ADMINISTRATIONHeadmaster Mr. John W. KowachPrincipal Mrs. Sandra M. FlorigVice Principal Mr. John R. SchneiderDirector of Athletics Mr. Aaron J. StraubADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT PERSONNELCampus Ministry Fr. David PerryMrs. Jennifer MeyerGuidance Department Mrs. Judy SchreiberMrs. Melissa NicklasMaster Scheduler Mrs. Melissa NicklasTechnology Coordinator Mrs. Marlene StubberDirector of Finance Mrs. Peggy HanesDepartment Coordinators Mrs. Mary Buerk (Mathematics)Mr. Anthony Breindel (Health/Physical Ed/ Social Studies)Mrs. Laura Anderson (Science)Mrs. Linda Roth (Humanities)Mrs. Jennifer Meyer (Theology)Mr. Theodore Hanes (Business/Technology)Director of Development Mrs. Mary Rae KowachOffice Manager/ Attendance Mrs. Kimberly SchlimmCafeteria Manager Mrs. Kathy CunninghamMaintenance Supervisor Mr. Ralph SwackhammerCATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE – DIOCESE OF ERIEVicar of Education Rev. John SchultzAssociate Vicar for Education Sr. Mary Arnold Tann, S.S.J.Director of Curriculum Ms. Darlene KovacsDirector of Teacher Personnel Ms. Patricia McLaughlinDirector of School Finance Mr. Chuck BanducciDirector of Government Programs Ms. Roberta BucciAthletic Director Mr. Douglas Chuzie
ENROLLMENT AGREEMENTElk County Catholic High School is a private educational institution with established policies, rules, regulations, and procedures that are consistent with the Catholic identity and mission. Parents who enroll their children at Elk County Catholic High School should recognize this fact and should carefully read all of the material contained in this handbook. A child’s enrollment into Elk County Catholic constitutes parental agreement and acceptance of all of the provisions contained in this handbook.IN ALL CASES PARENT COOPERATION IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE WELFARE OF STUDENTS.
ELK COUNTY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOLMISSION STATEMENT“Our mission at Elk County Catholic High School is to provide a faith-focused community where our students can develop their fullest potential intellectually, physically, morally, and spiritually.”BELIEF STATEMENTS
We believe that a quality education is essential to student achievement. We believe that the presence of Christ can be found in every individual. We believe in the dignity of each individual. We believe that Christian morals and values enhance a student’s life. We believe that our students are the future of humanity.THE INDIVIDUALWe believe that every individual should be provided with an opportunity to discern those specific spiritual and intellectual areas where he or she will discover ultimate inner peace and personal satisfaction.We believe that each individual should be allowed to develop his or her particular abilities and unique creative talents within the framework of a Christian community.We believe that all individuals should be provided with realistic challenges in order to prepare themselves for the moral, intellectual, social, technological, and physical demands of today’s society.We believe that every individual, through formal training, guidance, and formation, recognizes those special gifts and talents that will enable that individual to assume his or her leadership role in a democratic society.Therefore, the function of a Catholic education is to make every effort to assist each student in realizing his or her ultimate potential in terms of intellectual growth, spiritual development, and artistic creativity and to recognize his or her particular responsibility to both God and self.THE CURRICULUMThe Elk County Catholic School Community believes that a comprehensive curriculum should not be of an elusive or esoteric nature. Rather, the curriculum at Elk County Catholic is a defined program of studies designed to meet the individual needs, expectations, and aspirations of each and every student by teaching fundamental skills that encourage critical thinking, questioning, and lifelong learning. The professional staff recognizes its responsibility to focus on the acquisition of religious values and spiritual truths in conjunction with the development of meaningful educational skills and competencies. Therefore, a conscious effort is made to integrate Catholicity into the teaching and learning. The program is specifically designed to be diversified enough to allow for flexibility in application. Thus, a student at any level of proficiency is assured of a quality education that will meet his or her individual needs.
METHOD OF INSTRUCTIONIn order for our students to realize their ultimate potential in regards to intellectual, aesthetic, and spiritual development, the Elk County Catholic School Community encourages a disciplined, structured educational atmosphere that continuously emphasizes a mutual respect and accountability among all teachers and students.We believe that in a Catholic learning environment, the soundness of the academic program is not simply based on the measurable and observable results produced; rather, a holistic evaluation is stressed, especially emphasizing the quality of instruction imparted to our students. Therefore, innovative, creative, and challenging techniques are continuously being employed.THE STAFFWe believe that our teaching staff should be composed of members who have a thorough knowledge of human behavior along with a comprehensive background in their chosen discipline.In addition, we believe that in order for collective and individual needs and desires to be met, teachers must enrich themselves professionally through continuous programs of in-service and professional development. It is only through a total cooperative effort of teachers, administrators, and support personnel that the process of education can happen. The Elk County Catholic School Community believes that the “total educator” is one who not only educates and motivates, but who also serves as an exemplary Christian, both publicly and privately.Therefore, we believe that the teacher’s interaction with each student must demonstrate a personal commitment and accountability to God and to the community.THE RELATION TO COMMUNITY, STATE, AND SOCIETYWe believe that the school community is truly a microcosm of the global society. Therefore, we attempt to initiate experiences that will encourage students to work in a cooperative manner within the framework of society without losing their sense of individual Christian identity.We further believe that all students should be provided with realistic responsibilities, challenges, and obligations so that they may become familiar with the complex expectations of the family unit, the community sector, and the national and international arenas. Through this type of preparation, all students are encouraged to discover that unique and personal role that will prepare them for their maximum contribution to society and God.
ELK COUNTY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOLSCHOOL GOALSTHE INDIVIDUALThe student will:Develop an appreciation of the Catholic faith and Christian ethics and through this awareness a more intense, personal relationship with God will be manifested through prayer, sacramental celebration, involvement in Church, and Christ-like service to one another.Develop an awareness of his or her unique personal potential and special creative gifts.Develop the ability to examine information objectively, constructively, and critically, and through this interpretation, creatively utilize it for future personal growth and formation.Develop a sense of self-worth, dignity, Christian ethics, citizenship, sportsmanship, and personal discipline.Develop an appreciation, knowledge, and enthusiasm for all of the academic disciplines in order to ensure future career choices and success.Develop the ability to think logically, to express his or her ideas more clearly in speaking and writing and to listen and respond with a critical mind.THE CURRICULUMThe curriculum will enable the student to:Expand aesthetic appreciation, creative potential, and communication skills through an intense examination of cultural expressions.Develop an awareness of the interrelationship between the complex and intricate natures of the science and math fields.Develop a personal understanding of God’s providence and communication in Scripture, Sacrament, and Church.Acquire knowledge and to develop practices to obtain physical, emotional, and mental well-being.Secure the technological skills needed to keep pace with the demands and challenges that will be encountered in the pursuit of advanced studies and career choices.
THE METHOD OF INSTRUCTIONThe method of instruction will:Encourage not only a student’s personal search and desire for knowledge, but also motivate and inspire individual inquiry. Students should be challenged to face the more complex and sophisticated nature of today’s academic expectations. Achievement, knowledge, comprehension, and application are expected; analysis, synthesis, and evaluation levels are specifically promoted.STAFFThe administration will:Continue to provide the finest Catholic educational and spiritual experience to those young adults who are being served.Maintain a well-trained and certified staff of highly competent teachers and other instructional personnel.Encourage individual professional growth through graduate studies, in-service training, workshops, professional organizations, general faculty meetings, and specific departmental meetings.Enthusiastically work with parents and students promoting a Christian example in all that we do and say since example is the most visible sign of a philosophy.THE RELATION TO COMMUNITY, STATE, AND SOCIETYThe Elk County Catholic High School Community will:Maintain an open avenue of communication and dialogue through parish involvement, parent organizations (School Board, Mothers, Fathers, and Friends Organization, Music Boosters, Athletic Association, and Alumni Association), Parent-Teacher Conferences, discipline and attendance inquiries, progress reports, monthly mailings, and newspaper notices. It will also encourage an awareness of a student's specific obligation to his or her local community and to the state and federal governments.Expand the curricular and extracurricular offerings of the school in order to better meet the different spiritual, academic, and social needs of our students.Actively promote individual and collective service to the school and the community.
TRANSFER STUDENTSANY STUDENT WHO IS INTERESTED IN TRANSFERRING TO ELK COUNTY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL WILL BE EVALUATED FOR ADMISSION BASED ON HIS OR HER ACADEMIC, ATTENDANCE, BEHAVIORAL, AND DISCIPLINARY RECORDS AND INFORMATION.The following procedure must be completed before a student from another school will be accepted into Elk County Catholic High School:· An administrator or a guidance counselor should be personally contacted by the parent of the child wishing to transfer.· All necessary information from the student’s present school must be brought to the Main Office for preview by the Principal and the Guidance Counselor. This includes all academics, attendance, behavioral, and disciplinary information.· After review of the records, a meeting will be scheduled with an administrator and a guidance counselor from Elk County Catholic. The student interested in transferring and his or her parents must be present at the scheduled meeting.· After the meeting with the child and his or her parents, officials at Elk County Catholic will review all information gathered and make a decision on whether admission will be granted or denied.· If accepted, the student and his or her parent will meet with a guidance counselor for the scheduling of classes.· Prior to being granted admission, parents of the child must resolve all financial obligations to Elk County Catholic for the present year.Special Note: The transfer of a student from one school to another is a very serious educational decision. In all cases, the primary reason for a transfer should revolve around the educational and/or spiritual benefits that a child would receive. Athletics, extracurricular activities, disciplinary problems, or social interactions are not valid reasons for transferring.Other than in the most extraordinary cases, a student’s transfer to Elk County Catholic High School must occur at the beginning of the school year or at the beginning of the second semester. This provision is in place to ensure a smooth academic transition from one institution to another.
ELK COUNTY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL – CONTACT PERSONSSchool Phone Number – 834-7800Procedure for Contacting School OfficialsArea ContactAcademic Concerns Mrs. Sandra FlorigAthletic Concerns Mr. Aaron StraubAttendance Mrs. Kimberly SchlimmBand/Music Program Mr. Raymond KnightBuilding Usage Mrs. Kimberly SchlimmBuilding (Security/Maintenance) Mr. Ralph SwackhammerCafeteria Mrs. Kathy CunninghamCampus Ministry Program Mrs. Jennifer Meyer/Fr. David PerryClasses/Course Offerings Mrs. Melissa Nicklas/Mrs. Sandra FlorigDevelopment/Alumni Information Mrs. Mary Rae KowachStudent Conduct/Dress Mr. John SchneiderGuidance/Transcripts Mrs. Judy Schreiber/Mrs. Melissa NicklasMake-up Work A) Any missed days – Contact TeachersB) Extended absences – Mrs. Kimberly SchlimmPersonnel Mr. John Kowach/Mrs. Sandra FlorigPublicity Mrs. Mary Rae Kowach/Mrs. Peggy HanesReport Cards Mrs. Melissa NicklasSchool Calendar Mrs. Kimberly SchlimmSchool Finance/Tuition Assistance Mrs. Peggy HanesStudent Clubs/Organizations Mr. John SchneiderWork-Study Program Mrs. Peggy Hanes· If a parent has a concern or question regarding a particular class or teacher, it is recommended that the parent initially talk to the teacher about the problem. If an agreement or resolution is not reached in consultation with these individuals, you should contact Mrs. Florig at the school for an individual meeting.School Office Hours – 7:15 AM – 3:15 PM - Monday through Thursday7:15 AM – 3:00PM - FridaySCHOOL OFFICIALS SHOULD BE CONTACTED AT HOME ONLY IN THE CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.ADMISSION POLICYElk County Catholic High School does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, national origin, handicap condition, or religion.
ELK COUNTY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOLSummary of Costs/Fees2006-2007Tuition Cost (One Child) $3,395Tuition Cost (Two Children) $6,450Tuition Cost (Three Children) $9,505The tuition cost for non-Catholic students is $4,095 (One Child), $7,850 (Two Children), and $11,605 (Three Children).Tuition AssistanceAll parents are reminded that tuition assistance is available for those families with special financial needs. Payment of tuition should never be a reason for a student not to attend Elk County Catholic High School. If you have any questions, please call Mrs. Hanes at the school.If all obligations (fees and tuition) are not resolved, a student will not be permitted to participate in the actual graduation exercises.For those families in need of special financial aid, the following programs are available:Elk County Catholic Work-Study ProgramFather Patrick Engel Memorial GrantThe Tuition Assistance ProgramThe Clarence and Theresa Schloder ScholarshipThe Bishop Michael J. Murphy ScholarshipThe Marian ScholarshipThe Harold C. and Beatrice G. Lenze Memorial ScholarshipThe Alfred and Frances Gleixner Family ScholarshipPatricia Pfoutz ScholarshipAmalia K. (Fritz) Lenze ScholarshipFrancis “Butch” & Audrey Bauer ScholarshipThe Hal and Pauline Fritz ScholarshipThe Betty and Lee Hoffman Family ScholarshipReda A. and Thecla V. Steinhauser ScholarshipApplication forms for these programs are available at the Main Office at Elk County Catholic High School.FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE GUIDELINES(as established by the Elk County Catholic School Board)Student Aid Programs-The Finance Committee should establish yearly the maximum amount available for WorkStudy.-The total funding available for the financial aid program should be established prior toApril 1 of each year so both work study and grant awards for the following school year can bemade prior to the end of the current school year.-A common application form should be used for both the work study and the grant program.-A select committee should be appointed by the Headmaster to review the combined applicationsand make awards accordingly.-We specifically do not recommend establishing a “Parent Work” program or granting tuitioncredits to students whose parents are active in the support organizations or in fundraisingactivities.Payment of Tuition and Fees-All families are required to be registered with the FACTS Tuition Program. Please see addendum for details.-No student is to be denied admission because of immediate inability to pay tuition fees.However, all avenues for financial aid must be pursued, and the parents/guardians mustformally accept the responsibility for ultimate payment on a schedule acceptable to theadministration or admission may be denied. This applies to returning upperclassmen as well asentering freshmen.-Failure to make satisfactory arrangements for payment of unpaid balances at the end of a schoolyear will result in the student not being registered for a schedule for the next year.-Student transcripts will be withheld in any case where the administration judges payments to beseriously overdue along with the fact that satisfactory arrangements for payment have not beenmade.-A formal billing system should be instituted and the frequency of billing should be consistentwith the individual payment plan. This statement will be mailed home.-All financial matters – aid applications, payment agreements, and individual account status –will be kept in strictest confidence. Communication from the school to parents on financialmatters are not to be made through the student.-Students are not to be denied participation in any extracurricular activities because of the statusof their tuition accounts.The most significant reflection to be made from these approved policies is that no student will ever be denied admission to Elk County Catholic High School because of financial need. However, all avenues of aid must be pursued. Additionally, the administration must be informed of extenuating circumstances that would prohibit immediate payment. Arrangements can and will be made to alleviate any undo hardships.Elk County Catholic High SchoolAccount Collection PolicyFor the 2006-2007 school year, both the Elk County Catholic School Board and Board of Trustees approved the engagement of FACTS for tuition collection. In order to provide the school with a stable cash flow and to ensure a timely tuition collection, parents must complete a FACTS application form in order to have their child(ren) registered for the upcoming school year.Parents have three options for payment.1) Full PaymentCheck or Credit Card2) Two Paymentsa) Check or Credit Card for first paymentb) Completed FACTS Form for the second payment (attach a voided check).Second payment is due either January 5th or January 20th.3) FACTS Payment – Re-enrollmentSigned re-enrollment form4) FACTS Payment – First Time Participant at Elk County CatholicSigned and completed FACTS form (attach a voided check). A complete set of FACTS forms may be obtained from the Finance Office.It is very important that payment of tuition is done on a timely basis. This allows the school to keep current with obligations. The detailed steps in this procedure are as follows:Step One - If not paying in full, a signed FACTS Tuition Agreement form must be completed by all families attending Elk County Catholic High School. This form will indicate the method of payment and the frequency.Step Two - Each month a review of the accounts will be done to ensure that payments are being made in accordance with the FACTS agreement.Step Three - If payments are not in accordance with the FACTS agreement, a letter will be generated by the Finance Office to remind the parent of payment and to secure information concerning any problems.Step Four - If the reminder letter fails to elicit a response and/or a payment, a letter will be sent from the administration outlining further action.Step Five - A detailed and binding tuition contract will be drawn up by Elk County Catholic High School and signed by the Director of Finance and the parent representative indicating how much will be paid, how often, and the date of commencement for future payments.Step Six - Subsequent tuition collection problems will result in action as outlined on page 12 of the Parent Handbook.ELK COUNTY CATHOLIC BOARD OF TRUSTEESStated Purpose: The heart of any trust, which the board member is asked to hold,is the stated purpose of the institution, in this case Elk CountyCatholic High School.The Elk County Catholic High School Community recognizes that “the future of humanity lies in the hands of those who are strong enough to provide future generations with reasons for living and hoping.” (The Church Today, 31) In response to this call, we are committed to provide the finest Catholic education to those we serve. Our mission set in a formal academic environment, is not only to prepare our young adults in achieving their ultimate cognitive and aesthetic potential; rather, we recognize the need to develop Christian morals and values in order to live a truly fulfilled life, both now and in the future. We believe that education must provide all students with multidimensional experiences of learning. We strive to proclaim the message as revealed by God, to develop a sense of unity with the Holy Spirit, and to encourage genuine service to the human community.From the base of this philosophical statement, the Elk CountyCatholic Board of Trustees is asked to advise and assist theadministration on determining what future changes and/ordevelopments in programs enhance the basic purpose of theschool.Specific Objective and Responsibilities1) Public Relations – Trustees are in a commanding position to interpret Elk County Catholic’s program to the public and to interpret public sentiment to the school. An essential role of the trustees would be to enhance the image of the school by providing all possible information to interested parties.2) Future Development – Elk County Catholic High School is entering a stage of its existence where simple stability is no longer an accepted measure of success. Educators today agree that one of the most serious oversights in education has been the lack of adequate planning for the future. Until there is such planning, and until it is translated into a “blueprint for tomorrow,” even the best development programs are severely limited. Once the “blueprint” is made, long term plans should be continuously reviewed and revised. Therefore, one of the most significant functions of the Board of Trustees will be to establish a long-term plan of growth and development. Individual and community input is needed to formulate a sound policy of specific objectives for future growth.3) Development of “Case Statements” – Case statements are written descriptions of the reasons why funds are needed, what they will be used for, and the desirable results that will accrue from such use. The Elk County Catholic Board of Trustees will assist the administration in the sound preparation of such statements. Through general discussions, a priority of needs will be developed and a “plan of action” for securing funds will be established. It is not the function of the Board of Trustees to serve as fundraisers for the school. Rather, the Board of Trustees will recommend potential procedures, activities, or programs and the school itself will be actually responsible for the implementation.
4) “Sounding Board” -The present administration of Elk County Catholic High School needs continuous help in the future planning for the school. It is a responsibility that should not be undertaken by a single individual. Therefore, a vital function of the Board of Trustees will be to simply supply advice, suggestions, and recommendations to the administration. Hopefully, an open dialogue will be developed that will ultimately enhance the very foundation of Elk County Catholic High School.Meetings: The Board of Trustees will meet as needed throughout the year.Board of TrusteesMr. Don FlemingMonsignor Charles KazaMr. C. J. KogovsekMr. John KowachMr. Mike LanzelMr. James RyanMr. Larry Thorwart
ELK COUNTY CATHOLIC SCHOOL BOARDPurpose:
This organization of representatives of the Parishes, the Faculty, the Student Body, and other school-related organizations assists the administration of the school in financial and policy matters directly affecting the operation of the school.2006-2007 Officers: President - Mrs.Kathy ReuscherVice President - Mrs.Amy JacobSecretary - Ms.Pauline GausmanPast President - Mrs. Cindy CortinovisMembers: Reverend Thomas TylerTBARevered John KuzillaReverend David WilsonReverend Frank Ziemkiewicz, O.S.B.Reverend Eric Vogt, O.S.BFr. Theodore MarconiMr. John KowachMrs. Sandra FlorigMr. John SchneiderMrs. Loree BrazinskiMrs. Sue HerzingMr. James CooneyMrs. Laura LynchMrs. Eileen MillsopMr. Mike WernerMrs. Linda SimbeckMrs. Jeanne HunterCommittees: CurriculumFinancePhysical FacilitiesStudent AidMeeting Dates: Second Thursday of each month, September through May, as determined at the September meeting at 7:00 PM.
ATHLETIC ASSOCIATIONPurpose:To promote interest in all sports at E.C.C.H.S. and to generate funds for the financial obligations of this association to the Athletic Department of the school.2006-2007 Officers: President - Mr. Mike WernerVice President - Mr. Pat HerzingSecretary - Mrs. Betsy NisselTreasurer - Mr. Dave GeciBingo Chairpersons - Mrs. Janet Dellaquila- Mr. Pete MeierLottery Chairperson - Mrs. Lynne BeveridgeDiamond DazzleChairperson - Mr. Gary MitchellClass Representatives - Dan Wortman – Freshman Class- Stacie Olewnik – Sophomore Class- Debbie Beveridge – Junior Class- Terri Bish – Senior ClassMajor Activities/ Super BingoFundraising: Monthly LotteryDiamond Dazzle
CRUSADER SPONSORED ATHLETIC PROGRAMSVarsity Junior Varsity Junior HighFALLFootball Football Football (7,8,9)Girls Cross Country Girls Cross Country Girls’ Cross Country (7,8)Boys Cross Country Boys Cross Country Boys’ Cross Country (7,8)Girls Soccer Girls Soccer Co-ed Soccer (7,8)Boys Soccer Boys Soccer Cheerleading (7,8,9)Girls Tennis Volleyball Girls Basketball (7,8)Volleyball GolfGolf CheerleadingCheerleadingWINTERGirls Basketball Girls Basketball Girls Volleyball (7,8)Boys Basketball Boys Basketball Boys Basketball (9)Cheerleading Cheerleading Cheerleading (9)SPRINGBoys’ Tennis Baseball Boys’ Track & FieldGirls’ Track & Field Softball Girls’ Track & FieldBoys’ Track & Field (7-8)BaseballSoftballNote: Girls Junior High Basketball is played in September, October, and November.Girls Junior High Volleyball is played in February and March.COOPERATIVE SPONSORED ATHLETIC PROGRAMS(with ST. MARYS AREA HIGH SCHOOL)Varsity Junior Varsity Junior HighWINTERGymnastics Gymnastics Wrestling (7, 8, 9)Girls Swimming & Diving Girls Swimming & DivingBoys Swimming & Diving Boys Swimming & DivingWrestling Wrestling
ATHLETIC MISSION STATEMENTStrengthen our Student Athletes inGood Sportsmanship, Fair Play, and Honest CompetitionWhile bringing them closer togetherAs part of God’s redeemed People· Our mission statement is made easy when considering that we are an institution that has God and Christianity as its foundation. The focus is to develop Christian morals and values through competition in order to have a truly fulfilling high school experience.COACHING PHILOSOPHYAthletes FirstWinning Second· Decisions our coaches make and the behavior they display is based first on what they think is best for the athlete (within the context of the dynamics of the team) and second on what may improve the athlete’s or team’s chance of winning.·