CENTRAL CATHOLIC CONNECTIONS
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Central Catholic High School!

As with all families, the Central Catholic family is quite busy this time of year. Our students began semester finals today, teachers are wrapping up this semester and getting ready for next, the Class of 2020 is busy finding out where they'll go to college next year while still trying to focus on being high school students, and enrollment of the Class of 2024 is in full swing.

This is a reminder as much to me as it is to you - take a break and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and the gift we all share. I pray that the true joy of the season may be present in our hearts as we visit with friends and family and stay with us as we begin the decade of the 2020's.

We have a few important things to share before the end of the semester, so please read on. If 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 . 

Thank you for your interest in Central Catholic High School!

--Scott
Last Minute Christmas Gifts
If you're looking for just the right gift for your Future Saint, consider a spiritwear gift from our school store. Nearly everything in there is dress code-approved and we just received a new shipment today that included youth sizes. Here are the hours the store will be open the remainder of this week:
THURSDAY: 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. AND 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
FRIDAY: 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
If you can't make it in during these times, text me (309-533-2200) through December 23 with a time that works for you and I'll try to meet you at the store.
Are You Ready?
Do you know that your student is coming to Central Catholic or are you pretty sure? Then go ahead and fill out our 2020-21 online application. This is non-binding, but lets us know that you're ready to take the next step in our registration process. Oh, and those steps are:
  1. Fill out the online application (Apply in about 5 minutes.)
  2. Approved Applicants will be sent a link to our New Student Online Enrollment form. In some cases, we require additional documents and/or meetings before a final decision is made on an application.
  3. As we get closer to March, approved applicants receive a link to a SignUp Genius to schedule a meeting with one of our counselors. At this meeting, you'll set up the classes your Saint will take as a freshman.

You'll have plenty of additional opportunities to apply; this is the first.
Invest In Kids
State of Illinois Scholarship Information
The State of Illinois Invest In Kids scholarship program is entering its second year. This is a quick update to let you know that you can apply online for scholarships beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15. They are awarded on the order into the system and on need.

All of the information you need is found on the Empower Illinois website. Scholarship-specific information is found under the "Students" tab.

Please take the time to talk to your Pastor about your particular financial situation. You should also plan to apply for the Spalding Scholarship and Central Catholic financial assistance through FACTS Grant & Aid after the first of the year.

I'll have additional information in our next newsletter, but wanted to give you this heads up so you could begin preparing for online scholarship registration. If you have any questions, feel free to email me or text/call me at (309) 533-2200. I'll be on Christmas Break as well, but will get back with you as soon as I can.
Mark Your Calendar
We have several fun opportunities coming up to meet Central Catholic. Be sure to put these events in your calendar . . .

Tuesday, January 28 - Great to be a Saint Day 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
8th grade students will spend the morning with Central Catholic Student 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. If your student is not in one of our Partner Schools and plans to attend, just let me know ahead of time so I can add them to our group.

Wednesday, February 5 - 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 7 - 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. 

Friday, February 21 - Pack the Place
All Future Saints are invited to watch our Boys' Basketball team take on St. Joseph-Ogden. Activities are planned during the game for our Future Saints! 

March 3, 4, 9 & 11 - New Student Registration 
We'll send a SignUp Genius out as we get closer but this is the first opportunity for you and your student set up classes with our counselors. You'll discuss the classes your student will be taking and will officially become a Saint!

Saturday, May 2 - 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!

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.

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.
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.
Finals Week

Finals Week is like no other at Central Catholic. Our semester exams are comprehensive and your student's schedule of exams will follow his or her schedule of classes and students take no more than three exams on any given day. Exam Days are open campus days. Students can leave for breaks or for lunch then come back for exams. The first two days of Finals Week are review days and the last three are the finals. The traditional finals schedule follows:

Day 1
8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. 1st Period Exam
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 2nd Period Exam
12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. 3rd Period Exam

Day 2
8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. 4th Period Exam
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 5th Period Exam
12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Open / Make-up Exam

Day 3
8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. 8th Period Exam
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 9th Period Exam
12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Open / Make-up Exam
Feedback, Please
These newsletters can be even more helpful with your feedback. Let me know topics and questions that are important to you and we'll address them here. As I stated earlier, my phone is always on (309-533-2200) so call/text/ e-mail me with your thoughts, questions and concerns.