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Reitz Memorial High School
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September 2017 Newsletter
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Letter from the Principal:
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I have always found the health and safety of students to weigh heavily on my mind as a school administrator. The beginning weeks of this school year have certainly provided many opportunities for me to reflect on these concerns and consider ways that the school and parents can work together to help provide a safe environment and support students in making good decisions for their own health and safety.
I grew up in a smoking culture. Everyone I knew smoked. My parents, relatives and their friends all smoked. Teachers and my high school principal smoked. He would walk in our Latin classroom to teach and throw his cigarette out the window. We can’t even imagine anything like this today. I rarely even see anyone smoke anymore because about the time I graduated from high school, people began to realize how dangerous smoking was to the human body. As the research continued, people became concerned about second hand smoke, and in all these years there has been no research to overturn these facts.
I think about this often because today we know a lot more about drug usage and underage drinking that we did years ago. I am frightened by the growing reports of narcotics addiction to prescription and non-prescription drugs. We have a family member who has suffered from this, and our entire extended family continues to pray for his healing.
I doubt there are many families who have not been impacted by alcoholism in some way. What concerns me most in my present position, is more recent research that demonstrates the effects of alcohol on adolescents whose brains are not fully developed. I am also deeply saddened to learn of young people who already demonstrate signs of alcoholism due to their underage drinking.
We at Reitz Memorial value our partnership with parents. I believe we all have the same goals for our students. We want them to continue to grow in faith, knowledge and health (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual). Sometimes we may disagree about the ways to support them, but I am convinced that we can best achieve our goals by working together. As we continue to provide high quality Catholic education, revise and implement our codes of behavior and begin our random drug testing, we thank you for your support and the precious young people you have entrusted to us. Most of all, let us all continue to pray for these students and for each other as we all journey together.
-Marie Williams
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CONGRATULATIONS 2017 TOMORROW"S WORK FORCE RECIPIENTS!
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Letter from the Campus Minister:
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The great danger for family life, in the midst of any society whose idols are pleasure, comfort and independence, lies in the fact that people close their hearts and become selfish.
-Saint Pope John Paul II
Hello Parents,
Where has summer gone? I feel like it was last week that we were congratulating the class of 2016 and sending them to college and into the world. When time moves faster than I am willing to let it move, I recall a quote from one of my school teachers that has stuck with me since seventh grade,
“Time is a fleeting bird, it waits for no one.”
August has been a month of preparing spiritual activities for our youth to spend ”time” with God. We have kept the ones from last year and are looking to add some new things this year. Below is the schedule of the upcoming spiritual opportunities:
September 7 - Assembly Mass - Auditorium - 10:25 a.m.
September 12 - Rosary - Chapel - 7:05 a.m. - School Chapel
September 14 - Morning Mass - 7:00 a.m. - School Chapel
September 14 - FORMED! - Homeroom - Rm. #209
September 19 - Rosary - Chapel - 7:05 a.m. - School Chapel
September 21 - Weekday Mass - 7:00 a.m. - School Chapel
September 21 - FORMED! - Homeroom - Rm. #209
September 26 - Rosary - Chapel - 7:05 a.m. - School Chapel
September - 27 - S.Y.A.T.P. - Prayer Service - 7:00 a.m. - The Flagpole
September 28 - Weekday Mass - 7:00 a.m. - School Chapel
September - 28 - Freshman Retreat - All Day - Catholic Center
May God bless with peace love and harmony,
-
Deacon Joe Siewers
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Meet the New Faculty and Staff:
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Rachel Johnson
is from Mt. Vernon, IN. She graduated from the University of Southern Indiana where she majored in English Education and minored in Classical Studies and Theatre. Johnson lives with her husband Bryan, their one-year-old son, Sebastian, and their three cats: Nicodemus, Lazarus, and Waffles. She has two years of prior teaching experience with the EVSC, a year of experience within the Warrick County School Corporation, and a year of experience teaching at Gibson Southern. Rachel also teaches Latin part-time through an online school,
Graduation Alliance
.
Johnson teaches English 10 and the Theatre Arts classes at Reitz Memorial. She is also the director of the drama department. She has been involved in theatre starting in grade school, and has taken part in several USI productions as well as the Evansville Civic Theatre. "I'm really looking forward to working with students, fellow teachers, and the community to continue the Reitz Memorial theatre program's history of excellence."
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Carol Nurrenbern
serves as the Executive Assistant to both the president and principal. She has worked for the Diocese of Evansville for the past 23 years serving as an assistant to three presidents and three principals with the Evansville Catholic High Schools. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in Liberal Studies from the University of Southern Indiana.
She and her husband have been married for 38 years and have two children and two grandchildren. She loves spending time with her family, traveling, and walking. “The faculty and staff at Reitz Memorial have been so welcoming, which has made my transition to here very enjoyable. I couldn’t ask for a more wonderful group of people to work with. I am very happy to be here.”
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Tyler Patchin
is the new Youth First Social Worker at Reitz Memorial. He works with students in the building to help with a variety of needs such as anxiety, depression, grief/loss, anger management, academic, bullying, and so much more. Youth First’s mission is to strengthen youth and families through evidence-based programs that prevent substance abuse, promote healthy behaviors, and maximize student success.
Tyler has always known that he wanted to help others succeed and become the best versions of themselves that they can be, so becoming a Social Worker was an easy decision for him. “Everyone has been very helpful and supportive of my transition into the Reitz Memorial family and I am so grateful for that.” If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact him at tylerpatchin@evdio.org or 812-476-4973 ext. 2210.
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Pat Stuckemeyer ’99
is the new Vocal Music and Assistant Band Director at Reitz Memorial High School. Stuckemeyer is a 1999 graduate of Memorial and brings with him countless musical experiences both as a performer and an educator. Dr. Stuckemeyer holds degrees from the Conservatory of Music at Capital University (BM, BME), the University of Kansas (MM), the Royal Northern College of Music (Artist Diploma) and his earned doctorate from Arizona State University (DMA).
Before returning to the Evansville-area, Stuckemeyer held teaching positions at Arizona State University, Mesa Community College, Chandler-Gilbert Community College and Indiana University Southeast teaching courses in both applied lessons, chamber ensembles, music theory, aural perception and musicology. Prior to his appointment at Reitz Memorial, Stuckemeyer was the Director of Instrumental Music at Scott School in the EVSC. Under his guidance, participation in instrumental music grew nearly 80% and re-energized the largest feeder program directly into North High School.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to return to Reitz Memorial and teach what I love to do. I hope that everyone reading this can come and hear the fantastic things that the music department does on a regular basis. I’m very excited to be a part of the music department team and work toward Reitz Memorial being recognized locally and nationally as an excellent place for music performance and education.”
He and his wife Mary have been married nine years and have two children, Emma (3), and Max (1 month).
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Matt Wetzel
was born in Alabama the youngest of 7 kids to Col. and Mrs. Gerald R. Wetzel. Army life and unniques early jobs gave Wetzel’s education a unique flavor and helped shape Wetzel’s philosophy on education and provides perspective for our Reitz Memorial students as they prepare to move more fully into our global economy.
Wetzel graduated from Indiana State University with Bachelor degrees in Business Marketing and Business Education. Over a decade of teaching and coaching experience is included with Reitz Memorial’s “new” business teacher, and returning to the classroom is exactly where Wetzel wants to be!
His family includes 4 kids, a devoted wife, and 3 mutts. Wetzel is grateful to be in an environment that celebrates his Catholic faith, values quality education and cares deeply about it’s kids. His call to serve is heard loud and clear.
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FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER
In an effort to communicate more effectively, the Counseling Office is now using Facebook and Twitter. Be sure to like our page and follow us in order to not miss important information throughout the year! Look for
Reitz Memorial Counseling
on Facebook and
rmhs_counseling
on Twitter.
FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA)
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a government form that families fill out to see if they qualify for any state or federal financial aid, such as grants, work study, or subsidized student loans. The 2018-2019
FAFSA will open on Oct. 1, 2017
. Due to the earlier opening of the FAFSA, applicants will use 2016 Income and Tax info students entering college in 2018. For more information about the FAFSA and financial aid process, please visit
studentaid.gov
.
Indiana FAFSA deadline - April 15, 2018.
Kentucky awards aid on a first-come, first-served basis, so families are encouraged to file the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1.
*Some colleges require the FAFSA for scholarship consideration and have earlier deadlines. Be sure to check the college websites for more information.
FINANCIAL AID NIGHT FOR SENIOR PARENTS
Don’t miss the Financial Aid Information Meeting on
Monday, October 16 at 6:30 p.m
. in the Witting Media Center. A representative from the University of Evansville Financial Aid Office will walk us through the FAFSA, as well as talk about other sources of aid. UE provides great information that can be used at any post-secondary school. This presentation and question time tends to end by 8:00 p.m. Senior students are welcome to attend as well.
ATTENTION MEMORIAL ATHLETES
If there is any chance your student’s future may include participation in a sport at a Division I or II college/university, registration with the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association)
Eligibility Center is required. Students can register online at
www.eligibilitycenter.org
. It is important that parents and/or students confirm with their counselor that they are a student athlete so that core courses can be monitored. It is recommended that students register with the Eligibility Center (NCAA) by the completion of Junior year. In fact, Seniors discover that a prospective coach’s first question is often
Are you registered with the Eligibility Center?
SCHOLARSHIPS
A detailed description of each scholarship currently in the Counseling Office can be found on our website:
www.reitzmemorial.org
.
Other helpful scholarship websites include:
Students may receive offers in the mail guaranteeing scholarships. Such offers usually require a fee for their services – sometimes as much as $200. However, you can do the same searches free on the web at the following sites:
COLLEGE FAIR
Evansville High School Counselors co-host an annual College Fair at the USI PAC. This year it will be held Sunday, October 1 from 1:30-3:00 pm. Representatives from more than 60 colleges and universities will be there to answer questions and tell you about their school. Students of all grades are welcome!
CONGRESSMAN BUCSHON’S ACADEMY DAY
Students who are interested in applying to a US Service Academy are invited to attend Academy Day.
Saturday, September 16
Vincennes University-Gibson County Center, 8100 S US HWY 41, Ft. Branch, IN
Registration 8:30 am CT, Program 9:00-11:00 am CT
For more information, email erin.lucas@mail.house.gov.
CONGRESSIONAL NOMINATION FOR US SERVICE ACADEMIES
SERVICE ACADEMY NOMINATIONS FOR CLASS OF 2018
Students graduating in May of 2018 who wish to apply for a nomination from Senator Todd Young must do so by October 13, 2017. For more information, visit
SAT DATES:
- October 7, 2017 (Register by September 8, 2017)
- November 4, 2017 (Register by October 5, 2017)
- 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:
- October 28, 2017 (Register by September 22, 2017)*
- 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.
-Sign up as early as possible. Certain dates fill up quickly.
-It is recommended that students take
both
the ACT and SAT, as students tend to perform better on one versus the other.
-The writing section on both the SAT and ACT is now optional; however, we recommend all students take this section.
-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.
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Check your student’s reported ACT/SAT test scores through Sycamore to verify that the scores are correct.
-It is possible to obtain a fee waiver for the ACT and SAT to cover the cost of taking the test. Contact Mrs. Bennett to see if your family meets the financial criteria set by the College Board and/or ACT. Criteria include a student being eligible for Free and Reduced Lunches, Textbook Assistance, and the Twenty-first Century Scholar Program. There is an income guideline posted on the ACT and SAT websites.
PSAT:
All Sophomores and Juniors will be taking the PSAT on Wednesday, October 11th. Please make sure your student is at school to take this free practice exam for the SAT as there are no make-up exams given. Your student must be at school and in class on time because once the test starts no one will be allowed to enter a testing room. Taking this test will give you and your student an idea of how they will score on the SAT, determine if they must take the Accuplacer test in November, and is a qualifier for Juniors for National Merit Scholarships—so it is very important that your student take this test seriously! Students will need to provide their own #2 pencils (not mechanical) and their own calculator. A scientific or graphing calculator that they are familiar with is recommended. Also, make sure they eat a nutritious breakfast that morning and get plenty of sleep the night before. If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Cullum at
dorrindacullum@evdio.org
or
(812) 476-4973 Ext. 2231
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LATE START FOR STUDENTS WEDNESDAY
TEACHER DEVELOPMENT IN MORNING
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STUDENTS ARRIVING EARLY CAN GO TO CAFETERIA FOR STUDY HALL
FIRST BLOCK BEGINS 9:35 AM
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Plans are underway for the fall fundraiser at Gehlhausen Floral. More info to come.
If you missed the PTO table last night at Meet the Teacher Night, please take a moment to consider joining our organization. The registration form can be found below and on the school website. Let us know how you would like to get involved!
Join us on Wed, Sept. 20 at 6:30 pm in the Witting Media Center for our first PTO meeting of the school year. We will have door prizes and light refreshments. We hope to see you there!
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We are looking for friendly faces to to help man the desk in the main hallway during school days (7AM-11AM.) Duties for volunteers will include answering the door and directing guests as they enter the building. Please contact the Attendance Office for more information at (812)476-4973, or fill out the form below if interested in helping in this volunteer opportunity.
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New Remind App used by the Counseling Office:
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The Counseling Office will be using the Remind app to send out information to all students this year. Remind is a very useful communication tool designed to help educators reach students and parents via text messages without either party having direct access to private cell phone numbers. All parents and students are encouraged to sign up. Students only need to sign up for their graduating class. Parents will need to sign up for the graduating class of each student they have attending MHS as different messages will be going out to each class.
Class of 2018: Text the message @aefc7 to the number 81010.
Class of 2019: Text the message @73bfhh to the number 81010.
Class of 2020: Text the message @ca42k2 to the number 81010.
Class of 2021: Text the message @6kade6 to the number 81010.
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Knights of Columbus Hunger Bowl:
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The Knights of Columbus are sponsoring the
first annual Friday Knights Hunger Bowl Friday, September 9
at the Reitz bowl when Mater Dei hosts Reitz Memorial in Varsity Football. Six Knights of Columbus councils are pledging money per point scored in this game. The money raised will be given to St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry. A traveling trophy will be presented to the winning team at the conclusion of the game.
The Knights are asking the Mater Dei and Memorial student bodies to assist by donating during lunch this week.
The student body raising the most money will receive a spirit dress day.
Here's our chance to help those who need help feeding their families.
The Knights will be in the cafeteria all week.
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OXFORD SHIRTS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER IN THE SPIRIT STORE!
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Close Up Washington D.C.:
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Juniors and Seniors have an opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. with through the
Close-Up program
to experience government and citizenship first hand. Students will spend Sunday-Friday touring the nation’s capital, historic monuments, museums, debating with other students, and learning about the role of government in their lives.
If your student has an interest in this trip, please see Mr. Schmitt in Room 112 (or
aaronschmitt@reitzmemorial.org)
for more information and a brochure. Initial meetings will take place next month to gage interest.
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2017-2018 Reitz Memorial High School yearbooks are now on sale for $55! Order a personalized book by September 1 and get four free icons ($16 value).
Don't miss this opportunity to purchase a one-of-a-kind book. Place your order today at
www.jostensyearbooks.com
. Problems placing your order? Call 1-877-767-5217 for help!
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 (BLUE DAY)
2 Hour Delay Schedule - Professional Development - First Block begins 9:35 AM
School Improvement
Auditions For Fall Play
Arsenic and Old Lace
Girls Varsity Golf - Castle - 4 PM
Boys Varsity Tennis vs. North - Home - 4 PM
Girls JV Soccer - Harrison - 5 PM
Girls Varsity Soccer vs. North - Home - 5:30 PM
JV Volleyball vs. Bosse - Home - 5:30 PM
Varsity Volleyball vs. Bosse - Home - 6:30 PM
Boys JV Soccer - Harrison - 7 PM
Boys Varsity Soccer vs. North - Home - 7:30 PM
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 (WHITE DAY)
All School Mass - Auditorium - 10:25 AM
Auditions For Fall Play
Arsenic and Old Lace
Freshmen Volleyball - North Posey - 5 PM
JV Volleyball - North Posey - 6PM
Varsity Volleyball - North Posey - 6:30 PM
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 (BLUE DAY)
Afternoon Homeroom and Assembly at the End of Day
HR: Freshman Service Sign-ups - Cafeteria
HR: Ball State University - Room 240
HR: Engineering Call-out Meeting - Auditorium
HR: Baking Club Call-out - Media Center
Varsity Football - Mater Dei - 7 PM
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
Varsity Cross Country - Eagle Classic - Brown County - 7:30 AM
Girls Varsity Golf - SIAC Tournament - McDonald Course - 8 AM
Boys Varsity Tennis - Terre Haute South - 8 AM
Boys JV Soccer - Harrison Tourney - 9 AM
JV Volleyball - Mt. Vernon - 9:30 AM
Varsity Volleyball - Mt. Vernon - 10 AM
Girls JV Soccer - Sacred Heart Academy - 2 PM
Girls Varsity Soccer - Sacred Heart Academy - 3:30 PM
Steak Night - 6 PM
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
Snowflake - Cafeteria - 6 PM
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September 12 - Cheese & Sausage Fundraiser Ends
September 13 - Department Chair
September 14 - Mass - Chapel - 7AM
September 14 - Formed! - Room 209
September 14 - Sophomore Class Ring Order Info
September 14 - Football Team Dinner
September 16 - Key Club Car Wash
September 18 - Volleyball Team Dinner
September 20 - Sophomore Hearing Screening
September 20 - Faculty Meeting
September 20 - PTO Meeting - Media Center - 6:30 PM
September 21 - Mass - Chapel - 7 AM
September 21 - Sophomore Class Ring Order
September 25 - Tempfest
September 27 - See You At The Pole
September 27 - Picture Re-takes
September 27 - Faculty Advisory
September 28 - Mass - Chapel - 7 AM
September 28 - Freshman Retreat
September 29 - Afternoon Homeroom and End of Day Assembly
September 29 - Suwanee - The University of the South
September 29 - Homecoming Football Game and Dance
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