CENTRAL CATHOLIC CONNECTIONS
Welcome back to Central Catholic Connections ! Read on for more information about Central Catholic High School and why we want your student to Aspire To Be A Saint.

These newsletters will come roughly every month. To give you an idea of what our parents receive, check out the most recent edition of our weekly parent newsletter, Central Catholic @ A Glance. If you'd like to receive this to help you prepare to become Central Catholic Parents, let me know and I'll add you to our list.

Whenever you have questions or need more information, feel free to call/text me at 309-533-2200 - my phone is always on. If e-mail works better for you, send me your questions at svogel@blmcchs.org . 

I hope you and your families have a prayerful Advent, a joyous Christmas and a Happy & Blessed New Year!
What's New At Central Catholic?
Choir Christmas Concert TONIGHT
Band Christmas Concert Next Week
It's Christmas time and what better way to get in the spirit of the season than with our Music Saints! Don't miss our Choir TONIGHT and our Band next week:
Choir Concert, TUESDAY, December 4, 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium
Band Concert, Tuesday, December 11, 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium
Admission is free; donations are accepted at the door.
Looking For Some High School Gear?
Spiritwear Orders Placed by TOMORROW Will Be Here For Christmas
Our sherpa stock sold out in half an hour, but you can still order yours! All new merchandise is going fast. Check out this flyer for store hours and a link to an order form. Place your orders by WEDNESDAY, December 5 to ensure delivery to Central Catholic during Finals Week (week of December 17).
We Have Home Games This Week!
Keep up with all of our athletic teams along with the latest athletics news by checking out our  Athletics Website . Click on our  Athletics Calendar  to find out where the Saints are in action. 
Follow Us On Social Media
Click on the avatars below and keep in touch with our social media feeds: ‌    ‌
Why Should Your Family Choose
Central Catholic?
Every family's high school decision is unique, but the common bond is choosing what is best for our children. I hope my family's story is helpful as you consider where your students will begin their high school journey (in about 8 months!).

I did not work here when we chose to send Adam, our older son, to Central Catholic. We attended all of the enrollment opportunities that Central Catholic offered. As parents, we realized that one of the most important decisions we would make for our children is where they will attend high school. Ultimately, Central Catholic checked all of the boxes for us:
  • The values we teach at home would be echoed at his school.
  • He would meet Jesus on a daily basis and be supported by those around him in his Faith journey.
  • He would receive the best education available from teachers who come early and stay late to support their students.
  • He would have the opportunity to meet lifelong friends who are always there for him.

I started two weeks into Adam's freshman year. I watched his teachers and counselor challenge, support, and prepare him throughout his time at Central Catholic. Adam is in his third year as a Mechanical Engineering student at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. He became involved with their Newman Center on day one and continues to be active. His education at Central Catholic helped him earn a University Scholarship and he was named a 2018 SIU University Innovation Fellow (one of six in the 11,000 student school!). Last year, he started a rocket club at SIU and his team traveled to Kansas where they finished second in a national competition. Adam makes friends easily and will go out of his way to help anyone in need. His Faith is strong and we were proud that our younger son, Josh chose Adam as his Confirmation Sponsor.

Speaking of Josh, he's a sophomore at Central Catholic and the decision to send him here was easy - not because I worked here, but because of the impact this school had on Adam. Josh will work hard, have a lot of fun and meet lifelong friends during his time here. He will continue to grow in his Faith and have many companions on his journey. He will be given every opportunity to succeed spiritually, academically, socially and athletically in an environment that prepares him for college and for Heaven. He is excelling in the classroom and as a Cross Country, Swimming and Track & Field athlete.

This is our story. As I stated above, each family's high school decision is unique. Please take the time to talk to your friends about what moved them to choose Central Catholic and follow up by asking them how they feel about that decision now. If you have any questions along the way, call/text me at (309) 533-2200.
How Does That Work?
I'm often asked, "Why does Central Catholic do that?" or "How does that work?" Think of this section as a way of getting you and your student a bit more ready for Central Catholic and our traditions. We'll cover different topics each week so stay tuned.
Tuition Assistance
Did you know that 46% of our students receive tuition assistance? Each year, we provide over $350,000 in tuition assistance? Most people are surprised at this but we want everyone to know, so help us spread the word!

We don't want tuition to be a barrier to anyone who Aspires To Be A Saint. We have something very special here and we want to share it! Fortunately, several friends have seen fit to create or contribute to scholarship funds that are available to our students, helping to ease the financial strain this can put on families. AND, for the second year in a row we have an option for qualifying families, the State of Illinois' Invest In Kids Act. This program is undergoing several improvements for the coming school year and our next edition will have specific information about qualifications and how to apply. In the meantime, you can read more about the program here .

Additional Financial Assistance Opportunities
You may also pursue financial assistance through Central Catholic and through the Diocese of Peoria's Spalding Scholarship. These are also needs-based assistance programs, but the qualifications are different. The Diocese is currently updating their information for the upcoming school year as well.

I'm happy to talk with you in person about any or all of these opportunities, just e-mail me or call/text me at 309-533-2200.

In short, do not let tuition be a determining factor in your high school decision. We are committed to working with all families who want to be a part of our family.
Opportunities To Learn Even More
There are several ways to learn more about Central Catholic and to get to see our school:

Shadow Days
8th grade students are always welcome to partner with one of our Freshmen on a Shadow Day. It's a great opportunity to see what life is like as a Saint.

Parent Open Houses
Look for more information about these soon. Our Parent Ambassadors will set up open houses in January for interested families. We'll be on hand to answer questions and give you an overview of our school.

Stop In For A Tour And Visit
Call/text me at (309) 533-2200 or e-mail me to set up a time to check out the school and ask any questions you may have.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Friday, January 25 - Pack the Place
All Future Saints are invited to watch our Boys' Basketball team take on Rantoul. Activities are planned during the game for our Future Saints! 

Tuesday, January 29 - Great to be a Saint Day 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
8th grade students will spend the morning with Central Catholic Ambassadors and participate in the morning class schedule. We kick things off at 8:00 a.m. in the auditorium, then head off to classes before lunch in the cafeteria. Students will return to their school by 1:00 p.m. 

Wednesday, February 6 - Showcase Central 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Parents of 7th and 8th grade students are invited to tour the school in a structured classroom setting to get an overview of the curriculum and meet the faculty and staff of Central Catholic. Students are welcome too! Come early and check out our Pep Band from 5:30 - 6:00.

Friday, February 8 - 8th Grade High School Placement Test (HSPT)
8:00 a.m. - noon
Students interested in coming to Central Catholic are invited to take the Placement Test to help counselors in finding an appropriate selection of classes. Students need to bring two pencils and a check made out to CCHS for the testing fee of $15. 

March 4, 5, 11 & 13 - New Student Registration 
You and your student register with our counselors. You'll discuss the classes your student will be taking and will officially become a Saint!

Saturday, May 11 - Junior High Dance: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
All Partner School 6th - 8th Grade Students & all members of the Central Catholic Class of 2021 will have a great time as our Student Ambassadors present this fun, nearly-end-of-the-school-year event!
Feedback, Please
Let me know topics and questions that are important to you and we'll address them here. My phone is always on (309-533-2200) so call/text/ e-mail me with your thoughts, questions and concerns.