Class of 2024 Enrollment Manual

BELLARMINE COLLEGE PREPARATORY

bcp.org/admissions

Bellarmine Class of 2024 Enrollment Manual

WELCOME! Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam • For the Greater Glory of God

Welcome from the President Welcome to Bellarmine College Preparatory!

Congratulations on your son’s acceptance. We are looking forward to forming a strong partnership with you in the education of your son.

The 470-year-old Jesuit school tradition seeks to educate young people’s minds, hearts, spirits, bodies, and imaginations according to the values of the Gospel. We take the responsibility of our mission and our partnership with you seriously, and we are grateful for your confidence in us.

Your son and you now become part of the 169-year-old tradition that is Bellarmine.

The class of 2024 will be responsible for carrying on that tradition of excellence in academics, service programs, athletics, immersion trips, speech and debate, music, retreats, robotics, theatre productions, and so much more. I am delighted that Bellarmine can present so many opportunities for our students to experience success, growth, and an increase in self-esteem. My own son is about to graduate as a member of the class of 2020, so I know firsthand what a remarkable experience Bellarmine is providing for the young men of today!

At their February meeting, Bellarmine’s Board of Trustees set the tuition for the 2020-2021 academic year at $23,475. Over the past decade, annual tuition increases have ranged from 3.5% - 5.6%. While we do not know what tuition will be in future years, we can tell you it will be higher due to local inflation and our commitment to fairly compensating our outstanding faculty and staff. We never want to lose a student due to finances, so if these increases in the future will put tuition out of your reach, you will have the opportunity to apply for our tuition assistance program each year.

If you have applied for tuition assistance this year, a letter has been sent to your home with the status of your application. To secure your son’s place in the freshman class for the academic year 2020-2021, please pay your deposit through the online enrollment system by March 28, 2020. To access the enrollment system, just click on the “Enroll” button at bcp.org/Bell2024.

It is a pleasure to welcome you and your son to our Bellarmine family. We certainly want to make him feel at ease with the knowledge that he will find our educational experience a life-changing one with faculty and staff who are excited to be part of his life and who will guide him in a very personal and effective manner, accompanied by other young men who will become lifelong friends.

I look forward to getting to know you in the coming years.

Sincerely,

Chris Meyercord ‘88 President

WELCOME FROM THE ASB PRESIDENTS Greg Brown ‘20, Buddy Nash ‘20, and Kalvin Lee ‘20 Congratulations on your acceptance to Bellarmine!

Your hard work and dedication have paid off, and you are about to join the brotherhood of similarly compassionate and gifted peers during the most formative years of your life at this amazing school. As you embark on your high school journey, it’s inevitable that you will encounter challenges. From the small things—like recognizing that although the curly fries may taste like heaven, you can’t live solely off of them, to the more important things—like learning how to balance your social, school, and family lives. However, the best part about attending a school like Bellarmine is that you won’t be going through this experience on your own. From the first day that you step foot on campus, you will be welcomed and start building friendships that will last you a lifetime. The Bellarmine brotherhood is a bond that brings together our whole community despite differences. A unique part of the Bellarmine experience is the freedom each student has to explore his individual strengths and weaknesses. This

supportive environment contributes to an atmosphere where no one is afraid to embrace failure because internal growth is valued. It is important that you venture out of your comfort zones and experience all that Bellarmine has to offer. Among the various clubs and organizations on campus, there is a place for everyone. You can find your passion and have the opportunity to pursue it alongside some of the most accomplished teams and organizations in the nation. Along the way, you will be able to identify your weaknesses and become a better person because of them. Take advantage of the valuable opportunities provided, and you will find your passion and motivation to succeed. Class of 2024, we are incredibly excited about what you will accomplish during your four years at Bellarmine. Even more so, for how you will forge connections with other Bells that will last a lifetime.

Welcome to the brotherhood, and Go Bells!

Mark Your Calendar!

MARCH 13th: Online Course Request system opens 26th: Deposit due to secure enrollment 28th: Online Course Request system closes 28th: Registration for Welcome to Bellarmine meetings (pick one date - see step 6) 31st: Math ALEKS assessment period begins

APRIL 2nd: English 1 Honors placement exam 6th: Final day to submit Percussion Audition video 8th: French 2, Latin 2, & Spanish 2 Language placement exams 9th: Mandarin 2 Language placement exams 10th: Essay due if requesting Rhetoric course 21st: Mothers’ Guild Fashion Show Kickoff 22nd: Math ALEKS assessment period ends 30th: Welcome to Bellarmine meetings

MAY 1st: Welcome to Bellarmine meetings 3rd: Dads’ Club Incoming Freshmen & Parents Barbecue 4th: Welcome to Bellarmine meetings 5th: Welcome to Bellarmine meetings 17th: Mothers’ Guild Installation Luncheon

JUNE 9th: First Day of Summer Programs 19th: Final 8th grade report card due 30th: All Health Information Due

JULY 16th: Last day of Summer Programs 16th: Schedules released (if health forms have been submitted)

AUGUST 14th: Freshman Orientation 16th: Get Acquainted Picnic (GAP) & Mass 17th: First Day of Classes 27th: Back to School Night

For more details on these and other events, go to bcp.org/bell2024.

6 Steps to Enrolling

READ ME

You can now enroll as a student at Bellarmine!

Let the following pages help you navigate the process.

Bellarmine uses online enrollment and tuition management systems. The $1,600 non-refundable deposit (which is part of the $23,475 tuition fee) is due Thursday, March 26th, and must be paid using the process outlined below to secure your son’s place in the freshman class.

As part of Bellarmine’s 1:1 program, the school will issue a tablet device to each student at the beginning of the school year. While the cost of the device is included in the cost of tuition, we do require payment of a limited loss and damage fee of $50/year. This fee is due with the first tuition payment and must be paid prior to the tablet being issued to the student.

1

Go to bcp.org/bell2024, click on the “Enroll” button and use your Ravenna account information to log in.

2

Update your contact information and choose your student’s email address.

3

Pay your deposit with a Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or AMEX. No credit card fees will apply.

4

Enroll with Smart Tuition, our tuition management system, and select your payment option. (If you have a current Bellarmine student, you will bypass this step and your incoming freshman will automatically be added to your pre-existing account.)

Select the number of payments that works best (1, 2, or 11) Select payment dates: 1 Payment due July 5th 2 Payments due July 5th and November 5th* 11 Payments due the 5th or 20th of each month, June through April* Select a payment option (personal or cashier check, money order, ACH from checking/savings account, debit or credit card**) * A $45 fee is assessed by Smart Tuition when opting for 2 or 11 payments. ** Please note Smart Tuition assesses an additional 2.85% fee for using a debit or credit card.

5

Submit course preferences through the Online Course Request (OCR) system, beginning on March 13th. This process also registers students for any exam (s) they will take. We test every student for proper placement in mathematics via ALEKS, an online exam. We also offer on-campus placement exams for students interested in qualifying for advanced English or Classical & Modern Language courses. You must submit your course preferences by 11:59 pm on March 28, 2020.

6

Schedule your “Welcome to Bellarmine” meeting for Thursday, April 30th; Friday, May 1st; Monday, May 4th or Tuesday, May 5th by visiting bcp.org/bell2024/welcomemeeting. At this meeting you will receive a printout of your courses based on your OCR preferences and placement testing.

7

Review and acknowledge information regarding required health forms. Additional information can be found on the “Required Forms” page of this manual.

Important Questions How many courses do I need per semester?

Every student will be scheduled with six academic classes plus a free period and a Cura period each semester. The Cura Personalis period is time built into the schedule that is dedicated to the development and wellness of the student as an individual.

How many honors/AP courses can I take as a 9th grader?

We follow a scaffolding learning model, where students have the ability to take one more AP or honors every year. As incoming freshmen, students are allowed, based on eligibility determined through placement exams, to take up to two honors courses.

Do I have to take Physics?

Yes, all freshmen take Physics 9.

Are there placements exams?

Yes. Placement exams can occur in the following subjects; please review the department pages for more information:

English

Modern & Classical Language

Mathematics What and where can I study for placements exams?

Our exams are based on current knowledge and/or skills in the subject. Because of this, we do not recommend studying for the exams but recommend a good night’s sleep the night before. Please note you are not obligated to enroll in the honors/accelerated course.

How many times can I take the ALEKS assessment?

You can take the ALEKS assessment up to three times, and we will take the highest score out of the three.

Can I accelerate in the summer?

We do not have a summer acceleration program for any department.

What is the Art requirement?

All freshmen will take one semester of art unless a student takes Chamber Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble or Symphonic Band, in which case they are required to take two semesters.

What is the P.E. requirement?

Freshmen do not take P.E. Can I take American Sign Language (ASL)?

Enrollment in ASL is very limited. Students who select ASL as their first choice of language may be assigned to their alternate language. Students will find out their language and level placement when they receive their schedules.

What is the Cura Personalis Period?

Jesuit education springs from the fundamental Ignatian value of Cura Personalis, a Latin phrase which means “care of the whole person.� To that end, the Cura Personalis Period provides flexible opportunities for students to pursue personal growth and overall wellness according to their individual needs, usually in areas outside the formal academic environment.

All freshman enroll in a Cura class which supports them in their transition to Bellarmine and provides them with tools for their spiritual, academic, social, and personal growth. For the remaining three years, students will often choose for themselves how to spend their Cura Period time. They might catch up on homework, talk to a teacher, or simply take a break. At other times, students will attend a small group meeting led by their personal counselor. The overall goal is that the Cura Period allows and supports students to take the initiative in developing healthy habits and mindsets for high school, college, and beyond.

Course Preference Information

You will submit your course preferences through the Online Course Request (OCR) system. Go to bcp.org/bell2024 to begin the process.

NOTE

Detailed course descriptions can be found later in this manual. Please use these pages to make decisions about the courses in which you would prefer to enroll. You can submit your course preferences anytime from March 13th through March 28th but only once you have completed the preceding steps (i.e, steps 1 through 4 detailed on the 6 Steps to Enrolling page).

Course information, curriculum options, website. Please note that all necessary manual. After reading it through, if you bcp.org/bell2024/scheduling and fill out

and graduation requirements can be found on the BCP information for freshmen families can be found in this still have questions regarding course preferences, go to the form. Someone will get back to you within 2 days.

Placement Exams

What You Need to Know Everyone Tests for Math Placement Every student will be tested for placement in mathematics - whether he wants to opt for an advanced math course or not.

The ALEKS assessment is taken at home between March 31st and April 22nd.

Placement Exams for Other Courses For students seeking to pursue advanced courses, placement exams are offered for incoming freshmen in English and Modern & Classical Language. Proficiency in the subject must be shown for placement in a higher-level course. Please note that if you select a higher-level course in the OCR, you are expected to attend the placement exam for that subject. If you have questions or concerns, please email lmadison@bcp.org.

If you are intending to take any subject exam, please complete the OCR as soon as you accept Bellarmine’s offer. See Step 5 of the enrollment process.

Notification Students taking a placement exam will be notified of their placement during their “Welcome to Bellarmine” meeting (April 30, May 1, 4 or 5). The Welcome meeting is scheduled in Step 6 of the enrollment process.

Mathematics Bellarmine uses ALEKS, an online, adaptive math assessment tool, to measure math proficiency. The following is our process: • All incoming freshmen must take the ALEKS math exam - even those who wish to take Algebra 1.

• Each student has up to three attempts to complete his assigned ALEKS exam.

• Assessment period that opens at 8:00 am on Tuesday, March 31st through 11:59 pm on Wednesday, April 22nd.

• The highest score among his attempts will be used for placement.

• All exams are taken at home.

Information about requesting math courses, and the math assessment and placement process, can be found on the “Math Placement” portion of the bcp.org/bell2024.

Once you have submitted your course preference through the OCR, and the OCR closes (March 28th), the Math Placement Team will contact you with details about the ALEKS exam along with login information.

Do not contact the Admissions Office or Math Department until you have received the email that was used for your Ravenna account with your exam information. If you do not receive your information by 4:00 pm on Tuesday, March 31st please email deptmath@bcp.org.

Social Science The freshman curriculum includes one semester of either World History: 1200-1700s or Rhetoric. Students interested in Speech & Debate might consider applying for Rhetoric, please note it is not an honors course. Rhetoric enrollment is limited and students are selected by the instructor based upon their submitted essay. Students selected for Rhetoric will not be able to take World History. (The other semester of the freshman year is completed with a Visual/Performing Arts class.)

World History: 1200-1700 Thematic exploration of world history from 1200-1700 that focuses on the development of close reading, analytical writing skills, and the interpretation of primary documents.

Rhetoric This course helps students become comfortable with their voice by learning the art of public speaking and debate. Students will master the basics of effective delivery, argumentation, research, and persuasion.

If you are interested in taking the freshman year Rhetoric course, please submit two typed responses via email to rhetoric@ bcp.org by April 10th. The responses should be submitted as either a Word document or a PDF. Google docs, Pages, and other formats will not be accepted. Please save your responses into a single document.

• The first response should be an essay either agreeing or disagreeing with the following statement: Economic sanctions ought not be used to achieve foreign policy.

• The second response should explain why you are interested in taking the Rhetoric course.

English English 1 As freshmen are coming of age and entering this new environment, they will study literature, finding similar characters who also struggle to discover their identity, to build new relationships, and to form and understand their values in a world of discrimination.

English 1 Honors Students will read a number of novels, two plays, a large selection of short stories, and assorted poems. The works are also organized thematically by Bellarmine’s core values: openness to growth/religion; intellectual competence; love; commitment to doing justice; and pursuit of leadership growth.

If you select English 1 Honors, you must take the English exam on Thursday, April 2nd from 4:00 - 5:00 pm in the Liccardo Center. Try to arrive early.

Please bring a blue or black pen. The English 1 Honors exam consists of two parts: an objective section and a subjective essay. Students will be asked to examine a poem in detail, answer specific questions, and compose a short essay. The subjective portion is evaluated according to structure, depth of analysis, focus, and style.

Modern & Classical Language If you’re planning to take a level 1 language course, you do not need to be tested. In that case, select your desired level 1 course and an alternate from the options below.

Select a first choice and alternative: French 1 This is a beginning language course designed to develop all language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing— simultaneously. Oral proficiency is emphasized. The phonological, grammatical, and idiomatic features of French are presented in logical progression so that the student learns by practice.

Latin 1 This is a beginning language course, the purpose of which is to understand the concept and structure of Latin as an inflected language, to master the basic Latin forms, grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, relating them to English usage.

Mandarin 1 This is a beginning language course, which introduces students to the pronunciation and basic sentence structures of Mandarin Chinese, as well as the reading and writing in Chinese characters.

Spanish 1 This is a beginning language course, which is designed to develop all language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—simultaneously. Oral proficiency is emphasized. The phonological, grammatical, and idiomatic features of Spanish are presented in logical progression so that the student learns by practice.

American Sign Language 1 This is a beginning language course, the focus of which is on preparation for acquiring a visual gestural language.

Students will learn finger spelling, basic vocabulary, and grammatical structures. Enrollment in this course is very limited, please include an alternate language choice.

If a student has substantial experience in a language, he can attempt to test out of level 1. Test results will determine placement at the appropriate level. Report to O’Donnell Hall through the Hedding Street entrance on testing day.

Students electing to test for a level 2 course should bring a pen, a pencil, and an eraser to the exam.

French 2 (Test: April 8th at 4:00 p.m.)

This course builds upon the knowledge that the student has acquired in French 1. All four skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—are emphasized. This course also exposes the student to French culture.

Latin 2 (Test: April 8th at 4:00 p.m.)

This course further develops the concept and structure of Latin as an inflected language.

Mandarin 2 (Test: April 9th at 4:00 p.m.)

Students will learn more complex sentence structures, expand on vocabulary and idiomatic expressions, and read and write short compositions.

Spanish 2 (Test: April 8th at 4:00 p.m.)

Building upon the foundation obtained in Spanish 1, this course is designed to develop in depth the listening, speaking, writing, and reading skills of Spanish. It also is designed to expose the student to the cultures of the Spanish-speaking countries.

Science All students are required to take one year of Physics. Students are not able to fulfill the requirement by taking classes off campus.

Physics 9 An introductory, year-long laboratory course to develop critical thinkers with a firm foundation in science. Students will examine concepts of physics, the study of the fundamental laws of nature and the search to understand the interactions between matter and energy, including mechanics, kinematics (motion) and dynamics (force), the laws of conservation of energy and linear momentum, waves and sound, and electricity through an inquiry-based curriculum. The course will include a combination of engineering projects, cooperative learning, demonstrations, computer simulations, laboratory activities and lectures.

Course content is aligned to the fundamental principles of Algebra I. Laboratory work, in conjunction with the appropriate mathematical and conceptual reasoning, is an important component used to aid the students understanding of the physical world.

Religious Studies All students are required to take one semester of Hebrew Scriptures (in the Fall) and one semester of Christian Scriptures (in the Spring). Students are not able to fulfill the requirements for Religious Studies by taking classes off campus.

Hebrew Scriptures This religious studies course, held during the fall semester of freshman year, introduces students to the central stories, characters, and themes of the Hebrew Scriptures.

Christian Scriptures This course is an introductory study of the Christian Scriptures covering the New Testament literature, the life and ministry of Jesus, characters in the early Christian Church, and essential Jewish/Christian concepts.

Visual & Performing Arts Students are required to take at least three semesters of art to graduate. Those students not taking music, must take two semester-long courses in the same discipline of art. (Ex. Photo 1 + Photo 2 or Acting 1 + Acting 2.) A non-music student will take a Level 1 course during freshman year. Students will take Level 2 in their sophomore or junior year. The third semester can be in the same discipline (Ex. Photo 3) or in a new Level 1 Art course.

3D Modeling & Animation 1 In this course students will explore 3D computer-based modeling and animation through Autodesk Maya and ZBrush, both industry standard tools for visual content creation and animation. Students will learn how to create 3D content including concept art and production assets for character and environmental elements.

Acting 1 For the beginning/intermediate actor to learn about and practice the art of acting on stage. This is a semester-long course.

Visual & Performing Arts, con’t.

Ceramics 1 An introduction to the various techniques of ceramics. This is a semester-long course.

Chamber Orchestra Performance-based ensemble for students who have previous experience playing stringed instruments. This is a year-long course and will take up a free period in one semester. If this option is chosen, you’ll be asked which instrument you play.

This path carries a two-year participation requirement.

Drawing & Painting 1 An introduction to the various techniques of drawing, painting and design, using a wide variety of media. This is a semester-long course.

Graphic Design 1 Learn design principles and create artwork using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. This is a semester-long course.

Photography 1 An introduction on how to use a digital camera and manipulate photographs using a digital darkroom. Students will also study composition, the history of photography, prominent photographers, and career options in photography. This is a semester-long course.

Percussion Ensemble Performance-based ensemble for individuals interested in playing percussion instruments (including pianists who are interested in learning keyboard percussion instruments). Previous experience is encouraged but not required. This is a year-long course and will take up a free period in one semester. Percussion ensemble has various time commitments across three levels of percussion, but everyone will start in Percussion Ensemble 1. By default you will be placed in Introduction to Percussion but you may audition for intermediate or advanced placement.

Percussion Levels Intermediate/Advanced Audition Requirements include: • Perform a Snare Drum etude from the audition packet found on bcp.org/bell2024 or comparable solo of similar or more advanced difficulty.

• Perform a Timpani solo from the audition packet found on bcp.org/bell2024 or comparable solo of similar or more advanced difficulty.

• Perform either a 2 Mallet or 4 Mallet solo work from the audition packet found on bcp.org/bell2024 or comparable solo of similar or more advanced difficulty.

• Perform all 12 Major Scales on keyboard instrument of your choice (piano is OK).

• Submit this via video or audio recording, no later than April 6th to dwyant@bcp.org.

Symphonic Band Performance-based ensemble for students who have previous experience or are currently learning to play woodwind or brass instruments. All students who play saxophone, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, or tuba will be concurrently enrolled in Jazz Ensemble and will receive credit for both courses. This is a year-long course and will take up a free period in one semester. This path carries a two-year participation requirement.

If your son has unique academic, social, physical, or scheduling needs or accommodations in his present school setting, it is important that you confirm availability of necessary adjustments and services to support your son.

Please contact Judy Alessandri, Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Coordinator, at jalessandri@bcp.org. prior to accepting your offer of admission.

J U N E 9 – J U LY 1 6

CAMPS A ND C LA S S E S F OR 1ST –12TH GRA DE RS

Register now at b c p . o rg / su mm e r.

The Bellarmine Prep Experience – which is offered through our Summer Program - offers the opportunity for incoming Bellarmine students to get to know their new classmates, campus, and community. Incoming freshmen will engage in activities, discussions, and other experiences during this two-week “course” that will help them to be prepared, confident, and eager for day one at Bellarmine.

Focusing on the pillars of Ignatian identity, study skills, tech mastery, and health and wellness, students will explore what it means to be part of the Bellarmine community. Through the fun, reflective nature of the experience, they will form relationships with their new classmates. Their shared experience will help them to feel more comfortable, excited, and empowered to begin high school at Bellarmine.

Bellarmine Mothers’ Guild (BMG) Fashion Show Kickoff Tuesday, April 21, 2020 6:30 pm - Social 7:00 pm - Meeting Andrade Theater (in the Library located in the basement of Liccardo) RSVP here BMG Installation Luncheon Sunday, May 17 , 2020 10:30 am- Mass 11:15 am - Social 11:45 am - Lunch Leontyne Chapel and Liccardo Center RSVP here

CONGRATULATIONS & WELCOME CLASS OF 2024!

Bellarmine Dads’ Club Incoming Freshmen & Parents Barbecue Sunday, May 3, 2020 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Bellarmine Campus The Bellarmine Dads’ Club welcomes parents, guardians/parent figures, and incoming freshmen to a get acquainted barbecue! This is a great day for meeting other parents and sons, hearing from current students about their school experiences, learning about the Dads’ Club and Mothers’ Guild, and enjoying great food, fun and fellowship.

Don’t miss your first official Bellarmine event, presented by the Dads’ Club, with generous support by the Mothers’ Guild.

Registration available at bcp.org/ bell2024.