RONCALLI HIGH SCHOOL WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - January 21, 2021
MATTHEWS AND STRIEGEL TO BOWLING REGIONALS
Katie Matthews
Daniel Striegel
Gracie Tharp
Bowling Sectionals were held at Expo Bowl last weekend. The boys and girls battled hard and it was a long exciting day. This was a great season for both teams! The Roncalli girls are conference runners up for the Indianapolis South Conference. Juniors Katie Matthews and Daniel Striegel are moving on to the Regionals that will be held in Kokomo. Junior Gracie Tharp made the Girls All Conference Team. Extra thank you to Jack Matthews R’20 for assisting with the teams. Good luck to Katie Matthews and Daniel Striegel at Regionals!
ASCENSION ST. VINCENT SPIRIT OF CARING AWARD
Through the partnership of Ascension St. Vincent Health and Roncalli High School, the Ascension St. Vincent Spirit of Caring Award was initiated in 2018 to be presented annually to a current Roncalli faculty or staff member.
This award will be given to a person who has demonstrated Ascension St. Vincent’s core values such as a commitment to those in need, respect and compassion for the dignity of life, integrity, wisdom, creativity and dedication while also displaying the true spirit of Roncalli High School.
This year’s recipient, Kim Striby, is in her 16th year of teaching at Roncalli and during this time she has earned the respect of her students and peers for excellence in the classroom as well as for her giving heart!
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Kim’s expertise in the classroom and her ability to connect with a wide range of students is illustrated in that she is one of only a handful of teachers in our school who teach classes of three different academic levels. Kim has a passion for teaching, but her focus is not so much on teaching as it is on learning! She will do whatever it takes to ensure that her students master the course material and find success in her class! A small sampling of her excellence in the classroom may be found in the scores of the students in her AP Psychology class. The average score of her students the past three years is 4.4 out of a 5 while the state average in that same AP Psychology class is 2.9 and the national average is 3.1.
While Kim’s excellence in the classroom is noteworthy what sets her apart is her giving heart. She lives her life with a daily focus on how she can help others! In big and small ways; in seen and unseen ways - Kim consistently gives of herself - of her time, talent and treasure but mostly of her heart which is filled with a love for all people.
In recognition of her ability to consistently lift up those around her and for her tireless efforts to live out the core values of Ascension St. Vincent and Roncalli High School, it is our pleasure to honor Kim Striby with the 2020 Ascension St. Vincent Spirit of Caring Award.
DECEMBER STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
On Tuesday and Wednesday, our Students of the Month for November and December were honored at a special lunch and presentation to recognize their extraordinary efforts in the following areas: Business and Technology, Communications, English, Fine Arts, Health and Physical Education, Industrial Technology, Math, Science, Social Studies, STARS Program, Theology and World Languages. Congratulations to the December Students of the Month: (listed in alphabetical order) Gracie Allen, Justyn Anciso, Michaela Belden, Jazzlyn Fonseca, Lucy Houser, Greg Kirkman, Jessica Minor, Marisa Morwick, Emily Sering, Abby Taylor, Raegan Thomas and Amanda Wolf
Gracie Allen
Justyn Anciso
Michaela Belden
Jazzlyn Fonseca
Lucy Houser
Greg Kirkman
Jessica Minor
Marisa Morwick
Emily Sering
Abby Taylor
Raegan Thomas
Amanda Wolf
2021-2022 REGISTRATION OPEN
Registration Information was mailed out for all current freshmen through juniors. You will use your student's ID and 8 character password to access the site. All students must be registered to be able to make course requests on Saturday, January 30. Please direct registration questions to Mary Sheets or at extension 232.
DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE LEGAL PROTECTION OF UNBORN CHILDREN
Today the Catholic Church in the United States recognizes a Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children on the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade.
All teachers were asked to pray in class and offer up this intention of Legal Protection of Unborn Children. Father Bob also led everyone in prayer with this special intention and an accompanying message.
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The General Instruction of the Roman Missal, (which guides our celebration of prayer and liturgy in the US Catholic Church) no. 373, designates January 22 as a particular day of prayer and penance, called the “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children”: “In all the Dioceses of the United States of America, January 22 (or January 23, when January 22 falls on a Sunday) shall be observed as a particular day of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion.”
The Roncalli Pro-Life group will be praying together (hopefully at the memorial to the unborn outside), playing pro-life trivia, and student Hannah Taylor will be sharing her pro-life speech that she wrote last semester. She was the 4th place award winner for this speech for Indianapolis Right to Life.
If you would like to explore this further, this link will take you to additional prayer resources, readings, and activities.
DAILY IN-PERSON OR SYNCHRONOUS INSTRUCTION APPLICATION
Any student wishing to attend school in person daily beginning on February 1 as well as any student wishing to learn from home daily through the synchronous model beginning on February 1 will have to complete and submit this application . The application is open from Monday through Thursday at 3 PM.
NOTE: When a student selects to attend school daily in person or selects to use the synchronous learning model daily they will be required to stay in that model for an entire week. Students wishing to return to the hybrid model must notify Roncalli High School Assistant Principal, Mrs. Beth Reel, no later than noon on Friday in order for that request to be granted for the following week.
STATE REQUIRED ISTEP+ TESTING FOR ALL JUNIORS
The Indiana Department of Education is not backing away from requiring the ISTEP+ to be administered this semester in person (No Virtual Testing Allowed) to all juniors in the state. The ISTEP+ encompasses nearly 10 hours of testing and can only be administered during a specific window of time in February established by the DOE. Planning on how best to schedule the administration of these tests while in the midst of a hybrid schedule has proven to be challenging. After a thorough analysis of options Roncalli High School has elected to use the following schedule to best accommodate our juniors who are testing as well as our other students who are not testing.
Testing Dates - February 9 (English) and 23 (Mathematics)
All juniors will report to Roncalli at 7:45 AM for testing on these two dates. Juniors using the resource program for extended time for testing will report to school at 7:30 AM. Their school day will end at approximately 2:15 PM. Lunch will be served. Please know that all juniors must be present on this day including those students who to date have been full time synchronous learners.
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All freshmen, sophomores and seniors will be synchronously learning from home on these two dates.
Thank you once again for your flexibility as we continue to provide our students and families with the absolute best learning environment while still tending to the Covid-19 precautionary measures.
Please contact Roncalli High School Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs, Beth Reel, should you have any questions about the ISTEP+ or the schedule we are using on February 9 and 23.
8TH GRADE PARENT CURRICULUM MEETING
All parents of current eighth grade students who are planning to attend Roncalli High School next year are invited to our annual Curriculum Meeting for 8th Grade Parents. This meeting will be held VIRTUALLY on Tuesday, February 2 at 7:00 PM. Eighth graders who attend a South Deanery middle school will be sent home with a Course Catalog and an Informational Packet on Thursday, January 28. You can also click here for information. This informative presentation has consistently received strong, positive reviews from parents. Please plan to join us! Use the following QR Code to join the meeting, or check your inbox for an invitation!
Reunión Anual de Currículo para Padres de Familia de 8 Grado
Todos los padres de familia con estudiantes que actualmente cursan el octavo grado y que planean asistir a la preparatoria Roncalli el próximo año, están invitados a nuestra Reunión Anual de Currículo para Padres de Familia de Octavo Grado, el martes 2 de febrero a las 7.00 PM. en el Media Center de RHS. Temas a tratar: cursos obligatorios/ electivos para estudiantes de primer año (freshman), prerrequisitos y proceso de programación de cursos. Los materiales en español (paquete informativo y catálogo de cursos) le serán entregados a su hijo (a) el jueves 28 de enero para que lo tenga consigo durante esta reunión. Habrá una sesión de preguntas y respuestas en español después de la reunión. Para información también puede visitar nuestro sitio web. Esta reunión ha recibido constantemente comentarios muy positivos por parte de los padres de familia que han asistido. ¡Por favor haga planes para que nos acompañe en esta reunión!
ABOVE AND BEYOND
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Congratulations to girls bowler, junior Katie Matthews and boys bowler, junior Daniel Striegel who were recognized as the Above and Beyond Players of the Week by Coaches Paula Tharp, Mike Glenn and Jersey Mike’s Subs!
MY STORY, R FAMILY SERIES
Roncalli senior and St. Jude graduate, Hayden Bean, is featured in this week's My Story, R Family. We love when students find their passions at RHS, and Hayden has done just that when it comes to his music! We cannot wait to see where his gifts and talents take him in life, and the ending of this video gives us all a little taste of his musical skills!
For more information on the school and all we have to offer, please visit roncalli.org.
ADVANCED CHOIRS SENIOR NIGHT
The annual Advanced Choirs’ senior night concerts will be held on Wednesday, February 3 at 6:00 PM (Advanced Women’s) and 8:00 PM (Show Choir). Unfortunately, we must once again follow government mandated COVID rules which restrict attendance.
Each member of Advanced Women’s choir and Show choir will receive 2 tickets to their choir performance. These tickets will be mailed to the home and are required for admittance. There is no charge for these concerts.
The concerts will be taped, and the link will be sent out at a later date.
Roncalli SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Roncalli High School is pleased to offer several scholarships to students currently in grades 9-11 and a few scholarships for current seniors. The eligibility criteria and amount for each scholarship varies from $250-$1,500. Scholarship applications can be printed using the links below for each of various scholarships. All completed applications should be submitted online by March 1, 2021 no later than 3:00 PM. The selection process for each scholarship will be determined by the selection committee of each award. The presentation of most of these scholarships will take place at the spring Academic Honors Banquet. The scholarship monies would then be applied to the 2021-2022 tuition unless this is an award for a senior. Any questions regarding Roncalli scholarships can be directed to Kevin Banich, Assistant Principal for Student Life, at 317-787-8277 Ext. 284. IMPORTANT: The applications will only be available with a Roncalli student email account. Completed applications are due March 1, 2021 3 PM.
DRIVER’S EDUCATION 2021
SAVE THE DATE
22nd Annual RHS Athletics Cash Bash & Raffle Saturday, February 27, 2021 @ 8:00 PM
Presented by the Roncalli Athletic Booster Club
The 22nd annual RHS Athletics Cash Bash is still on! This year it will be a virtual Cash Bash with up to $5000 in cash being given out. Due to attendance restrictions, the Cash Bash will air on Roncalli Youtube on Saturday, February 27 at 8 PM.
“CELEBRATE RONCALLI”
VOLUNTEER CALL OUT!
SAVE THE DATE: APRIL 24, 2021
We are looking for a committee of enthusiastic volunteers to help plan our celebration of Roncalli. This is our annual gala that raises funds for tuition assistance. The night traditionally consists of dinner, drinks, silent and live auctions, raffles, student entertainment and fun.
Make a tax-deductible donation to our silent and live auctions. We are in need of the following items: vacation rentals, tickets to local sporting events like Indy 500, Colts, Pacers, Notre Dame, IU, Purdue and Butler, behind the scenes experiences, home improvement services, gift cards, etc.
If you can help or have an item to donate for the silent or live auction, please email Jeen Endris.
CIRCLE OF FAITH ANNUAL FUND
We prayerfully ask that you consider a gift to this year's Circle of Faith campaign.
2021-22 SCHOOL YEAR IMMUNIZATIONS
A los padres/tutores: Vacunas para el año escolar 2021-22
Vacunas para el año escolar 2021-22
The Indiana State Department of Health and Department of Education has mandatory immunizations for every student enrolled in an Indiana school. Roncalli High School must follow these requirements to stay in compliance; even if a physicians’ immunization and dosing schedules show more flexibility.
Immunization requirements for 2021-22 require all high school students to have 2 Hepatitis A vaccines , administered a minimum 6 months apart.
Also 2 Meningitis MCV4 vaccines are required for Class of 2022 prior to the start of their senior year.
If your child has not received these, please make arrangements to get these vaccines and forward proof of immunization. County Health Departments can assist with these vaccinations.
Documentation needs to be sent to the Guidance Office: fax 317-788-2282 or email jdias@roncalli.org .
Click the link below to see all required vaccinations for the 2021-22 school year.
RONCALLI MEDIA NETWORK
Your place to see and hear Roncalli sports action! Check out upcoming broadcasted events on the calendar.
Tonight’s Royals Boys Basketball games vs. New Palestine will air on the Roncalli Media Network. Tune in at 6 PM for the boys JV Royals game and at 7:30 PM for the Varsity Royals game.
CORPORATE SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES!
Roncalli offers a comprehensive winter season Corporate Sponsor program that supports our students in several exciting ways, including tuition assistance and broadcasting opportunities. There are many benefits in sponsoring and supporting Roncalli. Your company will be exposed to other like-minded businesses that also support Roncalli. Almost 1,100 students, 125 faculty and staff, an alumni base of over 13,500 and thousands of Roncalli parents, relatives and friends will have an opportunity to see your business ad at some point during the school year. Our newest opportunity will include signage opportunities in the Ascension St. Vincent Gymnasium and on our YouTube broadcasts. Space will be limited so if your business is interested in supporting Roncalli through Walkathon, Roncalli Media Network, Rebel 5ive podcast, Celebrate Roncalli (formerly Rebelation) or brand new opportunities in Roncalli’s newest multiple use facility, Ascension St. Vincent Gymnasium, please email Gary Armbruster or call 317-525-7046.
GREETINGS FROM GUIDANCE
Virtual Calming Room
The Guidance Team has assembled some calming videos, audios, and resources all in one accessible place: The Virtual Calming Room.
Check it out when you need a quick (or long) break from the stress of life, for tips on managing stress, and resources for getting mental health help if needed.
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ACT Preparation
Want to do all you can to prepare to take the ACT in February? Roncalli will host a ZAPS test prep seminar on January 25 and 26 from 3:15 to 5:45 PM. ZAPS instructors are ACT test specialists. They're thoroughly trained in not only the topics covered in the ACT, but also on the ins and outs of taking the ACT test. Students who have taken the ZAPS seminars consistently improve their scores by 2-4 points and often more! Those points could be the difference makers when qualifying for and earning college scholarships! Visit the Doorway To College website to learn more and register for this invaluable strategy seminar! The discounted price for this two day seminar is $95.00!
Registration for 2021-22 open
In order for your student to submit their online course request on January 30, they must first register and pay the $100 registration fee. Register now at roncalliregistration.org!
SPRING BREAK & MORATORIUM WEEK 2021
It could be seen as silly to talk about spring break and next year’s moratorium week but many of our families have to make travel arrangements well in advance for a variety of family related reasons. Spring Break will begin with the dismissal of school at 3:00 PM on Thursday, March 18. School will resume at 7:30 AM on Monday, March 29.
To maintain the integrity of the school calendar and instructional time, Roncalli does not allow a family to extend Spring Break by leaving early or returning late without a significant academic penalty. For full details on the policy, please click on the link at the end of the newsletter. Thank you to our parents who have given us tremendous support of this policy through the years.
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Additionally, as a member of the Indiana High School Athletic Association, Roncalli High School must adhere to the moratorium week requirements set forth by the association. The 2021 Moratorium Week for the summer of 2021 will be from June 28 - July 5. At Roncalli this means there will be no open gym/no open facilities, no practices, games, rehearsals, etc. There are to be no student activities at all during this week.
JOHNSON COUNTY YOUTH LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
The Johnson County Youth Leadership Academy is a five-month program designed to bring together a select group of Johnson County High School students to learn more about their community and practice leadership skills in a fun learning environment. Each program day is designed to foster an opportunity for increased self-awareness, a better understanding of the local community and an opportunity to meet and network with peers from across Johnson County.
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Program Requirements
Youth Leadership Academy participants must:
- Attend an opening retreat in late July.
- Attend 4 regularly scheduled class dates throughout the year.
- Attend and present at the graduation celebration.
- Complete a community service project.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be current High School Sophomores and Juniors or home-schooled equivalent in Johnson County.
- Class members must commit to full participation in the program.
- Class members must agree to abide by all LJC – Youth Leadership Academy policies and procedures.
- Must be a resident of Johnson County or attend a high school located in Johnson County.
The deadline for applications is 11:59 pm on March 15, 2021
See Mr. Banich for more information or if you are considering applying.
ST. JUDE CONFIRMATION
St. Jude High School Confirmation Prep weekend is February 26-28 for sophomores or older. If you are a St. Jude parishioner and are not already registered for Confirmation, contract the parish for registration information.
SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS NEEDED
Join the Roncalli Family - Roncalli High School is looking for additional substitute teachers for the 2020-21 school year. We are seeking faith-filled individuals who enjoy being around the future of tomorrow. No educational background is required. Training is provided. If you are interested in being a substitute teacher at Roncalli High school please contact Jeff Small.
ST. JUDE REGISTRATION
St. Jude Catholic School Preschool through 8th grade open enrollment starting February 8th for the 2020-2021 School year. Come join our high quality education in a Catholic Christian environment which nurtures self esteem, personal growth, and mutual respect. Preschool ELM visit www.stjude-elm.org. K-8th grade visit www.sjsindy.org.
CIRCLE OF FAITH ANNUAL FUND
PLEASE PRAY
- For Bob Tully Hon’93, former Vice President for Mission and Ministry, who is recovering from heart surgery and continues therapy as he returns home.
- For Rosemary Delph, grandmother and guardian of sophomore Ravyn Bond, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. May God provide her with strength and comfort during this difficult time.
- For retired, long time school secretary, Donna Smith Hon’95, who will be undergoing a battery of serious tests.
- For Ashley Fernandez Cross, wife of former boys lacrosse coach Sean Cross, for her full recovery from a brain aneurysm. We pray for her family and God’s gift of strength during this time of recovery and healing.
- For Kara Cissell Roell R‘93 who is fighting aggressive cancer. May God provide her strength and comfort during this trying time.
- For former student Arthur Koehl, who continues to recover from a serious injury in an automobile accident, and for his mother Tamara and brothers Jaylen R’17, senior Theo, during this time of recovery and healing.
- For Ann Strykowski, mother of Chris Strykowski Roncalli History department and varsity assistant football coach, who is battling health issues.
- For Eric Davis R’04 who is battling Stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
- For Robin Barna, father of Sarah Rose, Roncalli Science Department, who is battling with cancer.
- For all of our Roncalli family who are experiencing extra stress during this unusual and uncertain time. God please comfort them and provide them Your peace and understanding.
- For God’s blessings and mercy upon Archbishop Charles Thompson and his ministry in shepherding the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.
- For healing of body, mind and spirit for all people dealing with depression, addiction or mental health issues.
- For strength and healing for all those fighting off life-threatening illness and for their families and caregivers.
- For the men and women of our armed forces and their families, especially our Roncalli High School alums who are serving in the military.
- For our Roncalli alums preparing for a religious vocation as a priest, religious woman or missionary.
- For vocations to the priesthood, religious life and missionary field, and that Roncalli High School and its families will provide a nurturing environment that fosters and supports these vocations.
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