WELCOME!
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam • For the Greater Glory of God
Bellarmine Class of 2022 Enrollment Manual
Welcome From the President
Welcome to Bellarmine College Preparatory! Congratulations on your son’s acceptance. We are looking forward to forming a strong partnership with you in the education of your son. The 470-year-old Jesuit school tradition seeks to educate young people’s minds, hearts, spirits, bodies, and imaginations according to the values of the Gospel. We take the responsibility of our mission and our partnership with you seriously, and we are grateful for your confidence in us. Your son and you now become part of the 167-year-old tradition that is Bellarmine. The class of 2022 will be responsible for carrying on that tradition of excellence in academics, service programs, athletics, immersion trips, speech and debate, music, retreats, robotics, theatre productions, and so much more. I am delighted that Bellarmine can present so many opportunities for our students to experience success, growth, and an increase in self-esteem. And I join you as a proud parent, as my son is a member of the class of 2020. At their February meeting, Bellarmine’s Board of Trustees set the tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year at $21,065. Over the past decade, annual tuition increases have ranged from 3.5% - 5.5%. While we do not know what tuition will be in future years, we can tell you it will be higher due to local inflation and our commitment to fairly compensating our outstanding faculty and staff. We never want to lose a student due to finances, so if these increases in the future will put tuition out of your reach, you will have the opportunity to apply for our tuition assistance program each year. If you have applied for tuition assistance this year, a letter has been sent to your home with the status of your application. To secure your son’s place in the freshman class for the academic year 2018-2019, please pay your deposit through the online enrollment system by March 27, 2018. To access the enrollment system, just click on the “Enroll” button at www.bcp.org/Bell2022. It is a pleasure to welcome you and your son to our Bellarmine family. We certainly want to make him feel at ease with the knowledge that he will find our educational experience a life-changing one with faculty and staff who are excited to be part of his life and who will guide him in a very personal and effective manner, accompanied by other young men who will become lifelong friends. I look forward to getting to know you in the coming years. Sincerely,
Chris Meyercord ‘88 President
Welcome From the ASB President
Congratulations! You have been accepted to the greatest school in the United States (unbiased fact). I just want to clear something up: everybody is as nervous about their new four-year adventure as you are. You are about to embark on a monumental journey through the trials and tribulations of being a teenager that is only compounded by an increase in responsibility and workload. Scary, right? However, you are also about to embark on a beautiful voyage to discover who you are as a person and build some of the best, most valuable relationships you will ever have. The important thing to keep in mind as first-year students is the experience. By experience, I don’t mean go through the motions because somebody said you should, but I mean true honest life experience. An experience isn’t always a grand accomplishment or an intercontinental voyage; it’s just something that happens to you that you can learn from. Of course, our renowned academics and prolific athletic teams give us something to get excited about, but you should want to truly be a part of Bellarmine. Don’t just absorb what’s going on; be a part of it. What that really means is you have to try. Not just ‘try out’ per se, but 'try' in general. It takes a lot of effort to try, and you will fail many times and fall flat on your face. Maybe you won’t make the football team, maybe you will feel anxious about making friends, or maybe you’ll get a poor mark in a class, but my advice to you is to always get up and try again. For every success I’ve had in my four years here, I’ve had a dozen failures, and I wouldn’t trade those failures for the world. Class of 2022, you have a wonderful privilege in the palms of your hands. You can utilize it, add to it, improve it, and I implore you to do so. I guarantee you will learn invaluable lessons from world-class teachers inside the classroom and twice as much from everyone outside the classroom. What you do with this privilege is ultimately your choice, but you got to this point for a reason and I trust you will make the right decision. Now, there’s nothing left to say but welcome to the brotherhood, and GO BELLS!
Dariush Onsori '18 (with Principal Kristina Luscher and President Chris Meyercord '88)
Welcome Night
for the Class of 2022 and their Parents
Spend an Evening with Us as A New Bell! March 20, 2018 • 7:00-8:30 pm This evening is a jump-start on forging new friendships, and a casual introduction to Bellarmine. We'll cover some basics of the Online Course Request system, and answer your questions. Parents will meet in Patrick Wayne Valley Memorial Gymnasium; students will gather in Liccardo Center. No need to register we'll be here and we hope you will join us!
The Campus Store will be open from 6:30-8:00 pm
Mark Your Calendar! March 20th: Welcome Night 7:00-8:30 pm 21st: Online Course Request system opens 27th: Deposit due to secure enrollment 30th: Online Course Request system closes
May 5th: Essay due if requesting Rhetoric course 7th: Math ALEKS assessment period ends 14th: Physical screenings at Bellarmine 16th: Incoming Freshman Parent Info Night 20th: 88th Mothers' Guild Installation Luncheon
April 3rd: Math ALEKS assessment period begins 11th: English 1 Honors placement exam 17th: Latin & French Language placement exams 18th: Mandarin Language placement exam 18th: Mothers' Guild Fashion Show Kickoff 19th: Spanish Language placement exam 22nd: Dads' Club Class of 2022 Father & Son BBQ
June 12th: First Day of Summer Programs 22nd: Final 8th grade report card due!
July 19th: Last day of Summer Programs
August 1st: All Health Information Due 17th: Freshman Orientation, Day 1 19th: Get Acquainted Picnic (GAP) & Mass 20th: Freshman Orientation, Day 2 21st: First Day of Classes
For more details on these and other events, go to bcp.org/bell2022.
7 Steps to Enrolling You've been accepted and can now enroll! Let the following pages help you navigate the process.
READ ME! Bellarmine uses online enrollment and tuition management systems. The $1,500 non-refundable deposit (which is part of the $21,065 tuition fee) is due Tuesday, March 27th, and must be paid using the process outlined below to secure your son's place in the freshman class. As part of Bellarmine's 1:1 program, the school will issue a tablet device to each student at the beginning of the school year. While the cost of the device is included in the cost of tuition, we do require payment of a limited loss and damage fee of $45/year. This fee is due with the first tuition payment and must be paid prior to the tablet being issued to the student.
1
Go to bcp.org/bell2022, click on the "Enroll" button and use your Ravenna account information to log in.
2
Update your contact information.
3
Pay your deposit with a Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or AMEX. No credit card fees will apply.
4
Enroll with Smart Tuition, our tuition managment system, and select your payment option. (If you have a current Bellarmine student, you will bypass this step and your incoming freshman will automatically be added to your pre-existing account Select the number of payments that works best (1, 2, or 11). Select payment dates: 1 Payment due July 5th 2 Payments due July 5th and November 5th* 11 Payments due the 5th or 20th of each month, June through April* Select a payment option (personal or cashier check, money order, ACH from checking/savings account, debit or credit card**) * A $45 fee is assessed by Smart Tuition when opting for 2 or 11 payments. ** Please note Smart Tuition assesses an additional 2.85% fee for using a debit or credit card.
5
Review and acknowledge information regarding required health forms. Additional information can be found on the "Required Forms" page of this manual.
6
Submit course requests through the Online Course Request (OCR) system. The process of requesting courses and submitting information through the OCR also registers students for any test(s) they must take. We test every student for proper placement in mathematics via an online exam. We also offer on-campus placement exams for students interested in qualifying for higher-level classes. You must submit your course requests by March 30, 2018.
7
Complete and return the Authorization to Release Educational Records form to the registrar by May 25th. A copy is included on bcp.org/bell2022 as well, as under the "Required Forms" page of this manual.
Course Request Info
Please use these pages to begin thinking about the courses in which you would prefer to enroll. You may want to print these pages and mark your choices to have handy when you do go online to make your initial course requests in the OCR. You can make your course requests anytime from March 21st through March 30th, but only once you have completed the steps preceding (i.e, steps 1 through 5 detailed on the previous page). The following documents will NOT be turned in to our scheduling office and will be for your reference only!
*Detailed descriptions of courses can be found on the BCP website. Go to bcp.org/academics, click on "Departments and Curriculum," and view the names of all departments in the left column.
Proficiency Exams What you need to know
Everyone Tests for Math Placement Every student will be tested for placement in mathematics - whether he wants to opt for an advanced math course or not. The ALEKS assessment is taken at home between April 3rd and May 7th.
Placement Exams for Other Courses For students who want to pursue more advanced courses, placement exams are offered for freshmen in English and Modern & Classical Languages. Proficiency in the subject must be shown for placement in a higher-level course. Please note that if you select a higher-level course in the OCR, you are expected to attend the placement exam for that subject.
Other Notes: Students taking a placement exam will be notified of their placement by email in mid-May. If you have an unavoidable conflict with the testing dates, please email lmadison@bcp.org about the possibility of rescheduling. Although there are 7 periods in our schedule, we do not allow freshmen to fill 7 periods in both semesters of their first year. Having a free period is quite helpful in getting homework done or meeting with teachers. It also gives students more time with new classmates. Freshmen will be allowed to take 6 classes one semester and a 7th class in the other semester during their first year as long as the 7th class is either an art, physical education, or computer science class.
Frequently Asked Questions How many courses do I need per semester? Six is the minimum for all students. A 7th class can be taken, but all freshmen must have one semester with only 6 courses. How many honors/AP courses can I take as a 9th grader? We follow a scaffolding learning model, where students have the ability to take one more AP or honors every year. As incoming freshmen, students are allowed, based on eligibility determined through placement testing, to take up to two (2) honors courses. Do I have to take Physics? Yes, all freshmen take Physics 9. Are there placements tests? What and where can I study for placements tests? Yes, there are placement tests. All students will take placement tests for Math, which are done through an adaptive testing platform called ALEKS. We also offer placement tests if you wish to take English 1 Honors or a language beyond the first level. Our tests are based on aptitude and prior knowledge in the subject. Because of this, we do not recommend studying for the exams but recommend a good night’s sleep the night before. How many times can I take the ALEKS test? You can take the ALEKS assessment up to 3 times, and we will take the highest score out of the 3. Are electives required? The only required electives are 3 semesters of art, and 2 semesters of Fitness and Health. One of the semesters of Fitness and Health will be waived if a student participates in 2 seasons of a Bellarmine sport that is approved for credit. How many Fitness and Health courses are required? All sophomores take the course called “Fitness and Health.” A second course is required and can be taken any year during the student's four years at Bellarmine. Note that the second semester of Fitness and Health will be waived if the student participates in 2 seasons of a Bellarmine sport that is approved for credit. Can I accelerate in the summer? What can I take in the summer? The only courses that can be taken in the summer for credit are: Acting 1, Art 1, British Literature 2, Foundations – both Visual Art Exploration and Performing Arts, or Weight Training. We do not have a summer acceleration program for any department. What is the Art requirement? Three semesters of art (in the same subject) are required over 4 years, unless a student takes the symphonic band music track. Symphonic Band requires 4 semesters. Can I take American Sign Language (ASL)? Enrollment in ASL is very limited. Students who select ASL as their first choice of language may be assigned to their alternate language. Students will find out their language and level placement when they receive their schedules.
Freshman Counseling Our two freshman counselors will be available to assist with transitional concerns this Spring. Course information, curriculum options, and graduation requirements can be found on the BCP website. Course placement, as a result of testing, will be relayed via email as it becomes available throughout May. Placement questions should be directed to the respective department chair. All other questions should be directed to the appropriate freshmen counselor below. Last names A-L contact Mr. CHRIS ATKINS: catkins@bcp.org or (408) 537-9207 Last names M-Z contact Mr. TERRY RYAN: tryan@bcp.org or (408) 537-9269 If you have questions about scheduling, please contact your counselor by March 27th.
Mathematics Bellarmine uses ALEKS, an online, adaptive math assessment tool, to measure math proficiency of incoming freshmen and place them into the Bellarmine math curriculum. We allow each student up to three attempts to complete his assigned ALEKS exam, at his convenience, during an assessment period that opens at 8:00 am on Tuesday, April 3rd through 11:59 pm on Monday, May 7th. The highest score among his attempts will be used for placement. The student will have the option to practice with ALEKS between assessment attempts. All exams are taken at home. The objective is to offer each student ample opportunity to demonstrate his level of math knowledge in order to achieve the most accurate placement. All incoming freshmen must take the ALEKS math exam - even those who wish to take Algebra 1. Math course selection must be done through the Online Course Request (OCR) system. Information about requesting math courses, and the math testing and placement process, can be found on the "Math Placement" portion of the bcp.org/bell2022 website. Once you have submitted your course request through the OCR, and the OCR closes (March 30th), the Math Placement Team will contact you with details about which ALEKS exam you will be taking, along with login information. Do NOT contact the admissions office or math department until you have received the email with your exam information. If you do not receive your information by 4:00pm on Monday, April 2nd, please email deptmath@bcp.org.
Social Science The freshman curriculum includes one semester of either World History: Axial Age to the 1700’s or Rhetoric. Rhetoric enrollment is limited and students are selected by the instructor based upon their submitted essay. Students selected for Rhetoric will not be able to take World History. (The other semester of the freshman year is completed with a Visual/ Performing Arts class.) You must choose either: World History: Axial Age to the 1700's Thematic exploration of world history from the Axial Age to the 1700’s that focuses on the development of close reading, analytical writing skills, and the interpretation of primary documents. Rhetoric This course will provide the student with an introduction to various written and oral techniques of persuasion, argumentation, exposition, discussion, and analysis of controversial current issues. Students will further develop their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, and will learn how to research, analyze, and organize materials for effective oral presentation and argument. The pace of this course will be rapid and is designed for the student who is both self-motivated and very disciplined in study skills. Excellent time management skills are required. Students who wish to pursue the competitive speech and debate program are especially encouraged to take this course. (Students who are accepted into Rhetoric are discouraged from taking an independent/summer debate camp, however, as campers will not be allowed to debate until the second half of their freshman year.) If you select Rhetoric, you must submit the following to the teacher, Mr. Langerman (emailed to rhetoric@bcp.org), by May 5th: a typed essay agreeing or disagreeing with the statement: “The use of economic sanctions to achieve foreign policy objectives is unjust.”
English You must choose either:
English 1
English 1 Honors
If you select English 1 Honors, you must take the English exam on Wednesday, April 11th from 4:00 - 5:00 pm in the Liccardo Center. Try to arrive early.
Please bring a blue or black pen. The English 1 Honors exam consists of two parts: an objective section and a subjective essay. Students will be asked to examine a poem in detail, answer specific questions, and compose a short essay. The subjective portion is evaluated according to structure, depth of analysis, focus and style.
Modern & Classical Languages If you're planning to take a level 1 language course, you do not need to be tested. In that case, select your desired level 1 course and an alternate from the options below.
Select a first choice and alternative:
OR select an advanced option (requires testing):
French 1
French 2 (Test: April 17th at 4:00 pm)
Latin 1
Latin 2 (Test: April 17th at 4:00 pm)
Mandarin 1
Mandarin 2 (Test: April 17th at 4:00 pm)
Spanish 1
Spanish 2 (Test: April 19th at 4:00 pm)
American Sign Language 1
If a student has substantial experience in a language, he can attempt to test out of level 1. Test results will determine placement at the appropriate level. Report to O'Donnell Hall through the Hedding Street entrance on testing day.
Science All students are required to take one year of Physics. Students are not able to fulfill the requirement by taking classes off campus.
X
Physics 9
Religious Studies All students are required to take one semester of Hebrew Scriptures (in the Fall) and one semester of Christian Scriptures (in the Spring). Students are not able to fulfill the requirements for Religious Studies by taking classes off campus.
X
Hebrew Scriptures
X
Christian Scriptures
Visual & Performing Arts Students are required to take at least three semesters of art to graduate. Those students not taking music must start with a one-semester “Foundations” course (either Visual or Performing Arts) followed later by two semester-long courses in the same discipline of art. (Ex. Visual Foundations + Ceramics 1 + Ceramics 2 or Performing Foundations + Acting 1 + Acting 2.) A non-music student may opt to take a level 1 course during freshman year in addition to Foundations, if he chooses. This means he will have seven classes in one semester, unless Foundations is taken during the summer. The Foundations courses will be offered in our Summer Program, but space is limited. Some students have found it helpful to have two of their three semesters of the arts requirement completed by the end of freshman year.
Students can choose from one of three paths: PATH 1 Foundations of Visual Arts FVA will examine the visual, structural, relational, and emotive forces that constitute the language of visual expression. Students explore fundamental artistic principles (i.e., line, shape, value, composition, craftsmanship, etc.) of the visual arts through a wide range of drawing/painting-based projects, which will enable them to express their ideas and evaluate the merits of their efforts. Art 1 + Art 2 An introduction to the various techniques of drawing, painting and design, using a wide variety of media. These are semester-long courses. OR Photography 1 + Photography 2 An introduction on how to use a digital camera and manipulate photographs using a digital darkroom. Students will also study composition, the history of photography, prominent photographers, and career options in photography. These are semester-long courses OR Ceramics 1 + Ceramics 2 An introduction to the various techniques of ceramics. These are semester-long courses. OR Graphic Design 1 + Graphic Design 2 Learn design principles and create artwork using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. These are semester-long courses.
Visual & Performing Arts (Cont.) PATH 2 Foundations of Performing Arts Students will learn the fundamentals of expression through a variety of performance techniques, including acting, stage movement, and improvisation. After this course, students can complete their requirement by taking two semesters of Acting or Dance. This is a semester-long course. Acting 1 + Acting 2 For the beginning/intermediate actor to learn about and practice the art of acting on stage. These are semester-long courses. OR Dance 1 + Dance 2 An introduction to the fundamentals of jazz, tap, ballet, and hip hop dance, available pending student interest. These are semester-long courses.
PATH 3 Symphonic Band Performance-based ensemble for students who have previous experience or are currently learning to play woodwind or brass instruments. Class begins at 7:40 am multiple days per week. All students who play saxophone, trumpet, trombone, euphonium and tuba will be concurrently enrolled in Jazz Ensemble and will receive credit for both courses. This is a year-long course and will take up a free period in one semester. This path carries a 2-year participation requirement. OR Chamber Orchestra Performance-based ensemble for students who have previous experience playing stringed instruments. Class begins at 7:40 am multiple days per week. This is a year-long course and will take up a free period in one semester. If this option is chosen, you’ll be asked which instrument you play. This path carries a 2-year participation requirement. OR Percussion Ensemble Performance-based ensemble for individuals interested in playing percussion instruments (including pianists who are interested in learning keyboard percussion instruments). Previous experience is encouraged but not required. This is a year-long course and will take up a free period in one semester. Percussion ensemble has various time commitments across four levels of percussion, but everyone will start in Percussion Ensemble 1.
Optional Electives Bellarmine has a seven-period schedule. If the student only takes one semester of Art during the school year, he will have a free period in each semester. If the student takes two semesters of Art (either a music course OR Foundations plus a level 1 art course), the student will have a free period for only one semester. Many students also find that freshman year is a good time to take a seventh class, either by taking a second semester of Visual and Performing Art (VPA) or by selecting one of the electives listed below:
Cross Training & Nutrition This class is open to freshmen, but priority enrollment will be given to upperclassmen. Students will participate in vigorous Cross Training fitness activities intended to develop overall strength, cardiovascular endurance, balance, and self-confidence. Students also learn the basics of healthy food preparation, food labels and purchasing, and nutritional influences on athletic and academic performance. This is a semester-long elective course and counts toward the two semester Fitness and Health (F&H) requirement. Please note: all students will still take the Fitness & Health class during their sophomore year. Exploring Computer Science & Engineering A projects-based course that provides students with an overview of the diverse fields of computer science and engineering. This is a semester-long elective course. Introduction to Fitness This class is designed to orient students to cardiovascular fitness, resistance weight training, athletic sports and activities, and general health and nutrition practices. This is a semester-long elective course and counts toward the two semester F&H requirement. Please note: all students will still take the Fitness & Health class during their sophomore year. Introduction to Tai Chi Students will be introduced to Tai Chi Chuan, a series of slow moving exercises, performed smoothly and accurately, with the muscles relaxed and the mind absorbed in each movement. Tai Chi emphasizes inner awareness and rejuvenation of your chi, or vital energy, through physical movement. Daily practice of Tai Chi promotes health and harmony in the mind and body for a lifetime. Students will learn, through a step-by-step process, the Yang style short form, one of the most common introductory exercises. Weight Training This class is open to freshmen, but priority enrollment will be given to upperclassmen. Designed around weight training concepts and techniques used for obtaining physical fitness topics include basic anatomy, nutrition, weight-lifting techniques and exercises, program design, aerobic conditioning, and warm-ups. Students will design their own weight training program, make wise choices, meet challenges, demonstrate safety, and develop positive attitudes towards fitness. This is a semester-long elective course and counts toward the two semester F&H requirement. Please note: all students will still take the Fitness & Health class during their sophomore year.
Requests for Academic Accommodation
If your son has unique academic, social, physical, or scheduling needs or accommodations in his present school setting, please contact Judy Alessandri, SSD Coordinator, at jalessandri@bcp.org. It is important that you confirm availability of necessary adjustments and services to support your son prior to accepting your offer of admission.
Required Forms Information Authorization to Release Educational Records Please fill out the Authorization to Release Educational Records form included on the following page. It must be returned to the Bellarmine Registrar by May 25, 2018. The form can also be found at bcp.org/bell2022. Health Forms Health records are required for all students prior to attending school. We will send you login information (and instructions) to our health portal, MagnusHealth, in mid-May. All health forms must be submitted by August 1st.
BELLARMINE Summer Program
Register now at bcp.org/summer. The Bellarmine Prep Experience - which is offered through our Summer Program - offers the opportunity for incoming Bellarmine students to get to know their new classmates, campus, and community. Incoming freshmen will engage in activities, discussions, and other experiences during this two-week "course" that will help them to be prepared, confident, and eager for day one at Bellarmine. Focusing on the pillars of Ignatian identity, study skills, tech mastery, and health and wellness, students will explore what it means to be part of the Bellarmine community. Through the fun, reflective nature of this experience, they will form relationships with their new classmates. Their shared experience will help them to feel more comfortable, excited, and empowered to begin high school at Bellarmine. Our Summer Program also offers academic (for-credit) and enrichment (not-for-credit) courses. Check out the Summer Program catalog on the website for details.
Fashion Show Kickoff Wednesday, April 18, 2018 6:30 pm - Social 7:00 pm - Meeting Andrade Theater (in the Library located in the basement of Liccardo)
88th BMG Installation Luncheon Sunday, May 20, 2018 10:30 am- Mass 11:15 am - Social 11:45 am - Lunch Leontyne Chapel and Liccardo Center RSVP to both by going to the calendar at bcp.org/bell2022.
CONGRATULATIONS & WELCOME Class of 2022! From the Bellarmine Mothers' Guild (BMG) & Bellarmine Dads’ Club Incoming Freshman Father & Son Barbecue Sunday, April 22, 2018 11:00 am – 2:00 pm Bellarmine Campus The Bellarmine Dads' Club welcomes fathers and their incoming freshman sons to Bellarmine with a get acquainted barbecue! This is a great day for meeting other fathers and sons, hearing from current students about their school experiences, learning about the Dads' Club and enjoying great food, fun and fellowship. Fathers & Sons - Don’t miss your 1st official Bellarmine event! Registration available at bcp.org/bell2022.
I Wish I Had Known... Advice from current freshmen
Homeroom is not optional. How fast service opportunities fill up. Sign up and do your hours early. Try something new. Ask your teachers for help and clarification. They want to help you! Check your email daily! Not to step on the B! The names of all the buildings and where they are. Do your homework. It affects your grade directly and indirectly. When you miss school, it's on you to make it up. Find supportive friends. Turn in your work even if its late; that’s better than not turning it in at all. Go to the mixers, games, plays …and meet people! There’s a difference between preparing to study and actually studying. Use the library, ARC, office hours, and other resources. Use this summer to think about what you want to get involved in. Balance: use your free period wisely! Don't procrastinate your homework. Get it over with. Put your phone away and get it done. Take the notes you are supposed to! Beware of gaming! The importance of a healthy sleep schedule. Use your counselors because they are there to help you. The importance of organizing and managing your time.
GO BELLS!