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Parents,
We celebrated the Class of 2020 this past weekend with our virtual graduation ceremony and now we head into summer with some knowns and some unknowns.
First, what we know: These past months have confirmed that we have a strong community with a firm foundation in our faith. We think of Bishop Watterson as a family and are grateful for the support and positivity from so many of you during this unprecedented time of remote education. Our staff dealt with the situation with professionalism, always striving to ensure the curriculum was met, while looking for new ways to bolster online learning. We truly missed the energy and enthusiasm of your children filling our hallways each day and we look forward to seeing them together again, which leads me to the unknowns.
We do not know what to expect for the start of the 2020-21 school year. Many pandemic variables and contingency plans are being discussed at the state level, which will direct how our Diocese proceeds. Bishop Watterson will communicate with you as quickly as possible when we have solid plans in place. Our Watterson Wednesday News, which normally takes a summer break, will be published intermittently as necessary this summer.
I encourage everyone to pray for an end to the pandemic, for those in leadership roles, for those who have been, are or will be sick with the COVID-19 virus, for George Floyd and his family, for an end to racism and senseless violence in our country and world, and for healing for the United States.
Deacon Chris Campbell
Principal
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Facts About the Class of 2020
Graduates: 160
College Merit Scholarships: more than $15 million
Diploma with Honors: 52
Perfect ACT Scores (individual subjects): 16
Presidential Award for Excellence: 55
Academic medals (by subject, awarded for an A average all four years): 144
Class total service hours: more than 10,700 (54% of class)
Percent of Graduates Going on to Higher Education:
99%
Number of Colleges Graduates are Attending: 47
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Athletics Information
Last week you received an email from our Athletic Director, Doug Etgen, about the phased reintroduction of sports activities.
New since last week's email:
The Diocese of Columbus is requiring a signed waiver form from each athlete. Click on the Diocese Waiver button below to access.
Following is a review of the information emailed last week.
The phased return to athletics plan has been created in conjunction with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations, the State of Ohio, the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) and National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), and the Catholic Diocese of Columbus. Bishop Watterson High School will do its very best to adhere to these recommendations. Please take special note of the particulars of each phase described in the OHSAA document at the link below. People with underlying conditions listed in the OHSAA Summer 2020 Recommendations, whether coach or athlete, should not participate in either Phase 1 or 2.
You and your athlete will be required to self check prior to coming to a gathering at Bishop Watterson. Upon arrival, coaches will record who is in that particular pod. These records will be kept to insure accurate records should an athlete or coach develop symptoms. Additionally, athletes will train with the same pod throughout Phase 1 to limit the total number of interactions.
The Diocese of Columbus has required us to collect from each athlete a signed Coronavirus Acknowledgment & Waiver. Please print and complete the form no later than this Wednesday, June 3, for those sports starting early this week. For those who are starting today or later, this will be the only form you will need to turn in for your child to participate.
When completing the waiver form:
-substitute the sport your child is training in for 'name of diocese of Columbus summer program' (you can write in multiple sports i.e. soccer/basketball for multi-sport athletes)
-substitute Bishop Watterson High School for 'Parish/School Name(s) and
-substitute Head Coach's Name for 'Program Administrator Name'
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Four Teachers Retire After Combined 90 Years at BWHS
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Thank you, Mr. Cleveland!
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Thank you, Mrs. Schwanekamp!
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As we close the 2019-20 school year, Bishop Watterson bids farewell to four teachers who have worked here for a combined 90 years and are now retiring.
Tony Cleveland
has been teaching 30 years, with 22 of them at BWHS. He has taught physical education and wood shop, served as an assistant coach of the baseball team for 14 years and head coach for three years. He was also an assistant football coach for nine years. Also known as “TC” on campus, Mr. Cleveland served on the staff for Kairos and Urban Plunge retreats.
Paul Petrella
retires after 40 years in teaching, the last four at Bishop Watterson, where he taught algebra II/trigonometry, pre-calculus, geometry and algebra I. He participated in four Kairos retreats at BWHS and coached wrestling at area schools for 40 years and football for 19.
Karen Schwanekamp
has been teaching at BWHS for 30 years of her 37 years in the classroom. She taught biology, basic biology, accelerated biology, honors biology, AP biology, chemistry and environmental science. She served as moderator for the Science Club.
Tom Tuohy
spend all 34 years of his career at Bishop Watterson, teaching introduction to physics and chemistry, honors IPC, earth and space, biology and chemistry. Mr. Tuohy coached cross country and served as the moderator of the chess club and chess team over the years.
We asked our retirees what they will miss:
“The students and staff,” said Mr. Cleveland. “I will always be an Eagle.”
“I will miss the relationships with the staff, students and the parents,” said Mr. Petrella. “We have such a great staff at Watterson. Everyone is so willing to help. I love the students so much. They were so willing to learn and we had a ton of fun while learning.”
“I will miss my other family, all of the people I’ve come to know at Watterson,” said Mrs. Schwanekamp. “I will miss the youthful exuberance of all of the students, which has always been uplifting and kept me on my toes. I will miss the sense of community that I have felt since the first day I walked into Watterson. It is more than a place of employment; it has been my second home.”
“Oh (sigh), the people,” said Mr. Tuohy. “I will miss the students, faculty, administration, staff and parents. I will continue to follow the Eagle sports seasons.”
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Incoming Freshman Q&A Zoom Meeting
We are excited to offer the opportunity for the incoming freshmen to get to know each other and have their questions about Bishop Watterson answered! Our future Eagles are invited to join our guidance counselors for an online Zoom session on June 4 at 1:00 p.m. Please sign up today by clicking on the button below.
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It Might Not Be The Same, But Summer Can Still Be Fun
Summer fun for youth typically includes packed pools, backyard camping, fairs and festivals, sporting events, and lazy days spent simply hanging out—with their friends. This summer is unfortunately going to look and feel different for them and for us. Depending on where you live and the personal choices you’re making for your family, you and your children may fully be experiencing a shelter-in-place lifestyle, or you may be starting to reengage in slightly closer social interactions.
There is still a great deal of uncertainty, and differing opinions on how best to move forward, taking into account the physical and mental health wellness of ourselves, our children, and extended family members. There is no question, however, that our tweens and teens want and need social interaction, whether that means virtual hangouts with family and friends or getting together while staying six feet apart.
Socially Distant Summer Fun
Tasked with coming up with summer activities young people can do apart, but together, we went straight to the experts – parents and youth. Here are some of the fantastic ideas they came up with:
- Take a hike, bike ride, or walk together—just maintain distance
- Play corn hole, frisbee golf, or putt-putt with a friend
- Hammocking is a big trend among teens. They can still hang out and hammock in the same area together, just make sure it’s one person to a hammock
- Grab a pole and go fishing with a friend
- Try canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding (always with another person)
- Set up an inexpensive kiddie pool in the backyard for each friend invited, and have guests bring over their own popsicle and lemonade
- Go skateboarding, go-karting, or paintballing
- Start a weekly running club
- B-Y-O-B – Bring Your Own Basketball and play H-O-R-S-E or 21—apart, but together
- Volunteer with a friend—do some yard work or go shopping for an elderly neighbor
- Meet up with friends for a picnic at the park—just bring your own blanket and food
- Plant a backyard garden or build garden boxes, nurture, and watch your plants grow
- Try geocaching: follow GPS coordinates to find treasures near you
- Create a scavenger hunt and invite friends to join – check out Google for endless ideas
- Come up with Amazing Race-type challenges
- Invite surrounding backyard neighbors to a socially distant, outdoor movie night
- Fire pit and smores with seats spaced out
- Go old school with traditional yard games like horseshoes, badminton, or croquet—just use separate mallets, racquets, and horseshoes
- Get creative by painting, pressing flowers, or sculpting with clay
- Find a good-old-fashioned pen pal
- Better yet, try creating an “Ongoing Story” with friends—get an inexpensive journal, write how much or little you want to get the story started, then leave it on a friend’s doorstep with instructions to keep it going (and on and on). Or, go virtual and tell the story in an online format like a shared Google doc.
- Have an online cupcake decorating contest—post photos and ask for votes
- While in-person escape rooms may be temporarily closed, virtual escape rooms like Hogwarts Digital Escape Room and Jumanji: Escape to Camp just might be calling your name
This summer is going to look and feel different for our children, but it need not be wasted. There are plenty of opportunities and a variety of ways for them to get outside, get active, have fun, soak up the summer sun and fresh air, and yes, even enjoy time spent with friends!
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2020 Summer School Information
Abbreviated virtual summer courses are offered through Educere for students in need of credit recovery. Students must earn credit in all core courses prior to the start of the next school year.
Registration: The course registration window is open from June 2 until June 8. Link to register: https://sis.edtell.com/program/?pageID=5101.5708
Course and Program Information:
All courses are self-paced. All coursework needs to be completed before students take a required final exam in person at Watterson. For half credit courses the final exam will be held on July 1. For full credit courses the final exam will be held on July 31. Students should report to the main office at 9:00 am on the day of their exam.
Contact Information:
If you have questions about registration or the final exam contact Jenny Sponseller, jsponseller@cdeducation.org. To speak to an Educere Personal Learning Coach contact 866-433-8327.
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Uniforms Stay the Same for 2020-21
We know many families will be making uniform purchases this summer. The following stores carry our approved uniform apparel: Educational Apparel, School Days, and Schoolbelles.
Please read the Student Handbook for the dress code, which will be the same as for the 2019-20 school year. The handbook can be found at bishopwatterson.com on the
Student Life
menu. The Dress Code begins on page 39.
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Last Scrip Deadline for 2020-21 is June 7
Did you know that the Scrip Wallet is a very easy way to keep track of gift cards, add funds to reloadable cards and order SCRIP Now e-gift cards?
A portion of every Scrip order goes to the tuition assistance fund. Earn tuition credit and do something to help others when you purchase gift cards through the Scrip program!
The following deadline, June 7, is the last date to earn tuition credit for the 2020-21 school year. Families can continue to order throughout the summer and those rebates will apply to the 2021-22 school year. NOTE: For those new to the program, you must register for PrestoPay at least two days before placing your order.
For instructions and a list of future order deadlines,
click here.
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BWHS Family Businesses Open Now
On our website you will find a list of businesses owned by Bishop Watterson alumni and families which are operating during the COVID-19 shelter-at-home order. If you have a business to list, please contact Alumni Director Scott Manahan, smanahan@cdeducation.org.
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Uniform Sale
School Closet/School Days will have summer sales.
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August 17:
Freshman Orientation
August 20:
First Day of School
September 7:
No School/Labor Day
November 25-29:
Thanksgiving Break
December 14-18:
Semester Exam week
December 19-January 3:
Christmas Break
January 18:
No School/Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February 15:
No School/Presidents’ Day
March 15:
No School
April 1-11:
Easter Break
May 20:
Baccalaureate
May 22:
Graduation
May 24-27:
Grades 9-11 Finals
May 27:
Last Day of School
Calamity make-up days if needed:
2/5, 3/15, 5/28, 6/1
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Support Bishop Watterson When You Shop
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Support Bishop Watterson when you order from Amazon!
We are participating in the Amazon Smiles program and will
receive a percentage back when you shop at the link below.
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Bishop Watterson participates in the Kroger Community Rewards program.
To sign up, go to kroger.com, log into your account and under Savings & Rewards click Kroger Community Rewards. Search for Bishop Watterson. Our number is VG154.
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Bishop Watterson participates in the Giant Eagle Apples for the Students program. Each time your Giant Eagle Advantage Card is scanned, your purchase earns funds for Bishop Watterson for educational needs. Register your Giant Eagle Advantage Card at the link below, entering school ID 4654.
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