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Dear Xavier Families,
As we move deeper into the school year, it's moments like this week's parent-teacher conferences that remind us why this community feels so much like family. On Monday and Thursday, our faculty and staff had the chance to sit down with you, share insights, and celebrate the unique journey each student is on. These connections, the chance to talk and listen and reflect together, are a hallmark of Xavier. They bring us closer, knitting together the bonds that make this place special.
In Mr. King's AP Politics class, students got a firsthand look at the democratic process this week with a mock election on Tuesday. Mr. King often reminds his students that voting isn't just a right but a responsibility, a part of understanding democracy's foundation. It's about more than casting a ballot; it's about respecting and understanding viewpoints across the spectrum, the cornerstone of our society.
Looking ahead, we have a well-deserved break on the horizon. This Friday, November 8, school will be closed, and the campus will also pause on Monday, November 11, in observance of Veteran's Day. It's a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made for our freedoms and the gratitude we hold for those who serve.
I'd also like to share some updates about our team. This year, Andrew Gargano has rejoined the administrative team as our Associate President, helping to guide Xavier into its next chapter. With this transition, John Traceski is now leading the Math Department as Department Chair, carrying forward a tradition of excellence.
Additionally, in our ongoing commitment to foster a nurturing environment, we're strengthening our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program. Mark Lambert, who many of you know as a dedicated school counselor, has taken on the additional role of Director of Social Emotional Learning/Student Wellness, ensuring that SEL support reaches students, faculty, staff, and families alike, while continuing to serve as a School Counselor. Joining us on Tuesday is Dave Sterling, our new Counselor and SEL Interventionalist. Mr. Sterling will bring fresh perspectives and care to our SEL team, and he's certainly no stranger to our community, having coached our football student-athletes for 20 years.
As always, thank you for your trust and partnership. Together, we continue to build the Xavier community, one that upholds not only academic rigor and faith but also compassion, understanding, and unwavering support.
I wanted to share this passage from our XBSS Partners in Mission document:
"As members of a Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School community we entrust ourselves to the providence of God, who knows, understands, and loves us. Trusting in God, and our brothers and sisters, we can live out God's plan for us. Trust requires that we provide time and space for contemplation of God's will for us."
Here are this week's updates and announcements...
Important Upcoming Dates
- Thursday, Nov. 7: Parent/Teacher Conference (5:30 PM)
- Friday, Nov. 8: NO SCHOOL (School & Offices Closed)
- Monday, Nov. 11: NO SCHOOL (School & Offices Closed)
- Monday Nov. 11: Veterans Day
- Tuesday, Nov. 12: Freshmen & Sophomore Class Night (5:30 PM)
- Wednesday, Nov. 13: Early Dismissal
- Saturday, Nov. 16: Sophomore Retreat #2 (8:00 AM)
- Saturday, Nov. 16: Entrance Exam (8:30 AM)
- Saturday, Nov. 16: 8th Grade Parents Meeting (10:30 AM)
- Tuesday, Nov. 19: American Red Cross Blood Drive
- Wednesday, Nov. 20: Freshman Retreat (Secondary Dress for Freshmen)
- Friday, Nov. 22: Mercy/Xavier Fall Drama Production (12 Angry Jurors - 7 PM)
- Saturday, Nov. 23: Mercy/Xavier Fall Drama Production (12 Angry Jurors - 7 PM)
- Important Note For All Parents: There will be NO SCHOOL on Friday, November 8 and NO SCHOOL on Monday, November 11.
- We're exploring ways to expand our summer offerings at Xavier, and we'd love your input. Imagine a season full of opportunities for your son, and others in your community, to grow, discover, and thrive on our campus. Please take a few moments to complete our brief survey and let us know what programs would be most meaningful. Feel free to share this survey with friends and family in the area. Together, we can shape a summer that inspires!
- Important notice for all parents! Parents are reminded that their son's grades are always visible via OnCampus. Report cards were published last Friday and are available to view in OnCampus. As the year continues, parents are encouraged to periodically check their son's progress. If questions or concerns arise from these check-ins, parents are encouraged to reach out to their son's teacher(s).
- Winter sports registration is now open. If your son is planning on playing a Winter sport please make sure you register him though ArbiterSports by November 24th (Nov 5th for Rifle). An email with the registration link was sent to all families by Mr. DeConti on October 15th.
- The Home and School Association Auction Team is excited to welcome Xavier Falcons into a new initiative called the Auction Club! Our team feels Xavier students are a valuable part of the Auction planning and execution process. We want to give an opportunity to anyone interested in being a part of one of Xavier's biggest events of the school year, the Black and White Auction. Please encourage your sons to join us and put their eXcellent skills to a very good use.
- Xavier will be hosting a blood drive with the American Red Cross on Tuesday, November 19th. Any student who is 16 or older as of the 19th is eligible to donate. If a student is 16, they need a parental consent form which can be found here (hard copies will also be available at our sign-up in the dining hall). Sign-ups will be taking place during lunch waves starting the week of Nov. 4th. Please encourage your son to sign up and donate if they are eligible. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Mr. David Applegate '98.
- Senior and Junior Parents Note! In the coming weeks, Xavier will host admission representatives from colleges across the United States. Please encourage your son to check Naviance to sign up for these visits.
- Here is the list of schools that will be attending the week of November 11th: Clarkson University.
- Senior parents - Please note that the first quarter grades will be accompanying your son's transcript and college application materials. Transcripts are being verified and finalized. They will be available to send out in the coming weeks.
- Sophomore & Junior Students & Parents - PSAT scores will be out around 11/14. Please check your College Board account to view the scores.
- Seniors Students & Parents - Keep working on your college applications and make sure that your school counselor has reviewed your Common App before sending it out. The November 15th deadline is right around the corner! Also, let Ms. O'Connor know the schools that you applying to so she can send your materials. Please note that the first quarter grades will be accompanying your son's transcript and college application materials. Transcripts are now verified and finalized and have been sent to colleges.
- There are a number of national scholarships available now. You can review the scholarships in Naviance to search for ones relevant to your son.
- Our mini Open Houses will be held on Thursday, Dec. 5 and Thursday, Mar. 6, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Xavier! Registration is already underway. Please share this link with family and friends!
- ASSE International is partnering with Xavier High School to welcome international high school exchange students, ages 15-18, into your family and create bonds that will last a lifetime. Hosting an international student offers a unique cultural exchange experience for both the student and your family. To learn more about hosting an international exchange student click here or contact Chris Sansone, Director of Enrollment.
Check out next week's lunch menu below:
Monday - NO SCHOOL
Tuesday - Chicken Rice Bowls
Wednesday - Early dismissal (Only breakfast served)
Thursday - Chicken Wings
Friday - Philly Cheese Steak Grinder
Have a great weekend.
God Bless.
Nick Cerreta '01
Interim Head of School
Xavier High School
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