Is it June yet? It will be in a few days and our school year is coming to a close. We have had another successful year here at St. Bernard's and are looking forward to next year, which is our 50th anniversary. This time of year brings us joy and sadness. Our students have grown and matured academically, spiritually, socially and emotionally. However, we must say goodbye to our 8th grade class as they leave us for their next educational milestone. This year as in the past we say goodbye to those who are moving on and/or moving away. This includes both students and staff. We wish them well, especially the following teachers who will be leaving us:

Mrs. Stringfellow will be retiring from the archdiocesan elementary school system. She will be bringing her teaching career full circle, as she will be teaching Church History at Elizabeth Seton High School. Mrs. Stringfellow began her career in an all girls Catholic high school teaching History. She has decided to spend the last 5+ years before her retirement teaching the age group with which she began her career. Hopefully, she will not be leaving us completely as she is also beginning her career as an educational consultant and we will call on her as needed. This is a wonderful opportunity for her, and we wish her well.

Ms. Verkamp is moving to Hagerstown, Maryland and will be serving as a Campus Minister and Religion teacher at St. Maria Goretti High School. Although it is a great loss for us, Ms. Verkamp will be starting a new phase in her life and we wish her much happiness.

Mrs. Younger has almost completed her MA in Special Education and has accepted a position teaching in an inclusive education classroom. She will be leaving us for St. Elizabeth School in Rockville. We are thankful for the time and talents that Mrs. Younger has shared with us.

Ms. Hudak, who has completely transformed our school library, is leaving us for Montgomery County Public School. This was not an easy choice for her; however, some personal circumstances have necessitated her move to the county system. We have been blessed by her energy and dedication.

Ms. Vilky will be leaving us to teach third grade at her parish school. Although she was with us for only one year, Ms. Vilky has been a dedicated teacher. We will miss her, however we are glad that she will not need to commute around the beltway each day and will be able to walk across the street to St. Phillip's, her new school.

Service Hours and Fundraising: This year's family REPORTS WERE SENT HOME THIS WEEK. These accounts are credited up to May 10, 2002; therefore, any hours or fundraising for the final Joe Corbi's Pizza, silent auction purchases, Mission Fair, and Field Day will be credited to your account. As a reminder, all fundraising and service hours earned before May 15 are part of this year's account.

Please Be A Buddy: Coming to a new school is exciting for students, as well as parents. We would like to help our new families fell welcomed by offering a "Buddy" to incoming students in September. Students who are Buddies would meet with the new students over the summer and then help them during the first few days of schools. This also gives parents a chance to get together and answer any questions or concerns. Attached please find a form for students who will be in grades 1 - 8 next September. If you are interested, please complete and return to the office by Friday, June 7.

Before/Aftercare: Registration for 2002-2003 was due on May 21. If you are interested in before/aftercare for next year, please return the completed forms with the deposit by June 7. If you do not register now for next year, there is no guarantee there will be space available in September.

Lost & Found: Our lost and found box is overflowing with clothes, lunchboxes etc. Please have your child check for items they may have misplaced. Anything not claimed by June 7 will be donated to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Library News: 6th & 7th grade overdue notices and fines are going home this week.

McKenna's Wagon: Yesterday was our final collection of sandwiches for McKenna's Wagon. Thank you for your generous support in this service project.

Summer Childcare: Licensed childcare is available during the summer months. For more information, please call the office and leave a message for Mrs. Rego.