Services
New Families Orientation
Before the school year begins, the PTO Welcome Committee hosts an orientation program to welcome new families, provide some basic information, and answer questions. Typically the Principal, Kindergarten teachers (since most new families will be those of students entering Kindergarten), PTO President, and the PTO Volunteer Coordinator speak to the families. A package of advance information, put together by some thoughtful parents, is provided to offer useful tips to those joining the school family. In addition, parents who will be doing volunteer work with the children are given assistance with completing the paperwork and procedures for complying with the Child Protection and Safety Program.
Hot Lunch Program
The PTO operates a very popular hot lunch program, designed to meet the nutritional standards of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Diocese of Arlington Wellness Program. An on-site Kitchen Manager and three Assistant Managers have Northern Virginia Food Handler Certifications and our kitchen equipment is carefully maintained to ensure strict compliance with the Fairfax County Food Service Inspection Program. In addition parents assist in serving food, and in monitoring student behavior in the cafeteria and on the playground. Each school family is required to fulfill monitoring assignments for the cafeteria and playground. This requirement is further explained in the Parent/Student Handbook.
"Cardinal Flyer" bi-weekly newsletter
The PTO publishes a bi-weekly newsletter as a communications medium for our school family. It typically contains news of upcoming activities, announcements of changes in procedures, reminders about fundraisers, and reports of recent events.
Uniform Exchange
Used uniform articles that are clean and in good condition may be turned-in at any time during the school year. You will be issued a script in exchange for your items, which can then be used at any time to purchase other used uniforms. You may also pay cash to purchase used uniforms. Sale dates are announced throughout the school year.
Memorabilia
Memorabilia are available for purchase. These promotional items are adorned with the St. Bernadette's logo.
CHILD PROTECTION AND SAFETY PROGRAM
The Diocese, the parish and the school are committed to providing a safe environment to all children entrusted to their care. The primary support that the PTO provides to the school is volunteer power, some of which involves direct contract with the children. A critical prerequisite for such volunteer work is compliance with the Child Protection and Safety Program instituted by the Diocese of Arlington. Compliance involves application procedures, including background checks. Information and forms about the application procedures can be obtained from Ms. Corlin Hanrahan on the parish staff, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Compliance also involves completing - within 6 months of the start of volunteer work -- a PROTECTING GOD'S CHILDREN training program (otherwise knows as the "VIRTUS" program). More information is available on-line at http://www.arlingtondiocese.org/childprotect/child_protection.php.