Dear Parents and Students,

It's hard to believe that February is here and we are already into the 3rd Marking Period. Traditionally, this is the time of year when students start thinking about the coming of Spring and sometimes forget that school should be their number one priority and responsibility. Please continue to support your child in their academic endeavors and remind them that we still have a long way to go before the year is over. Strive to help them continue to focus on their homework, projects, tests and quizzes! We want all our students to finish the year on a positive academic note.

Again, I want to remind all 8th grade parents whose child hopes to continue their education at a Catholic High School, that all applications for the Helen J. Horan Scholarship are due on or before March 15. Any applications received after the March 15 deadline will not be considered. All information pertaining to this scholarship is available on our school website.

FACTS Tuition Management Program!

As previously announced, we will be moving towards a Tuition Management Program for the 2009-2010 School Year with FACTS serving as our tuition management agent. A special information night for parents not familiar with the FACTS Tuition Management Program will be held on March 11 at 7PM in the school cafeteria.

Important Yearbook Announcement:

8th Grade Parents: The yearbook staff will be accepting parent ads up to Friday, March 6

News from the Math Department:

MATHCOUNTS

We're sending a HUGE thank you to all students and parents involved in prepping our Nashua Catholic MATHCOUNTS team/club while preparing for the regional competition this upcoming weekend in Bedford. Mrs. Noah has been spearheading this endeavor and much learning and laughter has been in evident in the hallway outside her class. We all wish the team members much luck in this weekend's event and our thoughts and prayers go with you all. Go NC!! Stay tuned for results in the next newsletter

CATHOLIC MATH LEAGUE

We're in the process of tabulating results from the third test which was taken February 5, 2009. More details will follow in next month's newsletter. It is exciting to watch the students gather at the classroom bulletin boards to discover their placement within their class after each test. They really do realize that it is "cool" to do well in math and problem solving is enjoyable! Nashua Catholic's scores continue to impress us all. You may watch our progress at www.catholicmathleague.com. The fourth and final test will be given in early March.

Changing "HATS" with a Fashion Show Request

Things are beginning to take shape for the Silent Auction that accompanies the fashion show. Donations are coming in and look great thus far. We have already received a few wonderful baskets, gift certificates for massages, gift cards, and a chance to be "Principal for a Day". We are sure to have something to interest you! If you have not contacted us yet, it is not too late to send in your donation. Consider "joining forces" with another family to donate the "perfect" item. If you do decide to donate, please send a "list" of items included in your basket as well as the approximate value for bidding purposes. Can't wait to see what we can offer our bidders at this year's evening in Paris on March 20th.

A request - if anyone has any medium/large size baskets - especially with handles- that you do not need, please send them in. Mrs. Kirkwood is happy to collect them for us. We can make excellent use of them in displaying the wide array of items that are coming in.

Please email Mrs. Parolin at jparolin@ncrjhs.org with silent auction questions or donation ideas. Together, we really can make things happen! As always, we remain so grateful for all your support.

News from the English Department:

During the third quarter, the 7th and 8th graders will explore the literary elements of plays and poetry. A variety of plays will be read, along with a selection of traditional and modern poetry. The 7th and 8th grade English students continue their study of grammar, usage, and mechanics, and are working on becoming more skilled writers.

On January 22, 2009, during study hall, the following seventh and eighth grade students participated with great prowess in the school-wide spelling bee: Ted Allen, Philip Mansfield, Troy Nikander, Jake Joury, Anji Radakrishnan, Katherine Swallow, Emma Brooks, Joey Campanella, John Dobens, Brian Wells, Jon McQuarrie, and David Swallow. Mrs. Pinsonneault and Mrs. Maloney wish to congratulate all these students for their preparation and skilled performance in this year's bee! Although all these students did very well, Anji Radakrishnan missed none of the difficult words presented to her and will be our school's representative to the Nashua Regional Spelling Bee which will take place at the Elks Lodge in Nashua, at 1:00 P.M., on Sunday, March 8, 2009. Katherine Swallow, a worthy competitor, won second place.

The Writers Club has been meeting on Tuesdays, in Room 406, from 3:00-4:00 P.M. We have met seven times so far, with a membership ranging from 3 to 14 students. Scheduled meetings during February are 2/3/09 (imagination inspiration), 2/10 (acrostic and recipe poems), and 2/17/09 (play with pantoums.) Our meetings so far have involved a range of writing opportunities and exercises. We have written plays cooperatively, constructed stories related to an image, responded to a guided imagery selection, fashioned found poems, and written modeled poems. If any of this sounds intriguing to you or your student, come join us. Serious writers are always welcome.

News from the World Language Department:

On Friday, February 6, students from the French and Spanish classes offered desserts at lunch typical of French and Spanish-speaking countries. It was suggested that students make a free will donation of 50 cents for each item purchased. The free will donations totaled $130, The proceeds will be donated to Haitian and Dominican relief organizations. This project was begun in conjunction with Catholic Schools Week. Thank you to all who participated either by contributing desserts, helping with the set-up, selling, and clean-up, or by purchasing the desserts. Your generosity of time, talents, and treasure are appreciated.

Athletic News:

With basketball season winding down, it's time to start thinking spring. Baseball/Softball tryouts begin on Monday, March 23. Spring Track will begin on Monday, March 30th. Intramural/club boys lacrosse have not set any dates as of this printing. Mr. Swanson would like to organize a group to play after school and possibly pick up some 'friendly' games with either other club teams or perhaps a school team. More info to come.

Development News:

March 20th, 7th Annual Fashion Show and Silent Auction. The students wishing to model must have their permission slip in by Tuesday, February 10th. No exceptions! There are many factors related to the number of models we have. A mandatory parent/model meeting will be held on Thursday, February 19th, 7:30 in the cafeteria. We will be assigning stores and selling tickets at this meeting. The 'Design the Cover' contest is under way. All entries need to be into Mr. B or Mrs. Rucci by Thursday, February 12th.

The Ad Committee is still accepting ads for the program book. Please email Mr. B or Mrs. Mack for more information: rbsnlt@ncrjhs.org smack@ncrjhs.org

Mrs. Parolin is collecting items for the Silent Auction portion of the show. Please contact her if you have ideas or items you wish to offer for the auction: jparolin@ncrjhs.org

Summer Basketball School !!!!!!

Nashua Catholic will once again be offering Summer Basketball School.

July 6th to 10th, Co-ed 3rd and 4th graders (as of Sept '09)

July 13th to 17th, Girls, grades 5 thru 8

July 20th to 24th, Boys, grades 5 thru 8.

Cost, $180 per week, will once again include lunch, drinks and a team shirt.

Call/email Mr. B for more information. rbsnlt@ncrjhs.org

NOTICE TO PARENTS OF 2009-2010 7th and 8th GRADERS: SUMMER PROGRAMS!!!!

Summer is quickly approaching and we are getting ready to begin our sixth annual "Summer Stars" enrichment program. Please take a look at our course offerings below! To register, please return/mail the form below (may be copied) Attention: Ms. Matson with a check made out to NCRJHS. Please do NOT combine your summer school payment with any other school payments. If you have any questions, please email Ms. Matson at dmatson@ncrjhs.org. Registrations will be accepted beginning starting immediately for incoming Nashua Catholic students and continue until courses are full. We have decided this year to open up our Summer School Program to the general public starting May 11, 2009 space permitting.

__________________________________________
NASHUA CATHOLIC REGIONAL JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Summer School Program Offerings 2009

STUDY SKILLS:
This course explores basic study skills essential for success in school.
Topics include:

*Motivation * Time Management
*Organization * Active Listening
*Test Preparation * Note taking/Outlining
*Reading Comprehension * Improving Your Memory
*Effective Group Work * Internet Research
*Public Speaking * and MORE!!!

Fee: $100 (current/incoming NC students) $105 (non- NC students-must be entering grades 7 or 8) (snack included)

Dates: -July 27- July 31 8:00am - 11:00am
August 3-August 7 12:00pm - 3:00pm
August 10-August 14 8:00am - 11:00am

JUNIOR HIGH SUCCESS!:
This course is based on the critically acclaimed, "Top 20 Teens"
Program. Your child will learn basic "life skills": getting along
with teachers, other students and teammates, and working to his or
her greatest potential! Fun, engaging, real life examples and
down-to-earth, practical advice will teach your child how to be a
success in Junior High, both academically and personally!

Fee: $100 (current/incoming NC students) $105 (non- NC students-must be entering grades 7 or 8) (snack included)

Dates: July 27-July 31 12:00pm - 3:00pm
August 3-August 7 8:00am - 11:00am
August 10-August 14 12:00pm - 3:00pm

*** NOTE: Students who sign up for BOTH the Study Skills and the Junior High Success course during the SAME WEEK may stay for Lunch (provided, or you may bring your own), and Recreation Time in between course sessions!

OUR PROGRAMS OFFER GREAT OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR CHILD TO:

*MAKE NEW FRIENDS
*GET A "SNEAK PREVIEW" OF NASHUA CATHOLIC
AND A "HEAD START" FOR THE YEAR AHEAD!
*DISCOVER HOW TO NAVIGATE OUR BUILDING
(Up and Down Staircases, Four floors but only three stories, etc.)
*PRACTICE TEAMWORK
*BUILD CONFIDENCE
*EASE CONCERNS ABOUT THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR
*MEET STAFF MEMBERS
*LEARN VALUABLE PERSONAL/SOCIAL SKILLS
*MAKE A POSITIVE TRANSITION TO JUNIOR HIGH
*PREPARE FOR NEW ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
*INCREASE RESPONSIBILITY
*IMPROVE TIME MANAGEMENT
*ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT NC
*ENGAGE IN INTERESTING LESSONS
*HAVE FUN WHILE LEARNING!
*ENJOY SPECIAL ACTIVITIES AND SURPRISES!

WE HOPE YOU WILL JOIN US THIS SUMMER FOR A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AT NASHUA CATHOLIC!

SUMMER ENRICHMENT COURSE REGISTRATION FORM

Your child MUST be pre-registered for all courses! We "sold out" last year with waiting lists, so please register early! A $50 non-refundable deposit per course is required upon registration and the balance due one week prior to the start of the course.

Please mail this form (may be copied) with your check to Nashua Catholic, ATTENTION: Deb Matson. We will advise everyone on the wait list as to the status of the program. More information will be sent to you in the upcoming weeks.

PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM COMPLETELY! (Please PRINT legibly!)

CHILD'S FULL NAME: __________________________________________ ________

SCHOOL CHILD CURRENTLY ATTENDS__________________________________ ___

SCHOOL CHILD WILL BE ATTENDING IN 2009-2010: _______________________

PARENT(S) FULL NAME (S):________________________________________ ____
___________________________________ __

PARENT(S) ADDRESS:
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________

PARENT(S) PHONE:__________________ CELL PHONE: ________________
EMERGENCY CONTACT (Name/Phone) : ______________________________
PARENT EMAIL***:___________________________________ ___
*** NOTE: Your registration receipt, health form, lunch menu, program schedule and specifics will all be sent via email!

COURSE(S) SELECTIONS/DATES: (Check all that apply and enclose deposit.)
STUDY SKILLS ____ July 27-31 (8:00-11:00am)
($100 NC student in '09-'10) ____ August 3-7 (12pm-3pm)
($105 non-NC student in '09-'10) ____ August 10-14 (8:00-11:00am)
(Snack Included)
JUNIOR HIGH SUCCESS ____ July 27-31 (12pm - 3pm)
($100 NC student in '09-'10) ____ August 3-7 (8:00am-11:00am)
($105 non-NC student in'09-'10) ____ August 10-14 (12pm - 3pm)
(Snack Included)
** Students who register for BOTH Study Skills AND Junior High Success during the SAME SCHEDULED WEEK may join us for lunch (provided, or bring your own) and activity time in between course sessions.**

Admissions:

The Nashua Catholic Faculty, Staff and Students put their best foot forward for Step-up Day on January 23rd. The visiting sixth grade students had a great time meeting new and old friends, exploring the NC halls and, of course, eating ice cream sundaes!. It takes our whole community to put on this special day of discovery. We wish to thank you all for all your efforts and understanding.

Registrations are for our 2009-2010 7th grade are now due. Our expedited re-registration process for current students went very well. We appreciate the fantastic response and quick return of forms and fee. Our parents are the very best!

Please remember that admission to Nashua Catholic is open all year on a space available basis. (February is, however, the only month to apply for the Parish Tuition Support.) As our classes still have room, we welcome all inquiries. Thanks for creating a Nashua Catholic buzz!

Our Second Annual Admission Leads Raffle is now underway!

WIN $200 Toward NC Tuition!

*No tickets to buy!
*Recommend Nashua Catholic
*All Applications received between October 1, 2008 and April 30, 2010 listing you as the recommending family will earn you a NC Raffle ticket.

*No limits

This is NC's way of thanking you for being GREAT!

Nashua Catholic Volunteers: January had three opportunities for the bakers of Nashua Catholic to share their best - and they certainly did an outstanding job. We most sincerely thank all who baked for the Father/Daughter Dance, the Principal's Coffee and/or the Parent/Grandparent Mass. Delicious!!!

Special Announcement:

Nashua Catholic will be offering a one hour free "cardio combo" exercise class. Class includes warm-up, workout, cool down and stretching! Basic and advanced techniques will be demonstrated. Sneakers and appropriate work out clothing is required.

DATES: Tuesdays ~ Feb. 17, March 3, 10, 17

TIME: 3 - 4 pm

After 4:30 pm all students that have not been picked up will be required to go to café. Any student attending café will be charged the usual fee of $10 per hour.

Nashua Catholic Calendar:

February 2009

1 Acceptances for the 2009-2010 School Year to be mailed by this date.

16 No School President's Day

19 Mass All are Welcome!

23-27 Winter Recess No School

March 2009

4 Progress Reports

5 School Mass 9:00AM All are welcome!

6 11:30AM Early Release

12 Winter Sports Awards 1:00

15 Deadline for Helen J. Horan Scholarship

18&19 Fashion Show Practice

20 Nashua Catholic Fashion Show - Paris in the Springtime (This event sells out! Buy your tickets early.)

30-3 Terra Nova Testing

God Bless,

Thomas Kelleher
Principal