2023-24 Pope Prep New Family Guide

THE NEW FAMILY GUIDE 2023-2024

Our Mission

Inspired by faith, Pope John Paul II Preparatory School prepares students to be strong in mind, body, character, and spirit for lives of learning and service, according to the Gospel.

Welcome to

Pope Prep!

Hello New Pope Prep Families!

We are excited to welcome you and all the new talents and energy you bring to Pope John Paul II Preparatory School. It is gratifying to know that you chose Pope Prep among the other schools that were options for your children. We are committed to affirming your trust in us as we prepare your student to be "strong in mind, body, character, and spirit for lives of learning and service, according to the Gospel," as our mission states. In fulfilling our commitment, your student will be taught and coached by a professional, caring, dedicated faculty who educate your student by presenting course offerings across a broad curriculum that offers the right balance of challenge and support. Accompanied by the assistance of an excellent staff who manage our day-today operations, we commit to providing our students with a highly stimulating growth environment that values individual gifts and talents.

In our endeavors to make the learning experience successful, we believe parents are essential partners in the educational process. Given your knowledge of your child and your dreams for them, we can develop your student's God-given gifts, whether they be scholars, leaders, athletes, or artists. We invite you to actively participate in our community by joining one of our parent organizations - PAC, FAB, and KAC. Our Parent Association Committee (PAC) assists with faculty and staff appreciation, fundraising, and special events. If the arts are your preferred area, the Fine Arts Booster (FAB) supports our choral, instrumental, theatre, and visual art programs through Songwriters Night and other fundraising events. Our largest parent group, the Knight Athletic Club (KAC), is dedicated to promoting school spirit and good sportsmanship, raising funds to reduce expenses for the athletic program, and volunteering for special projects and athletic events. No matter what your interests are, we are eager for your involvement. We hope you will share your talents and, along with your student, celebrate becoming a Knight!

Grace and blessings,

Karen Phillips

Interim Head of School

Board of Trustees

Mr. Russell Marino Jr.

President

Mr. Terry Wallace

Vice President

Mrs. Angela Bagsby

Secretary

Mrs. Sharon Edwards

Treasurer

Rev. Austin

Gilstrap

Ex officio Member

Trustees

Mrs. Molly Altenbern

Ms. Ashley Fox '09

Mr. Cameron Goss

Mr. Dave Gould

Dr. Keith Hargrove Sr.

Mr. Rick Heagarty

Mr. Alex Isaacson '10

Mr. Jonathan Langlois

Mr. Zach Pelka ‘13

Mr. Luke Pulliza '14

Mr. David Snow

Mr. Wesley Tate ‘09

Leadership Team

Andrew Griffith Principal

Laura Thigpen CFO/COO

Luke Diamond Dean of Students

Dr. Charles Wade Director of Enrollment Management

John Dempsey Athletic Director

Michelle Barber Director of Advancement

Lori Jones Director of Communications & Special Projects

Jennifer Dye Dean of Faculty & Instruction

Dr. Becky Savage Assistant Dean of Faculty

Jennifer Smith Director of Marketing & Public Relations

Erin Springstead Director of Counseling

Joshua Strope Director of Campus Ministry

Fr. Nonso Ohanaka Chaplain

Janye Tuerff Assistant Dean of Students

Questions? Please ask . .

Attendance, Absences, Early Dismissal, Points Questions, Parking Passes

Asst. to Student Life: Melissa Baxter (melissa.baxter@popeprep.org)

Student Health, Medications, Physicals

School Nurse: Susan Snyder (susan.snyder@popeprep.org)

Veracross, Transcripts, Compulsory Attendance Forms for Learner’s Permits Registrar: Karen Brown (karen.brown@popeprep.org)

Technology Questions

Director of IT: Dan Singelyn (dan.singelyn@popeprep.org) - Lost/stolen/broken iPad

Student Life Questions (Discipline, Clubs/Activities, Uniform, House System)

Dean of Students: Luke Diamond (luke.diamond@popeprep.org)

Assistant Dean of Students: Jayne Tuerff (jayne.tuerff@popeprep.org)

Course Changes and Sign-Ups

Dean of Faculty and Instruction: Jennifer Dye (jennifer.dye@popeprep.org)

Financial Aid, Payments, and Billing

Business Office Associate: Vicki Dorr (vicki.dorr@popeprep.org)

Service Hours

Christian Service Coordinator: Daniel Dion (daniel.dion@popeprep.org)

Class Retreats

Director of Campus Ministry: Joshua Strope (joshua.strope@popeprep.org) - Faith Retreats

Christian Service Coordinator: Daniel Dion (daniel.dion@popeprep.org) - Service Retreats

Counseling (College, Social/Emotional, Academic)

Director of Counseling: Erin Springstead (erin.springstead@popeprep.org)

School Counselor: Kelly Hogan (kelly.hogan@popeprep.org)

Middle School Counselor: Kate Kennedy (kate.kennedy@popeprep.org)

Student Academic Support

Knights Success Program and Accommodations

Assistant Dean of Faculty: Dr. Becky Savage (becky.savage@popeprep.org)

Hand In Hand Options (HIHO) Program

HIHO Program Director: Kim Shaver (kim.shaver@popeprep.org)

Dining/Meal Plan

Pedestal Foods: Jeffrey Hennen (jeffrey.hennen@pedestalfoods.com)

Armory/Spirit Wear email: armory@popeprep.org

Online Store: armory.popeprep.org

Communications &

Parent Resources

Pope Prep communicates via email to parents and students using the email address listed in their Veracross accounts. It is imperative that your contact information is current. It is up to the parent to notify the school of any profile changes (address, email, phone numbers, etc.). We recommend setting up a gmail email account for school related communications, as they typically are received without issue.

Knight Notes & Emails

Beginning in June, new parents will begin receiving our weekly newsletter, Knight Notes. This email is a “must read” and will contain important announcements, information, and upcoming events. Knight Notes is the most comprehensive form of communication from our school administration, faculty, and staff and is sent on Wednesday afternoons. Knight Notes also lives on the website, https://www. popeprep.org/knight-notes.

On occasion, the administration will send an all-parent email and important message of immediate and significant importance that can require action. The message can address policy, operations, student life, emergency conditions, or information from the superintendent of schools. The subject line of the email will be listed as “IMPORTANT.” These emails are sent to the parent’s email address listed in Veracross.

Emergency Notifications

Pope Prep uses an SMS Text system for communication during emergencies. The system pulls parent cell phone numbers from Veracross, our online data management system. Emergencies include an incident or condition, expected or unexpected, that threatens life or safety and requires immediate action. Examples of when we use the emergency notification system are school closures or delays, unexpected early dismissals, emergency lockdowns, sheltering for severe weather, or fire. You do not need to sign up for the notification system, but it is up to the parent to keep the school informed of any contact information updates. We will NOT use this system for general announcements; it is reserved for emergency use only.

We encourage families to follow us on social media to receive insights and updates about campus life.

School Accounts: Facebook and Instagram @jpiiknights

Athletics Accounts: Twitter @jpiiathletics and Instagram @popeprepathletics

4 • Pope Prep New Family Guide

Parent Page: Pope Prep Website

Not only does our website include scrolling news stories, the employee directory, and all athletic schedules and scores, but it also includes a special page just for parents. With information, resources, and quick links, this webpage is designed to answer questions and point you in the right direction when you need help. We also encourage new parents and students to visit the student webpage on the Pope Prep website for additional resources, like the Armory link and the parent/student handbook, which contains all school policies and rules. Both pages can be found by accessing the hamburger menu on the top right of the home page.

Pope Prep App

Download the Pope Prep app to stay updated on the latest news stories, events, and special announcements. The app provides a great way to keep track of dates for athletic events and community events. Along with filter options for following your favorite Knight athletic team schedules and scores, the Pope Prep app is an easy way to follow current news stories from our school community. Search for “Pope Prep” in your app store.

Veracross

Veracross is our online data management system, and through the platform, parents can see students’ live grades, upcoming assignments, and report cards. Please keep all phone numbers, email addresses, and physical addresses updated in Veracross. You can access the parent portal from the Quick Links tab on the parent page of our website. Please email Karen Brown (karen. brown@popeprep.org) with any questions.

Summer

To Do List

Visit Veracross.

On June 1 and July 1, please check your email for a list of "to do" items that should be completed before orientation dates in July and August. The email will include necessary links and resources. Here's a sneak peak of the list!

New Student Orientation Dates

Monday, July 31 - New High School Students

Tuesday, August 1 - New Middle School Students

Ensure your contact information is correct and that you can log-in. You will be able to view your child’s assignments and grades here. We also use this information to contact you during the school year.

Complete health forms.

Student Health Forms can be accessed from the Magnus Health portal. Please note that students must have current health forms, including an annual physical, on file at school in order to attend summer athletic practices, orientation, and school year classes.

Purchase uniforms.

Mills Uniform Company will be on campus for a uniform fitting day on June 8 and June 22, and the Armory will be open to purchase polo shirts. You can also order uniforms online with Mills or the Armory. Middle school students enrolled in PE will need to purchase a PE t-shirt from the Armory. (See page 8 for detailed information about uniforms.)

Take a student ID photo.

On the Mills Uniform fitting day, all new students should plan to attend in order to take an ID photo with our school photographer. Student IDs will be given out during orientation. If you absolutely cannot attend, please contact Melissa Baxter (melissa.baxter@popeprep.org) for an appointment.

Purchase school supplies.

Stylist for iPad (Apple Pencil, 1st Generation - optional brand but highly recommended) Calculator (all grades) TI84-Plus, TI84-Plus CE (recommended), or TI84-Plus CE Python Edition

Optional: Set up a meal plan with Pedestal Foods. Pope Prep partners with Pedestal Foods to provide breakfast, lunch, and after-school snacks. Parents can purchase a full-year or semester Meal Plan by completing an order form (located on the parent page of the Pope Prep website under "QUICKLINKS"). Payment is due two weeks after the start of school. Meal Plans include the choice of one entree, two side items, a fountain drink or bottled water, and homemade dessert. A full-year plan is $1,250. Parents can also choose to purchase by semester: fall semester is $650, and spring semester is $675. Students will present their Student ID at checkout for verification of enrollment in the Meal Plan program. Pedestal also offers a Declining Balance Program through MySchoolBucks for students to purchase breakfast, lunch, and afterschool items a la carte. Parents will create a MySchoolBucks account where they will load money on their student’s account. Parents can also send cash or a check written out to Pedestal Foods for immediate deposit at the register. Contact jeffrey.hennen@pedestalfoods.com with questions.

Need to

Know

Student ID Badges

School IDs with a House lanyard are to be worn at all times except during athletic practices and PE. All new students will receive a lanyard and ID at Orientation. Any returning student who needs to replace a lanyard or ID can request a new one on the student page of the Pope Prep website. During school hours, students may use their ID to enter the building through the doors next to the chapel. (IDs are also used in the dining hall to access prepaid funds.)

Student Arrival/Drop Off/After School

Students are to be dropped off and picked up at the top level of the parking lot in front of the courtyard. Students who drive to school must have a Pope Prep parking pass in order to park in the student parking lot (on the bypass side of the school). Students may enter the building beginning at 7:15 a.m. The school building is open after school until 5:45 p.m. for students who need to wait for transportation. Bus route information can be found on our website: www.popeprep.org/admissions/bus

Campus Visitors

Parents and other visitors to campus during the school day should park in the visitor lot next to the circle drive and enter the lobby to check in with the receptionist. Parents may also leave items for students on the shelves in the lobby area.

Early Dismissals & Absent Students

Contact the Student Life office when a student will be absent or dismissed from school early. When students return from an absence or a dismissal, they should bring a doctor's note to the Student Life office, when applicable.

Although the Pope Prep website offers all of the information you will need to know throughout your family's time at Pope, the information below provides a "quick list" of need to know information for new families, based on Frequently Asked Questions. Here's what you need to know to have a successful, stress-free start!

Athletic Tryouts

About 70% of Pope students play a sport. You can access a list of sports by season, head coach contact information, and tryout/practice information on our website: www.popeprep. org/tryouts

Expenses Included in

Tuition and Annual Fee

Tuition and annual student fees cover the following costs for students at Pope: passes to home games, technology/iPad, Diocesan and national assessments, and student accident insurance.

Expenses Beyond Tuition

Textbooks and apps required for class range from $20-$130, depending on the course.

School Uniform - Polos ($28), Pants ($30.50$32.25), Oxfords ($35), Skirts ($50.00 - $53.25) Middle School PE t-shirt ($15)

Optional Expenses

AP Course National Exam Fees - $100 per exam

Athletic Equipment and Team Fees - Certain athletic equipment necessary for a particular sport is provided by the school. Other items such as cleats, bats, lacrosse sticks, gloves, etc. are purchased by families. Families maintain possession of all equipment purchased.

Sports teams charge a team fee for certain clothing, meals, long-distance travel, facility rental, or other necessary expenses related to participation in the sport. Contact the head coach for information on specific team fees: www.popeprep.org/coaches

Other Fees - Certain fine arts classes and clubs charge fees related to special clothing or equipment required for student participation.

Uniform Pope Prep

IMPORTANT DATES

Pope Prep Sizing Days for Mills Uniform Pope John Paul II Prep Dining Hall

Thursday, June 8th 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Tuesday, June 22nd 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Polos will be sized and pre-ordered through Pope Prep at this event as well.

All new students must attend a sizing event to take an ID photo.

The Pope Prep required uniform includes the following items:

• Mills Uniform skirt (for female students) or pants (for all students)

• leather belt

• oxford shirt (from Mills Uniform) or polo shirt (from the Pope Prep Armory)

•athletic shoes or Sperry shoes

Oxford shirts, pants, skirts, and belts are available to order on the Mills Uniform website: www.millswear.com/school/3830 Orders will also be accepted during the Pope Prep Sizing Days listed above. Please note that skirts should fall no higher than 3" above the knee.

Polo shirts must be ordered through Pope Prep. Polos may be pre-ordered at the Sizing Day event on June 8th and 22nd. If families cannot attend the sizing dates, they should check their email on June 1st for polo pre-ordering information from Pope Prep. A limited number of extra shirts will be ordered for availability in the Pope Prep Armory; however, families are encouraged to pre-order polos.

As of the 2022-23 school year, all uniforms must have the new Pope Prep logo. Please keep this in mind when ordering or purchasing used uniforms from friends.

Belts should be leather. They may be ordered on the Mills Uniform website, but families may purchase a leather belt on their own, if preferred.

Beyond the Uniform

The Pope Prep uniform policy includes other specific expectations for students regarding grooming, hair styles, peircings, tatoos, etc. Please read the complete section on uniform guidelines in the Student and Parent Handbook by scanning the code below. The Student and Parent Handbook can be found on our website: https://www.popeprep.org/ student-life/student-handbook

Outerwear on Mondays - Thursdays

Approved outerwear for Mondays through Thursdays may NOT have a hood. Quarter-zip, full-zip, and crew neck styles without hoods fall into this category. Outerwear must be worn over a uniform oxford or polo shirt.

Outerwear on Spirit Wear Fridays

On Fridays, Pope Prep enjoys spirit wear days, and students may wear any Pope Prep shirt, including outerwear with a hood, on this day. Students are also allowed to wear jeans (without rips or holes). Students are NOT allowed to wear leggings, sweat pants, or shorts.

Outerwear Pope Prep

Guidelines for Pope Prep Approved Outerwear

Students may wear outerwear that is purchased through The Armory or BSN (athletic team/club stores).

Outerwear should be worn over the required uniform shirt (either an oxford or polo), except on Spirit Wear Fridays.

The Armory, Pope Prep’s school store, is designed to sell outerwear and other school-branded items for all students, parents, and families.

The Armory is also where students may purchase school uniform polos. However, the stock of polos will be limited, and families are encouraged to purchase polos during the uniform sizing days listed on the opposite page.

The Armory outerwear items will also be available for purchase in person on the Sizing Day events in June. The Armory online store is open year round.

BSN is used by teams/clubs to sell items that are specific to their team/club. BSN stores are open for a short amount of time and only during specific seasons, according to the team/club schedule. Coaches and club sponsors will email ordering information to families of those students on the team or club rosters.

Access The Armory online store by scanning this code or by visiting armory.popeprep.org

It's a KNIGHT thing. Getting involved in campus life is a long-held tradition at Pope. Whether you are a student or a parent, we invite you to enjoy life in our community, meet new people, and create memories for a lifetime by becoming a member of a Pope Prep organization and by attending special events throughout the year. Although you can keep up with specific dates through our Pope Prep App, we have listed some highlights here. Mark your calendars!

For Pope Parents

Pope John Paul II Preparatory School always welcomes parents and community volunteers. Our volunteers can help in several areas, including academic competitions, fine art performances, or athletic events. Volunteers can provide hospitality for special occasions, monitor math competitions, build sets for theatre productions, and make fundraising phone calls, to name a few. The opportunities are countless, and our appreciation is genuine!

Pope Prep has several parent associations for parent volunteers who prefer to give their time to a specific group.

The Fine Arts Booster (FAB) supports all of the art disciplines, which include choral, instrumental, theatrical, and visual.

The Knight Athletic Club (KAC) promotes all sports teams and strives to reduce the expenses of the athletic department.

All Pope Prep parents are automatically members of the Parent Association Committee (PAC). The PAC's monthly meetings include programming specific to the concerns of parents, and often includes guest speakers who are experts in various fields. The PAC officers and volunteers assist the Advancement office with planning and running other parent events, the annual auction and celebration, and faculty & staff appreciation events.

to volunteer!

FAB

fall

Back to School Night

Mark your calendar for August 8, 2023 for Back to School Night at Pope. After a welcome assembly, parents will rotate through their child’s schedule, meeting the teachers and learning more about each course.

KAC Tailgate Row

Throughout the fall, the KAC hosts “Tailgate Row” in Knights Alley during home football games, affording parents an opportunity to visit and gear up to cheer on the Knights.

Celebration 2023

Join us for the largest celebration we have for our community on campus each fall. This 21+ event is a great time filled with a catered dinner, beverages, casino games, and dancing. We look forward to seeing you there!

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Fall conferences will be on October 20, 2023. Parents will be emailed a link to sign up for conference times before fall break. Conferences are optional.

Fine Arts in the Fall

Each fall the theatre department produces a play for our school community, and the choral and instrumental programs produce fall concerts.

winter

Christmas Concerts

In December, the choral and instrumental programs perform holiday favorites in their annual Christmas concerts, which is a perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit!

KAC Chili Cook Off

Each basketball season, KAC holds a chili cookoff, inviting all athletic teams to bring their best table decorations and tastiest recipes to compete for the Golden Ladle.

spring

Fine Arts in the Spring

Each spring, the theatre and music departments collaborate to produce a musical. The choral and instrumental programs also perform in spring concerts.

Grandparents Day

In the spring, we invite grandparents to visit their grandchildren for a special program dedicated to grandparent appreciation.

Spring Fling

KAC sponsors a night of fun during the spring athletic season! With multiple varsity sports playing on the same evening, the Pope Prep community enjoys a night of school spirit, food, and fun for the entire family.

KAC Golf Tournament

KAC sponsors a golf tournament each spring that reaches the broader Hendersonville community and supports the athletic department.

Arts uKnighted

A culmination of visual art and theatrical and musical performances, Arts uKnighted is an annual celebration of fine arts at Pope Prep.

Giving to Pope Prep

The Fund For Excellence

The annual fund, the Fund For Excellence (FFE), is the foundation of the fundraising program at Pope Prep and provides support for the daily operations of the school. Catholic schools typically do not receive government funding but rely on tuition and charitable gifts as the primary sources of revenue needed to ensure a quality Pope Prep experience for all.

Doesn't tuition cover the cost of my child's education?

Tuition alone does not cover the actual cost of providing a quality Pope Prep experience. Tuition covers about 83% of the actual cost of operating the school annually, leaving 17% of the expenses covered by charitable gifts.

How does my gift to the FFE help the school?

Gifts to the FFE benefit everyone, including the school's Academic, Athletic, and Fine Art departments, co-curricular and service programs, need-based tuition assistance, professional development, building maintenance, special projects, and the Hand In Hand Options Program.

Who should give to the annual fund?

We ask all parents to participate in the annual fund drive by making a gift to the Fund For Excellence. All contributions are needed and appreciated, and your participation is essential. When each family donates on some level, the collective impact is substantial. Alumni, alumni parents, faculty, staff, students, parents, grandparents, current and former trustees, friends, foundations, and matching gift

corporations contribute to the FFE. High participation rates in the annual fund are also positive indicators for grant requests. All donors to the FFE are recognized in the annual Gratitude Report publication.

How and when may I donate?

Gifts can be made anytime between July 1 and June 30 annually. Gifts can be made by cash, check, credit card, stock transfer, IRA charitable rollover, donor advised funds, and family trusts .

Other Opportunities to Give

• Matching Gift - Ask your employer if they have a matching gift program. Your gift may be matched, doubled, or even tripled by your employer.

• Sponsorship - Support Celebration 2023 by becoming an event sponsor.

• Planned Giving - Include us in your estate planning through bequests, charitable remainder or lead trusts, tangible personal property, life insurance, and real estate.

• Endowment - Giving any planned gift with a minimum corpus can establish a fund within the endowment to provide future support for financial aid, facilities, programs, or departments.

Access the Pope Prep Support page of the website by scanning this code or by visiting www.popeprep. org/support-jpii

SEMESTER 1

2023-2024 Semester Calendar

July 24-25 New Faculty In-Service at Pope Prep

July 26-27 Faculty In-Service and Spiritual Retreat

July 28 New Employee Orientation & Commissioning at the Diocese

July 31 New High School Student Orientation

Aug. 1 New Middle School Student Orientation

Aug. 2 Teacher Work Day (school closed)

Aug. 3 First Day of School

Aug. 8 Back to School Night

Sept. 4 Labor Day (school closed)

Sept. 22 Diocesan In-Service (no school for students)

Oct. 9-13 FALL BREAK

Oct. 20 Parent Teacher Conference (no school for students)

Oct. 24 TENTATIVE PSAT and Faculty Professional In-Service (early dismissal)

Nov. 20-24 THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

Dec. 14, 15, 18, 19 Semester Exams

Dec. 20 End of 1st Semester/ Admin Day

Dec. 21-Jan. 2 CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY

SEMESTER 2

Jan. 3 Faculty In-Service (no school for students)

Jan. 4 School Resumes

Jan. 15 MLK Day (school closed)

Feb. 16 Diocesan Professional Development Day (no school for students)

Feb. 19 Presidents’ Day (school closed)

Mar. 18-22 SPRING BREAK

Mar. 29 Good Friday (school closed)

Apr. 1 Easter Monday (school closed)

Apr. 9 TENTATIVE ACT/Spring Testing

Apr. 29 Faculty/Staff Professional Development (school closed)

May 12 Baccalaureate Mass

May 13 High School Graduation

May 17, 20-22 Semester Exams

May 22 Middle School Graduation

May 23 End of 2nd Semester/Admin Day/Make-up Exams

May 27 Memorial Day (school closed)

Glossary of Pope Prep Terms

Admissions Nights

Admissions Nights are a series of informational events for prospective families, held both on campus and at locations in communities around the greater Nashville area. Our best Pope Prep ambassadors are families who have had positive experiences at our school. If you are interested in hosting an Admissions Night in your local community, please contact Director of Enrollment Mangement Charles Wade (charles.wade@popeprep.org).

Advisory System

The Advisor at Pope John Paul II Preparatory School plays an important role in keeping the student connected to Student Life activities. Students are assigned to an Advisor through the House System and meet with their advisory group approximately once a quarter. The Advisor communicates school policy, student activities, and provides check-in for service hours. Although School Counseling is the primary contact for academic and personal support, the Advisor keeps a watchful eye on their advisees and can be an additional resource and support for students.

Ambassadors

A group of student leaders who represent the school at admissions events, lead tours, and serve as liaisons between the school and the community. Students are hand-selected through an application process, which is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

The Armory

The Armory is the place to purchase your Pope Prep spirit wear, uniform polos, and P.E. t-shirts. The Armory carries a variety of sizes from youth small to XXL adult. Armory items are primarily sold online at https://armory.popeprep.org The Armory has in-person sales during home football games and special events.

Blue Man Group

The student-led school spirit group that plans senior drive-in events and student-section dress themes for athletic events. They can be seen waving flags at the beginning of football games and leading cheers at basketball games.

CIE

The Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship houses the Innovation and Entrepreneurship courses. With a makerspace, a robotics arena, and a meeting room, this gathering area of our school allows students to explore, design, and experiment.

The Commons

The area of the building in front of the dining hall, which is a popular gathering place for students and the site for many events and activities.

Counseling - SCOIR

Assigned a student’s junior year, the SCOIR data management system give students access to the college admissions process and provides a central location for students’ test scores, recommendation letters, and GPA.

Courtyard

The area outside in front of the Pope John Paul II statue.

The Fund for Excellence is our annual fund that supports the operations budget of our school. Our goal each year is to have 100% participation in giving, at any level, to the FFE from all families, faculty, and staff.

FAB Fine Arts Booster

FFE

Hand In Hand Options Program

A program for students with intellectual disabilities. The goal of the program is to make education in a Catholic high school community available to students who would not be able to pursue the college preparatory program at Pope Prep without intensive special education support.

Houses/House System

All students and faculty members belong to one of six mixed grade-level houses at Pope Prep. Houses for middle school and high school meet separately. Each house is named for a previous Pope whose values and mission are expressed in the house shield and colors. The house namesake and colors are as follows: House of Peter (red), House of John (white), House of Clement (gold), House of Pius (light blue), House of Gregory (dark green), House of Leo (royal purple).

House Council

Each year, students nominate and vote for peers to represent their voices on the House Council. House members vote for their president, vice president, and grade-level representatives (8th grade - 12th grade). The elected house presidents also run in a separate election for student body president and student body vice president. House Council works with the administration to planStudent Life events and house competitions.

and FFE participation. House Games and house competitions allow the houses to earn points toward the coveted House Cup at the end of the year.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship (I&E) Program

Innovation and Entrepreneurship is a challenging academic program within Pope John Paul II Preparatory School’s curriculum to expand and enrich the ways that students learn. In I&E classes, concepts are explored in real-world situations so that interdisciplinary connections may exist between school, work, and community. These authentic learning experiences will engage students in ways that the core classes in the curriculum do not and will provide them with an environment that encourages learning through trial and error.

House Games, House Competitions, and House Cup

During the fall and spring semesters, each house competes against each other in House Games, a day of intramural sports and other competitions such as trivia, pumpkin painting, and tug of war. Other house competitions throughout the school year include school spirit, G.P.A., the canned food drive,

Internships

Through the I&E Program, students in grades 11-12 may apply for an internship placement to explore a profession under the mentorship of a local business professional in a particular field.

Junior Ring Mass

Ring Mass has historically been an event that bridges the gap between junior and senior year and serves as recognition of the transition of juniors into senior leaders. A tradition of Ring Mass is a blessing of class rings (or a special ring) and the gift of a Bible. Juniors are invited to ask favorite faculty members or coaches to “sign” their Bible following the event.

KAC Knight Athletic Club

Knight Notes

The weekly email that includes school news and important announcements. Knight Notes are emailed each Wednesday afternoon and can be found on the school website: https://www.popeprep. org/knight-notes

Knight Walk

The walk taken by the drumline, cheerleaders, football players, and coaches before the home football games. They walk from the courtyard through tailgate row and into the stadium.

Orientation

New students to Pope Prep attend an orientation day before the first day of school to walk through their schedule, receive an iPad, and learn the layout of the school. Guided by House Council, new students leave orientation fully prepared for their first day of school. Orientation dates this year are on July 31 for new high school students and August 1 for new middle school students.

PAC

Parent Advisory Committee

Peer Mentors and Teaching Assistants

High school students may apply to assist teachers in the classroom by serving as Peer Mentors for the Hand In Hand Options Program and by serving as Teaching Assistants in the middle school classes.

Senior Walk

An event in May when seniors take their “final walk” through the hallways as students at Pope Prep before they graduate. Parents, teachers, coaches, and students line the hallways to say their goodbyes, take photos, and share memories.

Spirit Dress

KSP

The Knights Success Program (KSP) was developed to support students with diagnosed learning disabilities who have average to above-average intelligence. KSP strives to help students with learning disabilities as they progress through Pope Prep’s college preparatory curriculum.

LOP & Point System

Loss of Privileges (LOP) occur when students are given 10 or more points for lower-level disciplinary infractions. Please read the complete description of the Philosophy of Student Life and Disciplinary Policies in the Parent and Student Handbook on the website: https://www.popeprep.org/student-life/ student-handbook

Magnus

Online data management system that hosts all of the necessary forms for student enrollment. Parents will receive an email with instructions for completing all required forms for the upcoming school year.

MySchoolBucks

Online payment system used by Pedestal Foods. Parents may create an account and load funds on their student’s lunch account. Students access the funds through their school ID. Parents can access records of purchased items at any time.

Fridays are Spirit Dress days at Pope Prep. Students may leave their polos, oxford shirts, skirts, and khakis at home, and they may wear hoodies and other Pope Prep shirts with jeans. Students must wear jeans that follow the guidelines in the dress code.

Surf’s Up Day

The first of special senior events, Surf’s Up Day invites seniors to take a break from classes to gather together in the athletic complex for a day of fun, food, and sun. Students bring blankets, beach chairs, and lots of sunscreen while they enjoy games, inflatables, and great times together.

Tailgate Row

Before home football games, the KAC members can be found gathered on tailgate row located on the middle row of the student parking lot. With food, decorations, and community fellowship, tailgate row is a favorite spot for Knights fans of all ages. Watch for emails from KAC to reserve your own spot on tailgate row!

Tutorials

Each teacher and department offers individualized and group tutoring sessions throughout the week. Students may attend tutorials for help with homework, to review graded assignments, to study for quizzes and test, and to make up work from absences.

Pope John Paul II Preparatory School

Alma Mater

Verse 1

For a man's great inspiration, for wisdom, truth, and faith. For fellowship and loyalty, to honor his namesake.

Chorus

Veracross

An online data management system, Veracross includes coursework grades and due dates, attendance records, and family information used for communications purposes. Students and parents may access Veracross at any time for updated grades and upcoming due dates. Keeping contact information updated on Veracross is essential to receive communications from Pope Prep.

Welcome Knight

A special event held each spring for students and families who are new to the Pope Prep community. Part pep-rally, part informational evening, the Welcome Knight allows students and parents to meet other new families, learn about the upcoming school year, and become official Pope Prep Knights!

Our promise to the Maker to spread hope and charity. Bless our Alma Mater. Lift our hearts to Thee.

Verse 2

Our minds are filled with wonder to learn all that we can. With teachers who inspire and lend a gentle hand.

Chorus

Our promise to the Maker to spread hope and charity. Bless our Alma Mater. Lift our hearts to Thee.