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FAMILY INFORMATION/PARENT PORTAL
The parent portal serves as the main communication channel between administration and families. The portal holds all account information and student information including attendance, schedules and grades. Access to the parent portal is found on the school website: www.northcatholic.org. Usernames and passwords that were created during the enrollment process and can be used in accessing the Parent Portal. Students should not be given access to the Parent Portal. The credentials should remain the possession of the parent and the login credentials should not be shared with the students.
1. Families are encouraged to review and edit all information on the Portal, paying particular attention to ‘Family Information’ (on the left). Families are asked to complete the sections marked Student Information, Parent 1 information, Parent 2 information, Medical Info, and all Emergency Contact information). This information is need in case of an unforeseen emergency circumstance, including illness.
2. The ‘Student Information’ section should be reviewed to ensure that students’ names are spelled correctly, and the date of birth is accurate.
3. The ‘Health Information’ section must be reviewed to ensure that all pertinent information is provided pertaining to student health, including any and all allergies. Please be sure to indicate if over-the-counter medications may be administered by authorized school personnel. The school office usually maintains a supply of acetaminophen, ibuprofen, Benadryl and Halls cough drops, but parental consent via the Parent Portal must be given for these medications to be administered at the student’s request. In addition, please visit the Student Forms section of the website, located under the Student Life tab to find additional health-related consent forms.
4. If family matters have changed since the time of your child’s enrollment, we will need copies of custody papers in order to honor any family arrangements set in place. We cannot make these changes until official documentation has been provided to the school.
TUITION ACCOUNTS/BILLING
Tuition and billing information can be accessed through the Parent Portal by clicking on the Billing tab. Tuition invoices for 2024-25 will be available in early July; payments should be made via the portal by the 15th of each month from July – April. Alternate billing schedules can be discussed with the Business Manager, Keleigh Sopher if needed. Mrs. Sopher can be reached via email at ksopher@northcatholic.org. New families are not yet able to access the billing portal; it is expected that the system will rollover to the new school year and open to new families on or before July 1. A notification e-mail will go out when that occurs. You will have the option to add a bank account or credit card for tuition auto-pay under “Billing” > “Auto-Pay Set Up”. Please note, all credit card payments will be charged a 2.5% convenience fee.
SCHOOLOGY/STUDENT DEVICES
Students will receive a final class schedule on the first day of school. Student devices (Microsoft Surfaces) and Schoology access information will be distributed at the start of the new school year. Devices must be returned in June at the end of each school year. Instructions will be shared at the appropriate time.
Schoology is the learning management system at NC that students and parents will use to view current assignments and current quarter grades. Parents will receive further instructions on how to set this up via the Parent Portal and/or the Office Newsletter after the start of the school year.
UNIFORMS
Lands’ End is our official uniform provider. To access uniform information, go to www.landsend.com and enter school code 900156324.
Young Women
Upper Uniform:
- Red or White NC Crested polo may be worn until the October 15 and again beginning April 15. Shirt must remain tucked in throughout the day.
- Oxford uniform shirt with NC Crest purchased from Lands’ End. Shirt must remain tucked in throughout the entire day.
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Optional: A Red or Black NC crew neck or quarter zip. North Catholic or its approved logos must be on the front and visible. No full-zip jackets are permitted. If a student chooses to wear a crew neck or quarter zip the student’s entire collar must be visible throughout the entire day.
*Excel members are permitted team issued attire provided it is primarily black.
Lower Uniform:
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Khaki slacks purchased from Lands’ End or consistent in style and color from another vendor. No denim pants or pants with outside patch pockets or pockets on the legs are permitted). A solid brown or black leather-style belt. No designs or lettering is permitted. Standard “D” style belt buckle. Pants are to be worn at the natural waist and must land at the top of the foot.
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Khaki or plaid skorts purchased from Land’s End. Skorts should be maintained at fingertip length throughout the day. Skorts must not be rolled at the waist. This is the final year that skirts will be permitted. Skirts must be fingertip length, must not be rolled at the waist, and must have shorts or solid-colored, ankle-length leggings underneath at all times.
Young Men
Upper Uniform:
- Red or White NC Crested polo may be worn until the October 15 and again beginning on April 15. Shirt must remain tucked in throughout the day.
- Oxford uniform shirt (no logo) purchased from Lands’ End and worn tucked into pants. White and logo-free and phrase-free T-shirts must be worn under oxford, they must be white without lettering or design. Shirt must remain tucked in throughout the day.
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NC crested necktie. Appropriately tied and worn at the top of the collar.
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Optional: A Red or Black NC crew neck or quarter zip. NC or Trojan must be on the front and visible. No full-zip jackets are permitted. If a student chooses to wear a crew neck or quarter zip the student’s entire collar and appropriately tied necktie must be visible throughout the entire day.
*Excel members are permitted team issued attire provided it is primarily black.
Lower Uniform:
Pants:
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Khaki slacks purchased from Lands’ End or consistent in style and color from another vendor. No denim pants or pants with outside patch pockets or pockets on the legs are permitted. Pants must be worn with a belt. A solid brown or black leather-style belt. No designs or lettering is permitted. Standard "D" style belt buckle.
Shoes (all students)
Dress Shoes:
A predominantly brown or black leather-style dress shoe. Shoe must cover the entire foot and heel and must not rise above the ankle.
Socks:
Socks must be white or black and free of lettering or design. A single small logo is acceptable.
*Important Note – Unacceptable styles include, but are not limited to Vans, Hey Dudes, sandals, crocs, slippers, moccasins, and other shoes consistent with these listed styles.
Standard Mass Day Uniform
Young Men:
- A blue blazer purchased from Lands’ End
- Oxford uniform shirt (no logo) purchased from Lands’ End and worn tucked into pants. White and logo-free and phrase-free T-shirts must be worn under oxford, they must be white without lettering or design. Shirt must remain tucked in throughout the day.
- NC Crested necktie. Appropriately tied and worn at the top of the collar.
Young Women:
- A blue blazer purchased from Lands’ End
- Oxford uniform shirt with NC Crest purchased from Lands’ End. Shirt must remain tucked in throughout the day.
Gym Uniforms
Gym Uniforms are not sold through Lands’ End. Students are required to wear a North Catholic shirt and any brand of long gym shorts or sweatpants in a solid red or black color. The NC Spirit Shop will open a “pop up” shop at the Main Entrance of the school during New Student Orientation on August 8, 2024.
SPIRIT WEAR (for Spirit Wear Days)
The North Catholic Spirit Shop is available online at anytime! Families are invited to visit https://northcatholic.itemorder.com to check out the many styles available to students and family members. Items purchased online will be shipped directly to the recipient’s home. Occasionally, in-person sales will be held on campus. Notices about these sales will be sent via the Office Newsletter or Schoology. Questions related to Spirit Wear can be directed to Mrs. Amy Caligiuri.
Students will be granted occasional Spirit Wear days throughout the school year. Some Spirit Wear days will be free to students and others will serve as fundraisers for various causes and will require payment for participation. Please refer to the Student Handbook for dress code guidance for Spirit Wear days. Please note that for Spirit Wear Days, North Catholic hoodies are permitted.
Questions regarding uniforms can be directed to Dean of Students Chris Rizzo.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation is facilitated by our Transportation Coordinator, Mr. Ryan Parrish. He will provide student information to the appropriate district/bus company. Families do not need to contact Mr. Parrish to add students to the list, as they are automatically added to the roster upon official North Catholic enrollment.
The following districts are considered ‘busing districts’:
- Ambridge
- Avonworth
- Freedom
- Hampton
- Mars
- North Allegheny
- Pine Richland
- Quaker Valley
- Seneca Valley
- South Butler/Knoch
Students residing in these districts that are within ten miles of NC will be bused by the district. Prior to the start of the school year, students should receive information from the district about bus number, pick up location, and pick up/drop off times. NOTE: Seneca Valley families will be notified by Mr. Parrish instead of the District.
Most families who live OUTSIDE the ‘busing districts’ receive North Catholic Transportation, provided by Monark Student Transportation. Students will be assigned to buses NC1-NC9 and routes for these buses are re-evaluated each summer. Monark Student Transportation provides busing information to families prior to the start of the school year.
Please reach out to Mr. Parrish with any questions.
WEATHER RELATED CLOSINGS & DELAYS
Guidelines regarding two-hour delays and cancellations can be found in the Student Handbook and on the parent portal. North Catholic High School utilizes the One Call system to announce weather related delays and campus closures. This call is sent to the primary household phone number as provided in the parent portal. One additional phone number per student is permitted for the One Call system and can be added by emailing the appropriate information to the Main Office at office@northcatholic.org.
Please note: While weather can result in a campus closure, online learning may be utilized to reduce the number of school cancellations. Teachers will communicate with students regarding lessons and work via Schoology.
ATTENDANCE/STUDENT ABSENCES/EARLY DISMISSALS/LATE ARRIVALS
North Catholic students are expected to report daily for classes. Appointments during the school day should be kept to a minimum so as not to disrupt a student’s attendance. However, any absence, late arrival or early dismissal should be reported on the parent portal before 8am on the day of the instance. A student arriving late or leaving early due to a doctor/dental appointment will be asked to provide an excuse from the medical provider. Students missing school due to illness are asked to have their excuses reported through the portal. The portal is utilized to record student attendance and absence. Written notes are neither required/accepted.
Changes to student attendance must be entered into the parent portal by 8:00 am, after which the portal is no longer accessible (during school hours) until 3:00 pm. In the case of an emergency, if an early dismissal is needed past the 8:00 am deadline, parents must call the Main Office and speak to a member of staff to request the early dismissal. Early dismissals submitted after 8:00 am without a parent-staff phone conversation will not be granted. Emails are not accepted.
Parents/guardians picking up students for early dismissals do not need to come into the office to sign out the student. Additionally, parents do not need to accompany students into the office for late arrivals or returns to campus.
TARDIES
Students are considered late when they are not in their first period classroom at 7:58 am. Any student not in the first period classroom by 7:58 am, even if inside the building, will be marked Late Unexcused for the entire day. Parents/Guardians do not need to sign students into school when are arriving late, however, information should be entered into the portal to allow for the student record to accurately reflect attendance. Please be advised that late arrivals due to sleeping in, heavy traffic, etc. are not excusable tardies; these types of tardies will be recorded as unexcused.
Written excuses must be submitted within three business days of the occurrence; after three days, the absence or tardy will remain unexcused.
Unexcused absences/tardies and other issues related to student attendance, should be directed to Dean of Students Chris Rizzo.
STUDENT DROP OFF/PICK UP
The doors at the Main Entrance to North Catholic High School are unlocked at 7:15 am each morning. Students receiving private transportation to school should be dropped off at the Main Entrance of the school (by the Bell Tower) after 7:15 am. Drivers must pull as far forward as possible so as to avoid congestion stretching to Hillmont Drive. Please do not stop in the crosswalk! Students should exit vehicles expeditiously once the vehicle reaches any section of the parking lane to ensure a steadier flow of traffic.
Students utilizing private transportation at dismissal should meet drivers in the Faculty parking lot at the end of the day. Vehicles should occupy a lined parking space, avoiding unlined curbs to prevent traffic and safety issues. Vehicles parked in unlined spots will be asked to relocate.
Please be considerate of the handicapped parking spots. North Catholic is a handicapped-accessible building and there are several students and faculty members who rely on wheelchairs or other equipment to navigate the campus. Handicapped parking spots should only be utilized by those in need of the assistance.
STUDENT DRIVERS/PARKING PERMITS
The student parking area is located across from the Main Entrance, to the left of the Faculty parking lot. Student parking passes will be available prior to the start of the new school year. Parking passes are good for one year and are subject to specific rules and regulations; violating these rules may cause your child to lose their driving/ parking privileges. Infractions include, but are not limited to: speeding in the parking lot, reckless driving, numerous unexcused late arrivals to school, numerous discipline infractions, etc. Rules and regulations for parking permits are detailed in the permit packet that is provided by Mr. Benzing who oversees the Parking Permit Program. Parking permit packets can be accessed on the website under Student Life/Student Forms. There are a limited number of student parking spots that are given out on a first come, first served basis. Students are not guaranteed a spot. Students without a parking permit are not able to drive themselves to school as they will not have a spot to park. Students may not park in the Faculty/Visitor lot.
STUDENT SCHEDULES & SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Students will receive their class schedules on the first day of school.
To avoid making any unnecessary purchases, it is recommended that families refrain from purchasing school supplies until after the first day(s) of instruction. Teachers will communicate supply recommendations to students during classes. Students should come to the first day of classes with a backpack (non-rolling backpacks only please), one notebook and a pen or pencil.
LOCKERS
All freshmen and new transfer students will be assigned a locker on the first day of school. Students in grades 10-12 will only receive a locker assignment upon request. The request form can be located on the school website under the Students & Parents tab. Requests will be accepted through Monday, September 9, 2024.
LUNCH ACCOUNTS
Students use their student ID numbers to pay for school lunch. Student ID numbers are found on the Parent Portal under the Student tab. Utilizing the Student ID, lunch accounts can be set up using PaySchools Central, a downloadable app, during the first week of classes and throughout the school year. Lunch money can be added to a student’s account via credit or debit cards through the app and become available to the student immediately. Funds can also be added to a student account when a check made payable to AVI Foodsystems is sent into the school’s Main Office. Ms. Alyson Hillwig is the Food Service Manager. Questions related to lunch accounts can be directed to her.
CLEARANCES
North Catholic High School is dedicated to keeping our students safe. All parents wishing to volunteer for the school in any capacity, including working sporting events, must obtain all Diocesan-mandated clearances and trainings. The school encourages ALL parents/guardians to obtain their clearances. Please reach out to Safe Environment Coordinator Tara Aiello or visit Clearance | Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh, PA (diopitt.org) to learn more.
SERVICE HOURS
All students are required to fulfill 25 hours of charitable work each year. Please visit: northcatholic.org/service to see more information regarding this requirement for all students.
ACCESS TO GENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATION
1. Most information is available on the school website www.northcatholic.org.
2. A printable 2024-2025 school calendar is on the website.
3. The Student Handbook is updated annually and is located on the website under Student Life. The Handbook contains a large amount of information. Each family is encouraged to become familiar with the handbook to gain a better understanding of the school’s mission, as well as student expectations.
4. The Parent Portal can be accessed through the school website by clicking on the Students & Parents tab and clicking on the Parent Portal. Please use the portal to report absences, late arrivals and early dismissals. The Portal also manages tuition accounts, student schedules and grades.
5. The Office Newsletter is emailed weekly during the school year and biweekly during holiday breaks and summer months. The Newsletter is sent to Household emails listed in the Parent Portal. If a second parent within the family would like to receive the newsletters, please send an emailed request to the Main Office. Additionally, newsletters can be accessed on the school’s website under the Students and Parents tab.
6. Some classes require summer coursework to be completed prior to the start of the school year. Please refer to the school website for the course-specific work the 2024-2025 school year. If you have any questions regarding the content, please contact the specific teacher of the class or department chair.
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