Dear Holy Cross Academy Parents,

With our first trimester coming to a close and Thanksgiving on the horizon, my “to do” list at Holy Cross Academy is coming into focus. Thank you to everyone who has welcomed me so warmly and shared your feedback about our school’s strengths and future opportunities. I have begun constructing goals that will help move our school forward and allow us to offer a better experience for our students and parents alike. I want to be transparent in sharing some exciting initiatives that I would like to implement during this current school year if possible.  

Before addressing some short term projects at Holy Cross Academy, I want to make it very clear that there is absolutely an expansion in the future for our school. We have $815,000 set aside for this initiative. Many of our current parents have given significantly of their time, talent, and treasure to help raise those funds. However, additional funds would need to be generated to make the type of campus improvements we would all like to see for our students. I'll communicate more about this as it is appropriate and definitive plans are made...we are not there yet.  

Before an expansion happens, I want to make sure we are utilizing our existing space in the best way possible. With that in mind, here are a few projects that I hope to be able to complete sooner rather than later.

Chapel on Campus

Adding a chapel to Holy Cross Academy’s campus came up as a critical need from virtually everyone who was surveyed or asked about our expansion project. I would rather not wait for an expansion to be completed to see this important addition to campus. I'd like to convert our existing conference room to a chapel for our school community. I think the benefits of having a chapel on campus far outweigh the challenges of losing the conference room. I cannot think of an initiative that better meets our mission than adding a chapel to campus.  

Fr. Mosimann will work with Bishop Burbidge and the Chancery to gain approval for our chapel plans. I can’t wait for this space to become a chapel as it will help strengthen the spiritual lives of everyone in our school community.

Upgraded Security Measures

I would like to upgrade our security measures as we check in guests. We will be adding an ID scanning device and accompanying check in system for guests which will print individualized guest passes for them. These systems have software that checks driver’s licenses against the sex offender registry to make sure we are not allowing entrance to our building for any vendor or guest who should not be around children. Systems like this are in place in many public schools and are growing in use in our Diocesan schools.  

Father Mosimann and I will work to allocate funds from our existing budget for this important upgrade to our campus security. 

Gym divider in Fr. Brisson Hall

In the original plans for the school from 1998, there were plans for a future gym divider that would allow the space to be used for different activities at the same time. I'd like to add an electric gym divider that can be raised and lowered as appropriate to facilitate activities in Fr. Brisson Hall. This will greatly   enhance the functionality of Fr. Brisson Hall. 

Additional Pair of Basketball Hoops

With a gym divider in place, an additional set of retractable basketball hoops on the far end of Fr. Brisson Hall would allow two teams to practice on full courts at the same time. These additional hoops would be very helpful for our basketball teams, indoor recess, and Aviat Care Program.  

Fundraising

The upgrades to Father Brisson Hall were not budgeted in this year’s school budget and we do not want to use expansion funds for these projects on our existing facility. An idea that grew out of a meeting with the Transition Team was having targeted fundraiser(s) for the divider and basketball hoop projects. Each of these projects carries a price tag in the neighborhood of $15,000. We will be initiating a Giving Tuesday Campaign, a one-day online giving initiative launched on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, to begin raising funds for these projects. Fundraising efforts will continue with another one-day online giving campaign during Catholic Schools Week. Finally, the Holy Cross PTO is sponsoring a Casino Night in May to pay for these projects and other improvements to our campus. 

We will move forward with the gym divider (priority one) and the additional basketball hoops as soon as funds are raised for these projects. I look forward to our students enjoying these upgrades to campus. When it comes to improving our school, patience is not my greatest strength!

I'd like to stress again that these initiatives do not take the place of the future expansion project at Holy Cross Academy and will not use funds raised specifically for the school expansion. These facility upgrades offer ways to better meet the mission of our school in our current facility. Thank you all for your commitment to our school and helping to make our school the vibrant, faith-filled learning community that it is.  

It is an exciting time to be a Crusader!

In Christo,

Stephen M. Fry, Ed. D.

Principal

World's Finest Chocolate Sale Wrap Up

Thank you to everyone who has already returned your money for the World's Finest Chocolate candy sale. This is our biggest annual PTO fundraiser and provides support for so many school events.

We would like to get all chocolate money collected by Friday, December 6th. Parents may either bring in cash or check to the school office or may pay online at https://payit.nelnet.net/form/Jmq6KA7T .

Huge Thanks to the Patel Family!

The PTO would like to send a huge thank you to the Patel family for their generous discount on the Dunkin' Donuts and raffle prize donations for Donuts with Dad.

We would also like to send a special thank you to all of you that volunteered for Donuts with Dad. The event was a great success with many happy fathers and children. We couldn’t have done it without your support!

Amazon Smile

We have submitted the paperwork to be reinstated with the Amazon Smile Program. Unfortunately, this may take a couple weeks to process.

We will send out notification when Holy Cross Academy is back up and running with their system.

Square 1 Art Order

Square 1 Art is able to accept phone and online orders up until November 30th.

Students recently brought home a yellow paper with ordering information.

Dress for the Weather

As the temperatures dip, it is important to remember to dress for the weather and be prepared for outdoor recess. When temperatures (factoring in wind chill) are 30 degrees or above, we will be outside whenever possible through the fall and winter.

We ask that students be prepared with hats, gloves, and scarves so they can be comfortable while they frolic outside with their friends at recess.

Scrip Program Offering Extra Christmas Incentives

Scrip Bonus Rebates for Black Friday and Christmas are just around the corner. Never miss a Scrip bonus rebate on your favorite brands by checking ShopWithScrip.com/BonusRebates every week.

You can also stay up to date on bonuses by subscribing to emails. Just log into ShopWithScrip.com >; Dashboard >; Profile >; check the box. Or “Like” ShopWithScrip on Facebook to see bonus alerts, surprise 24-hour

bonuses, and more.

 

To set up an account at www.shopwithscrip.com, use our school code, 7B876EBB188L2, so Holy Cross Academy gets credit for your purchase. If you have any questions about SCRIP please email the Scrip Coordinator at [email protected] .

Middle School Christmas Semi-formal Dance Saturday, December 7

6th through 8th grade students are invited to the first middle school dance of the year on Saturday, December 7th in Fr. Brisson Hall from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Admission will be $5.00 in advance or $7.00 at the door. Tickets will be sold during lunch the week leading up to the dance.

Attire for gentlemen: Khakis or dress pants (not jeans) with a button down shirt. Tie and jacket or sweater is optional.

Attire for ladies: Dress pants (not jeans) with blouse or sweater or skirt with a blouse or sweater are acceptable. Dresses can be no more than 2" above the knee and must have straps over the shoulder at least three inches wide.

Snacks: We will order Chick-Fil A nuggets, chips, pretzels, and other munchies for the dance along with water and soft drinks.

Cell phones: Students may bring their cell phones to take photos in our "selfie booth" and communicate with their parents. Students are responsible for keeping up with their device throughout the evening.

HCA Event at Barnes and Noble December 8

There are only 32 shopping days left until Christmas! A great way to prepare for your holiday events, celebrations, and gift giving is through the  Barnes and Noble s p onsored HCA fundraising event December 8, 2019 . Please come out and join us!  

As always, events like this cannot be done without our families support! If you love greeting folks, wrapping gifts, helping children complete a craft, please volunteer an hour or so of your time. Per our agreement with Barnes and Noble, adult supervision is required for the wrapping and craft areas. Children can be included, but must be supervised. Thanks for supporting our school.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040C4AAFAC2BA13-barnes

Don't forget, Barnes and Noble gift cards are offered through the SCRIP program. Teachers have provided wish lists that will be displayed at the store the day of the sale.  Share the Voucher Number 12557542 with your friends and family and invite them to come out and see our children perform!

Looking Ahead - HCA Sports + Important Dates

November

25: Boys Basketball @ SWOY, Varsity Only, Early Dismissal at 2:50pm

25: Girls Basketball vs. SWOY, Varsity Only

26: First Trimester Ends

27-29: Thanksgiving Holiday, No School

December

3: Girls Basketball @ Holy Family, Early Dismissal @ 2:30 p.m.

3: Boys Basketball vs. Holy Family

5: School Pictures Make Up Day

5: Basketball vs Victory

6: 1st Trimester Report Cards

6: School Mass, 8:15 a.m.

7: Middle School Dance

8: HCA Fundraiser at Barnes and Noble

9: Christmas Performance, Gr 1, 2, & 3, School Performance, 2pm

9: Christmas Performance, Gr 1, 2, & 3, Family Performance, 7pm

10: Boys Basketball @ Linton Hall, Early Release at 2:30pm

10: Girls Basketball vs. Linton Hall

11: Early Dismissal at 11:30am, A Schedule

11: Spirit Day at Chick Fil-A

11: Confirmation Formation Night, 1st Year Candidates

12: Advent Giving Tree, 8:30am

12: Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass, FBH, 7pm

13: School Mass, 8:15am, FBH, All are welcome

17: Girls Basketball vs Aquinas

18: Boys Basketball @ Aquinas, JV only Early Release at 2:30pm- JV Game 4pm, Varsity Game 5:15pm

18: Strings, Band, Keyboard, & Youth of Note Concert, School Performance, 1:45pm

18: Strings, Band, Keyboard, & Youth of Note Concert, Family Performance, 7pm

19: 5th Grade World Market, 1pm

20: Christmas Holiday Begins at 3:10pm

23-Jan 5: Christmas Holiday, No School

Jan. 6: Classes Resume

Mission Statement

At Holy Cross Academy, we are guided by the spirit of Saint Francis de Sales as we dedicate ourselves to: 

It's About the Children