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President’s Address September 2016

The Knight Times Inside this Issue:

Dates to Remember 2 Sports Update 3 St. Bede Campus 4 Holy Spirit Campus 5 Middle School Campus

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High School Campus

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Volunteer Driver Form

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Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School is officially open for the 2016-17 school year. After four open houses and a new parent orientation we can now move forward knowing that par-ents and students were provided with an overwhelming amount of information about the various facets of our four campuses. I am so excited about our various new programs such as the Guardian Angels. This group of established families has volunteered to mentor new families at the elementary and middle school level. The Guardian Angels will be the “go to” family when a new family has ques-tions or just needs direction on navigating our system. If you have a high school student, perhaps you have heard about the new mentoring pro-gram, Advisory. This is a dynamic program in which each student will have personal inter-actions with various adults. Every adult at the high school campus is assigned a group of students to assist throughout the year. I heard rave reviews from all after the initial meeting last Friday. The excitement is everywhere. Just go to a football game to see our student pride both on and off the field. Watch the band and color guard perform, and you cannot help but stick out your chest a bit. Observe the volleyball team as they work tirelessly in the sweltering heat of the gym and know they are going building endurance and stamina as they hone their skills. Our cross-country team has been running all through the summer to prepare for their season. I always feel a bit guilty as I drive by them in my air-conditioned car! The school spirit is magnified through our award winning cheer squad. These ladies are remarkable. These are great times for Catholic. And if you really want to be inspired, join our elementary students for prayer each morning. Nothing can be greater than the prayers of children. Everything that is happening this year, the excitement, the forward vision, and the suc-cesses, are the direct result of a team effort. The players vary, but the result is the same – making MCPS the best environment for the spiritual, academic, and physical growth of each student. The teachers, staff, and principals are the finest group that I have ever had the privilege of encountering. They are loving professionals here to serve our students. They are the team that makes this a dynamic institution. If you have not gotten involved yet, please do so. Check out the many opportunities in the Sunday email. Become part of the Knight Nation. Please keep the students, families, and staff of Montgomery Catholic in your prayers and

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Combined Newsletter

Next Lunch Order Due September 6 September 19 ———————

Child Protection Class

September 28 7:00 PM

in the High School

AUGUST SEPTEMBER 3—Courtney Kirkland & Deborah Nix 3—Tina Tynan

14—Alex Johnson 5—Hollis Johnson

21– Ann Berher 17—Bonnie McClure 31—Jennifer Van Alst 27—Ellie Burden

18– Lori Riggles 7– Sara Wilson FACULTY AND

STAFF!

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Dates to Remember September 1 Holy Spirit Pictures September 2 St. Bede Pictures September 5 Labor Day NO SCHOOL September 6 Lunch Order Due for September 19-30 September 13 K5– Senior Buddy Day at the High School September 14 Mid-Quarter September 15 Grandparents Day at Holy Spirit September 15-16 7th grade field trip to Camp Chandler September 17 SACRED for all athletes 8:30-9:30 AM September 17-19 Senior Retreat September 19 Lunch Order Due for October 3-14 September 23 PICE Golf Tournament September 28 Child Protection Class at 7:00 PM in the high school October 3-8 Homecoming Week October 5 Field Day—High School October 6 Homecoming Parade and Bon Fire 6:30 PM October 7 Homecoming Game 7:00 PM Middle School Dance 9:30-11:00 PM in DBC October 8 Homecoming Dance—HS October 14 End of 1st Quarter October 17 Lunch Order Due for October 31-November 11 October 19 National Day of Testing –HS Senior Escape Day

Archdiocese of Mobile Child and Adolescents Protection Program

The Archdiocese of Mobile requires all adults who will have direct contact with minors such as driving on field trips, chaperoning a dance, or helping with field day, must attend an Archdiocesan Child Protec-tion class and complete the necessary paperwork. Classes are held the 4th Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM in the High School. After the initial training, adults must renew their cer-tification each year at www.mobilearchdiocese.org. If you have completed the initial training, it is now time to renew your certification online.

Child Protect Training dates for 2016 September 28, 2016

October 26, 2016 November 16

(3rd Wednesday due to Thanksgiving) December (no training) Publix Swipe Cards

All Montgomery Catholic families should have re-ceived a Publix Swipe Card in their Back-to-School

registration pick-up envelope. Publix provides a cash rebate to MCPS each time you ask the cashier to swipe your card prior to your pur-chase at any Publix. Montgomery Catholic receives a quarterly rebate check. It’s simple!

PARENT VOLUNTEER DRIVERS All volunteer drivers must complete the volunteer driver form (located on page 8) and attach the re-quirements listed below. Copy of the drivers license Copy of the declaration page of your vehicle in-

surance indicating $100,000/$300,000 in liabil-ity.

Completed the Child Protect Certification class

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SPORTS UPDATE By Daniel Veres, Athletic Director

As the month of September approaches, the Montgomery Catholic Preparatory Knight’s sea-sons really begin to heat up. We can only hope that the temperatures will fall as the cool au-tumn breezes blow across the fields, down the trails, and through the gyms as we all gather to watch our Knights fight for victory. First, let me say how thankful I was walking off the field Friday night after the Central Coosa game. What tremendous support the players and all of the coaches felt on the sideline throughout all of the game. Thank you to all of the fans who stayed through the weather de-lay to see the final seconds tick off the clock. It was a nice way to start the season and gratify-ing to see all the players have success. All the hard work put in during the off-season and summer was evident. I am truly looking forward to what the rest of the season has in store for these young men! The varsity Knights football team traveled to Prattville for our first away game of the season on August 26 and came away with a huge win. We will keep our momentum going from the opening victory moving into our huge clash against Saint James on September 2. Our next home game will also be a big one as we will face region and city rival Trinity on September 9. We all need to do our part in showing other teams that, along with the product on the field; the support in the stands is strong. Every little thing helps. The junior varsity and middle school football teams kicked off their season August 29 with wins at Montgomery Academy. They will have four home contests this year, so please come out and support the kids. They are the future stars of Friday night! The cross-country teams will start regular season action as they run in the Smiths Station Panther Stages on September 1.We have a record number of participants this season in the Cross Country program. With increased numbers, we have the benefit of increased competi-tion in practice to push our athletes to be as great as they can possibly be. Please get out and support our runners as they look to get off to a fast start to their early season quest for Cham-pionships. Volleyball starts its second season under the leadership of Coach Amy Patterson at the Mayor’s Cup tournament. All of the teams will be in action, and Coach Patterson is looking for the teams to steadily improve as the season progresses. The Varsity lost important sen-iors from last year, but our current seniors have really stepped up and are doing a great job of leading the squad. Our next home match for V/JV is September 1st against LAMP, let’s pack out the gym and sweat with the girl’s as they get down to business. The elementary football and cheer season will begin with the first football game set for Sep-tember 13 at home against ACA. The teams will play every Tuesday for the rest of the season until the final Jamboree at Saint James on October 29. It is a great time to be a Knight! Come out in support of our student-athletes as they repre-sent Montgomery Catholic.

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St. Bede Elementary K4-6th

MASS DAY UNIFORMS Just a reminder that the students in grade 1-6 at the St. Bede Campus must wear Mass Day uniforms every Friday and on Holy Days. For boys in grades 5 and 6, this includes a tie. Remember that no shorts are allowed on Mass days. Boys must wear the long pants and girls must wear the jumper or skirt option. Girls who wear the navy skort on Mass days must choose the skort that looks like a skirt all the way around. Please email Miss Gulley if you have any questions. Thank you. FALL PICTURES Fall Pictures will be taken on Friday, September 2. All students will have their pictures made for the yearbook. Since this is a Mass day, our stu-dents will be photographed in their Mass day uniforms. Proofs will be sent home early in September for parents who wish to order. Please make checks payable to Total Image. BEANIE BABIES!!! Remember the craze? Beanie Babies were all the rage a few years back. Well, they are still a hot ticket item at St. Bede. If you have an attic full of them, or if you think it is time to tackle the playroom closet, please keep us in mind. We would love to take your previously loved Beanie Babies (and/or Webkinz) to use as prizes for our school-wide discipline program. Just bring any and all donations to Mrs. Calandra in the front office. Thank you in advance! SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR The book fair is coming to the St. Bede Campus the week of September 19. Mrs. Barranco will send home information in the Friday folders about dates and times. If you would like to volunteer to help at the book fair, please con-tact Mrs. Barranco at [email protected]. CRAZY 8’S MATH CLUB Jaime Demick is once more sponsoring our Crazy 8’s Math Club which meets on Friday afternoons from 3:15-4:15 PM. Registration forms were sent home in Friday folders for students in grades 3-5. We need to limit participants to a manageable number, so it will be first come, first serve. Also, we need stu-dents who are willing to engage in the activities and add to the learning envi-ronment.

Calendar of Events September 1: School Picture Day Back to School Pep Rally, 6:45 PM September 2: Student Council Applications Due September 5: NO SCHOOL Labor Day September 6: Lunch orders due September 7: Student Council Officer Speeches & Election September 8: Welcome Archbishop Rodi and Superintendent Byrd September 9: Student Council Class Representative election September13: Elementary Football vs. ACA, 5:00 PM/6:15 PM September 15: Grandparents Day September 17: SACRED Character Education Day 8:30-9:30 AM September 19: Lunch orders due September 20: Elementary Football @ St. James 5:00 PM/6:15 PM September 23: PICE Golf Tournament September 27: Elementary Football vs. PCA 5:00 PM/6:15 PM September 28: Child Protection Training

SMILE! School Pictures September 1 It’s school picture day on Thursday, September 1! School pictures will begin after we return from Mass. Please re-member to wear your Mass day uniform!

BACK TO SCHOOL PEP RALLY September 1 @ 6:45 pm, Athletic Complex

CATHOLIC! CATHOLIC! Get fired up at our Back to School Pep Rally on Thursday night on the football field of our Middle/High School Campus beginning at 6:45 pm! We will introduce all of our fall sport athletes—including our Elementary Football players & cheerleaders! GO KNIGHTS! Student Council Officer Applications Due

Students in fifth and sixth grades are eligible to run for Stu-dent Council officers for the 2016-17 school year. Applica-tions will be distributed to each homeroom and are due to Mrs. Kelley on Friday, September 2. The offices are

President (6th grade only), Vice President, Secretary, Treas-urer, and Chaplain. Student Council Officer Speeches and Election

On September 7, students running for Student Council Offi-cer positions will give speeches to the fourth, fifth, and sixth grade classes in the gym following morning announce-ments. Elections will be held during the day. Archbishop Rodi & Superintendent Byrd Visit Holy Spirit

On Thursday, September 8 we welcome Archbishop Tho-mas J. Rodi and Superintendent Gwen Byrd to Holy Spirit! Archbishop will celebrate Mass and then visit each class-room. We are excited to have our special guests with us! Student Council Class Representative Election

On September 9, students in our fourth, fifth, and sixth grade classes will elect their class representatives to the Student Council. Grandparents Day

We will honor our grandparents on Grandparents Day, Sep-tember 15. Please invite your grandparents at attend Mass with us at 8:15 AM, followed by a special reception and classroom visits! SACRED Character Education Training

All of our student athletes and their parents should make plans to attend our SACRED Character Education training on Saturday, September 17, from 8:30-9:30 AM in the Dolly Barranco Center in the heart of our Middle/High School Campus. Elementary Football Games on Tuesdays

Termite games @ 5:00 PM and PeeWee games @ 6:15 PM September 13 vs. Alabama Christian Academy September 20 @ St. James September 27 vs. Prattville Christian Academy

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Holy Spirit Elementary K4-6th

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Math Counts and Science Olympiad

What: A math program for all interested prob-lem solvers and science program Where: D-8 Mrs. Flower’s Room (Math); B-4 Mrs. Petters’ Room (Science Olympiad) When: After school on alternate Wednesdays from 4-5 PM beginning August 31 Needed: Interested students and parent volun-teers. Parents are welcome to attend.

Camp Chandler

Type of Event: 7th grade Field Trip Destination: YMCA Camp Chandler on beauti-ful Lake Jordan Date: September 15 (8:00 AM) and returning September 16 (before dismissal) Cost:$80 per student; $65 per chaperone Deadline for turning in form: Friday, Sep-tember 2 Medications: Medications must be turned in to the office and the necessary paperwork completed prior to leaving for Camp Chandler. Do Not Bring: Valuables (Electronic devices must stay in the cabin)

Requesting Assignments

If your student is absent: Email teachers for work and cancel school lunch by 8:30AM. BOX TOP Collection

Turn in your Box Tops for Education to the Mid-dle School Office. Lost and Found

As a reminder, please label all of your student’s belongings (books, backpack, clothes, ties, P.E. clothes, school uniforms, etc.)

Washington, D.C. Field Trip

Who: 8th grade students When: Wednesday, April 26- Sunday, April 30. Cost:$648 for student;$724 for chaperones. First pay-ment and permission form due Friday, September 2 Payment Plan: (for students & chaperones)ALL PAYMENTS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE September 4 - $161 student / $181 chaperone & ALL permission forms due October 2 - $161 student / $181 chaperone November 16 – $161 student / $181 chaperone January 15 - $161 student / $181 chaperone

Middle School—Calendar Dates

September 1 SGA Speeches and Voting September 2 8th Grade - 1st Washington D.C. payment and permission form due September 5 Labor Day No School September 6 Students vote for SGA Advisory Representative September 14 Mid-Quarter (1st quarter) September 15-16 7th Grade – Camp Chandler September 17 SACRED for all MS athletes and band members (8:30-9:30AM) September 23 PICE Golf Tournament

Middle school 7th-8th

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Juniors…it is class ring time!!! A representative from Jostens will be here on September 16 to talk with Juniors about class rings and to give them an ordering packet. He will be back on September 22 at 3:00 PM to take orders. For those students who choose to order rings, we will have a Junior Class Ring Ceremony after Mass on December 9.

Advisory and Mentor Program In an effort to meet the unique and individual needs of our student body and continue to foster and develop healthy peer relationships, the high school is proud to launch the new Advisory Program. Under the leader-ship of Student Activities Director, Stefanie Nelson, the Advisory program has been developed to provide all students with an adult advocate in the school, to build community and group spirit, to promote character de-velopment, and to provide opportunities for servant leadership. Parents, please take note of your student’s advisory teacher. Also, each advisory group has been assigned a non-teaching co-advisor to serve as an additional adult mentor. These faculty and staff will serve as an addi-tional point of contact for your family at the school and are available to help address any concerns you may have. This mentoring program will provide additional support and encouragement to help foster student suc-cess.

Get Involved All students have completed a student activities survey during their first Advisory session in August. Students had an opportunity to select clubs and organizations that might be of interest or at least looking into further. It is not too late to get signed up for one of our many clubs in any of the following categories: Leadership De-velopment, S.T.E.M., Performance and Publishing, Spirit and Faith, as well as Civic and Social Engagement.

Homework Hall The brainchild of Athletic/Academic Liaison Tyler Rosser, Homework Hall is a huge success for ALL students. Each afternoon during the standard tutorial time (3:05-3:35 PM), students have an opportunity to work on homework and receive assistance from teachers of all subject areas. Our faculty members for each grade level are taking one day per week to cover Monday through Thursday sessions of Homework Hall in the Library. Teachers are still available for traditional tutorials, but this option gives all students another quiet place to work each afternoon. Especially helpful to student athletes, Homework Hall allows 30-40 minutes of work to be completed before practice, allowing nights at home to be less stressful and hectic. Students are even re-warded with a snack as they depart – a true win-win.

High school 9th-12th

COLLEGE & CAREER NIGHT Junior and Senior Students and Parents Monday, September 12, 6:00-8:00 PM Free Admission Renaissance Convention Center Financial Aid Seminars at 6:30 and 7:30 PM with one $500 Scholarship Given Away!

ARCHDIOCESE OF MOBILE VOLUNTEER DRIVER’S FORM

(Must be updated annually) Please attach a copy of your insurance declarations page (indicating the exact amount of cov-erage on your vehicle) and your driver’s license. Volunteer drivers MUST also complete the

Child Protection Certification as required by the Archdiocese of Mobile. PLEASE PRINT Name of Driver: __________________________________________________ Date of Birth: _________________ (Driver must be 21 years of age or older to drive for a school field trip.) Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________ Driver’s License Number: _____________________________ State Issued: _______________________ Year, Make, and Model of Vehicle: ______________________________________________________ Name of Owner of Vehicle: ___________________________________ Number of Passenger Seatbelts: _______ IMPORTANT: In order to provide for the safety of our students or other members of the parish and others we serve, we must ask each volunteer driver to list all accidents or moving vehicle violations they have had in the last five years: ____________________________________________________________________________________ LIABILITY INSURANCE INFORMATION All drivers must have a minimum of $100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident Bodily Injury Liability; $100,000 per accident Property Damage Liability or $300,000 combined single limit Bodily Injury Liability and Property Damage Liability. Please be aware that as a volunteer driver your insurance is primary. There is a policy that would offer additional liability protection should a claim exceed the limits of your policy. Insurance Company: ________________________________ Policy Expiration Date: _____________________ I hereby certify that: I am duly licensed to operate motor vehicles in the State of Alabama and will comply with all applicable state and local laws. I understand that any and all fees or fines (including attorney fees) resulting from violation of motor vehicle laws and regulations, including parking violations, are my sole responsibility. I understand that the Archdiocese of Mobile and/or the Archdiocesan organization involved assumes no responsibility for personal property of the driver and/or occupant of the vehicle. I agree to indemnify and defend the Archdiocese of Mobile and the Archdiocesan organization for which I am driving from any liability arising from my unauthorized use of this vehicle or from my failure to comply with the Archdiocese of Mobile Fleet Safety Policy. Seat belts must be used at all times. The number of passengers may not exceed the number of seatbelts. Drinking, possession of intoxicating liquor, illegal drugs in vehicles or driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is pro-hibited. I certify that the information given on this form is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that as a volunteer driver, I must be 21 years of age or older to drive, must possess a valid driver’s license, have the proper and current license and vehicle registration, and have the required insurance coverage in effect. ____________________________________ ______________________________ ___________________

Volunteer Driver’s Signature School Representative Date Revised 7-2015