MHR Newsletter October 30th, 2026
From the Principal’s Desk
Dear Most Holy Redeemer Families,
I hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween tomorrow!
Our Winter Porch Pot fundraiser starts Nov 1st. Please see the attached flyer. This was a well-received event last year and the School Advisory Board will again bring this wonderful event to share some holiday spirit with the neighborhood.
Do you know any families interested in joining us for the 27/28 school year? Tours have started! Share this link: https://www.mhrschool.com/new-student-registration-inquiry
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Dr. Eric Fay
Important Dates & Events
- October 30 Halloween; Classroom parties
- November 2 Candy Collection for Troops
- November 4 Fall Picture Retakes
- November 5 11:30 AM Dismissal for Parent-Teacher Conferences
- November 5 1:00 PM 6:00 PM Parent Teacher Conferences
- November 5 Teacher Lunch for PTC
- November 6 ArchDiocese Teacher Training - No Student Attendance
- November 11 8:30 AM Veteran's Day Mass 8th Grade Hosts
- November 18 End of Trimester One
- November 22 10:30AM Family Mass 5th Grade Hosts
- November 25 Thanksgiving Break; November 25th - 27th
- November 26 Thanksgiving Break; November 25th - 27th
- November 27 Thanksgiving Break; November 25th - 27th
- November 30 Early Dismissal for Faculty Collaboration
Faith & Formation
As our eighth graders prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, one meaningful part of their preparation is selecting a patron saint whose name they will take for Confirmation. Students research the lives of the saints, learning about their faith, virtues, challenges, and the ways they followed Jesus Christ. Each student prayerfully considers which saint inspires them and whose example they hope to follow in their own journey of faith.
Choosing a Confirmation saint is more than selecting a name; it is an opportunity for students to reflect on the kind of Catholic Christian they hope to become. Their chosen saint becomes a spiritual role model and a reminder that we are all called to holiness in our own lives. We are proud of our eighth graders as they take this important step in their faith journey, and we pray that the Holy Spirit will guide them as they continue preparing to receive the fullness of the gifts of the Spirit through Confirmation.
Classroom & Curriculum Highlights
In grades 5–8, our students begin their creative writing classes with an intriguing question displayed on the front board. From imaginative scenarios to thoughtful questions about life and the world around them, these prompts invite students to think creatively, reflect, and express their ideas. Students take a few minutes to write their responses in their journals using good old-fashioned pencil and paper before sharing their thoughts with their classmates.
In a world increasingly shaped by technology, there is something special about putting pencil to paper. Handwriting encourages students to slow down, organize their thoughts, and engage directly with their ideas. Regular journaling also strengthens vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, and written fluency while helping students develop their own voices as writers. Just as importantly, sharing responses builds speaking and listening skills, encourages students to consider different perspectives, and fosters confidence in expressing their ideas in a supportive classroom environment.
Sometimes, the most powerful learning begins with a simple question and a few quiet minutes to think. At MHR, we are proud to give our students opportunities to be curious, creative, and thoughtful communicators which are skills that will serve them well in every subject and throughout their lives.
Spotlight On
Celebrating Día de los Muertos
(Day of the Dead)
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a cultural tradition celebrated in Mexico and other Latin American communities on November 1 and 2. It is a time for families to remember and honor loved ones who have passed away, celebrating the lives they lived and the lasting impact they continue to have on those who love them. Traditional celebrations often include photographs, flowers, candles, and special items that reflect the lives and memories of those being honored.
Our Student Council is bringing this meaningful tradition to MHR by creating an altar in the hallway near the main office. The altar will help our students learn about this cultural celebration and reflect on the importance of remembering those we love. As a Catholic community, we are reminded during this time of year of the Communion of Saints and the hope we share in eternal life. We invite our families to take a moment to view the altar and reflect on the people whose love, faith, and example continue to shape our lives.
Reminders
- Halloween Movie Night. Join us for a Spooktacular Evening hosted by the Parents Club and Women's Guild! Enjoy a showing of Hotel Transylvania with friends and family. Purchase your tickets here! Friday, October 30th. Join us at 5:30 PM to get settled before the movie begins at 6:00 PM! MHR Parking Lot. $20 per Family. Baracco's pizza slices will be available for purchase, and each kid will receive one kid's drink and a special Halloween treat. Come dressed in your Halloween best (pajamas welcome!) and get ready for a fun night of family, friends, and a little spooky fun!
- Most Holy Redeemer will once again participate in the annual Baby Bottle Collection to support mothers and babies in need. Donations help provide essential items such as formula, diapers, clothing, blankets, health care, and car seats. Please fill the baby bottle with spare change, or any donation you are able to give, and return it to your child’s homeroom teacher by October 30. Please return every baby bottle to school, whether or not you are able to make a donation. Learn more about the organization and its mission: Save the Babies
- We're accepting leftover Halloween candy for donation to Soldiers' Angels Treats for Troops program. Soldiers' Angels collects candy to share with veterans. Donated candy will be collected from November 2nd-5th at MHR. Please contact Parents Club (parentsclub@mhrschool.com) if you have a MHR parishioner that is active duty and would like candy to be sent to them.
Social-Emotional Learning
Halloween is an exciting time for children, and it’s also a great opportunity to practice making safe, responsible choices. Before heading out to trick-or-treat, remind your children to stay with their group, follow their family's plans, use crosswalks, look both ways before crossing streets, and remain visible to drivers by using reflective items or flashlights. Parents should accompany younger children and establish clear expectations for older children about where they can go and when they should return home. It's also important to remind children to wait until a trusted adult checks their treats before eating them. Most importantly, talk with your children about looking out for one another and making choices that keep everyone safe. A fun Halloween is a safe Halloween, and a little preparation can make the evening enjoyable for the whole family!
Final Word from Dr. Fay
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of our Most Holy Redeemer family and for the many ways You are present in our daily lives. Help us to grow in faith, to recognize the dignity of every person, and to serve one another with the love of Christ. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may our homes and school be places where faith is nurtured, kindness is shared, and every person knows they are a beloved child of God. Guide us in all that we do, and unite us ever more closely as one family in Christ. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In Christ,
Dr. Eric Fay
Principal
Stay Connected
Email: efay@mhrschool.com
MHR Website - https://www.mhrschool.com/
MHR Instagram -
https://www.instagram.com/mhrraiders/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MHRRaiders
Attachments
- Porch Pot flyer
- Candy for Troops flyer
- Day of the Dead flyer



