* NOVEMBER 14, 2014 * MISSION STATEMENT

* NOVEMBER 14, 2014 *
MISSION STATEMENT
St. Scholastica Academy is a Catholic, all-girls, college-preparatory
high school located in Covington, Louisiana. Founded in 1903, SSA
perpetuates the Benedictine tradition of balancing prayer, work, study,
and community in developing adolescent girls into Christian women
grounded in the Gospel values of the Catholic faith.
CALENDAR
The tentative 2014-2015 School
Calendar is listed on the SSA website.
www.SSAcad.org Please note that dates
sometimes change, so it is best to use
the calendar listed below.
Important November Dates:
15 - SSA Cheer Tryout Clinic
19 - Father/Daughter at 5:30 pm
21 - Thanksgiving Mass at 11:00 am
(Blazer Day)*
22 - 30- Thanksgiving Holidays
Important December Dates:
1 - Classes Resume
5 - Uniform Variation/ Christmas
Dance 7-10 pm
8 - Adopt a Family Assembly/ Mass
9 - Christmas Choir Concert at
Vintage Court at 7 pm
15 - Saints Uniform Variation
16, 17 & 18 - Exams
December 19 - January 5- Christmas Holidays
Important January Dates:
5 - Faculty Retreat
6 - Classes Resume
8 - College Forum
10 - Application Day
14 -16 - Senior Retreat
17 - 20- Holocaust trip
19 - MLK, Jr. Day: NO SCHOOL
21 - 25 - March for Life trip
24 - Mother/Daughter
26 - Recognition Assembly*
28 - Blood Drive*
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
Three of our fall sports seasons are coming to a close, with all three teams
vying for a state championship title - cross country, swimming and volleyball.
All three teams have such amazing talent, but what stands out the most about
these student-athletes is their dedication, determination, and courage. It takes
dedication to go to practice everyday, whether it is at 5:30 am running the
streets of Covington, going to swim practice everyday after putting in seven
hours of mental work at school, or hitting the court prepared to defend balls
coming at you at the speed of 80 to 90 miles an hour. Our girls do this work
daily with courage and fortitude, especially in game situations or meets when
the unexpected can happen at any moment, and their reaction can determine
the outcome of that competition. It takes determination to continue to be
focused on individual and team goals set back in August keeping their eyes
on the ultimate prize of success. These young women have represented SSA
well throughout their seasons and are winners in the eyes of their school.
We are excited about their state journey and cannot wait to be a part of that
as their cheerleaders from the sidelines. Please keep them in your prayers
for safe journeys, injury-free competitions, and personal-best performances.
Monday, November 17, at 6:30 pm in the back conference room of the C.J.
Schoen building (where the appeal of the CDHC’s consensus decision was
held) will be the hearing by the Planning and Zoning Commission of SSA’s
request for a building permit for our construction project. The venue was
changed to accommodate the community’s anticipated wish to attend. Please
make every effort to be there to show your support for this project. No other
institution in Covington’s history has had to withstand this type of scrutiny
to move forward with a building project. I am proud of the efforts of our
architects, our attorney, and our community. We have addressed everything
that has been asked of us and more, and I feel, we have done it with dignity and
the support of our faith. The Lord is an exemplary teacher, and he expects a
lot of us in return for the gift we have been given, if only to be role models to
our students and daughters. I am grateful to have been given the privilege to
lead this initiative, begun through the vision and fortitude of the Benedictine
sisters 112 years ago and continued by Mrs. Marguerite Celestin a very gifted
administrator, with you and for your girls. I am confident that the Lord
will continue to provide and we will, as a result, be victorious in His name.
Melanie Arnold will be organizing our prayer effort for Monday and I will get
that information to you as soon as it has been finalized. Thank you to all of
you who are continuing to say your section of the rosary each day for SSA.
Thank you to all of our veterans and their families for joining us on Monday
for a most moving and beautiful Veterans Day tribute. We thank you for your
sacrifices and your love for your country and will keep you in our prayers.
I am again making a plea to dads and moms, who have carpentry
skills (thank you Mr. Carter for volunteering) to help us remove the
art cubbies and make them usable for the current art rooms. This
has to be done immediately before Wisdom Hall can be demolished.
Please call Heather Klechak at 892-2540, ext.125 to volunteer.
In the spirit of St. Scholastica, who could do more because she loved more...
* Parents are invited on campus during
school hours to attend these events.
Mary Kathryn Villere
122 S. Massachusetts Street, Covington, LA 70433 Phone (985) 892-2540 www.SSAcad.org
* CAMPUS NOTES *
* SSA will be offering an INFORMATIONAL PARENT MEETING to discuss the implementation of standard
policies and procedures in math and science. Members of the school board’s Academic Excellence Committee will be
present to assist in fielding questions. The meeting will be held in SSA’s cafeteria on Tuesday, December 2 at 6:30pm.
* SSA NEEDS PARENTS: We have a need for dads, moms or grandparents who have carpentry skills and tools.
Our art department had to move out of Wisdom Hall so that it can be demolished to make way for the new buildings.
In vacating Wisdom, they had to leave behind the cubbies that served to hold student the students’ art work in its
various stages, including drying. We would like to rescue the cubbies and put them on castors so they can be used
in the current art rooms. If you think you could help with this, please contact Heather Klechak (ext 125) to discuss
further. Our deadline for removal from Wisdom is November 28 or sooner.
* Thank you to everyone that put an SSA OPEN HOUSE YARD SIGN in their front yard! If you could please
return the signs to the Advancement Office (Grey House) it would be much appreciated!
* THANK YOU to everyone that signed up for FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION on November 7th: Tina Blaise,
Christy Boudreaux, Tammy Campo, Joan Chifici and Alaina Chifici ‘14, Cate Cresson, Cari Galeziewski, Allison
Greffinius, Marie Hillman, Stacie Hollingsworth, Mary Ellen Jordan, Shawn Klein, Kadee Krieger, Suzanne Myers,
Elise Schell, Michele Stalter, Jeanelle Stein, Rivers Trahant, Danielle Urrata, Mercie Vargas and Stephanie Winkler.
* FOOD BANKS ARE IN DIRE NEED: For NOVEMBER, we will collect DRIED BEANS, PEAS, RICE,
PASTA and SOUP MIXES, because “Hunger is No Game.” Class spirit points will be given. Please write grade level
on top of items. Your support will help those who are in need in our community. Items are to be turned into the Front
Office and will be split between both the Covington and Samaritan Center Food Banks.
* The SSA CHEERLEADERS will be standing outside selling RAFFLE TICKETS as a fundraiser next week
(Mon - Thurs) during carline. There are two different raffles the girls will be offering: $5 per chance for a Vera Bradley
bag and a ribbon board - OR - $20 per chance for 2 tickets to the Saints vs Atlanta game (with a Saints wreath) Section
119, row 35, seats 29 and 30 and a second drawing for the Saints vs Atlanta game (with an LSU wreath) Section 109,
row 27, seat 3 and 4. For more information, please contact Mary Simoneaux at (985)966-1437.
* Osirian will be having a BAKE SALE at break on Tuesday, November 18. Don’t forget to bring your money!
* Key Club will be having a BAKE SALE at break on Thursday, November 20. Don’t forget to bring your money!
* FATHER/DAUGHTER will be held on Wednesday, November 19 at 5:30 pm in the SSA Gym. Tickets are $20/
each and are available NOW! Please visit the SSA website to download your form, or stop by the Advancement Office
(Grey House) and pick one up. The theme for this year’s event is Greased Lightning! Come dressed as you are, or feel
free to costume! Dinner will be provided, and there will be a photo booth, costume contest and a dance contest!
* FALAYA FLING 2015 is looking for volunteers! Please contact Beth Chascin at 985-778-0824, Lynda Baldwin at
985-502-1626, or Lindsay Coutrado VanAs ‘95 at 985-892-2540 ext. 119 for more information.
We are asking our families to donate, if they can, a $20 - $25 gift card of your choice to SSA’s Falaya Fling. These gift
cards will be used in either gift baskets or in the Dove Draw. You may drop off your donation in the Advancement
Office (Grey House). Thanks!
This year we will be having TWO RAFFLES AT THE FLING: one for $2500 cash and one for a MacBook Pro
13”! Please make sure you visit our website (www.SSAcad.org), or stop by the Advancement Office if you would like
to purchase a raffle ticket, as we can not mail them.
* HELP DESK NOTES: Students are reminded that iPads should be charged at home every night. Particular
care should be taken when the devices are plugged into the charging cord. Replacement chargers and cords may be
purchased at Best Buy.
* MOTHER/DAUGHTER will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2015. The theme this year is “Pretty in Pink.”
Senior tributes will begin at noon in the SSA Chapel, followed by a tea and fashion show at Vintage Court starting at
2:00 pm. Please contact Lindsay Coutrado VanAs ‘95 at 892-2540 ext. 119 or [email protected] to purchase tickets
or for more information.
Don’t forget to “Like” our SSA Facebook Page!
St. Scholastica Academy Covington, Louisiana
122 S. Massachusetts Street, Covington, LA 70433 SSA IS NOW ON TWITTER!
Please make sure to follow us
@SSADoves
Phone (985) 892-2540 www.SSAcad.org
* SSA CAFETERIA MENU *
There will be a soup and salad bar offered every day.
Baked potatoes are offered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Please make sure to bring your School ID when you purchase lunch in the cafeteria.
The staff will scan your barcode, which makes the lunch line process go much faster.
Monday, November 17
White Beans with Sausage Link
over Fluffy Blended Rice
Broccoli with Cheese
Chilled Strawberries/Fresh Fruit
French Bread or Cornbread
Milk
-ORPersonal Pan Pizza - OR Chicekn Sliders on Bun
Tuesday, November 18
Crispy or Soft Beef Taco
Shredded Cheese Cup
Shredded Lettuce & Chopped Tomato
Golden Corn
Chilled Peaches/Fresh Fruit
Cinnamon Stick
Milk
-ORMuffaletta -ORChicken Nuggets with Cinnamon Stick
Wednesday, November 19
Italian Lasagne
Cauliflower with Cheese
Chilled Applesauce/Fresh Fruit
Garlic Wheat Roll
Cookie
Milk
-ORPersonal Pan Pizza -ORHamburger on Bun
Thursday, November 20
Chicken Noodle Soup
Grilled Cheese
Crisp Green Salad
Buttered or Glazed Carrots
Chilled Mixed Fruit/Fresh Fruit
Milk
-ORMuffaletta - OR Hot Dog on Bun w/wo Chili
Friday, November 21
Turkey Roast with Gravy
over Blended Rice or Cornbread Dressing
Crisp Caesar Salad
Sweet Potato Casserole
Chilled Pineapples/Fresh Fruit
Wheat Roll
Brownie
Milk
-ORMuffaletta - OR Calzonettes
NOVEMBER COUNSELORS’ CORNER
8th Grade Lifeskills:
Weekly class for students currently taking filmmaking or music
Interim Grades Conferences:
Carol Pool
Katherine Taylor
Counselors will meet with all students
(individually) who received Ds or Fs at
Midterms
Open Houses at Colleges:
Baton Rouge Community College: 11/15;
10 am - 1 pm
866-217-9823
Centenary College of Louisiana: 11/15
Register at centenary.edu/visit
Nicholls State University: 11/15
ACT Prep Classes:
Every Saturday morning 6 weeks prior to ACT
test (unless specified); 8 - 10 a.m. in the Library
RSVP at nicholls.edu/colonelday
SSA College Tour Information:
Colleges Tours are open to all current 9-11th
graders. The dates for next year’s tour are
June 22 - 26, 2015. Each year includes visiting
eight different colleges or universities, and fun
things, such as a day at Six Flags. Students may
pick up a College Tour form on Edline, under
the College Tour link, or from Ms. Capps.
Loyola University Maryland: 11/22
122 S. Massachusetts Street, Covington, LA 70433 Caroline Capps
Virginia Military Institute: 11/14-15
Register at http://admissions.vmi.edu/visit
Register at www.loyola.edu/saturday
McNeese State University Cowboy Day:
11/22
Register at becomeacowboy.com
University of New Orleans: 11/22
Register at visit.uno.edu
Phone (985) 892-2540 Toni Pettavino
www.SSAcad.org
* COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS *
- CEDARWOOD CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION
is looking for volunteers for their JUBILEE gala event
on November 15! Times available are Saturday, Nov.
15 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm to help with setting up
for the auction, or 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm being a runner
for the silent auction. Any student who would like to
earn service hours is asked to contact Cindy Braud at
[email protected].
- MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE is having their annual
FLEUR DE FALL gala on Saturday, November 15.
They are asking for students to help serve food from 5
to 11 pm. Participants will earn 8 service hours. Please
contact Mary Catherine Scriber at 504-236-1262 or
[email protected] for more information.
- MQPCS 2014 ANNUAL CHRISTMAS MINI
MARKET: Get a start on your Christmas shopping at
the MQP annual Christmas Mini Market. It will be held
in the Parish Center on Friday, December 5th, 12 pm 8 pm and Saturday, December 6th, 9:30 am - 6:30 pm.
Many handcrafted items such as jewelry, wooden frames,
embroidered items and more. Hands-on Christmas crafts
for the children! Bring your Christmas list for some great
shopping.
- Join SSA and the Archdiocese of New Orleans Youth
Pilgrimage as we participate in the 36th ANNUAL
MARCH FOR LIFE trip to Washington D.C.!
Please go to http://www.ssacad.com/forms for more
information.
* IN THE SPIRIT OF ST. SCHOLASTICA *
School Prayer- Loving God, accept our humble
offerings of prayer and work this day. St.
Scholastica, teach us love. Our Lady of Wisdom,
teach us truth.
Amen.
Pray the Rosary - This year we are doing something
different with praying the rosary. All students,
faculty, staff and parents are asked to take 5
minutes out of their week to say a special prayer
on a designated day. Please contact Melanie Arnold
at 504-421-5848 to schedule your day and prayer.
Mary and Muffins -Every Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. in the
Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel. Students
pray the rosary and enjoy a muffin before school.
Adoration - Every first Friday from 8:00 am – 3:00
pm in the Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel.
Sign up for your hour by calling Tammy Campo
at 886-3011. Communion Service - Every Friday
at 7:30 am in the Our Mother of Perpetual Help
Chapel.
Chaplet of the Divine Mercy - Every Friday at 3:00
pm in the Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel.
* FRIENDLY REMINDERS *
* PARENTS: If you need to drop items off for your daughter (lunch, iPad, lanyard, etc.), please go to the Front
Office located at 122 S. Massachusetts. Please do not bring these items to the Advancement Office (Grey House) as
the Front Office has access to your daughter’s schedule and the intercom. This same rule applies if you need to check
your daughter out of school early.
* STUDENTS: If you plan on checking out of school during the day for a doctor’s appointment, etc. you MUST
bring a note to the front office before 8:00 a.m. on the day of check out.
* AFTER-SCHOOL HOURS: Students can stay on campus - in the library under supervision- until 5 pm! Please
make other arrangements for your daughter if you cannot pick her up by 5 pm.
* DMV INFO: If you are planning to go the DMV to get your Driver’s Permit, Driver’s License, or a Replacement
License, you will need a school enrollment verification form from Mrs. Heather Klechak. This is a new policy with
DMV, and you can only get this form from school. Please email Mrs. Klechak at [email protected] before going
to the DMV. You must give Mrs. Klechak at least 24 hours notice to receive this form.
Important Note: Students going to take the road test for their driver’s license must now schedule a time with the DMV
as opposed to just showing up and taking a number. Appointments for road tests will be scheduled for the following
time frame: Monday - Friday from 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Get to Know the SSA Family!
Margie St. Pierre has been teaching English at SSA for ten years! She has
three children: Sally, Erin and Drew, and four grandchildren: Ian, Alexandra,
Eli and Quinn. In her spare time, Mrs. St. Pierre likes to read, ride her
bicycle on the Trace, walk, watch TV and go out to eat.
122 S. Massachusetts Street, Covington, LA 70433 Phone (985) 892-2540 www.SSAcad.org
Did You Know that SSA Offers FREE Tutoring Labs During Lunch?
- Math tutoring is held M - F during lunch in Room 93
- Science tutoring is held M - F during lunch in Room 281
- English and Social Studies tutoring is held every Tuesday during lunch in Room 92
SSA LIFE
SSA celebrates Veterans Day
Breanne Bizette
smashes a
pumpkin to raise
money for Key
Club.
Mr. Booth collects cell phones from students before starting his class.
Seniors show off their new class fleeces
It was SSA Penny War this week!
122 S. Massachusetts Street, Covington, LA 70433 Phone (985) 892-2540 www.SSAcad.org
* SPORTS *
* The SSA Cheerleaders will be having a tryout clinic on Saturday, November 15, from 9 am - 3 pm in the
SSA Gym. Please go to www.SSAcad.org and look in the Forms folder to download the flier.
* There will be two preseason Lacrosse practices on November 18 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm and on November
20 from 4:00 - 6:00 pm at the SSA fields. These practices are intended for any interested players to learn the
basics of lacrosse and see if they like the sport prior to deciding if they want to join the team. The practices
will be instructed by the team coach and the returning players from last year. No equipment is required to
attend, and the new players only need to wear suitable clothes and cleats if they have them.
* Congratulations to Ellen Feringa for being named Nola.com’s female student athlete of the week!
* Please vote for our SSA volleyball players in the Times Picayune Volleyball Fan Awards!
http://highschoolsports.nola.com/news/article/-2371207660513990922/nolacom-the-times-picayunesvolleyball-fan-awards-ballots/?hootPostID=feca1b3f4b948cadce8e0e34474047de
Volleyball Games:
Nov. 14: State Tournament at Pontchartrain Center; 3:30 pm Court 2
Nov. 15: State Championships at Pontchartrain Center; 4:30 pm Center Court
We love our Varsity Volleyball team!
Basketball Games This Week:
Nov. 15: at Thomas Jefferson Jamboree, 1:00 pm
Nov. 18: at Riverdale; V 5:30 pm
Nov. 18 at Christ Episcopal; 8th Grade
Nov. 20: at Northshore; JV 5:00 pm, V 6:00 pm
Soccer Games:
Nov. 18: vs Ben Franklin; 6:00 pm V
Nov. 21-22: East vs West Tournament at Northshore; V
Nov. 22: Hannan Tournament; JV
Swim Meets:
Nov. 21-22: LHSAA State Meet @ Sulphur
Cross Country Meets:
Nov. 18: LHSAA 4A State Championship
122 S. Massachusetts Street, Covington, LA 70433 Phone (985) 892-2540 www.SSAcad.org