2018 Back to School Guide

August 17, 2018

A S P EC I A L E D I T I O N O F T H E C AT H O L I C N E W S H E R A L D

WELCOME

GROWING

New principals named for $11M expansion project St. Leo, St. Pius X and nearly done at Christ Our Lady of Grace schools the King High School

TUITION HELP

ALSO INSIDE

Details on applying for financial aid

Upcoming open houses, Campus Ministry locations and more

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 17, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOL

By the numbers

Christ the King High School in Huntersville has a new two-story, 27,000-square-foot addition. The high school anticipates an enrollment of more than 310 students in grades 9-12 this fall.

99 percent of graduates of Bishop McGuinness, Charlotte Catholic and Christ the King high schools continue on to higher education.

Scholarships awarded last year:

PHOTO PROVIDED

BY EMMETT SAPP

Bishop McGuinness: $5,541,284 Charlotte Catholic: $16,896,922 Christ the King: $6.8 million

Did you know?

The Diocese of Charlotte Schools welcome students of all backgrounds, even as most of their students are Catholic and the school system strives to inculcate the beliefs and values of the Catholic Church.

Catholic: 95% Non-Catholic: 5% Boys: 50.9% Girls: 49.1% Asian: 4.1% Black: 2.6% Caucasian: 85.9% Hawaiian-Pacific Islander: 0.4% Multi-race: 3.8% Native American: 1.5% Unknown: 1.7%

About the cover Students at Sacred Heart School in Salisbury recite the Pledge of Allegiance during the first day of school last August. (Photo provided by Robin Fisher)

Three Catholic schools transformed by new construction, new creative spaces SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — Three schools in the Diocese of Charlotte are seeing transformations in preparation for the new school year, which begins Aug. 22.

At Christ the King High School in Huntersville, a two-story classroom expansion project is nearing completion.

The approximately 27,000 square feet of new construction will more than double the school’s total square footage – making room for a growing enrollment expected to top 310 students this fall.

“This summer is a very exciting time at Christ the King Catholic High School,” says Dr. Carl Semmler, principal.

The new two-story building includes a cafeteria, large multipurpose room for drama and band, a fabrication shop, three science classrooms and eight general purpose classrooms to accommodate Christ the King High School’s growing student population.

Among other things, the additional classroom space will be used for art, industrial design, theater, music, guitar, chemistry, biology, earth science, environmental science, information technology, cyber communications and the traditional liberal arts subjects. The building will also have multiple common areas for students to work collaboratively.

Two classrooms in the existing building are also being repurposed for use as an administration office, as previously the school did not have designated administrative offices.

That space will include a new vestibule, main office, administrative offices, guidance offices and a conference room.

A new 12-inch water main has also been installed to improve water pressure to the school.

The high school is also being updated with a number of school safety features which include door lock card readers, a double locked vestibule,

security cameras and direct communication to first responders.

“We have also received funds from our Silver and Blue Fund and an anonymous donor which will enable us to install two new scoreboards, update our field goals, top dress our athletic fields, create additional parking and equip a current classroom with the infrastructure to become a fitness center this October,” Semmler adds.

The estimated $11 million project, which is being funded through the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools capital fee, is expected to be completed by Labor Day weekend.

That won’t be before school starts on Aug. 22, but school and diocesan leaders are putting in place plans to temporarily locate students as needed in the existing building until the new building is finished.

“In the meantime we have been working with faculty, staff, administration, the superintendent’s office and the office of properties in order to locate and equip all of the necessary learning spaces in the original building,” Semmler says. “This will get us through these first couple of weeks of school.”

In Charlotte at Our Lady of the Assumption School, a new 2,400-square-foot “cafetorium” space awaits students at the beginning of the school year.

A $450,000 grant from a private donor is funding the project, as well as the conversion of the school’s existing library into a STEM lab that includes audiovisual room updates and a new “Makerspace” at the school that will provide students a creative space to learn through making.

“Our focus on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) will continue to drive our school program over the next few years,” Principal Allana Ramkissoon explains.

“Improvements to our gym will also be quite

noticeable as it now includes a permanent space for drama and music productions. In addition to these physical improvements, we have injected about $115,000 worth of hardware, software and network upgrades to enhance digital learning.”

Ramkissoon says many of these improvements were made not just with students in mind, but the whole community’s needs.

“Working with the parish to ensure that all students have equal access to the curriculum and that everyone’s needs are met is an important part of the school’s mission. We are very excited about the changes and upgrades to various aspects of our school. We believe that continuous improvement is the key to success,” she says.

“We are also grateful to the Diocese of Charlotte and the generosity of an anonymous donor who made these program enhancements possible,” she adds.

At Sacred Heart School in Salisbury, students will also find a new “Makerspace” classroom. It has been named “The Cranium Cove,” harkening to the school’s mascot, a dolphin, one of the smartest mammals and which lives in coves.

“We are so excited about this new classroom,” says teacher Erin Brinkley. “Everything is on wheels and teachers can manipulate this room for their own classroom learning. We have been so fortunate to have an investor who believes in constructive education.”

The new “Makerspace” features everything from bottle caps and cardboard, to screwdrivers and power tools, to Little Bits coding and Rigamajigs, to microscopes and goggles, to a green screen and an editing station, to a highlevel 3D printer, and even a Lego Wall.

Principal Tyler Kulp says, “Sacred Heart School has been around for 136 years. We support great traditional learning styles, but definitely embrace new innovative learning trends in education. Just like our students, our faculty’s minds continue to grow. We want to continue to develop in ways that we educate.”

August 17, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOLI

Our principals Michele Snoke St. Gabriel School Deborah Butler St. Mark School Meredith Canning Immaculata School Tyler Kulp Sacred Heart School Dr. Carl Semmler Christ the King High School Christopher Kloesz St. Pius X School Sheila Levesque St. Michael School Kathy McKinney St. Ann School Michael Miller Asheville Catholic School Amy Tobergte St. Patrick School Kevin O’Herron St. Matthew School Catherine Rusch Our Lady of Grace School Kevin Parks Holy Trinity Middle School Allana-Rae Ramkissoon Our Lady of the Assumption School Tracy A. Shaw Bishop McGuinness High School Greg Roberts Immaculate Heart of Mary School Sister Geri Rogers, S.S.J. Our Lady of Mercy School Gary Callus St. Leo School Kurt Telford Charlotte Catholic High School

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Catholic schools welcome three new principals SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — Three Catholic schools in the Diocese of Charlotte are welcoming new principals this fall. Our Lady of Grace School and St. Pius X School in Greensboro and St. Leo School in Winston-Salem will all have new leaders when students return for the 2018-’19 academic year next week.

GARY CALLUS, ST. LEO SCHOOL, WINSTON-SALEM

Callus joins St. Leo School from the Diocese of Raleigh, where he served as an assistant principal at St. Mary Magdalene School in Apex.

He has a Master of School Administration and benefits from 18 years of teaching middle school in Catholic education.

He and his wife Donna have been married for 31 years and have twins, a 25-year-old son and daughter.

Callus is a former sergeant with the New York City Police Department and is well respected for his strength of character, integrity and compassion for others.

“We are very fortunate to have an individual with such enthusiasm for Catholic schools, transparent faith and commitment to our children here at St. Leo Catholic School,” said Father Brian Cook, pastor of St. Callus Leo Church and School. “We are delighted to welcome Mr. Callus and we pledge our support and prayers as we begin this new chapter in the life of our parish school.”

Callus officially assumed the job of principal Aug. 16.

“As I step into my role, I am reminded of the message of St. John Paul II to the National Catholic Educational Association of the United States, on April 16, 1979: ‘In order that the Catholic school and the Catholic teachers may truly make their irreplaceable contribution to the Church and to the world, the goal of Catholic education itself must be crystal clear. Beloved sons and daughters of the Catholic Church, brothers and sisters in the faith: Catholic education is above all a question of communicating Christ, of helping to form Christ in the lives of others.’

“It is truly my honor to join the St. Leo School community. The good Lord has blessed me with this amazing opportunity and I look forward to working with the students, parents and the staff at St. Leo.”

CHRISTOPHER KLOESZ, ST. PIUS X SCHOOL, GREENSBORO

Chris Kloesz has been an educator for 19 years. He holds a Bachelor of

Arts from the University of Cincinnati and a Master of Education from Xavier University.

Prior to his decision to embark upon a career in education, Kloesz served five years in the U.S. Coast Guard.

Before moving from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Greensboro, Kloesz taught high school English and language arts.

He has previously served as an assistant principal, acting principal, and principal at the high school, middle school and intermediate school levels.

Kloesz Kloesz also taught for several years as an adjunct instructor at Xavier University in Cincinnati.

He and his wife Nicole (herself a middle school English and language arts teacher), have two daughters enrolled at St. Pius X School. The family is active at St. Pius X Church.

“I have been blessed with an exciting and inspiring opportunity: to serve the students, families and staff of St. Pius X Catholic School as their principal,” Kloesz said.

“I am honored and humbled, and I get to enjoy the privilege, every hour of every day, of integrating my Catholic faith with my profession as an educator.”

CATHERINE RUSCH, OUR LADY OF GRACE SCHOOL, GREENSBORO

Catherine Rusch is not new to Our Lady of Grace School. In fact, she joined the Greensboro school as a teacher in 2003, following four years of service in the public school system.

A graduate of N.C. State University, she went on to earn a master’s degree in education from UNCGreensboro during her initial years as a teacher.

As an experienced teacher, an active parishioner and a parent of four, Rusch said she is passionate about Our Lady of Grace School and its mission as a parish and school community.

Beginning her 20th year in education, she has worked continually to uphold and enhance the school’s quality of education by serving as the school’s accreditation leader, training and mentoring other Rusch teachers, continuing her own learning, and serving as a member of supporting committees, including the Grace Committee, which supports families in living out the Catholic faith.

Rusch said she is looking forward to serving the community in her new role as principal and ready to lead the school into the future.

Catholic schools undergo security reviews, upgrades ‘NaviGate Prepared’ system designed to improve safety technology SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — Imagine an armed intruder tries to sneak in a side door at Charlotte Catholic High School. Or a fire starts inside Holy Trinity Middle School, and not every student can be accounted for after the building is evacuated. Or there is a hostage situation in a classroom at St. Michael School.

Sadly, emergency scenarios such as these are not unimaginable, and the recent spate of school shootings around the country have prompted school leaders to take a careful look at the security and safety at all of the Diocese of Charlotte’s 19 schools.

“The safety of our students is a top priority,” Dr. Janice Ritter, diocesan superintendent of schools, assured parents, teachers and students following the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., that killed 17 people.

After that tragedy, diocesan school leaders sought to strengthen their security measures, which already include regular school safety drills, “active shooter” training for staff, strictly controlled building access points, and more.

As part of this security initiative, a “security and threat assessment” was undertaken by active and retired Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department officers at all 19 schools. Their recommendations for each school were recently evaluated and shared with the principals; Anthony Morlando, director of

diocesan properties and risk management; Ritter; and other diocesan leaders.

“Each school received specific recommendations,” Morlando said. “Besides additional training for faculty, staff and students, other recommendations included adding card readers on access doors, more cameras, doubleentry door vestibules to better control access from the front entranceway, controlling or restricting access from other entryways besides the front door, and directing access to the front office instead of hallways.”

Safety improvements such as these were made at several of the schools over the summer.

Additional recommendations are still being evaluated and implemented at each school.

In addition, the diocese is investing in a new emergency response safety system that will assist school officials and first responders before, during and after a crisis.

The system – called NaviGate Prepared – uses cloud-based technology to securely organize important emergency preparedness plans and associated information, such as call lists, personnel photos, building maps, color-coded floor plans and 360-degree photographs of important building areas such as classrooms, offices, hallways and emergency exits.

Highly secure, the system offers authorized users in the diocese and first responders – including 911 dispatchers – immediate, real-time access to this

safety information from any web-authorized device.

No matter the severity of the situation, emergency response teams can rapidly and easily access the cloud-based system, even if a building is inaccessible.

“Moving forward in this direction is a most positive step for our schools and demonstrates in a very concrete way the emphasis placed on school safety by diocesan leadership,” Ritter said.

In an emergency, NaviGate Prepared includes the ability to integrate floor plans and reunification procedures, tap into live security camera feeds and quickly locate critical resources such as gas, water and electrical shut-off valves, entrances and exits, designated evacuation sites, individual classroom numbers and more.

Additionally, NaviGate Prepared features an integrated and secure mobile application that allows staff to account for students by name, while also providing instant access to emergency and crisis plans for use during training drills and emergencies.

With the aid of this system, school staff will be able to quickly identify if a child is not accounted for when a school is evacuated, first responders will be able to view a building layout during a hostage situation, and much more.

In addition to heightening school safety, NaviGate Prepared will also aid school leaders in the preparation of annual safety planning documentation and will provide school administrators with the ability to easily schedule, manage and track annual safety training drills.

‘The safety of our students is a top priority.’

Dr. Janice Ritter Diocese of Charlotte superintendent of schools

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 17, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOL

Catholic schools reach out to the Latino community CÉSAR HURTADO HISPANIC REPORTER

Escuelas Católicas se acercan a la comunidad Latina CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

CHARLOTTE — Classes at the Diocese of Charlotte’s 19 schools will start CHARLOTTE — Las clases en las 19 escuelas católicas de la Diócesis de Charlotte comenzarán Wednesday, Aug. 22, but the diocesan Schools Office is not letting up on its el miércoles 22 de agosto, pero mientras tanto la Oficina de las Escuelas diocesanas no dan renewed effort to recruit minority students. un paso atrás en su renovado esfuerzo de llevar a sus aulas a estudiantes de poblaciones The schools office has hired Angelica Hurtado as its new coordinator of minoritarias. student recruitment and retention for the Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools La Oficina Escolar ha contratado a Angelica Hurtado como su nueva coordinadora de – spearheading the campaign to encourage more reclutamiento y retención de estudiantes para las minority families to consider Catholic education Escuelas Católicas de la Diócesis de Charlotte. Hurtado for their children. impulsa la campaña para alentar que más familias de The percentage of non-white student enrollment, minorías consideren la educación Católica como una including Hispanics and African Americans, across alternativa de instrucción para sus hijos. the diocese’s 19 schools is in the single digits, El porcentaje de estudiantes no blancos, incluyendo although Hispanic representation is on the rise. hispanos y afroamericanos, a través de las 19 escuelas “Increasing student diversity in our 19 Catholic de la diócesis es mínimo y solo alcanza un dígito, schools is very important to school and diocesan pese a que la representación hispana se encuentra en leadership,” emphasizes Dr. Janice Ritter, aumento. superintendent of diocesan schools. “We are most “Incrementar la diversidad de estudiantes en nuestras pleased to welcome Angelica Hurtado to this 19 escuelas es muy importante para las escuelas y el position. Her main task is to attract and enroll liderazgo de nuestra diócesis”, enfatizó la Dra. Janice students who reflect the diversity of the Catholic Ritter, superintendente de las escuelas diocesanas. population in the Diocese of Charlotte.”

“Estamos felices de dar la bienvenida a Angelica Ritter herself has taken part in a series of Hurtado a esta posición. Su tarea principal es atraer information sessions being held starting in the y enrolar estudiantes que reflejen la diversidad de la Charlotte area, sessions designed to make families población Católica en la Diócesis de Charlotte”, añadió. aware of how to apply for Catholic school and how La misma Superintendente ha tomado parte en la to apply for possible financial aid. serie de sesiones informativas que se vienen ofreciendo At the latest session, held July 27 at St. Gabriel en el área de Charlotte. Las charlas han sido designadas Church, Ritter greeted the attendees in Spanish para concientizar a las familias sobre el proceso de and urged parents that they join the Catholic matrícula y la posibilidad de solicitar ayuda financiera. education system. “Thank you for your interest in En la última sesión llevada a cabo el 27 de julio en Catholic schools. I think we have very good schools la Iglesia San Gabriel, Ritter saludó a los visitantes en in the Diocese of Charlotte and I would love for español y los invitó a que se unan al sistema educativo CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD your children to participate,” she told the audience.

Católico.

Las escuelas católicas de la Diócesis de Charlotte realizan una campaña para informar “Our mission is to reach all students who desire “Gracias por su interés en las escuelas Católicas. a la comunidad sobre las ventajas de la educación católica y la ayuda financiera a Catholic education and we want the population Creo que tenemos muy buenas escuelas en la Diócesis disponible. of our schools to be a reflection of the participation de Charlotte y estaríamos encantados que sus niños Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools is conducting a campaign to inform the in our churches and communities. Having that participen en ellas”, dijo a la audiencia. community about the advantages of Catholic education and the financial assistance cultural diversity will be a great help for current “Nuestra misión es llegar a todos los estudiantes available. and future students,” she said. que desea una educación Católica y queremos que la The superintendent assured that Catholic schools población de nuestras escuelas sean un reflejo de la are capable of offering an education that parents cannot find in other places – participación en nuestras iglesias y comunidades. Tener esa diversidad cultural será de gran public, charter or private schools. “We are Catholic, so our Catholic faith is the ayuda para nuestros actuales y futuros estudiantes”, dijo. basis of everything we do in our schools. Having an education based on faith is La superintendente aseguró que las escuelas Católicas son capaces de ofrecer una educación important for us and for parents. We believe that our students are ready to learn que los padres no pueden encontrar en otros lugares, ya sean escuelas públicas, charter o and the environment we provide them leads to learning,” she said. privadas. “Nosotros somos Católicos, nuestra fe Católica es la base de todo lo que hacemos en Catholic schools offer a variety of specialties with strong curricular content in nuestras escuelas. Tener una educación basada en la fe es importante para nosotros y los padres. disciplines such as music, languages, technology, arts, sports and more.

Creemos que nuestros estudiantes están listos para aprender y el ambiente que les proveemos los “We not only teach our children our faith, we help them live it,” Ritter said. guía hacia ello”, anotó.

And through community service projects, they teach students to serve others, Las escuelas Católicas ofrecen una gran variedad de especialidades con un fuerte contenido either locally or internationally. curricular en disciplinas como música, tecnología, arte, deportes y más.

Antonia Guerra, one of the attendees at the July 27 information session, said “Nosotros no solo enseñamos nuestra fe a nuestros niños, les enseñamos a vivirla”, subrayó she had assumed Catholic schools were “unreachable” for her two children. “At Ritter. Y a través de proyectos de servicio comunitario enseñan a los estudiantes a servir a otros, first I had believed that I could not afford to enroll my children in a Catholic ya sea local o internacionalmente. school. Now, with the explanation they have given, I will make the effort and Antonia Guerra, una de las asistentes a la sesión informativa del 27 de julio, dijo que pensaba complete the documentation needed so next year my son can attend a school que las escuelas católicas eran algo “inalcanzable” para sus dos hijos. “Yo creía que no podría where, apart from learning the subjects, he can pray as we have taught him at matricular a mi hijo en una escuela Católica. Ahora, con la explicación que me han dado, voy a home.” hacer el esfuerzo y completar todos los papeles para que el próximo año mi niño pueda atender una escuela donde, aparte de estudiar, pueda rezar como le hemos enseñado en casa”.

Applying for Catholic school

Para matricularse en una Escuela Católica

If you live in the Charlotte area, you can apply to any of the nine schools in the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools system online at www.discovermacs.org. Find the right school for your family by using the helpful online map and guide to each school.

Review the academic curricula for elementary, middle and high schools, and check out the arts, athletics and extracurricular offerings. For inquiries, call 704-370-3273.

Parish-based schools operate in Asheville, Gastonia, Greensboro, Hendersonville, High Point, Salisbury and Winston-Salem, and the diocesan-operated Bishop McGuinness High School is located in Kernersville. Check each school’s website for details on enrollment and tuition assistance.

The admissions process begins with early admissions in January and general admissions in March, continuing as space is available.

Tuition rates and fees vary by school and by grade, with diocesan parish-based schools setting their own tuition rates and MACS schools having a uniform set of rates. MACS tuition rates for the 2018-’19 year are posted online at www.discovermacs.org/tuition.

All of the schools offer some sort of tuition discount or subsidy for registered participating Catholic families, up to 30 percent in some cases. Generally speaking, tuition amounts range from approximately $6,000 to $11,000 for registered Catholics, with non-participating Catholics and non-Catholics paying higher amounts. Multiple child discounts are available.

An at-a-glance guide to all 19 diocesan schools is on pages 6-7.

Si vive en el área de Charlotte, puede inscribirse en línea en cualquiera de las nueve escuelas del sistema Escolar Católico del Área de Mecklenburg (MACS) en www.discovermacs.org. Ahí puede encontrar la escuela adecuada para su familia través del mapa y la guía de cada escuela. Revise el currículo académico de las escuelas primarias, intermedias y secundarias, y considere las actividades extracurriculares como las artes y el atletismo. Para consultas, llame al 704-370-3273.

Fuera del área metropolitana de Charlotte, otras escuelas parroquiales operan en Asheville, Gastonia, Greensboro, Hendersonville, High Point, Salisbury y Winston-Salem. La escuela secundaria Bishop McGuinness operada por la diócesis, se encuentra en Kernersville. Consulte el sitio web de cada escuela para obtener detalles sobre la matrícula y asistencia financiera.

El proceso de admisión comienza con las admisiones tempranas en enero y las admisiones generales en marzo, mientras exista espacio disponible.

Las tarifas de matrícula varían según la escuela y el grado. Las escuelas parroquiales diocesanas establecen su propia matrícula y las escuelas MACS tienen una tarifa constante entre sus escuelas. Las tarifas de matrícula de MACS para el año escolar 2018-1919 se publican en línea en www.discovermacs.org/tuition.

Todas las escuelas ofrecen algún tipo de descuento o subsidio de matrícula para las familias católicas registradas en una parroquia, hasta un 30 por ciento en algunos casos. En términos generales, el costo de matrícula varía entre $ 6,000 a $ 11,000 anuales para católicos registrados, con matrículas más altas para ‘católicos no participantes’ y ‘no católicos’. También se ofrecen descuentos adicionales si matriculan a más de un niño.

Una guía rápida de las 19 escuelas diocesanas se encuentra en las páginas 6-7.

August 17, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOLI

Catholic school families benefit from FFHL tuition assistance funds SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — For the second year, families have another source of help to be able to afford the cost of a Catholic education for their children.

Funds from the Diocese of Charlotte’s “Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love” campaign specifically earmarked for tuition assistance are being distributed again this fall.

The $65 million FFHL campaign, which is funding capital needs and endowments for parishes and ministries across the diocese, among other initiatives, is expected to bring in $3.7 million to fund a tuition assistance endowment for diocesan schools – and some of that help is available now.

The FFHL campaign has surpassed its goal in pledges and has received $47.7 million in payments through June 30. That amount is expected

to rise as pledge payments continue coming in through 2019.

The new tuition assistance endowment is being administered by a committee consisting of the diocesan superintendent of schools, diocesan chief financial officer and

members of the diocesan school board. Available income from the endowment will be distributed to qualifying diocesan schools each year for student financial aid.

An endowment is a permanent fund, the principal of which is never FFHL, SEE PAGE 12

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$4M fund helps pay Catholic students’ tuition SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — An estate gift from a credit card executive who went on to create a nationally-recognized personal finance curriculum to help young people manage debt is helping to pay for children in the Diocese of Charlotte attend Catholic school for free.

Before his death in 2017, C. Philip Johnston, 88, set up the “C. Philip Johnston – Aline W. Kaneer Scholarship Fund” with $4 million from his estate.

Students from all 19 Catholic schools in the diocese will be eligible for scholarship awards, which are expected to total $200,000 each year.

The money will be used to pay the full tuition cost for students who qualify for aid.

The recently received initial distribution of $87,385, combined with additional distributions to be received this fiscal year, will fund the first year of scholarship awards for the 2019-’20 school year.

Johnston, a Catholic convert, was born in Charlotte but lived all over the country before retiring in the Southeast. He attended Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Md., which is where he made the decision to enter

the Church, according to his nephew Greg Johnston. He earned a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in 1958. He worked in the entertainment industry, but when acting work became scarce, he took a “temporary job” working for Conrad Hilton in a new credit card venture called Carte Blanche.

He rose to success in the emerging credit card industry and, after reaching the position of senior vice president at a large regional bank in St. Louis, he left the banking side of the credit card industry to lead a non-profit organization specializing in consumer credit counseling.

Johnston had recognized the need to teach people how to manage personal debt, so he partnered with a national group of educators and economists to create a curriculum in personal finance for children in kindergarten through 12th grade.

“The beauty of an endowment is that it provides income in perpetuity, so the impact of the distributions from an endowment literally go on for generations,” said Jim Kelley, diocesan development director.

“Through Philip Johnston’s generosity, many students who otherwise might not have had the opportunity to go to Catholic school will now benefit by receiving a Catholic education.”

Endowment funds for the benefit of our schools and Catholic education The Diocese of Charlotte Foundation manages 57 endowments totaling $11,256,978 that directly aid the diocese’s 19 schools and their students: n American Schlafhorst Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for students at Charlotte Catholic High School. n Asheville Catholic School Foundation Endowment Fund: Financial support to enable the school to retain quality teachers, offer scholarship assistance, provide continuing education for teachers, and enhance the school’s curriculum. n Joseph and Margaret Baldi Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for children of St. Leo Parish families to attend St. Leo School in Winston-Salem. n Bishop McGuinness High School Endowment Fund: Financial support for the education of students at this school in Kernersville. n Joan W. Books Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for children of Immaculate Conception Parish to attend Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Elizabeth Allen Brown Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Asheville Catholic School. n Molly Cassidy Scholarship Fund: Tuition assistance for students in Catholic Schools in the Triad area. n Charlotte Catholic High School Alumni Association Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarships for graduating seniors to attend a college of their choice. n Charlotte Catholic High School Alumni Association Board Discretionary Endowment Fund: Financial assistance, at the board’s discretion, to Charlotte Catholic High School students. n James P. and Eunice S. Cherry Scholarship Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students to attend St. Michael School in Gastonia. n Cornelius Alexander Davis Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Leo School in Winston Salem. n Digger Dawson Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for students from Immaculate Conception Church attending Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Derhofer Endowment Fund: For drama department productions, capital needs related to the drama department, and tuition assistance for students at Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville. n Deussen Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarships for Catholic high school education in the greater Charlotte area. n Faucette Endowment Fund: Financial assistance for the educational ministry of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Charlotte. n Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love campaign endowment: Tuition assistance n Gayden and Janell Gauthier Fund: Tuition scholarship assistance for students at Immaculata School in Hendersonville.

n Gismondi Family Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for children of St. Mark Church parishioners to attend Christ the King High School in Huntersville. n Megan Healy Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for students at St. Patrick School in Charlotte. n Edith and George Hilbert Endowment Fund for Asheville Catholic School: Financial support for the education of students at Asheville Catholic School. n Immaculata School Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for students at Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Immaculate Heart of Mary School Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Immaculate Heart of Mary School in High Point. n Roger Kavanagh Tuition Assistance Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Pius X School in Greensboro. n Leeolou Family Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for families of Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools. n LoBianco Family Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Therese of Lisieux Church in Mooresville and St. Mark Church in Huntersville to attend Christ the King High School. n Catherine McAuley Endowment Fund: Scholarships to Catholic students attending Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools. n Francis J. McGrail Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance to students of Immaculate Heart of Mary School in High Point. n Sandy McMonagle Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Our Lady of Mercy School in Winston-Salem. n Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools Education Development Council: Assistance to the nine MACS schools in the Charlotte area. n Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS) Special Needs Endowment Fund: For Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools’ students with special needs. n Monsignor Lawrence C. Newman Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Our Lady of Mercy School in Winston-Salem. n Vic Nussbaum Jr. Memorial Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Pius X School in Greensboro. n Our Lady of Grace School Endowment Fund: For the general needs of this school in Greensboro. n Poutre Family Endowment Fund: For the general needs of Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Quinn Family Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Clark G. Ross Scholarship Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for Catholic students from Catholic parishes in Mecklenburg and Iredell counties to attend Catholic high schools in these counties, Davidson College or

Queens University. n Sacred Heart School Endowment Fund: For the general needs of this school in Salisbury. n Sheridan-Mangan Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Asheville Catholic School. n Sisters of Mercy Scholarship Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Michael School in Gastonia. n Victoria Sleeman Endowment Fund: Scholarships for students of Immaculate Conception Church to attend Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Frank Spinks Endowment Fund: For professional development activities for the staff at Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Mary Spinks Endowment Fund: For scholarship assistance to minority students at Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Michael Sullivan Endowment Fund: Scholarships for graduates of Charlotte Catholic High School. n St. Ann School Endowment Fund: For the general needs of this school in Charlotte. n St. Gabriel School Endowment Fund: For the general needs of this school in Charlotte. n St. Mary Church Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for children of St. Mary’s parishioners attending Our Lady of Grace and St. Pius X schools in Greensboro and Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville. n St. Joseph Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for students at Asheville Catholic School. n St. Leo the Great School Endowment Fund: Financial assistance for the general needs of this school in Winston-Salem. n St. Michael School Endowment Fund: For the general needs of this school in Gastonia. n St. Pius X Catholic School Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at this school in Greensboro. n Theresa Lasecki Talbert Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville. n F. Joseph Treacy Endowment Fund: For scholarship assistance for students in all nine Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools. n Triad Educational Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance to students attending a Catholic elementary or high school in the Triad area. n Villalon Family Endowment Fund: Financial assistance for students at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Kernersville. n Sabrinia Watt Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Immaculata School in Hendersonville. n Sister Paulette Williams Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarships for graduating seniors from Charlotte Catholic High School to attend a college of their choice. n Wos-Dejoy Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Pius X School in Greensboro.

Endowments aid students, schools $2,646,992 has been distributed from 57 endowments managed by the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation that directly benefited students and schools

Did you know? $2.7 million in financial aid was provided to students in the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools system in 2016’17, with 86 percent of families who applied being awarded financial aid.

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CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOL

August 17, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

Our Catholic Schools The Diocese of Charlotte School System is comprised of 19 schools operating in three separate formats: Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS), diocesan parish-based schools and a diocesan-based high school.

Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools Mission Statement The Mission of the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Charlotte is to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel and to provide a religious and academic program that allows each student to develop spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, physically and socially, so that each is prepared to live and serve in a changing society as a self-respecting and responsible citizen.

Leadership

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School 1730 Link Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27103; 336-722-7204 www.ourladyofmercyschool.org Sister Geri Rogers, SSJ, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 183 Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 for PK, 15:1 for K-8 Upcoming open houses: 9 a.m.-noon, Jan. 10 and Jan. 29; 5-7 p.m. Feb. 21; 9 a.m.-noon, March 7; 5-7 p.m.

March 26

St. Leo Catholic School 333 Springdale Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27104; 336-748-8252 www.stleocatholic.com Gary Callus, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 232 Student-teacher ratio: 14:1

St. Pius X Catholic School 2200 North Elm St., Greensboro, NC 27408; 336-273-9865 www.spxschool.com Christopher Kloesz, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 450 Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Upcoming open houses: PK-1: 9:30-11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7; all ages: 9:30-11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30

Diocesan High School

Our Lady of Grace Catholic School 201 South Chapman St., Greensboro, NC 27403; 336-275-1522 www.olgsch.org Catherine Rusch, principal Grades: PK3-8 Enrollment: 240 Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 for PK, 15:1 for K-8

4145 Johnson St., High Point, NC 27265; 336-887-2613 www.ihm-school.com Greg Roberts, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 222 Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 for PK, 14:1 for K-5, 10:1 for 6-8 Upcoming open houses: PK-1: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23; All grades: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29, and Thursday, April 11

Sacred Heart Catholic School 385 Lumen Christi Lane, Salisbury, NC 28147; 704-633-2841 www.salisburycatholicschool.org Tyler Kulp, principal Grades: K-8 Enrollment: 185 Student-teacher ratio: 10:1

5 essential marks of a Catholic school 1. Inspired by a supernatural vision 2. Founded on Christian anthropology 3. Animated by communion and community 4. Imbued with a Catholic worldview throughout its curriculum

Asheville Catholic School

St. Michael Catholic School

12 Culvern St., Asheville, NC 28804; 828-252-7896 www.ashevillecatholic.org Michael Miller, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 185-200 Student-teacher ratio: 19:1

704 St. Michael’s Lane, Gastonia, NC 28052; 704-865-4382 www.stmichaelcs.com Sheila Levesque, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 148 Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 for K-5, 18:1 for 6-8 Upcoming open house: Jan. 27

5. Sustained by Gospel witness — From: “The Holy See’s Teaching On Catholic Schools,” Archbishop J. Michael Miller, C.S.B.

Immaculata Catholic School 711 N. Buncombe St., Hendersonville, NC 28791; 828-693-3277 www.immac.org Meredith Canning, principal Grades: PK (ages 3-4), K-8 Enrollment: 143 Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Upcoming open house: 9 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Feb. 6

Bishop McGuinness High School

Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School

Diocesan Parish-based Schools This includes 9 schools serving kindergarten through eighth grade and, in some instances, preschool. While each school is part of the Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools, they are directly tied to, and administered by, a corresponding parish. For admissions details, contact the individual school.

Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Kernersville serves the Triad area of North Carolina.

1725 N.C. Hwy. 66 South, Kernersville, NC 27284; 336-564-1010 www.bmhs.us Tracy A. Shaw, principal Grades: 9-12 Enrollment: 375 Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Upcoming open house: 9 a.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 3

Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS) A centralized, regional system of schools in the Charlotte area that includes 9 schools (2 high schools, a middle school, 4 elementary schools, some with PK and TK, and 2 K-8 schools). Tuition for participating Catholics ranges from $4,026 for half-day PK to $11,038 for high school. For admissions info, call 704-370-3273.

Christ the King Catholic High School

Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School

2011 Crusader Way, Huntersville, NC 28078; 704-799-4400 www.ctkchs.org Dr. Carl Semmler, principal Grades: 9-12 Enrollment: 310 Student-teacher ratio: 9:1

4225 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte, NC 28215; 704-531-0067 www.olacatholic.org Allana-Rae Ramkissoon, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 145 Student-teacher ratio: 10:1

Charlotte Catholic High School

St. Ann Catholic School

7702 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte, NC 28226; 704-543-1127 www.gocchs.com Kurt Telford, principal Grades: 9-12 Enrollment: 1,240 Student-teacher ratio: 15:1

600 Hillside Ave., Charlotte, NC 28209; 704-525-4938 www.stanncatholic.org Kathy McKinney, principal Grades: PK, TK and K-5 Enrollment: 186 Student-teacher ratio: 18:1

Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School

St. Gabriel Catholic School

3100 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209; 704-527-7822 www.htcms.org Kevin Parks, principal Grades: 6-8 Enrollment: 815 Student-teacher ratio: 13:1

3028 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28211; 704-366-2409 www.stgabrielcatholicschool.org Michele Snoke, principal Grades: K-5 Enrollment: 573

1125 Buchanan St., Charlotte, NC 28203; 704-333-3174 www.saintpatrickschool.org Amy Tobergte, principal Grades: K-5 Enrollment: 219 Student-teacher ratio: 10:1

Prospective families can take a tour of the school campus, watch fine arts performances, hear students speak about

their experiences, meet with teachers, and schedule a shadow day (for the middle and high schools only).

MACS will hold an open house at all nine schools for prospective parents at 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30.

Accreditation All of the diocese’s 19 schools are fully accredited by AdvancEd, the largest community of preK-12 education professionals in the world, serving more than 36,000 public and private schools and districts across the United States and in more than 70 countries that educate more than 20 million students.

AdvancEd provides accreditation and continuous improvement resources to preK-12 institutions, and conducts rigorous, on-site external reviews of preK-12 institutions to ensure continuous improvement.

Admissions, tuition

St. Mark Catholic School 14750 Stumptown Road, Huntersville, NC 28078; 704-766-­5000 www.stmarkcatholicschool.net Deborah Butler, principal Grades: K-8 Enrollment: 717 Student-teacher ratio: 18:1

St. Matthew Catholic School 11525 Elm Lane, Charlotte, NC 28277; 704-544-2070 www.stmattwildcats.com Kevin O’Herron, principal Grades: TK-5 Enrollment: 530 Student-teacher ratio: 11:1

St. Patrick Catholic School

Open houses NOTE: ENROLLMENT NUMBERS ARE FOR THE PRIOR ACADEMIC YEAR OR AS REPORTED BY THE SCHOOL. SOURCES INCLUDE THE EDUCATION VICARIATE’S WEBSITE AT WWW.CHARLOTTEDIOCESE.ORG, DIOCESAN SCHOOLS STAFF, AND THE INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL WEBSITES. PHOTOS PROVIDED

The diocesan school system is overseen by Vicar of Education Father Roger K. Arnsparger and led

by Dr. Janice Ritter, superintendent of schools. Debbie Mixer is assistant superintendent of schools, and Jacqueline Durrett is director of educational technology and special projects.

Lay leadership is provided by an appointed diocesan school board comprised of parents, teachers and principals. MACS also has its own appointed school board.

The admissions process begins with early admissions in January and general admissions in March, continuing as space is available.

Tuition rates and fees vary by school and by grade, with diocesan parishbased schools setting their own tuition rates and MACS schools having a uniform set of rates. MACS tuition rates for the 2018-’19 year are posted online at www.discovermacs.org/tuition.

All of the schools offer some sort of tuition discount or subsidy for registered participating Catholic families, up to 30 percent in some cases. Generally speaking, tuition amounts range from approximately $6,000 to $11,000 for registered Catholics, with non-participating Catholics and non-Catholics paying higher amounts. Multiple child discounts are available.

For MACS schools, go to its webpage, www.discovermacs.org, to learn more and download application information, or call 704-370-3273. Admission information for each diocesan parishbased school and at Bishop McGuinness High School can be found on their websites.

Prospective parents are encouraged to attend open houses at the school or schools they are eyeing.

Tuition assistance Have you ever considered Catholic education for your children but wondered if it was within your reach?

A Catholic education may be more accessible than you realize, with needsbased tuition assistance available to qualified families. For details about the MACS tuition assistance program, call 704-370-3273 or go online to www. discovermacs.org/financialaid.

The diocesan parish-based schools and Bishop McGuinness High School offer similar need-based tuition assistance to qualified students. Details can be found on each school’s website.

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 17, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOL

MACS Education Annual Fund supports teachers, students The MACS Education Annual Fund serves more than 4,500 students, teachers and principals in the nine Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools.

Over the past 26 years, financial support from donors through the Educational Excellence Annual Campaign has allowed us to: equip principals with monetary resources they need to allow their school to perform their best, encourage teachers to think creatively and share innovative ideas in the classrooms, educate students in a variety of subjects such as religion, art, music, STEM, physical education and more.

Grants for Educational Excellence are offered to our teachers to recognize and support their creative initiative in providing our students with new and different avenues in which to learn.

Grants are funded based on innovation, creativity, and the overall impact on the classroom experience.

Thanks to Catholic school supporters, the following received GEE grants in 2017-’18: n Beth Acitelli, Lori Hoyle, Leo Maganares: zyBooks for Technology and Engineering, Technology and Engineering n Jaimee Adams: Totally Advent and Totally Lent, Religion n Crystal Androsky: Future Ready Library, Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math n Bernadine Armstrong, Mary Strauss, Patricia Frantz, Lynn Polian: Hands on Religion, Literacy and Religion n Dawn Bonen-Clark: Google Read and Write, Literacy and Learning Enrichment n Michelle Boyle: Brains Body & Books, Literacy n Leslie Burg, Mandy Daigle, Leona Dedrick, Jessica DeMartine: No Bones About It, Science n Maureen Cherry: Move to Stay Seated, MAP/Special Needs n Mary Kay Connery, Linda Gimeli, Lynn Ruff: Makers Empire 3D Learning System, STEM, Science and Technology n Sister Agnes Cousins: Maps for Theology Classroom, Theology n Josef Cruz: World Drumming, Music n Melissa Davis, Ellen Deem, Katherine Austin: The ReSearch is On, Social Studies and Science n Stacey Desormeaux: Teaching Through Truthful Tales, Literacy n Patti Dickson: Phonics, Literacy n Rebekah DiGavero, Carol Huss: Classroom Response System, Math and English SAT Prep n William Fountain: Aeronautical Science, Science n Meghan Hader: Let’s “Break Out” of the Box!, Math n Amy Harrold: Drums Alive!, Music and Health n Jennifer Heekin, Catherine McIndoe: Battle of the Books, Literacy n Kelly Henderson, Patty Croghan, LouAnn Brady, Patti Dickson: Raz-Kids Science A-Z, Literacy n Lisa Horton: Osmo in the Classroom, Technology n Brian Joyce: Smart Music Interactive, Music n Tara Kane: Connecting to World Around Us, Social Studies n Darlene Konopasek: Architecture is Elementary, Arts MACS, SEE PAGE 11

Triad Schools Foundation funds needs at six area schools The Triad Catholic Schools Foundation’s mission is to enrich and expand Catholic education by raising funds for quality programs within the six schools in the Triad region.

2017-’18 campaign Through generous financial contributions from the 2017-’18 Annual Giving Campaign supporters, these schools were able to:

BISHOP MCGUINNESS HIGH SCHOOL Grow the endowment to secure long-term future of the school Provide tuition assistance for families seeking an exceptional Catholic education Enhance instructional technology to improve the quality of classroom instruction

IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY SCHOOL Provide tuition assistance to families in need

OUR LADY OF GRACE SCHOOL Provide tuition assistance opportunities so that all families may have access to our Catholic school

OUR LADY OF MERCY SCHOOL Provide tuition assistance for families in need Provide curriculum resources for classrooms and professional development for teachers

ST. LEO PARISH SCHOOL Assist families in developing the best financial plan to provide a quality Catholic education for their children

ST. PIUS X SCHOOL Enhance instructional technology to improve the quality of classroom instruction throughout the K-8 program Provide tuition assistance to keep St. Pius X School accessible, affordable, and available to all families who could not otherwise afford a Catholic education

2018-’19 campaign In addition, financial contributions to the 2018-’19 Triad Catholic Schools Foundation Annual Giving Campaign will support:

BISHOP MCGUINNESS HIGH SCHOOL Grow the endowment to secure long-term future of the school Provide tuition assistance for families seeking an exceptional Catholic education Provide instructional technology resources to engage students and create active learners

IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY SCHOOL Provide tuition assistance for families in need

OUR LADY OF GRACE SCHOOL Provide tuition assistance opportunities so that all families may have access to Catholic education TRIAD, SEE PAGE 11

MACS fine arts center capital campaign set to launch in 2019 SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — The public phase for a capital campaign is expected to start next year to raise money for a long-awaited fine arts center which would serve all of the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools.

The MACS Office, the Charlotte Catholic High School Development Office and the Diocese of Charlotte Development Office are collaborating on plans for the fine arts center, which would be located on the campus of Charlotte Catholic High School. It would serve the MACS schools and be available to the wider community.

Since Charlotte Catholic High School moved to its present location on PinevilleMatthews Road in 1995, school leaders have recognized the need for providing a dedicated fine arts facility.

Especially as the award-winning chorus, band, theater and visual arts programs at MACS schools have grown, space has become more limited.

“After years of hard work and careful planning, we are very excited about this much needed expansion,” said Kurt Telford, principal of Charlotte Catholic High School.

Telford stressed that the expansion will benefit all students and families by enhancing other programs at the high school.

“Classrooms currently used for visual and performing arts courses will be freed up for other academic and athletic uses,” Telford said. “In addition, a renovation and expansion of athletic facilities adjacent to the gymnasium is a part of the overall plan.”

The last time a fine arts center at Charlotte Catholic High School was considered was in 2011, when planning was also under way for the high school’s stadium renovation and parking deck. The stadium renovation and parking deck were completed in 2015.

Plans call for the MACS capital fee to provide $15 million of the project’s total projected $23.3 million cost.

The approximately 54,000-square-foot, two-story building would house a 650-seat auditorium and a high-quality performance and exhibit space for MACS students. It would also house two art studios and a band

room, broadcast studio, ceramics studio, dance studio, dark room and digital lab, photography lab, stage and theater.

Charlotte Catholic’s visual and performing arts classes would move to the new center, freeing up space in the existing high school building for regular classrooms as well as space for a weight room, wrestling room and additional academic uses.

The fine arts center would be located on the site of a gravel parking lot, adjacent to the current gymnasium wing of the high school.

Jim Kelley, diocesan development director, noted that the schools have not conducted a major regional capital campaign since the mid-1990s, when Charlotte Catholic was relocated.

The decision to proceed with the capital campaign was a collective decision made by the Diocese of Charlotte, MACS and Charlotte Catholic leadership after conducting a planning study. Ninety-four percent of personal interview participants demonstrated support for a capital campaign.

Christ the King High School to begin capital campaign this spring HUNTERSVILLE — Christ the King High School has received approval from the Diocese of Charlotte to begin a capital campaign in the spring of 2019 to build a state-of-the-art gymnasium, theater and multipurpose complex.

“Christ the King is blessed to have the full support of the diocese,” said Dr. Carl Semmler, principal. “In the past, the MACS Capital Fee has supported the school with over $20 million in projects. With continued guidance from the diocese and full support from our constituents, I am excited about our future.”

This summer school leaders are consulting with architects, diocesan officials and a committee of parents, benefactors and administration to finalize the vision and details of the space.

Key features of the complex are expected to include new men’s and women’s locker

rooms, a stage, a fitness center and increased seating for spectators.

“This is a natural progression for a school that has grown from 28 students to over 300 in seven years,” Semmler noted.

As a part of its overall planning, Christ the King High School recently completed a campaign planning study. Eighty-nine percent of respondents demonstrated support for a capital campaign.

In response to the study, Semmler said that he is amazed at the enthusiasm from the community to support the school. He said he is confident parents, prospective parents, community members, businesses and benefactors will take Christ the King High School to the next level.

“I can’t wait to sit in the new complex enjoying a school musical, basketball game or First Friday Mass,” he said.

— Catholic News Herald

August 17, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOLI

Bishop McGuinness High School partnering with Center for Creative Leadership

CCDOC.ORG

SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

KERNERSVILLE — Bishop McGuinness High School is partnering with the Center for Creative Leadership to create a Leadership Program for the 2018-’19 school year and beyond.

The Center for Creative Leadership, based in Greensboro, is a global leadership development and educational nonprofit organization. The center works with schools and school systems locally and across the country to develop their leadership capacity.

The leadership program at Bishop McGuinness High School will involve the entire school community in an extensive program designed to expand the school’s existing culture of equipping students with the skills needed to be global citizens.

A 10-member leadership team – comprised of parents, students, teachers and administrators – kicked off the program with a mini retreat June 7 led by CCL at its center in Greensboro.

The leadership team and CCL have since met throughout the summer to build and create a program specifically designed for the high school.

The high school will kick off the new academic year with a two-day leadership retreat Aug. 29-30.

“What has been amazing about this process so far is we are living out our

Success in School Starts Here mission to ‘serve in a world in need of peace, love and justice’,” noted Principal Tracy Shaw. “Each step in the journey has allowed us to really look at who we are and how we can support each other so that we can be the best possible person, hence becoming a stronger community and giving us the strength and courage to speak up for what we believe.”

Shaw said it will be exciting to see how this process will play out in classrooms, group projects, retreats, Mass and day-today interactions with each other at the high school.

“I feel blessed to be able to give this opportunity to our school community,” Shaw said.

Hundreds of refugees arrive in North Carolina each year. Children living in refugee camps and war-torn countries have limited access to education and often arrive years behind educational standards.

Catholic Charities provides homework assistance, enrichment, mentoring, and additional learning experiences to ensure students have the skills they need to excel in school and achieve educational goals.

To donate school supplies to help refugee youth and other children in need as a new school year begins, visit ccdoc.org or call 800-227-7261 to schedule a drop off at a local office.

MAKE THE WORLD A SMALLER PLACE Open your home to an international student and receive a monthly stipend to cover expenses!

For more information please contact: dkester@newoasisedu.com

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 17, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOL

Academic Excellence and Spiritual Enrichment since 1955

Campus Ministry: College is 4 years; your Catholic faith 4ever develop a closer relationship with God, continue forming their conscience within the teachings of our faith, build faith communities on campus, develop as future leaders and stewards of the Catholic community, and engage in social justice-oriented learning and activities.

All Catholic students attending university or college in the diocese are welcome in the Catholic Campus Ministry community at: n Appalachian State University (with outreach to Lenoir-Rhyne University) n Bennett College and North Carolina A&T (Thea House) n Davidson College n UNC-Asheville (with outreach to Warren Wilson College, AB Tech Community College and Mars Hill University) n UNC-Charlotte (with outreach to Queens University, Johnson C. Smith University, Wingate University, Central Piedmont Community College and Johnson & Wales UniversityCharlotte) n UNC-Greensboro (with outreach to Greensboro College, Guilford College and High Point University) n Wake Forest University (with outreach to Salem College and North Carolina School of the Arts) n Western Carolina University

Off to college? Want to meet new lifetime friends? Look for Catholic Campus Ministry on your campus. They may have tables outside church and at campus club/organization fairs.

Prospective Parent Open House Dates Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade 9:30 AM-11:00 AM

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Pre-Kindergarten through 8th Grade 9:30 AM-11:00 AM 2200 North Elm Street • Greensboro, NC 27455 • 336-273-9865 • www.spxschool.com

Or they may be helping first-year students settle in their rooms or participating in the Week of Welcome (WOW) on your campus.

Wherever they are and whatever year you are, you are welcome to join them. Go to www. catholiconcampus.com and click on “Directory” to find and contact the Campus Minister at your college or university.

Campus Ministry in the Diocese of Charlotte serves college students throughout western North Carolina, enabling them to continue their faith journey as young adults. Campus Ministry encourages young adult Catholics to

More online At www.catholiconcampus.com: Get more information about Catholic Campus Ministry in the Diocese of Charlotte

Belmont Abbey College

r e v o c s i D

Home to more than 1,700 students, Belmont Abbey College is a Benedictine liberal arts college that believes in the development of the whole person – mind, body and spirit – so that “in all things God may be glorified.” Its mission is to provide an education that will enable students to lead lives of integrity, succeed professionally, become responsible citizens and be a blessing to themselves and others.

With its intimate, historic setting and a student/teacher ratio of 16:1, Belmont Abbey College has become one of the most recognized Catholic campuses in the United States.

Founded in 1876, the college began as a small monastery and school that has grown to become the pride of the local Catholic community for its commitment to high academic standards and its Benedictine heritage.

The monks of Belmont Abbey are a constant presence on the beautiful campus, located only minutes from Charlotte, and it is this unique combination of liberal arts education coupled with a monastic connection that is so appealing to Catholic students in the region, across the nation and around the world. Though it is founded on Benedictine traditions, the college welcomes a diverse body of students regardless of religious affiliation.

The college also boasts a vibrant Adult Degree Program for students aged 23 or older, which is a major draw for those wishing to change careers or continue their education.

Both day and evening courses are available, with majors such as Liberal Studies, Accounting, Business Management, Elementary Education (K-6) and Psychology.

Now Enrolling for 2018-2019 Faith. Academics. Community. Since 1882.

We welcome all faiths!

(704) 633-2841 www.salisburycatholicschool.org 385 Lumen Christi Lane, Salisbury

578948

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Online At www.belmontabbeycollege.edu: Learn more about Belmont Abbey College

August 17, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOLI

MACS FROM PAGE 8

n Celene Little: Learning Ally, Literacy n Debra Ludde: STEM Learning Program and Robots, Technology n Stanley Michalski, Tracy Shoff, Timothy Cook, Brian Joyce: Artist in Residence, Music n Lisa Michalski-Gilkey, Charlotte Bruno: Character and Leadership Development, Leadership Enrichment n Tracey Noonan: Bringing Back the Classics, Literacy n Peggy Palasick, Shannon Ranaletta, Ann Miles: Let’s Talk!, Social Skills and Technology n Lynn Polian, Mary Strauss, Patricia Frantz: LEGO Education, STEM Science, Math, Technology, Literacy and Social Studies n Jessica Rivas, Ashley Samuelson: Google Cardboard-Virtual Reality, Technology n Jessica Rivas� Sphero Spark for Education,

TRIAD FROM PAGE 8

OUR LADY OF MERCY SCHOOL Provide tuition assistance for families in need Grow the endowment to ensure the continuation and growth of our ministries and programs for future generations

ST. LEO PARISH SCHOOL Assist families in developing the best financial plan to provide a quality Catholic education for their children

Technology n Alethea Sproul, Linda Nagel, Miriam Olynick: Learning Support Lab, Learning Enrichment n Carole Watson, Anne Loftin, Crystal Carney: Learning Ally, Literacy n Patricia Wendover, Patricia Frantz, Mary Strauss: Laying the Foundation in Elementary School, Math, Science, Literacy and Religion n Patricia Wendover, Haley Crosby, Crystal Koury: Kinesthetic Learners Meet Success, Learning Enrichment n Lydia Wenning: Everyday Fiction/NonFiction Read-Along Literacy Center, Literacy n Rachel Wilken: Ceramic Arts Program, Arts n Elizabeth Wise, Ashley Samuelson, Melissa Saunders: Battle of the Books, Literacy

Learn more At www.macsedfund.org: Learn more about the mission of the MACS Education Annual Fund

ST. PIUS X SCHOOL Provide students with innovative and challenging tools for learning Provide tuition assistance to all families who could not otherwise afford a Catholic education

How to donate To donate to the Triad Catholic Schools Foundation, visit www.donatetriad.org or mail checks to Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203.

For details, contact Ralph Perez at 704-3703303 or rperez@charlottediocese.org.

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 17, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOL

This is This

Bishop BISHOP praesis ut prosis

Excel That You Might Better serve

Applications are Announcing being Ourcurrently Partnership with the The accepted Center forfor Creative Leadership 2018-19 school year!

Call for your private tour 1725 NC Highway 66 South Kernersville, NC 27284 • Outstanding Join us for athletics and fine arts

Only school in the Triad to achieve • CRS Platinum Global Service The College Board AP Honor RollAward

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• Personal college counseling

• Only school in the Triad to receive Honor Roll Distinction for Superior AP Program

• All faiths welcome and financial assistance available

• Located Minutes from Greensboro

March 7, 2018 • 9am and 7pm

FFHL FROM PAGE 5

touched, but the income from which can be used according to the wishes of the donor organization or individual. Endowments provide a way to generate income and help sustain the long-term strength and viability of the recipient parish, school or ministry.

FFHL tuition assistance totaling $49,372 was given out for the first time to four schools last school year. The funds aided participating Catholic families with the most significant need.

This year, $76,265 is being awarded to six diocesan schools for the 2018-’19 school year. All schools who applied received funding: Asheville Catholic School, Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville, Immaculate Heart of Mary School in High Point, Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro, St. Leo School in WinstonSalem and St. Michael School in Gastonia.

The per-school allotment is determined based on total funds available and the total qualifying need submitted by the schools, according to Bill Weldon, diocesan chief financial officer.

To qualify for the tuition assistance funds, the school must receive local parish support of at least $500 per participating Catholic student and must have awarded all of its tuition assistance funds available for that school year. Schools that do not receive $500 per student in parish support may be considered if there are extenuating financial circumstances that preclude this level of support. Qualifying schools may request funds from the FFHL endowment for participating Catholic students with a financial need determined to be 75 percent or greater of the family’s full tuition and fees

‘FFHL has had a significant impact on the work being done in parishes and in ministries across the diocese.’

Jim Kelley

Diocese of Charlotte development director responsibility to the school as determined by a third-party tuition assistance company.

“As the endowment grows, we anticipate awarding approximately $200,000 annually,” Weldon said.

The tuition assistance endowment is one of seven endowments being funded through the FFHL campaign.

“For several years now, FFHL funds have been going to parishes, capital projects and endowments across the diocese,” said Jim Kelley, diocesan director of development, “and this is the second distribution from one of the seven endowments.”

“FFHL has had a significant impact on the work being done in parishes and in ministries across the diocese that provide services to parishioners,” Kelley said.

When the first disbursement was awarded last school year, Dr. Janice Ritter, superintendent of diocesan schools, said she was “deeply grateful that the diocesan administration realized the need for tuition assistance for our families and included a provision in the ‘Forward in the Faith, Hope, and Love’ campaign for this endowment. I know our principals are also appreciative of this additional assistance which can be made available to families with financial need.”

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