps students to be reminded of the need to actively seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in discovering that special role in sanctifying the world."

Pictured above (l to r): Father Jaffe, Father Thompson, Father Peterson, and O'Connell theology and physics teacher Father Michele Benetti.

Students from St. Mark's parish and St. Thomas a Becket parish are scheduled to share a pizza lunch with Fr. Paul on Thursday.

Please report to the Trinidad Street Lobby (by room 226) at the beginning of your lunch period tomorrow for pizza and soda.

Knights for Life will meet Thursday morning in Room 125 during Advisory. Our next clinic day will be Saturday, February 20th beginning with 9 am Mass in the student chapel and closing with breakfast at iHOP. All students, faculty, and families are encouraged to attend.

Pre-season meeting for all those interested in trying out for lacrosse on Thursday at 7pm in the Library. Prospective players should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The Gamer Club will not meet on Tuesday, Feb. 9. Next meeting is on Thursday, Feb. 11, Rm. 202

Attention to any band or DJ interested in performing at this year's Superdance on March 5th, please stop by Ms. Hogan's office sometime before Thursday, February 11th.

Come on by the Superdance Registration Table during your lunch periods and start collecting pledges! There will be several awesome prizes given out at Superdance like free smoothie bowl coupons, light sabers, manicures, and many more! Don't forget: May the CURE Be With You!

The 2016 Yearbook is now on Sale!! This year's book is in full cover and it will be full of great memories from throughout the year! You can bring a check for $75 to the school bookstore or you can purchase one online. The link is in the Friday Blitz. www.bishopoconnell.org/yearbooks. All seniors automatically receive a yearbook. We're Just Sayin - You don't want to miss this yearbook!

Attention all new members of the National English Honor Society - You received a letter in your advisory last week with details of the Induction ceremony next Wednesday evening, February 17. Remember that this ceremony is mandatory for all new members. You must see Mrs. Cerniglia if you have a serious conflict. Please respond with the number of guests you will be bringing to the ceremony so that we may prepare for the reception that will follow. Also, if you have not joined the Edmodo group, please do so immediately. The code is on the letter you received.

Lost and found items will be displayed outside of the Student Life Office. Please stop by and claim your possessions. The items left will be donated to Good Will at the end of the week. There is a Vera Bradley wristlet, guys wallet, camera and Kate Spade bracelet among the lost items. Thank you.

Students from St. Mark's parish and St. Thomas a Becket parish should report to the Trinidad Street Lobby (by room 226) at the beginning of their lunch period for pizza & soda with Fr. Paul.

Do you want to discuss today's latest political developments with your peers? Are you interested in modern politics and foreign affairs? Then the Bipartisan Unity Club is for you. This is a debate society for people with differing views to meet and discuss today's latest political developments. We will be meeting after school today, Thursday the 11th, in room 231 for an intro meeting. If you have any questions please contact Gaby Rizk or Mr. Mahoney.

Pre-season meeting for all those interested in trying out for lacrosse is on Thursday (today) at 7pm in the Library. Prospective players should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The Gamer Club will meet today Thursday, Feb. 11, Rm. 202

Attention to any band or DJ interested in performing at this year's Superdance on March 5th, please stop by Ms. Hogan's office sometime today Thursday, February 11th.

Come on by the Superdance registration table during your lunch periods and start collecting pledges! There will be several awesome prizes given out at Superdance like free smoothie bowl coupons, light sabers, manicures, and many more! Don't forget: May the CURE Be With You!

The 2016 Yearbook is now on Sale!! This year's book is in full cover and it will be full of great memories from throughout the year! You can bring a check for $75 to the school bookstore or you can purchase one online. The link is in the Friday Blitz. www.bishopoconnell.org/yearbooks. All seniors automatically receive a yearbook. We're Just Sayin - You don't want to miss this yearbook!

Attention all new members of the National English Honor Society. You received a letter in your advisory last week with details of the Induction ceremony next Wednesday evening, February 17.Remember that this ceremony is mandatory for all new members. You must see Mrs. Cerniglia if you have a serious conflict. Please respond with the number of guests you will be bringing to the ceremony so that we may prepare for the reception that will follow. Also, if you have not joined the Edmodo group, please do so immediately. The code is on the letter you received.

Lost and found items will be displayed outside of the Student Life Office. Please stop by and claim your possessions. The items left will be donated to Good Will at the end of the week. There is a Vera Bradley wristlet, guys wallet, camera and Kate Spade bracelet among the lost items. Thank you.

The counseling department is requesting 4 student volunteers to give out College Folders at our College Night for Junior Students and Parents. Volunteers would need to be at O'Connell by 6:15 p.m. and should be finished by 7:15 p.m. If you are a junior planning to attend that would be optimum. Please see Mrs. Herbst in counseling if you are willing to volunteer.

On all Fridays of Lent, the 7 a.m. Mass will be celebrated in the Student Chapel and a light breakfast will follow in the Chapel Lounge. All are invited.

To all 11th grade girls, Girls State will once again occur this summer. This a worthwhile program for junior girls that are interested in politics and government. Please make sure to see Mrs. Herbst in counseling today if you are interested. Interviews will be this Friday at O'Connell.

The Softball Team Retreat will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 16 from 3:15 p.m. until 5:15 p.m. in the school auditorium. Attendance is mandatory for all girls interested in trying out for softball this spring. Everyone needs to bring something to write on (some paper/notebook) and a writing utensil.

Knights for Life will be participating in 40 Days for Life by praying a Rosary at the Falls Church Health clinic on Tuesdays and Wednesdays after school during Lent. If you are interested in joining us, please see Ms. Lattie in Room 215 for a permission form. All students, faculty, and families are welcome to attend

The next career cafe opportunity will take place on Monday, February 22 from 11:30am to noon in the counseling conference room. All sophomores, juniors, and seniors are welcome to come. Natalie Cocozza, a 2009 graduate, is going to speak about her experience at George Mason University in the School Psychology Program. Please see Ms. Usle with questions.

Come on by the Superdance Registration Table during your lunch periods and start collecting pledges! There will be several awesome prizes given out at Superdance like free smoothie bowl coupons, light sabers, manicures, and many more! Don't forget: May the CURE Be With You!

The 2016 Yearbook is now on Sale! This year's book is in full cover and it will be full of great memories from throughout the year! You can bring a check for $75 to the school bookstore or you can purchase one online. The link is in the Friday Blitz. www.bishopoconnell.org/yearbooks. All seniors automatically receive a yearbook. We're Just Sayin - You don't want to miss this yearbook!

The counseling department is requesting four student volunteers to give out College Folders next Tuesday, Feb. 16 at our College Night for Junior Students and Parents. Volunteers would need to be at O'Connell by 6:15 p.m. and should be finished by 7:15 p.m. If you are a junior planning to attend that would be optimum. Please see Mrs. Herbst in counseling if you are willing to volunteer.

Attention all new members of the National English Honor Society. You received a letter in your advisory last week with details of the Induction ceremony next Wednesday evening, February 17. Remember that this ceremony is mandatory for all new members. You must see Mrs. Cerniglia if you have a serious conflict. Please respond with the number of guests you will be bringing to the ceremony so that we may prepare for the reception that will follow. Also, if you have not joined the Edmodo group, please do so immediately. The code is on the letter you received.

Lost and found items will be displayed outside of the Student Life Office. Please stop by and claim your possessions. The items left will be donated to Good Will at the end of the week. There is a Vera Bradley wristlet, guys wallet, camera and Kate Spade bracelet among the lost items. Thank you.

To all 11th grade girls.. Girls State will once again occur this summer. This is a worthwhile program for junior girls that are interested in politics and government. Please make sure to see Mrs. Herbst in counseling today if you are interested. Interviews will be held today at O'Connell.

On Wednesday, Feb. 17, the best players in the Northern Virginia Scholastic Hockey League (NVSHL) will square off for the annual All-Star Game. Among these All-Stars are three O'Connell players:

Defenseman Robert Burnham (2016)
Goalie Zach Hale (2016)
Defenseman Jimmy Zinter (2017)

For Hale and Bernham, this is their second year as NVSHL All-Stars.

"We are proud of all three of these players," said head coach Flip Collins. "They personify the strong work ethic that has made the Knights hockey program successful in so many areas."

CLICK HERE for more information on the All-Star Game.

Congratulations to all of the Bishop O'Connell students and faculty who participated in the Broadway Desserts Showcase. The show received rave reviews from audience members! If you missed the show be sure to check out photos and videos on the school website this weekend.

Announcing a new event during Knight Time every Friday! FRIDAY KNIGHTS will begin THIS FRIDAY, February 19 during B and C lunches!
What is Friday Knights? An opportunity for food, fun, and friendship.
Where is Friday Knights? Room 214
When is Friday Knights? FRIDAYS. During B and C lunches.
All are welcome! Come check it out and bring a friend. Feel free to stop by or stay for the duration. Bring your lunch as needed. We will have games, music and FOOD. (If you are a Peer Mentor for Expanded Services - COME JOIN US! Bring your friends and hang out! Hope to see you!)

Tomorrow's 7 am Mass will be celebrated in the student chapel with a light breakfast to follow in the chapel lounge. All are invited. It's a great Lenten practice

Will the following students please see Mrs. Cerniglia in Room 323 some time today: Sophia Marra, Margaret McLaughlin, Brooke Tran.

Students from Nativity parish should report to the Trinidad Lobby (by room 226) at the beginning of their lunch period for pizza & soda with Fr. Korbi.

The Softball Team Retreat will be held today, Tuesday, Feb. 16 from 3:15 p.m. until 5:15 p.m. in the school auditorium. Attendance is mandatory for all girls interested in trying out for softball this spring. Everyone needs to bring something to write on (some paper/notebook) and a writing utensil.

The next career cafe opportunity will take place on Monday, February 22 from 11:30am-12:00pm in the counseling conference room. All sophomores, juniors, and seniors are welcome to come. Natalie Cocozza, a 2009 graduate, is going to speak about her experience at George Mason University in the School Psychology Program. Please see Ms. Usle with questions.

Come on by the Superdance Registration Table during your lunch periods and start collecting pledges! There are less than 3 weeks until Superdance 41. Also, if you are bringing a guest who is not a DJO student, guest forms are due back by Feb. 26.