September 2025 Parent Newsletter
Message from the Principal
Dear Parents:
September is a great month to focus on student success. While the first few weeks of school are filled with reunions, meeting new teachers, and a lot of "firsts," September is a bit different. By now, students have solidified their schedules, possibly taken their first assessments, and are well on their way to establishing good academic habits.
Students who are supported by their parents and guardians are more successful. I'd like to use this opportunity to invite you to partner with Bishop Amat once again to ensure your student has the best chance to do well in the classroom. The best tool for communication between parents and teachers is the Parent Portal, which provides a live snapshot of student grades. At our next faculty meeting, I will be reminding teachers of the importance of keeping grades and assignments up to date.
Another way for parents to show support and understand teacher expectations is to attend Back-to-School Night on Wednesday, September 10, at 6 pm This event gives you a chance to follow your student's schedule and hear directly from teachers about their goals and expectations for each course. Putting a face and voice to the name on the course schedule can do a lot to build positive relationships and lay a strong foundation for student success.
Finally, I want to promote the Counselors & Coffee event scheduled for this Wednesday, September 3, at 8:30 am in the Brutocao Library. Assistant Principal Ms. Jolene Joseph Pudvan will speak to parents about the keys to high school success, with a focus on Bishop Amat. After the presentation, parents can meet with their child's counselor in small groups. While this event is designed for parents of 9th and 10th graders, all are welcome.
Thank you for choosing to send your student to Bishop Amat Memorial High School. We believe parents are the primary educators of their children, and we are proud to play a major role in their formation. Let's all get off to a good start by being present and investing our time in our students' academic efforts.
Sincerely,
Gabriel Escovar
Principal
Peer Tutoring
The mission of California Scholarship Federation (CSF) is to recognize and encourage academic achievement and community service among high school students in California. The purpose for CSF is to empower students to tutor other students in all academic areas, especially students who may need additional assistance academically.
CSF tutoring is offered before and after school in the library. Tutoring hours are as follows:
Monday - Friday 7:20 am to 8:00 am
Monday - Thursday 2:50 pm to 3:30 pm (except minimum days)
Students needing academic support are strongly encouraged to attend these tutoring sessions.
Schedules
Student schedules have been finalized as of August 25, and no further changes can be made.
Back-to-School Night
Join us for Back-to-School Night on Wednesday, September 10, at 6:00 pm, following the Family Ministry Prayer Service in the library. Parents and guardians should bring their student’s schedule or access it through the Parent Portal. The evening will begin with 1st period, allowing you to follow your student’s schedule, meet their teachers, and learn about classroom expectations.
Counselors & Coffee
Our first Counselors and Coffee is scheduled for Wednesday, September 3rd. The topic is High School Success. Parents of all grade levels are invited to attend this session. We will meet in the library at 8:30 am. Parents are asked to check in at the front office before heading to the library. An ID will be required for this process. Meetings typically last between 60 and 90 minutes. School counselors will also be present to answer individual questions that parents may have.
September 2025 Calendar
September 1
- Labor Day, No School (School Office Closed)
September 3
- 8:30 am Counselors & Coffee: High School Success (Lib)
- Mass of the Holy Spirit (Mass Attire)
September 4
- Transfer Lunch (Lib)
September 8
- CSF Tutoring Starts (Lib)
September 9
- 12:45 pm Dismissal, Minimum Day
September 10
- 9/10/11 Yearbook Pictures (Theology Class - Lib)
- 5:30 pm Family Ministry Parent Prayer Service (Lib)
- 6 pm Back to School Night
September 11
- 9/10/11 Yearbook Pictures (Theology Class - Lib)
September 12
- Chromebook & Materials Fees Due
September 18 -19
- Homecoming Presale Tickets Available (Student Store)
September 20
- Christian Service - Beach Clean Up Day
- Homecoming Dance Tickets Regular Sale Begins
September 23
- 12:45 pm Dismissal, Minimum Day
September 24
- 6:30 pm Family Ministry: Freshman Evening of Reflection (Lib)
September 25
- 7 pm Dancing with the Staff (SAC)
September 29
- 7 Period Full
- Freshman Retreat (SAC)
Class of 2030 Submit Your Application!
Applications for the 2026-2027 School Year are now available.
ApplY Now!
College
Counselors will visit senior homerooms on Wednesday, September 24th, to share information regarding college applications. Counselors will also begin meeting with seniors individually to offer assistance with the college application process.
College representatives will begin visiting Bishop Amat to talk with students about their campuses. Students should listen to announcements and check the posted information about these visits. Students interested in meeting with admissions evaluators must make an appointment in advance with Mr. Scott, the College Counselor. He is available during break 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.
Dancing with the Staff
Mark your calendars for Bishop Amat Dance Team's 3rd Annual DANCING WITH THE STAFF competition on Thursday, September 25, at 7 pm in the SAC!
Tickets will be sold at the door starting at 6 pm. Doors will open at 6:30 pm. Prices are as follows:
$10 admission
$5 with valid Amat Student ID.
You do not want to miss your favorite teachers competing for the 2025 Mirror Ball trophy! Who's going to take it home this year?
YEARBOOK PICTURES
Yearbook pictures are scheduled for Wednesday, September 10 and Thursday, September 11 for all 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students. Students will be sitting for pictures during the school day in their school uniform. Please be sure your student meets the grooming guidelines and expectations in our student handbook or he/she may not be allowed to sit for pictures.
Information on ordering pictures will be shared with our families directly from our school photographer, Bronson Photography.
Students who are not permitted to take their picture due to a dress code issue should expect to have their picture taken on Yearbook Picture Make Up day on Friday, October 3, provided the issue has been corrected.
HOMECOMING DANCE
The 2025 Homecoming Dance is scheduled to take place on campus on Saturday, October 11. This is a semi-formal dance that is open only to Bishop Amat students.
Details about ticket prices, as well as expectations regarding dress code, dress approval and conduct will be forthcoming. Please note that pre-sale tickets will be available for purchase through the Student Store and online on September 18 and 19. Regular price tickets will be available for purchase online starting on September 20 through October 3.
Lancer pride on display: football, flag football & girls' Volleyball
Bishop Amat celebrated their first victory under Coach Kory Minor as the Lancers defeated St. Paul 14 - 42. The standing room crowd was excited as the new era of Bishop Amat Football began!
Our Girls Flag Football team continues to impress in its inaugural season with a 8-1 record.
The Lancers Volleyball team is headed to a tournament in Honolulu HI over the Labor Day weekend. They currently boast an 10-2 record.
Any general questions you may have regarding Athletic Clearance, please see our website.
Campus Ministry
“Radiant Hope”
Every year, our Campus Ministry office adopts a theme for the school year based on our partnership with Life Teen. This year’s theme is “Radiant Hope” and it reminds us to follow the example of our Blessed Mother and to place our hope and trust in God.
Faith in Action
Our Faith In Action (FIA) team has had a busy summer and is ready to start serving our school community. At the beginning of August, members of our FIA group went down to the University of San Diego to attend the Steubenville Conference hosted by Life Teen. 25 of our Juniors and Seniors were able to experience an unforgettable weekend of prayer, inspiring testimonials, adoration and lots of worship and praise. And, as an added bonus, our group stopped off at the Mission San Luis Rey in Carlsbad to enjoy lunch and explore the mission grounds.
Christian Service Hours
As we kick off the new school year, we would like to encourage all students, but especially seniors, to get a jump start on their service hours. We have a couple of opportunities coming up this month:
Theology Department School Supply Drive
To support the Archdiocese of Los Angeles' Together in Mission Program in helping struggling kids in Catholics schools, our Theology Department is sponsoring a School Supplies Drive during the whole month of September. Students can earn Christian Service hours by supporting this charitable cause and dropping off their donations to their Theology teacher.
Beach Clean Up on September 20
Everyone is invited to participate in the annual statewide Beach Clean Up on Saturday, September 20, sponsored by the California Coastal Commission. There are multiple venues across the state. Cleanup materials will be provided on site. It's a family friendly and free event. Click on the link below to learn more.
Family Ministry Events
Parent Prayer Service
Family Ministry will host a Parent Prayer Service right before Back-to-School Night on Wednesday, September 10, at 5:30 pm in the Brutocao Library. It will end before Back-to-School Night starts at 6:00 pm.
Freshmen Family Evening of Reflection
Family Ministry will host a Family Evening of Reflection for the freshman class on Wednesday, September 24, at 6:30 pm in the library.
All freshmen families are welcome to join us to reflect and pray, as you begin your high school journey as part of the Amat Family. We ask that freshmen who wish to attend bring at least one parent/guardian. Students attending will receive one hour towards Christian Service. Parents attending will receive one parent hour per family. RSVP information will be forthcoming in a weekly email.
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: Integrity
Definition: The strength to live with honesty, consistency, and moral uprightness. A person of integrity aligns their thoughts, words, and actions with their Christian beliefs, regardless of circumstances. Integrity involves being truthful, trustworthy, and acting in a way that reflects your deepest values.
Suggested Reflection-Discussion Questions:
1. What are some areas of your life where you feel challenged to live with integrity?
2. Name an example of someone in your family living the virtue of integrity.
3. Why do you think it is sometimes difficult to live a life of integrity?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, may our family always live out the virtue of integrity in all that we do. Amen.
Financial aid update
A number of families have requested additional financial aid for this school year. Unfortunately, we have exhausted all of our budgeted financial aid, however, we are hopeful that we will receive additional financial aid monies through one of our major sources of funding.
We should have more accurate information within the next few weeks. We will do our best to provide as much financial assistance as possible. In the meantime, please make your payments as scheduled.
VIP Football Tailgate Experience
Thank you to Mrs. Lucy Rios, Special Events Coordinator, and her crew of Amat parents and alumni who did an incredible job hosting the first-ever VIP Football Tailgate Experience! All eyes were on the special designated seating area in the endzone for the St. Paul game. Way to go Lancers!!
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 or to sign up. Please note that no nursing training is required. Thank you, in advance, for volunteering!
Drop-Offs and Pick-Ups
As we are now a couple of weeks into the school year, we hope that our families have settled into a routine that allows students to be dropped off at school on time without too much congestion. Please remember that school starts at 8:05 am.
As a reminder, before school, parents should NOT drive into the faculty (theater) lot or the student lot to drop off students. We ask that all families abide by this policy.
After school, there is a security officer present at the student parking lot to ensure that nobody enters the student lot as our student drivers are exiting. We ask that our families be courteous to the officer at all times and follow any directions that are provided.
In addition, for the safety of our students, we do not allow students to wait for their rides in front of the school or on Orange unattended. If you arrive after 3:10 pm to pick up your student, please have him/her wait for you in the covered lunch area. We ask that you then drive onto campus to pick him/her up in the back of the campus or preferably that he/she walk out to the front of the school to meet you once you arrive.
Library Hours
For those students looking for a quiet academic area in which to work, please note that the school library is open every morning from 7:00 to 8:00 am, during lunch and after school from 3:00 to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.
Attendance Office
As a friendly reminder, parents are required to provide a signed absent note, if their student is absent, in order to clear the absence as “verified.” Signed notes can be emailed to attendance@bishopamat.org or dropped off at the Attendance Office when the student returns to school.
Please monitor your student’s health and keep him/her home if sick or experiencing any symptoms. Additionally, if your student starts to feel sick during the school day, it is very important that he/she go to the Attendance Office immediately so we can make parent contact. We do not want a sick student sitting in a classroom and potentially getting others sick. By coming to the Attendance Office, we know that the student is ill and 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.