First Quarter Events Summary

Click on this link to download a full, printable pdf of the first quarter events summary.

All of the text is copied below.

Here is a summary of first quarter events and activities.  These have been loaded in to the school’s Google calendar and are posted on a print calendar as well.
 
• 30 July – 3 August 2012: Algebra Ramp Up Classes: 9 a.m. – Noon
This is the final summer clinic/class that we have scheduled.  This is a great chance for a student to ready for Algebra I.  Note there will be no class on Thursday, 2 August.
 
• 2 August 2012: Offices closed, Faculty staff retreat at the Mission of Divine Mercy
All of our faculty and staff will be at the Mission for our annual beginning of the year retreat.  We ask you to keep us all in prayer that day and every day.
 
• Monday, 6 August 2012: All Fall sports practices officially start.
This week (23-27 July), we have been running prep camps, but there is still an opportunity for an athlete to join in.  Monday, 6 August is the official beginning of practices.  We have posted a separate schedule of those practice times for football, volleyball, and cross country.  If an athlete has yet to sign up, but is still interested, he/she is invited to show up (but preferably call ahead too). Go Guardians!
 
• Monday, 6-8 August 2012: Teacher in-service days.
From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, our faculty will be in meetings on campus, readying for the new school year.  The school office will resume normal office hours as well.
 
• Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 6-8 August: College Application Help Days, 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Mrs. Strickland has set these afternoons as time for parents and Seniors to stop by the media center and get any help needed on starting college applications.  Most colleges now are opening their college applications on 1 August (some even earlier), and so we thought this would be a great way to assist those who want to get started now.  There will not be an official presentation those days; come and go as is convenient for you.  There will be computers up and open, and parents and students can have direct access to Mrs. Strickland and others to get the process started (and maybe even complete).  Check out the school’s web page for more information on the college application process for Seniors, including the transcript request process.
 
Of course, these are not the only times that Mrs. Strickland is available, and parents and students are encouraged to contact her directly through email or phone to schedule individual sessions if needed.  We are here to help in whatever way is necessary!
 
•  Monday – Wednesday, 6-8 August: JPII Strings Club Camp, 12:00-3:30 p.m.
One of our juniors, Kate Jurek, is starting a new JPII Strings Club for those interested.  All cello, bass, violin, and viola lovers are invited to the club’s free instructional camp for the debut of the new club.  The camp will be going on from August 6 through 8.  No instrument, no experience, no problem!  Please RSVP to Kate Jurek at 512-644-3549.
 
• Thursday, 9 August 2012: Student retreat day (all students)
Each year, we have started our school year with this event for all students, and we believe it is important to continue this.  Students will report to school at the normal time, 8 a.m., and we will have retreat activities here on campus through the morning.  Through the cafeteria, the school will provide a lunch to all students.  Then, at 12:30, all students will board our school busses and head out to Blessed Annunciation Church in St. Hedwig.  We will have a candle light ceremony in their John Paul II Center, a Mass in the Church, a signing of the Guardian’s Code, and then we will take our annual student photo around the JPII Papal Mass Chair.  Dress for the day is Blue & Gold dress (a John Paul II t-shirt, jeans, and tennis shoes).  To assist us with the all student photo, we ask that students that day wear the Navy Blue John Paul II shirt.
 
• Friday, 10 August 2012: Organization Day (all students)
We are trying a different approach with this day in order to make the day less intense and to get more accomplished.
 
From 8 am to Noon, the school will be open for students to get accomplished a number of tasks:

1.  Take an ID photo.  The ID’s (with a bar code) will be printed, and laminated, and ready for Monday lunch.
2. Get a computer network log-in (all will have new passwords) and get a working RenWeb log-in.
3. Stop in the office and check that all paperwork is submitted and in.  Get the forms needed, if any are missing.
4. Pick up class schedule, review it, and make any needed changes.
5. Get a locker, and put school supplies in.  Note this year, all students will have a metal locker in the main hallway.
6. Get a handbook and planner.
7. Complete and return a TAPPS athletics/activities/clubs survey.
8. Get a service learning folder; turn in any summer service learning, get it logged into the system.

We are asking underclassmen to arrive earlier in the morning to take care of these tasks, and for upperclassmen to arrive later in the morning.  Upon arrival, all students will receive a checklist to complete, that will list where all of these activities will be taking place.
 
Note as well that sports teams will be having morning practices that day.  Those athletes will have the chance to get these activities completed on Wednesday.

At Noon, we will start the following schedule:
Noon – 1:15:  Lunch and Solidarity sessions combined (bring a sack lunch please)  Solidarity groups have their first time together, and will share time during lunch.
 
1:20-3:20: Students will go to each of their classes, for approximately fifteen minutes each class, to meet the teachers, to learn more about the classes, and to be ready for Monday.
 
3:45-5:45: Students can remain on campus until the evening event; the Student Government will have some social activities for students.
 
• Friday, 10 August 2012: ALL FAMILY Barbeque, 6 p.m. in cafeteria
We hope that all families will make it a point to bring the whole family out for this fun event.  A group of parents have been hard at work all summer, and are pleased to be able to share this event with the JPII Community.  Starting at 6 p.m., a hamburger meal will be served to all in attendance.  There is no charge for the meal; we just ask that all attend. 
 
At approximately 7 p.m., our cheerleaders will be leading a Back-to-School Pep Rally in the gym.  Following that, we will have parents back in the cafeteria for a parent-only mixer/meet-n-greet.  At that time, we will have a little kids room set up in one of the back rooms of the cafeteria, and for all JPII students (and older siblings), there will be an ice cream social in courtyard area.  The ice cream social is the Student Government’s welcome to all new students and freshmen.  The evening should wrap up by 8:30 p.m.
 
• Monday, 13 August 2012: First Full School Day
Students will have a full school day, in normal school uniform.  The school day starts at 8 a.m., and will begin in the old library chapel room.  We will be re-instating our former practice of gathering as a school community for morning prayer.  We feel this will start the day well, and will offer the chance for announcements as well.  Students should report to school by 7:45, drop off materials in their first period classes, and then at 7:55 report to the old library for prayer.
 
Reminder that starting Monday, the cafeteria will be open for daily lunch service.  Note that lunches are billed directly daily to student accounts through RenWeb using the student ID bar code.  We ask that families that intend to use this service send in a check to ‘fill up’ that account.  When this is posted to the family account on RenWeb, it will be listed as a lunch deposit.  Each day, parents can check the account to see real-time lunch account activity, if desired.
 
• Wednesday, 15 August: Mass Day, 9:15 a.m.
Our weekly Mass on Wednesday mornings.  All are welcome.  Gentlemen wear a shirt and tie on Mass days.  In August and September, with the heat, we will be using the old library room for our Masses.  Later in the fall, we will attempt to use St. Joseph’s.  (With our enrollment just under 150, it will be a tight fit, but the beauty and sacredness of St. Joseph’s make it worth the try.)
 
• Thursday, 16 August: All Parent Meeting, 6:30 pm.
The School Council, the Guardian Parents Group, and the school administration are asking for all parents (or at least one per family) to attend this evening meeting.  At the meeting, we will be presenting to families a review of the school year, a financial update on 2011-12, and a look forward where parents are needed to be involved in making this the best school year so far.
 
• Saturday, 18 August: Football scrimmage, 10 a.m.
Support the team – as they start their season at St. Mary’s Hall for a scrimmage.
 
• Wednesday, 22 August: Back-to-School Night, 6:30 p.m. (start in café)
This is the evening where parents first meet with the principal to review the academic year and curriculum, and then run through their students’ schedules.  Each of the classes last ten minutes, and is a chance to learn about the coursework and expectations.  It is not the time, though, for individual conferences with teachers; those can be set to follow this evening.
 
• Friday, 31 August: No school
The Department of Catholic Schools has set this as a professional development day for teachers; all of our faculty will be attending a daylong conference at Holy Spirit with all teachers within the Archdiocese.
 
• Monday, 3 September: No school – Labor Day
 
• Thursday, 6 September: Home football game, vs. Giddings (@ Shelton Sports Complex) – no homework night!  Make it to the game!
 
• Friday, 7 September: 2:00 Dismissal.
On the first Friday of the month, school dismisses at 2 p.m. to allow time for a faculty meeting from 2:15-4:15 p.m.
 
• Monday, 10 September: Monthly Parent Meeting, 6:30 p.m. (in cafeteria)
On the second Monday of every month, the school hosts an all parent meeting.  The meetings last no longer than 8 p.m., and are a chance to share school updates, to schedule college admission/application information through Mrs. Strickland and guest speakers, and to ask for parent help and volunteering.  These are important meetings to have at least one parent from the family attend.
 
• Wednesday, 12 September: 25^th Anniversary Dinner Gala (with Mass)
Our annual fall gala this year will be held to remember and mark the 25^th anniversary of Blessed John Paul II’s visit to San Antonio in 1987.  Our honorees are the team that organized and ran the visit: Monsignor Larry Stuebben, Sister Charlene Wedelich, and Robert Aguirre.  Our event will begin at 6 p.m. at San Fernando Cathedral, with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Gustavo and Bishop Cantu, followed by a dinner event at the Westin Riverwalk.  Our choir and students will be leading the Mass, and we hope and pray that all of our parents will make an effort to purchase tickets, invite friends and family, and support this special event.  At our request, we are being allowed to help the Archdiocese to observe this anniversary, and we are honored that this is one of the signature events in the week-long series.  Tickets can be purchased on-line now. 
 
Note that the Westin Riverwalk is a slightly larger venue than the hall we have used in the past, and it will be largely decorated by the staff of the Westin.  That will take some of the pressure off our parent volunteers (who in the past two years have had to work very hard to ‘dress up’ the AT&T Community Centre).  Please mark your calendars!
 
• Monday, 17 September: Mid-quarter
JPIICHS has eight marking periods for official eligibility, approximately every four and a half weeks: Grades are posted at the first mid-quarter; end of the first quarter; second mid-quarter; end of the first semester; third mid-quarter; end of the third quarter; fourth mid-quarter.  At the first mid-quarter, all teachers will post grades by the close of business on  Monday, 18 September, and on Tuesday, the administration will create the ineligibility list and inform students and parents.  The ineligibility period runs until the end of the first quarter.
 
It is important to note the mid-quarter grades are just a current grade that will change as the quarter continues.  Grades at JPII are set each quarter, and averaged together with the semester exam in following formula to create a semester grade: 1^st quarter = 40%; 2^nd quarter = 40%; final exam = 20%.
 
• Monday, 24 September: Parent Teacher Conferences, 3 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
We run first quarter parent teacher conferences after the first mid-quarter in order to better use the remainder of the quarter to make improvements.  Parents can sign up for specific times, or just stop by.
 
• Friday, 21 September: Home football game, vs. Hawkins High School, 7:30 pm. (@ Clemens High School)  Cheer on our team, and gather with all Guardian fans.  Following the game, the Student Council will be hosting an After-game Party for all students in our campus courtyard.  They will be serving sodas, have music playing, and have some fun surprises.  The school will run a fan bus to the game and back to school that evening, so underclassmen especially can stay on campus after school.  After the game, the cafeteria will be open for parents and younger siblings, to gather and mingle.  (No word yet on whether there will be music for parents.)
 
• Friday, 28 September: No school – Comal County Fair Day and Parade!
As with all schools in Comal County, we will be off this year for the fair.  We are working to reserve a space in the parade, and need some help with the following things at this time:

1. two trucks and two large trailers (one for a float and one for students)
2. A parent or parents to volunteer to lead the float/parade committee.

The back shed is cleared out nicely to store the trailers and to serve as a work space on the float.  The parent committee chairperson(s) would help to organize the community members (students and parents) who are interested in working on the design and creation of a float for the parade.  All interested students can participate in the parade/float.

•  Friday, 28 September: Away football game in Marble Falls
 
• The Month of October: Recruitment-school visits.
At this time, we are firming up school visits from feeder schools in the area.  We ask for parent help in the following way.  On any of the visits, but most especially on the day that your parish/school visits, we ask for parents to schedule some time that morning to be on campus.  As a part of our tour-school visit, we host parent-to-parent sessions to allow the visiting parents to ask questions and to know what JPII is all about from a parent’s perspective.  The time commitment is basically from 8-11:30 a.m.
 
• Friday, 5 October: 2 p.m. Dismissal, Faculty meeting.
 
• Monday, 8 October: Monthly Parent Meeting, 6:30 p.m., café
 
• Friday, 12 October: No School – CFLC Conference for all teachers
Each year, the Archdiocese runs a large conference for all teachers and catechists in the Archdiocese.  All school teachers are required to attend this event on Friday.
 
•  Friday, 12 October: Volleyball and Football teams at Shiner St. Paul
Volleyball at 4:30 p.m., football at 7:30 p.m.
 
• Monday, 15 October: First day for basketball practices/try-outs

• Monday, 15 October: End of the first quarter
Grades will be posted by the close of business on Monday, 15 October, and the eligibility list will be created on Tuesday, 16 October.
 
• Wednesday, 17 October: PSAT for Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors
All freshmen, sophomores, and juniors take the PSAT starting at 8:15 a.m.
 
• Saturday, 20 October: State Cross Country Meet, in Waco
 
Seniors will begin a new tradition: Photo Day.  First thing in the morning, our seniors will take individual graduation photos, so that those images are ready for use later in the school year.  Then, through the rest of the day, the seniors will have a special day out in the community.  (More word on that later!)
 
• Tuesday, 23 October: Mass with Honor Roll Pin presentations
Each quarter and semester, the school creates an Honor Roll, and awards pins based on a student’s weighted cumulative average of all grades from that marking period: Laude: 85-90; Magna: 91-95; Summa: 96-100.  Note Mass is scheduled for Tuesday of that week.
 
• Monday, 29 October: First day for soccer practices – after school
 
•  29 October – 3 November: Founder’s Week & Homecoming
This is our annual Homecoming Week, with the following schedule as the basic schedule for the week.  A committee through the Guardian Parents Group will be organizing this special week, and will have more specifics later in the first quarter, including a pep rally and the rules and regulations for the cook-off and bake-off.  This is an event that our families are asked to bring as many friends and family as possible; it is a wonderful community event.
 
Monday – Friday: Special dress and activities during the school day for students.
Friday: Football Game, car decorating contest, tail gating fun!
Saturday morning: 3^rd annual Chili Cook-off & Family Fun Day
Saturday evening: Homecoming Dance for students
 
• Thursday, 1 November: College Fair at St. Mary’s University, 6-8 p.m.
Each fall, our school is a member of a group of San Antonio area private schools that hosts a very large college fair for their students and parents.  The event is held at St. Mary’s University’s convocation center.  The evening begins at 6 p.m.  We highly recommend that all sophomores and juniors attend, and that they arrive on campus at 5:45 p.m.  The event attendance tends to overwhelm the size of the venue by 7 p.m.  If a family arrives early, they have a better chance to see all they want to see, before it gets too crowded.  At the start of the week, we will make available a map that shows where colleges will be stationed, to allow families to have a plan to maximize their time.
 
• Friday, 2 November: 2 p.m. Dismissal, Faculty Meeting
 
• Monday, 12 November: Monthly Parent Meeting, 6:30 p.m., (in café)
 
• Monday, 19 November: Mid-quarter grade posted, eligibility period starts
 
• Senior Nights at final home games
A new activity for our Senior parents: on the final home game of each sports season, there will be a Senior Night.  Before that games, there will be a presentation to Seniors and their parents.  After the game there will be a gathering scheduled as well.
 
• Wednesday-Friday, 21-23 November: Thanksgiving Break
 
• Friday, 7 December: 2 p.m. Dismissal, Faculty meeting
 
• Monday, 10 December: Monthly Parent Meeting, 6:30 p.m., (in café)
 
• Wednesday, 12 December: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass, followed by Advent Brunch.  This is an all parent event.  We have Mass that morning at 8:15 a.m., followed by a nice brunch in the cafeteria.  A committee through the Guardian Parents Group cooks and serves the brunch.  Following the brunch, we take our annual Christmas card photo.

• Wednesday-Friday, 19-21 December: Final exams
Final exams are given in two slots each day – 8:25 – 9:55 a.m. and 10:15-11:45 a.m.  Students are dismissed once they finish their second exam.