Volume 2 Issue 7 March 2013

955 East Wyomissing Boulevard | Reading, PA 19611-1799 Main Office 610.374.8361 | FAX: 610.374.4309 | www.berkscatholic.org

Congratulations to the Boys Basketball team on their wins again Reading High School in the Berks County Play-offs. The team went on to win the District III title against Palmyra. This is Berks Catholic 2nd County and District Titles. Thanks to all our fans who came out to support our Saints!!!

Berks County & District III Champs

During this season of Lent, we often here the term sacrifice. We here at Berks Catholic are thankful for the sacrifices you make to bless us with your sons and daughters. Recently, you received a letter from me speaking to the four pillars of Berks Catholic (God, Family, Academics and Fun). The

letter also included a graph comparing our college ma-triculation rates to other schools in the county (See en-closed in this issue). We are proud of the fact that as Berks Catholic we project that 96% of our seniors will be attending a four year college of their choice, tops in the county. Please share that information with your friends and family and invite them to join the Berks Catholic Family. You also received a letter asking you to prayerfully consider a gift to the annual fund above and beyond your tuition. This is an additional sacrifice for which I am asking (donate online clicking on the Donate Now tab at the top of the home page). God Bless you and your family this most holy Easter sea-son. Sacrifice A sacrifice you make today Will never ever be gone A sacrifice you make today Will soon be passed on

A sacrifice you make today Will stay in many hearts A sacrifice you make today Help many play their parts

A sacrifice you make today Will never be forgotten A sacrifice you make today Will never be mistaken

A sacrifice you make today May even change history A sacrifice you make today May be kept in someone's memory

A sacrifice you make today Might light someone's day up A sacrifice you make today Might fill someone's dry cup

A sacrifice you make today Will always be treasured A sacrifice you make today Will always be remembered Anders Lim

From the Studies Office: Thought for the month: Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire. William Butler Yeats

Course Selection: The course selection process is coming to an end. Stu-dents received their course selection information and the deadline was February 28th. They should have met with their current teachers to discuss placement for next year. Parents are an integral part of the selection proc-ess. I asked the students to discuss their selections with you. The actual scheduling of classes will begin by April 1st. The number of sections needed and the teacher assignments will be based on the information compiled from the students’ selections. If your child has not returned their paperwork, it is important that they do so quickly so that there are enough sections for the classes that they have chosen.

Grades: Mid-quarter was Feb. 28th. Teachers will be contacting parents of students in danger of failing the quarter. Please check MMS to keep abreast of your child’s grades and assignments. The end of the third quarter is March 27th and report cards will be issued on Tuesday April 8th.

This is a critical time for students, especially seniors, who have failed a subject for the first semester and who are doing poorly in the third quarter. Those students must make sure that they have made enough progress so that they are not in danger of failing for the year. Seniors who fail any subject for the year, including gym, will not be allowed to participate in graduation activities. Please do not hesitate to contact the teachers or the Studies Office if you are concerned about your child’s progress. Each teacher’s contact information is on the main page of the website under “Quick Links.”

AP Information: Students enrolled in an AP class are required to take the AP exam. The students received information about the exams in January. Additionally there is a fee or $89 per exam. You should have received a bill for those fees. The exams will be administered during the first two full weeks of May.

From the Principal From the Assistant Principal of Studies

8th Grade Placement Testing: If you have a child in an elementary school that feeds into Berks Catholic, they will be taking their placement tests during the week of March 18th. Those tests will be in the areas of math, English, science, and reading. The students will be placed in classes using IOWA scores, placement test scores, 8th grade first semester grades, and teacher recommendations. A letter with class placements will be mailed by mid-May.

SENIORS Congratulations on College Acceptances! Your hard work and diligence has paid off and you should be proud! That said, please remember, that college acceptances are provisional, meaning that if “Senioritis” prevents you from working in the class-room, or make unwise behavioral decisions, the offer may be rescinded.

JUNIORS College Planning Meetings have begun. Dr. Stahler and Mr. Ditsky will meet with students throughout the course of the school day during Activity Period and Study Hall. Students requesting a meeting will be scheduled right away. Mr. Ditsky also offers after school meetings, by ap-pointment, at 2:45 and 4:00 p.m. Mondays, Wednes-days and Thursdays. Parents are welcome to attend. Career Cruising. If you haven’t completed the Matchmaker Assessment (the one I reviewed with you and assigned in January) please do so before scheduling your college planning meeting. Campus Visits. Spring and Summer is the time to be-gin visiting college campuses for both Juniors. Sopho-mores should also consider exploring various campuses and locations to get an idea as to comfort and prefer-ence.

ALL GRADES HIT. THE. BOOKS. Make Good Choices. Write Your Story! Remember, the story of your high school years should read like a pop-up book, with you jumping to life from the pages. That means, in addition to doing well in the classroom, you should be pursuing your passions and interests with gusto!

COLLEGE FAIRS/INFO SESSIONS A great way to explore, meet representatives and be-

gin your search with some “one-stop” shopping Tuesday, April 30 6:30 – 9 P.M. PACAC Main Line College Fair @ Villanova Uni-versity: Approximately 300 colleges and universities from across the country, the U.K. and Australia. Arrive early, it gets crowded. Monday, May 6 6 – 8 P.M. PACAC College Fair @ Albright College Fair: Approximately 130 colleges and universities primarily from the Mid-Atlantic, New England, Virginia, Ohio, etc. This fair has been rescheduled from the fall due to Hurricane Sandy. Wednesday May 8 Exploring Educational Excellence Philadelphia Lo-cation tbd : Representatives from Brown, U. Chicago, Columbia, Cornell, and Rice Univ. will present. exploringeducationalexcellence.org May 12 – 17 Exploring College Options- Philadelphia Locations tbd: Representatives from Duke, Georgetown, Har-vard, Penn, and Stanford will present. exploringcollegeoptions.org

From the Director of College Counseling

2013 SAT/ACT TEST DATES

SAT ACT May 4 April 13 June 1 June 8

Spring Sports Team & Individual Pictures will be on Thursday, March 21, 2013. Forms will be distributed by team coaches. Re-minder form and payment must be handed on picture day.

A Message from the Saints Boosters We were lucky to receive a donation of water bottles From Mogel, Speidel, Bob & Kershner Law this past fall. This donation lasted through the Fall and Winter Sports season, unfortunately we have now run out. We are asking our Saints families to help us out by each player donating a case of water. These dona-tions can be brought to the stadium anytime during practices. Attention Senior Parents Anyone interested in helping with the Team Boards for this year’s Athletic Banquet—please contact Danielle Fowler at extravaganza@berkscatholic.org or call 484-256-6845.

Congrats………….. Congratulations are in order for Tomás Aguilar who was the recipient of the High School Leadership Award sponsored by Widener University. Tomás was selected for this award because of his commitment to:

standing up for what is right finding a way to address a wrong making a difference in a significant way at Berks

Catholic

The awards ceremony was held at the National Consti-tution Center located in Philadelphia. Tomás received a plaque, as well as a $20,000 scholarship over four years if he enrolls at Widener University as an under-graduate. Tomás will also attend a Leadership Confer-ence at Widener University in the fall of 2013. The Berks Catholic community is proud of Tomás Aguilar’s

Congratulations to Andrew Beane for being awarded Honorable Mention in the Nestle Very Best Youth Volunteer Program. Andrew’s outstanding aca-demic achievement and service to the Reading and Berks Catholic communities has earn him this national recognition. Congratulations to the following students who participated in the 61st Annual Reading Berks Science and Engineering Fair at the Bollman Center, Albright College. Students compete for $9,000 in awards from corporations, government agencies and the military.

From the Asst. Principal of Discipline & Athletics

SPRING DRESS CODE Spring Dress Code goes into effect on Tuesday, April 2, 2013. Students have the option of wearing golf shirt with the Berks Catholic High School emblem.

In the News………..

More than 20 Berks Catholic students were volunteers at the Knight Walk Health Fair held at the Geigle Com-plex on Saturday, March 2nd. Madeline Tolland and Hannah O’Boyle had fun painting faces of many of the young children who attended this event.

Knight Walk Health Fair

Christa Albert Cory Lobaugh

Olivia Blankenbiller Luke Miller

Elizabeth Buerke Abigail Morelli

Victoria Daly James Orlando

Domenico DeMarco Annie Paulik

Tom Ferguson Nicholas Perilli

Gabriella Ferreira Ross Pilliod

Nicholas Gallen Catharine Scoboria

Thomas Gonzales Allison Sichler

Lilia Greth Owen Smith

Lindsey Hecker Ted Tranly

Samantha Kane Kyle Vu

Monica Kinyo Courtney Wensel

Kameron Kutz Cole Werley

Nicholas Kuzma Addison Wright

Rebecca Lentz Olivia Zdradzinski

Drew Stanko receives 2013 Good Citizenship Award Congratulations to Drew Stanko for receiving the 2013 Good Citizenship Award from The Union League in Philadelphia. Drew will spend Oct. 13, 2013 at The Union League participating in Youth Work Day, established by the Annenberg Foundation in 1946. He will participate in leadership training activities and will visit the Federal Courthouse where he will meet Fed-eral Judges and lawyers, and debate legal issues. He will receive his medal at a dinner at the Union League later that evening.

The Union League Good Citizenship Award is awarded each year to boys and girls who exemplify a well rounded profile of activities candidates must dem-onstrate exemplary qualities of cooperative effort, self-control, perseverance, serious scholarship and good sportsmanship. The student should demonstrate appre-ciation for America and endeavors to follow and up-hold the best traditions and principles of American pa-triotism. Nomination of this prestigious award will add distinctive value to a student's resume when applying to colleges/universities. Award winners are also eligible to apply for a college scholarship award of $1,000/year in their senior year of high school. Forensics The following Berks Catholic students will be competing in the Allentown Diocese Forensics League national qualifying tournament on March 16th. The top three finishers, in the Diocese, in each event will move on to the National Catholic Forensics League Grand National Tournament in Philadelphia over Memorial Day Weekend.

Duo Interpretation Jason Lee (‘13) and Danielle Moore (‘14)

Extemporaneous Speaking Melissa Setley (‘13)

Extemporaneous Speaking Claudia Wert (‘13)

Original Oratory Madison Wyotovich (‘16)

Student Congress Gong (Amy) Shao (‘13)

Lincoln Douglas Debate Joseph Majesky (‘13)

Lincoln Douglas Debate Varun Singh (‘14)

Public Forum Debare Matthew Gombar (‘16) and Brian Kominick (‘16)

Public Forum Debate Domenico DeMarco (‘15) and Tommy Ferguson (‘15)

Berks CatholicBerks CatholicBerks Catholic

1st Annual Easter Egg Hunt1st Annual Easter Egg Hunt1st Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Grades KGrades KGrades K---555

March 23, 2013 (Rain or shine)March 23, 2013 (Rain or shine)March 23, 2013 (Rain or shine)

Future Saints report to Franco Post auditorium by 11:45Future Saints report to Franco Post auditorium by 11:45Future Saints report to Franco Post auditorium by 11:45

Hunt will begin at 12:00pmHunt will begin at 12:00pmHunt will begin at 12:00pm

Please contact Mrs. Smith with any questions.Please contact Mrs. Smith with any questions.Please contact Mrs. Smith with any questions.

nsmith@berkscatholic.orgnsmith@berkscatholic.orgnsmith@berkscatholic.org

Students Volunteer at Kennedy House On Saturday February 16, ten NHS students from Berks Catholic worked at the Kennedy House food bank from 9 am to 1:30pm. The NHS provided food to 155 people who enjoyed every last bite! Special thanks to NHS moderators Kathy Moult and Kimberly Harpst for accompanying these students as they served our community. Students that volunteered were Tim Wood, Joe Hetzel, Katie Ott, Rhiannon Wright, Bridget Montgomery, Elizabeth Fey, Mia Serpico, Ashley Genetti, Myra Ta-mayo and Emily Reedy. Thank you all for volunteering your time.

Choosing Catholic education is a decision that is made with much thought, deliberation, and prayer; and we at Berks Catholic High School are thrilled that you have entrusted us with the care and education of your student.

At the core of our mission is our four pillars God, Family, School and Fun which helps us shape the development of our students spiritually, intellectually, socially, and physically.

GOD: We are a Catholic high school that is welcoming and respectful of all faith traditions. Because we are Christ-centered, the value and dignity of every individual and all life is emphasized in all we do; and students are af-forded opportunities and encouraged to cultivate their relationships with each other and with God.

FAMILY: “It’s like a family.” An extraordinary sense of community is palpable at Berks Catholic as well. Holding true to Catholic and Christian tra-dition, students have a responsibility to one another, are accountable for their actions, and have a built in support system that is an extension of your immediate family.

ACADEMICS: Caring, committed faculty challenge every student to realize their intellectual potential. In addition, each student receives individualized, college and career counseling from college admissions professionals. Over 96% of Berks Catholic students will pursue higher education immediately after graduation. The Class of 2012 earned $10.3 in college scholarships and grants, and the Class of 2013 has already been offered $3.35 million. Berks Catholic offers the opportunity for academic success through a robust offering of College-Preparatory, Honors, and 21 Advanced Placement classes. Students who are more “hands-on” and technically inclined are able to enroll in a voca-tional track at the Berks Career and Technology Center while still pursuing a college-prep curriculum. The Office of College and Career Counseling is here to help your child find the right fit for them in their life after Berks Catholic.

FUN: All Work and No Play…..NOT at Berks Catholic! With over 20 Varsity and Club Sports, Performing Arts, Community Service, Academic and Leadership organizations and clubs, students can find ways to get involved, cultivate talents and skills, explore new areas, and fully develop as individuals. We want all students to be active participants in their own high school experience!

Thank you for choosing to be a part of the Berks Catholic family and together we hope to provide you and your child with the best experience possible. Please share this information with other families that you think would be a great addi-tion to the Berks Catholic Family. God Bless you and all your Saints!

*The chart represents school districts where the majority of Berks Catholic students live. In 2011, Holy Name High School and Reading Cen-tral Catholic merged to form Berks Catholic High School. The rate referenced above for Berks Catho-lic HS is a combined matriculation rate for Holy Name High School and Reading Central Catholic. Data represents graduates in 2011; the most recent statistics for the State of Pennsylvania.

Data Source: Public high school data from Pennsylvania Department of Education website, URL:http://www.education.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/graduates/7426

I certify that the above 2 and 4 year college attendance statistics for Berks Catholic High School are true and accurate. Certified by:

Brain Injuries

Concussion: Type of brain injury that changes the way the brain normally works. A concussion is caused by a bump, blow,

or jolt to the head. Concussions can have a more serious effect on a young developing brain and need to be addressed correctly. You cannot see a concussion. Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after an injury or may not appear or be noticed until hours or days after the injury.

Symptoms observed by parent: Dazed, stunned, confused Answers questions slowly, repeats questions Can’t recall events prior or after injury Loss of consciousness even if brief Behavior or personality changes

Symptoms reported by your child or teen: Difficulty thinking clearly or concentrating Feeling slow, sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy Headache or pressure in head Nausea or vomiting Blurry or double vision, sensitivity to light or noise Numbness or tingling Irritable, sad, overly emotional, nervous, drowsy Sleeps less or more than usual, and difficulty falling asleep.

Prevention: Wear a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle. Buckle your child in the car using a child safety seat, booster or seat belt. Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Wear a helmet and make sure your children wear helmets that are fitted while biking and participating in contact sports. Ensure that during athletic games and practice, your children use the right protective equipment. Do not return to play with a known or suspected concussion until evaluated and cleared by a health care professional. Make living areas safer for children by using window guards, safety gates on stairs, keep stairs clear of clutter, secure throw rugs and rubber bath mats, and not allow children to play in unsafe areas.

Berks Catholic High School Presents

Friday, April 12, 2013 Saturday, April 13, 2013

7:00 PM

Tickets are on sale in the Berks Catholic Main Office

March 4 First Day of Spring Sports 5 Spring College/Career Fair 6-9 Kairos 19 School Mass 21 Spring Picture Day 22 Career Day 26 School Mass 27 11:00 Dismissal 28-29 Easter Break-School Closed April 1 Easter Break—School Closed 2 4th Qtr./Spring Dress Code 8 Report Cards Issued 10 Class Ring Meeting-Soph 12/13 Beauty and the Beast 26 Prom-Stokesay Castle 28 March for Life

Berks Catholic High School 955 E Wyomissing Blvd. Reading, PA 19605

Mark your Calendar

FINANCIAL AID FORMS

ARE DUE

APRIL 15, 2013

Reminder—All completed Financial Aid forms are due to Mrs. Gina Focht in the Tuition

Office by Monday, April 15, 2013. You must have a completed form

to be considered for aid in the 2013-2014 School Year.

Any questions, please call Mrs. Focht at 610-374-8361 ext.

223.

PROM 2013 April 26, 2013

Tropical Paradise Stokesay Castle

PROM VOUCHERS Prom Vouchers may be picked up in the Main Office. Reminder all financial obligations must be current, retreat requirement fulfilled and community service hours completed to attend the Prom

Berks Catholic High SchoolSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2

3 4 5Alvernia College Fair

6Kairos

7Kairos

8Kairos

9

10 11 12College Night

13 14Bonding

15Living Stations

16

17 18 19School Mass

20 21 22Career Day

23

24 25 26School Mass

27Early Dismissal-11 AM

28Holy Thursday

School Closed

29Good Friday

School Closed

30

31

Happy Easter

Feb 2013S M T W T F S

1 23 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 1617 18 19 20 21 22 2324 25 26 27 28

Apr 2013S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 67 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 2021 22 23 24 25 26 2728 29 30

March 2013

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Questions or Concerns? Please Visit

www.MaschioFood.com Or

Call Maschio’s Food Services at Your School @ 610-929-4124

Student Meal $2.75

Alternate Meal $2.75

Salad Bar Meal $2.75

“SIDEKICK’S”

Milk $0.50 Ice Tea, Lemonade $0.60

Water $0.50/1.00

Whole Fresh Fruit $.075

Fruit Cup $0.60

Assorted Chips $0.60

Baked Cookie $1.00

Hot Pretzel $1.25

Ice Cream as priced

Bagel w/ Cr. Cheese $1.00

Nachos w/Cheese $1.50 Homemade Soup $1.50 Side Salad Bowl $1.50

Great Griller’s Meal—$2.75 Hamburger/Cheeseburger, Hot Dog,

Chicken Sandwich, or Specialty

Potato/Vegetable, Fruit Cup, Beverage Choice

Deli Central Meal - $2.75 Your Choice of Deli Sandwich or Deli Wrap W/ Side Salad “Bowl” (No Meat) or Potato,

Fruit Cup, and Beverage Choice

NEW!!- Garden Fresh Salad Bar Meal—$2.75 Mixed Salad Greens, Veggies, Fruits & Toppings,

Choice of Meat, Roll or Crackers(2)

Dressing and Beverage “Choice” Salad Bar Meal Served on Round “Plate”

See our Vending Selections

All Ala Carte Entrees $2.25

Beverage “Choice”

Please choose one (1)

Milk , Iced Tea, Lemonade,

Small Water (8 oz.)

4 California

Cheese Burger French Fries Chilled Fruit

Beverage Choice

5

Chicken Tenders Tater Tots Dinner Roll Chilled Fruit

Beverage Choice

6

Taco Salad Corn Muffin Dessert Bar Chilled Fruit

Beverage Choice

7

California Chicken Patty

French Fries Chilled Fruit

Beverage Choice

8

Stuffed Crust Pizza Chips

Veggie Dippers Chilled Fruit

Beverage Choice

11 Chicken Parm

Buttered Noodles Chilled Fruit

Beverage Choice

12 Grilled Cheese Tomato Soup Pickle Slices Chilled Fruit

Beverage Choice

13 Taco Salad

Churro Jell-O

Chilled Fruit Beverage Choice

14 General Taos's

Chicken Steamed Rice Mixed Veggies

Chilled Fruit Beverage Choice

15 Pizza Sticks w/ Marinara Sauce

Chips Veggie Sticks Chilled Fruit

Beverage Choice

18 Sloppy Joe Tater Tots

Chilled Fruit Beverage Choice

19 Chicken Tenders Mashed Potatoes

Sweet Corn Chilled Fruit

Beverage Choice

20 California

Chicken Patty Tater Tots

Chilled Fruit Beverage Choice

21 Cheese Steak

w/ Peppers & Onions French Fries Chilled Fruit

Beverage Choice

22 Stuffed Crust

Pizza Chips

Veggie Dippers Chilled Fruit

Beverage Choice

25 Meatball Sub

Tater Tots Chilled Fruit

Beverage Choice

26 Pizza Sticks w/ Marinara Sauce

Chips Veggie Sticks Chilled Fruit

Beverage Choice

27 EARLY

DISMISSAL NO LUNCH SERVED

28

29

March 2013 Lunch Menu

Berks Catholic High School

Fruit of the Month: Vegetable of the

Month:

March is National Nutrition Month! Here are some easy ways to

“Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day” :

• Make half your plate fruits and vegetables!

• Make at least half your grains whole!

• Choose fat free or low-fat milk!

SCHOOL CLOSED FOR SPRING

RECCESS