June 2009 Newsletter

Dear Parents and Students,

As we enter the final month of school, I can say, with confidence, that we had a great school year. The year was full of some pleasant and unexpected surprises - i.e., the accomplishments of our DI and First Lego League teams, our Wildcat theatre group, our athletic teams, and the contributions of our students at our highly successful Fashion Show. Throughout this year, our students conducted themselves in true Nashua Catholic fashion and exemplified those Catholic values that we strive to instill in all our students. Of particular note is one of the least apparent achievements of our student body this year - i.e., our school's participation in the Pennies for Peace Program sponsored by Saint Anselm College. NC students raised the most money, for our size, among all the particpating schools in New Hamshire. The money raised ( $11,000 among all schools) will be used to build an entire school in Afghanistan and provide educational services to needy students in that country. This solid spirit of giving and serving those in need is the kind of spirit that makes NC students special. So congratulations to all NC students for a fine year and a job well done. We hope you have a great summer.

Important Notice to 7th Grade Parents:

Celebration's last day for serving lunches will be June 18, 2009. Friday June 19 is, of course, our usual Pizza Day. The following Monday, June 22 will be a brown bag lunch day for all 7th graders. We will not be providing lunch on Monday, June 22! The last day of school is Tuesday, June 23. Students will be dismissed at 11:30 AM.

Student Spotlight:

Peter Rudewicz (Gr. 7) has been awarded a scholarship to study organ literature at the University of Southern New Hampshire summer program. Congratulations to Peter.

Graduation Pictures:

Fred Vegiliante has agreed to photograph the graduation ceremony. He'll take a picture of each graduate, post the photographs, and parents may purchase if they choose to. More information will follow.

News from the History Department:

The 7th grade U.S. History classes passed through Ellis Island on Tuesday, June 2nd. All students came to class, dressed as the person they were representing, and speaking to the processors in their "native" language. The students looked great in their costumes, also. Not only does this end the projects for the year, but it gives the 7th grade a preview of what's to come with skits for the 8th grade year.

The 8th grade, which finished their last skit with the Vietnam War, is busy studying for their final, which will be held on Wednesday, June 3rd.

The entire department wishes the departing 8th graders a happy summer and a wonderful start to high school in the fall.

News from the Math Department:

It is THAT time again when we begin to think of summer breezes, beaches and the Summer Math Packets! The following information is provided to you to help with the ordering process as well as the completion process. Thanks for supporting this effort with your students. Our department finds that the students enter our classes in the fall ready to go, refreshing their knowledge of old concepts, and prepared to build upon them.

SUMMER MATH WORKBOOKS

All Nashua Catholic students need to purchase a Summer Skills Math Sharpener workbook for use this summer. Directions on how to complete these lessons are enclosed. Please follow the directions as listed. Your students receive their first test grade for math class in September by completing the workbook as directed!

Workbooks may be purchased online at www.summerskills.com

The level for the workbook is determined by the level the students are entering in September 2009. Please see below.

Summer Math Skills Sharpener Levels

For students ENTERING 7th Grade:

Math 7 (400) 6th Grade Math Review
Advanced Math 7 (401) 6th Grade Math Review
Honors Math 7 (402) 7th Grade Math Review

For students ENTERING 8th Grade:

Introduction to Algebra 8 (411) 7th Grade Math Review
Adv. Introduction to Algebra (412) 7th Grade Math Review
Honors Algebra I (420) Prealgebra Review
* Please read this carefully! *

Directions for Required Summer Math Workbooks

Dear Parents and Students:

In an effort to help students maintain their math skills over the summer, we are asking that all students complete at least 20 lessons in the Summer Math Skills Sharpener workbook. These lessons cover very basic math skills. The goal should be for your child to complete two lessons (24 problems) each week. This work will be collected during the first week of school and will be the first test grade in math for the year.

Students will receive full credit (100%) if all 20 lessons are completed in the following manner:

1. Calculators may not be used for any of these problems, unless the problem is labeled "Calculator skill."
2. All calculations and "work" must be shown in the workbook in the space provided.
3. As each worksheet is finished, parents should use the answer key provided in the back of the workbook to correct the problems. Students should then redo any problems until they are correct. Please include this work as well.

These worksheets should also be timed. Two lessons may be done in 25 minutes, or you may divide up the week allowing 5 minutes for every five problems. This will give parents and students an idea of whether or not students are working as quickly as they should be. If students are unable to finish two lessons in 25 minutes, they should nevertheless complete the page and note how much extra time was needed.

We hope that this will make for an easier start to the year and will help keep your math skills fresh. These books each contain a Glossary of Terms, Help Pages, Solutions, and the Grade 6 and 7 books also have additional "Brain Aerobics" and Biological Sketches.

If you notice that your child struggles when completing these sheets, you may want to consider a tutor to help reinforce concepts over the summer so he/she may start strong in September.

In order for this program to be successful and of the most use to you, you should try to work regularly in the workbook. Please do not leave it all until the last week of summer! We DO want you to enjoy your vacation! We're looking forward to seeing you in September.

Sincerely,

Nashua Catholic Math Department
Julie A. Parolin, Department Chair

Workbooks may be ordered from the publisher online at www.summerskills.com

Please be sure to order the correct level as listed above.

SUMMER IS COMING!

Summer is quickly approaching and we are getting ready to begin our sixth annual "SUMMER STARS ENRICHMENT PROGRAM" including our STUDY SKILLS AND JUNIOR HIGH SUCCESS COURSES!
TO REGISTER, PLEASE GO TO OUR WEBSITE AT NCRJHS.ORG and click on the "SUMMER PROGRAMS" button. You can download and print a registration form from there to send in! Our classes frequently sell out, so register early! 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 immediately for students attending NC in 2009, and is now open to the public for any incoming 7th and 8th graders, space permitting!

News from Educational Outfitters/Custom Logo Outfitters:

Our big Summer Sale is coming up quickly. It takes place June 15 through July 15. Also, if you haven't received information about this year's "bundles" for additional savings, please contact us directly.

Finally, don't forget to tell your friends that Educational Outfitters is now the Nashua Area's supplier for Girl Scouts Uniforms, merchandise, and books! We're glad to help out your troop with any of their needs!

You can always visit us online at www.eo- ne.com.
We are open 6 days a week and are now open until 8PM on Thursdays for the convenience of our customers.



Open Letter to Parents from Mrs. McFadden:

Dear Parents of 2009 Graduates:

This year, graduation will be on Thursday, June 11, 2009 at Immaculate Conception Church, Nashua, NH. Please have your student arrive at the Church Hall no later than 5:30 P.M. Mass will begin at 6 PM.

Respectful dress is required underneath the graduation gown. The attire requirements for graduation reflect the Catholic virtue of modesty. Modesty is the virtue by which we express respect for others and ourselves by the way we dress, speak, and act. Please be mindful that we will have Celebration of the Liturgy.

Graduation gowns will be distributed on Monday, June 8, 2009 during homeroom. Please hang this gown up as soon as it gets home. These gowns should not be ironed, and need a few days of hanging to be wrinkle free.

The graduation practice will be Tuesday, June 9, 2009 from 10 A.M. until 11:30 AM. at Immaculate Conception Church. You must arrange for transportation for your student to and from the church for graduation practice. Please be prompt; I have classes to teach at school and I cannot be late.

Please be sure to review the following sheets about gown care and graduation practice.

Peace and Blessings,

Mrs. Glenda L. McFadden, SFO

GRADUATION PRACTICE:

DATE: Tuesday, June 9, 2009
TIME: 10:00 AM till 11:30 AM
WHERE: IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH 216 EAST DUNSTABLE ROAD, NASHUA (DROP OFF AT THE CHURCH)

DRESS: CASUAL, BUT APPROPRIATE- WE WILL BE IN THE CHURCH- JESUS IS WATCHING!!!
WHAT TO BRING: A GOOD ATTITUDE AND A COOPERATIVE SPIRIT! WHAT NOT TO BRING: YEARBOOKS-YOUR UNDIVIDED ATTENTION IS NEEDED.YEARBOOKS WILL BE TAKEN AWAY, SO PLEASE DO NOT BRING THEM.

GRADUATION GOWN INSTRUCTIONS:

1. DO NOT USE AN IRON.
2. HANG GOWN ON A HANGER FOR AT LEAST 2-3 DAYS BEFORE GRADUATION
3. DO NOT TUG ON THE ZIPPER- HANDLE WITH CARE
4. THIS YEAR, YOUR STUDENT WILL RECEIVE A CROSS TO WEAR WHEN HE OR SHE ARRIVES AT THE CHURCH HALL ON GRADUATION DAY.

Forms

Please check that all of your students spring forms are in to the office. The list is as follows:
Directory and Photo Release for 7th and 8th Grades
Parent Permission to Receive Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen
Release of Records Forms
A Huge Thanks!
We wish to thank the amazing parents, especially Mrs. Fahey, the coordinator, who so kindly put together a wonderful Teacher Appreciation Brunch. It was delicious! We appreciate your thoughtfulness.

May was a month filled with baking opportunities. Our deepest appreciation goes out to the parents who helped us with treats for Open House and Orientation Day. You make us shine! May God bless you all.

Admissions Corner:

The Spring Open House was a great success! Thanks to all the teachers, staff and students for giving their time and talent and to the parents that encouraged our visitors to come. The evening was a terrific team effort for Nashua Catholic!

7th and 8th Grade Openings:

YES! Nashua Catholic does have openings in both grades at this time. Our primary admissions season is from October through mid March only to accommodate financial aid deadlines. We encourage families to call, visit and tour Nashua Catholic on an on going basis.

Used Uniforms

During the 7th Grade Book Buyback on June 18, we will have a used uniform table out. It's time to think about washing the blue and khaki for the last time this year! If you are interested in donating the more lightly used, to small parts please bring them in early so they can be ready on the 18th. They could be helpful to another family. There will be a donation jar at the table.

IMPORTANT Information on Textbooks:

Selling Textbook Back:

Varsity Books will be at Nashua Catholic on June 9 from 12:00 to 2:00 to purchase 8th Grade text books and June 18 from 2:00 - 4:00 to purchase 7th and 8th Grade books. After this date, you can download free shipping labels from the Varsity Books web site to sell your books back to Varsity. Varsity guarantees to buy textbooks NC will use in 2009-2010. If inventory is needed, many textbooks may be purchased for other schools. Varsity will not buy some soft textbooks, workbooks or other books students typically write in for classes. Checks are mailed to you within 30 days of the event based on information you supply for books in resalable condition. Sellers can expect to receive between 25 - 40% of the new textbook price for titles that are going to be used again.

Purchasing Student Textbooks:

You may purchase your student's textbooks at www.varsitybooks.com starting the end of July. The date Varsity has given us is July 21. Your student's course numbers will be sent to you in June. These course numbers are to be used to locate required purchases on varsitybooks.com Once on the site, your student's course numbers are used to find the required purchases for each class. We encourage you to order by early August for the best selection and quickest delivery. Students are required to have their books for the September 1 school start. Varsity Books proved to be a clear and convenient way for our parents to purchase books last year. Our Nashua Catholic web site now has next year's textbook list by course numbers and with ISBN's for 7th and 8th Grades. It has more ISBN's in math for some courses from which to choose used books. You may choose any source of textbooks, both new and used that you wish buy from - noting the specific ISBN's, that they are student additions and their condition. ALWAYS purchase books according to their ISBN (current addition). Our only change this year is the Spanish textbook for 8th grade. Please remember to order your books early. Students should have textbooks by the first day of school.

Volunteers for Book Buyback Needed - Please contact Mrs. Kirkwood.

Athletic News:

Baseball finished their season with a 2-8 (10-11) record. They started off slow but were in most games, losing three 1 run games. They only really got it going the last couple of games, beating two play-off teams, Windham 15-8 and Pelham 3-2. It was a little disheartening after having had a successful vacation week playing the likes of the three city middle schools and a couple of freshmen teams. The future does look bright though: the 7th graders went 4-0 in their 'B' games.

Softball is having a 'banner' year. They head into the play-offs as the top seed after posting a 10-0 record. Coach Tave insists it's all about the defense and being able to make the plays in the field. The Lady Wildcats will next take the field on Wednesday, June 3rd against Hollis Brookline, at 3:30 at Greeley Park. The Championship game is slated for Friday, June 5th.

The Track team had their Tri County Championships on Tuesday, June 2nd at Souhegan HS. The coaches assure us the team is up for the challenge. We have several athletes qualify. The team next heads to North HS for the annual City Meet against the other 3 middle schools.

Boys Club Lacrosse had some fun this spring. Our volunteer coaches did a great job organizing the group for some after school instruction. Thank you to all our spring coaches for their time and dedication to our young student athletes. You are to be commended!

Development News :

Calling all golfers!! Mark your calendars!! The Fifth Annual Nashua Catholic Golf Tournament will be held on Thursday August 20th, at Souhegan Woods Golf Course. Cost is only $90 for a round of golf, cart and a steak dinner after golf. Tee sign sponsorships are available for $100. Call the school for more information or email Mr B at bsnlt@ncrjhs.org.

Summer Sport Schools:

NC will once again offer summer basketball and soccer schools. We have openings at all levels and ages. Application can be found on the school web site or in the gym lobby.

July 6 - 10 Co-ed grades 3 & 4.
July 13 - 17 Girls grades 5th to 8th
July 20 - 24 Boys grades 5th to 8th
July 27 - 31 Co-ed grades 6th - 8th.

June 2009

1 Arts Festival 7-8p.m.
2 Sports Awards 1:00
4 8th Grade Trip to Camp Lincoln
5 Graduation Dance 7:00-10:00
8 Scholastic Awards 1:00p.m. Parents are welcome.
9 Graduation Rehearsal at Immaculate Conception Church 10-11:30a.m.
- 8th Grade Book Buyback 12:00-2:00p.m. Gym
11 8th Grade Graduation ICC 6:00p.m.
18 7th Grade Book Buyback 2:00-4:00p.m.
23 Last Day of the 2008-2009 School Year Early Dismissal 11:30a.m.

August 2009

20 NC Golf Tournament Golfers, please sign up soon! Tee Signs Available! Ask Mr. Boissonneault for details - 882-7011
24 Tryouts for Soccer and Girl's Volleyball

September 2009

1 First Full Day of School - All students should come in regular uniform. Al-la-carte menu only Cross-country begins after school.
4 No School
7 No School

God Bless,

Thomas Kelleher
Principal