Reitz Memorial High School
Reitz Memorial High School is a Christ-centered Catholic community which educates all students to their highest potential by developing religious values, providing excellence in education, and fostering a commitment to service.
February 2018 Newsletter
Letter from the Principal:

Dear Students, Staff and Parents,

It is hard to believe February is already here. The “snow event” created a lot of scheduling challenges, and the month of January was literally and figuratively a whirlwind. I have found myself already thinking a lot about Lent. Maybe it is because Advent and Christmas seemed to go so fast, and I am trying to slow down my thinking for the Lenten/Easter season. I have grown to deeply appreciate the season of Lent (because I need it so much) and Easter is truly my favorite celebration.  

When I was growing up, all adults fasted every day of Lent except for Sundays, and we all abstained from meat every Friday of the year. I wonder how so many remained faithful to that discipline, but I suspect the support of the community was really important. Communities seemed to be more homogenous and defined in the old days. It is also likely that I was a bit naïve.

As we experience the ups and downs of life at Memorial, I have been thinking a great deal of what it means to be a part of a community. I feel that life here is a microcosm of our Church and our world, and we are provided with a multitude of opportunities to grow in knowledge and faith, learning what it means to do that within a community.

Last week during our faculty meetings we read from the document To Teach as Jesus Did (Section 22.)

“As God’s plan unfolds in the life of an individual Christian, one grows in awareness that, as a child of God, one does not live in isolation from others. From the moment of Baptism one becomes a member of a new and larger family, the Christian community. Reborn in Baptism, one is joined to others in common faith, hope, and love. This community is based not on force or accident of geographic location or even on deeper ties of ethnic origin, but on the life of the Spirit which unites its members in a unique fellowship so intimate that Paul likens it to a body in which each individual is a part and Jesus Himself is the Head. In this community one person’s problem is everyone’s problem and one person’s victory is everyone’s victory. Never before and never since the coming of Jesus Christ has anyone proposed such a community.”

I have been blessed with many experiences of Christian community. My family, parishes and schools have all supported my journey of faith in so many ways. I pray that all of us can strengthen our connection to God this Lent, especially through prayer in all of our communities, the sacramental life of our parishes, and the integration of faith and learning in our Catholic schools. Let’s support each other in this most holy season of the year!

-Marie Williams
LATE START FOR STUDENTS THIS WEDNESDAY.
TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE MORNING.
-
STUDENTS ARRIVING EARLY MUST ENTER THE MAIN DOORS (FRONT CIRCLE) AND REPORT TO THE CAFETERIA FOR STUDY HALL. FIRST BLOCK BEGINS 9:35 AM.

*IF THERE IS A DELAY, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WILL BE CANCELED, AND SCHOOL WILL BEGIN AT DELAYED TIME - 9:35 AM
ISTEP+ Testing - February 26 to March 9:
Sophomores will be taking the ELA and Mathematics portions of ISTEP+.
Freshmen and sophomores enrolled in biology will be taking the science portion of the exam.
Juniors who have to retake the exam will also be testing during this time.

Attendance is very important for students who are taking ISTEP+! Please make sure your child is well-rested and has a good breakfast during these testing times. If parents have any questions, they can contact their child's teacher, counselor, or Mrs. Popham (lisapopham@reitzmemorial.org)
STUDENTS AND PARENTS SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR
E-LEARNING DAYS IN THE EVENT OF A SNOW DAY.
IF THERE IS A TWO-HOUR HOUR DELAY FOR SCHOOL STARTING, DUE TO BAD WEATHER, DOORS TO SCHOOL WILL NOT BE OPENED UNTIL 8 AM.
PTO News:
Congrats to all of the gift card winners for Catholic Schools Week. The PTO provided gift cards to 50 randomly selected students, teachers and staff.

Trivia night is just around the corner! It's not too late to register your team. Seating is limited so don't wait, sign up today! The registration forms can be found below.

We are in need of many senior parent volunteers for After Baccalaureat e, junior parents for After Prom and junior parent chaperones for Senior Weekend to be held the last weekend in July 2018. Please contact one of the PTO officers if you are interested. If we do not get enough parent volunteers, we may need to modify or cancel these events. We can't do it without help. Please consider donating your time and talent.

Mark you calendars for the last PTO meeting of this school year, April 18, 6:30 PM in the Witting Media Center. We looking forward to seeing you there!
THE 2018-2019 REITZ MEMORIAL SCHOOL CALENDAR IS NOW AVAILABLE ON THE SCHOOL WEBSITE HERE
C ounseling News:
COLLEGE GOAL SUNDAY
For parents who need assistance filing the FAFSA, help is offered at College Goal Sunday, which will be held at Ivy Tech Community College on February 25th , at 2:00 p.m. Central. More information can be found at www.CollegeGoalSunday.org .

**Reminder: The FAFSA is available at fafsa.ed.gov and is the form you must fill out to qualify for any state or federal financial aid for college, including student Stafford loans. The Indiana deadline is April 15; Kentucky residents are encouraged to apply ASAP as money is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis

SCHOLARSHIPS
Many scholarship opportunities are arriving in the Counseling Office each week. A detailed description of each scholarship application currently in the Counseling Office can be found on the Reitz Memorial website . Since it is not possible to get scholarship information in the newsletter due to space constraints, it is important that students pay close attention to daily announcements and the RMHS website. There is also a scholarship drawer located in the Counseling Office with further information.

SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES
Check the RMHS website for " Summer Opportunities " which include job opportunities, workshops, seminars and classes taken at colleges around the world. 

OPEN HOUSES
Many colleges and universities offer open houses during the Spring. If you are still undecided on what school to attend, these opportunities could be very important. Simply go to the “ College Open Houses ” section of the Guidance and Counseling page.

CLASS OF 2018
Indiana Career Explorer - Tips for Seniors. There are a couple of tools that you can use within ICE to help with scholarships and financial aid. Go to the “Scholarship and Grant Search” option in the Plan for Education tab. You can conduct a broad or narrow search for scholarships within any state, school, or organization by choosing the appropriate search criteria.

You can also click on the “Learn About Financial Aid” link along the vertical left-hand navigation bar to become familiar with the steps in the financial aid process.

CLASS OF 2019
Testing experts recommend that Juniors take the SAT and/or ACT in the spring of their Junior year. This year the ACT will be offered at Memorial on April 14, June 9, and July 14.

I STEP+ TESTING DATES
The first round of ISTEP+ begins February 26 and continues through March 9. The second round of ISTEP+ will be given from April 16 through May 4. This includes English and Math for all sophomores and Biology for anyone currently taking Biology regardless of age. Also, any juniors who did not pass ISTEP+ last year or in the fall of this year will test with the sophomores. Please try to make sure your student is at school during these times as it is very difficult to work in make-up tests. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Cullum in the Counselor’s Office at (812) 476-4973, Ext. 2231 or email at dorrindacullum@reitzmemorial.org .

END OF COURSE ASSESSMENT
ECA’s in English 10 and Algebra 1 are coming up from April 23 through May 25 . Students who are re-taking their ECAs will test during this time. Passing these exams is required for students graduation in the State of Indiana (Class of 2018 only). Please try to make sure your student is at school during these times as it is very difficult to work in make-up tests. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Cullum in the Counselor’s Office at (812) 476-4973, Ext. 2231 or email at dorrindacullum@reitzmemorial.org . 

REGISTRATION FOR 2018-2019. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW...
• The counselors meet with all students during January to go over graduation requirements, diploma tracks, new course offerings, and the registration process.

•All students received a manila folder containing a copy of graduation requirements for their class, their 4-Year-Plan to update and return to the counselor, and their 2-sided registration form.

•Students and parents should look over the course description booklet (located at reitzmemorial.org), study graduation requirements, and plan out course selections for 2018-2019

•Students should complete the registration form with 16 course selections, 3 alternate selections, and a student and parent signature.  This is required in order to register.

•Juniors registered Feb 1 or 2; Sophomores will register Feb 5, 6 or 7; and Freshmen will register Feb 8 or 9.

•What to bring to registration: Sophomores and Juniors – Registration Form; Freshmen- 4-Year-Plan, Registration Form

**Please refer to the schedule change policy. It is in the course description booklet , and your student will be informed during class meetings. Please read this with your student before selecting courses!**

SAT DATES:
Register at  www.sat.collegeboard.org
  • March 10, 2018 (Register by February 9, 2018)
  • May 5, 2018 (Register by April 6, 2018)
  • June 2, 2018  (Register by May 3, 2018)

ACT DATES: 
Register at  www.actstudent.org
  • February 10, 2018 (Register by January 12, 2018)
  • April 14, 2018 (Register by March 9, 2018)*
  • June 9, 2018 (Register by May 4, 2018)*
  • July 14, 2018 (Register by June 15, 2018)*

* Test offered at Reitz Memorial

Important facts:
-Reitz Memorial’s school code is  150980 . This number needs to be included in your student’s registration to ensure that RMHS receives their scores.  

-The NCAA does not accept test scores from the student’s transcript. They must come directly from ACT/SAT headquarters. The student should indicate the  NCAA code (9999)  when registering.

-It is possible to obtain a fee waiver for the ACT and SAT to cover the cost of taking the test. Contact Mrs. Bennett for more information.

-More and more schools are requiring that test scores come directly from the College Board (SAT) and/or ACT test centers. Both ACT and SAT allow you to send scores to four schools for free! Please take advantage of this opportunity during the test registration process.  
Girls Swimming & Dive Finishes Second at Sectionals:
The Reitz Memorial Girls Swim & Dive Team finished 2nd at Sectionals on Saturday. Lilia Newkirk will advance to IHSAA State in the 100 backstroke and the 200 medley relay and Elizabeth Broshears will advance in the 50 freestyle and 100 butterfly and the 200 medley and 200 freestyle relays. Three other swimmers, Amy Goris, Izzy Haseman, and Addie Schnautz will also advance in the 200 medley and 200 freestyle relays.

Congratulations to these girls and to all the Tigers who competed at Sectionals. Special recognition also goes to Coaches Dave and Frances Enzler for being honored as Sectional Coaches of the Year. State will be held in Indianapolis this coming Friday and Saturday.
Sectional Win for Lady Tigers Basketball:
Congratulations to the Lady Tigers Basketball team on their sectional win! They will compete in the Regional Semi-Final on Saturday, February 10 at 11AM (CST) in Charlestown.

Two game tournament tickets are available at the Athletic Office for $10, beginning Tuesday morning. Single session tickets are $7, and can only be purchased at the game
Congratulations to the RMHS Speech Team!
The RMHS Speech team traveled to the Ben Davis Tournament this past Saturday. The following member placed in the top 12:

Broadcasting - Sarah Fruit - 2nd Place
Dramatic Interpretation - Aaliyah Moran - 7th Place
Impromptu Speaking - Landry Buck - 11th Place
Informative Speaking - Landry Buck - 6th place
Informative Speaking - Nick Hermann - 11th Place
The Truth Is:
79% (nearly 8 out of 10) of Memorial High School students rarely or never drink alcohol
*Rarely = two or fewer drinks in a year

During the month of February, Youth First representatives can be found at school lunches doing giveaways with Truth Is items. Stop in to learn about the new t-shirt they are working on and to see a new item they will be giving away.
2018 Source + Summit - March 16, 17, 18:
Registration for the 2018 Source + Summit is now open. This three day event is a special opportunity to deepen your faith and belief in the Most Holy Eucharist as the very real presence of Jesus Christ. This weekend gives participants the opportunity to gather with other young people from around the diocese, listen to amazing guest speakers, and experience the Catholic faith in a whole new way.

Young adults, ages 13 to 24 are invited to participate in the Youth Retreat at Mater Dei High School, March 16-18. There is also an adult retreat which will take place March 17, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church.
Download the registration form or visit sourcesummitevansville.org for more information
Weekly Schedule:
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5 ( WHITE DAY )
King and Queen Voting
Sophomore 2018-2019 Course Registration
HR: SMILE - Cafeteria
HR: 2018 Returning Varsity soccer girls - Room 214
HR: Girls Tennis Call-out - Auxiliary Gym
HR: Baseball Players - Main Gym
Tigerettes - Cafeteria - 3 PM
Boys Freshman Basketball vs. Castle - Auxiliary Gym - 4:30 PM

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6 ( BLUEDAY)
King and Queen Voting
Sophomore 2018-2019 Course Registration
WIDA Assessment
HR: Freshman College & Career - Cafeteria
HR: Community Scholarships - Room 240
HR: Tiger Ambassadors Group Photo - Front Steps
HR: Homecoming Court Practice
Girls Swimming & Diving - IHSAA Regional - Bloomington North - 5 PM
Boys Freshman Basketball - F.J. Reitz - 5:30 PM
Girls Basketball Team Dinner - 6:30 PM
RMDM Pangea Give-back night

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7 (WHITE DAY)
Faculty Professional Development - Late Start - 9:35 AM
Sophomore 2018-2019 Course Registration
King and Queen Voting
WIDA Assessment
Boys Swimming & Diving - Boonville - 5 PM

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8 (BLUE DAY )
Mass - Fr. Godfrey - Chapel - 7 AM
King and Queen Voting
Freshmen 2018-2019 Course Registration
HR: Freshman College & Career - Cafeteria
HR: Tiger Pride - Room 230
Spring Sport Concussion Testing - Witting Media Center - 3 PM
Boys Freshman Basketball - Castle - 5:30 PM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9 ( WHITE DAY)
King and Queen Voting
Freshmen 2018-2019 Course Registration
Homecoming Assembly - 2:15 PM
HR: NHA Chapter Meeting - Cafeteria
Girls Swimming & Diving - IHSAA State Finals - IUPUI - 5 PM
Boys JV Basketball vs. North Posey - Home - 5:30 PM
Boys Varsity Basketball Homecoming vs. North Posey - Home - 7 PM

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10
Set Construction - Auditorium - 8 AM-1 PM
Girls Swimming & Diving - IHSAA State Finals - IUPUI - 9 AM
Wrestling - IHSAA Semi-State - 9 AM
Girls Varsity Basketball - IHSAA Regional - Charlestown - 11 AM (CST)
Boys JV Basketball vs. Barr-Reeve - Main Gym - 12 PM
Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Barr-Reeve - Main Gym - 1:30 PM
Snow Flurry - 3 PM
Girls Varsity Basketball - IHSAA Regional Final - Charlestown - 7 PM (CST)
Intramural Basketball - School Gym - 7 PM

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11
Snowflake Planning
Upcoming Events:
February 12 - Middle School Lacrosse Meeting
February 12 - INYS Surveys - Homeroom
February 14 - All School Mass - Ash Wednesday - Auditorium - 10:20 AM
February 14 - Student Council
February 15 - Mass - Chapel - 7 AM
February 15 - Career Day
February 15 - Boys Basketball Team Dinner
February 17 - PTO Trivia Night - Germania Maennerchor - 7 PM
February 19 - School in Session for President's Day
February 21-22 - Class of 2022 Course Selection Meeting
February 22 - Mass - Chapel - 7 AM
February 24 - Set Construction
February 26-March 2 - ISTEP Testing - Part 1
February 28 - Student Council
February 28 - National Honor Society Inductions