Reitz Memorial High School
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.
December 2017 Newsletter
Letter from the Principal:
Dear Students, Parents and Friends,

I am writing to let you know that I have asked Mr. Browning and Dr. Hagan to begin the search for a new principal. My experience in searching for high school principals has made me highly aware that it can be a difficult and sometimes long process. I really want to allow as much time as needed to find the best person to serve in this position for many years to come. For the first time in my life I will not need to move to the next full time job, so I can be very flexible in the transition. The position will be posted soon, so I am letting you know before that posting becomes public.

I have worked in Catholic education since 1974 and have seen many changes – ups and downs. I am convinced there has never been a greater need for Catholic schools. The world we live in becomes more and more complex with many challenges for people, young and old. Navigating the experiences of life is often difficult, but there is no greater guide than the Holy Spirit, no greater model than Jesus Christ, and no greater love than God has for us in all of our success and failure. 

Reitz Memorial is an amazing school community! Never did I dream that I would end my full time career in this position, but God has blessed me with many wonderful surprises over the years and they just keep happening. I am not ready to leave yet. These students both drain my energy and fill me with energy. I am also reminded daily that my energy is becoming more limited as I age, and I know that the school needs a younger leader for the future. My hope has been to use my many years of experience to help this great school become even greater. I hope that is happening, and I will continue to serve in whatever way I can to assist in the transition and beyond.

Thanks to all of you for the wonderful support I have received, but most of all for the support you have given this school community which continues to provide a multitude of young people opportunities to grow in faith, knowledge and skill!

-Marie Williams
PTO Trivia Night February 17:
It's not too late to join the PTO! Check out our page on the Reitz Memorial website . 

Please join us for the next PTO meeting on Wednesday, January 31 at 6:30 pm in the Witting Media Center. 
Coat-a-Kid:
As the cold weather approaches, our school takes on the role of helping Evansville's homeless and under-privileged citizens. Although Evansville's program, "Coat-a-Kid," focuses on the collection of coats and jackets for kids, we extend our collection to more warm weather clothing. Everyone has used coats, jackets, sweatshirts, hats, gloves, scarves, and blankets that have been hiding away in their closets that have been there for years. Why not donate those items to people who would greatly benefit from them?

Donations will be accepted at school until January 12.
Counseling News:
COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID/FAFSA INFORMATION
Seniors and their parents can now file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal [and State] Student Aid) at www.fafsa.ed.gov . The 2018-2019 form is the one to fill out for your student’s first school year in college. To apply online the student, as well as a parent, will need a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) when they apply. If parents have more than one student in college, the parent can use the same FSA ID for all students. However, each student must have his/her own FSA ID. Parents and students can apply for FSA IDs by going to www.fafsa.ed.gov . Some colleges and universities also require that applicants file a CSS Profile, which reports a student’s and parent’s financial status. For Information on the Profile, visit https://student.collegeboard.org/css-financial-aid-profile .

It is highly recommended that you use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool . This tool allows students and parents to access the IRS tax return information needed to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students and parents may transfer the data directly into their FAFSA. 
If you are eligible to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, we highly recommend using the tool for several reasons:
1. It’s the easiest way to provide your tax data.
2. It’s the best way of ensuring that your FAFSA has accurate tax information.
3. You won’t need to provide a copy of your or your parents’ tax returns to your college.

If you do not use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to provide tax information and your college requests a copy of your tax return or your parents’ tax return, you may be required to obtain an official tax transcript from the IRS. 

Important Info:
-Always check to see if the school you are applying to requires the CSS Profile, which is a report of the student and parent’s financial status.

-The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for the 2018-2019 school year is now available.

-Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov to complete the FAFSA by April 15, 2018 (for Indiana) . April 1 is a good goal to be sure everything is completed on time. Students from Kentucky should file their FAFSA as quickly as possible after Oct 1, as funds are on a first-come, first-served basis. It is free to file a FAFSA. Be aware of websites that charge a fee. They are not the official site!

-The FAFSA must be completed in order for parents to receive a Federal Parent Plus loan or for students to receive a Federal Stafford loan.

-Online is the preferred method of completion. The counseling office does not receive paper copies of the FAFSA.

-Every student and parent must create a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID). This is how you gain access to the FAFSA and is your electronic signature. Parents: If you have more than one child in college, you can use the same FSA ID, but every student must have their own. Please note, the FSA ID replaced the PIN in May of 2015. If you already have a PIN, it can be linked to the FSA ID, but that is not required.

-You can create a FSA ID at http://fsaid.ed.gov .  

-Financial Aid Night was held in October. If you missed it, you can find the Power Point on our website HERE

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION CLASSES (EVSC)
All applications for the Career and Technical Education classes are due January 10th . IMPORTANT NOTE: Students spend ½ of their day at Career Tech, so students should talk to their counselor to determine if there is space available in their schedule. Applications are online at applytosictc.com . Current Sophomores and Juniors are eligible.  

PRE-REGISTRATION AND 2018-2019 SCHOOL YEAR INFORMATION
Pre-Registration class meetings will take place in January. The counselors will go over Core 40 and Academic Honors Diploma tracks, graduation requirements, course options, and students will update their 4-Year Plans. Freshmen will be given their 4-Year Plans to bring home and complete along with their parents. Please be looking and asking for their course selection sheets. A course description booklet is available on the Memorial website. It is very important that you discuss course options with your student in order to help the counselors ensure they receive the best possible schedule.  Please be aware of the course change policy that is located in the course description booklet.

  
SAT DATES:
Register at  www.sat.collegeboard.org
  • December 2, 2017 (Register by November 2, 2017)
  • March 10, 2018 (Register by February 9, 2018)
  • May 5, 2018 (Register by April 6, 2018)
  • June 2, 2018  (Register by May 3, 2018)

ACT DATES: 
Register at  www.actstudent.org
  • December 9, 2017 (Register by November 3, 2017)*
  • February 10, 2018 (Register by January 12, 2018)
  • April 14, 2018 (Register by March 9, 2018)*
  • June 9, 2018 (Register by May 4, 2018)*
  • July 14, 2018 (Register by June 15, 2018)*

* Test offered at Reitz Memorial

Important facts:
-Reitz Memorial’s school code is  150980 . This number needs to be included in your student’s registration to ensure that RMHS receives their scores.  

-The NCAA does not accept test scores from the student’s transcript. They must come directly from ACT/SAT headquarters. The student should indicate the  NCAA code (9999)  when registering.

-It is possible to obtain a fee waiver for the ACT and SAT to cover the cost of taking the test. Contact Mrs. Bennett for more information.

-More and more schools are requiring that test scores come directly from the College Board (SAT) and/or ACT test centers. Both ACT and SAT allow you to send scores to four schools for free! Please take advantage of this opportunity during the test registration process.  
Christmas Dance Tickets will be on sale this week, in the cafeteria, during all lunches.
$10 each
The Truth Is:
Have you seen “The Truth Is” Commercial?

The commercial is filled with helpful information and what the “Truth Is” is all about. With the help of the commercial, we want to keep reminding the student body that “The Truth Is”, you all are making healthy choices and continue to make healthy choices.

79% (nearly 8 out of 10) of Memorial High School students rarely or never drink alcohol
*Rarely = two or fewer drinks in a year
Graduation Announcements are Now Available:
Personalized graduation announcements are now available for purchase at balfour.com now through February 1 (after which a late fee will incur.) Additional items available include: thank you cards, party invitations, envelopes, address labels, name cards, etc.
Yearbook Ads for Seniors:
It’s time to order a yearbook ad for your favorite senior! The advertisement will go in the back of the 2017-2018 yearbook. For $50.00, we will print one photo of your child next to a short message from the person placing the advertisement. It is a wonderful way for you to wish your child well, in something that they will keep for the rest of their life. 

Please return the following form, picture, and payment to the Main Office by Friday, December 15.  If you have any questions, please email Lee Ann West at [email protected].
Reitz Memorial Dance Marathon:
Reitz Memorial Dance Marathon (RMDM) is raising money for Riley Children's Hospital and will host a give back night at DiLegge's Restaurant on  December 12 from 11 AM to 7 PM   . Please consider supporting this worthy cause. If you are interested in helping in other ways, contact:

Kailyn Hudson - [email protected]
Kristi Wetzel - [email protected]
Matt Wetzel - [email protected]
Boys Lacrosse Christmas Cookie Sale:
RMHS Annual Christmas Cookie Sale through December 12. Christmas treats available include: snickerdoodles, sugar cookies, brownies, chocolate chip cookies, fudge and peanut butter buckeyes. Order from your favorite Lacrosse player our use the form below. Orders will be ready for pick-up on December 18 from 5-7 PM.

Thank you for Supporting our team!
Submissions for Outstanding Educator of the Year Award :
Do you have a favorite Reitz Memorial teacher that is deserving of recognition?  The University of Evansville and the Evansville Courier & Press will once again be sponsoring the Outstanding Educator of the Year Awards. Nominees must be current full-time classroom teachers or building principals, who have completed at least three full years of service. A selection Committee of educators and community leaders will review applications and and narrow the field for classroom observation and interviews.

Winners receive a cash reward of $1000 and recognition at the Awards Banquet held at the University of Evansville on April 27. Complete the online nomination at  www.courierpress.com/educators     All nominations must be received by January 26, 2018
Weekly Schedule:
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6 ( BLUE DAY )
Morning Teacher Professional Development - 2 Hour Delay - 9:35 Start
ISTEP Testing
Girls Freshman Basketball - North Posey - 5 PM
Girls Basketball Team Dinner - Cafeteria - 6 PM
Wrestling - Mater Dei - 6 PM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7 ( WHITE DAY )
Mass - Chapel - 7 AM
ISTEP Testing - Blocks 3 & 4
HR: International Club - Cafeteria
HR: Formed! - Room 209
HR: Boys Track Call-out - Auxillary Gym
Boys Basketball Team Dinner - Cafeteria - 5 PM
Girls JV Basketball vs. Bosse - Home - 5:30 PM
Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Bosse - Home - 7 PM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8 ( BLUE DAY)
All School Mass - Auditorium - 1:45 PM
Boys Freshman Basketball - Jasper - 5:30 PM
Boys JV Basketball - Jasper - 5:30 PM
Boys Varsity Basketball - Jasper - 7 PM

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9
ACT at RMHS
Varsity Wrestling - Memorial Invitational - Main Gym - 9 AM
Nutcracker Performance - Auditorium - 11 AM
Christmas Dance - 8 PM

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10
Soccer Banquet - Cafeteria - 12
Concert - Auditorium - 3P
Snowflake - 5 PM
Upcoming Events:
December 12 - Mac & Cheese Senior Sweats Day
December 13 - Student Council
December 14 - Morning Mass - Chapel - 7 Am
December 14 - Reconciliation Service
December 15 - Theatre II Showcase - 6 PM
December 15 - Exams B1 & B2
December 15 - Review B3 & B4
December 17 - Football Banquet
December 17 - Brass Band Concert
December 18 - Exams W1 & W2
December 19 - Review W3 & W4
December 20 - Exams W3 & W4
December 20 - All School Mass
December 20 - Senior Open Campus
December 21-January 1 - Winter Break - No School
January 2 - Second Semester Begins
January 3 - Faculty Professional Development - 2 Hour Delay
January 31 - PTO Meeting - Witting Media Center - 6:30 PM
February 17 - PTO Trivia Night - Germania Maennerchor