OLC Newsletter 8.24.26

August 24, 2026

Dear OLC Parents, 

🎉 Thank you to the families who were able to come to our Parish and School Carnival this past weekend, and a special thanks to everyone who attended the noon all school Mass yesterday. 

⛪ Our next all school Mass is here at OLC at noon, on Sunday, September 13. All students and their families are asked to please attend. School uniforms are not required.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Don’t forget our parent meetings this week. We will be discussing fundraising, volunteer hours, student management, and (for 8th grade parents) confirmation. 

• 8th grade parents tomorrow at 6:30, followed by 4th-7th grade parents at 7:30. 

• Wednesday’s 6:30 meeting is for 2nd grade parents and the parents of all students who will be receiving their 1st holy Communion this coming spring. The 7:30 meeting is for parents of students in grades PK-3.

• These meetings will take place in OLC Church. Parents need only attend one meeting.

📝 Be sure to turn in the school paperwork that was sent home last week. It’s important!

📱 Sign up for School Messenger to receive our texts/communication; call the school office for details.

📅 Attendance: call the office or email attendance@olc-school.org before 9am to report your child’s absence. We need to know where they are!

⏰ Tardies: Students cannot be late to school. We open our doors at 7:45. Get them here early so they do not miss beginning of the day instructions from the teacher.

👔 Dress code: Only ALL black or ALL white shoes are allowed for the formal uniform. Students must wear the red vest or sweater, black quarter zip, or OLC blue sweatshirt with their uniform. Absolutely no nail polish or makeup is permitted.

📆 Wednesday, September 2: Early release (30 minutes before the regular time).

🇺🇸 Monday, September 7: Labor Day, no school.

📌 IMPORTANT DATESSept. 2 — Early Release  •  Sept. 7 — Labor Day, No School  •  Sept. 13 — All-School Mass

Yours truly,

Frank S. Zarate, Jr., Ed.D.

Principal(708) 652-0262 

fzarate@olc-school.org

OLC Newsletter 8/3/26

OLC Newsletter 6/22/2026

June 22, 2026 Newsletter

"Inspired by our faith, Our Lady of Charity School provides the intellectual and moral foundation for children to become saints and scholars, disciples of Christ and leaders in the community."

⭐ NEW THIS YEAR: Mandatory August Open House

📅 Thursday, August 13🕢 7:30 AM – 12:00 Noon

Parents (or another family member) must attend with their child to:

✔ Meet the teacher

✔ Drop off school supplies

✔ Take VanGogh Photographers school pictures

Students should dress in their Sunday Best!

🎓 Congratulations, Class of 2026!

Our Lady of Charity School's 80th Graduation Ceremony took place on June 3. Mass was celebrated by Bishop Jose Maria Garcia-Maldonado. Commencement speeches were delivered by Anabel Rodriguez, Marianna Sastoque, Galilea Macias, and Michael Rodriguez.

May God bless the OLC Class of 2026 as they begin their high school journey!

👩‍🏫 Welcome New Teachers

We are pleased to welcome two new faculty members for the 2026-2027 school year:

Yuliana Camacho – First Grade

• Dominican University graduate

• Completed student teaching this spring in Mrs. Morini's second grade classroom

Sandra Martinez – Art, Physical Education, and Spanish

• OLC parent

• Experienced substitute teacher at OLC

📘 Changes to Our Curriculum

• Handwriting: OLC will adopt the Zaner-Bloser Handwriting program. Cursive instruction continues through 4th grade.

• Reading (Grades 2–5): We will implement Magnetic Literacy, a Curriculum Associates program based on the Science of Reading.

📱 Social Media Reminder

We have seen an increase in concerns involving student group chats, text messaging, and social media activity occurring outside school hours.

Parents are encouraged to actively supervise:

• Social media accounts

• Messaging apps

• Group chats

• Online activity

  
  

While the school will address bullying, harassment, threats, and behavior that affects student safety or the school environment, we cannot monitor every interaction that occurs on personal devices outside school hours.

Please save evidence, contact other parents when appropriate, notify law enforcement regarding threats or criminal conduct, and inform the school when online behavior is affecting a student's well-being or school performance.

Let us work together to promote Christian charity, kindness, and responsible digital citizenship.

💄 Grooming and Appearance Reminder

Please remember that makeup, nail polish, and hair dye are prohibited at school.

These policies support our mission of fostering modesty, simplicity, and respect for the dignity of every child. We seek to create an environment where students are valued for their character, faith, and accomplishments rather than external appearance.

Students who are out of compliance will be referred to the office.

⛪ Sacramental Parent Meetings

Confirmation Parents (8th Grade)

📅 Tuesday, August 25🕡 6:30 PM📍 OLC Church

First Holy Communion Parents

📅 Wednesday, August 26🕡 6:30 PM📍 OLC Church

📋 School Supply Lists 2026-2027

☀ Summer Office Hours

The school office is open throughout the summer:

Monday – Thursday

7:30 AM – 12:00 Noon

Frank S. Zarate, Jr., Ed.D.

Principal

📞 (708) 652-0262

✉ fzarate@olc-school.org