Bishop Gorman High School: Sharing The Pride newsletter- October 2015 issue

Volume 22

Issue 1

October 2015

Welcome New Faculty & Staff Coming Soon!

Details on page 5

2015 Homecoming

tival s e F c i Mus From left to right: Kyle Bissantz, Band; Kevin Calkins, Art; AJ Crame, English; Jesus Garcia, Theology; Michelle Harris, Finance; Caprice HoustonBey, English; Rebecca Jackson, Math; Katherine Menchacatorre, World Languages; Gregg Nunley, Math; Kevin Reilly, World Languages; Shannon Rossi, Theology; Stephen Zirpoli, Math.

Homecoming Events: Sunday, October 4th

9:00am-1:30 pm Powderpuff Football (Fertitta Field)

Friday, October 9th 9:30am: 10:30am: 11:30am:

Remembering September 11, 2001

5:00pm: 7:00pm:

This past September 11th, the BGHS Band was invited to perform at a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony hosted by Larry Ruvo at the corporate offices of Southern Wine & Spirits.

The band performed the National Anthem as well as music from the show "La Nouba."

Alumni Memorial Mass Coffee & Campus Tours Homecoming Assembly (House of Glory gymnasium) PRE-GAME Tailgate Party!

Kick-off!

Queen Coronation at Half-time After Game Student Social (ends at 10:30pm)

Saturday, October 10th

During the ceremony the audience listened to a retired General speak about his experience 14 years ago when he was at The Pentagon in Washington, DC at the time the terrorist attacks took place.

7:30pm - 10:30pm: Homecoming Dance Tiberti Commons (Lock in 8:00pm- 10:00pm) See page 6 for Homecoming details

Administration

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Campus Ministry

4

Athletics | Activities

6

Gael Pride

3

Academics

5

Advancement

7

Bishop Gorman High School

Diocese of Las Vegas

Administration

Dear Gaels: I am proud to say our 1:1 iPad program has made some major improvements this year. The task of implementing such a program with a large number of students in a short amount of time has been both challenging and rewarding. Each day our teachers and students are working toward transforming the learning that takes place on campus such that technology is more of a vehicle for students to engage in the highest levels of creative and critical thinking as they interact with and master the college preparatory curriculum. With merely one year under our belt, we realize that this transition is a process that will take a few years to complete. This year we are focused on continuing to improve the use of electronic textbooks and instructional materials as well as standardizing the use of valuable instructional applications. Here are a few highlights of enhancements that we have already seen during this academic year. ● Electronic Textbooks – We have dramatically lowered the overall cost of electronic textbooks; the average cost is nearly half of what it was last year. In order to accomplish this, students were asked to purchase textbooks directly from web-based platforms/publishers rather than through a textbook vendor. It has taken some time to resolve both the expected and unexpected issues, as certain platforms/publishers are easier to work with than others. To aid in the process of disseminating the necessary textbook information, an iTunes U Course was created. Many students and teachers had to adjust to using an iTunes U course in order to self-propel through the textbook-buying process, but the application was selected for its cross-curricular appeal and its potential for future instruction. With 97% of the textbooks on campus digital, new benefits of these interactive textbooks are being discovered every day. ● Paperless Communication – We have begun to standardize the use of Showbie, an application being applied to numerous aspects of student life here at Gorman. Most teachers have now begun to use Showbie for distributing and collecting assignments electronically. Students can work directly in the app to handwrite (with the use of a stylus) type in text boxes, and even voice-record answers to assignments.

Teachers use the same tools coupled with an in-app grading feature to provide what can be instant feedback. Just as each classroom is beginning to explore the diversity of the app, so too is the Administration. Showbie is also being used to electronically deliver information to the entire freshmen, sophomore, junior, and senior classes. Students can instantly locate links to Gorman Daily News, Campus Ministry information, Counselor and Dean correspondence, and helpful Gorman Technology files. Showbie creates a running record of time-stamped information that holds all of its users accountable. If you have not already done so, ask your student to “Show me your Showbie” today! ● Cloud-based Storage – We are continuing to promote the use of both the iCloud and the Google Drive as the preferred methods of saving student work. Many students have learned the hard way that data can be lost in an instant if they have not been proactive about backing-up devices to the iCloud and saving files in the Google Drive. The freshmen are fortunate enough to have been given a Gorman Google Account granting them instant access to the Google Drive to use in all of their classes. Using these cloud-based platforms also helps students access their work on multiple devices, so the students who favor word processing on a computer can access their files from there.

As the Director of Instructional Technology, I have been diligently working on getting all of the students and teachers on the same page as far as technology best practices are concerned. I would be remiss not to thank those faculty members who have truly begun to embrace the technology as a vehicle for teaching and learning. Many teachers are learning alongside the students, demonstrating truly the most valuable lessons discovered through authentic experiences. The challenge of the above advancements is effectively communicating their importance to every individual on campus. The above processes are both environmentally conscious and preparatory for digital learning environments that students will experience in college and beyond. We look forward to continued technological improvements that will enhance the student learning experience at Bishop Gorman.

Important Admission Dates November 1, 2015

Online application available for students entering 9th grade in Fall 2016

November 22, 2015 Prospective Student Open House

December 5, 2015 & January 9, 2016 Placement Exam (current 8th grade students)

Finance Dept News Please check our website

www.bishopgorman.org for upcoming information regarding applying for

Tuition Assistance for the 2016-17 school year.

Open enrollment will begin on

December 1, 2015 Remember, in order to be considered for Tuition Assistance,

Regards,

April Sauline

you must re-apply every year.

Director of Instructional Technology

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Gael Pride

Greetingsfrom Student Services!

tran·si·tion

We are all very excited about the new school year and have some changes that we would like to bring to your attention. For several years we have had an exclusive freshman dean but this year we have transitioned to class deans. Research has shown that by having a dean work with the same group of students for all four years, it helps to develop a more closeknit bond and personal approach. As such, our class deans are as follows: • • • •

/tranˈziSH(ə)n, tranˈsiSH(ə)n/

,

The class of 2019 has been active since the start of the school year, successfully acclimating to the GAEL way.

As such, a number of our 9th grade students have earned Freshman PRIDE awards for their efforts in the classroom and throughout campus.

Class of 2016 – Mr. Kenny Sanchez Class of 2017 – Mr. Kelsey McCall Class of 2018 – Mrs. Irene Anderson Class of 2019 – Mrs. Tessa Rivera

If you have specific questions regarding your child’s discipline or attendance, please contact your child’s class dean.

Reminders from Student Services • If your student is absent, please notify Student Services for each day of absence via email: kivie@bishopgorman.org or call (702)476-4099.

• If your student needs to leave early for an appointment, please send a note with your student on the day of the appointment. Your student must bring the note to Student Services before school to obtain a permit to leave campus.

• In an effort to minimize the disruptions to the academic setting please ensure that your student has all of their materials (homework, lunch money, practice clothes, etc.) prior to leaving home in the morning.

The only deliveries accepted are iPads and medications.

• Students must bring all medication (over-the-counter and prescription) to the School Nurse and the following conditions must be met: – Parent has read the Diocesan Liability Waiver regarding the administering of medication and has signed student’s health card indicating permission to take the medication at school.

– All medication must be kept in its original labeled container.

Looking Forward to the Majors!

At this time, we are proud to recognize: Edward Wiggins, Ashlyn Laning, Anchor Brant, Braiden Sears, Caroline Keating, and Jake Bzoskie as our initial Freshman PRIDE award recipients.

In closing, we would like to encourage all parents to please take some time to discuss Mr. Kelvin Alston’s recent presentation during GAELS period in September with your son or daughter. The valuable content of Mr. Alston’s high energy presentation asked the class of 2019 to brainstorm tools for time management, goals for the school year, and ways to effectively communicate with their teachers and peers.

To that end, the administration and faculty would like to thank you for your continued support!

Respectfully, Dean Rivera Class of 2019 Dean “Believe in the Dream”

Fast Track On Wednesday, September 2, 2015, the City of North Las Vegas recognized Trevor Henry '17, for qualifying and participating in the 2015 National Junior Olympics held this past July in Jacksonville, Florida.

Congratulations to Christian James '16, who recently participated in the 47th Eddie Hogan Cup held August 7-9, 2015, at Riverside Golf & Country Club in Portland, Oregon.

Christian played consistently throughout the two days, and finished strong as the Individual Champion!

Trevor, who currently holds the BGHS track record for the 800 meters at 1:57.08, qualified for the Junior Olympics in the individual 400 & 800 meter runs as well as the 4x400m and 4X800m relays. Way to Go!

Christian also placed in the top 25 in the Calloway Junior World's Tournament in La Jolla, CA and finished in 2nd Place in the Nevada State Junior Tournament. Keep up the good work!

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Campus Ministry

Mite Box

Mrs. Joan Commons and Class are the FIRST MITE BOX WINNERS of the 2015-2016 school year! Their donation of $187.21 put them at the head of the pack!

Brother Dan Tripamer's first period Geometry Honors class were proud to have their first MITE BOX win!

JOURNALISM CLUB JOINS IN ON SERVICE Saturday, August 22nd, was a special day for many local teens who are not able to purchase supplies for the new school year. Bishop Gorman's Journalism Club jumped right in to assist Project 150 as they assisted low income Las Vegas teens in having a free shopping experience where they could select the necessary items to get their school year off to a great start. Mrs. Kathy Keating, moderator of the BGHS Journalism Club, also collected school supplies that were donated to this event. We are challenging all our clubs at Bishop Gorman to get out in our community and see what they might do to make it better...great job, Mrs. Keating and students! Thank you for serving others.

Below are more BGHS students helping their community:

At the end of July, six Bishop Gorman students traveled with Kim Martinez, Campus Minister, to Bourbonnais, IL to attend the annual Viatorian Youth Congress. Students met with delegates from other schools and parishes to learn about becoming more actively involved in their faith.

Each day of the Congress focused on a different theme, including Eucharist, Prayer and Social Justice. They attended a variety of prayer workshops, took an active role in planning every aspect of the Mass, and gathered to come up with ideas for groups in their areas in need of a voice to speak for them and work with them to receive justice. BGHS students who participated this year were Natasha Romero-Salas ’16, Olivia Cerza ’16, Anjelica Caponigri ’16, Shannon Page ’17, Carah Conner ’17, and Kyle Melatti ’18.

Once again, Team “BGHS WALKS THE WALK” will participate in the Las Vegas Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, October 24, 2015. Walk with the Team and enjoy the morning with fellow members of the BGHS community, while helping to reclaim the future for millions and find the cure for Alzheimer’s Disease.

This is also an approved Christian Service opportunity for BGHS students. Family and friends are welcome to participate!

Sign up with Ms. Foy or Mrs. Andrews at the Library

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Academics

National Merit Scholarship

Counselors Corner Welcome Back! The counseling department is thrilled to be back in full swing for the 2015-2016 school year. Just a reminder to our new parents, the counseling staff is divided by last name: Mr. Ryan Pietranton Mrs. Alice Braun Mr. Rick Spiritosanto (Dept Chair)

Mrs. Natalie Witucki Mr. Larry McAllister Mrs. Pam Cross, MFT

ext. 4046 A-D ext. 4048 E-K ext. 4051 ext. 4050 ext. 4052 ext. 4042

L-Q R-Z College Counselor Wellness Counselor

The Guidance Department is dedicated to delivering the best possible services to the school’s students and parents. Counselors are available throughout the school year to meet with students and parents regarding academic progress and college direction.

All Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors will take the PSAT on October 14th. Please arrive by 7:30AM and be well rested! Practice books will be distributed in Math classes and students will be doing practice activities in their Math and English classes. Khan Academy has partnered with College Board to provide free practice questions.

Students can click the link under the image or click the image itself to get started.

JUNIORS - Keep in mind! - National Merit Scholarships are awarded for very high scores.

SENIORS: By now ALL seniors should be using Naviance. As they

get started on the application process it is imperative they log on and begin tracking their applications, requesting transcripts, and letters of recommendations. All of our documents are now sent electronically.

Please refer to the folders that were provided during the presentations.

Also, college visits will be conducted during the month, so please check the “Visit Schedule” on Naviance for dates and times. Remember to sign up at least one day in advance and print out the confirmation as your Pass. Please contact Mr. McAllister or Mrs. Witucki with any questions.

Counselor’s

Quote

of

the

Month:

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” --Anonymous

Wellness Counselor

Congratulations to four outstanding seniors who have been selected as Semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program. From left to right: Catherine Dube, Michelle Kim, Scott Rutledge and Rongel Yee. These academically talented students have an opportunity to continue in the competition for 7,400 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million that will be offered next spring.

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rd Annual

BGHS COLLEGE FAIR Monday, October 19th 6:00PM - main & aux gyms

This year we have over 100 colleges coming to campus.

Each college will have admissions representatives available to speak with and answer questions.

All students and their parents are encouraged to attend!

Watch your email for a G-Blast with a list of the colleges attending.

Prior to coming to Bishop Gorman, she worked as the school counselor at Our Lady of Las Vegas, St. Francis de Sales, and a Charter High School in Henderson for 3 years. As the BGHS Wellness Counselor, Mrs. Cross works with students who are dealing with stress and anxiety, as well as phase of life issues, e.g., changes in family situations, parent separation or divorce, death or illness in the family, etc., as these may affect the student’s performance and academic success. Mrs. Cross can be reached by phone (702) 476-4042 or by e-mail (pcross@bishopgorman.org).

This year, Mrs. Pamela Cross is joining our staff as the new Wellness Counselor.

Mrs. Cross is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Counseling. She worked in non-profit agencies and in private practice for 8 years before working in schools.

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Athletics | Activities

Athletics

The Women’s Varsity Volleyball team has participated in several pre-season matches and tournaments already this year. The Gaels have a great mix of young talent and senior leadership, and look to be one of the top teams in the state.

Our Fall Sports teams at Bishop Gorman have all experienced successful starts to their seasons. All the teams have participated in pre-season tournaments and games and most have gotten a chance to travel out of state to experience different styles of competition.

The Bishop Gorman Football team has had quite a start to the season.

Ranked #3 in the country to begin the year, the Gaels have quickly jumped back to #1 with big victories over out-of-state opponents Chandler, AZ; Bingham, UT; and Bellevue, WA. The Chandler, AZ, game was televised live on ESPNU in front of a sold-out “Orange Out” crowd at Fertitta Field. The G-Block student section was overflowing during the game and helped cheer the team on to a convincing 35-14 win.

The Men’s and Women’s Soccer Teams traveled to Reno for the Howell Memorial Tournament in late August.

Both teams experienced success with a combined 7-1 record . The men’s team kicked their way to the championship, winning 4-0. The Women’s team also played well and received the Runner-up Trophy.

The Women’s Golf team has established themselves as one of the top teams in Nevada. They are in the middle of their season and have won several matches this year. Led by Hunter Pate '18, the team looks like one of the teams to beat in Nevada this year.

The Men’s and Women’s Tennis teams are in the middle of their seasons and gearing up for the playoffs. Both teams are at the top of the league standings.

Check back next month for season and playoff results for the Tennis and Golf teams.

Homecoming: Theme Dress Days: Oct 5 - 9 Monday: Music Monday Tuesday: Coachella Wednesday: Rock ‘n Rio

Coaches Nick and Vicki Savatgy have the Cross Country teams running all over the city this year. With a record number of participants, the team is making a big impact, running in all the top meets in town and several out of state high level events.

Activities

! s n o i t a l u Dance Tickets Congrat

Tickets are on sale in the

Student Activities Office September 14th- October 8th during lunch & after school until 2:00pm

Thursday : Plur’s day Thursday

Ticket Prices: Sept 14th- Oct 2nd $80/couple & $40/single

Friday: Extreme Blue & Orange

Oct 5th-Oct 8th $90/couple & $45/single

(Peace, Love, Unity, Respect)

*See the Bishop Gorman website and Edline for more detailed descriptions of the dress days.

To Our Newly Elected Freshman Class Officers

President: Vice-President: Sammy Sadovia Lauren Lombardo

*All students must have their Bishop Gorman ID. Anyone wishing to bring a guest from another school must have a guest pass submitted to the Activities Office at least 3 days prior to the dance. All guests are required to have a valid picture ID.

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Secretary: Treasurer: Mia Nakamura Brianna Bolduc

Golf ssic

Bisho

rman o G

Cla

p

Advancement

Thursday, November 12th Spanish Trail Country Club

9:00am Check In | 10:00am Shotgun Start

Foursomes: $1,600 - Individual: $400 $500 Hole Sponsorships Available!

Register at: www.bishopgorman.org

BGHS Internship

By participating in the program, students will gain firsthand experience within various businesses including law, banking, marketing, broadcast journalism, design, medicine and more. For more information, please contact Ms. Blaney in the Advancement Office at lblaney@bishopgorman.org or (702)476-4034.

The Bishop Gorman Summer Internship Program was designed to offer students a first-hand look into a potential career field during the summer prior to their senior year. For the summer of 2015, students were chosen to participate in this great opportunity based on their GPA, written application and interview.

A special thanks to this year’s business participants! Cleveland Clinic, MGM Resorts International, 8 News Now, Lotus Broadcasting, KGA Architecture, Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, Moonridge Group, Pyatt Silvestri Law, Craig P. Kenny Law, Alston Construction, Bank of Nevada, Stitch Factory, Matt Smith Physical Therapy.

Program

Art.Write.Now.Tour 2015-16

Congratulations to Shannon Page '17, whose artwork 'Image of Society', was selected for the Art.Write.Now. Tour 2015-16, the national traveling exhibition of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. The Tour showcases a selection of works from the 2015 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards and is celebrated for being the most fresh and relevant look at creative work by young artists today. Shannon’s artwork will be featured at the following locations: Morean Art Center, FL Sept 16 – Oct 25, 2015.

Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University, IN Nov 4 – Dec 7, 2015. University of South Dakota, John A. Day Gallery, SD; March 2 – April 1, 2016. Springs Preserve, NV, April 14 – May 23, 2016 Congratulations to Emma Bailey '16, whose ‘Olivia’ photograph has been chosen as one of 59 National Awardwinning works to be displayed at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of Education Building in Washington, DC.

Education

is the KEY

At Bishop Gorman High School, we believe to that a quality education is the unlocking one’s potential. Our hope is to make sure the doors of a Bishop Gorman education are open for as many students as possible.

key

Gael Force

helps make that attainable for those who might not otherwise have access to a Bishop Gorman education.

To make a gift: Online at www.bishopgorman.org or contact the Advancement Office at (702) 476-4032.

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Go Gaels!

Hammes Campus Store

fall is here!

Get the perfect BGHS wardrobe

come in & shop for:

new uniform items & spirit

wear

1/4 zip sweater

fleece pullover alumni hood

selected outerwear on

sale!

Oct 26-30

while supplies last.

hours: m–th 7am - 2:30pm • fr 7am-2pm For more information visit: www.bishopgorman.org.

PRESORT STANDARD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 37 Las Vegas, NV

Bishop Gorman High School 5959 S. Hualapai Way Las Vegas, NV 89148

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