| LOOKING AHEAD
Thurs. 12/19
6:00 p.m. Christmas Program in Church
Fri. 12/20
Free Dress - Christmas Themed
Early Dismissal 12:15pmÂ
Aftercare open until 3:00 p.m. for PK3 through 5th Grade. Order lunch through Wholesome Food Service.
Mon. 12/23 - Fri. 01/03
NO SCHOOL: Christmas Break 🎄
Tues. 12/24
4:00 p.m. Children's Mass
8:30 pm Caroling & Concert
9:00 p.m. "Christmas Vigil Mass"
Wed. 12/25
10:30 a.m. Christmas Day Mass
Mon. 01/06
Classes Resume
Band
Soccer
Tues. 01/07
Karate
Sewing
Wed. 01/08
Hockey
Italian
Thurs. 01/09
Check Portal/Progress Reports
Amazing Athletes
LEGOs
Chess
Sun. 01/12
Epiphany MassÂ
Mon. 01/13
Band
Coding
Soccer
Tues. 01/14
MAP: Grades 6-8
Karate
Sewing
Wed. 01/15
MAP: Grades 6-8
Open House for prospective parents 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Italian
Hockey
Thurs. 01/16
MAP: Grades 6-8
Amazing Athletes
LEGOs
Fri. 01/17
END OF 2ND QTR
Early Dismissal 12:15pm
Aftercare open until 5:15 p.m. for PreK-3 through 5th Grade. Order lunch through Wholesome Food Service.
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ATTENTION PLEASE!!!
LOST & FOUND
Our Lost & Found is overflowing!Â
Lost & Found is located on a table outside of 4th Grade (main floor hallway); please have a look if you think you are missing something (lunchbags, coats, waterbottles, sweaters, etc)!
There are a lot of OLV P.E. sweatshirts that have been left unclaimed. Feel free to grab one, or two, it's always nice to have a spare.
Please stop by during morning drop off or afternoon pick up if you are missing anything!
Any items remaining will be donated to charity at the end of the school day on Friday, December 20th.Â
Thank you.
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| Wishing you, your family, and loved ones a happy and holy Christmas.Â
Peace and blessings for 2025! ✨
Friendly reminder, 12:15 p.m. dismissal, and aftercare closes promptly at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, December 20th.
Classes resume Monday, January 6, 2025.
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| LETTER TO FAMILIES REGARDING FACTS MIGRATION
I hope you’re having a great week and that each of you is enjoying the blessings of Advent and preparing to celebrate a peaceful and joy-filled Christmas. Please read the letter from Kelly Branaman, Secretary for Catholic Schools, regarding the upcoming migration to FACTS for the 2025-26 school year.Â
In January, all new and current families will re-enroll for 2025-2026 in the FACTS system.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
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| SANTA HAD A MERRY TIME AT OLV! 🎅🎄
Ho, Ho, Ho! A very, merry thanks to Lusine Simonyan and Saba Vakili for hosting Breakfast with Santa last Saturday, and a very big thank you to the 4th and 5th Grade parents for all of their help.Â
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| CHRISTMAS THANK YOU
Thank you to all who donated to our Advent Giving Tree. A special thank you to Meredith Goleman for delivering the gifts to St. Anthony's.Â
Your generosity continues to make spirits bright!
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| OLV ORNAMENTS
Missed the opportunity to purchased OLV Christmas ornaments? Just stop by the office with $10 to pick one up before December 19th. When they're gone, they're gone!
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| IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS!
This week students are invited to continue to show their Christmas Spirit by wearing the following:
Thursday: Costume or Clothes for the Christmas program (instead of uniform)
Friday: Christmas Sweater/T-shirt/Outfit (instead of uniform)
All the above are optional; students may always wear their regular uniform without festive accessories.
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| FROM THE COUNSELOR
Here are some great tips that can help us practice mindfulness during the holidays. The routines are shifted and bedtimes are pushed ! Wishing you all a safe and peaceful holiday season !Â
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
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| OLV CHRISTMAS PROGRAM 🎄🎵🎶
Looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow evening, December 19th, for our Christmas play, A Fairy Tale Christmas Carol, in the Church.
8th Grade ONLYÂ please arrive at 5:30 p.m. and enter through the Whitehaven entrance. Siblings will need to wait until 5:45 p.m.
Students in PK3-7th, please arrive at 5:45 p.m. and enter through the playground door #6 and meet in their classrooms.Â
After drop-off, parents should find a seat in the church. Please remember to keep aisles clear both for safety and ease of use for classes moving during the performance.
Students in PK3, Pre-K4, and KÂ will meet their parents at the back of the Church after their performance - 2nd song - to remove their costumes and join their families in the pew, so please save a seat for them.Â
Students in Grades 1-8Â will sit with their classes for the performance. Students must bring all their belongings to the church as they will be dismissed after the performance.
Teachers have communicated costume information in class emails, but check with the teacher if you need guidance regarding how your child should dress.Â
Please note that tomorrow, December 19th, aftercare will be available until 5:45 p.m. to full-time aftercare students. We cannot accommodate drop-in students.Â
Please note, parking will be very limited for the program. Families with older children are encouraged to utilize the parking on Whitehaven, CVS (fees), or street parking so that families with younger children may use the parking lot along with grandparents and guests.Â
Also, please let guests know that there is NO PARKING available in the rectory lot (located across the small playground) and that vehicles should NEVER drive through the small/narrow alley behind the church - it is only for pedestrians.
Thank you for your understanding.
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| UPCOMING HALF-DAY & AFTERCARE:
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20TH
Friday, December 20th, is a half-day for students.
Please remember that Aftercare will close promptly on December 20th at 3:00pm for the Christmas holiday.
Registered full-time and registered drop-in aftercare students ONLY, will be allowed to order from Papa John's through our Wholesome Food Service provider.
* PLEASE DO NOT ORDER PAPA JOHN'S 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?
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| UPDATE: HOUSING FOR OUR UKRAINIAN FAMILY
One of our Ukrainian families in need of housing has signed a one-year lease for an unfurnished apartment, which costs $1,600 a month, not including utilities.
We want to support this family in setting up their home. If you have household items to give, please send a photo and description to me at smartinez@olvschooldc.org, and we will offer the family the donation.
We want to purchase a sofa bed and a bed for the child; if you would be willing to donate towards the cost of a bed or other items that might be needed, you can make a one-time gift to the Church:
https://membership.faithdirect.net/DC32
Write in the notes section Ukrainian RefugeeÂ
Or
You may mail or drop off a check to the school or church with Ukrainian Refugee in the memo line.
All donations to the Church or School for this cause will be tax-deductible. Let's give this family a comfy, welcoming home for Christmas!
Thank you in advance for your generosity!Â
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| TUITION INCREASE FOR 2025-26 SY
The school advisory board is making a recommendation to the parish finance council and Father Andy for a rise in tuition by 5.75% - 6.15% (or $742 - $794 per child) for the 2025-26 school year. We hope that families understand this is needed due to the rate of inflation and increased costs to maintain our salary goals for our faculty.
If this will provide an undue burden for your family, PLEASE take the following actions:
1. Let Sheila or Father Andy know as we will work with families to ensure that an OLV education remains affordable for your child(ren).
2. Apply for ADW Tuition Assistance TODAY: the deadline is Friday, February 21, 2025.Â
Even if you need to submit further documents later, at least have an application on file with the ADW by Friday, February 21, 2025.
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| ADW PARISHIONER GRANT 2025-26
Over the Christmas break, please begin making plans for the potential tuition increase for the next school year. Re-enrollment and the official tuition rates for the 2025-26 school year will be announced in January. As you make financial plans for 2025-26, please reflect on whether your family needs the ADW Active Parishioner Grant.
Families who are financially able and willing to pay the full tuition rate are encouraged to do so. When families pay the full tuition rate for their child's education, it contributes to the financial stability of our school while allowing OLV to continue to provide tuition assistance to those families with the greatest need.
The ADW Active Parishioner Grant is budgeted as a "loss" of revenue for the school. Just to clarify, OLV is not reimbursed for this grant by the ADW and relies on donations and other contributions to cover the loss.
As a reminder, to be considered for the ADW Active Parishioner Grant, a family must be registered in an Archdiocesan of Washington parish for a minimum of one year prior to school registration. It is expected that those families who claim the ADW Active Parishioner Grant will attend Mass regularly, participate in parish ministries and activities, and contribute financially to the support of an Archdiocese of Washington parish. In addition, in order to qualify, a letter must be furnished to OLV from the pastor of the ADW parish indicating that the family is in good standing and meets the requirements stated. If these criteria are not met, families will be expected to pay the full tuition rate.
Please reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns.
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| ACTIVE PLAY PROGRAMS:Â
Active Play is looking forward to offering enrichments at Our Lady of Victory (OLV) this winter! Additional details below.
If you are interested in signing up your child(ren) for one or more of these programs, please register prior to this Friday, December 20th.Â
We look forward to having your child(ren) with us!
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SEWING - SAY IT AIN'T SEW! (GRADES PK/K & 1-5)
Start Date: January 7th
Tuesdays: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.Â
At our after school sewing classes, you'll learn the fundamentals of sewing and discover how to create beautiful projects that highlight your individuality and creativity. Our classes are fun, informative, and beginner-friendly, providing you with a solid foundation of skills that you can build upon as you progress in your sewing journey.Â
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| FLOOR HOCKEY (GRADES K-2)
Start Date: January 8th
Wednesdays: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.Â
This class introduces kids to the sport of street hockey and is great for players with and without experience. Kids will learn how to hold the stick, pass, shoot and play all positions. Classes will be split up between learning the skills of the game and then scrimmaging.
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| LEGO BUILDERS (GRADES PK/K)
Start Date: January 9th
Thursdays: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.Â
This hands-on club helps develop fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork, all while sparking creativity and providing hours of fun. Whether constructing a castle or designing a race car, kids will leave each session with a sense of pride in their creations and a love for building with LEGO!
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| ADVANCED LEGOS (GRADES 1-5)
Start Date: January 9th
Thursdays: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.Â
Our LEGO classes are designed to inspire creativity and build valuable skills in a fun and engaging way. Children will have the opportunity to work with fellow classmates while developing vital teamwork abilities as they build their unique creations. With a focus on hands-on experience, our LEGO classes are the perfect way to stimulate your child’s imagination.
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| 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!
Saturdays - 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, 8th, 15th and 22nd
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.
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| CODING CLASS
Minecraft: Avatar the Last Airbender (1st-5th)Â
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!
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| MARTIAL ARTS (PK-8th)
Start Date: January 7th
Tuesdays: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.Â
COST: $368Â -Â Includes Belt Promotion (12 classes)
New Students Receive a FREE UNIFORM.
All fees due by first class - No refundsÂ
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.
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| 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
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| 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
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| SIBLING REGISTRATION: THE EARLIER THE BETTER
Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now being accepted! Â
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. Â
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 TADSÂ here.
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| 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.
Deadline:
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:
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| 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.
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| JOIN US FOR CHRISTMAS
Please join us at one of the following times to celebrate our Savior's birth:
Christmas Eve: Tuesday, December 24th
4:00 p.m. - Children's Mass
8:15 p.m. - Caroling & Concert
9:00 p.m. - "Christmas Vigil Mass"
Christmas Day: Wednesday, December 25thÂ
10:30 a.m. - Mass
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| ADVENT PRAYERS - HALLOW APP
Catholic School Families can try Hallow for free!
Pray Every Day this Advent on Hallow, the #1 Prayer App
Join Hallow's Advent Pray25 and pray with millions around the world as we prepare our hearts to celebrate Christ's birth.
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| JOIN THE OLV PARISH
If you are interested in joining our parish, please click here for complete details.
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| 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.
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