Creativity

May 1, 2008

Dear School Community Members:

The principals of the Catholic schools in Troy have been working diligently during the past four months to enhance our relationships with each other. Our common objective is to strengthen and sustain Catholic education within the City of Troy for years to come. We are now proud to announce a new association with Our Lady of Victory, Sacred Heart, and St. Augustine Schools. The following statement, authored by Mr. Fred Talarico, was released to the press during the month of April.

"It seems only natural for the Catholic Schools of Troy to initiate a collaborative partnership as a means of enhancing and strengthening their long time presence in the City of Troy. The principals of Our Lady of Victory, Sacred Heart, St. Augustine, and Catholic Central High Schools have resolved to advance their cooperative efforts with a shared sense of purpose. As a result, Catholic Central High School will become the site for a spring-time gathering of the schools to share a day of fun, food, and faith. This event is the first of many scheduled for the Troy Catholic Schools.

The principals of the Troy Catholic Schools envision their partnership as a commitment to the growth potential of Catholic education in the Troy area. They see their efforts as rooted in tradition and are excited about the potential for shared expansion among the four schools. All future planning and organization will be done cooperatively with a sharing of resources as each school continues to celebrate its own uniqueness. These are exciting times for the Troy Catholic Schools. The spring gathering will take place on Friday, May 16, 2008."

It is my hope that this is the first step of many that will allow us to operate as a PreK-12 Catholic school system. Our schools currently plan on working together on the school calendar, curriculum, marketing, faith formation, special events, and fundraising. Shared resources, common vision, and cooperative planning should produce the best possible education for our children. I again thank you for your cooperation and continued support.

Yours in peace,

Christopher Bott

Principal

SENIOR PARENTS

We are in the process of preparing the graduation program. All scholarships/grants will appear in the program but we REQUIRE a photocopy of the award letter. We will be glad to make the copies. The counselors will be meeting the seniors this month to fill out the "Post-Graduation Form" which indicates which college should receive the final transcript. An immunization record signed by Mrs. Tobias, school nurse, will also be sent to the college. If your senior has not made a final decision (or changes his/her mind), please notify the guidance office as soon as possible so the final transcript is sent to the correct college. ALL transcripts (including NCAA) will be mailed by Thursday, July 10, 2008.

Ö Seniors should notify each college to which they applied of their final decision, thanking the college for their time and consideration.

Ö All transcript fees must be paid before exams begin.

Ö There are several scholarships still available. Have your senior check the latest
bulletin in homeroom or stop in the guidance office

Guidance is seeking the names of seniors planning to study nursing in college for a scholarship. Please be certain we have your senior on the list. We also have information regarding the Rensselaer County Dairy Princess Scholarship. The young women must be a child of a dairy farmer or someone who works in a dairy-related industry. Have your senior girl stop in the guidance office if she is interested.

ALL PARENTS – IMPORTANT

Report cards were distributed Tuesday, April 1, 2008. Please review the academic policies in the 2007-2008 handbook regarding summer school and graduation requirements, both junior high and high school. If you are in need of information concerning available summer schools and/or certified tutors, contact the guidance office (235-7100 x 2).

AP Exams will be given May 8-15, 2008. Students taking these exams are requested to bring the exam fee to the guidance office as soon as possible.

JUNIOR PARENTS - SAT I/II and ACT

* All juniors should take the SAT exam at least one time.

If your student wishes to take/retake the SAT I/ SAT II on June 7 at an area high school, the registration deadline is Tuesday, May 6. Students can register at www.collegeboard.com.

If your student wishes to take the ACT on June 14 at an area high school, the registration deadline is Friday, May 9. Students can register at www.actstudent.org.

SUMMER EXPERIENCE 2008 - NEW AT CCHS THIS SUMMER!!

Please visit www.cchstroy.org for information regarding a wide variety of academic

and athletic camps to be held at CCHS this summer.

CHARACTER EDUCATION at CCHS

For the months of May and June we are looking at “Communion With the Dear Neighbor.” This communion comes to life when we acknowledge our dependency on each other and open our eyes to a global awareness that we are our “brothers’ and sisters’ keepers.” How can this manifest itself in the life of the school community? When we take the time to raise our consciousness in the light of someone else’s misfortune, we are in “communion with the dear neighbor.” When our Character Council took on the efforts of sponsoring a Fair Trade sale last fall and educated the student body as to the plight of farmers in other parts of the world, we were in “communion with the dear neighbor.” Anything that puts us in solidarity with others, for the betterment of society, helps us in attaining “communion with the dear neighbor.”

The Catholic Social Teaching of Rights and Responsibilities is at the forefront of our “communion.” The Church teaches that everyone has a fundamental right to things that support human dignity such as food, shelter, health care, and employment. But along with these rights come responsibilities to one another, to our families, and to society at large.

Our Crusaders for Action for the months of May and June are Jean Donovan and the Salvadoran Martyrs. Jean Donovan left an executive position at the Cleveland, Ohio branch of Arthur Anderson, a national accounting firm. She turned her back on first world America to follow Jesus wherever he would lead her. She left behind her apartment, her car, her Harley Davidson, her friends, her family, and her bank account to become a lay missionary serving Christ among the poor. She responded wholeheartedly to Jesus’ invitation and she did not stop when injustice and violence turned on her. Her response to Jesus led to her martyrdom at the age of twenty-seven.

Along with Ita Ford, Maura Clark, and Dorothy Kazel, they have become models of Christian discipleship for North American Catholics, as well as for Christians worldwide. On December 2, 1980, these four women were shot to death by Salvadoran National Guardsmen as they were coming home from the airport. Their work with refugees who were escaping war and military oppression led to their demise.

As modern day martyrs, let us look to Jean Donovan and her companions as an inspiration. In the years since their deaths, wars, weapons, and suffering are on the increase. They call us to take up where they left off.

(www.marquette.edu)

CCHS Students Travel to Papal Youth Rally

In the early morning hours of April 19, 2008, a group of eleven students, along with Mrs. Pawlik, Campus Minister, boarded one of four buses taking young people to the Youth Rally with Pope Benedict XVI. Upon arriving at the Yonkers Raceway, we were then put on shuttle buses which would transport us to the site, St. Joseph’s Seminary, Yonkers, to await the Pope’s arrival.

Affectionately called “Dunwoodie,” the seminary comprises approximately 40 acres of property, which is a good thing, since there were about 25,000 people in attendance. God blessed us with beautiful weather on that day (another good thing, since we were outside), and we settled on a spot to stake as our own. Joining us was the delegation from Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons School and members from Our Lady of Victory in Troy. Mind you, it’s now only 10:30 A.M. and the Pope’s arrival is not scheduled until 5:00 P.M.

What could possibly occupy our time as we waited for the Holy Father? I felt like I was at a rock concert (concerts of my youth at SPAC), while others were reminiscing about Woodstock. Yes, even our students know about Woodstock. We were entertained throughout the day by Catholic Christian bands that crossed many styles of music from rock to rap, pop to hip-hop. Former American Idol, Kelly Clarkson, was the headliner.

Up on the hill, under the shade of many trees, an outdoor chapel had been set up under a large tent. Young people were leading the rosary, while visiting priests were hearing confessions. Many seminarians, priests, religious brothers and sisters were present, and several of us spent a good part of the afternoon talking to them about the many religious communities represented.

We knew that the Pope had arrived earlier in the afternoon, as we watched that arrival on the jumbo screens used to reach all parts of the audience. Nothing compared to the excitement and roar of the crowd when we realized he was in our midst. As that Popemobile zipped along, young people were waving the papal colors and chanting his name. Many tried to follow it along the perimeter of the audience.

Finally Benedict greeted us. We prayed together, sang together (even “Happy Birthday” in German), and listened intently as the Holy Father talked about the challenges of youth today and how Christ, our Hope, gives our lives purpose. The time went by so fast, and on his final loop around the grounds, we were sorry it was all over.

As we walked back to Yonkers Raceway, many neighbors in the area greeted us from their front porches, papal flags flying in the evening breeze. On the ride back to Albany, the bus was quiet, with sleepy passengers aboard.

Our experience lasted about twenty-two hours, from start to finish. Even now, several weeks later, those of us who went are still talking about it. I can tell you that our students represented very well that Crusader spirit of courage, constancy in the right, honor, and sacrifice. They were a pleasure to be with and we can certainly be proud of each of them.

“Working Together for Student Success”

Grade Eight Graduation Reminder: The graduation fee of $60.00 per student needs to be paid no later than May 1, 2008. Please call Mr. Talarico if you have questions. Also, any Grade Eight student who is in danger of failing will not be able to participate in the graduation ceremony.

Fourth Quarter Reminder: Progress Reports for the final quarter will be mailed to parents and guardians on Tuesday, May 6. With Final exams coming, it is crucial that all students maintain a consistent momentum with regard to written and study homework as well as with all quizzes and tests. Final exams make up 20% of the final average in each subject area. School work must continue to come first so that everyone has a successful ending to what has been a great year.

Students need to stay focused and continue to do their BEST. It won’t be enough to just pay attention in class. Encourage good study habits until the end. All too often, a student’s final average suffers because he or she has taken off the last term. Encourage him or her to finish the year as strongly as it began. Encourage schoolwork to remain a priority and don’t allow it to take second place to sports or other springtime activities. Encourage your child to keep his or her goals high and be sure to maintain your own high expectations. In the end, you’ll be glad you did.

Looking Ahead to June

Honors Assembly and National Junior Honor Society: The Honors Assembly and National Junior Honor Society induction for Grades Seven and Eight students will take place on Monday evening, June 9, at 6:30 PM in the gym. We are very proud of all of our students and especially, our 2008 National Junior Honor Society Inductees. This evening affords us the opportunity to honor and praise our middle school students for working “consistently” hard throughout this school year.

Grade 8 State Testing Continues: In June, Grade Eight students will take the NYS Social Studies

Assessment on Tuesday, June 3 and Wednesday, June 4. The Proficiency Exam for Spanish will be given to Grade Eight students on Monday, June 23. Students will need to return to school to take this exam and will need their own transportation to and from the exam.

Reviewing for Final Exams – Getting Started: In an effort to make final exams more manageable, try the following suggestions as a means of getting ready in advance:

Begin Gathering:

……….Old tests and quizzes

……….Class notes from the first 3 quarters

……….Study guides, outlines, and relevant teacher – handouts

……….Devote 15-20 minutes daily to review

……….Orally drill with your “middle schooler”

……….Review – Repeat – Review Again!!!!!

Middle School teachers will be hosting after-school review sessions as we get closer to exam time. Encourage your “middle schooler” to take advantage of these invaluable “reinforcement” sessions.

“Inch by inch – it’s a cinch – yard by yard – it’s hard!”

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Another Opening, Another show!

Catholic Central High School is proud to announce the opening of Rogers and Hammerstein’s classic musical Cinderella. This year’s cast of more than 20 students from grades 7 through 12 has been hard at work conjuring up an enchanted entertainment for your enjoyment. The show will be performed on May 9 and 10, starting at 7 pm in the school gym. Tickets are $5.00. Please come and show your support for our young performers!

HEALTH and WELLNESS SEMINAR

PSA MEETING

Monday, May 19

CCHS Library at 6:30 PM

This month’s PSA Meeting will feature Mark Nelson MD, FACC, MPH of Capital Cardiology Associates, Specializing in Nutrition and Fitness Counseling and the Director of the Take Shape for Life Program. We invite you all to attend this very informative seminar.

Please read below for a brief description of Dr. Nelson’s message:

“Our health care system is a failure. Doctors react to disease with little or no emphasis on preventing disease or empowering patients to create health in their lives. We can and must do better. We can prevent disease and create health. To do this, we need to be aware of the causes of disease and what we can do to allow our bodies to heal. This seminar will focus on unhealthy nutrition and sedentary lifestyles and the epidemic of obesity that impacts all of us, including our children. By teaching and learning the Habits of Health, we can make healthy lifestyle choices and in so doing reverse many of the adverse health effects of obesity and cure obesity itself, without weight loss medications or bariatric surgery.“

“By living the Habits of Health, we can set examples for our colleagues and loved ones and help reverse the epidemics of disease (heart disease, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol) that destroy our health and wellness. Health is within our grasp: Our bodies can heal; we can attain optimal health.”

MAY CROWNING

Our annual May Crowning will be held on Thursday, May 1^st, following the Ascension Thursday Liturgy which begins at 8:30 AM. The crowning will take place on the front lawn of the school, weather permitting. Once again, we are most grateful to Marie Scampini, alumni mother, who has graciously donated Miraculous Medals to our entire school community. This wonderful tradition is carried out by our Senior Class. Following this prayer service, the Class of 2007 will gather in the library for a buffet breakfast. Please feel free to join us on the morning of May 1^st as we honor Our Blessed Mother in this very special way.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

On Tuesday, May 6, 2008 Catholic Central High School’s National Honor Society will be inducting this year’s newest members and honoring them at a dinner in the library at Catholic Central.

National Honor Society is a continued tradition at CCHS inducting the best, brightest and most well-rounded young people in the sophomore year and every year thereafter as long as appropriate standards are maintained.

In order to be considered for induction, students must possess a cumulative grade point average of at least 90.0. The gpa must be maintained and the pledge taken upon induction must be upheld as well.

We in the CCHS community take pride in our young people and look forward to their skills and abilities for the future. We are proud of those who are eligible, and even more proud of those who strive to be the best they can be in every facet of life.

YEARBOOKS

The year is coming to a close and summer is almost upon us once again. This past year has been full of great memories and experiences for our student body. There is not a better way to capture all of these special times than with the purchase of the 2008 Catholic Central Yearbook. The books will go on sale from May 5 - May 23 for the EARLY BIRD price of $30. Books purchased from May 24th and beyond can be purchased for our REGULAR PRICE of $45. Please don't wait to take advantage of the EARLY BIRD price to own this book of your child's 2007-2008 memories. An order form is available on our website.

FRESHMAN-SOPHOMORE - SOIREE

The Freshman/Sophomore Soiree is scheduled for Friday May 18^th. This dance is on the JP Cruise Line. The cost of the dance is $35 per person. This includes the price of the cruise, the DJ, unlimited soda and hord’ourves.

Students can pay for the dance and sign up a guest in the main office beginning April 30. The required Guest Authorization Form must be completed and turned in prior to purchasing tickets. This form is available on the rack outside the main office.

The boat sets sail at 7:00 PM and returns sharply at 10:00 PM. Students can begin boarding the boat at 6:30 PM. Please be on time, the ship does not wait for late comers. Pictures will be taken as students board the boat. These photos may be purchased for an additional cost ($5), before the end of the cruise. Dress for the dance is not formal. Girls should wear dressy capri’s, dress pants or skirts. Boys are to wear shirt and tie. no jeans or sneakers are allowed. Also, remember a jacket, the nights can be breezy on the Hudson in mid-May.

BLOOD DRIVE

Catholic Central will host its bi-annual Red Cross blood drive from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM on Wednesday, May 7^th. We anticipate even greater student participation than in the fall – thanks not only to the generous donations of our veteran donors – but also to the contributions from those who have recently turned sixteen. Sixteen year olds may give blood with parental permission. If you would like to request an information & release form for your sixteen-year old or schedule an appointment for yourself, please contact Mr. Dickerson by e-mail at dickersonsocialstudies@yahoo.com or by phone at 235-7100, ext. 412. Walk-ins, as always, are welcome.

2007 – 2008 VARSITY BANQUET

The varsity banquet will be held this year at Franklin Terrace Ballroom (formally Mario’s) on Monday, May 12, 2008 beginning at 6:30 PM. This banquet is for all student athletes who played one or more varsity sports this school year. A reservation form is attached with this newsletter and also on the website. If you have any questions please contact Jake Kearney in the Athletic Office (x502) or Ginny Bariteau in the Development Office (ext. 210) or at baritv@yahoo.com.

HALL OF FAME

The 9^th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on Friday June 6, 2008 at the Franklin Terrace Ballroom (formally Mario’s). A complete list of inductees is on the school website. The cost of tickets is $40.00 contact the Development Office at (518) 235 – 7100 ext. 210 to purchase your ticket.

FALL SPORTS

All students planning on participating in fall sports in the 2008-09 school year must be cleared through the CCHS Health Office prior to participating in try-outs. Students can sign up for Fall sports in the health office and can be scheduled for a physicals in the CCHS Health office during the month of May. Physicals will also be available in August. Dates will be posted in the June newsletter.

START DATES FOR FALL SPORTS:

Monday, August 11, 2008 - Football

Monday, August 18, 2008 - Boys and Girls Cross Country, Golf, Boys & Girls Soccer, Girls Tennis,

Girls’ Volleyball, and Football Cheerleading.

CCHS HEALTH OFFICE - SCHOOL PHYSICALS

All new entrants, 7^th and 10^th graders are required by NYS to have a physical performed by their private physician or by the school physician. Physicals are held in the CCHS health office every Wednesday AM free of charge to students by appointment only. If you choose to have your physical performed by your private physician to meet the school or sports requirement, forms are available on the CCHS website www.cchstroy.org under the category of health office. The physical form for sports participation should be completed fully, signed and dated by your physician and then submitted to the health office for approval by the school physician before participating in sports try-outs.

Varsity Sports Banquet

Reservation Form

rsvp by Friday, May 9th

When: Monday, May 12, 2008

Where: Franklin Terrace Ballroom (formally Mario’s) Campbell Avenue, Troy, NY

Time: 6:30 PM

Cost: $26.00 per person

· No charge for the Varsity Student Athlete

· Chicken Parmigiana will be served. Vegetarian Dinner available by request.

Athletes Name: _________________________________________________________________

Please list the Varsity sports participated in during the 2007-08 School year:

_______________________________ ____________________________

____________________Yes, I will be attending _________________No, I will not be attending

Number of Guests Attending:

______________ Adults @ $26.00 each

______________ Student Athletes Free

Total Amount Enclosed $____________________________

Make checks payable to CCHS and remit this form together with payment to the

Development Office by Friday, May 9, 2008