Dear parents:

Being connected technologically is a fact of life for today’s youth. While aspects of this state of affairs are laudable and exciting, there are downsides which families face. According to a recent New York Times article, “The phenomenon is beginning to worry physicians and psychologists, who say it is leading to anxiety, distraction in school, falling grades, repetitive stress injury, and sleep deprivation.” At a point in their lives when young people should be learning to stand on their own two feet, figuring out what they themselves believe, and beginning the healthy process of becoming autonomous adults, many of them are clutching their cell phones, acting as if their very existence depends upon instant access to family and friends. How can they concentrate, let alone have an original thought, if they’re being constantly besieged by interruptions? Why do they need to become responsible, thinking and planning ahead, when they can make requests, change plans, ask for decisions every moment of the day? How can they not become anxious, worrying that they’re being left out of the loop, or that gossip is flying that may involve them, or that they haven’t heard about the latest bit of drama?

We see – and hear about it – at school. Students share that some of them take cell phones to bed with them, talking into the wee hours, and that, once their parents are in bed, they plant themselves in front of computers and Xboxes, losing track of time and racking up technology minutes but not sleep. Some volunteer that they text while driving, while in restaurants, and crossing streets. They admit to constantly checking their phones while studying – or trying to!

A recent Nielsen Company survey suggests that American teenagers are sending and receiving more than 80 messages per day. I would venture to say that the poll’s number is low for a sizable number of teenagers. In fact, one CCHS family reported thousands of text messages in one month, with half of them during the school day. Truly astonishing and alarming. Yes, we ban them at school but, until you’ve actually seen it, it’s hard to believe their ability to text without looking (i.e., phones in pockets).

You might want to check it out for yourselves. Every phone company has online access that parents can use to check text messages (amount, incoming and outgoing phone numbers, times, etc.) as well as media/internet usage. Most of you are paying the bill anyway so you might want to know what you’re paying for. You might be surprised. How many text messages are sent/received during the school day, for example? How many are showing up late at night or early in the morning?

I know that a good number of our families are already addressing these issues. Good for them. Some parents take their children’s phones at bedtime and have moved computers, televisions, and Xboxes out of their bedrooms. Some are analyzing cell phone usage, using data from cell phone carriers, figuring out how many messages and calls are made, when, and where. Some parents have taken away cell phones during the school day. There’s a lot that can be done to help our children focus on their classes and homework, on their driving, and on their relationships with family and friends they’re actually with rather than those in the virtual world.

Bottom line – whether we’re parents or educators, we want our children to have healthy experiences that will allow them to prosper intellectually, personally, and socially. The lessons we teach them now will help shape them into the adults they will become. It’s not easy, but it’s the most important work any of us will ever do.

Sincerely,

Debra K. Sullivan, Principal

CONDOLENCES – We express our sympathy to a number of our students and their families who have lost loved ones recently. May the souls of the departed rest in peace: Emily Blake’s maternal grandmother; Mrs. Dorothy Scharf’s brother-in-law Theodore Scharf, and Elise Peden’s uncle. Please keep these families in your thoughts and prayers.

WELCOME BACK – We welcome Mrs. Alissa D’Brot, English teacher, returning after her maternity leave (young Juan Manuel – or Manny – is thriving!). We appreciate Mrs. Carol Recco’s presence during Mrs. D’Brot’s absence. An experienced English teacher, Mrs. Recco kept the students moving ahead, keeping them on track for Mrs. D’Brot’s return. We also look for the return of Mrs. Marie Zboinski, middle school theology teacher, who has been ill since December. Again, we thank Mrs. Ann Hamm, retired CCHS teacher, for filling in during the interim and helping our students move ahead in their curriculum.

7^th AND 8^th GRADE THEOLOGY GRADES – are listed as “Incomplete,” awaiting Mrs. Zboinski’s return.

2010-11 SCHEDULING FOR CURRENTLY ENROLLED STUDENTS – Scheduling forms will be distributed to students by late February. Currently enrolled students should NOT complete the applications for admissions that are on the CCHS website.

NEW STUDENTS FOR 2010-2011–The Admissions Committee has released its schedule for the upcoming school year. If you have other children or are asked by non-CCHS families about the school, please be aware that applications for all grade levels and the timeline are available on-line (www.charleston catholic-crw.org). Mail completed applications directly to CCHS.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK – is January 25-29.  During Catholic Schools Week each winter, the PVA leads a school-wide effort by reaching out to the community around us to participate in an act of service. For this year’s project, we are working with Manna Meal and are collecting donations to support their program. Some of the items needed include: food products with FLIP TOP LIDS (canned fruit and canned meats), beef jerky, hand warmers, flash lights, all hygiene products, toilet paper, etc. If you have questions, please contact Paula Jameson @ 949-2478 or Julie Robinson @ 345-1225. Donations can be dropped off at CCHS Commons during the week of January 25-29.  CSW committee members will be available to provide assistance for students each morning of Catholic Schools Week from 7:35 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. in the cafeteria.

10 COMMANDMENTS FOR PARENTS -- Students in junior Morality class were asked to compile a list of commandments for parents that would help their relationships with their teens thrive. Students also compiled a list of commandments for teens. Ten of the commandments submitted for parents are:

1. Love your children with all your heart. Make sure your children know you love them.

2. Listen to your children. Accept your children for who they are.

3. Lead by example. Teach your children values and morals that will benefit them. Teach your children about God.

4. Respect your teen's growing independence. Listen to your child's suggestions and opinions. Respect your children as you would want to be respected.

5. Spend time with your children and encourage them. Don't be a workaholic.

6. Be consistent in decisions. Do not favor one child over a sibling.

7. Allow your children to be different from you. Never judge their friends before getting to know them.

8. Be there when your child needs you. Don't be too quick to judge or accuse your children.

9. Make time to spend with your family every day and on trips.

Be interested in your children’s lives without smothering them. Make time for your children, thus making yourself a person your child can come to.

FACEBOOK AND INTERNET SAFETY -- Recently Facebook has changed its privacy policy and account management tools.  Facebook claims this change was to give users greater control over their content.  While this is true, Facebook also took the opportunity to default user content to public access.  For the unsophisticated user, this change runs the risk of exposing information assumed to be private to the public.  As part of the regular coursework in Health class, all 9th grade students were given a presentation on "best practices on the Internet" which included a discussion on Facebook privacy policy and CCHS policy.  This discussion also included legal aspects of texting and camera phone content.  A New York Times article, “The 3 Settings Every Facebook User Should Check Now,” details the steps needed to keep accounts private --http://www.nytimes.com/external/readwriteweb/2010/01/20/20readwriteweb-the-3-facebook-settings-every-user-should-c-29287.html?em.

PERMANENT RECORD CARDS AND REPORT CARDS -- Do you ever wonder what’s on a permanent record card? In addition to demographic information (e.g., address, phone, parents’ names, etc.), academic and attendance information is recorded. CCHS does not include students’ Social Security numbers on transcripts. Students’ courses are listed by grade level and semester grades for each course are included. Quarter, exam, and conduct grades are NOT included. When you examine the report card, please be aware that the ACA GPA is the grade point average for the current semester for high school students and the Cum ACA GPA is the cumulative grade point average for high school students. MS GPA is the first semester grade point average for middle schoolers and the Cum MS GPA is their cumulative grade point average. CUR ABS reflects second quarter absences and YTD ABS reflects the number of daily absences for the first semester.

PROMOTION POLICY – A review of the CCHS promotion policy is in order, now that first semester grades are official

1. All students (grades 6-12) must pass both semesters of theology in order to be promoted in June. The required number of community service hours and fine arts/humanities credits must also be completed before being granted a diploma or before being readmitted for the next school year.

2. Promotion to grades 7, 8, and 9 is granted when a student passes both semesters in: English, health/PE, math, science, social studies. If a student fails one or two semesters in any of these courses, he/she must complete summer programs, possibly including enrolling in public school summer school classes, selected by CCHS for each failed semester. Failure to complete these summer requirements will result in the student being denied enrollment at CCHS in August. Middle school students failing more than two semesters in these core courses may not be readmitted to CCHS.

3. Students who fail courses in grades 9-12 must enroll in CCHS-approved summer school programs during the summer following the failure to make up the credit if they wish to remain at CCHS. No more than two semesters of coursework may be earned during the summer. To graduate from CCHS, students must earn 28 specific credits in grades 9 – 12. Since only two summer school sessions are offered, each one worth half a credit, a student who is deficient in more than one credit (i.e., one semester of two classes or two semesters of one class) will be unable to accrue the number of credits needed for graduation.

4. To be classified as a sophomore, a student must have earned 7 credits, 14 credits to be considered a junior, and 21 credits a senior. 28 credits are needed for graduation.

PAX CHRISTI -- is sponsoring “Manna Meal Mondays.” On the first Monday of each month, students are invited to bring in a box or bag of dried cereal as a donation to Manna Meal, an interdenominational sponsored soup kitchen located in the parish hall of St. John’s Episcopal Church. Manna Meal feeds over 200 people two meals a day, every day of the year. Cereal collection boxes are located in Theology class rooms.

JUNIOR PARENTS – The juniors are in the planning phase for the prom and are being encouraged to share the ideas with their parents. Any parent who would like to lend a hand should pass the word along through their student or call Mrs. Scharf at 304-552-6235.

TRIANA FIELD SPONSORS - - The high school baseball team has scheduled home games at UC's Triana Field in Kanawha City.  Sponsors are needed for each home game at a cost of $150 per game.  The name of the sponsor will be advertised at the field on game day.  Please contact Bill Gillispie if you are interested in a game day sponsorship.

CCHS SPORTS FAN UMBRELLA - Large kelly green and white umbrellas with "CCHS Irish" logo and shamrock design are available for $25.  If you would like to purchase one of the few umbrellas left, send a check payable to "CCHS" to the school office to the attention of Bill Mehle.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE WEEK – is being celebrated the first week of February to celebrate Latin, Spanish, and French classes. The lunch menu for the week highlights the world of food!

PARENT SEMINAR -- On March 9th from 8:15 until 9:00 a.m. Sr. Rosie Hefner from the Kanawha Pastoral Counseling Center will present a program on Compassionate Communication.  Learn how to practice language that deepens connections and aids in respectful communication, helpful to any parent of a teenager.  Participants will learn the four steps of nonviolent communication that will help invite positive responses.

LATIN NEWS – On Sunday, January 31, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m., JCL will be celebrating Saturnalia in the Commons (snow date February 7). On Monday, February 8, there will be a 7:00 p.m. parent meeting for the Italy trip in Mrs. Snyder's room. On Tuesday, March 9, all Latin students will be taking the National Latin Exam.

GOOD LUCK -- to the high school robotics team as they head to Cincinnati, OH on February 12th and 13th for the Ohio FTC Robotics Championship.

AFTER SCHOOL PICK-UP – Teachers are reporting that parents are clogging the intersection and that students are having to walk in-between cars. Please help us avoid this dangerous situation and help students follow teachers’ directions regarding pick-up.

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

CHOIR NOTES – Our choir and musicians continue to add such wonderful depth and ambience to our liturgies. Students in all grades who would like to join the group are encouraged to do so. Choir practice is planned during student lunch periods once a week, typically on Tuesdays. Questions? Talk with a current choir member or contact Mrs. Gail Stone (304-342-8415; 304-539-4285; 304-927-3614).

FOOD FAST 2010 -- Friday, March 5 through Saturday, March 6 is Catholic Relief Services' 24-hour awareness program for youth focusing on global hunger, poverty, and Catholic social teaching. Contact Mrs. Patterson with questions or to sign up.

CCHS PARENT COLLEGE CONNECTION – Would you be willing to connect with seniors who have applied to your alma maters, giving them your insights about your colleges and universities? If you are a parent of a current CCHS student and would be willing to talk to our students on a one-to-one basis concerning your university/college experiences, we would love to put you on our "College Connection" list! Many of our seniors would like to meet with local alumni of their prospective colleges as part of the college admissions process. In an effort to help in this process, CCHS is establishing a database from which our students will be able to make connections. We are encouraging all parents to go online and get involved. No personal information or contact information will be posted on our website. All contacts will be managed through our College Counseling office.

TRAVELING ART EXHIBIT – Many thanks to PVA for sponsoring the traveling art exhibit of Antoni Gaudi which will be visiting the school in association with Spanish classes January 25-29th. Stop by and see the art exhibit and other student work located outside the library on the second floor.

PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL SPORTS -- In order to participate in an athletic event on a particular day, a student must be in school for the FULL DAY on the day of the event. This “full day” policy includes appointments so students need to avoid scheduling appointments during the school day. Students are also expected to be on time on days following athletic events.

NOTES ON THE ATHLETIC FACILITY – Please drive slowly and carefully when you are at the CCHS athletic facility (and in the school neighborhood, of course!). Lots of people are on foot and we certainly don’t want anyone to get hurt. Also, please park only in approved parking spaces. No outside food or drink is permitted in the building. Tailgating is prohibited.

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITY – Charleston Catholic is selling 3 foot by 6 foot customizable banners for advertisements at the CCHS Athletic Facility. Four have already been sold and are hanging behind the basketball teams’ benches (opposite the fans). What a great way to reach out to the Charleston Catholic community! Contact Kathy Crain at (304) 342-8415 or (304)541-4182 for details.

IRISH RADIO – Listen to home and away high school boys’ games on 950 AM. Also, Coach Bill McClanahan is on every Saturday at noon on “Coffee with the Coach.”

NOT USING YOUR OLD RECEIVERS AND SPEAKERS? -- With another eight SmartBoards installed or on order, CCHS is in need of sound systems to maximize the functionality of the boards.  If you have old stereo systems (receiver and speakers) that you are no longer using, consider donating them to the school where we will put them to good use as SmartBoard audio systems.

MRS. THOMAS’ TIDBITS –

1) Do you “Twitter?” Keep up with the latest news, information, and deadlines from Mrs. Thomas’ office by signing up on Twitter at CCHScollegeprep to receive periodic “tweets” which may be sent to your e-mail or phone as a text message. Instructions on how to sign up for Twitter are on our website.

2)  SAT and ACT testing and registration dates (CCHS code:  490-205)

SAT and SAT Subject Tests (can register on line -- www.collegeboard.org): 

TEST DATE               DEADLINE               LATE REGISTRATION

                        March 13                      February 4                  February 18

                        May 1                          March 25                      April 8

                        June 5                          April 29                         May 13

ACT: (can register on line -- www.act.org)

TEST DATE               DEADLINE               LATE REGISTRATION

                        February 6                   January 5                     January 6 - 15

                        April 10                          March 5                  March 6-19

June 12                         May 7                          May 8 - 21

3) Students wishing to take AP tests for non-AP courses (e.g., world history, biology, foreign languages, etc.) may choose to do so and must notify Mrs. Thomas by February 26.

4) PROMISE scholarship and FAFSA deadline – March 1. Students must complete BOTH the PROMISE and the FAFSA applications in order to be considered for the PROMISE scholarship. Additionally, colleges and universities throughout the country use FAFSA information to determine scholarships and financial aid. Go to www.promisescholarships.org .

5) 7^th and 8^th graders interested in applying for the Governor’s School for Math and Science need to act quickly. The process at the county and state levels is competitive. Information (e.g., dates, location) will be available, along with application materials, on January 30 at www.wvgovschools.org. Applications must be submitted to Mrs. Thomas by February 22. Note the qualifications carefully and make sure that your child meets the criteria.

6) Juniors interested in applying for the Governor’s Honors Academy also need to act quickly. Again, the competition at the county and state levels is fierce to get these slots! Check www.wvgovschools.org for a full description of the program and selection criteria. The GHA will take place at Bethany College June 27 - July 18. Interested juniors need to tell Mrs. Thomas that they are applying by Wednesday, February 3, and have their completed application turned into her by Monday, February 8.   

7) Mrs. Thomas is meeting with juniors individually to begin discussing their college plans. During these sessions, they review test results and student interests and discuss how to look for and choose colleges. Afterwards, students receive lists of colleges that fit their interests so they can begin their college search.

8) CCHS encourages students to take both the ACT and the SAT before the end of their junior year. Doing this allows students to get a baseline score and to prepare for future tests. Both tests are accepted by all colleges and universities for admission. We have found the students perform better on these tests if they are taken before the end of the school year. By the June testing dates, students tend to be tired and not as fresh. So, if possible, consider an earlier test date. Juniors may need to take SAT II subject tests which are best taken at the end of the junior year or upon completion of courses being tested.

NOTES FROM THE PARENT VOLUNTEER ASSOCIATION (PVA) –

1)  Order forms for fleece jackets with CCHS logo, white uniform polo shirts, and green athletic/academic competition polo shirts are available on the CCHS website.  For questions, please contact Lisa Dundervill (344-2566) for fleece jackets, Joanne Bronikowski (344-8850) for green polos, and Lisa Cassis (925-5946) for white polos. 

2)  INNISBROOK  ORDERS – can be place year-round. Go to www.innisbrook.com and click on “Buy Innisbrook Products” and enter CCHS school number 121949. Call Lisa Dundervill at 344-2566 for more info. 

3)  Athletic family passes are available through the PVA.  These passes are good for immediate family members only (not cousins, in-laws, ex-in-laws, grandparents, fiancées, etc.) to attend CCHS home games.  The passes do not cover away games, tournaments played at home, homecoming games, or any SSAC tournaments.  Cost is $150 for all home middle school games only, $175 for all home high school games only, and $200 for all home games (both levels).  A $100 student or senior citizen pass for all games is also available.  Each adult in a family will be issued a pass that must be shown for admission to games.   Please ask Janet Kawash (304-768-3948) if you have questions about these passes.

FRIDAY, February 12 – We will be remembering Bobby Hypes, a member of the CCHS class of 2008, who died of heart disease on February 5, 2006, with a “Wear Red for Bobby Day.” Students may wear red sweaters/shirts with jeans or khakis. $2 contributions to help fund the CCHS Bobby Hypes Memorial Scholarships will be collected from students participating. The partial-tuition scholarships, awarded to rising freshmen each year, were established in Bobby’s honor by his classmates and CCHS. Voluntary donations to the scholarship fund are also accepted.

VIRTUS– All parents or other adults who volunteer, coach, drive students, chaperone, etc., are required by the Diocese to complete the diocesan sexual abuse awareness training before being allowed to work with our students. Upcoming sessions are scheduled for February 11 in Huntington (Our Lady of Fatima) and February 24 in St. Albans (St. Francis of Assisi). Complete information, links, and forms are on the CCHS website. Please contact Ms. FitzGerald with questions.

FINE ARTS CRITIQUES/COMMUNITY SERVICE FORMS -- Forms (on website) must be submitted to teachers during the quarter in which the activity occurred in order to receive credit for the event. Senior fine arts credits must be completed by the end of the third quarter.

SPRING SPORTS – As we gear up for spring sports even as our winter sports are continuing, keep in mind that eligible students must have at least a 2.0 grade point average for the first semester and must be in good behavioral and academic standing at CCHS. Attaining such standards should be a given for our students. Spring head coaches are: HS boys’ and girls’ tennis: Mike Burgess and Melanie Schlarb; H.S. baseball: Bill Mehle; H.S. softball: Bill Gerwig; H.S. track: Scott Welch; M.S. boys’ and girls’ tennis: Matt Webb; M.S. baseball: Kevin Moffat; M.S. softball: Bobby Eggleton; M.S. track: Kate FitzGerald; and M.S. golf – Kristen Walsky.

HOPE PANCAKE BREAKFAST – Join our HOPE participants at the Power Alley Grill on Saturday, February 27. For $5, you will enjoy a breakfast of pancakes, sausage, juice, and coffee and, at the same time, benefit our June 2010 home renovation project in Clay County.

PERFORMING ARTS NOTES -- Enjoy our creative students in two upcoming events designed to highlight their talents: Showcase of Talent, Thursday, February 11, at 7 p.m. and the drama club’s production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” scheduled on February 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. Both events will take place in the Commons.

UNIFORM NOTES – At this time of year it’s wise to check your children’s uniforms to make sure they’re in good shape for second semester. Please check hems, buttons, seams, cuffs (no fraying!), color (not faded), and wear.

SENIOR INFORMATION – Graduation and all the end-of-year activities will be here before we know it! A letter to senior parents containing important dates and information, including information on Mid-Year Grade Reports to colleges, was mailed recently to senior parents from Mrs. Lycan and Mrs. Thomas. Seniors should have ordered their caps, gowns (as necessary), tassels, and stoles for graduation. Parents please check to insure that this responsibility has been fulfilled.

KING CAKES – For many years, students at CCHS have enjoyed King Cakes on Mardi Gras day. This tradition will be continued this year thanks to the efforts of Dena Wilcox and a group of parents who will be making these New Orleans-style sweets from scratch, including the baby Jesus tucked into each cake. Many thanks to our parents who have taken the extra time to bake these delicacies from scratch for our students, faculty, and staff to enjoy!

THE WINTER WALTZ – for our high school students was well attended and enjoyed by students and chaperones alike. It was truly a delightful evening spent with a beautiful group of young people!

DIOCESAN TUITION ASSISTANCE -- is available for needy Catholic students wishing to attend West Virginia Catholic schools. To request a form, call the CCHS office in early March.

GOLDEN HORSESHOE – All 8th graders in West Virginia schools are able to take the “big” test. The 45-minute computer test will be administered state-wide in all public and private schools. CCHS eighth graders will take the test on Thursday, April 1. There will be no make-up date.

TENTATIVE CALENDAR FOR 2010-11 – After this year’s wonderful Christmas holiday, several of you have wondered about what’s in store for next year. Here is a TENTATIVE calendar. Please remember that exams must be taken on scheduled exam days and students who are absent more than 5 days in a semester will have to make up those days at the end of the semester.

Wednesday, August 18 first day for students

Monday, September 6 Labor Day – no school

Friday, November 12 Veterans’ Day – no school

Wednesday, November 24 11:30 dismissal for Thanksgiving

Wednesday-Friday, December 15 – 17 exams

Monday, December 20 first day of Christmas vacation

Monday, January 3 classes resume

Monday, January 17 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – no school

Monday, February 21 Presidents’ Day – no school

Friday, April 22 Good Friday – first day of Easter break

Monday, May 2 classes resume

Monday, May 30 Memorial Day – no school

Wednesday-Friday, June 1-3 exams for grades 6 – 11

PHOTO WEBSITE – If you haven’t seen it, go to the CCHS website and check out unofficial CCHS photographer Russ Miller’s website. The photos of athletics and events are truly spectacular! Thank you, Mr. Miller, for all you do to create a history of CCHS!

SKI CLUB -- The 79 ski club student participants and students have enjoyed the cold and snowy winter weather on their first two ski trips this year! PLEASE REMIND YOUR CHILDREN TO LOCK UP THEIR BELONGINGS AT WINTERPLACE. They are used to being in a safe, secure environment at school and are extending their trust to the larger world at Winterplace. Parents, please be on time -- 10:30 p.m. -- to pick up your children, who are tired, and to be considerate of our teacher chaperones and sponsors who show such dedication and give a major time commitment to provide this activity for your children. Students are expected to be in school ON TIME the mornings following ski club activities. Students violating this policy will have their ski passes held for a time during the next ski club date.

CONGRATULATIONS

- to Sarah Brumley for wining the 2009-10 CCHS Spelling Bee. She went on to represent CCHS at the Kanawha County bee.

- to Sami Harris, Alexandrine Ratnani, Michael Mallory, Christian Kim, John Daly, Clodagh Tinney, Emily Witsberger, Joey Trupo, Connor Moffatt, and Quincy McKown who will represent CCHS at the Kanawha County Mathematics Field Day on February 26. Good luck at the next stage in the competition!

- to the HS girls’ soccer team for receiving the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Team Academic Award for the second year in a row!

- to 6^th grader Nick Russo who won the 6^th grade geography bee and will represent the school at the county level geography bee.

- to Seth Ritchie, state finalist for the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award.

THANKS –

- to Judy Kee from the WV Higher Education Policy Commission who spent an evening with our senior parents helping them submit their FAFSA forms for college on-line.

- to PVA for providing a spectacular Christmas luncheon for faculty and staff during exams. What a wonderful treat that, once again, displays the generosity – and impressive cooking skills! -- of our parents.

- to all of our coaches who continue to work so diligently with our student athletes, bringing out the best in each one of them.

- to our Pax Christi group of students who take on leadership roles, encouraging school-wide participation in a variety of activities including Manna Meal Mondays, Red Cross Blood Drive, Wear Red for Bobby Day, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commitment display, and many others.

- to Paula Jameson and Julie Robinson for all their help organizing and launching the Catholic Schools Week project, a local outreach program to help Manna Meal.

- to everyone who donated to the CCHS Haitian Relief Effort, raising $3156.93 in one day, which has been sent to Catholic Relief Services to provide aid in Haiti.

- to coach Joe Lefkay and members of the middle school basketball team members who participated in the Coalburg Christmas Charity again this past December. The boys and Coach Lefkay distributed gift and food baskets and performed other odd jobs as needed to help the people in Coalburg. We applaud their generosity!

- to all the HOPE volunteers who hosted the Kids Night Out at Sacred Heart. Over $500 was raised toward next summer’s home repair project!

SCHOOL CLOSINGS/DELAYS DUE TO SNOW/ICE – – A snow day for Charleston Catholic???? Yes, it really did happen this January and we’ll hope that it won’t be necessary again. Here’s a brief reminder of the CCHS weather policy. Remember that school closings and delays are also announced on the CCHS website.

1) CCHS does NOT follow ANY of the Kanawha County Schools’ weather-related procedures.

2) Families will need to connect to the CCHS website or listen to the radio/television for changes to CCHS schedules. The following stations will be notified: WV Public Radio, WCHS, WCHS-TV, WSAZ-TV, V100, Kicks96, Super 102, WBES, WKAZ, and WQBE.

3) When possible, announcements will be made by 11 p.m. the night before. If a delay is announced at that time, check again in the morning to see if a delay has been changed to a closure. Such an announcement would be made by 7 a.m. If an announcement is not made the night before, an announcement (if one is necessary) will be made by 6:15 a.m.

4) If no announcement is made for CCHS, classes will be held on the regular schedule.

5) If a two-hour delay is announced, classes will start promptly at 10 a.m. The building will not open until 9:30 to give staff time to get to school. Please do not drop off your children before 9:30!

6) As always, if you cannot get your child to school for health or safety reasons, notify the school.

CALENDAR FOR 2009-10 SCHOOL YEAR

Week of January 24 Catholic Schools Week/Gaudi Spanish art exhibit

Wednesday, January 27 prospective parent night, 6 p.m.

Sunday, January 31 JCL Saturnalia 2:00- 4:00 p.m. in the Commons (snow date Feb. 7)

Thursday, February 4 fifth grade visit

Friday, February 5 7^th-8^th grade dance 7:00- 10:00 p.m. in the Commons

Saturday, February 6 admissions test 10 a.m.

Monday, February 8 parent meeting for Italy trip, 7 p.m. in Mrs. Snyder’s room

Thursday, February 11 Showcase of Talent- Commons, 7 p.m.

VIRTUS at Our Lady of Fatima (Huntington), 3:30 p.m.

Friday, February 12 Wear Red for Bobby Day with $2 donation to Bobby Hypes Memorial Scholarship Fund

Monday, February 15 Presidents’ Day – no school

Friday/Saturday, February 19/20 “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (drama club), Commons 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, February 24 VIRTUS at St. Francis of Assisi (St. Albans), 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, February 25 6^th grade activity, 3:15- 4:15 p.m.

Saturday, February 27 HOPE Pancake Breakfast, 8- 10a.m. at the Power Alley Grill

Friday, March 5-6 Food Fast benefiting Catholic Relief Services

Tuesday, March 9 Parent Seminar on Compassionate Communication presented by Sr. Rosie Hefner, 8:15- 9:00 a.m. in the Commons

National Latin Exam, 3^rd period

Friday, March 19 end of third quarter

Monday, March 22 week of standardized testing for grades 6-8 (tentative)

Spring break Italy trip for Latin students; Costa Rica trip for high school group

Thursday, April 1 Golden Horseshoe Test for 8^th graders

Friday, April 2 Good Friday – first day of Easter break

Monday, April 12 classes resume

Thursday, April 22 9^th grade retreat at Camp Virgil Tate

Friday, April 23 diocesan inservice for teachers – no school for students

Saturday, April 24 Prom

May 3 – 14 AP exams

Saturday, May 29 baccalaureate 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 30 graduation 6 p.m.

Monday, May 31 Memorial Day – no school

Tuesday – Thursday, June 1 – 3 exams for grades 6 – 8 (11:15 dismissal on Wednesday/Thursday only)

Wednesday-Friday, June 2-4 exams for grades 9 – 11

February 2010 Menu

Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri
Week of February 1- Pizza	Tacos Bean burritos Spanish rice Nachos	Chicken parm Baked potato	Chicken gyros Rice pilaf Greek salad Deviled eggs	Gilled ham and cheese Quiche Cream puffs
Week of February 8- Pizza	Spaghetti Garlic bread Salad	Chicken strips Baked potato Chicken caesar salad	Sloppy joes Antipasto salad Onion rings	Chicken alfredo Minestrone soup
Week of February 15- No school	Pizza	No meat today- Breakfast for lunch	Bacon cheeseburger Spicy fries	No meat today! Baked potato bar Super nachos Vegetarian chili
Pizza	Meatball sub Greek salad Tater tots	Baked chicken Mashed potato Green beans	Hot dogs Shoestring fries Nachos	No meat today! Veggie stir fry Rice Broccoli cheese soup

HOPE 2010 (Housing Outreach Project Express) – In June 2010, a group of 70 Charleston Catholic students, teachers, parents, and alumni will offer emergency home repair assistance to ten low-income families in Clay County. This summer marks the 20th consecutive year that we have participated in a ministry of emergency home repair in a neighboring county.

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT. We need to raise $30,000 for construction supplies. Please consider making a donation to purchase needed building materials to make the homes of economically disadvantaged families warmer, drier, and safer. All donations are tax deductible. Please make checks payable to “Charleston Catholic.” Note “HOPE Donation” on the memo line. Send your donation together with the form below to the school office to the attention of Bill Mehle.

THANKS FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION AND SUPPORT.

**************************************************************************************

Name ________________________________________________________________________

Address_______________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

YES, I want to support the CCHS Housing Outreach Project Express.

Enclosed is my check for

_____$100 _____$50 _____ $25 _____$10 _____other

Checks are to be made payable to “Charleston Catholic.”

Send to HOPE, c/o Bill Mehle, CCHS, 1033 Virginia Street E., Charleston 25301

LIBRARY EXPLORATORY VIDEO POETRY PROJECT – Our middle school students wrote original poems as part of their“Wordle” experience. The design below, which reflects the CCHS mission statement, was created by CCHS librarian Dara Krack shortly after our North Central accreditation visit.

“The Charleston Catholic High School Tapestry”