Word mark

Our Lady of Providence inspires Faith, empowers Hope, strengthens Love and the Formation of the whole person through exemplary Catholic Education
August 14, 2019 - eVision News
Serving Parents, Alumni, and Friends of Providence High School
PHS now a GLOBE-certified school
Mrs. Laura Swessel , part-time science and math teacher, attended training this summer at Purdue University so that Providence could become a GLOBE-certified school, which means that our students can contribute data to NASA, USGS and NOAA studies. The Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program is “an international science and education program that provides students and the public worldwide with the opportunity to participate in data collection and the scientific process, and contribute meaningfully to our understanding of the Earth system and global environment,” according to the website globe.gov .

Mrs. Swessel was trained on the various protocols and was given up to 50 student accounts on the GLOBE website. With access to nearly 100 lessons, she can upload data collected in the areas of soil, water, biometrics, and air from those lessons to the site. She will also use some of the lessons in her STEM Club activities and upload data collected during Hiking Club activities as well.

“It’s kind of cool, I think,” Mrs. Swessel said. “The kids can get involved, and they’re actually collecting and contributing data.”

The students and Mrs. Swessel also will have access to the data collected on the GLOBE site, which will allow them to do their labs and activities using real data instead of simulations. The GLOBE protocols and lessons also have a real-world application.

“It’s not just busy work, but the actual way they (NASA) do it,” she said.

Additionally, Mrs. Swessel received a kit with a variety of materials, samples, and equipment that will help with the data collection. Providence also now has access to Purdue professors in math, chemistry, biology, environmental science, physics, and earth and space science. And PHS has been invited to enter up to two teams in the Indiana Virtual Science Symposium, which is the first step to the International Virtual Science Symposium. 
More School News

The Bowling Team is holding a fundraiser through Skyline Chili. The restaurant will donate 10 percent of sales when customers download, print, and show the attached coupon. The coupon can be presented Aug. 18-Sept. 15.

Freshman Ella Unruh is a contestant in the national talent search contest Celebration of Music, which will be held at the Kentucky Science Center on Aug. 18 at 7:00 p.m. The two young artists with the most votes will represent Kentucky in the finals, which will appear on PBS.
Senior Austin Grantz, junior Ali Hornung, and sophomore Autumn Grantz were among some of the volunteers who earned service hours this summer delivering furniture and packing and serving meals to those in need through the ministry In Heaven’s Eyes at Holy Family Parish.
Sophomore Akhil Long rode his bike 1,500 miles from Tucson, Ariz., to northern Montana over three weeks with the Indianapolis-based bicycle club deCycles Indiana. He was one of 25 student-riders, including a friend of his from the area.
STUDENT PROFILE
Senior explores military academy summer camps -...

Senior Bridget Welch knows she wants to attend a military academy, but she wasn't sure which one, so she applied to attend each one's summer seminar. She was accepted into most of them and spent one week each experiencing what it would be like at ...

Read more
providencehigh.net
FACULTY PROFILE
Welcome, Mr. Stuart Book
Mr. Stuart Book ’07 is glad to be teaching at Providence, where he first realized he wanted to be a teacher.

“A lot of great teachers here helped me find my calling,” Mr. Book said. “I saw them as an example, and I thought I could relate.”

He teaches Algebra II, Geometry, and Probability & Statistics. He was previously at Jennings County High School in North Vernon, Ind., for seven years, teaching most of the same subjects.

Mr. Book initially wanted to become a social studies teacher because he liked history, especially the “telling and hearing stories” aspect. But his mother encouraged him to pursue math, another of his interests, because those teachers were in higher demand. So he chose a degree in secondary education with a concentration in math, graduating from Indiana University Bloomington in 2011. He enjoys teaching and is glad he chose math.

“There is something about math,” he said. “It’s very cut and dry, no in-between.”

Mr. Book has wanted to teach at Providence since he became a teacher, but he is very grateful for his experience in North Vernon, which is where he met his fiancée, Vanessa. They will be married in early September. She is a nurse, who happened to be studying at Indiana University Southeast in New Albany when they were dating. Mr. Book said he appreciated the irony that she traveled to New Albany during the week while he, a New Albany native, visited there on the weekend to see his family.

It’s been a hectic summer for Mr. Book as he bought a house, prepared for a new job, and helped plan the wedding, he said. Starting his new job at his alma mater has made the transition easier, even though “coming back as a teacher, it looks the same but it feels different.” He has appreciated how the other teachers, many of whom are new to him, have welcomed him and stopped in to check on him.

He can already see that his fellow teachers have a rapport with the students and he anticipates developing that himself with his students and watching them progress through their four years, he said.

“I’m so looking forward to that,” Mr. Book said.

Mr. Book is a “big IU fan,” he said, and when he's not teaching, he enjoys watching the Hoosiers in football and basketball. He also enjoys Fantasy Football and spending time with family and friends.
Teachers, staff travel the globe over summer break

Many of our teachers and staff members visited interesting locales this summer. Click the Read More button to learn where.
PIONEER SPORTS NEWS
Girls Golf:
Junior Reese Bottorff

Junior Reese Bottorff is in her third year on the Girls Golf team and is the No. 2 varsity player. She also is a member of the Track & Field team.

Question: What do you like about being part of the Girls Golf team?
Answer: I enjoy being able to play golf with other girls who share the same interest as me.

Q: What are you looking forward to this season?
A : I am looking forward to improving my game and getting to know other players.

Q: What has been your favorite service activity?
A: My favorite service activity was making blessing bags for the homeless.

Q. What is your favorite part about being a Pioneer?
A: My favorite part of being a Pioneer is being able to learn about God and being with my friends.

House: Integrity.


For this season's sports schedules, click here .
Dance Team:
Freshman Ana Cabezas

Freshman Ana Cabezas is on the new Dance Team. It is a new sport for her, and she is excited to perform at halftime during football and basketball seasons.

Question: What do you like about being part of the Dance Team?
Answer: I like the feeling of knowing that no matter what is going on in my life I have my teammates and coaches to help and comfort me. The girls make me feel like its ok to make mistakes because we can work it out together.

Q: What are you looking forward to this season?
A: Improving with my teammates by my side. I hope we can grow in technique, skill, and attitude. I really can’t wait to get closer with my teammates. We might not be the most high-leveled dance team, but together we learn step by step with a smile.

Q: What is your favorite part about being a Pioneer?
A: Although I haven’t been a Pioneer for much time, I was always welcomed with opened arms and kind eyes. There hasn’t been a time that I had no one to help me or talk to me. My favorite part of being a Pioneer is always feeling like I belong.

House: Humility
Sports News: Preseason prayer, service projects;
Dance Team camp success
The Volleyball team completed a "Women Helping Women" service day at St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities as a part of its preseason retreat on Saturday. The girls painted fences, weeded flower beds, cleaned outdoor windows, detailed cars, and washed playground equipment. In addition, the teams cleaned the inside of two properties and even spent time babysitting some of the residents to allow their parents to have some free time. The team plans to collect paper towels, toilet paper, and other household supplies during home matches to donate to St. Elizabeth.
The Dance Team is off to a strong start in its first season in two years under the leadership of Coach Debbie (Popp) Miller ’87.

The team had a successful UDA Dance Camp at the University of Louisville, earning trophies in 110% and Superior Home Routine as well as a superior trophy for ribbon accumulation score, and several spirit sticks. Freshman Ana Cabezas was chosen as a “Pin It Forward” recipient, for going above and beyond with spirit and kindness.
The Football team took part in the annual Sports Leader Rosary Rally, which brings together the Catholic high school teams in the area to pray the rosary.

Patrick Towles, former quarterback at the University of Kentucky and Boston College, was the keynote speaker at the fourth annual event, which included teams from Holy Cross, St. X, Trinity, and DeSales high schools.
PARENT CONNECTION
Academic Recognition Ceremony RSVP needed
Students who are receiving awards have been emailed and their and parents have been mailed invitations to the Academic Recognition Ceremony on Sunday, Aug. 25, at 3:00 p.m. in the Robinson Auditorium. Please be sure to RSVP.

Dual credit/AP meeting next week
Parents of students taking dual credit and/or Advanced Placement courses should attend the Parent and Student Information Meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 20, at 6:30 p.m. in the Robinson Auditorium. 

First Spirit Wear Day Aug. 23
The first Scholarship Spirit Wear Day of the year is Friday, Aug. 23. Students may wear spirit wear as outlined in the handbook by donating $1 to the Student Scholarship Fund.

Driver’s Ed thankful for guest speakers, car
The Driver Education program would like to thank the following contributors to our program: Chris Huber Auto Sales- New Albany ( Chris Huber '94) for providing our car free of charge; and guest speakers Doug Fisher with State Farm Insurance and Lt. Rusty Settles with the Jeffersonville Police Department. 
Student sports passes now available
The new student game passes are now on sale in the Athletic Office to students during the school day. The 20-Game Student Pass is just $20 and will allow a student entrance to any 20 regular-season home game throughout the school year. The Unlimited Student Pass is $50 and will allow a student entrance to unlimited home games for the school year. The pass is not good for IHSAA-sponsored events and other tournaments.

Pioneer Pass available for Deanery students
Students enrolled in a Deanery grade school will once again be eligible to receive a Pioneer Pass, which offers free admission to most regular-season home sporting events when accompanied by an adult. Mr. Brad Burden , our enrollment management specialist, has been out visiting our Deanery schools and handing out the Pioneer Passes.

Academic Integrity Honor Code info posted
For parents unable to attend last night's meeting on the new Academic Integrity Honor Code and Council , the information is posted on the school website.
ALUMNI NOTES
Golf Scramble slots still available
The 21st annual Pioneer Golf Scramble is Thursday, Aug. 22, at Covered Bridge Golf Course, with a 1:00 shotgun start. A limited number of team openings are available, so register today! This important fundraiser supports the Annual Student Assistance Program. To register a team or become a sponsor,  click here  or contact Ronda (Miller) Stumler '83 at  rstumler@providencehigh.net .

Reunion dates for 2019
Reunion season is underway for the class years ending in 4 and 9. If you don't see your class below, contact Ronda (Miller) Stumler '83 at rstumler@providencehigh.net

2019 reunions:
  • 1955: Quarterly gatherings: Sept. 13, and Dec. 6, 2019. 11:30 a.m., The Radisson dining room, 505 Marriott Drive, Clarksville.
  • 1956: 2019 Gathering: Oct. 11, 11:30 a.m., The Radisson dining room, 505 Marriott Drive, Clarksville
  • 1959: Aug. 31, 2019. Dinner and mingling at the Clarksville Radisson Hotel, 5:00-10:00 p.m. Formal Invites have been mailed.
  • 1964: Sept. 28, 2019,  4:30-?, Clarksville Radisson Hotel. Formal invites sent. For more information contact Noelle Kramer Gohmann.  
  • 1969: 50th Reunion, Sept. 20-21, 2019. Formal invites. See class website or email providenceclassof1969@gmail.com for more info.
  • 1974: 45th Reunion, Sept, 14, 2019, 6:00-11:00 p.m. at the Clark County Conservation Club in Utica. $25 per person in advance. Invites have been sent. To Register: https://bit.ly/2KhuVoN
  • 1979: Sept, 6-7, 2019. Friday: Football tailgate at PHS, Saturday: Tour & Mass at PHS, dinner to follow at Covered Bridge. Formal invites sent. Follow Providence Class of '79 Facebook page for details.
  • 1984: Oct. 4, 2019, at PHS home Football game, and Oct. 5 at Wick's Pizza in New Albany. Email invites have been sent. Register here https://bit.ly/33yq4rU or check out the Facebook event
  • 1999: Aug. 17, 2019. Bourbon Barrel Loft, 7-.m. Formal invitessent. Contact Lisa (Naville) Zwissler for more info.
  • 2009: Planning underway for fall 2019. Contact Whitney Popp Forbis for more info.

Save the Date: ASAP Dinner
The Annual Student Assistance Program Recognition Dinner is Tuesday, Oct. 1, at Huber's Orchard & Winery. This year's event includes the presentation of the Awards of Distinction.  The guest speaker is Bellarmine University President Dr. Susan M. Donovan. Watch your mail for an invitation in the coming weeks.
BLUE PRIDE ON DISPLAY
Sartini’s influence felt well beyond the field 
Last Friday, the Providence Football community was able to honor Coach Gene Sartini (Hon. ’93) one final time in a special on-field ceremony before his funeral. Former players and staff from each of his four decades lined the field and helped escort his casket in a touching tribute. Click the link for a reprint of an article that appeared in the Winter 2011 issue of the Vision magazine, following his final season at Providence.
Coming Events
Aug. 15: Feast of the Assumption school liturgy
Aug. 20: AP/ACP/Dual Credit Info Night, 6:30
Aug. 22: Providence Golf Scramble, 1:00
Aug. 23: First Spirit Wear Day
Aug. 25: Academic Recognition Ceremony, 3:00
Aug. 27: Senior graduation orders due/sophomore rings delivered
Sept. 2: Labor Day, no school
Let Us Pray
Prayer on the Feast of the Assumption
Almighty and eternal God, who hast taken up into the glory of Heaven, with body and soul, the immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of thy son: grant us, we pray, that we may always strive after heavenly things and thus merit to share in her glory. Amen.

------------------------------------------------------
Christa (Payne) Hoyland '84 
Director of Communications 
eVision reporter/writer
Our Lady of Providence High School | PROVIDENCEHIGH.NET