A word from the principal… - Sacred Heart

Sacred Heart-Griffin
January 2016
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IN A COMMUNITY OF FAITH
A word from the principal…
Dear Parents and Students,
I hope the joys and gifts of Christmas are still blessing you. Happy New Year! I say that
from the depth of my heart and from my joy for life. I want to encourage you to make New
Year’s resolutions. I think goal setting and focus are really important. I enjoy and am
inspired by quotations such as “Good, better, best. Never let it rest until your good is better
and your better is best.” I will scatter a few more on this page for you to ponder. Some
quotations that I plan to examine more carefully during this Jubilee Year of Mercy are the
scripture passages that call us to do the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Accepting
the challenges of the secular quotations and investing that inspiration and energy in doing
the Works of Mercy ought to make for an amazing year! Let’s all walk that “road less
travelled”…
Wishing you the best year ever! Sr. Margaret Joanne
Life is a song - sing
it. Life is a game -
Two roads diverged in a wood and
Live
I - I took the one less traveled by,
play it. Life is a
laugh
and that has made all the
challenge - meet
love
difference. Robert Frost
it. Life is a dream -
learn
realize it. Life is a
sacrifice - offer it.
Read more at
Life is love - enjoy
http://www.brainyquote.com/qu
Pope Francis
…True joy does not come from things or from
possessing, otes/quotes/r/robertfros101324.h
no! It is born from the encounter, from the
“To give anything lessit.than your
relationship withtml#iFXIxJIuLblSlGqL.99
others, it is born from feeling accepted,
Steve Prefontaine
understood and loved, and from
best is to sacrifice your gift.” -
accepting, from
understanding and from loving; and this is not because of a
passing fancy but because the other is a person. Joy is born
“As you did it to one of the least of
from the gratuitousness of an encounter! It is hearing
these, you did it to me”
someone say, but not necessarily with words: “You are
important to me”.
Matthew 25:31-46
For your information….
SHG Band
We are the Sacred Heart-Griffin High School Band. Our small, but mighty, group is planning
a trip to our nation's capital in March. We will be performing as well as touring while we
are there. We are hoping to make some deeper and more meaningful connections for our
annual Veteran's Day concert by visiting the war memorials and Arlington. We hope to
express our pride in our Springfield roots as we visit the Lincoln Memorial.
The funds raised will be used to offset transportation and hotel expenses. And we thought a
Go Fund Me page would be a better venue to raise funds than selling wrapping paper or
cheese and sausage!
We are a small band, nine members with one director and one volunteer staff. We are
planning this trip on our own because the travel companies were too expensive. Not all of
our students can afford the cost of the trip so we have some fundraising plans to bring
down the overall cost of the trip, this fundraising site included. We do hope that starting a
tradition of travel will be one more awesome aspect of the program and will draw more
people to participate.
We will be extremely grateful if we can meet our goal! This will mean the trip will be VERY
affordable and all of us will be able to go! You can support us by going to
www.gofundme.com/vnd65d2c .
D.C. or bust!
~
~
Before School Drop Off and After School Pick Up Sacred Heart-Griffin has two drop-off lines before school. One drop-off is the circle drive in
the front along Washington Street and the other is in the back parking lot off Monroe
Street. There is only one pickup line after school which is the back parking lot off
Monroe Street. Please refer to the parking instructions located on the SHG Home Page >
Student Life > Student forms > after school pick-up. The circle drive along Washington
Street is blocked off to after school traffic for the safety of our students. During the school
day, please DO NOT block traffic by double parking in the circle drive. The circle drive is
the fire lane for emergencies.
~
School Safety -
Parents please make sure your son's/daughter's emergency contact information (names of
all persons students may be released to) is up to date with the main office. In the event of
an evacuation, students will be only dismissed to those people whose names appear in the
emergency contact list. Contact the main office with any changes/updates.
~
Planning Ahead – Prom Dresses –
The Sacred Heart-Griffin Junior/Senior Prom is Saturday, April 23, 2016. We know that
girls begin shopping early for that special Prom dress. The following guidelines MUST be
followed when selecting a dress. Dresses should reflect a concern for Christian values in
being both modest and tasteful. The dress style should cover rather than reveal the bust
line. Low cut, tight, and/or revealing bust lines are neither modest nor acceptable. Bare
mid-riffs ARE NOT ALLOWED! Different body shapes and sizes have differing styles to
address modesty and good taste. NOTE - This year, ladies are allowed to wear flip-flops
with their formal dresses. Consider saving on shoes that are only worn for the first ten
minutes of the event and then taken off.
New Year’s Resolution Ideas:
 Encounter the Lord each day
 Nurture Friendships
 Practice Gratitude
 Resist Overwork
 Be Mindful
 Get Healthy
Around the school….
Class of 2018 Blessing of the Rings Ceremony
~
Congratulations!
This year, SHG is proud to announce that the following 19 choir students were chosen
through audition for the 2015 all-district concert that was held Nov. 14 at Western Illinois
University:
Anna Benoit, Devin Boehme, Kyle Bolinger, Katy Bretscher, Anna Carter, Lindsay Finnell,
Claire Hylin, Evan Ihlenfeldt, Nathan Ihlenfeldt, Donovan Kennedy, Michael Lanham, Tori
Londrigan, Ellen Mannion, Savannah Millspaugh, Anthony Owens, Grace Portz, Austin
Servais, and Jimmy Tapocik.
For the first time in the recorded history of SHG’s music department, 3 music students
achieved the highest score in their Division IV audition. This means that SHG students
received the highest score in 5 out of the 8 sections of voicings that were tested in our
region. Those students are: Michael Lanham, Tori Londrigan and Austin Servais. They are
automatically designated for the All-State Honors Choir. Also, SHG students who were
chosen for the All-State Choir are: Devin Boehme and Claire Hylin, In addition, students
who were chosen for the All-State Honors Choir are: Anna Benoit, Katy Bretscher and
Nathan Ihlenfeldt.
These students will attend the Illinois Music Educators Festival in Peoria January and
represent SHG in the All-State Concert.
~
Choral Christmas Presentation of “God is Light”
~
Catholic Athletes for Christ
On November 19, CAC, in conjunction with the Our Lady Of Nazareth club, held a
fundraiser. CAC used the funds generated to donate to two organizations in the city: The
Matthew Project and Mini O'Beirne Crisis Nursery. Each group was given a donation of
$500. Thanks to our 2 major sponsors: Dan Dondaville of Merrill Lynch and Todd Green of
Green Family stores for helping to make this possible and for all who attended the
fundraiser.
~
Band Christmas Concert
~
Congratulations!
The following students for being recognized as Illinois State Scholars: Anna Benoit, Jacob
Blair, Janaya Brown, Julia Clark, Claire Conlon, Louis Connelly, Murphy Davis, Connor Duke,
Haley Enlow, Nathaniel Fierstos, Lindsay Finnell, Nolan Finney, John Fischer, Andrew
Gonzalez, Reed Groesch, Kailey Johannes, Jacqueline Johnson, Thomas Johnston, Donovan
Kennedy , Kelly Kiel, Michael Lanham, Kailey Lauterbach, Victoria Londrigan, William
Londrigan, Clayton Luker, Bailey Manuel, Luke McDonald, Elyse Morehead, Jon-Owen Parn,
Hunter Ridley, Hannah Roberts, Megan Schultz, Austin Servais, Theresa Shaff, Paige Ulrich,
Naomi Wilson, Clara Young.
~
2015 Boys Kairos Group
~
National Catholic Youth Conference 2015
~
German Club Trip to Christkindle Markt
The trip to the Christkindl Markt in Chicago was a lot of fun and enjoyed by all. The weather
was superb. Now we are planning for the Summer trip to Germany, July 1st through the
12th. There are still openings for those who would wish to join us. We are also looking for
families who are willing to take in a German exchange student for 4 weeks in the Spring. If
you have any questions please contact Frau Huffman.
~
Guidance Department Update...
COLLEGE INFORMATION
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The Guidance Department receives information regarding various scholarship
opportunities for students attending college in the fall. This is by no means a complete
listing of all scholarships available to students. There are many university sponsored
scholarships that are not listed here but can be found on the university website or by
contacting the university’s financial aid department. We also file any individual college
scholarship offerings we receive in the College Counseling Center. As we receive
information on scholarship opportunities, we update our website. To view the list of these
scholarships, go to www.shg.org and go to the Student tab. Click the Guidance Office link
and scroll down that page to the College Counseling link and choose College Scholarships.
Scholarships are listed alphabetically in the month they are due with a brief description
and application information. For more information, please stop by the Guidance
Department. In addition, national scholarship offerings can be found by using your
Naviance account. Go to the Colleges tab and then click on the National Scholarship Link
under the Scholarships and Money heading. This website is hosted by Sallie Mae.
MID-YEAR REPORTS
Many universities require that a mid-year report be mailed for admission consideration.
Please ensure that your student has completed a mid-year report and notified his/her
counselor of the schools that require a mid-year report. These will not be sent until midJanuary.
ACT/SAT PREPARATION CLASSES
The next ACT test will be given on Saturday, February 6 (register at www.act.org by
January 8). While we don’t offer the test at SHG in February, it is given at other local high
schools. We will however, host the ACT at SHG on April 9. Many students take a
preparation class prior to taking the ACT and SAT exams. Several different prep classes
offered throughout the Springfield area including one offered at SHG. Please check the
starting dates for the Springfield area prep classes. Juniors will have the opportunity to
register for the SHG prep class in late January with the class beginning in February.
Information on all prep classes can be found on the SHG website.
Click on
Academics<Guidance<College
Counseling<
ACT/SAT
Test
Dates
or
at:
http://www.shg.org/?q=content/actsat-information.
The Office of Guidance and Counseling offers a
FAFSA COMPLETION WORKSHOP
When: Thursday, January 14 at 6:00 p.m.
A hands-on workshop where students and parents can complete
and submit a FAFSA with the assistance of an ISAC representative.
STANDARDIZED TESTING RESULTS
The Sophomores and Juniors took the PSAT on October 14. The results of this test will be
distributed to the students by the end of January. The PSAT is not only a practice test for
the SAT but also the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship for Junior students.
Students who will be considered for this scholarship based upon the test score will be
notified in August.
COURSE REGISTRATION
Registration for the 2016-2017 school year will begin in February. The counselors will be
meeting with each student to discuss course options. A copy of the available courses can be
found on the SHG website in late January.
DID YOUR 8th GRADER MISS THE PLACEMENT EXAM?
A make-up placement exam will be held on Saturday, January 9 at 8:00 a.m. Students should
enter through the circle drive entrance at 1200 W. Washington and bring the $10 exam fee,
pencil and a calculator. To register, please contact Stephanie Phillips in the Guidance Office
at 787-1595 ext. 126.
SHG Incoming Freshman Information Meetings will be held on:
Wednesday, February 3 at 6:00 p.m. OR
Tuesday, February 9 at 6:00 p.m.
*Placement exam results will be returned and registration details for your student will be
covered. Topics to be covered include proper placement for your student, course options,
and registration details. Look for details in the mail.
Upcoming Events….
National Mentoring Month January is National Mentoring Month, which celebrates the benefits of quality youth
mentoring across the country. The National Mentoring Month public awareness campaign,
recognized by presidential and congressional proclamation, not only recognizes the
benefits of mentoring but also acknowledges those who give generously of themselves by
mentoring youth as tutors, coaches, teachers, volunteers, and friends. Still, 1 in 3 young
people feel isolated from meaningful connections with adults outside their homes.
Mentoring is linked to improved academic, social, and economic prospects. It also provides
meaningful connections that impact the people involved - and influences outcomes at
home, at work, and in communities. Having a mentor empowers young people to make
smart choices that put them on a path to making better life decisions. WHO DO YOU
MENTOR?
~
National Honor Society –
Are you a junior or senior student anticipating applying for National Honor Society this
month? Following is a quick rundown of the requirements for application.
Membership is based on the criteria of Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character. To be
eligible, the candidate must have been in attendance for a period of five semesters at SHG;
have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.8 (out of 4.0 weighted grade point
average); have a minimum of 65 hours of service on record by December (85 hours for
seniors) with a required 12 hours to the community, 12 hours to Church or religious
community, and 12 hours to SHG; are able to cite previously held offices of leadership or
leadership roles with the school or the larger community; and are able to present witnesses to
the quality of the character.
The application may be found at the following link:
http://www.shg.org/sites/default/files/StudentLife/NHSApplication2016.pdf. Be
working now to get the necessary elements in place before the January 14, 2016 deadline.
~
SHG Operation Snowball 2016 –
Second semester, Sacred Heart-Griffin is hosting Sangamon County Operation Snowball the
weekend of January 15-16. Over 300 students from local high schools participate in the
event as one way to have a drug-free, fun-filled weekend! What is Operation Snowball?
According to the Operation Snowball website: “Through the development of leadership
skills, Operation Snowball shall be a youth and adult partnership, providing awareness and
prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, while encouraging healthy decision
making in an active community of caring” (www.os-iti-org). Over the course of the
weekend, students have the opportunity to listen to engaging speakers, participate in small
group discussions, try out for a talent show, enjoy a dance party, and get involved in many
different activities. Students should watch for information regarding participation forms in
the Daily Announcements during December. Parents, we can always use your help! Please
see the volunteer/donation form located at the end of the newsletter. Congratulations to
the following students who were named co-directors: Catherine Adam, Sydney Compton,
Delaney Jordan, and Hannah Roberts.
~
Parent to Parent
This is a NEW event offered to freshman and new parents, as well as all new parents to
SHG. Attendees will have an opportunity to “ASK ME” questions of current and former SHG
parents. We will also be sharing upcoming events for the Spring semester. Please join us at
Papa Franks @ 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 for a fun & informal parent
night out.
~
SHG will participate in the March for Life by
supporting six students and two chaperones who will
attend this event. Partial funding is provided by a jeans
day and NHS bake sales. Thank you to those who
represent SHG. We wish a safe trip to all those
attending the event in Washington, D.C.
~
Mamma Mia!
SHG's annual Mostaccioli Dinner is 57 years old this year! On Sunday, March 6, from 11-7,
SHG's West Campus will be transformed into a little slice of Italy. Please save the date to
volunteer and enjoy a delicious meal with your family.
The student kick-off will be Wednesday, January 27. On the kick-off day, each SHG student
will receive six adult dinner tickets ($60 value) and four raffle books ($40 value) totaling
$100. Please note that the SHG Mostaccioli Dinner is a required fundraiser at SHG.
Bon Appétit!
~
Trivia Night Join us at SHG's 3rd Annual “Totally 80’s Trivia Night” will be held at West Campus
on Friday, February 5th. Tables are $200, with ten available seats at each table. To reserve
your table, e-mail reavy@shg.org. More details to follow!
~
Family Dance –
The Sacred Heart Griffin Annual Family Dance will be held on Saturday, February 20th,
2016 from 8:00 – 11:00 p.m. at the East Campus. This event is by far the favorite of all the
social activities at SHG. Fathers accompany their daughters and mothers accompany their
sons for an evening of visiting, dancing, and fun. Tickets will be for sale at SHG the week
before the dance, during all lunch shifts. Tickets are $10 per family.
Parents,
Hello, my name is Denise Klemm, and I am the Prevention Coordinator at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School. On
January 15-17, 2016, SHG will host the Sangamon County Operation Snowball event. Snowball is a three-day
lock-in, emphasizing leadership through living healthy lifestyles. Last year, we had over 300 students participate in
the event and would love to have your support!
Please consider making a donation:
CHAPERONES: (THIS AREA IS IMPORTANT!)
_____ Friday evening: 6:00-7:00 p.m. – check-in duty
_____ Friday night: 7:30-9:00 p.m. – (there will be small groups and set-up for a speaker at this time)
Duty would be signing in late arrivals at the main door.
_____ Friday night/Saturday morning: 11:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. (speeches, free time, bed)
Duty would be monitoring the front desk
*Need 1 male and 1 female*
_____ Saturday morning: 7:00-9:00 a.m. – serve breakfast/light clean-up
_____ Saturday: 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. – serve lunch/light clean-up
_____ Saturday: 1:00-3:00 p.m. – there is free time and talent show tryouts
Duties would be monitoring halls and/or sitting at the check-in/check-out
table at the front door.
_____ Saturday: 5:00-7:00 p.m. – serve dinner/light clean-up
_____ Saturday: 9:00-11:00 p.m. – (talent show at this time).
Duty would be sitting at the check-in/check-out table at the front door.
_____ Saturday: 11:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m. – (dance at this time).
Duty would be chaperoning the dance/monitoring the front desk.
_____ Sunday: 8:30-10:00 a.m. – serve breakfast and clean-up
FOOD DONATIONS: (please bring to SHG by Friday, January 15)
_____ I would be willing to donate the following (please indicate quantity):
___ Orange Juice ___ Milk ___Chips ___ Cookies ___Fruit ___ Bottled Water
SUPPLIES: (please bring to SHG by Friday, January 15)
_____ I would be willing to donate some of the following supplies (please mark quantity):
___ Napkins ___ Plastic Cups ___Paper Plates ___Plastic Forks/Spoons ___Styrofoam Bowls
Please return this form to SHG Snowball as soon as possible – I will follow up with more information. Thank you
for all your help and support! ~Denise Klemm, SHG Prevention Coordinator (klemmd@shg.org)
Parent(s) Name: _________________________________
Phone Number(s): ___________________________________
E-mail Address:________________________________
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ILMEA All State