PARENT NEWSLETTER February 2015
Transcription
PARENT NEWSLETTER February 2015
PARENT NEWSLETTER February 2015 21st Century Saints… It is because of our parents, supporters, faculty, staff and the sacrifices of many that ECHS can continue to celebrate Catholic Schools Week! I truly wish you could have been here on January 20, 2015 to celebrate the All Lorain County Mass with us. We had eight Catholic elementary schools represented with close to 700 guests that joined us for the kick off to this week’s celebrations. To experience all these young men and women along with our EC community, singing, responding, and present to the Eucharist is what this week is meant to represent…a real celebration and thankfulness! We have the opportunity every day to develop our faith, and experience as community the true feeling of the love of Christ and to share this gift with others. I would like to share a special comment made by Mr. Bob Collins, representative of the regional Knights of Columbus to the entire assembly. He was with us to present a scholarship to one of our juniors, Ryan Turner. He told us that he travels all over Ohio making scholarship presentations and has never had the experience that he had at our mass. He was moved to tears and emotions that he could only explain as God’s presence amongst the assembly…this is what makes EC so unique and special. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO MAKE CATHOLIC EDUCATION A PRIORITY AND POSSIBLE FOR THE STUDENTS. This month is also the time the students are involved in Course Selection for the 2015-16 school year. Please refer to the announcements from our Guidance Department for explanation of the process, deadlines and who to contact for questions. Friday, March 13, 2015 will be our Career Exploration opportunity for EC students to talk with representatives and alumni whose career they expressed an interest in learning more about via a Google survey they took before Christmas break. We have been in close contact with Mr. Bill Young, CEO of St. John Medical Center, who is partnering with EC to provide representatives from the medical/business fields. If you have any questions about this event please contact Ms. Chelsea Burkle in our Guidance department. As we reflect on the school year theme, I am reminded of how much our EC students and community do for so many people. They may not realize this, but each one is a Saint in training, doing God’s work and being open to His will. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your student’s continual growth. God bless, Amy Butler Principal ‘80 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Families of Elyria Catholic, Sometimes the month of February has an uncanny way of “sneaking up on us.” Maybe it is because the “hustle and bustle” of the holiday season is behind us, Christmas vacation has come and gone, or maybe it is the change to “standard time” that make the days seem so much shorter. Whatever the reason, it signifies the beginning of not only a new calendar year, but it also provides a subtle reminder that preparations for a new “school year” begin to take form as well. It is also the very critical time for many families to begin the process for inquiries into financial aid opportunities for next year here at EC. The school mailing including your son or daughter’s Course Selection Packet as well as the Financial Aid Opportunities/ Directives will be received shortly. Hopefully, all of our current families are well aware of the importance of our Student Cash/Car Raffle. As a contractual requirement on every family’s Tuition Investment Contract, “Each Student is required to sell six (6) cash/car tickets @ $25 per ticket ($150), and any unsold tickets of the required six are added on to the student’s tuition. It is EC’s largest source of financial aid for our families and absolutely a critical component to our school’s operation raising approximately $65,000 annually. Please remind your sons/daughters to begin their sales contacts now as tickets will be distributed in homerooms on Thursday, February 19, 2015. The “craftiest sellers” usually have their tickets sold before they receive them. The drive will last through March; cash prizes will be drawn daily beginning on April 1st. The car will be raffled the night of the Spring Gala/Auction on the 25th of April! In closing, I express my deepest gratitude and respect for the sacrifice and efforts of so many of you who continue to keep EC a strong and viable source of Catholic secondary education for all who embrace the merits of our mission. Sincerely yours in Christ, Andrew G. Krakowiak DATES THAT RATE February 10 13 14 Early Dismissal at 2:24 p.m. – Faculty Meeting NO CLASSES – Professional Development Day HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY 16 NO CLASSES - Presidents’ Day COURSE SELECTION PROCESS Last week, Mrs. Davidson and Ms. Burkle went into all 9th, 10th and 11th grade Religion classes to give students an overview of the online scheduling process. In an upcoming, first-class mailing you will receive a letter of explanation, step-by-step instructions, username and password. Included also will be an Alternate Course Selection Form, a Teacher/Counselor Contact Form, the 2015-2016 Tuition Contract and tuition assistance information. IMPORTANT INFORMATION DUE DATES February 12 Tuition Contract for 2015 - 2016 (goldenrod) Submit to the Guidance Office along with the Course Selection Form and Alternate Course Selection Form. Please be sure to select a payment option and sign the form at the bottom. March 1 Private School Aid Service Forms (PSAS) The form must be submitted to the company if your family is interested in applying for Tuition Assistance. Complete details can be referenced in the dedicated Course Offerings / Tuition Assistance mailing. If you have any questions regarding the Course Selection Process / Tuition Contract, please contact the following for assistance at 365-1821 and the extensions as indicated below: Guidance Department Ms. Burkle (A – L) Mrs. Davidson (M – Z) Ext. 125 Ext. 123 Business Office Mrs. Jill Anglin Ext. 115 February 2015 Sunday 1 Monday 2 Tuesday 3 Wednesday Thursday 4 5 Friday Saturday 6 7 13 14 Bingo 8 9 10 11 12 Probation Warnings Professional Development Day Faculty Meeting Dismissal at 2:24 p.m. Bingo NO CLASSES 15 16 Presidents Day 17 18 23 20 21 27 28 Ash Wednesday Liturgy at 9:30 a.m. Bingo NO CLASSES 22 19 24 Academic & Probation Warnings 25 26 Bingo OHIO GRADUATION TEST (OGT) INFORMATION DELAYED START (Please mark your calendars) The Sophomore Class will take the OGT Test during the week of March 16, 2015. Sophomores must be in school by 8:00 a.m. each day that week. Homeroom for all students, including the sophomores, will begin at 10:00 a.m.; class periods will follow. Continuing our pro-active approach in preparing our sophomores for the OGT tests which they will take in March, it has been decided that all sophomores will also take a practice test in the areas of writing, math, science and social studies. The students will take these tests in individual classes during February. It is our hope that this will familiarize them with the content and format of these tests. Congratulations to our December / January Students of the Month!!!! Art – Zachary Sudnick Business – Adrianna Davies Computer Science – Benjamin Pearl English – Miles Flowers Foreign Language – Ryan Kunkle Mathematics – Luke Farmer Music – Chase Mieras Physical Education – Julia Zidek Religion – Alexus Golson Science – Ethan Hernandez Social Studies – Troye Sas-Wright Theatre – Paige Smith YEARBOOK ECHO’s winter blitz is on. We are selling the 2015 ECHO for a $4 discount ($66) until the 1st of March! We need to double the number of subscriptions we now have to make our quota. Take advantage of the discount and subscribe by March 1at www.jostensyearbooks.com. YEARBOOK ADS ECHO would like to inform senior parents that space still remains for senior ads. We must have them in the office, though, by the 17th of February. Parents can submit ads to the office or email Mrs. Knox about their ad at ([email protected]). ADVANCEMENT NEWS Mandatory All School Car Raffle The mandatory all school car raffle will kick off on Thursday, February 19th and will run through the end of March. Car raffle calendars will be distributed through homeroom. All students will be required to sell (6) calendars at $25 each ($150 total) per the tuition contract agreement. The calendar will be for the month of April and will contain cash prizes each day with the grand prize of a new car being pulled at the Spring Gala on April 25, 2015. We will again be offering generous cash prizes and incentives for students who sell above and beyond their required (6) calendars. Details and daily winners will be posted on the school website. We are especially blessed again to have Nick Abraham ’60, Jim Herrick ’70 and Jack Matia ’75, each generously donate a car for our car raffle. The grand prize winner will have their choice of a 2015 Buick Verano (from Nick Abraham Automall), a 2015 Ford Fusion SE (from Liberty Ford) or a 2015 Honda Accord (from Jack Matia Honda)! Parents’ Annual Fund A “thank you” gift for those parents who have already fulfilled their pledge of $150 or more will be sent home with your student by the beginning of March. We will continue to send gifts home with students as pledges are fulfilled. It’s not too late for you to be part of this successful effort! Pledges must be fulfilled by June 30, 2015 to be included in this years’ campaign. Please support this tax deductible edge against the rising cost of tuition. If you misplaced your pledge card, please contact Michelle Wisnor 440365-1821 ext. 122 or [email protected]. The form can also be downloaded from the homepage of the school website at http://www.elyriacatholic.com/s/1111/start.aspx under the message board. Mark your calendar now for the upcoming Elyria Catholic Spring Gala and Auction to be held on Saturday, the 25th of April. The Gala will be hosted in the EC Coliseum, where we will recognize Mr. Nick Abraham ’60, Mr. Jim Herrick ‘70 and Mr. Jack Matia ’75 for their contributions to the mission of Elyria Catholic High School. Mr. Bob Frantz ’86 will be our master of ceremonies for the evening which includes dinner catered by Brennan’s Party Center, hors d’oeuvres, a wide array of beverages and dancing to the band Outta Dodge. There will be fabulous items up for bid in our various auctions, as well as a $5,000 cash raffle and the drawing for a new 2015 automobile from the student car raffle! Gather your friends and family and receive a bonus ticket in the $5,000 cash raffle for booking a table of eight for the event. The Spring Gala, in conjunction with the student car raffle, are the ONLY fundraisers that support the entire school community! There are many, many ways to take part in this special evening! Online registration begins the week of February 3, 2015 by clicking the Gala link on the EC website homepage. www.elyriacatholic.com Contact Michelle Wisnor or Michele Scoccola in the Advancement Office at 440-365-1821 ext. 122 or 134 with any questions. Guidance News February 2015 Ms. Burkle Mrs. Davidson A-L M-Z 365-1821 x123 [email protected] 365-1821 x125 [email protected] ONLINE COURSE SELECTION PROCESS In an upcoming, first-class mailing you will find: Student Course Request Form Teacher/Counselor Contact Form Tuition Contract (Goldenrod) The deadline for return of the following materials is Thursday, February 12. Student Course Request Form with parent & student signatures A $150.00 non-refundable course selection fee for each student (check/money order only) After February 12, the non-refundable course selection fee will be $175.00. College Goal Sunday College Goal Sunday College Goal Sunday Sunday February 8, 2015 from 2:00-4:00 pm This is an opportunity to get free on-site professional assistance completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and to speak to financial aid professionals about financial resources and how to apply. Local sites: Lorain County Community College & Tri-C Corporate College West (Westlake) Check out the websites below for further helpful information: www.collegegoalsundayusa.org www.fafsa.ed.gov Remember, this is a FREE application! Do not use a site that charges a fee College Credit Plus (formerly PSEO) A mandatory meeting for parents and students will be held at Elyria Catholic on Tuesday, March 10 in Room 110 from 6:00-7:00 pm. Ross Whitson from Lorain County Community College will present on the new rules set by the state of Ohio for this program. Please check the box on the Course Selection sheet to indicate your interest in this option to receive further information in the mail. NCAA Student Athletes and Parents: Go to www.eligibilitycenter.org for information concerning the different divisions, the Core-Course Rule & when to register. New rules & GPA are going into effect for the class of 2016 (current juniors). Learn new ways to boost your ACT scores! An evening on-line prep course as well as prep classes at Oberlin High School will be available in February. Please go to www.ActTestPrep.info for details. 2014-2015 Scholarship Opportunities for Seniors Please keep in mind that the majority of scholarships that our students receive are granted through the colleges/universities to which they successfully apply. It is the student’s responsibility to become informed about such scholarships. The Guidance Department will post scholarships awarded by various national and community organizations in the monthly newsletter and on the EC website: Academics/Guidance/Scholarships. Students are encouraged to frequently review the postings for updated information. If you have any questions, please see Ms. Burkle in the Guidance Department. Scholarship Name Ohio Board of Regents Criteria Deadline Ohio Board of Regents offer following scholarships: Varies Nurse Education Assistance Loan Program (NEALP), Ohio War Orphans, Ohio Safety Officers. https://www.ohiohighered.org/students/pay-for-college/scholarships-andgrants Choose Ohio First The Choose Ohio First Program is available to students planning to study in the field(s) of Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) at a public institution of higher learning in Ohio. Students must apply and be accepted at the institution in order to be eligible. For further information visit: www.ohiohighered.com Varies Scholarship America Numerous open scholarships: Best Buy, ACA, etc. http://scholarshipamerica.org/open_scholarships.php Varies Future Farmers of America Scholarship For students who are interested in majoring in a degree related to agriculture. Must have a minimum GPA of a 2.5. For more information visit: FFA.org/scholarships 2/01/15 AXA Scholarship For more information and to apply visit: www.axa-achievement.com 2/01/15 Ohio University’s Women’s Club Scholarship For female students from the Cleveland area that will be attending Ohio University in the fall of 2015. Must have a 3.5 GPA and 25 ACT score. See Ms. Burkle for the application. 2/06/15 Mount Union Minority Achievement Awarded Applicants must be admitted to the University of Mount 2/12/15 Union and be of minority group. Must have at least a 2.0 GPA. Interview and essay required. For more information visit: mountunion.edu/minority-achievement-award Walsh University STAR Chemistry Program For students who have been accepted to Walsh University and majoring in Chemistry. Will be awarded a grant and a merit scholarship. Must have a 3.0 GPA and 22 or higher on the ACT. Complete the STAR Scholarship Application available through the Office of Admissions. For more information visit: walsh.edu/star 2/12/15 Cavaliers/ Scholarship Program Seniors from the Cleveland area are eligible for this scholarship. A 500 word essay and letter of recommendation is required. See Ms. Burkle for more details. 2/13/15 City of Lorain Scholarships Four scholarships available for students who have been 2/13/15 residents of the city of Lorain for at least two years. For more information, visit: cityoflorain.org/major/scholarship NCEE National Commission for Cooperative Education (NCEE) offers Scholarship aid to students who have applied and been accepted at various co-op schools: www.co-op.edu 2/15/15 The National Academy of Television For students interested in a career in television or a television related field. Application can be found online at nataslgl.org. 2/16/15 Buick Achievers For students interested in engineering, technology, design, or business within the automotive industry. Fifty (50) scholarships available for up to $25,000. For more information visit: buickacievers.com 2/27/15 North Olmsted Scholarships Students who reside in North Olmstead are eligible for a number of community scholarships. Application form can be found at northolmsteadschools.org. For more information, please see Ms. Burkle 2/27/15 Lorain County Credit Union Scholarship Applicants must be a member of the School Employees Lorain County Credit Union. See Ms. Burkle for application. 2/28/15 Lorain Community Foundation Over 30 scholarships available to students from Lorain county high schools. Applications available on December 15th. Apply online at peoplewhocare.org 3/02/15 State Farm Good Neighbor Scholarship Seniors that have a GPA between 2.5 and 3.2. For more 3/02/15 information visit: scholarshipamerica.org/statefarmgoodneighborscholarship James Kura Memorial Scholarship Contest $1,000 scholarship for students with at least a 2.5 GPA. For more information and to apply visit: http://oacdl.org/aws/OACDL/pt/sp/scholarship Esperanza Scholarship Program For Hispanic students who reside in Cuyahoga and Lorain 3/27/15 counties. Students must have at least one parent who is fully Hispanic, meet the financial need requirements, and have a 2.5 GPA. Apply online at esperanzainc.org/scholarships. Gannon University Engineering and Computer Science For students who will be attending Gannon University and will be majoring in engineering or computer science. Must have a 3.0 GPA and at least a 24 on the ACT. Separate scholarship application is required. Ohio Newspapers Foundation For high school seniors that are planning on majoring in 3/31/15 the fields of journalism, advertising, marketing, or communications. Must have at least a 2.5 GPA and be African-American, Hispanic, Asian American, or American Indian. Essay and two letters of recommendation required. Apply online at ohionews.org. Lorain County Farm Bureau Scholarships Three scholarships available for students who are part of or who have parents who part of the Lorain County Farm Bureau. See Ms. Burkle for application. Field of Learning Scholarship Up to five scholarships available. Students must write a 3/31/15 essay on “Something I learned related to high school football.” The scholarship is not just limited to football players. For more information, visit: fieldoflearning.org. The Warren Sill Fund For seniors that will be attending Kent State University’s main campus. Application and 1-2 page essay required. 4/01/15 The William D. Squires Education Foundation Up to 15 scholarships available for students based upon financial need. Students must also have a 3.2 GPA. For more information visit: wmdsquiresfoundation.org 4/06/15 3/10/15 3/30/15 3/31/15 Summer Opportunities Below are a list of summer opportunities in Ohio. If you are interested in attending a summer camp outside of Ohio, please see Ms. Burkle. Organization Name Criteria Hiram College This summer, Hiram College will be offering Summer residential camps in science, technology, writing, Programs the arts, and leadership. Students will gain hands-on learning experiences with Hiram College faculty, staff, and students as their hosts. If interested, please visit www.hiram.edu/summerathiram Deadline Varies Pre-College Summer Seminars at Oberlin College Open to 18 students to become researchers in three urgent issues- food, business, or essential resources. Spots are limited and on a first come first serve bases. Please visit http://www.foresightprep.org/apply for more information and to apply. Varies Wright State STEM Program A two day residential program with Wright State’s Varies College of Science and Mathematics, College of Engineering and Computer Science. This is a free program and spots are limited so early registration is encouraged. Program is held at the end of June. For more information and to apply, visit: wright.edu/precollege Buckeye Boys State Buckeye Boys State is an opportunity for students that are currently juniors. It is a program through the American Legion where the students learn about state Leadership. The program is held at Bowling Green State University and is June 14-21, 2015. Cost to attend the program is paid by the Lorain County American Legion. For more information please see Ms. Burkle or refer to the website at ohiobuckeyeboysstate.com. Application are due by 1.30.15. National Youth This is an 8 day program for students interested in Leadership Forum business. Takes place at choice of three different Business Innovation college campuses. If interested, see Ms. Burkle to be nominated by 2.6.15. 1/30/15 2/6/15 Buckeye Girls State Buckeye Girls State is an opportunity for students that are currently juniors. It is a program through the American Legion where the students learn about state Leadership. The program is held at the University of Mount Union and is June 14-20, 2015. Cost to attend the program is paid by the Lorain County American Legion. For more information please see Ms. Burkle or refer to the website at buckeyegirlsstate.org. Application are due by 1.30.15. 2/28/15 NASA Glenn Research Center This is an 8-week paid internship for students who will be juniors and seniors in the 2015-2016 school year. This educational project provides experience for students interested in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and professional experience. The applicant must be 16 years old by June 15, 2015, have a GPA of at least 3.0, and be available on a full-time basis. The application can be found at: https://intern.nasa.gov/ 3/01/15 Joyce Ivy Foundation The Joyce Ivy Foundation is a program committed to the 3/01/15 academic advancement and leadership development of young women from the Midwest. Through the Joyce Ivy Foundation Summer Scholars program, scholarships are provided for talented high school students to attend summer academic programs on college campuses. More information can be found at: http://www.joyceivyfoundation.org/ Reynolds Young Writers Workshop at Denison University This is a week-long residential summer program in creative writing at Denison University. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors are encouraged to apply. The program runs from June 14-21, 2015 and is $1,300 (including room and board.) Please see Ms. Burkle If you have any questions. 3/02/15 Baldwin Wallace Healthcare Exploration Week For students entering their sophomore or junior year that are interested in healthcare. This is a week long program on campus, living in the residents halls, from June 15-19th. Only 24 spots available. Tuition is $700. For more information and to apply visit: http://bw.edu/academics/bus/hcweek/ 4/01/15 Ohio State Minority Accounting Week This is a week-long, free, residential program at Ohio 4/01/15 State for minority students interested in accounting. It takes place from June 14-19th. To apply, visit futurecpa.com Ohio Business Week 2015 During the week long residential program, students 4/30/15 participate in a series of fun and exciting workshops, and interact with business people while developing skills needed for success in the 21st century. OBW 2015 will take place June 21-27 at Ohio Dominican University. More information can be found at: http://www.ohiobusinessweek.org/ HOBY Advanced Leadership Academy For juniors and seniors that want to gain a better 6/15/15 self-awareness of their leadership talents. Will take place July 5-10, 2015 at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. For more information, visit hoby.org/advanced-leadership-academy NEWS FOR INCOMING FRESHMEN Incoming Freshman Parent Registration Meeting: Tuesday, March 3 at 6:30 p.m. | Coliseum Incoming Freshman Registration: Saturday, March 7 from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. | Cafeteria BINGO NEWS Please check the website for the Bingo schedule. It is complete through the end of the school year. It can be found at: www.elyriacatholic.com, - Parent Tab - Bingo. Thank you for your commitment to Elyria Catholic Bingo! 1. Next Afterprom Meeting: Wednesday February 11, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at DAVE AND BUSTERS. 2. Super Bowl Squares Fundraiser – One Week Left!!! Still lots left to choose from! Hurry! Please help us out this is our last major fundraiser! This year we have 2 grids you can purchase squares from! Squares are $20 each; payments need to be cash or check made out to After Prom (with square numbers and grid # marked in memo)!! Checks can be mailed to: Elaine Perkins 38670 Overlook Drive, Grafton, Ohio 44044. Checks need to be received by 1/31/2015!! For questions please call/text Elaine Perkins at 440.315.0913 or Kathy Saunders 440452-3570 or email [email protected]. Winner breakdowns are: end of 1st quarter 20%, end of 2nd quarter 20%, end of 3rd quarter 20%, and end of Game: 40% grid 1 link is: http://www.superbowlsquares.org/6yim6 username is: echs password is: panthers (all lower-case) grid 2 link is: http://www.superbowlsquares.org/hwacz username is: echs2 password is: panthers (all lower-case) 3. Prize and Monetary Donations We desperately need help with parent donations. Our budget is much tighter and smaller than last year. We are looking for gift cards in $5 and $10 denominations gas cards, Chipotle, Starbucks, Panera, Subway, etc. Also looking for Browns, Cavs, Crushers, Indians tickets or passes for paintball or other entertainment venues. Gift certificates for hair, nails, massages etc. Have an extra Kindle or Nook laying around – donate it to Afterprom! Beats headphones, Go Pro camera, Garmin, anything electronic. We will also take just plain cash to put toward some of these things. 4. Volunteers and Leadership We are in need of parent volunteers for both movie rooms, volunteer coordination, limited help in various other areas and desperately need someone to take over Snack Shack for next year as well as Afterprom coordination. Please call or email Kathy Saunders at [email protected] and 440-452-3570. Parental help needed the night of Afterprom is much less than last year, is very limited, and will be on first come first serve basis with senior parents put first. Thank you! Panther Snack Shack Bucks Panther Snack Shack Bucks Provide an After School Snack for Your Child – Support EC After Prom too! A $10 purchase includes ten $1 coupons per book. Buy One for Now and Save One for Later Purchaser’s Name:____________________________________________________ How many coupon books: 1 2 3 4 5 Other _____ Circle One Amount Enclosed: $_________ Send Home With: _____________________________ _______________________ Student’s Name Student’s Grade ( 9, 10, 11, 12) If parent prefers, coupon books can be mailed to you at home, to address provided: ______________________________________________________________________ Return to ECHS Office with cash or check (make payable to EC After Prom) in an envelope designated to “Snack Shack.” Thank you for your support! The Snack Shack welcomes donations of healthy, prepackaged snacks and beverages. Especially useful and appreciated are cases of 20 oz. Gatorade and PowerAde drinks, all flavors. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Anne Cunningham at [email protected] or at (440) 759-7459.