CHARLESTON CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Scholarship-Leadership/Involvement-Service-Character

Family Newsletter

September 21, 2007

Dear Parents and Students:

I am frequently reminded that generous, beautiful spirits prevail within our Charleston Catholic community. Just this week, a middle school student handed me a crumpled wad of money – lunch money, no doubt -- that someone had dropped just inside the school’s front door. Similarly, when family members are known to be ill, the outpouring of support is remarkable. When extra hands are needed at special activities, athletic events, or during the course of the school day, happy and energetic students and parents respond oftentimes without being asked. And we are blessed to have parents and students who maintain open, healthy communication with teachers and staff, who state their concerns in a way that encourages joint problem-solving, and who recognize that our teachers are dedicated professionals who have students’ best interests at heart.

Our faculty and staff constantly analyze our programs and procedures to make sure that we are addressing current and emerging needs. One area that we have been examining for some time has to do with what we name some of our high school courses. We recognize – as do our students and their families -- that we require our students to perform at levels which exceed those of typical academic programs. Yet we want to take this one step further to communicate more forcefully to “the outside world” the rigorous level of our courses. To this end, we have instituted some changes: 1) Some high school courses that are currently “leveled” will be renormed in a sense. This will be accomplished by course name changes, not by changing what is being taught. For example, English 10 College Preparatory will become English 10 Honors, English 10 Honors will become English 10 Advanced Honors, etc. These name changes are reflected on the progress report enclosed with this newsletter; and 2) The new “honors” courses will receive an additional .25 in grade weight. As is already school practice, grades below a C in honors, advanced honors, and Advanced Placement courses do not receive the bonus of additional grade point weight. Most ninth grade courses will not be affected by this “weight” change.

The bottom line is that we want to ensure that our students are recognized for their efforts in a very rigorous academic program. This action is one way to accomplish that.

Debra K. Sullivan, Principal

NATIONAL MERIT NEWS -- Congratulations to seniors Maria Malas, Abby Miskowiec, Nora Sheridan, Betsy Sokolosky, and Ben Smith for meeting the criteria to be named National Merit Scholar Semifinalists! Approximately one percent of the nation’s college-bound seniors are tapped for this honor. In our case, 9% of the senior class has been so honored, the highest percentage of any high school in Kanawha County! The Class of 2008 is notable in so many ways: community service workers, academic achievers, dancers, musicians, actors, athletes, part-time employees, horsewomen, ice skaters, and outstanding citizens. They are impressive and are, in their own unique ways, among the best and the brightest.

CCHS SENIOR SCHOLARSHIPS – Charleston Catholic High School proudly stands behind its product. As was announced at the Parent Night earlier this school year, we will offer $500 college scholarships to all of this year’s seniors who have experienced the complete Catholic school program for all of their middle and high school years. Specifically, students are eligible if they are in good standing at CCHS and have been enrolled for complete school years in 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grades in Charleston Catholic, St. Agnes, or St. Anthony’s, and have been enrolled in CCHS since the beginning of 9^th grade. Scholarships will be paid directly to each student’s college and may only be used for tuition and school fees. We hope to be able to continue this in the future and will review the success of the scholarship each year.

PROGRESS REPORTS ENCLOSED -- As you review your children’s progress reports, take time to help them focus on their accomplishments. Help them find the balance in their lives so they can successfully manage academics, athletics and other extracurricular interests, social and religious activities, and family. Help them determine their “personal best.” The school year is still in its infancy. Everything is possible!

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES -- Because of the large number of parents wishing to attend parent-teacher conferences (we’re delighted with the turnout each year!), we must adjust the school schedule to handle these requests. The appointment schedule has been designed to accommodate the greatest number of parent requests -- without totally wearing out the teachers! Please call the office beginning the week of October 8 to schedule appointments for students in all grades.

Read the calendar below carefully to see how the conferences are arranged and how the changes affect your child’s schedule and school attendance. These are the only dates and times that parent conferences will be scheduled. Teachers will begin conferences by asking you what you would like to know about your child. Therefore, before your conference, it might be wise to take time to jot down a few questions. Do you want to know how your child is getting along socially? Do you want to know if work is being turned in? Do you have questions about grades or comments on the report card? Remember, it’s your ten minutes and you need to spend your time learning answers to your questions! Please feel free to call individual teachers at school and talk to them on the phone if you cannot meet with them at these times or if you need to talk with them at length. Remember, conferences are scheduled at 10 minute intervals -- so please be on time and be considerate of people waiting for their designated appointments. Because of the large number of middle school students, all middle school conferences are group conferences.

Thursday, November 1

7^th grade conferences from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

no school for 7^th graders; regular schedule for grades 6, 8, and 9 – 12

(work to be provided for 7^th graders)

Wednesday, November 7

6^th – 12^th grade conferences from 1 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m.

11:30 a.m. dismissal for all students

Wednesday, November 14

6^th and 8^th grade conferences from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

no school for 6^th and 8^th graders; regular schedule for grades 7, 9-12

(work to be provided for 6^th and 8^th graders)

HELPING YOUR CHILDREN STRENGTHEN THEIR GRADES – Teachers brainstormed reasons students’ grades may not reflect their abilities. Please work with your children to make sure they’re doing all they can (and should!) be doing!

THE TOP TEN REASONS:

1) Students only read the chapter ONCE. Some even wait until the night before a test or quiz to read the chapter the first time!

2) Students don’t take good notes in class. They may write down the outline a teacher has written on the board, but they don’t fill it in with additional information that has been discussed or presented.

3) If they’ve taken notes, they don’t always review them before tests and quizzes. Similarly, they should use corrected past quizzes and tests as resources to review so that missed material is learned.

4) Students fail to turn in assignments. Oftentimes they haven’t written them down in their assignment books so they absolutely forget they have them!

5) Students aren’t following directions. Sometimes they aren’t reading every word in a question or they are not listening to and following teachers’ verbal instructions.

6) Students may assume that instructions are going to be repeated. Or even that explanations and examples during instruction will be repeated! They need to focus their attention on the teacher throughout the period and not rely on the possibility that something will be repeated.

7) Students are not asking teachers for help. If your child doesn’t ask questions in class, then teachers will not know if or why the child is having problems.

8) Students sometimes use tutors as crutches thinking “why do I need to pay attention in class when the tutor will explain it later?” Our teachers are available after school and often before school to work with their students. Unless there is some very serious knowledge gap to be filled or if a student is experiencing extraordinary difficulty, outside tutors should not be necessary.

9) Students sometimes rush through an assignment just to get it done. Quality counts. Attention to details makes a difference.

10) Students need to form a mental overview as to how pieces of a subject fit together. For example, what they learned in the previous year in foreign language about grammatical constructs or vocabulary must carry over to the next level. Similarly, the material they’re studying now in math, science, English, history, or any other class is material that will be built upon in future days or years. They need to do more than memorize information “for the test.” They need to LEARN it so it will be there to help them make conceptual connections in the future.

 
THE SURGEON GENERAL’S CALL TO ACTION TO PREVENT AND REDUCE UNDERAGE DRINKING -- As a school community, we are called to nurture and support not only our own children but other students and parents. Working together, sharing a common philosophy, we can impact each other’s lives in positive ways and truly live out the it-takes-a-village concept. One area that benefits from collaboration is controlling underage drinking. Research-based facts cited in the Surgeon General’s special report issued last Spring are alarming. For example, 

1) Early drinking can cause later alcohol problems. Of adults who started drinking before age 15, around 40% say they have the signs of alcohol dependence. That rate is four times higher than for adults who didn’t drink until they were age 21.

2) Each year, approximately 5,000 people under the age of 21 die as a result of underage drinking. This includes about 1,900 deaths from motor vehicle crashes, 1,600 as a result of homicides, 300 from suicide, as well as hundreds from other injuries such as falls, burns, and drownings.

3) Underage drinking increases the risk of carrying out, or being a victim of, a physical or sexual assault.

4) The effects of alcohol range from hangovers to death from alcohol poisoning.

5) Alcohol affects how well a young person judges risks and makes sound decisions. A teen may see nothing wrong with driving a car or riding with a driver who has been drinking.

6) Alcohol plays a role in risky sexual activity.

7) Alcohol harms the growing brain. Keep in mind that the brain continues to develop into the mid 20’s.

Many free sources of information are available to help our school community take action to prevent and reduce underage drinking.  The Surgeon General’s Call to Action To Prevent and Reduce Underage Drinking: A Guide to Action for Families  and also Start Talking before They Start Drinking: A Family Guide may be downloaded at www.surgeongeneral.gov.  Your involvement can make a difference. Underage drinking is illegal and families are not helpless to prevent it.

Rates of death and injury

SHAMROCK CLASSIC TENNIS TOURNAMENT AND PIG ROAST – What a phenomenal event! After months of planning, preparations launched into high gear last weekend as tables and chairs were set up, courts and tennis supplies were readied, draw sheets were posted, the concession stand was set up, torches were set around to create a lovely ambiance, and the grill and refrigerated trailer were positioned and filled. The weather was perfect, too, something much desired but out of our control! Tennis matches stretching from Friday to Sunday were fun-filled and energetic with over 100 members of the CCHS community and the broader tennis community involved. Nearly 400 dinners were served at the cookout! People present represented not only the CCHS extended family, but others from the Charleston community who joined in the fun. The success of any event is dependent upon the organizers and those other volunteers who give of their time, talent, and treasure. We were certainly blessed by the group that spearheaded this event: Lisa Dobbins, David and Kelly Sadd, Mark Sadd, and Sandy Campbell, who put forth extraordinary time and energy, thought “outside of the box,” stayed on top of every detail, and acted decisively to ensure the smooth operation of the event. 
Charleston Catholic High School is grateful for the kind generosity of these principal sponsors: John and Dena Wilcox; Tyler Mountain Water; John Canfield and State Farm Insurance; Fred Kellmeyer and City Insurance; Ed and Vickie Hensley; Pete Pauley; Soho’s/Blossom Deli (Bill Sohovich); and Peyton Montgomery, Jr.  Those who contributed funds to benefit the CCHS athletic program include Ralph Ballard; Dan and Lisa Wood; Mountaineer Imaging; George Davis; Guy Erwin; Kanawha & Logan Coal Company LLC; First Bank of Charleston, Inc.; Steven F. Luby; Mark A. Sadd; James N. Sadd; Daniel M. Sadd; Kelly and David Sadd; David and Peggy Sadd; Michael Graney; Phyllis and Eugene Sadd; Mona and Tim Dagostine; and Sam Helmick.
 Many thanks too to everyone who served on committees, baked cookies, and helped out in so many ways. Special thanks to some folks who went the extra mile including the Schlarb family, Lisa Cassis, Vicki Holstein, Liz Davis, Margaret Graney, Perry and Corey Campbell, Daniel Smolder, Michele Crist , Brittany and Lisa Stugard, Kim Asseff, Ray and Felice Joseph, Paul Buechler, Debra Weinstein (YWCA) & Party King for the tables and chairs, and Josh Fix, Alissa D’Brot, Lauren Paul, and the CCHS drama troupe. Thanks, too, to Bill Gillispie for his assistance in so many ways in the days leading up to the event as well as the weekend itself. The event was so successful that it is being planned again for next year! Watch for details!
 

HOMECOMING – “CCHS Goes Platinum” the week of September 24. Please see the website for specific information for each day. Students are expected to follow dress guidelines and will not be permitted in class until they are in compliance. When in doubt, wear something else!!!!

Monday: Theme Day

Tuesday: Dress as your favorite singer

Wednesday: khaki-colored pants and sweater or collared shirt (no t-shirts)

Thursday: Homecoming t-shirt day – may wear any year’s CCHS homecoming t-shirt

Friday: Green and White Day

KHAKI PANTS – worn by high school athletes along with the green PVA-ordered polo shirts on specific game days must be DRESS KHAKI TWILL pants of modest fit – no topstitching, no jean-types, no cargoes, no rivets, no corduroy. If such pants are not available, students must wear their regular school uniforms. When in doubt, wear the school uniform – it’s always in style!

MRS. THOMAS’ TIDBITS –

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

November 3 October 2 October 11

December 1 October 30 November 8

January 26 December 26 January 4

March 1 January 29 February 7

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

October 27 September 21 September 22-Oct. 5

December 8 November 2 November 3 - 15

February 9 January 4 January 5 - 18

April 12 March 7 March 8 -21

June 14 May 9 May 10 - 23

2) Seniors will need to complete their fine arts requirement by the end of the third quarter of their senior year.

3) Seniors wanting their applications mailed to the colleges before Christmas vacation must have their materials to Mrs. Thomas by Thursday, November 1.

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) College representatives from Salem College, Washington University, Marshall University (President Kopp came!), and Wagner College have visited CCHS to date. Others on tap so far include: Wheeling Jesuit University, High Point University, Brown University, University of Richmond, Xavier University, Randolph College, Radford University, Elon University, Bethany College, Middlebury College. Juniors and seniors may come to the library after picking up their lunches to meet with the representatives. Juniors and seniors should take advantage of these lunchtime opportunities to learn more about different colleges. In addition to the college representatives coming to CCHS, there are other opportunities in the next month for students to learn about colleges. On Sunday, September 23, Duke, Georgetown, Harvard, Penn, and Stanford will be at the Marriot Town Center at 7:30 p.m. for a presentation. Also, on Thursday, October 11, at 7 p.m. a representative from Washington and Lee will be at the Capitol Conference Center.

6) Senior parents who have not turned in their questionnaires to Mrs. Thomas should do so immediately. These are critical in assisting teachers and administrators in writing recommendation letters for colleges and scholarships.

7) COLLEGE FAIR is scheduled at the Civic Center on Tuesday, October 2. Juniors wishing to attend with their parents will be dismissed for the day at 11:30 a.m. A permission slip will be given to the students (due to Mrs. Vollmer by Friday, September 28). The fair will also be held from 6 – 8 p.m. that evening.

8) Wednesday, October 17 – sophomores and juniors take PSAT (an SAT-predictor test as well as a qualifier for National Merit Scholarship for juniors only) and 8th graders take EXPLORE; Friday, October 19 - all freshmen and sophomores take PLAN (an ACT-predictor test)

9) PROMISE scholarship and FAFSA deadline – March 1.

10) Check the website calendar for important dates, e.g., college rep visits, deadlines, scholarship information, etc.

VIRTUS– Please keep in mind that all parents or other adults who volunteer, coach, drive students, chaperone, etc. CCHS students are required by the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston to complete the diocesan sexual abuse awareness training before being allowed to work with our students. Complete information and necessary links and forms may be found on the CCHS website. Please contact Ms. FitzGerald if you have questions.

IF YOUR LAST NAME IS DIFFERENT FROM YOUR CHILD’S NAME – please put the child’s full name on any checks issued to CCHS.

UPCOMING DRAMA CLUB PRODUCTION – On Friday and Saturday, November 9 and10, CCHS Drama Club will be performing “The Worst High School Play in the World.” The play will begin at 8 p.m. both nights and promises to be a rollicking good time for all.

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.). 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. These items, if used for any reason, during the school day will be confiscated and turned in to the office. Should this happen, the item will be returned upon request to the parent/guardian of the student owning the item. If this occurs more than once, additional consequences will apply.

NOTES FROM THE PARENT VOLUNTEER ASSOCIATION (PVA) –

1) The CCHS website includes PVA sign-up forms for all activities. Forms are still coming in to the school office so feel free to become as involved as you can!

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. 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) INNISBROOK ORDERS – Remember, orders can be placed year-round and will be shipped directly to you -- and CCHS will get credit for your order. Go to www.innisbrook.com and click on “Buy Innisbrook Products” and enter CCHS school number 121949.

4) 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) are distributed at the beginning of each season, once team rosters have been established.

5) 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 tournaments played at home or 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 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.

6) CCHS Cookbook – Ever wonder what’s in that team lunch pasta dish your children rave about? Or have you promised your special brownie recipe to the entire faculty and never followed up? Now’s the time to get the recipe and make good on your promise! The PVA has formed a committee that will be accepting – and soliciting – recipes for a CCHS cookbook. The cookbook will include recipes and tips for team lunches, special events, teachers’ hospitality, and family favorites. The committee is also looking for special recipes by students, alumni, teachers, and parents. The form for recipe submissions is available on the CCHS website or from the school office. The deadline for recipe submissions is November 15. For information, contact Caryn Gresham at 342-3091 or caryn.gresham@verizon.net.

VERIZON SUPPORT OF CCHS – Receive phone, high-speed Internet, and TV and support CCHS! If you join the Verizon VeloCITY program, funds will be contributed to impact our academic programs. For more information, call 1-888-695-5299 and use tracking code #1004.

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. Your students will be better informed since we cannot assure you that messages will be picked up after school by the students. Students may not use telephones, electronic devices, or beepers at school. If used during the school day, they will be confiscated.

CLAY COUNTY CHRISTMAS PROJECT -- Plans are already underway to host the annual CCHS school-wide project to help truly needy families in Clay County. Over 500 children and their families are touched by this effort which has become a Clay County fixture over the past 20 years or so. Parents and businesses willing to donate goods or funds should contact the school office. The party will be held December 8 when a few staff members and a small number of older students will travel to Maysel to actually host a party. It’s a wonderful project and does much to bring the spirit of Christmas into the lives of the CCHS and Clay County communities. The next newsletter will include due dates for various items associated with the project.

SCHOOL PHOTOS – Proofs were distributed to the students on September 20. Orders are due in the school office by October 3 with delivery by November 1. Please see packet for details. Checks should be made payable to CCHS. Proofs must be returned to CCHS whether or not pictures are being purchased. We use these proofs for our yearbook and so we must have them back so all students will be included in the yearbook.

ADDRESS CHANGES -- If there are mistakes on the name/address on the progress report, please notify Mrs. Cielensky so corrections may be made.

AFTER SCHOOL PICK UP – Teachers are on duty until 3 p.m. outside. Please pick up your children by that time to ensure that they are supervised. Remind your children to be “good neighbors” to our very generous friends at First Presbyterian Church. They allow our students to wait for rides on church property. Let’s show our thanks by having our children behave responsibly and respectfully. Let’s also take care of our neighbors in Boulevard Towers. When our families park or drive through their lot (behind the school), they are hindering legitimate occupants in Boulevard Towers’ parking spaces (who are paying for those spaces!). Thank you.

AFTER SCHOOL AT KANAWHA PUBLIC LIBRARY – If your children are going to the library after school, please remind them to follow the library’s rules regarding food and drink (none permitted), proper behavior (e.g., no horseplay or loudness), etc. What a wonderful opportunity KPL provides our students with a safe place to study and relax after school! Make sure your children rise to the expectations.

KANAWHA, PUTNAM, AND BOONE COUNTY IN-LIEU OF TRANSPORTATION FORMS -- are past due. If you live in Kanawha County more than 2 miles from CCHS or in Putnam or Boone County and would like to receive reimbursement from the public school systems, you must turn in your form by October 13 to Mrs. Cielensky at CCHS.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ACTIVITIES -- Separate social activities for 6th graders are scheduled monthly and for 7th/8th graders periodically throughout the year. These valuable opportunities enable middle schoolers to relax and enjoy time with their peers in a safe, supervised setting. How generous of the teachers to volunteer extra time to plan and conduct these activities with our students! For everyone’s well-being, it is important that students be picked up on time. If a student needs to leave an event held at CCHS earlier than the designated ending time, a parent must send a note and a teacher will escort the child to the Virginia Street entrance. When an activity in the Commons is over, students will leave through the Virginia Street doors only and may be picked up there. For events held at other facilities (e.g., bowling), parents need to arrive on time also and, if picking up the student early, must enter the facility and inform a teacher before taking a child.

HIGH SCHOOL DANCES -- High school dances are generally held from 9 p.m. to midnight. When students arrive, they must sign in. When they leave, they sign out. Students are permitted to sign out prior to the end of the dance. However, 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.

CHECK THE CCHS WEBSITE – for fine arts critiques and community service forms and the handbook -- www.charlestoncatholic-crw.org. The website continues to evolve. Check it out! And remember, weather-related announcements (e.g., snow delays/closings) will be posted there so you won’t have to spend time glued to the radio or television! Speaking of websites, check out the CCHS one-minute video we had produced for the City of Charleston website (www.cityofcharleston.org). You can find it under “Community Videos.” It’s a nice glimpse into life at CCHS! (as an added bonus, we had our own radio personality Adam Cavalier, CCHS Class of 2005, do the voice over!)

CLASSROOM NEEDS – If you’re replacing or not using any of these items, please consider donating them for use by our teachers: television, VCR, DVD player, CD player. Any help is appreciated!

FINE ARTS CRITIQUE AND COMMUNITY SERVICE FORMS -- Critiques must be submitted to English teachers during the quarter in which the arts event was attended in order to receive credit for the event. Community service activities must also be reported during the quarter in which the activity occurred.

YEARBOOK ADS FOR SENIORS -- Anyone wishing to place senior ads must act quickly! Reservations forms and payments are due no later than September 28. Space is limited and only one ad per senior will be accepted. Ads will be sold on a first-come-first served basis.

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Please reserve an ad for senior ______________________________

Ad size: _____ full page $200 _____ half page $125 _____ quarter page $75

Note: Persons reserving ads that cannot be filled as requested will be contacted for further instructions and, if necessary, the payment will be refunded.

Name: ______________________________ Phone: _______________________

(include payment with reservation form and return to Mr. Fix, yearbook teacher)

GLOVES FOR SCIENCE DEPARTMENT – Do you have access to surgical rubber gloves that our students can use during science experiments? If so, our science department always needs them!

HOPE Grants -- As we begin the planning process for next summer's home repair project in Clay County, we are looking for someone with grant writing expertise who would be willing to volunteer to research and submit viable grant opportunities for HOPE.  Bill Mehle would be happy to assist this person with background information, project history and accomplishments, financial needs, etc.  If you are interested in exploring this opportunity please contact Bill Mehle through the school office.

GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP -- is expected of athletes, coaches, parents, students, and other fans. You’ve heard it said before: 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. Let’s work on this together to make it a great year!

ATHLETIC SCHEDULES – are available on the school website on the school calendar.

LOST AND FOUND – Please encourage your children to keep up with their belongings. We often have shoes, jackets, books, gym clothes, gym bags full of school uniforms unclaimed. Students have been known to leave their backpacks on the steps of First Presbyterian. Amazing!

CONGRATULATIONS

- to all of our fall sports teams for their impressive accomplishments (which are announced at school each morning).

- to Sister Judith, long-time principal at St. Agnes School, who recently celebrated her 50^th anniversary as a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph Community. Sister is certainly a West Virginia treasure!

- to art teacher Rebecca Burch who was recognized by Bishop Michael Bransfield for her work on the beautification of Camp Tygart in Huttonsville, WV. The beautification project involves three phases: a mural in the gymnasium completed last summer, a Stations of the Cross meditation trail which is nearing completion, and a large painting that will go in the dining hall (summer 2008.) There was a ceremony on July 22 to dedicate the Stations of the Cross trail and the mural. Avrah Urecki, Chava Urecki, Zahava Urecki, and Laura Gould assisted with the painting of the murals. Rachael Rogers and Hannah Grubb assisted with the Stations tiles.

- to Scott Welch for sponsoring the CCHS cross country invitational meets for high school and middle school teams at Camp Virgil Tate. This meet marks the 14th year that Mr. Welch has organized this event for the high school. Thanks, too, to Mrs. Welch, Ms. Shepler, faculty and staff, and the parents and students who help make this event so successful.

THANKS –

- to the 6th grade parents and the PVA hospitality committee for providing cookies (so delicious!) and drinks for the Parent Night reception.

- to all of our parent volunteers for all they do to support our students and staff.

- to the fall coaches for contributing time, encouragement, and expertise to provide exceptional athletic opportunities for students.

- to the drama club for setting up a concession stand catering to the needs of tennis players and spectators at the Shamrock Classic Tennis Tournament. Not only did they help in this special way, but they happily responded to calls for help from Pig Roast/Cookout staff!

- to Lisa Dobbins for donating yarn to the middle school needlepoint class.

- to Chrissy Hovorka for donating pipettes to the science department.

- to Merrill Photography for donating film canisters for use in our classes.

2007-08 SCHOOL CALENDAR

Saturday, September 29 Homecoming soccer at Schoenbaum: girls 11 a.m.; boys 1 p.m.; HS dance 9-midnight

Tuesday, October 2 College Fair (juniors may attend with parent permission at 11:30)

Wednesday, October 3 CCHS Invitational Cross Country meet at Virgil Tate

Thursday, October 4 7^th grade retreat at Pope John XXIII; 8^th grade retreat at Blessed Sacrament

Thursday, October 11 6^th grade retreat at Blessed Sacrament

Friday, October 12 teacher inservice – no school for students

Wednesday, October 17 PSAT for sophomores and juniors; EXPLORE test for 8^th graders

Thursday, October 18 regional cross country meet at Virgil Tate

Friday, October 19 PLAN for freshmen and sophomores

Wednesday, October 24 picture retakes

Friday, October 26 7^th/8^th grade dance 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. in Commons

Thursday, November 1 college applications to Mrs. Thomas in order to be mailed by Christmas

Thursday, November 1 7^th grade conferences from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. - no school for 7^th graders (work to be provided); regular schedule for grades 6, 8, and 9 – 12

Wednesday, November 7 6^th – 12^th grade conferences from 1 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m.

11:30 a.m. dismissal for all students

Friday/Saturday, November 9/10 CCHS drama troupe “The Worst High School Play in the World”

Monday, November 12 Veterans Day celebration - no school

Wednesday, November 14 6^th and 8^th grade conferences from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. - no school for 6^th and 8^th graders (work to be provided); regular schedule for grades 7, 9-12

Wednesday, November 21 11:30 a.m. dismissal for Thanksgiving

Thursday/Friday, November 22-23 Thanksgiving vacation

Saturday, December 8 Clay County Christmas

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, December 17, 18, 19 exams (no exceptions)

Thursday, December 20 first day of Christmas vacation

Monday, January 7 classes resume

Saturday, January 12 HS Winter Waltz 9 - midnight

Friday, January 18 end of first semester

Monday, January 21 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - no school

Monday, February 18 Presidents’ Day - no school

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

Monday, March 31 classes resume

Thursday, April 24 sophomore retreat

Friday, April 25 freshman retreat

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

Saturday, May 3 prom

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 or 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

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER MENU

MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY
24 - Pizza	25 - Baked ravioli Green beans Garlic bread	26 – Main Kwong special homecoming lunch	27 - Baked spaghetti School rolls Salad	28 - Cheeseburgers Potato wedge Spaghetti salad
OCT. 1 – Pizza	2 – Meatball sub tater tots pasta salad	3 – chicken strips baked potato fruit cup	4 – hot dogs spicy fries spaghetti salad	5 – fried chicken mashed potatoes corn school rolls
8 – Pizza	9 – beef tacos nachos super nachos	10 – chicken alfredo green beans rolls	11 – hamburgers spicy fries nachos chips-chili-cheese	12 – teacher in-service NO SCHOOL
15 – Pizza	16 – baked ravioli egg salad sandwiches