Bluejay Bulletin
GACC High School Happenings January 26 - February 1
From the Pastor
January 25, 2024
Dear Parishioners and School Families,
As part of the Journey of Faith over the last year, I have been working with the School Board, Parish Council, and Vickie Kauffold, superintendent of Catholic Schools, to look at ways to help ease some of the administrative burden of the pastor and for the school to continue in excellence. In the next few weeks, you will see in the newspaper a Notice of Amended and Restated Articles that references The Central Catholic High School of West Point, NE. While the trade name was changed to Guardian Angels Central Catholic in 2011, the corporation remained the same. During discussion it was decided to expand the corporation to include pre-kindergarten through grade 12 and officially name the corporation Guardian Angels Central Catholic.
I am aware that when the name originally changed it was difficult for some to accept, and this announcement might stir up those emotions again. My understanding is that one of the reasons to make this change was a recognition that our school supported more communities than West Point, and there was a desire for a name to reflect that reality. Today, more than ever, our school forms students from inside and outside the West Point community to learn and lead through Christ, and our alumni are making a difference throughout the world. Thus, we can be proud to say that we are Guardian Angels Central Catholic.
In expanding the corporation to include pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, first, I believe that many already think of the school as one and this simply makes it official. Second, the day-to-day operations, teachers, and staff will not change. Third, it will consolidate some of the business aspects and make us more efficient. Finally, the school remains an apostolate of the parish. However, there is a goal to help ease the financial assessments of the parishes who are part of the corporation, so that the parishes can direct more resources to evangelization and continue to build up faith in Jesus Christ in the larger community.
To help alleviate some of the administrative responsibilities of the pastor of St Mary’s, we will be shifting his role as President to a lay President. In this way, the pastor will be able to focus more on the spiritual life of the school and parishes. Furthermore, the school board will be transitioning to a Board of Limited Jurisdiction, which will require her members to be more invested and responsible for the good of the school. The Archbishop will have reserved powers as he had previously, and the pastor will continue to be a director on this board. I believe these changes will enable us to more fully build upon our legacy and live our mission: To prepare all students to reach their fullest potential by learning and leading through Christ.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. James Weeder
Celebrate Catholic Schools Week!
- Eat at the West Point Dairy Queen January 28 - February 3, mention GACC, and 15% of your receipt total will be DONATED to GACC!
- Join us for Family Night at the West Point Dairy Queen on Wednesday, January 31, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and 15 % of all sales will be DONATED to GACC!
Gate Workers & Concession Supervisors Needed for MidStates Conference Tournament
Parents: GACC is hosting basketball games for the MidStates Conference during the week of January 29. We are in need of gate workers and adult supervisors for the concession stand. Please click the link below to sign up to help during one or more games. Your help is greatly appreciated!
Steubenville 2024 Registration and Deposit Due Feb. 2
Students attending Steubenville need to pick up a registration form on the counter outside of the office. To secure your spot, your registration form and deposit are due by February 2.
- When: July 12-14, 2024
- Who: Current 8th - 12th grade students and interested chaperones
- Where: Missouri State University campus, Springfield, Missouri
- Cost: $210 registration fee, plus cost of bus transportation and group t-shirt. Additional charges will be required if students are unable to board on-campus (i.e. we have to get motel rooms instead).
Service Hour Opportunity
- Ash Wednesday is on February 14. There will be multiple opportunities to help at the fish fries during Lent. Please show your appreciation for the Knights of Columbus, who support many school fundraisers for all of you, by volunteering to work at one or more fish fries. You will earn Service Hours when working at the fish fries.
Upcoming Events
January
28 - Feb. 2 Catholic Schools Week
31 Edge, 7 p.m., enter through gym doors
February
1-2 Catholic Schools Week
2 NO SCHOOL, Staff Development
17 Paper Drive
20 Speech Night of Excellence, 7 p.m.
21 Edge, 7 p.m., enter through gym door
29 NO SCHOOL, Staff Development
West Point Blood Drive on February 5
Order Your Yearbook by March 1
City of West Point Accepting Lifeguard Applications Until Feb. 9
The City of West Point is now accepting lifeguard applications for this summer. Applications are due to the City Office by Friday, February 9 BEFORE 4 p.m. Applications are available on the counter by the High School Office, or you can find it on the City's website ci.west-point.ne.us. If you have any questions, please contact Brittany Larsen at blarsen@wpcadets.net
ITCC Golf Course Is Hiring for Summer Maintenance
Indian Trails is now accepting applications for Golf Course Maintenance. Hours are typically 6 a.m. – 2 p.m., Monday – Friday and every other weekend. Must be willing and able to do manual labor; mowing, trimming, raking, etc. If interested, or for more information, call or text Course Superintendent Shane Combs (402)380-5504.
Something To Make You Smile
This week's comic strip was created by Kennedy Baumert.
And the Winner Is...
- $200 Mary & Martha: Michelle Ulrich
- $150 The Good Earth Company: Hannah McGill
- $200 Oak Barn Beef: Keely McGill Preister
- $150 Simmer Down - a take & bake kitchen: Jerry Wellman
- $200 House of Hair: Kim Steffen
You can still join the GACC Fine Arts virtual games fundraiser!
If you haven't yet joined the fun in the GACC Fine Arts Fundraising Festival of Virtual Games, hop on over to Facebook and join the group today! We've already given away 34 prizes and we're playing some special games during the next week in honor of Catholic Schools Week!
The TEACHER/STAFF APPRECIATION GAME is a fun way to give back to our wonderful GACC teachers and staff. Players in this Virtual Game each nominate a GACC teacher/staff member to win 1 of 5 $50 gift cards. After the game is filled, we'll spin the prize wheel 5 times to select 5 GACC faculty/staff winners!
The GACC TUITION GAME offers the chance to win a $500 Tuition Credit toward the Christ-centered education at GACC!
If you have any questions or want to donate a prize to the Virtual Games, please contact Charissa Steffensmeier (380-9871).
- To participate, go to Facebook and search for GACC Fine Arts Fundraising, then click join group.
- Must be 18 or older to participate.
- New games and prizes will be announced on a rolling basis. Every time one game closes, a new game is launched!
- All proceeds go directly to the GACC Fine Arts programs.
- If you would like to donate a prize for the games, contact Charissa Steffensmeier.
- Click on the PDF below for more information.
From the Guidance Counselor
- Dairy Queen Scholarship Applications are due January 31. Essay topic: What "Home" means to You. This is open to Seniors only.
Other Scholarship Opportunities
Many scholarship application DUE DATES are coming up! For available scholarships, go to gaccbluejays.org, under the Academic tab, click on School Counselor, then click on 2023-2024 scholarships.
Apply NOW for:
- Dr. Sucha and Franciscan Healthcare Scholarships, Due Feb. 17: One of these scholarships is for a student going into healthcare, and one is available to all GACC seniors.
- The West Point Community Foundation Scholarships, Due March 1: Many community scholarships can be found under this, and students can apply for multiple scholarships.
- American Legion Auxiliary Scholarship, Due March 1: Must have a family connection to a veteran.
- West Point Ministerial Scholarship, Due March 15.
- West Point Community Theater Scholarship, Due March 30: Must participate in the Fine Arts.
Beware of Scams
With the recent passage of LB 753, which gives Nebraskans tax incentives to donate to scholarship funds for private and faith-based schools, scams have started popping up.
One such SCAM is an email from Assistance Individuals and Families without Borders (AIF- without Borders) EIN: 84-2301866. ID: 13969358 Nebraska https://aif-withoutbordersscholarshipfoundation.org. The return email is Laurent Kondohoma, Executive Director.
This group says they are a certified scholarship-granting organization that allows you to go to a website and donate to a scholarship fund. If you receive an email from this organization or individual, do NOT reply or contribute through this individual or organization.
Attention Juniors:
UNL Junior Jumpstart
The University of Nebraska, Lincoln, is hosting two Junior Jumpstart Open House events on April 8 and April 29 for high school juniors and their families to experience the Husker hospitality and learn more about the University, its unique attributes and the application process. Students should keep an eye on their inbox for their official invite in February.
Southeast Community College is hosting several opportunities for students to Visit SCC this Spring! Registration is now open! Please note, event space typically fills quickly, register as soon as possible to secure your spot!
Career Days: Our career day series gives students a hands-on experience as they learn alongside faculty, students, and industry partners. These events are for students interested in the specific career field. Lunch will be provided.
- Powersports Career Expo, Milford Campus, February 6, 5- 7:00 p.m.
- Careers in Technology Day, Lincoln Campus, February 7, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Careers in Transportation Day, Milford Campus, February 20, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Careers in Healthcare Days, Lincoln Campus, March 21 or March 22, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Beatrice Campus
- February 12, 9:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
- March 26, 9:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
- March 8, 9:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
- April 15, 9:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
- March 1, 9:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
- April 8, 9:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
- Lincoln Campus, February 23, 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Please register at least 5 days in advance of the event; early registration is encouraged to ensure we can accommodate complete groups as events reach capacity. More information about these events can be found here: Visit SCC
Have questions? We are here to help!
Contact us today at admissions@southeast.edu or call us at 402-437-2600.