Tis the season to start giving! O’Connell has wonderful activities for you to get involved and give back! There is still more time to join one of our mission trips or holiday opportunities! Stop by the Christian Service Office during lunch or KNIGHT TIME to see how you can make a difference.

O'Connell Girls Lacrosse conditioning will be on Wednesday, November 20 and Friday, November 22. Please meet outside of the weight room at 3:30pm and bring all of your lacrosse equipment.

ALL Varsity and Junior Varsity football players are encouraged to attend the wounded Warrior NFL game this Saturday. Players are to report to the equipment room Saturday morning at 11:00AM to get your jersey for the event.

Junior and senior girls who purchased a powder puff shirt. You may wear your t-shirt with the uniform bottoms on Friday November 15 in support of your team.

If you have blood donor permission forms, please go to Mrs. Black's counseling office and give them to her.  Health Service Club members who have been told that they are working at the blood drive, must see Mrs. Black TODAY.

Come support your nationally ranked Royalettes at the UDA Fairfax Dance Championships, as they compete in their first competition of the season on Saturday, November 16th at Paul VI (gym). Doors open at 8:00 a.m.

Attention seniors, if you missed the first deadline or if you would like to purchase an additional senior sweatshirt, you're in luck.  Additional Senior Sweatshirt Orders are being accepted through Tuesday, November 19.  The cost is $40 and order forms can be found in Mr. Britt's room, Room 236.  
If you ordered a Junior Powder Puff t-shirt they are here. Shirts are available for pick-up after school today or Friday in room 214. Remember, if you have not paid for your shirt, you will not get to keep your shirt. Thank you!

The Chinese Culture Club will be meeting on Monday, November 18 after school in Room 223.   We will be taking our yearbook picture.  We hope to see you there!

Anyone who signed up for Open House on Sunday needs to arrive by 12:15 in uniform and come to the History Hallway. If you have any questions come to the Admissions Office.

The O’Connell crew program will be offering a fall leaf removal service in your neighborhood the weekend of November 16-17th. Our team will be working to earn money to help cover costs and expenses for our upcoming spring 2014 season. The cost per hour of leaf raking with 3-5 students and a supervising adult will be $75.  Services include: Raking, Bagging, Sweeping/blowing of leaves off driveways and walkways. Any contributions made to O’Connell Crew above the value of the service are tax deductible. If you would like to schedule your service, please email Scott Kelley at kelleystree@gmail.com

 Join us this evening from 6:30 – 8 p.m. for a little MidKnight Madness! A raffle, a dunk contest, a scrimmage, free game tickets, and awesome entertainment are yours for only $1 … and your donation will directly benefit Ronald McDonald Charities. Come on out and be part of something awesome!

Attention Juniors and Seniors this is the last day that Superdance committee forms will be accepted. Be sure to bring your form to the SCA room. You don’t want to miss out on being on one of the 12 committees of Superdance.

On November 16, history will be made at Bishop O’Connell High School as the Wounded Warrior amputee football team takes on the Redskins and NFL Alumni. Redskins stars Brian Mitchell and LaVar Arrington, whose father is an amputee veteran, will host this tribute along with more than 25 other Redskins and NFL Alumni including Larry Brown, Derrick Dockery, Eric Metcalf, Kevin Glover, Eric Sievers, CC Brown, Stan Gelbaugh, Tony Lilly, Bruce Laird, Ted Vactor, Mack Alston and as promised, HISTORY WILL BE MADE  on November 16 as Mike Bass of the ‘72 Redskins will be joined by the Miami Dolphins kicker Garo Yepremian as they will reenact that famous Super Bowl 7 play – a play that is considered the #1 “Football Folly” in NFL history… Bring your cameras to record this historic moment…”.  Please continue watching as we share this short video. For more information, please go to: www.woundedwarrioramputeefootballteam.org.

Today is our Blood Drive.  Faculty and staff, yesterday you received an email with a list of donors attached. Donor appointment cards will be delivered to advisories. If you are donating blood, please be sure to eat something and drink liquids before your appointment. You must also bring with you your appointment card and a picture I.D. If you have any questions, please see Mrs. Black in the upper gym.

Who: any one of the O'Connell community; What: Holiday Mail for Heroes, writing a card to a soldier overseas; Why: brightening the holiday of those to serve and protect.   Where: room 216 When: November 25, November 26, and Dec 2 at Knight time in room 216. or after school from 3-320 p.m. in room 216 How: come to room 216 during knight time to write a card to a solider overseas. Any questions: see Miss McNulty for details.

OCVED, the Game Design club meeting for today Tuesday, Nov 19 has been canceled.  We will meet next week, Nov. 26, as scheduled.

O'Connell Girls Lacrosse conditioning will be on Wednesday, November 20 and Friday, November 22. Please meet outside of the weight room at 3:30pm and bring all of your lacrosse equipment.

Reminder – Wednesday is a dress holiday to support families affected by the typhoon in the Philippine’s. If you wish to participate, bring $5 to your Advisory Teacher and you will receive a wrist-band. Students are highly encouraged to wear the colors of the Philippines’ flag (blue, red, yellow, and white).

There will be a philosophy club meeting today (11/19) after school in room 215. The topic will be The Problem with Economies.

Global Studies students, if you are not receiving emails from Ms. Webb, please see her in room 319 or email her to confirm your email address.

Attention seniors, if you missed the first deadline or if you would like to purchase an additional senior sweatshirt, you're in luck. Additional Senior Sweatshirt Orders are being accepted through today (11/19). The cost is $40 and order forms can be found in Mr. Britt's room, Room 236.

Bishop O’Connell was proud to host the Wounded Warrior Amputee Football Team as they took on NFL alumni in a flag football game on McMurtrie Field on Saturday, Nov. 16. The stands were full, and the local media was in full force. Despite the overcast skies and the chill in the air, it was an afternoon to remember.

Bishop O'Connell students were rooting for the Wounded Warrior team, as many of them had met members of the team in their classrooms the previous day. On Friday, a group of four servicemen had visited with various classes and participated in an afternoon pep rally, giving the school community an opportunity to show their personal appreciation and respect to these wounded warriors.

As a part of the Saturday pre-game activities, Bishop O’Connell also welcomed back two of their own graduates who participated in the game as members of the NFL alumni team.

Eric Metcalf '85 Presented with Athletic Hall of Fame Award
Eric Metcalf graduated from Bishop O’Connell in 1985, where he starred on the track and on the football field. He still holds school records for the long jump, triple jump, 100, 200, and 400 meter runs. Metcalf went on to play football and run track at the University of Texas, before embarking on his career in the NFL. He spent most of his career as a wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns, but played for other teams, including the Washington Redskins and the Atlanta Falcons, where he caught 104 passes in one season (1995).

Metcalf was inducted into the inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame class of Bishop O’Connell in 1991, but was unable to attend the ceremony at that time. Before the flag football game began, he was presented with his award by Head of School, Dr. Joseph Vorbach III, and his former coaches, Fred Benevento and Jim Hayes. Fred Benevento is also a 1969 graduate of Bishop O’Connell, and a member of the Athletic Hall of Fame.

Bob Asher '66 Also Returned to Participate as NFL Alumnus
Bob Asher graduated from Bishop O’Connell High School in 1966. Also a member of the Bishop O’Connell Athletic Hall of Fame, he was three-sport star and Athlete of the Year at O'Connell, and still holds the shot put record at the school. He was named an All-American football player at Vanderbilt University and played center and offensive tackle for two Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl teams before finishing his career in 1976 with the Chicago Bears.

Recognizing Former NFL Player and  O’Connell Football Coach
The Bishop O’Connell community also took a moment before the game to dedicate a field-side bench in honor of a former football coach, Steve Trimble, who passed away unexpectedly in 2011. Trimble was a beloved coach and mentor at Bishop O'Connell, who also happened to be an accomplished high school, college and professional football player. Read more about Coach Trimble HERE. Participating in the dedication and blessing ceremony were Trimble's widow, Gretchen, along with Dr. Vorbach, school chaplain Rev. Phillip Cozzi, baseball coach Rick Hart and former O'Connell teacher and coach (and NFL player) T.J. Fitzpatrick.

See and hear more about this special afternoon:

US Army - Veteran Amputee Team rumbles with Washington Redskins NFL alumni/

To find out more about the Wounded Warrior Amputee Football team, visit www.woundedwarrioramputeefootballteam.org.

On Monday, Nov. 18, students from O’Connell’s Global Studies Program and Unity Council attended the Anti-Defamation League’s annual Concert Against Hate at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. This powerful and inspirational event honors heroes in the fight against intolerance, extremism and terrorism. Stories are told about individuals who chose to act when faced with hatred and bigotry.

Soon after entering the Kennedy Center’s grand foyer, students were able to meet Nesse Galperin (pictured left, with chaperones, second from right), a devoted volunteer at the United States Holocaust museum and passionate advocate of Holocaust education. Originally from Lithuania, Ms. Galperin lived through a ghetto, a concentration camp, four labor camps and a death march. Her father was killed in the gas chamber at Auschwitz. She immigrated to Washington in 1950.

The 2013 honorees included:

Representative John Lewis, one of the most important leaders of the Civil Rights Movement,

Jose Antonio Vargas, who covered the Virginia Tech shootings and founded “Define American

Daniel Pearl, who was kidnapped and murdered by a terror group working with Al Qaeda four months after the September 11 attacks

Judy and Dennis Shepard, parents of Matthew Shepard, who was murdered in 1998. Their work led to the  passing of the Federal Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

Bishop O'Connell students, accompanied by faculty members, Dan and Monica Stabile, and Andrew Edmondson, were deeply touched and inspired by the stories told by celebrities Charles S. Dutton, Omar Epps, Harvey Keitel and Gabrielle Union. At the end of each story, the National Symphony Orchestra performed a specially-selected piece of music.

Who: any one of the O'Connell community; What: Holiday Mail for Heroes, writing a card to a soldier overseas; Why: brightening the holiday of those to serve and protect.   Where: room 216 When: November 25, November 26, and Dec 2 at Knight time in room 216. or after school from 3-320 p.m. in room 216 How: come to room 216 during knight time to write a card to a solider overseas. Any questions: see Miss McNulty for details.

Today and tomorrow are the last days to contribute to the Turkey Blitz. Please be generous.

Global Studies students - We will have our next event in our speaker series the day we return from Thanksgiving break- Tuesday, December 3rd directly after school in the library. Our quest speaker will be architect and O'Connell alum, James McCrery. Please let Ms. Webb know if you are unable to attend this meeting.

O'Connell Girls Lacrosse conditioning will be Friday, November 22. Please meet outside of the weight room at 3:30pm and bring all of your lacrosse equipment.

Attention all Interact and Medical Missionary club members! Yearbook pictures will be taken for both groups today (11/21) after school in room 326.  Please be prompt.

Juniors, please see Mrs. Cunningham in room 317 this week if you are interested in applying to the Japanese Governor's Academy next summer. NO Japanese language experience is necessary. 

The O’Connell Health Services Club ran their first blood drive of the year on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Students, staff, and faculty encouraged each other to support the cause and come together for this life saving event. One of the INOVA Blood Donor Services staff members also rolled up his sleeve and gave blood. As a result, 51 units of blood were donated, which can provide blood for more than 150 local patients in urgent need.

Special thanks were extended to all blood donors, with particular recognition given to many first-time donors.

The Health Services Club, led by Jenny Zinzi and Olivia Giaquinto, organized this blood drive and provided donor support throughout the day. The club’s moderator is school counselor, Kathy Black.

“The O’Connell community is sensitive and responsive to the needs of others,” said Black. “The members of the Health Services Club provided a comfortable environment and positive experience for our donors, and we hope they will continue giving blood, encourage others to do the same, and ultimately become life-long donors.”

On March 25, 2014, Bishop O’Connell will host the second blood drive of the school year. Until then, if anyone would like to be a blood donor, please visit an INOVA Blood Donor Services facility. Of the people eligible to donate, only less than five percent do. A unit of blood will help save up to three people. Be a donor by giving the gift of life.

Who: any one of the O'Connell community; What: Holiday Mail for Heroes, writing a card to a soldier overseas; Why: brightening the holiday of those to serve and protect.   Where: room 216 When: November 25, November 26, and Dec 2 at Knight time in room 216. or after school from 3-320 p.m. in room 216 How: come to room 216 during knight time to write a card to a solider overseas. Any questions: see Miss McNulty for details.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to yesterday’s dress holiday in support of Catholic Relief Services’ efforts to help all those effected by the Typhoon in the Philippines earlier this month. We were able to raise over $5,000 that will be sent to Catholic Relief Services.

Will the Freshmen SCA Officers please come to the SCA room after announcements today.

The Varsity Hockey team is facing off against rival Bishop Ireton, today at 4pm at Kettler IcePlex in Arlington. Be there! Go Knights!

Invitations have been mailed for the Annual Christmas Dinner for our Senior Ladies and their dads is on December 11. RSVPs are due on Monday! Please see Mrs. O’Reilly if you would be interested in Adopting a Dad for this event as we have “dad” teachers that would love to escort you! Thank you

SCA Officers, and councilors… please plan on staying after school on Tuesday, December 3, and possibly Wednesday, December 4, to help set up the cafeteria for the Christmas season!

Good luck to senior Royalettes: Carina Falcon, Sydney Parker, Daisa Harris, Thalia Falcon, Anna Keyes and Emily Bond who will be in New York City next week representing O'Connell and performing in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!"

Today is the last day to contribute to the Turkey Blitz. Please be generous.

Global Studies students - We will have our next event in our speaker series the day we return from Thanksgiving break- Tuesday, December 3rd directly after school in the library. Our quest speaker will be architect and O'Connell alum, James McCrery. Please let Ms. Webb know if you are unable to attend this meeting.

O'Connell Girls Lacrosse conditioning will be today. Please meet outside of the weight room at 3:30pm and bring all of your lacrosse equipment.

Juniors, please see Mrs. Cunningham in room 317 this week if you are interested in applying to the Japanese Governor's Academy next summer. NO Japanese language experience is necessary. 

Thank you to all the students and faculty who came to see the Civil Christmas musical. Just a reminder to everyone involved in the performance that the cast party is after school today in the auditorium.

Who: any one of the O'Connell community; What: Holiday Mail for Heroes, writing a card to a soldier overseas; Why: brightening the holiday of those to serve and protect.   Where: room 216 When: November 25, November 26, and Dec 2 at Knight time in room 216. or after school from 3-320 p.m. in room 216 How: come to room 216 during knight time to write a card to a solider overseas. Any questions: see Miss McNulty for details.

Invitations have been mailed for the Annual Christmas Dinner for our Senior Ladies and their dads is on December 11. RSVPs are due today (11/25)! Please see Mrs. O’Reilly if you would be interested in Adopting a Dad for this event as we have “dad” teachers that would love to escort you! Thank you!

SCA Officers, and councilors… please plan on staying after school on Tuesday, Dec. 3, and possibly Wednesday, December 4, to help set up the cafeteria for the Christmas season!

Good luck to senior Royalettes: Carina Falcon, Sydney Parker, Daisa Harris, Thalia Falcon, Anna Keyes and Emily Bond who will be in New York City next week representing O'Connell and performing in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!"

Today is the last day to contribute to the Turkey Blitz. Please be generous.

Global Studies students - We will have our next event in our speaker series the day we return from Thanksgiving break- Tuesday, December 3rd directly after school in the library. Our quest speaker will be architect and O'Connell alum, James McCrery. Please let Ms. Webb know if you are unable to attend this meeting.

Who: any one of the O'Connell community; What: Holiday Mail for Heroes, writing a card to a soldier overseas; Why: brightening the holiday of those to serve and protect.   Where?: room 216. When?: November 25, November 26, and Dec 2 at Knight time in room 216. or after school from 3-320 p.m. in room 216. How?: come to room 216 during knight time to write a card to a solider overseas. Any questions: see Miss McNulty for details.

Juniors, please see Mrs. Cunningham in room 317 this week if you are interested in applying to the Japanese Governor's Academy next summer. NO Japanese language experience is necessary. 

Attention Senior Superlative Winners - Please bring your Senior Superlative Quotes to Mrs. McDonald’s Room, Room 223, by NEXT FRIDAY, December 6th. Thank you!

Invitations have been mailed for the Annual Christmas Dinner for our Senior Ladies and their dads is on December 11. RSVPs are due today (11/25)! Please see Mrs. O’Reilly if you would be interested in Adopting a Dad for this event as we have “dad” teachers that would love to escort you! Thank you!

SCA Officers, and councilors… please plan on staying after school on Tuesday, December 3, and possibly Wednesday, December 4, to help set up the cafeteria for the Christmas season!

Good luck to senior Royalettes: Carina Falcon, Sydney Parker, Daisa Harris, Thalia Falcon, Anna Keyes and Emily Bond who will be in New York City next week representing O'Connell and performing in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!

Today is the last day to contribute to the Turkey Blitz. Please be generous.

Global Studies students - We will have our next event in our speaker series the day we return from Thanksgiving break- Tuesday, December 3rd directly after school in the library. Our quest speaker will be architect and O'Connell alum, James McCrery. Please let Ms. Webb know if you are unable to attend this meeting.

Tennis workouts start today after school at 3:10 pm. Please meet outside of the weight room. Workouts will last no more than one hour. Any questions see Coach Borgiasz in room 123.

Anyone in the O’Connell community is encouraged to write a card for Holiday Mail for Heroes! Go to Room 216 today (Dec 3) after school from 3-3:20pm to take part in holiday cheer! See Ms. McNulty if you have any questions.

Global Studies students- We will have our next event in our speaker series today (December 3rd) directly after school in the library. Our guest speaker will be architect and O'Connell alum, James McCrery. Please let Ms. Webb know if you are unable to attend this meeting.

 SCA Officers, and councilors… please plan on staying after school today (December 3rd) and possibly tomorrow (December 4th), to help set up the cafeteria for the Christmas season!

Junior homerooms and Sophomore homerooms 2A-2G, please report to the auditorium today after lunch for an assembly from KARIOS Prison Ministry.

 Senior Ladies…please be sure to send in your last minute reservations for the Father/Daughter dinner! Thank you!

 Seniors who are applying to Longwood and are doing the onsite interviews for admission decisions need to see Mr. Giska before 12:00 noon for a pass.

The Football team will have a mandatory off season meeting on Thursday, December 5th at 1:40PM in room 146. All returning and interested players, including those involved in winter sports should attend.

Where else can you gather armfuls of information and entertainment to take home, as often as you like, and it is all free? The library is a treasure!" - Wise words of Wendy Lukeheart. Your school library is now accessible on your smartphone or tablet. Download the apps! The library catalog and the research databases are available 24/7 from anywhere. Visit Student Resources and Local Libraries to take advantage of all that is available.

Tuesday - Anchor Schedule

Wednesday - B1 Schedule

Thursday - B2 Schedule (1:25 dismissal)

Friday - Anchor Schedule

SCA Officers, and councilors… please plan on staying after school today (December 4^th) to help set up the cafeteria for the Christmas season!

DJO students - thank you for an awesome job at last night's basketball game!   You were a huge part of the team win. You were our 6th man! You gave us a huge home court advantage! We were loud, we were creative, we were together, we were positive, we were proud, we believed, WE ARE DJO!Thanks and let’s keep it going and have the best student section in the city every game !

The philosophy club meeting scheduled for Thursday is moved to Friday after school in 215. The topic will be "Catholic Economics." See Mr. Allen for more details.

Food Distribution at Saint James is this Friday, December 6 from 6:30-8:30pm.

There will be an It's Academic meeting today in room 112. We will continue to practice for our match in January.

Attention! All Freshmen scheduled for today's field trip with Mrs. Jester and Mrs. Wentzel, please report to the attendance office as soon as attendance is taken in your advisory. The buses will leave at 8!

There is a Spanish Club Meeting immediately after school today (12/4). Please bring $10 for dues if you have not paid yet.

Auditions for The Song of Bernadette are postponed until Thursday after school in the Cafe Vaticano. There will be NO auditions today!

Are you a young lady still looking to get involved in the school? Come to the Young Women's leadership club meeting this Friday to make holiday tags for Expectant mothers in the Gabriel Project. The meeting will be on Friday, December 6th in room 220 at 11:45! Look forward to seeing you all there! 

There will be an SCA meeting for all class officers and councilors on Thursday 12/4 after school in room 230.

Senior Ladies…please be sure to send in your last minute reservations for the Father/Daughter dinner! Thank you!

The Football team will have a mandatory off season meeting on Thursday, December 5th at 1:40PM in room 146. All returning and interested players, including those involved in winter sports should attend.

Where else can you gather armfuls of information and entertainment to take home, as often as you like, and it is all free? The library is a treasure!" - Wise words of Wendy Lukeheart. Your school library is now accessible on your smartphone or tablet. Download the apps! The library catalog and the research databases are available 24/7 from anywhere. Visit Student Resources and Local Libraries to take advantage of all that is available.

All former DJO hockey players are invited to come play in the Knights Hockey Alumni game this winter. The game will be played on Dec 26 at 6 p.m. at the Kettler Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, and will be followed by a social event at a local establishment.

The cost to play is $20, to help subsidize both the ice time and a Knights Alumni Hockey jersey. Please let one of the coaches know if you are available and would like to come out, and help spread the word! Registration deadline is Dec. 10 so that jerseys can be ordered.

Please visit the Facebook event at:

https://www.facebook.com/events/249649685191777/

or contact one of the team coaches below to sign up!

Coach Flip Collins - fcollins@bishopoconnell.org
Danny Bessette - dannybessette@gmail.com or (703)447-3206
Rick Rudolph - rjrudolphjr@gmail.com or (703)597-4573
Max Heimerman - maxheimerman@gmail.com or (202)207-4765

Twelve students and two teachers from Bishop O’Connell traveled to Reims, France in October as part of a long-standing exchange program with a French Catholic high school, Lycée Jean XXIII.

“It is a teacher’s dream to see the students engaged in and speaking the language and becoming passionate about another culture,”said French teacher, Whitney Webb.

Student correspondent, Caroline Boras, caught up with the trip participants and filed this story with the Arlington Catholic Herald.

Also, read a student's reflection on the trip by our blogger, Virginia S., at www.bishopoconnell.org/dayinthelife.

The philosophy club meeting scheduled for today has been moved to tomorrow, Dec 6th after school in 215. The topic will be "Catholic Economics." See Mr. Allen for more details

Food Distribution at Saint James is this Friday, December 6 from 6:30-8:30pm.

This Friday is the First Friday of Advent. Father Cozzi will be celebrating the 7 a.m. mass in the School Chapel. A light breakfast will follow in the Chapel Lounge. All are welcome – it’s a great way to prepare for Christmas.

Attention Freshmen Advisory reps! There will be a brief meeting tomorrow, Friday, during the first portion of Knight Time in room 210. Please be prompt.

Auditions for The Song of Bernadette are today after school in the Cafe Vaticano.

Are you a young lady still looking to get involved in the school? Come to the Young Women's leadership club meeting this Friday to make holiday tags for Expectant mothers in the Gabriel Project. The meeting will be on Friday, December 6th in room 220 at 11:45! Look forward to seeing you all there! 

Mr. Giska is looking for underclassmen volunteers to help assist with Toys for Tots drive. Collections will be until December 16th at the Underwood street entrance before and after school. Please see Mr. Giska in Guidance for more details!

There will be an SCA meeting for all class officers and councilors today (12/4) after school in room 230.

Senior Ladies…please be sure to send in your last minute reservations for the Father/Daughter dinner! Thank you!

The Football team will have a mandatory off season meeting today, December 5th at 1:40PM in room 146. All returning and interested players, including those involved in winter sports should attend.

Where else can you gather armfuls of information and entertainment to take home, as often as you like, and it is all free? The library is a treasure!" - Wise words of Wendy Lukeheart. Your school library is now accessible on your smartphone or tablet. Download the apps! The library catalog and the research databases are available 24/7 from anywhere. Visit Student Resources and Local Libraries to take advantage of all that is available.

Senior Ladies…the RSVP list for the Father/Daughter Dinner has been posted. Be sure to check your reservation. If you have questions please see Mr. Glynn or Mrs. O’Reilly immediately. Thank you! All Junior and Senior SCA Officers and Councilors are asked to stay after school to set up for this evening's dinner.

The Wrestling team had three top finishers at the NOVA classic this past weekend, veterans -Bobby Kurtzke took 2nd at 113lbs. at 145 Tommy Mac Ateer placed 7th; and at 160 Gabe Susinski took 6th.  First season wrestlers - Ibrahim Bah at 120 and Matt Kissinger at 195 both had outstanding matches for their first big tournament. Cheer on the team at their first home match of the season today at 5:30 vs. Dematha and St. John's in the Gym. Go KNIGHTS.

Mr. Giska is looking for underclassmen volunteers to help assist with Toys for Tots drive. Collections will be until December 16th at the Underwood street entrance before and after school. Please see Mr. Giska in Guidance for more details!

ALL DRAMA MEMBERS (cast and crew) AND INTERESTED NEW MEMBERS. Please COME TO THE THEATRE/AUDITORIUM TO PICK UP SCRIPTS FOR our Black Box Production of Bernadette and to hear the ANNOUNCEMENT of THE SPRING MUSICAL! Auditions for the Spring Musical are scheduled for December 16-17 at 3:00 in the theatre.

Students, would you like to study in Spain, at the prestigious University of Salamanca from July 1-16 and earn two College Credits? See Ms. Yanine during Knight Time in room 312. Gracias!

The YMEC (Young Men's Executive Club) has adopted the second floor men's restroom next door to Coach Owens room 224. You will immediately notice the changes upon opening the door! Please feel free to use the amenities our club has provided. We only ask that you "Keep it Classy" and help us to keep it clean and well maintained! Thank you for your support!

Congratulations to Bishop O'Connell's softball head coach, Tommy Orndorff, who was named last month to the 2014 National Softball Hall of Fame by the Amateur Softball Association (ASA). Orndorff, one of only a few managers inducted, will be honored next November at the ASA's 83rd annual council meeting in Reno, Nev.

Coach Orndorff has lead the Lady Knights to a 658-73 record in his 28 years of coaching at O'Connell, which includes an impressive 21 Catholic league tournament championships.

Read more about the Hall of Fame honor in the Arlington Sun Gazette and on the ASA web site.

Find out more about the Bishop O'Connell softball program.

Mr. Giska is looking for underclassmen volunteers to help assist with Toys for Tots drive. Collections will be until today at the Underwood street entrance before and after school. Please see Mr. Giska in Guidance for more details!

There is still time to sign up to be a part of our wonderful Peru Trip! Please come see Ms. Heard for more details. This is a great way to meet new friends and get introduced to South American culture and give back to those who are less fortunate! Don’t miss out on this once and a lifetime opportunity!

Photo club will be meeting during advisory tomorrow to take their yearbook photo.  You must be prompt and in proper uniform. 

Tomorrow the Fashion Club will be meeting at 3:05 to take their yearbook photo. Once again must be prompt and in proper uniform.

There will be a dress-up day to support Catholic Charities on Wednesday, December 18. Students who bring in a minimum of $5 to their Advisory teacher may have a dress holiday on Wednesday. This is a dress-up day – no jeans or sweats, but fun Christmas sweaters can be part of the spirit. Remember that all dress guidelines from the student handbook must be followed.

There will be a SADD meeting today Monday December 16, 2013 in the Upper Balcony of the Auditorium at 11:30 am during Knight Time. We will be electing additional officers at this meeting. You must be present to vote and be nominated.

O'Connell Strength Club will be holding its first meeting today after school at 3:15PM in the health room. The club will discuss what they want on their t-shirts, workout plans, and nutrition plans. Be there. EAT BIG, GET BIG, LIFT BIG"

Auditions for the Spring Musical *The Wizard of OZ*are scheduled for today and tomorrow at 3:00 in the auditorium. Please be prepared to read from the script and sing a song from the play. Thanks!

Attention Returning Football Players -The Football team will begin off-season workouts starting today with morning workouts at 6:30 am and afternoon workouts at 3:15 pm.

Attention SOPHMORES! Sophomore Spirit wear is now on sale! Order forms will be available in advisory. There are four shirts available, or buy the whole set at a discount. Checks and forms are due Dec 18. Thanks!

Attention young ladies of O'Connell. Would you like to meet with other O'Connell ladies to learn, explore, and design games, without the boys always taking over? Meet on Monday, after school in Rm 300, and join in the debut of GD-GIM's (Game Design with Girls In Mind). Seriously, why should the boys have all the fun? That's Monday, Dec. 16, 3PM in Rm. 300. See you there.

Students, would you like to study in Spain, at the prestigious University of Salamanca from July 1-16 and earn two College Credits? See Ms. Yanine during Knight Time in room 312. Gracias!