December 11, 2019
Mr. Dave Mueller
Principal's Corner


As Gaudete Sunday with its rose-colored candle approaches, we rejoice that our celebration of Jesus' birth is just two weeks away. 

Best wishes to students for a spirit of peace and satisfaction in accomplishment as they approach exams next week. Best wishes to all as we continue to prepare for Christmas.  

News and reminders

2019-2020 Calendar

Coming up...
Thurs., Dec 12--M-T-F schedule
Fri., Dec 13--M-T-F schedule
Mon., Dec. 16--M-T-F schedule
Tues., Dec. 17--M-T-F schedule
Weds., Dec. 18, Thurs., Dec. 19 and Fri. Dec. 20--First semester exams
Please click here for the schedule

Library hours during exams
Wednesday Dec. 18: Dismissal at 1:10 p.m., library closes at 3:30 p.m.
Thursday Dec. 19: Dismissal at 11:10 a.m., library closes at 1:30 p.m.
Friday Dec. 20: Dismissal at 11:10 a.m., library closes at 11:30 a.m.

Dec. 23 through Jan. 3--Break
Mon., Jan. 6--Classes resume M-T-F schedule
Tues., Jan. 7--M-T-F schedule
Weds., Jan. 8--Wednesday 4-bell block day

EdChoice Scholarship information
Current and future Rocket families may qualify for EdChoice Scholarships of $6,000! Do you live in West Clermont, Batavia, CNE, Felicity-Franklin, Western Brown, or Cincinnati Public (select schools) school district? Click here for links to designated schools and more information.

Lifetouch offers Shutterfly gift 
This fall's picture package delivery experience fell short of Lifetouch's normal standards. As a token of appreciation for McNicholas families' patience, students or parents may stop by the main office and pick up a promo code for 15 free greeting cards and free shipping.

From the Counseling Department...
 
Counseling Department Offers Small Groups for Young Women and Young Men
Any students interested, or parents interested in their student participating, should complete this form by December 20. Limited space available.

Young Men's Group
For freshmen and sophomore male students. This group will give students an opportunity to discuss various topics including: self-esteem/identity, personal decision-making, academic success, healthy lifestyles, relationships, employment/careers, cooperation and conflict, and personal leadership/community responsibility. These sessions will allow male students to discuss challenges and successes, and ask questions in an environment that fosters growth and success in high school, and beyond. 
Sessions will begin during 2nd semester and will be held on a bi-weekly basis. If you have any questions, please contact Matt Wehrman at mwehrman@mcnhs.org

Young Women's Group
This program is an opportunity for freshmen and sophomore girls to come together with a trained facilitator to explore some of the big issues impacting girls today including confidence, developing healthy friendships and relationships, body image and media pressure, navigating social media and cyberbullying, dealing with stress and pressure, safety and violence prevention and leadership. 
Girls who participate in this program will meet weekly in a small group for discussions, lessons, and activities. These meetings will take place during class bells on a rotating schedule. Girls in the group will miss each class twice second semester. Reach out to Alaina Way, away@mcnhs.org, with questions.

Campus Ministry

Second Week of Advent Reflections

Entering Advent Faithfully
from Jeff Hutchinson-Smyth, Theology Teacher + Director of Campus Ministry
" In these four weeks of Advent, the liturgy leads us to celebrate the Nativity of Jesus, while it reminds us that He comes into our lives every day, and will return gloriously at the end of time. This certainty leads us to look trustfully to the future, as we are invited to do by the prophet Isaiah, who with his inspired voice accompanies the entire Advent journey. "
from the Angelus Message of 
Pope Francis on December 1, 2019

May all members of the Rocket family joyfully anticipate these weeks of Advent and the opportunities the season holds for us to grow in faith together. In this spirit, enjoy these resources by which to enter more fully into the spirit of the season in which we await the coming of Christ:

Light the Way.
The lighting of the Advent wreath is a great way for all to be reminded that we're living in sacred time. Family traditions take on even more significance when they're accompanied by prayers like these: the blessing of an Advent wreath , the blessing of a Christmas nativity scene , and the blessing of a Christmas tree . Consider also prayerfully reviewing each day with this abbreviated version of the daily examen .

Live in Sacred Time.
The Advent season is a perfect opportunity to give special attention to how we live in time by following the rhythm of the calendar together as a family. Printable Advent calendars with daily reflections and suggested activities can be found here  from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and here at the Loyola Press website.

Friday Morning Mass
Fr. Paul Ruwe will join us on Friday, December 13, and Fr. Dave Endres will be present to preside on Friday, December 20 at the Friday morning Mass at 7:00 a.m. in our school's chapel. Please consider making time to gather together as a special commitment to prayer during the Advent season.

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary Mass
Many thanks to Fr. Tom Kreidler, pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary parish, who presided at our  Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception Mass this past Monday.

Give a gift to the world.
If you seek to commit to the tradition of gift giving that is inspired by the gifts given by the Magi as reported in 
Matthew's Gospel, our school will once again host an Advent Fair Trade Sale in the Café and Student Union on Thursday, December 12and Friday, December 13 during both 'A' and 'B' lunches. Hand-crafted gifts made by our friends in Nicaragua will be available for purchase and will be a blessing to many that have faced added hardship this year as a result of the recent political turmoil that their nation has experienced.
On Campus

McNicholas celebrates Computer Science Education Week











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According to  Code.org , computing jobs are the #1 source of new wages in the US, yet only 45 percent of high schools teach computer science. Not so at McNicholas High School! This fall, McNicholas began partnering with the University of Cincinnati School of Information Technology to offer a pathway for students to work toward completing college and a career in information technology. As a part of the program, students can complete their first year of college while still in high school, reducing the number of semesters and cost of their college degrees. Read more here.


Gifts for Hope Record Year
The McNicholas High School Student Council would like to thank students, families, faculty, staff, and alumni for their time and efforts toward the Gifts for Hope project.  This year with the help of the Rocket community, student council was able to collect a record 93 shoe boxes full of hygiene products, winter apparel, and gifts for teens in need. Our generous alumni stopped by to help Student Council wrap and provided gift cards for the shoe boxes.  These 93 boxes were delivered on Friday evening to HOPE Emergency.  Thank you Rockets for your generosity and giving spirit!


 
Student Council hosting Dinner Fundraiser at Texas Roadhouse
Put away your apron for the night and join student council at Milford Texas Roadhouse on Thursday, December 12.  Present this flyer   to your server and the proceeds will go back to the student council. Thank you Rockets for your support!

The McNicholas Boutique now accepting donations for Mardi Gras 

The McNicholas Boutique is a "shop" dedicated to re-purposing and providing dance and special occasion apparel for women in the McNicholas community.   Our hope is that students might enjoy an event without worrying about the cost of a dress and accessories.

As we prepare for Mardi Gras in February, we are seeking donations of formal and dressy dresses, shoes, and accessories. The Boutique is also in need of racks and small shelves. We also accept cash donations. Please bring your donations of clothing or accessories to the main office. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Beth Sandmann at msandmann@mcnhs.org.

Hands Across Campus to sponsor International Dinner
Save the Date--Hands Across Campus invites McNicholas parents to an potluck International Dinner on Wednesday, Jan. 22. Watch for invitations soon!

Latest episode of the The McNick Minute
In this episode, Aarron speaks with Emma Melcher and Allison Vaughn about their athletic recruitment. Elise talks to Donna Spears about her great work in the Cafeteria, and Larry sits down with John Jorden to discuss his role at McNick and his plans for the school. Keep your eyes peeled for our newest production, The Disappearance of Johnathan Andrews, coming in January.  Click here  to listen.

Theatre Boosters fundraiser--help us finish strong!

Please share this link with family and friends.  Make your purchases EASY - online -  and ship right to your door.  Simply use this custom link for McNicholas Theatre.  Great products for the home and for Christmas .Support our fundraiser by shopping at Boon Supply! Click here to shop today!



Athletics

Athletic Boosters spirit wear orders are in!
Online spirit wear orders can be picked up this Thurs., Dec. 12 in the lobby from 6:30-7:30 p.m., and all remaining orders will go home with students on Fri., Dec. 13.

Rocket Players of the Week sponsored by BSN Sports
Pierce Taylor (wrestling) was named MVP in the Williamsburg Invitational, winning the finals 15-0. Anna Klug (bowling) led the team to their first victory over
Chaminade Julienne , bowling a high game 180.



McNicholas seeks assistant lacrosse coach
The McNicholas women's lacrosse program is looking for an assistant coach for spring 2020. Contact head coach Maeve McGoff at mcnicklax@outlook.com.

Women's volleyball head coach opening
McNicholas High School is seeking a head women's volleyball coach.  Interested applicants should send a resume to Athletic Director Rob Heise at rheise@mcnhs.org.  Application deadline is January 3, 2020.

McNick at Night

SAVE THE DATE!
March 14, 2020

· Get your green on and come support our largest school fundraiser!

· Open bar (including make your own Irish coffee bar), elegant buffet dinner, fun games, silent and live auctions, basket raffle, lively entertainment and more!

· Please consider donating to this fabulous event! Cash donations, gift cards, vacation stays, event tickets and sponsorships are a key component to our success each year!
If you know that you would like to donate, please complete the Auction Donation Form and return to the Development Office by February 28.  Please contact Annette McHugh at 513-619-5814 or  amchugh@mcnhs.org  if you have any questions. Thank you for your support!

PTSA

Get involved with PTSA!
Click here for a list of our events and meetings. All meetings are open, everyone is encouraged and welcome to attend!

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