As we have returned to school, and the Christmas decorations are coming down bit-by-bit, we return to the “ordinary” momentum of life. However, for most of us, that momentum doesn’t have us slowing down a great deal. It is less than three months to Easter, and so many things happen at Curley between Christmas and Easter. That being said, there are many events to look forward to, and I hope you will review the school calendar, and place many of these on your personal calendar. Again, I extend my thanks for your kind gifts to the faculty and staff, and I hope that you and your loved ones will have a blessed New Year 2024.

-- Fr. Donald '70

I certainly hope that your new year is off to a great start. On behalf of the faculty and staff, I offer thanks for the generous gift you provided each of us at Christmas. I also thank the Parents’ Guild Board for driving this effort. It is much appreciated.

January is an interesting month as we have just two weeks remaining in the second quarter. The first and second quarters, as well as the mid-term exam, factor into the semester grade. Also, January presents a change in the weather. This bulletin contains a reminder about snow closings and delays. These items are both articulated in the Student/Family Handbook. This resource can be found HERE on our website.

Finally, we are hosting a speaker from the Maryland State Police who will be addressing the topic of Internet Safety. This presentation is scheduled for February 1st at 6:30 pm. This important topic affects all of our families. Details are included in this bulletin. I hope that you are able to join us for this meaningful presentation.

-- Jeremy Joseph '96

On February 1st, Mr. Joe Dugan, Internet Safety Specialist with the Maryland State Police, will present to parents about the many ways our children can find themselves in trouble on the internet, such as loss of privacy, exposure to graphic content both from imagery and online games. We will touch on the subject of our children creating and sharing CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material, also referred to as child pornography), and how this can create a lifelong problem for our children. We will also talk about the dangers of online predators, and how a child’s need to feel they belong could put them at risk for Human Trafficking. This event will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium. 

For planning purposes, we kindly ask that you RSVP HERE if you plan to attend.

Families are reminded that all service hours are due by April 22, 2024. Students need to get their V-form(s) signed and post them to the Mission-4-Service Google Classroom. The Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation will be sponsoring an MLK Day of Service on January 15. For more information on how to volunteer, go HERE.

Please consider supporting our FYM (Franciscan Youth Ministry) program by coming to a Bingo on February 9, 2024. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased HERE or by using the QR code on the flyer below. 

There is always a chance of inclement weather this time of year. Here is information from the school handbook regarding the inclement weather policy:

When weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances warrant either the closing or delayed opening of school, students should regard the following policies: 

1. If there is snow or any other emergency, notification will be made on WBAL 1090 AM, WBAL TV, the Curley website, and text and email alerts. 
2. Curley will follow the decision regarding either Baltimore City or Baltimore County.  If either Baltimore City or Baltimore County schools close, Curley will be closed and there will be no special announcement. Archbishop Curley High School will determine if the school will be closed or pivoting to virtual instruction. The school will communicate this decision directly with families. Please see the Bell Schedule for Virtual Instruction start and end times. 
3. If Baltimore City or Baltimore County schools do not close, but we find that conditions are hazardous here at Archbishop Curley High School, Curley will make a special announcement regarding closing on WBAL 1090 AM, WBAL-TV, the Curley website, and text and email alerts.
4. On days when delayed openings are being announced for Baltimore City or Baltimore County schools due to inclement weather, Curley will always follow the 2 hour late opening schedule. 
5. Once school is in session, Curley will follow the City or County school systems' decisions.
6. If Curley closes early due to inclement weather, all after school activities will be canceled.

I hope that each of you had a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year. The end of the 2nd quarter is in two weeks, on Friday, January 19, 2024. Please make sure you and your son check his grades and reach out to his teachers if there are any questions or concerns.

-- Kenneth Pipkin

Be sure to get your tickets for Curley's Shrimp Feast and Bull Roast On February 24, 2024. Wheels! Laydowns! Auctions! Raffles! Great Food & Drinks! We packed the gym last year and are looking to do the same again this year. Discounted tickets are only on sale until January 20, after that tickets will be $60 per person. Go HERE to get your tickets today. If you have any questions please contact Greg Loftus at gloftus@archbishopcurley.org.

The Maryland State Council of the Knights of Columbus is the sponsor of several high school scholarships, some for children of members (the Frederick M. Gossman Memorial Scholarships), and others for Catholic students in general (the William J. O’Brien Memorial Scholarships). The awards may be applied to tuition only for the 2024-25 school year. The application period is now open, and all applications must be received in their entirety by the Scholarship Committee no later than February 1, 2024. Scholarship applications are available HERE. If you have a problem accessing the information, Fr. Donald can get you an application packet.

There are only a few tickets left for the Nite at the Races on Saturday, January 27. Tickets are $30 each. Doors open at 6:30 pm, and the buffet dinner is served before the evening's activities get underway. For those who can't attend but still want to participate and support the event, you can purchase and name a horse(s) to run in one of the 10 races that evening. The cost is $20 with the chance to win $100. Winners need not be present at the event to win. Go HERE to purchase tickets now!

The Curley Used Clothing Winter Sale will be held on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, from 3:00-6:00 pm in the Auditorium Lobby! Proceeds will benefit the Class of 2026.