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Swim & Dive Team Breaks Records

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Assistant Athletic Director Tommy Orndorff catches up with the swim and dive teams and shares their latest triumphs, highlighting their stellar performances at the recent Virginia Independent School Athletic Association (VISAA) Swimming and Diving Championships at the Freedom Aquatic Center in Manassas, Va.

Among the many highlights were a few records broken:

Sophomore Sarah Cahill broke a 15-year old O'Connell team record in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:05.40.

Senior Jack Gigliotti, who will be diving for Virginia Tech next year, won the state championship and broke the oldest school record on the board (set in 1988). His one-meter diving score was 424.05.

Read much more in the latest edition of our sports blog, The Week That Was.


Admiral McKnight Visits Global Studies Program

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Students in the Global Studies program welcomed Rear Admiral Terence E. McKnight as their guest speaker for an after-school discussion. Admiral McKnight shared his experiences commanding a multinational anti-piracy task force off the coast of Somalia beginning in 2007. He provided insights into the causes and costs of piracy, and the different approaches the U.S. Navy has undertaken to deter and prevent this international crime.

The students asked questions about his personal experiences with pirates and also working with naval crews from around the world. Many had seen the recent motion picture, Captain Phillips, and he was able to draw parallels to the film, helping the students visualize conditions and situations in the Gulf of Aden.

Admiral McKnight is the author of Pirate Alley: Commanding Task Force 151 off Somalia. At the end of the discussion, he signed a copy of the book to add to the Bishop O’Connell library.

Read more about Admiral McKnight at admiralandthepirates.com.

Feb. 26, 2014

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ATTENTION SENIORS WORKING WITH THE JUNIOR RETREAT: Fr. Cozzi is conducting a training session for seniors who are working the junior retreat on Friday, February 28th. Please come to the auditorium balcony at 11:15 Friday morning. The meeting will take place during Knight Time. Please be prompt in signing in.

There will be a general meeting of the French Club on today, February 26, at 3:10 p.m. It will be held in Room 311.

The O'Connell sailing team will hold a bake sale this Thursday during all lunches. There will be cookies, cupcakes and Smoothie King.

There will be a FBLA meeting on Thursday, February 27th at 3:30 in room 118. We will have a guest speaker. We will also be taking our yearbook photo. You must be in full uniform.

Help is needed by Freshmen and Sophomores for the Community Yard Sale on March 8! Please come sign up in the Christian Service Office. 

All students can find updated opportunities to volunteer on X2VOL. Come by during lunch to speak with Ms. Heard about more details!          

Are you interested in photography? Vintage cameras? Looking to improve your visual kinesthetic skills? The Photography Club will be having a guest speaker during A and B lunch on Friday in room 302. All are welcome, however must RSVP with Mrs. Carr or club president, Nala Chehade

Global Studies students - Our next event will be today (2/26) directly after school in the library. Our honored guest speaker will be author, Rear Admiral Terry McKnight, who will be discussing his military career as well as his book, Pirate Alley: Commanding Task Force 151 Off Somalia.

Feb. 27, 2014

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ATTENTION SENIORS WORKING WITH THE JUNIOR RETREAT: Fr. Cozzi is conducting a training session for seniors who are working the junior retreat on Friday, February 28th. Please come to the auditorium balcony at 11:15 Friday morning. The meeting will take place during Knight Time. Please be prompt in signing in.

All officers of the Health Services Club must go to Mrs. Black's office immediately after announcements.

Global Studies SENIORS- the last day to see or email Ms. Webb to schedule an individual appointment is next Wednesday, March 5th.

Finally! The Dancing with the Stars Ballroom Dancing classes begin today in the cafeteria from 3:15pm-4:45pm. We still have plenty of spaces available! If you signed up for the classes please stop by and see Coach Owens before the end of school today!

The meeting for junior NHS applicants scheduled for Thursday in the balcony will start at 1:30 right after 6th period.

Superdance Registration will take place in the cafeteria on Friday during all lunch periods. Currently Sr. Elizabeth’s Advisory leads the Superdance Trivia Contest. Go 1A! Superdance Guest forms must be returned by next Friday, March 7. Only 18 days to Superdance! Be sure to register! Currently the senior class leads the way …Superdance chairs and co-chairs… meet today in Mr. Glynn’s room at 1:30.

Students from St. John's parish in McLean need to turn in their permission form for Mass and a pizza lunch with Fr. Thompson to the chaplain's office as soon as possible.  The event takes place on Friday, March 7th.

The O'Connell sailing team will hold a bake sale today (2/27) during all lunches. There will be cookies, cupcakes and Smoothie King.

There will be a FBLA meeting today (2/27) at 3:30 in room 118. We will have a guest speaker. We will also be taking our yearbook photo. You must be in full uniform.

Help is needed by Freshmen and Sophomores for the Community Yard Sale on March 8! Please come sign up in the Christian Service Office. 

All students can find updated opportunities to volunteer on X2VOL. Come by during lunch to speak with Ms. Heard about more details!          

Are you interested in photography? Vintage cameras? Looking to improve your visual kinesthetic skills? The Photography Club will be having a guest speaker during A and B lunch on Friday in room 302. All are welcome, however must RSVP with Mrs. Carr or club president, Nala Chehade

Feb. 27, 2014

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Global Studies SENIORS- the last day to see or email Ms. Webb to schedule an individual appointment is next Wednesday, March 5th.

Seniors working with the Junior Retreat need to meet with Fr. Cozzi in the auditorium balcony at 11:15 TODAY.

Attention Freshmen and Sophomore Advisories - Please ask your advisees to take home the blue folders for "Theology of the Body!" this weekend.

Health Services Club officers for this year and the 2014-2015 school year must see Mrs. Black at the beginning of A lunch. If you cannot meet at that time, you must see her at the beginning of advisory.

Congratulations to Kathryn Baker for qualifying for the Washington Area Metro Finals Debate tournament next weekend. Good luck!

Students from St. John's parish in McLean need to turn in their permission form for Mass and a pizza lunch with Fr. Thompson to the chaplain's office as soon as possible.  The event takes place on Friday, March 7th.

Help is needed by Freshmen and Sophomores for the Community Yard Sale on March 8! Please come sign up in the Christian Service Office. 

All students can find updated opportunities to volunteer on X2VOL. Come by during lunch to speak with Ms. Heard about more details!          

Five Students Honored at All-Catholic Art Show

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Five Bishop O’Connell students earned honors at the 5th Annual All Catholic School Art Competition held Feb. 21 at Georgetown Visitation in Washington, D.C.

Thao Khia ’15 won first place in the 3D art category for her “Altered Book.” In the drawing category, Caroline Nelson ‘16 earned second place for “Why Me,” and Christopher Miller ‘14 was awarded third place. Also in the drawing category, Ryan Brideau ’15 (“Elephant”) and Keyong Heyon Min ’14 (“Speaking About Ants”) achieved honorable mention.

All of these students are in Joe Crivella’s Advanced Art Honors class. “I am extremely proud of this group of students,” said Crivella. “Their pieces show a great deal of work and talent, and am happy to see them recognized in this way.”


Thao Khia - "Altered Book"


Caroline Nelson - "Why Me?"


Ryan Brideau - "Elephant"


Christopher Miller


Keyong Heyon Min - “Speaking About Ants”

 

 

Dr. Vorbach's Blog on African-American History Assembly

Feb. 28, 2014

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Global Studies SENIORS- the last day to see or email Ms. Webb to schedule an individual appointment is next Wednesday, March 5th.

Seniors working with the Junior Retreat need to meet with Fr. Cozzi in the auditorium balcony at 11:15 TODAY.

Attention Freshmen and Sophomore Advisories - Please ask your advisees to take home the blue folders for "Theology of the Body!" this weekend.

Health Services Club officers for this year and the 2014-2015 school year must see Mrs. Black at the beginning of A lunch. If you cannot meet at that time, you must see her at the beginning of advisory.

Congratulations to Kathryn Baker for qualifying for the Washington Area Metro Finals Debate tournament next weekend. Good luck!

ish in McLean need to turn in their permission form for Mass and a pizza lunch with Fr. Thompson to the chaplain's office as soon as possible.  The event takes place on Friday, March 7th.

Help is needed by Freshmen and Sophomores for the Community Yard Sale on March 8! Please come sign up in the Christian Service Office. 

All students can find updated opportunities to volunteer on X2VOL. Come by during lunch to speak with Ms. Heard about more details!          


Mar. 3-7, 2014

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Monday - NO SCHOOL
Tuesday - NO SCHOOL
Wednesday - B2 Schedule (AM Mass)
Thursday - B1 Schedule
Friday - Anchor Schedule

Mar. 5, 2014

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Global Studies SENIORS- the last day to see or email Ms. Webb to schedule an individual appointment is next Wednesday, March 5th.

Every Friday of Lent, Fr. Cozzi will celebrate the 7 a.m. Mass in the School Chapel. A light breakfast will follow in the Chapel Lounge. This is a great way to observe Lent. All are welcome!

There is a rehearsal today after school for all students being inducted into the World Language Honor Society.  Please report promptly at 3pm to the lobby outside the auditorium. Rehearsal should last approximately 30 minutes.

Students from St. John's parish in McLean need to turn in their permission form for Mass and a pizza lunch with Fr. Thompson to the chaplain's office as soon as possible.  The event takes place on Friday, March 7th.

Help is needed by Freshmen and Sophomores for the Community Yard Sale on March 8! Please come sign up in the Christian Service Office.  All students can find updated opportunities to volunteer on X2VOL. Come by during lunch to speak with Ms. Heard about more details!    

Superdance Guest forms must be returned by this Friday, March 7th. Only 10 days to Superdance! Any advisory with 100% registration will enjoy a free breakfast from SCA! The grade with the highest percentage of registered students will also receive a free breakfast… fyi… Currently the senior class leads the way.

Mar. 6, 2014

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Every Friday of Lent, Fr. Cozzi will celebrate the 7 a.m. Mass in the School Chapel. A light breakfast will follow in the Chapel Lounge. This is a great way to observe Lent. All are welcome!

We’re talking donations to get in at a certain time, bring a guest if you have filled out a form- that is fine. DJ-ing, acapella, and teacher performances, come fight for the cure and see what Superdance really is! Don’t worry we will feed you around 5 o’clock, then go back on the dance floor and get ready to rock! Superdance Registration will take place after school in the cafeteria today, and during all lunch periods tomorrow.This Friday is the last day for Guests to register! THAT MEANS, TOMORROW, OR YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO BRING A GUEST. FORMS CAN BE FOUND ON THE REGISTRATION TABLE OR ONLINE. Only 9 days to Superdance! Any advisory with 100% registration will enjoy a free breakfast from SCA! The grade with the highest percentage of registered students will also receive a free breakfast. Congratulations to the Freshmen class who are now whooping the seniors!

All Superdance chairs and co-chairs…please meet in room 230 after school today.

Attention Keyettes! If you missed the meeting on Wednesday, please see Mrs. Graif or Mrs. Koranek for the agenda and sign-up form.  There are a lot of service opportunities this month.

Any of the Juniors who have indicated interest in attending Girls State in June, please see Mrs. Wentzel in Room 326 to schedule your interview time this Friday.

There will a Philosophy Club meeting in Mr. Allen's room 215 after school on Tuesday, March 11th. The topic will be "The Idea of the University: What is College?"

The Mass and pizza lunch for St. John's parish with Fr. Thompson will take place tomorrow, Friday, March 7th.

Help is needed by Freshmen and Sophomores for the Community Yard Sale on March 8! Please come sign up in the Christian Service Office.  All students can find updated opportunities to volunteer on X2VOL. Come by during lunch to speak with Ms. Heard about more details!    

Senior Named Northern Virginia Football Player of the Year

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Congratulations to senior Marquis Rowe, who was named Private School Player of the Year at the Northern Virginia Football Hall of Fame annual banquet held Mar. 2 at the McLean Hilton.

"Marquis has been an outstanding performer both on and off of the field while at O'Connell,” said Head Football Coach Del Smith. “He has played an important role in our team’s success over the past two seasons and is very deserving of this recognition."

Rowe recently signed to play football for Iowa Western College—former NJCAA football national champion. He is a three-year starter for Bishop O'Connell, where he was dubbed "Mr. Everything,” playing receiver, running back, defensive back and kick returner. Rowe was named VISAA All-State, All-MET, All-WCAC, and an All-Arlington player this season. Rowe was also the Knights’ MVP.

Pictured: Marquis Rowe with Coach Del Smith at the awards banquet. That's quite a trophy!

Parents - Join the Lenten Journey

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Join Us!

The students and faculty celebrated Mass and the distribution of ashes with Father Cozzi this past Wednesday to start the Lenten season. What are your Lenten plans for the next 40 days? In order to make the journey this Lent as fruitful as possible there are opportunities available for you, the parents and guardians, to participate in at Bishop O’Connell.

Opportunities include:

  • Mass in the chapel every Friday, followed by coffee and pastries
  • Eucharistic Adoration on most Tuesdays and Thursdays
  • Rosary on Monday afternoons in the chapel
  • Stations of the Cross
  • An Early Bird Prayer Group

The Spirituality Committee of the PTO invites you to join them in this journey. Find out more at www.bishopoconnell.org/ptoedspirit.

 

Mar. 7, 2014

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Students please don't forget to SWIPE in every day! You will be receiving your appointment time to visit your counselor over the next week to go over course selection.

Superdance Registration will take place during all lunch periods today. Today is the last day for Guests to register! Only 8 days to Superdance! Any advisory with 100% registration will enjoy a free breakfast from SCA! The grade with the highest percentage of registered students will also receive a free breakfast. Congratulations to the Freshmen class who are now whooping the seniors!

Today’s Pledge of Allegiance was in Latin by the President of the Latin Honor Society (Colleen Roney) and the Prayer was in German by the president of The German Honor Society (Peter Bean). Right now we will have interesting facts: Did you ever wonder why the language of ancient Rome was called Latin and not Roman? The answer is in the fact that Romans spoke the language of the district in which they lived, Latium in Italy. Now you know! Did you know that Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was a famous German writer and he said: Every day we should hear at least one good song, read one good poem, see one great picture and speak some sensible words. Now you know!

Attention students and faculty… don’t forget, it’s time for our Community Indoor Garage Sale this Friday and Saturday from 10 AM-1:00 PM.  Come with everyone you know to get those special bargains and treasures for you or your loved ones. Seniors, just think…you can furnish and decorate your college dorm room with items from the sale!  

There will a Philosophy Club meeting in Mr. Allen's room 215 after school on Tuesday, March 11th. The topic will be "The Idea of the University: What is College?"

There is food distribution at St. James Church this evening from 6:30 – 8:30. Thank you!

The Young Republicans will be having a meeting next week Wednesday, March 12th. This will probably be one of our last meetings for this year! We are having a guest speaker , Alison Rentschler. Alison works on Barbara Comstock's campaign for congress and she will be talking about life on the campaign along with many internship opportunities she wants to share with us (we all know internships look great on college resumes!) The meeting will last 20-30 mins in room 326 and of course there will be delicious food!

There will be an FBLA meeting on Thursday, March 13 at 3:30 in room 111. 

Tomorrow, Saturday March 8th, It's Academic will feature Kevin Thumin, Srijan Bhasin, Victor Ascensao and Joshua Spier representing Bishop O'Connell taking on Suitland and W.T. Woodson High School. You can catch the episode at 10:30AM on NBC channel 4.

Every Friday of Lent, Fr. Cozzi will celebrate the 7 a.m. Mass in the School Chapel. A light breakfast will follow in the Chapel Lounge. This is a great way to observe Lent. All are welcome!

World Language Week at O'Connell

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“We have strong evidence today that studying a foreign language has a ripple effect, helping to improve student performance in other subjects.”  - Richard Riley, former Secretary of Education.

Once a year, Bishop O’Connell celebrates National World Language Week with a variety of events and activities aimed at raising awareness for the study of languages and world cultures. 

This year, the week was observed March 3-7. During the week, the O’Connell school day began with the Lord’s Prayer and a “Hail Mary” offered in a world language, and on Friday, music from around the world was piped through the hallways between class periods.

The week culminated with the World Language Honor Society induction ceremony, on Thursday, Mar. 6, where 97 students were welcomed into French, German, Latin and Spanish Honor Societies. Each society has specific requirements, but all honorees have maintained a superior grade point average over the past two years and have demonstrated a high level of effort and interest in their respective language.

Dr. Joseph Romero, Ph.D. was the guest speaker for the ceremony. He is an associate professor of Classics at Mary Washington University in Fredericksburg, and is also a 1986 graduate of Bishop O'Connell. While earning his B.A. in Classics (Latin) from Mary Washington, he studied at the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome. He went on to attend Duke University where he received his Ph.D. in Classical Studies in 1999. Dr. Romero also spent a year in Munich, Germany on fellowship at Thesaurus Linguae Latinae Institute. His research interests include Latin poetry of the Augustan era and Latin language pedagogy.

Special thanks to the PTO volunteers for the beautiful reception that followed the evening celebration, and to our faculty for their dedication to teaching of world languages.


DJO Cheer Wins National Title

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Congratulations to the Bishop O'Connell varsity cheerleading squad who claimed the national title in the Large Varsity division at the 2014 Christian Cheerleaders of America (CCA) Cheer Nationals held in Winston-Salem, N.C. on Mar. 7-8. Cheerleading teams from more than 20 states were represented at this event.

The competition started off with a bang for the O'Connell cheerleaders in the stunt competition. O'Connell formed two stunt teams to compete in the Varsity division and both delivered stellar performances, finishing second and third overall.

This set the stage for Friday's first round of the Large Varsity cheer division. The O'Connell squad scored a 92 out of 100 in this preliminary round.

"Our team had a near flawless routine," said Head Coach Lacey Jacobsen. "This gave them a definite edge and added confidence going into Saturday's finals."

In the final round, O'Connell's performance did not disappoint, and the squad won first place and the national title in the Large Varsity division.

"Their enthusiasm, confidence and pride shined through in every stunt, tumbling pass, cheer and jump," remarked Jacobsen. "The sense of accomplishment showed on each of their faces when they walked off the mat. What a perfect way to end this season!"

What's next? The team will say goodbye to and honor seniors, Julia Lisbeth, Tilly Mubiru, Alexa Saffelle, Tori Van Horne, and Grace Young at the year-end banquet. Then they will begin practicing and preparing for tryouts and next year.

"Our goal is to continue to grow as a program, increase our skill level and to compete again at the national level," said Coach Jacobsen.

Pictured below - Varsity cheerleaders celebrate their national championship at the CCA award ceremony on Mar. 8.

Mar. 10-14, 2014

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Monday - Anchor Schedule
Tuesday - Anchor Schedule
Wednesday - B1 Schedule
Thursday - B2 Schedule (1:25 Dismissal)
Friday - Anchor Schedule

Students Win Irish History Essay Contest

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Congratulations to sophomore Claire Stemberger and junior John Patterson who were awarded first and second prize, respectively, in the 2014 Irish History Essay Writing contest hosted by the local division of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH). The winning essays are now sent on for consideration at the state and national levels.

This year's contest asked students to research and write about the origins and present day influence of the Book of Kells.

Laura Corbett from the local division of the LAOH came to Bishop O'Connell to present the awards in person. She praised Claire for her ability to convey her thoughts easily and succinctly, and John for his in-depth research and his sense of humor, which came out in his essay.

The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians is a national organization founded in 1894 in Omaha, Neb. to help young Irish women who immigrate to the United States find comfort by being around others with similar backgrounds and to help them find employment. Today they still hold true to their motto, "Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity." The LAOH today focuses on charity work and promoting Irish history.

Pictured (left to right) - Assistant Head of School Carl Patton, Claire Stemberger (1st place), Laura Corbett (Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians), John Patterson (2nd place), and Head of School Joe Vorbach.

Mar. 10, 2014

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There will be a Model UN meeting today right after school about VIMUNC. All are welcome.

Tickets are now on sale for Broadway Desserts! Reserve Friday evening, March 21, 2014 to attend an elegant evening of Broadway musical selections performed by O'Connell music students. Student tickets are $5. Visit our table during lunches to learn more about the event and to purchase your tickets.

The Game Design with Girls In Mind club (GD-GIM) will meet after school today in Rm. 300. All are welcomed to attend.

The National Latin Exam will be held today at 11:30. If you are a taking the test you need to eat A lunch and then report at 11:30 to your assigned room. Room assignments are posted on the World Language Hall as well as on Edmodo. Bona Fortuna!

The Largesse literary magazine will be holding a brief meeting after school today in room 321. Anyone who's interested in submitting original artwork, photos, poetry or fiction is welcome to attend! The meeting will be brief -- and we should be out by 3:30 pm.

There will a Philosophy Club meeting in Mr. Allen's room 215 tomorrow after school. The topic will be "The Idea of the University: What is College?"

The Young Republicans will be having a meeting this Wednesday, March 12th. This will probably be one of our last meetings for this year! We are having a guest speaker , Alison Rentschler. Alison works on Barbara Comstock's campaign for congress and she will be talking about life on the campaign along with many internship opportunities she wants to share with us. The meeting will last 20-30 mins in room 326 and of course there will be delicious food!

There will be an FBLA meeting this Thursday, March 13 at 3:30 in room 111. 

The blood drive scheduled for Tuesday, March 25 has been cancelled for several reasons including days missed from school due to snow. If you would still like to donate blood, please go to inova.org/donateblood to make an appointment.

Superdance Registration will take place during all lunch periods today and tomorrow and after school. HERE are some Reasons to Register for SUPERDANCE:

Any advisory with 100 percent registration will enjoy a free breakfast from SCA! The grade with the highest percentage of registered students will also receive a free breakfast. Congrats to the freshman class who currently leads the way.

Students who are registered for Superdance are allowed to dress out on Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday. Each day is themed. Wednesday is Marvel day so you can dress as your favorite Super Hero or Villain, Thursday is Disney day so you can dress as your favorite Disney character, and Friday is Black and White day as a tribute to how movies only used to be black & white.

Mar. 11, 2014

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Tickets are now on sale for Broadway Desserts! Reserve Friday evening, March 21, 2014 to attend an elegant evening of Broadway musical selections performed by O'Connell music students. Student tickets are $5.00. Visit our table during lunches to learn more about the event and to purchase your tickets.

There will be an Ecology Club meeting after school today in room 236 at 3:15. We will be discussing ways to help the environment in our communities. All are welcome

There will a Philosophy Club meeting in Mr. Allen's room 215 today after school. The topic will be "The Idea of the University: What is College?

The Young Republicans will be having a meeting this Thursday, March 13th. This will probably be one of our last meetings for this year! We are having a guest speaker , Alison Rentschler. Alison works on Barbara Comstock's campaign for congress and she will be talking about life on the campaign along with many internship opportunities she wants to share with us. The meeting will last 20-30 mins in room 326 and of course there will be delicious food!

There will be an FBLA meeting this Thursday, March 13 at 3:30 in room 111. 

There will be a brief meeting of the OCVED Game Design Club after school today, @ 3:15pm in Rm. 300. All are welcomed to drop by.

The Photo Club will be having a meeting after school on Wednesday, March 12th in room 302. All are welcome.

Superdance Registration will take place during all lunch periods today and tomorrow and after school. HERE are some Reasons to Register for SUPERDANCE:

Any advisory with 100% registration will enjoy a free breakfast from SCA! The grade with the highest percentage of registered students will also receive a free breakfast. Congrats to the freshmen class who lead the way with 40%!

Students who are registered for Superdance are allowed to dress out on Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday. Each day is themed. Wednesday is Marvel day so you can dress as your favorite Super Hero or Villain, Thursday is Disney day so you can dress as your favorite Disney character, and Friday is Black and White day as a tribute to how movies only used to be black & white.

 

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