RONCALLI HIGH SCHOOL WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - August 6, 2021
THANK YOU SENIORS!
Freshman Orientation was Saturday, July 31. Roncalli hosted over 400 students with the seniors welcoming the Class of 2025 to our Royal family. Senior energy and leadership was on full display--job well done, seniors!
A special thank you to Angie McHugh who helped design, organize and implement orientation. Her work was vital to the day's success.
Also, thank you to John Hasty, Kevin Banich, Tim Crissman, Angela Maly, Cassie McGill, Jessica Engel, Scott Houser, Brittany Ratcliff, Julie Sommers, Kim Striby, Gerard Striby, Katie Hibner, Joey Newton, Jessica Engel, Phil Anderson, Debbie Meyer, Kristel Owen, Jeff Richardson, Raegan Evans, Allie Ross and Fr. Bob Robeson for working freshman orientation and helping our freshmen.
Way to go, Roncalli Royals!
RONCALLI GRADUATES OF INDIANAPOLIS YOUTH LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
Left to right: Nathan Hollcraft, Lauren Kill, Lili Wisler, Matthew Hellinga
Congratulations to four of our students who graduated from the Indianapolis Youth Leadership Academy held mid-June. Sophomores Nathan Hollcraft, Matthew Hellinga, junior Lauren Kill and senior Lili Wisler participated in this five day (8am-5pm) learning experience for 15-18 year olds, interested in receiving a basic understanding of leadership regarding individuals and organizations. The instruction benefits individuals pursuing a career in business, public service, education, government and public administration, health, safety or any other career where leadership is required. We are proud of you!
RONCALLI
MAKING A DIFFERENCE!
TRAFFIC UPDATE
Thank you to everyone for your patience during the first days of school. It will probably take another week or so for all students and families to figure out what works best for them in the morning and in the afternoon, so continued patience is appreciated.
Helpful Hint - The amount of traffic entering the campus in the morning from the north (LaSalle Street) is significantly lighter than that entering the campus from the south (Prague Road). Families that live west of Madison Avenue should strongly consider using Thompson Road as your east/west road and accessing campus from LaSalle Street. Other ways to minimize your traffic challenges before and/or after school include the following:
- Dropping off your student in the morning between 6:50 AM and 7:10 AM might allow you to miss substantial traffic.
- Picking up your student in the afternoon at 3:30 PM or after will allow you to miss a great deal of traffic.
- Please do not block the entrance ramp to St. Jude’s parking lot that is off of Prague Road; this can lead to total gridlock!
Our police officers ask that you please be attentive to their instructions/directions. Again, the first few days will present some unique challenges as everyone adapts to traffic flow, timing, etc.
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
THURSDAY, AUGUST 19
The second most energy filled adult activity of the school year (behind Grandparents’ Day) is our annual Back to School Night, which will be held on Thursday, August 19. Registration begins at 6:00 PM with the formal program beginning at 6:30 PM in the Ascension St. Vincent Gymnasium. After a brief program in the family room, you will move through an abbreviated version of your child’s schedule and have the chance to meet each of your child’s teachers. Annually, our parents have come out in record numbers and thoroughly enjoyed their opportunity to be back in high school for one evening. This is an important night for our parents. Please be sure to be with us! FREE Roncalli yard signs will be available!
FROM RONCALLI STU CO
Save the date for August 23-27 for the Canned Food Drive!
RONCALLI COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM
The Roncalli Community Service program is excited to welcome back all of our students for the 2021-2022 school year. We have had many of our students complete a great number of service hours over the summer, and we are looking forward to working with students this year to continue our partnership with organizations and churches to meet the needs of those who continue to struggle during these difficult times.
This year, all service done by our students can once again count toward service hours. The only exception is that hours completed for immediate family members (parents and siblings) cannot count toward hours, and work done at one's own house cannot count toward service hours.
If there are any questions concerning the Community Service Program, please contact Gerard Striby or Katie Hibner.
2021-22 UNIFORM PANTS
We are very appreciative of the great cooperation we received during the recently completed school year from our students and parents regarding the style of pants that were to be worn as a part of the school uniform.
It is important to note that we are the only Catholic high school in the Indianapolis area that does not require uniform pants of its students. While some students and parents would support a move to uniform pants, the overwhelming majority of students and parents prefer to purchase their school pants in a price range of their choice and at a retail store of their choice. We wish to continue to honor this desire, but it must happen in such a way that we are not consistently wasting valuable instructional time and administrative time dealing with fashion compliance issues.
Learn More
Thus, we ask once again for the total support of our parents and students in making sure there is adherence to a specific style of pants (slacks) that will be allowed this school year. In accordance with the student handbook, the slacks must be dress slacks made of cotton-twill material similar to a pair of “Dockers” pants. Slacks must be minimum of "boot cut" and/or straight leg in diameter around the lower leg and may not be worn in a manner that hugs the complete contour of the lower body.
If you look at the visuals below, the three pictures on top illustrate acceptable choices while the three pictures on the bottom with an X through them are not acceptable choices.
Please direct all questions, concerns, and/or comments related to this matter to RHS Dean of Students, Tim Crissman.
Thanks in advance for your continued cooperation on this matter.
HOMECOMING POST GAME PARTY TICKETS
The Homecoming party is back! Join us on Friday, September 24. The fun starts immediately after the halftime presentations.
We will have snacks, a cash bar and music by Train Wreck! Get your $10 ticket today in the Roncalli Advancement Office. Questions can be directed to Fran Davey.
𝙈𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙗𝙚 21 𝙤𝙧 𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙙
GRANDPARENTS DAY RETURNS
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021, 8:30 AM - NOON
Roncalli High School is excited to announce that our school’s very special celebration of Grandparents Day is back and will be held on Friday, September 3. Even better news is that after having to limit attendance in previous years, we now are able to invite grandparents of all of our students to join us thanks to the spacious nature of our new Ascension St. Vincent Gymnasium.
Learn More
DETAILS
The format this year will include an opening program just for grandparents followed by an all school liturgy and conclude with grandparents going to class with their grandchild.
Grandparents and all students will be dismissed at noon so that those that wish to enjoy lunch together may do so.
Registration for this year’s Grandparents Day will be done electronically through the link provided below. Anyone (grandparents, parents, grandchildren) can access the link and complete the registration. There will be no invitation letter or paper registration this year. Any grandparents who wish to be a part of our celebration this year must submit the following information (name, address, email, cell phone number) through the link. We will send a follow-up reminder email with details two weeks prior to the event.
Your child! Your choice! Your dollars!
Check the income criteria below - Estimates indicate that between 80-90% of families will qualify.
Indiana Choice Scholarships pay $5,500 - $6,500 of your child’s Roncalli tuition!
Please contact Director of Tuition Assistance, Amy Kuntz at akuntz@roncalli.org or 317.787.8277 ext. 278 if you have any questions or want to explore your options.
Choose your school, choose Roncalli.
CHOICE SCHOLARSHIP (VOUCHER)
DEADLINE AUGUST 31ST
A mailing went out to all families that have an approved Choice Scholarship Voucher for the 2021/22 school year on Wednesday 7/7/21. If you received this mailing, please sign and return the forms and your voucher will be secured for this school year.
If you think you qualify for a Choice Scholarship Voucher and you did NOT receive a letter in the mail with your voucher approval or haven’t worked with Amy to sign the papers in the last 3 weeks, please call or email Amy Kuntz 317-787-8277 ext 278 so we can obtain the necessary paperwork and file your voucher. Guidelines for the Indiana Choice Scholarship Voucher Program can be found here.
DEADLINE AUGUST 31ST
HEARING SCREENING
The Marion County Public Health Department will be at Roncalli to administer the state mandated hearing screening services for sophomores on Thursday, August 26. A parent/guardian has the right to decline this service for your child. If you do not want the health department to conduct a hearing screening for your sophomore child, please email Andi Baker or call 317-787-8277, ext. 221 in the main office.
PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
The Honors Economics students will be participating in a Community Poverty Simulation and we need 20 parent volunteers to run this event. We will be working in the Bishop Chartrand Gymnasium (old gym) on September 9, from 7:30 AM - 3 PM. If you are available and interested in joining this experience, please contact Betsy Strader for further information.
FALL SPORT PICTURE DAY AUGUST 9TH
All Fall athletes will have team pictures taken on Monday, August 9 starting at 3:15 PM. More information to follow from your coaches.
NEWS FROM THE RONCALLI CAFETERIA
This school year, all students will be eligible for free meals (breakfast and lunch). However, we still encourage our families to apply for the free or reduced benefit which will determine if your family is eligible for textbook assistance and other benefits. The online application portal opened Monday, July 26. Go to mymealtime.com and find the link that says Mealtime Apply Online. Some families have already received letters from us stating that they are eligible for free or reduced meals. If you have received such a letter, you do not have to fill out an application.
If you have a question about the application process, please call our cafeteria office at (317)788-4099.
TRANSPORTATION NEWS
WE CAN HELP YOU!
Find us on Facebook for carpooling/transportation information: Roncalli High School Carpooling/Transportation
Through the years, we have proven to be very successful in helping families/students that are in need of transportation assistance(to and/or from school).
- If your family is in need of assistance with transportation, please email Andi Baker or call 317-787-8277, ext. 221. Please provide her with the following details (your name, contact information, major crossroads near where you live and what your needs are (ride to school, home from school or both). We will make every effort to connect you with another RHS family that can assist with your transportation needs.
- If your family/student is willing to assist other RHS families/students with a ride to school and/or home from school, please contact Andi Baker and provide her with the same information as noted in the first paragraph. This can be an excellent way for your family/student to benefit from some extra gas money.
Learn More
We have the following RHS families who are in need of some assistance with transportation. If your family would like to pick up some additional gas money and provide assistance for one of these families would you please email Andi Baker or call 317-787-8277, ext. 221.
- Needs ride in the morning on Tuesdays and needs ride home every afternoon (135 and Smith Valley)
- Needs ride to and from school (Morgantown and Smokey Row)
- Needs ride to and from school (Thompson and Keystone)
- Needs ride to school (Somerset Neighborhood in Bargersville - could meet at SFSC in morning)
- Needs ride home from school daily (Main Street in Greenwood between US 31 and 135)
SOCIAL WORKER PARENT INFORMATION
GUIDANCE CORNER
The Roncalli Guidance Team is excited to welcome students back for the 2021-2022 school year! Remember that counselors are here to serve your students’ academic, social/emotional, and career needs. Click here to meet The Guidance Team and for contact information on your student’s counselor.
Lilly Endowment Foundation Scholarships
Qualifying seniors may apply for these scholarships according to their county of residence. A Lilly Endowment Foundation Scholarship includes full tuition for four years, a $900 book stipend, and all required fees at any university in the state of Indiana.
Learn More
MARION and HAMILTON COUNTY residents
The Central Indiana Community Foundation will select students from each of these counties for the Lilly Scholarship. Roncalli may nominate two students from each county. Preliminary applications and instructions are available in the Guidance Office and are due to Mrs. Kelly Kuntz by 4:00 on Thursday, August 12. For all the details contact Mrs. Kuntz or your student’s Counselor, click here
- MORGAN COUNTY residents - Applications can be found here. The deadline is Friday, August 27.
- JOHNSON COUNTY residents - Applications can be found here. The Deadline is Monday, August 23.
- SHELBY COUNTY residents - Applications can be found here. The Deadline is Wednesday, September 1.
SAVE-THE-DATE!
An Evening with College Reps. Monday, August 23
We are excited to again host An Evening with College Representatives in person on August 23 starting at 7:00 PM! This event is open to all grade levels and parents are encouraged to attend with your students!
SAVE THE DATE
Get ready to celebrate together! Mark your calendars for the Circle of Faith Distinction Dinner, September 23, 2021!
Visit https://giving.roncalli.org/ for more information.
RONCALLI SUBSTITUTE TEACHER SEARCH
Join the GREAT Royal Family!
Roncalli High School is looking for additional substitute teachers:
- faith-filled individuals
- who love working with the future of tomorrow
- We have great leaders!
- We have great teachers!
- We have a great support staff!
- We have great students!
- We have great subs!
- We have a great school!
If you are interested in being a SUBSTITUTE TEACHER and joining the GREAT Roncalli Royal Family, then contact Jeff Small.
VACCINATION INFORMATION FOR TEENS
KROGER REWARDS MAKES A DIFFERENCE!
Every little bit counts! Take a look at the great benefits Roncalli receives when you shop at Kroger with your Kroger rewards card. Make sure you have your card associated with Roncalli’s code AS409. In 2018, Roncalli’s rewards totalled $7,315.87. See the link at the bottom of the newsletter, or click here, choose “I’m a Customer,” and type in Roncalli’s code AS409 to link your rewards to benefit our school.
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.
Learn More
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.
SPRING BREAK & MORATORIUM WEEK 2022
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 24. School will resume at 7:30 AM on Monday, April 4.
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.
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 2022 Moratorium Week for the summer of 2022 will be from July 4 - July 8. 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.
NATIVITY AUGUSTRAVAGANZA!
Join us August 13-14th for Nativity's annual festival! Featured events include kids' games, live music, festival rides, food tent, catered dinners (Friday Mexican Fiesta and Saturday pulled pork), Silly Safari, Baby Crawl, raffle, bingo, Monte Carlo, beer tent, and tours of our beautiful newly renovated church! Preview events on Thursday night include a Cupcakes and Canvas painting event and a beer tasting competition. Plenty of volunteer opportunities for high school service hours! Saturday mass will be at 4PM. Check out all the details here.
License #000754
ST. BARNABAS YOUTH MINISTER
St. Barnabas Catholic Church and School is seeking a full-time pastoral, creative, relationship-driven, and dynamic Youth Minister to serve alongside our youth, parents, and members of the parish. Not only will this position continue to strengthen existing ministries for middle and high school youth but will also be responsible for teaching 8th grade religion during the school year. This person will work closely with the Director of Faith Formation and Principal of the school.
The ideal candidate should hold a bachelor’s degree in theology or a related field or have at least 3 years of youth ministry experience. Applicants must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church.
Strong organizational skills, written and verbal communication skills are a must, and be fluent in the latest technological trends. The applicant must have the ability to coordinate and work well with volunteers and exhibit good leadership skills.
Email Ja-Dean Johnson.
PLEASE PRAY
- For the repose of the soul Dr. Emmanuel Kratsios, father of Barbara Kratsios R’15, who died in a car accident. May God provide his family comfort and strength during this difficult time.
- For Bill Mullen Hon’14, who is battling serious health issues.
- For Kathy Tinder, long time teacher at Roncalli, who continues to battle serious health issues.
- 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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