September - Saint Mary's Catholic High School

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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)
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September - Saint Mary's Catholic High School

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