October 2025 Parent Newsletter
Message from the Principal
Dear Parents:
When deciding to send your child to Bishop Amat, I'm sure there were many considerations. Parents look for schools that will challenge their student academically and prepare them for the rigors of college. They also look for a school that excels at their student's extracurricular activity or sport of choice. And without a doubt, parents want an environment where their child will be safe and supported. While all of these components play a major role, the Catholic foundation of Bishop Amat Memorial High School is what truly sets us apart. It’s the engine of our school, providing students with the tools to find meaning in life and nurture their souls. This October, we have several key opportunities for students and parents to tap into our Catholic identity.
First and foremost, by sending your student to Bishop Amat, you are providing them with access to the sacraments and opportunities for intimate worship of Christ. This upcoming Friday, October 3, Campus Ministry hosts our monthly Friday Adoration in the Chapel. Students can attend throughout the school day to pray before the Blessed Sacrament. Additionally, we will have a school-wide Mass on Tuesday, October 7, celebrating Our Lady of the Rosary. Both of these opportunities are also open to parents who wish to join us in prayer.
Another way students bolster their faith lives at Bishop Amat is through our overnight retreat program for juniors and seniors. Emmaus 40 takes place October 14-16 at the Santiago Retreat Center in Silverado, just east of Irvine. Emmaus and Kairos (November 18-20) are pivotal moments where students experience God's love for them in a transformational way. For many Lancers, this will be their first overnight retreat experience and it can become a flashpoint for an enduring love for Jesus Christ. Please strongly consider giving your student this gift: the time to reflect, pray, and come to new understandings about their lives and their role in the world as Christians.
This year, we are pleased to extend an invitation to all families to participate in the second annual "Soulful Supper," planned for Saturday, October 25, in the Quad. This fundraiser helps finance faith formation opportunities for students who would otherwise be unable to afford the cost of retreats and events. More than anything, we do not want a lack of funds to prevent students at Amat from participating in these experiences. Please keep an eye out for upcoming communications with information about how to attend. Your participation is the greatest gift you can give: the chance for a student to deepen their faith and strengthen the bonds they have with their classmates.
God bless you all! Please join me in praying for all students at Bishop Amat, and their devoted teachers and staff, as we work collectively to have a wonderful school year.
Sincerely,
Gabriel Escovar
Principal
Yearbook Pictures
Yearbook makeup picture day is on Friday, October 3, during the school day. Any 9th, 10th and 11th grade student who did not have their yearbook picture taken in September should stop by the Attendance Office to sign up for makeup pictures by Thursday, October 2.
Progress Reports
The Student and Parent Portals will be updated, and progress reports will be available online on Wednesday, October 8. Parents must access the portal on this date to review their child's academic progress. By doing so, they can identify potential concerns early and engage in meaningful discussions with their child and the teachers.
Teacher Conferences
Parents and guardians will have the opportunity to meet with all teachers during Teacher Conferences on Wednesday, October 22, from 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. in the Student Activity Center. Students are strongly encouraged to attend alongside their guardians, as their presence fosters open communication and ensures that they are actively engaged in discussions about their academic progress and any areas of concern.
Counselors & Coffee
On Wednesday, October 8, our second "Counselors and Coffee" event will take place in the library at 8:30 a.m. Parents of students of all grade levels are invited to attend. The event will feature a college overview led by our College Counselor, Mr. Scott. Additionally, counselors will be available to answer specific questions about students' academic and college preparation.
This is a valuable opportunity for parents to engage with the counseling team and gain insight into their child’s educational planning. Parents should bring their ID and check in at the front office before proceeding to the library.
Class of 2030 Submit Your Application!
Applications for the 2026-2027 School Year are now available.
ApplY Now!
National Honor Society (NHS) Applications
Juniors and seniors who have maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.30 or higher have been invited to apply for, or continue, membership in the National Honor Society. All candidates must demonstrate commitment to the four NHS pillars: scholarship, service, leadership, and character. Applications and verification forms are due by October 3, 2025. For questions, please contact our NHS moderator, Ms. Angelica Benavides, at nhs@bishopamat.org.
October 2025 Calendar
October 2
- 5 pm Jostens Senior Parent Info Night (CC Lobby)
- 6 pm Family Ministry: Senior Evening of Reflection (Lib)
- 6:30 pm Senior Parent Info Night (CC)
October 3
- Last Day to Purchase Homecoming Dance Tickets
- Yearbook Make-up Pictures (Lib)
- Jostens Grad Announcement Orders at Lunch (students only)
October 7
- Mass of Our Lady of the Rosary (Mass Attire)
October 8
- Progress Reports available Online
- 8:30 am Counselors and Coffee: College Applications (Lib)
October 10
- 4:30 pm Homecoming Alumni Fest
- 7 pm Homecoming Game vs. Notre Dame
October 11
- 7pm Homecoming Dance (SAC)
October 13
- No School
- Athletics & Activities Eligibility Day
October 14
- 12:45 pm Dismissal, Minimum Day
- Emmaus 40 Leaves
- 5 pm Virtus Training (Rm 108)
October 16
- Emmaus 40 Returns
- Mother-Son Dance Presale Tickets Available
October 17
- Mother-Son Dance Presale Tickets Available
October 18
- Mother-Son Dance Regular Price Tickets Available
October 20
- 6 pm College Night (SAC)
- 6 pm & 7 pm College Financial Aid Overview (Lib)
October 22
- 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Teacher Conferences (SAC)
October 23
- 1 pm Dismissal 9/10/11 PSATs
- No School for Seniors ONLY, College Visits (Off-Campus)
October 24
- Football Youth Spirit Night
October 25
- 6 pm FIA Family Dinner (Quad)
October 28, 29, 30
- 6 pm Development Info Session & Auction Items Display (Library)
October 31
- Last Day to Purchase Mother-Son Dance Tickets
CSF Peer Tutoring
CSF Tutoring is available daily in the library. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to receive personalized assistance from peers who have successfully navigated the same courses. They can help clarify complex concepts, share effective study strategies, and boost confidence.
Tutoring sessions are held:
- Monday through Friday: 7:25 - 8:00 AM
- Monday through Thursday: 3:00 - 3:35 PM
Senior Parent Info Night
Senior Parent Info Night will be held on Thursday, October 2, at 6:30 pm in the Carroll Center (theater). Senior parents are strongly encouraged to attend to receive important information concerning expectations for seniors specific to graduation and meeting the school's graduation requirements.
Prior to the Info Session, Family Ministry will be hosting a Senior Parent Evening of Reflection in the library at 6:00 pm. This event will end in time for parents to attend the session in the theater at 6:30 pm. Please review this newsletter for more information about this event, as well as the RSVP link.
Lastly, Jostens will be set up in the lobby of the theater starting at 5:00 pm to provide information and answer questions on senior grad announcements and memorabilia. Orders can also be placed at this time. Additionally, Jostens will be on campus the following day, Friday, October 3, to take orders from students during the lunch period.
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Preparing for College
College Applications
Applications for the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems are currently in progress and should be completed online. Information regarding college applications was provided to seniors during homeroom last month and counselors met individually with all their senior students.
Counselors will also visit senior homerooms on October 8 to address any questions students may still have regarding their college applications, essays, recommendations, or other related topics.
The deadline for both the CSU and UC systems is December 1. Private college deadlines vary.
College representatives have begun visiting Bishop Amat to discuss their campuses with students. Students should be sure to listen to announcements and check posted information about these visits. Students interested in meeting with admissions evaluators must make appointments in advance with Mr. Scott, the College Counselor. He is available during breaks and after school in the College Center, located in the 400 wing.
College Night
We are excited to continue our college events with College Night in the Student Activity Center on Monday, October 20, starting at 6:00 P.M. All students and families of Bishop Amat are welcome to attend this great event which offers valuable information about college planning. Attendees can speak with representatives from private colleges, public colleges, and universities.
In addition, a College Financial Aid Overview will also be held in the library at 6 P.M. and 7:00 P.M. the same evening, providing essential guidance on navigating the financial aid process.
Also, we are pleased to announce another college presentation during College Night: "The College Search: From Stress to SUCCESS!" by College Consultant Gary Bednorz. To accommodate more attendees, his first session will start at 5:30 p.m., followed by a second session at 6:30 p.m.
College Essay Writing Workshop
A College Essay Workshop is being offered on Saturday, October 4, from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M., in the library with a follow-up session on Thursday, October 16, from 3:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. All seniors are encouraged to take advantage of this valuable opportunity to refine their college essays. More information will be posted in the Class of 2026 Google Classroom under "College/Career Corner."
College Application Workshops
College Application Workshops are being offered to assist students with their college applications. Mr. Scott and our counselors will be available to help students in Room 402 from 3:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. on October 28, November 4, 12, and 19. Students should bring their Chromebooks and unofficial transcripts to these sessions.
FAFSA Workshop
There will be a FAFSA Workshop in the library on Wednesday, November 5, at 6:00 pm. Parents of seniors are highly encouraged to attend.
Student Activities
Club Rush 2025
We will be hosting our annual Club Rush on Wednesday, October 8. This is a great opportunity for students to get involved and join a club or two or three! Part of the great Amat experience is making lasting friendships and connecting with those who have similar interests. Encourage your students to open themselves to new opportunities and sign up!
HOMECOMING DANCE
You're Not in Kansas Anymore... 💚🌪️
There's No Place Like Homecoming!
Follow the yellow brick road to the most magical night of the year! Whether you're good, wicked, or somewhere in between — this Homecoming Dance is your place to shine.
THEME: There’s No Place Like Homecoming, Emerald City
Inspired by The Wizard of Oz and Wicked — think emerald green, ruby red, tornado twists, and Oz-some vibes.
DATE: Saturday, October 11, 2025
TIME: 7:00PM - 11:00PM
LOCATION: Student Activity Center, Bishop Amat
TICKETS: Regular Prices: $45 September 20 - October 3, 2025
Dress approval for all female students attending the Homecoming Dance is mandatory. All females attending will need to bring their dress to campus to try on and show to a female dean. Dress approval will take place at lunch and after school. A color copy of the dress must also be submitted to the dean at the time of approval. Dress approval is currently underway and will continue until Friday, October 10. When selecting attire for the dance, please refer to the dress code guidelines that were shared with all students and are posted on the school website.
Lastly, every student attending the dance will need to sign and digitally submit a Student-Parent Agreement Form. This form can, also, be found on our school website and on the student’s Google Classroom.
Mother-son dance - Save the date!
Bishop Amat High School is excited to announce our Mother-Son Dance on Saturday, November 8, 2025. This year’s theme is “Battle of the 90s” so get ready to dress up and enjoy a fun night of music, memories, and dancing!
Pre-Sale Tickets: Available at the Student Bookstore and online on October 16 & 17, 2025.
Regular Sale Tickets: Available online only from October 18 – 31, 2025.
We look forward to celebrating this special evening with our Lancers and their moms!
The Bishop Amat Dance Team Presents our Youth Dance Clinic 2025 "Teen Beach Movie"
When: Saturday, October 18th from 9 am - 3 pm and Thursday, October 23rd from 4 pm - 6:30 pm.
Where: Bishop Amat Student Activity Center (Gym)
Participation Fee: $60 per dancer pre-registered (Includes participation, lunch, and a t-shirt)
Performance Opportunity: (optional, but we hope you join us!)
Friday, October 24th at 7 pm (arrival time 6:30 pm). Dancers will have the opportunity to dance at halftime with the Bishop Amat Dance Team.
Register for Dance Team Clinic
Contact Coach Megan Glaudini at mglaudini@bishopamat.org if you have questions.
Amat Pep Squad Youth Spirit Night
When: Friday, October 24. Clinic at 4 pm and game at 7 pm.
Where: Bishop Amat Student Activity Center (Gym) and Kiefer Stadium
Participation Fee: $50 (includes clinic instruction, dinner, game ticket) Cash or Checks accepted at Registration Check-In.
Clinic and Game information and release forms will be emailed out to registered participants on Monday, October 20.
For questions contact us at pepsquad@bishopamat.org.
Amat Athletics
Congratulations to our two student-athletes who were named San Gabriel Valley Tribune Athlete of the Week in their respective sports:
-
Lyla Terry (senior) - Girls Flag Football
- Ryan Salcedo (senior) - Football
Our Girls Volleyball team surpassed expectations playing in the KSA Oahu Tournament in Hawaii bringing home the trophy.
In the San Gabriel Valley, Football is ranked number 3 and Girls Flag Football is ranked #2.
Tennis, Cross Country and Golf are underway in league play and great things are expected.
Any student-athletes playing Winter Sports will need their Athletic Clearance by mid October.
Campus Ministry
LA Prayer Breakfast 2025
Last month, Mr. Reynaga and Mrs. Escovar took 10 students to the annual LA Prayer Breakfast at the Our Lady Queen of the Angeles Cathedral downtown. In addition to attending Mass, our Lancers were treated to a breakfast and had the opportunity to hear Bishop Joseph Espaillat from New York deliver a challenging message of going out to make a positive change in the world - don’t wait for your leaders - start person by person. Bishop Joe made it a point to encourage the many young people in the crowd to embrace their faith with joy & live it daily.
Retreat Season Is Starting!
October kicks off our retreat season for the 1st Semester.
Emmaus: This year we’re starting with our Junior Class retreat “Emmaus” which is a three day retreat where our students “walk with Jesus” on their own trip to Emmaus. This year’s dates are October 14, 15 and 16. Sign ups are currently underway and we encourage all eligible juniors to attend.
Kairos: Our senior retreat, “Kairos”, is a chance for our seniors to step away from their busy lives and focus on developing and understanding their relationship with God. This year, the retreat will take place on Novemver 18, 19 and 20. We hope that all seniors get a chance to attend this life changing retreat before they leave Amat.
Christian Service
October is RESPECT LIFE MONTH.
To celebrate life, our Visual and Performing Arts Department is sponsoring a BABY SHOWER DRIVE to help struggling parents take care of their babies.
You can support this by donating baby supplies and your child will earn Christian service hours.
The Baby Shower Drive runs during the whole month of October.
Blood Drive
Our annual Fall Blood Drive, sponsored by The City of Hope, will take place on Monday, October 20, from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the Student Activity Center. Parents wishing to donate blood should remember to bring an ID to check-in at the office and receive a visitor’s pass before heading to the gym. If your son or daughter is planning to donate blood, please ensure he/she brings an ID, is hydrated and eats a healthy breakfast the morning of the blood drive.
Family Ministry Events
senior Family Evening of Reflection
The Senior Family Evening of Reflection will take place on Thursday, October 2, at 6:00 pm in the Library before the start of the Senior Parent Night. Parents attending the reflection will have time to move to the Carroll Center for the parent meeting.
This event is open to all of our Senior Families. We ask that our seniors attend with at least one parent or guardian. Please join us to reflect on your final year of high school and your future.
Parents attending this event with their senior students will receive one parent hour per family, and seniors attending with their parent/guardian will receive one student service hour.
Please register for the event by filling out the following RSVP Form.
Family Virtue Discussions
As part of our mission to instill goodness, we are focusing on Virtue at Bishop Amat. We invite our families to have discussions each month about particular virtues.
Virtue Spotlight: Service
Definition: The strength to serve others selflessly and with love, seeking the good of others without expecting anything in return. Service is a manifestation of humility where the focus is on the needs of others and not one's own comfort or status.
Suggested Reflection-Discussion Questions:
1. How can serving others help us to grow closer to God?
2. Reflect on a moment when you noticed someone acting selflessly. How did their actions impact you or others? How might you emulate that behavior in your own life?
3. What is one act of service that your family could do this month?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, may our family live out the virtue of service each day. Amen.
2025 Bishop Amat Homecoming
🎉 Lancer ALUMNI FEST is HERE! 🎉
Calling all Bishop Amat graduates—it’s time to come home! Join us for Lancer Alumni Fest on Homecoming Night, and reconnect with friends, classmates, and the Amat Family.
Enjoy an evening filled with food, music, throwback vibes, and plenty of Lancer spirit before cheering on our Lancers under the Friday night lights. This is the biggest Homecoming event yet, and we want our parent-alumni to be part of the celebration.
💙 Let’s make it a night to remember—see you there, Family!
Reminders from the Finance Office
Please be reminded that if you need to make an adjustment to your FACTS payment date, you must notify Mrs. Gomez (Ext. 7414) 3 days in advance of the withdrawal date.
The 2026-2027 financial aid process will begin in November (CEF applications and interviews). It is extremely important that families who qualify for a CEF Tuition Award submit an application and schedule an on-campus interview with CEF personnel. More information to follow.
Bingo Set Up
We are looking for a few volunteers who are interested in earning all their parent hours by joining a Sunday morning team to lay down the flooring for Bingo. Volunteer two Sundays a month year-round from 6 - 7 a.m. and earn all 36 parent hours. If interested, please email doswald@bishopamat.org.
Development Hours
There are a number of ways in which parents can fulfill their Development hours. Item donations continue to be accepted for this year’s Virtual Auction event which goes live on Monday, November 3.
Gift card donations are another good option, especially for those families who are required to purchase Scrip from their parish elementary school. Buy the Scrip - get elementary school credit, then turn the gift card in to Bishop Amat and receive Development hours.
Additional ways to earn Development hours include:
- Joining the 2026 Golf Tournament committee
- Helping the Development office with special event planning
- Selling raffle tickets
- Making a donation to any of our 53 named scholarships or the Endowment Trust Fund
- Purchasing a named seat in the Performing Arts Center ($500)
- Attending one of the upcoming October Development Information Sessions (1 hour per family in attendance)
For more information, please call Mrs. Lucy Rios at Ext. 7401.
Closed Campus
Parents are kindly reminded that we are a closed campus. Any parent conducting business on campus is expected to check in at the front office with a valid ID to receive an official “visitor’s pass”.
Per school policy, parents are not allowed to personally make deliveries, specifically food deliveries, to their student during the school day. We ask that all parents comply with this policy. This is not simply due to lack of storage space or the busyness of school offices, but also for the safety of our students and campus.
Additionally, students are not allowed to have food or beverages delivered to campus directly from any dining facility or any food delivery service (GrubHub, DoorDash, etc.) during the school day. Any deliveries attempting to be made will be denied.
Lastly, parents wishing to meet with a teacher, staff member or administrator should contact the person directly to check their availability or to schedule an appointment beforehand whether it is during the school or after school.
Attendance Office
Kindly remind your student that if he/she is not feeling well during the school day, he/she should go to the Attendance Office to call from there instead of remaining in class and using his/her personal device. This way, we know that the student is ill and we will be better able to tend to his/her needs and check him/her out of school quickly when someone arrives to pick him/her up.
Parent Hours Opportunities
Parent volunteers are needed to work in our Infirmary on a daily basis. If you are Virtus trained and are interested in earning Parent Hours in this capacity, please contact the Attendance Office via email (attendance@bishopamat.org) or call 626-962-2495 ext. 7440 to check availability and to sign up. Please note that no nursing training is required. Thank you in advance for volunteering!
Virtus Training
Any parent who volunteers to help with an activity on campus that involves working with our students is required to be Virtus trained. If you are interested in potentially helping in this capacity, we will be holding a Virtus Training session on Tuesday, October 14, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm in Room 108.