RONCALLI HIGH SCHOOL WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - October 9, 2020
FALL BREAK
School will resume on Monday, October 19. We hope all in the Roncalli Family have a restful, enjoyable fall break!
NOTE: With fall break next week, there will be no weekly e-newsletter on October 16th.
ALL STUDENTS BACK ON 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.
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)
HOMECOMING KING AND QUEEN
Congratulations to this year’s homecoming queen Ali Dafforn and king Baron Huebler!
SPIRIT OF THE FAMILY TRADITION SCHOLARSHIP
Congratulations to senior Mary Clodfelter for being awarded this year’s Spirit of the Family Tradition scholarship!
To be eligible for this scholarship, each $1,500 scholarship winner must be a child of a Sacred Heart Central, Kennedy Memorial, Bishop Chartrand or Roncalli alumna, must be a senior who has attended Roncalli for three years and must prepare a 500 word essay sharing their feelings and experiences about the “Spirit of the Family Tradition” at Roncalli. Mary’s mom Laurie (Evans) Clodfelter was a member of Roncalli’s Class of 1988.
Mary's family attends St. Barnabas Catholic Church. She is a four year member of the Roncalli softball team, and participated in basketball and cross country for one year. Mary is also a member of the National Honor Society.
IMPORTANT PSAT INFORMATION
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.
VOLLEYBALL WINS COUNTY TOURNEY TITLE
The varsity girls volleyball team defeated Brebeuf Jesuit in four games last Saturday to win the Marion County Tournament. The title is the 10th Marion County Tournament crown in the program’s history and fourth straight. In Saturday’s semifinal round, Roncalli defeated Lawrence North. Both the semifinal and final rounds were played at Lawrence North. Earlier in the week, Roncalli defeated Warren Central and North Central, each in three games, to advance to the tournament’s semifinal round. The title was Roncalli’s second of the week, after clinching its fifth-straight Circle City Conference title with a victory at Heritage Christian last Monday night.
“Entering the tournament final four, we were on a high, coming off a grueling, successful week,” said head coach Christina Erazmus. “The players hit the ground running, battled and came home with the title. I am so proud of the player and team growth I have seen the past few weeks. We are playing at a high level at the perfect time.”
RONCALLI MEDIA NETWORK
Roncalli is playing varsity football at home against Perry Meridian High School tonight Friday, October 9. Kick-off at 7:00 PM. Also, the freshman football team will host Lafayette Jefferson on Saturday at noon.
Your place to see and hear Roncalli sports action! Check out upcoming broadcasted events on the calendar.
THANK YOU, RITA BOYLE!
Good luck in your retirement, Mrs. Boyle, and thanks for taking such great care of us for 26 years!
ABOVE AND BEYOND - PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Congratulations to the junior Emma Halter, girls volleyball, who was recognized as the Above and Beyond Player of the Week for surpassing 2,000 digs by Coach Christina Erazmus 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
A huge thanks and congratulations to our awesome Roncalli students who did such a great job in the first quarter with Community Service hours. During the first nine weeks, our students accumulated 14,521 hours of service to those in need!! What a huge difference you are making in the lives of others. Here are a few tips for students moving forward:
- While the email verification is the primary method to have hours approved, please make sure to attach the geo-location to your service log
- It is always a great idea to also take a picture while doing the service projects. This is a great way to share the wonderful things that you are doing!!
- Consistently check your service logs to make certain that they are being verified. If a log has not been verified within seven days, email the adult supervisor and ask them to check their spam and trash for a request from MobileServe to verify the hours.
- If you still do not get verification from your adult supervisor, you may then use your parent's email to verify the hours. Please keep in mind that this would be the "last resort" only after working with the adult who was with you on the service project.
Thanks to all the Roncalli students who, despite the current situation, are still doing so much in their community.
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.
WALKATHON 2020 VIRTUAL WALK
Donate Online!
This week, students received their yellow collection envelopes in their 8th period classes. These will be turned in beginning Friday, October 23 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. 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 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.
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.
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.
TRANSPORTATION NEEDED
We have a family that lives near 135 and the Forrest Commons area that has a significant need for transportation assistance. Please call Andi Baker in the Roncalli Main Office at 317-787-8277 or email her at abaker@roncalli.org if you can provide help. Thank you!
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 video features Janie Killion, a 1966 graduate of Chartrand High School, Holy Name parishioner and current member of the Roncalli Advancement Committee. What an awesome story to hear from an alumna of this great community to see how far we've come as a family.
For more information on the school and all we have to offer, please visit roncalli.org.
STARS RESOURCE PROGRAM PARENT INFORMATION MEETING
- Who: Parents of students identified with Specific Learning Disabilities, ADD/ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Language Impairments, Hearing Impairments, Visual Impairments, Emotional Disabilities and Other Health Impairments
- When: Tuesday, October, 20, 2020 7:00 PM
- Where: Roncalli High School Auditorium
- What: Learn the process for students to receive accommodations on Roncalli’s placement test and hear details about the STARS resource program. ** Please bring a copy of your student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Individual Service Plan (ISP) as well as any psychometric testing to the meeting.
If unable to attend please contact: Michelle Roberts, Director of Special Services.
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.
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.
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
Learn More
2021 United States Senate Youth Program
Two Indiana students will be selected to earn a $10,000 college scholarship and participate in a VIRTUAL WEEK “IN” Washington, D.C. on March 14-18, 2021. Complete information can be found at here. Eligible students are high school juniors and seniors who are currently serving in leadership roles in student government:
- Student body president, vice president, secretary, or treasurer
- Class president, vice president, secretary, or treasurer
- Student council representative
- National Honor Society officer (including discipline-based Honor Society such as the National English and Social Studies Honor Societies that include service components)
- Student representative elected or appointed to a district, regional, or state level civic or educational organization.
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.
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 (mroberts@roncalli.org), 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.
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 Jerry Dickey, grandfather of senior Matthew Babb. May God comfort his family during this difficult 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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