Gross Catholic High School
Cougar Connection
January 2008
Beckie Dear Friends,,
 

Taking stock of 2007, we are very appreciative of all the gifts we have been given.  We are grateful for the time, talents, and treasures shared by each of you to make Gross Catholic such a wonderful place. 

 

With the onset of the New Year, we feel a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to the future of our school and our students, parents, alumni, faculty and all the members of our Cougar Family.

 

Looking towards 2008, we renew our commitment to Catholic education and specifically to the children you have entrusted to us.  Our Strategic Plan, reviewed annually, provides us with the focus we need to build upon our strengths and improve upon our weaknesses.  Task forces established in the areas of Spiritual Life, Enrollment, Financial Management, Student Achievement, Athletics and Activities, and Technology, continue to work diligently to accomplish our goals and objectives. 

 

Over the years, our faculty, staff and administrators have made many improvements and changes in programs that greatly benefit our students and the education we provide.  With hard work, your support and God's graces, we will succeed in our mission "to develop Christian leaders through educational excellence."

 

I hope that you and your family have a wonderful holiday season and that your New Year is the very best year of all.  Thank you for your support and may God bless you.

 

Sincerely,

 

Beckie Cleveland, President

News
booknightRegistration for 2008-2009 School Year
February 4 - 11, 2008
Registration for the next school year will begin on Monday, February 4 and will be processed through the student's Advisory.  Each student will receive a packet containing a curriculum guide, course selection sheet, registration form, and a tuition agreement form. 
To complete registration, students should choose their courses for next year and get appropriate signatures from teachers.  Parents must sign the course selection sheet indicating approval.  The course selection sheet, the registration form and the tuition agreement form along with $225 registration fee should be returned by Monday, February 11.
It is very important that all registrations be completed by February 11 in order for us to determine course offerings and personnel needs for the next school year.
 
Incoming Freshman Registration will be held February 27, 2008.
 
choirsuMusic Notes
The Cougar Band & several small ensembles performed at Children's Hospital on December 14th.  It was a wonderful opportunity for students to use their gifts and talents to give back to the community and bring a little Christmas cheer to the young patients.
 
Congratulations to . . .
Melanie Dasovic '08 & Steffany Urban '09 for being accepted into the UNO Honor Choir.  The concert will be held at UNO on January 19th at 4:00 pm.
 
Andrew Janak '08 for being selected into the UNL Winter Winds Festival and the University of Kansas Prairie Wind Festival.
 
robotsYearbook Orders
Preserve those priceless memories!  Yearbooks are on sale for a base price of $75.  You may purchase online or complete an order form and return it to the Journalism Department.  Please make checks payable to Gross Catholic.
 
Senior Ads
There is still time to honor your graduating son or daughter with a senior ad in the 2007-2008 yearbook.
 
For more information or order forms for yearbooks or senior ads, email Dale Schwalm, journalism adviser.
 
chaminadeHonor Marianist Founders & Heritage
During January and early February, the Marianist Family celebrates its Marianist Heritage and three founders, Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, Venerable Mother Adele de Batz de Trenquelleon, and Venerable Therese de Lamourous.  Important celebration dates are:
 
 
January 10 - anniversary of the death of Venerable Adele
January 22 - anniversary of death of Blessed Chaminade
February 2 - anniversary of the foundation of the Marianist Family (foundation day of the Bordeaux Sodality)
Praying together unites the Marianist Family and reinforces its purpose:  helping Mary to bring Christ to others. 
 
One Book One Nebraska 2008 invites citizens across the state to read Restoring the Burnt Child by Nebraska state poet, William Kloefkorn.  This is the second volume in Kloefkorn's four part memoir covering the four elements: water, fire, earth and air.  We encourage parents and teens to read and discuss this memoir of a boy's life in small-town 1940s.
Very few states in the nation have attempted a state-wide read.  Take time to share this book with your teen and talk about your own experiences.
  • Seniors are invited to stop in and visit with Mr. McClure about college applications, financial aid, and available scholarships.
  • Juniors interested in applying to the service academies are encouraged to begin the process. 
  • Mr. Dempsey is available to discuss career possibilities and will be inviting speakers to make career presentations to sophomores early this spring.
  • Parents are encouraged to contact Mr. Hargis if they have questions about the PSAT test scores returned to students in December.  PLAN scores will be returned in January.
  • April ACT registration deadline is March 7 for April 12 test.
Events
 
Girl LockerJunior High Day at Gross Catholic
December 28th -- 9:00 am - Noon
All 6th, 7th, and 8th graders interested in attending Gross Catholic are invited to spend a day sampling classes, meeting teachers, and getting to know future Cougars.  This event is free.  Register online, call 734-2000 or contact Mikaela VanMoorleghem for more information.
 
 
chemistry8th Grade Scholarship & Placement Test
January 12th -- 9:00 am - Noon
All 8th Graders interested in attending Gross Catholic should take the Scholarship & Placement Exam.  A $10 testing fee is required.  All freshman scholarships are awarded based on the results of this exam administered on January 12.  Register online, call 734-2000, or contact Mikaela VanMoorleghem for more information.
 
boy laptop6th & 7th Grade Practice Exam & Parent Program
January 26th -- 8:30 - 11:30 am
This exam is designed to prepare 6th & 7th graders for the 8th grade Scholarship & Placement Exam.  A $10 testing fee is required.  Parents will have the opportunity to attend a special program "Choosing the Right High School," featuring guest speaker Don Bishop of Creighton University.  Optional tours for parents are also available.  Students and parents are required to pre-register online, call 734-2000 or contact Mikaela VanMoorleghem for more information.
 
MaryAdult Education Seminars
Mr. Dan Connelly, theology teacher, and Gross Catholic Chaplain Fr. Steve Emanuel will be offering classes for any adult interested in learning more about the Catholic Church teachings.
 
All sessions are free on Wednesday evenings from 7:00-8:30 pm at Gross Catholic.  Drop-ins welcome.
 
Jan 9 - Introduction to the Sacraments & History
Jan 16 - Sacraments of Initiation
Jan 23 - Eucharist
Jan 30 - Sacraments of Healing
Feb 6 - Marriage
Feb 13 - Holy Orders
Email Dan Connelly or call 734-2000 for more information.
Parent Awareness Coalition Meeting
Wed. Jan. 30th - 7:00 pm
Skutt Catholic High School
The speaker will be Douglas County Prosecuting Attorney, Mike Winchester.  Deputy Attorney Winchester works with area troubled youth both professionally and as a volunteer.  He has a "no-nonsense" approach regarding teen accountability for choices involving alcohol and substance abuse.  He offers great insight presented in a humorous, caring manner.  Deputy Attorney Winchester's topic will be Ways to Talk to Your Kid so They are Prepared to Fight the Battle and Win.  Coalition events are a great way to network with other Catholic high school parents.
 
 
pomAnnual Pom Pon Halftime Jam
Friday, February 1
Girls from 1st to 8th grade are invited to learn some moves from the award-winning Cougar Dance Team.  Participate in the dance clinic and perform at halftime of the Cougar Boys Varsity Basketball game. 
Cost:  $25 - includes dance clinic, performance t-shirt, one set of poms, pizza dinner and two tickets to the Cougars vs Lincoln Pius basketball game for your favorite fans.
 
Grades 1-4:  Check-in 4-4:30 pm  Clinic 4:30-6 pm  Dinner at 6
Grades 6-8:  Check-in 3-3:30 pm  Clinic 3:30-6 pm  Dinner at 6
 
Game and Performance for all at 7:30 pm
 
Contact Denise Gehringer for more information.
Registration deadline is January 18, no late registrations accepted.
 
footballTrivia Night to Support Cougar Football
Saturday, February 9 at 7:00 pm
Teams of Eight!
Prizes for top teams!
Cost:  $25 a person or $200 for table of eight, includes entry fee, food & drink
 
For more information, email Tim Johnk, Varsity Football Coach or call 734-2000.
 
scottBand Concert and Spaghetti Dinner
Wednesday, February 13
Dinner Served 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Concert Begins at 7:00 pm
Please join us for an evening of great music and "Oodles of Noodles Too!"  Dinner will include spaghetti, salad, bread, dessert and a drink.  Concert will feature the Jazz Band and Concert Band.
 
Adults $5.00
Students $4.00
Children 3-12 $3.00
$20 Family Maximum

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Dux Esto . . .
Be A Leader!
In This Issue
Junior High Day Event
8th Grade Scholarship & Placement Test
6th & 7th Grade Practice Exam & Parent Program
Annual Fund
CeleBration 24
Upcoming Events
Annual Appeal

Annual Fund at $135,679 towards $150,00 Goal! 

Thank you to all who have contributed to this year's Annual Fund Leadership Appeal.  Tuition only covers 75% of our operating costs and the Annual Fund ensures that Gross Catholic continues to provide strong Marianist-guided programs.  Help us reach our goal of $150,000!  Your gift is tax-deductible and can be made in monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual gifts.  Contact Lynn Poly, Director of Development to make your gift today.  You can also make your gift securely online here! 
studygirl

Classes Resume Thursday, January 3rd at 7:40 am 

Students should report to a special advisory period to receive second semester class schedules.

CeleBration 24

A Night at the Oasis

Saturday, April 26, 2008 

Our annual dinner/auction will be chaired by current parents Tim & Terri Burke, Bill & Cynthia Buettner, and Mike & Valerie Conzett.  We need your help to reach our goal of $220,000, supporting the students and programs of Gross Catholic.
 
 
Each family is required to sell four books of tickets for the car raffle.  Watch for your books in the mail this month.
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Prayer of the Marianist Family 
God of all time, all people, all places, you called us to witness the depth of your love through the shared vision of Blessed Chaminade, Adele, and Marie Therese.  Through the grace of God and the inspiration of Mary, they understood the profound role of small church community in creating a more compassionate and just society.
Like our predecessors, we ask you to bless our efforts in building community, the essential context of all things Marianist, so that the gospel may be lived fully in the most ordinary and extraordinary circumstances.
Indeed, we are empowered by Mary, our model of liberation and courage.  Led by Mary, affirmed by Marianists throughout time, one with all members of the Marianist Family gracing the planet today, we say confidently, "Yes, God of history!  Yes, God of life!"
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Upcoming Events 

No School January 21
Martin Luther King Jr Day
 
Mass January 22
Feast of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade
 
January 28-February 1
Catholic Schools Week
 
Mass January 31
Catholic Schools Week
 
 
Visit the School Calendar for more events.
 
grad

Important Graduation Dates for Seniors 

March 18 - Graduation announcements delivered during lunch
 
April 28 - Caps & gowns delivered during Recognition Day practice
 
April 29 - Recognition Day & Senior  Mass
 
May 7-9 - Senior Exams
 
May 16 - Class of 2007 Baccalaureate Mass at the Cathedral
 
May 19 - Commencement Rehearsal at Orpheum
 
May 19 - Class of 2007 Commencement at Orpheum
Quick Links

 

Forward this newsletter to other current Cougar Families or prospective families! 

 
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Contact Us
We are glad you are a member of the Cougar Family!
Lynn Poly, Director of Development
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