2019-20
NEW FAMILY GUIDE
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to ST. CECILIA ACADEMY! Now that you and your daughter have joined the SCA family, you also inherit the rich legacy that is part of being a school that is nearly 160 years old! SCA is full of wonderful traditions, some (St. Cecilia Day and Graduation) are almost as old as the school itself. We hope this short guide will help you learn about some of the special events and traditions throughout the school year. Welcome aboard—we are delighted to have your family with us!
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Who to Contact for 615.298.4525 STCECILIA.EDU GENERAL INFORMATION Mrs. Chris Caprioli Assistant to the Principal
Mrs. Victoria Wolfe Front Office Assistant
PRINCIPAL Sister Anna Laura, O.P. ACADEMIC POLICIES / COURSE & SCHEDULING / INFORMATION TRANSCRIPTS / TEXTBOOK INFORMATION Sister Amelia, O.P. Vice Principal of Academics
ADVISORY PROGRAM / ATTENDANCE DINING HALL / DISCIPLINE POLICY DRESS CODE Mr. Andres Montana Vice Principal of Students
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS INFORMATION Mrs. Jennifer Crouch Director of Marketing and Communications
ENROLLMENT INFORMATION Mrs. Megan Gardner ’08 Director of Admissions
STUDENT ACTIVITIES / INTERIM PROGRAM Mrs. Margaret Pyburn
Director of Student Activities
ATHLETIC INFORMATION Mr. Bryan Picklesimer Director of Athletics
COLLEGE COUNSELING / SENIOR TRANSCRIPTS Mrs. Margaret Miller College Counselor
PERSONAL COUNSELING Mrs. Krissie Betbeze Personal Counselor
POWERSCHOOL Mr. Kenneth Albritton Technology Coordinator
PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION Mrs. Kay Kay Lee
Parents’ Association President
How will SCA Communicate? An event calendar is posted on the school website and is updated monthly. School news and upcoming events are available on the homepage. New families will have access to additional information through the Parent Portal on our website. The SCA Newsletter is sent out on a weekly basis and includes calendar reminders, as well as details for the upcoming week. You can sign up for the newsletter at stcecilia.edu. We really like to use Social Media. It has become one of our best resources for showing our community the wonderful things that are happening at St.Cecilia. Posts will cover your student’s daily activities, school life, athletics, events and more. Be sure to follow us on: Facebook @StCeciliaAcademy, Twitter @StCeciliaAca, Instagram @stceciliaacademy, LinkedIn, Pinterest and YouTube. 4 NEW FAMILY WELCOME GUIDE 2019-20
Frequently Asked Questions WHAT’S FOR LUNCH? Students have the choice of a hot lunch bar that includes a main entrée and daily vegetable. During the Winter months, we add a selection of fresh made soups. In addition to the hot entrée bar, the Dining Hall also offers a full salad bar with items such as seasonal spring mix and chopped romaine, six varieties of fresh vegetables along with hummus, tuna salad, cottage cheese and fruit to name a few. For those days that a salad just won’t do, we offer 3 choices of pizza along with chicken tenders and French fries. Drink selections include bottled water, 2% milk, chocolate milk, orange, cranberry and apple juice, fresh ice tea, lemonade, coffee, hot tea, and hot chocolate. The St. Cecilia Dining Hall utilizes the Wordware School Lunch System to manage lunch purchases and family accounts. Each family is assigned an account and payments can be made online after registering your account or by sending in a check or cash to the school office.
WHAT ARE OUR OPTIONS FOR AFTER SCHOOL? The campus is open from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. on school days. By 4 p.m. students remaining on campus must be either participating in an after-school activity (i.e. athletics team, fine arts, club) or they must report to the library to be supervised. SCA is not responsible for students after 4 p.m.. Parents must not pick up students later than 6 p.m. unless there is practice or a school event.
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DO YOU HAVE A SPIRIT STORE? Yes! The SCA spirit store is located near the gym. It is the place for you to purchase all of your SCA gear for the school and athletic season. The store includes apparel, stadium seats, blankets and gifts for your St. Cecilia girl and for family. We are continually adding new items to the store so check back often! The hours of operation are posted outside of the spirit store, and will also be posted on social media.
HOW MANY SPORTS ARE AVAILABLE AT ST. CECILIA? There are Fall, Winter and Spring athletic seasons at St. Cecilia comprising 12 sports. Typically, a girl can participate in one sport each season. Over 60% of our students are also athletes, and many of these athletes participate in more than one sport. 6 NEW FAMILY WELCOME GUIDE 2019-20
TELL ME ABOUT THE ST. CECILIA’S ATHLETIC FACILITIES.
St. Cecilia hosts basketball and volleyball in their gymnasium. The environment is loud and fun for big games, and the students gather on the stage to cheer on their peers. Soccer and lacrosse share a lighted, natural turf field and track. The track includes a discus cage, shot-put, discus throwing areas, and long jump and high jump pits. The softball field sits at the back of the campus which includes home and visitor seating, a concession stand and restrooms. The tennis team hosts matches on the six courts adjacent to the student parking lot.
WHAT’S THE COST OF ADMISSION TO THE GAMES?
All students and alumnae are not charged admission to any St. Cecilia hosted athletic events. Cost for attendance by parents and fans will vary based on the sport with most providing a family entry fee. The St. Cecilia Athletics Department provides a family pass at a reduced fee which is valid at all athletic events.
DO ST. CECILIA ATHLETES PARTICIPATE AT THE NEXT LEVEL? St. Cecilia currently has 13 alumnae participating in their chosen sport at the college level. It is common to have 3 – 4 of our student-athletes sign college athletic commitment letters each year.
FUNDRAISING AT ST. CECILIA ACADEMY Our fundraising philosophy at St. Cecilia Academy is based on respect for our families, transparency, and a very sincere need. We have worked to improve our fundraising strategy based on these principles while still ensuring that we solicit the funding necessary to not only continue to provide the faculty and staff with the daily resources they require, but also to provide new opportunities for growth and learning to our students. Our primary fundraisers are The Annual Giving Campaign, The Rose Gala and the Sister Scramble Golf Tournament. Gifts to the Annual Fund have a direct and tangible impact on the daily experiences of your daughter. Beginning in the fall we will be appealing to all families to support the Annual Fund in whatever capacity they are able. The Campaign runs through June 30. There is not a more exciting evening for St. Cecilia as our families, alumnae and friends come together to build community, celebrate our accomplishments, and most importantly support St. Cecilia Academy at our spring Rose Gala. With over 350 people attending last year, this evening provides the opportunity to support the school though sponsorships, the purchase of tickets, and the live and silent auctions. This year’s Rose Gala will be Saturday, March 30th. 2019-20 NEW FAMILY WELCOME GUIDE 7
WHAT IS VAP (VISUAL AND PREFORMING ARTS)?
Required of all freshmen, VAP introduces students to the basics of dance, drama, and the visual arts. These separate components are covered in classes in a rotating schedule, but there are also projects that cross the various disciplines. VAP allows each Saint Cecilia student the opportunity to experience being an artist, including the aspects of production, history, aesthetics, and criticism.
OTHER CLASSES OFFERED: Intermediate Art Advanced Visual Arts Master Visual Arts Digital & 35MM Photography AP Studio Art: Drawing Portfolio AP Studio Art: 2-D Design Portfolio AP Art History Intermediate Speech/Drama Advanced Speech/Drama
FINE ARTS CLUBS
Masters Speech/Drama Introduction to Choral Music Advanced Chorus Chamber Ensemble AP Music Theory Intermediate Dance Advanced Dance Masters Dance
Art Club - The goal of the Art Club is to organize activities, workshops, and field trips that offer interested students opportunities to expand their knowledge in the field of visual arts. SCA Dance Company - The St. Cecilia Academy Dance Company is a student group that choreographs and performs dance presentations throughout the year at various fine arts events. Dance Company members must audition prior to joining the group. Forensic Team - The forensic team is open to any committed student interested in developing skills in speech and drama. The team competes in many tournaments throughout the year and hosts a middle school tournament for area schools annually. Private Music Program - A variety of private music lessons are offered by St. Cecilia Academy, including piano, voice, and strings. Theatre Guild - This organization is designed to allow a broad-based, behind the scenes, experience in theatre. Students assume responsibility for all aspects of St. Cecilia Academy’s theatrical productions and oversee the technical aspects of regular school assemblies.
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SCA Events FRESHMAN REGISTRATION @ St. Cecilia Academy This day in August offers all students a chance to connect with their peers after the summer and get some business completed before classes commence. Notes: • Yearbook pictures will be taken at registration. Students will need to wear their SCA white oxford with the SCA navy blue cardigan but do not need to be in full uniform. Students can change into a different shirt after they take their yearbook picture. • If students would like to bring their books and set up their lockers, they can come to school before registration or can set up their locker when they return from the Freshman Overnight.
FRESHMAN OVERNIGHT @ Camp Marymount Prior to the beginning of the school year, the freshman class attends this traditional event off-campus planned and hosted by members of the senior class and St. Cecilia Academy Staff. SCA draws students from many different schools, and this workshop provides freshmen with a relaxed environment to get to know all the members of their class before school begins, as well as learn the ropes about getting involved, balancing workload, etc. Notes: • Students’ overnight bag, sleeping bag and pillow can be dropped off in the lecture hall before registration. Please make sure everything is labeled. The lecture hall is located near the main entrance. • Right after registration, freshmen will leave on buses to Camp Marymount and return to SCA the following morning before noon.
LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP
@ St. Cecilia Academy Held right after school begins, this Saturday event is an opportunity for student class and club leaders to gather together for a day of building leadership skills as they set goals for their clubs and plan the year’s events. Dress is business casual for students and lunch is provided.
FRESHMAN-SENIOR WEEK @ St. Cecilia Academy For one week in September, every senior “adopts” a freshman. Throughout the week, the seniors do fun activities for their freshman such as decorating lockers and leaving small notes, gifts, and surprises for them. At the end of the week, the seniors sponsor a picnic at which time they reveal to “their” freshman who they are. Both seniors and freshmen anticipate this event with great enthusiasm! 2019-20 NEW FAMILY WELCOME GUIDE 9
Notes: • The freshman are encouraged to write their senior notes. • Freshman are out of uniform on Friday. • Lunch will be provided by the seniors on Friday. • Gifts and small treats given by the seniors to their freshman are meant to be thoughtful and simple, not extravagant or expensive.
ACTIVITIES FAIR
@ St. Cecilia Academy Soon after school begins, students have an opportunity to ask questions or sign up for the many different clubs offered at SCA. Upperclassmen and club officers set up informational booths in the gym.
DOMINICAN DAY
This is a day in September designed to celebrate SCA’s unique Dominican heritage and encourage exploration of the Dominican 4 pillars of prayer, study, community, and service through grade-specific activities. Each class has a different emphasis: • FRESHMEN go the Motherhouse where they learn the history and traditions of SCA and the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia. Alumnae panels, special tours, and sports with the novices are part of the day. - Drop off at the Motherhouse at 9 a.m. - Pick up at the Motherhouse at 2 p.m. • SOPHOMORES go to Sevier Park for a day of team-building, games and fun. - Drop off at Sevier Park at 8:30 a.m. - Pick up at Sevier Park at 12:30 p.m. • JUNIORS give back to the community by volunteering at various organizations in the Nashville community. Time: TBD based on agency availability • SENIORS are on campus for a college preparation workshop, preparing their applications and engaging them in mini-workshops. Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 10 NEW FAMILY WELCOME GUIDE 2019-20
SERVICE FAIR @ St. Cecilia Academy This is an opportunity for our students to meet representatives from numerous local service agencies and learn ways to volunteer and get involved in person-to-person service in Nashville. SPIRIT WEEK @ St. Cecilia Academy This is one of the students’ favorite weeks of the year and is held in the fall. Student leaders plan themes for each day and each class rallies around a class theme. Recent themes included Movie Monday, Tennessee Tuesday, Western Wednesday, and Class Theme Thursday. The students are out of uniform all week if they dress according to the theme days. Costumes are often very creative and daily winners earn prizes. The students have numerous opportunities to show their SCArab spirit through planned activities and events. The week culminates on Friday with Spirit Day (12 noon dismissal), a day full of class competitions and outdoor games and events that end with the announcement of the winners of Spirit Week. Notes: • The Powder Puff game is flag football and is a fantastic family event. Food and drinks are available for purchase and there is half time entertainment by the Dance Team. The Powder Puff games usually begin at 5 p.m. as classes gear up in their spirit colors to compete against each other. Faculty, staff, and the occasional Father Ryan or MBA boys are the team coaches. The winners play for the championship. The Powder Puff Games are usually over around 7:45 p.m.
FALL COMBO
@ St. Cecilia Academy Courtyard (weather permitting)
Notes: • A casual “mixer” style dance in early fall for all students and their friends (both guys and girls) from any school, sponsored by the Sophomore Class.
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• Students typically wear casual attire and there is typically a theme. • Tickets are usually $10 per person, purchased ahead of time or at the door.
SENIOR ROSARY CEREMONY
In a simple ceremony, seniors receive a custom-designed rosary that is presented to them by the St. Cecilia Academy Alumnae Association. A simple reception follows, and parents are welcome to attend as seniors take one more step towards their graduation.
ST. CECILIA DAY
@ St. Cecilia Academy Theater and Gym This is one of the most formal and long-standing traditions at SCA and is something you don’t want to miss. The feast of St. Cecilia is celebrated in late November with a special Mass at which the Bishop of the Diocese presides. Red roses are used on the altar in honor of St. Cecilia. Following the Mass, there is a Fine Arts Assembly showcasing students’ acting, singing, and artistic abilities. The freshman recite the Class Pledge and the whole school joins in singing the Alma Mater, “We Love You, Saint Cecilia.” The day concludes with a Mother/Daughter Tea in the gym, after which students are dismissed. • 9 a.m. Mass in the theater followed by a Fine Arts program and MotherDaughter Tea. • Students are in official uniform. • Moms are in Sunday best. • Students typically purchase a rose from the senior class and present it to their moms.
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
One of the newest Dominican Campus traditions to mark the beginning of Advent, families of St. Cecilia Academy and Overbrook School are invited to a festive lighting of the campus Christmas tree and the campus bridge. A simple outdoor prayer service, accompanied by student musicians and tasty refreshments, is a great way to kick off the Christmas season.
FATHER DAUGHTER DANCE
@ St. Cecilia Academy Gym This is a dance in December for all students and their fathers, or a relative or family friend who is like a dad to them. Notes: • Students typically wear semi-formal dresses and often plan dinner out before the dance. • Seniors and their dads (or fatherly mentors) are presented. (Moms can show up for this part!)
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WINTER FORMAL @ St. Cecilia Academy Gym A semi-formal dance in January for all students sponsored by the Senior Class. Notes: • Tickets are usually $10, available for purchase beforehand or at the door. • Students typically wear nice semi-formal dresses (following the SCA guidelines). • While students are encouraged to ask male dates from another school, SCA students may also come in groups without a date.
ALL SCHOOL RETREAT @ St. Cecilia Academy Usually held in February, the all-school retreat features a visiting priest and a well-known keynote youth speaker. Vibrant worship music, skits, activities and discussion, student and faculty witness talks, are all part of the day, as are Mass and Confession. A beautiful period of Eucharistic Adoration ends the day, and students come away encouraged and spiritually refreshed. All students are required to attend, and Liturgy/Retreat Ambassadors and other student leaders work to plan the day. Notes: • Often a Mother-Daughter evening event with a keynote speaker from retreat happens the night before or after.
JUNIOR RING MASS @ St. Cecilia Motherhouse The Junior Ring Mass is a long standing tradition at SCA, usually held in the 3rd quarter. At the end of a special Mass in the Motherhouse convent chapel, the juniors receive their class rings from the principal in a formal ceremony. The senior class president also presents each junior with a red rose to mark her first step toward becoming a leader of the school. A reception follows in the historic 1862 recreation hall, the original home of SCA. Notes: • Juniors are in official uniform.
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HONORS EVENING
@ St. Cecilia Theater This event in late April recognizes the academic accomplishments of St. Cecilia Academy students. All students and their families are encouraged to attend this special event. Students who will receive an award and their parents are notified in advance so that they can be in attendance. The evening begins with the announcement of the Teacher of the Year and concludes with the top senior awards of Valedictorian, Salutatorian, and St. Cecilia Girl. Notes: • Students are in official uniform.
PROM @ Off-campus location At 5:45 p.m., junior class officers and members of the senior class and their male dates are presented formally in front of the Dominican Campus White House. Parents and friends are encouraged to attend and take photos. Around 6:45 p.m. a sit-down dinner for the senior class (provided by the juniors) is hosted at the prom venue before the dance begins. Prom runs from 8 - 10:30 p.m. Notes: • A formal dance with dates for juniors and seniors, sponsored by the Junior Class. • Students typically wear long formal dresses that are classy and SCA appropriate.
ARTS PARTS @ St. Cecilia Theater Each spring the fine arts department showcases the many artistic talents of students in the fine arts classes with art, music, dance, and drama presentations. The evening is light-hearted and a true community celebration. Notes: • All freshman participate and present original dance and drama pieces learned in VAP class.
SENIOR-FRESHMAN WEEK
@ St. Cecilia Academy This reverse of Freshman/Senior Week is a special way for the freshman class to express their gratitude and love to the senior class for all their support and guidance throughout the year. Held in the spring of each year, during this week the freshmen offer notes and small gifts to “their” senior, and the week culminates with a special outdoor lunch.
MAY CROWNING @ St. Cecilia Academy This is a traditional event in May that is open to all mothers and has a long history at SCA. The seniors, wearing spring pastel dresses, carry roses in a 14 NEW FAMILY WELCOME GUIDE 2019-20
procession to a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary followed by the rest of the student body. At the end of the procession, the President of Sodality, assisted by the Vice President of Spirituality for Sodality, crowns the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary to show honor to Jesus’ mother. Mass is celebrated beforehand, and after the ceremony there is a picnic in the courtyard on blankets. Notes: • Mass in the theater followed by a Mother/Daughter Picnic in the courtyard, with dismissal at 1:30 p.m. • Seniors wear spring dresses with shoulders covered. • 9th - 11th grades in official uniform; moms in Sunday best. • Moms provide their own lunch, and often several families will picnic together.
BACCALAUREATE MASS @ St. Cecilia Academy Theater This traditional pre-graduation Mass with the Bishop is celebrated in the theater, followed by a program where the seniors present their class gift to the school, announce the yearbook dedication, and present red roses to their parents as a token of gratitude. Following this is the ceremony of the Passing of the Light, in which the graduating senior class passes the light of leadership to the rising senior class. Notes: • Students are in official uniform; seniors wear graduation gowns. • Seating for senior parents is limited. • The official senior graduation photo is taken on the front steps of the school after the ceremony.
GRADUATION @ Front steps and lawn in front of the White House The official commencement exercises for the graduating class occur on the steps of the White House (with rain location as the Overbrook gym). All friends and family of the graduating class are encouraged to attend, although reserved seating is limited. In addition to the conferral of the diplomas, the Valedictorian, Salutatorian, and St. Cecilia Girl all offer speeches. 2019-20 NEW FAMILY WELCOME GUIDE 15
In the Know
— What is …
OFFICIAL UNIFORM
This is the standard look for All-School Mass days and special events. Official uniform pieces include: • Plaid skirt • White button-down oxford shirt with embroidered school insignia • Navy cardigan with emblem (seniors may wear the yellow cardigan) • Solid white crew socks (no logos permitted); tights sometimes required in colder weather • Merrell, Wallabee, or Sperry shoes (the school handbook carries specific item numbers) • Seniors may wear saddle oxfords (white with black)
AN “MI”
Means “minor Infraction” and is the consequence given for minor offenses or failure to abide by school policy. 4 MIs = 1 Detention. An MI is typically given for: • Being unprepared for class • Chewing gum • Being discourteous • Eating/drinking in restricted areas • Inappropriate behavior • Unexcused tardiness • Uniform policy violation • Other minor policy violations
DETENTION
• 4 MI’s = 1 detention • 2 detentions for missing integral days • Detentions are 6:45 - 7:45 a.m. and 3 - 4 p.m. on Wednesdays
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Important Parent Dates FALL SEMESTER
Walk-In Wednesday 8/21/2019 Sister Scramble Golf Tournament 8/26/2019 All Parent Night 9/5/2019 Walk-In Wednesday 9/18/2019 Freshman Parent Coffee 9/24/2019 Walk-In Wednesday 10/23/2019 Freshman Parent Coffee 11/19/2019 Walk-In Wednesday 11/20/2019 Christmas Tree Lighting 12/6/2019 Father Daughter Dance 12/7/2019
SPRING SEMESTER
Moms’ Retreat 2/7-9/2020 Freshman Parent Coffee 2/11/2020 Dominican Dad’s Fish Fry 2/28/2020 Rose Gala 3/7/2020 Dad’s Retreat 4/3-5/2020
Special events for parents SISTER SCRAMBLE
Open to parents, alumnae and friends of SCA, the Sister Scramble is a yearly golf tournament fundraiser, the proceeds of which benefit projects for St. Cecilia Athletics.
ALL PARENT NIGHT
Sometimes known as “Back to School Night,” this event at the beginning of the school year is a chance for parents to hear from the school administration about goals for the year, as well as ways they can be involved in the life of St. Cecilia Academy. Parents have a chance to follow their daughter’s class schedule and meet her teachers. This event is for all parents and a light dinner is included. 2019-20 NEW FAMILY WELCOME GUIDE 17
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Held in the mid-fall, this is an opportunity for parents to meet individually with their daughter’s teachers to discuss her progress. Sign-ups are handled through the front office, and parents at all grade levels are encouraged to attend.
ROSE GALA
The St. Cecilia Academy Rose Gala is the main fundraising event for SCA, with proceeds going towards current year special projects and operations to benefit all SCA students. The evening is usually held off campus, with a live and silent auction, and is a great opportunity to connect with friends old and new. A special honoree is recognized each year. Dress is cocktail attire.
MOMS’ RETREAT
@ Bethany Retreat House in Dickson, TN (owned and operated by the Dominican Sisters)
The weekend (either in late fall or January) offers time for silence, time outdoors, prayer, Mass and confession, and great conversation with other moms who are seeking to keep God in their center of their lives while juggling a busy family. The Dominican Sisters promise to take good care of you and make sure you are well-fed and comfortable! This retreat is open to all moms regardless of faith background.
DADS’ RETREAT
@ Bethany Retreat House in Dickson, TN (owned and operated by the Dominican Sisters)
The weekend (typically in the spring) offers time for silence, time outdoors, prayer, Mass and confession, and great conversation with other dads who are seeking to keep God in their center of their lives while juggling a busy family. The Dominican Sisters promise to take good care of you and make sure you are well-fed and comfortable! This retreat is open to all dads regardless of faith background. 18 NEW FAMILY WELCOME GUIDE 2019-20
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ST. CECILIA ACADEMY ENNOBLES YOUNG WOMEN, EQUIPS THEM TO EXCEL AND INSPIRES THEM TO LEAD LIVES OF INTEGRITY.
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4210 HARDING PIKE | NASHVILLE, TN 37205 | 615.298.4525 | STCECILIA.EDU