"We've Only Just Begun" was a classic 1970's recording by The Carpenters. Often heard at weddings, the title of this song can easily apply to the beginning of the school year. Many preparations were made over the summer to help ensure a successful opening. Now, the faculty and staff are busy with final preparations as we get ready to welcome students to their first day of classes on Wednesday, August 10.    



We are pleased to introduce eight new members of our faculty and staff. They come to us from both near (Volusia County) and far (England and the Caribbean). Please take some time to review their brief bios in the next section of this newsletter. We are pleased that they have accepted our invitation to join the wonderful faculty and staff already in place at Father Lopez.



Another outstanding incoming freshman class will join us next week. We thank them and our returning students for making Father Lopez their school-of-choice. Moreover, we appreciate the many sacrifices their families are making to provide their children with the gift of a Lopez education.



In preparation for the new year, some facility needs were addressed over the summer. This included reallocation of space in the O'Neill Family Media Center. This allowed us to create some additional learning stations to better meet the needs of our students, as well as a training station to assist our teachers in their ongoing professional development.



Twelve new courses have been added in several areas, ranging from Digital Art Imaging to Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries. New courses also include the expansion of college dual enrollment options as we have added St. Thomas University in Miami to our list of partner universities (Dual Enrollment Social Justice).



Additional improvements will be seen in the France Family Multi-Purpose Center, notably in the food services area. A new service line will allow for faster service and an expansion of meal choices. Additionally, a breakfast and snack program will now be available before and after school.



Many of you may have already noticed that our school website has a fresh look. The site will continue to be fine-tuned as we progress through the year.



Keep in mind that "We've Only Just Begun". We will be installing bleachers on the visitors' side of Alumni Stadium (courtesy of the David and Barbara Perryman Family). A scoreboard will be added to our softball field (courtesy of Jeff Hawk '83 and Overhead Door) and to our baseball field (courtesy of the Stetler and Hoolehan Families in memory of Tom Stetler). Additionally, an on-campus cross country course is being created (courtesy of the Roat and Theriault Families).



As the excitement for the new year continues to unfold, I ask for your prayers and support for Father Lopez and the students we are privileged to serve. Know that we are keeping you and all members of the family that is Father Lopez Catholic High School in our prayers.