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PARENT NEWSLETTER
October 2014
We need 21st Century Saints…
The school year is off to a great start and in full gear! October is a very vigorous
time with many events for the students and the school community. Fall ushers in a
beautiful backdrop for us to enjoy the weather and scenery during this time of year.
It is always our hope that you can take advantage of joining us to take in activities that
involve our students.
One particular event that I would like to share with you is an assembly that will be
occurring on Wednesday, the 1st of October. We are hosting Dr. Brian and Mrs.
Cindy Hoeflinger, parents of Brian Hoeflinger, who will be telling us their story
concerning the death of their son. The letter included in this newsletter will explain
in more detail their mission. We feel very blessed to have them visit us and share
their experiences to hopefully inspire all of our students to take the pledge to make
good choices throughout their teenage lives and assist us as parents to have open
dialogue with our student concerning this very serious issue. We invite any of our
parents who are available to join us as well.
Homecoming is just around the corner on the 10th of October. The Senior Class has
nominated a well-deserving court for recognition of this honor. The ladies are:
Savanna Brown, Adrianna Davies, Jamie Janda, Kristen Konno, Alyssa Zidek and
Sarah Ziegelmeyer. The gentlemen are: Noah Bland, Spencer Fetcko,
Miles Flowers, Dominic Piazza, Justin Rankin and Zachary Sudnick. This
traditional event always brings many alum back to their “second” home; we are
always excited to welcome them!
Please join us in community of our school during this month’s events.
God Bless,
Amy Butler ‘80
Principal
Dear Elyria Catholic Families,
We will be spending time with your children later this week talking about the issue of teenage drinking.
Although we will have this time with them, it is simply not enough. You, as parents, have a role to play
in the issue of teenage drinking. We felt it important to connect with you on some of the realities we have
discovered since our son’s death.
Our son, Brian N. Hoeflinger, died in a tragic car accident on February 2, 2013 at the young age of 18. He
was a senior in high school, an accomplished golfer, carried a 4.5 GPA and had his whole life ahead of
him.
On the night he died, Brian was at an unsupervised party with friends drinking vodka and drove
intoxicated. He struck a tree and was killed instantly. No one else was in the car.
I wrote this letter on May 2, three months after his death, on a beautiful spring day, a time of new life
with trees blossoming and grasses turning green. I watched my children in the yard. Kevin was cleaning
an old rowboat with the power washer. Julie was playing spike ball with a half-dozen friends.
As I watched the kids in the yard playing and having fun, I could feel Brian’s absence. I could sense life
all around me, but not his. I still get the feeling that Brian should be here with us; that his death must be a
mistake or a dream. However, no matter how hard I wish it, I know Brian is gone from this world and
from our physical lives forever. I sat in his room yesterday and cried looking at pictures from when he
was a little boy. Where does that innocence go? Why as we get older do we lose the ability to have fun as
we did as children?
I picked up Julie, my 14-year-old daughter, from a friend’s house the other night. She and about 10 other
girls and boys were singing together around a kitchen island after making chocolate chip cookies together.
They were all standing there having so much fun singing, laughing and smiling. But soon that innocence
will fade and she and her friends will be tempted to drink alcohol. Why does drinking seem to be
substituted for the simple pleasures we enjoyed as children? As I watched the fun they were having
together, it made me think of Brian and his friends when they were little and how much innocent fun they
would have together.
Why does it change?
I think the answer is in the way society views alcohol. It almost seems like an acceptable rite of passage
as we become young adults to drink alcohol. Many parents expect a certain degree of “innocent and
harmless” drinking to occur. We did it as teenagers, so why shouldn’t they? What can happen after having
only a drink or two, right? But what about binge drinking, which is what most teenagers are doing? Is
that OK? Was Brian’s life worth the little bit of “harmless” fun he was having with his friends that night?
Brian was growing up but still somewhat of a child inside. He was not a seasoned drinker and did not yet
know the full dangers of alcohol and binge drinking. He did what statistics suggest many in our society
do, which is to start drinking alcohol in high school. Remember, statistics show that nearly 75-80 percent
of all students have drunk alcohol by the end of high school and 62 percent of all seniors have been
drunk.
Most parents would deny that they condone their kids’ drinking but how many of them really ever try to
stop or change it from happening. Statistics show that one in five teens binge drink. One in 100 parents
believes his or her teen binge drinks. Would their kids live without drinking? Yes! However, there would
be social consequences for them. They may become less popular and may not be invited to social events
involving the “in crowd” and drinking. I think for this reason many parents choose to ignore and thus
indirectly condone this behavior. We all want our children to be popular and have friends. We hurt inside
when our children are hurting. Thus, many parents tolerate the fact that their children drink so their kids
can be popular and accepted by the “in crowd.” Many parents host parties and knowingly or
“unknowingly” allow the kids to drink alcohol, seeing no potential harm in it.
Saying no
I am sure there are many parents who are against drinking and have actively discouraged their children
from drinking. These parents are to be commended for their efforts. However, children will only listen to
their parents so much. I truly think the kids have to change things from within themselves as a group. If
the older classmates in school who drink would take a leadership role and make it cool not to drink, then
drinking among the younger classmates would soon stop.
However, this would only work if the older kids make a stand, set an example and stop drinking.
Parents should discuss this aspect of drinking with our older kids and make them realize that they are
influencing the younger kids to drink. We need to encourage our children to be leaders and set a good
example for others to stop drinking. I know of a ninth-grader who was asked to drink vodka by two 10graders who got the vodka from a senior party. It is hard to say no to an upper classmate who is offering
you a drink of alcohol. What if you said no? Then the rumors would start at school that you were afraid to
try the vodka. It is so much easier to drink the vodka, get the recognition and ultimately the positive
reinforcement of looking cool. If drinking alcohol was not cool, then this scenario would play out much
differently. In the case of this ninth-grader, he drank the vodka, got drunk and was caught by his parents.
This is where I think parents can and should get involved and talk to their children. Talk to them about
peer pressure and how to handle it. Arm your children with legitimate excuses for that moment when they
are asked to drink.
“My parents smell my breath and make me take a breathalyzer test when I get home,” would be a great
way to get out of drinking. “A close friend of mine died from drinking and I don’t drink because of it,”
would work as well. “I have a curfew of 11 p.m. and my parents wait up for me” would also work.
Alternatively, just stand your ground and say, “I’m having a good time without getting drunk!”
Teach your kids legitimate ways to say no to alcohol in front of their friends. However, most importantly,
set limits and boundaries for them and let your children know that you do not approve of them drinking
alcohol before the age of 21! I expect that many parents reading this letter may think that I am meddling
in their personal family affairs. Just because my son died does not give me the right to try to change the
way others think. I may have felt that same way before Brian died three months ago.
Going through the death of a child changes your perspective on life. I realize that it can happen to anyone
and could easily happen to one of our remaining three children, Kevin, Julie or Christie. For that reason,
my wife and I are going to change things if we can, if for no other reason than to protect our remaining
three children from the harm of alcohol and binge drinking. I know some people will be on board with
this philosophy and others will not, unless it unfortunately happens to them. Then it will all become very
real but only after it is too late to change things. I have been through it and I only wish someone would
have talked to me and tried to open my eyes to this underground network of teenage drinking before it
was too late.
Gone forever
Take a true moment and really try to imagine for one instant that one of your children was never to return
home and would be gone from your life forever, with no chance to say goodbye or ever speak to or see
them again. Force yourself to imagine it. If you really try to put yourself in that position for just a moment
and try to feel what it would be like if your child were dead, that horrible feeling of reality without your
son or daughter in your future, that feeling alone should be enough for you to want to stop teenage
drinking.
There is no happy medium. Just drinking a little does not work because once you drink a little then you
want to drink more. It is human nature. Once you drink more then you start to make bad decisions. With
bad decisions come bad outcomes, especially in your teenage years. Young adult and teenage brains are
not fully developed until well into their mid-20s. The frontal lobes of the brain, which control impulsivity,
reason and logic, are not fully developed. Thus at their young age teenagers are much less likely to make
good decisions, especially when they are under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Statistics show that
injury and death from alcohol is markedly reduced after the age of 21 compared those of a younger age.
Happening right now
We only write this letter to share our opinions and thoughts because of our personal experience with
alcohol and the death of our son. However, we want you to know that it is happening right now under our
noses and if we as a society continue to ignore this rising problem of teenage drinking, good children will
continue to be injured and die needlessly. Somehow, the innocence of childhood is being lost to alcohol
far too soon. There is a way to stop it, but parents have to first acknowledge that it is happening. We have
to stop ignoring the problem as if it does not exist. Only then can we start to properly address the issue
and find solutions.
Which brings me back full circle to the question of where does the innocence of childhood go? Why do
the majority of teenagers in this country drink alcohol? The answer may be that our society leads children
to believe that it is OK to drink if it is kept secretive, out of plain sight and you don’t get caught. The
liquor stores even sell to minors.
My son allegedly walked into a state liquor store with two other boys under the legal age and bought a
1.75-liter bottle of vodka without being carded the night he died. Some adults buy it for minors outside
the liquor stores. The kids are smart and get it from their parent’s houses or other adults houses. Some
parents host parties for minors and knowingly supply the alcohol to them. The older kids supply it to the
younger kids. The point is that the alcohol is readily available and society sends the message that it is OK
to drink if it has kept secret and out of plain sight. The question is, how are we as a society going to stop
underage drinking and does anyone really care to? Change takes leadership and involvement. Standing by
and doing nothing does just that: nothing. We as a society have to reinforce to our children that drinking
alcohol is illegal before the age of 21 and will not be tolerated at the community level or the household
level. This is not a punishment we are implementing but a plan to protect our kids and save them from
unexpected injury, trauma, rape and the worst-case scenario: death.
Zero tolerance
Stiffer penalties need to be in place for parents who host drinking parties for their children and their
friends. There has to be zero tolerance! We as parents cannot continue to protect our kids when they break
the law. I wish someone would have caught my son or arrested him before he drove under the influence of
alcohol the night he died. Yes, he would have gotten in trouble and his image would have been tarnished
but he would still be alive and would have learned a valuable lesson for the future. You no longer have
the chance to learn from your mistakes when you are dead! That sounds harsh but that is the harsh reality
of teenage drinking.
Kids have to start to understand that underage drinking will no longer be ignored and there will be
consequences for their actions. Without this mentality, teens will continue to drink and good kids will
continue to die because of alcohol and underage drinking. My son Brian was a good kid but he made a
mistake. As parents, we need to talk to our kids and find out if they are drinking and why. We all worry
about our children’s safety and, unfortunately, play the odds that nothing will happen to them. However,
for some, the odds will turn against you and you never know who will be next. Instead of leaving your
children’s safety up to luck, talk to them, educate them and actively warn them about the risks of drinking
alcohol at their young age. Let them clearly know that you do not approve of drinking and that there will
be stiff consequences if they are caught. They certainly will live without drinking alcohol. From personal
experience, I cannot say the opposite is true.
Please think strongly about what I have written if only for your children’s sake. Losing our son Brian has
been the single worst experience in our lives and there are no words to express the pain, sorrow and
emptiness we feel each and every day since his death. Do not let this happen to you. Remember, death
and injuries from alcohol are preventable if we stop teenage drinking.
Before we leave you with a quote from our son Brian, we ask that you sit down with your child following
our talk to discuss what they heard and feel about the topic and share with them your thoughts. On the
following page you will find a pledge we ask that you and your child signs as a symbol of your
commitment to be part of the change. Your child should return this pledge to their homeroom teacher by
Tuesday, October 7.
“Tragedy hits at the most random times but mainly to just remind us of all the wonderful things we
have in this life. Sometimes it happens to good people, but God chooses them for a reason.”
-- Brian Hoeflinger
Maybe Brian’s reason will be to stop teenage drinking. Thank you for reading this and be the one to
make a difference!
Brian and Cindy Hoeflinger
Student Pledge
I, ___________________, pledge not to drink alcohol or use other
drugs. I commit myself to celebrating in a safe and healthy way. I pledge
not to get in a car with someone who has been drinking alcohol or is
under the influence of drugs. If I find myself in a situation in which I feel
unsafe or uncomfortable, I promise to call a parent or trusted friend for
a ride home. I commit to this pledge and recognize there are
consequences for every decision I make.
Signature: _________________________
Parent Pledge
I, _________________________, will not allow parties or gatherings in
my home without proper adult supervision. I will not serve nor will I
allow anyone under the age of 21 to consume alcohol in my home or on
my property. I will not allow the use of illegal drugs in my home or on
my property. I will call the parent host of a party that my child is
attending to assure that the party will be alcohol and drug free and that
there will be proper adult supervision.
I commit to this pledge and regular conversations with my child
recognizing there are consequences for every decision I make as a
parent.
Signature: __________________________
DATES THAT RATE
IMPORTANT NOTES
OCTOBER
10
14
15
Friendship Day
MONTHLY NEWSLETTERS
Dismissal at Noon
(No lunch periods)
Faculty Meeting
Dismissal at 2:24 p.m.
TESTING DAY
Grades 9 – 11
See details in Guidance
Please note the following:
11:30 Homecoming Rally
1. As a general rule, electronic mailings will be
transmitted on the last Tuesday of the month.
2. Throughout the school year, newsletters from
prior months can be viewed on the website by
going to the Parent Tab and selecting the
Parent Newsletter link.
Section
Dismissal at 11:15 a.m.
17
28
3. If you signed up to receive an emailed copy of
the monthly newsletter but are not receiving
them, please contact Mrs. Wisnor at
365-1821, ext. 122 or at
[email protected].
INDEPENDENT STUDY
DAY for Grade 12
NO CLASSES
Faculty In-Service
End of Quarter I
4. If you need information regarding updated
monthly events, please check the calendar at
www.elyriacatholic.com
Plan ahead for November
02
12
OPEN HOUSE
11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
PARENT CONFERENCES
(Please see enclosed
for details.)
HOMECOMING DANCE
On Saturday, October 11, 2014 our Senior Class will be hosting the Homecoming Dance. This is
an open dance. Students may invite a guest from outside the school with the completion of a
Visitor Dance Form (available in the Main Office or online.) All students, freshmen to seniors
are permitted to attend. The dance is scheduled for 8:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Tickets sales: September 29 – October 3
Cost: $10 per person
In keeping with the mission of our school, we do instruct the students on proper dress and
behavior. One area of concern is the dance styles. If a student and their guest are involved in
inappropriate dancing, they will be asked to leave the dance floor for the remainder of the
evening and the EC student may be subject to suspension. All dancing will be face to face with
no back to front dancing.
STUDENT DIRECTORY
The Student Directory was emailed on Wednesday, the 24th via a PDF file.
October 2014
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
1
Thursday
2
Friday
Saturday
3
4
9
10
11
Homecoming
Dance
Bingo
Homecoming Game
Bingo
5
6
7
8
School Liturgy
at 9:30 a.m.
PRIDE WEEK
FRIENDSHIP DAY
Dismissal at Noon
EC vs. Lakewood 7
8:00 – 11:00 p.m.
7:00p.m.
12
13
14
15
Academic &
Probation Warnings
Faculty Meeting
Dismissal at
2:24 p.m.
19
20
21
22
Parent-Guidance
Mtg.
for junior parents
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
in Rm. 110
26
27
28
OGT Testing
Week
for grades
11 & 12
TESTING DAY
Grades 9, 10, & 11
Early Dismissal at
11:15 a.m.
Senior Study Day
Picture retakes
Bingo
17
23
24
Jostens
Graduation
Orders
Bingo
Guidance office
hours
3:00 -5:00 p.m.
College applications
(by appt. only)
18
Diocesan
Spirituality
Day
NO CLASSES
Virtus Training
5:30 — 7:30 p.m.
Room 110
29
End of Quarter I
16
30
31
Jostens
Graduation
Orders
Bingo
25
PLACEMENT EXAM for 2015-2016
All 8th graders interested in attending EC during the 2015-2016 school year must take our
Placement Exam.
When: Saturday, November 8, 2014 or
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Time: 8:30 a.m. to Noon
Cost: $20 (payable the day of the exam)
Dress: Casual clothes
Bring: Two No. 2 pencils
 The exam is used in conjunction with the student’s prior grades and standardized test
scores to determine which classes (math, language, and science) would be most
appropriate for them at EC.
 There will be a meeting for all prospective students’ parents at 11:00 a.m. the same day to
discuss the placement exam, course offerings at EC, financial aid, and tuition payment
options.
 Please pre-register by contacting Mrs. Annie Cunningham, our Admissions Director, at
365-1821, ext. 116 or email her at [email protected]. If you have to
leave a message or you choose to email Mrs. Cunningham, please include the student’s
name, address, phone number, current school and the date your student will take the
exam.
 A snack and water will be provided.
 You may also pre-register online at elyriacatholic.com/placementexam.
Please Note: Several scholarships are available to those students who are the top scorers on the
exam that will be given on 8th of November.
DELAYED START SCHEDULE
In case of inclement weather or special situations (no heat/water) that would necessitate a delay
start to the school day, please be aware that we will utilize a Delayed Start Schedule. On that
schedule the school day begins at 10:00 a.m. The building will be open at 7:45 a.m. on these
days. The schedule is on the website at www.elyriacatholic.com and in the Student Handbook
Section.
ATTENTION PARENTS of JUNIORS
The Junior Recognition Ceremony is scheduled for Friday, November 21 at 1:30 p.m.;
please mark your calendars.
A dedicated letter with more information from the junior class will be mailed on
Friday, the 3rd of October.
C.A.R.E.S. PLEDGE
If you still want to be included on the website as a C.A.R.E.S participant, please return the
Pledge Form to the Main Office no later than Friday, October 3, 2014. Your name will be on
the C.A.R.E.S. listing on the website under the “Parent” tab.
Congratulations to our September
Students of the Month!!!!
Fine Arts / Art I – Emily Hastings
Business / Marketing – Jacob Jagielski
Computer Science/ CAD – Will Gentry
English 9 – Jordan Morris
Foreign Language / Spanish III – Jesaphine Lee
Mathematics / Algebra IIB – Caitlin Rock
Music / Band – Leandra Patton
Performing Arts / Theatre I – James Hopkins
Physical Education / Personal Fitness – Drew Majoras
Science / Honors Biology – Elizabeth Ziegelmeyer
Social Studies / American Government – Jordan Xu
Theology / Religion 10 – Elizabeth Smith
ATTENTION PARENTS of SENIORS
Although it is hard to believe, it is time to think about graduation! Our Jostens rep will be here
on Wednesday, October 22 to conduct a graduation meeting. He will go over everything your
son/daughter needs to know about ordering his/her cap & gown, graduation announcements and
other memorabilia. A “graduation packet” will be passed out at the meeting. Orders for their
cap/gown, announcements, etc. will be taken on the following two Fridays: the 24th and 31st of
October during lunch periods.
PLEASE NOTE
If you are not ordering announcements, you still must complete the order form for a cap
and gown. There is a section on the order form to indicate the student’s height, weight, and
gender.
The cap and gown is included in the $100 graduation fee, so money is not required if that is
all you want from Jostens.
Bridge the Gap -- Parent Annual Fund Appeal
442 Excellent Reasons to Give!
Thank you for supporting the Bridge the Gap Parent Annual
Fund.
The actual annual cost of educating an Elyria Catholic student
is $2,621 higher than the amount charged as tuition. That gap
is covered by your tax-deductible gift to the annual fund.
Your tax-deductible contribution will directly impact YOUR
student and support the following school initiatives:
• 21st century classroom technology and infrastructure
• College readiness and solid academic programs
• Financial assistance and scholarships
• Grade level retreats and leadership programs
• Building and grounds maintenance
Your Annual Fund gift touches nearly every aspect of life at
Elyria Catholic High School. Please consider a gift of $150 and
help us reach our $63,000 goal.
Double Your Gift! Ask your employer if they have a matching
gift program. A matching gift is an easy way to show Panther
Pride and support your school.
Your involvement is what matters most. It is our desire to have
100% participation of our parents. We are grateful of gifts at all
levels. Please return your commitment forms to the advancement
office by September 30th in time for your family to be entered
into a drawing to win a $100 gift card.
EXCELLENCE
COMPASSION
FAITH TRADITION COMMUNITY
THANK YOU!
The work of our outstanding
parent volunteers is critical to
our success. We are very
grateful to the class
representatives for their
important roles in the
Bridge the Gap – Parent Annual
Fund Appeal.
Help us reach our
$63,000 goal.
THANK YOU TO OUR
FAMILIES!
Your help in bridging the gap
will enable Elyria Catholic to
reduce the need to increase
tuition to a level where it is
unmanageable for many
parents. Please support the
Bridge the Gap Parent Annual
Fund Appeal and help Elyria
Catholic High School continue
to make Catholic education
available, affordable, and
accessible to all young men
and women.
PARENT - TEACHER CONFERENCES
With the completion of the first academic quarter of the school year on Tuesday, October 28,
we would like to remind you that Parent-Teacher Conferences have been scheduled for
Wednesday, November 12, 2014.
PLEASE NOTE:
 Report cards are scheduled to be mailed the week of November 3rd.
 Dismissal for students will be at 2:00 p.m. on the 12th.
FORMAT for PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
CONFERENCES WILL BE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
AND INITIATED BY THE PARENT.
 Each teacher will be in charge of keeping their own schedule for the
evening. Please contact them via email or telephone at 440-365-1821,
ext. 110 or 111; the teacher will assign you a conference time.
 The time frame for appointments is 2:30 – 5:30 p.m.
 The amount of time you meet with the teacher will be determined by the
teacher and parent.
 The utilization of ProgressBook and sending the report card home
prior to this event will enable the parent to know ahead of time if a
conference is needed.
We feel this format is a more effective and efficient way to partner with the parents
and students in assisting them in achieving their academic potential.
CHROMEBOOK UPDATES
The 1:1 Initiative is off and running! Thank you to everyone who helped make this transition as
smooth as possible for our students. Here are just a few reminders for everyone:




Please charge Chromebooks every night! We’ve had a lot of students come in with dead
batteries because they forgot to charge them the night before.
Students should check their student email accounts for notifications regarding his/her
Chromebook if it was brought in for a repair.
Should a student forget his/her Chromebook at home, they may be able to rent one for the day for
a $5 fee. However, daily loaner Chromebooks are not guaranteed to be available.
Any questions, feel free to contact Mrs. Frank at [email protected] or Mr. Machovina at
[email protected]
ATHLETIC NEWS
STUDENT TICKETS FOR HOME/AWAY SPORTING EVENTS
Elyria Catholic students may use their student ID for entry into all EC regular season home
sporting events. However, students must pay for entry into all OHSAA tournament games and
for all away contests. Student pre-sale tickets are available in the Athletic Office for all Away
West Shore Conference Football games at a cost of $4. This is a deal for students for two
reasons: 1) The price at the door is $6 so the student saves $2; and 2) All of the student pre-sale
money goes to the EC Football program instead of the opposing school.
Progress Book REMINDER
As we begin a new year, students are encouraged to “get off with their best foot”. A new
routine, warm weather, lots of outdoor sports and social activities make it easy for students to
neglect their academic responsibilities. The best way for parents/guardians to monitor their
student’s progress is on Progress Book on the EC website under the Parent and Student tabs.
This service provides instant and up-to-date information and an easy communication link to all
teachers.
If you have lost your login information or have never used Progress Book, please contact
Mr. Kevin Machovina at [email protected] or call the school and leave your
email address or phone number for him.
TUITION ASSISTANCE INFO
New Scholarship for 2014-15
The Ohio State Council Knights of Columbus is pleased to announce that a $1,000 scholarship
for the 2014-2015 school year is available for Catholic high school students in grades nine
through twelve.
The requirements that will be considered for this scholarship are: financial need, G.P.A. of 2.5
or higher, academic awards, community and/or parish involvement, and extracurricular activities.
Preference may be given to students who are sons, daughters, or a grandchild of a Knights of
Columbus member in good standing or of a deceased member. The Knights of Columbus have a
particular desire to help students who may be considering a religious vocation stay in a Catholic
high school to foster and encourage that calling.
Only one scholarship per Catholic high school will be awarded. An independent selection
committee representing the Ohio State Council will make the final selection of the scholarship
winners.
Applications are available in the Main Office as well as on the EC website (Admissions tab:
Scholarships & Financial Aid.)
Applications must be postmarked by Monday, November 17, 2014.
Recently, we received a donation check from Target in the amount of $830 as part of Target’s
Take Charge of Education Program, a fundraising program for schools!! We are very thankful
to all of you who made this donation to EC possible.
If you too would like to participate in this program, all you have to do is shop at Target or
Target.com, use a REDcard (Target Visa or Target Credit Card.) One percent (1%) of all
purchases will be donated to Elyria Catholic. That is all there is to it – Target sends the school a
check twice a year in September and April.
You can enroll at any Target store, log on to www.Target.com/tcoe.
ELYRIA CATHOLIC SPIRIT SHOPPE
The Spirit Shoppe will be open on Tuesday during lunch periods (10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.),
Fridays from 7 30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and during most home sporting events.
RELIGION DEPARTMENT NEWS
What an awesome start to the 2014-2015 school year! The enthusiasm with which the student
body celebrated the opening school liturgy was absolutely electrifying. It’s also great to see
them taking advantage of various ways to live the “faith” component of our school’s mission.
The morning communion services have been standing room
only each and every day. Students have embraced the thought
that receiving Jesus in the Eucharist is a great way to get the day
going.
Scenes from the fifth annual Elyria Catholic “Family Mass”
celebrated on September 14th.
A big thank you goes out to the students who prepared and served
a meal of rigatoni and meatballs, macaroni and cheese, salad,
bread, and homemade desserts for 48 residents at the Haven
Center shelter on Sunday, September 14 as part of the outreach
program through Neighborhood Alliance. These students
included: Nick Kelling, Nick Vincenzo, Jacob Jancsura, Alyssa
Beck, Susie Cunningham, Morgan Nisenboum, and Lauren
Zaleski. Great job everyone!
On Wednesday, September 24, approximately
175 students, faculty, and staff gathered, before school, around the flagpole to
participate in a national prayer event called See You at the Pole T.M. The
peer ministry team was the force behind organizing and leading this studentinitiated event. More than 3 million students from all 50 states participated
by responding to God and taking seriously the challenge to pray.
SERVICE HOURS
Complete details regarding service hours that students are required to fulfill
as part of their religion grade can be accessed on the Elyria Catholic High School website at
www.elyriacatholic.com as follows:
Parents Tab, Teacher Pages,
Theology Department
Scroll to the bottom of the page for the following:
a. Service Hour Requirements
b. Service Verification Form
c. Service Hour Reflection
If you have any addition questions, please contact Deacon Pat at 440-365-1821, Ext. 129.
“Bridge the Gap” Parents’ Annual Fund
Thank you to all parents who have returned the Parents’ Annual Fund pledge card. A special thanks to
those who pledged or have already fulfilled their commitment. Your support of this effort is so vitally
important and so greatly appreciated. We realize that not everyone can afford to send a gift now, so
please take advantage of the various payment plans that are available.
Please return your pledge card as soon as possible. Those who return the card by September 30th will be
entered into a drawing for a $100 gas card. Reminder phone calls will be made to those who do not
return their form by the deadline. If you have misplaced your pledge card, please clip the copy below
and return it to the Advancement Office.
To date, we have received pledges totaling just over $15,000 from 80 donors. Our goal is 100%
participation!
Guidance News
October 2014
PARENT MEETINGS
Ms. Burkle A-L (365-1821 x123) [email protected]
Mrs. Davidson M-Z (365-1821 x125)
[email protected]
Wednesday, October 15 Test Day
Parents of Juniors
Tuesday, October 21
“The College Search Process”
Kathryn Marshall (Cleveland State)
Rae Ann DeBaggio (Case Western)
9th grade ACT/EXPLORE
10th & 11th PSAT
12th Senior Independent Study Day
Room 110
Students are to report to school at the regular time and to dress in
uniform. Students will be dismissed at approximately 11:15 am.
The Guidance counselors will share test prep strategies and
materials with students during the week of October 6th.
College Applications
6:00-7:00 pm
*****************
Wednesday, October 29
“Meet with your Counselor”
By appointment
Guidance counselors met with seniors during the first week of
September to explain the college application process. We are
presently in the midst of meeting with seniors on an individual
basis to facilitate the college selection and application process.
Students are encouraged to stop in at any time with questions.
Parents are welcome to call and/or to schedule an appointment.
3:00-5:00pm
_________________________
Parents of Seniors
Deadlines
Wednesday, November 19
Early Action: This is a non-binding agreement for the purpose
of receiving a decision by a certain date. Often this is also the
deadline for scholarship consideration. Each school has its own
deadlines so please look carefully and meet with your counselor
if any questions arise. The following are two examples for
schools in Ohio.
Early Action Deadline
Ohio State University November 1
Miami University
December 1
Decision Letter
mid-January
February 1
“Financial Aid Information
Terry Finefrock, (Baldwin-Wallace)
Sr. Associate Director Financial Aid
Room 110
6:00-7:00pm
Early Decision: Is binding and means that a student will go to that school if accepted. This is
a serious decision and should be discussed thoroughly with parents, guidance counselor and
admission counselors. It is rare for a student to choose this option.
Halloween: Elyria Catholic Guidance Department’s suggested deadline for first (at least one)
college applications.
Thanksgiving: Elyria Catholic Guidance Department’s suggested deadline for all applications.
THE COLLEGE ESSAY
It can be the tipping factor that either gets you into a
top school or gets you a rejection letter.
How do you create a compelling and memorable college
essay?
What are college admissions counselors looking for
in an essay?
Which writing techniques can make an essay stand
out?
Contact writing teacher Sarah Kess (M.S. Journalism, Boston
University) at [email protected] for more information
on individualized coaching in the writing and editing of
college admission essays.
Prices determined on a case by case basis
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
Ohio Board of Regents offer following scholarships:
Nurse Education Assistance Loan Program (NEALP),
Ohio War Orphans, Ohio Safety Officers.
https://www.ohiohighered.org/students/pay-forcollege/scholarships-and-grants
Deadline
Varies
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 go to: www.ohiohighered.com
Varies
Wendy’s Heisman
Student-Athletes with a minimum 3.0 GPA
and leadership involvement.
www.wendysheisman.com
10/03/14
Distinguished Young
Woman
One of the oldest and largest college scholarship
programs in the country (formerly Junior Miss).
10/04/14
www.ajm.org
Better Business
Bureau’s Students
of Integrity Awards
Must attend high school in Ashtabula,
Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, or Lorain
Counties. See Ms. Burkle to be
nominated.
10/08/14
Danforth Scholars
Students applying to Washington University in St. Louis.
See Ms. Burkle for nomination consideration.
10/15/14
Cleveland Browns
Marion Motley
Scholars Program
Students who are interested in working in education or
a field that could lead to working for a professional
sports organization. Complete application at:
http://www.collegenowgc.org/solutions/scholarshipservices/managed-scholarships/
10/15/14
Horatio Algier
Students who demonstrate critical financial need
($55,000 or lower adjusted gross family income).
www.horatioalger.org/scholarships
10/25/14
Coca-Cola
Students who demonstrate exemplary service
involvement and academic achievement.
10/31/14
www.coca-colascholars.org
Prudential Spirit of
Community
Award
Must be nominated by Mrs. Butler for community
service efforts.
(Submit application to Mrs. Butler or
Guidance).
http://spirit.prudential.com
11/04/14
Elks Most Valuable
Student
Complete application and turn into Elyria Elks
Lodge #465.
www.elks.org/enf/scholars/mvs.cfm
12/05/14
Fireside Essay Scholarship
Students must complete a 750-word essay on how
their religious education is influencing their lives.
Only one student per school may participate.
Please see Ms. Burkle for application.
12/12/14
DIOCESAN LEGAL OFFICE ANNOUNCEMENT
The law of the United States, as provided in the Internal Revenue Code, is that schools and other
non-profit organizations cannot take any part in the political campaigns of candidates or do or
say anything that could be construed as statements or hints favoring one candidate over another.
There are restrictions in what schools can do and allow in terms of voter guides and campaign
literature, renting facilities to candidates, allowing flyers to be placed on cars in school parking
lots, and allowing political signs to be placed on school property, among other activities. If there
are any questions, please call Brother Patrick Shea at (216-696-6525, ext. 4370.)
2014 HOLIDAY CRAFT
SHOW AND BAZAAR
Presented by
The Elyria Catholic
Band Parents
Saturday, November 15
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
ELYRIA CATHOLIC – 725 Gulf Rd., Elyria
Over 50 Vendors
Delicious lunch menu
Raffle prize at each vendor
$2 Admission
Children under 10 free
No Strollers, please
 Please support After Prom by getting your corsages and boutonnieres for homecoming at
Puffers Florist. When you use the coupon that they will have on hand, 10% of each sale
will be donated to After Prom! Coupons will also be handed out at school.
 After Prom needs people to help sell donuts during home football games. Please come to
the table by the entrance gate by the middle of 3rd quarter. If you are available, please
email Kathy at [email protected]. THANK YOU to all who have helped the past few
weeks.
 Next meeting is Wednesday, October 22 at 7:00 p.m. at Panera in Sheffield on Abbe
Road across from LCCC.
 We still need positions filled and need volunteers to run a few fundraisers.
 Seniors, look for a questionnaire on what you would like to see at After Prom from food
to entertainment.
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
(these make great stocking stuffers!)
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.