DECEMBER 13, 2024

Tampa Catholic's Five Days of Christmas brought holiday cheer and Crusader spirit to our campus! This week, students and faculty enjoyed themed dress-up days, festive treats, and the joy of the season.

Each day featured a unique theme, from Christmas socks to Christmas sweaters. Sweet surprises like hot cocoa, candy canes, and holiday cookies kept everyone in the spirit of the season. The celebration concluded today with a special visit from two surprise Santas and a meaningful blessing over our students from Brother T, reminding us of the true joy and hope of Christmas as they prepared for exams.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the parent volunteers and the Parents Club who generously supported this beloved tradition.

Crusader families, How are the Christmas preparations going? One might assume that the tree is up with sparkling lights. Your Amazon packages are arriving a bit more frequently. You have probably consumed a few holiday treats like Christmas cookies, peppermint latte, and fruitcake! These are all good and lovely and… what else? How can we prepare well for the coming of our Infant King? Here are some practical ways you can lead your family in Advent preparations.

• Go to Mass as a family each Sunday.
• Serve the needs of the poor together.
• Utilize religious decorations for your home; Nativity scene or Advent candles
• Remain joyful with strangers and family members.
• Include Christmas hymns in the music playlist!

Calendar Updates

December 16th: Monday

Office Hours 7:30 am- 1:30pm

Midterm Exams

8:15 am-1:30 pm

December 17th: Tuesday

Office Hours 7:30 am- 1:30pm

Midterm Exams

8:15 am-1:00 pm

December 18th: Wednesday

Office Hours 7:30 am- 1:30pm

Midterm Exams

8:15 am-1:00 pm

December 19th: Thursday

Office Hours 7:30 am- 1:30pm



Midterm Exams

8:15 am-1:00 pm

Boys Varisty Soccer

vs Seffner

4:00-6:00 pm

Tampa Catholic

Girls Varisty Soccer

vs Berkeley

4:00-6:00 pm

Berkeley

December 20th: Friday

Office Hours 7:30 am- 12:00pm

Reminders & Announcements

Fall Exam Schedules

NEW INFORMATION:

Exam week is quickly approaching! Please make sure you have read through this important information to maximize your student's success at the end of the semester. 

• Be sure to check the linked schedule. Exams have been scheduled by CLASS PERIOD and some courses (listed at the bottom of the schedule) do not have exams during exam week. Your student does not need to be present at school during class periods without exams. 
• The start and end times of exams have been changed from past years. Please make note of the new times so that your student is present and ready when exams are to begin. 
• Students who are absent MUST have a doctor’s note in order to be rescheduled to take a missed exam. Please refer to the handbook page 6, 7 and 8. Administration will schedule make-up exams.
• Many teachers are opting to administer their exams digitally this semester. Please ensure that your student brings their CHARGED school-issued iPad each day. Teachers will let the students know if any other materials are required for their exams. 
• Our Cafeteria and Learning Lab will be open to students Monday, 12/16 to Thursday, 12/19. See below for hours and details.
• Cafeteria hours 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM - This space is available for students who wish to socialize or study in a more casual environment. Additionally, Catering by the Family will provide snacks for purchase. 
• Learning Lab hours 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM - Students who wish to have a quiet study space are welcome to visit our Learning Lab.
• Please also take a moment to review our Semester Grade Override Policy found on page 8 of the Parent/Student handbook: Because semester exams represent a comprehensive understanding of the course material, a semester exam grade of one or more letter grades above the average of the semester will improve overall achievement by one letter grade. For example, a student with a grade of C going into the semester exam who earns a B or an A on the exam will receive a B for the semester. Otherwise, the semester exam accounts for 20% of the semester grade. 

Thank you for your continued commitment to academic excellence as we finish the semester!

Tennis Parent Meeting

Mark your calendars! There will be a tennis parent meeting on Tuesday, January 9th, at 6:00 PM in the gym. This is a great opportunity to learn about the upcoming season and connect with the coaching staff. We look forward to seeing you there!

Please contact Coach Donna Zambito with questions.

Don't miss this limited-time opportunity to show your Crusader pride! Click the button below to view and order your spirit wear.

Shop closes Monday!

Attention Junior Parents: The Junior Class Mass and Ring Blessing Ceremony will be held on Monday, January 27th, at 6:00 PM at St. Lawrence Church. This is a meaningful tradition for our juniors as they prepare for their senior year. Sunday Best attire is required, and attendance is mandatory for all junior students.

Additional details will be shared as the date approaches. We look forward to celebrating this special milestone with your family!

Please contact Dean Claire Harpole with questions.

Grants/Financial Aid

Grant/Aid

• The FACTs grant/aid application for the 2025-26 school year is now OPEN.
• Tampa Catholic tuition assistance awards must be reapplied for each year
• The committee will begin to review applications the beginning of February 2025.
• TC assistance is awarded on a rolling basis until the budgeted amount is depleted.
• For more information, please visit our website here.

Please contact Director of Finance, Grace Comello with questions.

Around TC

Check out the November edition of the Athletics newsletter that highlights all the latest game updates, athlete spotlights and important news for our Crusader Community. Click the button below to read the November highlights.

Exploring the Holy Saints Through Art

This semester, senior theology students in Mrs. Davidson's class delved deeply into the lives of the Holy Saints. For their final project, students applied their learning by creating their own icons during class. This hands-on experience allowed them to engage with their faith creatively and reflect on the spiritual significance of the Saints in their lives.

JV Soccer Triumphs Over CCC

Congratulations to the Boy’s JV Soccer team on their hard-fought 2-1 victory against Clearwater Central Catholic last night!

Celebrating the Feast of St. Nicholas

TC Crusaders helped with Sacred Heart Catholic Church’s “Bikes from the Heart” mission this past weekend. The sales helped to raise over $4,000 for ministries that serve the community!

B.E.S.T. Club

The Blessed Edmund Society of Tampa was all over the bay area this weekend living out our mission to serve. Students facilitated a Christmas carol sing-a-long at an assisted living facility. Crusaders prepared food for hungry neighbors navigating homelessness downtown. We partnered with Salvation Army and helped to raise funds with their holiday bell ringing tradition.

A Gift of Peace and Prayer: The Costantino Family Replenishes Mary’s Rock Garden

The Costantino family visited campus this week to replenish the rock garden around the statue of Mary outside Hurley Center. They added lots of beautiful green TC rocks. 

We invite our students and their families to pause for a moment at the rock garden, pick up a rock to take with them and say a prayer to our Blessed Mother. May this serve as a source of peace during the busyness of the holiday season. 

The Mary statue has been a cherished presence on our campus since 1970, serving as a memorial for Frank Costantino, who passed away during his sophomore year at TC. Frank would have graduated as a member of the class of 1972. 

Be sure to keep up with all things Crusader!

Visit the website, follow, share, and post on our social media pages.

The weekly newsletters are distributed by the Office of Communications.

If you have a student you'd like to highlight or have any questions about the newsletter, please contact Allison Munden, Director of Communications.