Happy June! The best schools both rest and grow during the summer. They deepen their roots in mission and send forth new shoots that enable the mission to engage vibrantly with new realities. On one hand, McNicholas is resting: students are on vacation and the building is quiet. On the other hand, exciting shoots are emerging: updated ways of teaching and learning, fresh ways to inform people about the amazing opportunities here, new options for school uniforms, renewed activity on the athletic fields, and the arrival of excited new members of our school community. We look forward informing you in the July newsletter about these new ways of activating our time-honored mission. Until then, best wishes for enjoying a safe and blessed summer break!
McNicholas High School partners with Schoolbelles for new uniform options
McNicholas High School is proud to announce a new partnership with the uniform supplier Schoolbelles. Schoolbelles, which operates a retail store at 5718 Harrison Ave. in Western Hills, has been serving numerous schools in the tri-state area since 1957. 

Why McNicholas chose Schoolbelles
  • Student feedback regarding the current skorts and other items of interest. The selected skirt styles were chosen, tested, and favorably reviewed by students.
  • Several ways to order for parent convenience: online, phone, or in-store. 
  • Easy to understand sizing makes online ordering simple.
  • Quality fabric and stitching backed by a 180-day guarantee. No ironing necessary!
  • Wide range of sizing to fit all student body types.
  • Schoolbelles operates and owns its own sewing factory in Cleveland, OH to maintain quality and stock levels. Schoolbelles does not depend on outside vendors and can respond to backorders fast.
  • Generous return policies and easy return procedures.
  • Free shipping on all items. 
  • 20+ sales throughout the year. 

Frequently asked questions
Q: Does this mean I have to order my daughter a new skirt for the 2020-21 school year?
A: No. If your daughter is happy with her current skort, and it meets the 2” guideline*, she may continue to wear it as long as she pleases. This just allows for additional styles and options. 

Q: Can I still order through Shaheen’s?
A: Yes. If you prefer the skort style uniform bottom, those are still available for purchase through Shaheen. 

Q: Does Schoolbelles offer school-approved pants?
A: Yes. Based on student feedback, we partnered with Schoolbelles to provide several options for men and women:
·        Poly pants and shorts for men
·        Cotton/poly pants for women
           
Q: Must school-appropriate pants be purchased only from Schoolbelles?
A: No. Khaki, navy, or grey pants from any provider may be worn as long as they match the style and fit of the pants on the McNick section of the Schoolbelles website.

These pants meet the requirements of the student handbook: Style and fit should be suitable for employment in a conservative office –neither too tight nor too loose. Pants should not be denim-style, cargo-style, corduroy, or capris. Pockets should not be on the outside of the pants. 

Additional information
  • Due to COVID-19, no in-school fitting dates will be available this summer. You may contact a Schoolbelles representative at 1-888-637-3037 to make an appointment for an in-store measurement, or you may visit their website to consult the measurement guidelines. To place an order online, visit https://www.schoolbelles.com. School code: s2930. It is recommended to place orders by July 4 to ensure arrival by the start of the school year. McNicholas High School is creating a video showing the new skirt styles and demonstrating how to take measurements. This video will be available early in the week of June 29.
  • The Rocket Shop will announce dates shortly for the Back to School sale in August. Uniform shirts will be available for sale at that sale. 

* The McNicholas student handbook requires all skirts and shorts to reach no higher than 2 inches above the knee. High school students are constantly growing and changing. The length requirement will be strictly enforced. Please ensure that you have uniform bottoms in compliance for the start of the 2020-21 school year.

Fourth Quarter Honor Roll
Congratulations to the McNicholas students who earned Dean’s List, First Honors, and Second Honors for the fourth quarter. Thank you for your perseverance and discipline during distance learning!  Please click here for a full listing.

Materials return
Students who have not returned their materials from 2019-20 classes yet are asked to please stop by school during the office hours to do so. The office is open Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. until noon.

McNicholas graduation program
Congratulations to the Class of 2020! McNicholas celebrated the seniors with individual graduations and a special broadcast on Local 12 this past Sunday.  Click here to see portions of the individual graduation ceremonies as well as speeches and memories.

Summer Reading assignment
Please click here for information on summer reading assignments for all students.

Tablet Pick Up Days
Class of 2024
Mandatory tablet pick up for incoming freshmen and parents will be held July 30, 31, Aug. 4,5,and 10 in the Library. Students must register for one session ( click here to register), and be accompanied by their legal guardian. 
The sessions will address the following:
  • Introduction the student to the tablet
  • Student email account set-up
  • Tablet and network policy; students and parents will sign the Acceptable Use Policy
Students will receive more in-depth tablet training during freshman orientation. Please contact Mr. Andy Ey, Director of Technology, at  [email protected].

Classes of 2021, 2022, 2023
Please pick up your tablets on one of the days listed below. Parents may pick up tablets but need the password in order to log in.
July 6—9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
July 7—5-7 p.m.
July 8—9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
July 9—5-7 p.m.
July 10—9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
July 13—9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
July 14—9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
July 15—5-7 p.m.
July 16—9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Transportation
Parking permits for 2020-21
McNicholas will accept parking registration forms with payment beginning August 1 for seniors only. Applications from underclassmen will be accepted beginning Aug. 24. Students may park in the Paradise or lower lots on a first-come first-served basis until the second full week of school. Click here for more information.

Bus Transportation
Please click here for information on Forest Hills, New Richmond, and Cincinnati Public bus options.

Back-to-school and sports forms
Parents of returning students should log in to Final Forms and complete their forms for the 2020-21 school year. Parents of freshmen and new students recently received an email from Final Forms and should complete and sign the forms. When students pick up their tablets, there will be an email waiting for them in their inbox directing students to sign and complete their forms.  Forms for all students must be completed and electronically signed by parents and students no later than the first day of school. You can click here to review and follow the directions  to fill out your forms. If you run into problems with Final Forms, click the  Use Support  button at the bottom of any Final Forms page and submit an email inquiry. If you need help from McNicholas, please contact Susan Rohlfs at  [email protected] .

Attention Class of 2021 Families--
Senior Photos
McNicholas High School has partnered with Prestige Photography for your senior pictures. For in-studio photography and session details,  please click here  to review and schedule your summer appointment. The first sessions begin on July 7. All senior portraits need to be taken by November 1, 2020, in order to be on the class composite and in the yearbook. Only photos taken by Prestige will be allowed in the yearbook.  Click here for more information .

Meningococcal vaccine
Students entering their senior year are required to have a second meningococcal vaccine. Please click here for more information.

Two spots available!
St. Vincent de Paul / Ozanam Center Service Learning Summer Opportunity
The Ozanam Center has created a service-learning opportunity for high school students.
Click here to learn more. Two spots have opened for this service retreat! Contact Ms. Davis [email protected] for an application to attend this unique and meaningful service-learning experience.

Rockets Night Out
Friday, July 24 from 7-10 pm
McNicholas Courtyard
Join fellow Rocket parents and friends for an evening celebration to support the McNicholas football program with food, drinks, and fun. Open to all Rocket supporters over 21. $30 per person includes beer, wine, pop, and appetizers. We'll have fun and games and amazing basket raffles. Click here to sign up today !
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