Dear 8th Grade Families, 

I hope this letter finds you well and you are enjoying quality family time together. Due to Covid 19 restrictions, we were not able to be together at the end of the year to hold the incoming 8th grade parent meeting. With the start of the 2020-2021 school year drawing near, I want to provide an overview of 8th grade events that normally would have been discussed at the meeting. 

At this time, I would like to organize committees to help with 8th grade activities. If you are interested in being part of a committee and/or taking the lead as a chair, please contact me via email jcallahan@stdots.com. Once committees are formed, I will arrange a Google Meet to go over any questions. 

8th Grade T-shirt: 

Parent Organizer: Kelly Ford Mrs. Ford has graciously agreed to spearhead this for the 8th grade class and is currently coordinating with the company. Miss Genna and Mrs. Camuti will have your children sign the “21” the first week of school and then we will send home the form for ordering. The cost is $10 per shirt. The 8th grade tshirt can be worn instead of the St. Dorothy gym shirt on your child’s gym day. 

Yearbook Committee: The 8th grade yearbook is a treasured keepsake for our students. In past years, we have used the company Entourage to create the yearbook. The Yearbook Committee is responsible for pictures from kindergarten through 8^th grade, quotes from the students and teacher messages.This is an ongoing process that would need to begin right away. A chairperson with at least 3-5 assistants is needed for this committee. 

Living Stations Committee: Each year during Holy Week, the 8th grade class performs the Lord’s Passion for the school and parish communities. A committee is needed to help wash and iron costumes. Help is also needed before each performance in assisting students as they get ready. Performances take place the Monday of Holy Week with a performance during the school day and another in the evening. A chairperson and 3-5 assistants is needed for this committee. 

Dance Committee: At the end of the 8th grade year, an 8th Grade Dance is held for our students to celebrate their graduation. We are hopeful that we will be able to have this event for our 8th grade students. 

The dance committee is responsible for selecting a theme for the dance and presenting the theme to the administration for final approval. The committee also organizes decorations, food and beverages, gift, music, etc. A chairperson with 3-5 assistants is needed for this committee. 

Fundraising Committee: At this time, fundraising has not been able to take place for the 8th grade class. Most expenses for the 8th grade class take place in the second half of the school year. A committee consisting of a chairperson with 3-5 assistants is needed for this committee as well. The committee is responsible for selecting no more than 3 fundraisers to support the 8th grade fund. Fundraising helps to offset expenses during the 8th grade year (yearbook, graduation expenses, graduation dance, 8th grade gift to the school). The chairperson will be the liaison between the committee, 8th grade families and myself. Fundraising will be a challenge this year and if the 8th grade class is unable to fundraise, a fee to cover expenses will be implemented. We will reevaluate implementing an 8th grade fee in January to cover expenses if fundraising was not able to happen this year. 

As outlined in the CDC guidelines and CSO handbook, field trips are on hold for the 2020-2021 school year. Should this change, Mrs. Tomasetti and I will reevaluate field trips for our students. Unfortunately, the field trip to New York City is not an option this school year. 

Throughout your child’s 8th grade year, there are special events that take place. Please record the following dates on your calendar. Once again, we are hopeful these events will take place this school year. 

● 8th Grade Mass of Thanksgiving: November 16, 2020 7pm in Church 

● Living Stations: 2 performances March 29, 2021, 1:15 pm and 7:00 pm 

● May Procession: date to be announced; 8^th Grade girls will wear white robes and the boys will wear green robes *this is a good photo opportunity for yearbook pictures. 

● Spirit Day/8th grade last day: June 4, 2021 

● Graduation dance: date to be announced; 7pm in the gym *a survey to select the date of the dance will be sent to families in a separate email 

● Graduation-June 8, 2021; 7pm in church, students arrive at 6:30

I thank you in advance for considering one or more of the committees to take part. It takes many hands to make this a wonderful year for the children. 

Please let me know if you have any questions. Mrs. Tomasetti, the 8th grade teachers and I are looking forward to a wonderful 8th grade year with your children! 

Sincerely, Jean Callahan Vice Principal