Nashua Catholic Regional Jr. H.S. Newsletter                March 2010



 

in this issue

:: Student Spotlight

:: 7th Grade Field Trip!

:: Academic News

:: Helen J. Horan Scholarship Applications!

:: Yearbook Ads

:: Lil' Iguana Needs Our Support

:: Nashua North and Nashua South to meet with NC Students

:: Summer Stars and New Summer Programs

From the Principal: 

Dear Parents and Students,

March portends to be a busy month for Nashua Catholic.  By the time you receive this newsletter, you should have in your possession a copy of your child's 3rd Quarter Progress Report.  We remind you that this is the time of year when students may be thinking about the Springtime and the glories of summer; their schoolwork sometimes takes a back seat to other activities!  Please continue to monitor your child's academic progress and make sure they keep their priorities in order and finish the last quarter and half of the school year on a strong and positive note.

As stated above, March is a busy time of the year for us as we prepare for our Winter Sports Awards Day (the date of which has been changed to Tuesday, March 23!) and the beginning of the Spring Sports season.  Be mindful also of the fact that March is the month for our major Fashion Show Event.  Many of our students will be participating in this event and we invite your full participation and support.

The deadline for applying for the Helen J. Horan Scholarship is March 15.  As previously announced no applications received after this deadline will be considered.  All application materials and requirements can be found on our school website

Peace,

Thomas Kelleher, Principal

Student Spotlight:

DAR Essay Winners

We are pleased to announce that two Nashua Catholic Students -7th grader Tom Glisson and 8th grader Greg Zoda) were each named the winners, in their respective grade categories, of the American History Essay Contest sponsored by the Matthew Thornton Chapter of the Duaghters of the American Revolution.  Each of their essays will be forwarded to the state essay judges where a state winner will be determined.  Greg and Tom - along with their respective families, and teacheers- will be invited to the Matthew Thorton Chapter Luncheon on March 20, 2010 where they will be officially recognized and honored.  Congratulations to Greg and Tom for a job well done!
Pictured below are Greg and his teacher Mrs. Sevigny and Tom and his teacher Mr. Abercrombie.



MathCounts Team With Impressive Showing:

Congratulations to the Nashua Catholic Mathcounts team who competed in the regional competition in Bedford NH in February. There were a total of 18 middle school teams competing and our Nashua Catholic team placed third out of 18! Way to go team! They won great honors for NC and themselves by qualifying for the state meet at Plymouth State University in early March. Congratulations to the coaches - Mr.Yemme, Mr. Hebert and Mr. Radakrishnan for their support and encouragement to all team members for a job well done. Congratulations to the following eleven team members who represented our school so well - Anji Radakrishnan, Joanna Song, Rishi Yemme, Shivani Shrestha, John Noon, Alison Hebert, Tanvi Wattal, Sucheta Tamragouri, Rishi Kachrani, Rex Li and Magna Senthilnathan. Also, congratulations to Anji Radakrishnan who placed second overall in the individual competition. She did a great job of representing all students at Nashua Catholic in this rigorous and challenging event. More information will follow - let's us wish them all good luck in the states!





 

7th Grade Field Trip Planned:

7th Grade Field Trip scheduled for March 31!

On Wednesday, March 31, the seventh grade will be traveling to the Palace Theatre in Manchester, New Hampshire to see the the play, Eureka!This play shows students how Math relates to the real world and explores number theory, order of operations, probability, prime numbers, the Fibonacci sequence, the origins of the computer and calculator, Pascal's triangle, and the golden ratio. This program will get our students excited about Math and possibly pursue careers in Math and Science!

We will be departing at 9:15 Am and returning at 1 PM. Students should bring a brown bag lunch and snack with them to school. We will eat lunch on the bus as we return to school. Please keep in mind when you are preparing the lunch that we have many students with peanut allergies. Peanut products should remain at home. Moreover, water is the only liquid that will be allowed on the bus.

The cost for admission and transportation will be $25.00. It is expected that all students will attend. If this presents a hardship, please contact Mrs. Patricia Brittan, Assistant Principal. Permission slips will be going home with the students on Monday, March 8, 2010. Please return the permission form with the fee in an envelope marked "Theatre" by Friday, March 19, 2010.

We look forward to experiencing this opportunity with your student!

 

Academic News:

From the Theology Department:

Electronic Fasting at Nashua Catholic will be underway this Lenten season. Students in all theology classes will sign up for a designated 24 hours to be electronic free. The goal of the exercise is to teach the students to "just be" and spend sometime drawing closer to God through formal or informal prayer, simple silence, or Bible readings. All students will be asked to write a reflection on this experience. Guidelines were handed out in theology class. Also, Father Aggie gave us terrific youth Lenten calendars. Each student should have received one in theology class. Each day on the calendar has a short activity. Perhaps on the day of the electronic fast, your student could do a few of these very rich exercises.As the calendar states, "May you have a safe passage through Lent" and may we all be led to the cross, forgiving and loving along the way.

The faculty will be studying the cardinal virtue of fortitude this month.Fortitude is the virtue that allows us to overcome fear and to remain steady in our will in the face of moral obstacles. Prudence and justice are the virtues through which we decide what needs to be done; fortitude gives us the moral strength to do it. John the Baptist is a perfect example of a man of fortitude with respect to a "private combat", for he did not refrain from speaking out against Herod for repudiating his first wife and marrying his brother's wife while Philip was still alive.  This eventually led to his death.During this Lenten journey, ask yourself if and when you show moral strength to your children or your students. How can you assist your child to be morally strong, especially as he or she heads toward high school? Pray for moral strength on a daily basis and always ask our Heavenly Father to help in difficult situation.

From the Mathematics Department:

Mathcounts  News
 
Congratulations to the Nashua Catholic Mathcounts team who competed in the regional competition in Bedford NH in February. See Student Spotlight section above.
 
Catholic Math League Winners

The third exam was given in early February. Nashua Catholic has fared extremely well as our results indicate solid improvement in all areas! Currently, the Algebra students are the top 10% overall, while both Prealgebra and Math 7 students are in top 30% positions nationally. Excellent work by all students!
The schoolwide winners are - in first place on the latest test for Math 7, John Deschenes, second place is Ryan Szczgielski and in third place is Kurt Rockstrom. On the Prealgebra test, first place goes to Marie Bonin and Ted Allen., in second place are Mitchell Hullihen, Shefali Mangtani, Udhay Vijay and Emily Murphy. Third place winners include Jack Barowski, Shannon Duffy, Jocelyn Petry, Philip Mansfield, Melissa Allard and Sarah Smythe. For Algebra 1, first place goes to Joanna Song, second place to Greg Zoda and tied for third place are Shivani Shrestha and Anji Radakrishnan. Our school's final test will be given in March.

From the History Department:
 
Congratulations to the 7th grade first place winner of the DAR essay contest, Thomas Glisson, and to the 8th grade first place winner, Greg Zoda.  See Student Spotlight section above.
 
Both of these exceptional essayists will be hosted at the DAR luncheon on March 20th, and recognized for their outstanding contributions. This is the first time, I believe, that Nashua Catholic has had both first place winners in the essay contest. Congratulations to both of you!!
 
The 8th grade History students are in the midst of their interviews with a veteran in the armed forces. This is being done in conjunction with the unit on WWII. The project is due on March 10th, and should make for interesting reading.
 
In addition, the 8th grade midterm will be held(weather permitting) on March 22nd. The students will be getting more information in the next few weeks on how to study for this exam.
 
The 7th grade History classes are also busy, making land formations with Mr. Abercrombie, and starting the Industrial Revolution. Soon the Civil War will be looming.





 

Helen J. Horan Scholarship:

Parents and students are reminded that the deadline for applying for the Helen J. Horan Scholarship is March 15.  Absolutely no applications will be accepted beyond this deadline.  The Helen J. Horan Scholarship is a four year award that is given to a deservng NC 8th grader who intends to continue his/her secondary education at a Catholic High School of choice.   Proof of registration at the high school of choice must be given and evidence of sound academic standing must be provided at the beginning each of the high school years.

2010 Yearbook Parent Ads

The day the yearbooks arrive is an exciting day for everyone at school!  Students can't wait to see their own pictures and the pictures of their friends.  You can probably still remember how much fun it was for you!  A yearbook is a highlight of the year and a wonderful keepsake.  The cost of the yearbook is included in your tuition/activity fee.
 
The NCRJHS yearbook staff is selling parent and business ads for the yearbook.  The options are 1/8, 1/4, or 1/2 page ad.  The parent ads are usually a picture of your child as a baby or the first day of kindergarten.  A short message is typically included.  The students love finding themselves in the ads.  Your original pictures will be safely returned to you.  Please include the name of your student on the back of the picture.  Typically, these ads are purchased by eighth grade parents. We also sell patron ads (name only) and short messages without a picture.  Space is limited because of the number of pages available so we have a first come, first serve policy.  The prices are below.  The prices have been reduced this year.
 
Patron - $10.00                                             1/8 page - $50.00
Message - $25.00                                          1/4 page - $75.00
                                                                    1/2 page - $100.00
 
The order form is attached to this notice. The ads and payment may be mailed to the school or dropped off at the office.  Checks should be payable to NCRJHS.  Please mark the envelopes "attention yearbook staff".   The students will not see the messages until the book is printed.
 
Please place your ad by March 12, 2010, so we may meet our deadline.  If you have any questions, you may contact Stacie Kiczuk at 672-4245.



Yearbook Ad Order Form:

Wildcat Yearbook Ads 2009-2010
Parent Name   __________________________________
Phone Number _____________________________________________
 
Student Name  __________________________________
 
Please check one and write the text for the ad below - be sure to include to whom & from whom - you may, if you prefer, attach a typed sheet of paper for the text.  Write student's name on back of picture.
 
______  $100  (1/2) Page Ad - with or without a picture
 
______  $75    (1/4) Page Ad - with or without a picture
 
______  $50    (1/8) Page Ad - with or without a picture
 
________________________________________________________________________
 
________________________________________________________________________
 
________________________________________________________________________
 
________________________________________________________________________
 
________________________________________________________________________
 
 
 
 
______ $25  Message (a short message including to whom & from whom)
 
_______________________________________________________________________
 
_______________________________________________________________________
 
______ $10  Patron (name only) ____________________________________________
 
Amount Paid _____________
 
Cash _________                     Check _________               Check #___________
 
Please make checks payable to Nashua Catholic or NCRJHS
 
Deadline for Ads is March 12, 2010

Athletic News:

Basketball updates: if you haven't heard, our girl's varsity basketball team won the Catholic Schools Tourney and received an invitation to compete in the New England Regional Tourney, March 26-28 in Bridgeport CT. They beat perennial favorites St. Mary's of Dover.  The girls also made it to the finals in the Tri County League Championships, losing to a red hot Windham team.  The boy's varsity team also played in the championship game of the Catholic Schools Tourney, losing to St. Joseph of Manchester.
We are very proud of all four of our basketball teams.  They represented Nashua Catholic like true champions on and off the floor.  Huge thank you to our coaching staff.  They don't always get the praise they deserve, they are a very dedicated and respected group.
    
The wrestling team is at it again, taking a second place team trophy at the recently held, NH Youth Wrestling Regional Tournament.  They then went on to the States Championships and proceeded to take a team 3rd place. We also had Marcel Laplante and Joe Chimelski take home first place awards in their respective weight classes.  Connor Sullivan took second, Evan Manns took home 3rd and Ryan Szczygielski earned a 4th place.  Two members from St. Christopher School also had a good tournament, they were, Levi Gosselin (second place) and Cole Nickerson (third place).
The team also took a third place at the Annual Mark Thibault City Tourney.  Several of the boys are off to the New England Championships.  Good luck to those boys.  We also want to say thank you to our wrestling coaches and parents for all their dedication.

The cheerleading team is into their respective tournament season.  They recently competed in the Tri County Competition, taking a sixth place.  They will be competing in the Winter Spirit Invitational, hosted by Bishop Guertin High School, March 6th and also the NH CYO on March 21st.  Good luck girls!

Winter sports awards assembly will take place on Tuesday, March 23rd, 1-2:30p.  This is a date change from previous newsletters and calendars.  Parents are always welcomed.  Mr Knepp creates a memorable presentation, albeit with the help of many parent photographers and by-lines by his technology classes.

One last comment, winter sport athletes, please return your clean uniform to Mr B at once.  Please do not let this simple task consume you......get it done!

On to spring sports......
Spring sport sign-ups will take place the week of March 8th during lunch.  See Mr B to sign up.  We offer baseball, softball, boys and girls track and field, co-ed golf and boy's club lacrosse.

Spring Track.....we are currently seeking a head coach for the spring track team.  If you, or know someone who might be interested please call Mr B for more information.  It is a relatively short season, April and May, with the league meet the last of May first of June.

Hearts to Hands Service Club News
 
Popcorn and Bake Sale for March:
Our last popcorn and bake sale was very successful. Please consider baking for the March sale on Friday March 12th. All items can be sent in to school - individually wrapped if possible - and delivered to Mrs. Kirkwood in the morning. Thanks!
 
Calling all Hearts to Hands Club Bakers:
Our club wants to create and fill a basket for the Silent Auction portion of the fashion show. The theme of this basket is, of course, "I Love to Bake"! Anyone interested in donating an item to be included in this basket may bring in their contribution and give it to either Mrs. Kirkwood or Mrs. Parolin before March 12th. Thanks for helping!
 
Collection for Marguerite's Place Residents:
Thanks to all who helped us to fill 10 laundry baskets with cleaning supplies for delivery to the residents for Valentine's Day. These baskets were very warmly received. Our club is sending a special thank you to the MacVarish and Noon families (shown below) for helping out with our basket delivery.


 
 
Child Advocacy Center of Hillsborough County:
Some of our eighth grade club members will be assisting the CAC with their upcoming auction during a Saturday evening in April. They will be asked to be runners and set up persons to help facilitate a smooth evening. Thank you in advance to any students who will donate their time and talent to this very worthy cause.

Help a Lifelong Patron of Nashua Catholic:
Lil' Iguana Needs Your Support

Lil' Iguana - a local business that has been a strong supporter of Nashua Catholic in many of our fundrasing efforts- is eligible to receive a substantial "Pepsi Refresh Grant" titled "Help Us Save Kids".  All they need is your vote throughout the month of March.  Your child will receive a flyer in homeroom.  Please take a moment to read the instructions on "voting" and help support Lil' Iguana - a good friend of Nashua Catholic.

Admissions News

Applications are still being accepted at Nashua Catholic! Our families have done a fantastic job of speading the good word. Thank you!

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!


*OPEN HOUSE at Nashua Catholic

Spring Open House for 5th Graders and their Families - May 6, 2010 6:30 to 8:00 at Nashua Catholic - We do this Open House with St. Christopher and Infant Jesus Schools so that they may highlight their 6th grade programs. All are welcome.



*More Fashion Show News:

TREATS NEEDED - Can you help? The Families of Nashua Catholic have traditionally amazed us with an incredible table of fruit trays and sweet treats at the Fashion Show. If you are able to help this year with a specialty treat, please, call the office. Thank you!


 

SUMMER STARS 2010 (Summer Programs)
Includes new offerings in Art and Music

Summer will be here sooner than you think!  We are looking forward to our seventh annual
SUMMER STARS ENRICHMENT PROGRAM!  This year, we have FOUR new and exciting courses!
Please read the course descriptions below!  In years past, we have
SOLD OUT!  Current/Incoming NC students may register immediately!
(We'll be opening registration to the public on April 15.)
Check our website for registration forms for each course, or you may contact the
appropriate teacher to register!  Donít miss out on a great summer at Nashua Catholic!


Academic Course Offerings

Study Skills:  (Contact Deb Matson-Champagne:  dmatson@ncrjhs.org to register)

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

*Motivation        *Time Management
*Organization        *Active Listening
*Test Preparation    *Note Taking
*Reading Comprehension    *Memory Tips
*Effective Group Work    *Internet Research
*Public Speaking    *AND MUCH MORE!


Fee:  $105 (current/incoming NC students)
        or
      $110 (non-NC students: must be entering
                      grades 7 or 8)

Dates:                        Times:

July 26th - July 30th                 8:00am ñ 11:00am

August 2nd - August 6th              12:00pm ñ 3:00pm

August 9th- August 13th                 8:00am -  11:00am


Junior High Success:  (Contact Deb Matson-Champagne:  dmatson@ncrjhs.org to register)

This course is based on the critically acclaimed ìTop 20 Teensî program.
Your child will learn basic ìlife skillsî:  getting along with teachers,
other students, teammates, and how to work 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.

Fees:  $105 (current/incoming NC students)
        or
       $110 (non-NC students: must be entering
          grades 7 or 8)
             
Dates:                     Times:

July 26th - July 30th              12:00pm ñ 3:00pm

August 2nd - August 6th          8:00am ñ 11:00am

August 9th ñ August 13th      12:00pm ñ 3:00pm


COLORED PENCIL REPOUSS...: (Contact Lynne Ouellette:  louellette@ncrjhs.org to register)

In this course students will learn the ancient form
of relief sculpture, known as repoussÈ.   Students will use a matte-black aluminum foil
sheet and soft colored pencils.  They will create original designs that resemble stained
 glass or enamel inlay by pressing into the soft metal then shading areas with various
colors of velvety Prismacolor pencils.


Fee:  $105 (current/incoming NC students)   snacks included
        or
      $110 (non-NC students: must be entering grades 7 or 8)  snacks included
             plus
     $30 Art Materials include:
ï    2 ArtEmboss Metal Sheets
ï    Prismacolor Pencils, Tin Box Set of 12
ï    Mounting Board for two finished pieces

    Dates:                    Times:

    July 26th - July 30th               8:00am ñ 11:00am

    August 2nd - August 6th            12:00pm ñ 3:00pm


BEAD and JEWELRY MAKING:   (Contact Lynne Ouellette:  louellette@ncrjhs.org to register)

In this course students will learn to make beads out of air hardening clay to create beautiful pieces of jewelry.
One specific bead students will learn to make in this class is the fingerprint bead.   Not only is it beautiful,
it is meaningful as well.  These easy-to-make beads are perfect for trading and making memorable gifts.
Each student will have a kit of materials to make several different necklaces, bracelets or earrings.


Fees:  $105 (current/incoming NC students)   snacks included
        or
       $110 (non-NC students: must be entering grades 7 or 8) snacks included
                       plus
                $40 Art Materials include:
ï    Sculpt-It! Air Hardening Clay, 2 lb tub
ï    1 pair Jewelry Pliers
ï    Necklace, Bracelet and Earring Making Supplies
ï    Jacquard Pearl-Ex metallic powder paint
                                                                        
(A complete list of supplies that will be purchased for your child is available upon request.)

    Dates:                     Times:

    July 26th - July 30th              12:00pm ñ 3:00pm

    August 2nd - August 6th           8:00am ñ 11:00am

GENERAL MUSIC and BAND:  (Contact Paul Fleming:  pfleming@ncrjhs.org to register)

Fees:  $105 (current/incoming NC students)   snacks included
        or
       $110 (non-NC students: must be entering grades 7 or 8) snacks included


    Dates:                   Times:

    July 26th - July 30th          12:00pm - 3:00pm

GENERAL MUSIC AND CHORUS:  (Contact Paul Fleming:  pfleming@ncrjhs.org to register)
                

Fees:  $105 (current/incoming NC students)   snacks included
        or
       $110 (non-NC students: must be entering grades 7 or 8) snacks included

    
    Dates:              Times:

    August 2nd - August 6th        12:00pm - 3:00pm

NC Summer Stars Band Program, Emphasis:  BAND
 
A week long course offered on the first week of the Summer Stars Program.  This course will be focused on students who are interested in joining a band program at NCRJHS, regardless of experience.  Students who are experienced in instrumental music, as well as students entering 8th grade are more than welcome to participate.
 
Band activities for the five-day course will include:
Guest clinics with experienced musicians
Musicianship Basics
Technical Studies
Scale Skills
Range Building
And a jump-start on the fall's music repertoire.
 
General musicianship activities for this course will include:
 
Song-writing skills
Instrument building (and playing)
Music and Movement Connections
Music and Art Connections
Interactive Activities focusing on music theory and music history.
 
Contact: pfleming@ncrjhs.org
 
NC Summer Stars Band Program, Emphasis:  CHORUS
 
A week long course offered on the second week of the Summer Stars Program.  This course will be focused on students who are interested in joining a chorus program at NCRJHS, regardless of experience.  All students who are interested in choral music are more than welcome to participate.
 
 
Choral activities for the five-day course will include:
Musicianship Basics
Rhythm Studies
Solfege/Sight-Singing
Range Building
And a jump-start on the fall's music repertoire.
 
General musicianship activities for this course will include:
 
Song-writing skills
Instrument building (and playing)
Music and Movement Connections
Music and Art Connections
Interactive Activities focusing on music theory and music history.
 
Contact: pfleming@ncrjhs.org

Calendar:

*MARCH
 
1           Diocesan Support Plan Forms (blue) for Catholic families new to
             Nashua Catholic OR new to this plan are due to the NC office Signed
             by their parish priest on this date.
             Financial Aid forms must be submitted through FACTS online at
             www.factstuitionaid.com on or before March 1.
 
3           3rd Q Progress Reports
 
5           Early Release  11:30a.m.
 
14         NE Girls wrestling Tournament @ NC
 
15         Helen J. Horan Scholarship Deadline  Check out the NC website for  more
             details.
 
17         Fashion Show Setup Begins
 
19         FASHION SHOW!!!  Come One! Come All! 7:00-10:00  Doors open at
             6:00
 
22         Baseball/Softball Tryouts

23       Winter Sports Awards  1:00-2:30p.m.  All parents are welcome.
 
25         Mass 9:00 a.m.  All are welcome.
 
26-28      NE Regional CYO Basketball Tournament @ Bridgeport, CT

29         First Track Team Workout


APRIL

2       No School - Good Friday

4       Happy Easter!

5       3rd Quarter Grades Close

6        4th Quarter Begins

12       Report Card Day

19-23       World Language Week

22         School Mass with Bishop McCormack  9:00a,m,  All are welcome.

26-30      No School - April Break - Enjoy

 

Peace and Blessings,

Thomas Kelleher
Nashua Catholic Regional Jr. H.S.