RONCALLI HIGH SCHOOL WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - October 23, 2020
PSAT - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29
ALL FRESHMEN, SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS
On Thursday, October 29, all freshman, sophomores, and juniors will be taking the PSAT during the school day. Students should try to get plenty of rest the night before and eat a healthy breakfast before the test. Students will receive an email with their assigned testing location after Fall Break and will report to their assigned rooms at 7:45 AM on PSAT day. Students will be dismissed when testing concludes at around noon. Seniors will not come to school on PSAT Day and should use this time for college visits or job shadowing.
Synchronous learners who are not quarantined should plan to come to school in-person for PSAT day. All synchronous learners will be assigned to testing rooms that minimize having to walk through the building and allow students to be six feet apart throughout the test.
WALKATHON 2020 VIRTUAL WALK
Donate Online!
Turn in dates continue on Monday, October 26 - Thursday, October 29 in the morning before school and during lunch periods in the CAFETERIA. (Even when students reach their goal online, students need to turn in their envelopes.) When turning these envelopes in with the student’s goal met, they will receive their Walkathon t-shirt, out of uniform wristband for the days leading up to the walk and COOKIE COUPONS!
This year’s Walkathon is a virtual walk taking place on Friday, October 30. Dismissal for participants will be 11:45 AM. 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. The students who do not participate will attend study hall until 1:00 PM.
All students received an email from Boost My School. This contains their individual link to share in order to receive online donations. If your student did not receive this email, please contact Jeen Endris.
GIRLS SOCCER SECTIONAL CHAMPS
“I’m really proud of the girls and am thankful that they rewarded themselves for all of the hard work they have been putting in,” said head coach Maurice Schilten. “I told them early on that I felt this group had something special going for them and I’m happy for them to achieve this milestone, but I strongly believe that we have not yet reached our final destination for this season.”
WELCOME ALL STUDENTS BACK
NOVEMBER 2
Our intent is to welcome all students back to Roncalli on Monday, November 2. We will continue to offer a Synchronous Learning model for students/families that wish to receive their instruction while at home. A family must notify Mrs. Beth Reel, our Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs, by Monday, October 26, if they wish to be included in the synchronous learning group. We ask for this notification even from families whose children currently are using the synchronous learning model.
We plan to stay with our 7:45 AM - 2:30 PM daily bell schedule through Christmas but there will be no hybrid schedule beginning on Monday, November 2. A student will either attend school daily in person or learn from home via the synchronous model daily. Students will be allowed to move from the synchronous learning model to daily school attendance each Monday.
LIAN RECEIVES
EMERALD SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIP
President Steve Kemp, Senior Mang Lian and Scholarship Coordinator Joshua Lennon
On Thursday, October 8, Roncalli High School senior Mang Lian was surprised with a $1000 scholarship award from the Emerald Society! President Steve Kemp and Scholarship Coordinator Joshua Lennon presented the Emerald Society Firefighter Memorial Scholarship award and check to Lian. Lian was nominated for the scholarship by Roncalli guidance counselors and administration.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL WINS SECTIONAL
The varsity girls volleyball team defeated Perry Meridian 25-18, 25-18 and 25-20 last Saturday to win the Class 4A Pike sectional. Earlier in the day, Roncalli topped Pike in three games in the sectional semifinal. Roncalli had defeated Tech in three games in the opening round of the sectional on Thursday, October 15.
“It was so satisfying to bring home another championship this season,” said head coach Christina Erazmus. “The girls played consistently and cohesively to take the match in three sets. We are grateful for all of our success this season and the opportunity to play thus far. Nothing is taken for granted and we look forward to a productive week in the gym, preparing for some tough regional competition.”
Learn More
The 2020 sectional title is the program’s 29th and fourth straight. The win marks the first time the program has won four straight sectional titles since a string of 12 straight from 1987 through 1998. This year’s title is the program’s sixth sectional title since moving to Class 4A in 2011. Only eight volleyball programs in Indiana have won more sectional titles than Roncalli.
With three sectional victories last week, the team raised its record to 22-8. Roncalli travels to Greenfield-Central tomorrow for the regional round (Oct. 24). Roncalli will face Brownsburg (22-12) at 12:30 PM in the regional semifinal.
CONGRATULATIONS OUTSTANDING STUDENTS
Left to right (front): Kyla Poynter, Becca Zakrowski, Emily Hornek, Celia Boring and Julia Benich, Left to right (back) Anna Povinelli, Joey Luttrell, Jack Davis, Niko Asano, Andrew Baugh and Hayden Bean (not pictured Gabriella Conjelko)
Congratulations to our September 2020 Students of the Month who were honored with a catered lunch this past Monday and Tuesday!
IMPORTANT DATES
- Oct. 19-30 Hybrid schedule
- October 26 Final day to notify Mrs. Beth Reel of student/family’s desire to utilize synchronous learners on a daily basis
- October 30 Last day of hybrid schedule
- November 2 First day for all students at school (minus students using synchronous learning from home); bell schedule remains from 7:45 AM - 2:30 PM
- November 6 Enrichment Day (no school)
SCHOOL CALENDAR REMINDERS & CHANGES
Friday, November 6, 2020 - A reminder that the second of our two Faculty/Student Enrichment Days will be on Friday, November 6. There will be no school for students and teachers on this day - no school in person and no synchronous learning either.
Friday, January 15, 2021 - Our annual Faculty Day of Reflection which typically is held the day before school starts in August was postponed this year so that teachers would have more time to prepare for the synchronous learning model that has served our students so well. This day is a critical day of faith formation and reflection for our teachers which assists them in being more actively and passionately linked to their mission as ministers of the faith. We have scheduled this day for Friday, January 15, 2021. There will be no school for students on this day.
SHEETS JOINS BOARD AT SAINT MEINRAD
BAND AND CHORAL FEES DUE
This is a reminder to parents of band and choral students that the class fees are due November 1. Students with an outstanding band or choral balance after this date will be withdrawn from their band or choral class at the semester and their first semester choral or band grade will be withheld until the fees have been paid. If this fee poses a hardship, please contact Mr. Newton or Ms. Peach.
RONCALLI MEDIA NETWORK
Roncalli varsity football sectional game is at Northwest Middle School (previously Northwest High School) against Crispus Attucs tonight Friday, October 23. Kick-off at 7:00 PM.
Your place to see and hear Roncalli sports action! Check out upcoming broadcasted events on the calendar.
ABOVE AND BEYOND
Athlete OF THE WEEK
Congratulations to senior Matthew Croddy, Boys Cross Country, who was recognized as the Above and Beyond Player of the Week for advancing to semi-state this coming weekend by Coach Jeff Buckley and Jersey Mike’s Subs!
SPIRIT STORE HOLIDAY SALE
The Roncalli Spirit Store will hold its annual Holiday Sale on Saturday, November 7, 2020 in the Roncalli cafeteria from 9 AM to 1 PM. We will have fantastic new merchandise updated with the latest trends and styles for everyone on your Christmas shopping list, you won’t want to miss. Eighth grade parents, shop with us while your student takes the Roncalli placement exam. Check out our FB page (Roncalli Spirit Store) for weekly sneak peeks. For more information, please contact Wendy Lawrie, Director of the Roncalli Spirit Store at 787-8277 ext. 279. See you at the sale with your mask on!
COMMUNITY SERVICE
What an awesome first quarter we had in regards to Community Service! Over 14,000 hours were completed by our outstanding students in service to others. Let's keep that going since the need is still significant.
Just a few reminders as we move forward. Students should always make sure to get an accurate email address for the adult supervisor and attach the geo-location to their service log. While not required, it is also a great idea to attach a picture to their log. All of this helps to ensure that service hours can be approved in a timely manner.
While the first semester service hours are not due until Monday, December 7, it is always a great idea to get started early. How about grabbing a friend or two, a couple of rakes, and a box of bags and help clean up the yards of the elderly in your neighborhood?
SUPPORT WALKATHON
Want to show your support of this year’s Walkathon, we need gift cards for our students who reach beyond their goal and raise $100 or more in donations. Great ideas for gift cards: gas cards, Starbucks and fast food places. Send card to Jeen Endris at Roncalli, 3300 Prague Road, Indianapolis, IN 46227.
TRANSPORTATION NEEDED
Please consider helping
Significant need for transportation assistance.
- 135 and the Forrest Commons area
- ride needed to school daily. Thompson & Bluff
Please email or call Andi Baker in the Roncalli Main Office at 317-787-8277 if you can provide help. Thank you!
BUS DRIVERS NEEDED
Roncalli is looking to expand its pool of licensed bus drivers. The school is willing to pay for the cost of the licensure process. Driving for Roncalli athletic events, field trips, show choir competitions, etc. can be a fun experience and a great supplemental income. Please email the school's Transportation Director, Jason Sims, or call (317) 787-8277, extension 262 if interested.
SENIOR PORTRAIT STUDIO
Southside Prestige portrait studio opened. Read the full letter about appointments and guidelines.
SENIOR MASS DATE CHANGE
The Senior Mass for the Roncalli Class of 2021 was scheduled for Friday, May 14. However, the recently released schedule of AP tests for May, 2021, has forced us to change the date for our Senior Mass to Thursday, May 13, 2021. We apologize for any inconvenience.
MY STORY, R FAMILY SERIES
This week's My Story, R Family comes from senior and St. Barnabas parishioner, Grace Cassiero. We love seeing the love our students have for God and service, and Grace's story is truly inspiring. She has heard God's call, and she is answering it!
For more information on the school and all we have to offer, please visit roncalli.org.
RONCALLI 2020 OPEN HOUSE
Roncalli invites all prospective students in 5th – 8th grades, along with a parent or family member, to join them for an Open House on Thursday, November 5th from 6:00 – 7:30 PM.
Students are invited to join three informational sessions, focusing on topics such as campus ministry, academic, athletics, fine arts and the “big picture” Roncalli. Each session will last 15-20 minutes, with time for questions. Each session will accommodate 50 students and one parent or family member will be able to join them. For those who attend the entire evening, guests will be eligible to win one of three $100 gift certificates to the Roncalli Spirit Store. Guests must attend all three sessions and be present to win.
Sign up to attend a session via SignUp Genius and see why so many people are making Roncalli their choice for high school! For information about Roncalli, visit roncalli.org, or email Allie Ross or call 317-787-8277 extension 243 with questions.
RONCALLI WRESTLING FOUNDATION
The Elementary and Middle School wrestling season begins on November 3 and ends on March 13. Students can join at any time with practices and weight lifting on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Roncalli, and we will participate in a full competition schedule. More details can be found on our website - roncalliwrestlingfoundation.org or contact Coach McClurg @ 317-501-8306.
FREE SCHOOL MEALS EXTENDED
Through MAY 2021!
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended the waiver that will allow every student at Roncalli to receive a free breakfast meal and a free lunch meal everyday throughout the remainder of the school year!
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. As long as your student is a hybrid learner, they are still 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 the 2020/2021 school year!
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
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, 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.
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
College Goal Sunday
Indiana’s largest FAFSA filing event, will be held virtually on October 25th, 2020 from 2 – 4 PM(EDT). FAFSA filing experts from all across Indiana will be available during the event to help all attendees with filing their FAFSA. Anyone wishing to file their FAFSA with free expert help should simply come to this page - CollegeGoalSunday.org - and click on the link to the virtual event between 2-4 PM.
Learn More
NCAA Webinar
If you are an athlete interested in playing collegiate sports, this is a great way for you to learn more about what is involved in the process. This webinar is NOT just for current seniors; but is great for current Sophomore and Junior student athletes as well!
College Reps “Visiting” Roncalli
The following college representatives will be holding virtual visits with Roncalli students next week. Please sign up to receive the link to these meetings through Naviance!!
- Texas Christian University - 10/26
- Savannah College of Art and Design - 10/26
- Vanderbilt University - 10/27
- Franklin College - 10/27
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.
Learn More
Parents are strongly encouraged to attend an Admissions Information meeting on the morning of the High School Placement Test from 10:00 – 11:15 AM in the Ascension St. Vincent Gym (new gym). Items covered at this meeting will include the Admissions Application, the Admissions process, the Financial Aid process and some general academic and scheduling information. The end of this meeting coincides with the end of the High School Placement Test.
Please contact Jessica Engel, School Counselor (317) 787-8277 (ext.235) or Jane Dias, Guidance Administrative Assistant (ext. 214) with questions.
JOB OPPORTUNITY AT ST. JUDE
St. Jude is searching for a part-time Cleaner to serve the parish center and school 8 - 10 hours per week, scheduling is flexible. Candidates must be dependable with a keen eye for detail.
To apply, interested applicants please contact Rachel Miller, Business Manager.
BREAST HEALTH MONTH
In recognition of October as Breast Health Awareness Month, Ascension St. Vincent is making it even easier for patients and community members to get mammograms by offering 3D screening mammograms for just $149 via MDSave at select locations.
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 Dolores “Becky” McHugh, grandmother of freshman Connor McHugh, mother of Steve McHugh R’84 and mother-in-law of Angie McHugh, Ministry Administrative Assistant. May God comfort her family during this difficult time.
- For Kara Cissell Rowell 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 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.
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