Dear Parents and
Students:
And so we begin again!
Soon we will converge on our little corner of the world and once more
make great things happen in our school community.
A new school year is like a blank chapter in the saga that is our lives, just
waiting to be filled. If we look at our
lives as adventures, with each day bringing its share of experiences, we
realize how the past impacts the present and the future. While we rarely realize at the moment how
individual events and choices impact what-comes-next, in hindsight we typically
see more clearly. As adults, one of the
most important things we can do is to help young people recognize that their
choices, whether large or small, have consequences. It is hard for them to look around the corner
and imagine what’s out there. That’s
where they need strong adults in their lives, people who don’t always agree
with them, who aren’t their peers and don’t want to be, and who love them
immensely.
Young people deserve to be surrounded by adults – in
their homes, in our schools, in sports and other extracurricular activities --
who are enthusiastic about what it is they are doing. To do anything less is a disservice to
them.
Enthusiasm has nothing to do with age. It has everything to do with attitude. During this school year, may each of us
approach each day with enthusiasm and with the accompanying attributes of joy,
vision, fairness, compassion, common sense, optimism, faith, diligence, and
confidence.
I am reminded time and time again of the beauty of our Charleston
Catholic community. May each of us enjoy
its warmth and do what we can to keep it vibrant, positive, and strong.
It’s going to
be a great year.
Warmly,
Debra
K. Sullivan, Principal
CONDOLENCES – In July, the Commons, home-away-from-home for
Fran, Mary Katherine, and Libba, filled with heartsick well wishers who joined
in grieving the untimely death of John Rollins.
Mr. Rollins was a beloved member of our Charleston Catholic family. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family
and shall continue to hold them in our thoughts and prayers. May his soul rest in peace.
PLEASE READ AND SAVE THIS
NEWSLETTER -- and refer
to it often. Many of the questions that
you might have now and in the future may be answered by referring to items in
newsletters rather than by calling the school office. The newsletter (sent out approximately every
5 weeks with student academic reports) and the Student-Parent Handbook provide
information that you will need to know.
Newsletters and the handbook are also available on the CCHS website (www.charlestoncatholic-crw.org).
WELCOME – We greet our newest faculty and staff
members to the CCHS community. Linda
Parker, with extensive teaching experience in
PARENT-TEACHER NIGHT -- Mark Wednesday, August 26, on your calendar as a time to meet
your student’s teachers and other CCHS staff members. We will meet in Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral
at 7 p.m. and, after this orientation session, will return to the school
where parents will follow their children’s schedules of classes. Following classroom visits, the Parent
Volunteer Association’s hospitality committee, with help from sixth grade
parents, will provide refreshments in the Commons. This evening has become a traditional,
enjoyable way to open the school year, renew acquaintances, and welcome
newcomers to the CCHS community.
PARENTS OF INCOMING 6TH
GRADERS -- At the Parent Back to School Night on Wednesday, August 26, you will be
meeting as a group in the library with the 6th grade teachers after
the opening session in the Cathedral.
This meeting will give you an important opportunity to ask about
assignment notebooks, homework, uniforms, lunch, and all the other nitty-gritty
things you want to know. So keep a list
of all of your questions! Afterwards,
parents rotate through the classrooms to gather information on the goals
and expectations of individual teachers. The transition to CCHS need not be difficult! Read the Handbook in front of the students’
assignment notebook to know what is expected at CCHS.
STUDENT SCHEDULES AND PLACEMENT
IN CLASSES -- During
April, May, June, July, and August, an extraordinary amount of thought, time,
and effort goes into building the master schedule and individual student
schedules. Academic requirements,
student choices, teacher recommendations, previous achievement, standardized
achievement test results, class period conflicts, and class size are just some
of the factors that come into play during this very complex process. Please assume that the schedule your child
receives is the best one possible!
Unless there is a critical reason to change a student’s schedule, it
will not be changed.
Please
keep in mind that all CCHS classes are part of a college preparatory program
and, therefore, ALL of our classes are presented at college preparatory
levels. Students’ placement in
courses varies from year to year and subject to subject -- our students are not
“tracked” within an inflexible framework!
Each year, students’ records are reviewed to ensure suitable placement
in classes.
A note
about 7th grade math classes:
This year, seventh graders will either be scheduled into Prealgebra 7 or
Algebra ˝ 7 and eighth graders will study Algebra ˝ 8 or Algebra 8, further
solidifying their math foundation and ensuring their success in high school
math classes. For students who excel in Prealgebra
7, Algebra ˝ 8, and 9th grade Algebra I, there is a “double up”
option available in tenth grade, namely, to enroll in both Honors Algebra II
and Honors Geometry courses during the sophomore year and postpone physical
education until their junior or senior year.
2009-2010 REGISTRATION DAYS -- The following times have been set aside for students to pick up
their schedules, pay class fees, buy used textbooks, order new textbooks, and
pick up/buy gym uniforms. Student
schedules are completed during the summer months and will not be available
until August registration days. Schedules
for each particular grade level will only be available during the times listed
below, so it is critical that parents and students adhere to the schedule
listed. If families with more
than one child would like to pick up schedules and so on for all their children
at one time, they must come on Thursday, August 13, from 2:30 - 4 p.m. At all other times, schedules and other items
for each grade level listed will be the only ones handled at particular time
slots. There will be no exceptions.
Wednesday, August 12 9 - 10:30 a.m: Seniors only
10:30 – noon: Juniors only
CLOSED
NOON - 1 P.M.
1
- 2:30 p.m.: Sophomores only
2:30 - 4 p.m.: Freshmen only
Thursday, August 13 9
- 10:30 a.m.: 8th graders only
10:30 – noon: 7th graders only
CLOSED
NOON - 1 P.M.
1
- 2:30 p.m.: 6th graders only
2:30 - 4 p.m.: Families with
more than one student wishing to register all their children at one time; also,
anyone unable to come at scheduled times
To
help with your planning, know that you
will need to write a separate check for
each used textbook purchased (no cash payments) and a separate check will be needed to submit
with new textbook orders. A separate check or cash will be needed
to pay for P.E. uniforms. All prepaid P.E. uniforms for 7th,
8th, and 10th graders were distributed in May to current
students. Prepaid orders for 6th
graders and new students enrolled in 7th, 8th, and 10th
grades should be picked up at registration.
Additional uniforms will be available for purchase. PVA
items (shirts) will need a separate
check. Class fees must be paid by separate check or cash.
PLEASE NOTE: Make-up fine arts critiques
and community service hours must be submitted to Ms. FitzGerald BEFORE GOING TO
THE SCHEDULING TABLE. Students may bring
their completed forms into Ms. FitzGerald now or on the day of
registration. Students will
not be allowed to register if they have not fulfilled these past due
requirements. Similarly, families with tuition balances
must meet with Mrs. Shay before going to the scheduling table.
NEW AND USED TEXTBOOKS FOR 2009-2010 – Many families placed orders for new textbooks
and purchased used textbooks during our June sale. Many thanks for the help provided by PVA
parents and CCHS staff – so many parents voiced positive comments about the
ease of the process and how it took pressure off them. The traditional book sale will be held during
registration days. During registration
days, all elective used books will be available as well as books unsold in
June. Please keep in mind that separate checks must be written for each used
textbook purchased since the
checks go directly to the sellers of the textbooks, not through CCHS. Checks received for used textbooks sold at
the August sale will be mailed out within a week in the SASEs families provided
with each used book. That’s service!
If
you still have a few old books you would like to sell in the August book sale,
they will be accepted on August 10 and 11. Remember that each used book must have a
stamped, self-addressed envelope with the name of the book written on the back
of the envelope. CCHS will make an
attempt to sell any unsold books throughout the year. We reserve the right to dispose of any books
no longer required at CCHS.
At registration, students will
receive their schedules and know all of their classes. New textbooks ordered in June will be
available for pick-up in the Commons during registration. There will be another opportunity to order
additional books at that time. This
new book order will be placed August 14th. There will be one final ordering period for
new books -- new book orders must be turned in no later than August 27. After that time families will have to order
their own books. Please note that
Spanish and French textbooks are new and
should not be purchased used. Latin
books will remain the same. Please do
not purchase used workbooks.
FORMS TO BE RETURNED --
1) On the first day of classes, each middle and high school student will
receive an assignment notebook which contains the Student-Parent Handbook. The last page of the handbook should be torn
out and signed by parents and students, acknowledging that they have read the
handbook. This form must be returned to homeroom teachers by Monday, August 24.
2) At registration, parents will
receive the emergency card. Please complete it during registration and
turn it in.
3) Off-campus
lunch forms for grades 10 – 12 are due
Thursday, August 20 by 8 a.m.
4) In-lieu of
transportation forms are due to homeroom teachers by Monday, August 24. Families living in
5) PVA forms should be turned into the office within the first couple of weeks of
school. PVA volunteer forms and ALL
ordering forms for white polos, green polos, and fleece will be available at
registration and are on the website.
LUNCH TIME – Thursday, August 20, marks the first full-day of school and the
opening of our food service program.
CCHS has three separate lunches:
sixth grade lunch, seventh-eighth grade lunch, and high school
lunch. Students in grades 10 - 12 may
go off-campus for lunch if they have submitted their parents’ permission on the
official school form. In order
for students to go off-campus for lunch beginning Thursday, August 20, their
permission forms must be returned to homeroom teachers by 8 a.m. that morning. Notes/phone calls from parents will not be
accepted for off-campus lunch privileges.
Off-campus lunch is a privilege and will be rescinded for students who
arrive late to school, are late after lunch, display unsafe driving practices
at lunch time, or who are being disciplined for other reasons. Parents may also withdraw their children’s
lunch privileges by notifying Ms. FitzGerald.
RENOVATIONS --Our CCHS community prides itself on the
condition of its buildings, a reflection of our standards of excellence in
academics, faith and personal development, and extracurricular activities. Just as we take care of our own homes, we
must take care of our home-away-from-home.
Students
are expected to accept personal and community responsibility for the condition
of the facilities. Students are expected
to act responsibly and maturely, to take care of the facilities, and to
contribute to the well being of themselves and others. We are blessed to have excellent maintenance
and housekeeping staffs who work diligently to keep school property – both downtown
and at the athletic facility -- in good repair and clean. In the summer, in addition to thorough
cleaning and regular maintenance, we try to do a little bit extra each year as
we continue to upgrade school facilities.
This summer the gym floors at the athletic facility and downtown were
resealed. At the new gym, the bleacher
floors, locker room floors, and downstairs hallways were painted, the outside
decking was stained, and a lot of gardening work was done. The downtown gym’s windows were painted on
the outside and the bathrooms in the old wing have now all been repainted. Thanks to the generosity of the Class of
2009, the entryway to the school has been upgraded and sports newly painted
outside doors with new hardware, planters, as well as fresh paint on the
stairwells and walls. The Class of
2009’s gift has spurred us on to do a
few more cosmetic things including ordering new treads to spiff up the stairs. Ever onward!
CCHS SHAMROCK CLASSIC TENNIS TOURNAMENT AND PIG ROAST – After three very successful experiences, the Shamrock Classic is back
on tap for September 18 – 20. This
year’s weekend event at the CCHS Athletic Complex is sure to be even bigger and
better! The doubles’ tennis tournament
starts on Friday evening, September 18, and runs through Sunday, September 20
with the pig roast scheduled for Saturday evening. Anyone who would like to volunteer to help or
to get other information should contact Lisa Dobbins (346-4995) or Kelly and
David Sadd (344-0651). This is a fun
activity to get involved in! Tickets for
the pig roast as well as entry forms for the tennis tournament will be
available at registration August 12-13.
Funds raised last year helped every CCHS team in one way or
another. Let’s do it again!
SCHOOL ACCREDITATION
-- Charleston Catholic
has been accredited by North Central Association of Schools for many
years. As a piece of the accreditation
process, we will be hosting a visiting team of NCA members in November who will
spend two days at Charleston Catholic to accredit our school. In preparation for them, students, parents,
and teachers are encouraged to think about what we do here at Charleston
Catholic. Read the mission statement
which is found at the top of the school’s webpage and in the student handbook,
and tell us what you think. Does the
statement correlate to what happens every day?
Email the school through the feedback section of the website with your
thoughts. This is an opportunity to get
involved in the school in a different way!
TECHNOLOGICAL PROGRESS – by the end of the
school year, we expect to have 2/3 of our classrooms equipped with smartboards
and projectors. Five more teachers
attended Smartboard training this summer.
Mr. Hoffmann has set up a Twitter account for juniors and seniors to
receive college information from Mrs. Thomas.
A Twitter account also exists to follow CCHS sports events. Details are on the CCHS website. We continue to expand the infrastructure and
services to benefit our CCHS community.
MOODLE – How can
parents know what is going on in the classroom?
Go to the CCHS website beginning August 24 and check the CCHS Course
Extranet (moodle). Teachers will post
dates for quizzes, tests, and major assignments. Use this invaluable tool – you’ll be amazed
at what you can learn!
REPORTING STUDENT PROGRESS – mid-term
progress reports are sent out 4 times a year and quarter/semester reports are
sent out four times annually. Mid-term progress reports state actual numerical grades while quarter/semester
reports list letter grades.
LOCKS ON LOCKERS – are required in middle school.
Locks will be given to 6th graders the first week of school. Other students needing new locks can buy one
at registration. High school students
typically do not lock their lockers and those who do have locks on their
lockers usually leave them dangling, fulfilling no useful function and damaging
the locker paint in the process. If your
high school students are not going to lock their locks, don’t buy a lock,
please. Locks sold by the school (with
plastic sleeves to protect the paint) are the only ones students may use. Students are discouraged from bringing
valuables to school. The school will not
be responsible for anything that is lost or stolen from a locker.
WHEN DOES THE BUILDING OPEN EACH
DAY? -- When Mrs. Sullivan goes
to the front door on
SWINE FLU AND OTHER
ILLNESSES
– Please remind your children to keep hand sanitizer in their backpacks and to
use it often. If they have sore throats,
coughs, fevers, or other symptoms of illness, PLEASE KEEP THEM HOME. We
will need to work together to keep our school family healthy and strong.
IF YOUR LAST NAME IS DIFFERENT
FROM YOUR CHILD’S NAME – please put
the child’s full name on all checks issued to CCHS.
FAMILIES WISHING
NEWSLETTERS/REPORT CARDS/PROGRESS REPORTS SENT TO 2 ADDRESSES – must send in 12 stamped addressed envelopes by the first week of
September.
STUDENT PARKING – We thank
Monsignor Sadie for once again making arrangements for our students to pay $45
for monthly parking in the lot at the corner of
STRUCTURED STUDY TIME -- How can students possibly finish their
homework when enticed/distracted by Facebook, text messages,
television, and cell phones? Beginning Monday, August 24, students will
have the opportunity to attend a Homework
Clinic, a distraction and technology-free hour of supervised work.
Students should be able to complete most of their homework before ever
leaving school! The clinic will be held Monday-Thursday from
3-4 p.m. and will be limited to 15 students per day. Students must
sign up at the beginning of the day and will be charged a fee of $5 per
session, or $18 for the week.
CHOIR NOTES -- Singers in
grades 6-8 who are interested in choir will have the opportunity to select
"Choir" as their first quarter exploratory. We are fortunate to
be able to offer separate sections for each grade. After the first
quarter, these choirs will rehearse on Tuesdays during
(lunch/exploratory). Students will study the role of music in the liturgy
and basic music theory for singers, practice the existing "Choir
repertoire" and explore new music. High
School Choir will continue to practice during lunch on Tuesdays. Instrumentalists in all grades (6-12)
are invited and encouraged to participate in the music program. For further information, see Mrs. Stone
during registration or call (304)548-6086 or (304)539-4285(c).
CELL PHONES, IPODS, AND OTHER TECHNOLOGY -- As has been our policy in
recent years, the use of cell phones and other electronic devices is prohibited
during school hours (8 a.m. until 2:45 p.m.).
Such electronic items, if present
in the building, must be turned off and not visible (i.e., kept in backpacks). Students can check their cell phone messages
immediately after school to see if their parents have called to update
them. Students who are texting, checking
messages, playing with, or otherwise handling cell phones or other electronics
in the classroom or in any location within the building during the school day
will have these items confiscated.
Should this happen, the item will be returned to the parent/guardian of
the student owning the item. A $25 fee will be assessed for each
additional infraction. If students need
to use the phone during the school day, they may use the office phone or, if
they are at lunch or break, the one in the Commons.
TELEPHONE MESSAGES -- Because of the number of students enrolled and the limitations on
office staff and telephone lines, we strongly urge parents to make
arrangements with their students regarding transportation, appointments, etc.
before students leave home. If you
must leave a message for your child, call the office. The names of students who have messages are
announced at the end of each school day.
|
MRS.
THOMAS’ TIDBITS – 1) Do you “Twitter?” Keep up with the latest news, information,
and deadlines from Mrs. Thomas’ office by signing up on Twitter at cchscollegeprep
to receive periodic “tweets” which may be sent to your e-mail or phone as a
text message. 1)
SAT and ACT testing and registration dates (CCHS code: 490-205)
SAT and SAT Subject Tests (can register on line -- www.collegeboard.org):
TEST
DATE
DEADLINE
LATE REGISTRATION
October
10
September
9
September 23
November
7
October
1 October 15
December
5 October
30 November 12
January
23 December
15 December 30
March
13 February
4 February 18
May
1 March
25 April 8
June
5 April
29 May
13
ACT: (can register on line -- www.act.org)
TEST
DATE
DEADLINE
LATE REGISTRATION
September
12 August
7 August 8- 21
October
24 September 18
September 19 - Oct. 2
December
12 November
6
November 7 - 20
February
6 January
5 January 6 - 15
April
10
March
5 March 6-19
June
12 May
7 May 8 - 21
2) Seniors will need to complete their fine arts requirement by the end
of the third quarter and community service hours by the second Friday of May
of their senior year.
3) Seniors wanting their applications mailed to the colleges before
Christmas vacation must have their materials to Mrs. Thomas by Monday,
November 2.
4) Mrs. Thomas handles college visit requests. Students should
get the forms from her and return the completed forms to her at least 2 days
before the trip. Seniors are allowed 2 college visit days; juniors
are allowed 2 college visit days. College visits must be made before
May 1.
5) AP tests are required of students enrolled in AP English 11 and 12,
AP Human Geography, AP Calculus AB and BC, AP Computer Science, AP Economics,
AP Physics, and AP Psychology. AP testing fees for these courses are
included on the registration fee schedule. Students wishing to take AP
tests for other courses (e.g., biology, Spanish, world history) may do so and
must notify Mrs. Thomas in February.
6) College representatives will start visiting soon, typically during
the lunch period. Juniors and seniors may come to the library after
picking up their lunches to meet with the representatives. Students
should take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about different
colleges.
7) Mrs. Thomas will host a seminar, “The High School Years at
CCHS: Prelude to College,” for 9th grade parents and
other interested parents at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9, to learn
more about making academic plans for high school and college. There
will also be meeting with parents of juniors on Wednesday, September
16, at 6 p.m. to review the college selection process and with parents of
seniors for the college application process on Wednesday,
September 2, at 6 p.m.
8) Senior
parents need to complete their parent questionnaires, available at the CCHS
website, and return them to Mrs. Thomas by Wednesday, September 2. This
information is used in writing student recommendations from the school.
9) Check the website calendar and Twitter (Twitter ID: cchscollegeprep)
for important dates, e.g., college rep visits, parents meetings, deadlines,
etc.
10) Scholarship information will be listed on the college counseling
section of the website.
11) Wendy’s High School Heisman Program -- All seniors
with at least a B average who are athletes on CCHS teams are eligible
to apply. The link to the online application is available at www.wendysheisman.com.
Seniors must submit online applications no later than September 28, 2009,
the CCHS deadline. In order for the application to be
considered by the national Heisman Review Committee, the application must
first be reviewed online by Mrs. Thomas, hence the September 28
deadline. Students should notify Mrs. Thomas once they have
submitted the application online. 12) New students
(except those from St. Agnes and Sacred Heart) must mail final report cards
and achievement test results to the office by August 12. |
ASSIGNMENT NOTEBOOKS – will be distributed by the teachers on the first day of class.
BOOKSTORE REMINDER -- The bookstore is open each day from 7:45 a.m. - 8 a.m. and from 2:45
- 3:15 p.m. Mrs. Casey will have
computer disks, pencils, pens, envelopes, composition books, assignment books,
and notebook paper, payable at the time of purchase.
FAMILY TRIPS, APPOINTMENTS, ETC. -- Please avoid taking students out of school for vacations, family
trips, appointments, etc. If students
miss school for any reason (including illness), it is their responsibility to
find out what they missed. If your child is ill or will miss school for any
reason, please notify the school office by 8:30 a.m. In addition, at the
end of the semester students will have to stay after school to make up any time
missed during excessive absences/tardies.
HIGH SCHOOL DANCES -- High school dances are held from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. and students sign
in/out. Parents need to know that
students are permitted to sign out prior to the end of the dance. Once a student leaves the dance, the student
MAY NOT return to the dance. Parents
having questions about when their children arrived at/left a school dance
should call Ms. FitzGerald to request this information.
PROOF OF ENROLLMENT FORMS -- for drivers’ licenses may be requested in the school office using
the CCHS request form. It will take two
school days for the forms to be completed by office staff.
NOTES
FROM THE PARENT VOLUNTEER ASSOCIATION (PVA) –
1) The 2009-10 PVA parent Registration Packet is available online
on the CCHS website. Volunteer packets will be given out at
registration. It will remain online all year for parents to
reference. Hard copies of the packet will also be available on
registration days. The CCHS website also includes PVA sign-up forms
for all activities. You’re encouraged to become as involved as you
can! Please submit completed PVA volunteer forms to the school office
during the first couple of weeks of school.
2) Order forms for fleece jackets with CCHS logo, white uniform
polo shirts, and green athletic/academic competition polo shirts are available
on the CCHS website. For questions, please contact Lisa Dundervill
(344-2566) for fleece
jackets, Joanne Bronikowski (344-8850) for green polos, and Lisa Cassis
(925-5946) for white polos. Please note that high school students who are
members of athletic teams and academic competition teams are permitted to wear
a CCHS hunter green polo shirt to school on designated dates – normally home
games and other days designated by the principal.
3) Pre-orders placed in May for white polos and fleece jackets
will be available at registration. These items may also be purchased at
registration from available inventory.
4) INNISBROOK ORDERS – Don’t forget- orders can be
placed year round! Go to www.innisbrook.com
and click on “Buy Innisbrook Products” and enter CCHS school number 121949.
Call Lisa Dundervill at 344-2566 for more info.
5) CAFETERIA VOLUNTEERS: If you are interested in helping
in the cafeteria for the interim schedule (August and September, 2009) please
send your name, email address, complete mailing address (street, city, and zip
code) and phone number to Chrissy Hovorka at 343-8040 or chovorka@suddenlink.net
no later than August 21. The regular cafeteria volunteer schedule for
October 2009 through June 2010 will be completed for the school year after volunteers
submit their CCHS Cafeteria Volunteer Form following August
registration.
6) PVA DUES are $75 per family. In addition to buying
materials to support the school’s instructional program, this fee covers
operational expenses of special student projects (e.g., Project Graduation,
moving up reception, baccalaureate reception) so funds will not be solicited
for various activities. We’ll still be looking for your time, talent, and
good cooking!
7) Parent involvement is critical for the successful operation of the
CCHS athletic program. Helping transport students to games and practices,
working gates, being supportive of the players and coaches, attending games,
and participating in the team lunch program are just a few ways that parents
help. EVERY parent of an athlete is needed to support the teams!
Each sport is allocated a few team lunches. Guidelines and
dates for these lunches (designated away games only) will be distributed
to parents at the beginning of each season, once team rosters have been
established.
8) Athletic family passes are available through the PVA.
These passes are good for immediate family members only (not
cousins, in-laws, ex-in-laws, grandparents, fiancées, etc.) to attend CCHS home
games. The passes do not cover away games, tournaments played at home,
homecoming games, or any SSAC tournaments. Cost is $150 for
all home middle school games only, $175 for all home high school games only,
and $200 for all home games (both levels). A $100 student or senior
citizen pass for all games is also available. Each adult in a family
will be issued a pass that must be shown for admission to games. PASSES
MAY BE PURCHASED DURING REGISTRATION DAYS AT THE PVA TABLE. An order
form for sports passes is also in the PVA Parent Registration Packet so you may
order them later in the semester. Please ask Janet Kawash if you have
questions about these passes.
9)
CARE OF UNIFORM FLEECE – Parents
have reported that the best way to retain the shape and the consistency of the
fabric is to NOT dry the fleece with a fabric softener sheet or include fabric
softener in the wash cycle. Line drying
is recommended.
MEDICATIONS – For our
students having medical needs which necessitate their taking prescribed or over
the counter medicines while at school, our goal is to have in the school office
one plastic zip-lock bag per student, well organized and well documented,
containing a student’s items. When
students need to take prescription medication at school, the medicine must be
sent to the office with a doctor’s order and in a plastic zip-lock bag with the
student’s name clearly labeled. Also,
any medications kept at school for various reasons – e.g., asthma, allergies,
etc. – should be sent to the office in a bag with the doctor’s order and an
allergy or other medical plan, if applicable.
Over the counter medicine such as Advil, cough drops, etc. need to be in
a plastic bag with student’s name clearly marked and with specific information
stating when such items should be dispensed.
At the end of the school year, we will ask your students to stop by the
office and pick up their plastic bags with last year’s supplies.
BUY A CCHS
SEAT CUSHION – Why be uncomfortable while attending sporting
events? Sit down in luxury on a green
and white Charleston Catholic Irish rubber foam cushion. Mary Frances Casey has the cushions in the
bookstore on sale for $10 each.
GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP -- is something that is expected of athletes, coaches, parents,
students, and other fans. CCHS is
synonymous with high expectations and we must reflect this excellence in all
activities. Good sportsmanship includes
showing respect to opposing teams, coaches, fans, and officials. People judge our school by viewing the
behavior of those who represent it most visibly. Many times this is the only exposure they
have to a Catholic school community. It
is always best to “be the bigger person” and ignore (and certainly not imitate!)
negative remarks or gestures from others.
It is wonderful when game
officials remark upon the impressive behavior of our student athletes, and the
collegiality of our coaches, and the positive vibes from our fans. Let’s work on this together to make it a
great year!
STUDENT DRIVERS – Please
encourage your student drivers to be responsible, safe drivers. Talk to them about speeding down the street
in front of the school (showing off for friends?), pulling out of parking lots
too quickly, ignoring pedestrians, changing lanes abruptly, speeding through
yellow lights, texting or talking on cell phones while driving, fiddling with
the radio, and so on. Tragedies happen
in an instant. If you see inappropriate
or reckless driving behavior, please note the license plate and make of car and
notify Mrs. FitzGerald.
PLANT LOVERS -- The Science department would like to
have an Heirloom Plant Sale. If any amateur gardener has heirloom tomato
plants, cucumber plants, or other plants, consider donating some seeds to the
Science department. Please place
seeds in paper towels in a baggie, labeling each bag with as much information
as possible, and send them to Mrs. Pulliam at CCHS. Mrs. Arnold will
direct the planting and take care of the seedlings in the school’s
greenhouse. We will plan on having a plant sale next spring with the
profits benefiting the Quiz Bowl Team.
PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL SPORTS – To participate in athletic events, students
must be in school for the full school day on the day of the scheduled
activity. If a student is late or absent for any part of the day on a game day,
that student is not permitted to play that day. This “full day” policy includes
leaving school for appointments, so students need to avoid scheduling
appointments during the school day. Students are also expected to be on time each
morning following an athletic event.
Students who have long standing medical appointments, family funerals to
attend, or other similar instances may be excused at the discretion of
Mrs. FitzGerald. If a student is suspended at school, that student is
also suspended from athletic practices, games, etc. for the FULL DAY on the day(s) suspended (i.e., if a student is
suspended for a Tuesday, the suspension includes involvement in any school
activities -- sports, social, etc. -- for Tuesday evening also). In addition, if a student is suspended for a
Friday, the suspension holds for Friday
evening but does not continue for Saturday unless the student is also suspended
for Monday.
FALL SPORTS -- Students must have a completed doctor’s physical (administered after
June 1, 2009) to give coaches on the first day of practice. This physical is good for the entire school
year. Once teams have been selected,
students participating on teams must turn in their athletic fees ($75 per
sport) to the office before uniforms will be issued. A student who has not turned in athletic
uniforms from another sport will not be permitted to participate in the next
sport. CCHS students in grades 7-12
are eligible for athletics if they meet SSAC and CCHS requirements (including
having 2.0 GPA at end of 2008-09 second semester). Sixth graders are encouraged to continue
involvement in community and recreational sports leagues. If you have questions about the CCHS sports
program, please contact Bill Gillispie, CCHS athletic coordinator, at 304-342-8415.
VIRTUS– All
parents or other adults who volunteer, coach, drive students, chaperone, etc.,
are required by the Diocese to complete the diocesan sexual abuse awareness
training before being allowed to work with our students. Complete information, links, and forms are on
the CCHS website. Please contact Ms.
FitzGerald with questions. The next
Virtus training session is scheduled for Thursday, August 20, at 6 p.m. Please pre-register at www.virtusonline.org.
BUYING NEW SCHOOL
UNIFORMS -- Students are required to be in uniform beginning Wednesday,
August 19. All shorts, sweaters, and slacks
must be purchased from
The Charleston
Catholic preferred school number is 900133356.
The skorts’ item numbers are 25021 (a navy two button stretch skort) and 23158
(a navy pleated twill skort). The uniform sweater vest’s item number is #
22301. The color that has been selected is “evergreen.”
Check them out!
SCHOOL
UNIFORMS --A
word concerning uniforms-please take a moment to make sure all parts of the
uniform are in good repair. Do those pants need to be hemmed or can that
shirt ever get clean? Take a few moments to retire the old worn out pants
and shirts. The new school year is a perfect time to start wearing those
new uniform pants and shirts. Students in improper uniform will not be
permitted in class and will be expected to correct the problem
immediately. Help your students make sure they are in compliance with the
uniform code. If you still have questions call Ms. FitzGerald.
Remember, the uniform code is part of
the CCHS “package” and is therefore not negotiable. Uniforms are just
that -- uniforms. They remind us of the businesslike nature and sense of
community existing at CCHS. They are not intended to reflect current
fashion trends. Because school expectations are so clearly stated, there
is no reason for any student to be improperly attired and, therefore, no reason
that parents should need to be disturbed to rectify a clothing situation.
If uniform
violations cannot be fixed immediately, students pay a consequence with lunch
and after school detention. In some cases, parents will be called to
bring appropriate attire to school and students will have to miss classes while
they are waiting. We ask for your help to make sure uniform pants are not
faded or worn and are hemmed and not altered and that shirts are in good
repair. Students are not allowed to wear “place holders” or facial
piercings.
Uniform
Specifics:
Shirts:
Shirts must be either a blue
or white, long or short sleeved, oxford-cloth, button-down, worn tucked and
buttoned or an official CCHS Polo (purchased from PVA). Polo shirts may be worn untucked if the hem
is straight and does not fall below the hip line.
Undershirts: While optional, if worn,
undershirts must be solid white with no printing.
Undergarments must not have collars or turtlenecks and sleeve length
must match that of the uniform shirt.
Pants: Navy blue corduroy or twill pants must not have any visible
labeling. Pants must be worn at the
waist. Corduroys and twill pants must not be faded. Students wearing worn,
faded pants will be considered out of uniform.
Shorts: Navy blue twill shorts must meet the top of the knee. Shorts are worn from the beginning of the school
year until the end of September and after spring break until the end of the
year.
Skirts/Skorts: Navy blue
twill skirts must hit the top of the knee.
After the 2009-2010 school year skirts will no longer be part of the
uniform. Two styles of skorts (item
numbers 25021 and 23158 from Lands’
Sweaters: Plain navy blue
crew neck sweaters may be worn. Sweaters with embellishments or cardigans may
not be worn.
Sweater Vests: A solid green v-neck sweater
vest from Lands’
Fleece: Uniform fleeces may be purchased from the PVA. No gym/team
sweatshirts or jackets may be worn.
Socks or Hose: Socks coming up to the ankle-bone must be worn and should be clearly
visible. Leggings are not permitted.
Shoes:
Shoes must be leather dress
shoes that are primarily black, brown or navy in color.
Shoelaces must be the same color as the shoe and must be tied. Soles may not exceed 1 inch, and heels may
not exceed 1˝ inches. All shoes must be
closed at the toe and heel and have a hard sole. Shoe tops must be below the ankle bone. The following type of footwear is not
permitted: sandals, moccasins (soft or hard soled), athletic shoes (even if
leather), platform shoes, clogs, or boots.
Belts:
Belts are optional. If worn they should be
simple dress belts.
Jewelry: Girls only
are permitted to have ear piercings. No
other type of visible body piercing is allowed.
Other jewelry, if worn, should not be distracting. Faculty or staff may require a student to
remove offending jewelry. Boys are not permitted any type of visible body
piercings.
Ties: Boys only may choose to wear ties. If worn, ties must be tied at the neck and
worn with an oxford cloth, button-down uniform shirt. Ties cannot be distracting or contrary to
school expectations regarding clothing. Faculty
or staff may require a student to remove offending ties.
High
School Activities Uniform:
This uniform
may be worn for designated events only.
The uniform consists of a CCHS Team Polo Shirt. These shirts are available for purchase at
the beginning of each season from PVA.
Pants must be khaki twill
dress pants. Girls’ khakis must be similar in style to uniform pants; they may
not be casual, cargo, corduroy, or tight fitting pants. No shorts are permitted. Regular dress
leather uniform shoes are to be worn.
Failure to abide with the athletic uniform code will result in the loss
of this privilege.
DROP-OFF/PICK UP --
Please follow the procedures outlined below. The mayor’s office, City
Traffic Division, City Council members, the
Charleston Police Department, and others have worked together with us over the
years to come up with a workable plan that is efficient and effective.
Since anything can happen on our highways, families need to allow extra time to
get their children to school on time. Remember, late is late -- we do
not have “excused tardies.” With school traffic converging in a small
area downtown, everyone needs to do their part to ensure the safety of students
in both schools and to help build support for our schools (i.e., we don’t want
to disrupt more than necessary the lives of those who live or work in the
downtown area). Between CCHS and
1) There can be absolutely no stopping on
2) Even when the light at
3) Students of middle and high school age should be responsible enough to
follow traffic directional signals. Therefore, it is highly
recommended that students be dropped off/picked up at least a block away from
CCHS (but not in the
4) The
5) Students must cross at the corner. They may not cross in the
middle of the block.
6) Students are dismissed from class at 2:45 p.m. (or 11:30 a.m. on early
dismissal days). Therefore, there is no need to arrive in the area before
that time (again, NO STOPPING ON VIRGINIA STREET IN FRONT OF THE
SCHOOL!). At the end of the day, many students chat with their friends,
meet with teachers, take care of business in the bookstore, etc., thus exiting
the building closer to 3 p.m. Make sure your children know where and when
you’ll meet them.
7) The gym is open at 7:15 a.m.
for students who arrive early. Students are not permitted on the
other floors or to the bookstore or office until 7:45 a.m. If you have
grade school children you are dropping off, remember that they should not be
dropped off before 7:30 a.m.!
8)
If your CCHS children are going to be picked up at Sacred Heart, they must
go into the Parish Hall and wait with their siblings in the pick-up line. They
may not “hang out” in front of the Co-Cathedral or on the
9) During AFTER SCHOOL PICK-UP ONLY, the Charleston Traffic
Division has agreed that parents may pull to the curb and wait for their
children on
10) NO DOUBLE PARKING!
11) Please set a good example for students by following these school
rules as well as city traffic department rules.
12) Teachers are assigned after school traffic duty. The
teacher is there to help ensure students’ safety. It’s very difficult to
monitor the actions of so many students and parents. Please follow the
teachers’ directions. Don’t put your children in a position in which they
have to choose to follow a teacher’s directive versus a parent’s wishes.
Students not following school expectations will be given detention.
ADVERTISING
THANK YOU –
- to the PVA, students, and others who helped with the visitation in the
Commons held upon the death of parent John Rollins. The outpouring of sympathy and good will was
extraordinary and so meaningful to Fran, Mary Katherine, Libba, and the rest of
the family.
- to everyone who helped make this summer’s
Housing Outreach Project Express experience so successful. Twelve houses in
CALENDAR FOR 2009-10 SCHOOL YEAR – This calendar is being provided to help families plan for the school
year. With this information, families
should be able to look ahead and avoid student absences for family trips or
other occasions. At the end of each
semester, students must make up time missed for illness or other non-school
related reasons (more than 5 absences per semester in any class) in order for
class credit to be granted. Please note
exam days -- students must take exams on the days/times when the exams are
scheduled.
Monday/Tuesday, August 10/11 last opportunity to turn in used textbooks
for resale
Wednesday, August 12 registration for grades 9 – 12
9 - 10:30 a.m: Seniors only
10:30 – noon: Juniors only
CLOSED
NOON - 1 P.M.
1
- 2:30 p.m.: Sophomores only
2:30 - 4 p.m.: Freshmen only
Thursday, August 13 registration
for grades 6 – 8
9 - 10:30 a.m.: 8th graders only
10:30 – noon: 7th graders only
CLOSED
NOON - 1 P.M.
1
- 2:30 p.m.: 6th graders only
2:30 - 4 p.m.: Families with more than one student wishing
to register their children at one time; also, anyone unable to come at
scheduled times
Friday, August 14
new textbook
order submitted for orders placed August 12/13
Wednesday, August 19 first
day for students
Thursday, August 20 Virtus
training for adults 6 p.m. at CCHS
Wednesday, August 26 Back
to School Night – 7 p.m.
Thursday, August 27 last
date for new textbook orders to be placed (after this date, families will have
to purchase on their own)
Thursday/Friday, August 27/28 senior
retreat
Wednesday, September 2 senior
parent seminar on college application process – Mrs. Thomas 6 p.m.
Monday, September 7 Labor
Day – no school
Wednesday, September 9 “The High School Years at CCHS:
Prelude to College” for 9th grade parents and other interested
parents – Mrs. Thomas 6 p.m.
Wednesday, September 16 junior parent seminar (review college
selection process) –Mrs. Thomas 6 p.m.
Thursday, September 17 school
pictures
Friday – Sunday, September 18 – 20 Shamrock
Classic and Pig Roast (Saturday)
Saturday, September 26 Homecoming
games and high school dance
Monday, November 2 materials
due to Mrs. Thomas to be sent to colleges before Christmas
Wednesday, November 11 Veterans’
Day – no school
Tuesday/Wednesday, November 17/18 North
Central Accreditation visit
Wednesday, November 25 11:30
dismissal for Thanksgiving
Wednesday-Friday, December 16 – 18 exams
Monday, December 21 first
day of Christmas vacation
Monday, January 4 classes
resume
Monday, January 18 Martin
Luther King, Jr. Day – no school
Week of January 24 Catholic
Schools Week
Monday, February 15 Presidents’
Day – no school
Friday, April 2 Good
Friday – first day of Easter break
Monday, April 12 classes
resume
Friday, April 23 diocesan
inservice for teachers – no school for students
Saturday, April 24 Prom
Saturday, May 29 baccalaureate
Sunday, May 30 graduation
Monday, May 31 Memorial
Day – no school
Wednesday-Friday, June 2-4 exams
for grades 6 – 11
LUNCH PROGRAM --We continue to make adjustments to our
school lunch program in an effort to encourage students to follow the healthful
eating practices established in their homes.
The school lunch program offers a variety of foods
-- salads, sandwiches, microwavable items, fruit, cereal, etc. -- on a daily
basis in addition to a rotating menu. We
do not sell sodas – our drink selection includes milk, water, flavored water,
and juice. Students may not “charge”
their meals. Students are certainly encouraged to bring bag lunches from home. Middle school students have a snack time
during the course of the day at which time they may eat snacks brought from
home or purchased in the Commons. Students
are not permitted to have food deliveries (e.g., pizza, fast food) made to the
school. The average cost of a
sandwich, drink, and chips is $4. If you
have questions about the food program, please contact Ms. FitzGerald.
August – September Menu
|
Mon |
Tue |
Wed |
Thu |
Fri |
|
|
|
August 19- EARLY DISMISSAL |
20 - Pizza |
21 - Spaghetti School rolls |
|
24 - Pizza |
25 - Beef or bean Burrito Spanish rice |
26 - Chicken nuggets Baked potato |
27 - Meatball sub Spaghetti salad |
28 - Hot dogs Spicy fries Nachos |
|
31 - Pizza |
September 1 – BBQ Waffle fries Spaghetti salad |
2 - Grilled chicken Baked potato |
3 - Hamburger Spicy fries Pasta salad |
4 - Fried chicken Mashed potato Gravy and green beans |
|
7 – NO SCHOOL Labor Day |
7 - Pizza |
8 - Spaghetti School rolls |
10 - Sub day Chili-chip-cheese |
11 - Chicken wraps Chicken Caesar salad |
|
14 - Pizza |
15 - Sloppy joes Cole slaw |
16 - Chicken strip Baked potato |
17 - Baked ravioli Corn and salad |
18 - Corn dogs Veggies soup Corn bread |
|
21 - Pizza |
22 - Baked mac & cheese Fried apples Ham slice |
23 - Baked chicken Baked potato |
24 - Breakfast For lunch |
25 - BBQ Waffle fries Spaghetti salad |
|
28 – Pizza |
29 – Chicken stir fry Pita and rice |
|
|
|
WHOM DO I CALL TO
ASK ABOUT. . .? From time to time parents are unsure about which
staff member to contact regarding specific issues. This list should help! Mrs. Sullivan is extremely interested
in each student’s progress and works closely with the entire staff, meets
regularly with individual students, and keeps a close eye on individual
students’ progress as well as the overall progress of the school.
For questions about
. . .
confidential matters -- call Mrs. Sullivan or Ms. McCartney (Assistant
Principal for Student Affairs)
specific class-related academic or
behavioral concerns -- call school and ask for individual teachers
general academic concerns --
credits, college applications, admissions, etc. -- call Mrs. Thomas (Academic
Advisor)
locks, attendance, bookstore, athletic
fees, alumni info, etc. -- call Mrs. Casey (secretary, alumni)
textbooks
– call Mrs. Wilcox (secretary)
change of address, financial matters -- call Mrs. Shay (registrar/bookkeeper)
specific athletic questions -- call
individual coaches or Bill Gillispie (Athletic Director)
non-academic concerns including general
behavior, lunch program, uniforms, cafeteria, maintenance -- call
Ms. FitzGerald (Assistant Principal for
School Operations)
fine arts requirements/cultural
critiques – talk to English teachers
community service requirements – talk to theology teachers
reporting daily absences/appointments -- call the school office by 8:30 a.m.