Berks Catholic High School
God, Family, Academics, Fun
November 2022
Volume 12 Issue 2
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A message from the Head of School | |
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I am so proud of our students and everyone in our Berks Catholic Community. In two short months, we already have so many wonderful things to be proud of and so many things to look forward to.
Spiritually, our students have celebrated Holy Mass, experienced a prayerful afternoon with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and have prayed with our faculty and coaches in our classrooms, athletic fields, and chapel. Our students have traveled to the National Shrine to participate in the Diocesan Pilgrimage. During their time in Washington D.C., our Saints had the privilege to celebrate Holy Mass with Bishop Schlert, Father Kuna, and so many other faithful followers from the Diocese of Allentown.
Academically, our students are thriving in and out of the classroom. Our continued commitment to “raising the bar” has led us to new heights in STEM and all other areas of study. Our partnership with Albright College and the Science Research Institute has our STEM room buzzing with activity on a daily basis.
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"Give thanks
to the Lord,
who is good,
whose love endures forever"
-1 Chronicles 16:34
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Our teachers continue professional development training to ensure our Saints have the latest and greatest tools in their academic belt.
We were happy to invite family and friends to several ceremonies and events since the beginning of the school year. We celebrated the induction of our Student Government leaders, our National Honor Society members, and witnessed our Junior Class receive their class rings and pins at a special Prayer Service in the Franco-Post Auditorium.
We welcomed the newest members of the Berks Catholic Hall of Fame at a special ceremony before the football game on September 30th and we hosted our students, parents, alumni, and friends at our 12th Annual Big Tailgate and Homecoming celebration on September 23rd.
Extravaganza 2022 – Kentucky Derby, Berks Catholic Style was a great success. Thank you to Danielle Fowler, our wonderful volunteers, and most importantly, our donors who came together to ensure future success of Berks Catholic High School.
All of these special events brought so much energy, happiness, and togetherness to our school community. We are truly a family who loves each other, cares for each other, and prays together. For that, I am most proud.
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Thank you for the privilege of educating your sons and daughters. As we continue old traditions, forge ahead with new traditions, and continue our work creating great Saints who will go out into the world and live the Gospel values, as Jesus, the greatest teacher in the history of the world, has taught us.
May God continue to bless you and your family. It’s a great day to be a Saint!
Mr. Hess
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Winter Sports
First day of winter sports is Friday, November 18th. All physicals for winter sports are due no later than Friday, November 4th. Please make sure you have everything updated on PlanetHS.com.
If you have any questions, please contact Miss Marmarou by clicking below.
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On October 4th the Junior Class celebrated a prayer service and special ceremony to receive their Berks Catholic pins and class rings. This signifies their rite of passage to becoming upperclassmen. | | |
Congratulations, to the newly inducted National Honor Society!
All of these Saints have achieved a 3.4 GPA or higher.
Photos by Philmar Photography
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Photo by Philmar Photography | Congratulations, to the newly inducted Student Government! | | |
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Diocesan Pilgrimage
On October 6th, the Junior class participated in the Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. They toured the Shrine Church (the largest Catholic church in North America!), listened to a talk on Blessed Carlo Acutis (a soon-to-be canonized young person), and attended Mass led by Bishop Alfred Schlert. It was a wonderful day celebrating our faith!
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Senior Retreat
On October 20th, the Senior class went on retreat at Happy Hollow Park in Wyomissing. Throughout the day, they celebrated Mass, listened to a witness reflection from our very own Coach Keeley on the role of faith in his life. It was a great day to be a Senior Saint!
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Spirit Week Door Decorating Winner- 11F
Mrs. Fran Eisenhofer and the Juniors of 11F were the winners of the Spirit Week door decorating contest. Thanks to all the homerooms who participated and to Student Government for organizing and sponsoring a donut party for the winning homeroom.
FUN FACT...
Mrs. Eisenhofer's homeroom is a repeat winner!!
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Congratulations to the
Class of 2023
Homecoming King
Emmanuel Geishauser
and
Homecoming Queen
Bridget Ottinger
Photo by Philmar Photography
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Class of 2023
Homecoming Court
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Photo by Philmar Photography | |
| Sydney Brown | Luke Bennethum | | Paige Hagan | David Birmingham | | Margaret McFadden | Jackson Gasperak | | Binh Nguyen (not pictured) | Emmanuel Geishauser | | Bridget Ottinger | Josiah Jordan | | Hannah Painton | Baylor Kobularcik | | |
From the Dean of Academics & School Counseling | |
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The first quarter will end on Friday, November 4th. Teachers will contact parents via email if students are in danger of failing a course for the quarter. Report cards will be issued on Friday, November 11th.
Please be aware that student grades are always available to view through our school management system, Canvas.
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PSAT
Freshman, Sophomores, and Juniors took the PSAT’s on October 12th. The results of the exams are expected by mid-December. Students will receive notification on how to access their test scores.
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Reading Muhlenberg Career & Technology Center (RMCTC) provides outstanding career and technical education programming to secondary high school students living in the Muhlenberg and Reading school districts and adult students. With the opportunity to learn up-to-date technical skills that are in demand in business and industry, students may choose to attend one of 30 programs in a modern facility engaged in hands-on learning activities using state-of-the-art tools and equipment. Students spend one half of their school day at RMCTC preparing for a rewarding career by learning the technical and academic skills that will lead to rewarding careers or entry into post-secondary education. | | |
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BCTC provides high-quality technical education and career preparation to meet the needs of today's high school students.
OPEN HOUSE
Leesport Campus
November 1, 2022
5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Oley Campus
November 9, 2022
5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
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From the Dean of Students | |
School Safety News
On October 17th, as part of our emergency preparedness drills, we had a "Secure" drill. This Standard Response Protocol is designed to keep students safe in the event that something is going on in the surrounding area of the school. This drill advises that the school operates as normal and the exterior of the building is checked.
On October 18th, we had our annual inspection by the Office of the Reading Fire Marshall. We are thankful to the City of Reading, the Office of the Fire Marshall, and the Reading Fire Department.
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Winter Dress Code
Winter Dress Code goes into effect on Monday, November 7th,
- Boys: Berks Catholic Sweater or 1/4 Zip: White button down shirt with tie. Khaki or gray slacks. No elastic at the ankle or parachute style. School approved shoes.
- Girls: Berks Catholic Sweater or 1/4 Zip: White button down or Berks Catholic Polo (white or black) black tights. School approved shoes.
Please note:
Shirts (and tie for boys)
must be worn under 1/4 zip.
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From the Office of College
& Career Counseling
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Berks Catholic HS has earned a reputation for providing an academically rigorous environment and preparing its Saints for college and beyond.
In recognition, the following institutions offer guaranteed admission and merit scholarships to academically qualified Saints. These are invaluable partnerships and the generosity of each institution is greatly appreciated by Berks Catholic HS. BC College & Career Counseling continues to work to provide opportunities and
access to higher education for
Saints and Families!
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Guaranteed Admissions/Scholarship Partnerships
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Alvernia University
Cabrini University
Immaculata University
Lebanon Valley College
Holy Family University
Misericordia University
Mount St. Mary's University
Neumann University
Widener University
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"It's all about
the fit"
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Faculty Breakfast
On November 21st, the Junior Class will sponsor the
Faculty breakfast.
Please use the sign up genius below to contribute.
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The BCHS PTO is in need of bakers to contribute to the famous:
PTO Extravaganza Christmas Cookie Basket.
Each baker is asked to donate 2 dozen cookies. Please sign up below.
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Quiz bowl is a fast-paced buzzer competition in which two teams of four players compete head-to-head to answer questions from all areas of knowledge, including history, literature, science, fine arts, current events, popular culture, sports, and more. Saints Quiz Bowl is open to all students and will meet two times a month after school. | | |
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The Saint Ambassadors are accepting applications for a limited number of students in 10th, 11th and 12th grade for
2022-2023.
Please fill out the form below
(deadline to apply is
Noon on 11/6/22)
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Bear Creek Mountain Resort
(where we ski)
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We are excited to announce– Saints Hydroponics
Gardening Club!
Thank you to the Science Research Institute/ Total Experience Learning faculty members for researching, applying and winning the "Green Our Planet" grant to assist in starting this club.
“Green Our Planet’s (GoP) hydroponic gardens provide a natural laboratory for students to learn STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), conservation, nutrition, financial literacy, and more in a hands-on, experiential way. Stay tuned!!!So many exciting things to come.
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Saints Who Serve
The Saints Who Serve organized a collection for the victims of Hurricane Ian. Students asked for monetary donations during all the lunch periods. With the generous donations from our Saints, the club raised $150.00 for this cause.
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From the Office of Institutional Advancement | |
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Thanks to all who golfed in the 2022 Swing Fore the Saints Golf Outing! Once again, God blessed us with a beautiful day for golf and spending time with fellow alumni and supporters of Berks Catholic!
A very special thank you to
TJ (HN'92) and Kristin (Emkey) McGlinn (HN '91) who hosted us at the Berkshire Country Club. Their generosity in memory of Coach Lloyd Wolf made the day possible, and we are so grateful to them for that!
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Congratulations to
Dr. Fred Ciabattoni,D.D.S
this year's recipient of the
Berks Catholic
Distinguished Alumni Award
Fred is a 1978 graduate of Holy Name High School and was honored during this year's Extravaganza.
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Special THANK YOU to
Dr. Mark & Susan McFadden,
who chaired this year's Extravaganza
Kentucky Derby
Berks Catholic Style
Photo by Philmar Photography
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Join fellow Saint Supporters on All Saints Day (Nov. 1st) as we kickoff our 2022/2023 Annual Fund with our 6th Annual BC Giving Day. There are 5 ways to donate:
1. Send check in with your child
2. Go to www.berkscatholic.org/giving/donate-now
3. Venmo your donation to @berkscatholic
4. Call 610-374-8361, ext.231
5. Scan QR
Donate $25 or more and receive a special gift to honor your alma mater.
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Order a Yearbook Now!
If you are interested in buying a yearbook, go to the link below to find out more information.
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Class of 2023 Parents
and Guardians
All senior ads are due by
December 20, 2022
(see link below)
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Know someone who would be a great Saint? Please let us know by clicking the form below. | | |
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We are pleased to announce that we will be presenting Shrek the Musical as our Spring Broadway Show!
Auditions will be held Saturday, November 19, 2022 at 8:00 a.m.in the Franco Post Auditorium. Saints must be available the day of auditions.
Please be aware that rehearsals run December through March. Please see Canvas for times.
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*The Saints Locker is open daily from10:30-1:00 p.m. on regular school days | |
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Any student wishing to obtain working papers, which are required for employment, must contact the public school district in which he/she resides.
Please note: a parent or guardian may have to accompany the student. Also birth certificate and social security card is required.
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Please notify us of any address, home, work or cell phone changes by clicking the link below.
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Attendance Policy
Please review the attached attendance policy for procedures for calling your Saint off from school.
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11/01/22 - All Saints Day Mass with Bishop Schlert
11/02/22 - Senior Assembly - Cap & Gown Order
11/07/22 - Winter Dress Code goes into effect
11/07/22 - 2nd Quarter Begins
11/10/22 - 6:00 p.m.-Powder Puff Football
Forino Sports Complex
11/11/22 - Report Cards Issued
11/11/22 - World Kindness Dress Down Day
11/18/22 - First Day of Winter Sports
11/23 to 11/28/22 - Thanksgiving Break
12/11/22- 4:00 p.m.-Vespers at Sacred Heart Church
12/11/22- 6:30-9 p.m. Christmas Dance
Lloyd M. Wolf Gymnasium
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Have something to share about your Saint?
Please use the form below so we can feature.
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