Principal's Corner
One thing I am learning with our eNotes is that our commitment to publish around the middle of the month puts us in a different rhythm and as you read these notes our students are in the midst of their mid-year assessment. Each student approaches this assessment time differently but most are intent on investing the effort to do their very best in their exams. This time provides some closure on all the class work covered in the fall semester and our students look forward to a fresh start as we begin semester two.
We have a very exciting week coming up with our Winterterm program during the week of the January 22-25. In addition to the extra work provided by our dedicated faculty. I want to thank in advance the many individuals from the community who are committing their time to enrich the Winterterm Curriculum. Winterterm has gained momentum and energy over the years and the interest and commitment from select parents and other community members really serve to make this a highlight for the academic year. As a side note, it also provides a refreshing break in the routine. Please read elsewhere in this publication for details and vist our website and view the myriad of courses available this year.
As I write we are putting the construction work of Phase 1 to bid. We are hopeful that we will select a contractor within thirty days and we will begin preparation towards the changes taking place over the summer months. It is going to be an exciting change for the school and one that will signify that we are moving forward in making our campus master plan a reality. Phase 1, naturally is only the first step. We will prepare you for the changes that will affect your habits of entering and exiting campus as the spring approaches.
One important note is that we will be looking for many "foster homes" for many plants and bushes that currently surround the campus. As soon as spring arrives we will be asking volunteers to come to St. Thomas and dig up, take home and replant a bush or plant that we will want to bring back to campus this fall. This will take quite an effort of coordination but be thinking now if you can help us in this regard. I will ask our newly formed CAST to help coordinate this effort. As part of Phase 1 you will find many areas for plant life in and around our campus. It is our hope that volunteers can help keep assigned areas beautified. This will be a great community effort. Be thinking about how you might like to be involved.
I wish all of you the very best in this New Year. We continue to be blessed by your sons and daughters. They are the best!
God bless you,
Jeffrey A. Quinn
January Parent eNotes
Upcoming Events and News
Important Dates
- Monday, January 21- Martin Luther King Day, No School
- Tuesday, January 22- Winterterm Begins, school day 9:00am to 2:00pm
- Monday, January 28- Professional Day, No School
- Tuesday, January 29- 3rd Quarter Begins
- Wednesday, February 6- Ash Wednesday, School Mass
- Wednesday, February 13- Faculty Meeting, Late Start
- Wednesday, February 20- Curriculum Meeting, Late Start
Snow day reminder If poor weather or travel conditions force us to cancel or delay school, that announcement is made public as early as possible. In most cases the information is on the radio, television and the St. Thomas website by 6:00 a.m. A complete list of stations is included in the handbook. If our school opening is delayed, the delay is always two hours; buses run two hours later than usual and advisor period begins at 10:00 a.m. (Students are happy to know that delayed opening days are automatic dress-down days!)
Bus transportation during Midyear Assessment and Winterterm Morning buses will run one hour later than usual during Midyear Assessment and Winterterm Weeks; school begins at 9:00 a.m. both weeks. Afternoon buses will depart at 1:30 p.m. during Assessment Week and at 2:20 p.m. during Winterterm Week. Please note that special attendance rules apply during these weeks as outlined in the student handbook.
Financial Aid for 2008-2009 The process to apply for financial aid for the 2008-2009 school year is beginning. Financial aid packages are now available. Please contact Patty Krupsky for a package or information. The deadline to apply is March 1.
Catholic Charities We recently received a nice letter from New Hampshire Catholic Charities thanking us for our efforts in our annual Christmas gift program. They were very pleased to see Campus Minister, Mr. Adams pull up. In their words "When Mr. Adams arrived at our office, his van looked like Santa's sleigh." We would like to extend our thanks to those of you who helped us to provide gifts for those less fortunate.
Winterterm Information Winterterm Course information is available here. A schedule will be published on the front page of the website later this week.
Advancement
Aquinas Fund As of this month, our Aquinas Fund, which officially launched in November, is at 25% of our $440,000 goal! We want to thank each of you who has contributed or made a pledge. We also want to thank those of you who are helping the appeal by being on one of our calling teams. As you are all aware, the money raised for the Aquinas Fund is a necessary component to the school's annual operating budget. Every donation matters. With just over five months remaining in our Aquinas Fund appeal your participation is key!
Families who are new to St. Thomas have not received an appeal letter or a phone call. We are in the planning stages of an informational event designed specifically for these families. The details of the event will be announced in the upcoming weeks.
Our full Aquinas Fund team, which includes current and past parents, alumni, board members and friends of St. Thomas, is meeting again this month. We will continue to keep you updated in these monthly messages. Thank you all for your support! Karen Monaco, Aquinas Fund Chairperson
ALL THAT JAZZ! Auction and Dinner Gala The excitement of the annual auction is beginning to build. The committee would like to update you all on a number of things that you'll want to be aware of.
Later this month each family will receive an item donation/sponsorship form. We hope that each of you will consider making a donation to the auction. We love items of all shapes, sizes and values! We would like the form returned by 2/22/08. The items themselves can be sent into school any time prior to the auction.
RAFFLE- As we did last year, we are having a CASH RAFFLE with a GRAND PRIZE of $2,500! The tickets are $25 for 3 or $10 each. Be sure to buy your tickets and let your friends and neighbors know too so they can all get in on the fun. Additional tickets can be purchased at the Main Office.
ONLINE AUCTION- NEW THIS YEAR! A number of auction items will be available for ONLINE BIDDING! From March 1st through March 16th we will be hosting an ONLINE AUCTION that is open to our entire St. Thomas community. Check out the website at www.stalux.org/auction. The site is up now for viewing and the bidding will go live on March 1st.
Guidance
Parents of Seniors To date 955 college applications have been processed!
Every year we have come to anticipate making extra calls to college admissions offices to verify that they have received transcript packets that we have mailed. As thousands of documents arrive daily at college admissions offices, it is not uncommon for students to receive notice from a college that something is missing. If this is the case, please let Mrs. Karwowski know so that she may check with the college/university directly. Rest assured that the majority of the time records have been received but are yet to be filed or scanned into the college's computer system.
Most colleges have financial aid deadlines between 1/15 and 3/1. Now is the time to file the FAFSA. To do so, please visit www.fafsa.ed.gov. Many private colleges require the CSS Profile as well. You can complete that application at www.collegeboard.com. If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Karwowski.
Mid-year grade reports will be automatically sent to all colleges where a decision has not been received.
Seniors who plan to play intercollegiate sports in college need to register with the NCAA at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net See Mrs. Karwowski once you have completed your registration.
Local scholarship applications are available. Please see Mrs. Karwowski.
Parents of Juniors As we begin the second semester Mrs. Kane will continue to meet with juniors individually and within the classroom. Parents are encouraged to make appointments or to call or e-mail with any questions. Juniors should be working on a typed resume. In addition they must request a letter of recommendation from a current or previous teacher. Both the resume and teacher's name are due to Mrs. Kane before February vacation.
SAT/Subject Test Registration Deadlines All juniors should take the SAT this spring. Students applying to selective colleges should take at least two subject tests as well. It is very important to include our school code (300143) when registering. Register on-line at www.collegeboard.com
January 29 - registration deadline for the March 1 SAT (no Subject Tests offered this date)
April 1 - registration deadline for the May 3 SAT or Subject Tests
May 6 - registration deadline for the June 7 SAT or Subject Tests
Destination College! The New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation (NHHEAF) network is gearing up for its 9th annual statewide college preparation convention for high school students and their parents. Destination College is a free event that will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at Southern New Hampshire University. Students and parents can register online at www.destinationcollege.org