SMCHS Newsletter
SMCHS NEWSLETTER
February 7, 2024
Upcoming Events
Thursday, February 8: Mass @9:21am
Friday, February 9: First Friday Mass @7:25am | Adoration
- Saturday, February 10: Carnaval Snowball Dance | VEX @Fox Valley Lutheran | Forensics @Oshkosh West
- Wednesday, February 14: Ash Wednesday Mass @10:43am
- Thursday, February 15: Parent Teacher Conferences
- Friday, February 16: NO SCHOOL | Parent Teacher Conferences
- Saturday, February 17: Forensics @Oshkosh North
- Monday, February 19: NO SCHOOL
Freshmen Course Registration Night
Incoming Freshmen and their parents will meet with SMCHS staff in the Commons TONIGHT at 6:00pm to learn about course options for the 2024-25 school year. Students will complete their Course Registration Forms that evening and staff will be available to answer any questions.
Carnaval Snowball Dance!
The Carnaval Snowball Dance will be held this Saturday, February 10 in the Commons at SMCHS. Anyone wishing to bring a guest must have an approved Dance Guest Application before purchasing a guest ticket. The number of outside guests is capped at 20. Once the cap is reached, no additional guests will be accepted. Forms are available in the school office and will be accepted until we have approved 20 guests or until 3:12pm on Friday, February 9.
We are still in need of one more chaperone for each shift on Saturday. Please sign up here.
Parent Teacher Conferences & Office Hours
Conferences will be held on Thursday, February 15 from 3:30pm - 5:20pm (ending early due to a home basketball game) and on Friday, February 16 from 8:00am - 11:00am in the SMCHS Commons. Teachers will be stationed at tables in the Commons and parents and students meet with them as they are available; appointments are not needed.
The school office will be closed on Friday, February 16 and on Monday, February 19.
The business office will be open both days from 8:00am - 3:30pm.
Winter Spirit Week!
Students may be out of dress code if they participate in the following theme days:
Monday, February 12 – Pajama Day
Tuesday, February 13 – Sports Day
Wednesday, February 14 – Dress Your Best
Thursday, February 15 – Class Color Day
- Freshmen - Columbia Blue
- Sophomores - Gold
- Juniors - Navy Blue
- Seniors - White
Students may not paint hair or face until after classes are done for the day.
Shorts are allowed only if they meet length and fit requirements.
Jeans are allowed.
HR Phone Numbers
You may now call the following individuals directly:
- Chelsey Kind, SMCS Director of Human Resources: 920-215-7444
- Patty Foulks, Human Resources Coordinator: 920-215-7446
2023-24 Semester One Honor Roll
Here is a link to the 2023-24 Semester One Honor Roll.
Congratulations to all of these students on their hard work and dedication to excellence!
Service Hours
Every student is required to have 60 hours of service logged in www.x2vol.com by the end of his/her senior year. Students are encouraged to complete 15 hours per school year and every student should already have an account on the x2vol website.
Parents are not able to verify their child's service hours. Verifications must be done by someone who works for (or volunteers at) the organization where they served.
Thank you for your understanding and support in helping your child meet our service hour requirement!
February Lunch Menu
Click here to see the February lunch menu. Thank you for your understanding when substitutions need to be made!
SMCHS Art Activities
Every year, sculpture students participate in a class at the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass. This year, students made mosaics that will have concrete added to them to create garden stepping stones. Students learned how to score glass, use nippers, and shape glass pieces using a grinder.
SMCHS students were tasked last year with creating an art installation contained within a shoebox. This year, those projects have come to life as a part of the Selfie Art Exhibit!
Zephyrs Co-Curriculars
Forensics
Congratulations to Katharine Schoeni and Addison Moder who placed 4th in Play Acting and Ava Hoger who placed 5th in Poetry at the Sun Prairie West Forensics Tournament on February 3. Congratulations also to Audrey Weber and Nathan Bekkers who earned Silver medals and to Ava Hoger and Daniel DuVernay who earned Gold medals at the Big East Forensics Conference on February 5.
Math Team
Congratulations to the Math Team who placed 1st in their division at Fond du Lac on February 5. A special congratulations to Nicholas DeBraal who placed 3rd in the Senior Division and Bowen Cheng who placed 3rd in the Freshman/Sophomore Division.
Powerlifting
Chinese Club
Our Chinese Club is co-hosting with Northeast Wisconsin Chinese Association to present the 2024 Chinese New Year Celebration and Bazaar! Join us for an exciting event at SMCHS from 2:00 - 8:00pm on February 17. Experience the rich cultural heritage through traditional performances, mouth-watering food, and a lively bazaar featuring unique crafts and souvenirs. Tickets can be purchased here. Students who would like to volunteer should email Mrs. Roth at droth@smcatholicschools.org.
Ski Club - Save the Dates!
Saturday, February 17 - Ski Brule in Iron River, MI
Saturday, March 9 - Marquette Mountain in Marquette, MI
Zephyrs Athletics
Registration for Spring Sports Closes February 9!
Baseball - Boys
Golf - Boys and Girls
Soccer - Girls
Softball - Girls
Tennis - Boys
Track - Boys and Girls
Athletic Fee is $175 for all spring sports. Register and pay here.
Athletic Paperwork Due Before First Practice
Online paperwork must be completed, submitted, and approved by the Athletic Director prior to the first practice, otherwise your child will not be permitted to practice. Students who were in a fall or winter sport do not have to complete the online paperwork again. Complete online paperwork here.
Sports Physicals
Physicals should be completed and uploaded no later than 3 school days prior to the first day of practice/tryouts.
Please refer to the email from Mr. Schultz with complete details or contact him at mschoultz@smcatholicschools.org with any questions.
Volunteering for Athletic Events
Volunteering at our home high school athletic events is mandatory for families that have students participating in sports. Families are required to help fill five volunteer spots per student-athlete, per co-curricular athletic activity (to a maximum of 20 spots per family annually).
High School Winter Sport Volunteer Sign Up
EVERY high school student is also required to take one shift of volunteer time during the 2023-2024 school year. Students may sign up for more than one shift.
Coaching Opportunity!
SMCHS has an opening for a Head Varsity Golf Coach. Datails can be found here. Please have interested candidates contact Matt Schoultz at mschoultz@smcatholicschools.org.
Counseling News
College/Military Visits
U.S. Navy - Thursday, February 8 @1:30pm
WI Army National Guard - Friday, March 8 @11:35am
Marquette University - Tuesday, March 12 @1:30pm
UW Application Status
Students applying to University of Wisconsin schools may check the campus-specific portals for a status regarding applications and what materials might still need to be submitted here.
Virtual College Fairs
Registration is open for the Spring National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC) Virtual College Fairs. These are great opportunities to connect with hundreds of colleges and universities from the comfort of your home. Register here. At the time of registration, students will select the attributes that are most important to them in a college. They will receive an email that best matches them to specific colleges and universities based on the criteria they provided. Fairs will be held from 1:00pm - 6:00pm ET on:
- Sunday, Feb. 18
- Sunday, March 24
- Sunday, April 21
U.S. Naval Academy Admissions Information Forum
The U.S. Naval Academy will be hosting an Admissions Forum in Chicago, IL on Saturday, March 2 from 10:00am - 12:00pm. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the Naval Academy, including summer program offerings, student experience, and the admissions process. Attendees will also be able to meet their Regional Director of Admissions, Admissions Counselor, Blue & Gold Officers, ROTC Recruitment Coordinator, and Congressional Staff members. Register here.
U.S. Naval Academy Students:
- receive a full scholarship...yes, FREE TUITION (including room, board, and health insurance)
- are guaranteed employment upon graduating as officers in the Navy or Marine Corps
- receive a Bachelor of Science degree from the #1 public school in the nation (according to U.S. News & World Report)
Bellin Summer Healthcare Camps
Bellin College has the following opportunities to see if healthcare is a good career fit and what a day in the life in these career fields would look like. Register here.
- Nursing (June 25 - 26, and July 23 - 24)
- Allied Health Camp July 31
FVTC Spring Open House
Tuesday, February 27 from 3:00 - 6:00pm. Application fee is waived for students who apply that day.
Click here for details.
Sophomore Conferences & Career Expo
- On February 1 Mrs. Castagna began meeting individually with sophomores and their parents to discuss Pre-ACT scores, course planning, information for junior and senior year, and post-secondary opportunities. Parents may schedule an appointment using this link. If you know you will be unable to attend, please let us know and Mrs. Castagna will meet with your child and send materials home for your review.
- Sophomores will be attending the Fox Cities Career Expo during the school day on Wednesday, April 10.
Rotary Luncheons
SMC seniors are invited to attend luncheons with the Neenah and Menasha Rotary Clubs. Students who attend are eligible to apply for Rotary scholarships in the Spring. Contact Mrs. Hall for details.
FVTC Express Admissions Day!
Express Admission Days are walk-in based between the hours of 8:00am - 6:00pm. One will be held on Thursday, May 9. Bring a copy of your transcript and ACT or SAT scores. The $30 application fee is waived if you apply at the event.
UW System App Demo
Register for a live demonstration of the UW System Application for Fall 2024. Learn how to create an account, list course information, and more!
- Wednesday, February 21 at 3:00 PM - Register Here
UW Journey App Demo
Learn how students can use UW Journey app to determine which UW campuses are their best fit based on their interests and preferences. Registration is required.
- Thursday, February 8 at 4:00 PM - Register Here
- Friday, February 23 at 3:30 PM - Register Here
Additional ACT Test Prep Resources
- Booklets outside School Counseling Office
- Public Library
- Free Resources are available through the WI Department of Public Instruction.
- Free - study guide, online events, and practice tests can be found here.
- Free Online Practice Tests at Khan Academy Test Prep and Quizlet
- ACT Online Prep™ Interactive program developed by the makers of the ACT Test
- Fox Valley ACT Test Prep Seminar Four day intensive classes
- UW Oshkosh ACT Prep - In-Person or Online
- UW Oshkosh SAT/ACT Online Test Prep
- ZAPS ACT Test Prep Seminar
Youth Apprenticeships
The Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator will be at SMC on Monday, February 12, during Z- Block to talk with students interested about applying or learning more about the program.
Law Enforcement Career Academy
students who are currently in their junior or senior year and are interested in working in law enforcement or related field may apply for the Wisconsin American Legion Law Enforcement Career Academy (WALLECA). This 5 day camp offers physical fitness training, class room instruction and hands on experiences July 29- August 2, 2024 at the Wisconsin State Patrol Training Academy at Fort McCoy. The academy is free to the cadets and includes lodging, meals and supplies. Students may apply here until March 31.
Senior Activities - Save the Dates
Senior Awards - May 8 evening
Senior Retreat - May 22
Baccalaureate Mass - May 23 daytime
Graduation - May 24 evening
FAFSA
The 2024–2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available. Changes include expanded eligibility for federal student aid and a more streamlined process. More information can be found here.
Free Help Completing the FAFSA
Scholarships
Naviance > Colleges > Scholarship Search lists multiple scholarships available to students in grades 9-12. Contact Mrs. Hall at chall@smcatholicschools.org or Mrs. Castagna at jcastagna@smcatholicschools.org with any questions.
NHS Tutoring
SMC's National Honor Society students offer free tutoring for students in grades 9-12. Use this link to sign up.
University of Wisconsin System Updates
- Applications: Students may apply at apply.wisconsin.edu.
- Application fees for all UW system schools can be found here.
Discipleship Digest
“Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him…”
Remember our pandemic debates over public health? In the Bible, there was one public health rule everyone agreed on: you don’t touch a leper. Even if you escaped disease, you were unclean by contact, forced to quarantine.
What is today known as Hansen’s disease still claims many victims. In advanced cases, it causes horrible facial disfigurement and loss of extremities. Most cultures consider it a “living death”, so lepers are exiled to the margins of society. They are shunned, ritually impure, seen as punished and scarred by divine judgment.
Despite all risk and scandal, Jesus fearlessly touches this wretched man. Where others recoil,
Jesus redeems. Where they see an outcast, Jesus sees one made in God’s image. With
compassion and power, He heals his body and restores him to the community. It’s no wonder the
man couldn’t keep it to himself!
This Ash Wednesday, we remember that we are the lepers. It’s not disease but our sin that
disfigures and isolates us. In this miracle, notice how Jesus trades places with the leper. No
longer free to go about, Jesus “remained outside in deserted places.” It foreshadows what he
accomplishes on Calvary, taking on our sin, our uncleanness, even though He himself is
innocent. He brings healing, victory, and freedom at the price of His own life. Ask Jesus this
Lent: “If you wish, you can make me clean.”
Steve Pable, Director of Adult Discipleship Formation
Welcome – Worship – Witness
SMCS News
Lenten Rise Against Hunger Campaign
How will your Lenten prayer, fasting, and almsgiving make a difference to our brothers and sisters who face hunger? Find out with our Rise Against Hunger campaign! Rise Against Hunger - a high energy event to package 50,000 nutritious meals - is a shared effort of our 5 Catholic parishes of Neenah-Menasha and St. Mary Catholic Schools. The event will take place at St.Gabriel on Saturday, May 4th.
It costs just 40 cents per meal, so with your help, we plan to raise $20,000 during Lent. Note that Rise Against Hunger replaces the CRS Rice Bowls this year. Watch for posters and social media with details about how you can donate and participate in our Rise Against Hunger campaign. Change lives as you PRAY, FAST and GIVE this Lent. Thank you!
St. Gabriel Fish Frys - Volunteers Needed!
Volunteers are needed for the largest annual food, fun and fellowship events for St. Gabriel Parish on February 9, 16, 23 and March 1 and 8. Students 10 years old and older can volunteer for the dine-in assistance positions. Students must be 14 years old to be in the kitchen (or have a parent volunteer with them if younger). Sign up to volunteer here.
Zephyrs Gold Raffle
The Zephyrs Gold Raffle tickets will go home with students during the week of February 11. An email notification will be sent out on the day tickets are distributed. Any questions regarding the Zephyrs Gold Raffle can be directed to Kathleen McCurdy, Director of Advancement at kmccurdy@smcatholicschools.org.
Helpful Links
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