A Message from the President

Dear East Catholic Family,

The Fall athletic regular season is coming to a close in some sports, and CCC league tournaments and CIAC state tournaments are kicking into gear. Please check out the Athletics section below to follow who is playing, when and where. Please come out and support our teams!

Our Fall Open House was a tremendous success. Over 145 families attended, and everyone I spoke to was impressed with our school, our students, and all that they learned about East. Many thanks to all involved: student ambassadors, faculty, staff, and parents! Entrance exams begin this weekend, and applications are already coming in. It is hard to believe that next year’s freshmen will be the class of 2030! I feel old.

The Admissions Office has also been busy hosting prospective students for shadow days through our Eagle for a Day program. Some students set up individual visits, but our Catholic feeder schools send their entire 8th grade for a day. Many students talk about their shadow experience as being instrumental in choosing East Catholic. To date, we have had over 120 shadows, which is ahead of last year’s number at this time. Many thanks to our student ambassadors for hosting!

Last Friday, when the students had the day off, the faculty and staff had a retreat day. This day is an opportunity for the adults who work at East Catholic to come together without students to get to know each other better and to spend time together, often away from the school building. This year we all met at the trailhead of Talcott Mountain in Simsbury. The day started with a reading from the Gospel of Luke 24:13-35, the Road to Emmaus, followed by a reflection by AJ Rocco, one of our Campus Ministers. We then hiked up the Talcott Mountain trail to the summit. At the top is the Heublein Tower, a seven-story home/museum that rises into the sky and includes a top floor that is all windows and provides a 360-degree view. It is spectacular! We had a great day.

Next week is the end of Quarter 1!

Should you have any questions, concerns, or celebrations, please be in touch.

Peace,

Sean P. Brennan ‘85

Chief Administrator

Follow Us!

East Catholic is a busy place! There are new things happening daily with students, staff, and programs. Be sure to follow us on your favorite social media apps for the latest updates!

Facebook: East Catholic High School

Instagram: @eastcatholichighschool

Twitter: @EastCatholicHS

Faculty/Staff Retreat

Campus Ministry coordinated a day of fellowship for East Catholic's Faculty and Staff on Friday, October 17th. They hiked Talcott Mountain, inspired by a reading from Luke about the disciples' walk to Emmaus and a heartening reflection. After the hike they enjoyed lunch in Simsbury. Overall, it was a wonderful day for the faculty and staff to connect with each other. 

Veterans Day 2025

On Tuesday, November 11th, East Catholic will have a half day of school to host an event honoring those who have served. If you or a family member has served or are currently serving in our armed forces, please join us on Veterans Day for breakfast and a special program in your honor.

To plan for our attendees, please RSVP here: https://forms.gle/7MSf5FXKvHUJUNgX8

To prepare for the events of the day, we are also collecting candy and pennies. If you have either that you would like to contribute, please send them in to the main office.

If you have any questions, reach out to Kelly Shea at sheak@echs.com.

From the Desk of Dean Reilly

Starting Monday, November 3rd, all student buses will drop off students in the front circle. To ensure a smooth and safe morning, the front circle will be designated for buses only during morning drop-off hours.

Families should continue to use the same drop-off route you are currently using. We're making this change to help alleviate traffic congestion and prevent backups near the music wing.

Thank you for your continued flexibility as we work to improve our morning routines!

Spirit Week

Our students (and Faculty!) were getting in the spirit this week!

Walk-a-thon

Thank you to family, friends, and sponsors who supported our Walk-a-thon this year. With your help, we raised over $64,000!

We met and exceeded our goal of raising $50,000. As a reward, the entire school will be off Monday, December 1st (the Monday after Thanksgiving break.)

Model UN

On Thursday, October 23rd, the Model UN club traveled to NYC to meet with the Egyptian Mission to the United Nations. Thank you to Mr. Williams, Model UN Advisor, for coordinating this incredible opportunity!

Homecoming

The Homecoming Dance is Friday, November 7th at Glastonbury Hills Country Club. Student Government will be selling tickets before school in the main lobby and during flex in the cafeteria through November 5th.

Memorial Mass

Please join the East Catholic community as we celebrate the lives of our dearly departed alumni, faculty, and staff at our Annual Memorial Mass.

The Mass will be held on Sunday, November 2nd at 2:00 p.m. at East Catholic High School.

Can't join us in person? The Mass will also be live-streamed on our YouTube channel. We will post the live-stream link on the morning of the liturgy.

Please RSVP by Thursday, October 30th if you plan to attend in person. Contact Shyanne VanAllen at (860)649-5336, ext. 6236 or email at vanallens@echs.com. We look forward to gathering as a community to honor their memory.

Update

College Applications are in full swing! Please don't hesitate to reach out to your counselor for any questions, help, or stress relief. We're so excited to be on this journey with the class of 2026!

We encourage all Juniors and Seniors to regularly check the Google Classroom set up by the School and College Counseling Office for the latest updates on the college application process. This information, along with scheduled College Representative visits, is also available on each student's Naviance account and the FACTS calendar. Please get into the habit of checking these platforms frequently.

Welcome, Ms. Sappleton!

We are delighted to share that we have a new member of our department and would like to introduce Ms. Antoinette Sappleton, LMSW, our new Social Worker. Ms. Sappleton has over ten years of experience working with youth and graduated from Florida International University. She enjoys farmers markets, spending time with her family, and dancing. Please give her a warm welcome when you see her. 

Stage East

East Catholic High School's Stage East presents: The Play That Goes Wrong! Get ready for a night of laughing until your sides hurt.

When:

Friday, October 24 at 7:00 PM

Saturday, October 25 at 1:00 PM (matinee)

Saturday, October 25 at 7:00 PM

Where: East Catholic Auditorium

Tickets: $10 at the door

Don't miss this hilarious production!

Please reach out to Mrs. Quackenbush (quackenbushj@echs.com) with any questions.

Calling All Musicians!

Couldn't fit ensembles into your schedule this fall but interested in being part of the band or choir? You can still join in!

Band rehearses before school on Mondays from 6:50- 7:30. Students that play a Band instrument (e.g. flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, tuba, percussion) should attend. This group performs at two school concerts, a spring music festival, and numerous sporting events.

String Orchestra rehearses before school on Mondays from 6:50- 7:30. Students that play a Band instrument (e.g. flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, tuba, percussion) should attend. This group performs at two school concerts, a spring music festival, and several school events.

Stage Band is a beginner to intermediate level jazz band that meets after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:15-3:15 PM. It is open to students who play a traditional jazz-band instrument (i.e. saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, guitar, bass, drums). This group performs at three school concerts and several jazz festivals.

Concert Choir rehearses on day 3 during flex period. This choir is open to anyone who would like to sing. No previous experience is necessary.

Liturgical Choir rehearses on day 4 during flex period. This choir performs at all school masses and is open to all students.

Please reach out to Mr. Brudz (brudzd@echs.com) or Mr. Link (linkr@echs.com) with any questions.

ALL STUDENTS are welcome!

Athletics Newsletter

Read the latest Eagles Athletic News from Jon Dahlquist, Dean of Wellness and Athletics, and Jordan Jeroszko, Assistant Athletic Director: https://conta.cc/45EEOYv

CAS-CIAC Student Empowerment Day

Our Eagles attended the CAS-CIAC Student Empowerment Day held at Farmington High School on Monday, October 20th alongside 900 other students from middle and high schools across the state. They gathered to learn, connect, and lead through a variety of breakout sessions and panels. We were honored to be a part of it, and our student-athletes walked away with ways they can continue to impact their school community.

Schedule 10/27-11/1

Monday: October 27th (1:00 p.m. Dismissal)

• 3:45 p.m. – JV Boys Soccer @ Berlin

• 4:00 p.m. – V Field Hockey vs. Avon

Tuesday: October 28th  

• 3:45 p.m. – CCC East Diving Championships

• 4:00 p.m. – V Girls Soccer @ CCC Finals 

Wednesday: October 29th

• 4:15 p.m. – CCC East Swimming Championships 

Thursday: October 30th

• NO EVENTS

Friday: October 31st

• 2:00 p.m. – V Boys Soccer @ First Round of Class S State Tournament 

Saturday: November 1st

• 1:30 p.m. – V Football vs. Bloomfield @ Cheney Tech Field (Home)

Fall Sports

You can find the most up-to-date sports schedules here: FusionPoint Sports (fpsports.org)

Select your team using the drop-down in the banner at the top and subscribe!

Please contact Jon Dahlquist (dahlquistj@echs.com) with any questions.

Get Your Gear!

Ready to cheer on your favorite teams?! Create your own spirit wear for games and pep rallies! Choose the product and design for the front and it will ship right to your home.

Order here: BSN Spirit Gear

ImmaCare Shelter Meal

On October 22nd, Campus Ministry and students served up a hot meal to the patrons at the ImmaCare Shelter in Hartford. Helping out for this meal were Seniors Sierra Jarvis, LaTe'jah Gardner, Olivia Keise, and Nikita Prepeh. 

Service Hours

Log in your service hours! Q1 report cards will reflect service hours that students have logged into Mobile Serve to date. 

Looking to start your service hours? Multiple service opportunities are available and posted in Campus Ministry on the STRETCH board. Come and sign up for service hours with the Miracle League, St. Vincent de Paul Society, South Windsor Lions Club and the Manchester Road Race Blood Drive. 

If you know of a student interested in attending East Catholic High School, please be sure to share their important dates with them:

Eagle for a Day: Register here to shadow a current student: https://forms.gle/oGrvXce3vrNTFtht7

*Entrance Exams:

Saturday, November 8th at 8:30 am

Saturday, December 6th at 8:30 am

Register here for the exam: https://forms.gle/pypER9JDfHy4DWuE6

*These exams are important for consideration of merit scholarships. (Other financial aid options are available.)

Please contact Chad Malone '08 (malonec@echs.com) with any questions.

Parents' Association Meetings

We can't wait to see some new faces, as well as our returners, at our Parents' Association Meetings this year! Remember, ALL are invited! Come to hear updates on the school, learn about upcoming events, and meet some fellow parents and guardians!

Be a part of the success of the 2025-2026 school year!

For more information on upcoming events and volunteering opportunities, visit

East Catholic High School - Parents Association (echs.com)



Any questions? Email echsPA@echs.com.

Uniforms and Spirit Wear!

The Rainbow Graphic Spirit Store is open monthly from the 1st to the 15th!

Place your orders here: Home | East Catholic (inksoft.com)

We also have our in-house Eagles' Nest in the front lobby! Click here to purchase items and pick-up in school: Home | Eagles Nest (square.site)

Please reach out to Helen Tully (tullyh@echs.com) or Shyanne VanAllen (vanallens@echs.com) with any questions!

The 2025-2026 School Calendar has been posted to the ECHS website and portal.

Please reach out to Maica Lane-Umali (Lane-UmaliM@echs.com) with any questions.

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