From the Business Office Go-->

From the Principal

Dear Parents,

Prayers
Please keep the following in your prayers as they or members of their family face illness or recover from surgery: Mrs. Berlene West, mother of faculty member Mrs. Joy Gardner, who is about to have surgery and chemotherapy for lung cancer; Bishop Dunne Voyager Award recipient Mr. Lee Posey, as he continues to battle pancreatic cancer; senior Crystal Cortés, who continues to recover from lung surgery; sophomore Xavier Matthew, who is recovering from surgery and now undergoing chemotherapy for leukemia; senior Laura de la Paz, who continues to recover from surgery; Mrs. Krissy Kistner, wife of faculty member Mr. Michael Kistner; Mrs. Angie Cummings, as she recovers from knee surgery; Ms. Anita Barbagallo, sister of faculty member Mrs. Vivian Toole, who is seriously ill; and Mrs. Marie Piazza, grandmother of senior Sarah Azar, who is seriously ill.

Please keep in your prayers those members of our community who are going through the difficulty of losing a family member: cafeteria manager Mr. John Forstner, whose mother Louis Stratton, passed away; faculty member Ms. Beth Dies, whose grandmother Wilma Roberson, passed away; senior David Ortega, and alumnus Joseph Ortega, whose grandmother Angie G. Saenz, passed away; 7th grader Armon Williams, whose uncle Jimmy Porter, passed away; and faculty member Mr. Isaac Bell whose aunt, Ms. Eunice Mallory, passed away.

Welcome!
Congratulations to faculty member Tim Hall and his wife Natalie, on the birth of their son, Avery Glen Hall. Avery was born on December 24, 2007, at 3:48 p.m., and weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces and measured 19 inches.

Confirmation
Please congratulate our students who were confirmed on Sunday, February 3, 2008, by Monsignor Milam Joseph in a beautiful ceremony at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church. We welcome these young people into our church:

Lent
Lent begins this Wednesday on Ash Wednesday and concludes on the Great Vigil of Easter. Lent is a forty-day liturgical season that initiates the most sacred part of the Christian year. Sundays are not included in the forty-day count because every Sunday is a joyful celebration of our Lord’s resurrection. During Lent, we meditate on the great paschal mystery -- the salvation God won for us sinners by the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

“Lent is time when Catholics are called to recognize the wounds inflicted upon the dignity of the human person, linking the nailing of Jesus to the cross with society’s contempt for life and human exploitation,” said Pope Benedict XVI.

In his Lenten message, Pope Benedict focused on love, the theme of his encyclical Deus caritas est (God is love), and the responsibility of Christians to respond to love in dealings with others.

“The response the Lord ardently desires of us is above all that we welcome his love and allow ourselves to be drawn to him,” the Pope said. “Accepting his love, however, is not enough. We need to respond to such love and devote ourselves to communicating it to others.”

We encourage students to begin Lent with some kind of fasting, such as giving up certain kinds of food for the duration of the forty-day season. In place of or in addition to a food fast, Christians sometimes commit to give up a pleasurable activity or dedicate themselves to almsgiving. Focus on prayer and devotions is also especially emphasized during Lent. The school cafeteria will not serve meat on Ash Wednesday or on Fridays during Lent and we will encourage students to donate to Operation Rice Bowl. We want to teach our students that Lent is not about our giving up something to please God. Lent is about what Christ gave up to pay the penalty for the sins of the world -- His holy and innocent life.

Registration for 2008-2009
Registration for continuing students who wish to be enrolled at Bishop Dunne for the 2008-2009 school year has now begun. As was noted in the January Falconer, this year will mark a milestone as we will be offering the option of interactive online registration for the first time. Also new for the 2008-2009 school year will be some new and varied financing options in addition to the Texas Catholic Community Credit Union program.

The online registration system will be available in mid-February. For those who desire paper copies, the registration forms are available right now in the front office. Parents should complete either the online or the paper process, but not both. Both processes will accomplish the same goal of having your student(s) reregistered for the 2008-2009 school year, but the online version will save significant time. To use the online registration, all currently enrolled families will receive an email with a link to their personalized online registration. When the link is clicked, all of the information we have on file will be displayed. Parents will simply need to update any information that has changed, select payment type, and submit. Families choosing to use the paper registration forms should come to the front office and collect the paper version of the registration form, emergency form and the enrollment contract. These forms must then be completed by hand, notarized and returned to Mrs. Brooks in the Business Office no later than March 1, 2008.

Each fall the Directors of Admission from the seven Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Dallas agree on a single release date for all of our admission letters for new students. We do this to avoid confusion and conflict, since we know many students will apply to more than one Catholic High School. New admission notification letters are generally mailed to families in the second week of March. Knowing exactly how many places are available for us to fill has become increasingly important at Bishop Dunne as we approach our full enrollment capacity. For this reason, for 2008-2009, we need to have your completed registration forms and registration fees for your returning students back by March 1, 2008. Returning students in good academic and social standing who complete and return their registration paperwork and deposit by March 1, 2008, are guaranteed a space for 2008-2009. ALL RETURNING STUDENT REGISTRATIONS RECEIVED AFTER MARCH 1, 2008 WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A SPACE AVAILABLE BASIS, AND WILL BE SUBJECT TO A $200 LATE REGISTRATION FEE.

The fee for registration has been set at $300 per student. Those continuing students who register after the March 1 postmark deadline will be subject to a $200 late registration fee, resulting in a total registration cost of $500 for those registering after March 1, 2008.

If you use the Texas Catholic Community Credit Union (TCCCU) to pay the tuition and fees (excluding the registration fee) over time, the first of ten monthly payments will be due on July 5, 2008. The TCCCU will also be making their enrollment forms available online this year. In order to meet the first payment date, you must have submitted the TCCCU forms by March 1, 2008. By doing so, the Credit Union will have sufficient time to process your request and mail you the required payment information. If you plan to pay the upcoming year’s costs in advance, all tuition and fees are due no later than July 1, 2008. Any additional individual class fees subsequently incurred will be billed at a later date. To take advantage of this option, please complete the enclosed Agreement to Pay Tuition and/or Fees in Advance form.

This year Bishop Dunne has received certification from TERI – The Educational Resource Institute. This certification means that Bishop Dunne families are now eligible to obtain funding through a number of outside lenders who finance private educations. The lenders offer a much wider variety of terms, interest rates and payments and may be of interest to some Bishop Dunne families. Please be aware that unlike the TCCCU program, these programs do not guarantee acceptance and do require a credit application. More information is available at www.teri.org. Parents are advised to check carefully, as the terms and conditions vary greatly from lender to lender.

We have a new financial aid vendor, School and Student Service for Financial Aid or SSS, for 2008-2009. Financial aid forms are available on line at https://sss.ets.org. Families should complete all financial aid paperwork as soon as possible. After creating your own password, you will need to enter 4721 as the authorization code to gain access to the application. Bishop Dunne offers aid to families on a rolling, funds available basis. Notification of awards will take place 4-6 weeks after your file is completed at SSS.

Geotech 2008
TheGeoTech 2008 Conference will be held at Bishop Dunne during the last week of February. For 20 years the GeoTech Conference has provided a forum to inspire and motivate educators to teach about the Earth – its structure, societies, environments and their interplay – using a wide range of technologies. GeoTech brings together innovative presenters and teachers in all disciplines to share academic and technology innovations. Educators come to this conference seeking the latest in curriculum area content, technology information and training, and teaching ideas.

GeoTech 2008 offers a rich mix of activities spread across three days. On Thursday and Friday, (February 28-29), there are fourteen hands-on/interactive workshops centered around four strands: social studies, language arts, STEM (science, technology, engineering & mathematics), and geospatial technologies. Friday evening provides an informal setting with keynote speaker Dr. “Deepsea Dawn” Wright. Her keynote presentation will be on Saturday morning, kicking off the main GeoTech conference and exhibits. All conference presenters are leaders in the effort to integrate technologies and critical thinking across the curriculum in the K-12 classroom. The calendar of exciting GeoTech 2008 events is on our web site at www.bdhs.org/geotech.

Keynote presenter, Dr. Dawn Wright, is a professor of Geography and Oceanography at Oregon State University, where she has been on the faculty since 1995. Prior to joining the OSU faculty, she was a seagoing marine technician for the international Ocean Drilling Program and a post-doctoral research associate at the NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory in Newport, Oregon. A few years after the deep-sea vehicle Argo I was used to discover the HMS Titanic in 1986, Dawn was presented with some of the first geographic information system (GIS) data sets to be collected with that vehicle while a graduate student at UCSB. It was then that she first became acutely aware of the challenges of applying GIS to deep marine environments. She has since completed oceanographic fieldwork (oftentimes with GIS) in some of the most geologically-active regions on the planet, including the East Pacific Rise, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the Juan de Fuca Ridge, the Tonga Trench, volcanoes under the Japan Sea and the Indian Ocean, and, most recently, American Samoa.

Previous keynote presenters include Dr. Robert Ballard, Dr. Wade Davis, Dr. Jane Goodall, Dr. Mae Jemieson, Coleman McCarthy, Sister Helen PreJean, Dr. Sally Ride, and Dr. Spencer Wells.

National Merit Qualifying PSAT
Please congratulate Stephan Powell and Tonya Warren who were both selected as finalists in the 2008 competition for National Achievement Scholarship. Out of more than 140,000 students who take the PSAT each year less than one percent are chosen as finalists.

Catholic Foundation Scholar
Congratulations to junior Brent Luckey who was named the Bishop Dunne Catholic Foundation scholar! Brent was honored for his work ethic, academic achievements and his commitment to Catholic education. Brent has earned a scholarship from the Catholic Foundation for his senior year.

Black History Program
The African American Awareness Group at Bishop Dunne is hosting the Annual Black History Program on February 28, 2008, at 6:30 pm. The event will be held in the auditorium. In addition to the program, this year we have also included weekly speakers to come and speak with our youth. Our Theme, “For My People,” is inspired by a poem written by Margaret Walker Alexander. This is an event for the entire family, and we hope to see you there!

Tutoring Opportunities at Local Schools
Anson Jones Elementary School, which is located in the Cockerill Hill area, is seeking students to help tutor their elementary students. The students will help on week days immediately after school. St. Cecilia School, which is located in OakCliff, near Davis and Hampton, needs high school students to tutor their students two Saturdays out of the month. Please email Mrs. Alonzo for details, valonzo@bdhs.org

Middle School Online Education
Students who fail (below 70) a Middle School level semester course in Science, Math, Literature, History, or English, must register for a Middle School Online Education makeup course. The Online Education Courses have replaced the traditional summer school program. First semester makeup courses will begin February 4, 2008. All course requirements must be satisfactorily completed by April 30, 2008, in order for the student to be considered for promotion at the end of the school year. The cost of each course is $430.00. You may register your student by contacting Ms. Sandy Brooks in the front office. For questions concerning this process, please contact Ms. Joy Gardner at jgardner@bdhs.org.

Online Education Program Updates
The OEP spring semester classes in English, Math, Science, Theology, Health, and Speech will begin February 4, 2008. Registration will continue through February 29 and payment arrangements can be made through Ms. Sandra Brooks in the business office at 214 339 6561 ext. 233. The Bishop Dunne online classes are asynchronous which allows for late enrollment without penalties. The OEP spring semester foreign language classes will begin February 18 with a class meeting February 15 to explain the process. Students enrolled in OEP classes should check their Bishop Dunne student e-mail accounts daily to obtain their assignments and due-dates. All OEP classes are posted on Edline and are accessible with student or parent passwords. For more information, please contact Mr. Hill Copeland at hcopeland@bdhs.org or Mr. Mario Root at 214 339 6561 ext. 292.

Seniors must complete all credit requirements and course remediation by May 15, 2008, in order to graduate and celebrate commencement exercises with the class of 2008.

Construction
Thank you to all our parents and students for their patience during construction, especially during the gas leak and the water leaks. It has been a very difficult first month of construction as we discover that there are many unmarked water and gas lines. Progress has been halted whenever one has been discovered and we are carefully mapping all lines for future construction. Water quality is periodically tested by Terracon Engineering and deemed completely safe.

During the first six weeks of construction, we have poured a new parking lot and fire lane in the rear of school; installed curbs and gutters from the rear entrance of the school past the cafeteria; installed new storm water piping for field house area; roughed-in plumbing and electrical utilities to the slab of the field house; completed piers and grading for the new field house; and begun preliminary formwork for the sidewalk and pavilion area adjacent to gym.

In February, we plan to finish the concrete work at the pavilion; begin installing the fire sprinkler line and new fire hydrant; install grade beams for the field house; work the underground plumbing and electrical rough-in for the field house; begin the track and field renovation; and install piers and slab for the cafeteria patio.

The new pavilion by the gym will have ADA access to the rear of the school and to the gym. It will also feature an attractive seating area and outdoor meeting area for students and parents. Although the cafeteria is actually Phase IV of our master architectural plan, we are pouring concrete for the patio for the senior students now as we are currently doing so much concrete work for the field house.

Honor Roll
Congratulations to all our students on the Honor Roll!

GRADE 7
Second Quarter Honor Roll with a quarter GPA of 3.5 or higher:
Tianna Carr, Sarah Massey

First Semester Honor Roll with a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher:
Molly Aldana, Bryce Arrington, Devin Hall, Stephanie Howard, Kenne Johnson, Zenora Leggett, Kelly Merlino, Ariana Owens, Jasmine Silva, Sidney Stubbs

First Semester Principal’s Honor Roll with a semester GPA of 3.71 or higher:
Bryce Arrington, Dreu Dixson, Azaria Lanig, Katlin Stubbs, Imani Thomas

First Semester Bishop’s Honor Roll with a semester GPA of 3.85 or higher:
Naomi Alexander, Jackie Arrambide, Mario Baez, Alessia Cavazos, Hollivan Cody, Taylor Crisler, Llewellyn Derry, Lacy Dickey,
Burgundie Donlow, Phillip Epps, Nina Gavos, Gregory Gorman, Richard Guy, Willie Hood, Jr., William Hymes, Earnest Jammer,
Mara Leamon, Max McNutt, Brandon Price, Daniela Ramirez, Victoria Rubealcaba, Sarah Steiger, John Tawil, Keyerra Washington

GRADE 8
First Semester Honor Roll with a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher:
Madelyn Allen, Ericca Branch, Anthony Brown, Taylor Carrtel, Jourdan Long, Alyson Medina, Jason Simmons, Sarah Torres, Zyra Wright

First Semester Principal’s Honor Roll with a semester GPA of 3.71 or higher:
Inioluwa Adedokun, Alexis Ayanru, Maria Curiel, Chelsea Gardner, DeWanna Jackson, Dana White, II

First Semester Bishop’s Honor Roll with a semester GPA of 3.85 or higher:
Nicholas Beeman, Audrey Bogue, Kathleen Carlough, Attika Cox, Michael Evans, Samantha Greenwell, Mackenzie Hall, Llynsie Iglehart
Alexandria Jones, Kamren Jones, Jourdan Kerl-Henderson, Samuel Lane, Jennifer Lyssy, Citadel Mejia, Ruth Menjarez, Olivia Migacz,
Cameron Milam, Briana Monsalve, Miriam Montano, Tabitha Nwansi, Peter Oeftering, Shelby Sanders, Alexandra Sellers, Alexander Small, Brandon Terrell, Brianne Thoman

GRADE 9
First Semester Honor Roll with a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher:
Lorenzo Almanza, Tye Arnett, JoAnne Asenime, Daymond Gardner, Carissa Grove, Rachel Guillory, Crystal Hernandez, Mollie Imlach,
Taylor Irving, Ramiro Marroquin, Chelsea Nkrumah, Ashley Pena, Robert Robinson, Christian Sandoval, Paige Stierman, Joshua Thoman, Shirjuanda Woodson

First Semester Principal’s Honor Roll with a semester GPA of 3.71 or higher:
Stephanie Dossett, Luke Escobar, Chase Gentry, Alexander Greenwell, Rosa Lara, Mayra Martinez, Nicole Monk, Sciorra Montgomery,
Chephirah Nwansi, Nicholas Ramirez, Michael Solares, Austin Yaeger,

First Semester Bishop’s Honor Roll with a semester GPA of 3.85 or higher:
Akilah Booty, Paula Castillo, Brian Cervenka, Scott Evetts, Sarah Felty, Tia Flowers, Meagan Franklin, Tori Gillum, Brian Gross, Elizabet Hernandez, Raquel Kay, Christopher Martin, Ryan Massey, Karl Migacz, Kevin Moore, Mariah Morales, Jonathan Nguyen, Deanna Ramos, Aubrey Reed, Michael Ricard, John Rogers, Hannah Russell-Neill, Sebastian Saldivar, Zachary Smith, Pedro Soares, Sarah Stobb, Mallory Thrasher, Karen Torres, Samantha Wyatt

GRADE 10
Second Quarter Honor Roll with a quarter GPA of 3.5 or higher:
Hector Munoz

First Semester Honor Roll with a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher:
Ignacio Aranda, Michael Caballero, Cristina DeLeon, Cecilia Eubank, Vanessa Fiscal, Lauren Gengler, Jeffrey Jacobs, Danielle Kean,
Shaun Kyser, Harry McNabb, Jessica Park, Bryce Thompson, Ashton Vaughn, Lauran White,

First Semester Principal’s Honor Roll with a semester GPA of 3.71 or higher:
Jamie DeLaat, Anthony Henderson, Chelsea Maxwell, Holt McElroy, Laura Owens, Candice Price, Emily Price, Bobby Watkins, III,
Brianna Whaley, Eric Wright,

First Semester Bishop’s Honor Roll with a semester GPA of 3.85 or higher:
Brianna Aranda, Clarissa Barlow, Christopher Cervenka, Andrea Champion, Michael Cruz, Alexandra Dean, Rebecca Fernandez,
Astrid Fuentes, Jamie Gardner, Alexis Gillum, Teresa Gully, Chance Hairston, Carol Herrera, Alexandria Marcus, Chadwick McDonald, Sarai Morales, Mary Oeftering, Martin Paz, Christine Pham, Amanda Reyes, Raul Saldivar, Michelle Stobb, Jonathan Torres, Jasmine Webb

GRADE 11
Second Quarter Honor Roll with a quarter GPA of 3.5 or higher:
Brandon Brown, Ryan Weiss

First Semester Honor Roll with a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher:
Devin Evans, Jackson Felty, Callie Heimburger, Daniel Howard, Steffi Huerta, Robert Koole-Valdez, Carroll McCann, Christina Miller,
Lisa Moretta, Patrick Moser, Anni Jo Pardo, Valerie Rudman

First Semester Principal’s Honor Roll with a semester GPA of 3.71 or higher:
Rachel DeLeon, Christina Gleason, Ariana Hamilton, Cecilia Hernandez, Alfredo Martinez, Thomas McDaniel, Lesley Moore, Cristal Ortega, Destiny Peters, Jamie Quiambao, Cydni Robertson, Shane Smith, Elliott Valek

First Semester Bishop’s Honor Roll with a semester GPA of 3.85 or higher:
Veronica Aviles, Beth Bacon, Lauren Bailey, Leslie Boorhem-Stephenson, Whitney Davenport, Monica Dominguez, Riley Emmons, Alexa Hanks, Arturo Herrera, III, Lincoln Hill, Cynthia Johnson, Evan Kuterbach, Alexandria Lane, Brent Luckey, Brian Luke, Sean Luke,
John Lyssy, Kathleen Maloney, Jessica Porter, Nicolas Ramos, Paolo Sintobin, Morgan Smith, Jennifer Suter, Alianna Whiteaker-Chudecke

GRADE 12
Second Quarter honor Roll with a quarter GPA of 3.5 or higher:
Roger Ibarra, Monica Jones, Christopher Massey

First Semester Honor Roll with a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher:
Thomas Arispe, Martin Arista,Crystal Cortes, Erica McNairy, Silvia Mora, Elizabeth Najera, Thomas Rea, Zachary Roeber, Michael Savins, Igor Soares, Christopher Valdez, Jerrett Williams,

First Semester Principal’s Honor Roll with a semester GPA of 3.71 or higher:
Ciera Alva, Sarah Azar, Felicia Cruz, Brett Kuterbach, Leslie Lane, Ryan Mathews, Joseph Stepniewski, Lorena Velasquez,

First Semester Bishop’s Honor Roll with a semester GPA of 3.85 or higher
Adreana Barrera, Lauren Birks, Brianna Champion, Hannah Cook, Zenia Curiel, Michael Dean, Samuel Driscoll, Claire Escobar,
Erin Evetts, Hanna Gross, Isabel Lopez, Levi May, Sean Monger, Sarah Oeftering, Maxwell Painter, Ashley Parks, Stephan Powell, Steve Rubealcaba, III, Michael Rudduck, Ernesto Slater, Jr., Samantha Smith, Jessica Torres, Hannah Wangler, Tonya Warren, Brandon West, Rachel West

College Acceptances
Congratulations to our seniors on their latest acceptances to college: Ciera Alva - Baylor University, University of North Texas, and St. Edward’s University; Celina Aranda - University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Texas Woman’s University, and University of Texas, Arlington; Lauren Birks - University of the Cumberlands, University of North Texas, Oklahoma City University and University of Texas, Austin; Brooke Boothe - Houston Baptist University and Newman University; Marybeth Carlough - Iowa State University, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, University of North Texas, and Sam Houston State University; Brianna Champion - Abilene Christian University, Stephen F. Austin State University, and Texas State University-San Marcos; Hannah Cook - Southwestern University and The University of Texas, Austin; Zenia Curiel - Baylor University and Dallas Baptist University; Laura De La Paz - University of the Incarnate Word; Samuel Driscoll - University of Arkansas and University of Kansas; Erin Evetts - Texas A&M University; Hanna Gross - Midwestern State University and St. Mary’s University of San Antonio; Ja-nee Landry - Xavier University of Louisiana; Leslie Lane - Stephen F. Austin State University; Isabel Lopez - Stephen F. Austin State University; Ryan Mathews - Johnson & Wales University; Levi May - Texas Christian University and Texas Tech University; Erica McNairy - University of Houston; Sean Monger - Franciscan University of Steubenville, University of Dallas; Sarah Oeftering - Iowa State University, Texas Tech University and The University of Texas, Arlington; Natalia Ornelas - Angelo State University and Newman University; Ashley Parks - Abilene Christian University, Stephen F. Austin State University and Texas State University-San Marcos; Stephan Powell - The Ohio State University, Texas A&M University, Tulane University and Washington University in St. Louis; Lauren Rodgers - Xavier University of Louisiana; Steve Rubealcaba III - Baylor University; Caleb Scheerer - Angelo State University and University of North Texas; Natalie Simeus - Texas Southern University; Ernesto Slater Jr, - Louisiana State University; Samantha Smith - Baylor University, Southern Methodist University, and Texas A&M University; Philip Stark - University of North Texas, Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi; Tonya Warren - Baylor University, University of Colorado at Boulder, Loyola Marymount University, and University of Oklahoma; Brandon West - University of Houston and Louisiana State University; Rachel West - Stephen F. Austin State University; John Whiteaker-Chudecke - Texas State Technical College; Mike Yang - Louisiana State University, Northern Arizona University, and Oklahoma Baptist University.

Scholarship Awards – Class of 2008
Congratulations to our seniors who have already earned significant scholarship awards – close to $1 million so far. We especially congratulate Ciera Alva, awarded Presidential Scholarship for $20,000; Lauren Birks, awarded $19,600 by the University of the Cumberlands; Brooke Boothe awarded the Board of Trustee Scholarship for $12,000; Laura de la Paz, awarded $12,000 by the University of Incarnate Word; Hanna Gross, awarded the Presidential Academic Success Scholarship for $40,000 and the Trustee Scholarship for $60,000; Isabel Lopez, awarded $12,000 by Stephen F. Austin State University; Ryan Mathews, awarded $6,000 by Johnson & Wales University and awarded the Presidential Academic Scholarship of $20,000; Sarah Oeftering, awarded $34,000 by Iowa State University; Stephan Powell, named Presidential Scholar for $96,000, and awarded $101,200 by Washington University in St. Louis; Steve Rubealcaba, awarded a Merit Scholarship for $28,000; Samantha Smith, awarded President’s Gold Scholarship for $40,000, and named SMU’s Distinguished Scholar for $30,000; Tonya Warren, awarded $40,000 by Baylor University, $50,000 by Loyola Marymount, $15,000 by the University of Colorado at Boulder, and $37,000 by the University of Oklahoma; and Mike Yang, awarded $22,000 by Northern Arizona University, $20,000 by Oklahoma Baptist University, and $28,000 by St. Edward’s University.

On Becoming Aware Writing Contest
Junior and Senior students are invited to participate in a thought provoking writing contest. It will involve the reading of a series of three books written by Kathleen Varner. This writing contest focuses on the meaning within us and sensitivity beyond ourselves as they affect our communication. Winners will receive a cash prize.

Guidelines:

1. Only Junior and Senior students of Bishop Dunne Catholic School may apply.
2. Applications may be picked up and returned to the front desk. Applications must be turned in by Monday, February 11, 2008.
3. All students are expected to read “On Becoming Aware” parts 1, 2, and 3. These books may be checked out from Ms. Johnson in the school library.
4. All participants will be expected to attend a discussion group to be moderated by Ms. Kristen Eklund after school in room 415 on Thursday, February 21, 2008.
5. Essays are due on Monday, March 3, 3008. Winners to be announced during morning announcements on Friday, March 7, 2008.
6. All essays must follow the rubric attached to the application. This rubric will be used by the judges in assessing the essays.
7. Cash prizes to be awarded. 1st place - $300, 2nd place - $250, and 3rd place - $200.

Basketball Service
On Saturday, January 19, the boys’ varsity basketball team participated in a community service activity to help feed the homeless in the Dallas area. The boys made over 60 bag lunches consisting of sandwiches, fruit, chips, cookies, and other snacks for the Dallas Life Foundation which helps provide meals, shelter, and counseling to the homeless. The team delivered the lunches to appreciative Dallas Life Foundation workers in downtown Dallas. The boys who helped in these efforts were Antoine Anderson, Brandon Brown, Noel Dasari, Adam Elchlepp, Nick Holley, Ernesto Slater, Jonathan Thomas, Brandon West, and Devyn Young.

Middle School New Mexico Field Trip
Final payment for the New Mexico field trip was due on Monday, February 4, 2008. There will be a pre-trip mandatory meeting for all parents and students on Thursday, February 13, 2008. Please email Ms. Kearney at ekearney@bdhs.org if there are any questions.

Spinal Screening and Acanthosis Nigricans Screening
Bishop Dunne Catholic School will be conducting spinal screening and acanthosis nigricans screening for all 9th grade students on Thursday, March 6, 2008. The purpose of the spinal screening is to detect the signs of abnormal curves of the spine at their earliest stages so that the need for treatment can be determined. The procedure for the spinal screening is simple. Screeners, who have been specially trained, will look at your child’s back while he or she stands and then bends forward. For this examination, boys and girls will be seen separately and individually. All students will have to remove their shirt for this exam. Girls are requested to wear a halter top, tube top, sports bra, or a two piece swimsuit underneath their shirt on the day of exam.

Acanthosis nigricans is a hyperkeratinization of the skin. It serves as an indicator of risk for Type 2 diabetes and other chronic health problems. The screening consists of a quick, simple visual exam, usually around the neck area. In some cases, the examiner may have to feel the skin for ridges or uneven texture. The student’s height and weight will be measured along with two separate blood pressure readings which will be five minutes apart.

Parents will be notified of the results of the screening only if professional follow-up is necessary. This screening procedure does not replace your child’s need for regular health care and check-ups. If you have any questions, please contact the school nurse, Mrs. Kelly Trojan, at ktrojan@bdhs.org.

Medication
Students are not allowed to keep over the counter medications and prescriptions on themselves or in their lockers during the school day. If a student is in need of a medication, please fill out the correct paper work which is located either in the front office or the health clinic on the 2nd floor at St. Mary’s. If the medication is over the counter, it must be supplied in its original bottle. If the medication is a prescription, it must be supplied in the RX bottle with the student’s name. The only medication a student may carry at all times is a rescue inhaler. Parents are allowed to come to school and administer medications to the students any time during the school day. If you have any questions, please contact the school nurse, Mrs. Kelly Trojan, at ktrojan@bdhs.org.

Volunteer Hours
As the second semester begins, we would like to remind families that there is a requirement to volunteer 40 hours per family per school year. These hours can be completed by helping the school with your time in the office, or at sports and school events. Families can also complete their hours by donating items such as the ones indicated in the list below, or by paying a $200 fee due at the end of May 2008. Your time and donations are greatly appreciated as they help the school in many different ways. For more details on how you can complete your hours, or if you have any questions please contact Mrs. Echavarria at 214 339 6561, ext. 247 or e-mail: nechavarria@bdhs.org and Mrs. Garcia-Blizzard at ext. 225, or email: cgarcia@bdhs.org.

The following is a detailed list of much-needed items:

• Avery #11271 ( 5 ) Tabs Extra Wide Pockets Dividers - PK2135C
• Avery #11440 ( 5 ) Tabs Extra Wide Dividers -with Clear Labels
• Avery #5960 Mailing Labels – White
• Batteries AA & AAA & 9 Volts
• Bottled Water Cases
• Clorox Wipes
• Canned Soft-drinks or juice drinks
• Dry Eraser Markers-Dark Colors-Wide
• Dry Erasers for Dry Erase Boards
• Hanging Folders – Letter and Legal Size
• HP Print Cartridge #20 (black)
• HP Print Cartridge #45 (black)
• HP Print Cartridge #11A (black)
• HP Print Cartridge #53A (black)
• HP Print Cartridge #Q6000A (black)
• HP Print Cartridge #Q6002A (yellow)
• HP Print Cartridge #Q60001A (cyan)
• Hp Print Cartridge #Q7553A (black)
• Hand Sanitizer – flu season is here!
• Kleenex Tissues – flu season is here!
• Label Maker Tape – Brother TZ-241; Black on White ½ inch
• Manila File Folders – Letter Size; 1/3 tab/100 per box
• Pastel Colored Paper – 8 ½ x 11
• Pens – any kind
• Pencils or Mechanical Pencils
• Plain Paper Copier Film Transparencies
• Roll Tape for dispensers
• Red or Blue Folders with Pockets and Brads
• Snacks individually wrapped: chocolate candy, crackers, nutri-bars, peanut butter crackers.
• Staplers & staples
• TAC Adhesive Putty
• White Copy Paper – 8 ½ x 11
• White-Out – liquid or tape

In order to give families credit for their volunteer hours, the donated items must be clearly marked with “Volunteer Hours Donation” and the name of the student or family. If you wish your donation to go to a specific school organization, club, or sport team, please mark the name of the organization. You can bring in your donation to the reception desk and record them in the Volunteer Blue binder at the front desk, during school hours. We thank you for your generous support.

Calendar 2008-2009
The following are proposed dates for the 2008-2009 school year. The calendar will be finalized when approved by the Diocesan office. We hope this will help in your planning for the upcoming school year.

August 2008
August 20 7th Grade Camp and Orientation
August 21 8th Grade Camp and Orientation
August 22 9th Grade Camp and Orientation; new 10th, 11th, and 12th Grade Orientation
August 25 10th Grade Camp and Orientation; Combined Red/Blue day 7th, 8th, 9th grades
August 26 11th and 12th Grade Camp and Orientation; Combined Red/Blue Purple day 7th-10th grades
August 27 Red Day for everyone
September 2008
September 1 Labor Day
October 2008
October 13 Diocesan In-Service; No School for Students
October 23 1st Quarter Ends
October 24 No School
October 27 2nd Quarter Begins
November 2008
November 14 Parent Teacher Conferences
November 25 12:25 p.m. dismissal for Thanksgiving Break
November 26-28 Thanksgiving Break
December 2008
December 19 12:25 p.m. dismissal – Christmas Break
Dec. 22-Jan. 2 Christmas Break
January 2009
January 5 School Resumes
January 16 End of 2nd Quarter
January 19 Martin Luther King Day- No School
January 20 3rd Quarter Begins
March 2009
March 6 GeoTech 12:25 pm. dismissal
March 9 Inclement Weather Day
March 16-20 Spring Break
March 27 End of 3rd Quarter
March 30 Beginning of 4th Quarter
April 2009
April 3 Parent Teacher Conferences 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. - 12:25 dismissal
April 9 Holy Thursday -12:25 p.m. dismissal
April 10 Good Friday - No School
April 13 Inclement Weather Day
May 2009
May 15, 18, 19 8th and 12th grade finals
May 25 Memorial Day - No School
June 2009
June 1,2,3 Underclass Finals
June 4 Conflict exams

Mrs. Toole’s Pre AP Literature Classes - Poetry Competition
Mrs. Toole’s Pre AP 8th Grade Literature Classes concluded their study of poetry this past month by submitting their original poetry to the Express Yourself! Youth Poetry Competition. In preparation for the competition, Ms. Von Jones, a local poet in residence in the Dallas area, visited Mrs. Toole’s Literature classes. The students participated in a poetry workshop with Ms. Jones gaining inspiration from her visit for the competition. Each student submitted at least one poem (some several), and all anxiously await the results of this 11th annual competition sponsored by the Dallas Public Library. They look forward to following in the footsteps of David Ratcliffe, a junior at Bishop Dunne, who has taken first place in this competition for two years. Some students in Mrs. Toole’s class also attended a recent Poetry Slam at the downtown Dallas Public Library, and Olivia Migacz won second place in the poetry reading that night.

Design Club Activities
The Design Club finished the first semester by participating in a community service project, seasonally decorating a local nursing home. Acting on the inspiration of Riley Emmons, the club’s President and Anni-Jo Pardo, Vice-President, club member Alex Lopez made arrangements with The Villa at Mountainview, Duncanville, Texas to seasonally decorate the nursing home in December. The club members donated their money and time, purchasing all the decorations, then spent the day bringing cheer to the residents as they trimmed trees, set up miniature villages, and hung lights and wreaths throughout the facility. It was rewarding experience for all members, and brought great joy to the residents. The Design Club looks forward to making this a yearly tradition.

Band News
Martin Luther King Junior Parade
The Marching Falcon Band and Drill Team recently participated in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade in Lancaster on Saturday, January 19. Despite the cold temperatures and windy conditions, the band represented Bishop Dunne well and was warmly received by the people along the parade route. Our band was the smallest of the five bands in the parade, but was outstanding in its determination and performance. Other bands represented were from Carter, Kimball, Skyline and Lancaster high schools.

Drill Team members were Ini Adedokun, Toynelle Herron, Destiny Peters, Kaitlin Stubbs, and Sidney Stubbs. Band members were Leslie Allen, Amber Bagley, Clarissa Barlow, Joshua Benson, Jarred Brooks, Bryan Burke, Riley Emmons, Tori Gillum, Hanna Gross, LaPaul Jacobs, Toni King, Robby Koole-Valdez, John Lyssy, Jonathan Matamoros, DeMarquis Miller, Briana Monsalve, Stephan Powell, Amanda Reyes, Kendal Ross, Michael Rudduck, Shelby Sanders, Alex Small, Maya Thomas, Ashton Vaughn, Jarrell Wallace, Eric Wright, and CJ York. Band parent, Mrs. Valarie York, accompanied the band.

Catholic Schools Week
The Marching Falcon Band and Cheerleaders travelled to St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Waxahachie on Monday, January 28, to kick off Catholic Schools Week at the invitation of St. Joseph Band Director, Ms. Kristen Tallett. The Band and Cheerleaders performed for the entire student body and teachers of St. Joseph’s and received much applause. Members of the percussion section of St. Joseph’s band performed a special number with our own Drumline.

Cheerleaders attending were Marybeth Carlough, Crystal Cortes, Astrid Fuentes, Lincoln Hill, Cynthia Johnson, Allie Lane, Erica McNairy, Sciorra Montgomery, Anni-Jo Pardo, Khadijah Walker, Taylor Weber, and Levi May. They were accompanied by Ms. Allison Myers. Band members in attendance were Martin Arista, Leslie Allen, Alexis Ayanru, Beth Bacon, Amber Bagley, Clarissa Barlow, Joshua Benson, Jarred Brooks, Bryan Burke, Kit Diaz, Riley Emmons, Tori Gillum, Hanna Gross, Jeffrey Jacobs, LaPaul Jacobs, Richard Johnson, Cameron Jones, Toni King, Robby Koole- Valdez, John Lyssy, Jonathan Matamoros, Christopher Massey, Alex McDaniel, DeMarquis Miller, Briana Monsalve, Philechia Parker, Destiny Peters, Stephan Powell, David Ratcliff, Amanda Reyes, Kendal Ross, Michael Rudduck, Shelby Sanders, Alex Small, Maya Thomas, Ashton Vaughn, Jarrell Wallace, Rachel West, Eric Wright, and CJ York.

On Friday, February 1, the Bishop Dunne Drumline performed at St. Elizabeth Catholic School, for the finale of the Catholic Schools Week celebration. The Drumline displayed a dazzling variety of precision, dance steps, and new cadences. At the end of the performances, the students of St. Elizabeth were invited to join the Drumline in a version of the cadence “Get Up.” It was a great experience for the students of St. Elizabeth and the Bishop Dunne Drumline as well.

The Drumline also has recorded a CD. The CD’s sold extremely well at St. Josephs, and St. Elizabeth. The price of the CD is $10. All proceeds go toward the Drumline’s preparation for The High Noon Drum Competition in Houston, Texas, held on Saturday, March 8. Please support your Drumline by purchasing a CD! Many thanks go to Band Directors Mr. Bill Rhyan and Mr. Glenn Robertson, and to bus drivers, Ms. Twyla Carson and Mr. Leaston Chase.

From the Athletic Department

Middle School Basketball
Congratulations to the following basketball teams for their victories in the month of January: 7th grade boys’ Blue Team defeated All Saints; 7th and 8th grade boys’ White Team defeated The Highlands, Good Shepherd and St. Rita; 8th grade boys’ Red Team defeated Mary Immaculate and Holy Family; 7th grade boys’ Red Team defeated All Saints, Good Shepherd and Prince of Peace; girls’ Blue Team defeated St. Pius, St. Monica, and St. Phillip; and the girls’ Red Team defeated All Saints, Good Shepherd, St. Luke and Christ the King. Come out and support our young Falcons this month of February! Schedules are posted on the Bishop Dunne website or contact Coach Guerrero at sguerrero@bdhs.org.

Middle School Track, Baseball, Softball
It is time to join the following Middle School sports: track, baseball and softball. Please email Coach Guerrero for more information and a registration form. The deadline to register for these sports is February 28, 2008. Please contact Coach Guerrero at sguerrero@ bdhs.org for more information.

Middle School Wrestling
Congratulations to our wrestling team! This season, we had two individuals who qualified for the State Tournament at Kincaid School in Houston. Seventh graders Billy Hymes and Max McNutt represented Bishop Dunne. Billy Hymes pinned one opponent from West Briar and lost two close matches to St. Marks and St. Francis Episcopal. Max McNutt pinned three opponents from TCA, Kincaid, and Second Baptist and placed fifth.

It is time to start thinking about spring wrestling. We offer wrestling for all girls and boys in the Middle School. Practices will begin after spring break, three times a week: Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00 p.m. through 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday 3:30 p.m. through 5:00 p.m. at Bishop Dunne. For more information and a registration form, please contact Coach Stevens at kstevens@bdhs.org or Coach Guerrero at sguerrero@bdhs.org.

Middle School Athletic Reminder
Go to www.dplsports.com for league information which includes maps to local schools, schedules, photos, and standings etc.

High School Wrestling
It has been great season for the girls’ and boys’ wrestling team. In the month of December, Adreana placed fifth at the Frisco Lady Classic, and the team placed second with first place victories from Alex Dean and Lauren Birks. Placing second was Lesley Moore, and placing third was Adreana Barrera and Erin Evetts. At the Bluebonnet Duals, the girls went undefeated with a record of eighteen wins and no losses against Frisco Centennial, Liberty, Coppell, Arlington Sam Houston. Sixteen of those eighteen wins were pins. At the Arlington Lamar Tournament, Adreana Barrera placed first and Lauren Birks placed second. At the Lone Star Duals, the biggest tournament other than the state meet, Adreana Barrera and Lauren Birks place second, Erin Evetts and Alex Dean placed fifth.

On the boys’ side at the TCA Duals, Ryan Mathews won four matches and lost only one. At our home tournament, the Marcus Somerstein Tournament, the girls’ team placed third with Adreana Barrera and Lauen Birks placing first, Alex Dean placed third and Lesley Moore place fourth. At the Frisco Centennial Tournament, Adreana Barrera and Lauren Birks placed second, and Alex Dean placed third. On February 8 at Bishop Dunne, the girls will compete for the Texas State Prep title and hope to make it four state titles in a row. On February 9 at Bishop Dunne, the boys will compete in the state TAPPS Tournament. Please come out and join the championship spirit!

Once again the wrestling program hosted one of the most popular tournaments in the area, the Marcus Somerstein Oak Cliff Classic. This year, we hosted twenty-one boys’ teams and ten girls’ teams from the area. Also in attendance was Evangel Christian Academy from Shreveport, LA. The tournament was a great success because of the work of parents, alumni, students and coaches. The wrestling program would like to thank the follow individuals for their countless hours of service to make the tournament run smoothly. The following individuals helped with the gate, setting up, cleaning up, concession stands, hospitality room, score tables, donation of food and drinks and running the meet: Mr. and Mrs. Burleson, Mrs. Dean, Mr. and Mrs. Evetts, Coach Garcia, Mr. Harrington, Mr. Herrera, Mr. Hymes, Mrs. Maggio, Mr. and Mrs. Mr. Montemayor, Moore, and alumni Steven Alva, Greg Dean, Cody Edwards, Jonathan Krimm, Justin Price, and Ritchie Price. Special thanks go out to Coach Stevens for being the tournament director and running a smooth tournament, Mrs. Laura Mathews for directing the best hospitality room at a Texas wrestling tournament, and, finally, we would like to thank Coach Garcia and his Oak Cliff Wrestling Club for their help.

Spring wrestling will continue in March, so come and join the All-American program. Bishop Dunne wrestlers past and present have earned eight All-American honors. Practices will begin after spring break. Practices will be three times a week on Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00 p.m. through 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday 3:30 p.m. through 5:00 p.m. at Bishop Dunne. For more information and a registration form, please contact Coach Stevens at kstevens@ bdhs.org or Coach Guerrero at sguerrero@bdhs.org.

Congratulations to Coach Guerrero for all his leadership and hard work and for ensuring a successful wrestling season!

Basketball
The Boys’ Varsity Basketball team is in the latter part of its district season and has once again qualified for the playoffs. On Friday, February 1, the boys honored their senior basketball players with a “Senior Night” presentation and played one of the best games of the year. Against #2 ranked TCA, the boys entered the 4th quarter with a 15 point deficit and came back to force the game to overtime. In overtime, junior Jonathan Thomas hit a shot with less than 10 seconds remaining to tie the game and senior Brandon West won the game in thrilling fashion when he hit a shot with 0.9 seconds on the clock. The fans rushed the court to celebrate. The boys conclude district play with a home game against John Paul II High School on February 5 and a game at Nolan on February 8. The boys will more than likely have to travel out of town for their playoff game the following week, so stay tuned for more announcements and come out and support your boys’ basketball team.

The 2007-2008 girls’ varsity basketball season began with tryouts in mid-October, with five juniors, two sophomores and two freshmen. In the first four games, the girls outscored their opponents by 115 points, and then losing to Greenhill. Just before the Garland Tournament, the girls defeated North Garland, 54-48, entering the tournament with a 5-1 record, and fifth place private school ranking in the Dallas Morning News. The girls played three games in the Garland Tournament, losing against South Garland and District opponent Ft. Worth Nolan Catholic, and defeating Bryan Adams.

On December 8, the team took part in a team retreat, “Leadership on the Move,” at Stony Ranch in Ponder Texas, where the athletes learned the importance of communication, listening and teamwork. The girls’ first district opponent was Ursuline , with a tough game ending in a close defeat, 40-43, in overtime. The Lady Falcons were able to match up well with Ursuline, TCA, and John Paul II, but not Bishop Lynch and Nolan. An exciting game against TCA showed the girls at their best and we wish them all the best in the next game.

The 2007-2008 junior varsity roster included one junior, one sophomore, one 8th grader and six freshman. The Lady Falcons matched up well against most teams and had a very promising nondistrict season. In January, it was time to meet our very competitive district opponents and the challenges were much greater. They have fought hard, losing against Ursuline, Bishop Lynch and Nolan, splitting with John Paul II and beating TCA twice. With the expectations and goals set high the team overcame adversity and has been coming together well as we move into the final two games of the season.

Coach Dewey Wakefield was ejected from a game on February 1, 2008, and will be placed on one year’s probation.

Swimming
Congratulations to Teresa Gully and Levi May who both qualified for the TAPPS State Meet on February 1-2 in San Antonio!

Athletic Department Donations and Volunteers
The Athletic Department needs volunteers in several areas. We also need donations of water, soda, and Gatorade-type drinks. Please contact Mrs. Melody Hopkins at 214 339 6561 ext. 236 or via email at mhopkins@bdhs.org for additional information. You may drop your donations off at the front office. Please be sure and mark your donations for “Concessions.” Thank you for your generous support.

Baseball and Softball Gate Fees
Spring sports season is here! We will collect gate fees for all district baseball and softball games. The gate fees are as follows: $4.00 – Adults; $2.00 – Student (ages 6-18 with I.D); Alumni - $2.00

Congratulations

Senior Zachary Coleman has committed to play football with Montana State University. Zach officially signed a letter of intent on February 6, 2008. Good luck and congratulations Zach!

Volleyball
We have begun off-season conditioning for volleyball. Everyone is welcome on Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 7:15 a.m. through 8:00 a.m. Conditioning begins promptly at 7:15 a.m. and the students are working very hard.

Coach Kistner is inviting any boys interested in volleyball next season to come to conditioning. There are some very steady regulars, but more boys are needed. We cannot make a schedule or arrange uniforms if we are not sure we will have enough commitment. So, come on boys!! This is your chance to start something unique!

Ladies need to start thinking about this summer. We traditionally play summer leagues at Pantego and Arlington Courts. We will be asking shortly for names of those players who are interested, so ladies need to listen carefully for the announcements.

Open gym will begin after spring break.

From the Business Office

Class Fees for Second Semester
These fees will be billed after the start of the second semester and are due on the 15th of the month following billing.

Some textbooks are of a prohibitive cost, are outdated as the subject involves the latest technology, or are not required. Individual class fees cover the cost of: photocopying, computer printer costs, library and research materials, upkeep and updating of equipment and labs, field trips, band equipment, maintenance, new instruments, music association fees, art supplies, athletic training programs and supplies, and books purchased by the school that are distributed to the students.

Fees charged are dependent upon your student’s course selections and may be incurred each semester. The following classes will be assessed a $65 fee:

• ACT/SAT Prep
• Adult Christian Relationships
• African American Literature Art
• Athletic Training
• Broadcast Journalism
• Conditioning
• Digital Audio Production
• Eastern Religions
• GIS
• Graphic Design
• Holocaust Studies
• Human Nutrition
• Intro to Film
• Middle Eastern
• Religions
• Multimedia
• Peace Studies
• Psychology
• Social Justice
• Speech/Study Skills
• Strength
• Theatre Arts
• World War II

The PALS fee is $30.
The fee for Christian Service, PE, and Teens Teaching Teens is $50.

The following miscellaneous fees are assessed, as applicable:
Advanced Placement Tests $89
PLAN and PSAT tests $15

Bus Fees

The $50 non-refundable registration fee is due with the completed registration form. Semester Payments were due January 8, 2008.

Dates to Remember

• 5th of each month- payments are due to the TCCCU.
• 7th of each month- the Business Office will attempt to notify the responsible party of non-payment.
• 14th of each month- payments for balances at BDCS are due.
• 15th of each month- students whose accounts have a balance at BDCS are not permitted to attend class or participate in any extracurricular activities, including sports.
• 16th of each month- students whose accounts are not current at TCCCU will not be permitted to attend class or participate in any extra-curricular activities, including sports.

Separate Checks, Please
Please do not include fees for extracurricular activities, lunch fees, booster fees or fines in the same check as the invoiced payment. Payments may be made separately in the same envelope, but not in the same check, as different bank accounts are used for some fees. Thanks!

Financial Aid Requirements
Student requirements for financial aid include but are not limited to maintaining an overall grade point average of 80% and a good discipline record. Staff evaluates each student at the end of the first semester to determine whether financial aid will continue for the second semester. Please remind your student how important it is to maintain the required grades and a good discipline record so that tuition assistance will not be withdrawn after the first semester.

TCCCU
Parents using the TCCCU loan program can find their tuition loan forms on the TCCCU website for the 2008-2009 school year. The forms may be printed and completed by the parents before being brought to the school for the school’s countersignature. The forms still have to be signed by the parent and a school representative before the credit union can accept them, so please don’t send them directly to the credit union. Bring them to the school where they will be forwarded to the TCCCU.

Tuition Refunds
If a student withdraws from BDCS prior to the end of the current academic year, the student and his or her family may be entitled to a refund of tuition for any unused school quarter. Any unpaid fees or fines will be deducted from the refund. Additionally, there will be an administrative fee assessed to all such refunds resulting from voluntary withdrawal from the school.

Volunteer Hours
or Donations Each family is expected to perform a total of at least 40 hours of community service for the School or to pay a $200 sustentation fee. Donations of items such as office supplies and bottled water count toward your volunteer time. Volunteer hours may be accumulated from April 1 of the prior school year through March 31 of the current school year

Extended Day Program
Note: Students are not charged for the Extended Day Program until 4:30 p.m.

The purpose of the Extended Day Program (EDP) is to provide a convenient, safe, and affordable Christian environment to complement the value system of Bishop Dunne. School policies, procedures, and regulations are in effect at all times. The EDP follows the same expectations and consequences as stated in the Bishop Dunne School and Family Handbook.

Hours of operation are from 3:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. Students who are left unsupervised on the campus after 3:30 p.m. must attend the EDP. Students are not allowed to roam the campus freely. Parents should strongly convey to their student(s) that any unsupervised student who does not report to the EDP promptly will be subject to a detention.

Students who participate in extracurricular activities are to remain with their coach or moderator until their transportation arrives. However, students are to be picked up promptly after extracurricular activities. Teachers will remain with students in tutoring for their assigned time. If parents are not on time to pick up their students after extracurricular activities or tutoring, the student will be sent to the EDP and parents will be charged for this service beginning at 4:30 p.m. There will be no free EDP beginning at 4:30 p.m. for students who come to EDP before the start of their extracurricular activities.

There are three payment options:

1. A monthly fee of $140 ($85 for December since school is in session for a shorter period of time), which is approximately $4 per hour and is payable in advance, offers a tremendous discount over the hourly rates. Because of the staggered start dates in August, the hourly rate of $10 per hour (option #3) will be charged in August, unless parents choose to make an advance payment (option #2)

2. Advance payment for students who do not use the EDP enough to warrant paying a monthly fee, but who attend the program regularly. Parents may purchase hours in advance. The minimum number of hours a student may purchase is 5 hours at $8 an hour for any portion of an hour used for a total of $40. However, parents may purchase as many hours as they wish at the $8 per hour rate. The sign-out sheets will reflect the number of hours paid and used.

3. The rate for drop-ins is $10 per hour for any portion of an hour used and must be paid when the student is picked up for the day.

Parents will be subject to the hourly rates until payment has been received for the monthly rate or the pre-paid rate. It is preferred that advance payments (options 1 and 2) be made to the Business Office. A receipt will be given for any cash payments. If students are not picked up by 6:00 p.m., a fee of $25.00 for every 10 minutes (or any portion thereof) will be assessed.

Please note: Students will not be released from the EDP program unless a parent is visible to the adult in charge. Students will not be released to meet their ride any place other than the south parking lot between the high school and middle school buildings.

Texas Prefreshman Engineering Program (TexPREP)