2023-2024 St. Cecilia Academy Welcome Guide

2023-2024

Welcome to ST. CECILIA ACADEMY

We hope this guide will provide you with an overview of everything from Leadership Workshop to Graduation. As new members of the St. Cecilia Academy family, we invite you to learn more about the Dominican Difference that has formed young women in truth and charity for more than 160 years.

Who to CONTACT

PRESIDENT

Sister Dominic, O.P.

Overbrook Catholic School and St. Cecilia Academy

PRINCIPAL

Sister Anna Laura, O.P.

VICE PRINCIPAL OF ACADEMICS

Sister Elise, O.P.

Academic Policies / Course & Scheduling / Information /

Transcripts / Textbook Information

DIRECTOR OF JUNIOR HIGH

Sister Maria Caeli, O.P.

Student Life / Attendance

DIRECTOR OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

Margaret Strobel Pyburn ‘93

Advisory Program / Attendance / Dining Hall / Discipline Policy / Dress Code

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

Jennifer Crouch

DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS

Anne Michelle Millican ‘99

Admissions / Tuition Assistance and Scholarships

How will SCA COMMUNICATE?

DIRECTOR OF ALUMNAE RELATIONS

Edie Glaser '85

DIRECTOR OF STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Christine Wehby ‘14

DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

Robert Jemison

DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE COUNSELING

Dr. Carole Taylor

College Counseling / Senior Transcripts

PERSONAL COUNSELOR –HIGH SCHOOL

Krissie Betbeze

PERSONAL COUNSELOR –JUNIOR HIGH

Chloe Page

REGISTRAR / TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM COORDINATOR

Gretchen vonPeters

MYSCA Portal / Transcripts

FRONT OFFICE

Annie Ligowski

General Information

FAMILY ASSOCIATION

An event calendar is posted on the school website and is updated monthly. Families will have access to additional information through mySCA on the website via the Resource Board.

The SCA newsletter is sent every Sunday and includes calendar reminders and details for the upcoming week. All parents are automatically enrolled to receive the newsletter. If you do not receive it, please contact the front office.

Social media is one of our best resources for showing the wonderful things happening at SCA. Posts will cover daily activities, school life, athletics, and events. Please follow, comment, and share our posts with your friends and family.

FaceBook @StCeciliaAcademy

Twitter @StCeciliaAcademy

Youtube youtube.com/user/ stceciliaacademy

Instagram @stceciliaacademy

LinkedIn St. Cecilia Academy

Pinterest @stceciliaacademy

nashville

Frequently asked QUESTIONS

WHAT’S FOR LUNCH?

We are pleased to offer City Kitchen of Nashville Catering to operate the lunch program for SCA. City Kitchen will work onsite to provide wholesome, nutritious meals. Pre-pay full entrée meals, a la carte offerings, grab-and-go breakfast, and mid-morning break items will be available.

WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS FOR AFTER SCHOOL?

DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

Sharon Huber

Heather Elder Lead Coordinator 615.298.4525

The front office is open from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. on school days. By 3:15 p.m., students remaining on campus must either participate in an after-school activity or report to a supervised after-care location. There is no charge for after-care. Students must be picked up by 6 p.m.

DO YOU HAVE A SPIRIT STORE?

Yes! The SCA spirit store is where you can purchase all of your SCA gear for the school year and athletic seasons. The store includes apparel, blankets, and gifts for your St. Cecilia girls and family. We continually add new items to the store, so check back often! SHOP ONLINE stcecilia.edu/spiritstore

HOW MANY SPORTS ARE AVAILABLE AT SCA?

We offer various varsity sports, including rowing, volleyball, crosscountry, soccer, basketball, swimming and diving, track and field, softball, golf, riflery (@MBA), lacrosse, and tennis. Typically a student can participate in one sport each season. Over 60% of our students participate in athletics. Many of these athletes participate in more than one sport.

TELL ME ABOUT THE ATHLETIC FACILITIES.

Students have access to a recently renovated weight room with new and updated equipment during the school year. SCA hosts basketball and volleyball in our gym. The environment is loud and fun for big games, and the students gather on the stage to cheer on their peers. Soccer and lacrosse share a lighted, natural turf field. The track includes a discus cage, shot-put and discus throwing areas, and long jump and high jump pits. The softball field sits at the back of the campus, and tennis courts are adjacent to the student parking lot. Visitors are always welcome!

WHAT'S THE COST OF ADMISSION TO THE GAMES?

Students and alumnae can attend any SCA-hosted athletic event for free. The cost of attendance by parents and fans will vary based on the sport. Tickets are available online at gofan.co. Tickets can also be purchased at the door via the gofan.co app. The SCA Athletics Booster Club provides a family pass at a reduced fee, valid at all athletic events.

DO SCA ATHLETES PARTICIPATE

AT THE NEXT LEVEL?

SCA currently has 5 alumnae participating in their chosen sport at the college level. It is common to have several of our student-athletes sign college athletic commitment letters each year.

Gussie Miller ‘22 Rowing Scholarship Columbia University in New York City

Georgie Ritter ‘22 Volleyball Scholarship Roanoke College

IN THE KNOW – What is…

OFFICIAL UNIFORM

This is the standard look for All-School Mass days and special events. Official uniform pieces include:

• Plaid skirt (3" above the knee)

• White button-down oxford shirt with embroidered school insignia

• Navy cardigan with emblem (seniors may wear the yellow cardigan)

• Solid white crew socks (no logos permitted); tights required in colder weather

• Merrell, Wallabee, or Sperry shoes (the school handbook lists specific item numbers)

• Seniors may wear saddle oxfords (white with black)

AN "MI"

"Minor infraction" is the consequence of minor offenses or failure to abide by school policy. An MI is typically given for:

• Being unprepared for class

• Chewing gum

• Being discourteous

• Eating/drinking in restricted areas

• Inappropriate behavior

• Unexcused tardiness

• Uniform policy violation

• Other minor policy violations

DETENTION

• 4 MIs = 1 Detention

• Detention is usually held after school; however, Saturday detention may be given.

• Students receive automatic detention for using cell phones during school hours.

FINE ARTS

WHAT IS VAP (VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS)

SCA has long been known as a home of fine arts excellence. As required of all freshmen, VAP introduces students to dance, drama, music, and the visual arts basics. These separate components are covered in classes on a rotating schedule, but some projects cross the various disciplines. VAP allows each SCA student the opportunity to experience being an artist, including the aspects of production, history, aesthetics, and art critique. Junior high students follow the block system which allows for 50 minutes each day of instruction in band or strings, dance, art or choir during the school year.

Fine Arts Courses

VAP (Visual & Performing Arts)

Intermediate Art

Advanced Visual Arts

Master Visual Arts

Digital & 35MM Photography

AP Studio Art: Drawing Portfolio

AP Studio Art: 2-D Design

Portfolio

AP Art History

Intermediate Drama

Portfolio Arts

Masters Drama

Advanced Theater Tech

Introduction to Choral Music

Advanced Chorus Chamber Ensemble

AP Music Theory

Intermediate Dance

Advanced Dance

Masters Dance

Intermediate Art

Advanced Art Masters Art

Intermediate Drama

Advanced Drama

Masters Drama

FINE ARTS CLUBS & OPPORTUNITIES

ART CLUB - The Art Club organizes activities, workshops, and field trips that offer interested students opportunities to expand their knowledge of visual arts.

SCA DANCE COMPANY – The SCA Dance Company is a student group that choreographs and performs dance presentations throughout the year at various fine arts events. Dance Company members audition before joining the group.

FORENSICS TEAM – The junior high and high school Forensics Teams are open to any committed student interested in developing skills in speech and drama. The teams compete in many tournaments throughout the year and host a middle school tournament for area schools annually. There is an additional fee to participate.

ST. CECILIA ACADEMY MUSIC CONSERVATORY

– The Music Conservatory offers a variety of private music lessons, including piano, guitar, voice, and strings. Professional musicians and instructors lead classes. For more information, visit stcecilia.edu/finearts

THEATRE GUILD – Theatre Guild offers a broadbased, behind-the-scenes experience in theatre. Students assume responsibility for all aspects of SCA's theatrical productions and oversee the technical part of regular school assemblies.

Students also participate in the following events during the school year, highlighting their artistic talents: Coffee House, Scarab Factor, and Arts Parts.

SCA EVENTS

ORIENTATION DAYS @ SCA

In early August, these days are offered to allow all students to connect with their peers after the summer and complete some business before classes commence.

Notes:

Yearbook pictures are taken at registration. Students must wear their official uniform, white oxford with the SCA navy blue cardigan. Plaid skirt is optional.

FRESHMAN OVERNIGHT @ CAMP MARYMOUNT

Prior to the beginning of the school year, the freshman class attends this traditional event off-campus, planned and hosted by members of the senior class and SCA staff. SCA draws students from many different schools, and this workshop provides freshmen with a relaxed environment to get to know all the members of their class before school begins, as well as learn the ropes about getting involved, and making new friends.

Notes:

• Each student’s overnight bag, sleeping bag, and pillow can be dropped off in the lecture hall before orientation. Please make sure everything is labeled. The lecture hall is located near the main entrance.

• Right after registration, students will have time to change clothes before leaving. Freshmen will leave on buses to Camp Marymount and return to SCA the following morning before noon.

LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP @ SCA

Held right after school begins, this Saturday event is an opportunity for elected student class and club leaders to gather together for a day of building leadership skills as they set goals for their clubs and plan the year’s events.

Notes:

• The dress code is business casual for students.

• Lunch is provided.

• Both junior high and high school students participate.

7TH GRADE RETREAT @ THE SCA MOTHERHOUSE

Foundations Retreat at the Motherhouse. The goal of this retreat is to set aside time for the students to pray and grow in their relationship with Christ, to learn about St. Cecilia and the foundations of St. Cecilia Academy, and to have an opportunity to get to know each other and establish new and deeper relationships with their classmates.

The day begins at 8:00 a.m. Please feel free to drop off your daughter at St. Cecilia Motherhouse between 7:30 – 8:00 a.m. Sisters will direct you where to go for drop-off. The girls should bring a Bible, a water bottle, and a sack lunch. The day will have games, talks, prayer time, a tour of the Motherhouse, and lots of fun throughout the day.

Notes:

- Drop off at 802 Dominican Drive between 7:45 - 8:00 a.m.

- Pick up at 5:45 p.m. at the Motherhouse

- Bring a sack lunch and water bottle

- No before/after care available

8TH GRADE LEADERSHIP DAY @ AQUINAS COLLEGE

The goal of this day is to enable the 8th graders to grow in their awareness of different leadership styles, identify ways they can be a leader, an qualities of a good leader.

Notes:

• Normal drop off and pick up times and location

• Bring a sack lunch and water bottle

FRESHMEN-SENIOR WEEK @SCA

During this week in September, every senior adopts a freshman. Throughout the week, each senior provides fun activities for their freshman, such as decorating lockers and leaving small notes, gifts, and surprises for her. At the end of the week, the seniors sponsor a picnic where each senior reveals their adopted freshman. Both seniors and freshmen anticipate this event with great enthusiasm!

Notes:

• Seniors write notes to their freshmen throughout the week. The freshmen are encouraged to respond.

• Freshmen are out-of-uniform on Friday.

• The seniors will provide lunch on Friday.

• Gifts and small treats the seniors give to their freshmen are meant to be thoughtful and simple, not extravagant or expensive.

ACTIVITIES FAIR @ SCA

Soon after school begins, students can ask questions or sign up for the many clubs offered at SCA. Students and club officers set up informational booths in the gym.

ART OF LIVING DAYS @ SCA

Art of Living Days at SCA are dedicated to reflecting as a school on growing in our ability to relate well with those around us and build a culture of true community and belonging that is at the heart of our mission. On three different days throughout the year, the school will dialogue about important topics. Our goal? To grow in unity, mutual respect, and understanding. In a time when there is a lot more talking than listening and a tendency to dismiss or cancel people just because they do not think as we do, it is critical as a Catholic school that we model the charity and patience of the Lord Jesus, seeking ways to connect with and understand one another, always mindful of the fact that each one of us is a beloved child of God.

Note:

• Noon dismissal

• Both junior high and high school students participate.

SPIRIT WEEK @SCA

This is one of the students’ favorite weeks of the year and is held in the fall. Student leaders plan themes for each day and each class rallies around a class theme. Recent daily themes include Movie Monday, Tennessee Tuesday, Western Wednesday, and Class Theme Thursday. The students are out of uniform all week if they dress according to the theme days. Costumes are very creative, and daily winners earn prizes. The week culminates on Friday with Spirit Day (noon dismissal), a day full of class competitions, outdoor games, and events that end with the announcement of the winning class of Spirit Week.

Notes:

The Rosie Robinson Memorial Powder Puff game is an evening flag football family event. Food and drinks are available for purchase, and there is half-time entertainment by the SCA Dance Team. The Powder Puff games usually begin at 5 p.m. as classes gear up in their spirit colors to compete against each other. Faculty, staff, and the occasional Father Ryan or MBA boys are the team coaches. The winners play for the championship.

FALL COMBO @ SCA COURTYARD (weather permitting)

Fall Combo is a casual mixer for students sponsored by the Sophomore Class in early fall. SCA students can bring student guests from other high schools to the dance.

Notes:

• Students typically wear casual attire

• Tickets are available to purchase online before the event

JUNIOR HIGH FATHER/DAUGHTER FALL ADVENTURE TRIP

This fun day trip is for students to enjoy either a local canoe/kayak trip down the Harpeth River or hiking the Fiery Gizzard Trail in Murfreesboro with their dad or father-figure.

ST. CECILIA DAY @SCA THEATER AND GYM

This is one of SCA’s most formal long-standing traditions; you won’t want to miss it. The feast of St. Cecilia is celebrated in late November with a special mass at which the Bishop of the Diocese presides. Following the Mass, a Fine Arts Assembly showcases students’ acting, singing, and artistic talents. The student body and guests sing the Alma Mater, “We Love You, Saint Cecilia,” at the end of the assembly. The day concludes with a Mother/Daughter Tea. Students are dismissed after the Tea.

Notes:

• Mass in the gym followed by a Fine Arts Program and MotherDaughter Tea.

• Students are in official uniform.

• Moms are in Sunday best.

• Students typically purchase a rose from the senior class and present it to their moms.

MERCY NIGHT @ SCA GYM

Mercy Night is a student led high school event that features dinner, Adoration, confession, witness talks and fun activities. This counts as a spiritual experience for SCA students. Our girls are also allowed to invite friends from other high schools.

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING @ FRONT LAWN OF DOMINICAN CAMPUS

To mark the beginning of Advent, SCA, and Overbrook Catholic School families are invited to a festive evening lighting of the campus Christmas tree and the campus bridge. A simple outdoor prayer service with student musicians and tasty refreshments is a great way to kick off Advent and the Christmas season.

FATHER-DAUGHTER DANCE @ SCA GYM

This is a dance in November for all students and their fathers (or a relative or family friend who is like a dad to them).

Notes:

• Students typically wear semi-formal dresses and usually plan dinner before the dance.

• Seniors and their dads (or fatherly mentors) are presented. Moms may attend the presentation.

Camp St. Cecilia is offered during the summer and provides camp activities for girls ages 3 - 17. SCA Students have the opportunity to participate as a camper and as a camp counselor.

For more information visit STCECILIA.EDU/CAMP

INTERIM

Each January, students participate in an “Interim” program offering non-traditional learning through internships, travel, or special oncampus classes.

High School

Interships: Juniors and seniors spend a week shadowing a professional (often an alumna) in their position of interest, taking on projects, and learning from colleagues. Recent internships have included Michael Kors in NY, St. Thomas Hospital, and local Law and design firms.

Travel: Domestic and International travel opportunities are offered to our high school students closely following Christmas break. Recent trips have included Costa Rica, England, France, Germany, Haiti, Ireland, Italy, and Spain.

Special On-Campus Classes: Freshman and sophomore students can explore a variety of subjects such as intro to law, creative writing, forensics, science, public speaking, rock climbing, and more.

Junior High

Travel: Students will have the opportunity to travel to Colorado and enjoy the many activities offered including ski lessons, skiing, and snow shoeing.

Special On-Campus Classes: Students will have classes offered for service, art, friendship, and fun.

WINTER FORMAL @ SCA GYM

A semi-formal dance in January for all students sponsored by the Senior Class.

Notes:

• Tickets are available for purchase online before the event.

• Students typically wear nice semi-formal dresses (following the SCA guidelines).

• While students are encouraged to ask male dates from another school, SCA students may also come in groups without a date.

ALL SCHOOL RETREAT @ SCA

Usually held in February, the all-school retreat features a visiting priest and a well-known keynote youth speaker. Vibrant worship music, skits, activities and discussion, and student and faculty witness talks are all part of the day, as are Mass and Confession. A beautiful period of Eucharistic Adoration ends the day, and students come away encouraged and spiritually refreshed. All students are required to attend. Student leaders plan this day.

JUNIOR RING MASS @ CATHEDRAL OF THE INCARNATION

The Junior Ring Mass is a long-standing tradition at SCA, usually held in the 3rd quarter. At the end of a special Mass at the Cathedral of the Incarnation, the juniors receive their class rings from the principal in a formal ceremony. The senior class president also presents each junior with a red rose to mark her first step toward becoming a school leader. A reception follows.

Notes:

• Juniors are in official uniform

• Families are encouraged to attend

HONORS WEEK @ SCA THEATER

This week in late April recognizes the academic accomplishments of SCA students. The week begins with announcing the Teacher of the Year and yearbook dedication and concludes with the top senior awards of Valedictorian, Salutatorian, and St. Cecilia Girl.

Note: Students are in official uniform.

PROM @ OFF-CAMPUS LOCATION

The annual formal dance for juniors and seniors. Junior class officers and members of the senior class and their male dates are presented formally in front of the Dominican Campus White House. A sit-down dinner for the senior class (provided by the juniors) is hosted at the prom venue before the dance begins. Prom runs from 8 – 10 p.m.

Notes:

• Parents and friends are encouraged to attend the presentation on campus and take photos.

• Students wear long formal dresses that are SCA-appropriate.

• Senior attendance is free. Juniors must purchase their tickets

ARTS PARTS @SCA THEATER

Each spring, the fine arts department showcases the many artistic talents of students in the fine arts classes with art, music, dance, and drama presentations. The evening is light-hearted and a true community celebration.

Note:

Students participate and present original dance and drama pieces learned in VAP class.

SENIOR-FRESHMAN WEEK @SCA

A reverse of Freshman/Senior Week, this week is a special way for the freshman class to express their gratitude and love to the senior class for all their support and guidance throughout the year. Held in the spring, during this week, each freshman offers notes and small gifts for her senior, and the week culminates with a special outdoor lunch.

MAY CROWNING @ SCA

This traditional event in May is open to all mothers and has a long history at SCA. The seniors receive a rosary presented by the Alumnae Association, wear spring pastel dresses, and carry roses in a rosary procession to a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, followed by the rest of the student body. At the end of the procession, the President of Sodality, assisted by the Vice President of Spirituality for Sodality, crowns the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary to show honor to Jesus’ mother after the rosary students are dismissed to enjoy lunch with their mom.

Note:

• Noon dismissal

• Parents are invited to attend

BACCALAUREATE MASS @ CATHEDRAL OF THE INCARNATION

This traditional pre-graduation Mass is celebrated with the Bishop, followed by a program where the seniors present their class gift to the school and present red roses to their parents as a token of gratitude. Following this is the Passing of the Light ceremony, in which the graduating senior class passes the light of leadership to the rising senior class.

Note:

Students are in official uniform; seniors wear graduation gowns.

GRADUATION @ WHITE HOUSE FRONT LAWN

The official formal commencement exercises for the graduating class occur on the steps of the White House (with rain location in the Overbrook Catholic School gym). All friends and family of the graduating class are encouraged to attend, although reserved seating is limited. In addition to the conferral of the diplomas, the Valedictorian, Salutatorian, and St. Cecilia Girl offer speeches.

8TH GRADE COMMENCEMENT @ THE MOTHERHOUSE

All students who successfully complete their 8th-grade year at St. Cecilia Academy Junior High are celebrated at the Commencement Ceremony each Spring. This ceremony is a momentous event to recognize the milestone achievement of each girl and their Junior High completion.

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR PARENTS

ALL PARENT NIGHT @ SCA

Sometimes known as “Back to School Night,” this event at the beginning of the school year is a chance for junior high and high school parents to hear from the school about goals for the year and ways they can be involved in the life of SCA. Parents follow their daughter’s class schedule and meet her teachers. This event is for all parents and includes refreshments.

SCA GOLF CLASSIC

The SCA Golf Classic is a yearly golf tournament fundraiser open to parents, alumnae, and friends of SCA. All proceeds benefit projects for SCA Athletics.

ROSE GALA

The SCA Rose Gala is a major fundraising event for SCA, with proceeds going toward current-year special projects and operations to benefit all SCA students. The evening is usually held off campus, with a live and silent auction, and is an excellent opportunity to connect with friends old and new. A special honoree is recognized each year. The dress is cocktail attire.

PARENT SOCIALS @ VARIOUS CAMPUS LOCATIONS

Informal opportunities for SCA parents to meet one another over drinks and appetizers.

MOMS’ RETREAT / DADS’ RETREAT @ BETHANY RETREAT HOUSE IN DICKSON, TN

(owned and operated by the Dominican Sisters)

The weekends (either in late fall or January) offer time for silence, time outdoors, prayer Mass and confession, and great conversation with other parents seeking to keep God in their lives while juggling a busy family. The Dominican Sisters promise to take good care of you and ensure you are well-fed and comfortable! The separate retreats are open to all moms and dads regardless of faith background.

MOMS’ SPIRITUAL BOOK CLUB @ WHITE HOUSE

During the year, moms are invited to participate in the book club. The book club meets in the mornings from 8:15 – 9:30 a.m. in the White House. More information and book details will be announced in the Sunday newsletters

DOMINICAN DADS @ SCA FRIDAY MORNINGS BEFORE WORK

A time for dads to join together for prayer and fraternity. Meetings often feature a special guest speaker.

Give to St. Cecilia

When your daughter becomes a student at SCA, your whole family is welcomed into the family and our mission. We invite you to be a part of the life of our school – to learn what goes on in the daily rhythm of SCA life, to attend events and games, and to take time to meet other families, faculty, and staff. We also invite you to share your gifts of time, talent, and treasure with our community as together we make SCA the best all-girls Catholic college preparatory school it can be. We aim to give our students the best programs and resources to support their overall academic, personal, and spiritual formation.

For more information on important dates, events, and special celebrations, please refer to our school calendar at stcecilia.edu and the Resource Board on mySCA.

St. Cecilia has an Annual Giving Campaign every fall, with a strong parent participation level. The Annual Fund raises funds that have a direct and tangible impact on the daily experiences of your daughter. We host two major fundraisers, the SCA Golf Classic in the fall and the Rose Gala Dinner and Auction in the spring. Both events are funfilled opportunities to experience the wider SCA community as you connect with old friends and meet new ones while enjoying a great time and raising money for specific school needs.

To learn more about ways to support SCA, visit stcecilia.edu/support