Gross Catholic High School
Cougar Connection
November 2008
40logo
 
Beckie 2008 Dear Friends,,
 

Last weekend, we celebrated Homecoming here at Gross Catholic in the true Cougar tradition.  The weather cooperated for our annual Alumni tailgate, and it was wonderful to see so many students, parents, and alumni with their families.  At the game, we joined the 2008 Homecoming court and alumni Homecoming kings and queens to cheer on the football team's victory over Ralston. The following evening, the alumni, faculty, and past faculty gathered for the 40th Anniversary All-School reunion at the Field Club, while our own students were enjoying their Homecoming dance and coronation.  It was a wonderful party, and I enjoyed seeing so many alumni and catching up on their lives.  Bro. Leo, Fr. Al, and Bro. Richie were thrilled to see so many of their past students.  We look forward to gathering with everyone again soon.
 
To continue this strong Cougar tradition and the quality programs for our students, we ask you to prayerfully consider a gift to our Annual Fund.  You will receive your Annual Fund Leadership Appeal in the mail soon.  The Annual Fund is essential to our fundraising at Gross Catholic and we need our parents, alumni, and friends to support this appeal.  I thank for your continued support of the Cougar Family.
 
Sincerely,
  
Beckie Cleveland, President  

 

Educate For Formation in Faith
worldGlobal Outreach
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 GO program in Omaha currently needs host families for the 2009 - 2010 school year for GO students who will attend Gross Catholic.  Gross Catholic families Chris Johanek Boro & Craig Boro, Dale & Melinda Kreher, Nadine & Gus Cross and most recently, Jackie & Richard Buchta have hosted GO students.  Find out more on how you can be a host family.
Educate for Service, Justice & Peace 
 
opendoorHope Totes for the Open Door Mission
November 5 - November 21 
Gross Catholic's student Marianist LIFE Community is sponsoring Hope Totes for the Open Door Mission.  Each homeroom is asked to fill a tote for the Open Door Mission.  The Mission is in desperate need of non-perishable food items.  They are serving more needy people than ever and can't keep up with the demand.  They would appreciate donations of canned tuna, Hamburger Helper, soup, boxed mashed potatoes, macaroni & cheese, noodle, canned vegetables & fruits, and anything to make a meal.
 
Special Events
Honk
Honk! The Musical 
November 7 & 8 at 7:00 pm
November 9 at 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm
Gross Catholic Auditorium
The Gross Catholic Drama Department presents Honk! The Musical.  Based on Hans Christian Andersen's The Ugly Duckling, Honk! tells the story of an odd-looking baby duck, Ugly, and his quest to find his mother.  Soon after Ugly is born, he is seduced away by a wily Cat who wants to eat Ugly for dinner. Eventually, Ugly manages to escape but has no idea how to return home.  This lighthearted, family-friendly show is a must-see for all ages.
kidsMix-It-Up at Lunch
Thursday, November 13
11:15 am - 12:30 pm
Gross Catholic students will join 6 million students from over 15,000 schools both nationally and internationally by participating in Mix-It-Up at Lunch Day, a nationwide campaign that supports students who want to identify, question, and cross social boundaries that separate them from each other and help build inclusive, welcoming learning environments.  Students will participate in activities and are encouraged to take a new seat in the commons at lunch to meet new people and make new friends.  Mix-It-Up at Lunch Day is sponsored by Gross Catholic's National Honor Society and Teaching Tolerance, a project of the Southern Poverty Law Center.
wine tastingAnnual Cougar Wine Tasting Party
Friday, November 21 at 7:00 pm
Gross Catholic Commons
Join us for the Annual Cougar Wine Tasting sponsored by Jim Sobczyk & Cornhusker Beverage.  Wine sale proceeds to benefit Gross Catholic. Invite your friends and reserve a table for six!
 
$15 per person includes wine tasting & hors d'oeuvres.  Casual Dress.
 
RSVP online or email the Development Office or call 402.734.2000 by November 17.
For Our Younger Cougars 
 
football crowdJoin the Cougar Family!
Open House
November 16 -  11:00 am to 2:00 pm 
See for yourself what is special about Gross Catholic!  Tour the campus, learn about our college-preparatory program and the opportunities for you in sports and activities! Meet our students, teachers and coaches!  Visit the Admissions page on our website to find out how you can become a Cougar! 
 
Schedule A Visit
Spend the day at Gross Catholic.  Be escorted by a current Cougar student, attend regular classes and visit with faculty members and other students.  Schedule your visit at least one day in advance by emailing Tim Johnk, Director of Student Recruitment or calling 734-2000.
 
Guidance News & College Planning 
 
According to the EducationQuest Foundation, the term "college" covers many types of educational opportunities after high school - anything from a four-year university to a community college to a small trade school.
 
Seniors planning to attend a four-year college who have not taken the ACT are encouraged to take the December test.  Students may also retake the test if they feel it could be to their advantage. 
 
Students whose plans do not include college attendance are encouraged to visit with our staff to see how we can be of assistance. 
 
Many seniors have submitted college applications for counselor review and others are making college visits.  We encourage all college-bound seniors to apply to their chosen college(s) prior to the Christmas break.
Important Student Testing Dates 
Friday, November 7:  ACT Test Registration
The registration deadline for the December 13th ACT test.  Basic cost is $31; late registration deadline is October 3rd with a $51 fee. Registration packets are available in the Guidance center.  Registration online allows earlier receipt of scores.  Seniors who have not taken the ACT should register for this test.

Tuesday, December 7:  PLAN Test
The PLAN test will be administered to all sophomores (during periods 2 through 4).  This is a curriculum-based examination that provides feedback to students and parents regarding academic strengths and weaknesses in English, math, reading and science.  It also gives an estimated ACT score and gives links to colleges.
 
college fair
Career Schools, Community Colleges and Military Fair
November 12  11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Gross Catholic Gym
Seniors unsure about their post high school plans should be sure to attend.  Visit with representatives from the Armed Services and local career/community colleges.  Parents and students from all classes are invited to attend.
 
Student News 
If you have any questions - email Mr. Dale Schwalm or call 734-2000, extension 150.
 
book clubGross Catholic Student Book Club
The Gross Catholic Student Book Club held their first meeting at Crane Coffee to discuss their chosen novel An Abundance of Katherines by John Green.  The story revolves around a recent high school graduate who takes a road trip to find out about himself.  The novel was awarded the 2007 Michael L. Printz Award which exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature.  The Book Club is currently reading In Cold Blood by Truman Capote for their next meeting on November 9.  Interested students should see Mrs. Rosenberg or Mrs. Schow for more information.
pom ponDance Team News
The Varsity, Junior Varsity & Junior High All-Star Dance Teams will be competing at the UNO Dance Championship on November 22 at the Sapp Field House.  All three teams would love to have the Cougar Family at the event supporting the 49 girls in our dance program. 
 
Thanks to all who supported the Dance Team Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser!
Student Achievement 
 
Outstanding Achievement 
Congratulations to Anna Norris '09 and Ryan Schrack '09 for being honored by the Optimist Club of South Omaha for their outstanding achievements at Gross Catholic. 
 
Students Attend Workshop
Juniors Allison Brazeal, Kate Dorwart, Emily Guerra, James Gehringer, Salvador Robles, and Roman Shrestha were selected to represent Gross Catholic at the Anti-Defamation League's Prejudice Elimination Workshop.
 
2008 Nebraska Music Educators All State Ensemble
Each year, over 2000 of the best high school musicians in the state audition for the Nebraska All State Band, Orchestra and Jazz Band.  Selection as a member to one of these groups is one of the highest musical honors attainable in Nebraska.   Congratulations to the following Gross Catholic students for making the Nebraska Music Educators 2008 All State Ensembles:  Johnny Larsen '09 (Percussion) and John Hotovy '10  (Percussion) - All State Band and Becky Rasmussen '10 (Tuba) - All State Orchestra.  
Music Honors for Ramsay AhSam 
Congratulations to Ramsay AhSam '09 for being selected to the Slides Across the Heartland performance at the Holland Performing Arts Center Oct. 20th.  Ramsay, along with a select group of the finest metropolitan area's high school and college trombone players, performed with the USAF Heartland of America Band's Brass in Blue and world-renowned trombone soloist Mr. Joseph Alessi.  Mr. Alessi is currently the Principal Trombonist of the New York Philharmonic and on the faculty of the Julliard School of Music.   
 
 
2008 Graduates Excel
Andrew Janak, a 2008 graduate, has been named an AP Scholar for receiving grades of 4 on three AP tests.  Stephen Lamagna-Reiter, also a 2008 graduate, has been named an AP Scholar of Distinction for his average of 3.6 on five AP tests.  Andrew & Stephen are in the top 18% of the 1.6 million students worldwide who took AP exams. 
Volunteers Needed 
 
Lunch Crew Helplunch crew
We need lunch crew help on Wednesdays & Fridays in the Commons from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm.  Please contact Denise Gehringer to volunteer.
 
 
bballBasketball Games Help
We need adults to keep the score clock at the freshmen, sophomore, and junior varsity boys and girls basketball games this winter.  Please contact Mike Dempsey to volunteer.
 
Alumni News 
kq
 
Homecoming 2008
Homecoming Kings & Queens from Gross Catholic's past 40 years join the 2008 Homecoming Court at the football game.
Dux Esto . . .
Be A Leader!
In This Issue
Special Events
Annual Wine Tasting
Join the Cougar Family!
Guidance News & College Planning
Student News
Student Achievement
Volunteers Needed
Annual Fund
Continue the Vision Campaign
Upcoming Events
Senior News
Sports & Activities
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Annual Appeal

Annual Fund 2008 

You recently received Gross Catholic's Annual Fund Leadership Appeal in your mailbox.  The Annual Fund is central to our fundraising efforts, as tuition only covers 80% of our operating expenses.  This year's Annual Fund goal is $150,000.  Please return your Annual Fund pledge or make your gift online.  We ask our parents, alumni and friends to please be generous.  Contact Lynn Poly, Director of Development for more information.
front of school

Continue the Vision Capital Campaign 

We appreciate the gifts to our Continue the Vision campaign in honor of our 40th anniversary.  This campaign seeks to raise funds to bolster our endowment, secure the softball field, remodel and renovate the commons area bathrooms, west entrance, laptop repair area and the Chaminade chapel.  Make your gift online today or contact Lynn Poly, Director of Development, for more information.
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Upcoming Events 

November 12
All-School Mass   
 
November 13 
Mix-It-Up at Lunch  
 
November 16 
Open House
 
November 20 
Progress Report Day  
 
November 21 
Wine Tasting Party  
 
November 25 
Mass with Archbishop Elden Francis Curtiss
 
November 26-28
Thanksgiving Vacation  
 
Visit the School Calendar for more events.
graduation

Senior News 

Senior Care Packages:  Seniors receive this important document on a weekly basis containing a description of all available scholarships, schedule of college, military & tech/trade school representatives to Gross Catholic, and other information vital to the future planning process.  View care packages on our Edline site & visit our website for more information
 
March 18
Graduation announcements delivered during lunch and full payment is due.
 
April 27
Recognition Day practice in main gym Period 2
 
April 28
Recognition Day Ceremony at 9:00 am.  Parents welcome.  Special schedule for seniors.
 
May 15
Baccalaureate Mass at the Cathedral at 6:00 pm
 
May 18
Graduation rehearsal at the Holland Performing Arts Center at 10:30 am
 
May 18
Graduation at the Holland Performing Arts Center at 7:00 pm
 
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 Sports & Activities
 
November 2
Pastoral Council Meeting
 
November 7-9
Drama Dept. presents Honk! The Musical
 
November 12
LIFE Meeting 
 
November 16
Winter Sports Parents Meeting
 
November 17
Winter Sports Practice Starts
 
November 20-22
All-State Music 
 
November 22
Dance Team Competition 
 
November 25
Orange & Blue Basketball Scrimmage
RCC One-Act
 
 
November 22 State Finals
 
Volleyball Schedule
November 6 & 7 Districts
November 13-15 State 
 
Visit the School Calendar for more events. 
cougar

Show Your Cougar Pride! 

Custom-made Gross Catholic flags are now available for order in the Spirit Store.  Flags are royal blue with orange cougar paw and the Gross Catholic logo.  Price:  $40. Contact Denise Gehringer to order today! 
Quick Links

 

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

 
fall leaves

Arboretum News 

The GEO garden is still a great place to walk through during the fall & winter -- the colors throughout will catch your attention! 
 
A named brick in our arboretum is a great Christmas gift for that special person in your life.  Donation: $50 per brick.  Contact Rich Carey for more information.  
 
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Contact Us
We are glad you are a member of the Cougar Family!
Lynn Poly, Director of Development