Principal's Weekly From the Desk of Terry Tyrrell Good afternoon,
Thank you to all the parents who attended our Class Night yesterday evening. I hope you found the night worthwhile and were able to navigate your son's schedule. It hopefully gave you a little taste of what your son's schedule is like on a daily basis. As always, I enjoyed meeting our new parents and seeing our "veteran" parents return for a new school year.
Earlier today, we celebrated the Mass of the Holy Spirit. It is always my favorite event of the year. Thank you to the adults and students who worked hard to plan the liturgy, including Pat Klus, Dave Eby, Tim Beerman, Isaac Watras, Kim McLaughlin, Melissa Bennett and Katie Collins.
We will hold freshman parent/teacher conferences on Thursday, September 26 from 3:30 to 5:30 and 6:30 to 8:30. Teachers will be available for ten-minute appointments. If you are unable to attend a conference and would like to speak to one of your son's teachers, you are always welcome to call to arrange a meeting with a teacher on another school day.
We are using an on-line service called Pick a Time to schedule conferences. A link to this website is now available on the parent portal. To schedule a conference, you must click on the link and it will take you directly to the scheduling screen.
You should have received an email from me last week related to student drug testing. As a reminder, we will test every student. Yesterday, all students received an email informing them of the date and time of their hair-collection appointment in the Reynolds Room. Appointments were scheduled during student's free time so that they do not miss class time.
Admissions yard signs are now available for families to take home. Please grab a sign and place it prominently in your yard. As we enter into the admissions season for the Class of 2024, it is important to encourage prospective families to attend open house, apply for admission and, eventually, enroll their sons at St. X.
Thank you,
Terry Tyrrell
Unique students are what make St. Xavier special. Each week we will highlight a variety of students and their accomplishments, putting a face to the wide breadth of talent and gifts to the idea of being you and belonging to the Long Blue Line. If you would like to share an accomplishment about your son, please email Becky Schulte, Director of Communications and Marketing, at bschulte@stxavier.org. Congratulations to the 15 seniors who were name National Merit SemiFinalists: Robert Castaneros, Jonathan Chiu, Robert Frazee, Maxwell Fritsch, Ronit Hiryur (not pictured), Paul Jacobs, Pranav Jois, Andrew Lu, Lucas Meyer, Robert Myers, Aiden Powers, Phillip Ricke, Kellen Roddy, Mason Seitz and Scott Sobolewski #CooltobeSmart USA Water Polo just announced their 2018-19 Academic All-Americans. Congratulations to the following students who were represented: John Alvord - Outstanding Honors, Daniel Belyea, Keegan Graham - Outstanding Honors, Benjamin Habel, Kirk Karbowsky, Kieran McKenna - Outstanding Honors, William Morstadt - Outstanding Honors, Aiden Powers, Reif Richardson - Outstanding Honors and Zachary Vogeler. Click this link to view the story. St. Xavier Robotics hosted the First Tech Challenge kick-off for the Cincinnati region on Saturday, September 7. First Tech Challenge invites teams of students in grades 7-12 to design, build, program, and operate robots in head-to-head competition to compete a series of varying tasks. The kick-off event brought more than 300 of the area's brightest and most motivated students to the St. X campus, many for the first time. The reveal happened on the Walter C. Deye, S.J. Performance Center stage for this year's game, SkyStone. At the same time, teams from all over the world discovered this year's field elements and game rules. Last year, one of our two teams, Robot-X, competed successfully against teams from Romania, Israel and South Korea at the world competition, ultimately finishing in the top 1% of teams worldwide. Check out the new map hanging on the wall in the World Languages hall outside of room 3520 depicting all of the Jesuit schools in the world. A big thank you to Mr. David Pfeil in the Makerspace for making this happen.
Around St. X
Homecoming Dance Next Saturday, September 21 is the 2019 Homecoming Dance at Paul Brown Stadium. The dance is for sophomores, juniors and seniors. Tickets are $50 per couple and will go on sale all next week during flex. The dance goes from 8 -11 p.m. and all couples need to arrive to the dance by 9 p.m. They are allowed to leave at 10:30 p.m. There is an "80s themed dress" for the dance and we ask that students and their dates dress appropriately. Couples may come dressed in normal dance attire if they wish. Any questions, contact Mr. Banker at tbanker@stxavier.org or ext. 128. Walk4X On Friday, September 27, the St. Xavier student body will participate in the 46th annual Walk4X. The Walk4X is the only and biggest student fundraiser for the school. That Friday, the St. Xavier community will walk a 10K course around Finneytown. The money raised from the Walk4X goes towards bridging the gap between the cost of tuition and the actual cost of educating a student at St. Xavier.
Each student has a goal of raising $85 for the Walk4X. Turn in days are Friday September 13, Friday September 20, Tuesday September 24, Thursday September 26, and the last day of Friday September 27 .
Donations raised can either be turned in by cash/check or online through https://www.stxavier.org/WalkForX2019 Germany, Austria, and Switzerland Trip We are thrilled to offer the opportunity for all St. Xavier students to travel with us in June 2020 to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland! We will explore castles, ascend the Swiss Alps, take a Rhine river cruise, tour historic cities, quaint villages, and so much more. Please consider joining us for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. An informational meeting will be held Wednesday, September 18 at 7 pm in the Reynolds Room. Please RSVP via rsvp.eftours.com/vzgd86u. Contact Mrs. Sarah Jackson for more information. Grandparents' Mass and Breakfast Freshmen students are encouraged to invite their grandparents to the Grandparents' Mass and Breakfast, which will be held on Sunday, October 6 from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the St. Xavier High School Chapel and cafeteria. Mass will begin at 9 a.m. in the Chapel and breakfast will follow in the cafeteria at 10 a.m. Register online by October 4 at www.stxavier.org/2019grandparentsmass. For questions, please contact Eric M. Gammarino '09, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations and Special Events, at egammarino@stxavier.org or (513) 761-7815 ext. 155. St. Xavier Wrestling 2019-2020 Season St. Xavier Wrestling is preparing for the 19-20 season. Any new athletes planning to join the team are asked to please see or contact Coach Ryan (nryan@stxavier.org) so that you can receive the necessary information. Those who are already receiving regular emails do not need to do anything – as you are already on our communication list. Thanks! National Catholic Youth Conference NCYC is a three-day long youth gathering filled with prayer, speakers, and catechetical sessions, focusing on strengthening your Catholic faith. More than 20,000 youth will attend this inspiring and life-changing event. This year NCYC will be held in Indianapolis, November 21-23. St. X participants will depart that Thursday after school and will return late Saturday evening. Registration is due by September 27. Visit http://www.ncyc.info/, and contact Pat Klus at pklus@stxavier.org or Julie Brown at jbrown@stxavier.org if interested.
Recurring Information
Recommend a Student St. X is committed to attracting, developing and retaining the best and brightest students from diverse backgrounds. We believe that our parents, students, alumni and friends are the best advocates for promoting St. X and recommending promising young men.
'Recommend a Student' encourages the St. Xavier community to send us the names and addresses of eighth graders they know from work, church, or previous schools who would be a great addition to St. X. If you would like to recommend a student, please click on the following link: https://www.stxavier.org/admissions/recommend-a-student Career ConneXions- college admissions event pulls back the curtain! On Wednesday students participated in an educational topic on understanding what makes a college application stand out. Representatives from 12 Jesuit colleges were at school and led breakout discussions on how they review applications and evaluate prospective students. The Career ConneXions program is open to all grade levels so encourage your son to take advantage of it! We have some exciting programs coming up in October as well: 10/4: Business Roundtable: Is business an interest area for you? Network with a wide array of professionals in the world of business - from finance, sales, marketing, legal, and many more. 10/11: Mentoring/Coaching EXPO: How can a mentor, or coach, help you? Come listen to students and adults involved in the program on how they have benefited, and how your son can get started and request a coach.
To sign up to receive text messages about our events, text @CCX2020 to the number 81010 and you will be added to our texting group! Our 19-20 event calendar can be found HERE. Visit our website (stxavier.org/careerconnections) for additional program information and instructions on how your son (and you) can sign up! Applications for the Class of 2024 Application for the Class of 2024, registration for X-Perience Days & Nights, Open House and HSPT are open at www.stxavier.org. Encourage any eighth graders you feel would be a good fit for the Long Blue Line to apply today!
We ask all families of St. X athletes to join the Boosters at any level. This membership is good for the whole school year regardless of number of sports or sons. All money goes directly to St. X Athletics. For details, more information, and to join, click on the following link: https://stxsports.net/sports/2019/7/23/booster-membership-options.aspx
College Advising
News for Class of 2020 Senior students should now be scheduling their individual College Advising appointments with their assigned College Advisor.
Transcript Request Forms Transcript Request Forms for colleges/universities with October deadlines (i.e. University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, University of South Carolina, Marian University- scholarships, etc) are due to the College Advising Office by Sept. 13. Students can contact their College Advisor with any questions.
ACE Test Prep What: One session includes 6 ACT prep classes for every national ACT throughout the 2019-2020 school year
When: 6:30 – 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in October leading to the Oct. 26 ACT test date
Who: Best suited for seniors before college applications, all juniors, high-level sophomores
How: We accept credit card and PayPal when registering on our website: https://www.acetestprepcincy.com/ (use coupon code BOMBER to receive 20% off at checkout!)
Why: We've worked with over 800 local students over the last 7 years with an average composite score improvement of 3.02!
Email: acetestprepcincy@gmail.com
Facebook: Search ACE Test Prep Cincy
Website: https://www.acetestprepcincy.com/
Phone: 513-600-3495
News for Class of 2021
Please remember to monitor your email for an invite to join SCOIR. The College Advising Department will be using SCOIR to communicate with students and parents during the college planning process and to electronically deliver student application materials to colleges during their senior year.
News for All Parents St. Xavier will host our annual College Fair on Tuesday, Sept. 17th during flex in the Ellis Gym. More than 60 colleges/universities will be in attendance. Students are highly encouraged to attend and meet the college representatives. Students can also create their own labels with their contact information to give to the college representatives.
College Representatives also visit St. X daily. Below is a list of the institutions visiting next week. General Electric Engineering Explorers Does your son have an interest in a technical career or engineering? This program is designed for high school students to experience first-hand the world of engineering. The program will be held one evening per week for 12 weeks. Total cost to students is $20,
Kick-off Night is Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. at GE Headquarters in Evendale. You must register online: https://supportcentral.ge.com/esurvey/GE_survey/takeSurvey.html?form_id=18446744073710016793
Coffee, College, and Conversation September 17 (Barrett Center) 7:30 - 9 a.m. Topic: Selective College Admission Parents of all grades welcome, but attendance will be limited due to space. RSVP required- Please RSVP here
Special Visit Programs Make sure to check this list for special campus programs being held nationwide.
Upcoming Information Sessions Carnegie Mellon University Sunday, September 29, 2 p.m. Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza 35 W 5th St https://admission.cmu.edu/portal/information_session?id=60645971-6659-4f83-9474-8e31cd0ea8ba
University of Kentucky Monday, September 16 from 6:30 p.m. - Check-in Opens | 7 p.m. - Admissions presentation followed by resource fair Northern Kentucky Convention Center 1 W Rivercenter Blvd, Covington, KY 41011 https://www.uky.edu/admission/preview
West Point Information Session October 9, 6 - 8 p.m. Woodlawn Ohio National Guard Training and Community Center 10050 Woodlawn Blvd. Woodlawn, OH 45215-1394 https://einvitations.afit.edu/inv/index.cfm?i=466045&k=066744097F52
School Counseling
Parents of Juniors:
The School Counselors met with your sons this past week in FLEX Time Group meetings. We reminded them about how to prepare for the PSAT (which they took last year). For some students, this test will determine if they qualify to be National Merit Semifinalists or Commended Students.
The Student PSAT Prep Book can be found on the Parent Portal under the School Counseling Tab.
Parents of Sophomores:
The Student PSAT Prep Book can be found on the Parent Portal under the School Counseling Tab.
Parents of Freshmen:
The School Counselors have been meeting with your sons in small groups (3-5 students) for a meet and greet session. Ask your son if he has met his counselor.
If you missed the Meet the Counselor Night, you can log onto the parent portal (School Counseling tab) to view the two handouts from the night.
Community Service
Our community service activities officially kicked off this week! Many activities will have their first day of service this month or early next month. Schedules for your son's specific service activity can be found on Canvas.
Spots on a yearlong service team are still available! Any interested student should stop by the community service office to find an activity that fits his interests and his schedule.
Plus, Saturday Service is always in need of parent chaperones. If you are interested in serving alongside St. X students, please email Mrs. Linda Gloeckler at lgloeckler@stxavier.org
Ladies Bunco Night! Gather friends for a Ladies Night Out with Bunco, food, drinks and prizes. Never played Bunco before? Roll the dice with fellow St. X supporters for this social game that is easy-to-learn and fun to play. No experience necessary!
FALL EVENTS: X-Travaganza Gift Gathering Parties are among the first social events of the new 2019-20 school year. Organized both by neighborhood and by student sports/activities, these parties are casual get-togethers where parents can enjoy food and drinks, reconnect with old friends, meet new ones and benefit X-Travaganza at the same time! Please mark your calendar and watch for your invitation(s) in the mail.
Upcoming Gift Gathering Parties:
Volunteer for X-Travaganza Whether you are a veteran St. X parent or just joining The Long Blue Line, X-Travaganza is a fun way to meet other families and be involved in the St. X community. There are many unique volunteer opportunities, from helping at a one-time event to ongoing involvement on a committee. Are you artistic? A born organizer? A natural salesperson, enthusiastic party host or someone willing to just roll up your sleeves and get it done? Everyone is welcome, and the gifts of your skill, talent and time will help support St. Xavier's mission. Volunteer Opportunity Spotlights:
Visit X-Travaganza Volunteer Opportunities for more details.
X-Travaganza is more than a once-a-year dinner auction fundraiser – it is a year-round series of events, raffles and auctions that collectively raise funds to benefit the entire student body of St. Xavier High School, with proceeds supporting academics and student activities. Become more involved in the X-Travaganza community in the months ahead!
Parents Across Cultures (PAC)
The PAC-Cross Country-Basketball "Touch Down Tailgate Party" is just a few weeks away. On Friday, October 4, PAC will be partnering once again with St. X Cross Country and for the first time with St. X Basketball to host a Tailgate Party prior to the Elder vs. St. Xavier football game. Everyone is invited! Rain or shine, you will find us in the grassy area directly across from the flagpole in front of the school on North Bend Road, from 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. Enjoy a delicious taco bar, lively music, and fun games!
Any and all St. X families are welcome at Parents Across Cultures events. Our mission is to build an inclusive culture at the school and help grow global citizens — students prepared to live and thrive in a multicultural world.
If you have any questions about PAC or would like to become more involved, please email Jaleria Burt, Diversity Coordinator, at jburt@stxavier.org
Mothers' Club
CALLING ALL WORKING MOMS – BOUTIQUE EVENING SESSIONS ARE AVAILABLE Thank you to all those who have helped at Boutique the last few weeks! There are some extraordinary projects underway for Christmas Celebration. We are always looking for an extra hand and we'd love your company. We wanted to offer options for moms who are not available during the day. Boutique will meet Wednesday, September 18 from 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. in the Cafeteria Annex. No experience necessary and dinner will be provided. It's a great opportunity to connect with other St. X moms while giving back to the school. You can stop by or let us know you are coming by signing up here. IT TAKES A VILLAGE Yes, it really takes a lot of cookies to feed nearly 1500 boys! Please consider volunteering to bake or buy a couple dozen. We are looking for volunteers to donate cookies and fruit. These items will be part of the lunch served to our Bombers after they finish their Walk4X on Friday, September 27. Cookies and fruit can be sent in with your son on the day of the Walk or you can drop them off on Friday, September 27 from 7:30 – 9 a.m. at the Theatre Entrance, Main Lobby or Ellis Gym Lobby. Please click here to sign up and donate cookies and/or fruit to feed our hungry bombers. We also need help counting money that the boys collect. Please click here to sign up to help count donations. Thanks!
2019/2020 MOTHERS' CLUB EVENT CALENDAR NOW AVAILABLE Check out the 2019/2020 events calendar. Mothers' Club is a great way to meet people and enrich your experience at St. Xavier. More details will be published closer to the event dates and your company is most welcome.
JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Find out the latest information by following St. X Mothers' Club on Facebook (click here) or Twitter @XMothersClub (click here)! Questions? Feel free to email us at mothersclub@stxavier.org
Xperience the community! Special upcoming dates of note:
Spirit Shop
Shop for St. X Gear! Visit our very own St. Xavier Spirit Shop at school for St. Xavier Branded Apparel, Accessories & Home Décor Also available online at https://www.stxavier.org/student-life/spirit-shop September Spirit Shop Hours Open Regular School Days 7:45 am.- 3:30 p.m.
Open at the Stadium (9/20) 1 hr prior to kick-off - halftime Open 9/12 for Class Night 6 - 9 p.m. Closed September 27
To purchase St. Xavier Sport/Cocurricular Branded Apparel and Accessories Visit StXFangear at https://stxfangear.merchorders.com/
All Sports, TX, Music and Family (Mom, Dad, Grandma & Grandpa) logos are available on the site, as well as items for certain clubs/organizations.
For student Athletes and their families - Managed through the Athletic Dept. St. X Athletics will work with Bumblebee (Adidas) to create a one-time Team Shop for all sports with required and optional team-specific items. This will be available to student athletes and their families only for a specific time period at the beginning of their season. After the shop "closes", gear will be delivered to the Athletic Dept. and distributed to the athletes and their families. Helpful Documents
Next Week: September 16 - A Day Schedule September 17 - G Day Schedule September 18 - Late Start E Day Schedule September 19 - C Day Schedule September 20 - A Day Schedule
To report an absence:
Please dial 513.761.7815. Option number 9 then option number 1.
Upcoming Events: September 24-25 – Underclassmen Picture Day
September 26 – Freshman Parent Teacher Conference
September 27 – Walk for X |