Reitz Memorial High School 

MHS        

Mission Statement
Reitz Memorial High School is a Christ-centered Catholic community which educates all students to their highest  potential by developing religious values, providing excellence in education, and fostering a commitment to service.
Vision Statement
Providing an environment where God inspires, we educate, students thrive
April 2014
In This Issue -Click the link to visit the section
Principal
Asst. Principal Mrs. Popham
Summer Drivers Education
Athletic Department
Counselors
Service Opportunity
Web Links
 

SCAN to Join
 
Text to Join
RMHSNEWS@22828
From the Desk of the President 

Br Lawrence

 

 

Dear Parents,

           

May God bless you and your family as we continue on our journey through lent to Easter.  A number of years ago a great deal was made in the media over Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion of Christ" Much of the feedback that I received at the time was that viewers came away with a greater understanding of the horror of Crucifixion and the sufferings that Jesus endured as he was executed.  Christ's suffering and death on behalf of all humanity form a core basis of our Catholic faith.  We always refer to the mass as a sacrifice because at the mass we recreate the Sacrifice of Jesus to his Father as the perfect and most acceptable offering. 

           

However, if our faith ended on Good Friday then we would have no faith at all.  The significance of Good Friday comes  three days later with the Resurrection on Easter.  It is in the Father's acceptance of the Son's sacrifice by the Resurrection that we receive our promise of eternal life.  As Saint Paul tells us "Unless Christ was raised to life, your faith is useless, and you are still living in your sins.  And those people who died after putting their faith in him are completely lost.  If our hope in Christ is good only for this life, we are worse off than anyone else." 1 Cor 15: 17-19.     

           

Christ's Resurrection is not only or guarantee of the Resurrection, it is also core to our belief that Jesus is not dead but rather he lives in, among and with us.  The belief in the living presence of Christ brings us back to the timelessness of the Crucifixion and Death of Christ.  While His Crucifixion is an historical event we believe that Christ's crucifixion was the result of humanities rejection of God and is the direct result of the sinfulness of all humanity.  Just as the Sacrifice of the Mass continues Christ's offering to the Father.  We continue Christ's crucifixion or Resurrection through our treatment of every person in our world. 

 

The Paschal mystery is not just about sin, suffering and death but also about joy, hope and resurrection.  Ultimately it is about God's deep and passionate love of each of us.  May you and your family have a very Happy and Holy Easter.

 

Yours Truly, 

BRLM Signature 

Brother Lawrence T. Murphy, President                                                                                                                       

Be still with God 
by: Bill Greer, Chicken Soup for the Veteran's Soul

 

All day long I had been very busy; picking up trash, cleaning bathrooms and scrubbing floors. My grown children were coming home for the weekend. I went grocery shopping and prepared for a barbecue supper, complete with ribs and chicken. I wanted everything to be perfect.

Suddenly, it dawned on me that I was dog-tired. I simply couldn't work as long as I could when I was younger. "I've got to rest for a minute," I told my husband, Roy, as I collapsed into my favorite rocking chair. Music was playing, my dog and cat were chasing each other and the telephone rang.

A scripture from Psalm 46 popped into my mind. "Be still, and know that I am God." I realized that I hadn't spent much time in prayer that day. Was I too busy to even utter a simple word of thanks to God? Suddenly, the thought of my beautiful patio came to mind. I can be quiet out there, I thought. I longed for a few minutes alone with God.

Roy and I had invested a great deal of time and work in the patio that spring. The flowers and hanging baskets were breathtaking. It was definitely a heavenly place of rest and tranquility. If I can't be still with God in that environment, I can't be still with Him anywhere, I thought. While Roy was talking on the telephone, I slipped out the backdoor and sat down on my favorite patio chair. I closed my eyes and began to pray, counting my many blessings.

A bird flew by me, chirping and singing. It interrupted my thoughts. It landed on the bird feeder and began eating dinner as I watched. After a few minutes it flew away, singing another song.

I closed my eyes again. A gust of wind blew, which caused my wind chimes to dance. They made a joyful sound, but again I lost my concentration on God. I squirmed and wiggled in my chair. I looked up toward the blue sky and saw the clouds moving slowly toward the horizon. The wind died down. My wind chimes finally became quiet.

Again, I bowed in prayer. "Honk, honk," I heard. I almost jumped out of my skin. A neighbor was driving down the street. He waved at me and smiled. I waved back, happy that he cared. I quickly tried once again to settle down, repeating the familiar verse in my mind. Be still and know that I am God.

"I'm trying God. I really am," I whispered. "But you've got to help me here."

The backdoor opened. My husband walked outside. "I love you," he said. "I was wondering where you were." I chuckled, as he came over and kissed me, then turned around and went back inside.

"Where's the quiet time?" I asked God. My heart fluttered. There was no pain, only a beat that interrupted me yet again. This is impossible, I thought. There's no time to be still and to know that God is with me. There's too much going on in the world and entirely too much activity all around me.

Then it suddenly dawned on me. God was speaking to me the entire time I was attempting to be still. I remembered the music playing as I'd begun my quiet time. He sent a sparrow to lighten my life with song. He sent a gentle breeze. He sent a neighbor to let me know that I had a friend. He sent my sweetheart to offer sincere sentiments of love. He caused my heart to flutter to remind me of life. While I was trying to count my blessings, God was busy multiplying them.

I laughed to realize that the "interruptions" of my quiet time with God were special blessings He'd sent to show me He was with me the entire time.


 

Principal's Corner
Principal
Mrs. Cyndi Schneider
Crest
 

 

Well, we survived.  Winter seemed to hold on far too long, challenging us with threats of ice, snow, cold.  Everyday seemed to prove a new challenge, and yet, we endured.  With flexibility and the support of one another, we emerged, excellent, and now enjoy the warm sunny days of spring.

 

Perhaps we can learn something from those dreary days of winter:  hope, perseverance, patience.  Life will forever blow bitter winds in our direction.  We will experience days when plans are ruined, postponed, cancelled, or altogether forgotten.  We may feel too cold, or we may find ourselves weighted down by someone else's icy attitude.  Yet, through our faith and because of our experiences, we hold fast to one truth:  Spring will arrive.

 

Sure, sometimes it arrives slowly or teases us with early arrival, like a 70 degree Saturday followed by a snow and ice filled Sunday.  But we know, that eventually we will see flowers bloom and bask in the warm light of sunshine.

 

Life is filled with the good and bad, the bright and gloomy, the warm and the bitter cold.  We suffer through some days to rejoice in others, and we do so through the promises of our faith.  We cling to that hope, and with the love and support of friends and family, we endure patiently.

 

Celebrate Spring.  Rejoice in its arrival and in our ability to blossom after a bitter winter.  Thank you for your patience and support through countless schedule adjustments and too many early morning calls alerting you to school delays and cancellations.  And when all else fails, believe:  tomorrow will be better.
 

 

 
Asst. Principal (Curriculum & Instruction)
Mrs. Lisa Popham

Change of..... Please inform our office if you have a change of mailing address, email address, or phone number.  This will allow us to keep our database current and our communication with you uninterrupted.  [email protected]

 

WELCOME Class of 2018: On Wednesday, April 16th, we will be holding an ORIENTATION MEETING for parents of all Incoming Freshmen. The meeting in the auditorium will begin at 6:30 p.m. Information packets will be provided for each student; they should be picked up between 6:10 and 6:25 p.m. in the main hallway. Please make every effort to attend this meeting. For those who have an unavoidable conflict, packets may be picked up from my office by contacting me at [email protected], beginning April 18th. 

Drivers Education 

Summer Driver Education Registration and information will be available on March 3, 2014.  Please stop by Mr. Wilgus' office for this information.

Business Office 

CAFETERIA

Please take time to ask your student(s) about their cafeteria account balance.  If your student is unaware of their account balance, you may contact the cafeteria staff directly or log on to the MySchoolBucks.com website to obtain this information.  A link to the MySchoolBucks.com website can be found on the school website at www.reitzmemorial.org.  There are instructions available on how to set up an account.  By creating an account, you can access your student's account information, review their cafeteria purchases, and fund your student's account.  Thank you for your attention to your student's account. 

 

 

TUITION & FEES

All scheduled automatic tuition payments for the current school year have been completed.  Families that still have any remaining balances will be receiving a statement during the month of April.  Thank you in advance for your attention to any outstanding balances owed the school.

 

 

TUITION ASSISTANCE

The school has begun reviewing applications for tuition assistance for the 2014-2015 school year.  If you have not yet submitted your application and/or your tax return, please do so as soon as possible.  School Choice and SGO awards should be announced to families in the near future.  CEF grants should be awarded before the end of the school year.

 

 

2014-2015 GENERAL FEE 

The general fee of $215 is due for returning students by April 25, 2014.  Please send your payment to the attention of the business office.  Thank you in advance for your time and attention in this matter. 


Fine Arts Department

    

The 51st Annual High School Art Show opening took place Thursday, March 13th at Evansville Museum of Arts and Science.  The following students had pieces selected for this annual juried show:  Lonna Dipple, Sena Diaz, Emily Vogel, Taylor Warren, Ella Funke, Audrey Vincent, Cassie Dixon, Lydia Wessel and  Makayla Simpson. Lydia Wessel received the Bishop Shea Merit award that evening.  

 

Athletic Department

Athletic Director

Mr. Bruce Dockery

 

Memorial H.S.

Academic All-City

Winter, 2013-14

**=6.0

Wrestling

Boys Basketball
Girls Basketball
Marcus Gahagen
Mitchell Long
Jo Carver
Holden Abshier**Alex Kieffer
Rachel Dewig
Connor Brown
Ben Stachowski
Jacqui Wandling
Mitchell Brown
Javon Langley
Stephanie Sherwood**
Luke PetrigBoys Swimming
Lindsey Barnes
Girls SwimmingNick Faupel
Miranda Pepe
Alyssa BaileyAdam Horty 
Allie Murphy
Katelyn EttensohnJackson Howell**
Caroline Newland
Kathleen McCoyEric Klipsch**
Anna NalinMatthew Tharp
Allison ReitzMitch Pohl

Erica ReitzJacob Winiger

Darby RayAndres Aston-Zapata

Emily BurkartMason Rickelman

Josephine HasemanMichael Scholz

Mia Miller


Kaitlin Schopmeyer


Meg Tharp**


 

The Tigerettes held their season ending banquet on March 13th.

Receiving awards were:

Leadership - Montana Taylor and April Gossman

Mental Attitude - Claire Wolking

Total Commitment - Kelly Nixon and Sophie Funke

Excellence - Claire Wolking

Varsity Monograms - Maddison Bitter, Paige Perkins, Sarah Shelton, Montana Taylor

Repeat Monograms - April Gossman, Erica Malitz, Kelly Nixon, Cassidy Schaefer,Camille Sebastian, Melissa Roe, Claire Wolking

Freshmen Numerals - Tanner Logan, Sydney Lattner, Sophie Funke.

 

 

 

IHSAA Moratorium Week:  Moratorium week this summer is the week of June 29th through July 7th.  There may be no organized practices or contact with coaches during this week. 

Counselors Office

SCHOLARSHIPS

 

This is a busy time of year for scholarships, with new awards being added weekly.  A detailed description of each scholarship application currently in the Counseling Office can be found at the Memorial web site - www.reitzmemorial.org.  Click on Counseling/Guidance and then on "Current Scholarships Available".  Most of the listed scholarships are available to current Seniors only.  If other classes are eligible to apply, it is denoted in front of the scholarship name.

 

 

IMPORTANT SENIOR INFORMATION:

 

Mrs. Bennett and Mrs. McKinney will be visiting senior homerooms the week of April 7th.  Forms will be given to students that need to be returned ASAP.  You can help by starting to compile the following information:

  1.  A list of colleges your student has been accepted to
  2. A list of scholarship offers and amounts - even if it is from a school that your student is not attending
  3. A list of awards and honors your student has received THIS academic year

 

 

WAIVERS FOR 2014-2015

 

Waivers for non-math courses were accepted the week of March 18th.  If your student did not request a waiver during that week, they may still get one from their counselor.  Math waivers will be accepted the week of April 16th

 

A few reminders about waivers:

PLEASE read this form completely so that you understand the risk of your child taking a course in which he or she does not meet the prerequisite.  A parent must sign this green form along with the student, the teacher of the course, and the department head of the requested course.  The child must also discuss their reasoning for wanting to take the requested course with their counselor and the department head.

 

For students who become ineligible to take a course based on 4th quarter grades and wish to waiver into that course, waivers will also be available in the counseling office through May 30th

 

 

 SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES

 

A detailed description of each opportunity can be found at the Memorial website:  www.reitzmemorial.org.  Click on Counseling/Guidance, and then click on "Summer Opportunities".  Also, check out these websites for athletic and academic programs at Indiana colleges:

http://summersportsprograms.com/indiana.html

 

http://studenteducationprograms.com/indiana.html

 

 

 

SAT Dates - register at www.sat.collegeboard.org

 

Test                                        Registration Deadline        

 

May 3                                    April 6

June 7                                    May 8

 

ACT Dates - register at www.actstudent.org

 

Test                                        Registration Deadline                        

 

*April 12                               March 7

*June 14                                May 9

 

*Memorial will be a test site for these dates.

**Memorial's testing code is 150980.  Be sure and include this with your registration so that we receive your scores!

 

It is possible to obtain a waiver for the ACT and SAT to cover the cost of taking the test.  Contact the counseling office to see if your family meets the financial criteria set by the College Board and/or ACT.

 

Most students will take the SAT I (Reasoning Test).  Only a few students each year take the SAT II.  This tests particular areas of knowledge like foreign languages, history or biology.  Some schools require up to 3 SAT II tests.  You can discover which schools require SAT II testing by visiting a school's website. 

 

 

PRACTICE FOR SAT/ACT TESTS

 

Parents and students frequently ask where they can find "practice" SAT/ACT tests.

 

ACT offers an Online Prep Personal Edition for students for $19.95.  To order, visit www.actstudent.org/onlineprep.

 

Sophomores and Juniors:  High school students who took the PSAT/NMSQT(R) in October 2013 have FREE access to My College QuickStart.  Go to: http://click.collegeboard.com and click on "For Students."

 

My College QuickStart is an interactive planning experience that lets students build a portfolio to document their explorations. After reading about any college, major, or career, students can rate their interest and record their thoughts. Students can view these entries later in a special section of the site called My Plan.

 

 

Princeton Review is offering a free practice SAT on April 26th and ACT on April 27th at Harrison High School.  Start time 9am.  Register at princetonreview.com/events.  Free score back session is May 3rd at 11am at Harrison.

 

End of Course Assessment

Students who are currently enrolled in English 10, Algebra 1, or Biology will be taking the ECA for that subject area this spring.  English testing will be during the week of April 21 and Algebra 1 and Biology testing will be the week of April.  Students who are re-taking their ECAs and students who are new to Indiana will test during this time as well.  Passing these exams is required for graduation in the State of Indiana.  Students enrolled in Biology I will also take ECAs during the week of April 29; however, passing this exam is not required for graduation.  If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Bennett in the Guidance Office at 476-4973, ext. 207 or [email protected]

 

NCAA

It is important for all students planning on participating in collegiate athletics to register with the NCAA.  This can be done by visiting, www.eligibilitycenter.orgJuniors:  At the end of this school year, please request a transcript by going to www.parchment.com and setting up an account by May 30th, the last day the counselors are in the office.  On the parchment website, there is an NCAA tab.  Click on this.  You will need your NCAA ID number.  Follow the prompts to request your transcript. 

 

2014-2015 Registration

Please take a moment and log into your Parent Connect account and check the registration list for your student.  We enter thousands of codes and it is possible that a mistake was made.  Please make sure the list coincides with what your student registered for.  Contact your student's counselor if you see a problem.

 

 

Service Opportunity

 Calling all Gardeners!

As one of our service projects this spring we will be doing a landscaping project for the United Caring Shelters.  We are in need of perennials (coneflowers, daylilies, daisies, etc) if anyone is doing some dividing think of us! We also could use donations of three knockout rose bushes and if you have any large pots you are no longer using we could use those too! If you would like to help please contact Mr. Jake Hughes or Mrs. Mary Kaye Falcony.
Admissions and Enrollment

8th graders and transfer students are encouraged to visit and become a "Tiger" for the day. Students have the opportunity to receive a school tour, visit with Memorial students and faculty, and engage in classroom activities with a student host. Please contact the school at 812-476-4973 x 205 for Mrs. Popham.   

Marian Educational Outreach

 

  Click here to Download RSVP

 

Alexandria Turpin, Emily Pfister  and Taylor Dolletzki are all graduates of Mater Dei and are finalists and performing at the IDOL Gala.
Manisha Wohlford is a junior  at Memorial and finalist and performing at the IDOL Gala.
Their pictures, bio's and semi-final performances are all on the IDOL website: meoidol.com
 

 

 

"Tech it Easy"

Marian Educational Outreach (MEO) is hosting an Assistive Technology Summer Day Camp for students in grades 3-12 who  are receiving resource services in the Diocesan schools.

 

The enrollment in the camp will be limited to the first 45 students who  apply. 

Sessions:

Grades 3-5- Monday and Tuesday, July 14 and 15, 8:30 a.m. -11;30 a.m.

Grades 6-8- Monday and Tuesday, July 14 and 15, 12:30 p.m. -3:30 p.m.

Grades 9-12-Wednesday and Thursday, July 16 and 17, 8:30 a.m. -12 p.m.

 

Three teachers will lead sessions with a maximum of 15 students per session.  

All sessions will be at Memorial High School Media Center.

 

Each student will be assigned a mini iPad that will be downloaded with  iMovies, Quizlet and Co-Writer software.  

 

The objectives of "Tech it Easy" is to get the students introduced to and excited about using assistive technology that will improve their learning experiences in school and in life. A QR code treasure hunt will launch the first  session!

 

Applications will be available online: meoforkids.com and by calling 812-402-6700 Ex. 312

 

Catholic Education Foundation

REITZ MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL TUITION ASSISTANCE

 

Applications are available for parents wishing to apply for Reitz Memorial High School tuition assistance for the 2014-2015 school year. Hard copies of applications will be available at Memorial and at east-side and north-side Catholic feeder schools and parishes. To download, complete, and print the application go to http://www.reitzmemorial.org/TuitionAssistance.aspx. The priority deadline for applying this year is February 1, 2014. Questions? Please contact Jeff Marx, Business Manager(ext 306) or Monica Hammett (ext. 309) at Memorial High School (812-476-4973).   This year there is one common application, available in hard copy or electronically for the following:  

1.       Tax Credit Scholarships (SGOs)

2.       School Choice Vouchers

3.       Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) tuition assistance

Senior Parents

SENIORS - Graduation To-Do

Your pictures are needed to compile the Senior Slideshow which will be shown at the After-Baccalaureate Party.  Each senior is asked to submit a pic from before they started school and up to 3 group shots from high school years.  Pictures can be any size up to a 5x7.  You may also turn in an individual senior photo or we can use the headshot that is going in the yearbook.  ALL PHOTOS WILL BE RETURNED TO THE STUDENTS.
 
Please mark the back of each photo with the name of the student or parents (address labels work great and there is no concern of ink smearing on your pictures). Put them in an envelope marked Senior Slideshow and the student's name.  Turn them in to the main office.
 
 
Last Chance To Order!
Graduation Packs are convenient and a real value. It contains 
everything you need for graduation in one total package at one great price.
visit balfour.com
 
Basic Pack -
All the Basics!

15 Grad Announcements*
25 Announcement Tissue
     Inserts
50 Name Cards
60 Return Address Labels
25 Thank You Notes 
50 Envelope Seals
 
Essential Pack -
Most Popular!

20 Grad Announcements*
25 Announcement Tissue
     Inserts
50 Name Cards
60 Return Address Labels
25 Thank You Notes
50 Envelope Seals
01 Silvertone Key Ring
Deluxe Pack - 
Has it All!

  30 Grad Announcements*
  50 Announcement Tissue
       Inserts
100 Name Cards
  60 Return Address Labels
  30 Graduation Party
        Invitations
  25 Thank You Notes
  01 Announcement & Photo
       Keepsake
100 Envelope Seals
    01 Silvertone Key Ring
 
Add to Your Pack or Order Individually
 
04. Graduation Announcements
If available, you will receive your school's official Custom Graduation Announcement. Otherwise, you will receive a standard graduation announcement (pictured) that will feature your graduation year on finely engraved white vellum with matching inner and outer envelopes.
 
05. Name Cards Elegantly printed Name Cards will allow you to personalize your graduation stationery.
 
06. Announcement Tissue Inserts This delicate, translucent paper is imprinted with your graduation year and comes in the same orientation (portrait or landscape) as your Graduation Announcement. Available in packages of 25.
 
07. Return Address Labels Address your envelopes with beautiful, transparent, fine script adhesive Return Address Labels. Available in packages of 60.
 
08. Envelope Seals A classy finishing touch to your graduation stationary, these brilliant foil envelope seals are available in packages of 25.
 
Additional products can be viewed at balfour.com
or
Contact your local representative by phone at: 270/527-6654 or via email at: [email protected] 
 
PTO News

 

Senior Weekend Class of 2015

Please mark your student's calendar (and yours) for Class of 2015 Senior Weekend.  It will be held July 26-27th.  We will be meeting with students at an assembly in April to discuss more details, but please keep this date in mind as you plan summer trips.  Senior Weekend is a great opportunity for the class to kick off their senior year with a strong sense of camaraderie, faith and friendship.  The event is always well attended and we hope to see all seniors there. 

Please also be on the lookout for requests for parent volunteers.  We need parents as chaperones.  The student led mass on Saturday night is always beautiful and parents are welcome to attend.

Please contact Cindy Elliott (812-760-4971) if you would like to volunteer.  Our greatest needs right now are parents to chair the Food Committee and the t-shirt committee.

 

After Prom

All Junior families should have received a  letter from the PTO asking for your volunteer and financial support for this event.  We need your help to provide a safe and fun event for the students to continue their prom celebration.  We need the help of all the junior parents to make this a success.  As in previous years, we are asking for a donation from each junior family.  Historically, parents donate $25-$50 per family.  Please give to help with this event at a level that is comfortable for your family financially.  The expense of After Prom includes entertainment, security, food, beverages and prizes.  In-kind donations are also extremely helpful and will be recognized in the MHS Parent Newsletter, as well as at the After Prom Party.  Any excess funds will be rolled over to help fund the After Baccalaureate Party for our children when they graduate next May.  Please make checks payable to Memorial High School with a notation to After Prom Party.  Be sure to mark your envelope After Prom Party and send it to the school ASAP.  Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

If you are able to volunteer with this event, please contact  Kerrie Weinzapfel  [email protected] or text 812-457-9528

Junior and Senior Parents:

After Prom:

The PTO sponsored After Prom festivities will be held at CJ's Willow Bowling  Center.  The After Prom Committee is working hard to make this an enjoyable event for the students.  The event begins with Mass with Father Alex.  There will be lots of giveaways for students who attend to win.  Bowling, pizza and CJ's awesome chocolate chip cookies are on the menu.  Please encourage your child to attend.  Students who attend After Prom will also receive the extra incentive of a spirit dress day, more details to follow.  

Senior Parents:Be on the lookout for a mailing regarding After Baccalaureate volunteer opportunities.

  

 

 

RMHS Highlights
May Newsletter Deadline is April 25, 2014.  
Please remit submissions to Catie Diefenbaugh [email protected]
 at your earliest convenience.  Attachments can be emailed.  Thank you.