The Panther Parent The 2015-16 Guide for St. Pius X High School Parents
Table of Contents General Information................................ 3 Absences Announcements Anticipated Absences Books Bring Your Own Device Building Open Carpooling Emergency School Closing Faculty/Staff Directory Financial Aid Financial Commitments Liturgies Meals General Information (continued)............ 4 Permission Slips School Calendar School Pictures School Times Senior Pictures Student Parking Student Transportation Uniforms Yearbooks Celebrate the Arts.................................. 4 Band/Campus Singers/Choir Theatre SPX TAPPS Art/Academic/Music Competitions Help for Students.................................... 5 Counseling Office Peer Helpers Tutoring Progress Reports Grades College & Career Preparation............... 5 PSAT, ACT/SAT
Expanding Student Horizons.................. 5 Office for Campus Ministry Retreats School Events......................................... 6 Academic Rally Homecoming Project Prom School Dances Senior Prom Honoring Achievements......................... 6 Veritas Ring Ceremony National Honor Society Senior Awards Sports Awards Underclass Awards Athletics.................................................. 7 Eligibility Cheerleaders Pantherettes Letter Jackets Managers and Scorekeepers Practice Times Sports Uniforms Summer Camps Weight Room Fall Sports & Winter Sports................... 8 Spring Sports.......................................... 9 Student Clubs & Organizations.............. 9 Advancement........................................ 10 Advancing the Mission Annual Giving Programs Annual Gala Enrollment Set the World Ablaze Other Support Parent Involvement............................... 11 Parent Association Booster Club Meet the Teachers Parent Association Calendar................ 12 Reference Sources............................... 13 Drug Testing Policy Anti-Bullying Initiative
General Information Absences
The parents/guardians (not the student) are requested to notify the school attendance office between 7-9 a.m. in the event of a student’s absence; otherwise, parents will be called. A note, signed by the parent/guardian, stating the date and reason for the absence must be presented to the dean of students or the attendance office on the day the student returns. Failure to bring a note will result in disciplinary action. If the absence is unexcused, two points will be subtracted from the quarterly average of all classes in which the student is enrolled.
Announcements
Students receive information about school schedules, activities, free dress, club meetings, etc. during the announcements in homeroom period and at the end of the school day before they are dismissed from seventh period.
Anticipated Absences
3 must If a student anticipates absence from school,Page he/she bring a note, signed by a parent/guardian at2012-13 least 2-3Panther days prior to the anticipated absence. The note should be brought to the dean of students or the attendance office by 8 a.m. The student will receive a form for all subject teachers to sign and to write assignments to make up for the day’s absence. If a note is not brought in prior to the absence, the student will receive an unexcused absence and the penalties which go with that. If a student must leave campus for any reason, he/she must present a note to the school office stating the reason for the departure and signed by his/her parent/guardian. If the note is not brought in by 8 a.m., the student will not have an early dismissal. At the departure time, the student will sign out at the attendance office. If he/she is returning to school the same day, he/she is to report to the attendance office and sign in with the time of return. Reminder: Students who are returning from the doctor or dentist must bring a note from that office specifying they were there during the time out of school.
Books
Books may be purchased online at www.mbsdirect.net. Book lists are also posted at www.mbsdirect.net. Summer reading lists are posted at www.stpiusx.org Teachers give students school supply lists during class on the first day of school.
Bring Your Own Device
The Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program allows students to utilize their personal technology (iPads, KindleFires, laptops, smart phones, notebooks, etc.) within the context of approved curriculum in supervised classrooms. New ninth grade and transfer students are asked to bring a device at least 7 inches in size. Cell phones do not satisfy the requirements for sure in the classroom. Devices may be used in the classrooms only when permitted by the teacher. They may not be used during passing periods, but may be used during
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lunchtime and homeroom (at the discretion of the homeroom teacher). Students will receive consequences from the Dean of Students, Jeff Donaruma for misusing a device. See the Student Handbook for more information.
Building Open
The school building is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students must be out of the building by 6 p.m., unless they are participating in an organized school activity. Students who arrive at School before 7:45 a.m. must report to the Frost Cafeteria for breakfast. The Bramanti Library is open for student use from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday. A security officer is on duty from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Carpooling
Carpool information, listed by zip code, is available from Cindy Flores ‘80 at 713.579.7506.
Parent Emergency School Closing
St. Pius X follows Houston Independent School District (HISD) emergency closings.
Faculty/Staff Directory
A complete faculty/staff directory can be found on the school website.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid is administered by the School Board Financial Aid Committee. Financial Aid packets are available online after January 1. Applications for current students are due in mid-February for the following school year. Notification of Financial Aid awards are made in March.
Financial Commitments
Students must be current with all fees and tuition for each semester before exams will be administered.
Liturgies
All-school liturgies, including prayer services, are scheduled throughout the year. Dress uniform is required on these days. Parents/guardians are welcome to attend.
Meals
The School has one 45-minute lunch period for all students. Students may buy lunch or bring it from home. Breakfast is also available from 7:15-7:45 a.m. Valley Services, Inc., provides SPX’s dining services. Parents may open an account through myschoolaccount.com or view the current lunch menu by signing in to the parent portal on the school website. Students may not have lunch delivered to the School by a delivery person.
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General Information Permission Slips
Uniforms
The school calendar is available on the website at stpiusx.org/calendar. Log in to the school website for access to the full SPX calendar.
(See the Student Handbook for details) Dress uniform is required of all students on certain days as indicated on the school calendar. Students not in compliance will receive a demerit and are sent home. Students must remain in dress uniform all day. Free dress is a privilege given to students for particular achievements. Students should follow the guidelines listed in the Student Handbook for what is appropriate on free dress days. Students in physical education (P.E.) classes must wear P.E. uniforms.
School Pictures
Yearbooks
Students wishing to leave campus for a school function must have a permission slip signed by his/her parent/guardian. Permission slips are required for each field trip. Athletes sign one permission slip per sport.
School Calendar
Pictures are taken at School during the first quarter of the year. All students receive a school I.D. card.
School Times
St. Pius X follows one of seven schedules during the year. A list of schedules is posted under the “Bell Schedule” tab on the parent portal of the school website and is available at the receptionist’s desk. Regular schedule school days begin with the first bell at 7:55 a.m. and dismissal at 3 p.m.
Senior Pictures
St. Pius X uses one photographer for all senior pictures. Senior photos are taken the summer before senior year. A formal picture, with the official St. Pius X photographer, is required for the yearbook. Students may opt to take other poses.
Student Parking
Two lots are available for student parking during the school day. Reserved spaces are available in the main parking lot in front of the stadium and student entrance at a cost of $200 for the 2015-16 school year. Secure parking is also available in the 804 lot across the street from the School on West Donovan at a cost of $150 for the 2015-16 school year. Students are encouraged to use the secure parking available to them. Street parking is not secure and cars parked illegally on West Donovan will be towed without warning. Please note that the Circle Drive is for visitor parking only and not for drop-offs. Students should only be dropped off and picked up using the new roadway accessed via Brinkman Street. Overflow visitor and volunteer parking is available in the parking lot across the street from the School on Donovan.
Student Transportation
St. Pius X provides student transportation for school activities for its students. The School owns one 40-passenger bus, one 31-passenger bus, one 22-passenger bus, and a 12-passenger van. At times, coach buses and minivans are rented for transportation. Drivers for the buses are required to have a C driver’s license. All drivers have passed Texas Department of Safety minimum requirements.
The Del Sarto yearbook is available in the fall. The cost of one yearbook is covered by tuition.
Celebrate the Arts Band/Campus Singers/Choir
Students may participate in music at St. Pius X in a variety of ways. Members of both the Choir and the Band earn academic credit. Chorus I-IV classes meet at 7 a.m. Monday through Friday. The Concert Chorale, the combined talents of the Campus Singers and members of the Chorus, serves in music ministry at school liturgies and special events and offers a variety of classical and pop performances, both on and off campus, throughout the year. Selection for the Campus Singers is by audition only and is open to grades 10-12. The St. Pius X Band performs at home football games and in concerts throughout the year. St. Pius X supplies some musical instruments; often, students provide their own.
Theatre SPX
Theatre SPX will stage four drama productions this school year. Students audition for parts in the plays, orchestra, chorus and stage crew. The Stagecraft classes produce the sets for the shows. Students are encouraged to participate in the productions, whether as a member of the cast or crew, or as an audience member. Show times/dates are announced on the school website.
TAPPS Arts/Music/Academic Competition Teams
Students may apply to be members of the Arts/Music/Academic teams and represent St. Pius X in TAPPS (Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools) competitions. Team members also are recommended by their teachers. Competition categories are Languages, Mathematics, Painting, Photography, Drawing, Science, History, Speech, Drama, Vocal and Instrumental Music and more. St. Pius X has a winning tradition in these competitions. Students are encouraged to participate in all levels of competition and in many areas of study.
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Help for Students
College & Career Preparation
Counseling Office
It is the policy of St. Pius X to assign each student to the same counselor for all four years of high school. This personal insight of each student enables counselors to better assist the students with post high school choices.
PSAT
Counselors work with parents and students on course choices, academic progress and adolescent issues, which might arise. The Counseling Office is always available for students. An additional college counselor is available to ease the college admission and scholarship process.
ACT/SAT
Peer Helpers
The School offers a Peer Counselor group two Thursdays each month during lunch. Students can discuss current issues with their peers in a non-threatening, supervised environment. There is no charge to be a member of the group and attendance is optional.
Tutoring
Sophomores and juniors take the PSAT test on October 14, 2015. This exam is particularly important for juniors, as it is the basis for National Merit Scholarship consideration. College Entrance Exams are administered throughout the city at various times during the year. SPX is a test site for ACT tests. Contact the Counseling Department for ACT test dates at SPX. Counselors advise students as to which exams are appropriate for their plans.
Expanding Student Horizons
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The National Honor Society offers free tutoring in all subjects. Students must sign up ahead of time with Gary and Susi West ’69, NHS sponsors. All teachers also offer tutorials. Tutorial schedules are posted on the website. Students experiencing difficulties may take advantage of this offering. Teachers generally announce additional test or exam tutorials during class.
Progress Reports
A progress report may be accessed on NetSPX for parents and guardians at the middle of all quarters of the academic year. Ongoing access to student grades is also available throughout the year through NetSPX. Parent-teacher conferences are held on September 15, 2015, and February 9, 2016.
Grades
Report cards are available online at the end of each quarter. Students can achieve honor roll status at two levels: Honor Roll, with a semester Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.3 to 3.9; and Head of School’s Honor Roll, with a semester GPA of 4.0 or better. The St. Pius X school year is divided into two semesters with each semester divided into two quarters. Student numerical grades are issued at the end of each quarter. Semester grades appear on transcripts and permanent records and are used to determine Grade Point Average (GPA).
Office for Campus Ministry
Campus Ministry, integral to the mission of St. Pius X High School, witnesses to the School’s philosophy that spiritual development is as valuable as academic education. By its very nature, the mission of Campus Ministry at St. Pius X embodies a commitment to youth, Catholic education, our Dominican heritage and traditions, the Church and the community. In the exercise of Campus Ministry, four dimensions of activity emerge as essential to the integrity, identity and mission: pastoral care; spiritual life; liturgical ministries and services; and social justice awareness, education and outreach. The presence of a full-time campus minister as minister, individual, pastoral presence, professional and teacher renders service to the entire school faith community, including students, faculty, staff, administrators, parents/ guardians, alumni, benefactors and their collective families.
Retreats
All students are required annually to attend a retreat as part of the theology curriculum. The freshmen and sophomore retreats are one-day, while the junior and senior retreats are overnight. Class retreat dates are posted on the website.
Semester exam schedules are posted on the website. Please remember to arrange for student transportation on exam days.
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School Events Academic Rally
St. Pius X hosts the Middle School Academic Rally. Preliminary rounds are held on January 29 with final rounds on January 30. Middle school students from all of metropolitan Houston attend. The event is sponsored by the National Honor Society. Many ninth graders volunteer to help with the event.
Homecoming
Homecoming Week begins October 13. Each year, Student Council selects a theme for the week and plans activities pitting classes against each other to raise school spirit to new highs. Seniors are nominated for Homecoming Queen and King by popular vote of the senior class; the top girls and boys are named to the Homecoming Court. During Homecoming Week, the entire student body votes on the Queen and King. The Booster Club hosts a Homecoming dance on October 17 primarily for current students. Dress is semi-formal. Mums and garters are worn at School on the Friday of Homecoming Week. That day, students also may wear their Homecoming shirts, which may be purchased from Student Council. The site of the dance and the cost of tickets will be announced in September. Please check the School website for the most current information.
Project Prom
Project Prom is a safe, adult-supervised, drug and alcoholfree party sponsored by St. Pius X High School. The goal is to involve parents in a formal program to keep their children safe during the hours of midnight and 6 a.m. after Prom. Students will enjoy refreshments, entertainment and will have the chance to win great prizes they may want to take to college.
School Dances
Campus organizations sponsor various dances throughout the year, from a back-to-school dance in August to the Senior Prom in April. School dances are for St. Pius X students and their guests only. Students may be allowed one guest if permission is received from the Dean of Students at least one week prior to the dance.
Honoring Achievements Veritas Ring Ceremony
The Junior Veritas Ring ceremony will be held on May 1. The ceremony, at which juniors receive their class rings, is incorporated into Mass and marks the point at which juniors formally take on the responsibility of being leaders of the School. Refreshments are served after the event (coat-andtie/church-dress attire). Rings are available for purchase in November of the junior year from a vendor approved by the St. Pius X administration. Only the St. Pius X class ring is presented during the Liturgy.
National Honor Society
In the spring, the National Honor Society (NHS) initiates its new members. Students are “tapped� or selected and then are formally inducted into NHS during the Induction Ceremony on May 4. Parents/guardians are welcome to attend.
Senior Awards
Senior Awards Day is May 20. Seniors, their families and the entire St. Pius X student body attend the event, which is held in the Herzstein Gym. Underclassmen wear dress uniform, and seniors wear cap and gown. A reception hosted by the Parent Association is held afterwards for graduates and their families.
Sports Awards
Athletic awards are given three times a year. Athletes from sports recently concluded assemble, and awards are given in each sport. The Booster Club sponsors an awards dinner for participating athletes before each ceremony. Parents/ guardians are welcome to attend the dinner for a nominal charge. Contact the Booster Club to assist with these events.
Underclass Awards
Underclass Awards are given prior to spring/semester exams in an all-school assembly on May 16. Recognition is given for honor roll and in each course for academic accomplishment. Parents/guardians are welcome to attend. This is a dress uniform day for students.
Senior Prom
Senior Prom, a formal dance, will be held on April 16. Guests of St. Pius X students must be cleared with the Dean of Students at least one week before the dance.
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Athletics Eligibility
Students must be academically eligible to participate in athletics (see Student Handbook for rules of eligibility). In addition, athletic fees must be paid, permission slips must be signed and students’ health records must be current. Students must also be in good disciplinary standing to participate.
Cheerleaders
The coach is Gloria Kimball. Tryouts are held in April each year. Junior varsity and varsity squads are chosen by a panel of outside judges. Cheerleaders perform at pep rallies and home football, basketball and volleyball games and outside competitions.
Managers and Scorekeepers
Each varsity team has managers and scorekeepers, who travel with the team. Managers/scorekeepers are selected by the coaches.
Practice Times
Normal practice time for most sports is 3:30-6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some sports practice before school.
Sports Uniforms
St. Pius X provides uniforms, except shoes, gloves and extras, for all sports. (Girls sometimes must provide their own shorts.) Other equipment is often required. Students are charged an athletic fee when selected for a team and listed on the roster at the first game for the remainder of the Pantherettes season. The athletic fee for football, rugby and lacrosse is Page 3 are the The team director is Amber Benn. The Pantherettes $100 and $75 for all other sports. The fee must be paid prior St. Pius X drill and dance team. Tryouts are 2012-13 in April and are Parent Panther to a student’s participation in that sport. open to all grade levels, including freshmen. The team is chosen by a panel of outside judges. The Pantherettes perSummer Camps form at pep rallies and home football and basketball games. Summer camps are posted on the website. Usually, students receive letters at home announcing summer schedules.
Letter Jackets
Letter jackets are supplied to athletes by the Booster Club for those students who have played two varsity sports for a minimum of two consecutive years or one sport for three years.
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Weight Room
The weight room is available to all students at scheduled times (unless in use by SPX sports team or organized extracurricular club) with SPX faculty/staff/coach supervision. Contact Athletic Director Jason Kimball for more information.
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Fall Sports
Football
Coach: Stephen Hill Sophomore, JV and Varsity Teams Practice begins - Early August Competition ends - November Practice location - St. Pius X football field Games - Sophomore/JV - Thursday Varsity - Friday or Saturday
Volleyball
Coach: Justyna Brewczyk Tryouts - Early August Practice begins - Early August Competition ends - November Practice location - St. Pius X gym Competitions - Two games a week plus some tournament play Approximately 14 girls per team are selected.
Cross Country
Coach: Erin Van Wassenhove Any student is eligible. Practice begins - Early August Competition ends Late October/Early November Practice location - St. Pius X and surrounding neighborhood Competitions - Friday afternoons, Saturday mornings
Winter Sports Soccer
Coaches: Boys - Nick Merricks Girls - Amir Seliman Boys and Girls varsity soccer teams have approximately 20 players each. Practice begins - Early October Competition ends - Early February Practice location - St. Pius X football field Competitions - Two games a week plus weekend tournaments
Basketball
Coaches: Boys - Brandon Scott Girls - Mary Gleason Tryouts - October (Sophomore, JV and Varsity Teams) Practice begins - Late October Competition ends - February Practice location - St. Pius X gyms Competitions - Two games a week plus weekend tournaments
Swimming
Coach: Richard Butler Tryouts - January Practice begins in January (practice is before school) Competition ends - March Competitions - Meets on weekends
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Golf
Spring Sports
Coach: Marilyn Hardy Tryouts - February (Boys and Girls Teams) Practice begins - March Competition ends - May Practice location - Area golf courses Competition - Tournaments are held on school days
Lacrosse
Boys Coach: Matt Carr Girls Coach: Caroline McClean Tryouts - late January (Boys and Girls) Practice begins - late January Competition ends - April or May Practice location - St. Pius X campus
Coach: Charles Johnson Tryouts - Sophomore, JV and Varsity teams Practice begins - February Competition ends - May Practice location - St. Pius X baseball field Competitions - Two games a week and weekend tournaments
Softball
Coach: Armando Tello Tryouts - February (JV and Varsity teams) Practice begins - February Competition ends - May Practice location - St. Pius X softball field Competitions - Two games a week and weekend tournaments
Tennis
Coach: Hernan Guerva Tryouts - February Practice begins - February Competition ends - April Competition - Matches are during the week Page and weekend tournaments.
Track and Field
Baseball
Rugby
Boys Coach: David Selby
3 Girls Coach: Danny Naccalban Tryouts - late January (Boys and Girls) 2012-13 Panther Parent
Coach: Phil Van Cleave Tryouts - late January (Varsity only) Practice begins - February Competition ends - April or May Practice locations - St. Pius X campus and surrounding neighborhood
Practice begins - late January Competition ends - April or May Practice location - St. Pius X campus
Student Clubs, Organizations & Ministries Please consult the student handbook for additional information on clubs and organizations. Students are encouraged to actively participate in School organizations. Most organizations meet monthly or bi-monthly, at lunchtime or just after school. Before joining a club, students should decide if they are able to fulfill club membership requirements. Listed below are St. Pius X clubs and their faculty sponsors. American Pop Club: Jennifer Boyles Anime Club: Mildred Johnson ‘77 Art Club: Justyna Brewczyk Band: Robert Carlin w Best Buddies: Trudi Dattilo Black History Club: Eva Dix ‘08 Catholic Squires: Jason Kimball and Victor Takacs Concert Chorale: Patrick Spedale w Campus Singers: Patrick Spedale w Cheerleaders: Gloria Kimball Close Up: Victor Takacs Del Sarto Yearbook: Georgi Beissner ’87 w Dr. Who Club: Mildred Johnson ‘77 Energy Club: Trisha Dunn French Club: Hannah Dyer-Holzhauer Girls Rugby Club: Leslie Taft-Pauls Handbell Choir/Beppo’s Bells: Marge Harris Honor Board: Chip Burgin and Judy Cusimano International Club: Kathryn Anderson wCo-Curricular Credit
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International Thespian Society: Jeff Galligan JCDA: Denise Lloyd Latin Club: Tim Wood Liturgical Ministry: Patrick Spedale National Honor Society: Susi ’69 and Gary West Peer Helpers: Jennifer Boyles Preaching Team: Patrick Spedale Robotics: Trisha Dunn Raffle Promotions Committee (RPC): Cathy Pawlowski Reading Club: Judy Cusimano Retreat Ministry: Patrick Spedale Science Club: Trisha Dunn Spanish Club: Conchita Barquin-Moreno Student Council: Kim Holik ‘91 Theatre SPX: Jeff Galligan TAPPS Academic Teams:v Michelle Broussard Video Game Club: Mildred Johnson ‘77 Writer’s Club/Literary Magazine: Michelle Broussard
Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools
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Advancement How Can I Advance the Mission of St. Pius X High School? When the Dominican Sisters of Houston founded St. Pius X High School in 1956, it was with the goal of providing an affordable Catholic education in the Dominican tradition to the young women and men of Northwest Houston. Today, while the demographics of the School have changed, and it now mirrors the face of the city, the mission remains the same: Prayer, Study, Community, Preaching - this is Dominican education at St. Pius X High School. Inspired by Veritas, young men and women embrace academic excellence and integ-
rity, celebrate the community’s diverse gifts and heritage and embody social justice and service. The School Board seeks to balance reasonable tuition charges with the costs necessary to retain an outstanding faculty and to implement the programs which make the School unique. The resources for other necessities, such as capital improvements and expanded programs, come from other sources. Here are ways in which you can help augment these additional resources.
Annual Giving Programs
The Annual Gala
St. Pius X High School focuses its fundraising on the SPX Fund Drive and the Raffle. The SPX Fund supports the general operating budget of the School that helps pay for tuition, maintenance to the grounds, and facilities and utilities. Launched in the fall of each year, it is an opportunity for alumni, current and past parents and friends of the School to offer their financial support of the daily mission of St. Pius X. Donors who contribute at the St. Pius X Society level ($1,500) receive an invitation to our annual Pillars Society Event and additional donor benefits. Benefactors who join the Leaders in Veritas Circle through a donation of $5,000 receive an invitation to selected donor events and additional donor benefits. The Raffle is the student equivalent to the SPX Fund Drive. Each year students are expected to sell a minimum of $320 in raffle tickets. The proceeds benefit the general operating budget. Students are offered incentives, such as holidays and prizes, to reach certain sales goals. Raffle season begins in January and concludes with the Raffle drawing in March.
The St. Pius X Gala: The Name of the Game - Celebrating 60 Years of SPX Athletics will be held on Saturday, October 24. The black-tie optional dinner/dance features live, silent and big board auctions. The event benefits the Foundation endowment.
Enrollment
Promote St. Pius X among your friends, fellow parishioners and coworkers as an environment in which children are challenged to grow and test their talents. A healthy enrollment supports the growth of the School.
Set the World Ablaze
The Set the World Ablaze campaign is the School’s most ambitious fundraiser yet. The campaign is raising funds for a new science building, additional classroom space, and modernization of the core campus. The support of the entire School community is integral to its success.
Other Ways to Support St. Pius X High School Matching Gifts
Many companies will match their employees’ contributions to nonprofit organizations. Should your employer be a matching gift company, you may double or triple the amount of your gift to St. Pius X.
Restricted Gifts You may direct your gift to a specific interest at St. Pius X such as baseball, choir, library, in memory of a loved one, etc. Planned Gifts
If you are interested in leaving a gift to St. Pius X in your will, there are several options available.
Volunteer Your time and dedication to St. Pius X are invaluable gifts and can be utilized in many areas of the School. If interested in any of these opportunities, please contact the Office of Advancement at 713.579.7512.
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Parent Involvement Parent Association About
The Parent Association of St. Pius X High School is an organization which provides parents and guardians an opportunity to meet and get to know one another while performing valuable services for the SPX community. While volunteering, parents and guardians play an important role at SPX, sharing their knowledge and talents, and serving on the various committees. Our volunteer activities range from working at New Family Night to serving lunch at Grandparent’s Day. Come and be a part of the Raffle Committee or help host our Junior Ring Ceremony or the Senior Breakfast. Whatever your interests may be, you are investing in your child’s future by being involved and setting a wonderful example of your willingness to sacrifice your time and talents to offer your student the best possible secondary educational experience.
Meetings
All St. Pius X parents are members of the Parent Association. The group provides an excellent opportunity to meet fellow parents and work on projects to benefit the School. The Parent Association meets twice yearly on Wednesday, September 2, 2015, and Wednesday, January 13, 2016, at 6 p.m. in the Lilly Conference Room.
Officers
Officers are elected in the spring for the following school year. This year’s officers are: President - Michael Paneral Vice President - Felecia Evans-Smith Secretary - Patricia Winfree Treasurer - TBD Hospitality - Tom Cronin & Helen Sestak Fashion Show Chair - Cara Wagert
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Booster Club Meetings
The Booster Club conducts business to support St. Pius X Athletics. St. Pius X parents, alumni and friends of St. Pius X make up the Booster Club. Meetings are held once a month at 6 p.m. in the Frost Cafeteria. Please check the website for dates.
The St. Pius X Booster Club Golf Classic is held each spring. Tournament planning begins in September. To volunteer, please contact Jackie Vitulli, the Booster Club president.
The Panther’s Den
Officers
The Booster Club has a store, the Panther’s Den located in the Frost Cafeteria, filled with lots of Panther merchandise and apparel. The Panthers’ Den will be open on Fridays during lunch.
President - Jackie Vitulli Vice-President - Beth Culver Secretary - Sherrell Yarborough Treasurer - Terrie Sechrist Elections for new officers will be held at the final Booster Club meeting of the year, usually in May.
Concession Stands
Golf Tournament
The Booster Club retains proceeds from concession stand sales at all home games. Parents volunteer to work concessions. If you are interested in working a game, please contact the Booster Club. Parents with children in a sport are encouraged to work at least one game a season.
Panther Den clothing is not St. Pius X High School dress code apparel unless stated in the Student Handbook. Please refer to the Student Handbook for proper uniform dress code.
Meet the Teachers Parents are invited to visit with teachers informally at any St. Pius X function and can schedule a parent/teacher meeting when needed. Parents have the opportunity to meet all teachers at Follow the Schedule Night, August 26 at 6:30 p.m. Parents are asked to communicate any concerns directly to the teacher. Email is a great way to keep in regular contact with teachers. All teachers’ email addresses are lastnamefirstinitial@stpiusx.org (ei. John Smith, smithj@stpiusx.org).
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2015-16 Parent Association Calendar of Events August 10 Transfer Orientation New Family Night 11 Ninth Grade Orientation 26 Follow the Schedule Night
6:30 p.m.
Auditorium
6:30 p.m.
Auditorium
September 2 Parent Association Meeting 6 p.m. 3 12th Grade Parent/Counselor Meeting 6:30 p.m. 15 Progress Report Conferences 4-7 p.m. October 5 College Night 7 9th Grade Parent/Counselor Meeting 28 Grandparents Day
6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 11:30 a.m.
Lilly Conference Room Auditorium
Strake Jesuit Auditorium Herzstein Gym
November 5 Open House 7 p.m. January 6 11th Grade Parent/Counselor Meeting 6:30 p.m. 13 Parent Association Meeting 6 p.m. 27 10th Grade Parent/Counselor Meeting 6:30 p.m.
Auditorium Lilly Conference Room Auditorium
February 6 Fashion Show 9 Progress Report Conferences
11 a.m. 4-7 p.m.
Westin Memorial City
March 14-18 Spring Break 31 Meet the Panthers
6:30 p.m.
Panther Stadium
April 5 Incoming Ninth Grade Registration
3:30-9 p.m.
May 1 20
10:30 a.m. 10 a.m.
Veritas Junior Ring Ceremony Senior Breakfast
Auditorium The Commons/Frost Cafeteria
If interested in volunteering for any of these events, please contact Cathy Pawlowski in the Office of Advancement at 713.579.7515 or at pawlowskic@stpiusx.org. For the most up-to-date calendar, visit stpiusx.org/calendar.
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Reference Sources Student/Parent/Guardian Handbook
The Student Handbook, with the complete set of rules and regulations, is printed at the front of the student Time Tracker organizer and can be found on the student and parent portals on the school website. Students are issued this book at the beginning of the school year and are encouraged to use it as directed. Parents must sign the acceptable computer use policy and the AlcoholEdu release form and return it to their theology teacher in mid-August.
Pius X News
Pius X News is the St. Pius X High School magazine published two times a year with a spring and summer edition. Published by the Office of Advancement, it highlights events and people during the school year, including students, faculty/staff, alumni, current parents and friends of the School. Please contact Director of Communications Deanna Werner at wernerd@stpiusx.org for newsworthy information you would like submitted to the magazine. Alumni Class Notes should be submitted for these publications to the Director of Alumni Relations Monica E. Clem at clemm@stpiusx.org.
St. Pius X Website
The Administration of St. Pius X is committed to making the website a viable resource for students, parents, 3 a source of the latest information St. Pius X needs to commualumni and donors. Please rememberPage this as nicate. Sports schedules, lunch menus, the calendar 2012-13school Panther Parent and virtually everything else relating to St. Pius X is posted on the website. In addition, teachers post homework assignments on their online classrooms. Go to the St. Pius X website, stpiusx.org, for more information.
Other Information Drug Testing
St. Pius X High School has a random drug testing program in place. The program seeks to promote the health and safety of our students, to weaken the effects of peer pressure by giving a student a legitimate reason to refuse to partake in drug use, and to encourage students who uses illegal drugs to seek appropriate help and treatment.
Anti-Bullying Initiative
In fulfillment of the mission of St. Pius X High School to “celebrate the community’s diverse gifts and heritage� each person is recognized as a unique individual bringing gifts and talents to share and having a right to be respected and bearing the responsibility to respect others. Therefore, we do not tolerate bullying or harassment in any form. All members of our community are committed to ensuring a safe and supportive environment which promotes personal growth and fosters positive self-esteem. We aim to maintain a setting in which everyone feels valued and respected and where individual differences are appreciated and accepted.
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2015-16 Panther Parent
St. Pius X High School Mission Statement Prayer, Study, Community, Preaching - this is Dominican education at St. Pius X High School. Inspired by Veritas, young men and women embrace academic excellence and integrity, celebrate the community’s diverse gifts and heritage, and embody social justice and service.
811 W. Donovan Street Houston, TX 77091-5643 Phone 713.692.3581 Fax 713.692.5725 stpiusx.org