Wednesday, February 16, 2022
February is the month of the Holy Family.

HOLY FAMILY OF NAZARETH, make our family one with you. Help us to be instruments of peace. Grant that love, strengthened by grace, may prove mightier than all the weaknesses and trials through which our families sometimes pass. May we always have God at the center of our hearts and homes until we are all one family, happy and at peace in our true home with you.
Amen.

Our Lady of Mercy and St. Joseph pray for us.
New Announcements
Scholarship Opportunities:

REMINDER: Summer enrichment opportunities are continuing to be added throughout the semester. Please see the extensive list here: https://www.charlottecatholic.org/Page/383

German Club will meet on Wednesday, February 16, after school in room 204. Please check Canvas for more information!
News for Students

Tryouts for Men’s Tennis will be held at Park Road Park on Tuesday, February 15, Wednesday, February 16 and Thursday, February 17 from 3:00 PM - 4:15 PM **
** NOTE CORRECTED END TIME **
Any questions, please stop by Room 512 or email Coach Cabana at jlcabana@charlottecatholic.com

Girls Soccer Tryouts: Tuesday, February 15, Wednesday, February 16 and Thursday, February 17 from 3:15 - 5:00 PM at Ortho Carolina Field #2 13333 Dorman Rd. Pineville, NC 28134
Email questions on soccer tryouts to GCHoilett@charlottecatholic.co

Girls Lacrosse Tryouts will be held at Ortho Carolina Sportsplex:
Tuesday, February 15 from 3:15 – 4:45 PM and
Wednesday, February 16 from 3:15 – 4:45 PM
Please contact Coach Bier if you have any questions denise.bier@cchsemail.org

All Environmental Club members please help with recycling Wednesday, February 16 after school. We need as many willing hands as possible.  We will meet in room 325 for assignments. Teachers, please place your bins outside your room after school on Wednesday. Thank you for your stewardship leadership.

Tony DiDonato is celebrating 50 years of service at Charlotte Catholic High School! We will celebrate on Thursday, February 17 with a 70’s themed dress down day. Please follow the guidelines in the CCHS Student Handbook. We will also hand out 70’s snacks as the students enter the building! If you see Mr. DiDonato make sure and congratulate him and thank him for his many years of dedication to Charlotte Catholic.

Students who would like to take AP Art or Honors Portfolio Prep next school year will need to submit a digital portfolio for review by Friday, February 18, 2022. Specifications and templates for the portfolio can be viewed on these links. Please email Melissa McManus with any questions: melissa.mcmanus@cchsemail.org
AP Art:
Honors Portfolio Prep: 

The yearbook is taking applications for staff members for next year. The application requires creating a sample spread that is used in the evaluation process. If you are interested, pick up an application in the folder located outside of Mrs. Simpson’s room (514). Applications must be received by Friday, February 25. Please contact Mrs. Simpson BASimpson@Charlottecatholic.com with any questions.
News for Parents

Save the Date! The Gala is March 19, invitations coming soon. The Gala is Charlotte Catholic’s biggest annual fundraising event and there are many ways you can participate and support CCHS: Click here for information and all the event and The Gala 2022 details.
Click here to donate to the online auction or Please contact Jane Carano (JSCarano@charlottecatholic.com) with any questions.

Friday, February 18 is a Professional Day for teachers with no classes for students. The school office will be open from 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday, February 21 is a School Holiday and the school office will be closed.
If you need a Driving Eligibility Certificate, please plan accordingly.

The Sr. Paulette Williams, RSM Awards Nominations are open! Sponsored by the CCHS Foundation, the Sister Paulette Williams, RSM Awards are presented to five CCHS teachers each year at Graduation by the CCHS Foundation. The awards are intended to inspire and honor CCHS faculty members who truly excel in their roles as educators and mentors. The entire community - parents, students, faculty and staff - are encouraged to be a part of the process and nominate teachers for this award. Five winners are selected each year, and each winner is presented $5,000. Please take the time to fill out this simple nomination form.  Click here for the Nomination Form

Student Travel Opportunity: Travel to Paris, Florence, Rome, Sorrento & Capri with Ms. Katz in Spring 2023. Details will be shared at an in person informational meeting in the CCHS library on Thursday, February 17 at 7:00 PM. Use this link to register for the meeting: https://bit.ly/3J7Rvgv Spots are limited, so please RSVP. Email eekatz@charlottecatholic.com if you have any questions. THIS IS NOT A CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC SPONSORED TRIP

In case you missed it: 2022-2023 Registration letter sent to parents: https://www.charlottecatholic.org/Page/1005
Counselors' Corner

Congratulations to these seniors on their awarded scholarships!

Audrey Aiello
Eastern University Provost Award
Lynn University Merit Scholarship
Ohio University Trustee Award
Saint Leo University Academic Award
Saint Leo University Catholic Promise Award
 
Anthony Baggio
Queens University of Charlotte Merit Scholarship
 
Makkenzie Beer
Louisiana State University Transformation Merit Nonresident Award
University of Pittsburgh Panther Pride Award
University of Pittsburgh Pitt Success Award
 
Sean Heenan
High Point University High Point Scholarship
 
Carter Losee
Auburn University True Blue Scholarship
West Virginia University College of B&E Dean’s Scholarship
West Virginia University Scholarship of Distinction
 
Ketan Pimplaskar
University of North Carolina at Greensboro Blue & Gold Scholarship
 
Caroline Ragland
University of North Carolina at Greensboro Blue & Gold Scholarship
 
Ross Tricarico
Indiana University Bloomington Deans Scholarship
 
Evan Valder-Rasch
Babson College Academic Scholarship
 
Lauren ‘Ellie’ Ward
Furman University Bell Tower Scholarship
South Carolina LIFE Scholarship

Seniors: Please provide a copy (paper or electronic) of the scholarships earned from a university or business to your counselor. Print the scholarship before notifying the college you will not attend, otherwise the portal will be deleted. These scholarships will be noted one time in the Catholic Daily on Fridays and in the Graduation Program. The name of the scholarship and the college that awarded it will be recognized. The actual dollar amount is not made public though is noted as part of the class grand total at the end of the school year.

A Year of Purpose: Exploring the Gap Year Option: Wednesday, February 23 7:30-8:30 PM Hosted by College Confidential and the Gap Year Association
  • Panel discussion featuring Christoph Guttentag, Dean of Undergrad Admissions at Duke University, an invited representative from Americorps and members of the gap year community.
  • This panel of experts convene to discuss how a meaningful gap year can equip students with the necessary skills for future personal, educational and career satisfaction as we emerge from the pandemic.
  • Registration: https://bit.ly/3ryYuc9 Registrants will also be invited to an exclusive daytime rebroadcast (in case you can't make the evening time)

Mental Health Resources from the Counseling Department:
The past two years have been like no other and with this in mind the CCHS Counseling Department is working to provide information about community mental health resources and programs to our families. The information we pass along is no way an endorsement for any one program or organization. Rather, our goal is to connect the CCHS community with the community at large during what has and continues to be difficult on the mental and emotional health of many.

Discovery Place: Mental Health Mind Matters Exhibit: Website
The new special exhibition Mental Health: MIND MATTERS explores the stigma of mental illness while illustrating the facts—mental illness is common; it can happen to anyone, and it is treatable. Featuring hands-on activities and multimedia experiences, this exhibition explores the science behind our feelings and how we experience the world around us.

Teen Health Connection
https://teenhealthconnection.org/ Provides medical and mental health support for students and families and resources for Adolescents: https://teenhealthconnection.org/resources/

Parenting Programs Upcoming: https://teenhealthconnection.org/parenting-programs/
February 15/March 22: Zoom: Preparing your teen for a successful transition
March 15: Zoom: Active Parenting: Control vs Influence
March 8: Zoom: Supporting your teen’s behavioral health
March 1: Zoom: Teens & Technology-Finding the Balance
February 22/March 29: Zoom: Substance Use Prevention-What Parents Need to Know
Campus Ministry

Adoration and Confessions: Every Thursday during all lunch times (11:37 - 1:37) unless otherwise noted.

Rosary will be offered for the school and community intentions in the chapel Monday through Wednesday at 2:40 PM.

Rosaries for Charlotte Catholic: Please consider signing up for a day to pray the Rosary for the spiritual needs of all those at CCHS: Sign up here

For more information about Campus Ministry, the Weekly Rosary intention, and more, click here.
News from CCHS Athletic Boosters and the Athletic Department

Spring Sports Team Photos: The information and schedule for team picture day on Monday, February 21 (day off of school) has been sent to the team parents. Questions? Please contact Leah Foley 88foleyfamily@gmail.com

CCHS Athletic Boosters NEW Spirit Store is Now Open in the Cafeteria:
  • New merchandise with more on the way!
  • Hours of operation for the month of February are 10:15 AM - 1:45 PM Tuesdays and Thursday (for Students).
  • Retro basketball jerseys on sale while supplies last! Jersey tops $5 and shorts $1.
  • Questions? Contact Angie Johnston amcguirt@carolina.rr.com

Important message regarding attending CCHS sporting events:
We look forward to seeing our spectators and fans at winter sporting events. 
  • We are still faced with many obstacles and challenges because of the ongoing COVID pandemic and, as you know, there is a surge in COVID cases in the area. CCHS will require that masks are worn at all indoor sporting events.  Our goal is to keep fans in the stands and do our part to help stall the spread of the viruses.
  • Thank you for your cooperation! Please contact Kevin Christmas, Athletic Director (kechristmas@charlottediocese.org), with any questions.

Go Cougars!
Cougar Kudos

CONGRATULATIONS to the Varsity Cheerleaders for placing 5th in the nation at the National High School Cheerleading Championships this past weekend at Disney's ESPN.  They competed against 80 teams and 4 rounds of competition.

The Catholic Wrestling team competed in the 23 team North Carolina Regional Tournament this past weekend.
Place winners for the team were: 
  • Joey Baisley 2nd place
  • Owen Reilly 2nd place
  • McLean Gaston 4th place
This qualifies them for the state championship finals at Greensboro Coliseum this coming weekend.
Congratulation to all!

The Swim and Dive team competed at the 4A State Championship on Thursday, February 10.
  • The Women's team finished 4th with a lot of fast swims and great performances all around!
  • Leyla Sleime Placed 5th in the 500 Freestyle with an All American Consideration time, Audrey Pardue placed 7th in the 500 Freestyle and Abby Druhan placed 7th in the 100 Breastroke. The Medley Relay of Lauren Bernardo, Abby Druhan, Kendra Johnson and Ashleigh Gonsalves placed 5th and the 400 Freestyle Relay of Julia Gehrig, Sarah Dichak, Ashleigh Gonsalves and Lauren Bernardo placed 6th.
  • The Boys team placed 11th, just 1 point out of the top 10.
  • Alex Ayers got on the podium, placing 2nd in the 200 Individual Medley while swimming an All American Consideration time. Alex also placed 5th in the 500 Freestyle. Bryson Mrzygod had strong swims placing 8th in both the 50 and 100 Freestyle. 
  • Congratulations AquaCougars!

The following students received an award on the National German Exam:
Silver:
  • Leonardo Yon
Bronze:
  • Genie Alvorado
  • Andrew Ellis
Honorable mention:
  • Ella Gingrich
  • Carson Harris
  • Nicholas Coile
  • Ethan Canon
Congratulations!
COVID-19 Information

As of Friday, February 4, there are 7 reported active cases of COVID-19 among CCHS students, faculty and staff.

January 25 COVID Contact Update: Please contact the CCHS Health Room 704-716-2424 or Nurse Lorraine Maslanka LHMaslanka@charlottecatholic.com on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday or Nurse Joan Trautmann, jltrautmann@charlottecatholic.com on Monday and Wednesday if your student tests positive or with any COVID concerns.

Quick Resources
Attendance
24-hour Attendance Hotline 704-716-2418
* Please follow these procedures *
Early Dismissal: If your student needs early dismissal, please have them bring a note to the attendance office first thing in the morning with their name and exact time of dismissal. This will allow your student to leave school without a parent entering the building to sign them out.
Return to school after an absence: A parent note is needed for documentation after any student absence.
Bus Service
 For information about the MACS bus service, visit MACS Transportation.
The school Cafeteria is open before school, during break and all 3 lunches. Cash or a student account may be used for purchase.
For Cafeteria Questions contact Mrs. Yarborough at Yarborough@aladdinfood.com
Carpool and Parking Information
The paved and gravel lots are closed for construction work.
There is no parking in these lots this year.
The Little Avenue entrance will be closed due to construction of the Fine Arts Center this school year. All traffic entering campus will use the Highway 51 (Pineville-Matthews Road) entrance or the Walsh Boulevard entrance. Traffic exiting via Little Avenue will now be redirected behind the visitors’ side of the stadium and to Walsh Boulevard.
There is no vehicle or pedestrian access to or from Little Avenue.
Carpool Drop off and Pick up Reminders:
Parents may only enter campus to drop off or pick up by entering from 51.
During drop off and pick up only students and faculty parking in the B Deck may enter the campus from Walsh.
There is no drop off in front of or in the parking garage.
The entrance to campus from Pineville-Matthews Road is one way during school hours.
The Little Avenue Entrance is closed due to construction of the Fine Arts Center. 
Student drivers and parents are reminded not to use The Waterford Square Apartments as a cut through: We have had multiple reports of speeding on the streets and have been asked by the apartment complex to remind drivers not cut through. Please help prevent accidents and keep our community safe.
Please do NOT drop off or pick up your student at neighboring businesses. The school has received many calls asking us to not use their parking lots. Please help us be a good neighbor.
The Catholic Daily
Please keep UP-TO-DATE with daily announcements (The Catholic Daily) and communications from CCHS via email. Senders will be "Charlotte Catholic High School" noreply@charlottecatholic.com or CCHS_Communications@charlottecatholic.com. Please mark both as safe senders.

For questions related to The Catholic Daily, please email catholicdaily@cchsemail.org
Driving Eligibility Certificate
Driving Eligibility Certificates are available at the front reception desk during scheduled office hours.
Drivers Ed
Jordan Driving School offers Drivers Ed at CCHS - Sign up for a class!
Click here for all information
Inclement Weather
If school is closed, or there is a change to the regular daily schedule due to inclement weather, you will be notified via the email address and telephone number the school has on record.
National Honor Society Tutoring 
Every Wednesday from 2:35 - 3:05 PM in the Library. Any subject, just drop in!

Science National Honors Society Tutoring
. A member of SNHS will be matched with the student in need for 3 sessions of 45 minutes each over the course of a month, to be scheduled on campus at a time convenient for the tutor and student.  Please email the SNHS faculty advisor, Karen Belciglio, kabelciglio@charlottecatholic.com with specific the student name, science class, instructor, the topics they wish to cover.  We’ll respond within 2 school days. 
Parking Permits for Students
Students who have purchased parking passes must park in their assigned spot. Tags were distributed in homeroom at the start of the school year and must be displayed at all times when on campus.
Click Here for the school store to purchase student parking permits
For Questions please contact Mr. Conrad RJConrad@charlottecatholic.com
PTO
The PTO depends 100% on dues and donations.
Click here to pay your dues and support the PTO
If you are interested in volunteering, Click here to view the various committees that can use your help.
Contact PTO President Jennifer Jones Jennifer Jones chj_jcj@hotmail.com for more information.
Scheduling of School Facilities and Meetings
CCHS community members wishing to schedule on-campus or Zoom meetings (team parents, and others who would like to schedule facilities cafeteria, library, etc.), need to contact Dr. Maria Leahy MMLeahy@charlottecatholic.com with the date, time, and location to check availability with regard to the school calendar and space.
Student Handbook 2021-2022
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