New student activity bus adds transport options

Providence now has a new transportation option when teams or extracurricular organizations need to be driven to various locations. The school recently purchased a new multi-function student activity bus that will serve as one of three 14-passenger buses available. The new bus is air conditioned and has a dual rear-wheel base and other safety features. It has a Chevrolet chassis and a Starcraft Bus body.

The new bus is in addition to its two older buses, which were purchased used several years ago and have a model year of 1999. One of the older buses will be held in reserve and used when the other buses are undergoing maintenance. President Steve Williamson said that the plan is to purchase another new vehicle at the end of the school year and retire one of the two older buses, pending the financial wherewithal. Going forward, funds will be set aside in anticipation of the replacement of the buses, which when new have an anticipated service life of 10 years.

The administration decided to purchase a new bus as the two older buses were aging and becoming less reliable. After researching a variety of options, including renting buses for each trip, the decision to purchase new buses was the best option, Mr. Williamson said. The Archdiocese of Indianapolis was consulted on guidance on the type of vehicle and safety features.

Mr. Williamson said he is thankful for parent support and interest in the school's mini bus strategy.

Other athletic facilities updates
Over the summer, the turf fields underwent their annual inspection. The fields are showing signs of normal wear, but the Motz Group did recommend that coaches vary their teams' practice locations on the fields. By varying the practice patterns, the anticipated 10-year life of the surface they could be extended to 15 years. In anticipation of the eventual replacement of the turf, an annual savings program has been put in place in order to ensure the funds are available when the cost arises.

The new Pioneer Athletic Center (PAC) received finishing touches earlier in the summer, and phase two of construction has begun with the pouring of the concrete for the floors in the locker rooms. A reception for those who donated to the first phase of the project was held over the summer, and Mr. Williamson said enthusiasm is building for the second phase. Fundraising will continue for the second phase, which will include outfitting the locker rooms, installing showers, and completing the team fitness facility in the PAC and renovating or possibly replacing the home side bleachers in Murphy Stadium.
New features on updated website
The school website recently underwent a refresh, and the updated version contains several new and interactive features.
  • The homepage contains easy-to-find information: Quick Links to our most visited pages, a section for news items, and a bar showing the school calendar in a week at a glance.
  • The Master Calendar can be accessed from the home page by clicking on "Master Calendar" at the top of the page. For a view of the current week, scroll down the home page to underneath the News section. The calendar is searchable by date and keyword and can be viewed as a list, a week or a month.
  • A new Athletic Events Calendar is in the same format as the Master
    Calendar. It can be accessed via Quick Links or under the Athletics tab by selecting Athletic Events Calendar. To view the schedule for a specific sport, you can search the calendar by keyword (team name) or under the Athletics tab, select the Teams page and then the desired sport's page, where the calendar is posted at the bottom. For fans who prefer the schedule as a pdf, those are posted under the Athletics tab on the Athletics News & Links page.
  • The search feature is much improved with this version. Find the search button at the far right of the top nav bar.
  • On the home page, you'll find several Quick Links, including one to Daily Announcements, BLUE Days and more. Under the Quick Links are several News items, and the week's calendar of school events is below that.
  • In the future, look for calendars for the scholarship deadlines (Guidance Department) and service opportunities.
Take some time to look over the site, as several items have moved. The Guidance Department, for example, is now under the Academics tab. And if you can't find what you're looking for, use the Search tool - or contact the Main Office. (There's a convenient Email Providence button at the top of the home page.)
Solar eclipse events planned
The solar eclipse is a few weeks away, but Providence has opportunities for students to view the event. A group of students is taking a field trip to Gallatin, Tenn., with science teacher Mrs. Laura Swessel to participate in the Solar Eclipse Festival there. At Providence, students will be provided special solar eclipse viewing glasses, and a special schedule will allow the student body to be outside during the eclipse. More information will be in the Aug. 16 eVision.
Parents enjoy Back to School Mornings
Thank you to all the parents who attend our Back to School Mornings for Parents on Monday and Tuesday. It was a joy to see parents and their students walking through the building, talking with faculty and staff, and attending liturgy. This program has been such a success the last two years, it will likely continue in the future.
Faculty and staff anniversaries recognized
Congratulations to the following faculty and staff who have reached milestone anniversaries for teaching or working at Providence:
  • Mr. Ray Day '57, part-time archivist (retired teacher and administrator - 49 years
  • Mr. Gary Rosenberger '59, cafeteria supervisor (retired teacher, administrator and coach) - 45 years
  • Dr. Mindy (Lankert) Ernstberger '74, principal (also former teacher) - 25 years
  • Mrs. Chris Golembeski, Learning Lab - 20 years
  • Mr. Scott Hornung '81, teacher and Baseball coach - 20 years
  • Mr. Larry Weimer, director of finance - 20 years in January
  • Mrs. Amelia Goffinet, school nurse and study hall monitor - 15 years
  • Mrs. Paula (Lynn) Hoffman '80, administrative assistant - Athletics - 10 years
  • Mr. Dave Smith, director of enrollment and Girls Soccer coach - 10 years
  • Mr. Toby Wright, facilities manager - 10 years
  • Mr. Jack Riddle, IT manager - 10 years
  • Ms. Debbie Fackler, administrative assistant - President's Office - 5 years
  • Mrs. Dolores Sparks, administrative assistant - Advancement Office - 5 years
  • Mrs. Laura Smith, cafeteria worker - 5 years
  • Mr. Bud Bezy, cafeteria worker - 5 years
The teachers were recognized at the Welcome Back liturgy for Deanery teachers in mid-July, and the staff members were recognized at school recently. Mrs. Jody (Cooley) Fitzpatrick '81, who works in the cafeteria, was recognized for her previous service on the Board of Trustees. 
STUDENT PROFILE
Summer offers taste of college for two seniors
Summer break has been shorter for our students over the last few years as local schools have adopted the balanced calendar. For two seniors, the break seemed even shorter as they took advantage of special courses at out-of-state colleges. Kaleb Dunn took two college classes via the Pre-college: Rising Star program at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Georgia, and Emma Delaney spent three weeks at the Boston Conservatory of Music studying modern dance. Read more.
PIONEER SPORTS NEWS
Eighth grader heading to Little League World Series
Eighth grader Brooklynn Nolot will experience a dream come true when she heads to the 2017 Little League Softball World Series as a member of the Floyds Knobs 11-12 All Stars. Brooklyn has been playing softball since she was 4 years old and has dreamt of going to the World Series since she was 8. After her team won the state and Central Region tournament last weekend, its next stop is Portland, Ore., and pool play begins Aug. 9. The team is coached by Travis Unruh '95 and includes Future Pioneers from two Deanery schools as well. Additionally, five Holy Family students, including the younger brother of senior Timmy Borden, will be heading to the Little League Baseball Great Lakes Regional Tournament as members of the New Albany 11-12 All Stars. Read more.
Seniors to play in Battle of the Bridges
Senior Hannah Wolford will play on the Indiana All Stars team in the 20th annual Battle of the Bridges All Star Classic on Aug. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at MidAmerica Sports Center in Louisville.  T ransfer student senior Blake Murphy will play in the boys' game at 8 p.m.
Fall sports season starting soon
Good luck to our student-athletes and coaches as they begin the fall sports season. Girls Golf kicks off the season on Monday, Aug. 7, in a match vs. Floyd Central and Jennings County high schools at Valley View Golf Course in Floyds Knobs at 4:30 p.m.

Keep up to date on sporting events all season long by checking the Athletic Events Calendar on the school website. Access the master Athletic Events Calendar via Quick Links or under the Athletics tab by selecting Athletic Events Calendar.

To view a schedule for a specific sport, you can search the calendar by keyword (team name), or under the Athletics tab, select the Teams page and then the desired sport's page, where the calendar is posted at the bottom. For fans who prefer the schedule as a pdf, those are posted under the Athletics tab on the Athletics News & Link page.
Football team joins in Rosary Rally
The Football team attended the annual SportsLeader Rosary Rally at Holy Family Catholic Church in Louisville last week. The team joined other Catholic high school football teams in the area, including St. X, Trinity, Holy Cross, and DeSales. More than 550 players participated. Senior Brogan Welch led one of the decades of the Rosary.
Softball alumni named to Academic All State
Congratulations to Mia Fougerousse '17, Olivia Jenkins '17, and Sydney Milliner '17, who were named to the Indiana Coaches of Girls Sports Association Academic All State Honorable Mention for Softball.
Head Softball Coach needed
The Providence Athletic Department is currently seeking applicants for the position of head softball coach. Preference will be given to candidates with experience as a head coach.

Interested candidates should send a letter or email, along with details of their experience and qualifications, including a letter of application, up-to-date resume, a teaching and coaching philosophy statement, and a list of three current references with contact information, to:

Providence High School Athletic Department
"Coaching Position"
707 Providence Way
Clarksville, IN 47129

Email: [email protected]

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
PARENT CONNECTION
Parent Notes: Spirit Wear, ACP Info and more
First Scholarship Spirit Wear Day coming soon
Friday, Aug. 11, is the first Scholarship Spirit Wear Day of the school year. Students who bring in $1 may wear spirit wear - a Providence-approved spirit wear T-shirt or sweatshirt representing a school team or extra-curricular organization and jeans. See the Student-Parent Handbook for a complete description. The donation is collected at the Student Entrance and goes toward a scholarship fund that is made available to students at various times of the year to pay for retreats, summer camps or other educational activities.
 
ACP Info Night next week
Reminder for parents of students enrolled in Advance College Project (ACP) courses through Indiana University: The information meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 8, at 6:30 p.m. in the Robinson Auditorium. Parents will receive valuable information about the dual credit courses and have an opportunity to have any questions answered. Parents with students enrolled in ACP Biology, ACP English 12, ACP Physics, Spanish III or IV, or French III and IV should plan to attend.

Academic Recognition Ceremony
Students and parents who are receiving awards have been mailed invitations to the Academic Recognition Ceremony. The event will be held in the Robinson Auditorium on Sunday, Aug. 13, at 3:00 p.m.
 
Mark your calendars: Coffee with the Counselors
Generally the first Tuesday of each month, the Counseling Department offers a special morning event for parents during BLUE Days. The topics rotate monthly and give parents first-hand information on important tasks and events. The next session is Tuesday, Sept. 12, and the topic is college planning. For a full list of dates and topics, click here.

Senior yearbook photo deadline
It may seem far away, but sessions book up fast for senior yearbook portraits. All seniors should have a headshot taken at either LifeTouch or Whyland's Studios by Nov. 15 for inclusion in the yearbook. So make plans today.
SADD receives grant for activities
The Clark County Youth Coalition awarded our SADD organization a $1,450 grant for the school year for the group's preventative programs. In the past, activities have included safe driving and other activities.
Pioneer Golf Scramble coming soon
In just a few short weeks, Providence will host its Pioneer Golf Scramble to benefit the Annual Student Assistance Program. The golf scramble is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 24, at Covered Bridge Golf Golf Club with a 1:00 p.m. shotgun start. Registration of teams and sponsorship opportunities are still available, and parents are encouraged to take part. For more information, please download this form or contact Ronda (Miller) Stumler '83 at [email protected] or (812) 945-3350.
Driver Education says thank you
The Driver Education Department would like to thank the following people for helping with our program this past summer.
  • Chris Huber '94 (Chris Huber Auto Sales, New Albany) for providing a car for driving lessons free of charge.
  • Guest speakers: Doug Fisher (State Farm Insurance, Clarksville) and Officer Rusty Settles (Jeffersonville Police Department).
Welcome, Mr. Purichia
Providence welcomes three new teachers this school year. In this issue we profile our new science teacher.
Science teacher Mr. Jeff Purichia is quite familiar with Providence, having watched his wife, Mrs. Terri (Blunk) Purichia '90, coach volleyball here for 19 years. Now he will join her on staff, teaching science and Freshman Focus, serving as assistant coach for Football and Girls Basketball, and keeping the scorebook for the Boys Basketball junior varsity and varsity teams.

Mr. Purichia, who received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Indiana University, has been teaching or coaching most of his career. Most recently, he was principal of St. James Catholic School in Louisville since 2013 and for three years prior at St. Mary's Academy in New Albany.

As a coach, he has been a volunteer assistant coach for the Football team and keeping the Boys Basketball scorebook for several years. He also coached at several other area high schools.

Mr. Purichia said he's eager to be back in the classroom after seven years as an administrator because he missed working directly with the students. And he's glad to be on the same schedule as his wife and two of their daughters, Maggie, a sophomore, and Anna, a freshman, who are both on the volleyball team. The Purichias' third daughter is a student at Holy Family.

Purichia also is looking forward to be working at Providence after having observed it from the sideline all these years.

"I just like the total package that Providence offers as a school; it's the total experience," he said. "There's something to be said about being able to start your day off with Mass or your class with prayer. That's the reason the chapel is in the middle of the school. That's the Catholic environment. I can teach science anywhere, but I can't get that in a public school."

A version of this story also appeared in the Summer 2017 Vision magazine.
ALUMNI NOTES
Reunion planning for 2017
To help plan a reunion or for additional information, contact 
Ronda (Miller) Stumler '83  at [email protected]  or (812) 945-3350 ext. 224 . 

Below is a brief listing of reunion info. Comprehensive reunion information can be found by clicking here.
  • 1955 - Quarterly gatherings: Oct. 13, and Dec. 8 - 11:30 a.m.; Clarion Hotel in Clarksville for lunch. Dutch treat.
  • 1957 - 60th reunion: Aug. 26, 2017. Covered Bridge. Reservation form.
  • 1962 - Dec. 2, Clarion Hotel, Clarksville - Champagne Brunch 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. 
  • 1965 - 70th Birthday Party, Sept. 30, 2017,  Paula Sellers Robinson's party barn.
  • 1967 - Oct. 27-28, Covered Bridge and The Exchange. Invitations have been sent.
  • 1972 - Aug. 12, Kingfish in Jeffersonville. Formal invites have been sent. 
  • 1974 - Sept. 9, Elk Run Golf Club, Jeffersonville. Invites will be sent at end of July.
  • 1977 - Sept. 23, Kingfish in Jeffersonville. 
  • 1982 - Aug. 18-19. 18th - Elk Run Golf Club; 19th - meet at St. Mary of the Knobs KnobsFest. Invitations have been sent.
  • 1987 - Aug. 18-19. Grad night at home of Brian & Sarah Koetter; 19th meet at St. Mary of the Knobs KnobsFest. Invitations have been sent.
  • 1992 - Needs organizers
  • 1997 - Sept. 9, Wick's Pizza in New Albany.
  • 2002 - Fall 2017. Check class Facebook page.
  • 2007 - Sept. 9, 2017, Gospel Bird patio, New Albany.  Expect formal invites late July.
  • 2012 - Fall 2017. Check class Facebook page.
Save the Date: Alumni Night
Mark your calendars for Alumni Night, scheduled for Sept. 22 during the football game vs. Holy Cross. A special gathering for all alumni and recognition of teams celebrating milestone anniversaries is planned.
BLUE PRIDE ON DISPLAY
Alumni families' dinner known for fun, good cause
The extended Koetter family knows well how devastating a disease Alzheimer's is, having lost several members of the family, including Bob Koetter (Hon. '01), to the chronic neurodegenerative disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions. On Saturday, members of the Koetter and Andres families will work together to put on the Fading Memories Dinner & Dessert Auction to raise money to benefit the Alzheimer's Association. Over the last five years, the dinner has resulted in more than $200,000 in donations to the association and its research for a cure. It will be held at 5:00 p.m. in the St. John Starlight gymnasium. Read more.
Class of 2011 grad wins groundskeeping contest
Andrew Marking '11, head groundskeeper for the Quad-Cities River Bandits' ballpark in Davenport, Iowa, recently won the Sports Turf Managers Association Stars and Stripes mowing pattern contest. A Purdue graduate in turf science and management is in his second year caring for the turf at Modern Woodmen Park, where the Class A minor league baseball team plays.
Marking's "4th of July on the Banks of the Mississippi'' field design incorporated a star design cut into the infield grass with a U.S. flag in center field and a cross-cut pattern flanking both sides of the flag. A post of the design received more than 200 likes on Facebook, enough to win him the contest - and a complimentary pass to the 2018 STMA Annual Conference in Fort Worth, Texas.

Marking and his assistant created the design for the contest, but their first responsibility is ensuring a consistent playing surface. Still he enjoyed doing something different that garnered so much attention.

"As a sports turf manager, crafting a safe playing surface is always our primary concern, but this contest succeeds in providing members an opportunity to express themselves on a global stage," Marking said. "And it feels great to have the field recognized. I never thought that I would have received all the media attention that I have with winning the award. It shows all the hard work that my assistant and myself have put into the field paying off by how the field looks and plays."
COMING EVENTS
Aug. 8 - ACP Parent Info Night
Aug. 13 - Academic Recognition Ceremony
Aug. 24 - Pioneer Golf Scramble
LET US PRAY

Prayers to Begin a School Year

God of wisdom and might,
we praise you for the wonder of our being,
for mind, body and spirit.
Be with our children as they begin
a new school year.
Bless them and their teachers and staff.
Give the strength and grace as their bodies grow;
wisdom and knowledge to their minds
as they search for understanding;
and peace and zeal to their hearts.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

From:  Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers


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Christa (Payne) Hoyland '84
Director of Communications
eVision reporter/writer


Our Lady of Providence Jr-Sr High School
707 Providence Way, Clarksville, IN 47129
812-945-2538 | E-mail | www.providencehigh.net


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