Lowell Catholic
Principal Newsletter
October 2013
Greetings Parents and Students,
Welcome to our 25th Anniversary Year!
Our school year is off to a smooth start as the faculty and students are settling in for what
should be an exciting school year. Our theme this year is:
Great Teaching ~ Every Day in Every Way ~
This was the focus of our opening staff liturgy, professional development and student first
day assemblies. Faculty and students were asked to think about how they can make a commitment
to be great role models in and out of the classrooms for this important school year.
With first quarter already half-way complete, please review your child’s progress report with
them. Parents should keep in mind that the progress report is only a snap shot in time of how your
child has progressed thus far in their courses. Please understand that the grade can go either up or
down with the remaining time for first quarter. If you have concerns or questions, please be sure to
contact your child’s teacher and or school counselor.
Staff News
New staff
We wish a warm welcome to our new faculty and staff members and are so pleased to have
them join our community:
o Jacob Arwe, Science Department
 BA in Physics from Case Weston Reserve University
o Erin Casey, Director of Campus Ministry
 BA in Sociology from Stonehill College, MA in Pastoral Ministry from
Boston College
o Haley Chandler, World Language Department
 BS in Secondary Education and a BA in Spanish from Keene State College
o Kyle Fuller, English Department
 BA in English from Virginia Military Institute
o Jeremy Hall, Social Studies Department
 Merrimack Fellow
 BA in History and Psychology, UMass Lowell
o Kathryn Holland, English Department
 PACT Teacher
 BA in English Literature from Holy Cross
o Danielle Jones, Mathematics Department
 BS in Adolescence Education and Mathematics from State University of
New York [SUNY] College at Oneonta, Oneonta, NY
o Brigid Killian, Mathematics Department
 BS in Mathematics from UMass Amherst,
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o
o
o
o
o
o
MS in Mathematics and Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
from UMass Lowell
Nicole Meaney, Advancement Department
 Merrimack Fellow
 BA in Mass Communications from Merrimack College
Peter Moscariello, Mathematics Department
 BA in Mathematics from University of New Hampshire
 MS in Secondary Education from Salem State College
Erin Sinclair, Guidance Department
 BA in Sociology from Cornell University
 M. Ed in School Counseling from Boston University
Laura Tierney, Librarian and Information Technologist
 BS in Biology from Framingham State University
 Certificate in Technical Writing/Communications from Northeastern
University
 Master of Library Science from Texas Woman’s University
Christopher Whelan, Theology and Campus Ministry
 PACT Teacher
 BA in Theology from the University of Notre Dame
Camille Zaydon, Science Department
 BS in Biology from Boston College
Congratulations
Congratulations to our second semester mission award winners!
At our opening Mass, we recognized those students who lived out the mission of LC so clearly
during our 2012-13 second semester:
Liz Friedrich ‘14
Anthony Bazzinotti ‘14
Victoria Godfrey ‘15
Evan Wadden ‘15
Kailey Catib ‘16
Dylan Poirier ‘16
We also recognized those students who had achieved a superior average last school year.
Congratulations to those students who achieved above a 4.2 GPA last year!
Michael Barletta ’16
Samantha Curley ’16
Alec DiCiaccio ’16
Jillian Masse ’16
Craig Bursey ’15
Emily Craig ’15
Brianna Fiorentino ’15
Silverio Johnson ’15
Juila Mancini ’15
Madison Medina ’15
James Porkola ‘15
Amy Bui ’14
Dan Gillette ’14
Stephen Janeczko ’14
Stephanie Sok ‘14
From the Dean of Academics
Senior Privilege
In September, all seniors with a study hall were granted senior privilege. Beginning with 1st
quarter progress reports, only students who meet the criteria listed below will be afforded a
continuation of this privilege. Senior privilege provides an earned opportunity to not attend their
assigned study hall, but rather be allowed in the senior café, media center, or picnic area during their
study period. During senior privilege, eligible students may also listen to music on headphones in the
cafeteria or at the picnic area.
With the distribution of progress reports on October 4, eligible students must meet the
following requirements:
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Maintain an average of 70% in all academic classes
Be in appropriate attendance status
Not receive more than three school detentions
Not incur a school suspension
Submit the completed permission slip signed by their parent or guardian
Eligibility for senior privilege will be reviewed at each subsequent progress report or report card.
Eligible seniors who have an assigned study during “A” period must sign in at the main office for
attendance purposes. Students with senior privilege must adhere to the rules and guidelines of
behavior as outlined in the student handbook. Failure to follow the rules of Lowell Catholic during
senior privilege will result in withdrawal of the privilege.
Focused Learning Time After School (AKA extra help)
This year, the LC faculty is pleased to provide students with a consistent time and place for extra
help each week. During this time, teachers and peer tutors from the National Honor Society will be
on hand to answer questions and review concepts. We are fortunate to have a very dedicated
faculty, and these sessions are in addition to the time(s) they schedule individually. The schedule is
as follows:
English, Monday, 2:30-3:15, room 106
Theology, Monday, 2:30-3:15, room 202
Math, Tuesday, 2:30 -3:15, room 305
Spanish, Wednesday, 7:30 AM, room 102
French, Wednesday, 7:30 AM, room 103
Latin, Wednesday, 7:30 AM, room 205
Science, Thursday, 2:30-3:15, room 403
Social Studies, Thursday, 2:30-3:15, room 206
Please encourage your student to attend these sessions on a regular basis if they are finding their
class(es) difficult.
12 Days of PSAT Preparation
PSATs are quickly approaching and LC wants you to be well-prepared! On October 7,8,9,10, and
15, in room 402, Mrs. Delaney will be providing 10 practice SAT questions per day, reviewing the
answers, and sending students home to review some more. There is no need to sign up, just show
up. Prizes will be awarded each day for the best score and most days attended.
Also, all sophomores and juniors should sign up for the SAT question of the day via the College
Board website. These practice questions are emailed directly to students to build skills for success
on these very important exams. This service is provided free of charge by the College Board.
From the Guidance Department
Standardized Testing
October 1 is Testing Day for our 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students. Our 9thgraders will be
taking the EXPLORE test, a practice version of the ACT, which also provides career information.
Our sophomores and juniors will be taking the PSAT. Information and practice booklets were
given out to students in September. For juniors, the PSAT is also the National Merit Scholarship
Qualifying Test. By doing well, they can qualify for college scholarships!
Mini-College Fair
October 16 is College Visit day for our seniors! LC is hosting a college fair from 9:30am –
12pm in the gym. Representatives from the following colleges will be on hand to answer any
admission questions: Anna Maria College, Assumption College, Boston University, Colby-Sawyer
College, College of Mount Saint Vincent, Dean College, Elms College, Endicott College, Fitchburg
State University, Framingham State University, Franklin Pierce University, Johnson & Wales
University, Lasell College, Mass. College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Middlesex Community
College, Mount Ida College, New England College, Quinnipiac University, Regis College, Rivier
University, Saint Anselm College, Salve Regina University, Southern New Hampshire University,
Stonehill College, Suffolk University, University of Maine, UMass Amherst, UMass Boston, UMass
Lowell, University of New England, University of New Hampshire, University of Rhode Island,
Wentworth Institute of Technology, and Worcester State University
Juniors will attend the college fair after their PSAT.
Naviance
The college admissions process is well underway with our senior class, and we are using the
Naviance system exclusively to communicate with both the students and colleges. Every parent in
the senior class has access to Naviance and should be receiving the regular updates from the
guidance department regarding timelines, deadlines, and the college admissions process. Please
contact guidance if you are not receiving these updates via email!
Senior College Applications
Seniors: we recommend applying to your TOP THREE schools by Thanksgiving. Utilize
the Common Application for as many colleges as you can!
Freshman Guidance News
Freshman Transition groups have begun. All of our freshman now have a Naviance account
and can use their accounts to begin college and career research, as well as to keep a record of all of
their accomplishments thus far. Please encourage your student to add you to their Naviance
account so that you can also receive the regular updates from the guidance department.
Community Service Learning
This year we will continue to use X2Vol to track CSL hours. When students perform their
service, they can log into X2Vol at school, home or even use a free mobile app to track their hours.
Students must enter every community service activity that they do into the X2Vol system. If
students complete service independently, through an outside agency, or without a Lowell Catholic
staff member present, they must not only enter their service into X2Vol, but also complete a salmon
colored CSL form. This form must be turned into Ms. Casey or Mrs. MacDonald. When it comes
to report card time, a report will run on X2Vol that will list the students by advisory and how many
hours they have completed to date. A student’s hours will not be counted unless they log them into
the system. It is the student’s responsibility to log and keep track of their hours and enter them into
www.x2vol.com.
From the Dean of Students
Just a Couple of Things…
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I would like to extend a huge thank you to all parents and guardians (and grandparents)
driving our students to school for their cooperation with our outdoor teachers in stopping at
our stop sign and moving through our parking lot. You have been great! (A good number
of parents have made use of the back gate as a safe drop-off spot.)
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Remember, we will only use the “two-lane drop-off” if you are directed to. This will only be
if Mr. Hart is present. Other than that, for safety, the curb drop-off is slower, but safer for
student bodies and auto bodies.
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Thank you for calling your student in before 8:00 a.m. if your student is to be tardy or
absent. In other words, thank you for doing it—keep doing it---it is important. We have had
a good start this year. (Once again, know that the call-in line is always available 24/7 for
your messages).
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We want to encourage our parents always to feel free to call us about any unusual
circumstance we should be aware of.
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PLEASE NOTE: Due to the fact that students travel from one building to the next during
the day as they change classes, they must plan ahead for the colder weather that will be upon
us. Parents are reminded that there are quite a few selections of appropriate uniform
outerwear that students can wear. Students can wear the new LC navy zip sweater or
cardigan, fleece sweaters and vests, and the LC “North Face” style jackets.
Students are not permitted to wear other LC spirit wear or sweaters and jackets of any kind,
even if it is cold out. Students certainly will be protected if they have the appropriate
uniform outerwear. Remember that the uniform hooded sweatshirts and the green sweaters
and sweater vests are options as well. Parents should encourage students to plan ahead
when they know the weather will be cold. Please feel free to call the Administration if there
are any questions. The school store is open in the mornings and afternoons (check the
schedule) in case parents need to purchase any uniform outerwear or they may contact
Education Outfitters as well.
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Also, please note skirt length –for those students who may have grown taller – they may
need to purchase a new skirt that falls no shorter than two inches above the knee.
From the Advancement Office
14th Annual Walk-a-thon
The Lowell Catholic WALK-A-THON will take place Friday, October 18. Money raised by the
Walk-A-Thon is directed towards those priorities that most directly affect students, such as
expanding athletics, extracurricular programs, technology upgrades, and facility improvements. In
order to participate, each student must raise a minimum of $100 by WALK-A-THON. Please
encourage your student to go beyond the minimum and help make a difference in their school. For
complete details on the walk or to download forms please visit lowellcatholic.org/walk.
Legacy Students
Students with parents or grandparents who graduated from one of our Legacy schools (Keith
Academy, Keith Hall, St. Joseph, St. Louis, or St. Patrick) are awarded a special pin at graduation. If
your child should be included in this list, please contact the Office of Advancement at ext. 12. You
may also notify us online by filling out the alumni profile update at lowellcatholic.org/alumni.
LC Parents’ Night Out
LC parents are invited to join us on Friday, November 15th for a special parents-only night out!
The event will take place at Mt. Pleasant Golf Club in Lowell, MA from 7:00 -10:00 p.m. There will
be live entertainment, delicious hors d'oeuvres, a live and silent auction where you can bid on items,
including a reserved pew at graduation, student parking spot, weekend getaway packages, tickets to
sporting events, and much, much more! Cover is $25 per person or $40 per couple. To RSVP, visit
www.lowellcatholic.org/lcparentsnightout or send a check to the LC Advancement Department.
Please RVSP by November 6. See you there!
Homecoming 2013 Celebrated This Month
Homecoming weekend begins on Friday, October 11 with our all school pep rally. The
athletic department and student council are working collaboratively to bring to our student body the
best pep rally ever! Our homecoming game against Pope John High School from Hyannis at Cawley
Stadium will be played on Friday night at 7:00PM. We hope to pack the stands so come and join us.
Our homecoming court will be announced at half-time. You don’t want to miss it!
Our Homecoming Dance will be held on Saturday, October 12 from 7:00 until 10:30 in the
Keith Gym. This year’s theme is a carnival. Students are expected to arrive by 7:30. As students
decide what to wear for our Homecoming Dance – it is suggested that girls dress appropriately in a
dress or dressy pants with a top. We ask parents to be sure that a dress selection is appropriate and
modest with the following simple guidelines:
 Dresses and tops must be modest in appearance
 With the new “short” length style – dresses should not be shorter than the girls
fingertips when she puts her arms straight down by her side
 No midriff or side cut-outs [even with mesh] are allowed
 No dresses or tops that expose cleavage or have very low backs are allowed
 No dresses that are slit to the upper thigh area are allowed
Our male students should also be sure to wear appropriate attire. Gentlemen should:
 Wear dress pants [not worn out] with a button down shirt
 Ties are suggested, but not required.
 Jeans and sneakers are not allowed.
Please understand that if a student fails to follow these guidelines, a parent will be called and the
student will be sent home. We want students to have a safe and memorable evening at this event and
ask your cooperation in this area. Remember that students will not be allowed to leave until the end
of the dance at 10:30PM. Parents who signed up through Advancement and completed a CORI will
be contacted to chaperone.
From the Admission Office
Open Houses
We welcome the opportunity to meet the potential members of the Class of 2018. Lowell Catholic
High School will host two Open Houses: Thursday, October 10 from 6:30-8:30PM and Sunday,
October 27 from 11:00-1:00PM. Please share this news with those whom you feel will benefit from
the LC Mission.
We continue to grow and enhance this wonderful learning community and as always I thank you for
your support of LC. God Bless.
Peace,
Maryellen DeMarco
Important Upcoming Dates
October
10th
October
11th
Open House
October 27th
Open House
Homecoming Game
October 29th
Quarter 1 Closes
October 14th
Columbus Day – No School
October 16th
PSAT–Sophomores &
Juniors;
Explore Testing for
Freshman:
Seniors–Mini- College Fair
9-11:00 Mandatory
Walk A Thon
November 1st Formal Day: All Saints Day
Mass in Chpel
th
November 7
Report Card Distribution and
Parent / Teacher Conferences
October
18th
October
24th
GET REAL
November
8th
November
11th
NO SCHOOL: Faculty Retreat
NO SCHOOL: Veteran’s Day