Rocket Report – Friday, September 10, 2021
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Today was a very exciting day as we held our annual Walk for Assumption kick-off assembly outdoors. It was a beautiful day to come together as a community and join in some fun, school-spirited activities! After the assembly, our family council leaders talked to your daughters about the importance of financial aid. They reminded them that participating in the walk is one way they can help secure the future of AHS by contributing to our financial aid funds. They also reminded them that we all have a responsibility to look to the future of our school. They charged all of us to “be the key” to help secure our future by being an advocate for Assumption in their own communities. As we prepare to recruit and “unlock new doors” for the prospective members of the Class of 2026, we remembered that our entire community has a hand in building the future of Assumption High School and we can’t wait to see what that future holds!
HEALTHY AT SCHOOL: We continue to monitor the ever-changing situation regarding COVID while providing our students every opportunity possible to enjoy the Assumption experience. As mentioned above, we celebrated our Walk Kick-off today with an all school assembly – our very first since March 2020. We had a beautiful day to host this event and we were thrilled to be able to gather as a whole school outside for the health of our students. Unfortunately, the current COVID situation in Jefferson County is not as positive. Kentucky cases continue to rise due to the Delta variant with a positivity rate at an all-time high of over 14% as of September 9. However, with our safety protocols in place, including masks, we continue to work to minimize the risks of COVID for our school community and meet our overriding goal of maintaining in-person learning.
Since August 11, AHS has had 18 positive COVID cases reported to our local health department which includes 17 students and 1 FLIK staff person. Our vaccination rate for students is increasing and currently 60% of our student body is fully vaccinated.
We appreciate the support of our families as we work together to navigate this pandemic and keep our school open.
CALENDAR NOTES:
- FRESHMAN PARENT MASS: This Mass is a beautiful way to celebrate your freshman daughter’s high school journey as part of a community of faith. It will be celebrated on Sunday, September 12, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Raphael Catholic Church. Please come even if your family isn’t Catholic. Siblings are invited as well – please bring the whole family! We do ask that all in attendance wear masks and to spread out in the church when choosing seating.
- MANDATORY FRESHMAN GUIDANCE PROGRAM: Freshman parents, the last opportunity to attend a mandatory Freshman Parent Drug/Alcohol Education Programs is on Monday, September 13, at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. You do not need to pre-register. This is an important program designed to familiarize you with the school philosophy and policies in drug and alcohol prevention. We know that what parents say and do makes a difference in the choices their daughters make. At this meeting, you will hear from Cindi Baughman, dean of students, and a local therapist from Innerview who will present vital information about drug and alcohol prevention. It is a program that will be worth your time and attention. At least one parent or guardian is required to attend. The link to the Zoom option is here:
Link to Mandatory Freshman Parent Drug/Alcohol Night Option #2
CAMPUS MINISTRY:
- ASSUMPTION PARENT PRAYER: Thank you to our parents who were able to attend our first parent prayers of the school year. Our parent prayer group will continue to meet each Tuesday morning from 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. in our new chapel. Please park in any open space and enter the school through the main entrance. Please join us for any or all of these opportunities!
- GRANDPARENTS DAY: This holiday is celebrated nationally each year on the first Sunday after Labor Day, but at Assumption, we celebrate it in a special way in October. Please invite all grandparents – and the whole family – to mark their calendars for Assumption’s Grandparents Mass on Sunday, October 10, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Raphael Church.
REMINDERS FROM THE MAIN OFFICE:
- ABSENCES & EARLY DISMISSALS: If your daughter is absent or coming in late on any day, please call the attendance line at 502-458-9551, press 1, and report the absence/late arrival before 8:30 a.m. If you need for your daughter to be excused early for a medical appointment, please send a note with your daughter the morning of the early dismissal and have her bring it to the attendance office before 8:05/9:05 a.m. This helps us keep classroom interruptions to a minimum and protects the time for instruction of our students.
- GOING HOME SICK: On a related note, if your daughter contacts you during the day telling you that she is sick and needs to come home, please do not just come to school to pick her up; instead, please call the attendance office/our school nurse, Mrs. Burnam, at 271-2507 and make her aware of the situation. She will find your daughter, assess the situation from a medical perspective, and then give you an update and let you know if you should come to take your daughter home, make arrangements for her to be seen by a doctor, etc.
- REQUESTS FOR EXCUSED ABSENCES: Also, please bear in mind that absences not related to illness/medical appointments need to be approved ahead of time to be excused. To request an excused absence in advance (for something like driver’s testing, a club team competition, a family wedding, etc.), you may email your request to attendance@ahsrockets.org. Requests need to be submitted one to two weeks in advance of the planned absence; we cannot excuse absences if requests are received the school day before or the day of the absence. Remember to review the handbook for all attendance-related information starting on page 41 of the 2021-2022 STUDENT-PARENT HANDBOOK.
NOTES FROM THE ACADEMIC DEANS:
- TESTS AND STRESS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR: As we continue to transition to all in-person school this year, we have noticed that some students are experiencing an increased level of anxiety and stress as they approach the first quizzes and tests of the school year. In any year but especially following a hybrid year, this is not unusual at the high school level as students learn new teachers and coursework expectations as well as return to more traditional assessments in the physical classroom. Our teachers are working with our students on strategies to not only help them be successful on the assessment but to ensure that they are learning the content and skills as well as study strategies to help reduce anxiety and stress. If you have not had a conversation with your daughter about her approach to studying, we would encourage you to take some time over the next week to do so. If you determine that your daughter could benefit from additional support, please don’t hesitate to contact her dean or counselor.
- KHEAA DUAL CREDIT SCHOLARSHIP: If your daughter is taking a dual credit class this semester and qualifies for a KHEAA DUAL CREDIT SCHOLARSHIP or a KHEAA WORK READY DUAL CREDIT SCHOLARSHIP, please have her mark her calendar for Wednesday, September 22. Mrs. Fieldhouse will be meeting with students at 8:30 a.m. on September 22 in the theater to lead them through the steps to have this scholarship sent to the partner institution of UL, WKU, or JCTC. Dual credit information is available on our website here: Dual Credit Information 2021 – 2022
- KEES (Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship) GPA: Parents receiving KEES reports from the KHEAA may notice a difference in the GPA reported on their daughter’s KEES Scholarship report verses the Assumption High School student transcript mailed home to you in July. KHEAA (Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority) and the state of Kentucky use a different GPA scale than Assumption High School; therefore, when calculating your daughter’s GPA for her KEES scholarship money, you will need to use whole numbers for all calculations:
A+, A, and A- = 4.0
B+, B, and B- = 3.0
C+, C, and C- = 2.0
D+, D, and D- = 1.0
F = 0
Please refer to the KHEAA website at KHEAA WEBSITE for more information. Detailed explanations of Assumption’s GPA, grading scale, quality points, and weighted GPA information may be found on page 55 of the 21-22 Student Parent Handbook. You may also contact our registrar KATHY FLEISCHER regarding any questions about your daughter’s transcript.
WALK FOR ASSUMPTION: On Friday, September 24, we will hold our 39th annual Walk for Assumption, an event to which our students make contributions to support financial assistance at Assumption. This year’s theme chosen by the students is “A Walk of Champions”. In order to participate in the Walk for Assumption, students must sell a minimum of three Rocket Raffle tickets and turn in a signed Walk permission form. Tickets cost $25 each, and the purchaser is entered into a drawing for $20,000, which will take place at our Rocket Spectacular on Saturday, January 29, 2022. If the school reaches our goal of 3,000 tickets sold, not only will we have an amazing Walk for Assumption, but students will earn the day off from school on the Friday, April 1, 2022, the Friday before spring break! We are encouraging the girls to reach out not only to their parents but to other people in their lives who would like the opportunity to support her and the community of Assumption through the Walk and the Rocket Raffle. We hope that over the next week you will help your daughter brainstorm ways that she can sell her tickets to help support financial aid and to make the Walk a success!
Collections of the students’ contributions will take place at lunches the weeks of Monday, September 13, and Monday, September 20. The deadline for collection is Wednesday, September 22, at 1:30 p.m.
Walk collection/Walk permission forms for sophomores, juniors, and seniors: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors should turn in their three Rocket Raffle tickets and a signed permission slip by Wednesday, September 22, in order to participate in the Walk. The first three Rocket Raffle tickets and permission slip must be turned in together. Students may continue to turn in Rocket Raffle tickets up until the deadline in order to support our efforts.
WALK CLASS EVENTS: Save the date! Our class officers and moderators are working on plans for pre-walk events for each class on Thursday afternoon/evening, September 23. More details to come next week!
COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION NIGHT: On Monday, September 20, we are hosting a College Financial Aid Information Night beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom for our seniors and their parents. The link will be sent to parents and students prior to the event. Michael Abboud, Associate Director of Financial Aid at the University of Louisville, will be our guest speaker and will walk seniors and parents through all they need to know about financing their college education. If you have any questions, please contact our college counselors, LEIGH JACKSON or KIMBERLY HABICH.
ACADEMIC AWARDS CELEBRATION: Invitations were sent out last Thursday morning to parents via email for our annual Academic Awards Celebration on Sunday, September 26, at 1:00 p.m. At this celebration, we honor the academic accomplishments of the following groups of students – sophomores, juniors, and seniors who earned a 4.0 GPA during the 2020-2021 school year; newly inducted Beta Club members; newly inducted National Honor Society members; freshman McAuley Scholars and newly inducted McAuley Scholars; and seniors recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. We ask parents to check their email closely for information about attendance and the RSVP deadline of September 15. Due to space limitations, we limit guests to two per student. If you have any questions, please contact KATHY FLEISCHER, registrar.
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY: This past week, sophomore and juniors heard information in class meetings about applying to the National Honor Society. While applications won’t be available to sophomores and juniors until January, now is a great time to encourage your daughters to get involved in clubs. One of the requirements necessary for consideration is current involvement in three clubs. For more information about the criteria students must meet, click here: NHS Requirements for Applicants – 2021-22. Questions? Contact Kelly.Kirwan@ahsrockets.org.
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE: The National Honor Society is hosting the fall blood drive on September 20-21 after a two-year hiatus. Interested student donors must be at least 16 years old and may only sign up to donate during study hall. Students who are 16 must have parental permission; students 17 and older may give without parental permission. We encourage you to talk with your daughter if she plans to donate and ensure that she understands the importance of eating well and drinking lots of fluids several days prior to donation day. The Red Cross provides more information for students at this link: Red Cross Student Guide to Blood Donation.pdf. Questions? Contact Kelly.Kirwan@ahsrockets.org
LEAD & LEARN UPDATE: During LEAD & Learn Time this week, students had the opportunity to participate in activities for both direction and engagement. On Tuesday, all classes participated in the first in a monthly series of career guidance lessons spearheaded by our guidance and counseling department. On Thursday, all students received specifics about how to begin the process of engaging in clubs this school year. Next week’s LEAD & Learn Time will continue to offer opportunities for engagement in activities at Assumption as well as offer opportunities for students to engage with their homerooms and classes in class meeting and homeroom.
CLUB WEEK: Is your daughter looking for a way to get involved at Assumption? Here is her chance! Beginning yesterday, we have three dedicated LEAD & Learn Times devoted to getting involved at AHS. On Thursday, September 9, all students met in homerooms during LEAD & Learn Time to receive information about all the clubs and organizations Assumption has to offer, including information about club membership and meeting dates. Whether she is an animal lover or an adventure seeker, we have a club for your Rocket! Students will have the opportunity to attend two club meetings of their choice during Mid-Day LEAD & Learn Time on Monday, September 13, and Friday, September 17. Please encourage your daughter to take full advantage of this chance to explore new opportunities. Students who are not interested in pursuing an open enrollment club will have other sessions to attend where they can explore different topics on leadership and engagement in our community. We hope you will also mark your calendar for September 9-17 and touch base with your daughter about the clubs that she found interesting. A list of the clubs offered is available in the STUDENT-PARENT HANDBOOK. Any questions, please contact THERESA SCHUHMANN.
SCHOOL PICTURES UPDATE: School pictures are available for ordering online. As stated on the card your daughter received after she had her picture taken, please go to this link to order her picture: www.shop.studioillumination.com. Simply enter “AHS” plus your daughter’s Assumption ID number as the code to access your daughter’s picture. Orders can be made online until December 1.
ROCKET NIGHT: Join us for Rocket Night to celebrate past, present, and future Rockets this fall. Field Hockey Rocket Night will be on Thursday, September 16. JV plays at 5:15 p.m., freshmen play at 6:15 p.m., and varsity plays at 7:30 p.m. All grade school students and alumnae will receive FREE admission, and FREE limited-edition t-shirts will be given out to the first 100 future Rockets or alumnae. For more information, click here.
ASSUMPTION PARENT ORGANIZATION (APO) NEWS:
- Walk for Assumption AND Rocket Raffle – It’s here! Today was Walk Kick-Off day! The girls are gearing up for the Walk, which will take place on Friday, September 24. Today, your daughter received four tickets in an envelope. She must sell three to participate in the Walk. Each ticket is $25.00 per chance to win $20,000. The drawing will be held at the Rocket Spectacular on January 29, 2022. Students can sell paper tickets or sell tickets online Rocket Raffle – Assumption High School (ahsrockets.org). Please ask her about the exciting incentives she can take part in. Additional tickets are available in the Advancement Office. All proceeds benefit the financial needs of our students. If you have any questions, please contact tricia.ferree@ahsrockets.org.
- Parent Volunteers: We’re looking for a few parent volunteers to help with ticket collections during lunch periods over the next week and a half. Click on the signup genius link for more details. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0545ACAC2AA13-rocket
ROCKET PARENT NETWORK: This is your last chance to join the Rocket Parent Network and/or order a Student/Parent Directory. The Rocket Parent Network is a trustworthy group of Assumption parents united to providing a drug- and alcohol-free social environment for teens. Parents commit to chaperoning their daughters and their friends to be sure that alcohol and drugs are not used while at their home. Membership dues are $10 per year, or $30 for four years. A directory is free in a parent’s first year of membership and may be purchased for $5 per year in subsequent years. If you would like to join the RPN, please visit this website: RPN Website for a membership form. If you would like to order a parent directory, please contact Kim Steinke at 458-9551 ext. 2539 or by email at KIM STEINKE.
Gratefully,
Martha Tedesco
Principal