Dear Parents and Students:

Birds awakened me the other morning. Although snow muffled the sounds and darkness hid them, they were there nonetheless – singing away. And maybe we need to take a lesson from the birds – that even when we think no one notices, someone does; that even when we don’t think we’re making a difference, we are.

As we journey together -- students, faculty and staff, and parents – we get glimpses into one another’s lives. We unite to support one another, celebrate joys, nudge each other to do what is right even when it’s not easy, and encourage one another to grow in faith, hope, and charity. May Easter be a time of renewal for each of us and a celebration of, as St. Irenaeus called it, “the glory of God in the person fully alive.”

Debra K. Sullivan, Principal

DID YOU KNOW – that, according to the WV Higher Education Policy Commission, although only 19% of the class of 2008 from all West Virginia public and private high schools qualify for PROMISE scholarships, a whopping 71% of the members of the CCHS class of 2008 qualify? Congratulations, seniors!

THE ALIA BURATI CASEY SCHOLARSHIP – established by the Casey family in honor of their mother, a 1930 graduate of Sacred Heart High School (now CCHS) who died in October 2007, recognizes Mrs. Casey’s long-term devotion to Catholic education and the Catholic faith. This $500 CCHS tuition scholarship recognizes a rising senior who shares this same type of commitment. Congratulations to the fifth recipient of the Alia Burati Casey Scholarship, Katherine Crain, daughter of Jeff and Kathy Crain.

CONDOLENCES – Our sympathy as a school community is extended to Simone Thomas, CCHS academic advisor, and her family on the death of Clara Thomas, her mother-in-law. Our condolences are also extended to Phyllis Sadd, long-time CCHS Read Aloud volunteer, on the death of her sister, Patricia Haddad VanBuren. May they rest in peace.

TUITION INFORMATION FOR 2008-09 -- including invoices and loan information from First Bank of Charleston will be mailed on April 4. Tuition payment in full is due June 15 (late charge assessed at $1.00 per day after June 15). You will notice an option for full payment by credit card, available May 15 through June 15.

SCHEDULING CURRENT STUDENTS FOR THE 2008-2009 SCHOOL YEAR -- Students currently enrolled at CCHS will be given their 2008-09 registration/scheduling forms in early March. Because of the need to complete schedule planning for our currently enrolled students and to determine space availability for new students, the deadline for returning the completed form is Friday, March 14. A non-refundable registration/scheduling fee of $200.00 must accompany the form ($100 credit will be applied toward 2008-09 class fees). After March 14, the fee is $225 (includes $25 late fee and $100 credit toward fees). Final placement in 7th and 8th grade math and high school honors, advanced honors, and Advanced Placement courses will be made in June after a review of the students’ first and second semester grades, their current and past year’s standardized test results, various placement tests, class availability, and teacher recommendations. Students currently enrolled in Prealgebra 7 must have at least a C for 2nd semester to go on to Algebra I in 8th grade. Eighth graders enrolled in Algebra who have a D or F for 2^nd semester must take Algebra I in ninth grade.

NEW STUDENTS FOR 2008-2009 – First-round acceptance letters for new students who applied by the first deadline will be mailed March 20. Applications for new students may be downloaded from the school website (www.charlestoncatholic-crw.org).

2008-2009 DIOCESAN TUITION ASSISTANCE -- This marks the 18th year of the Diocesan tuition assistance program for Catholic students needing financial help.  Bishop Michael Bransfield has continued the practice set by Bishop Schmitt, providing Diocesan financial assistance where need is determined. All Catholic students accepted for the 2008-2009 school year in any Diocesan Catholic school are eligible.   Determinations are based upon a family's degree of need relative to other applicants. The deadline is April 1, so please start putting together the information you will need to apply (e.g., 2007 tax return information). You can request a form by calling the CCHS office in early March.

TUITION SCHOLARSHIP – Thanks to the generosity of Mr. Frank Jennings and his family, a student scholarship fund was established several years ago providing partial tuition for deserving CCHS students. The Mary M. Jennings Memorial Scholarship pays tribute to Mrs. Jennings and her strong belief in the beauty of and opportunities available at CCHS. Eighth graders currently enrolled in CCHS may apply for this scholarship which provides $1000 per year (renewable each year if student maintains school standards) toward CCHS tuition. Selection of the recipient is based on commitment to Catholic education, financial need, strength of character, and involvement in school activities. To apply, the student should: 1) write name at the top left-hand corner of a piece of paper; 2) list schools attended since kindergarten; 3) describe involvement in school activities; 4) explain how the scholarship will affect applicant’s educational plans; 5) tell anything special the applicant would like the scholarship selection committee to know . SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE SCHOOL OFFICE BY FRIDAY, MAY 9.

AFTER SCHOOL MATH STUDY SESSIONS -- Math and physics teacher Mrs. Griffith is offering these sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3 – 4 p.m. in her classroom for high school students who want to work on math or get another explanation of a lesson. 

GREEN & WHITE REUNION WEEKEND (June 13-14) -- Check out the CCHS website for plans for this summer’s event which will bring together CCHS alumni (classes 1927 – 2008).

NEXT PARENT SEMINAR – Wednesday, April 23, 8:15 -9:15 a.m. Speaker: Marie Beaver, Executive Director, Rea of Hope Fellowship Home. Topic: Teens, Drugs, and Alcohol.

UNIFORM NOTES – At this time of year it’s wise to check your children’s uniforms to make sure they’re in good shape for second semester. Please check hems, buttons, seams, cuffs (no fraying!), color (not faded), and wear.

WEAR RED FOR BOBBY DAY – This tribute to Bobby Hypes, member of the CCHS class of 2008, was very successful. $1142 was raised for the local chapter of the American Heart Association. We will continue this effort in future years as part of the CCHS program of service and of remembrance. And many thanks to our art students and Mrs. Burch who created a phenomenal portrait of Bobby for his parents.

BASEBALL AT TRIANA FIELD – The high school baseball team is scheduled to play nine home games at UC's Triana Field.  Your company has the opportunity to be a game-day sponsor for the field rental fee of $125.  Contact our Athletic Director, Bill Gillispie, for more information.

SECOND SEMESTER EXAM SCHEDULE (TENTATIVE) –

7^th and 8^th graders’ exams: (6^th graders will follow these times and dates)

Tuesday, June 3 – regular classes 8 a.m. through 1:30 p.m.; period 7 exam will start at 1:30 and end at 2:45 p.m.

Wednesday, June 4 – exams 1, 3, 5 (dismissal at 1 p.m.)

Thursday, June 5 – exams 2 and 8 (dismissal at 11:15 a.m.)

9^th, 10^th, and 11^th graders’ exams:

Wednesday, June 4 – exams 1, 3, 6 (dismissal at 1 p.m.

Thursday, June 5 – exams 2 and 8 (dismissal at 11:15 a.m.)

Friday, June 6 – exams 4 and 7 (dismissal at 11:15 a.m.)

FINAL EXAMS –Remember, students who miss semester exams for reasons other than illness (who will be given the opportunity to make up the exams) will receive an F for those examinations. Just a reminder regarding the seniors- only exam exemption policy: Seniors may be exempt from second semester exams if: 1) the course is a two-semester course; 2) the teacher chooses to allow exam exemptions; 3) third and fourth quarter grades average to at least 94%; 4) fine arts requirements are completed by March 16 and community service requirements by May 11.

Students enrolled in AP courses must take the AP exam. School finals will not be given to seniors in AP courses but will be administered to non-seniors. Students who elect to take AP tests in non-AP classes will follow the exam exemption policy. Namely, students in these non-AP classes who choose to take AP exams will also take teacher-developed final exams unless they meet the exemption standards (seniors only).

CCHS GOLF TOURNAMENT – is scheduled for Friday, May 9, at noon at the Edgewood Country Club Golf Course. The cost is $100 per person, of which $35 is tax deductible. Please contact Mike Del Giudice (343-4440 or mikedel@ntelos.net) or Pete Pauley (346-5708 or the5pauleys@aol.com) to reserve your spot!

MRS. THOMAS’ TIDBITS – Be sure to check out “College Counseling” section on the CCHS website for updates and additional information.

1) SAT and ACT testing and registration dates (CCHS code: 490-205)

SAT I and II (can register on-line -- www.collegeboard.org):

TEST DATE DEADLINE LATE REGISTRATION

May 3 April 2 April 10

June 7 May 6 May 15

ACT: (can register on line -- www.act.org)

TEST DATE DEADLINE LATE REGISTRATION

April 12 March 7 March 8 -21

June 14 May 9 May 10 - 23

2) CCHS encourages students to take both the ACT and the SAT before the end of their junior year. Doing this allows students to get a baseline score and allows students to prepare for future tests. Both tests are accepted by all colleges and universities for admission. We have found the students perform better on these tests if they are taken before the end of the school year. By the June testing dates, students tend to be tired and not as fresh. So, if possible, consider an earlier test date.

3) 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.

4) Students wishing to take AP tests for non-AP courses (e.g., world history, biology, foreign languages, etc.) may choose to do so and must notify Mrs. Thomas by March 10.

5) To calculate what colleges expect you to pay, go to www.collegeboard.com

6) Check www.fastweb.com, www.finaid.org, www.Petersons.com for scholarship searches. Also, check the CCHS website College Counseling section for additional scholarship information.

7) Mrs. Thomas is meeting with juniors individually to begin discussing their college plans. During these sessions, they review PSAT and Strong Interest Inventory results and discuss how to look for and choose colleges. Afterwards, students receive lists of colleges that fit their interests so they can begin their college search.

8) Students in grades 6, 7, and 8 will take Stanford Tests during the week of April 14. Please do not make medical, dental, or similar appointments for students until after 12:30 p.m. on these testing days. To do their best, students should be well rested and well fed. Results of these tests are included in criteria used to place students in honors and AP courses, as well as used by staff to analyze academic programs.

9) Juniors should visit colleges during spring break -- pick up literature about schools, talk to admissions personnel, talk to students, look at dorms and classrooms, try the food, meet a professor, walk the campus, ask yourself, “Does this atmosphere suit me?”

INVITATIONS TO PARTIES – School is a place for students to feel accepted and safe. Invitations to parties where not everyone in the class is invited are not to be distributed at school. Such invitations are divisive and hurtful. And speaking of parties, much as we like to trust our children, they do need to be supervised at these events.

CHARLESTON TOWN CENTER – Friday and Saturday nights are generally not a good time to have students unaccompanied at the Charleston Town Center. After school seems to be okay, but in general it is not a good place to have your children kill time. It just makes good sense to remind your children to be with buddies rather than to be alone, wherever they are.

NOTES FROM THE PARENT VOLUNTEER ASSOCIATION (PVA) –

1) The CCHS website includes PVA sign-up forms for all activities.

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 Kathleen Bors (343-7963) for fleece jackets, Joanne Bronikowski (344-8850) for green polos, and Lisa Dobbins (346-4995) for white polos.

3) INNISBROOK ORDERS – With Easter approaching, it’s a good time to reorder! Go to www.innisbrook.com and click on “Buy Innisbrook Products” and enter CCHS school number 121949. Orders can be placed year round! Call Lisa Dundervill at 344-2566 for more info.

4) The International Tasting will be held April 13 from 11 to 3 in the Commons. This annual event features homemade culinary delights representing the diverse cultures of CCHS students and community.  Advance, discounted tickets may be purchased through the school office for $12 for adults, $6 for students under 12 or a family pass for $40. At the door, ticket prices are: $15 for adults, $7 for students under 12, or $45 for families. Checks should be written to CCHS. If you'd like to volunteer or you have questions, call either Julie Robinson at 345-1125, Sandy Campbell at 343-8090 or Liz Weisberg at 345-8880.

5) CCHS Cookbook – Wonderful recipes have been sent in and are being prepared for inclusion in the cookbook. To order, contact Caryn Gresham at caryn.gresham@verizon.net or complete the order form below and send it, along with payment, to the school office.

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CCHS Cookbook Order Form

Name __________________________________________ Phone ______________________

Name of CCHS student(s) ______________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________________________

Number of cookbooks ordered _________ @ $12 each = Total enclosed _______________

Make checks payable to CCHS – please write “cookbook” on memo line.

CONGRATULATIONS –

- to our Latin students who represented CCHS in a statewide Latin translation contest: Corey Brady, Natalie Tupta, Erin Casey, and Sarah James.

- to junior Stephanie Werning who won second place in the state-wide Maier Latin Cup competition!  The competition, sponsored by the Marshall University Classical Studies Department, is open to only two Latin II students at each secondary school in West Virginia that teaches Latin. Stephanie will receive her $250 prize at Marshall University on April 28. 

- to art teacher Mrs. Becky Burch whose art piece was published in the April 2008 10^th anniversary issue of Racer X Magazine. Mrs. Burch has also been selected to show her artwork at the 4th  Annual Women of West Virginia Art Expo at Fairmont State University!

- to senior Corey Brady, the CCHS recipient of the St. Thomas Aquinas Award, a diocesan honor recognizing one student from each school who embodies the spirit of the mission and philosophy of Catholic school education. Corey will receive his award at the Bishop’s Dinner in April.

- to 6^th grader Alexandra Ayoob who was invited to sing at the Democratic Governor’s Association meeting in Washington, D.C.

- in the most impressive finish in CCHS swimming history, the Lady Irish took third place between two AAA teams at the 2008 State Championship meet in Morgantown! Special congratulations to Katherine Crain who was one of only two girls in the entire state to win two events and was named first team all-state. The boys’ team rallied together for an impressive finish despite their small numbers. Congratulations to the entire team on an outstanding season!

- to CCHS alumnus and very active participant in the CCHS community Nick Casey for being honored by Pope Benedict XVI by being named with the Pontifical Order of St. Gregory the Great. The Pontifical Order of St. Gregory the Great was founded by Pope Gregory XVI in 1831 and is conferred on persons with distinguished personal character and reputation and notable accomplishments.

- to Andy Phillips who placed 3^rd and John Alan Willis who placed 13^th out of a field of 58 high school students participating in the Kanawha County Math Field Day. Michael Mallory took 1^st place among 9^th graders while Samantha Harris ranked number one in the 7^th grade. Both our middle school and high school teams took 3^rd place in the relay event! Good luck as our students go on to the regional competition!

- to Laura Gould for being selected to attend the Governor’s School for the Arts! Laura was one of 17 students selected statewide for this honor which offers a stellar opportunity for young artists in West Virginia.

-to speech team members who placed 4^th in the Huntington High Invitational, a true accomplishment for their first and abbreviated season in over a decade!

- to high school drama club participants for their impressive and humorous “Anchors Aweigh” production – truly a remarkable presentation! Kudos to Cameron Iszkula, Harrison Kesner, Patricia Paolini, Nicole Johns, Austin A. Thomas, Andrew Kaz, Kayla Mason, Todd Zachwieja, Stephen Saldanha, Max Gottlieb, Sami Sankari, Meredith Summers, Clodagh Tinney, Maria Malas, Anna Clarke, Halley Shapero, Tess Lucas, Hillary Frame, Chloe Snyder, Ben McCoy, Ben Williams, Abbey Miskowiec, Steph Werning, Josh Arnold, Michelle Kidd, Nora Sheridan, Dylan Rosenlieb, John Carey, Laura Gould, Kirstin Beckerle, Nick Beckerle, Crystal Cook, Alex Kessinger, Christine Snyder, Katie Stricker, and faculty advisors Josh Fix, Alissa D’Brot, Lauren Paul, and Becky Burch.

- to our middle school girls’ basketball team, finishing the season in fine style with a winning record.

- to our middle school boys’ team which tied for second place in the county and had a third place finish in the county tournament.

-to all of our winter athletes and coaches for their remarkable seasons and for doing us all proud! Thanks for the memories!

THANKS –

- to speech team parents who drove, catered, chaperoned, and spent two Saturdays encouraging our team.

- to Mrs. Chrissy Hovorka for donating a dual head teaching microscope to the science department.

- to all the parents who baked King Cakes for our Mardi Gras celebration. This tradition is enjoyed by students, faculty, and staff, all who deeply appreciate the time and expense our parents took to create these culinary treats. Thanks to Kris Blair for all of her efforts to organize this effort and to parent bakers Kelly Breese, Sara Busse, Annette Cable, Lisa Cline, Lisa Dobbins, Betsy Dulin, Lisa Dundervill, Susan Femia, Georgette George, Caryn Gresham, Judy Hamilton, Chrissy Hovorka, Ruth Joseck, Diana Kemp, Suzanne Kingry, John Kuyk, Dawn Martinez, Mary McQuain, Sheila Miller, Victor Nease, Kristen Portillo, Susan Small, Carla Stricker, Nancy Tompkins, and Dena Wilcox.

- to Denise Burgess, parents of CCHS alumni, RN MALPC, Director of the CAMC Family Resource Center at Women and Children’s, for her presentation at the February parent seminar. What a treasure trove of information – and inspiration!

- to everyone who participated in the Catholic Schools Week PVA-sponsored project to collect clothing and books for area social service agencies and for one of our Catholic grade schools in the southern part of the state. It was a rousing success!

- to Dr. Samar Sankari who spoke to our anatomy class – very informative!

- to Greg Burton and Brickstreet Insurance for the donation of 10 computers for our second computer lab. The donation of these high quality desktop machines has greatly enhanced our computer lab offerings.

- to Mark Kennell and Brian Patterson for their invaluable consultation during recent server/network issues. Their advice made it possible to restore full network services in a timely manner.

2007-08 SCHOOL CALENDAR

Tuesday, March 11   third period, National Latin Exam (all Latin students)
Friday, March 14  2008-2009 scheduling/registration forms due 

Saturday, March 15 SCORES competition at Marshall U.

Friday, March 21 Good Friday - first day of Easter vacation

Monday, March 31 classes resume

Thursday, April 10 Golden Horseshoe test for all 8^th graders

Sunday, April 13 International Tasting in Commons 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

April 14-18 Stanford Testing grades 6 – 8

April 15 Focus on WV

Wednesday, April 23 Parent Seminar: Teens, Alcohol, and Drugs 8:15 – 9:15 a.m.; Showcase of Talent 7 p.m.

Thursday, April 24 sophomore retreat; VIRTUS at St. Francis (St. Albans) 6 p.m.

Friday, April 25 freshman retreat

Sunday, April 27 middle school athletic banquet at Pope John XXIII Center

Saturday, May 3 prom

May 5-16 Advanced Placement exams

Friday, May 9 Alumni Golf Tournament (reservations needed)

Wednesday, May 14 VIRTUS at Sacred Heart 6 p.m.

Monday, May 26 Memorial Day - no school

Tuesday, May 27 Baccalaureate

Wednesday, May 28 Graduation

June 3, 4, 5 exams for middle school students (early dismissal on June 4 and 5 only)

June 4, 5, 6 exams for high school students

Thursday, June 5 8^th grade moving up ceremony at 5:30; followed by pizza party for 8^th graders in the Commons and a parent reception in Sacred Heart Center; a dance for 7^th and 8^th graders will be held from 7 – 10 p.m. in the Commons

June 13-14 Green & White Reunion

MARCH/APRIL MENU

NOTE: During lent, we do not serve meat on Fridays. IF THERE IS A TEAM LUNCH SCHEDULED ON ANY OF THESE DAYS, PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE MEAT IN YOUR RECIPES!!!!!

MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY
3 - Pizza	4 – fried chicken mashed potatoes corn school rolls	5 – chicken parm baked potato	6 - Breakfast for lunch Cinnamon apples	7 – bread stix nachos spaghettios (no meat today)
10 - Pizza	11 – Croissant Day onion rings	12 – baked chicken chicken Caesar salad	13 – meatball sub spicy fries	14 – homemade cheese quesadilla tater tots soup (no meat today)
17 – Pizza	18 – tacos nachos super nachos	19 – chicken stir fry rice pita	20 – baked ravioli homemade garlic bread	21 - NO SCHOOL
24 – NO SCHOOL	NO SCHOOL	NO SCHOOL	NO SCHOOL	NO SCHOOL
31 - Pizza	April 1 – hot dogs Spicy fries Pasta salad	2 – fried chicken mashed potatoes corn	3 – cheeseburgers waffle fries nachos	4 – spaghetti school rolls salad
7 – Pizza	8 – BBQ tater tots cole slaw nachos	9 – chicken strips baked potato	10 – meatball sub fries spaghetti salad	11 – baked mac & cheese chicken Caesar salad tomato soup
14 – Pizza	15 – tacos nachos super nachos	16 – chicken parm baked potato	17 – baked ravioli homemade veggie soup corn dogs	18 – homemade cheese quesadillas spaghettios
21 – Pizza	22 – sloppy joes waffle fries fruit cup	23 – baked chicken Greek salad Green beans	24 – sub day chili-chip-cheese nachos	25 – chicken fajitas potato wedges
28 – Pizza	29 – hamburger spicy fries nachos	30 – chicken sandwiches baked potatoes

MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETIC BANQUET -- is scheduled for Sunday, April 27, at 6:00 pm at the Pope John XXIII Center. Once again we will have the pasta buffet since it was such a hit with the athletes last Spring. Seating is limited, so we ask that you get your reservations in early, and that you limit your reservations to your athlete and his/her parents. No siblings or other family members, please. The cost per person is $12.00. BECAUSE THE MEAL WILL BE CATERED, ONLY THOSE ATHLETES, FAMILIES, AND COACHES HAVING PAID RESERVATIONS WILL BE ABLE TO ENTER THE EVENT. NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR. Please complete the reservation form below and return it and money for each person attending to the CCHS office by Friday April 18, 2008. No reservations will be accepted after that time.

Also, if you have picture of your child/children’s sports that you would like to include on the slideshow, please put them on a CD and send them to the office labeled “MS Athletic Banquet.”

****************** RESERVATION DEADLINE – FRIDAY, APRIL 18 ***************************

Deadline for pictures for slideshow – April 1

If you have any questions, please contact Missy Deer (346-9336) or Lisa Cassis (925-5946).

Middle School Athletic Banquet April 27, 2008 @ 6:00 pm

Family Name: _________________________________________________________

No. of persons attending: ________(x $12.00) Total enclosed: $________

Name(s) of athletes attending: ___________________________ Grade: __________

___________________________ Grade: __________

Name(s) of parents attending: ___________________________ ________________________

Return this form and payment to CCHS office by Friday, April 18!