December 8, 2023

We are incredibly proud of the many resources that Assumption provides students, especially in the Achievement Center. The Achievement Center (AC), which is located in the Media Center, is available to every student at all grade levels and provides both long-term and “just-in-time” support in all content areas. The AC also aids in skill development including time management, organizational and study skills, and research and test-taking skills. It is staffed by full-time teachers Pam Conway, Angela Renz, and Aricka Prentice. In addition to these teachers, there is also at least one full-time English teacher available every block to support student learning. The AC is open to students before, during, and after school to accommodate busy schedules and individual academic needs. Student academic leaders are also a vital part of the Achievement Center. Peer tutors and coordinated study groups are available on Wednesday mornings and throughout the school day. 

To assist in preparation for final exams, this week students have been invited by the Achievement Center teachers to form study groups during exam week. Students may also come to study independently during this time. If your daughter would benefit from the help of the AC during final exams, please encourage her to RSVP to attend one or more of the study sessions offered below as only 75 students may be accepted per study session. Study sessions will take place on the following dates:  

  • Thursday, December 14, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.  
  • Friday, December 15, from 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. and 12:15 – 2:30 p.m.  
  • Monday, December 18, from 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. and 12:15 – 2:30 p.m.  
  • Tuesday, December 19, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. 
  • Wednesday, December 20, from 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. 
  • Thursday, December 21, from 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. 

Immaculate Conception Mass 

This morning, Assumption celebrated the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We reflected on how this day is meant to honor Mary, who lived her life in devotion to God and her son, Jesus Christ. Mary is a model of what it means to to be a disciple of Jesus, even through difficult times. We were challenged to consider how we can best follow God, and how we can live our life according to the teachings of Jesus. #FaithGuides

PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS EVENTS:  The following events will take place next week in the theater showcasing our Fine and Performing Arts programs: 

  • Introduction to Theatre Showcase – Monday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m. – free 
  • Visual Arts Department Art Show – Tuesday, December 12 at 6:30 p.m. – free  
  • Performing Arts Winter Music Concert -Thursday, December 14, at 6:30 p.m. – Admission is $5  
  • Humanities II Extravaganza – Friday, December 15 at 6:30 p.m.- $1 advanced purchased tickets- no tickets sold at the door.  

EXAM AND REVIEW DAY SCHEDULES: First semester review days and exams will be held from Thursday, December 14 to Thursday, December 21.  The schedule for each day is listed below.  Please note we will start at 8:15 a.m. on review days and dismiss at 12:30 p.m.; we will begin each exam day at 9:15 a.m. and dismiss at 12:15 p.m. Before-school supervision will be provided in the cafeteria as usual beginning at 7:15 a.m. each day; however, there will be no after-school supervision in the cafeteria on review or exam days. Please note – Early Building Closure: Our building, including the main office, will close at 4:00 p.m. on December 14-20 and will close early at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 20 for a faculty/staff luncheon.   

Thursday, December 14: Day 1/3 Review Day 

  • A Block:  8:15-9:15 
  • B Block:  9:20-10:20 
  • C Block:  10:30-11:25 
  • D Block:  11:35-12:30 (dismissal) 

Friday, December 15  

  • A Block:  9:15-10:40  
  • B Block:  10:55-12:15 (dismissal)  

Monday, December 18  

  • C Block:  9:15-10:40  
  • D Block:  10:55-12:15 (dismissal) 

Tuesday, December 19: Day 2/4 Review Day 

  • E Block:  8:15-9:15 
  • F Block:  9:25-10:20 
  • G Block: 10:30-11:25 
  • H Block: 11:35 a.m.-12:30 (dismissal) 

Wednesday, December 20  

  • E Block:  9:15-10:40 
  • F Block:  10:55-12:15 (dismissal)  

Thursday, December 21 

  • G Block:  9:15-10:40 
  • **H Block:  10:55-12:15 (dismissal)  

**Students who have H block STUDY on their schedule may leave at 10:40 on Friday (after the G block exam period) if they would like.  Those who choose to stay will need to report to cafeteria where they will be supervised until dismissal at 12:15 p.m.  

ABSENCE DURING EXAMS: A doctor’s note is required to make up any missed exam.  Makeup exams will be given on Friday, December 22 at 9:00 a.m. in Room 204; students need to bring their doctor’s notes in advance or bring them with them on December 22 to be eligible to take a makeup exam. 

BEFORE- AND AFTER-SCHOOL SUPERVISION ON EXAM DAYS: Final exams begin next week! Before-school supervision will be provided in the cafeteria as usual beginning at 7:15 a.m. each day, and FLIK will be selling a variety of breakfast items from 8:30-9:15 a.m. each exam day.  Please note: There will be no after-school supervision in the cafeteria on these days. Please make arrangements for your daughter to be picked up each day within 10-15 minutes after dismissal.  

CHRISTMAS BREAK: Assumption will be closed for Christmas Break from December 22 – January 7. Classes will resume on Monday, January 8.   

ASSUMPTION PARENT PRAYER: Our parent prayer group met for the last time this semester and will begin again on January 9, 2024. We wish all our families a blessed Christmas season.  

ADVENT AT ASSUMPTION: This year Advent runs from December 3 through Christmas Eve. As the beginning of a new liturgical year in the Church, it is a time of joyful anticipation as we prepare to celebrate the Jesus’ birth on Christmas. Please encourage your daughters to participate in our Advent offerings: 

  • Each school day, students will receive a daily Advent reading and reflection with an invitation to participate in activity to spread kindness and joy throughout the school.  
  • We will celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary with a whole-school Mass on Friday, December 8 at 10:20 a.m. at St. Raphael. 
  • Students are invited to attend an optional prayer service in the chapel during LEAD & Learn time on Monday, December 11. 
  • Students can experience the Sacrament of Reconciliation during their lunch period on Tuesday, December 12. They need to complete the survey they received via email to be scheduled for confession. 

PRAYER INTENTIONS: The Community of Assumption knows the power of prayer! All AHS parents and alumnae are invited to submit prayer intentions online. These intentions are then lifted in prayer all together during Five-Minute Prayer in the chapel on Wednesdays and weekly on the PA during morning prayer. If you would like to submit an intention, you can do so here. They will remain there for about two weeks, but feel free to post the same intention again later if needed. Also, you may wish to consider adding the intentions you find there to your own personal prayer! 

WORK IT WEDNESDAY – DECEMBER SCHEDULE: The Achievement Center will be hosting one more Work It Wednesdays for this semester on December 13. Students are invited to come to the Media Center from 7:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. to receive extra support in their classes from peer tutors, study groups, or the AC teachers. We ask students to please RSVP in advance.

STUDY GROUP OPPORTUNITIES DURING EXAM WEEK:  Students have been invited by the Achievement Center teachers to form study groups during exam week. Students may also come to study independently during this time. All students MUST RSVP to attend, as we will only accept 75 students per study session. Please encourage your daughters to take advantage of this opportunity. Study sessions will take place on the following dates:

  • Thursday, December 14, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
  • Friday, December 15, from 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. and 12:15 – 2:30 p.m.
  • Monday, December 18, from 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. and 12:15 – 2:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, December 19, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, December 20, from 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.
  • Thursday, December 21, from 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.

HIGH SCHOOL PLACEMENT TEST: On Saturday, December 9, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., we will welcome prospective incoming freshman students to Assumption for the High School Placement Test (HSPT).  We are looking forward to meeting our newest students – the Class of 2028!

SECOND SEMESTER SCHEDULES: Hard copies of the second semester schedules will be given to students during homeroom on Monday, January 8. Students will have homeroom scheduled first on this day. Students will need to report to homeroom FIRST when they return to school. Students have already had the opportunity to meet with their deans with any scheduling questions.  Drop/Add for second semester elective courses ends on Wednesday, January 17. Any elective schedule change request must be accompanied by a note from a parent and any necessary teacher signatures and recommendations.

SECOND SEMESTER BOOKS: Christmas break is a good time to check and make sure students have all of their second semester books. Please go to https://bnck-12.com/ahsrockets to review this list.

FIRST SEMESTER GRADE REPORTS: First semester grade reports will be emailed to parents no later than Monday, January 8. 

UNIFORM UPKEEP: We have asked the students to take care of any uniform issues over Christmas break. Skirts have started to get shorter and hems are falling. Also, please make sure your daughter has the official AHS uniform sweater or quarter-zip sweatshirt to wear over her uniform shirt in these colder months. Additionally, black leggings or tights are allowed to be worn, so those might make great Christmas gifts for your daughter. Please assist your daughter in evaluating her current uniform status and take care of any uniform upkeep so that we can start off second semester as well as we did first semester. We sincerely appreciate your help and cooperation!

ATTENDANCE: Please be sure to contact the school if your daughter will be absent or needs to arrive to school late. Absences must be reported to the attendance office so that we are informed of the safety and well-being of your child. Please call the school or email attendance@ahsrockets.org to report absences or planned late arrivals. In addition, planned absences must be reported to the attendance office at least 1 week prior to the absence. Request for approval of planned absences can be submitted to attendance@ahsrockets.org. Please note that absences prior to and right after holidays/breaks require a doctor’s note in order to be excused. Special circumstances can be communicated in email to Kamaria Wesley, Dean of Students, at Kamaria.Wesley@ahsrockets.org.

DRIVING PERMIT TEST FORM: Kentucky requires that your daughter obtains a School Compliance Form from her high school for her to take the driving permit test. If your daughter is planning to take her permit test over the Christmas break and she has not obtained this form, please contact the school before Thursday, December 21 at 1:00 p.m. The office will not open again until Monday, January 8 at 7:00 a.m., so please plan ahead to obtain this form to ensure your daughter can take her test at her scheduled time. Per DMV requirements, this form cannot be emailed, scanned or faxed; therefore, the original copy will need to be mailed or picked up at school. Please call 502-458-9551, option ”0” if you need further assistance regarding this issue before Friday, December 16.

FAIR TRADE SHOPPING WEEK: The Environmental Concerns Committee is hosting a fair-trade shopping week at Just Creations, 2722 Frankfort Avenue, from December 11 to December 16.  The ECC will receive 15% of any sales during that time if you mention at checkout that you are part of the Assumption High School community.  You may also shop online at Just Creations.  Just put Assumption High School in the Shopping Cart Order Notes.  Join the ECC as they support a store that not only protects the rights and dignity of workers but also strives for environmental sustainability!

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS: Scholarship applications for the 2024-2025 school year are now on our website. Applications are due via email by 8:00 p.m. on January 15, 2024, via this link: Scholarship-Directory-2024-2025.pdf (ahsrockets.org). Our Advancement Services Manager, Jackie Bloyd, is happy to answer any questions you may have about scholarships or the application and awards process and can be reached at Jackie.Bloyd@ahsrockets.org.  

OUTSTANDING TUITION AND FEES: As stated in our financial policies, which are contained in the Student-Parent Handbook, a student may not take her semester exams and may not begin the second semester on January 8, 2024, if her account is not current.  Your daughter will not be allowed to take her semester exams scheduled for December 15-21, 2023, or begin the second semester if there is an outstanding balance on the account. We want to avoid any embarrassment to your daughter. Please be sure you have addressed any outstanding balances by December 12, 2023.  Payment may be made by cash, certified check, or money order. Thank you for your continued cooperation and the many sacrifices you make to send your daughter to Assumption.  Questions regarding your account balance should be addressed to the finance director, Sarah Branham, at 271-2520.

FINANCIAL AID FORM: The financial aid link for the 2024-2025 school year has been added to the school’s website. The due date is January 31, 2024, and the form must be submitted online to FACTS Grant and Aid Assessment.  FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION LINK. As a reminder, you are required to file every year to receive assistance.

GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL FOR ENTREPRENEURS (GSE): Applications for Kentucky’s Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs Summer Startup program are available HERE now! This program for future business leaders teaches collaboration and innovation in a three-week on-campus program. Kentucky high school students in grades 9, 10, and 11 are eligible to apply. Many area colleges offer scholarships for GSE attendees. If you would like to learn more, you can register for a virtual information session at THIS LINK.

AP EXAMS: If your daughter is taking an AP course this year, she has been busy signing up for AP college exams and AP portfolio submissions. These AP courses will be administered the first few weeks of May at Assumption High School. AP exam and AP portfolio submission invoices will be sent to parents via email from Blackbaud Tuition Management in January. Please take a moment to talk with your daughter about the exams she is registered to take.  Exam art portfolio submissions are $98 each except for AP Research and AP Seminar which are $146 each. For more information about AP exams and CollegeBoard, visit https://parents.collegeboard.org/college-board-programs/advanced-placement-program. Please contact Judy.Fieldhouse@ahsrockets.org or Kathy.Fleischer@ahsrockets.org if you have any questions.

END-OF-YEAR FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN: Last week on Giving Tuesday, we launched our end-of-year fundraising campaign. Our goal is to reach 900 donors by December 31, representing the number of students we educate, and the number of reasons to give, as every student is a reason to support AHS. Help us reach our goal by sharing this giving site with others and making a donation today.More info, contact ABBY MARTIN.

ROCKET SPECTACULAR BENEFIT DINNER AND AUCTION 2024: February 3, 2024. Get your tickets now for a “Bubbly” good time at Assumption’s 43rd annual Rocket Spectacular Benefit Dinner & Auction on Saturday, February 3, 2024. We’re expecting this to be a sold-out event. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR ROCKET SPECTACULAR 2024 TICKETS! Reservations are subject to availability. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A FREE TUITION TICKET. Only 300 tickets will be sold, so don’t wait…get yours today! DONATIONS NEEDED: We need your help with donations toward our silent and live auctions and the bourbon pull. For more information on how to help support the event, click here or call Tricia Ferree at (502)271-2519 by January 15.

ASSUMPTION ROCKET MEN (ARM):  We encourage you (an AHS father, father of alumna[e]), grandfather, or father figure) to be a part of this group! This organization helps with school needs and events on an as-needed basis. If interested, use this link: https://forms.office.com/r/2MRUDyR5EJ Questions? Contact Tricia Ferree tricia.ferree@ahsrockets.org or Chad Dierken at 502.939.3175.

CAMPUS STORE CHRISTMAS HOURS:  The Assumption Campus Store is a great place to shop for your favorite Rocket!  Stop by during our regular hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., or on the dates listed below. We also have an online store with shipping and local pickup available. Please note that all online Christmas orders must be placed by the following dates: Custom embroidery – December 5 & ship to home – December 18. All orders must be picked up by 8:00 p.m. on December 21.  Additional Christmas holiday hours will be:

  • Saturday, December 9, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Placement Test)
  • Saturday, December 16, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (holiday hours)
  • Wednesday, December 20, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. (holiday hours)
  • Thursday, December 21, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. (holiday hours)
  • Note: The store will close early on Thursday, December 21 at 1:00 p.m.

SENIOR YEARBOOK TRIBUTES – DEADLINE EXTENDED: The deadline to purchase a Senior Tribute in the 2024 Rosecast yearbook has passed, but we have received several requests to extend the deadline. We are happy to announce that the deadline has been extended and late fee waived for senior tributes purchased by Wednesday, December 13. Please refer to the updated letter for information regarding sizing, pricing, and the contract which reflects the new deadline. We appreciate the support and look forward to creating an ad that your daughter will cherish for years to come. Please contact Melissa Fette directly at Melissa.fette@ahsrockets.org with any questions.

ACTS PANTS REMINDER: This is a reminder that all sophomores will need uniform pants in order to participate in ACTS next semester. The first ACTS service day is Wednesday, January 17. They are black pants with an embroidered “A” and can be purchased at Shaheen’s. If your student does not have hers yet, please be sure to take care of this over Christmas break. If you have any questions, please reach out to katie.culver@ahsrockets.org.

The Rocket Speech and Debate Team whotraveled to Union, Kentucky, to compete in the Boone/Ryle Tournament last weekend. The following students won Speaker Awards for their outstanding performance in the tournament:  Stelle Bensenhaver, Sydney Doyle, Erin Hynes, Elizabeth Buttes, and Nikita Nair.  Additionally, the debate team of Stelle Bensenhaver and Elizabeth Buttes won 3rd place, Agnes Boyer placed 7th in Program of Oral Interpretation, Leah Johnson placed 7th in Original Oratory, and the team of Nair and Boyer won 5th place in Duo Improv.  Audrey True won first place in the Novice division of Lincoln Douglas Debate.  Overall, the entire team received the 3rd place Sweepstakes award for their overall points earned!

Congratulations to:

  • The Cross Country team for placing 7th at the Nike Cross Nationals!
  • The Archery team for winning their first tournament of the season at Notre Dame Academy.
  • The Basketball team for defeating Western Hills College of Australia 58-44 and Christian Academy 57-52.  The freshman team also got a win in their first game of the year, defeating Christian Academy 41-25.

Friday, December 8

  • Cheer State @ George Rogers Clark HS 5:16 p.m.
  • Varsity Basketball vs Brown 6:00pm

Saturday, December 9

  • Swim @ Eastern Invite @ UL
  • Archery @ Manual Shootout

Sunday, December 10

  • Dance @ State @ George Rogers Clark HS.  Jazz 1:20 p.m., Hip Hop 6:25 p.m.
  • Basketball @ Sacred Heart. Freshmen 3:00 p.m., JV 4:30 p.m., Varsity 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 12

  • Varsity Basketball @ Collegiate 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 14

  • JV Basketball @ Providence 6:00 p.m.