February 2013 • Volume 14 • Number 7
March For Life
By Zach Schowalter (X13)
excited to see all that Washington D.C. had
Iwo Jima and Arlington National Cemetery,
to offer and to attend the March for Life
both of which were amazing sights to see.
to stand up for what we believe and for
I was also greatly moved by the changing
those unfortunate voices who could not
of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown
be heard due to abortions. We met the
Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. It
immense eighteen hour bus ride ahead of
was not only a very interesting ceremony,
us with an extremely enthusiastic attitude
but I also felt that it was a great represen-
and with a lot of chatting, sleeping, and
tation of our armed forces and it demon-
This year I participated in the March for
even a little Mario Karting, we managed to
strated their strength, loyalty, and dedica-
Life in our nation’s capitol with twenty-five
make the long trek to D.C. Following our
tion. It also showed respect and reverence
other Xavier students who were extremely
arrival we went straight to the tribute to
to those who have not survived. After the (continued on page 10)
The Principal‘s Corner
Contents
On November 5, 6, and 7, the Iowa Department of Education completed a Comprehensive School Improvement Site Visit for our school. This visit occurs every five years.
News 2-3 Department of Ed Site Visit summary
Guidance News Junior Guidance ACT/SAT Financial Aid / FAFSA
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The site visit was conducted by a team of six professionals, including a member of the state department of education,
Reminders 5 Freshman Scheduling Night Tuition Assistance Tuition Payment Date
Xavier Features
Inauguration Trip State Speech Contest Business Appeal Grandparents Day 2013
Campus MInistry
Mass for Ash Wednesday Saints Among Us
Activities News
representatives from the Grant Wood Area Education Agency and administrators from other school districts in Iowa. During the on-site visit, the team received a presentation from the Xavier administration,
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reviewed files and school documents, conducted interviews and toured our school. The review of files and documents is to ensure that the school is in compliance with all state regulations and guidelines. The presentation, interviews and building tour assisted the team in evaluating our school in seven key areas. Interview groups included representa-
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tives from the following: 1) board of education; 2) school improvement committee; 3) administration; 4) faculty; 5) support staff; 6) students; and 7) parents. After concluding its visit, the team shared a preliminary verbal report with us and then followed up with
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a written report in late December. I would like to share a summary of the results of that report with you here.
(continued on page 2)
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Dates to Note Feb. 1: Mass in the Chapel (7:00 a.m.) Eucharistic Adoration Alumni Hall of Fame (6:00 p.m.) Feb. 2: Alumni BB Tournament (9a.m.-3p.m.) Feb. 6: In-service. 12:30 p.m. early dismissal Feb. 7: Reconciliation (12:45 p.m.) Feb. 8: Mass in the Chapel (7:00 a.m.) Eucharistic Adoration Reconciliation (12:45 p.m.) Feb. 9: Kiddy Pom Camp (12:00 p.m.) Feb. 13: Mass: Ash Wednesday (9:50 a.m.) Feb. 14: The Jungle Book (4:30 p.m.) Feb. 15: Mass in the Chapel (7:00 a.m.) Eucharistic Adoration The Jungle Book (4:30 & 7:00 p.m.)
Alex Haag on January Mission Trip to El Salvador
Catholic Schools Week
Inauguration Trip
Principal‘s Corner (continued from page 1) I am pleased to share that the school was found to be in compliance with all state regulations and guidelines. I am also pleased to share these findings regarding Xavier’s demonstration of the seven characteristics of improving schools:
Vision, Mission and Goals
Strengths: • It is clearly evident that all at Xavier High School are guided by our mission statement, “To develop the total person in a Catholic environment,” our branding statement, “Learning today. Leading tomorrow. Serving Forever,” and our 2012-13 theme, “Like Mary…We Say Yes to the Impossible!” • The visioning process conducted in 2010 is appreciated and valued by all stakeholders.
Feb. 16: The Jungle Book (1:00 & 3:00 p.m.)
Recommendations for Improvement: • Find ways to keep alive the focus on the five words developed by students at this year’s student leadership seminar: “Acceptance, Belief, Commitment, Inspiration, and Integrity.”
Feb. 18: In-service. No school.
Leadership
Feb. 22: Mass in the Chapel (7:00 a.m.) Eucharistic Adoration Casual Dress Day Feb. 23: ZAPS ACT Seminar (9 a.m. - 3 p.m.) Feb. 25: Metro Catholic Choral Festival (3 p.m.) Feb. 26: Pom Parent Meeting (5:30 p.m.) Feb. 28: Spring Band Concert
The complete Xavier High School calendar can be viewed on the Xavier website or by clicking here.
Regis Royalty Night Friday, April 12th, 2013 6 PM - 10 PM Tickets $40
Strengths: • An appreciation by all groups of consistent and meaningful leadership by principal and staff – particularly their visibility, accessibility and the example set for students and community. • Students report that administration and staff members listen and respond to their ideas and concerns. • Faculty Peer Observation Program. • Multiple student leadership opportunities including: Student Council, Principal Advisory Team, Activities Council, Leadership Training Seminars, and Academic/Learning Clubs • Multiple faculty leadership opportunities including: Building Leadership Team, Archdiocese Faith Formation Commission, School Improvement Committee, and Department Chairpersons Recommendations for Improvement • Ensure that the opportunity for leadership is provided to a wide range of students.
Collaborative Relationships
Strengths: • Faculty is involved in cross-departmental group meetings, are represented on administrative team, are involved on Xavier’s Iowa Core team and take part in visits to other schools • Administration conducts Administrative Team meeting, reviews student achievement data, and seeks input from faculty, staff, students and parents. • The school fosters positive relationships with Xavier Parents for Xcellence, Xavier Booster Club and the Regis-LaSalle-Xavier Alumni Association. • “The amount and quality of service that Xavier students give back to their church and civic communities is extraordinary and highly commendable.”
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Catholic Schools Week - Hero Day. Xavier students dress up as their heroes, Coaches Lilly and Schulte!
Recommendations: • Study current structure of Professional Learning Communities (PLC) to determine if changes could enhance the process.
Learning Environment:
Strengths: • Learning environment is driven by mission statement • High academic, social and community service expectations • Expectations contribute to a sense of Xavier Community • Students are extremely proud of the environment of high expectations Recommendations for Improvement • Include questions regarding student stress on student climate surveys • Work with staff, coaches and activities sponsors to be cognizant of students’ schedules and commitments • Identify and address reasons students may choose to leave Xavier High School • Review and evaluate academic leveling to ensure it is achieving desired results
Curriculum and Instruction
Strengths: • Aligning with Iowa Core • Rigor and Relevance in curriculum • Iowa Teaching Standards used in conversation with faculty • Available Technology including, teacher iPads, student iPad carts, laptop carts, stand alone labs • Plans for 1:1 iPad program • Combination of Physical Education and Health into one curricular area • Guided Study program • Quality and wide range of A.P. classes and dual credit courses Recommendations for Improvement: • Review guidance process for college application process, scholarship applications, seeking financial aid. • Consider backward design model to assist with establish learning goals, develop assessments and determine instructional strategies.
Professional Development
Strengths: • Aggressive approach to professional development in areas of prevention of bullying/harassment, Iowa Core, assessment for learning, characteristics of effective instruction, integration of technology and embedding faith into the curriculum Recommendations for Improvement: • Continue to solicit and include staff in professional development decisions • Use the PLC model with staff • Review the Iowa Professional Development Model in designing professional development
Monitoring and Accountability
Strengths: • Peer Observation of faculty • Use of student feedback during teacher evaluation process Recommendations for Improvement: • Incorporate similar assessments in courses taught by multiple instructors As you can see, many positive characteristics of Xavier High School have been cited. We are proud of those characteristics. We also appreciate the site team’s feedback regarding ways we can continue to improve serving our students, our families, our parishes and our community. I want to extend my sincere thanks to all who assisted in the process, including the site visit team, my administrative team and my administrative assistant, Melissa Slinger. And of course, thanks to all whose efforts led to what I consider a most positive report – the faculty, staff, students and parents whom we work with each and every day! The full report is available for view on the Xavier High School website. If you have any questions, please feel free to visit with me. Sincerely,
Tom Keating, Principal
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Guidance News Junior Guidance
Junior guidance classes will begin meeting during the 3rd quarter. Small groups meet once each week to discuss plans for senior year, explore educational and vocational options, walk through the college search and selection process, review college applications, realize the importance of college visits and how to make them worthwhile, introduce financial aid information, and obtain information about the SAT and ACT exams including how to prepare, how to register, and their different purposes such as college entrance, course placement, scholarships and financial aid.
ACT / SAT
Most juniors will take the ACT on April 13 or June 8. They may elect to take ACT’s as seniors in October or December. Students considering an Eastern or Ivy League school should note that SAT’s will probably be required. Some of these same schools also require achievement tests to be taken along with the SAT. Not all achievement tests are given on each exam date so it is necessary to register for the exam date of your required achievement test. Students can register for ACT at www.actstudent.org or the SAT at www.collegeboard.com.
ACT
Test Date: April 13, 2013. Registration Deadline: March 8, 2013 Test Date: June 8, 2013. Registration Deadline: May 3, 2013
SAT
Test Date: May 4, 2013. Registration Deadline: April 5, 2013 Test Date: June 1, 2013. Registration Deadline: May 2, 2013
Practice ACT/SAT Tests
On-line ACT practice tests are available at www.actstudent.org. Practice test booklets are available in the Guidance Office. These tests are “retired” tests that were administered to students on a previous national test date. A practice test will provide help to students when preparing for the ACT and familiarize them with the ACT test questions. Other online ACT practice test opportunities can be found at www. ihaveaplaniowa.gov. Practice SAT tests are also available in the Guidance Office as well as at www.collegeboard.com.
ICAN (Iowa College Access Network)
If you are interested schedule an appointment with the Eastern Iowa ICAN office, 1199 Blairs Ferry Road NE, Suite 104, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 Outreach representatives can: by the U.S. Department of Education • Answer your college planning questions o Avoid losing potential financial aid because of incorrect or • Provide tools to help you begin your career exploration incomplete information • Guide you through the financial aid process o Minimize the confusion of filling out the form on your own • Help you fill out and file your FAFSA for free o View a list of what to bring to a FAFSA appointment on their o The FAFSA is a free form that may be completed without website at www.icansucceed.org professional assistance via paper or electronic forms provided
Financial Aid: Deadline for Iowa Tuition Grant
Please check with individual colleges to verify deadline. Many colleges, however, require a processed FAFSA by March 1, 2013, or earlier.
FAFSA
FAFSA Hotline (800-433-3243) FAFSA Web Site www.fafsa.ed.gov. Free Applications for Federal Student Aid - Any personal inquiry questions about how to fill out the FAFSA forms use the toll free number and get on the spot information directly from FAFSA personnel. Additional information and assistance is available on the web.
Armed-Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
The ASVAB offers a valuable means for helping students make informed career decisions regardless of whether their intentions include the military, college, or vocational training. This aptitude test package is free and requires no commitments or obligations. For further information on how to sign up for the test contact the guidance office.
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Xavier Earns $750 From School Cents!
Reminders Freshman Scheduling Night Monday, February 11, 2013. Check-in begins at 6:00 p.m. at Xavier High School. The evening is required for students who will enter Xavier next year as a freshman, AND their parents. A $50 non-refundable scheduling fee will be collected upon arrival. Checks may be made payable to Xavier High School.
Tuition Assistance Student Aid Forms must be completed online or mailed directly to Private School Aid Service on or before March 22, 2013. If you do not follow the guidelines and/ or PSAS has not received the completed form by this date, your eligibility for tuition assistance will not be guaranteed.
Tuition Payment Date
March 11, 2013: Fourth quarter tuition due We thank the majority of families who fulfill their financial obligation promptly. Unfortunately, some of our families do not make their payments in a timely manner. If at any time your circumstances change and will not allow you to complete your obligation as indicated on your tuition contract, please contact Shea Francis at 7397307.
Eat Pizza. Support Xavier! When you redeem the certificate below, $5 from the purchase of any medium or large Zeppelins Pizzeria pizza will be donated to Xavier High School!
Out of the 15 schools that participated, Xavier earned 10th place this year earning $550 at the final awards ceremony with a grand total of $750 for our school. Thank you to all of the Xavier Community who participated in the School Cents Program again this year by turning in or getting Lindale Mall and surrounding patrons’ receipts stamped and for also getting Xavier students’ report cards logged for points. Another thank you to the Xavier Robotics Club moderated by Barb Miltner, for participating in the School Cents Special Needs Children’s Trick-or-Treat event at Lindale Mall back in October and for Noah Hagen for participating in the Kiss Country 96.5 FM promotional ad for School Cents. We also would like to give a great big thank you to Peggy Colbeck-Rochford and Olivia Rochford for taking time out of their schedule to attend both ceremonies at Lindale Mall to represent Xavier and pick up our checks! Way to go Saints!
Post Prom Thinking of spring? Warm weather? Prom? Wondering how you can get involved? Be a part of Xavier’s Post Prom party! Contact Pam Barta and Nancy Charipar at Xavierpostprom13@gmail.com A letter will be mailed to all Junior and Senior parents in February with more details. Join us in helping our kids have fun, and stay safe after Xavier’s 2013 Prom!
2012-2013 Yearbooks! Order now! Don’t miss out on your opportunity to order a 2012-2013 Yearbook! www.jostensyearbooks.com. Cost: $70 .
Xavier High School Tuition Levels Parish Students Non-Parish Students
$4,705 per student, plus $100 technology fee $8,375 per student, plus $100 technology fee
Estimated cost to educate a student: $8,650 The tuition amount covers all academic fees associated with Xavier. Students may incur additional fees for certain co-curricular activities and elective materials.
Tuition Assistance Xavier is committed to making sure Catholic education is available to all students who desire it.
Two Types of Tuition Assistance
Tuition assistance is available through the Archdiocese of Dubuque program Our Faith, Our Children, Our Future STO as well as the Xavier High School tuition assistance program. You may qualify for one or both.
One Application Form
Both tuition assistance programs utilize Private School Aid Services (PSAS) to assist in determining the level of assistance to be awarded. PSAS has developed an application that all families need to complete to be considered for assistance. Your personal information will be held in strictest confidence at all times. If you have a child at more than one Archdiocesan School or if you wish to apply for both types of assistance, you will only need to complete one application form.
Two Ways to File
PSAS Student Aid Forms are available at Xavier High School or www.xaviersaints.org or you can file online at www.psas.org. Xavier’s school code is 1407 and the authorization code for filing online is arch1.
Timeline Now:
Feb 1: March 22: May 15: May 31:
Questions
Tuition Assistance Guidelines
You are highly encouraged to apply for assistance. STO Qualifying Family Size 2 3 4 5 6 7
2013 Maximum Income* $ 46,530 $ 58,590 $ 70,650 $ 82,710 $ 94,770 $106,830
STO qualifying levels are based upon 300% of Federal Poverty Levels as required by Iowa Law. Family size includes parents/guardians plus total number of dependents claimed on 2012 tax return. Falling within these guidelines does not necessarily guarantee tuition assistance. *All families who want to be considered for tuition assistance must complete the PSAS Application.
PSAS Student Aid Forms in pdf format available in both English and Spanish at www.xaviersaints.org PSAS hard copy Student Aid Forms available at Xavier Applications available online at www.psas.org Completed applications must be post-marked or filed electronically Tuition contracts and award notification letters sent to all families who applied Families receiving assistance send confirmation they are accepting/declining the assistance back to the school
To assist you in filling out the Student Aid Form PSAS has a call center available at 866-424-6443. You may also call Shea Francis at 319-739-7307.
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Learning, Praying, and Serving By Dave Glynn, Associate Dean When I began in education, I did not know the impact that Catholic education would have on my life. I went to a small Catholic parish school all the way through high school, taught by the Sisters of Presentation from Dubuque, an associate priest and one lay teacher. My parish high school closed right after I graduated because there were only 47 in the high school and 17 in my graduating class. Catholic education began a new and transformational period. Small parish high schools consolidated into larger schools, while at the same time, a strong effort was made to keep the elementary schools on a parish level. As the years went by, Catholic schools were taught by less and less religious.
gis. My wife, already teaching at All Saints, and I discussed the pros and cons of this teaching position. I accepted the position and thus was the start of my years in Catholic education. I had just finished student teaching in a public high school and after teaching in a Catholic high school, it did not take long to see a difference. Catholic education has a foundation in learning, praying, serving and keeping God as the center of our lives.
I attended college for two years, and decided that I needed to serve my country, so I enlisted in the marines and was sent overseas to serve in an unpopular war. While serving in the war, I prayed to God, but it was mostly prayers that would help me. When I returned, I decided that I wanted to teach and proceeded to finish college.
the elderly in the Cedar Rapids/Marion area. We wanted to spend one day raking leaves and washing windows for those who would have a hard time doing these chores. Then came the big undertaking, we received over 250 requests to fulfill. How were we going to do this with 100 students in one day? Our theme then should have been the same as this year, “Like Mary, we say yes to the impossible.” Sister Susan, some students and I got together, we prayed and asked God for some help. Our prayers were answered when the Regis administration granted us permission to make this a whole school project. Thus Community Service Day in the fall began. A few years later, LaSalle joined in on helping the elderly and had a Community Service Day in the spring. This tradition carried over when Regis and LaSalle combined and began Xavier. Every year there are more and more requests for the services of the Xavier students and staff, ranging from individual chores to group chores to
I met my wife during my last year of college. We talked about where our children would go to school. At the time, I was pretty emphatic that our children would be going to a public school because I felt they had more to offer than what I received. It was then that I got calls from the principals from Regis and Wahlert asking if I would interview for a math position that each of their schools had open beginning the 2nd semester. I did interview at both schools and when I got home from my interview at Wahlert, I got a call from the Regis principal asking if I would accept the position at Re-
My involvement in service began at Regis about 5 years after I started teaching. Sister Susan and I were class moderators for about 100 students in the sophomore class. As a class project, we wanted to do service for
Being in Catholic schools, as a student and as an educator for over 45 years, has instilled in me the importance of prayer in my life.
parish chores and yes, even to help build a house. Every year, Xavier students and staff raise that bar and fulfill those requests. If I may use a quote from Francis of Assisi, “For it is in giving that we receive.” An unknown person has stated, “Seven days without prayer, makes one weak.” The bible has many awesome verses about the power of prayer. A minimum of 8 times every school day, students and staff have the opportunity to pray together. To be able to pray, you must have faith. Being in Catholic schools, as a student and as an educator for over 45 years, has instilled in me the importance of prayer in my life. There is never a day that goes by that I don’t say a short prayer. Sometimes it is to thank God. Then there are times that I pray to my special saint, Saint Anthony, to intercede for me. I have heard it said, “we have done just about everything, all we can do now is pray.” What I have learned from my years in Catholic education is that prayer should not be the last resort, but the first resort. We are reminded daily that God listens to our prayers and it is this belief that we offer prayers to those in need. Not long ago I was the recipient of those prayers. As I look back on that day, I felt that power of prayer from others and also God’s answer to those prayers. Matthew 21:22 says, “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” So, remember when I told my wife that I wanted our children to go to a public school because they had more to offer? Well, my mind was quickly changed and I’m proud to say that three of our children graduated from Regis and our last one from Xavier. What more can a school offer – God, faith, prayer and learning. My parents knew this when they decided to send four of my brothers and me to a small Catholic parish school. I am not sure that they read Proverbs 22:6. If they did not, they sure practiced it. “Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it”.
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Xavier Students Inauguration Trip Top Ten List On Friday, January 18th forty-six excited students boarded a bus with six parent chaperones and two Xavier teachers. Their seventeen hour bus ride took them to Washington D.C. where they experienced history through museums and monuments, lived it by watching President Barak Obama’s second inauguration, and created it through the memories they made with friends. Though each moment of the trip was memorable, the ‘traveling Saints’ wanted to share ten of their favorite moments of #saintsinaug. 1. Mass at St Matthew’s Cathedral 2. Lincoln Memorial at Night 3. Witnessing Beyonce-gate 4. The Inauguration itself 5. Bus rides with Brian, our driver 6. Rollercoaster on the steps of Lincoln 7. Sprinting from the Capitol to the bus 8. The view from the Old Post Office Pavilion 9. Ice-skating and dancing while ice-skating 10. The walking
Xavier Sends 13 Groups to State Speech Contest Thirteen Xavier High School groups received Division I ratings at the district speech contest on Saturday, January 19th in Monticello, IA. The groups include: Annie (musical theater); Chicago (musical theater); Grease (musical theater); Specter Detectors (short film); TV News; Babe (reader’s theater); Stranger Than Fiction (one act play); The Mad Tea Party (ensemble acting); The Foreigner (ensemble acting); The Crucible (ensemble acting); Improv (Banowetz, Young, Airy); Improv (Fay, Pudil, Schnoebelen, Thompson);and Radio News. These groups advanced to the state contest at Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School held Saturday, February 2, 2013.
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Xavier Foundation 2013 Business Appeal Lynn Jump, Xavier Foundation Annual Appeal Director The Xavier Foundation’s annual Business Appeal will get underway this week. Donna Garland, former Xavier parent, is the general chair and current Xavier parent Max Smith is the associate chair. Together they will lead alumni, former and current parents and community volunteers to raise $125,000 for Xavier High School. Donna Garland
Max Smith
The Xavier community is grateful to the businesses that financially support Xavier. Xavier parents who accepted the challenge to help raise funds for this year’s appeal are: Michael Bouchard, Dan Breitbach, Heidi Brown, Lydia Brown, Paul Charipar, John Clarahan, Pat Deignan, Lisa DeWees, Brian Donnelly, Liz Efting, Tom Ekland, Mike Esker, Mike Fettkether, Kevin Giles, Brian Globokar, Ken Heying, Don Homan, Glen Jasper, Duane Jasper, Maureen Kenney, Barbara Klein, James Klein, Tim Kortemeyer, John Locher, Dennis Martin, Dave McGraw, John Miller, Greg Neumeyer, Steve Noonan, Jeff Pitz, Jeff Scherrman, Randy Scholer, Duane Schulte, Cynthia Sueppel, Dave Thinnes, and Doug Valentine.
Grandparents Day 2013 The Xavier Foundation will host the fourth annual Grandparents Day Mass on March 13, 2013. If you would like your Xavier student‘s grandparents to be invited, please visit https://docs.google.com/a/xaviersaints.org/spreadsheet/viewform?fromE mail=true&formkey=dDFXSG5DRG9KRHFsX3ZQeENrQXczSlE6MQ to complete an RSVP form. The deadline to submit will be February 11, 2013. Even if your students grandparents have received invitations in previous years, please resubmit their name and address by completing this form.
Sophomore Lucy Liu Wins Corridor Jazz CD Cover Design Contest
Xavier Students Participate in Esteemed Mathematics Competition Twenty seven Xavier students competed in the American Mathematics Competitions on February 5th. This year Xavier offered the AMC10 contest, open to freshmen and sophomores only, as well as the AMC12 which is open to all high school students. The AMC Contests are sponsored by the Mathematical Association of America, and have grown in its 64 year history to over 220,000 students from over 4200 U.S. and international schools. Top 10 universities and colleges, including internationally recognized U.S. technical institutions, ask for AMC scores on their application forms. Because the Mathematics department at Xavier considers the contest to be a valuable stimulus to student interest in mathematics, it pays for the students' exam fees. Just participating in the contest is an accomplishment because the problems, while within reach, are meant to be more challenging than routinely encountered in mathematics courses. School, state, regional and national awards are given for high scores, and lead to other more selective math contests including the International Mathematical Olympiad.
Sophomore Lucy Liu has won the CD Cover Design Contest offered by the Corridor Jazz Project through the Jazz Public Radio station KCCK 88.3FM at Kirkwood Community College. Lucy’s drawing was chosen out of over 100 entries from art students in Iowa City, Cedar Rapids and Marion high schools . Lucy will receive a $100 cash prize from KCCK-FM and her design will adorn the cover of the “The Corridor Jazz Project V1”, a compilation of recordings from the top jazz bands from Jefferson, Kennedy, Prairie, Xavier and Washington High Schools in Cedar Rapids, Linn Marand, Marion in Marion; City and West High Schools in Iowa City, and Solon High School. Xavier students Rachel Morrow and Molly Vipond also entered the contest and received honorable mention for their submissions.
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Campus Ministry Update Xavier Campus Ministry has been working on a number of activities since the start of the new semester. The following are highlights of our semester so far: • Kairos #14 was held January 23-27 at American Martyrs Retreat House in Cedar Falls. Thirty three students from the junior class were led by seniors and adult facilitators. The weekend was an incredible faith experience for everyone who attended. The final Kairos of the year, Kairos #15, will be held April 18-21 at American Martyrs Retreat House. • The Catholic Schools Week Liturgy was celebrated Tuesday, January 29th. The Xavier students and faculty along with students from Regis, LaSalle, and St. Joseph celebrated the gift of Catholic education. Thank you to our area priests who joined us in celebrating Catholic Schools Week.
• The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be held on February 7th and 8th from 12:25 to 2:45 the afternoon. The area priests will be at Xavier to celebrate the sacrament with students and faculty in preparation for Lent. • Mass for Ash Wednesday will be held February 13th at 9:50 a.m. All parents and friends of Xavier are welcome to attend this Liturgy beginning the season of Lent. • There are still four Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) Retreats for seniors this spring held throughout the Archdiocese of Dubuque. This three day retreat centers on the Paschal Mystery. Please encourage your senior son or daughter to experience this spiritual experience as they finish their high school careers and move forward as young adult. Registration forms are available in the Campus Ministry Office and at all parishes. Check our website for dates and locations.
I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10
March For Life (Continued from page 1) cemetery we went to the Pro-Life mass at the National Shrine. The sheer number of people who attended that mass and who wanted to show their support for the Pro-Life cause truly awed and inspired me. Although many had to sit on the floor and away from the altar, it was still an incredible sight to behold and the mass was still very engaging due to many TV’s which displayed what was happening for those who couldn’t see. I also was extremely impressed by the procession of the laity. I’ve never seen so many people who believed so strongly in our faith and our cause in one place, and it made me proud to be a Catholic and to be affiliated with so many. The next day we went to the rally which was youth oriented and upbeat, which made it easy to get involved and enjoy not only the mass, but also some very uplifting Christian music with people who were the same as us in many ways but also extremely different which made the experience all the better. We then went on the March which was by far my favorite part of the trip. We, as a group were very energetic and jubilant. We began converting many of our Xavier cheers into Pro-Life cheers and once the infectious cheers started, it was clear that they weren’t going to stop. As we marched we picked up signs supporting the movement and carried on with the cheering and met tons of people as we went. Although I enjoyed the cheering, I felt that the real experience that moved me was the “I will be silent no more” speakers. These speakers were women who had at one point or another had or had been affected by an abortion directly in their lives and how the experience was
Xavier students at the March For Life 2013
extremely harmful to them and how they’ve regretted it ever since. I have always seen myself as a Pro- Life supporter, but after this I was even more fervent towards the cause. We then went inside to hear our representatives from Iowa speak about how they also disagreed on harming life in the womb, which was a positive experience to know that our representatives were on our side and representing us well in the government. Our group them we then went on a night tour of the city where we went to many monuments honoring great people in our history, this was impressive to see and reminded us how many important and influential people have affected our nation and shaped it for the better. The following day, our last day in Washington D.C., we went to the Holocaust Museum; this was potent and moving to me and many other Xavier students. Seeing the many injustices and lives lost during this horrible tragedy made me think about its relation to abortion and how fifty-five million innocent lives and counting unfortunately have been lost due to this malicious surgery. Throughout this trip I learned so much about our nation’s capitol and its monuments and history, but more importantly I learned the strength and power of our cause and how although the number of aborted babies is increasing, so are our numbers to fight these heinous losses of life in hopes that one day soon, the evils of abortion and the Roe versus Wade decision that made it legal will be part of the past.
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Catholic Schools Week Mass
Catholic Schools Week Mass
Saints Among Us @SaintsAmongUs “Charity may be a very short word, but with its tremendous meaning of pure love, it sums up man‘s entire relation to God and to his neighbor.“ - St. Aelred of Rievaulx Every day Xavier students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni and organizations all around us go out of their way to say “yes“ to God‘s challenges in their lives. Throughout this Lenten season, as we focus on Christ‘s ultimate act of love in the Paschal Mystery, we will recognize the small sacrifices and acts of God‘s love all around us. Beginning on February 13, 2013 e-mail us a compliment about someone in the Xavier community who you feel lives out a gift of charity and virtue and we‘ll post it anonymously from @SaintsAmongUs for you on the Xavier broadcast announcements and on Twitter.
Art Trip to Paris, Rome and Florence The Xavier Art Department is hosting an Art Trip to Paris, Rome and Florence in the Summer of 2013. The trip is open to all Xavier students and their parents and siblings.
Highlights of the trip include:
• Rome, Florence and Paris sightseeing • Vatican museums • Colosseum • St. Peter‘s Basilica • Roman Mosaics and Impressionist Painting workshop • Academia • Uffizi Gallery • Louvre • Versailles • Chateau • Notre Dame • And much more! Contact Miss Finley for more information!
St. Blaise: Patron of Those Suffering from Ailments of the Throat Submitted By: XPX Spiritual Committee
St. Blaise was tortured and beheaded for refusing to renounce his faith and love of God. As a physician, bishop and martyr, the courageous life of Saint Blaise inspires us in our mission of “Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow and Serving Forever.” Have you ever received the special blessing of the throat on the feast day of Saint Blaise? The priest uses two consecrated candles tied with ribbon in the shape of an X. He positions these candles next to the person’s throat and gives this blessing “Through the intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from the ailments of the throat and from every other illness. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.” Born of noble parents, Blaise had been a physician before he was ordained a priest. He was later named bishop of Sebastea, which is now central Turkey. Blaise lived during a time of intense persecution of the Catholic Church. He received a divine message to go into the hills to escape. His captors found him in a cave healing sick wild animals. On the way to imprisonment, he rescued a poor woman’s pig from the jaws of a wolf. While in prison, a mother brought her son to Blaise because he was choking on a fish bone and was close to death. Blaise prayed over the child and he was healed. This led to the blessing of throats on Blaise’s feast day. Many miracles have been attributed to the intercession of this blessed saint. St. Blaise, pray for us!
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XPX News Thanks to all the parents that contributed cookies for Discover Xavier night. The cookies and lemonade are a great way to welcome next year’s freshmen and their parents. Also thank you to the parent volunteers that worked the registration tables and tours.
Welcome
XPX welcomes Pam Stark to the board. Pam joins Lynn Benkusky Karpick, Kelly Hiserote and Stephanie Hoxie on the Saints Shop Committee. Pam brings merchandise and branding expertise from her years of work in advertising and public relations with Adfinity Marketing Group. The Saints Shop is always looking for new ideas of merchandise to carry and would love to hear from our customers. Just stop by the Saints Shop and let them know your ideas and thoughts.
Saints Shop
The Saints Shop is now open every Friday from 11-1. Show your Xavier spirit with the new basketball and wrestling merchandise Don‘t forget to check out the sale items, but hurry suppliers are limited. Quarter zips and stadium chairs are in stock! Remember all sales directly support Xavier students, faculty and staff!
Xavier Pom and Cheerleading Tryouts Xavier Pom Tryouts for grades 8-11 will begin with an informational meeting for parents and girls trying out for Poms on Tuesday, February 26th at 5:30 p.m. at Xavier. Clinics will be held March 5, 4-6 pm, March 6, 4:00-6:00 pm and March 7, 4–6 pm. Tryouts will follow on Saturday, March 9 beginning at 9 am. The Xavier Poms will also be hosting a tryout prep clinic on February 9th, 3:30 – 5 pm at Xavier. This prep clinic is for anyone interested in trying out for the team grades 8-11 who want a sneak peek into what being a Xavier Pom is like. Coach Stephanie and Coach Kelli will take interested dancers through choreography and technique typically performed by the squad. Contact the coaches at xavierpoms@hotmail.com. We hope to see you there! The Xavier Cheerleading parent meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. Cheerleading tryouts will take place on March 12 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. March 13 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. and March 14 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Varsity Boys Basketball
Varsity Basketball Cheerleaders
Varsity Girls Basketball
Booster Club News Check it Out!
Did you know that Booster Club supports ALL student activities such as Fine Arts, Academics, Athletics, Post Prom, Clubs, Mission Trip, and Uniforms? Learn more about the Booster Club at www.xaviersaints.org
Wanted
Volunteer Coordinator for school year 2013-14. This position oversees parent representatives and assigns volunteers to concessions. Contact Laurenhammerberg@ gmail.com for more information.
Thank you to all our winter concession workers! Next Meeting
The next Booster Club meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 6th , at 6:30 p.m. in the Novak Conference Room.
Become a Member!
The Xavier Booster Club is a volunteer organization dedicated to supporting Xavier academics, athletics and fine arts. We help facilitate, promote, and provide funding for all school related activities. We provide hundreds of volunteer hours and thousands of dollars a year to enhance the high standards and success of Xavier High School and its students. Support our efforts by becoming a member today! A 2012-2013 Booster Club Membership form can be found here: http://www.xaviersaints.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/2012-2013-Booster-Club-Membership-Form.pdf
2013 XTRA Leadership Award
The Xavier Booster Club is proud to present the annual XTRA LEADERSHIP AWARD honoring a Xavier High School mentor, moderator, coach, or director of a Booster Club sponsored extra-curricular activity. These activities include coaches or moderators of Xavier athletics, fine arts, or clubs. The nominee may coach within any organized club, sport, or fine arts program, at any level. Criteria include program success; status as a role model for Xavier students; and the ability to display outstanding leadership skills that help form and shape future leaders through activities that take students outside the classroom and onto the stage, the field, or the court. The Xavier Booster Club sponsors this prestigious award which includes a $500 stipend given to the XTRA award recipient. To nominate a Xavier coach or moderator of an extra curricular activity, simply fill out the following: Name: _________________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________ E-mail: ______________________________ Person you are nominating: ________________________________________ Please accompany your nomination with a summary of why you think this person is worthy of the XTRA Leadership Award. Nominations will be received until March 31, 2013. Please return nominations to the Xavier Booster Club, 6300 42nd Street NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52411. Fax nominations to 319-294-6712 or e-mail nominations to melissa.slinger@xaviersaints.org.
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Come Experience “The Jungle Book“ With Xavier! Xtravaganza 2012
SAVE THE DATE: Booster Club Fiesta!
The Booster Club wants to welcome all incoming freshmen parents to the Xavier community!
The Xavier High school Drama Department will be presenting the classic children’s story, The Jungle Book for its Children’s Theatre production.
Come “Fiesta” with us on Thursday, May 9th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s Parish Hall, Hiawatha. Adults only- Free Drinks & Appetizers Just for coming, you have a chance to win a $500 tuition voucher to Xavier High School.
SAVE THE DATE: Xtravaganza Middle School Show Choir Competition on March 2, 2013!
Come join us for this beloved story of a boy named Mowgli who is raised by
Mark your calendars for March 2nd, when Xavier High School hosts Xtravaganza, our annual middle school show choir competition, featuring top show choirs from the metro area and beyond, along with showcasing the talents of our own Xhilaration and Xuberance!
wolves, a black panther named Bagheera and a carefree bear named Baloo in the jungles of India. There is also a snake named Kaa and a tiger named Shere Khan that want Mowgli out of the jungle and
Xtravaganza is Xavier’s largest show choir fundraiser, and we invite you to be a part
try to hunt him down. Come and see how
of it. By making a donation, you help cover our expenses and free up funds for cho-
Mowgli’s friends, some wild monkeys and
reography, costumes, and other show choir needs. Your contribution also provides
some crazy vultures help Mowgli through
you with a complimentary program* with your name inside as a patron and our
his travels through the jungle.
everlasting gratitude for your support. The play will take place at the Regis/LaSalle Theatre at Xavier High School Feb-
YES, count me in as an Xtravaganza patron! Patron opportunities include: Standing Ovation: $100; Center Stage: $50; and Curtain Call: $25. To participate, just fill out the form below, and send it to the Xavier Business Office with your check so it arrives no later than February 16th. Contact Joe or Terrie Mlodzik at 378-4003 or teamjant@gmail.com with questions. Your support is very much appreciated! *Complimentary programs will be held at the registration table until 4 pm on the day of the event, March 2nd. __ Standing Ovation: $100
__ Center Stage $50
__ Curtain Call $25
Name to appear in the program: ____________________________________ Phone: _________________ E-mail: _________________________________ Patron Donation: $____________
(so we can acknowledge your contribution)
ruary 14, 15 and 16. The Thursday show will be at 4:30 pm. The Friday shows will be at 4:30 pm and 7 pm. The Saturday shows will be at 1:00 pm and 3 pm. The cost for everyone is $2.00 and can be purchased only at the door. Be sure to stay after to get an autograph from Mowgli and all the characters in the show. See you there!
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From the Nurse Signs and Symptoms of Drug Use Once a year I like to remind parents of signs to watch for that may be indicative that a child may have begun using drugs. Early detection may help to keep kids from getting bored with their drug of choice and experimenting with other and potentially more dangerous drugs. However, it is important to keep in mind that if a child shows any of the following symptoms, it does not necessarily mean that he or she is using drugs. The presence of some of these behaviors could be symptoms of depression or adolescent stress. Whatever the cause, they warrant attention, especially if they persist or occur in a cluster. A mental health professional or a caring adult may help a child overcome a crisis and develop more effective coping skills and preventing further problems and helping to seek help for those that may be using drugs. The key is CHANGE. It is important to watch for any significant changes in your child’s physical appearance, personality, attitude or behavior. Behavioral Signs: • Change in overall attitude/personality • Change in friends; new hang-outs; sudden avoidance of old crowd • Doesn’t want to talk about new friends; friends are known drug users • Change in clothing choices; change in personal grooming habits • Change in activities/hobbies • Drop in grades, attendance issues • Change in habits at home; loss of interest in family • Difficulty paying attention; forgetfulness • General lack of motivation, energy or self-esteem, “I don’t care” attitude • Moodiness, irritability • Silliness or giddiness • Excessive need for privacy; increased secrecy; suspicious behavior • Chronic dishonesty; secretive conversations or coded language with friends • Use of room deodorant or perfume to hide odors • Eye drops to cover up red eyes; mouthwash or breath mints
Physical Signs: • Change in eating habits; unexplained weight loss/gain • Slow, staggered walk; poor coordination • Inability to sleep, awake at unusual times, unusual laziness • Red eyes, pupils larger or smaller than usual; blank stare • Cold, sweaty palms; shaky hands • Smell of substance on breath, body or clothes • Extreme hyperactivity; talkativeness • Runny nose; hacking cough • Excessive sweating, nausea More information about drug education can be found on the Xavier web page under the Health Link or www.timetotalk@ drugfree.org. You may also contact Kris Naeve, School Nurse if you have questions or concerns. The above information was from the American Council for Drug Education at www.acde.org.
From the Trainer: Back pain affects 80% of Americans at some time in their lives. It comes in many forms, from lower back pain, middle back pain, or upper back pain to low back pain with sciatica. The most common back pain is from injury or overuse of muscles, ligaments, and joints. Nerve problems are caused by a herniated disc sometimes brought on by repeated vibration or motion, or by a sudden heavy strain, or increased pressure to the lower back. Also, spondylolisthesis, a defect that allows one vertebra to slide over another could be a cause of back pain. Fractures of the vertebrae caused by a lot of force, such as from an auto accident, a direct blow to the spine, or compressing the spine by falling onto head or buttocks. Osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis are caused by just getting older and your body deteriorating. Treatments can include pain killers, massage, ultrasound, TENS, manipulation, heat/ice, and individually tailored exercise programs to help you regain full use of the back. Strengthening both the abdominal and back muscles helps stabilize the spine. You can prevent further back injury by learning and doing gentle stretching exercises, proper lifting techniques, and maintaining good posture possibly achieved through Pilates and/or yoga.
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Sixth Annual Band Garage Sale Save the Date! Saturday, April 20, 2013!
Thinking about clearing out some of that clutter? Don’t have the time to organize your own garage sale? Why not consider setting aside items for donations to the Xavier High School annual band Garage and Bake Sale Fundraiser?!
The sale will take place at Xavier High School on Saturday, April 20, 2013 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Commons. We welcome your donations of the following items to be sold at the Garage Sale: clothing for infants, children and adults. We also accept toys, games, household items, small appliances, and hand-held electronics. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept large furniture items. All donations can be dropped off at the school on Friday, April 19th between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. A tax receipt will be available for those who offer donations. Proceeds from this sale will assist the band in purchasing new equipment. All unsold items will be donated to area charitable organizations. For additional information contact Shanna Wille at 378-8829 or sr1wille@gmail.com.
Students and Faculty of the Month
Sarah Dickes “For her positive leadership in basketball and at school and her commitment to faith.“
Eli Smith
Jacqui Goertz
Barb Miltner
“For his incredible enthusiasm, his leadership on Kairos, playing music at Mass and his service work for El Salvador. “
“For her outstanding work with student senate and for serving as an adult leader on Kairos.“
“For leading Xavier robotics team to state competition, her work on Xavier’s Iowa Core team and her in-service work with faculty on assessment.“
Xavier High School • 6300 42nd Street NE • Cedar Rapids, IA 52411 • (319) 294-6635 • www.xaviersaints.org