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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 michelle.wisnor@elyriacatholic.com. 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 annie.cunningham@elyriacatholic.com. 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 frank@elyriacatholic.com or Mr. Machovina at kmachovina@elyriacatholic.com 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 kmachovina@elyriacatholic.com 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) burkle@elyriacatholic.com Mrs. Davidson M-Z (365-1821 x125) davidson@elyriacatholic.com 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 sarahrkess@gmail.com 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 ksaunders@oh.rr.com. 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 maryanne116@msn.com or at (440) 759-7459.
