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Parents,
There is a chill in the air and the leaves are falling. It’s the time of year when we want to gather with family and friends to celebrate the holidays, but 2020 will not be like any holiday season we have ever experienced. COVID-19 cases are on the rise in our city, state and country and we are asking the Bishop Watterson community to take precautions in order to keep our school open for in-person learning. We need to take care of one another at this time and that may require personal sacrifices. Our faculty and staff remain grateful for your cooperation, prudence and foresight as we continue to work together to keep the Bishop Watterson community healthy. Join us in praying for those afflicted with the virus, for those impacted by the pandemic financially, and for an end to the pandemic across the globe.
Deacon Chris Campbell
Principal
Safely Celebrating Thanksgiving
According to the Ohio Department of Health, the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic is to celebrate the holidays at home with members of your household. If you decide to get together with others, please keep the gathering small (10 people or fewer) and stick to the basics:
- Everyone should wear a mask who can safely do so.
- Make sure everyone washes their hands frequently and uses hand sanitizer.
- Whenever feasible, stay 6 feet away from one another.
- Regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- If you are sick, remain home and stay away from others as much as possible.
- Have a small dinner for those who reside in your home, and organize a virtual call with extended family to discuss everyone's feasts and what they are thankful for.
- Have your own parade. Drive by homes of neighbors or family members to wish them a Happy Thanksgiving.
- Dig out those old photos and videos of Thanksgivings past, share your favorites with relatives, and ask them to do the same. Have the most tech-savvy family member create a shareable video combining all the contributions.
Holiday Travel
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If you are traveling over the holidays, please keep in mind the CDC safety recommendations which can be found here.
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We refer you to the CDC Data Tracker, which can be found here, that shows areas of special concern.
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At this point, the United States is showing Level 3(Red) areas on this CDC map, which means that all areas are advised to ‘avoid all non-essential travel” to red destinations.
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When making your travel plans, please keep in mind that you will be required to quarantine for 14 days if you travel to a hot spot or high-risk state as defined by the CDC and/or the State of Ohio. Please consult the State of Ohio website here.
- Students will not need to quarantine after travel and may return to school immediately if they did not travel to a hot spot or a high-risk state, if they were not exposed to COVID-19, and if they are not showing symptoms of COVID-19.
- International travel will require you to quarantine for 14 days; this includes Canada and Mexico.
- Please be sure to plan ahead and check the CDC and State of Ohio travel advisories before making your plans.
- Please be mindful of the safety recommendations and be vigilant if people you come in contact with have been in contact with anyone who has tested positive.
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Early Release Today
Just a reminder that we will continue to release students at 1:48 p.m. on Wednesdays while we are on the yellow learning plan. If you are picking up, please delay your arrival until 2:05 p.m.
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Key Dates
Monday, November 23: Remote Learning Day
Tuesday, November 24: Remote Learning Day
Friday, December 11: Flex Day
Friday, January 15: Flex Day
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Food Drive This Friday
Campus Ministry and Student Council leaders are organizing a collection of non-perishable food items for St. Stephen’s Community House on Friday, November 20. Food items will be collected outside the entrance to Dominican Hall. The need is especially high this year and families are encouraged to participate fully by dropping off five cans per student or 10 per family to help make a difference for those served by St. Stephen’s Community House.
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Winter Weather Closure Notifications
Winter is on the way and so we thought this would be a good time to remind our community what happens if school is cancelled.
Bishop Watterson follows the Diocese of Columbus in determining weather-related closures. The Diocese continues to communicate through local media outlets.
In the event of a closure, we use the School Messenger system (the same system utilized when we had the water main break on November 5) to send a phone message to parent cell phones on file with the school office. We will also get the word out through our Facebook and Twitter accounts.
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Athletics News
Five Sign to Play College Sports
Five Bishop Watterson seniors signed to play Division I college sports last Wednesday.
Danielle Grim, basketball, Long Island University, St. Agatha School and Parish
Olyvia Kennedy, volleyball, George Mason University, St. Agatha School and Parish
Margo Lawson, volleyball, Miami University, St. Brigid School and Parish
Sophie Mangold, volleyball, University of Nevada Reno, St. Brigid School and Parish
Sydney Taylor, volleyball, The Ohio State University, St. Agatha School and Parish
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Taylor Named All-American
Congratulations to senior Sydney Taylor, who has been named to the 2020 American Volleyball Coaches Association Under Armour Girls High School All-American Team, first team!
Taylor was a member of the 2019 USA Youth National Volleyball Team that won the U18 FIVB World Championship, the first-ever gold medal for the USA in an age-group world championship.
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Girls Volleyball State Semifinalist
Congratulations to our girls volleyball team on advancing to the state semifinals! What an amazing season! The Eagles played tough against Parma Padua, ranked number one in the U.S. by MaxPreps.com, falling to Parma 25-17, 15-25, 25-21, 25-23 in the semifinal.
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Boys Volleyball Open Gyms
The boys volleyball team is hosting open gym on Sundays from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Interested students can reach out to coach Ryan Thompson, Ryan.Dale.Thompson@gmail.com for more info.
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Our choirs held a fall concert that was released for viewing on Monday. Click on the button below to enjoy the students’ performance!
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Campus Ministry Cues
As we approach Thanksgiving and the beginning of Advent, here are some offerings to help us all be more intentional about our time together with family and about leaning into the grace of the season.
Click here for some great questions to spark meaningful conversations with your teenagers and young adults during the holiday season.
Reflect on liturgical living and how to prepare for the season of Advent in this this short Ave Explores podcast; click here.
Have you ever wondered, "Why is there no Thanksgiving music?” Wonder no more ... we found The Thanksgiving Song by Ben Rector. The video is worth a watch. Click here.
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Annual Eagle Fund
Bishop Watterson participates in Giving Tuesday, a national day of giving. All money donated on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 will be matched by generous donors up to $20,000. All proceeds will go towards the Annual Eagle Fund to benefit tuition assistance, technology advancement, and facilities maintenance. We know times are tough, but any size gift can make a difference to many of our families who are struggling to make their tuition payments.
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Taste of Italy Tour 2020
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church presents the Columbus Italian Festival’s Tour of Italy 2020. The Berwick is taking its homemade Italian goods on the road and bringing it to Columbus neighborhoods, with each stop on the tour a fundraiser for a different group in the community. November 22 benefits St. John the Baptist, with pickup times between 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m. For the menu and ordering instructions, click on the button.
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ACT-SAT-PSAT
Juniors or seniors who are testing on any of the ACT or SAT test dates, please contact Karen Gallo for any test prep needs. Individual Zoom tutoring with Mrs. Karen Gallo is offered at times that will accommodate your schedule.
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Report Cards
First quarter report cards are now available online through your PowerSchool Unified Classroom parent account.
To access your student’s report card:
1) Log into your account and click on Quick Links on the left side.
2) Click Portal Login Page.
3) Click on Report Cards on the left side of the screen to view archived report cards.
A video on the PowerSchool page of our website will walk you through this process.
Report cards should be considered a snapshot in time, taken after final grades are received each quarter. Any changes to those grades will not be reflected until the next quarter’s report cards are available.
If you are having trouble accessing your student’s report card or have any additional questions, feel free to contact Jay Forker at mr.forker@bwhs.org.
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Virtual Open House Available 24/7 |
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Do you know families considering high school options for their children? Your testimony to family and friends about your personal experience or your children's experience at Bishop Watterson can make a difference! You know firsthand how Bishop Watterson prepares our students to live the Gospel message of Jesus Christ beyond high school, through our focus on faith, academics, service, athletics and co-curricular activities. Our current parents, past parents and alums are uniquely qualified to speak to why we encourage families to Choose Faith, Choose Community, Choose Excellence and Choose Bishop Watterson.
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Campus Ministry Advent Opportunities
For Students
Students are invited to participate in Advent small groups via Zoom or the GroupMe app. Groups will meet weekly throughout Advent and have the possibility of meeting once after Christmas. Students who sign up next week will receive a free devotional written for teens "Advent and Christmas: One Day at a Time for Catholic Teens" by Katie Prjean McGrady and Tommy McGrady. The book has short daily reflections from Advent through the 12 days of Christmas. They can sign up through Theology classes or by emailing Campus Minister Beth Simmonds at mrs.simmonds@bwhs.org.
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For Parents
An Advent faith sharing group for our community of parents is being offered this year. Join in by watching 10-minute video reflections each Sunday in Advent on Youtube and participating in a Zoom small group session each week. The series "Advent Meditations with the Holy Family" features Fr. Mark Toups, Sr. Miriam James Heidland and Fr. Josh Johnson. This series, produced through Ascension Press, also offers for purchase a set of meditation cards or a journal which can be used to enhance your reflection but are not required to participate in our weekly sharing. Sign up by emailing Campus Minister Mrs. Beth Simmonds at mrs.simmonds@bwhs.org. Reflection sessions will be offered on Zoom on Tuesdays, Dec. 1, 8, 15, and 22 at 8 am and 7:30 pm. Gathering information will be sent to those who sign up.
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Math Tutoring
Math tutoring is available during study halls for students on campus and also remotely for students on the gray learning plan. Email Mrs. Wenger at mwenger@columbus.k12.oh.us to set up a tutoring session.
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Summer P.E. 2021
Session I : Wednesday, June 9 - Friday, June 18
Session II : Monday, June 21 - Wednesday, June 30
Registration for Summer P.E. will open on Monday, February 1, 2021. You will be able to register online through the school website.
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Senior Yearbook Portraits
Prestige will be offering yearbook portrait appointments in their office December 1, 2, 3, and 5. To schedule, call Prestige at (614) 626-8708 and choose senior option to get scheduled.
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Eagle Store Hours
The BWHS Eagle Store is now open after school each day for 30 minutes to both students and parents.
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Uniform Store Updates
The Schoolbelles Dublin store is moving. It closed on November 8 and will re-open in a new location in late spring/early summer 2021. In the meantime, families can continue to purchase uniform items on the website with FREE shipping at http://www.schoolbelles.com/myschool/M37/S2618
or over the phone at 888-637-3037. Bishop Watterson’s school code is s2618.
To be notified of the new store location, sign up at one of the links below.
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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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