September - Saint Mary's Catholic High School

SEPTEMBER 2005
SAINT MARY’S HIGH SCHOOL
2525 North Third Street—Phoenix, Arizona 85004 -- (602) 254-6371
www.smknights.org
--GREEN STREAK--
A Newsletter To Keep You Better Informed
“In the Tradition of the Franciscan Fathers and Sisters of the Precious Blood”
Calendar 2005/2006
September
5 Labor Day – No School
14 All School Mass – Exaltation of the Cross
17 Beltran Golf Tournament
23 Diocesan Staff In-Service – No School
October
4 All School Mass - Feast of St. Francis
7 Eighth Grade Visitation Day #1
10-14 Homecoming/U-Knighted Week
12 All School Test Day – Seniors have no school
17-18 Fall Holiday – No School
25 Freshman Day of Recollection – On Campus
26 Report Card Night – 4pm-7pm
28 Eighth Grade Visitation Day #2
November
1 All School Mass – All Saints
11 Veterans Day - No School
15 Sophomore Day of Recollection – On Campus
20 Open House for Prospective Students – Noon-3pm
23 Thanksgiving Break – Early Dismissal 11:30am
25-26 Thanksgiving Break – No School
29 All School Thanksgiving Mass
Editor Notes
The Green Streak is a near-monthly publication
addressed to the families of current Saint Mary’s students. We
hope to bring you timely information regarding many aspects of
the school and highlight accomplishments of our students. We
welcome any suggestions for inclusion in any issue. Remember,
a separate newsletter will be published by the Saint Mary’s
Parent Organization, speaking more specifically to the
opportunities for parents to become more actively involved in
the life of the school. Ideas for the Green Streak can be
submitted to treilly@smknights.org
Each issue of the Green Streak is posted to the school’s
website, where it can be viewed in color. The print edition is in
black & white to keep costs low while serving as a means of
communication within our community.
Message from the Attendance Secretary
My sister, Mrs. Jenkins, has asked me to remind parents that our
school day begins at 8:00 o’clock in the morning, not 8:05.
Students are to be in their desks for the second bell. She has
asked me to make this reminder sound nice, and I have tried to
do the best I can for her. If you speak with her, be sure to tell
her how nice this sounds.
New Education Center Approved –
Major Campus Addition Is On the Way
Saint Mary’s has raised just over $6 million of the $8
million goal of the Capital Campaign. The Diocese has
authorized us to proceed forward with the first, and largest, phase
of the Capital Campaign Project, the construction of the threestory
Education Center. At present, ground breaking is scheduled
for the Spring of 2006, with completion of construction
scheduled for the Spring of 2007.
The Education Center will have more than 35,000
square feet of space, divided among a basement level and two
above-ground levels. The basement will be home to our fine arts
department, with an art studio, an art classroom, a music studio, a
band studio, and the stage level for a 250-person auditorium. The
ground floor level will have a two-story entry foyer, three
classrooms, a teacher’s lounge and workroom, and seating
ramping down to the auditorium stage. The second floor will
house four classrooms and three computer classrooms.
The Capital Campaign continues and we welcome any
help that you can offer to advance the success of this effort on
behalf of Saint Mary’s. Contact our Development Director, Pat
Farrell, at 602-254-6371, ext 128.
Your Saint Mary’s Advisory Board
The members of the Saint Mary’s Advisory Board
volunteer their time and talent to provide counsel and advice to
our administrative staff. Board members are: Tom Gloria
(President); Donnie Nunez (Parliamentarian); DeAnna Ortiz
(Secretary); Rey Servin, Cindy Zapien, Ronnie H. Perez,
Roseann Osborn-Perez, Sandra Zapien-Ferrero, Stan Bednarek,
Debra Venezia, and Vernon Speshock. The voice mail for the
School Board is 602-254-6371, ext. 254.
Advisory Board meetings are held on the second
Monday of every month in the Cafeteria beginning at 5:30 pm.
Meetings are open to all parents and alumni.
The Advisory Board has a variety of committees open to
parents and alumni. If you are interested in serving on a
committee, please contact a board member or contact the Board
President, Tom Gloria, at tlgloria@cox.net. Although the
committee structure is not yet finalized for the current school
year, examples of areas of service are (i) finance, which concerns
possible resources and plans to ensure the financial stability of
the school; (ii) nominations, responsible for acquiring names of
eligible nominees for Board membership and holding elections;
(iii) building and grounds, concerns facility enhancements and
evaluations of the conditions of school facilities; and (iv)
strategic planning, which concerns plans for the future of the
school.

SEPTEMBER 2005
Some Opening Day Facts About Saint Mary’s
As of August 16, we had an enrollment of 811 students (down from 825 students last year). We have 233 freshmen (up from
232), 208 sophomores (up from 186), 176 juniors (down from 210), and 194 seniors (down from 197). Our staffing and resources
were based on a planned enrollment of 815 students.
We continued to take steps to moderate tuition increases and bring expenses into line with revenues. Our overriding goal was
to accomplish these objectives while maintaining the quality of our program in all of its aspects – spiritually, academically,
athletically, and socially. The tuition rate for Catholic students increased this year by 6.0% versus 5.0% last year. For the past three
years, the Catholic tuition rate increased by an average of 4.9%. For non-Catholic students, comparative increases are 6.0% this year
versus 5.2% last year, and 5.4% for the past three years.
Overall, average class size remained favorable by historical standards. Although we make every effort to design a master
schedule that evenly balances class sizes, student class requests always result in several classes being larger than we would prefer and
others being smaller than anticipated.
2005/2006 2004/2005 2003/2004 2002/2003 2001/2002
English 26.19 27.19 29.80 26.81 27.91
Math 26.87 25.50 26.47 25.69 26.58
Science 26.36 25.86 25.93 22.84 25.90
Social Studies 23.00 24.93 27.62 23.51 23.97
Theology 27.97 27.50 26.80 25.18 27.91
Foreign Lang. 23.32 23.48 26.25 22.20 23.85
We have 396 boys and 415 girls. Last year we had 417 boys and 408 girls. Freshmen are 113 boys and 120 girls.
Over 89% of our students are registered members of a Catholic parish.
Our freshman class comes to us from 77 schools and 42 parishes. We blanket the Valley.
Our student body continues to be culturally and ethnically diverse, with families declaring the following backgrounds: 1.5%
Native American, 7.2% African American, 1.5% Asian/Pacific Islander, 43.1% Hispanic, 38.9% White, and 7.8% Multi-Racial. The
family tradition remains strong; 14% of incoming freshmen are children of graduates and 34% have a brother or sister who is
attending, or has attended, the school.
Last year, 64% of our graduates moved directly to a four-year university after graduation; 96% of our graduates continued
their education at either a two-year or a four-year school. These figures have been consistent from year to year.
Our financial aid program continues throughout the year, subject to the availability of funds. So far this year, 45% of our
student body has received financial aid assistance from some source known to us. Aid awards from all sources now exceed
$1,150,000. We have made every effort to use our limited resources to help as many families as possible meet their tuition obligations.
Questions regarding financial aid awards should be addressed to Tom Reilly at extension 134 or via email at
treilly@smknights.org Questions regarding billing matters should be addressed to Alycia Benites at extension 135.
Saint Mary's “Gets Wired” for 2005/2006
Over the summer, Saint Mary's implemented the rewiring of the entire campus for all telecommunications purposes, a step
planned over many months in advance. As we go to press, the finishing touches are being made to bring our facility into the 21st
Century, both in terms of internet access and telephone service capabilities. These improvements, while not visible to the naked eye,
can result in improved staff productivity and enhanced teaching capabilities, not to mention more effective communication with
parents.
Our new system is designed to make it easier for people to communicate with our faculty and staff. Each classroom will be
wired for both telephone and internet service, with appropriate features designed to prevent classroom interruptions or system misuse.
The system's voice mail feature will still allow incoming callers to leave messages for teachers and staff members. The classroom
internet capability allows more effective use of email as a convenient communications tool. Because teachers are committed to
classroom work for five out of six periods each day, and because the teacher free period varies from teacher to teacher, the use of
voice mail or email is by far the best way to contact a faculty member. For other staff members, many have duties that cause them to
be in many places on our campus throughout the day, so voice mail or email can be very helpful in contacting these individuals. When
leaving a voice mail message, please speak slowly and clearly, and please repeat phone numbers.
Saint Mary’s will soon be notifying the community about our new telecommunications system, providing voice mail
extensions and email addresses. We are grateful to Doug Howard and Chris Hooper for their many extra hours of hard work expended
on this campus improvement project. Stay tuned for additional improvements as we exploit our networking capabilities.

SEPTEMBER 2005
A Gift for the Year of the Eucharist
From Parent Organization Spirituality Committee
CTODP Tuition Tax Credit
Amount Increased to $825
Previously, whenever Saint Mary's wished to offer
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on campus, the Campus
Minister had to borrow a monstrance from his parish. Last year
Deacon Harry realized that Saint Mary’s really needed its own
monstrance. He had indicated this to a good friend of his at a
local Catholic books and supplies store. In early February, his
friend called to let him know that a very beautiful monstrance
had arrived. This one was not new but quite lovely. No one had
yet purchased it because it was missing the luna, or glass
centerpiece, which would need to be replaced. A new
monstrance can cost as much as $2,000 to $3,000. This
beautiful piece was available for only $600 plus the cost of
replacing the luna for another $300.
Deacon Harry immediately made a phone call simply
asking for prayers regarding the purchase of this monstrance.
The news spread quickly to the Parent Organization and beyond,
and within two days enough money was donated for the
purchase of the monstrance. He was deeply moved by the
support and desire of others to acquire something so important
to the practice of our faith.
But there is more to the story! It was then discovered
that this monstrance had a long history. As is turns out, the
monstrance is over 100 years old and was used daily by an order
of contemplative nuns in a convent initially located in Italy.
Later the nuns founded a new convent in Peru, and the
monstrance traveled with them. Its humble beginnings only add
to its value and meaning.
Arizona College Day – September 21
The Fall season is a busy time for seniors who are beginning the
process of preparing for a ”Life After Saint Mary’s”. On
September 21, during fifth and sixth periods, seniors will have
their first opportunity to attend presentations from Arizona State
University, University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University,
Grand Canyon University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
University, and Phoenix College. Opportunities for visits with
colleges from throughout the country are scheduled throughout
the Fall months. Mr. Johansen has provided seniors with sign-up
forms for Arizona College Day and will be providing
advisement to seniors on this important part of their final year at
Saint Mary’s.
SOME IMPORTANT DATES
Eighth Grade Days - Fridays
October 7 and October 28
10:00 am to 1 pm
Open House - Sunday
November 20
Noon to 3:00 pm
Entrance Exam - Saturdays
January 7 and January 21
7:45 am
For the 2005/2006 school year,
the Catholic Tuition Organization for the
Diocese of Phoenix (CTODP) awarded
more than $630,000 in financial aid to
the families of our students. CTODP is,
by far, the largest contributor of
financial aid to our families and plays a
very important role in helping Saint Mary’s continue to serve its
historic mission of serving families from widely different
backgrounds.
The Tuition Tax Credit Act now allows taxpayers
filing a joint return to contribute up to $825 to CTODP and
receive an equal tax credit against his/her State income tax
obligation. The limitation is $500 for a taxpayer filing a single
return. This contribution will cost you nothing, yet it will open
the door for a student with financial need who seeks an
education at Saint Mary’s. Donors also qualify for a federal
income tax deduction. Contributions in 2005 will help students
in the 2006/2007 school year.
Please keep an eye out for a future mailing requesting
support for CTODP. The mailing will provide more detailed
information and an easily completed form that will assure that
you benefit Saint Mary’s families and receive the proper tax
credit. Your payment must be received before December 31 to
qualify for the tax credit. Anyone wanting to serve on our
CTODP campaign for this year should contact Bridget Costello
at 602-254-6371, ext 173.
WHODUNNIT?
“Absolutely
Murder”
The cast of the fall play has been set and rehearsals
have begun. Over 40 students auditioned for roles.
Congratulations to the following cast members:
Role
Student Name (Grade)
Kate Landson – Stephanie Martinez (11)
Sky Bentley - Vince Yearack (11)
Aunt Bess – Tiffany Gonzalez (12)
Mrs. Ranch – Rebekah DiBianco (11)
Lane Burrage – Tim Hintze (10)
Dr. Hooker – Chaz Nunez (12)
Lorne – Katie Siesco (11)
Nan – Kaitlin Tanner (11)
Dottie – Jessica Hernandez (10)
Charlie – Hunter Bowen (9)
Emmerline – Shannon Speshock (10)
Nurse – Monica Salazar (10)
Mrs. Cordyce – Breanne O’Neill (10)
Mr. Cordyce – Jeff Prairie(10)
Under Study – John Nute (10)
Under Study – Annmarie Henshaw (10)
Under Study – Jessica Chavez (10)

SEPTEMBER 2005
Fall Sports Have Big Turnout,
310 Students Represent Saint Mary’s
The opening of school brings new life and energy to the Saint
Mary’s sports program and 2005 once again saw strong interest
in all of our Fall programs. High school sports are not an "add
on" to the religious and academic mission of Saint Mary's.
Sports are very important to the development of young men and
women, whether as participants or spectators. Teamwork,
perseverance, handling adversity or triumph, sharing goals, and
helping others -- all of these character traits, and more, are
learned through sports. More than 38% of our students are
participating in one of our Fall sports activities. Best of luck to
our Knights and Lady Knights.
Football always fields the most athletes and this year is no
exception. Our varsity level fields 35 players, junior varsity
fields 34 young men, and our freshman team has 51 new
Knights.
Our Nautical Knights will make a big splash
with 14 boys and 21 girls from all grade
levels. Coach Sanchez says our teams have
focus and enthusiasm, and both squads train
with discipline and purpose.
Our Net Knights will be spiking, digging, and blocking on three
levels. Our varsity volleyball team has 13 girls, our junior
varsity squad has 14 players, and we have 16 new Netsters.
Our girls’ and boys’ golf teams have become
increasingly competitive but still remain open
to youngsters who may be relatively new to
the sport. The boys have 11 players and the
girls have 15 Lady Linksters; each team will
have regular qualifying rounds to determine
who will represent the team in match play.
Cross country has taken hold at Saint
Mary’s and this near-new program has
35 participants, up from 24 last year.
This sport gives those with a running
interest the opportunity to train and
compete in a team atmosphere. We
have 21 boys and 14 girls representing
Saint Mary’s in cross country.
Finally, our Spirit Line squads are ready to add the spirit and
pep that is part and parcel of the school’s athletic program. Our
three squads have a total of 51 girls. The girls have been training
and practicing all summer, and school-day practices begin at
6:00 am, so the commitment to this program needs to be a
strong one. You go, girls!
2005 VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Kickoff at 7:00 pm
September 2 Yuma Away
September 9 Mesquite Home
September 16 Trevor Browne Home
September 23 Westwood Home
September 30 Corona del Sol Away
October 7 Shadow Mountain Away
October 14 Paradise Valley Home
October 21 Brophy Prep Home
October 28 Horizon Away
November 4 Desert Mountain Away
Homecoming Game: October 14 v. Paradise Valley
- - - - - -
Football Pre-Game Ticket Sales
There is a pre-sale in our office beginning every
Tuesday of the week in which we have a Varsity Home Football
game. Pre-sale tickets at St. Mary's are $4.00 (cash only). All
tickets at Phoenix College on Friday night are $5.00.
Save yourself time and money by purchasing your
tickets early. You can save additional time by entering through
the gate on the north side of the stadium, where there is far less
traffic.
2005 VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE
August 30 Dobson Home
August 31 Red Mountain Home
September 1 Central Away
September 6 Marcos de Niza Home
September 7 Mountain Pointe Home
September 8 Mesquite Away
September 13 Cibola Home
September 15 Horizon Home
September 17
McClintock Invitational
September 20 Shadow Mountain Home
September 22 Desert Mountain Away
September 27 Paradise Valley Home
September 29 Xavier Home
September 30
Gilbert Invitational
October 1
Gilbert Invitational
October 5 Horizon Away
October 6 Shadow Mountain Away
October 11 Desert Mountain Home
October 18 Paradise Valley Away
October 20 Xavier Away
All three levels play at the same site
Freshman 4:00pm – JV 5:00pm – Varsity 6:00pm

Never Too Late To Get Involved
SEPTEMBER 2005
National Honor Society Process
Saint Mary’s offers students many different ways to become
involved. We have clubs of all kinds – some are quite large and
some are quite small. Some deal with academic areas, like math,
science, or foreign languages. Some concentrate on service to
the broader community. Some foster greater understanding of
different cultures. Some pursue the world of arts and literature.
And if we don’t have a club that meets your child’s interests, we
are more than willing to explore creating one. Here is a list of
clubs open to new members and their moderators:
Clubs and Other Activities
Ambassador’s Club – Mr. Trotti (Room 20)
Art Club – Mrs. King (Room 24)
Black Student Union – Mr. Murphy (Room 13)
Bowling Club – Mr. Hooper (Room 1)
Country Squires – Mr. Perna (Room 8)
Culture Club – Mrs. Tofeelos (Room 19)
Drama Club – Mr. D’Arcangelo (Room 38)
Earth Club – Mrs. Clark (Library)
Legion of Mary – Mrs. Sanger (Room 11)
Letterman’s Club – Mr. Denogean (Room 30)
Math Club – Mrs. Sanger (Room 11)
MEChA – Mr. DePaul (Room 23)
Newspaper – Mr. Lehman
Pep Band – Mrs. Mellis
Saviors of Soul – Mr. Lehman
Science Research Club – Mr. Nishan (Room 36)
Technology Club – Mr. Hooper (Room 1)
Yearbook – Ms. Sanger (Room 10)
Young Democrats – Mr. Trotti (Room 20)
Young Republicans – Mrs. Serrano (Room 27)
Involvement in school activities is a key factor in healthy and
positive development for teenagers, and it enhances academic
performance. We ask parents to encourage their children to get
involved with their classmates in some school-based activity.
NHS Blood Drive Returns to Saint Mary’s
The National Nonor Society is once
again sponsoring its Fall Blood Drive.
It is scheduled for Monday, November
14 from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the
school’s Gym. This will be a
replenishment drive for Sal Martinez
(class of 2005). Any member of the
Saint Mary's family, including parents,
students, graduates, faculty and staff members, over the age of
17, are welcome to participate. You can also donate blood at any
United Blood Services Center. Just write in Saint Mary's High
School under the organization column when you sign in. Your
donation can save several lives. There will be a sign-up table at
the first report card night in October. For further information
contact Mrs. Vietri, N.H.S. advisor at 602-254-6371 ext. 206 or
jvietri(@smknights.org.
The National Honor Society (NHS) is a
national organization that recognizes students
who have achieved high standards in
scholarship, leadership, character, and
service. A student must show strength in all
four areas to be selected for membership.
This is how it works.
Each sophomore, junior, and senior who has been on
our campus for at least two full semesters and who has a
cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or better after grades are
posted for the first semester of this school year, is
academically qualified to be considered for NHS membership.
In February, each academically qualified student will be
invited to apply for membership by completing a Student
Information Form that details leadership and service activities
and allows them to express their views on several topics. The
names of students seeking admission are then circulated to all
faculty and administrators for comment. All information is
then reviewed by the selection committee.
Decisions regarding NHS membership are made by a
five-person faculty council. Two or three new members are
appointed to the council each year. The NHS advisor is not a
member of the council, and students do not participate in the
selection process in any way whatsoever. The selection
process hopefully will be completed by the end of March.
In prior years, some students (and parents) have
assumed that NHS membership is based on grades alone and
have been disappointed to learn that leadership, service, and
character are of equal importance. Sophomores, in particular,
should be aware that they might have a difficult time
demonstrating leadership and service in the short time they
have been at Saint Mary’s.
NHS Tutoring Help On Campus
Could your son or daughter use a little help or
encouragement in some classes? Sometimes the best help comes
from another student.
Beginning Tuesday, September 6, members of the
National Honor Society will be available in the St. Mary's
library to tutor other students. N.H.S. members will be manning
the tutoring table every Tuesday and Thursday morning from
7:30 until 8:00 through May 18.
Please feel free to encourage (and/or demand) that your
students utilize this opportunity to be tutored by their peers. A
daily log will be kept on those students reporting for tutoring to
allow you to check on your student's attendance.
If you have any questions or comments about this
program, please feel free to contact Mrs. Vietri, N.H.S. advisor
(602) 254-6371 ext. 206 or jvietri@smknights.org.
Shopping At Safeway Can Help Saint Mary’s
Sign up for E-scrip today by logging on to www.escrip.com or
contacting the Development Office at 254-6371, ext 173. Your
shopping dollars spent at Safeway directly benefit Saint Mary’s
High School and her students.

Yearbook Senior Ads
SEPTEMBER 2005
Yearbook Advertising Available
The 2005/2006 school year is underway, and for
seniors that means it is their fourth and final year as a Knight
or Lady Knight. The Yearbook staff invites all parents,
relatives, and friends to immortalize your senior’s journey
through high school, leaving a special message that will
endure for a lifetime.
The Yearbook staff has reserved pages so that
parents, relatives, and friends can create a “Senior Ad” that
contains pictures, congratulations, and words of good wishes
and encouragement. Space is limited, especially for color ads,
and all submissions will be accepted on a first come, first
served basis. Color pages are $300 (Full), $185 (Half), and
$100 (Quarter). Black & White pages are $250 (Full), $160
(Half), and $75 (Quarter). Deadline is October 17, 2005.
Senior Ads can be placed directly into the official website for
the Saint Mary’s yearbook:
https://portal.jostens.com/login.asp
User ID: 1056556 Password: Knights
The Yearbook has a variety of advertising options,
giving you a number of ways to help make this year’s edition
a wonderful and permanent catalogue of high school
memories. “Business Ads” are $50, which buys a 3” x 4” ad in
the El Caballero. The yearbook is distributed to students,
faculty, and staff of Saint Mary’s. All we need is a business
card or a special saying, and your donation. Deadline is
November 30, 2005.
For any questions on the various advertising
opportunities offered by the Yearbook, contact Christina
Sanger at 602-254-6371, extension 266.
* * * Special Reminder for Seniors * * *
The last day for senior portrait submission for the
Yearbook is September 30, 2005. Make an appointment by
calling Duke Photography at 602-265-2605. If you make an
appointment now, you will receive one-half off the cost of your
“senior sitting session.”
Calling for Volunteers!
The Development Office is in full swing and is requesting help from volunteers with the following projects: Annual Giving Campaign,
CTODP Committee, Fashion Show, Spring Dinner/Auction, and Office Assistance. Please contact Jeanne Fisher at ext. 172 if you
would like to assist with these projects. All proceeds from each event will benefit the students of Saint Mary’s through the general
fund, capital improvements, or financial assistance. We look forward to hearing from you!
SAINT MARY’S HIGH SCHOOL
- GREEN STREAK -
2525 NORTH THIRD STREET
PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85004
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PHOENIX, ARIZONA
PERMIT NO. 679