The Principal’s Newsletter - Trinity High School · The Principal’s Newsletter Upcoming ......
Transcript of The Principal’s Newsletter - Trinity High School · The Principal’s Newsletter Upcoming ......
Inside this issue:
Volume 3, Issue 4 April 2016
T R I N I T Y H I G H S C H O O L C A M P H I L L , P A
The Principal’s Newsletter
Upcoming Events...
4/8 Senior Retreat
4/13 Foreign language
Honor Society Induction
4/14 Career Day &
Talent Show
4/15 No School
4/29 Junior/Senior Prom
NEWS
Greetings,
Easter – time of new life
Are you living life to the fullest?
College provides students with many different
experiences. There is one experience in my life that I still remember from those college years. This memory
occurred during my sophomore year while I was attending college in Bowling Green, Ohio. When I arrived in August to begin the new school year, through my dorm room window I saw a tree fully in bloom. During the month of October I noticed that leaves from this tree had started to change colors from green to orange to brown and eventually they fell from the branches which had nourished them. Just before I went on Christmas break I noticed one branch that still supported all of its leaves as bright the green as ever. Could this have been a sign of hope – vibrant life among the hard cold winter that has already taken its toll on the other branches? Throughout the rest of winter, I noticed that those leaves remained bright green and that branch never lost one leaf. I eventually forgot about this small miracle until I came back from Easter break and looked outside my dorm window. I saw all the branches of this tree blooming with new leaves and new life, along with the leaves on the one branch that never lost its leaves during the winter season.
As I sit back and reflect on this unexplainable situation, I realized that we are like
that tree. There are times when we are fully alive and living life to the fullest, blossoming with everything we do. However there are periods in our lives when we lose that energy and enthusiasm due to many factors. Perhaps there is a death in our family, perhaps we have lost a job, perhaps there is conflict in our relationships with others or with God, etc. Like that tree, we lose our leaves during the hard, cold times of life. However Christ continues to nurture us even in our coldest and darkest times. He continues to nurture that branch of life in which our leaves don’t fade. He continues to give us hope for the future, hope for new life within our lives, hope for the resurrection. When we stay the course and continue to believe and trust in Jesus, then the Easter of our lives dawn upon us, then we participate in His Resurrection and we are renewed with new life, new energy, a deeper love for God and others. Then all of our leaves are blossoming and we are living life to the fullest.
When times are tough, think about my tree, think about your tree. More importantly
think about Christ’s tree of life – for through His death on that tree on Good Friday, he gave all of us new life with His Resurrection.
MARCH EVENTS 17
Pax et Bonum,
Joseph E. Gressock, Principal
DEVELOPMENT
Academics 2
Business 2
Development 3
Guidance 5
Religion 6-7
News 8-15
Lunch Menu 16
April Events 17
The Principal’s Newsletter April 2016
Business Office Basics
Academic Announcements
Course Selection forms and information are available now. Online registration does not begin until Friday, Feb-
ruary 5th. All course selection forms must be turned in by March 1st. Visit http://www.thsrocks.us/academics/
course-selection/ for more information.
Final Examinations
Senior final examinations will be Monday, May 23 through Wednesday, May 25. Ninth through eleventh grade
examinations will be Friday, June 3, Monday, June 6 and Tuesday, June 7. As stated in the letter Mr.
Gressock & Ms. Poplaski recently sent out, all 9th through 11th graders must be present for all exam days.
Requests to take examinations early will not be honored. The examination schedule will be published in a later
newsletter, but examinations will be given as listed below.
Day one - religion and science
Day two - social studies and foreign languages
Day three - English and math
Is your student registered for
the 2016-17 school year?
Click on the Re-Registration Link below for
instructions and forms. Deadline is April 15th.
2016-17 Trinity Re-Registration
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Outstanding Obligations –
Held Report Cards
In accordance with School Policy, report cards are held
for students/families with outstanding financial
obligations. Students have been informed by their
teachers, guidance office, library, cafeteria, etc. as to any
individual obligations. FACTS Management issues
notifications for past due tuition. Report cards will be
released upon fulfillment of outstanding obligations.
2016-17 Tuition Assistance –
Deadline April 15th
Tuition Assistance is available for qualifying families.
Applications must be completed online by using the
FACTS Grant and Aid application. Click on the
Tuition Assistance Link below for instructions and
access to the application.
2016-17 Trinity Tuition Assistance
Would you like to earn credits
toward your tuition?
Participate in the Trinity Scrip
Scholarship Program!!!
Click on the Scrip Scholarship Link below for detailed information. Last year’s participants received $245 towards their tuition. Contact the Scrip Scholarship Team at [email protected] for detailed information. Karen and Steve are happy to help. If you are new to our program and your 1st order equals $250 or more, you will receive an immediate tuition credit of $25.
The Scrip Scholarship Team maintains an inventory of
grocery cards for Giant, Weis and Karns as well as
many, many gift cards for retailers, restaurants and
service industries. For special orders, the next dates
are April 6th and May 5th.
Trinity Scrip Scholarship Program
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The Principal’s Newsletter April 2016
Happy Spring!
The big news in the development office is that the “Bow Tie Ball” Spring Gala was held
on March 12 at the Clubs at Colonial Ridge and it was a great success! Thanks to all the
committee members and volunteers who made this event possible. The night was filled
with fun, and excitement, the food was spectacular as was the company. Everyone that
attended had a great time and I was humbled by the generosity shown. The event was a
great financial success and I thank all who attended or supported this effort.
Now that the Gala has passed it is time to start thinking about the importance of tuition
assistance for the coming school year. I want to take this time to ask you all to consider
a named scholarship for the upcoming school year. What better way to memorialize a loved one who had a pas-
sion for Trinity! They also make great birthday or Christmas gifts to that person who loves Trinity. Please give
me a call at Ext. 119 to discuss details on how you can make a lasting impact on a Trinity Student while honoring
a friend, family member, or classmate.
On the subject of tuition assistance, the other way you can help is through the EITC program. The Common-
wealth of Pennsylvania has a tax credit program for businesses that make donations for educational Improvement.
Your business can earn up to 90% tax credit on a donation to the Neumann Foundation. That donation can be
designated to be specifically applied to Trinity students. This is a wonderful way to make a large impact in the
lives of students who may otherwise not get to choose Trinity. Once again, please call me
at Ext. 119 for details on this important program.
I hope everyone had a joyful Easter. I look forward to the warm weather and the sound of
feet pounding on a track. GO ROCKS!
Development Details
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The Principal’s Newsletter April 2016
The Communications Department is responsible for publicity, advertising, social media, and the management
of the website. Be sure to let us know about the great things your kids are doing!
Please email stories and pictures to [email protected].
Connected
April 14, 2016
For all Sophomores and Juniors—a wide variety of
speakers will be at Trinity that day to talk about their
profession and give advice to those students inter-
ested in that field. Be sure to ask your students
about the day and what they have planned to visit!
The Principal’s Newsletter April 2016
Guidance News
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As the final quarter of the school year begins, the seniors are beginning to
finalize their plans for next year as their college decision letters continue to
arrive. Scholarship applications are still available and can be found on the
Family Connections website. Seniors are reminded to bring a copy of any
scholarship award letter – even if they are not planning to attend the school that
awarded the scholarship – to Ms. Walsh. We would like to know the total
amount of scholarship money that our seniors have earned.
Freshmen, sophomore and juniors should continue to check the guidance page of the Trinity High School
website to learn more about summer programs that they may be interested in attending.
The Advanced Placement exams will be administered during the first two week of May. Students should
bring No. 2 pencils (mechanical pencils are not permitted), the correct calculator for the exam they are taking,
and a packed lunch (in case their lunch period occurs during the testing time). Cell phones should not be
brought to the testing room. The exam schedule is:
Monday, May 2 Chemistry, Psychology
Tuesday, May 3 Computer Science A, Spanish Language & Culture
Wednesday, May 4 English Literature & Composition
Thursday, May 5 Calculus AB/BC
Friday, May 6 United States History
Monday, May 9 Biology, Physics – Mechanics, Physics – Electricity & Magnetism
Tuesday, May 10 US Government & Politics, French Language & Culture
Thursday, May 12 Statistics
The final SAT and ACT testing dates for the school year are:
SAT Dates Registration/late registration
May 7 April 8 / April 26
June 4 May 5 / May 25
ACT Dates Registration/late registration
June 11 May 6/May 20
The Principal’s Newsletter April 2016
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Religion News
*Non-compliance results in consequences stated in the THS Service Brochure/Guidelines #3b.
THS ‘Rocks in Motion Service Updates…
Mrs. Judi Fejfar, THS Service Coordinator
REMINDERS: We are now into the 4th Quarter and students should have 15 service hours submitted by this
point. Seniors are required to have 20 hours turned in by May 2nd. This is a graduation requirement.
Students in grades 9 through 11 must have 20 hours submitted by May 20th. Submitted hours can be viewed on
MMS. Do NOT worry about the percent columns. This is NOT a grade. A calendar with due dates for Service was
given to all students and is also located on the service website along with all things service related.
Please see the calendar posted at the end of this section.
‘Rocks in Motion
Spring is here and several new service opportunities are just waiting for volunteers! Have you checked the ‘Rocks in
Motion service website lately? There are a great variety of service events to choose from! You can access this info
24/7 and remember to check the website on a regular basis since new service opportunities are added weekly. The
service guidelines are posted on the THS ‘Rocks in Motion service website and forms for reporting service are also
found on the website. They are located under the FORMS tab.
https://sites.google.com/a/thsrocks.us/rocks-in-motion/
From THS HOME>CONTACT US>CATHOLIC IDENTITY>ROCKS in MOTION
This link can be found on your son or daughter’s religion page. Please visit this site on a regular basis for ongoing ser-
vice opportunities and information. If you have any service related projects that are for pro-life/non-profit groups
and meet our THS guidelines, please contact Mrs. Judi Fejfar, THS Service Coordinator, [email protected]
There is something for everyone to get involved in when it comes to service and there are several organizations looking for volunteers. It is important to remember that some organizations require volunteers to sign up online and the link is always provided in the service blurb. Some groups prefer an email and/or phone call.
Thanks for your support of our THS service program as our students lend a helping hand to School, Church, and Community!
2016 SERVICE HOURS DATES
https://sites.google.com/a/thsrocks.us/rocks-in-motion/
(Access via main THS site—ABOUT US/CATHOLIC IDENTITY/ROCKS IN /or your MOTION tab and religion class website)
SEMESTER II
March 18, 2016—9th Gr. 15 Service Hours Due ---10th, 11th, 12th Grades--15 Service Hours Goal
May 2, 2016—SENIORS--20 Service Hours Due
May 20, 2016—ALL Students--20 Service Hours Due---This is for the report card grade!
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The Principal’s Newsletter April 2016
Religion IV ~ Senior Religion
The seniors in Mrs. Fejfar’s Religion IV classes are continuing their study of Life Commitments/Vocations. March concluded the study of Consecrated Life. We were very pleased that Sister Mary Joseph, SCC from Holy Spirit Hospital could join us for a day to share her vocation story as well as information about life in a Religious Community.
During April and May, students will study and also hear presentations on the ordained life and marriage. Guest speakers have been invited to visit the senior classes for these 2 topics and to
share personal stories and reflections on these life commitments. Let us pray for our youth as they discern the vocation to which God is calling them.
What a wonderful day I spent with
you and the seniors of Trinity
High!
Your ears should be ringing
because I have been speaking
fondly of you and the school since
my visit.
I was highly impressed by the
spirit of hospitality - warmth and
a welcoming spirit was tangibly
felt. Please let the students know of
the great impression they made on
this visitor.
It was a blessed day for me and I
thank you for that gift!
May the rest of the school year be
richly blessed for all in every way!
S. Mary Joseph Albright, SCC
Mission Integration Officer
Holy Spirit - A Geisinger Affiliate
From an email received from S. Mary Joseph
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The Principal’s Newsletter April 2016
Tell us about your sensational student! Send pictures and story
information to [email protected]
Rotary Club Student of the Month for March
Megan Kosman
Students Participate in ACE Mentor Program Three students from Trinity’s junior class participated in the ACE Mentor Program in Central Pennsylvania. The program gives high school students opportunities to learn about careers in Architecture, Construction, and Engineering through a series of talks by visiting professionals, local field trips, and hands-on design projects. The students met weekly and collaborated with other students from Central Pennsylvania high schools from late-October through mid-March to experience the various activities.
Zach Hereshko, Matt Miekley, and Adam Rhoad participated in the Cumberland County program. Their group’s design project was a renovation of an old postal building in downtown Hershey to create a mixed-use facility that serves current demands in their redevelopment district.
All three students were able to gain exposure to the many different careers available to them in the architecture/engineering/construction fields and the specific day-to-day responsibilities associated with these jobs. This experience will help guide their own future career choices.
PHOTO Adam, Matt, and Zach listen to instructions from an engineer during a team activity at an ACE Mentor Program session. Teams were completing a series of simulated tasks required to construct a reinforced concrete building floor slab, including obtaining permits, materials, and inspections.
The Principal’s Newsletter April 2016
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Trinity High School will tentatively host a STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering and Math) Summit on May 17, 2016. Junior Achievement of
South Central Pennsylvania works with schools to present this day long
program comprised of career panels, competitions and experiments designed to inspire students
to learn more about careers in the STEM Field. Trinity’s entire freshman and sophomore classes
will participate in the STEM Summit. The day will be fast-paced and hands-on, creating an
atmosphere of excitement and energy.
Over 30 business volunteers are needed to make this program a success. Junior Achievement is in
need of volunteers for this event. If you would like to help out in one of the experiments or
competitions or if you have a strong STEM background and would like to share your STEM
career journey as a career panelist, please contact Pete Joyce at [email protected] for more
information.
A few new changes
in the halls of Trinity.
1) to the right, we
now have an
ADA compliant
ramp which leads
from the first
floor to the main
floor with the
cafeteria and gym.
2) To the left, we have two new ADA compliant
water fountains which also have water bottle refill
systems. Two of these have been installed, with
more planned in the future.
The Principal’s Newsletter April 2016
Thank you to all who contributed to the Senior Class project
of "Send It to a Soldier." The seniors mailed packages to 4
service members associated with Trinity.
Below is an excerpt from a letter received from one of the
recipients. It’s very heartwarming to hear of his gratitude.
Dear Trinity,
I'm currently stationed at Bagram Air Field,
Afghanistan on a one year tour in support of
Operation Freedom's Sentinel.
Today I received a care package of hygiene items
and several hand-written cards expressing
thanks and encouragement from some of your
students.
Please pass along to your students my gratitude
for their show of support. I shared the hygiene
items with my junior Soldiers and greatly
appreciate the cards that were included. It
means a lot to all of us serving overseas to have
this support.
As you look ahead for these wonderful Spring weekends, the Concert Choir wanted to invite
you to attend the 11:15 mass at St. Joseph's Church on April 10th (next Sunday). In an effort to
reach out to our feeder parishes, the choir is going to attempt to sing at Sunday masses more
frequently, starting on 4/10 at St. Joe's! They students are working hard to prepare music, so we
hope you will come and spend your Sunday morning mass with us.
Musical Notes Spring Concert- 4/20 7:30pm
Orphan Trains (spring play)- May 13th and 14th 7:30pm
Spring Instrumental Concert- 5/16 7:30pm
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The Principal’s Newsletter April 2016
PROM 2016 - “Rustic Garden”
The Trinity High School Senior/Junior Prom
Friday, April 29, 2016
5:30 pm – 10:00 pm
West Shore Country Club
Arrival time for students should be between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. Because dinner is to be served at 6:30, no one will be admitted after 6:15. The Prom will end at 10:00 p.m. Students may not leave earlier than 9:45 pm.
Students must fill out and have a Parent Permission form because we are off campus. It includes what we expect from students who are attending. In addition, if a student is bringing a guest from another school, they must obtain a guest pass from Sister Susan.
This is a formal dance. As students turn their thoughts to prom, we again are reminding both parents and students that as a Catholic High School, we require dress that is age and occasion appropriate.
We want every person attending the prom to have a good time and be safe.
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APRIL 2016
Mission
Collection
Senior One
Day Retreat
Foreign
Language
Honor
Society
Inducation
7pm
Career Day
___________
Talent Show
7pm
No
School
School Mass
8:15
Athletic
Association
Meeting 7pm
Spring Conert—
7:30pm
Mission
Collection
Progress
Reports
posted
PROM