"Bless the LORD, O my soul." PS 103:1-2
Note from the President
Dear Parents,

Let me first start again by saying Thank You for all your patience and understanding as we have together navigated through these uncertain and unprecedented times. We have together, I believe, learned from this experience. Remote learning was thrust upon us quickly, and we know now that there are definite areas where we can improve. We will be sending out a survey to both parents and students to get feedback on how effective our remote learning was. Please take some time to assess this. Our hope is to take this time over the summer to provide opportunities for teachers to hone and develop additional skills should we need them again.

We also need to remember this was a wonderful school year filled with many accolades for our students, coaches, and teachers as well. So please don’t let the last nine weeks overshadow the good that happened at Cardinal Ritter during the 2019-2020 school year.

The leadership teams continue to meet weekly to ensure that we will be ready for the opening of school. We are anxiously waiting to hear from the Governor, IDOE, Indiana Department of Health, and the Archdiocese Office of Catholic Schools on what protocols will need to be in place so that we can safely welcome our Raiders into the building in the fall. It is our intention to keep you well-informed as to what we are planning. Please email or call me if you have any questions.

Parents, again, I cannot express my gratitude enough for all your support and prayers. Please stay safe. You are in our prayers.

God Bless,

Mrs. Hoy
Note from the Principal
Dear Families, 

As the school year comes to a close, I want to say thank you for entrusting your children to us. Although we did not get as much time together as I would have liked, I still feel so blessed to have worked with your children this year. If your family has experienced extenuating circumstances during this time of e-learning that have negatively impacted your child’s ability to complete school work, please reach out to me through email and let me know so that we can work together to create a plan to help your child finish the school year on a more positive note.  

This summer will be working hard to prepare for whatever next year may bring, and we will stay in constant communication through these newsletters as more decisions are made regarding school in the fall. The English teachers shared the summer reading lists with students in early May. Incoming sophomores, juniors, and seniors should have already chosen their reading books. Incoming seventh, eighth, and freshmen may choose any book from their list. Then all students are expected to complete the summer reading packet. Incoming freshmen and 7th graders received those in their registration packets. If you did not pick up a packet when you dropped off your books, you can download a copy from the school’s website - under the Student tab. This will be due Monday, August 24. Please do not hesitate to email me at kjost@cardinalritter.org with questions.

Have a wonderful summer! God Bless!

In Christ’s Peace,
Kari Jost
Graduation 2020!
Cardinal Ritter is excited to celebrate our amazing seniors! Our seniors would have graduated this evening at 7:00 pm. Plans are set for having a graduation for the Class of 2020 on Friday, July 24th, 2020 at 7 PM on our athletic field. We will hold this event, rain or shine, unless mandates from the governor's office or the Marion County Health Department prohibit us from doing so. We will continue to communicate with our seniors and parents throughout the summer. 

So to honor this awesome Senior class, please join us in a special Salute to the Class of 2020 at 7:00 pm. Click here .
News from the Guidance Dept.
SAT News
1)     Upcoming test dates - Since the SAT has now had to cancel their March and June test dates, they are looking ahead to future testing. Beginning in August, the College Board will be offering the SAT at least once each month through the end of the year. Registration will open in May for the upcoming test dates. Students who were registered for the June test and those students in the class of 2021 who have not yet taken the SAT will have early access to registration for the fall test dates. The dates for upcoming tests are currently:
  • August 29
  • September 27 (this is an added date)
  • October 3
  • November 7
  • December 5
Registration opens for the 20-21 SAT administrations the week of May 26. Students who were registered for a cancelled test can transfer their seat to a new test date. All other students in the class of 2021 who do not have an SAT score yet will also have early access to register for the upcoming test administrations. Please note, SAT testing will only occur if it is safe to do so from a public health standpoint.  
2)    Digital SAT – The College Board is also looking into providing a digital SAT for home use if future test dates will need to be cancelled. This digital version of the SAT will measure what students are learning in school and what they need to know for success in college.
Summer Composition  
If your student signed up for summer Composition in June, we are planning to offer the class online this year. The class will still be June 1-5 and June 8-12. More details to come, but we just wanted to make sure you were aware this class will occur online. Please contact Joanne Lettich  or call the main office at (317) 924-4333 between 9 am-1 pm Monday through Thursday if you have any questions about the class or payment due.
Virtual College Signing Day
Seniors join us for our first ever College Signing Day! On June 5 we want to honor and celebrate you and your future plans. We are asking you to let us know what you are doing next year by taking a picture announcing your plans. Whether it is a 4 year college, a 2 year college, or the military; we want to know! You can post the picture on social media on June 5, but be sure to tag the school. Reach out to Ms. Triplet    if you have any questions. We miss you seniors!! 
21st Century Scholars Application
Attention Junior High parents, you have an opportunity to help your child get a head start on their college planning. If qualifications are met, the 21 st  Century Scholars scholarship provides up to four years of undergraduate tuition at any participating public college or university in Indiana.  Follow the instructions on the flyer to have the application sent directly to your phone so you can easily complete it or visit  www.scholartrack.in.gov  to complete it using your computer.  The application must be submitted by June 30, 2020 (for 8th graders) or June 30, 2021 (for 7th graders).  Contact Catie Triplet  ctriplet@cardinalritter.org   with any questions. 
Special Announcements
Marion County and Indianapolis Female Athletes of the Year

Congratulations to Mariah and MaryAnna Wehrle. They have been the “heart and soul” of their Cross Country, Swimming and Track teams for each year they have been in high school. They both lettered in Cross Country and Track for four years, and Mariah in Swimming for two years. Both girls have been outstanding running performers throughout high school. One would win a race and then the other would win the next seemingly throughout their high school careers. Throughout this high school journey, both Mary Anna and Mariah have faced adversity. Mary Anna has battled leg injuries, while Mariah was unable to race in cross country early in 2019 due to a broken collarbone. The injury looked to derail the high hopes for the Cross Country Team. When she came back she sparked the Lady Raiders and with the leadership of the Wehrle twins the team was a 2019 IHSAA State Qualifier. This was the first time in Cardinal Ritter history that a team made it through to a State Championship in an individual sport. Both girls have won numerous Conference, City and post season competitions.
Good-Bye and Good Luck!
Pam Feltz
I started working at Ritter in December 2014 after my friend and neighbor Lori VanNoy told me the school needed a new nurse. I didn’t know what to expect and decided to retire from hospitals after 34.5 years to join the CRHS staff as the new school nurse, leaving the ICU world to take on the challenge of 650 teenagers. I grew professionally with the opportunity to expand my nursing skills at Ritter, while the students relied on "their nurse" to meet all their healthcare needs. They kept me on my toes, and it was never boring. My time at the Ritter Clinic was rewarding, and I’ll forever cherish all the friendships I developed with a wonderful group of students and staff. I couldn’t have asked for a better retirement job and even got to go back to high school with my son and his friends. 

I plan to spend time with my family and friends, have knee replacement surgery, and use my organizational skills in our house and garage. I intend on returning to Ritter’s special events to visit everyone. When my husband Doug retires and son Zach graduates from Wabash College, we would like to travel a bit.  

Thanks to everyone for an unforgettable and most rewarding 5 1/2 years. I"ll miss you. 
Becky Floyd
I truly enjoyed my experience at Cardinal Ritter High School this past year. It only strengthened my belief that this school is so beneficial to the Westside community! While working in advancement, I realized that I would like to go back to my true passion which is teaching elementary aged children. Fortunately, I was offered a job sharing position with my daughter-in-law at Our Lady of the Greenwood. I will be able to teach 1/2 time while enjoying the benefit of being a grandma (that's my other true passion)!! Thank you for your warm welcome and for sharing your children with me. It's been a blessing!  
Announcements
If you didn't pick up your locker items or drop off your textbooks this past week, please do so Monday - Thursday from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm in the front lobby. Printed Reading Journals will also be available in the lobby.
Summer Reading
All the information regarding the Summer Reading is on our website under the "Student" tab.
Immunization Update
  1. All parents of current Freshman through Juniors: The Indiana State Department of Health Immunization requirements for 2020-21 will require all high school students to have 2 Hepatitis A vaccines, administered 6 months apart.
  2. All students entering the 12th grade are additionally required to have a second booster of the MCV4 (Meningococcal) vaccine.

If your child has already received these, please forward proof of immunization to guidance 

You can find a list of immunizations needed for 2020-2021 here.
CYO 2020 Sports Palooza
Are you and your family bored? Do you need an excuse to get some exercise?

The CYO Office has put together a fun set of challenges to get your family active and to keep you involved.
  • Challenges begin June 8th and end on July 5th.
  • Registration $30 per family.
  • Four challenges including mini basketball and kickball games and a virtual fun run.
  • Minimal equipment needed.
  • Challenge instructions, participation bibs, award certificates, and prizes will be provided.
We have enjoyed serving the Cardinal Ritter community through the Parent Club for the last several years, most recently as co-presidents. We encourage you to prayerfully consider completing your service hours as a parent club officer. Officers are responsible for recruiting and supporting event chairs for activities and fundraisers throughout the year. For more information, please visit the Parent Club page on the CRHS website.  Please send nominations to parentclub@cardinalritter.org
 
Tim & Cheri Bush
Achieve 3000 Summer Reading Contest Info
Driver's Ed
It is our hope that we will be proceeding with Driver’s Ed again this summer. Anyone 15 years or older may register. If interested, please email Jeff VanMeter at vanmeterjeff11@gmail.com and he will send you a brochure. The cost is $350 per student. Don’t delay because there are a limited number of spots and they fill up quickly. You may also register and pay online at https://cardinalritterhighschool.formstack.com/forms/cardinal_ritter_driver_s_education .
Girls Golf Team Call Out!! 
Any girls from freshman to senior starting this fall that are interested in coming out for the Girl's Golf Team, please email Coach Jones at  tjones@cardinalritter.org with your contact information. So far it looks like our season will start on Friday, July 31st with our first practice, and matches begin the following week. Some experience preferred, but not required. You must have your own set of golf clubs. "Golf - the perfect social distancing sport!"
Spring Sports Senior Showcase
Cardinal Ritter High School is launching its Spring Sport Senior Showcase on Monday, April 27th on the  gocardinalritter.org  web page.  Each senior that participated in a Spring Sport will have a day throughout this spring where they will be highlighted on the website. Check back daily to see a new senior featured in the Spring Sport Senior Showcase. Go Raiders!!!  
IHSAA Pre-Participation Physicals
Please see the attached document as it relates to changes for our athletes this upcoming season. Each athlete will still need to complete the online registration.
Sports Physicals $25
Franciscan Health Sports Medicine is offering sports physicals at their 426 S. Alabama St location. Please call (317) 548-2489 and mention "sports physical" when scheduling.
Faith & Service
Thinking Catholic Special Edition Video Podcast


Check out Mr. Basso's Latest Podcast!
Daily Mass
Archbishop Thompson and other priests of the Archdiocese are celebrating a Mass each day that will be posted at www.archindy.org . Please note that the times of the Mass vary, and all are encouraged to check the website daily for updates.
Every Friday we will be praying the Rosary. You will find the link here .

Prayer During Coronavirus Pandemic
O clement, O loving, O sweet Mother Mary, 
We, your children of every nation, 
Turn to you in this pandemic.  
Our troubles are numerous; our fears are great.  
Grant that we might deposit them at your feet, 
Take refuge in your Immaculate Heart, 
And obtain peace, healing, rescue, 
And timely help in all our needs. 
You are our Mother.  
Pray for us to your Son.
Amen.
Prayer of Spiritual Communion
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there, and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
Shopping to Support CRHS
You can support Cardinal Ritter by shopping at Kroger, Amazon, and Office Max along with getting rewards from Box Tops and Coke for our school. Visit our website to find out more details.
Non-Discrimination Policy
All schools operated by schools and parishes under the guidance of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis admit students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
Mission Statement
The West Deanery Unified Catholic Schools are Roman Catholic schools that provide an academically rigorous education for our diverse student population. Students are challenged to grow in Mind, Body, & Soul and to engage in charitable stewardship of their unique talents and abilities.
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