Bishop Gorman High School Diocese of Las Vegas

Administration 2Gael Pride 3

Campus Ministry 4Academics 5

Athletics | Activities 6 Advancement 7

Volume 20 Issue 1 October 2013

Dear Parents:We have been greatly encouraged over the past few weeks with the participation of the students in the GAELS Periods. Our students have been taking this opportunity seriously as a chance to improve their academic standing. We wanted to share with you at this time the

difference between a “Closed Session” and an “Open Session.”

A Closed Session is a session that is assigned to particular students. These sessions are designed to allow the teacher to work with a smaller group of students on a particular skill or disposition. Closed Sessions could be remediation/intervention, but they could also be skill enrichment for students who are performing beyond the determined essential outcomes of the curriculum. Makeup tests/quizzes could also be conducted in a Closed Session. As the name implies, Closed Sessions are only available to those who have been assigned.

An Open Session is a session that should be considered a “drop-in” session. These sessions are designed for students who might need to spend just a few minutes with a teacher to answer one or two questions (e.g. Algebra help, writing lab). Once the student has what is needed, s/he may move to another Open Session or to one of the approved common areas. Other Open Sessions include topics of educational interest/enrichment that go beyond the prescribed curriculum. As the name implies, Open Sessions are available to any and all students who wish to attend, provided there are seats available in the assigned location.

Students who are attending neither a Closed Session nor Open Session may work in the Commons, the Quad, the IMET Library, or the Open Study Hall in room 325.

We would ask for your continued involvement in encouraging your son or daughter to make the most of this time by using it to catch up or get ahead on all matters academic. In addition, we would ask that you discuss with them what Open Sessions they might choose to attend if they are current on all academic work. The complete list of sessions for the upcoming week is posted on Fridays; physically in the Commons and digitally on Edline.

With concentrated time dedicated each week for our students to work on their assignments, catch up on missing assignments, receive targeted assistance as needed, and receive enrichment when they are succeeding, we expect all of our students to raise their performance levels to heights they may not have previously thought possible.

In Christ,

Kevin KieferPrincipal

homecoming 2013

Homecoming Unmasked (Superheroes)

Theme Dress Days: Monday: Marvel vs. DC Superhero Day Tuesday: Captain America Day Wednesday: NO Theme Dress (Regular School Dress Code for PSAT Testing)Thursday: Partners in Crime Day (Twin Day)Friday: Extreme Blue and Orange Day

*Please note: all school dress code rules apply during theme dress week. Please see the Parent/student Handbook with any questions.

important Dates:Oct. 13th: Powderpuff Games 9AM-1:30PM

(at Fertitta Field)Oct. 18th- Homecoming Assembly-11:30am Homecoming Queen Coronation- Halftime

After Game Student Social Ends at 11PM

Oct. 19th- Homecoming Dance 7:30pm-10:30pm (Lock in from 8PM-10PM)

Dance Tickets:On Sale In the Student Activities Office During GAELS periods, Lunch and after school until 2PM From: September 30th — October 17th

no TickeTs solD on FriDay, ocTober 18Th

Cash or Check Only (checks made out to: Bishop Gorman)

9/30 - 10/11 $75/couple; $40/single

10/14 - 10/17 (and at the Door) $85/couple; $45/single

*All students must have their Bishop Gorman Student ID. If bringing a guest from another school, please submit a GUEST PASS to the Activities Office at least three days prior to the dance.

all guests are required to have a Valid Picture iD.

2

Administration

Finance Dept. news

Welcome NeW Faculty & StaFF!

Admissions CAlendAr reminders

mazel Belt, theology

alice Braun counseling

abby Brown-Jones Wellness counselor

amelia cook math

Robert crisp math

Reginald cruz campus Store

Stephen Gatto World languages

Rebecca Grev Science

morgan Jackson english

Jocelyn Kirschenbaum Science

Pam langsam alumni & Parent Relations

Greg lim Science

Brenda Dubinion World languages

Bradley Slominsk math

mary Wilson World languages

Helenanne Seaman math

Geoff Neuman Band

November 1, 2013 2014 – 2015 Freshman application

available online: www.bishopgorman.org

November 24, 2013 open house

December 14, 2013 & JaNuary 11, 2014

placement exam (current 8th grade students)

melanie Bussiere english

Student Id CardS If you have not registered your student’s ID card for our new eAccounts through Blackboard, please make sure to do so as soon as possible. This is a highly effective way to expedite your student’s lunch experience and load and manage money on their card.

Here are a few InStruCtIonS: • There is a $20 minimum to load online.

• If you deposit $100 you will receive a 5% bonus, which will be included in the funds deposited.

• BGHS has installed a PHIL (Payment Headquarters) Station in the Commons. This station operates as a reverse ATM. Students can deposit money on the ID card in the Commons. The deposits made in the PHIL Station, are also real-time.

• To add money using the PHIL Station you may use cash, $1 minimum and credit/debit cards with a $20 minimum (no checks are allowed through the PHIL station).

Please direct any questions to the Campus Store, 702-476-4022 or by emailing

bookstore@bishopgorman.org.

fInanCIal aId

Please check our website

www.bishopgorman.org for upcoming

information regarding applying for

financial aid for the 2014-2015

school year. Open enrollment will begin

November 1, 2013.

BGHS Italy tour June 2014

For Details ContaCt:

Mr. lieb in rooM 401

klieb@bishopgorman.org

Save Dat e!the

3

Gael Pride

Finance Dept. news

Meet Taylor Serrano, a senior who has been been riding horses since she was six years old! She has competed the past 10 years in local and regional horse shows with her paint horse. However, two years ago, after attending a collegiate equestrian camp she decided to compete within the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA). This year, Taylor qualified for the AQHA and NSBA World Shows and spent three weeks competing in Oklahoma.

we congratulate taylor on her sucesses and wish her all the best reaching her goal to ride for an ncaa Division 1 college equestrian team

and study pre-Vet/animal science!

Gaels Don't Horse around!

On Friday, September 6, two of our teachers received a very special award from the St. Therese Center at the 13th Annual Circle of Roses event. Mr. Charles Fiore and Mrs. Michelle Healy, who have taught Social Justice to Juniors, received the Blue Rose

of safety and PRevention awaRd along with a plaque and public recognition. Students in the Social Justice class consider significant social issues; among them are issues of discrimination. On occasion, Father Joe O’Brien, Executive Director or St. Therese, has been invited to address students on issues related to the HIV/AIDS community, both nationally and locally.

Mrs. Healy has taught for over 10 years in the Theology/Campus Ministry Department, while Mr. Fiore, who taught Theology for five years, has recently moved to the Social Studies Department where he currently teaches US History.

SOCIAl JUSTICE ISSUES

B i s h o p G o r m a n s t u d e n t s had the opportunity learn about the environment and the benefits it has to humans as well as ways to preserve our natural resources in mr. Devlin's Ecology class over the summer. Students spent days at red rock Canyon, mt. Charleston and The Springs Preserve. They also spent a day at Clean the World where they recycled slightly used soaps from local hotels to be re-used by the homeless and third world countries.

Nevada Youth LegisLatorCongratulations to junior Rose Asaf, on being named to the 2013-2015 Nevada Youth legisture. The Nevada Youth legislature, created by the Nevada

legislature in 2007, is a unique opportunity for the young people of Nevada to learn about, affect, and serve our state government. Youth legislators represent each of the 21 Senate districts, they meet monthly, hold town hall meetings and hearings on topics relevant to the youth of Nevada.

Congratulations to both of them for their fine work!

Mrs. Feely and the Visual Arts Department have paired up with Ben Schumaker (founder and director of The Memory Project) to create 40 portraits of children currently in Cambodian orphanages. These portraits will serve as lasting keepsakes and memories for these children, and help to establish a sense of heritage. The portraits will be delivered to the children early February by two

members of the Memory Project. Photos and video of the delivery will be available shortly after for the BG community. Until then, students have anxiously started to create these lovely pieces that are sure to bring a smile to all involved! For more information, please visit www.memoryproject.org or contact Mrs. Feely.

Creating MeMories with Paintbrushes!

4

Campus Ministry

Mite Box

once again, team “BGHS WALKS THE WALK” will participate in the las Vegas Walk to end alzheimer’s on october 26, 2013.

Walk with team “BGHs Walks the Walk,” and enjoy the morning with fellow members of the BGHs community, while helping to reclaim the future for millions and find the cure for alzheimer’s disease. this is also an approved Christian Service opportunity for BGHs students. Family and friends are welcome!

the team is ready to SIGN YOU UP — will you join us? sign up at the BGHs library, or call Ms. Foy or Mrs. andrews at 732-1945 ext. 5002.

this year, we will be walking in memory of Jessie Foy, mother of BGHs assistant librarian Ms. Margaret Foy, and all BGHs Community family members who have passed away with alzheimer’s. Remember: We ALL have a reason to walk!

A BGHS Community TrAdiTion Continues . . . Become part of the TrAdiTion!

Bishop Gorman is participating in the 2014 Close-Up Washington educational program for high school students. It provides a unique opportunity for our students to experience our nation’s government in action! Our students will team up with high school students from all

over the country to explore our national monuments, visit the Smithsonian Museums and participate in workshops that deal with current issues. It is a fast-paced and dynamic program that is highlighted by a day on Capitol Hill where students will meet with our Nevada Senators and Representatives! It will be an unforgettable week! The dates have been set for March 9 – 14! Please contact Mrs. Glenn for information regarding price and registration.

Students in Dean Anderson's New Testament Summer Enrichment class

conducted a special MITE BOX collection and were able to collect

nearly $500. With this money they were able to purchase items for the

firefighters fighting the fire at Mount Charleston. This included 100

ChapSticks®, 80 bottles of eye drops, 70 tubes of sun screen, 60 bottles

of aloe vera gel and 1500 baby wipes, all needed for their personal use.

Thanks to thrifty shopping

and the use of coupons, they

also purchased 160 protein

bars, 120 breakfast bars, and

24 Slim Jim® packs.

Great work class!

New Testament Summer Class Bring Aid to Firefighters in

Mt. Charleston WildfiresMite Box had a great start

this year! We are thankful

to the students/faculty/staff

for remembering to bring

what they could so that we

may assist Las Vegans who need our help.

Our total collection in our first week was over $900.00!

In THIRD PLACE with $32.68, kudos to our new Band

teacher, MR. NEUMAN & CLASS! Our SECOND

PLACE goes to MS. MILLER & CLASS with $40.61!

Congratulations to our FIRST PLACE MITE BOX

WINNERS for the first week, MRS. RAMOS & CLASS

who brought in $40.85 (just $.24 more!) Thank you and Congratulations to all!

5

Academics

Mr. McAllister has set up over 85 colleges to come to our campus and talk with parents and students. Each college will have a table set up and admissions representatives will be available to talk and answer any questions. All are encouraged to attend! A G-Blast will be sent to all students and parents with a list of the participating colleges, so please look out for it.

When: Monday, october 21st at 6PM Where: tiberti student coMMons

1st ANNUAL BISHOP GORMAN COLLEGE FAIR: OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS & PARENTS

The Counseling Department is thrilled to be back in full swing for the 2013-2014 school year. Just a reminder to our new parents, the counseling staff is divided by last name. This year we are happy to introduce three new members of the counseling staff, Mr. Pietranton, Mrs. Braun and Mrs. Brown-Jones, each will be featured in upcoming issues of Sharing The Pride.

Mr. Ryan Pietranton is excited to begin his first year as a member of the Bishop Gorman High School Guidance Department. Prior to joining the department, Mr. Pietranton served the Bishop Gorman community as a member of the mathematics faculty for 14 years. He is the Academic Advisor for students with last names

beginning with A-D. Please visit our website bishopgorman.org for Mr. Pietranton's full bio. Mr. Ryan Pietranton ext. 4046 A - D Mrs. Alice Braun ext. 4048 E - K Mr. Rick Spiritosanto (Dept. Chair) ext. 4051 l - Q Mrs. Natalie Witucki ext. 4050 R - Z Mr. larry McAllister (College Counselor) ext. 4052 Mrs. Abby Brown-Jones, MFT (Wellness Counselor) ext. 4042

All sophomores And juniors will tAke the psAt on october 16th

Please arrive well-rested by 7:30AM. Practice books will be distributed during math class.

REMINDERS FOR THE PSAT • Uniform (no free dress) • 2 pencils • Calculator • Good night's sleep and good breakfast • Homeroom schedules will be posted • www.collegeboard.org has some study tips • Educated guessing only

JUNIORS: Keep in mind, the NatioNal Merit ScholarShip is awarded for very high scores!

NAVIANCE FAMILY CONNECTION NEWS: Here is a reminder by class of some things your child should be working on at home. If your child is still not logged on, please have them stop by their counselor’s office for their registration code.

SENIORS: By this time All seniors should be logged in to Naviance. As they get started on the application process, it is imperative that they get logged on and start tracking their applications and request transcripts and letters of recommendations. All of our documents are now sent electronically. Please refer to the folders that were provided during the presentations.

Also, college visits will be going on all month, so please check the “Visit Schedule” if you are interested. Remember that you need to sign up at least one day in advance and print out your confirmation as your PASS. If you have questions, please contact Mr. McAllister or Mrs. Witucki.

JUNIORS: Start searching colleges; adding them to “Colleges I Am Interested In,” exploring careers and majors, working on the resume and looking at the “College Visit” schedule.

SOPHOMORES: Should have completed the “Do What You Are” and start exploring the “Career” portion of the program and working on the resume.

FRESHMEN: log-in, create your account. Add information to the “Resume” and complete the “Do What You Are” assessment.

Welcome Back!

Counselor's Quote of the Month: "Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail" ---Anonymous

6

Athletics | Activities

The launch of our very own Bishop Gorman App! Cheer, cheer for NEW Gorman High… by Megan Gray ’14

With the vision of ASG and the talent of Alexander Goodman ’15, Bishop Gorman’s expansion has taken on a whole new meaning, diving into the technological world! Gorman’s first ever iPhone application continues the tradition of excellence and of Gaels making history—this time through a virtual setting. Designed to increase student connections and improve school-wide communication, the Gorman app is a brand new tool that lets students and parents access the school website, Edline, event calendars, and teachers’ emails all in one place. But the story doesn’t end here! Students will be able to vote in elections and receive notifications about schedules, Mass days, special events, etc., all in the palm of their hand…but not during school hours, of course!

Adding even more to the magic, this app is completely free! To download it, search “BGHS” in the App Store and be sure to select “iPhone apps” if you are using an iPad. The app will continue to grow just like the rest of the school; creator Alex Goodman has big plans to expand the app throughout the year and is excited to get feedback! So, before you finish singing the Fight Song; download the BGHS app, and read below what Alex had to say about the app he developed!

What is the significance of creating this app in your eyes?

"This is the first app, that I know of, made by a student for their school."How did you learn to write the code for apps like this and what prompted you to do so?

"I learned to write this code by Googling it. I decided to learn

how to write code when I realized that this is becoming the next generation of job opportunities and I wanted to get a head start."

What is your favorite feature that the app offers?

"The push notifications are my favorite feature. It gives the school the ability to communicate with the entire student body in a matter of seconds."

Now that you’ve made this app, what is your next goal?

"I want to create apps for other schools and enhance the learning experience for students around the globe."

The 2013 Sollenberger Football Classic

presented by Stations

Casinos, took place at

Bishop Gorman High School on

Friday, August 23, and Saturday, August 24. The past

two years, the Sollenberger Classic was played indoors

at the Arizona Cardinals’ University of Phoenix

Stadium; however, this year it was moved to Bishop

Gorman High School. The heavily anticipated event

featured Bishop Gorman High School vs. Mountain

Pointe, AZ on Friday evening and Liberty High

School, NV vs. Salpointe Catholic, AZ on Saturday

night.

In the first game of

the event, the Bishop

Gorman student section

came out strong and the

Gorman faithful filled

the stands, but it was

not quite enough as the Gaels lost 28-21, to Mountain

Point, AZ, currently one of the top teams in the

country. On Saturday night, the Arizona team was

also victorious as Salpointe Catholic of Tucson took

down the Nevada State Runner-Up, Liberty, 48-7.

Although both Nevada teams fell short in the

Sollenberger Classic, everyone enjoyed two nights of great

high school football! Bishop Gorman would like to thank

Stations Casinos for their sponsorship of the event.

7

Advancement

Bishop

Gorman Golf Classic

Friday, OCtOBer 11 11:00 reGistratiOn 12:00 shOtGun start

FOursOmes $1,500 indiViduaLs $375

siGn up at www.BishOpGOrman.OrG!

The Bishop Gorman Summer Internship Program was designed to offer students a first-hand look into a potential career field during the summer prior to their senior year. For the summer of 2013, sixteen students were chosen to participate in this great opportunity based on their GPA, written application and interview.

By participating in the program, students gained firsthand experience within various businesses including law, banking, marketing, design and medicine. The internships benefit our students to have an advantage over other graduates by not only gaining professional experience in their field for college applications but by being able to achieve a clearer perspective on their career goals and objectives.

The 2013 Summer Internship Program was a huge success. All business participants are looking forward to having an intern again next summer!

A special thanks to this year’s business participants!

ClEvElAnd CliniC MGM REsoRts intERnAtionAl

nEttlEs lAw FiRMCRAiG P. KEnny

8 nEws nowColouRs, inC.

lotus BRoAdCAstinGPAnAttoni ConstRuCtion

For more information, please contact Ms. Blaney in the Advancement Office at: lblaney@bishopgorman.org or 476-4034.

because a gift to

education is important to me

www.bishopgorman.org

BGHs

any amount given, large or small brings us together as

a community.

“”- Pam & Tim Tolan

current parents

8

For more information visit: www.bishopgorman.org.

Bishop Gorman High School5959 S. Hualapai WayLas Vegas, NV 89148

Go Gaels!PRESORT

STANDARDU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 37Las Vegas, NV

Striving for Excellence through the Performing Arts

heatreGaelsGUILD

2013 - 2014 Performing

Arts Season

And it’s all just waiting for you! Winter Arts

Extravaganza: a celebration of

theatre and music

Friday, December 13 &

Saturday, December 14

6:00pm

The One Act Play

7:00pm

The Winter Music

Extravaganza

Bye Bye Birdie The Spring Musical

February 28 through March 9

Spring Arts Spectacular:

a festival of theatre and music

Friday, May 2 & Saturday, May 3

6:00pm

The Spring Acting Showcase

7:00pm

The Spring Music Spectacular

For More Information:702 476 4175

performingarts@bishopgorman.org

Edline - Links - Gaels Theatre Guild

Elena Ferrante-Martin

Managing Producer

& Artistic Director

Shop the Hammes Campus store for your

Fall Gorman Gear…

There’s something for the enTire

Family!