Creativity

EXAM SCHEDULE

Enclosed with this letter, as well as on at www.cchstroy.org, is a copy of the School Exams and Regents Exams schedule. I would urge you to review these schedules with your child(ren). If you have any questions, please contact your child’s Guidance Counselor. Please be sure that your child is thoroughly prepared to take all of his/her exams.

FINAL EXAMS

Students do not have to wear their uniform for Final Exams. The guidelines for a dress down day do apply and students should not be wearing anything inappropriate to school. A reminder that the final exam is 1/5^th of the final grade for each course. Lunch is not available on days of exams. Transportation is provided at the beginning of the day and at the end of the day for all exam days.

Guidance Office News

Guidance met with all seniors last month to fill out a “Post-Graduation Form” indicating which college should receive the final transcript. An immunization record signed by Mrs. Tobias 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 final transcripts (including NCAA) will be mailed by Thursday, July 7, 2009.

LAST CALL! The Guidance Office has received copies of many college scholarships and grants. If your senior receives a late scholarship, grant or award, please notify us immediately so we can announce it on class night. The printer’s deadline for the graduation program is Friday, May 29, 2009.

Report cards (grades 7-11) will be mailed no later than Monday, June 29, 2009. We have restated the summer school policy below so that there will be no misunderstandings. Students requiring summer school must pick up permission slip in the Guidance Office. At that time, we will have information on the programs offered at all local school districts regarding registration dates, times and costs. N.B. Many local summer school programs are registering that week, so please plan ahead.

CCHS POLICIES REGARDING EXAMS AND SUMMER SCHOOL

Any student who fails a course required for graduation MUST repeat that course in summer school. If the failed course is not required for graduation, it is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that the course be repeated in summer school.

If a student fails a Regents exam but passes the course, he/she may go to summer school OR take the exam over in August as a “walk-in”. It is recommended that a “walk-in” must have at least 5 hours of verified tutoring by a certified/qualified teacher in order to be admitted to the exam. Students who present proof of this tutoring will have the exam fee waived.

If a student passes both the course and the Regents exam, but wishes to raise the grade of the exam, he/she may go to summer school OR take the August Regents exam as a “walk-in” without the verified tutoring, but tutoring is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. The request to try the exam at CCHS in August must be made to the Assistant Principal or a Guidance Counselor by the end of the first week in July. There is a required fee that must accompany the registration for the exam.

Grades from ALL courses and/or exams taken during the school year AND during the summer will be recorded on the Permanent Record Card of the student.

Please see attached flyers….”In the Middle” for Middle School Students and the High School Summer Reading list for grades 9 – 12

Health/Sports Information

All new entrants, 7^th and 10^th graders, must have a physical performed by their private physician or by the school physician. Sports physicals done by the school physician will meet this requirement. Students participating in sports must receive their physical through the school physician. Private physician physical forms are due by October 1^st. Green physical forms were in your packet at registration time. Otherwise your son or daughter may obtain one from the school nurse.

Summer Sports Physicals will be held in the CCHS Health Office on the following dates: Wednesday, July 28^th , Wednesday, August 4^th , and Wednesday, August 18. Please come between the hours of 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM. No appointment is necessary. All 7^th and 8^th graders who are trying our for a high school level sport need to take the NYS physical fitness test. This will be held on Wednesday, July 28^th and Wednesday, August 4^th, beginning at 9:00 AM. Please be sure to wear sneakers.

Working paper applications can be obtained from the school nurse during the school year and from Mrs. Pausley in the Guidance Office in the summer months. The application must be submitted to the high school of the district that you live in. They will provide the working papers.

SUMMER HOURS

The Main Office and Guidance Office will be open throughout the summer Monday – Thursday 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM. The offices will be open Friday, September 3, 2010.

The next mailing you will be receiving will be in mid-August. It will consist of the 2010-11 school calendar together with other important information that will require your attention. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at 235-7100.

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CATHOLIC CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

2010 – 2011 SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENT

NOTE: ALL STUDENTS, WHETHER NEW TO CCHS OR RETURNING, ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENTS. BOOKS CAN BE PURCHASE ON-LINE AT AMAZON, BORDERS OR BARNES AND NOBLE; BOOKS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE STORES.

ENGLISH 9 REGENTS HEROES, GODS, AND MONSTERS OF THE GREEK MYTHS –

Bernard Evslin

ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL – James Herriot

ENGLISH 9 HONORS* MYTHOLOGY – Edith Hamilton

THE BIBLE

*(STUDENTS MUST PICK UP THE ASSIGNMENT THAT COMPLEMENTS THE READINGS IN THE GUIDANCE OFFICE AT CCHS)

ENGLISH 10 REGENTS THE ALCHEMIST - Paul Coelho

THE OUTLIERS - Malcolm Gladwell

ENGLISH 10 HONORS SIDDHARTHA – Herman Hesse

HEROES, GODS, AND MONSTERS OF THE GREEK MYTHS –

Bernard Evslin

ENGLISH 11 REGENTS ON THE ROAD - Jack Kerouac

A RAISIN IN THE SUN – Lorraine Hansbury

ENGLISH 11 HONORS AN AMERICAN TRAGEDY – Theodore Dreiser

COLD MOUNTAIN – Charles Frazier

IT CAN’T HAPPEN HERE – Sinclair Lewis

ENGLISH 12 REGENTS PRIDE AND PREJUDICE – Jane Austen

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE – Tennessee Williams

UNIVERSITY IN THE HIGH THE FOUNTAINHEAD – Ayn Rand

SCHOOL (12^TH GRADE) TESS OF THE D’URBERVILLES – Thomas Hardy

THE DUBLINERS – James Joyce

“Working Together for Student Success”

Honors Assembly: Come join us for our Awards Assembly and National Junior Honor Society Induction on Friday, June 4, at 1:30 PM in the gym. The Honors Assembly recognizes students for achievement, effort, and scholarship. Parents and guardians are welcome and encouraged to attend.

School Final Exams: Beginning on Wednesday, June 9, students in Grades Seven and Eight will sit for final exams. All students have an exam schedule and know the times they are to report to school. The cafeteria will not serve lunch during exams and students will be responsible for their own lunches and/or snacks on exam days. It is essential that students arrive at the exam on time, with several pens and a calculator for math exam. Please refer to the exam schedule provided in this newsletter.

~~~~~~~~~Of Special Interest to Grade Eight Students and Parents/Guardians~~~~~~~~~

Grade Eight Graduation Rehearsal: Grade Eight students will need to attend a graduation rehearsal on Tuesday morning, June 15, from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM at St. Augustine Church on 115^th Street. Students need to be at school at 8:30 AM to sit for their NYS SS Exam. Students will need to provide their own transportation home from St. Augustine Church at noon.

Grade Eight Graduation: The Grade Eight graduation liturgy will take place on Wednesday, June 16, at 6:30 PM at St. Augustine Church on 115^th Street. Students need to be at the church at 6:00 PM and should be dressed in their cap and gown.

Grade Eight Graduation Dance: The graduation dance will take place in the CCHS gym following the graduation ceremony. The dance will end at 10:00PM. Each Grade Eight student is allowed to bring one guest whom they know personally and for whom they will take responsibility. The Grade Eight guest must be registered by graduates in Mr. Talarico’s office by June 11.

If you have not yet sent in the “$60.00” graduation fee

or your “Parent Letter,” please do so as quickly as possible.

Grade Eight State Tests: The State Science Assessment will be given Monday, June 7. The State Social Studies Assessment will be given on June 14 and 15. Students need to be present and on time for school; need to be well rested and have had a good breakfast.

Spanish Proficiency Exam: Grade Eight students will need to return to school on Monday, June 21, from 8:30 – 11:30 to take the Spanish I Proficiency Exam. It is important that students be present for this exam. Passing the Spanish Proficiency enables a student to take Spanish II in Grade Nine.

Final Report Cards: Final report cards will be mailed to parents and guardians near the end of June. We hope to include in this mailing the New York State Test results for Grade Seven and Grade Eight Students. At this time we do not know when the official scores will be returned to us for publication. Please review the test results carefully. The report card mailing will also include the summer reading list and the grade-specific supplies list.

Summer School: Student who fails a core subject must attend summer school and receive a passing grade. (Please refer to the summer school article in the general newsletter.)

Summer Reading Lists!!! . . .

Grades 7 and 8 have summer reading to accomplish prior to returning to school in September. Encourage your son or daughter to take time each day to read. Studies show that children who read on a regular basis develop larger vocabularies and become better writers. With a goal of raising our reading and higher-level thinking skills, we know there should be books and magazines in the home for children to use. Why not make reading a family affair? Let your children see you reading. Read the same books your children are reading so you can use family dinnertime to discuss the stories. In this way, your son or daughter will see the value in reading. Bookstores and public libraries make great family outings during the summer. A “bookish” environment will only encourage the good reading habits CCHS strives to promote.

Please refer to the Middle School Reading List provided in this newsletter. All students should keep a written journal as they read. Reading and supplies lists were mailed with the final report card.

Getting Ready for September:

Try this out: Summer is a long time for “middle schoolers” to be away from the books. Aside from the reading students need to complete for the required summer reading, students should be encouraged to read other books as well. The more they read, the better their comprehension will become. There should be a scheduled time set aside each day for “middle schoolers” to read or complete some other type of learning. The Parent Teacher store in Latham and many of the dollar stores carry self correcting workbooks. What a great way for kids to do some math or science each day, just to keep the brain activated to learning. Use the summer months to sharpen your skills and not just play with the computer or watch TV.

As we go our separate ways during the warm and easy days of summer, let us be ever mindful that God is present to us, even when we are out enjoying the fun of summer. May all of our students take along the lessons instilled in them during the year. As a school, we endeavor to teach students how to become more respectful and responsible. We nurture their understanding of self and service to others. It is through these experiences that students gain personal worth and confidence. It is through these experiences that students learn and develop character. All of this is possible because our Lord and God is at the center of our being and existence.

The memories of this school year will remain clear in our hearts and minds. The academic teachings have broadened minds, and service to God and others has made hearts bigger. We can take pride in knowing that the Middle School at Catholic Central continues to make remarkable contributions to our children’s intellectual, spiritual, and moral growth. For “When we seek, we shall find; when we knock, it shall be opened unto us.” Matthew 7:7

Thanks for your cooperation and support of our middle school. See you in September!

Catholic Central Middle School Summer 2010 Reading List

Grade 7 and 8 students need to read two (2) of the books listed below. Read carefully and take notes on the plot, setting, characters, conflict, and overall theme. Your teacher will give you directions in the first few days of the new school year on how the books will be used. Happy Reading!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

English – Grade 7:

ALL Grade 7 students MUST read the following book:

The Fighting Ground by AVI

At 13, Jonathan knows he is old enough to fight the British and he quickly learns what it means to

meet death face-to-face. (157 pages)

Select a second book from the following list:

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Adventure story of survival in the Canadian wilderness; Newbery Honor, ALA Notable. (195 pages)

The Cay by Theodore Taylor

Exciting adventure story of a struggle for survival. A story about a boy’s effort to adjust to

blindness and a friendship with a wise, loving man. (144 pages)

Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech

Thirteen-year-old Salamanca Tree Hiddle travels west with her grandparents to Idaho on a journey

that becomes a discovery. Drawing from her Native American ancestry, she bravely searches

and faces the truth about her mother. (280 pages)

English – Grade 8:

ALL Grade 8 students MUST read the following book:

Journey to Topaz by Yoshiko Uchida

This story, based on the author’s personal experiences in a Japanese internment camp, describes the humiliation she and her family faced as they were imprisoned behind barbed wire simply because they were Japanese. (150 pages)

Select a second book from the following list:

Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan

A sudden tragedy forces Esperanza and her mother to face the challenges of hard work and

acceptance from Mexican workers during The Great Depression. (288 pages)

Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick

About a strong friendship between two very different boys. ALA Best, ALA Quick Pick, SLJ

Best. (169 pages)

Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli (paced English students only)

A folk story about a runaway kid who encounters some troubles along the way. (192 pages)

The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien

A tale of dragons and elves, hobbits and kings: a most enchanting story. (186 pages)

Grade 8 Honors: In addition to the reading list for English 8, read the following novel:

The Sword in the Stone by T. H. White

Classic story of the boyhood of the legendary King Arthur. The story blends fantasy and fact in a

most enjoyable way. (299 pages)

ATHLETICS:

Congratulations to Abigail McCarthy and Sam Clement who recently were named the 2009-10 Crusader of the Year winners. Abigail lettered in 5 Varsity sports her senior season, a remarkable feat. She was a first team All Big Ten selection and was voted the leagues top defensive player in soccer. In outdoor track her career point total is second all time at CCHS. In addition she lettered in cross country, indoor track and varsity basketball. Sam lettered in football and basketball. In football he was selected to play in the senior all star game and was a key component of the Varsity basketball team chosen as an honorable mention player on the Troy Record all area team.

The girls varsity softball team compiled a 18-4 won lost record, were the Big 10 League Champions, won the Uncle Sam Tournament and advanced to the quarterfinals of the sectional tournament before losing 1-0 to Saratoga. Maddie Coneys was named the league MVP and was joined on the Big 10 All Star First team by Hannah Kutny, Amanda Case and Stephanie Bouchard. Congratulations to the entire team and Coach O'Grady on an outstanding season.

The boys’ varsity baseball team improved to an impressive 12-7 season and the number 4 Big 10 seed in the sectionals. The remarkable season came to an end with a loss to Niskayuna in the sectionals. The Big Ten All Star Team hasn't been released yet but pitcher Mike Doyle who compiled a 5-1 record, first basemen Nolan Driscoll who hit 381 and Dom Loughlin who hit 444 have been nominated for the team.

Nehill Danbury was undefeated again in the discus, was Big 10 champion and should be joined as a First Team Big 10 selection by Abigail McCarthy who set school records as a member of the relay teams and had the second highest point total in school history for her career in outdoor track.

All athletes planning on playing fall sports please note that football practice will begin August 16 and all other Varsity and JV sports will begin August 23rd. Modified sports begin September 1st. Please make sure you know when and where tryouts will occur and be aware if you go on vacation and miss tryouts in most cases you will not make the teams. You will not be able to tryout unless you have had a physical and 7th and 8th graders trying out for JV or Varsity Teams have to take and pass the Selection and Classification test to play up.

TEXTBOOK RETURNS:

Questar III: https://www.questar.org/services/textbook/schedule.htm

2010 TEXTBOOK RETURN SCHEDULE

Students residing in the school districts listed below must return their books directly to Questar III, 1070 Route 9, Castleton, NY 12033:

Averill Park
Cairo-Durham
East Greenbush
Ichabod Crane
Taconic Hills
Wynantskill

Students residing in the school districts listed below must contact the Superintendent’s Office in your district for textbook return dates and locations:

Berlin
Brittonkill
Catskill
Coxsackie-Athens
Chatham
Germantown
Greenville
Hoosic Valley
Lansingburgh
New Lebanon
North Greenbush
Rensselaer
Schodack

Students attending any of the private schools listed below, do not have to collect or return any of their child’s textbooks. The books are to remain at the school:

Ark Community Charter
Great Barrington Waldorf HS
Mountain Road
Our Lady of Victory
Sacred Heart
St. Augustine
St. Jude

Books returned late will incur a $10.00/book late fee, not to exceed $50.00.

2010 TEXTBOOK RETURN SCHEDULE - ADDITIONAL COLLECTION DATES

AVERILL PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT RESIDENTS:
Thursday, June 24th - 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Averill Park High School – outside the main office

BRITTONKILL SCHOOL DISTRICT RESIDENTS:
Wednesday, June 23rd - 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Brittonkill (Tamarac) High School Cafeteria

CATSKILL SCHOOL DISTRICT RESIDENTS:
Tuesday, June 29th - 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Catskill High School Auditorium

COXSACKIE-ATHENS SCHOOL DISTRICT RESIDENTS:
Monday, June 28th – 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Coxsackie-Athens High School Library, 24 Sunset Blvd.

HOOSIC VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT RESIDENTS:
Friday, June 25th - 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: District Superintendent’s Office, 2 Pleasant Ave., (near school)

LANSINGBURGH SCHOOL DISTRICT RESIDENTS:
Monday, June 28th, 29th, 30th and July 12th - 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
IMPORTANT NOTE: We are strongly encouraging parents and/or students to return textbooks ONLY between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The Lansingburgh CSD staff may not be available to properly check in book returns after 3:00 p.m.
Location: Central Office board room, 576 Fifth Ave., south entrance,
(115th Street entrance)

Prior to June 28th, textbooks may be returned to: Lansingburgh District Office, 576 Fifth Ave., Troy - 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

WYNANTSKILL SCHOOL DISTRICT RESIDENTS:
Questar III staff will collect textbooks in the Media Center of the Gardner Dickenson school for one evening:
Monday, June 28th - 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Books returned late will incur a $10.00/book late fee, not to exceed $50.00

Capital Region Boces:

Students who receive their books from Capital Region BOCES should have received a letter in May requesting return of textbooks to their public school districts upon completion of the school year. Enclosed with that letter is a textbook loan notice listing the book titles/barcodes of the books that need to be returned. The date and time noted on the letter will be the only time they will be in the public school district to pick up the books. Books not returned to the district must be returned to the BOCES location in Castleton, NY.

Rensselaer City School District: All textbooks on loan from the Rensselaer City School District to students attending private/parochial schools should return their textbooks to:

Rensselaer Middle/High School

25 Van Rensselaer Drive

Rensselaer, NY

June 16^th, 23^rd and 29^th, 2010

8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Troy City School District: All textbooks need to be returned to

Troy High School, 1950 Burdett Ave., Troy School District Book Loan Office by June 30, 2010. Thereafter late fees apply. Hours for returns are on weekdays: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. through June 25^th; 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. June 28 – June 30^th. It is recommended that you call first to be sure someone is in the office, 328-5445.

Others:

Any students not serviced by Questar III, Capital Region BOCES, Troy or Rensselaer should contact their local school district to find the appropriate time and location for book return.