october 2009 cavalier

The CavalierA Parent/Student Newsletter keeping you in touch with Archbishop Spalding High School

Engaging Faith & Learning 1

Archbishop SpaldingHigh School

8080 New Cut Road~ Severn, MD 21144Phone: (410) 969-9105Fax: (410) 969-1026

ADMINISTRATION

PresidentDr. Michael E. Murphy

PrincipalMrs. Kathleen K. Mahar

Assistant Principal, Academic AffairsMr. Lewis R. Van Wambeke

Assistant Principal, Student AffairsMr. William M. Weber

Assistant Principal, Student AffairsMs. Kaycie S. Lomax

CFO / Business ManagerMr. John C. Coppola

Director of AthleticsMr. Lee R. Dove

Director of Alumni & Media RelationsMs. Kristen A. Koehler

Director of Annual GivingMrs. Katy A. Caruso

Director of AdmissionsMr. Thomas E. Miller

Editor, Assistant to the PresidentMrs. Heide C. Cornet-Hostelley

October 2009

IN THIS ISSUE...

Greetings from the President 1Principal / SAT / Attendance / Theatre 2Academic Affairs / SHS / Support Group 3Student Affairs 4Admissions 5Campus Ministry 6Parents’ Association 7Guidance 8Cavalier Club / At the Crossroads / HOPE 9Unplug / AS License Plates 10Athletics / Cavalier Shop / President 11Athletic Hall of Fame 12

Greetings from the President’s Office

Continued on 1.

When you are young, you are convinced that you have all of the answers. As a teenager, you are convinced of your own ascent into the world of complete knowledge and wisdom. At this point in your life, there is a burning desire to set out to prove that you are in charge and your parents are living in a world of ancient customs and former realities. In the world of teenagers, mom and dad just don’t understand what today is really like.

If this brief description of your teenager is even remotely familiar, welcome to the world of teenagers in the 21st century. Unfortunately, it could also have been the world of teenagers in the 70’s, 80’s or 90’s. After three decades in secondary education, I am amazed at how much has changed in the world of technology and how little has changed in the world of teenagers. The toys may have changed but the people are still the same.

I recently had two situations that crystallized the true reality of life as the parent of a teenager. The first situation took place when I ran into one of my students from my early teaching years. His son was now a teenager and in a somewhat rebellious stage. For about a half an hour my former student detailed the events of the summer with his once very quiet and happy child. The summer included countless battles that centered on his son wanting to date a girl who did not meet the father’s standards and the son’s new found interest in finding himself (translated that means not wanting to go to college). My former student could not believe his son was so willing to challenge is father. He wanted to find the quick fix to make his son that nice little kid who was always smiling and loved to play sports.

The second situation involved a graduate student from the summer course I taught at Marymount University. After class one day, she asked if I could give her some advice. She told me about her daughter who was devastated by a recent break up with a boy friend. She also shared that her daughter was not interested in going to church on Sunday. For this mother, her daughter was going down the wrong road and she needed to put her back on the right road even if she had to battle her every step of the way. She also thought that the music she listened to was contributing to her problems.

I am certain that these two scenarios seem somewhat familiar to many parents. We all want our children to do the right thing and make the right decisions all of the time. We often look for the reasons behind their actions and want to blame someone or something for the changes in our children. It is too simple to assign their behavior to being a teenager. Society has convinced us that someone or something is responsible for our child’s low grade, not becoming an all-star athlete, or not getting the lead in the play. We want perfection but forget that when we were teenagers we went through the same trials and tribulations.

There is a great saying that I read many years ago that states “if you are comfortable you are not learning.” Our children need to learn from failures as well as successes. I think about my youngest granddaughter who just started walking. She wanted so

Engaging Faith & Learning2

The Cavalier • October 2009

Principal’s Desk ~ Mrs. Kathy MaharIt was a cool, crisp evening several weeks ago when the early September weather was mimicking late fall. I promised my nieces I would attend their first field hockey game. I stood on the sidelines and cheered the seven and eight year olds as they narrowly missed each other with their sticks and almost never hit the ball. They ran up and down the field looking more at their parents on the sidelines than at each other, the ball, or the goals. Out of nowhere this voice boomed across the field, “C’mon baby girl, hit that ball and run. Get that ball in the net. Stop playing around, get serious baby girl. This is how you’re getting to college.” Hmmm…did I really just hear that? I turned to find the source of this annoying noise to see a father pacing the sideline as though he were coaching an Olympic team. The ranting continued for the rest of the game, and it was all I could do not to take one of the sticks and whack him upside the head. There’s intensity and then there’s insanity.

I am a huge fan of almost any sport. Athletics teaches our children so many skills: teamwork, leadership, discipline, sportsmanship, how to cope with both success and failure. It also helps them develop resiliency, a crucial coping skill needed throughout life. But as I listened to this man, I thought of so many similar scenes that I’ve witnessed over the years. A mother screaming at her 6 year old son at a swim meet this summer, “We do not have losers in this family – you will swim and you will win.” A father watching his son play Optimist basketball shouting ‘loser’ when the son missed a free throw. These are extreme examples, but I suspect that you could think of many more similar exchanges.

I mentioned a book last year entitled “Until It Hurts: America’s Obsession with Youth Sports and How It Harms Our Kids” by Mark Hyman. This is an interesting account of how youth sports have evolved and one perspective on the complicated dynamics. He makes some good observations about the unprecedented, proactive participation of parents and not all of this participation being positive. It is worth a read and wherever you fall on the spectrum of agreeing or disagreeing with his ideas, I suggest that the conversation needs to continue about sports at all levels.

My dilemma is how to attend any more of my nieces’ field hockey games. Perhaps an Ipod with the volume turned to high is the answer…wish me luck!

SAT ScoresSAT Scores 2008-2009

Reading Math WritingSpalding* 549 559 5532007-08 -2 +1 -1

A.A. County 503 509 497ASHS scored +46 +50 +56

State/MD 500 502 495ASHS scored +49 +57 +58

National 501 515 493ASHS scored +48 +44 +60

*Drop is less than but consistent with national trend

SAT Scores 2007-2008

Reading Math WritingSpalding** 551 558 554 2006-07 +10 +26 +18

A.A. County 502 516 496 ASHS scored +49 +42 +58

State/MD 499 502 497 ASHS scored +52 +56 +57

National 502 515 494 ASHS scored +49 +43 +60

**These increases are especially significant considering that local, state, and national scores either remained the same as 2006-07 or decreased. Each department at Spalding engages in a continuous curriculum review in an effort to integrate SAT skills. These scores reflect the success of these efforts.

Attendance

When a student is absent, a parent/guardian must notify the attendance coordinator at extension 239 by 9:00 am. Students must present a written note from a parent/guardian to the Attendance Coordinator on the day they return. The note must contain the date(s) and reason for the absence. Notes may also be faxed to 410-969-1026. A physician’s certificate is required for prolonged absences. For any questions or to contact the Attendance Coordinator, Mrs. Trumpler, please call extension 239 or please email [email protected]

Spalding Theatre Presents:The Somewhat True Tale of

Robin HoodA Comedy by Mary Lynn Dobson

November 20th, 7:00pmNovember 21st, 7:00pmNovember 22nd, 2:00pm

Tickets sold at the door.

Engaging Faith & Learning


3

Academic Affairs ~ Mr. Lewis Van Wambeke

Learning Tip:

Research shows that students who think about subject material outside of the classroom learn much more than their peers. I was talking with a student at about the time I re-read this article. She seemed so serious I had to ask her later if everything was alright. With a smile she assured me she was fine but had been thinking about a concept she learned in class that day. Perhaps this is one reason she maintains outstanding academic standing.

Too many students go through the motions – homework, classwork, studying – just to complete the tasks. Don’t get me wrong, these are necessary, but the student misses the point! True learning comes only from seeking to understand the material and make connections with previous concepts. I witness this daily in our students. I also see students that work hard to complete items – finishing homework in the café during a noisy and social lunch – but without much opportunity for understanding.

Peer Tutoring – Students Helping Students

Students Helping Students (SHS) is a free tutoring service led by National Honor Society and National Honor Foreign Language Society. Members of both groups will offer one on one tutoring in most subject areas Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00 a.m. to 7:40 am in Room 114. Students can also see Mrs. O’Kieffe, Resource Coordinator, in room 114 to schedule a subject specific tutor during lunch periods. Please contact Tara O’Kieffe (x279) or Cathy Klase (x318) if you have questions.

October 30th, 2009 marks the end of the first marking period. If your child is experiencing academic difficulties contact the teacher first, then the department chairperson. This communication protocol has been successful and often a parent-teacher conversation will answer most or all questions. Thinking College

In Newsweek’s Kaplan College Guide article entitled, The Search for Authenticity, author Bruce Poch, Dean of Admissions at Pomona College in Claremont, California, described the admissions process as matchmaking. College admissions counselors are looking for “credibility” and “genuineness.” Therefore, it is important for students to visit campuses, talk to college students, and search for the college that fits them. Of course, this includes having the necessary qualifications. I encourage all students to think about what colleges they might want to attend, even freshman.

Students Helping Students

Students Helping Students (SHS) – NEW! SHS is now offered BEFORE school on Tuesdays and Thursdays and during ALL lunch periods (by appointment only), EVERY DAY! National Honors Society students are available to provide tutoring in various academic subjects. SHS is a great place to get help, review for upcoming tests, get organized or just work quietly on your own!

• OPTION 1: Morning Tutoringo Days: Tuesdays & Thursdayso Time: 7:00-7:40o Location: Room 114

• OPTION 2: Lunch Tutoringo See Mrs. O’Kieffe in room 114 to request a Lunch

Tutoro Tutors will be assigned based on availability and

subjecto

In the month of October, morning SHS will be held on the following dates: 10/1, 10/6, 10/13, 10/15, 10/20, 10/22, 10/27, and 10/29.

Please contact Tara O’Kieffe, Resource Coordinator, at ext. 279 for details about SHS or other tutoring options.

Due to the interest and participation of previous groups at ASHS we will once again be offering a Separated/Divorced Support Group for students who are/have experienced the absence/separation/divorce of their parent(s). This opportunity is offered through the Guidance Office, Office of Campus Ministry and Marcie Gibbons, a licensed clinical social worker. The group meets from 2:15 to 3:15 on Tuesday afternoons for 6 sessions in the Campus Ministry office. This year the dates are: October 6, October 13, October 20, October 27, November 3, and November 10. Due to the generous support of the Parent’s Association, there is no fee for participation in the group. If you would like additional information, please stop by the Campus Ministry office, email gibbonsm@archbishopspalding. or call Marcie Gibbons, 410-969-9105 ext. 335.

Separated / Divorced Support Group



Student Affairs ~ Mr. William M. WeberWe have had a great start to the 2009-2010 school year. However, there is still an area that requires continual reminders: attendance. When your son/daughter is sick or not coming to school, please remember to call the Attendance Coordinator, Mrs. Rose Trumpler ext. 239, before school. Also, remember to follow up your phone call with a written note for our files. We thank you for your due diligence with this matter.

Three or Four years ago the Students and the Parents formed a committee to discuss the dance policy at our school. What transpired was great and a new policy was formed. Yes, we are a Catholic School and we straddle the fence of being the dance police and giving the students a social outlet. The following policy is what we follow at Archbishop Spalding:

• Students must arrive at the dance within the first hour.• Students leaving the school dance more than a half an hour earlier than the end of the dance must notify a chaperone and have

parent/guardian permission to leave the dance early.• Students may bring no more than one guest. Students must register their guest before purchasing the ticket and check their guest

in at the door. Students are responsible for their guest’s behavior at all times.• Students and their guests are expected to exhibit appropriate and respectful behavior at all times. Students and their guests, who

fail to comply with this expectation, including dancing inappropriately, may be asked to leave. The student’s parent/guardian will be notified and the student may lose future dance privileges.

Spirit week is approaching and we are gearing up for Homecoming. There are several other exciting events taking place during this week as well. The Powder Puff football game will take place during the afternoon school hours on Thursday, October 15, 2009. Friday, October 16, 2009 will be our Homecoming football game versus St. Frances at 7:00 pm and there will be an early dismissal at noon. The week will end with the Homecoming dance on Saturday, October 17, 2009 from 8:00pm until 11:00pm. This is just a reminder that on Wednesday of Spirit Week, 10th and 11th grade students will be taking the PSAT’s and will be finished at 11:00 am. Also, 9th and 12th grade students will not have classes on Wednesday, October 14th. It should be a fun-filled week for all!!!

Some important future events to mark on your calendar:

October 2 Cavalier Golf Tournament October 5 No School Students, Faculty/Staff RetreatOctober 7 Picture Make-up (9th -11th) Day During Lunch PeriodsOctober 8 & 9 Senior Make-up picture dayOctober 9 & 10 Archdiocesan Institute Leadership Cabinet, No Activities on Campus on the 10thOctober 12 Spirit Week, Theme Day, Character DayOctober 13 Spirit Week, Class Skits, Decade DayOctober 14 PSAT’s 10th & 11th Grades, 11:00 am Student Dismissal; 9th & 12th No ClassesOctober 15 Spirit Week, Class Color Day, Powder-Puff GamesOctober 16 Spirit Day, Pep Rally; Early Dismissal 12:00pm; Homecoming Football Game vs. St. Frances 7:00 pmOctober 17 Homecoming Dance 8:00 pm – 11:00 pmOctober 19 College Fair 6:30 pm – 8:30 pmOctober 25 Open HouseOctober 26 School ClosedOctober 28 Seniors Ordering Extra Announcements A-L (Every Senior Receives 25 Already) October 29 Seniors Ordering Extra Announcements M-Z(Every Senior Receives 25 Already) October 30 First Quarter Ends

I would also like to make all Spalding students and parents aware that we as an institution have a Public conduct clause in our hand-book. It is located on p.18 in the Student Handbook Planner. The following is a reflection of our mission and belief at Archbishop Spalding:

“Every ASHS student must be aware that his/her actions reflect upon his/her reputation of the school in the local community. Students must refrain from any type of public misconduct or illegal behavior that will damage their reputation or the reputation of the school. Students who engage in this type of public activity, which, in the school’s opinion, is damaging to the good name of ASHS, are subject to disciplinary action.”



5

Admissions ~ Mr. Thomas E. MillerThe Admissions Office is accepting applications to the class of 2014 as well as scheduling “Shadow” visits for prospective applicants. A parent or guardian of students wishing to schedule a visit should contact the Admissions office (ext. 232) or complete the Shadow Request/Registration Form on the web site.

OPEN HOUSE

On Sunday, October 25, 2009 we will hold our annual Open House from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. Each year we rely on students and parents, and alumni to assist us on this very important day. Please consider joining us in presenting our school to the community. If you are willing to help, please call Jennifer Shelsby in the Admissions Office at ext. 232 or email [email protected] Students can sign-up in the Admissions Office. Thank you in advance for your continuing commitment to Archbishop Spalding High School.

HIGH SCHOOL FAIRS

The Admissions office will be taking part in the following Archdiocesan Regional High School Fairs for 7th and 8th grade students in elementary/middle schools or parishes of the Archdiocese of Baltimore:

Monday, September 28th hosted by School of the Incarnation. Other schools whose students and parents are invited to attend are: St. John the Evangelist, Monsignor Slade, St. Philip Neri, St. Rose of Lima, and St. Mary’s

Monday, October 5th hosted by St. Augustine, Elkridge. Other schools whose students and parents are invited to attend are: Resurrection-St. Paul, Ascension, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Augustine, St. Louis, Trinity, and Woodmont Academy.

Wednesday, October 14th hosted by Our Lady of Victory. Other schools whose students and parents are invited to attend include: John Paul Regional, Holy Family, St. Mark, St. Agnes, Sisters Academy, and St. William of York.

Tuesday, October 27th hosted by St. Jane Frances. Other schools whose students and parents are invited to attend include: St. Philip Neri, St. Rose of Lima, St. John the Evangelist, and Monsignor Slade.

These fairs begin at 6:30 p.m. with a thirty-minute opportunity to pick up literature from all of the schools attending followed by three 25-minute sessions to hear from three select schools’ representatives and receive more detailed information about those schools. Please invite any interested 7th or 8th grade students and their families to attend.

The first Association of Independent Maryland Schools fair to be held in Anne Arundel County will be on Sunday, October 18th from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Severna Park Community Center (623 Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard, Severna Park, MD 21146). Anyone interested in an independent school (from pre-k through grade 12) is welcome to attend.

Other individual school visitations include St. Pius X, Bowie on October 22nd and Holy Trinity Episcopal Day School on September 22nd. Additional events will be announced as they are scheduled

ADMISSIONS/PLACEMENT TEST

Admissions/Placement testing for applicants to the class of 2014 takes place at Archbishop Spalding on Saturday, December 5th. Registration takes place from 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. followed by three hours of testing. A $30.00 processing fee is payable by cash or check. (No prior registration or notification is required unless students have documented accommodations for extended time). Other schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore will be offering the test the following Saturday. Visit archbalt.org/schools for additional information.

Students of elementary/middle schools in the Archdiocese of Washington should check with their school for testing information.

Visit our web site, www.archbishopspalding.org for a calendar of important dates, to download forms needed to complete the application process, or submit applications and forms electronically.



Campus MinistryMrs. Kathy Mayer, Campus Minister

Mrs. Caitlin Boyle, Director of Service/Religion Teacher

Senior Retreat….All Seniors have signed up and have been assigned their Retreat dates. The listing is posted on the wall near the LMC and the Campus Ministry office. All Retreats are full and changes may only be made with the approval of the Campus Minister and if a student is able to find another with whom to switch dates. Students depart ASHS by bus on Wednesday @3PM and return to school prior to dismissal on Friday. Information packets are mailed home to parents/guardians in advance of the students assigned Retreat. Please feel free to stop by Campus Ministry, email mayerk@archbishopspalding,.org or call 410-969-9105 ext. 236 with any questions.

Willing to make a casserole?...As a part of Spalding’s growing service program, we are looking to implement a monthly commitment to serving dinner at a nearby home for people in transitional housing. It is our hope and vision that the dinners will be served by groups of students wanting to participate in helping others while volunteering hours towards their service requirement. If anyone would be interested in making casseroles to be served at these monthly dinners, please contact Mrs. Caitlin Boyle at [email protected]. Volunteers would be asked to make casseroles as little as once a year, and only more if interested and willing. If any student participates in the actual prep time in order to make the casseroles, we would also honor that as outreach service provided that parents sign off on the participation and the students turn that record in to the Campus Ministry office.

Sophomore Service Dates…Each student participates in a day of service as part of their sophomore year. The majority of dates are assigned by homeroom. Sophomores go to their first period class and are called down to the Chapel. Following an orientation, the group departs and is separated into three separate groups, all accompanied by a moderator, serving at Our Daily Bread, Beans & Bread, and Franciscan Center. Upon return, the students share lunch and reflect on their experience. The remaining dates by homeroom are as follows:

10/20/2009, Mrs. Regina Pantazis 10/22/2009, Mr. Bert Kiessling 10/29/2009, Mrs. Mary Ann Curry 11/3/2009, Mr. Tom Mach 11/17/2009, Café/overflow students 12/3/2009, Ms. Lisa Walker 12/15/2009, Dr. Jennifer Jones 1/28/2009, Mr. Andy Bauer 2/9/2010, Mrs. Melanie Esposito 2/25/2010, Mrs. Stephanie Walsh

Senior Service Requirement….All Seniors need to have completed and submitted their required Service Hour documentation and reflection on or before Friday, January 08, 2010. Seniors are required to complete 45 hours of service, including 20 outreach hours and 25 unspecified hours, however, all 45 hours may also be completed through outreach. Those who do not comply, are considered ineligible and are not permitted to participate in any before/after school activities which includes but is not limited to clubs, practices, games, work-out room, senior breakfast and all senior/graduation activities until they have complied and received approval from the Mrs. Caitlin Boyle, Director of Service.

Important Change in Service Requirement – applicable to Freshman Class 2013 Beginning with the class of 2013, the service requirement has increased from 45 hours total to 60 hours total. The hours remain divided into two categories: outreach service (minimum of 25 hours) and unspecified service (remaining 35 hours). All 60 hours may be earned in the category of outreach if a student prefers this category of service. The service requirement must be completed by the end of the first semester of the student’s senior year.

The requirement for Sophomores (’12), Juniors (’11) and Seniors (’10) will remain at forty-five (45) hours of volunteer community service (20 outreach, 25 unspecified) before graduation

Information about the Service Requirement, Service Hour Record (to record the hours), as well as a listing of approved on-going outreach service opportunities are posted on the Archbishop Spalding WEB site (www.archbishopspalding.org) – click Students and then Campus Ministry and then Documents for access. For any questions, contact Caitlin Boyle at [email protected]

Happy Helpers Sandwich Making Dates…For Students who need service, we will be holding sandwich making at ASHS on the following dates after school: Oct. 2, Nov. 6, Dec. 4, Feb. 5, Mar. 5, May 7. Students MUST sign up for these dates. There are announcements made in school during the week prior.

Liturgies…Any student who would like to participate as an Altar Server, Cross Bearer, Gift Presenter, Lector or in the Liturgical Music Group please let Mrs. Mayer know via email ([email protected]) or stop by the Campus Ministry office.

“Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to words of knowledge” Prov. 23:12



7

Parents’ AssociationThe Parents’ Association hosted the New Parent Social on August 27. Thank you to all the parents, administrators and teachers who attended. Special thanks to Lynne Cooper, Dorothy Dick, Patrick Donahue, Amanda Gartner, Michelle Overbay, Colleen Phillips and the PA officers who served refreshments and helped with set-up and clean-up.

2009 – 2010 Remaining Meeting Dates:October 6, November 10, December 8,

January 12, February 9, March 9, April 20, May 11

We will be offering STAND training at the October 6th meeting. If you are interested in volunteering for any activity that requires you to interact with students, including activities with Parents’ Association, Cavalier Club, Music Boosters or Spalding Theatre as well as chaperoning any club or class field trips, you are required to complete STAND training. Certification lasts for 5 years. You must have a current certificate on file with the school in order to participate in activities.

Upcoming Hospitality Events – Volunteers Needed!

Open House – Sunday, October 25th 12:00 pm – 3:00 pmThe Parents’ Association hosts a reception in the cafeteria during the Open House. We would appreciate donations of home-baked or bakery items for the reception. If you can help with this, please contact Julie McHale at [email protected].

Junior Ring Dance – Saturday, December 5th 8:00 pm – 11:00 pmThe Junior Class Parents are involved with decorating and providing drinks and snacks to the Junior students who will be attending. The Junior Class Coordinators will hold a meeting in October to begin planning for the dance. If you would like to be involved in this fun event, please contact Lisa Shaw at [email protected] or Debbie Klimczyk at [email protected].

Giant, Safeway, Target and Office Depot ProgramsMany thanks to June Lawson and Greta Bill who have volunteered to be the coordinators for these programs. Archbishop Spalding earned over $14,000 from Giant and almost $8,000 from Safeway last year. Please renew your signups for this year and designate Archbishop Spalding as your school of choice. To sign up for the Giant A+ program, go to www.giant.com/aplus. The school code for ASHS is 01172. To sign up your Safeway card, go to www.escrip.com. The school code for ASHS is 6642757. You may also register your Target credit card, Target Visa card or a Target check card at www.target.com/tcoe. The ASHS school code is 7858. ASHS will receive 1% of your purchases made at Target using any of the cards and ½% of purchases made anywhere else using the Target Visa card. If you would rather send your card numbers to the Parents’ Association, we will gladly sign-up your cards for you. Please send your name and card numbers to [email protected]. ASHS will also receive 5% of your purchases at Office Depot if you give them our school name and ID#70047318 at the check out counter. Please help us to take advantage of all these offers. The dollars really add up!

OfficersAmy Stolarski – President - [email protected]

Valerie Washington – Vice-President - [email protected] McHale – Treasurer - [email protected]

Anna Johnston – Secretary - [email protected]

If you would like to be part of the Parents’ Association email list, please send your email address along with your child’s name and grade to [email protected]. We will use the list to notify you of upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. If you have any questions about any of our activities, please contact any of the officers listed above. You may also find additional information about our activities at our new website www.ashsteacher.org/pa.

Office Depot Rebate ProgramSpalding will receive 5% of your purchases at Office Depot if you give them our school name and ID number (#70047318) when you shop. Please help us to take advantage of this program.



Guidance ~ Mrs. Cheryl S. VenturaHomework Assignments When a Student is AbsentWhen a student has to miss school, they need to consult their course syllabus or the teacher’s web page to find out what work needs to be done. In addition, they may want to phone a friend so that they can determine any other class news. When they return to class, the student should speak with the teacher to find out what, if anything, needs to be made up.

When a student’s illness results in an extensive absence of a week or more, it is imperative that parents email teachers. Email addresses can be accessed at the school website which is www.archbishopspalding.org. Teachers can be asked to respond by email or to leave work in the main office to be collected by the parent.

Extended Time Accommodations at SpaldingTo qualify for extended time on school based tests, a student must have recent (within three years) professional documentation. This documentation should include both a cognitive and achievement assessment.

Approval for extended time at Spalding does not guarantee this accommodation on standardized tests such as the PSAT, SAT, ACT, or AP exams. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

October 14 PSAT Testing for grades 10 and 11On October 14, students in grades 10 and 11 arrive at the usual time and are dismissed at 11:00 am. Students should wear their school uniforms and bring their own calculator.

In late September/early October, students received an information bulletin that contains a practice test. Students should set aside time to actually take this pretest and score it as preparation for the October 14th test day.

Deficiencies MailedDeficiencies were mailed on October 2. All students who have a grade below a “C” will receive a deficiency.

First Quarter Report CardsFirst quarter ends on Friday, October 30. Report cards will be distributed on Tuesday , November 10.

Seniors Submitting College Applications to the Guidance OfficeAll seniors need to follow the correct format and deadlines for submitting college application forms to the Guidance Counselors. The procedure was outlined at the September 17 Senior/Parent Guidance Meeting. The Guidance Office appreciates your cooperation in this matter as it facilitates the processing of the many requests that the office receives for transcripts and recommendations.

Official Transcripts Official transcripts are mailed directly from school to school. Consequently, when a Spalding senior is applying to college, the correct procedure is to have the Guidance Office mail an official transcript to the college admissions office. The school has a $3 transcript fee, but there is no charge for follow-up transcripts to the same college. For example, the student pays $3 to have the original transcript sent to a college in November and then Spalding automatically sends the first semester transcript and the final transcript at no additional cost.

10th Grade Student and Parent Meeting – Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 6:30 pm., in the auditorium. The topic will be “What Sophomores Need to Know About the College Process.” The Guidance Department will be explaining how the process unfolds and give students and parents a timeline. All tenth graders and at least one of their parents are expected to attend.

College Fair Night: Another Important DateOctober 19, 2009 is the date for the annual Archbishop Spalding College Fair Night. The program begins at 6:30 pm in the new gymnasium. A large variety of colleges have accepted the school’s invitation to attend and will set up information tables for their school. In addition, there will be presentations on financial aid, admissions and NCAA Clearinghouse. Sophomores, juniors and seniors and their parents are encouraged to attend this valuable program.



9

Cavalier Club!!!!

Transforming the Sports Boosters to the Cavalier Club

With a new look, new name and ambitious goals we are pleased to introduce the new Cavalier Club to the Spalding community. Archbishop Spalding High School has a strong, impressive history of athletics. As always, we strive to improve upon our excellence. With the addition of the state-of-the art athletics stadium, our sports teams can showcase their talents in a big way. The new Cavalier Club will play a key role in helping to complete and sustain this beautiful new venue with our pledge of raising $250,000. The Cavalier Club is kicking off the 2009/2010 year with the introduction of three new levels of family membership for the Spalding community with unique benefits including the following: *$75 Contribution – Includes entrance for your immediate family to all regular season sporting events held at Spalding for the current year.

*$150 Contribution – Includes entrance to all regular season sporting events, an embroidered pullover jacket and two tickets to an adult tailgate party to be held during the football season.

*$300 Contribution – Includes entrance to all regular season events, an embroidered pullover jacket, two tickets to the adult tailgate party, a stadium chair back seat and a parking space spot in a reserved area close to the new stadium entrance.

The Cavalier Club will be leading a mulch drive, bull roast and supporting key tournaments to help raise money toward our multiyear pledge. We will be introducing an 8 hour volunteer commitment for each family that has an athlete rostered on a team this year. Volunteer hours will be coordinated by a team representative. Valerie Washington is the lead Volunteer Coordinator. If you have a student athlete on a fall sports team you will be contacted to sign up for your volunteer hours within the next couple of weeks. We appreciate your support in helping us to make this year a great success for the new Cavalier Club.

The Cavalier Club Officers for the 2009/2010 include Bill Manley, President, Ed Palmer, Vice President, Ed Kestler, Vice President, Bernie Snoops, Treasurer, Valerie Washington, Volunteer Coordinator and Mary Galligan, Secretary. Membership is open to all parents and alumni who are interested. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month. Please join us and help us exceed our goal!

Yearbook Update

Please submit yearbook inquires to Mrs. Sola at extension 317 or [email protected]

Senior Portraits – In order to be included in the senior section of the year-book, all seniors must have their senior portraits taken by Lifetouch (aka Prestige Portraits).

Once you have received your proofs, please make a yearbook selection as soon as possible. The selected photo must be from the formal settings only. These are the regular shots on blue backgrounds, with drapes for gals, tux for guys.

The final make-up day to be held on-site is scheduled for Oct 8-9. Please watch the mail for additional details and appointment times. If this time will not work, or if you prefer to have yours portraits taken at the studio, you can contact Lifetouch at 410-525-1700.

Underclass Photo Make-ups and Retakes – Lifetouch will return on Oct 7th to take pictures during lunch periods. Picture order forms are avail-able in the front office.

H.O.P.E.

Are you cleaning out your closets?...Do you have some items that you would like to donate??? We have received the following request from H.O.P.E. (He Opens Paths to Everyone).

“There is a big need for high school boy and girl clothing (used but clean and in good shape. This year in our county system there are over 1000 students going to school who are homeless.----need for toiletries---need for infant and toddler clothes as well as young children---winter jackets and coats---linens----towels--plates and dishes especially plastic for children-------shoes used but still in good shape for all from 0 to 18 years of age---big need for pants and sweat pants for men and women who are homeless---also men’s and women’s clothes 2x,3x,4x. Web site is www.hopeforall.us”

If you have a donation that you would like to contribute, please bring it to the hallway outside of the Campus Ministry office. Thank you for supporting those who are in most need right here in Anne Arundel County!



Unplug ~ Mr. Justin Hibbard

Spalding is being considered for Archbishop Spalding Logo License Plates through the MVA. In order to get approved for this wonderful opportunity we need at least twenty-five peo-ple that want the license plate. The fee for these logo plates are $25 each. If you are interested please email

[email protected] with your legal name, your driver’s license number, and your current license tag number. The $25 will be collected when Spalding is officially approved for the license plates.

When I was fresh out of college, I pastored a church mainly made up of older folks. One of my parishioners was a nerdy guy in his sixties, who had retired from his government job after he had “helped invent the internet.” He often fell asleep during my sermons, and on one such occasion, his cell phone began to loudly ring. He was hard of hearing and had hearing aids, which didn’t seem to help him hear his awfully loud cell phone going off as I was in the middle of my discourse. His embarrassed wife nudged him and startled him from his slumber. As though it were completely normal, he grabbed his phone and then answered it in the middle of the church. “Hello!” he yelled. He might have been hard of hearing, but everyone else could hear him just fine. He continued his conversation, as he ran out to the back of the church. You’ve no doubt been in a circumstance where someone’s phone (or maybe yours) has gone off in a church service or wedding. More and more, I’ve seen a table of teenagers or even young adults at a restaurant texting while more or less ignoring the friends right in front of them. A friend of mine told me about the family she nannies for. The couple are very busy executives for a large company and are barely at home. One day she accompanied the mom and kids on the her day off. Sadly, she said that the mother was on her cell phone for pretty much the entire day instead of giving her children her precious time. I’ll confess that I’m a techy, and I love the newest gizmos and gadgets. I’ve got an iPhone and use it all the time, and I’ve even downloaded apps that my small children enjoy playing. I like to know what the latest trends in technology are and stay up-to-date. Usually my conversations consist of me convincing others on what to get plugged into and why. But today I want to offer another suggestion - unplug. Last Thursday, I came home, and my wife asked how my day was. I sighed, “it was very busy.” And then I thought about a chunk of my day that seemed to be missing, an hour or two that seemed so different than the running around I did most of the day. “Except,” I continued, “for the Mass service we had at the school to dedicate the new building. It was so peaceful and worshipful.” I mentioned how the student body acted reverently, and my heart was warmed by the words of the Bishop and the worshipful celebration. During that Mass, my cell phone had vibrated as I got a call. Normally, I would probably look and see who was calling, even though, unlike my former parishioner, I would never answer it. But there was something about pulling out my cell phone while worshipping the Lord with students who were acting so reverently that seemed distasteful to me. So, I ignored it, and I didn’t miss a thing. As a new member of the Spalding community, I’ve found the morning prayer refreshing. Even though it’s at the start of the day while I’m rushing to complete some important tasks, I’ve started the discipline of turning my eyes from my computer, bowing my head, and communing with the Lord, while the person on the other side of the loudspeaker reads Scripture and prays. It’s easy to fall into the temptation that thinking Christian service is equal to communing with the Holy Spirit, and I’ve had to resist the temptation of saying, “I’ll skip the prayer time to finish this task that will ‘minister’ to others.” Yes, Romans 12 clearly states, our whole lives are to be sacrifices of worship, but Jesus Himself demonstrated the need to unplug. For example, after Jesus had fed the 5,000, He sent His disciples in a boat and the crowds away, and He went up to a mountainside to pray and connect to His Father. He unplugged from His

ministry and from the countless people asking for healing and for answers. He needed to rest, reconnect with His Dad, and rejuvenate for the long road ahead. He was fully God but also felt the strain of being fully man. Imagine if Jesus had a cell phone. He was the most important man in the world with all the answers. Do you think that phone would ever stop ringing? I imagine that if Jesus did have a cell phone, then we would read that He turned off His phone when He went to the mountainside to pray, or when He met at night with Nicodemus, or when He went to heal the sick child. Everything else could wait. Today, we’ve never had more opportunity to be connected. Besides my texting and phone alerts, I have apps on my iPhone that instantly tell me when I’ve got a new email, when breaking important news just happened, and I’m even alerted to nearby speed traps. More and more we see businesses giving BlackBerries to their employees, or what I like to call “flashy leashes.” And we can all see the user error that this connection addiction can pose, especially when it gets in the way of communing with others and with the Lord. In our home we’ve tried to follow the rule of protecting dinner time. We turn off the T.V., and if the phone rings, we choose not to answer it. That half hour or so is our time to connect with each other without distractions from the outside world. I can’t think of a better discipline among company than to unplug our connections to the world and connect with the person in front of us, giving them our undivided attention. The sincerity of eye-to-eye contact with undivided attention is becoming a loss art but still a crucial necessity if we want to make profound connections with human beings. In a similar way, the discipline of meditation and personal prayer is becoming a loss art as well but remains a crucial necessity of discipleship. There is something powerful and peaceful about meditating on the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. He is a God who, as Francis Schaeffer said, “is there and He is not silent,” yet often don’t hear Him because we haven’t stopped to listen to His still, quiet whisper. But we must model the discipline of Jesus to tune out the world in order to tune in to Him. So, let this be a rare encouragement from the tech guy to unplug and disconnect for a few moments whether it is to connect with a companion over a cup of coffee or with our family at dinner, or whether it is to meet with our loving Savior and reconnect with Him.

Spalding Logo License Plates!!!



11

Save the date! October 8th and 9th during lunch periods, Propst and Sons will be coming to Spalding to measure students for varsity jackets. They will provide several samples to choose from and each one is personalized. A non-refundable deposit of $50.00 is due at the time of the order. Once the order is placed it will take 4-6 weeks for delivery. They will arrive in plenty of time for Christmas and before the weather changes! I currently have a pdf order form available that I can send ahead of time through email. Please email me at: [email protected] and I will send the order form to you for review and answer any questions that you may have. I can also be reached at 410-969-9105 extension 257. I will also have pre-printed forms that can be filled out ahead of time available for pick up in the main office or the cavalier shop.

Go Cavaliers!

Cavalier Shop!!Athletics

First Impression Should be a Lasting Impression

It has been said that the first impression is a lasting impression. That can apply to a first meeting between people, the perceptions left behind by what we say, or the visual images taken away from a visit to our school community. At Archbishop Spalding High School we certainly want nothing but positive impressions in all areas.

With all of the improvements to the school facility that are currently underway we hope that that first impression by a visitor will indeed be a lasting one, and a good one at that. With the intent to relocate the main entrance to the building it is hoped that this will become a focal point for the entire school and that it will send a very warm welcome to all who come here. Considering all of the improvements over recent years; including the (old) new building which houses the new gym, fitness center, athletic training rooms, classrooms and locker rooms. The construction of the (new) new building with its modern computer labs, art rooms, classrooms and administrative offices, and the new stadium complex which features the turf field, track, larger seating capacity, modern lighting, and high tech scoreboard, Archbishop Spalding High School has become one of the finest educational facilities in area.

Updated landscaping, shrub beds, flowers, trees, and new sod all help to enhance the curb appeal of the school. But we cannot let that overall appeal end there. Remembering that a first impression is a lasting impression it becomes the responsibility of everyone to help to maintain that positive image.

Coaches and student-athletes can do their part by assuring that practice, game and locker room areas are clutter free after each use. Spectators can assist at athletic events by making sure any trash is placed in cans and receptacles provided. Students can show support by helping to keep hallways and classrooms clean. It takes no longer to drop a discarded item in a trash can than it does to drop it on the floor or on the ground. Everyone should be aware of the planted and mulched areas and refrain from walking in those spaces.

I often find myself picking up discarded items in hallways or from the outside grounds not because I enjoy the experience, but because I hate the image that trash leaves behind. It sends a message of unconcern, and to be honest, disrespect. We have all worked so very hard to make Archbishop Spalding High School a place to be proud of. A place we can call home.

So I ask the question why you? And I answer the question with, why not you? This place belongs to all of us in the Spalding community. Won’t you please do your part to help make our first impression become a lasting impression for any visitor who comes onto our campus. Thank you for your support.

much to be like her older sister and walk around the house. She first tried to stand up but kept falling down. After weeks of trying, she was able to stand. She was so proud of herself. A few weeks later she mastered walking and is now breaking into a full gallop around the house. You can see the pride in her eyes that she finally made it; now onto the next challenge.

During these teenage years, remember that our children need us to support them and let them learn from all of their experiences, not just the good ones. They need to find their voice not ours. It will take time and we need to be there for them but not try to live their life or re-live ours. Just remember what your parents thought about some of your music, the way you danced, the friends you made and decisions you made. Remembering the real past instead of selected memories might be just what we need to help our children.

As much as we want our children to be made in our likeness, they are made in the likeness of our God. It is our job to help them make sense of the world around them and find a way to realize they are blessed by God. We need to share with them that when God sent his son to live among us, he struggled with understanding why people would not listen to him. God has given parents a very challenging task in helping our teenage children develop into men and women of faith and morals. I pray that God grants us the wisdom to teach our children to look at each day as a gift from God even when dating, music, strange dancing styles and boyfriends or girlfriends get in the way. We love our children just as God loves us: unconditionally.

From the President Continued

Archbishop Spalding High School8080 New Cut Road ~ Severn, MD. 21144

Address Service Requested

The Cavalier October 2009

PRESORTED

FIRST CLASS

U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT # 922BOWIE, MD

The 2008-2009 Inductees:Linda Milford Taylor - CoachCory Hudson ‘02John Wetzel ‘03Maureen Brady Doran ‘03Matthew Cornell ‘04Erin Kelly ‘04Rudy Gay ‘04

Athletic Hall of Fame And Homecoming Game

Friday, October 16, 2009 (game starts at 7:00 pm)