Jesus, Light of the world.

When I am afraid and unsure,

comfort me with the light of Your presence.

When Lonliness chills me,

warm me with the light of Your love.

When the road ahead seems dark,

guide me with the light of Your way.

When I don't understand and my

thoughts are unclear,

fill me with the light of Your wisdom.

When I seem spent like a candle consumed,

replenish me with the light of Your life.

Then, so filled with Your light, use me,

So that I, with You, may be light for the world!

Amen.

Dear Bruin Families,

As December begins, I am filled with gratitude and excitement as we enter this season of warmth, reflection, and togetherness. December is not only a time for wrapping up the year but also a season that invites us to celebrate the joy of giving, the beauty of traditions, and the importance of community.

The holiday season brings a special energy to our school. From festive decorations to the cheerful sounds of seasonal music, our hallways are alive with excitement. It is heartwarming to see students, staff, and families coming together to share in the spirit of the season, creating memories that will last a lifetime. From Adopt-A-Family, to the Mariachis at the OLG mass, to St. Nick day, the Christmas Program, and ugly sweaters, there is so much to keep the spirit of Christmas alive.

As we approach the winter break, I encourage each of you to spend quality time with loved ones, rest, and recharge. Let’s carry the spirit of December—a time of light, peace, and togetherness—into the new year.

Thank you for being a vital part of our school community. Wishing you and your family a joyful holiday season filled with love, laughter, and meaningful moments.

Sincerely,

Mr. Ryan Nearhoff

Awarded to two students each trimester who exhibit consistently excellent work habits and behavior and fully exemplify the Schoolwide Learning Expectations.

3.0 – 3.4 Grade Point Average in Core Academic Subjects

3.5– 3.9 Grade Point Average in Core Academic Subjects

4.0 Grade Point Average in Core Academic Subjects

4.0 Grade Point Average in all Academic Subjects plus an “A or O” in all Satellite Subjects, “O” in Behavior, and an “O” in Work Habits

Next week our PTO will open up our 2024 Santa Shoppe for all of our students. Students will get a preview day on Monday and then we will have shopping days Tuesday-Thursday. See below for the pricing list. This event is cash only. Any profit earned from this event will go towards our PTO fundraising. Thank you for your support!

Thank you so very much to everyone who participated in and donated towards the families as part of the Adopt-A-Family program. This was our most successful drive in recent years and it is all thanks to the generosity of our community and the organization and coordination by Mrs. Deukmajian and the folks at Adopt-A-Family. They were blown away by our generosity and it was nothing short of Christmas magic to see all of our students bringing gifts to the truck!

We are seeking donations of grocery gift cards to provide a snack supply for our teachers and staff in the Faculty Lounge. Donations of $30 or more will count toward your service hour goal. If you are willing and able please turn in your donation to the school office. We appreciate your support!

Congratulations to our Week #5 Football Mania Winner and thank you to the ticket seller families!!

• $25 - Phil Riggins (ticket sold by the Hernandez Family - Grades K/2)
• $25 - Eddie Bowden (ticket sold by the Taylor Family - Grades K/4)
• $25 - Rocio Chevez (ticket sold by the Chevez Family - Grade TK)
• $25 - Sheryl Wiser (ticket sold by the Malabag Family - Grade 8)
• $25 - Christopher Yato (ticket sold by the Lucille-Chambers Family - Grades TK/2)
• $25 - Scott Schoenick (ticket sold by the Nearhoff Family - Grade 2)

There will be a VIRTUS Certification class on Monday, December 9th @ 7pm on campus. If you are in need of completing your certification and are available email northcutttina@gmail.com to reserve your spot.

To purchase tickets for your Junior High student or donate toward this fun evening, click the links or scan the QR codes below.

We will participate in the annual Glendora Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 14th and would love for you to join us! Participants will meet in downtown Glendora at 8:00am and join us until the parade ends around 11:00am. Please submit your RSVP by completing the form below. RSVPs are due by Monday, Dec. 9th.

Join us on campus and pick up some holiday goodies from a variety of local vendors at our Christmas Boutique on December 15th from 8:00-3:00pm. While you are there, take a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus (scroll up for the flier with sign up info).

Also, we are looking for volunteers to assist at the event and donations for the PTO sponsored Cocoa Bar. Click the Signup Geniuses below to sign up if you are interested or willing to donate. Thank you!

We are in need of student lectors, ushers, and gift bearers for our next family mass on December 15th. Please click the Signup Genius link below to sign up.

Bishop Amat High School is offering an HSPT Prep Course on Saturday, January 11. Please see the flier below. This prep course is specifically designed for 8th-grade students.

Click below for the December menu!

For the past several years, our tree for the Christmas program has been generously donated thanks to the folks at The Wild Noble in downtown Glendora. The women who operate the business are Bruin alumnae and fantastic human beings! See their flier below!

Our Beats and Brews committee is well underway in planning for this years event taking place on Friday, May 9th at St. Dorothy Catholic School. We are very excited to improve upon the success of last year and raise even more to support the continued success of St. Dorothy and our Endowment Fund. We are seeking sponsorships for the event and encourage you to review the flyer below if you, or someone you know, might be interested. Thank you for your support!

Click on the links below to sign up for regular volunteering opportunities to start completing those parent hours!

Our Parent University this week is brought to you by our counseling service, CPLA (Counseling Partners of Los Angeles). These articles provide practical ways for families to cope with holiday sadness, stress, and anxiety.

December 7-8 || Teaching your children boundaries

Communities thrive with appropriate boundaries in place. Without them, everyone is left vulnerable, especially children, in an “anything goes” culture. As safe adults, we can empower children by defining and strengthening our own boundaries. Children learn by watching the adults around them. Seeing us make and hold boundaries will teach them this incredibly important skill. To learn more about setting and upholding boundaries, read the VIRTUS® article “When Boundaries Abound, Our Lives Can Flourish” at lacatholics.org/did-you-know/.

December 14-15 || “No” is a complete sentence.

A critical boundary to learn for yourself and for your children is the word “no.” Saying “no” to something you are uncomfortable with, or that you know is wrong, is sometimes the hardest thing to do, but it is so important. “No” is a complete sentence and should be honored by anyone listening. This is a great way to teach children how to listen to their friends and respect what they hear. This teaches children personal autonomy, which can extend to a child saying “no” to unwanted touches or behavior and potentially protect them from abuse and harm. For more information, read the VIRTUS® article “When Boundaries Abound, Our Lives Can Flourish” at
lacatholics.org/did-you-know/.

To educate TK-Eighth grade students in a Catholic environment in which the curriculum emphasizes spiritual, ethical, and social values of the Catholic faith to become responsible and moral citizens within the global community.

Supporting the belief that parents are the primary educators of their children, we as educators at St. Dorothy Catholic School, dedicate ourselves to partner with the parents in preparing children to become contributing members of the community. To achieve this, we provide holistic development in psychological, emotional, social and physical health, with an emphasis on academics, faith, and Christian service.

In collaboration with parents, we champion student achievement through the presentation, practice, and study of Catholic doctrine, a strong academic curriculum, multimedia and multi-cultural experiences, physical education, extracurricular programs, and the dedicated commitment of the teachers and staff.

Email: info@stdorothyschool.com

Website: www.stdorothyschool.com
Location: 215 South Valley Center Avenue, Glendora, CA, USA
Phone: (626) 335-0772