RONCALLI HIGH SCHOOL WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - September 24, 2020
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Congratulations to our August 2020 Students of the Month who were honored with a catered lunch this past Monday and Tuesday!
2020 PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES
Online THURSDAY OCTOBER 8
3:30 - 5:30 PM and 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Roncalli High School will hold Parent-Teacher Conferences on Thursday, October 8, from 3:30 - 5:30 PM and 6:00 - 8:00 PM. All of the conferences this year will be done online via google meet and the meeting link may be accessed via Canvas.
Check out the links for parents that provide simple, quick instructions on how to sign up for a conference with a teacher as well as how to log into the conference with the teacher on October 8. Please watch the videos as they are only two minutes in length and will provide you with easy, step by step instructions.
ABOVE AND BEYOND
Athlete OF THE WEEK
Congratulations to junior George Marten, JV Football, who was recognized as the Above and Beyond Player of the Week by Coach Trevor Wilson and Jersey Mike’s Subs!
WALKATHON 2020 VIRTUAL WALK
This year’s Walkathon is a virtual walk taking place on Friday, October 30th. The Walkathon is the only all school fundraiser in which Roncalli students are asked to participate. Every dollar raised through Walkathon funds provides needs-based tuition assistance for Roncalli families.
All students received an email on Wednesday from Boost My School. This contains their individual link to share in order to receive online donations. If you’re student did not receive this email. Please email Jeen Endris.
RONCALLI COMMUNITY SERVICE UPDATE
This is a reminder to all students that first quarter service hours will be due on Monday September 28. Also, if you ever have any questions about service hours, or have difficulties with your MobileServe app, feel free to email Mr. Striby, or visit him during announcements or after school. Mr. Striby's office is in the cafeteria.
Learn More
And now, here is a suggestion for a possible service project. How about contacting your parish/church and ask them if there are any parishioners who are in need of help? You could even put together a lunch (perhaps a sandwich, chips and fruit) and visit any members of the parish/church who are shut-ins, or just need some company. There are so many people, especially the elderly, who would love to have someone come by and just sit down with them for a short visit. How about putting a smile on someone's face?
Remember, anything done for someone in need can count for service hours, as long as you do not get paid and the service is not done for a member of your immediate family. Let's go out and make someone's day!
STAND UP PRESENTATION
Last week, a member of the STAND Up team presented valuable information to all students in their Theology classes. This team is made up of administrators, counselors, teachers and our school social worker. The team seeks to identify students experiencing physical, social, emotional or spiritual difficulties and to remove the barriers which interfere with learning. The goal is to empower these students to experience the same opportunities for growth and development that God intends for all young people. For more information, click here.
Learn More
As a member of the Roncalli community, if you have a concern about a student with regards to depression, anxiety, eating disorders, any form of bullying, self-harm, substance abuse, aggressive behaviors and/or an incident involving harassment, or anything that may negatively affect a student's physical, social, emotional or spiritual health, please fill out this form - STAND Up Report Form. A hard copy can also be found in the carousel outside of the Guidance Office.
It takes all of us working as a team together to help our students become the people God intended them to be.
SPIRIT WEEK
September 28-October 2
Roncalli's Student Council has planned a fun-filled Homecoming Spirit Week, set for September 28-October 2! From class competitions to cornhole tournaments to dress-up days, they've prepared a weeklong celebration of the Roncalli spirit!
Dress-Up Days
Whether attending class at-home or at-school, students and staff are encouraged to come dressed up according to these themes:
September 28th is Cartoon Monday - What's your favorite cartoon? Is it a classic you watched as a kid? Or a new cartoon you watch on Netflix? Dress up as your favorite cartoon character!
September 29th is Dream Vacation Tuesday - If you could choose any vacation you wanted, what would it be? Show us by dressing up for your dream vacation, whether it's a European backpacking adventure, a Hawaiian snorkeling expedition, or climbing Mt. Everest!
September 30th is Wild Wednesday - We want everyone to embrace the wild west, wilderness, and/or wild jungles. So the halls will be filled with a wild mix of cowboys, hikers, and jungle animals!
October 1st is Generations Thursday - On this day, we celebrate the full spectrum of the phases of life. Freshmen dress as toddlers/little kids; Sophomores dress as tweens; Juniors dress as soccer moms and fanny pack-wearing dads; Seniors dress as senior citizens, Staff dress as high schoolers!
October 2nd is Red, White, & Blue Friday - Here's where we pull out all the stops and dress from head to toe in our best and brightest Roncalli gear!
More guidelines and details will be shared soon, especially about how students who go above and beyond with their dress-up outfits can earn gift cards for themselves and class competition points for their grade! And that's just one of the class competitions Stu Co has planned. Stay tuned for more info next week.
HOMECOMING DANCE
Important planning note related to Homecoming Spirit Week: The semi-formal dance traditionally held at the end of Homecoming Spirit Week will instead be planned for the end of the Winter Spirit Week.
Roncalli High School Placement Test
Roncalli is excited to host the Class of 2025 for the High School Placement Test (HSPT) on Saturday, November 7! Additional details are below:
- Test begins at 8:00 a.m. and concludes by 11:15 a.m. Please arrive 15 minutes early, and use the Fine Arts Center entrance (Door #5)
- Cost is $10
- Students are asked to bring 2 sharpened No. 2 pencils; calculators are not allowed.
- Accommodations, as designated in the student’s IEP/ISP, are available only for those students who provide the appropriate documentation to Mrs. Michelle Roberts, Special Needs Director, at least 10 days prior to the HSPT.
- No need for parents/students to register or call in for the November HSPT test date.
- Only students who take the November HSPT are eligible for the Presidential Scholarship
- STARS students and parents are invited to the 8th grade parent meeting on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 7 PM in the Roncalli Auditorium.
Please contact Jessica Engel, School Counselor (317) 787-8277 (ext.235) or Jane Dias, Guidance Administrative Assistant (ext. 214) with questions.
SACRED SOUNDS CONCERTS
After much prayer and discussion, it has been decided the Sacred Sounds concert originally scheduled for October 5 will not be presented as planned. Instead, the choirs will tape their performances for family and friends to watch in their own homes. More details on how to access this concert will be provided in the near future.
MY STORY, R FAMILY SERIES
This week's My Story, R Family video features Michael Wantz, St. Jude Parish. For nearly 20 years, Coach Wantz has had a presence at Roncalli, whether it be in the classroom or on the court. No matter where he is leading, prayer is a constant part of his teaching and coaching life, and students really can't experience that in many other schools in the city.
For more information on the school and all we have to offer, please visit roncalli.org.
FREE LUNCH!
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has provided a waiver that will allow every student at Roncalli to receive a free breakfast meal and a free lunch meal everyday! Any one of our fabulous lunch choices will be available to your student at no charge!! (Reminder: A breakfast meal must include juice or fruit and a lunch meal must include at least one fruit or vegetable to make it a lunch.) All ala carte choices (water, cookies, shakes, chips, etc.) will still be charged at the normal price as will second servings of any entree. If your student is staying hybrid, they are also welcome to come down to the snack bar after school and pick up a peanut butter and jelly lunch for the next day as well as a breakfast at no charge! This waiver is good through the end of December or until the money from the USDA runs out, so let's take advantage of this while we can!
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
REQUIRED FRESHMAN PARENT MEETING
A letter was mailed out weeks ago to the parents of all of our current freshmen informing them of a requirement to attend one of our Required Freshman Parent meetings taking place this fall. This required freshman parent meeting was instituted 11 years ago, primarily as a means to try and establish or insure some “common ground” between our parents as primary educators and Roncalli as secondary educators. The meetings have received positive reviews from parents.
Learn More
There is only one more opportunity for parents to attend. The date is September 29. The meeting begins at 7:00 PM in the school’s auditorium.
NOTE: Parents who have had a freshman student previously at Roncalli are NOT required to attend one of these meetings. Failure to attend one of these meetings will result in the student not being allowed to stay at Roncalli for the second semester of the school year.
Please direct all questions to principal, Chuck Weisenbach, (317) 787-8277, extension 224.
RONCALLI MEDIA NETWORK
Roncalli Media Network - we're playing at Harrison West Lafayette this Friday at 7:00 PM. Tune in to hear the action!
Your place to see and hear Roncalli sports action! Check out upcoming broadcasted events on the calendar.
SUMMER FIELD STUDY 2021
June 14, 2021 - June 27, 2021
Family Information Night
September 28, 2020
7:00 PM Roncalli Auditorium
Families, please join us for a night of information about the upcoming 2021 Summer Field Study Adventure. The night will include the proposed itinerary, trip highlights, gear needs, and overall costs.
Learn More
Family Information Night
September 28, 2020
7:00 PM Roncalli Auditorium
The adventure is an accredited class within the Roncalli Curriculum that has been offered for the past 39 years. It is centered around providing an experience centered on Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si’. It additionally provides an outdoor living challenge to the students that has a focus on growing to a better understanding of how God is active in our lives. We invite all interested families to join us on September 28 at 7:00pm in the Roncalli Auditorium.
Please feel free to contact Tim Crissman with any questions that you may have.
2021-2022 SCHOOL CALENDAR
RONCALLI LETTER JACKET INFORMATION
A sales representative from Awards America will be at Roncalli in the cafeteria on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 and Thursday, October 8, 2020 during all lunch periods! He will also be in the cafeteria Wednesday, October 7, 2020 from 5:00 PM -7:00 PM. Jacket samples will be provided on the order day so students may be sized properly.
The price list and options are listed below. Payment IN FULL is requested the day an order is made. Checks made payable to: Roncalli High School.
See order form for pricing and details.
PICTURE RETAKES
Picture retakes will be on Tuesday, October 6th from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (not in the morning) in the RHS cafeteria. Students who are in school that day will be called down during 8th period to get their picture taken. Any student who is at home due to the hybrid schedule or synchronously learning from home, must come in after school for their retake. Any student who did not get their picture taken on the first day of school, will need to have their picture taken on this day. A student who does not get their picture taken will not be included in the school yearbook. Anyone who is doing a picture retake, must bring back their picture packet. Students who are getting their picture taken can be out of uniform, but shorts, jeans or inappropriate clothing are not allowed. There are picture information and payment packets available in the main office. Please contact Kevin Banich, Assistant Principal for Student Life.
COVID-19 SCREENING GUIDE FOR PARENTS
The Indiana State Department of Health has provided guidelines to help parents screen their child for symptoms related to COVID-19. Should you find that your child has one or more of the symptoms, please keep your child home. Please call the school and let us know of the current conditions. The school will follow up with each symptomatic student's parents with regards to return to school protocols. It is highly recommended as well that you contact your health care provider to discuss your child's health situation. Should you have questions related to COVID-19 matters please contact Tim Crissman, Dean of Students.
CORPORATE SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES!
Roncalli offers a comprehensive 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. Space will be limited so if your business is interested in supporting Roncalli through Walkathon, Roncalli Media Network, Homecoming, Fall Sports, Rebel 5ive podcast, Rebelation or brand new opportunities in Roncalli’s newest multiple use facility, Ascension St. Vincent Gymnasium, please email Gary Armbruster or call him at 317-525-7046.
PAID POSITIONS AT Roncalli
Roncalli's Cafeteria is looking for employees that have the best interests of our students at their heart! Our cafeteria team is a family with a mission to provide the best possible food for our students. We are a faith filled, welcoming group that is looking for new members to carry the torch of good nutrition. These paid positions fit perfectly into a school parents day. PLEASE call us for more information. What a great way to serve your community! Thank you for your consideration! Email Jeff Richardson or call 317-788-4099.
SYNCHRONOUS LEARNING REMINDERS
Students will join a Google Meet link located on the top of each canvas course page for synchronous learning at the start of each class period.
Submitting student work online: Students will download the free Canvas Student App from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store using a mobile device such as a cell phone or tablet. If your student does not have access to a device please contact Jenny Carroll. This application will allow for submission of handwritten student work while in the online setting. Assistance in downloading this app and submitting online work can be found on canvas in their Class of 20## page.
FUTURE FOUNDATIONS PROGRAM
Roncalli's Future Foundation program allows families to work with Roncalli to support Tuition Assistance and help defer their student's tuition cost. Click here to learn more about the program!
If you are interested in participating, please complete the google form here.
After you have completed that google form, we will be happy to get you registered and working in our program! Any other questions, please contact Jeff Traylor.
DISTANCE LEARNING MEALS
Is your distance learning student eating you out of house and home? Let Roncalli help. We can provide a week's worth of breakfasts and lunches at the same cost as your student usually pays at school at one pick-up. This may be especially beneficial for our families who receive the free and reduced lunch assistance. If you are interested in this service please contact Jeff Richardson or Lani Cummings at 317-788-4099.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
SUPPORT THE PERFORMING ARTS
The Roncalli Performing Arts is currently selling ads for the Roncalli 2020-21 Performing Arts Book. The Performing Arts Book is distributed at all major fine arts performances and concerts and features pictures of our seniors in the performing arts program as well as pictures of the many different performing arts ensembles and groups.
Learn More
Ad prices are as Follows:
- Business Card Size-$65
- ¼ Page Ad-$165
- ½ Page Ad-$275
- Full Page Ad-$450
The purchase of a ½ page ad gets you a Roncalli VIP card. While the current VIP program is being revamped due to the current COVID attendance restrictions, we hope to be able to provide free tickets to all Roncalli sporting and performing arts events in the near future.
To purchase an ad in the Performing Arts book, contact a performing arts student or Mike Lewinski or Miki Lewinski.
The Roncalli Performing Arts Book Ad Campaign is the primary fundraiser for the Performing Arts Booster. All proceeds from the Performing Arts book campaign goes directly to support the Performing Arts at Roncalli.
GREETINGS FROM GUIDANCE
Transcripts Available
For the month of September, historical grades for students in Grade 10 through 12 will be available in Family Link. Log into FamilyLink using your child's Roncalli ID and password and click on Secondary Mark History on the left side of the screen. Cumulative GPAs will also be available.
Learn More
FAFSA Night
- Who: Roncalli Seniors and their families
- When: Tuesday, October 6th at 7:00 PM
- Where: Roncalli Auditorium
- Presenter: Sandy Osborne - UIndy Assistant Director of Financial Aid
Everyone in attendance will be required to wear a mask, maintain social distance, and complete a wellness self-assessment.
El Departamento de Guía de la Preparatoria de Roncalli High School invita a las familias de habla hispana de los estudiantes que actualmente cursan el onceavo (Juniors) y doceavo (Seniors) grado a Noche Latina de Planeamiento Futuro en el “Media Center” el día martes 6 de octubre a las 7:00 pm. Los temas que serán cubiertos incluyen: Visitas a las universidades, carreras universitarias, requisitos de admisión, cuando se debe aplicar, como pagar por la universidad. Esperamos verlos ese día!
The Roncalli High School Guidance Department invites all Spanish-speaking families of current juniors and seniors to attend Latino Future Planning Night in the Media Center on Tuesday, October 6th at 7:00 PM. Topics covered will include: campus visits, college majors, admissions requirements, when to apply, and how to pay for college. We hope to see you there!
Future Planning Night for Freshmen/Sophomores
- Who: Roncalli Freshmen, Sophomores, and their families
- When: Wednesday, October 7th at 7:00
- Where: Roncalli Auditorium
Everyone in attendance will be required to wear a mask, maintain social distance, and complete a wellness self-assessment.
Noche Latina de Planeamiento Futuro
El Departamento de Guía de la Preparatoria de Roncalli High School invita a las familias de habla hispana de los estudiantes que actualmente cursan el noveno grado y décimo grado a Noche Latina de Planeamiento Futuro en el “Media Center” el día miércoles 7 de octubre a las 7:00 pm. Los temas que serán cubiertos incluyen: el proceso de búsqueda de universidades, visitas a las universidades, carreras universitarias, y opciones distintas a una licenciatura de cuatro años. Esperamos verlos ese día!
The Explorer Posts
The Explorer Posts program provides students with opportunities to explore and shadow careers in a variety of different fields including: business, engineering and technology, health care, fire and EMS, law enforcement, and more! Please take a look at the program guidebook to learn more about how to get involved.
From Desk of the Social Worker
The school social worker’s role is to assist the school in meeting the social, emotional and mental health needs of its students, parents/guardians, and teachers. This is done through individual sessions with students, meetings with parents or families, small groups, coordinating with other service providers, providing resources to families or students, consulting and facilitating a teamwork approach with teachers and staff at school. Please fill out this form if you or someone you know would benefit from these services and the social worker will follow up on the referral.
FREE/REDUCED MEAL APPLICATIONS
This year for the first time, Roncalli families will apply online for free/reduced meals. Please go to mymealtime.com. For a detailed instruction guide click here. If you have any questions or difficulties with this process, please call our office at (317)788-4099 or email Eileen Horan.
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.
AN EVENING AMONG THE STARS
PLEASE PRAY
- For the repose of the soul of Lucille Rodrigues, mother of Kim Striby, English and Psychology instructor, who passed away. May God comfort her loved ones and give them peace.
- 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 Samantha (Maddox) Brown R'04. She is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
- For Julie Sommers, STARS Life Academy instructor, who has been diagnosed with breast 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 those who struggle to find adequate food, clothing, shelter, and medical services and for those most in need of God’s mercy.
- 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.
Earn Money For Roncalli When You Shop!
HELPFUL INFORMATION
PAST NEWSLETTERS
