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 Dear Friends,,
On April 26, we enjoyed a wonderful evening with many of our parents, alumni, and friends. CeleBration 24 was our most successful fundraiser ever. I would like to thank our chair couples, Tim and Terri Burke, Bill and Cynthia Buettner, and Mike and Val Conzett for all their work and for all their support. Also, a huge thank you goes out to the women in our Development Office - Lynn Poly, Mikaela VanMoorleghem, Lori Szalewski and Julie Peterson - for all their work all year - but especially at this time of year. And of course, so many volunteers help us with Celebration. We could not accomplish so much without the help of so many supporters.
It has been a wonderful year for Gross Catholic and we are anticipating next year with great excitement. In the fall, we will begin to celebrate our 40th Anniversary. We are in the process of planning some very interesting and enjoyable things for next year. Our intention is to celebrate this event throughout the entire year with a number of activities involving all of our students, parents, and friends. Gross Catholic has been blessed during the forty years of our existence with the best students and families. We have been entrusted with the education of thousands of young people and we look forward to continuing that role for many years.
Finally, as we close out the 2007-2008 school year, our wish for you and your families is a safe and relaxing summer filled with good times and peace. See you in the fall.
God Bless,
Beckie Cleveland, President
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 Characteristics of Marianist Education
One of the Characteristics of Marianist Education is to Educate in Family Spirit. This is more than simply a slogan; Marianist family spirit is a way of life with specific traits that can be observed in the school community. By providing a climate of acceptance, discipline, and love, the school acts as a "second family," fostering human growth and maturity. All members of the school community share the responsibility to create and sustain an atmosphere of family spirit. Because we educate by "our every word, gesture, and look" we listen attentively and engage in dialogue with trust and empathy. By being available and open to others, we continue to make the gospel vibrant in the daily life of our schools.
Educating in the family spirit means that Gross Catholic graduates will:
- Honor the contributions and sacrifices of parents and other caregivers.
- Understand that the concept of "family" includes not only parents and siblings, but also members of the community at large.
- Value human dignity by demonstrating openness, respect, and integrity.
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Meet Representatives from UNO, UNL & UNK
Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Gross Catholic Auditorium
Junior parents and students are invited to attend. Representatives from UNO, UNL & UNK will be sharing information about their respective colleges with the class of 2009. Parents and students are encouraged to come prepared with questions. If you have questions prior to the event, contact Mr. Jim McClure. |
 College Preparation
- June ACT registration deadline is May 9 for June 14 test. Late registration dates are May 10-23. June SAT registration deadline is May 6 for the June 7 test. May 15 is the late deadline.
- If a student attends a NCAA Division I or II university and plans to try out for (or walk on to) a varsity sport, that student must have clearance form the NCAA Eligibility Center. ACT scores may need to be sent to them as part of this process. Check the Guidance Department website link or contact Mr. Hargis for more information.
- FYI - The National Society of High School Scholars is NOT connected in any way to our National Honor Society. Whenever you receive something in the mail that requires a fee or purchase to join; belong to; or be honored by, BEWARE. When in doubt call or email Mr. Hargis and we will check it out.
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 Tim Johnk, New Director of Recruitment for Gross CatholicGross Catholic is pleased to announce that Tim Johnk will be serving as the new Director of Student Recruitment. Mr. Johnk will coordinate all junior high recruitment activities, special events, school visits, and admissions activities. Coach Johnk will also continue as the Cougar Head Varsity Football Coach. Prospective families may contact Mr. Johnk for more information about Gross Catholic or to schedule a tour or student visit. |
Summer Fun for Students in Grades 1-9
Gross Catholic Summer Sports, Arts, Technology Camps
Gross Catholic is offering 14 different camps in the areas of soccer, basketball, volleyball, softball, baseball, football, wrestling, art, music, drama, & computer animation, beginning in late May. Fee for each camp is $40. Click here for more information and to register online. |
Junior Cougar Cheer Team Informational Meeting
May 22 at 6:00 pm
Gross Catholic Media Center
The Junior Cougar Cheer Team is for girls entering the 5th-8th grades. The team will cheer for the Junior Cougar football teams during the 2008 fall season. Make plans to attend the informational meeting or email Kris Dostal or phone 321-0471 for more information |
Cougar Classic Car Show
Sunday, June 8
The Gross Catholic athletic and activities programs will host the second Cougar Classic Car Show. Please join us by registering your car for the show or just as a spectator. Door prizes for contestants and food will be available.
Cars can be entered as "stock" or "modified" and first and second place plaques will be awarded. Pre-registration is $15, with registration the day of the show $20. For more information, email Lucille Ratcliff or call 734-2000, ext. 332, or register online. |
Mark your calendars for the Cougar Golf Classic at Platteview Country Club. Last year, the tournament raised over $26,000 for the students of Gross Catholic. Form your foursome and make your reservation today as space is limited. Contact Lynn Poly, Director of Development, if you would like to be a corporate hole sponsor, tee sponsor, or green sponsor. Watch your mail this summer for more information. |
 CeleBration 24 Breaks RecordsDue to your help and the over 500 attendees, our very successful event CeleBration 24 raised over $270,000 for the students and programs of Gross Catholic. We wish to thank you for your participation which made CeleBration 24 such a terrific success! We truly thank you for your attendance, volunteer hours, raffle ticket sales, donations, and prayers. We also appreciate the volunteer efforts of your children who sold raffle tickets, parked cars, served dinner, and provided the entertainment for the evening. Thank you for your support of our students and programs at Gross Catholic! May God Bless you and your families. -- Chair Couples Tim & Terri Burke, Bill & Cynthia Buettner, and Mike & Valerie Conzett |
| Congratulations to our Cougar Journalism Students!
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 Anne Mitzlaff Honored at A.C. Lofton High School Art ShowAnne Mitzlaff '09 placed first for 11th grade with her untitled painting. Her painting will be featured in the Bellevue Leader. The A.C. Lofton High School Art Show is a competition between the four Bellevue high schools with hundreds of entries.
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Music Students at District Music Contest
The Cougar Concert Band received a Superior rating at the District Music Contest on April 18. The Concert Choir and Swing Choir received an Excellent rating. The band and choir entered 24 Solo/Ensemble events and received 15 Superior and 9 Excellent ratings. |
 Allison Brazeal Selected for Mayor's Youth CommissionAllison Brazeal '10 will represent Gross Catholic's junior class on the Omaha Mayor's Youth Commission. Jacob Placek '09 will continue as the senior representative next year.
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Summer Driver Education Classes
June 2 - June 13 at 7:30 - 10:00 am
Gross Catholic
Classroom instruction daily with behind the wheel driving scheduled after classroom instruction. The cost is $265 for Gross Catholic students. Flyers are available in the office or email Sandy Antoniak to reserve your spot. |
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Textbook Loan Books
This is a reminder that students who have borrowed textbooks under the Textbook Loan Program need to return these books at the end of the school year so that another Gross family can enjoy savings on their book bill next year. If the books you were issued are not returned, or if they are damaged, a fine will be assessed for the replacement cost. Students may turn in their Loaner Textbooks on their designated day with the rest of their books. |
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2008-2009 School Year
Thursday, August 14 - Book Day
Monday, August 18 - First Day of Fall Sport Practice
Monday, August 18 - First Day of School for Freshmen (1/2 day)
Tuesday, August 19 - First Day of School for ALL Students (1/2 day)
Wednesday, August 20 - Full Day of School for all students |
 Mikaela VanMoorleghem to Direct Gross Catholic Alumni RelationsGross Catholic is pleased to announce that Mikaela VanMoorleghem '94 will be heading up our Alumni Relations Department. Mikaela will assist with the Alumni Association, reunions, special events, and Visions Magazine. We are currently planning a year of special celebrations to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the founding of Gross Catholic. We hope you, as part of our Cougar Family, will join us for the many special events we have planned!
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Join us for the second annual Sand Volleyball Tournament & Barbeque sponsored by the Gross Catholic Alumni Association. Tournament teams must have 6-8 members and at least two team members must be Gross Catholic alumni. Space is limited, so reserve your spot now! Contact Mikaela VanMoorleghem, Alumni Relations, for more information. | |
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| Dux Esto . . .
Be A Leader! |
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Important Information for Seniors
Senior Exams
Appropriate casual clothes for Seniors ONLY.
Wednesday, May 7
Per 1 - 7:40 - 8:26 am
Per 2 - 8:30 - 9:16 am
Per 3 - 9:37 - 10:23 am
Thursday, May 8
Per 4 - 10:27 - 11:13 am
Per 5 - 11:17 - 12:03 pm
Per 6 - 12:32 - 1:18 pm
Friday, May 9
Per 7 - 1:22 - 2:08 pm
Per 8 - 2:12 - 2:58 pm
Advanced Placement Exams
Am. Gov: May 5 - 7:30 am
Span: May 6 - 7:30 am
Stats: May 6 - 11:45 am
Calc: May 7 - 7:30 am
Eng Lit: May 8 - 7:30 am
US Hist: May 9 - 7:30 am
Phys: May 12 - 11:45 am
Chem: May 13
Late Am. Govt: May 22
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Caps & Gowns were distributed to Seniors during Recognition Day practice on April 28. Caps & Gowns must be worn to the Baccalaureate Mass & Graduation Ceremony.
Graduation Ticket Request Forms were distributed to the seniors at Recognition Day practice. The request form must be returned to the office, no later than May 2 & seniors may pick up their tickets from the office during senior exam week. Admission to the graduation ceremony is by ticket ONLY.
Legacy Graduates & Parents Photo & Ortman Scholars Photo on Cathedral steps at Baccalaureate Mass May 16 at 5:00 pm.
Baccalaureate Mass on May 16 at the Cathedral 6:00 pm. All seniors are expected to be present. Parents and families are welcome and encouraged to attend. Seniors must be in cap & gown and dressed-up under cap & gown.
Graduation Rehearsal at Orpheum May 19 at 10:30 am. This practice is mandatory and should last for approximately one hour. Seniors MUST attend.
Class of 2008 Graduation at Orpheum May 19 at 7:00 pm. Seniors should arrive at the Orpheum by 6:30 pm with their cap & gown. In order to take part in the ceremony, seniors must be in dress clothes (no jeans or shorts), appropriate shoes, and boys must be clean-shaven.
Diplomas will be distributed in the main office on May 20, assuming all fines and/or unreturned items are taken care of, and graduation gowns are returned. Seniors may keep their caps & tassels as souvenirs. |
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Upcoming Events |
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Senior Exams
May 14
Nebraska Universities Assembly for Juniors
May 16
Baccalaureate Mass
May 19
Class of 2008 Graduation
Wednesday, May 21
Per 1 - 8:00 - 8:55 am
Per 2 - 9:05 - 10:00 am
Per 3 - 10:10 - 11:05 am
Thursday, May 22
Per 4 - 8:00 - 8:55 am
Per 5 - 9:05 - 10:00 am
Per 6 - 10:10 - 11:05 am
Friday, May 23
Per 7 - 8:00 - 8:55 am
Per 8 - 9:05 - 10:00 am
Sports & Activities
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Forward this newsletter to other current Cougar Families or prospective families! |
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Arboretum News |
| Thanks to the Papio-Missouri NRD, we gave away several hundred packages of wildflower seeds and white pine tree seedlings free of charge. The tulips, daffodils, star magnolia and iris are in bloom. A walk through the garden will bring many new sights. If anyone is thinning out their garden and would like to donate plants to school, just put your plants in a box and leave at the office with your name and flower types. With graduation coming, you might want to commemorate your graduate with a memory brick in the garden for a $50 donation. Contact Mr. Rich Carey for more information. | |
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Cougar Golf Classic
Alumni Sand Volleyball Tournament