Please read carefully...
Please read carefully...
Our First Communion class attended their Baptism Retreat where they heard the story of when Jesus was baptized and made personal scrapbook pages.
LOOKING AHEAD
Thurs. 11/21
Check Portal/Progress Reports
Chess
Sun. 11/24
9:00 a.m. Family Catechesis: Advent Wreath Retreat for  Confirmation Candidates
Mon. 11/25
Band
Coding
Cooking
Soccer 
Tues. 11/26
8:15 a.m. School Mass hosted by 2nd Grade in the Church. All are welcome.
Early Dismissal 12:15pm 
Aftercare open until 3:00 p.m. for PK3 through 5th Grade. Order lunch through Wholesome Food Service.
Wed. 11/27 - Mon. 12/02
NO SCHOOL: Thanksgiving Break
Tues. 12/03
Classes Resume
Karate
7:00 p.m. Walking Together in Hope
Wed. 12/04
8th Grade - HSPT
Italian
Thurs. 12/05
Chess
Fri. 12/06
OLV Choir to Sibley Hospital
OLV Gala
Mon. 12/09
8:15 a.m. Mass - Immaculate Conception
Band
Coding
Cooking
Soccer
Tues. 12/10
Karate
Wed. 12/11
Open House for prospective parents 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Italian
Thurs. 12/12
Check Portal/Progress Reports
Chess
Fri. 12/13
Field Trip - 1st & 2nd Grades
Sat. 12/14
Breakfast with Santa  9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
FRIENDLY REMINDER

Please write/label your child's name on ALL ITEMS - uniform, jackets, water bottle, lunch box, etc.
All previous owner names should be removed and renamed with current owner's name.
This will help us to return items to students quickly if needed.
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Please read the attached letter from Ms. Kelly Branaman, Secretary for Catholic Schools. Secretary Branaman asked each school principal to read this letter to students in fifth through eighth grade. Due to school safety concerns across the country, the purpose of this letter is to remind students of the power of their words. We hope that you will have a conversation with your child to help them to understand the potential implications of making any kind of threat (even in jest) towards themselves, others or Our Lady of Victory. Also, please remind your child to tell you, and a teacher, if they see or hear any threat.
Last week, we reminded 5th-8th graders to consider whether any item brought to school would pass through a TSA security check. As a good rule of thumb, if the item (grater, cake knife, pocket tool, toy weapon, etc.) would not make it through airport security, it should not be in school.
In the event of any perceived threat, the police and community are notified, the student is isolated and may not return to school until the conclusion of an investigation and a psychological evaluation which affirms that the child is not a threat to themselves or others. There may also be required interventions or consequences up to and including suspension or expulsion.
Students were encouraged to share with a trusted adult any concerns or worries about threats. One of the most successful preventative mitigation strategies to a critical incident in a school is a student report. "If you see/hear something, say something."
Be assured that there are no known concerns at this time. The safety of our school community remains our priority. Please read the 2024-2025 Parent Student Handbook for more information regarding our policies and procedures in the event of a threat or safety concern. 
HEART FELT THANKS
Dear OLV Family, 

      I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your support during this difficult time. Your presence at Luba's funeral and your kind words of condolences have been a source of comfort for me and my family. It means so much to know that we have friends like you who care deeply about us and are willing to stand by our side through the toughest of times. The presence of David and Sophia classmates was heartwarming. It was truly appreciated and always will be remembered that Luba loved everything about OLV and having your incredible support and love for Luba will always be remembered and appreciated. Thank you for being there for us and for honoring the memory of Luba. Your friendship and support have made a significant difference in our lives and we are forever grateful. 

With heart felt thanks, 
Joe Afram

UPCOMING HALF-DAY & AFTERCARE:
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH

Tuesday, November 26th, is a half-day for students.
Please remember that Aftercare will close promptly at 3:00pm for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Registered full-time and registered drop-in aftercare students ONLY, will be allowed to order from Tropical Smoothie through our Wholesome Food Service provider.
* PLEASE DO NOT ORDER TROPICAL SMOOTHIE FOR YOUR CHILD FOR THE DATE ABOVE IF THEY DO NOT USUALLY ATTEND AFTERCARE. *
* WE WILL NOT BE COLLECTING MONEY FOR LUNCH. *
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR ORDERS WITH WHOLESOME FOOD SERVICES BEFORE 1:00 P.M. THE DAY BEFORE.
New to the program?
Registration is free, and there is no obligation!
- Select Register to create an account.
- Select Your School by name.
- Set up a profile for each child by selecting Add Profile.
- Select Order Now to view menus and place orders.
- Enter your credit/debit card information to pay securely online.
Need help?
Call their 24/7 customer support line at 800.872.0226 or email them at support@wholesomefoodservices.com.
FROM THE COUNSELOR
Here is a great article that suggests ways to reinforce the importance of gratitude.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Mrs. Kristin Short, counselor@olvschooldc.org.
LAB SCHOOL - THE RESERVOIR GROUP SERVICES
In partnership with Our Lady of Victory, The Reservoir Group (TRG) at The Lab School of Washington is happy to offer direct 1:1 or small group sessions to OLV students in Grades PK3-8th with its team of expert Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Psychologists.
Sessions can take place at OLV or at The Lab School of Washington before, during, or after the school day, creating an easy option for busy students and parents.
Please see the attached for more information and fees.
CANTOR CHOIR - 5TH GRADERS WELCOME TO JOIN
Calling all 5th-8th Graders interested in serving in the OLV Cantor Choir. Students will have an opportunity to serve as music ministers for school Masses. The choir trains students to lead vocally and liturgically, developing life-long skills for participation in church and liturgical ministries. Students do not need to be Catholic to participate.
The choir serves the weekly school Masses and special liturgies. 
On Friday, December 6th, the choir is invited to sing at the Sibley Memorial Hospital.
For this special occasion, the choir will rehearse on Monday, November 25th at 1:45 p.m. and Tuesday, December 3rd (to be confirmed.)
During the school year, the choir will practice on Mondays at 12:15 p.m. (recess for middle school) on weeks when we have a Tuesday school Mass. Additionally, students are to report directly to the church at 8:00 a.m. on the day of Mass.
Please let Jill Kalinski know if your child is interested language_arts@olvschooldc.org.
THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE THROUGH NOVEMBER 25TH
OLV is collecting food from families in anticipation of the Thanksgiving holiday; all items will go to So Others Might Eat (S.O.M.E.). 
Please bring at least 6 cans of non-perishable items by Monday, November 25th.
The following items are of particular interest:
- Canned fruit in natural juice or water
- Canned vegetables or beans, low-sodium
- Canned meats (chicken, salmon, tuna)
- Low sodium soups
- Meals in a can (such as chili, stew, pasta, chunky soups, etc.)
- Whole wheat pasta and pasta sauces (no glass jars, please)
- Low-sugar cereal and instant oatmeal
- Healthy snacks (cereal bars, pretzels)
- Nuts (individual serving sizes)
- Cooking Oils and vinegar
You can leave any donations in the back of the church or against the wall in the transept on your way to church or school. 
For more information about S.O.M.E. or to volunteer, please check https://some.org/.
Students who bring 6 or more items for the drive will be able to wear free dress on Tuesday, November 26th (honor system).
Thank you for your generosity!
OLV BASKETBALL CLINIC
Blue Hawks are invited to come and participate in the OLV Basketball Clinic. It is focused on the fundamentals of basketball with an emphasis on teamwork, 100% effort, and having fun!
Saturday- 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
at St. Patrick’s Episcopal School Gym
4700 Whitehaven Pkwy NW, Washington, DC 20007

Note: The gym is across the street from the St. Patrick's school on the same side as OLV.
January 11th, 18th, 25th, and February 1st, 11th, 8th, 15th and 25th
Registration Fee: $125 per child
Open to OLV Students and Parishioners Pre-K thru 2nd Grade
Sign up at Sports Pilot link Below
Parent Volunteers are needed! Virtus Compliance is required.
Please contact one of the coaches below with any questions.
Brian Vassallo @ vassallo1@verizon.net
Sarah Krolman @ Sarah.A.Krolman@uscg.mil
John Westhoff @ john.t.westhoff@gmail.com

CODING CLASS
Minecraft: Avatar the Last Airbender (1st-5th) 
Start Date: January 13th
Mondays: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
COST: $224
The balance of the Minecraft world is disrupted! In this
riveting class, students will dive into the immersive world of
Avatar the Last Airbender, harnessing the power of coding
to master the 4 elements: air, water, earth, and fire!
Click Here for flyer or Register Here. 
MARTIAL ARTS (PK-8th)
Start Date: January 7th
Tuesdays: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 
COST: $368 - Includes Belt Promotion (12 classes)
New Students Receive a FREE UNIFORM.
All fees due by first class - No refunds 
Master instructor Mike Wholihan has over 50 years of experience and is currently teaching at Our Lady of Victory, St. Andrew Apostle, Severn, St. Mary's, St. Peter's, and Ridgely Retreat. Evening, weekend, and private lessons are also available.
SUPERSTAR SOCCER (PK3-K)
OLV Winter After School Superstar Soccer registration is now open.
Start Date: January 6th
Mondays 3:00 pm-4:00 pm
COST: $176 (8 classes)
$35 registration fee includes a soccer jersey
Username: OLV
Password: sportsfun
Also attached is a copy of the the Superstar Soccer flyer.
AMAZING ATHLETES (Pre-K4-1st)
OLV Winter After School Amazing Athletes registration is now open.
Start Date: January 9th
Mondays 3:00 pm-4:00 pm
COST: $176 (8 classes)
$30 registration fee includes a jersey
Username: OLV
Password: sportsfun
Also attached is a copy of the the Superstar Soccer flyer.
CHRISTMAS EVE MASS
On Tuesday, December 24th, OLV will celebrate Christmas Eve Mass with a Children’s Liturgy at 4:00 p.m.
If you would like your child/children in Grades Pre-K4 and up to participate, please email Mrs. Sague at vice_principal@olvschooldc.org with your child/children’s name(s) and grade(s) by Monday, December 2nd.
Please write "Christmas Eve Mass 2024" in the subject line.
Practices for school children will be held during the school day while Religious Education students will rehearse on a Sunday. Looking forward to a prayerful Advent and joyful Christmas season!
OLV GALA - A CHRISTMAS MASQUERADE - FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6TH 
There is still time! Join us for a magical evening and support your favorite school at the same time. Please consider a sponsorship at the Blue Hawk Backer level in honor of your favorite student(s).
Please email Gala chairs Annie Baker Hoar anniembaker@gmail.com or Nia Lizanna nia.lizanna@gmail.com with any questions.
SIBLING REGISTRATION: THE EARLIER THE BETTER
Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now being accepted!  
School parents who have an additional child or children to register for next year are asked to log into TADS and apply online as soon as possible.  
We will need:
- Birth certificate
- Baptismal certificate (if Catholic)
- Transcripts
- A teacher recommendation form in the child's file by mid-December (upload to TADS).
An in-person class visit will be scheduled once your child's application is received and his/her file is complete.
Applications are online through TADS here.
Questions? Please contact Sandy Ledesma at admissions@olvschooldc.org.
ADW FINANCIAL AID
The Application for the 2025–2026 Archdiocesan Tuition Assistance Program is now available on the ADW's website here.
Families may apply online through their online TADS account.
All families currently receiving financial aid in any form from OLV school are required to submit an application to ADW in order to be considered for OLV Aid for the 2025-26 school year.
Deadlines are:
High Schools - December 16, 2024
K-8 Schools - February 21, 2025
Don’t forget to turn in your tuition assistance participation forms!
Parents should contact TADS with any questions about their application.
Customer service support is available in English and Spanish.
Contact Information:
If you have any other questions please email  tuitionassistanceprogram@adw.org.
ANNUAL FUND
We need your help! We are designating this year's Annual Fund to support financial aid for families in need, campus improvements such as our parking lot, upgrades to recess spaces, LED lighting for the school building’s second floor, and the operating budget of the school. Our goal is to raise $150,000 through the 2024-2025 Annual Fund by June 30, 2025.
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation this week as your means allow, at Make A Gift or by dropping off a check at the school office.
Thank you for your consideration.
PARISH NEWS
ADVENT WREATHS
You are invited to a special opportunity to create Advent Wreaths for this coming season! All materials are provided for you to craft a wreath here or at home. Materials will be available on  Sunday, November 24th for religious education students and Confirmation candidates from 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. and for everyone after 10:30 a.m. Mass during hospitality time in Hess Auditorium. 
Also, following the Advent Wreath Retreat, Confirmation Candidates will celebrate the Rite of Enrollment during the 10:30 Mass.
WALKING TOGETHER IN HOPE
Cardinal Gregory has approved an ongoing synodal pastoral planning process for parishes to envision, plan, and implement your recommendations! 
OLV has been chosen as a pilot parish for four listening sessions.
School parents are encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible and bring a friend! If you miss one, you can still attend any/all of the others. All sessions will occur in Hess Auditorium.
PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS
December 3rd, 7:00 p.m.
IV: “The Beauty of Our Catholic Faith” 
Do you have any questions about the listening sessions? Please contact Sean Phillips at olvparishdre@gmail.com.
JOIN THE OLV PARISH
If you are interested in joining our parish, please click here for complete details.
SUNDAY PARISH BULLETIN
If you would like to receive an electronic version of the weekly bulletin and email updates/blasts from the parish, please sign-up here online.
To read the latest OLV Parish Bulletin, please click here.
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