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 Dear Friends,,
This is a busy time at Gross Catholic. Work is proceeding on CeleBration 24 to be held on Saturday, April 26, 2008. This is our main fundraiser and is absolutely crucial to our financial stability. We appreciate all of you who are helping us this year and invite all of you to get involved.
As we look ahead to next year, the finance committee has worked hard to be able to announce the smallest tuition increase in the past ten years. In terms of percentage, the 4.6% increase is the least since the 1997-98 school year. Tuition for next year will move from $6,980 to $7,300 -- a total increase of $320 -- or about $27 per month. For families with two or more students, we will continue the 11% discount, as usual.
In an effort to help provide a Catholic education for all those wishing to attend Gross Catholic, we will continue to assist families with our need-based financial aid program. Financial assistance applications will be mailed during the second week in February to those families who have previously received financial aid. The assistance program is a first-come, first-served program, so be sure to meet the deadlines noted on the application.
Also as we look ahead, I want to be sure that everyone is aware of the expectations for our students and families to help with fundraising for CeleBration 24. Each family will be required to participate in the car raffle by selling or buying $100 worth of car raffle tickets. Each family can choose to sell them, buy them, or have the $100 added to the cost of tuition. It is our hope that the school and our families can work together in continuing to teach our young people the importance of stewardship. We think it is very important that our students help raise money for their school. We consider it our responsibility to constantly reinforce the role of stewardship in our lives and in those of our students.
We are also selling Gold Cup raffle tickets again this year. Each ticket costs $100 and puts the buyer in a position to win $5,000, $2,000, or $1,000 if your name is drawn the night of CeleBration. The Early Bird Drawing is on March 19th, and someone who has purchased a Gold Cup by then will win $1,000.
There are lots of things going on right now at Gross Catholic. We invite you to join us and participate in our efforts as much as possible. We are grateful to those of you who encourage your children to do their part to contribute to our fundraising efforts.
Sincerely,
Beckie Cleveland, President |
 Registration 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. |
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The Gross Catholic speech team continues to roll in early 2008.
Congratulations to . . .
Anna Shymanski '10 led the team to the best finish at a major meet in years with her stellar performance at Millard North. She earned the second championship finish of her career by placing first overall in Novice Original Oratory and added a fifth place overall finish in Novice Informative to lead the Cougars to a tie for 11th place of 34 teams. Anna also finished fifth in Honors Finals and 12th overall in Informative at the Fremont High meet.
Jenny Totusek '10 broke into finals for the third time this season at the Skutt Catholic speech meet, finishing fourth in Honors Finals and 10th overall in Informative.
Beckie Rasmussen '10 received fourth place in Honors Finals and 10th overall in Impromptu Advocacy at Skutt to earn her second award of the season.
Arielle Haslett '11 broke into finals for the first time this season at Skutt, finishing fifth in Honors Finals and 11th overall in Entertainment.
Alex Berringer '10, and Annie Pigaga '10 earned a second place finish in a round for their Duet Acting for the first time this season at the Fremont meet. |
At the River Cities Conference Academic Challenge on January 14 at Skutt Catholic HS, the team took second place. The team consisting of Shane Bystrom '08, Amy Holdcroft '08, Anna Norris '09, Nate Luksa '08, Tabby Hartranft '08, Tim Konold '08, Andrew Shearer '08, and Nathaniel Ruiz '08 won the Super Quiz. Individual winners in the Honors division were Shane Bystrom who took first in Language/Literature and Science; Amy Holdcroft who placed second in Language/ Literature and third in Art. In the Scholastic division, Nate Luksa scored third in Language/Literature; Tim Konold scored third in Art; and Tabby Hartranft scored fifth in Art. In the Varsity level of competition, Andrew Shearer scored third in Language/Literature, second in Art, and first in Science; while Nathaniel Ruiz scored second in Language/Literature, tied with Andrew for second in Art, scored first in Math, and second in Science.
At Regional Competition on January 19, the team placed third, earning a berth at state competition on February 15-16 at Creighton University. Winners include the following on the Honors level of competition: Amy Holdcroft - first in Language/Literature, second in Art, third in Music, and was the top scorer from Gross Catholic. Honors Alternate: Stephen Lamagna-Reiter - second in Language/Literature, first in Art, third in Math, first in Economics, and third in Science; Anna Norris - second in Music and third in Language /Literature. Scholastic: Tim Konold - first in Music; Nate Luksa - second in Math and second in Economics. Scholastic Alternate: Tabby Hartranft - second in Math. Varsity: Andrew Shearer - second in Math, third in Science, second in Art, and third in Music; Nathaniel Ruiz - second in Language/Literature, third in Math, and third in Science (tied with Andrew Shearer). |
 Congratulations to . . .Kathryn Dorwart '10 has been selected to the 2008 class of Youth Leadership Omaha. The popular program, coordinated by the AIM Institute and Creighton University, was designed to help build the interest of area high school students in becoming future leaders in the city.
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Dance Team News 
Congratulations to the Varsity Dance Team for their showing at the Regional Competition in South Sioux City on January 18. The team is honored to have received awards for the highest score in the categories of High Kick, Hip Hop and Pom. The team also was awarded Outstanding Kick and Hip Hop Choreography awards and the Best in Class Award. Because they scored at least 90 out of 100 points in all three events, the team won the Super Sweepstakes award. Please wish the team well at their next competition Feb. 23 in Grand Island where they will be competing for the State title.
Congratulations to the Junior Varsity Dance Team for bringing home a 1st place Superior Trophy and the Highest Score award for their division at the Regional Competition in South Sioux. |
 Yearbook OrdersPreserve 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. |
During the second semester, students from our English classes will be reading and discussing the novel The Book Thief by Marcus Zusack. The Book Thief was selected in 2008 as the book to be read for One Book for Nebraska Teens. Set in Nazi Germany and narrated by Death, it is the story of nine-year-old Liesel Meminger. Death watches as she steals her first book at her brother's funeral, knowing it will sustain her in the hardships to come. Liesel learns the value of having a voice and knowing how to read. She also realizes that words are what hold the country under the power of Hitler and the Nazi party. As well as being the source of her strife, literature also becomes Liesel's escape from her bleak life. Zusak has also written I Am The Messenger. Both are excellent novels that can be shared with your teen. |
- Students will now receive emails regarding Guidance office information. Check your email for the latest information.
- EducationQuest is an excellent free college-planning resource. Call 391-4033 to make an appointment.
- PLAN test results will be returned to sophomores on February 4. Please ask your student to see both the test scores and career planning information.
- April ACT registration deadline is March 7 for April 12 test. June deadline is May 9 for June 14 test.
- Advanced Placement exams will be administered during the first two weeks of May. Students will be given planning information in their AP classes.
- Career Counselor Mike Dempsey is looking for career speakers to talk about their chosen careers with sophomores. Email Mr. Dempsey or call 734-2000 ext. 112 if you would volunteer.
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 Host a Student and Assist Global Outreach in Rebuilding the Church in Eastern Europe
Global Outreach is a program in which high school students from Eastern Europe come to the United States to refine their English language and servant leadership skills as well as experience a year in a Catholic high school with an active Catholic family. The program, and the positive experiences it provides for both exchange students and host families, was recently featured in articles in The Catholic Voice.
The GO program in Omaha currently needs host families for the 2008 - 2009 school year for GO students who will attend Gross Catholic. Gross Catholic can accept two students for next year, provided that host families are available. Host families offer a loving family for a student for the school year, but are not responsible for tuition and book expenses. The students bring their own spending money from home. Other Gross Catholic families who have hosted GO students are Gross Catholic English teacher Chris Johanek Boro and Craig Boro, Cougar parents Dale and Melinda Kreher, and Nadine and Gus Cross.
The families who have hosted students in the past will attest that through the Global Outreach program, they have received as much as they have given. Can you open your heart and home to a student who is anxious to learn in the United States and be part of a Catholic school and family? Is your family being called to show Marianist hospitality and extend the Cougar family spirit to a student for next year?
If you are interested in hosting a student and have questions, you can contact any of the families listed above, or email Sister Marie Alice Ostry or call 455-2994.
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School Van Service
Reservations due Feb. 11 Reservations for the 2008-2009 school van service will be taken during registration this year. If you are planning on your student riding the school van next school year, please sign the contract found in the registration packet and send it back to school along with the required deposit. Seats will be reserved on a first-come first-serve basis, with students riding both ways receiving preference. Please do not wait to make transportation arrangements until the fall as there will be a limited number of seats available. |
 Band 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 |
 Freshman Registration for the Class of 2012February 27 -- 3:30 - 7:00 pm
Gross Catholic Commons
All incoming freshmen and their families will meet with a faculty advisor to make final course selections and complete the formal registration process. Email Mikaela VanMoorleghem or call 734-2000 for more information. |
Driver Education Classes
March 3 - March 26
The next session of Driver Education will begin on Monday, March 3rd and will continue for four weeks on Monday and Wednesday from 3:05 - 5:35 pm. The cost is $255 for Gross Catholic students. A $50 deposit is required to hold your spot in this class. Registration forms are available on the office counter. |
 Dance Team Auditions
March 14 |
 College & Career Night for Juniors & Parents
March 19 -- 5:30 pmThe Guidance Office will be hosting this informational meeting for juniors and their parents to learn more about the college application process, financial aid, scholarship opportunies, and the career planning services available. Contact Jim McClure, college counselor, or Mike Dempsey, career counselor, for more information. |
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| Dux Esto . . .
Be A Leader! |
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Annual Fund at $149,679 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! |
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CeleBration 24
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.
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Win a 2008 Dodge Charger or $15,000 Cash! |
| One lucky winner will walk away with a new car or a nice check at CeleBration 24! Buy your raffle tickets today from your favorite Gross Catholic student.
Each Cougar family is required to sell four books of raffle tickets to support Gross Catholic.
The two top-selling homerooms will enjoy a trip to Worlds of Fun. Other prizes include a VIP lunch, movie passes, or breakfast.
Turn in four books of raffle tickets by March 28 and your homeroom will have a chance to win a VIP lunch served by the Gross Catholic administration. |
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Upcoming Events |
February 4-11
Registration for 10-12 grades
February 19
February 21
Gnimocemoh Dance February 22
No School
February 27
All-School Mass at 9 am
February 28
Freshman Registration
Sports & Activities
Wrestling Districts
February 14 - 16
State Wrestling
February 19 & 21-22
Girls Basketball Districts
February 28 - March 1
Girls State Basketball
February 21-23
State Swimming
State Dance Team Competition
February 23 & 25-26
Boys Basketball Districts
March 6 - 8
Boys State Basketball
March 4
Speech Districts
March 18
State Speech
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Important Information for Seniors
FAFSA Applications Due Now
College-bound seniors and parents should complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is the application for state, federal, and college-specific financial aid. Many colleges have a March 1st priority deadline, so complete your FAFSA application online now. Contact the colleges you applied to for their priority deadlines.
Tell us about your Scholarships!
Please inform Mr. McClure or Mrs. Hazuka about all scholarships you receive, even those you do not plan to accept. Bring your award letters to the the Guidance Center so your achievements can be included in the Recognition Day program and in area newspapers. Congratuations on your success!
Important Graduation Dates for Seniors |
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March 18 - Graduation announcements delivered during lunch
April 28 - Caps & gowns delivered during Recognition Day practice
April 29 - Recognition Day Ceremony 9:00 am
May 7-9 - Senior Exams
May 16 - Class of 2007 Baccalaureate Mass at the Cathedral
May 19 - Commencement Rehearsal at Orpheum 10:30 am
May 19 - Class of 2007 Commencement at Orpheum 7:00 pm |
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Forward this newsletter to other current Cougar Families or prospective families! |
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Prayer for Thanksgiving for Blessed William Joseph Chaminade |
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Lord Jesus, thank your for the gift of William Joseph Chaminade to the Church. Thank you, because through him you gave us the Marianist Family, source of life and enthusiasm, a place of freedom, mercy and creativity. Thank you, because through him you called us to live by faith, in missionary alliance with Mary. Thank you, because in him you invite us to be a community growing in faith, sharing life, and committed to the mission. Thank you, because by recognizing his holiness, you gave us the possibility of live to the fullest a new time, full of brilliance and audacity of the Spirit for making the Gospel present. Thank you, Lord, for Blessed William Joseph Chaminade. | | |
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Guidance Department
