News for the Parents and Friends of Nolan Catholic High School
September 2003
Academic Issues: Edline & Ranking
Edline
New to NCHS this year is a web-based tool called Edline, which allows parents to check a student’s progress on-line. It is a complete internet solution that will serve Nolan Catholic High School in becoming the website companion to teachers, students, and parents. Edline is easy to implement, saves teachers time, and enhances parent-teacher communication. The purpose of Edline at Nolan Catholic is to give students the opportunity to keep up with classes, as well as, allow for parents to stay involved with their child’s academic environment.

Starting September 15, you, as a parent, will be able to go on-line at www.edline.net, and see current progress reports for each of your child’s classes.
You will soon receive a detailed packet in the mail which will describe how to log on to Edline and create your own personal account.

Teachers are already singing Edline’s praises. “After looking at Edline for the first time I am so excited about the possibilities,” says Marilyn Byrum, English Department Chair. “I can post my syllabus and quarter timelines so students and parents can access them anytime. Reporting grades and averages to students will be so much easier and convenient, not only to me, but also to the students and parents.”

In the August 4, 2003 issue of Newsweek, Jonathan Abrams, CEO of Edline explains the company’s position. “With a ‘better feedback loop,’ says Abrams, parental involvement increases and student performance problems come to light earlier.”

To Rank or Not To Rank?
You may have heard that Nolan Catholic High School will no longer rank its students. That is true. As of this academic school year ranking students is a thing of the past. After almost two years of research and discussion, the Academic Council recommended to the Administrative Team that the sequential ranking of our students serves little or no purpose and has a detrimental effect on their opportunity to receive a thorough evaluation of their high school achievement by colleges. (click for full story)
It’s Official: Doskocil Stadium: Doskocil Family Honored in Upgraded Stadium
NCHS renovated its athletic stadium over the summer and celebrated the $1.1 million upgrade Friday, August 29, with a rededication and naming ceremony honoring Ben and Mary Frances Doskocil and their family. (click for full story & pictures)

Guidance & Counseling
Parents of Freshmen, Class of ‘07
There are so many fresh and eager faces — some of them struggling to make the transition to a “large” secondary school! (click for full message)

To The Sophomores
WELCOME BACK! We have a few new faces that I know you will all welcome. Sophomore year typically is a year to continue to monitor your academic progress and become more involved in activities to develop leadership skills. (click for full message)

Juniors
The Campbell Interest Inventory is now available in the Guidance office. Junior level students are encouraged to take this survey which helps students understand how their interests and skills fit into the world of work, (click for full message)
Deans’ Office: Dress Code Reminder
Please be aware that uniform shoes this year MUST be solid black, brown, or tan. Girls may also wear navy or black and white saddle oxfords. NO ATHLETIC SHOES of any kind are ever appropriate during the school day. Socks must be solid white, navy, yellow, gray, black and we have added maroon as these colors compliment the uniform. Socks MUST completely cover the ankle bone and mini athletic socks are not acceptable.
We are seeing too many short skirts and jumpers on the girls. They must come to the top of the knee. Please work with us in getting the students into compliance with the dress code. Thank you.
Study Skills Sessions: Program Helps Students
Sometimes it is difficult to be a parent; especially, when your child is struggling in school. Poor academic performance not only adversely affects the child’s attitude and self-image, but it also disrupts the home life. Often parents feel helpless, because they no longer feel capable of helping their child.

Now there is an opportunity to receive help at NCHS. Mr. Peter Pactor has begun his study skills program to help struggling students improve their study habits, attitudes and behaviors. Mr. Pactor offered this program for the public over twenty years ago after his son Doug failed every subject in seventh grade. Doug’s work improved every year and he finished high school on the honor roll, and graduated from college magna cum laude.

After working with students, the average grade point improvement has been about ten points, but the most important change is in the improved self-image his students acquire.

The program meets every day, M-F after school from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. There is a fee. For more information contact Mr. Peter Pactor, 817-457-2920 ext. 1611 or email - ppactor@nolancatholchs.org
Class & Club Column
German Club
The Nolan German Club has elected officers for the 03-04 school year. Amy Gilmore is the President, Claire Tomiak and Amanda Jung are Co-Vice-Presidents, Danny Heslep is Sargeant at Arms, Katherine Munoz and Chelsey McMahon are Treasurers and Business Managers, and Sarah Giromini is in charge of Publicity.
The first German Club Field Trip of the year is September 13. We will be off to Kirby’s Delicatessen to sample German fare and, of course, some good old fashioned Gemuetlichkeit. ~ Bruce Horn, German Club Moderator

Royelles
The Royelles dance team had a very busy and successful summer. The officers attended the 2003 Dance Officer Camp. (click for full article)

True Love Waits
True Love Waits, a student organization that promotes abstinence until marriage, began meeting Thursday, September 4. All students are welcome to join our meetings every other Thursday. The next meeting will be September 18 at 3 p.m. in A-13.

In this issue:

Academic Issues: Edline & Ranking

Guidance & Counseling

Deans’ Office: Dress Code Reminder

Study Skills Sessions: Program Helps Students

Class & Club Column

Quick Hits

Student Spotlight:
Sophomore Studies Primates

Jenny Reichert ‘06 was privileged to study Primate Biology this summer at Duke University Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. She said the program was awesome and wants to attend next year’s session of Forensic Science.

Fine Arts Update
• Student-Directed Melodrama
Please join us for our 2nd Annual Student-Directed Melodrama: “Heaven Help the Po’Taters... or ... I’d-A-Hoe The Potatoes, But They Just Won’t Grow!” Directed by senior Nicole Seaman. Show dates are Friday and Saturday, September 19 and 20 at 7:00 p.m. in the NCHS Commons. Admission is donation only.
(more on Theatre Nolan)

• Speech & Debate Team
The tournament season begins this month with tournaments (more on Speech & Debate)

• Nolan Dance Company
The Nolan Dance Company is always delighted when they are invited to perform for the various school and parish fundraisers within the Fort Worth diocese. (more on Dance)

Moms In Touch
Moms in Touch meets each Thursday at 2:00 p.m. in the NCHS Chapel. The group gathers weekly to pray for Nolan Catholic High School.
www.momsintouch.org



 
This electronic newsletter is published for the parents and friends of Nolan Catholic High School
by the Institutional Advancement Office, 817-457-2920 ext. 1577.
4501 Bridge Street | Ft. Worth, Texas 76103-1198