Week of March 24-30, 2025

From the President

In this Sunday’s Gospel (Luke 13:1-9) we hear Jesus tell the parable of the fig tree that is not producing fruit. When the owner of the orchard (think God the Father) suggests it’s time to cut down the tree, the gardener (think Jesus) says “Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not, you can cut it down.” On one level, this is certainly a parable of God’s mercy and patience, of God’s graces and blessings. On another level, it also reminds us that we need to be soil that is open to nourishment, and each “tree” is expected to fulfill its role in God’s kingdom. Still further, there can be implications for so many things in life: one may be a student who needs encouragement to achieve as he is capable, or a parent who needs the patience of waiting and encouraging, or all as we reflect on what we have to offer for the common good of our community. Parables remain one of the greatest teaching tools the world has found.


-- Fr. Donald

From the Principal

I recently attended a retreat for the principals of Baltimore's archdiocesan schools. We focused on gratitude, and giving thanks with a grateful heart. I reflected during that time as to the number of blessings I experience here at Archbishop Curley High School. This is a great community, one focused on positioning our Curley Men for success in life, in faith, and in their pursuits. I am grateful to the young men of this school who strive to achieve in all of these ways. I am grateful to the faculty and staff for their commitment to our mission. I am grateful to our benefactors for investing in the present and future of the school because the past has meant so much in their lives. I am grateful to you, our Curley parents, for entrusting us with your sons.


I pray that this fourth quarter of the school year be a fruitful one. I hope that your sons take advantage of all the opportunities that are presented to them.


-- Jeremy Joseph ’96

From the Finance Office

This is a friendly reminder to all families that have a grant and aid application in FACTS for the 2025-2026 school year to please remember to upload all 2024 tax documents to your account. Also, remember that April will start payments for the 2025-2026 school year’s tuition deposit and registration fee. If you have any questions, please contact Cris Wilson at cwilson@archbishopcurley.org.

Gala Raffle

This raffle is held in conjunction with the Curley Gala Dinner Auction to be held on April 12th. The Gala is the school's largest fundraising event of the year and all money raised benefits every student as proceeds support the school's operating budget.


$15,000 in cash prizes will be awarded: $10,000 -- 1st Prize; $3,000 -- 2nd Prize; and $2,000 -- 3rd Prize. Additional tickets can be picked up from the Advancement Office at any time. Students are required to participate at a minimum of $75 in sold tickets as part of the tuition agreement.


Seller prizes will also be awarded to top sellers and there will be an additional drawing for VISA gift cards for any student returning at least $150 in sold tickets. All sold tickets need to be returned by April 9th. Please contact Barry Stitz at bstitz@archbishopcurley.org with any questions.


Thank you in advance for your support of this important school fundraiser!

From the Assistant Principal of Academics

The third quarter officially ended and the 4th quarter brings lots of excitement and anticipation for the end of the year. Please continue to remind your son(s) to check Plus Portals on a regular basis and to see his teacher(s) if he has questions. I also encourage students to see their teachers for extra support and help if they are struggling in any of their courses. The 4th quarter is very short for our seniors making this even more important. My door is always open if they ever need anything. This is a reminder that Monday, March 24, is an asynchronous day which kicks off the fourth quarter and the home stretch for summer.


-- Ken Pipkin

Curley Gala 30

Class Registry Updates!

A HUGE thank you to all of our families that so generously donated to Curley Gala 30! Our auction tables will be full thanks to your generosity, creativity and kindness. I am excited to announce that the CLASS OF 2027 is the winner for the second year in a row! Congratulations to the Class of 2027! We will be in touch with the parents of the winning tickets in the sophomore class.


Class of 2027: 1st place with 59% participation

Class of 2026: 2nd place place with 58% participation

Class of 2025: 3rd place with 54% participation

Class of 2028: 4th place with 50% participation


Gala 30 tickets are on sale! 

Only a few tickets for the event remain! Tickets will be purchased online through our auction site or by check (Attn: Curley Gala). NEW THIS YEAR: when you purchase a Gala ticket, you will be entered into the chance to win up to $10,000!  Click on the "Purchase Your Ticket" tab HERE. The Gala is black-tie optional and is a 21+ event.


Gala Volunteering -- Friday, April 11, 2025 

Parent volunteers are still needed to help us pack and transport all auction gifts to Boumi Temple on Friday, April 11. Volunteers are needed at Curley from 8:00-10:00 am to organize and pack the truck. Volunteers will then be needed from 11:00 am-3:30 pm at 5050 King Avenue to setup for the Gala event. School will dismiss on a half-day schedule that Friday. Dress is casual and comfortable. Coffee, breakfast and lunch will be provided for all volunteers. Volunteers are needed the entire time, but please note that you do not need to volunteer the entire time. Please note in your email response the times that you would be available to help. If you are interested, please email Mrs. Caroline Kogler Palmisano directly, cpalmisano@archbishopcurley.org.


We thank you for all of your support of the Gala!

AC Leadership Academy Speaker Series


Student-athletes and their parents are invited to a Sports Nutrition & Wellness presentation on April 1, 2025, at 7:00 pm in the Suehle Auditorium.

Early Dismissal Procedures


Early Dismissal for All Students: Permission to leave school early should be requested only for serious reasons (e.g. court appearance, doctor/dentist appointments). If early dismissal is necessary, a phone call or email to the Main Office on or before the day of the dismissal by the parent/guardian is required. When such dismissal occurs, the student must come to the Main Office to sign out before he leaves campus. Parents/guardians are encouraged to schedule all appointments for the student at times other than during school hours.

Asynchronous Day --- Monday, March 24, 2025

Our second Asynchronous Day is scheduled for Monday, March 24th. Students will be provided assignments to be completed at home that day. Classes will not be held as normal. Teachers will be at school to finalize 3rd quarter grades, plan lessons, and to work collaboratively. Students will not be on campus, but rather will be completing their assigned work at home. Asynchronous assignments will count toward the 4th quarter grade and are expected to be completed on time. 

Maryland 529 Plans


Parents (or a grandparent, godparent, other relative or friend) can open one of these education savings accounts with as little as $25, then add to it over time.

 

Maryland 529 plans can be used toward up to $10,000 annually toward a child's K-12 education in addition to college. Act before May 31 to earn a State contribution of up to $500 for your child’s tuition. 

From the Counseling Office


Attention Class of 2025 Families --


If your son has not filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the time to do so is NOW. Please go to: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. The student should begin the FAFSA and then it will go to the parent/guardian. The key to getting financial aid is filing a FAFSA. Please contact his first choice college's Financial Aid office if you have any questions or need assistance.  


Attention Class of 2026 Families --


  • Any student who has already registered for the SAT on Friday, April 11 after the half- day of school should be engaging in daily SAT prep. Please encourage your son to spend 20-30 minutes per day on SAT preparation. Students can find FREE SAT prep in their BlueBook app, on the College Board website and on the Khan Academy website
  • Spring Break is a great time to get out and visit colleges. Most colleges and universities have pretty decent virtual tours, if in-person campus tours are not possible. You can go to a school's website and search for VISIT. 
  • Mrs. Berrigan is running a College Essay Writing Workshop for students who plan to apply to a four-year institution in the fall. At this one day workshop we will brainstorm through activities, draft, edit and complete a 600 word essay to include in all your college applications. There are three dates to choose from --June 9, July 22, and August 6. The cost is $150 and is not limited to Curley students, you just need to be a rising senior. Email Mrs. Berrigan at aberrigan@archbishopcurley.org with any questions. 


Mrs. Berrigan is currently on maternity leave. She will return in early June. Please reach out to Mrs. Berkey at jberkey@archbishopcurley.org if you need any assistance. 

Fresh/Soph Semi-Formal


Freshman and Sophomores are invited to a Semi-Formal Beach Party on Friday, April 4, from 7:30 to 10:30 pm in the SDR. Students MUST arrive by 8:00 pm and may not leave before 10:00 pm. Tickets are $35 per couple and your son must bring a date. There are no physical tickets -- once you pay online your name will be on a list at the door. Dress code is semi-formal. Curley Dress Code for students (sport coat is optional) and appropriate semi-formal dress for girls. Please email Mrs. Schucker with any questions.


Use this link to purchase tickets: https://payit.nelnet.net/form/qUgNkI6S