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PARENT STUDENT HANDBOOK CARDS DUE
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Please read the 2014-2015 edition of the Parent Student Handbook. After you have reviewed the material inside this handbook, please sign the statement and return it to the Attendance Office by Friday, September 19, 2014. If the card is not received by this deadline, your student may be prevented from attending class. Click here to download the signature card.
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SCHEDULE CHANGE: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
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A large amount of students are required to leave school early on Friday, September 19 for co-curricular activities. We have adjusted the schedule to minimize the impact student attendance will have on the day. Please Note: Because school ends so early, there will be no lunch break. Click here to see the bell schedule. |
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In just seven weeks, our community of SMCHS parents, alumni, faculty, staff and supporters will come together to celebrate and raise funds for the students of SM! The inaugural "Blue and Gold -An Evening Under the Stars" event (formerly known as "Valentasia") is planned for Saturday, October 18th in our beautiful on-campus Strader Grotto and Moiso Family Pavilion. Click here to purchase your individual tickets or table for ten. Seats are limited so plan ahead. Tickets are $125 per person if purchased before October 1st. Attire is "Smart Casual" (less formal) this year. See smhs.org/blueandgold for ideas! This event is for EVERYONE! Want to go, but don't have someone to sit with? Just tell us a little about your student's involvement and interests in the "comments" section when you purchase tickets and we'll do our best to seat you with parents with similar interests. It takes a village to make an event like this a success. Please plan to donate a nice bottle of wine (value of $25 or higher) and a gift card(s) (value $25 or higher) at Back-to-School Night. These items will be used to help us with our special events during the Silent Auction. Look for the Blue and Gold table outside the Borchard Library. Please email BlueandGold@smhs.org with any questions or contact the Development Office at 949-766-6080.
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SMCHS STUDENTS SURPASS NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL TEST SCORE AVERAGES
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Once again, Santa Margarita students scored well above the national and international averages on the Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams.
IB Exams
In 2014 our IB students achieved:
- An overall pass rate of 86 percent (compared to the 2013 world average of 79 percent)
- An average score of 31 (compared to the 2014 world average of 29)
- A diploma rate of 90 percent (compared to the 2013 world diploma rate of 79 percent)
*IB World Stats were not yet available for 2014
A total of 246 students - both juniors and seniors - sat for 440 IB exams this past May. This year, 28 students earned the prestigious IB full diploma and 161 students in the Class of 2014 took IB courses considered "courses candidates" as they elected not to enroll in the full IB diploma program, but still had the opportunity to take IB classes. Santa Margarita offers 29 IB courses.
AP Exams
In 2014 our AP students achieved:
- An overall pass rate of 78 percent (well above the 2013 global average of 57 percent)
- 81 percent of AP students who took an AP exam scored a 3 or higher on at least one test, a score that qualifies for college credit at many universities (compared to the 2013 state average of 66 percent)
- 19 percent of AP tests taken by Santa Margarita students earned a score of 5, the highest possible score
*AP global and state average test scores were not yet available for 2014
Santa Margarita students took a total of 955 AP exams in 22 different subject areas. Santa Margarita offers 19 AP courses.
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Eagle Football Slated to Stream on Fox Sports West
For those Eagle Football fans that can't make this Friday's home game, our Eagles are slated to stream on Fox Sports West Prep Zone as they take on Corona Santiago. As a result, Week 1's match up against Corona Santiago on Friday, September 5 will be a 7:30 p.m. kickoff rather than the regular 7 p.m. start. Click Here for the full schedule
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Haley Wan '14, Team USA, Win Gold at the FINA Youth World Championships
The USA Women's Youth National Team, with alumni standout Haley Wan '14, won Gold on Sunday at the FINA Youth World Championship in Madrid, Spain. The 5-4 win over Canada in the Gold Medal match was the first ever Youth World Championship title for USA. Team USA finished the week of play undefeated with victories over Hungary, South Africa, Germany, the Netherlands, Greece and Canada. This is the second major championship win claimed by the USA Women's Youth National team this summer; they also earned gold at the UANA Junior Pan American Championships in July.
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Junior Taylor Chang Earning Recognition
Congratulations to Junior Taylor Chang for having a remarkable 2014 off season. Taylor participated in 25 Southern California junior PGA events in which she took first place six times. Taylor ended the summer season in second place in points earning her a position on the Toyota Tour Cup. Chang won several events, including the ProdigyGolfer Championship in Anaheim, the 11th Ace Memorial at Whittier Narrows, Upland Hills Summer Championship in Upland, and the Newport Beach Summer Championship in Newport Beach. She also tied for first in two other events, the Heartwell Summer Shootout and the OGIO Summer Championship at Rancho San Joaquin Golf Course. In addition to her six wins, Taylor brought home 17 top 10 finishes including six runner-up finishes.
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Santa Margarita is pleased to offer bus transportation serving both North and South Orange County. Visit www.smhs.org/bus for route information. Annual Bus Contracts must be purchased through the Parent Portal. Once you log-in, hit 'Additional Programs' and then 'Complete Form'.
The South Route 1 is currently full. Add your name to a waiting list by emailing bus@smhs.org. The South Route 2 serving Newport Coast, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills and Mission Viejo still has availability as well as the North County Route serving Yorba Linda, Anaheim, Anaheim Hills, Orange, Irvine, Tustin and Tustin Ranch.
Prepaid bus transportation from school to home is also available. Click here for details.
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Consider the importance of performing arts in your life; possibly an influence that goes deeper than words can describe. Your generous donation and sponsorship dollars to the 2014-2015 SMCHS Performing Arts Season contribute to bringing that gift to many others. Additionally, it rallies and unites us with a shared impact on our community. Your name will be in the foreground as a Patron of the Arts at SMCHS! Please consider becoming a 2014-2015 Performing Arts Department Season Sponsor. By doing so, your name will be printed in every program for every production at SMCHS.
The Performing Arts Program Cover visibility is widespread - it will be seen by 6000 audience members this season. From the youngest in our middle school performances, to the most young-at-heart, the SMCHS Performing Arts season touches the lives of thousands every year.
If you prefer to mail in your gift, click here for the sponsorship form. All checks should be made payable to SMCHS. Form and payment must be received by September 26th. Thank you for your support of the Performing Arts at Santa Margarita Catholic High School.
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Back to School Night
Back to School Night will take place on Wednesday, September 10, 2014. Refreshments will be served in the Von der Ahe Pavilion at 6:30 p.m. with the visitation to classes beginning at 7:00 p.m. Just in case your son or daughter doesn't give you a copy of their schedule prior to your arriving on campus, we will have copies of your son/daughter's class schedule as well as campus maps available at the tables inside the main campus gate. Parking will be available in all school lots as well as streets including Antonio Parkway. Click here for more information.
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Please check your mailboxes next week to see how your generosity can help us this year and visit www.smhs.org/eaglefund to learn more.
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Christian Service Information
We are now using an online tracking and reporting system for all service hours called x2VOL, which can be accessed through Family Connection in Naviance. This system will allow us to eliminate our paper forms and centralize the information. x2VOL will allow your student to enter their service hours online at any time, as well as check for and sign-up for any service opportunities, and print a service hour log that can be used for college applications. All students will be given a tutorial on the x2VOL system during their religion class. Click here for instructions on how to register in Family Connection. We appreciate your help and cooperation with this new system.
Should you have any questions about Naviance, please contact Cheryl Dopudja in the Counseling Office. If you have any questions regarding service hours, please contact Peg Hanley or Margie Diorio.
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Magazine Drive Fundraiser
Our annual all-school Magazine Drive fundraiser is under way. Students and parents may purchase their magazine subscriptions online at www.gaschoolstore.com, the school code is 224736 and the sponsor password is 745745, or by filling out the order form provided in the magazine packet. The Magazine Drive order turn-in dates are: September 10, 17, 24. Students who turn in at least one order on a designated turn in day may come to school in non-uniform dress. Students wishing to turn orders in must do so in the lunch shelter before the start of classes to obtain a wristband.
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IB Upcoming Events
Sept. 10 IB Sail Adventure - meeting for registered participants
2:15 pm in the SLH
Sept. 15 IB Class of 2015 FD Candidates EE meeting with Supervisor - evidence of rough
draft status
Sept. 18-21 IB Sail Adventure - registered participants only
Oct. 7 IB Exam Registration Meeting - for all IB Candidates testing in May 2015
7:30 am in the SLH --- Completed paperwork and exam fees are due on this
Exam Registration for the IB May 2015 Exams
IB Candidates and Parents: Exam registration for the May 2015 exams and payment of exam fees will take place October 7, 2014 at 7:30 am in the Science Lecture Hall. This will be your only opportunity to register for the May 2015 IB exams. Additional information, including "Who is Testing?" and specific exam fees, can be found on SM IB Student Learning Portal. Students will receive their individual billing paperwork in late September 2014.
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School Photos
Retake Photos
Students who have already taken their photo but would like a retake of their portrait, please make an appointment through South Coast Photographic at 949-699 0199 or visit www.southcoastphotographic.com
Senior Portraits
By this date, seniors should have either had their senior portrait taken or have an appointment scheduled with South Coast Photographic. Seniors who have not yet had their portrait taken must contact South Coast Photographic AND the Activities Office. For an appointment: 949 699 0199 or visit: www.southcoastphotographic.com. All senior portraits should be completed by
October 30th.
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CSF Membership
The next California Scholarship Federation (CSF) application period for sophomores, juniors, and seniors is September 2nd, 2014 to September 12th, 2014. CSF is an academic honors organization comprised of students who have met the CSF grade requirements. Eligibility is determined by students' grades from their most recent high school semester report card. The application and additional details are available on the California Scholarship Federation section of the school website or by clicking here.
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Welcome Dance
The Welcome Dance will be held on September 6th, 2014 from 7 PM - 10 PM in the Moiso Pavilion. All grades 9-12 are welcome to attend. Tickets are available online now through Sept. 4th. The welcome dance theme is class colors: freshmen wear yellow, sophomores wear green, juniors wear red and seniors, of course, are blue! The dress code will be your class color t-shirt and jean pants or uniform bottoms. More information and tickets are available at www.smhs.org/welcomedance. NO glow sticks are permitted.
Official SMCHS Class t-shirts (available in your class color) are available now for purchase for $5 in the Activities Office!
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Calling All San Francisco Solano Confirmation Students!
YEAR 1 STUDENTS - All students entering 9th grade this fall, in addition to all high school students who have not yet began their Confirmation program, and their parents, are invited to attend a Year 1 Confirmation Meeting on Sunday, September 7th from 1:30-2:30pm in the SFS Youth Faith Formation basement. All parents and students entering the Confirmation program this year at SFS are required to attend, unless you attended the meeting in May.
YEAR 2 STUDENTS - All students who have completed their first year of the Confirmation program, and their parents, are invited to attend a Year 2 Confirmation Meeting on Monday,
September 8th from 6:30-8:00pm in the SFS YFF basement. All parents and students in the second year of the Confirmation program are required to attend, unless you attended the meeting in May.
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Junior Class College Kickoff and BBQ
Attention Juniors and Junior Parents. The annual Jr. Class College Kickoff and BBQ is among us. Please join us at 5:30pm on Thursday, September 11. We will begin the night by providing dinner from In-N-Out Burger from 5:30-6:15pm. At 6:15 we will begin our formal presentation discussing the role of standardized testing and will welcome admissions representatives who will sit on a panel to discuss with you, candidly, what they are looking for in the admission process and what your student can do to set themselves apart. It is a very informative evening that will help kick-start the college application process. If you have any questions please contact the counseling office or your counselor directly. We look forward to seeing the entire junior class next week!
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Link Crew Tailgate Party
A tailgate party for all freshmen and Link Crew leaders will be held on September 11th at 2:15 p.m. on the football field. Please join us for free hot dogs to help kick off the season. Join the fun and mingle with your Link Crew leader and make new friends!
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XLT Worship Night
XLT or eXaLT is an evening packed with energy and inspiration. Join other teens from the area for a night of fellowship and faith. The next XLT takes place on September 17th at 6pm in the Grotto. Join us for free pizza followed by worship, an inspiring message and Adoration. All are welcome so bring your friends!
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Practice SAT/ACT
Attention Freshman, Sophomore and Junior students. The Counseling Department is offering a full length practice SAT or ACT test on Saturday, September 20th from 7:30am-noon. All students are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to practice before it is time to take the "real" tests. The cost is only $25.00 and all proceeds benefit the Counseling Department. We are partnering with Future Focused to offer this opportunity and they will be providing results and valuable information about the test after school at 2:15pm on Tuesday, Sept. 25th. Registration is open at www.smhs.org/practicetest
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Retreats
Senior Kairos retreats: Our next retreat is Kairos #118 September 22-25, 2014. Click Here for more information and forms.
Junior retreat: Our next retreat will be October 22 -24, 2014. We have a new retreat location in Ramona called Oakbridge. Click Here for more information and forms.
Sophomore retreats: Two retreats are available for sophomores: Sophomore Fall November 19-21, 2014 and Sophomore Spring March 23-25, 2015. Click Here for more information and forms.
Freshman retreats: We offer two retreats for freshman and those dates are:
Freshman Fall November 10-11, 2014 and Freshman Spring April 16-17, 2015. Click Here for more information and forms
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San Francisco Solano Annual Rummage Sale
The San Francisco Solano annual rummage sale is coming soon! The parish is accepting donations of gently used clothes, household items, books, sporting goods, uniforms, DVD's, jewelry, etc. between Sunday, August 24th and Sunday, September 14th. You may drop your donations off outside Meeting Room A during Mass times or during regular business hours. The Rummage Sale will be held on Saturday, September 20th and Saturday, September 27th from 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
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Parent Volunteers
A vibrant campus life is created not only by students, faculty and staff, but also by dedicated and caring volunteers. Our volunteers are one of the school's most cherished assets. They have given countless hours of their time to a variety of school endeavors. We thank all of these generous, spirited and committed parents and friends. Click here to find out how to become a volunteer.
Fingerprinting is a Diocesan requirement in order to be a volunteer at SMCHS. To assist in this process we will have a representative from LIVE SCAN here on campus at Back to School Night to assist with this requirement. Please click HERE for a flyer about the on-campus fingerprinting on September 10, 2014.
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Lenovo Yoga Warranty
Our IT staff would like to remind all students and families that our computer warranty states that we may only use Lenovo products with our new devices. If you need to purchase a new power adaptor it must be a Lenovo product. If you use a third party product it will void our warranty.
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Morning Mass
Campus Ministry invites all of our families to join us for morning Mass (6:55AM - 7:20 AM)Tuesday- Friday in the Sacred Heart chapel. The school's chaplain, Father Randy Sampinto, celebrates Mass.
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Campus Store Back to School Promotion
Make a purchase of $5.00 or more in spirit wear or gift merchandise from the Campus Store for your chance to win the SMCHS Celebration Chest valued at $250.00! Promotion goes through Friday, September 12th. DRAWING FOR WINNER will be on Friday, September 12th and the winner will be notified on the same day. Don't miss out on a chance to win this great prize!
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Safe Homes
The Welcome Dance is right around the corner. Parents, are you hosting a get together (after party) at your home? Is your son or daughter invited to a Welcome Dance event at someone's home? Please click on the link below to find out what it means to be a "Safe Home." The Parent Teacher Guild is encouraging all SM families to join together in protecting our children from the pressures to use drugs or alcohol
Click here for information about the Safe Homes program and to view a list of families who have committed to keeping their homes safe.
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Robert Russell Photography
Parents don't forget to view our athletic photographer's website, Robert Russell Photography. Robert is the official photographer of Eagle varsity athletics. Visit his website to order your photos today, they make perfect gifts for family and friends and decor for the house or office! Click Here to view varsity game photos; you can access it all year.
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The SMCHS scrip program has a new addition - Papa John's Pizza - $10 denomination (8%).
As mentioned before, Ralph's does not provide the school with a report of family contributions so as to protect their customers' privacy. However, they do donate to SM through the Ralphs Community Contribution Program. Participants are required to register for the new term at www.ralphs.com beginning September 1; not before. Step-by-step instructions can be found at their website noted above. Click on Community, click on Community Contributions, click on "For participant questions, click here." If you have any questions regarding this process, please call Ralphs at 800-443-4438. Scrip may be purchased at the school's Front Desk on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. and Wednesday from 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Please direct any questions regarding the SMCHS scrip program to Catherine Hassen at 949-766-6004 or hassenc@smhs.org
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