gclogoGross Catholic
Cougar Connection

January 2010
Reaching Higher! 
 
ortman 
99
% of our graduating seniors are continuing with their education and 70% earned scholarships to colleges & universities totaling $6.35 million!
In This Issue
2010-2011 Registration
Holiday Events
Educate for Formation in Faith
College & Career Planning
Senior News
Student Achievement
Student News
8th Grade Scholarship & Placement Test
6th & 7th Grade Practice Exam
Parent Volunteers Needed
Cougar Athletics & Activities 
 
 
Boys Basketball
 
Girls Basketball
 
Swimming
 
Wrestling
January 5
Ashland-Greenwood
7:00 pm
Senior Night & Alumni Night
 
Speech Team
 
Performing Arts 
January 6
February 25 - 27
Young Americans Workshop at Gross Catholic
 
Dance Team
February 7
Annual Light Show and Competition Showcase 
 
Academic Decathlon
Jan. 11 - RCC
Jan. 16 - Regionals
 
Sports and activity photos by the Gross Catholic journalism students are available for purchase at Smug Mug.
Join our List
Join Our Mailing List
Support Gross Catholic 
 Annual Fund
 
Gross Catholic's Annual Fund is vital to supporting the high-quality programs available to our students. Tuition only covers 80% of our operating costs and we depend on the generosity of our alumni, parents, and friends to sustain the outstanding college-preparatory education benefiting our students.
 
Please make your tax-deductible gift today!
GEO Garden

 

Donate a tree to our garden as a living tribute to someone special.  You may also purchase bricks, trees, benches or a bird bath for the garden.  This is a nice way to honor someone you love.
Contact Rich Carey for more information.

 
Upcoming Events

gclogo

January 4 
Classes Resume - Second Semester Begins
 
January 5, 12 & 14
Freshmen Retreats 

January 6


Epiphany Mass at 9:05 am in Main Gym
  Band & Choir Holiday Concert at 7:00 pm in Auditorium

January 7
Late Start - Faculty Meeting  
 
January 15
Soc Hop 
 
 January 18
MLK, Jr. Holiday No School
 
January 19 - 22
Marianist Founders Week
 
January 21
Late Start - Faculty Meeting 
 
 January 22 
Blessed Chaminade Feast Day Mass at 9:05 am in Main Gym
 Marianist Affiliates Reception to follow
 
January 23
 
January 28
CeleBration 26 Kick-Off Volunteer Party
 
February 1 - 5 
Catholic Schools Week

 
Send This to a Friend! 
Forward this newsletter to other interested Cougar families and prospective families!
 
Forward this email to a Friend 
Quick Links
Cougars are Environmentally Conscious! 
recycle
The Gross Catholic Environmental Club recycled 325 lbs. of plastic, 92 lbs. of cans, and 3,000 lbs. of paper during the first semester.
 
 
The Environmental Club reminds you to please do your part at home and encourage your family members to do the same at school and work.
 
Think Green Thought for the Month:  Only 25% of recyclable materials is actually recycled.  75% is still thrown in landfills.  10,000 tons of recycled materials creates 36 jobs compared to 6 jobs in landfills.
Follow Gross Catholic on Twitter! 

Twitter Icon

From our Grade Schools 
St. Stephen the Martyr 8th Grade Fundraiser
 
PASTA DINNER catered by Mama's Pizza will be held on Saturday, January 16th, 2010 from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. at St. Stephen the Martyr Church Dining Room, 167th & "S" Street, Omaha.  Cost is $7.00 adult (age 13 and up), $5.00 child (age 4 - 12), and children 3 and under eat free.  Carry-out available.  Proceeds benefit St. Stephen the Martyr 8th grade trip to Washington D.C.
Greetings!

Welcome back to school!  We hope you enjoyed a restful and blessed Christmas vacation with your family and friends.  Best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year!
Provide an Integral, Quality Education
Registration for 2010-2011 School Year
RegistrationFebruary 1 - 8th 
Registration for the next school year will begin on Monday, February 1 and will be processed through the student's Advisory.  Each student will receive a packet containing a course selection sheet, registration form, and a tuition agreement form.  Students and parents may review the current class descriptions and listings in the online curriculum guide. 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, textbook loan form, and the tuition agreement form, along with $250 registration fee, should be returned by Monday, February 8.  Our Guidance counselors are always available to answer your questions.
 
Incoming Freshman Registration:  March 3
Media & Technology Center News
BlogWanted:  Student Bloggers 
Students who love to write and are involved in the academic, athletic, activity, spiritual, and social fabric of Gross Catholic and the Omaha community are invited to join a team of students sharing their experience online.  Blogs will connected the Gross Catholic website and moderated by the school media specialist. 
 
Video Editing
Students interested in learning to use Movie Maker on their PC for producing electronic projects for class, advertising an event or organizing home photos and video are invited to explore this technology in a casual cooperative environment.
  
Book Talks
We have many new book titles in a variety of reading levels.  We are looking for students who love to share their excitement of a good book with others electronically, through dramatic or personal presentations or on print pieces such as bookmarks, brochures, and flyers.  Join this group to help us pass on what to read next!
 
For more information any of these programs, contact Mrs. Julia Reddel, media specialist, or stop by the media center.
Parent Awareness Network Coalition
stopUnderstanding and Addressing Cyberbullying
Wed. January 20 at 7:00 pm
Creighton Prep High School 
Our children are using the internet, email, and text messaging every day.  While technology can open up exciting learning opportunities, parents need to be aware of the dangers that exist.  From harassing text messages to threats via email, electronic communication has taken adolescent teasing to a new level.  Join the Anti-Defamation League for an informative presentation and question/answer session on how to address this issue with high school teenagers.  The presentation features Gross Catholic alumnus Jessica Gall '04.
 
Presented by the Parent Awareness Network Coalition of parochial school parents interested in keeping their kids emotionally, physically, and spiritually healthy. 
Holiday Events
concertHoliday Concert
chorusWed., Jan. 6th
7:00 pm
Auditorium
Due to bad weather, the annual holiday concert has been rescheduled. This festive concert of Christmas favorites features the Band, Choir, BluePrintz Show Choir, and Jazz Band.  Admission is free, however a donation of an item for the food bank is requested.
 
Educate for Formation in Faith
Adult Education Series
Wednesdays
Jan. 13 - Feb. 10 
7:00 - 8:00 pm
Room 223
Gross Catholic theology teacher, Mr. Dan Connelly, will be offering an adult education seminar focusing on the Old Testament.  All sessions are free and everyone is welcome to attend.  Scheduled topics are:
 
Jan. 13 - Assembly of the Old Testament and Genesis
Jan. 20 - The Torah after Genesis
Jan. 27 - Joshua and Judges
Feb. 3 - David and the Kings
Feb. 10 - Wisdom and Prophetic Books

For more information, contact Dan Connelly or phone 734-2000.
College & Career Planning
Test Results
entrance examPSAT for Juniors & PLAN for Sophomores   
PSAT results were returned to students during the first week of December.
Results for the PLAN test will be available in January. 
Contact Gary Hargis, Guidance Director, with any questions.
Looking Ahead
schowPreparing for Your Future
College representatives will continue to visit Gross Catholic throughout the year.  Students are encouraged to visit with representatives and ask questions about the college process.
 
College Night for Juniors & Parents:  February 10
Service Academy Applications
Juniors Begin Now 
Juniors interested in applying to any of the U.S. service academies should begin the process now.  Click here for more information.  Contact Mrs. Schow with questions.
For Our Seniors
Graduation & College Plans
girlgradWhere Are You Headed?   
College-bound seniors should visit with Ms. Schow regarding college applications, financial aid, and college scholarships. 
 
Testing Dates:  ACT on February 6th.
 
Graduation Announcements and Caps & Gowns:  The Willsie Company will be here for the final time on January 27 to take orders for graduation announcements and measure seniors for their caps and gowns.
Money for College
Money for CollegeFree Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
January 2010
The federal government encourages all families to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online beginning January 1st.  Most colleges require this form for need-based scholarships.  It cannot be filed prior to January 1st, but is recommended to be completed by February 1st.  For free expert advice on completing this form and help with college searches, financial aid, and scholarship searches, visit EducationQuest.  Call 391-4033 to set up an appointment.
Senior Yearbooks & Graduation Ads
yearbookHonor Your Senior
Due to the unprecedented demand for senior ads, additional pages have been added to this year's yearbook. The current prices are good until after February 13. Even with the additional space, ad space is limited. Questions? Please e-mail yearbook adviser Mr. Dale Schwalm.
Student Achievement
Vocal Music Honors
choirCongratulations to our Cougar Choir Members! 
Catie Monico '10, Kylie Karnish '10, Salvador Robles '10, Shannon Landry '12 & Mark Beischel '12 auditioned and were accepted into the UNO Honor Choir.  They will participate in a concert at the Holland Center on Sunday, January 31.
Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership Seminar
Shannon Landry Worldwide Leadership Program 
Congratulations to sophomore Shannon Landry for being selected to represent Gross Catholic at the Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership Seminar.  This worldwide leadership program was established over 50 years ago by actor Hugh O'Brien and was attended by over 9,000 high school sophomores last year.  The Nebraska event will be held at Hastings College from June 11-13, 2010.
Student News
2010 Yearbooks
yearbookReserve Your Yearbook Now
Order your yearbook online or by completing the form mailed with progress reports.  Click here for a copy.  Questions? Please e-mail yearbook adviser Mr. Dale Schwalm.
Special Events
yamericanThe Young Americans
youngamericansNational Music Outreach Tour
February 25-27
Gross Catholic High School
For Fourth - Twelfth Graders
The Young Americans, a company of 44 performers and six staff, will present three days of workshops in voice, dance, and all aspects of the performing arts for 4-12th grade students.  On the last evening, there will be a full two hour concert/show that will include hundreds of young people from our community.  Several Gross Catholic alumni have toured and performed world-wide with The Young Americans.
 
Whether you're the next American Idol or only rock out in your car by yourself, you will enjoy this fun workshop!  The Young Americans only visit Nebraska once every three years, so don't miss your chance!
 
Register today for this special three-day workshop.  Cost is $60 per student (includes dinners).  Click here for the registration form.  Questions?  Contact Kat Doebel, Vocal Music Director at Gross Catholic.
For Our Younger Cougars
OpenHouseJoin the Cougar Family!
kids8th Grade Scholarship & Placement Exam 
January 9 
9:00 am - Noon
Take the test at Gross Catholic to be eligible for one of our renewable, academic scholarships.  This test also helps determine your placement in your freshman classes.  Testing fee:  $10. Register online today or contact Mr. Tim Johnk for more information! 
 
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.
practiceFor 6th & 7th Grade Students & Parents
practice exam6th & 7th Practice Exam & Parent Informational Meeting 
January 23 
8:30 am - Noon
Take the this test at Gross Catholic to practice for the 8th grade scholarship & placement exam.  Parents attend a special program to learn about high school preparation for college. 
 
8:30 am - Parent & Student Breakfast
9:00 am - Students Only - Practice Test
9:00 - 9:30 am - Parents Only - Optional Tour of Gross Catholic
9:30 - 10:15 am - Parents Only - High School Preparation for College.  Guest speakers from the UNO Peter Kiewit Institute.
 
Testing fee:  $10. Register online today or contact Mr. Tim Johnk for more information! 
Parent Volunteer Opportunities
Parent Volunteers Needed
Volunteer in the Media & Techology Center
Parents and community members are welcome to help in the library organizing books, decorating bulletin boards, creating thematic displays, checking out books to students, answering literature or technology questions, doing book talks, helping students complete research, and so much more!  If interested, please email Mrs. Reddel or call 734-2000
CeleBration 26
An Evening in Paradise
April 24, 2010
ChairCouples Dean & Nancy Coenen, Russ & Renee Iwan, and Bob & Jane Stutzman invite all parents in joining us in making CeleBration 26 our best ever!  Our annual dinner/auction raises over $275,000 in funds to support the students and programs of Gross Catholic.
 
Please volunteer to serve on one of our many committees:  Invitations, Social Hour, Auction Solicitation, Decorating & Set-Up, Gold Cup, Clean-Up, CeleBration Raffle, etc.  Make plans to attend the party!
 
Contact the development office to volunteer to help us with this important event!