Salpointe Weekly Peek - September 10, 2021

Happy Friday, Lancers! Please see the many important announcements below.
 
Message from the President and Principal
Thank you for your continuing support of Salpointe Catholic’s COVID-19 mitigation policies. Our efforts are working! While many schools are experiencing a significant number of educational disruptions and cases (1,705 cases and 54 outbreaks in Pima County), Salpointe can report that we have had four students contract COVID-19 since school began five weeks ago; none of these exposures occurred on campus. Salpointe remains focused on our singular goal of keeping students in the classroom. Our science-based policy requiring masks indoors will remain in place until public health experts advise otherwise. 

We are grateful to the families of over 700 students who have uploaded their vaccination cards. Vaccination will help end this pandemic and Salpointe’s knowledge of our vaccination rate will allow us to understand the immunity level in our community.

Salpointe Catholic has developed a safety protocol that allows all students to participate in Kairos, athletic competitions, Thespian or STUCO conferences and other extracurricular activities, regardless of vaccination status. For travel to single day activities in locations less than three hours from Tucson, masks will be required while traveling and extra buses or vans will be used to allow for some level of social distancing. Overnight trips and/or travel to locations greater than three hours from Tucson will require masks for all participants and will require unvaccinated students to provide a negative COVID test no more than 24 hours prior to travel. If an unvaccinated student refuses to take the Covid test, he/she may compete, but the parents must provide transportation and lodging. Coaches/ moderators will provide specific requirements prior to travel. Please see the Protocols for Kairos. They are a little different since the students are in close contact for longer periods of time.

A small but vocal group of parents who call themselves “Salpointe Parents Advocating for Kids” and who use the email address afksalpointe@gmail.com has illicitly garnered the contact information of several parents and sent out protest material and misinformation. Please know that Salpointe did not release your email address to this group. We have disabled the password-protected parent directory, located in MyPointe, in the event that this was the source of the information. The sole purpose of this secure directory is to allow parents to contact other parents for the benefit of their children’s extracurricular activities.
 
Salpointe looks to science, to our faith and to our faith leaders when making decisions. Pope Francis calls vaccination an act of love and Bishop Weisenburger recently wrote to Tucson’s Catholic community, "In particular instances the moral good of the community is so compelling that it takes precedence over our personal preferences -- such as in a pandemic." He further noted that we have a clear moral obligation to abide by mask mandates. Please know that Salpointe’s COVID-19 policy stands: we require masks while indoors on our campus and we encourage, but do not require, vaccination. If parents cannot accept this or other Salpointe policies, that is their freedom of choice and they may pursue alternate educational opportunities for their children.

We value you, our Salpointe families, and we are grateful for your partnership as we work to provide each Lancer with the signature Salpointe experience!
 
Kay Sullivan        Keith Gibalski
President           Principal
 
Community of Concern Presentation TONIGHT
The first Community of Concern presentation is tonight (Friday, September 10) beginning at 6 p.m. The location has been moved to Foundation Hall. This is a special opportunity for freshmen parents to attend with the Freshmen Dance happening on campus at the same time (6pm-8pm). You can drop off your student for the dance, attend the presentation and pick up your student afterward.

Our teachers and counselors recognize the long-term effects of the last year and half on our students. We are seeing an increase in academic, social and mental health concerns. We want to share those observations with you and make sure that we are working together, both at school and at home, to help our young people readjust to full-time school.
  
The topics for the evening will cover;
  • Recognizing and assisting our students who are struggling academically, socially or mentally
  • New Counseling and Campus Ministry programs that will help address those issues
  • How counselors, teachers and parents can best work together 
  • Resources for parents
Student Photo Retakes
Any student who wants or needs to retake their student photo should contact Mr. Shinaberry at kshinaberry@salpointe.org. Photo retakes will be held on Wednesday, October 20 at 2:30 p.m.
 
Senior Photos
All senior photographs must be taken with Rembrandt Photography by September 24. Call now to make an appointment: 520-797-9200. Students must be clean-shaven when sitting for their senior photo. Contact Mr. Shinaberry at kshinaberry@salpointe.org with questions.
 
Student Drop Off and Parking Reminder
For students who arrive early to campus, please note the following gate times: the Glenn Street Gate opens at 7:00 a.m. and the Copper Avenue Gate opens at 7:30 a.m.
 
We thank you for your patience with the parking lot during the first month of school. Parents, please remember to leave the parking lot in a timely manner after dropping off your student. Parking is limited for our students and we need every spot to be available for them and our staff.
 
Salpointe Theater Performances
Salpointe Drama is thrilled to announce our fall production, Disaster! A 1970’s Disaster Movie Musical. Arriving straight from Broadway with our very own student cast, featuring some of the most unforgettable songs of the '70s like "Knock on Wood," "Hooked on a Feeling," "Sky High," "I Am Woman" and "Hot Stuff."
 
Get ready for a tidal wave of fun, experience first hand the flaming hot disco music of the ‘70’s, and feel the earth move under your feet. Join us in the newly remodeled Corcoran Theater on October 1,2, 8,9 @ 7:00pm; October 3 @ 2:00pm; and October 10 @ 5:00pm. Reserved premium ticket prices are: adults $20.00 and students / children $15.00.  Limited to 60 seats per show. General admission seating prices are $10.00 for adults and $8.00 for children and non-Salpointe students. Lancer students get in free but will need to pick up a ticket from the Salpointe Ticket Booth. Purchase your tickets today: www.showtix4u.com/event-details/55981 . Tickets will also be sold at the door for every show.
 
After School Tutoring
Salpointe offers free after school tutoring during the week. It is open to all Lancer students and takes place inside Foundation Hall. Anyone needing help in Math, Science, English, Spanish or Theology* is welcome to attend. No appointment is necessary. 
 
*Exciting news: a Theology tutor has been added to the schedule on Thursdays.
 
3:10 dismissal days → tutoring time is 3:20-4:45.
2:30 dismissal days → tutoring time is 2:40-4:05.
 
Weekly Schedule:
  • Monday: English, Earth Science, Environmental Biology, Spanish, Math
  • Tuesday: English, Physics, Math
  • Wednesday: English, Chemistry, Math
  • Thursday: English, Biology, Math, Theology
Please contact Mrs. Welchert at swelchert@salpointe.org with questions.
 
Europe Trip 2023
Are you interested in traveling to Europe and experiencing the path American soldiers took during WWII? Come to the informational meeting on Wednesday, September 29 at 5:30 p.m. in Foundation Hall as we introduce the Summer Europe 2023 Trip: WWII and the Western Front. Please contact Mr. Enriquez at menriquez@salpointe.org with any questions.
 
The Fashion Club will meet next Tuesday, September 14 at 3:20 p.m. in the Student Center. All students are welcome to attend. If you have questions, email Mrs. Gómez at lgomez@salpointe.org.
 
The Kindness Club will meet on Wednesday, September 15 at 2:40 p.m. in Room 713. Everyone is welcome to attend. Our club promotes kindness on our campus and community. If you have questions, email Mrs. Gómez at lgomez@salpointe.org.
 
Get Involved at Salpointe
As a Lancer parent, you are a treasured part of the Salpointe community and we encourage you to get involved on campus. Interested in selling tickets or working in the snack bar at athletic events? How about helping at a college fair? Would you enjoy working on the Foundation Gala or Lady Lancer Brunch and Blessing committee? These are just some of the opportunities available. If you are interested, please complete this volunteer form. We’ll be in touch as needs arise. Thank you for your support. 

Athletics

Live Stream Salpointe Home Games
Salpointe has the ability to live stream all of our sporting events that are held in the stadium, gym, baseball and softball fields. Can't make the game but want to watch? Go to www.nfhsnetwork.com and type in 'Salpointe' at the top of the page. Pick the event you want to watch and subscribe. It is $10.99 for a month or $69.99 a year. Go Lancers!
 
Digital Tickets for Sporting Events
Sporting competitions are underway! Students are admitted free when they show their current student ID. Tickets for girls volleyball, freshman/JV football and varsity football games can be purchased through GoFan at www.gofan.co. Type in Salpointe in the search bar and our games are listed. All tickets must be purchased through GoFan. No cash will be accepted for tickets at the games. Masks are required at all indoor athletic events and are optional at outdoor events. We look forward to seeing all of our fans at the games!

Student Services  

October Kairos Postponed
The Kairos retreat scheduled for October 25-28 has been rescheduled to November 30 - December 3. 
 
Students who registered for the October Kairos and have their permission slips turned in can be switched to the December retreat. Please have your student contact Mrs. Benzenhoefer or Mrs. Astrouski in Campus Ministry as soon as possible so they can make those changes to the rosters and assess how many more students can be accommodated. 
 
Once the numbers are confirmed (online registration AND completed permission slip turned in) we will open up any available spaces. Email Mrs. B at mbenzenhoefer@salpointe.org with questions.
 
PSAT Testing
On Wednesday, October 13, juniors and sophomores will take the PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). In preparation for the exam, student guide booklets, including a practice test, were distributed to students during homeroom yesterday.

Freshmen will be taking the PSAT 8/9 exam on the same day. Student guides are in digital format and will be sent out next week.
 
Character Counts
In this week's Character Commentaries, Stella Fina first talked about how kindness and a pleasant attitude go a long way in making connections with others (Being a Better Person). Omar Monreal then mentioned the importance of accepting what we have no control over and using what we can control to grow, such as our ability to choose (Recognizing What You Control).  Follow the links to read the full commentary! 
 
College Counseling
Salpointe will welcome several college admissions reps to campus next week: 
 
Princeton University: September 14, 2:30pm (virtual) 
Grand Canyon University: September 15, 9:45am 
University of Southern California: September 15, 9:45am 
Northern Arizona University: September 15,11:00am 
University of Notre Dame: September 16, 9:45am (virtual)
Case Western Reserve University: September 16, 9:45am
Providence College: September 16, 2:00pm (virtual)
University of the Pacific: September 16, 2:00pm (virtual)
 
Visits are open for Juniors and Seniors. Students must sign up to attend via Naviance → College Visits, or come by Student Services.  
 
The next International Virtual College Fair is Sunday, September 12. Over 395 colleges and 830 live sessions available! Mrs. McCall, Salpointe's College Counselor, encourages all students to register for free at virtualcollegefairs.org
 
The College Tour is a TV series brought to you by award-winning producers, and tells the story of colleges and universities around the world. Each episode of The College Tour focuses on a single college or university and will give young people an inside look at what it’s truly like being a student at the featured college or university.  Watch or stream the show on any device.

Financial Aid

Arizona Tuition Connection - Scholarship Coaching Session
Do you have questions about what scholarships your family can receive? Learn how there are scholarships available for all students in low, medium and high income families. It is not too late to receive funding for the 2021-22 school year; Arizona Tuition Connection does not have any application deadlines! This one hour training will give you the education and tools you need to be successful in maximizing your scholarship awards. Every parent should plan on attending! We will meet in the Click Family Library on Tuesday, September 14 at 6:00 p.m.
 
Catholic Tuition Support Organization (CTSO) - Referral Program
Empower your family to meet your tuition needs with the CTSO Referral Program. Join us on Tuesday, September 28 at 6:00 p.m. in the Click Family Library. Julieta Gonzalez, CTSO's Scholarship Manager, will give the presentation. Learn about this great opportunity and get answers to your questions.
 
Financial Aid Independent Review (FAIR) - Apply immediately so that your student is considered in Round 2 of financing, which takes place in January 2022. You can apply to FAIR at www.fairapp.com using Salpointe's School Code: 800 and School Password: ctso800. Please note: although applications are submitted through FAIR, all funds come from Catholic Tuition Support Organization (CTSO).
 
Catholic Tuition Support Organization (CTSO) - CTSO also accepts Arizona tax credit donations for Salpointe students through their referral program. In order for your student to receive CTSO Referral Funds, you must create a profile at https://referral.ctso-tucson.org/login and obtain an "RP #." Once you have your RP #, you can then provide it to potential donors. Donors must provide your RP # and school name to CTSO when donating. For families already registered, please be sure to submit new information and / or appropriate documents to CTSO each school year.
 
Institute for Better Education (IBE) - IBE not only offers financial need-based awards, but they also accept Arizona tax credit recommendations for Salpointe students. Please apply at www.ibescholarships.orgA new application must be completed each school year.
 
Arizona Tuition Connection (ATC) - ATC accepts Arizona tax credit donations for Salpointe students. ATC also provides financial need-based awards throughout the school year.  Please apply at www.arizonatuitionconnection.comA new application must be completed each school year.
 
Arizona Leadership Foundation (ALF) - Please contact Theresa Lehrling at accountmgmt@salpointe.org for more information on how to apply for Arizona Leadership Foundation funds. Please visit the ALF website at www.arizonaleader.org to review eligibility requirements.  
 
If you have questions regarding financial aid or would like more information, please email Salpointe's Financial Aid Manager, Theresa Lehrling, at accountmgmt@salpointe.org.

Spirit Store

The 2021 Salpointe Spirit Store football tee is now available! Our first shipment is here and more are on their way. New merchandise is being stocked this week and there are new markdowns available for you.
 
Come by the Spirit Store Cart at home football games and get your spirit gear to cheer on our Lancers! We look forward to seeing you and thank you for supporting the Spirit Store!
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Salpointe Catholic High School

1545 E. Copper St.,
Tucson, AZ 85719
(520) 327-6581
Attendance: (520) 327-1990
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