June 2023 New Student XHS News & Notes

Welcome to Xavier High School!

Summer 2023 Special Edition Volume #258 Issue #17 St. Francis Xavier High School 1600 W. Prospect Avenue Appleton, WI 54914 920-733-6632 www.xaviercatholicschools.org

St. Francis Xavier High School is a proud member of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic School System.

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Xavier High School

To Our Newest Xavier Hawk-

Parent Communication

We are so excited to welcome your family to our Xavier community. Adding new students always refreshes and enlivens our school. We need your talents, your energy, and your unique perspectives. You’ll make us better from your first day on campus. Thanks in advance for being who you are.

News & Notes is a monthly parent newsletter that is shared electronically and posted on the school webpage. Past issues are also posted on the Xavier home page at www.xaviercatholicschools.org. News & Notes is packed with important information and the best place to look if one has questions about upcoming events.

This newsletter is full of information to help you prepare for the year ahead. Learn more about the first week of the year, about some important Xavier traditions, and about the plethora of opportunities to be involved in athletics, the arts, and our many clubs and organizations. If you don’t see something that you were hoping for, let me know. We start new clubs every year!

And we are always learning and growing as a community.

I want to pass a long a very important piece of advice. Each year, we interview the graduating seniors and ask them what is one lesson they wish they knew when they were freshmen.

Almost unanimously, they say that they wish they had gotten involved and tried new things earlier. It makes new friendships blossom and it helps you to discover passions and talents that you may not even know you have. Keep that in mind as you consider a fall sport or as you roam the commons during Club Fair in early September. It makes starting in a new school much easier when you know people and have ways to interact with them outside of the classroom.

Most importantly, we want you to know that you are infinitely valuable, both to God and to us. We pride ourselves on making sure that every member of our community feels safe, valued and loved. Starting in a new school can cause some anxious moments, but know that the students and faculty at Xavier are here to support you. You were made by God to be great; we are honored to be a part of that journey to self-discovery.

We are proud of you already and excited to see how you will make the world a better place. So enjoy the summer and know that you are in our prayers every day. If you or your family have any questions or are unsure about something, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

For God’s Greater Glory,

In addition, parents will receive a weekly bulletin of announcements every Thursday during the school year.

Parents are also invited to register to receive the daily announcements through PowerSchool.

As a parent, if you or your student have a question or issue with a teacher or coach, the first step should always be to encourage your student to meet with the teacher or coach to discuss the issue. If the matter is not resolved, then the parent should meet with the teacher or coach before contacting administration (athletic director for coaches, principal or associate principal for teachers). This procedure ensures that all parties have consistent understanding of the issue and makes resolution efficient.

Host an International Student for the 2023-2024 school year!

Now is the time to contact Matt Parish, Associate Principal, if you are interested in hosting an international student for a short term program, for a semester, or for a full year.

Those that host a student for the school year will receive a monthly stipend ($500.00-$800.00), a tuition credit for your own student ($2000.00), and an enriching cultural experience! International students needing host families right now come from countries in Europe, South America and Asia. Please contact Mr. Parish soon to inquire about hosting! (mparish@xaviercatholicschools.org, 920-733-6632, extension 6902)

Mike Mauthe Principal

VEX Robotics – Summer Meetings Incoming fr eshmen and new students inter ested in VEX Robotics, check out the Xavier High School Robotics page on Facebook for summer meeting times

News & Notes

Attendance Procedures 1.

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Students must be seated in their classrooms by the time the tone sounds.

It is requested that a parent calls Xavier by 8:15 a.m. if your child is not going to be present due to illness or an early appointment. There is a direct line for attendance (920-882-6903) or call the school number (920-7336632 ext. 6903).

Parents are expected to notify the Attendance Office in writing when students need to leave school for any reason during the school day. Students then bring those notes to the Attendance Office and are issued early dismissal slips. In case of emergency appointments, we are happy to notify students and deliver early dismissals, but under normal circumstances with your pre-arranged appointments, we prefer to have written notes.

Vacations are scheduled into our academic calendar and we discourage students from missing class time for additional vacation.

Students arriving late must check in at the Business/ Attendance Office and will be given an admit slip. A student who is tardy for a 4th time without a doctor’s note (even if the parent calls in to inform Xavier that the child will be tardy) will receive a detention for that tardiness and any subsequent incidents.

Students checking in late or returning to school from a medical or dental appointment should bring an appointment confirmation slip from that office.

The building is unlocked no later than 6:30 a.m.

Students are welcome to arrive and use the commons until school begins.

Please note - a student who is unexcused (more than 15 minutes late for first block, leaves class without permission, misses school without meeting school requirements) or a student who misses more than one block in a school day is unable to participate in extracurricular activities for that day. A student who is too sick to be in class is too sick to compete, perform or practice. Medical appointments (with proper documentation) and other exceptional circumstances (as approved by administration) would be exceptions to the rule.

Back to School Night “Back to School Night” will take place on Wednesday, September 6 at 6:30 pm in the theatre.

This is a special night for parents to learn more about their student’s experience at Xavier. Parents will follow their student’s class schedule in order to meet their student’s teachers and be informed of class expectations.

We hope to see all parents of freshmen and new students at Back to School Night!

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Freshman & New Student Orientation Hosted by Student Ambassadors

The Xavier student body is excited to welcome the Class of 2027 and other new students to Xavier High School. Link Crew is a student transition program that both welcomes new students to Xavier and helps them to have a positive and productive first year at Xavier. During the summer, almost 50 upperclassmen prepare a high-energy orientation for the freshmen and new students.

Each freshman and new student is assigned Link Leaders who will help to make the transition to high school an easy one. These Link Leaders keep in contact with the freshmen and new students throughout the year, offering leadership lessons, hosting social events, and helping to prepare them for such things as exams and homecoming festivities. Parents will have an opportunity to meet and talk with their student’s Link Leader at the Freshman Welcome Mass and Social on Wednesday, August 23.

Freshman Orientation is Tuesday, August 29 from 8-3. New sophomores, juniors and seniors are asked to attend their class orientation on Monday, August 28 and then attend a morning of New Student Orientation on Tuesday, August 29. New students will be done by noon on August 29.

The Xavier Link Crew looks forward to a great year next year. Welcome to the Xavier community!

Homecoming Week Homecoming is a week of fun activities that helps enhance school spirit and encourages social interaction. Events and family activities are announced in early fall. The homecoming all-school liturgy is scheduled for 10:45 am on Wednesday, October 4. On Friday, October 6, the homecoming parade begins at 5 pm, followed by time for a tailgate party and then football game at 7 pm.

The week concludes with the homecoming dance on Saturday, October 7. Some students may come with dates but freshmen are encouraged to attend with a group of friends. In recent years, an all-freshman dinner has been planned by the parents to help everyone feel like a part of the group on this special night.

Dress is semi-formal.

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The First Week Wednesday, August 23 Freshman Family Welcome Night Our evening will begin at 6:00 in the theatre with Mass. After Mass, freshmen and their parents will get a chance to meet their Link Leaders for the 2023-2024 school year and to meet other freshmen and other parents. The evening will conclude with an ice cream social hosted by the faculty and administration. Casual attire is acceptable for this evening of welcome.

Tuesday, August 29 Freshmen and new students will report to the theatre at 8:00 a.m. for the start of their Freshman & New Student Orientation Day. The morning will give all new students a chance to meet their classmates, learn about the school, and get comfortable in the Xavier community. New students will meet their teachers and follow their class schedules.

Students will also be given basic training on accessing the WiFi and their Google accounts. Thus, each student should bring their laptop to this day. A backpack can be brought and stored in homeroom throughout the day.

Lunch will be provided at no cost.

After lunch, freshmen will get the opportunity to meet their teachers and find their classrooms for each period of their school day. They will also receive their locker combinations and have their school pictures taken. These pictures will be used for their student I.D. cards that entitle them to free admission at home athletic events and library access. In addition, a copy of the picture will be used for the yearbook, included in PowerSchool, and attached to their transcript. Therefore, students are expected to wear a collared shirt/blouse, be clean-shaven and have their hair cut according to the dress code (dress shorts are allowed).

The Freshman Orientation Day will conclude at 3:00 p.m. (New transfer students will be done with their day at noon but should also plan to attend their class orientation on Monday, September 28).

Wednesday, August 30 This is the first full day of school. We will have Mass with Eucharistic Procession at 10:45 if parents would like to join us.

Mass is held at St Bernard’s Church.

Friday, August 31 All freshmen are required to participate in Freshman Retreat at Camp Tekawitha. Students will meet at school and should bring a bag lunch and drink. More details about the retreat will be sent home in August. The day’s theme is growing in relationship with God, others and self. Students will return by the end of the school day.

Wednesday, September 6 Back to School Night begins at 6:30 pm in the theatr e.

Parents are invited to meet their child’s teachers in an open house format after a brief presentation. There will also be a reception so that parents can meet one another.

Xavier High School

Travel Opportunities

World Languages The World Language Department sponsors trips abroad on alternating years. Students must be in at least the second level of the language to participate. In recent summers, groups have traveled to Spain, France, Germany and Costa Rica.

Art Club The Art Club sponsors a trip abroad on alternating years. In the past, students have traveled to Egypt, Russia and a number of countries in Europe. These trips take place during spring break or summer. Any interested student may participate.

Courts For Kids Courts for Kids is a service trip to a Caribbean country to build a sport court for a community in need. Students travel during the spring or summer. Any Xavier student is eligible to participate.

Montana Service Trip A service trip to Montana took place during the summer of 2019. Students take the train to and from Montana and provide service at a Catholic parish and school just outside Glacier National Park near the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Participants also experience a large American Indian festival during their stay.

Pro-Life Club The Pro-Life Club travels to Washington D.C. each January for the national March for Life. Students travel as part of the larger contingent from the Diocese of Green Bay. All students are eligible to participate.

Band, Orchestra & Choir The Xavier bands, choirs and orchestra plan trips to different locations where they perform and enjoy the vacation spot. These trips take place during spring break.

The next trip is scheduled for Spring 2024 Tropical Ecology and Marine Biology Tropical Biology and Marine Biology students attend class outside of the normal school day during the year. Students travel to Central America for real-life lab experiences at the end of the course.

Ski Club The Xavier Ski Club traditionally takes weekend trips to hills in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan throughout the winter and a week-long spring break trip to Colorado. All are welcome to participate in these trips.

News & Notes

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XAVIER DRESS CODE 2023-2024 Xavier High School, as a private educational institution, reserves the right to determine and insist upon a norm of appearance for its students. The goal of the dress code is to promote the virtues of modesty and self-respect, as well as to create an atmosphere that is appropriate to the serious task of educating young people.

If a dress code violation cannot be immediately corrected, the parents will be notified and the student will either be sent home to change or will wait in the office for appropriate clothing to be delivered. The student will serve detentions for any time missed.

Since styles of clothing and hair change rapidly, the administration reserves the right to restrict fashions that are inappropriate as well as interpret what is considered to be in poor taste or distracting to the learning environment.

General guidelines:

Shirts: The following shirts / tops are acceptable:  Any dress shirt (button down, polo, V neck, round neck)  Any sweater, fleece or jacket.  Professionally made Xavier t-shirts and sweatshirts  No writing or graphics are allowed on any shirts except Xavier apparel. Logos smaller than 2 inches by 2 inches are allowed.

Pants: All students will wear solid color or patterned dress pants.  Pants must be worn at the waist  Pants must have a finished/hemmed bottom that is worn below the ankle. No rip, tears, frayed bottoms  Pants must have zippers at the waist. Pants not allowed include leggings, yoga pants, joggers, sweatpants, denim, flannel, or pajama pants.

Footwear: Footwear that covers the toes must be worn at all times. Sandals are not allowed. Crocs are considered sandals and not allowed.

Hair: Hair must be clean, neatly combed, out of the eyes, and of reasonable style and natural shade.  Sideburns must not be below the bottom of the ear.  Males may not wear headbands or any other device in their hair.  Males must be clean-shaven.

Jewelry: Body piercing, other than the ear, is not allowed.  One nose piercing is allowed, but it must be a small stud (hoops and other designs are not allowed).

Out of Uniform Days: Occasionally there may be out of uniform days. Expectations on those days still include a tidy, modest appearance.  Appropriate shirts with sleeves must be worn.  Torn or ripped jeans, yoga pants and leggings are not allowed Banned: Some items of clothing are always a violation of the dress code.    

Visible tattoos Torn/frayed clothing Hats, caps, bandanas Clothing with inappropriate messages that include words or symbols about alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or sex as well as any other messages that are not in agreement with Catholic teachings is not permitted at school or any school-sponsored event.

MASS DAYS: According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church "To enter into the Mass we should strive to be pure of heart, which requires the modesty of patience, decency, and discretion.

Modesty protects the intimate center of the person." (CCC 2533) "There is a connection between purity of heart and body." (CCC 2518) On Mass days, all students are asked to dress in a way that does honor to the Eucharist.  For young men, shirts and ties are recommended. A collared shirt is required  For young women, skirts or dresses (length to near the knee) are recommended.  No t-shirts or sweatshirts are allowed on Mass days.

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Growing In Faith

Xavier High School

Christian Service

The reason that Xavier exists is to be able to integrate Catholic faith formation into the daily educational experience. In order to give students ample opportunities to grow in their faith, Xavier offers a comprehensive program of faith integration:

Christian Service is a graduation requirement for students.

Students are required to complete twenty hours of service each school year at Xavier, totaling 80 hours over 4 years. Service hours can be earned over the summer for the upcoming school year. Incoming freshmen may begin to earn service hours during the summer before high school begins.

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Service hours must be done for a non-profit community organization or a person of need as identified by the school or parish. Doing yardwork for a grandparent is not service – it’s integrity. Helping a neighbor is not service – it’s being a good neighbor. If you’re not sure whether something qualifies as community service, please ask. We do not want any confusion when students are submitting last minute hours.

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Theology is a required course during each of the four years. In addition to the curriculum that is taught, students take turns preparing a weekly prayer service as part of theology class.

Our Catholic faith is integrated into all of our courses. Our concerts are often filled with praise and worship music. Science and math classes explore some of the mysteries of God’s Creation.

Social Studies and World Languages courses explore the role of the Church historically and the important place that the Catholic Church has in cultures around the world. These are just a few examples of how our mission permeates all that we teach here at Xavier.

Everyday begins and ends with prayer. Students pray in every class and at lunch. We also offer a variety of faith experiences including all -school prayer services, rosary, Eucharistic adoration, reconciliation services, Friday morning Masses, and the chaplet of divine mercy.

Campus Ministry begins the year for freshman with a class retreat. The entire school participates in a retreat day in spring, during which students can select the retreat that best meets their personal spiritual needs. The Campus Ministry Leadership Team also organizes service trips that take place in different parts of the country as well as retreat experiences during summer. Finally a capstone experience for those who are looking to grow in their faith is the Kairos retreat for juniors and seniors.

Rock for Life is the student organization that educates the Xavier community on prolife issues and even travels to Washington DC for the annual March for Life.

Christian service is an important part of who we are at Xavier. Beyond the required service hours, the school participates in the Ethel Moehring Help Your Neighbor Day in the fall and provides service to our parishes, the elderly, community organizations, and a wide range of other groups.

Serving others is a lifestyle at Xavier.

Parish Service Hours (20 hours during high school career) All students must complete hours working within their parish, or if they do not belong to a parish, they must complete the hours in a parish. Parish picnics, mailings, babysitting, ushering, serving, reading, teaching religious education are all good examples of how a student can earn his/her parish hours.

Any student who fails to complete 20 hours of service by the mid -May deadline will be ineligible for sports and extra-curriculars until the service is complete. This suspension will carry over to the fall if the student is not involved in organizations or activities still active in mid-May. Service is a graduation requirement and no student can receive a diploma without completing the service hours.

NEW ONLINE REPORTING SYSTEM In order to better partner with our organizations and parishes, as well as to make things easier for our students, we will be recording all service hours using the MobileServe platform. Students will be required to log service hours but can use their PowerSchool account to log in. Instructions for accessing MobileServe will be available in early July.

Only service hours turned in through MobileServe will be counted toward the service requirement. The organization’s volunteer coordinator will receive an e-mail as you enter the service in order to confirm your service. Parents are not allowed to confirm service hours. Only employees should be sent confirmation email. If you have any questions, please e-mail Mrs. Geenen at kgeenen@xaviercatholicschools.org

News & Notes

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Athletic News Athletic Code Video & Paperwork Info The deadline for those participating in fall sports is July 17th and those participating in winter or spring sports have a Sept 11th deadline.

There is a new process for paperwork this year, as we've gone digital. The first part of the process is the Xavier Athletic Code Video. Luke Herriges, our athletic director, covers many of the high points of the athletic code. You must watch this video before proceeding on to the electronic forms.

IMPORTANT NOTES BEFORE BEGINNING:

1. The video should be watched on a computer. There are questions that must be answered alongside the video, so a computer is best. If you absolutely need to complete the video on a mobile device, you'll be prompted to install the EdPuzzle app. *The video is 25 minutes, so please watch it when you have time to get all the way through it.

2. If you have two or more highschool athletes, you only need to watch the video once. Please enter all your children's names at the star t of the video. The athletic paperwork does have to be completed once for each athlete.

3. You'll be provided a couple of links near the end of the video for the electronic forms and Sportgait test scheduling. It's important to copy/click those links, so that you can complete the electronic forms and schedule your Sportgait test. No worries if you miss the links. We'll be following up with families that complete the video portion each week and providing the links.

4. The Sportgait test is required annually, so even if your athlete(s) had one last year, a new one is required.

5. For those that are unsure of the physical date we have on file, please feel free to respond to this email and we can provide that information.

6. Information you will need before getting started with the paperwork:     

Last physical date Insurance coverage information (company, member id) Primary medical clinic name and phone number Primary dental clinic name and phone number Preferred hospital name and phone number

https://edpuzzle.com/open/fawanur (CLICK ON THE ASSIGNED VIDEO) Please read the Xavier Athletic Code and the WIAA Eligibility Information Bulletin

Physical Form: A current physical – which is good for two years – is required. Any physical taken on or after April 1, 2023, will be good for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years. Typically, incoming freshmen and juniors will turn in a physical card.

Alternate Year Card : The alternate year card is required for the second year of the physical. The parent/ guardian completes this form digitally. If the on-file physical was dated before April 1, 2022, then the alternate year card is required for the 2023-24 school year. Typically, incoming sophomores and seniors will complete an alternate year card.

Sport Gait Testing Dates: Sign-Up HERE It is a requirement that all athletes take a Sport Gait test annually before athletic participation.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mr. Herriges (lherriges@xaviercatholicschools.org)

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Fall Starting Dates Tues., Aug. 1 Football equipment issue First practice for football Mon., Aug. 7 First practice for girls’ golf Tue., Aug. 8 First practice for girls’ tennis Mon., Aug. 14 First practice for cross country First practice for volleyball First practice for boys’ soccer

Fall Sport Information:

Xavier High School

Girls’ Golf Head Coach: Tom Martine tom.martine.tm@gmail.com Summer Optional Practice: July 17 & 24 4:00 PM Ridgeway Country Club First Practice: Monday, August 7 Ridgeway Golf Course Putting Green - Time TBA Parent meeting to follow practice

Boys’ Soccer Head Coach: Modeste Rouamba rmomotega@gmail.com

Monday – Wednesday, August 14-16 Please feel free to reach out to the coach with ques- 4:00 – 6:30 PM (Report to East side soccer field) tions or for more information.

Thursday, August 17 4:00 – 6:00 PM Cross Country – Coed Friday, August 18 Head Coach: Sam Pawlak 4-5:30 PM samuel.pawl5484@gmail.com Saturday, August 19 – Scrimmage @ Kaukauna

Monday – Friday, August 14-18 3:00-5:00 PM Meet on the track in running clothes Football: Head Varsity Coach: Dave Hinkens dave.hinkens@hudl.com Tuesday, August 1 - Thursday, August 3 6:30 AM - 8:00 AM 3:30 PM - 8:00 PM Friday, August 4 6:30 AM - 10:00 AM Saturday, August 5 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM Girls’ Tennis Head Coach: Kieran Wallace kwallace@xaviercatholicschools.org Tuesday, August 8 – Thursday, August 10, 2023 5:00 – 7:00 PM * Time Change Xavier Middle School courts

Volleyball Head Coach: Luke Herriges lherriges@xaviercatholicschools.org Monday, August 14 – Tryouts Upperclassmen: 8:00 - 10:30 AM Freshmen: 10:00 AM – Noon All Grades: 2:00 – 5:30 PM Tuesday, August 15 – Friday, August 18 – Practice, Times: TBD Saturday, August 19– A.M. Scrimmage @ Notre Dame HS

News & Notes

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Bring Your Own Device Requirements & Recommendations Although any device will work, Xavier STRONGLY RECOMMENDS that students have laptops versus tablets. In the case of iPads, many videos and interactive activities such as simulations and review games that are embedded in e-textbooks and other sites accessed by the teachers/students will not display and/or work because of the incompatibility with Flash.

Because Xavier is a Windows-based environment, it is important to note that if a student has a Mac, all assignments must be created on a platform that is compatible for the teacher to be able to view when submitted electronically. For example, a paper cannot be submitted in Pages or a presentation cannot be submitted in Keynote because those programs are specific to Mac and cannot be viewed on the teachers’ Windows-based computers. However, a student could create and share the paper using a web-based program like Google Docs without any compatibility issues. Also, if the student is doing a presentation and wants to project something directly from a Mac, the student would need to supply the appropriate adapter in order to hook up to the projection system in the classroom (adapter from Mac to VGA).

HARDWARE SPECIFICATIONS - RECOMMENDATION For best results, we recommend the following:  CPU - Dual/Multi-Core Processor, 2GHz or higher (Intel Core i3, i5, or i7)  Memory - 4 GB  Hard Drive - 250 GB or more  USB - multiple USB 2.0 ports  Video Resolution of at least 1024x768  Video - Video Card with 128 MB or more  Wireless - 802.11g/n  Operating System - Windows 7 or newer or Mac OSX or newer  Battery - Recommend extended battery or backup battery if possible Chromebooks are also an acceptable device option (recommended to have 2 GB of RAM or greater) ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE - STRONGLY RECOMMENDED St. Francis Xavier High School STRONGLY recommends the use of antivirus software on all devices with up-to-date virus definitions. Below are two free options if you choose to not purchase an antivirus software.   

Avast! Antivirus - Avast! Home is a free antivirus program that will protect against viruses and spyware (for Windows, Mac, and Android Mobile).

AVG Antivirus - AVG is a popular free antivirus program that will protect against viruses and spyware (for Windows and Android Mobile).

Microsoft Security Essentials - Help guard against viruses, spyware, and malicious software; For Windows Vista or Windows 7 only

SOFTWARE CODECS AND APPS - RECOMMENDATION St. Francis Xavier High School recommends keeping all codec software up-to-date on all devices in order to run web-based software. These codecs include Shockwave, Flash, Java, etc.    

Adobe Flash Player - Many web sites use the Flash codec to process Flash media/video content.

Adobe Shockwave Player - Shockwave is a codec used on many interactive sites, including educational game sites.

Adobe Reader - Reader is a PDF viewer.

Java Runtime - Java offers many features, including secure computing, online gaming, communication, and more.

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Xavier High School

Bring Your Own Device BROWSER SOFTWARE It has been the experience of teachers and students that certain websites only work with certain browsers because of how the sites were built. Because of this, it is important that students have more than one browser installed on their device in order to troubleshoot and try a different browser in the case that they can’t view a particular site with their favorite/choice browser. You do not have to install all of the browsers listed below. The only required browser is Chrome because of the use of Google Apps for Education.

In addition to having Chrome installed, your device should have at least one other browser installed as well.   

Chrome – REQUIREMENT - We require the installation of the Chrome browser. This browser is the best when using our Google Apps for Education domain and tools.

Firefox - Firefox is a popular, alternative browser that supports extensions and addons.

Opera - Opera is a free alternative Mac browser.

OTHER Many courses are utilizing multimedia content during class time. Because of this, it is a requirement for students to bring headphones or ear buds to each class. It is also strongly encouraged that students have a protective carrying case or sleeve for their device to minimize any damage in the event that the device is dropped between classes, etc.

SUPPORT In the event of malfunction of the device, the St. Francis Xavier Catholic School System IT staff are not responsible for the repair. The student owns and is ultimately responsible for the upkeep and usefulness of the device.

School Supplies We do not provide a list of needed school supplies since students take such a wide variety of courses. Notebooks and folders are needed in most courses. Freshmen will meet with their teachers on Orientation Day and will find out more specifics at that time.

Science Lab Book Needed All students planning to take Laboratory Science Foundations, Intro to Chemistry, Biology, AP Biology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and any PLTW course are required to have a new, bound (not spiral and not perforated) composition notebook to use as your lab book on the first day of class. We ask that you purchase the quad-ruled graphing variety that is available at Office Max / Office Depot. The science department will also have some available for purchase.

Calculators for Math.

We require students taking Algebra 2 or above to have TI84 Graphing Calculators or more recent models. For courses before Algebra 2, we would like to see Texas Instruments calculators so that we don't have to teach to different calculators.

News & Notes

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Schedules and Schedule Changes

Marching Band Camp

All incoming freshman and new students will receive their 2023-2024 schedules in the mail by early July. If you have not received your schedule by July 15 or have a question in the meantime, please contact Mr. Mauthe at 733-6632.

Band students - Summer Marching Band Camp is August 7-9 from 8:30 – 3:30.

All freshman schedules should have two sections of English, Theology, Math and Science. In addition, students should have one section of Freshman Seminar, Early Civilizations and Health Education (unless taken in 8th grade). Anyone taking a world language should also see two sections of the language.

This camp is required. Lunch is not provided, so please bring a bag lunch. Also, make sure to bring plenty of water.

Contact Mr. Wallace, Band Director, with questions (kwallace@xaviercatholicschools.org).

Should you need a schedule change, please e-mail your request to schedulechanges@xaviercatholicschools.org. The counselors work sporadically throughout the summer, so please do not e-mail them directly.

What Can I Do This Summer?

Looking for ways to get ready for the rigor of Xavier High School? Here are just a few ideas: 1) Read. Vary your reading between fiction and nonfiction. Try to read things that are challenging, maybe about history or science. Studies show that the greatest predictor of academic success is the amount of time you read.

2) Work on your typing. We compose a lot of papers and essays during high school. There are lots of online programs to help you type faster. Aim for at least 45 words per minute.

3) Develop a note taking method that works for you. Research different methods of taking notes and then practice by watching a documentary and taking notes or reading an academic article and taking notes. An important skill in high school and college is to be able to listen to the teacher while simultaneously summarizing in your own words.

4) Write. Practice writing essays by checking out the essay prompts for students who apply to the University of Chicago. Write an essay or a persuasive letter in response to the readings and homily that you hear at Mass. Write poems, stories, or whatever else channels your creativity.

5) Unplug. Stay away from your devices as much as possible by enjoying the weather, being active outside, and doing service in the community. It will make it easier to keep life in balance when the school year comes again.

TXW Prayer The TXW (The Xavier Way) Prayer is a special prayer written for our school that we recite each week. Pray this prayer during the summer so that God can prepare you for high school.

Lord, May all that I do this day be rooted in love and mercy, that I might love You and love others as perfectly as You love me. I ask for the courage to act responsibly and honestly in all that I say and do and set an example for others to follow. Give me eyes to see those in need around me and the heart to act in a way that is pleasing to You. I want to be the best version of me that I can and bring honor and glory to You. Amen.

All prayers at Xavier end with the leader saying “St. Francis Xavier…” and we respond “PRAY FOR US.” Then the leader will say “Live, Jesus, in our hearts…” and we respond “FOREVER.”

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Xavier High School

News & Notes

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Clubs at Xavier Club/Organization Art Club Book Club Bowling Team Campus Activities Board (CAB) Campus Ministry Leadership Team Cinematography Club Environmental Club (Pay It Back Club) Fishing Team Forensics French Honor Society Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Gaming Club German Honor Society Hawks Fly Club (Drones) International Club Investment Club Kairos Math League Mock Trial National Honor Society Prom Psychology Club VEX Robotics Team Rock for Life Club Science Club Ski Club Social Media Club Spanish Club Spanish Honor Society Student Ambassadors Theatre Club Xavier Service Club Xavier Honor Council Yearbook

Xavier School Song Moderator Mrs. Melanie Balthazor Mrs. Jennifer Walter Mr. Dennis Kim Mrs. Kate Geenen Mrs. Kate Geenen Ms. Maureen Milbach Mrs. Nikki Selenka Mr. Bob Biebel Mrs. Mariah Ervin Mrs. Debbie Jansen Mrs. Kelly Carter Mr. Luke Frommelt Mrs. Connie Rosenbaum Mr. Eric Neiswender Mrs. Connie Rosenbaum Mrs. Kelly Carter Mrs. Kelly Waters Mrs. Katie Heimerl & Mr. Aaron Handevidt Mrs. Kelli McGreevey Mrs. Kelli McGreevey Mrs. Kelly Waters Mrs. Thrish Birr-Zimmer Mr. Ron Lohse Ms. Katie Wesolek Mrs. Donna Dumke Mr. Jim Biesterveld Ms. Maureen Milbach Mrs. Beth Nelson Dr. Mary Kempen Mrs. Beth Nelson & Mrs. Kelly Carter Mr. Jim Romenesko Ms. Chris Magalska Mr. Mike Mauthe Mrs. Melanie Balthazor

For more information about any of these clubs, go to the Xavier High School web page. A Club Fair will be held during the first days of school so that all new students can sign up for clubs and teams.

An important Xavier tradition is standing for the Xavier school song. Our students and parents stand for the song every time it is played. Use the summer to learn the words to the song so that you can sing along with the crowd when the song is played!

Xavier High! O let us sing to you Xavier High we bring to you Willing hands along with loyal hearts And our friendship tried and true.

Xavier High - to serve you faithfully In our work and on our way To achieve our lasting destiny This is our pledge today!