SMCHS News Update
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
"It is not the magnitude of our actions but the amount of love that is put into them that matters." Saint Teresa of Calcutta
SCHOOL NEWS
Upcoming Events
Friday, April 2-Sunday, April 11: No School--Easter/Spring Break
Monday, April 12: School Resumes (B Schedule Day)
Wednesday, April 14: School Mass @10:52am
Friday, April 16: Friday chapel mass @7:15am / Adoration
Monday, April 19: Track, Baseball, Softball and Golf Begin
Wednesday, April 21: School Mass @10:52am
For a complete calendar listing, view our Google calendar online.
Welcome New Office Staff
Event Format Changes
AWARDS ASSEMBLY: We will not have an all school assembly, but rather each grade will have their own award assembly. Senior awards will include both academic and co-curricular awards. All assemblies will be held on Wednesday, May 19. The time for each class is listed in the SMCS Google Calendar. Each student receiving an award will be able to invite guests to attend. Each session will be livestreamed so other guests may view it as well.
GRADUATION: Graduation will take place as scheduled on Wednesday, May 26 at 6:30pm. It is our plan to hold it outdoors on Zephyr Fields. In the event of inclement weather, it will move indoors to the FAEC. More details will be sent to seniors in the coming weeks.
SMCHS Students Earn Eagle Scout Rank
In spite of COVID-19, the 2020-21 school year hatched three Eagle Scouts from SMCHS, including Daniel DuVernay (Freshman), Nyles Schneider (Sophomore), and Michael Reimer (Senior). Eagle Scout is the highest rank Scouting offers. Only three to four percent of those who join scouting ever attain this prestigious honor.
These scouts are members of Scout Troop 77, chartered through UMC (Greenville) and Troop 135 chartered through St. Bernadette Parish (Appleton). To achieve scouting’s highest rank, they must earn a minimum of 21 merit badges, as well as plan and lead the implementation of a service project.
Daniel DuVernay, Troop 135, currently has 29 merit badges. For his project, Daniel designed and oversaw the construction of a custom shelving units. The units hold the prestigious St. Bernadette’s Nativity Scene statues in a storage room.
Michael Reimer, Troop 135, earned 24 merit badges. For his project, Michael researched, designed, and led a team to erect a kayak rack at Twin Bridges Marinette County Park. Campers are now able to lock their kayaks rather than transport them back to their sites.
Nyles Schneider, Troop 77, currently has 48 merit badges. For his project, Nyles created and led a team to construct two tire pyramids for climbing at the Neenah animal shelter. “One of my cats died and I wanted to do something for the animals,” said Nyles.
Congratulations to all three young men for their accomplishment. Their respective ceremonies honoring the achievement have been placed on hold due to gathering restrictions.
Kudos Zephyrs!
Congratulations to the Forensics Team! All members of the team have advanced to the State Meet which will take place virtually over spring break. Congratulations also to Lauren Meyer for placing 4th In Demonstration speaking at a recent Forensics competition.
The SMC Math team took second place in the Fox Valley Math League Conference in the small school division. Both Billy Walsh and Shruti Chakrapani earned second team all-conference honors. Congratulations to all team members!
SMC Summer Sports Opportunities
SMC is offering several sports opportunities this summer for high school students:
Zephyrs Strength and Conditioning Registration--Entering Grades 6-12 in fall of 2021
Summer Sports Camps Registration--Various Sports and Grades
Donations to Senior Class
Parents of Seniors--
We continue to work diligently to find ways to provide the class of 2021 with great opportunities to finish their senior year. They have been very receptive to new ideas!
Unfortunately, this class was not able to add to their class fund due to the cancellation their major fundraising event, prom, last year. Given this, we have created a list of events to which monetary donations are greatly welcome. Please know this is entirely optional.
- THURSDAY, APRIL 29: Senior Sunrise Breakfast (cost for coffee truck, breakfast, prizes)
- WEDNESDAY, MAY 19: Senior Retreat (supplies, cost of retreat and busing, food and drinks for breakfast, snacks and lunch)
- WEDNESDAY, MAY 26: Graduation (additional cost for chair rental and on field screen)
If you are able to help, please make your donation by Friday, April 16. You can send donation (check or cash) to the school office in an envelope marked “Senior Class Donation.” Thank you in advance for any financial sponsorship you may be willing to give.
SMCS 2021-22 Student Registration
All families, both new and returning, will be asked to complete SMCS registration for the 2021-22 school year. You will be asked to create a new account and then complete the registration form for each student who will be attending SMCS in 2021-22. Registration fees are $75/student for those registered by March 31 ($225 max/family). Registration fees increase to $100/student after March 31 ($300 max/family). https://smcatholicschools.myschoolapp.com/app#login/apply
SMC Student Tackles Cancer Campaign
Freshman Olivia Noel has been selected as a candidate for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's "Students of the Year" Campaign. The title Student(s) of the Year is awarded to the candidate or co-candidates in each community that raise the most funds during the competition, which runs until May 7. Let's show our Zephyr pride and help Olivia win "Student of the Year"! Olivia will host several in-school fundraising activities for students. You can also donate and read Oliva's story by using this link: https://events.lls.org/wi/applesoy21/onoelr
Dress Code Reminders
Host an International Student!
We are looking for families to host international students attending SMCHS for the 2021-22 school year. Hosting an exchange student is a great opportunity for your family to benefit from a cultural experience. There is a monthly stipend and a $1,000 tuition credit to host families. What a great way to make a St. Mary Catholic Schools education more affordable for your family and to help our school with this important program. If you would like more information or to discuss this opportunity in greater detail, please contact Sue Thelen.
SCHOOL COUNSELING NEWS
2021 Advanced Placement Exam Schedule
Monday, May 3 at 8:00am--AP US Government
Tuesday, May 4 at 8:00am--AP Calculus
Tuesday, May 4 at 12:00pm--AP Human Geography
Wednesday, May 5 at 8:00am--AP English Literature
Thursday, May 6 at 8:00am--AP US History
Friday, May 7 at 8:00am--AP Chemistry
Friday, May 7 at 8:00am--AP Spanish Literature
Tuesday, May 11 at 12:00pm--AP Psychology
Wednesday, May 12 at 8:00am--AP English Language
Friday, May 14 at 8:00am--AP Biology
Friday May 21 at 8:00am--AP Spanish Language
Monday, May 24 at 12:00pm--AP Physics
Thursday, June 3 at 11:00am--AP Modern World History
Thursday, June 10 at 3:00pm--AP Statistics
College Visits
Saint Mary’s College (Notre Dame, IN) – Monday, April 12 @ 1:36pm
University of Iowa – Tuesday, April 13 @ 9:30am
UW Oshkosh, Fox Cities Campus – Tuesday, April 13 @ 11:56 am
The Out of State College Experience
Students who are curious about attending college outside of Wisconsin are invited to attend “The Out of State Experience” on April 13 at 7:30pm. Students originally from Wisconsin will share their stories, tips and tricks for thriving at college out of state. Register here to receive your Zoom link for the event.
Oshkosh Corporation Engineering Apprenticeship Program
Current juniors who are interested in engineering may apply for the Oshkosh Corporation Engineering Apprenticeship Program which integrates school-based and work-based learning. Participants will continue taking high school courses while earning $12/hour working on project work assigned by engineering professionals. Interested students may apply here or contact their school counselor for further information.
Wisconsin Virtual Post- Secondary Planning Night NEW
Join representatives from the Wisconsin Technical College System, University of Wisconsin System (2 & 4-year colleges), Wisconsin Private College System, United States Military and Apprenticeships for a virtual Post-Secondary information program on Tuesday, April 13 at 6:00pm. Register today!
The Places You Can Go!
WIT Wisconsin and NC-WIT are hosting a fun and exciting virtual event for high school and college-age young women to connect with IT professionals working in a variety of fields on Tuesday, April 13 from 4:30 to 6:00pm. Representatives in the following fields will share their backgrounds, career journeys, and what a day at their jobs looks like:
- Software Development
- IT Leadership
- Networking & Infrastructure
- Data Analytics
- Project Management
- Tech Jobs in Unexpected Places
To register, visit http://www.witwisconsin.com/event-4218610. An invite will be sent a day prior to meeting date.
PreACT
Sophomores will be taking the PreACT during Oral and Written or Honors Oral and Written classes April 13-20. Please try to avoid out of building appointments during your child’s English classes on those days. Day 1 covers required pre-administration paperwork; Day 2 includes English and Math test sections; Day 3 will be Reading and Science test sections. Benefits of the PreACT include early practice for the ACT and college and career suggestions based on their interests. For additional information on the importance of this test visit act.org.
USNA Summer Programs NEW
The US Naval Academy is holding a Summer STEM program which includes problem-solving, exploratory learning, critical thinking and team building for current 9th and 10th graders interested in a future in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. They also offer a Summer Seminar for current 11th graders offering academic, athletic and professional training with a taste of life in the Brigade. This program will kickstart their application journey for an appointment to the Naval Academy. There is a fee associated with each, but there are scholarships available. The fee includes USNA apparel and program materials.
University of Wisconsin System Updates
- Placement Testing will only be offered online this Spring. Registration for placement exams for Summer and Fall 2021 students began March 15.
- Find the priority deadlines for filing FAFSA at all of the UW System institutions!
- COVID-19 Admissions Updates and COVID-19 Resources.
- College Goal Wisconsin provides free information and assistance completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To register or for more information, go to collegegoalwi.org. The last session will be held on Thursday, April 15 at 6:00 pm.
More FAFSA Help
Fox Valley Technical College also hosts virtual FAFSA workshops on Thursdays (except when the college is closed). Click here for the next date and time.
UW System Summer Workbooks for Juniors
Orders for the upcoming 2021 Summer Workbook are available now through Friday, April 16. The 2021 Summer Workbook will provide students with information needed to successfully apply to a UW System campus for Fall 2022.
Virtual College Fairs
NACAC - over 500 U.S. and international colleges and universities; continue throughout the spring.
2021 Virtual Private College Week
Private College Week, July 12-17, features unique, online open houses at Wisconsin’s private college campuses. Take a tour of 23 campuses, connect with admission and financial aid advisors, get to know professors, learn about the residence halls, find out about dining options, and chat with current students. With special events all week, this is a great time to explore campuses from home.
Updates for Student Athletes
The NCAA Eligibility Center has released updates for student athletes. Learn more about initial eligibility here.
Senior Transcripts & Applications
- Students with applications requiring mid-year transcripts should request them in Naviance using the same process they used for the initial transcript.
- Students request transcripts in Naviance for electronic delivery to colleges and universities.
- Requests for hard copies should be emailed directly to chall@smcatholicschools.org.
Healthcare VCE Events
Virtual Career Experience events are online, live interactions with a local healthcare professional. Students will learn about the professional’s academic and career journey, his/her daily routine, starting or average salary, and types of patients seen throughout a day. Participating students will have the opportunity to ask professionals questions. Visit the website for schedules and registration information.
UW System Application Fees Waived
The University of Wisconsin (UW) System has announced a no cost application fee for most UW campuses for approximately the next two years. Students who have already submitted applications prior to December 11, 2020, but have not yet submitted payment, will still be required to pay the application fee; it will not be retroactively applied to already submitted applications. UW campuses that continue to require the application fee are UW-Eau Claire Region, UW-La Crosse, and UW-Madison.
Understanding the Financial Aid Process--Virtual Presentations
Ripon College Office of Financial Aid is happy to share a virtual step-by-step guide to filing the FAFSA and the financial aid process for all students planning to attend private, public or technical schools after graduation. This is the same financial aid evening program offered at SMCHS in the past. Click on the links below for each topic:
Welcome from Director of Financial Aid, Linda Kinziger
Part 1: Financial Aid Basics and Creating an FSA ID
Part 3: Next Steps (The FAFSA is complete)
Juniors - ACT Score Report Update
A voucher code is being provided to students participating in State-sponsored testing who have not selected at least one college for automated score reporting. Students who entered at least one college for score reporting are not eligible for a voucher. The code will be printed on page 1 of the student's paper score report and is redeemable for the one-time purchase of up to four score reports at no cost. Additional college choices may be included for a fee. All voucher codes will expire, so students are encouraged to use the code within two weeks of receiving their paper score report.
Students meeting the voucher eligibility requirements above must wait until they receive their paper score report to obtain their voucher code and use it in MyACT. For the March 9 test window, students will begin receiving their printed score reports as early as three weeks after the receipt of test responses. Score reports are shipped up to two weeks later for students who took the writing test. If students need assistance related to their paper score reports, finding their scores online, or creating or accessing their MyACT account, please use the Contact Us link on MyACT.org.
St. Mary Catholic High School
Email: sthelen@smcatholicschools.org
Website: www.smcatholicschools.org
Location: 1050 Zephyr Drive, Neenah, WI, USA
Phone: 920-722-7796
Facebook: www.facebook.com/smcatholicschools/