The Panther ParentThe 2013-14 Guide for St. Pius X High School Parents

Staff Listing .......................................... 2 Department Listing Email Address Telephone

Faculty Listing ....................................... 3 Alphabetical Listing Email Address Telephone

Climate of Character ............................. 4

General Information ............................... 5 Absences Announcements Anticipated Absences Books Bring Your Own Device Building Open Carpooling Emergency School Closing Financial Aid Financial Commitments Liturgies Meals Permission Slips General Information (continued) ........... 6 Personal Audio-Visual Devices School Calendar School Pictures School Times Senior Pictures Student Parking Student Transportation Uniforms Yearbooks

Celebrate the Arts ................................. 6 Band/Campus Singers/Choir Theatre SPX TAPPS Art/Academic/Music Competitions Help for Students ................................... 7 CounselingOffice Peer Helpers Tutoring Progress Reports Grades

College & Career Preparation .............. 7 PSAT, PLAN, ACT/SAT

Expanding Student Horizons ................. 7 OfficeforCampusMinistry Retreats School Events ........................................ 8 Academic Rally Homecoming Project Prom School Dances Senior Prom Honoring Achievements......................... 8 Veritas Ring Ceremony National Honor Society Senior Awards Sports Awards Underclass Awards

Athletics ................................................. 9 Eligibility Cheerleaders Pantherettes Letter Jackets Managers and Scorekeepers Practice Times Sports Uniforms Summer Camps Weight Room Fall Sports & Winter Sports................. 10 Spring Sports ....................................... 11 Student Clubs & Organizations ........... 11

Advancement ....................................... 12 Advancing the Mission Annual Giving Programs Annual Gala Enrollment Set the World Ablaze Other Support

Parent Involvement .............................. 13 Parent Association Booster Club Meet the Teachers

Parent Association Calendar ............... 15

Reference Sources .............................. 15 Alcohol EDU Drug Testing Policy Anti-Bullying Initiative

Table of Contents

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Administration Email PhoneJeff Donaruma - Dean of Students/English donarumaj@stpiusx.org 713.579.7503Diane Larsen - Academic Dean larsend@stpiusx.org 713.579.7504Allan Minar - Finance Director minara@stpiusx.org 713.579.7508Joseph Noonan - Facilities Director noonanj@stpiusx.org 713.579.7536Sister Donna M. Pollard, O.P. - Head of School pollardd@stpiusx.org 713.579.7555Mary Linda Portner- Director of Advancement portnerml@stpiusx.org 713.579.7512

Admissions OfficeSusie Kramer - Director of Admissions kramers@stpiusx.org 713.579.7507Eva Dix ‘04 - Admissions Assistant dixe@stpiusx.org 713.579.7502

Advancement OfficeAlumni Director 713.579.7513Cathy Pawlowski - Director of Events pawlowskic@stpiusx.org 713.579.7515Lauren Lucas Power ‘05 - Annual Fund Director powerl@stpiusx.org 713.579.7546Deanna Werner - Director of Communications wernerd@stpiusx.org 713.579.7514Jerry Yeager - Advancement Assistant yeagerj@stpiusx.org 713.579.7511

Business OfficeDavid Hock - Business Manager hockd@stpiusx.org 713.579.7509Denise Hyland - Business Office Assistant hylandd@stpiusx.org 713.579.7510

Counseling OfficeJennifer Boyles - Counselor, Department Chair boylesj@stpiusx.org 713.579.7521Yvonne Clark - Counselor/Psychology clarky@stpiusx.org 713.579.7579Sharon Salerno - Counselors’ Administrative Assistant salernos@stpiusx.org 713.579.7519Christian Zela - Counselor zelac@stpiusx.org 713.579.7522Justin Matias - Director of College Counseling matiasj@stpiusx.org 713.579.7520

DeansJerry Hornsby - Associate Dean of Students/Social Studies hornsbyj@stpiusx.org 713.579.7540Marc Martinez - Associate Academic Dean martinezm@stpiusx.org 713.579.7582Jason Novak - Associate Dean of Students/Social Studies novakj@stpiusx.org 713.579.7563

Office for Campus Ministry Claudia Somerville - Assistant Director somervillec@stpiusx.org 713.579.7523Patrick Spedale - Director of the Office for Campus Ministry spedalep@stpiusx.org 713.579.7525

Maintenance & Engineering DepartmentLee Graeter - Head of Maintenance and Engineering graeterl@stpiusx.org 713.579.7535Eric Jackson - Facilities/Maintenance jacksone@stpiusx.org 713.579.7537Tom McGee ‘84 - Athletic Groundskeeper mcgeet@stpiusx.org 713.692.3581Denise Meschwitz Lloyd ’84 - Facilities Coordinator lloydd@stpiusx.org 713.579.7585

Staff Pat Roznowski Budnick ‘68 - Receptionist budnickp@stpiusx.org 713.692.3581Cindy Flores ‘80 - Registrar floresc@stpiusx.org 713.579.7506Jo McBride - Attendance Administrative Assistant mcbridej@stpiusx.org 713.579.7505Mary Moratto ‘70 - Assistant to the Head of School morattom@stpiusx.org 713.579.7555

Technology Department David Cusimano - Network Assistant cusimanod@stpiusx.org 713.579.7501Patrick Flannery - Network Administrator flanneryp@stpiusx.org 713.579.7528Linda Harvey - Computer Lab Manager harveyl@stpiusx.org 713.579.7501Simon Keating - Database Manager keatings@stpiusx.org 713.579.7528

Athletics Department (full-time) Jason Kimball - Athletic Director kimballj@stpiusx.org 713.579.7530Diane Shore - Health Coordinator/Athletic Trainer shored@stpiusx.org 713.579.7578Erin Van Wassenhove - Assistant Athletic Director vanwassenhovee@stpiusx.org 713.579.7533 Blake Ware - Head Football Coach/Social Studies wareb@stpiusx.org 713.579.7532

St. Pius X High School Staff

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Faculty (alphabetically by last name) EmailKathryn Anderson ‘08 - English andersonk@stpiusx.orgCristina Arriaga - Foreign Language/Social Studies arriagac@stpiusx.orgElaine Lebeuf Atherton ‘99 - English athertone@stpiusx.orgGeorgianne Beissner ’87 - Fine Arts, Department Co-Chair beissnerg@stpiusx.orgHeidi Bollich - Theology bollichh@stpiusx.orgSarah Bradshaw - Learning Specialist, Head Girls Soccer Coach bradshaws@stpiusx.orgMichelle Broussard - Mathematics broussardm@stpiusx.orgChip Burgin - Social Studies burginh@stpiusx.org Russell Carr - Mathematics/Head Boys Basketball Coach carrr@stpiusx.orgJennifer Curl - Learning for Success Coordinator curlj@stpiusx.orgDavid Cusimano - Computer Science/Web Design/Network Administrator cusimanod@stpiusx.orgJudith Cusimano - English, Department Co-Chair cusimanoj@stpiusx.orgTrudie Dattilo - English/TAPPS Academics dattilot@stpiusx.orgMike Dillon - Mathematics dillonm@stpiusx.orgTrisha Dunn - Science dunnt@stpiusx.orgGillian Erdmann - Mathematics erdmanng@stpiusx.orgMary Gagne - English, Department Co-Chair gagnem@stpiusx.orgPaul Gagne - Theology, Department Co-Chair gagnep@stpiusx.orgJeff Galligan - Social Studies galliganj@stpiusx.orgMarge Harris - Mathematics, Department Co-Chair/TAPPS Academics harrism@stpiusx.orgStagecraft and Technical Theatre Alida Harville ’88 - Fine Arts, Department Co-Chair/TAPPS Art harvillea@stpiusx.org Greg Henderson - Theology hendersong@stpiusx.orgKim Holik ’91 - Science holikk@stpiusx.orgMildred Johnson ‘77 - Science/TAPPS Academics johnsonm@stpiusx.orgJohn Kaylor - Foreign Language, Department Chair kaylorj@stpiusx.orgRaju Kurian - Science kurianr@stpiusx.orgDarrell Lockridge - Mathematics lockridged@stpiusx.orgAdam Massiatte ‘01- Health/PE/Head Baseball Coach massiattea@stpiusx.orgPamela McLeod - English mcleodp@stpiusx.orgColleen McGee - Mathematics mcgeec@stpiusx.orgConchita Barquin-Moreno - Spanish barquinmoreno@stpiusx.orgDeborah Mosichuk - Library Media Specialist mosichukd@stpiusx.orgMiguel Perez - Foreign Language perezm@stpiusx.orgNoemy Perez - Science perezn@stpiusx.orgCharlis Powell - Learning Center Director powellc@stpiusx.orgBridgette Schattle ’69 - Social Studies schattleb@stpiusx.orgCindi Sirois - Science siroisc@stpiusx.orgClaudia Somerville - Theology somervillec@stpiusx.orgPatrick Spedale - Campus Singers spedalep@stpiusx.orgAngela Stinner-Trimble - Theology stinnertrimblea@stpiusx.orgDebbie Swindler - Band swindlerd@stpiusx.orgVictor Takacs - Social Studies takacsv@stpiusx.orgCarolyn Taylor - Communications/TAPPS Speech/Social Studies taylorc@stpiusx.orgLaurie Thompson - Theology thompsonl@stpiusx.orgErin Van Wassenhove - Business/Health/PE/Athletics vanwassenhovee@stpiusx.org Blake Ware - Social Studies/Head Football Coach wareb@stpiusx.orgGary West - Social Studies, Department Chair westg@stpiusx.orgSusan K. West ’69 - Archivist wests@stpiusx.orgTim Wood - Latin/English woodt@stpiusx.org

St. Pius X High School FacultyPhone713.579.7559713.579.7539713.579.7584713.579.7529713.579.7549713.579.7527713.579.7550713.579.7542713.579.7581713.579.7516713.579.7501713.579.7546713.579.7568713.579.7558713.579.7565713.579.7567713.579.7547713.579.7548 713.579.7524713.579.7551713.579.7583713.579.7554713.579.7534713.579.7552713.579.7564713.579.7557713.579.7544713.579.7545713.579.7531713.579.7543713.579.7561713.579.7541713.579.7518713.579.7560713.579.7580713.579.7577713.579.7538713.579.7566713.579.7523713.579.7525713.579.7569

713.579.7517713.579.7556713.579.7562713.579.7533713.579.7532713.579.7570713.579.7571713.579.7572

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Climate of Character

Respect through Language and Communication Student to Adult• We positively greet adults and refer to adults by their correct titles (e.g., Mr., Mrs., Dr., Sister).• We use correct grammar and appropriate tone and volume in written and spoken communications.• We use common courtesy phrases such as excuse me, please and thank you. • We listen quietly, attentively and considerately, and allow others to speak without interruption.• We build positive relationships with teachers and staff. • We address concerns with the appropriate person.

Student to Student• We demonstrate School spirit and Panther Pride.• We support a culture and climate of academic achievement.• We recognize and celebrate the positive behaviors and accomplishments of others.• We use respectful, appropriate language; we speak to others in a positive manner and avoid gossip.• We address concerns with the appropriate individual.• We respect our personal space and that of others.• Weuseconflictresolutiontechniquestoavoidconfrontation.

Respect through Accountability and Self-DisciplineSupport of School Policies• We know and support the School mission and policies, and we accept consequences.• We know why we are here and we do what we commit to do.

Personal Appearance and Conduct• Our personal appearance is always clean, modest and appropriate; we follow the School dress code.• We respect ourselves and others and avoid PDA and inappropriate touching.• We practice good manners; we are quiet during prayer and pledge; we use good table manners.

Support of a Learning Environment• We work to excel in academics; we are prepared with materials and homework.• We are timely and punctual for classes, tutorials and appointments.• We are accountable for what we see and hear, as well as what we do.• We recognize and respect differences.

Respect through StewardshipSchool and Community Property• We respect School property and the property of others; we maintain clean classrooms, hallways and other public places, restrooms and School grounds. • We do our part to maintain a clean campus.

Personal Property• We respect and care for our own and others’ property.

Stewardship and Recycling• We use the School recycle procedures for paper and plastic.• We conserve the use of paper, water, electricity and supplies.• We encourage one another to reduce, reuse and recycle.

The Climate of Character was developed under the Positive School Climate Initiative (PSCI) program that engages the entire School community. Students, faculty, staff and administration participate in all activities relating to PSCI. Between 8-10 PSCI sessions take place during the 2013-14 school year and explore the ways in which the community relates to and engages one another. It is our belief that RESPECT is the core value behind building character within the Four Pillars of a Dominican education.

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Building OpenThe school building is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students must be out of the building by 6 p.m., unless they are partic-ipating in an organized school activity. Students who arrive at School before 7:45 a.m. must report to the Frost Cafete-ria for breakfast. The Bramanti Library is open for student use from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Thursday, and 7:30 a.m.to4p.m.onFriday.Asecurityofficerisondutyfrom7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

CarpoolingCarpool information, listed by zip code, is available from Cindy Flores ‘80, 713.579.7506.

Emergency School ClosingSt. Pius X follows Houston Independent School District (HISD) emergency closings.

Financial AidFinancial Aid is administered by the School Board Financial Aid Committee. Financial Aid packets are available online after January 1. Applications for current students are due in mid-February for the followingschoolyear.NotificationofFinancial Aid awards are made in March.

Financial CommitmentsStudents must be current with all fees and tuition for each semester before exams will be administered.

LiturgiesAll-school liturgies, including prayer services, are sched-uled throughout the year. Dress uniform is required on these days. Parents/guardians are welcome to attend.

MealsThe School has one 45-minute lunch period for all students. Students may buy lunch or bring it from home. Debit cards for lunches may be purchased from the cafeteria. Break-fast is also available from 7:15-7:45 a.m. Students may not have lunch delivered to the School by a delivery person.

Permission SlipsStudents wishing to leave campus for a school function must have a permission slip signed by his/her parent/guardian.Permissionslipsarerequiredforeachfieldtrip.Athletes sign one permission slip per sport.

AbsencesParents/guardians of absent students should notify the Attendance Administrative Assistant Jo McBride between 7-9 a.m. in the event of a student’s absence; otherwise, parents will be called. A note, signed by the parent/guard-ian, stating the date and reason for the absence must be presentedtothedeanofstudentsortheattendanceofficeon the day the student returns. Failure to bring a note will result in disciplinary action. If the absence is unexcused, two points will be subtracted from the quarterly average of all classes in which the student is enrolled.

AnnouncementsStudents receive information about school schedules, ac-tivities, free dress, club meetings, etc. during the announce-ments in homeroom period and at the end of the school day before they are dismissed from seventh period.

Anticipated AbsencesIf a student anticipates absence from school, he/she must bring a note, signed by a parent/guardian at least 2-3 days prior to the anticipated absence. The note should be brought tothedeanofstudentsortheattendanceofficeby8a.m.The student will receive a form for all subject teachers to sign and to write assignments to make up for the day’s ab-sence. If a note is not brought in prior to the absence, the student will receive an unexcused absence and the penal-ties which go with that.

If a student must leave campus for any reason, he/she must presentanotetotheschoolofficestatingthereasonforthedeparture and signed by his/her parent/guardian. If the note is not brought in by 8 a.m., the student will not have an early dis-missal. At the departure time, the student will sign out at the attendanceoffice. Ifhe/she isreturningtoschool thesameday,he/sheistoreporttotheattendanceofficeandsigninwith the time of return. Reminder: Students who are returning fromthedoctorordentistmustbringanotefromthatofficespecifying they were there during the time out of school.

BooksBooks may be purchased online at www.myschoolbook-store.com. Book lists, including summer reading lists, are posted on the website. Teachers give students school sup-plylistsduringclassonthefirstdayofschool.

Bring Your Own DeviceThe Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program allows stu-dents to utilize their personal technology (iPads, KindleFires, laptops, smart phones, notebooks, etc.) within the context of approved curriculum in supervised classrooms. Devices may be used in the classrooms only when permitted by the teach-er. They may not be used during passing periods, but may be used during lunchtime and homeroom (at the discretion of the homeroom teacher). Students will receive consequences from the Dean of Students, Jeff Donaruma for misusing a device. See the Student Handbook for more information.

General Information

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Personal Audio-Visual DevicesPlease see information regarding Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) (page 5).

School CalendarThe school calendar is available monthly on the website at stpiusx.org/calendar. Login to the website for access to the full SPX calendar.

School PicturesPicturesaretakenatSchoolduringthefirstquarteroftheyear. All students receive a school I.D. card.

School TimesSt. Pius X follows one of seven schedules during the year. Daily schedules are posted on the school website at stpiusx.org/calendar, and are available at the receptionist’s desk.Regularscheduleschooldaysbeginwiththefirstbellat 7:55 a.m. and dismissal at 3 p.m.

Senior PicturesSt. Pius X uses one photographer for all senior pictures. Senior photos are taken the summer before senior year. A formalpicture,with theofficialSt.PiusXphotographer, isrequired for the yearbook. Students may opt to take other poses.

Student ParkingTwo lots are available for student parking during the school day. Reserved spaces are available in the main parking lot in front of the stadium and student entrance at a cost of $190 for the 2013-14 school year. Secure parking is also availableinthelotadjacenttothesoftballfieldatacostof$150 for the 2013-14 school year. Students are encouraged to use the secure parking available to them. Street parking is not secure and cars parked illegally on West Donovan will be towed without warning.

Please note that the Circle Drive is for visitor parking only and not for drop-offs. Students should only be dropped off and picked up using the new roadway accessed via Brink-manStreet.Overflowvisitorandvolunteerparkingisavail-able in the parking lot across the street from the School on Donovan.

Student TransportationSt. Pius X provides student transportation for school activi-ties for its students. The School owns one 28-passenger bus, one 22-passenger bus, and an 11-passenger van. At times, coach buses and minivans are rented for transportation.

Drivers for the buses are required to have a C driver’s li-cense. All drivers have passed Texas Department of Safety minimum requirements.

Uniforms(See the Student Handbook for details)Dress uniform is required of all students on certain days as indicated on the school calendar. Students not in compli-ance will receive a demerit and are sent home. Students must remain in dress uniform all day. Free dress is a privi-lege given to students for particular achievements. Students should follow the guidelines listed in the Student Handbook for what is appropriate on free dress days. Students in phys-ical education (P.E.) classes must wear P.E. uniforms.

YearbooksThe Del Sarto yearbook is available in the fall. The cost of one yearbook is covered by tuition.

General Information

Band/Campus Singers/ChoirStudents may participate in music at St. Pius X in a variety of ways. Members of both the Choir and the Band earn aca-demic credit. Chorus I-IV classes meet at 7 a.m. Monday through Friday. The Concert Chorale, the combined talents of the Campus Singers and members of the Chorus, serves in music ministry at school liturgies and special events and offers a variety of classical and pop performances, both on and off campus, throughout the year. Selection for the Cam-pus Singers is by audition only and is open to grades 10-12. The St. Pius X Band performs at home football games and in concerts throughout the year. St. Pius X supplies some musical instruments; often, students provide their own.

Theatre SPXTheatre SPX will stage four drama productions this school year. Students audition for parts in the plays, orchestra, chorus and stage crew. The Stagecraft classes produce the sets for the shows. Students are encouraged to participate in the productions, whether as a member of the cast or crew, or as an audience member. Show times are announced on the calendar on the website.

TAPPS Arts/Music/Academic Competition TeamsStudents may apply to be members of the Arts/Music/Ac-ademic teams and represent St. Pius X in TAPPS (Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools) competitions. Team members also are recommended by their teach-ers. Competition categories are Languages, Mathematics, Painting, Photography, Drawing, Science, History, Speech, Drama, Vocal and Instrumental Music and more. St. Pius X has a winning tradition in these competitions. Students are encouraged to participate in all levels of competition and in many areas of study.

Celebrate the Arts

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Counseling OfficeIt is the policy of St. Pius X to assign each student to the same counselor for all four years of high school. This per-sonal insight of each student enables counselors to better assist the students with post-high school choices.

Counselors work with parents and students on course choices, academic progress and adolescent issues, which mightarise.TheCounselingOffice isalwaysavailable forstudents. An additional college counselor will be available to ease the college admission and scholarship process.

Peer HelpersThe School offers a Peer Counselor group two Thursdays each month during lunch. Students can discuss current is-sues with their peers in a non-threatening, supervised en-vironment. There is no charge to be a member of the group and attendance is optional.

TutoringThe National Honor Society offers free tutoring in all sub-jects. Students must sign up ahead of time with Gary and Susi West ’69, NHS sponsors. All teachers also offer tutori-als. Tutorial schedules are posted on the website. Students experiencingdifficultiesmaytakeadvantageofthisoffering.Teachers generally announce additional test or exam tutori-als during class.

Progress ReportsA progress report may be accessed on NetSPX for parents and guardians at the middle of all quarters of the academic year. Ongoing access to student grades is also available throughout the year through NetSPX. Parent-teacher con-ferences are held on September 17, 2013, and February 11, 2014.

GradesReport cards are available online at the end of each quarter. Additionally, a report card will be mailed at the end of the each semester to parents/guardians.

Students can achieve honor roll status at two levels: Honor Roll, with a semester Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.3 to 3.9; and Head of School’s Honor Roll, with a semester GPA of 4.0 or better.

The St. Pius X school year is divided into two semesters with each semester divided into two quarters. Student numeri-cal grades are issued at the end of each quarter. Semester grades appear on transcripts and permanent records and are used to determine Grade Point Average (GPA).

Semester exam schedules are posted on the website. Please remember to arrange for student transportation on exam days.

PSATSophomores and juniors take the PSAT test on October 16. This exam is particularly important for juniors, as it is the basis for National Merit Scholarship consideration.

PLANSophomores take the PLAN exam, a practice test for the ACT college-entrance exam. It will be given to all sopho-mores on November 20.

ACT/SATCollege Entrance Exams are administered throughout the city at various times during the year. SPX is a test site for the September, December, February, and June ACT tests. Counselors advise students as to which exams are appro-priate for their plans.

Office for Campus MinistryCampus Ministry, integral to the mission of St. Pius X High School, witnesses to the School’s philosophy that spiritual development is as valuable as academic education. By its very nature, the mission of Campus Ministry at St. Pius X embodies a commitment to youth, Catholic education, our Dominican heritage and traditions, the Church and the com-munity. In the exercise of Campus Ministry, four dimensions of activity emerge as essential to the integrity, identity and mission: pastoral care; spiritual life; liturgical ministries and services; and social justice awareness, education and outreach. The presence of a full-time campus minister as minister, individual, pastoral presence, professional and teacher renders service to the entire school faith communi-ty, including students, faculty, staff, administrators, parents/guardians, alumni, benefactors and their collective families.

RetreatsAll students are required annually to attend a retreat as part of the theology curriculum. The freshmen and sophomore retreats are one-day, while the junior and senior retreats are overnight. Class retreat dates are posted on the website.

Help for Students College & Career Preparation

Expanding StudentHorizons

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Honoring Achievements

SchoolEvents

Academic RallySt. Pius X hosts the Middle School Academic Rally. Pre-liminary roundsareheld inmid-Januarywith final roundson January 11. Middle school students from all of metropoli-tan Houston attend. The event is sponsored by the National Honor Society. Many ninth graders volunteer to help with the event.

HomecomingHomecoming Week begins September 23. Each year, Stu-dent Council selects a theme for the week and plans activi-ties pitting classes against each other to raise school spirit to new highs. Seniors are nominated for Homecoming Queen and King by popular vote of the senior class; the top girls and boys are named to the Homecoming Court. During Homecoming Week, the entire student body votes on the Queen and King. The Booster Club hosts a Home-coming dance primarily for current students. Dress is semi-formal. Mums and garters are worn at School on the Friday of Homecoming Week. That day, students also may wear their Homecoming shirts, which may be purchased from Student Council. The site of the dance and the cost of tickets will be announced in September. Please check the School website for the most current information.

Project PromProject Prom is a safe, adult-supervised, drug and alcohol-free party sponsored by St. Pius X High School. The goal is to involve parents in a formal program to keep their children safe during the hours of midnight and 6 a.m. after Prom. Students will enjoy refreshments, entertainment and will have the chance to win great prizes they may want to take to college.

School DancesCampus organizations sponsor various dances throughout the year, from a back-to-school dance in August to the Se-nior Prom in April. School dances are for St. Pius X students and their guests only. Students may be allowed one guest if permission is received from the Dean of Students at least one week prior to the dance.

Senior PromSenior Prom, a formal dance, will be held on April 25. Guests of St. Pius X students must be cleared with the Dean of Stu-dents at least one week before the dance.

Veritas Ring CeremonyThe Junior Veritas Ring ceremony will be held on May 4. The ceremony, at which juniors receive their class rings, is incorporated into Mass and marks the point at which juniors formally take on the responsibility of being leaders of the School. Refreshments are served after the event (coat-and-tie/church-dress attire). Rings are available for purchase in November of the junior year from a vendor approved by the St. Pius X administration. Only the St. Pius X class ring is presented during the Liturgy.

National Honor SocietyIn the spring, the National Honor Society (NHS) initiates its new members. Students are “tapped” or selected and then are formally inducted into NHS during the Induction Cere-mony on April 29. Parents/guardians are welcome to attend.

Senior AwardsSenior Awards Day is May 23. Seniors, their families and the entire St. Pius X student body attend the event, which is held in the Herzstein Gym. Underclassmen wear dress uni-form, and seniors wear cap and gown. A reception hosted by the Parent Association is held afterwards for graduates and their families.

Sports AwardsAthletic awards are given three times a year. Athletes from sports recently concluded assemble, and awards are given in each sport. The Booster Club sponsors an awards dinner for participating athletes before each ceremony. Parents/guardians are welcome to attend the dinner for a nomi-nal charge. Contact the Booster Club to assist with these events.

Underclass AwardsUnderclass Awards are given prior to spring/semester ex-ams in an all-school assembly on May 19. Recognition is given for honor roll and in each course for academic accom-plishment. Parents/guardians are welcome to attend. This is a dress uniform day for students.

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AthleticsEligibilityStudents must be academically eligible to participate in athletics (see Student Handbook for rules of eligibility). In addition, athletic fees must be paid, permission slips must be signed and students’ health records must be current. Students must also be in good disciplinary standing to par-ticipate.

CheerleadersThe coach is Gloria Kimball. Tryouts are held in April each year. Junior varsity and varsity squads are chosen by a panel of outside judges. Cheerleaders perform at pep ral-lies and home football, basketball and volleyball games and outside competitions.

PantherettesThe team director is Benee Thomas-Jones. The Panther-ettes are the St. Pius X drill and dance team. Tryouts are in April and are open to all grade levels, including fresh-men. The team is chosen by a panel of outside judges. The Pantherettes perform at pep rallies and home football and basketball games.

Letter JacketsLetter jackets are supplied to athletes by the Booster Club for those students who have played two varsity sports for a minimum of two consecutive years or one sport for three years.

Managers and ScorekeepersEach varsity team has managers and scorekeepers, who travel with the team. Managers/scorekeepers are selected by the coaches.

Practice Times Normal practice time for most sports is 3:30 to 6 p.m., Mon-day through Friday. Some sports practice before school.

Sports Uniforms St. Pius X provides uniforms, except shoes, gloves and extras, for all sports. (Girls sometimes must provide their own shorts.) Other equipment is often required. Students are charged an athletic fee when selected for a team and listedontherosteratthefirstgamefortheremainderoftheseason. The athletic fee for football is $100 and $75 for all other sports. The fee must be paid prior to a student’s par-ticipation in that sport.

Summer Camps Summer camps are posted on the website. Usually, stu-dents receive letters at home announcing summer sched-ules.

Weight Room The weight room is available at scheduled times before and after school. The weight room is always supervised. Con-tact Athletic Director Jason Kimball for the times.

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SoccerCoaches: Boys - Jason Novak Girls - Sarah Bradshaw Boys and Girls varsity soccer teams have approximately 20 players each. Practice begins - Early October Competition ends - Early February Practicelocation-St.PiusXfootballfield Competitions - Two games a week plus weekend tournaments

FootballCoach: Blake Ware Freshmen, JV, and Varsity Teams Practice begins - Early August Competition ends - November Practicelocation-St.PiusXfootballfield Games - Freshmen/JV - Thursday Varsity - Friday or Saturday

BasketballCoaches: Boys - Russell Carr Girls - Fernando Villasana Tryouts - October (Freshmen, JV and Varsity Teams) Practice begins - Late October Competition ends - February Practice location - St. Pius X gyms Competitions - Two games a week plus weekend tournaments

SwimmingCoach: Richard Butler Tryouts - January Practice begins in January (practice is before school) Competition ends - March Competitions - Meets on weekends

Volleyball Coach: Preston Smith Tryouts - Early August Practice begins - Early August Competition ends - November Practice location - St. Pius X gym Competitions - Two games a week plus some tournament play Approximately 14 girls per team are selected.

Cross CountryCoach: Erin Van Wassenhove Any student is eligible. Practice begins - Early August Competition ends - Late October/Early November Practice location - St. Pius X and surrounding neighborhood Competitions - Friday afternoons, Saturday mornings

Fall Sports

Winter Sports

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Student Clubs, Organizations & MinistriesPlease consult the student handbook for additional information on clubs and organizations. Students are encouraged to actively participate in School organizations. Most organizations meet monthly or bi-monthly, at lunchtime or just after school. Beforejoiningaclub,studentsshoulddecideiftheyareabletofulfillclubmembershiprequirements.ListedbelowareSt.Pius X clubs and their faculty sponsors.

Anime Club: Mildred Johnson ‘77Art Club: Alida Harville ’88Band: Debbie Swindler w Black History Club: Eva Dix ‘08 and Jason HornsbyConcert Chorale: Patrick Spedale wCampus Singers: Patrick Spedale wCheerleaders: Gloria KimballClose Up: Victor TakacsDel Sarto Yearbook: Georgi Beissner ’87 w French/Italian Club: Cristina ArriagaGirls Rugby Club: Leslie PaulsHistory Club: Jeff Galligan Honor Board: Chip Burgin and Judy Cusimano International Club: Gillian ErdmannInternational Thespian Society: Jeff GalliganJCDA: Angela Stinner-Trimble, Denise Lloyd and Michelle BroussardLatin Club: Tim WoodLiturgical Ministry: Patrick Spedale

National Honor Society: Susi ’69 and Gary West and Elaine Atherton ‘99Pageturners: Deborah MosichukPeer Helpers: Jennifer BoylesPreaching Team: Patrick SpedaleRobotics: Trisha DunnRetreat Ministry: Patrick SpedaleScience Club: Trisha DunnSpanish Club: Conchita Barquin-MorenoStudent Cabinet: Laurie ThompsonStudent Council: Alida Harville ’88 and Kim Holik ‘91Theatre SPX: Jeff GalliganTAPPS Teams:v Academic: Trudie Dattilo and Mildred Johnson ‘77 Art: Alida Harville ’88 Speech: Carolyn TaylorVideo Game Club: Mildred JohnsonDr. Who Club: Mildred Johnson Writer’s Club/Literary Magazine: Michelle Broussard

wCo-Curricular Credit vTexas Association of Private and Parochial Schools

GolfCoach: Jim Hardy Tryouts - February (Boys and Girls Teams) Practice begins - March Competition ends - May Practice location - Area golf courses Competition - Tournaments are held on school days.

TennisCoach: Hernan Guerva Tryouts - February Practice begins - February Competition ends - April Competition - Matches are during the week and weekend tournaments.

BaseballCoach: Adam Massiatte ‘01 Tryouts - Sophomore, JV and Varsity teams Practice begins - February Competition ends - May Practicelocation-St.PiusXbaseballfield Competitions - Two games a week and weekend tournaments

SoftballCoach: Nellie Kelly Tryouts - February (JV and Varsity teams) Practice begins - February Competition ends - May Practicelocation-St.PiusXsoftballfield Competitions - Two games a week and weekend tournaments

Track and FieldCoach: TBD Tryouts - late January (Varsity only) Practice begins - February Competition ends - April or May Practice locations - St. Pius X campus and surrounding neighborhood

Spring Sports

RugbyBoys Coach: Lowell LockeGirls Coach: Leslie Taft-Pauls Tryouts - late January (Boys and Girls) Practice begins - late January Competition ends - April or May Practice locations - St. Pius X campus

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When the Dominican Sisters of Houston founded St. Pius X High School in 1956, it was with the goal of providing an af-fordable Catholic education in the Dominican tradition to the young women and men of Northwest Houston. Today, while the demographics of the School have changed, and it now mirrors the face of the city, the mission remains the same: Prayer, Study, Community, Preaching - this is Dominican ed-ucation at St. Pius X High School. Inspired by Veritas, young men and women embrace academic excellence and integ-

rity, celebrate the community’s diverse gifts and heritage and embody social justice and service. The School Board seeks to balance reasonable tuition charges with the costs necessary to retain an outstanding faculty and to implement the programs which make the School unique. The resources for other necessities, such as capital improvements and ex-panded programs, come from other sources. Here are ways in which you can help augment these additional resources.

Advancement

Annual Giving ProgramsSt. Pius X High School focuses its fundraising on the SPX FundDriveandtheRaffle. The SPX Fund supports the general operating budget of the School that helps pay for tuition, maintenance to the grounds, and facilities and utilities. Launched in the fall of each year, it is an opportunity for alumni, current and past parentsandfriendsoftheSchooltooffertheirfinancialsup-port of the daily mission of St. Pius X.

Donors who contribute at the St. Pius X Society level ($1,500) receive a Leadership Marble Apple and an invitation to our annual Pillars Society Event. Benefactors who join the Lead-ers in Veritas Circle through a donation of $5,000, receive thefollowingbenefits:• Invitation to an evening with the Head of School• VIP seating and parking at Fine Arts events• SPX Regular Season Football Pass (home games only)• Invitation to selected donor events

TheRaffleisthestudentequivalenttotheSPXFundDrive.Each year students are expected to sell a minimum of $320 inraffletickets.Theproceedsbenefitthegeneraloperating

Other ways to support St. Pius X High School

Matching Gifts Manycompanieswillmatchtheiremployees’contributionstononprofitorganizations.Shouldyour employer be a matching gift company, you may double or triple the amount of your gift to St. Pius X.

Restricted Gifts YoumaydirectyourgifttoaspecificinterestatSt.PiusXsuchasbaseball,choir,library,in memory of a loved one, etc.

Planned Gifts If you are interested in leaving a gift to St. Pius X in your will, there are several options available.

Volunteer Your time and dedication to St. Pius X are invaluable gifts and can be utilized in many areas of the School.

Ifinterestedinanyoftheseopportunities,pleasecontacttheOfficeofAdvancementat713.579.7512.

budget. Students are offered incentives, such as holidays andprizes,toreachcertainsalesgoals.Raffleseasonbe-gins inJanuaryandconcludeswith theRaffledrawing inMarch.

The Annual GalaThe St. Pius X Gala: An Evening of Latin Elegance will be held on Saturday, October 19. The black-tie optional din-ner/dance features live, silent and big board auctions. The eventbenefitstheFoundationendowment.

EnrollmentPromote St. Pius X among your friends, fellow parishioners and coworkers as an environment in which children are challenged to grow and test their talents. A healthy enroll-ment supports the growth of the School.

Set the World AblazeThe Set the World Ablaze campaign is the School’s most ambitious fundraiser yet. The campaign is raising funds for a new science building, additional classroom space, a new student entrance on the west end of campus and modern-ization of the core campus. The support of the entire School community is integral to its success.

How Can I Advance the Mission of St. Pius X High School?

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Parent InvolvementParent Association

MeetingsAll St. Pius X parents are members of the Parent Associa-tion. The group provides an excellent opportunity to meet fellowparentsandworkonprojectstobenefittheSchool.

TheParentAssociationmeetson thefirstWednesdayofevery month at 6 p.m. Be sure to check the website for meeting dates.

OfficersOfficersareelected in thespring for the followingschoolyear.Thisyear’sofficersare: President - Patti Lampton Vice President - Kristin Guthrie Secretary - Naomi Rodriguez Treasurer - Michelle Archer Hospitality - Drudy Sullivan, Jonett Whitley Fashion Show Chair - Gloria Guerrero

Booster ClubMeetingsThe Booster Club conducts business to support St. Pius X Athletics. St. Pius X parents, alumni and friends of St. Pius Xmake up theBoosterClub.Meetings are held the firstTuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Frost Cafeteria.

OfficersPresident - Lisa BussVice-President - Melissa Fontana Secretary - Kim ChavezTreasurer - Sherrie Webb

Elections fornewofficerswillbeheldat thefinalBoosterClub meeting of the year, usually in May.

Concession StandsThe Booster Club retains proceeds from concession stand sales at all home games. Parents volunteer to work conces-sions. If you are interested in working a game, please con-tact the Booster Club. Parents with children in a sport are encouraged to work at least one game a season.

Golf TournamentThe St. Pius X Booster Club Golf Classic will be on March 27 at BlackHorse Golf Club. Tournament planning begins in September. To volunteer, please contact Lisa Buss, the Booster Club president.

The Panther’s DenThe Booster Club has a store, the Panther’s Den located intheFrostCafeteria,filledwithlotsofPanthermerchan-dise and apparel. The Panthers’ Den will be open on Fri-days during lunch.

Panther Den clothing is not St. Pius X High School dress code apparel unless stated in the Student Handbook. Please refer to the Student Handbook for proper uniform dress code.

AboutThe Parent Association of St. Pius X High School is an or-ganization which provides parents and guardians an op-portunity to meet and get to know one another while per-forming valuable services for the SPX community. While volunteering, parents and guardians play an important role at SPX, sharing their knowledge and talents, and serving on the various committees. Our volunteer activities range from working at New Family Night to serving lunch at Grandpar-ent’sDay.ComeandbeapartoftheRaffleCommitteeorhelp host our Junior Ring Ceremony or the Senior Break-fast. Whatever your interests may be, you are investing in your child’s future by being involved and setting a wonder-fulexampleofyourwillingness tosacrificeyour timeandtalents to offer your student the best possible secondary educational experience.

Meet the TeachersParents are invited to visit with teachers informally at any St. Pius X function and can schedule a parent/teacher meeting when needed. Parents have the opportunity to meet all teachers at Follow the Schedule Night, August 28 at 6:30 p.m. Par-ents are asked to communicate any concerns directly to the teacher. Email is a great way to keep in regular contact with teachers.Allteachers’emailaddressesarelastnamefirstinitial@stpiusx.org(ei.JohnSmith,smithj@stpiusx.org).

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August 12 Transfer Orientation New Family Night 6:30 p.m. Auditorium13 Ninth Grade Orientation28 Follow the Schedule Night 6:30 p.m. Auditorium

September4 Parent Association Meeting 6 p.m. 12th Grade Parent Information Meeting 6:30 p.m. Auditorium17 Progress Report Conferences 4-7 p.m.

October2 Parent Association Meeting 6 p.m. 9th Grade Parent Information Meeting 6:30 p.m. The Commons 9 College Night 6:30 p.m. Strake Jesuit

November6 Grandparents Day 11:30 a.m. Herzstein Gym Parent Association Meeting 6 p.m. 12 Open House 7 p.m.

December4 Parent Association Christmas Party 6 p.m. Bramanti Library

January8 Parent Association Meeting 6 p.m. 11th Grade Parent Information Meeting 6:30 p.m. The Commons29 10th Grade Parent Information Meeting 6:30 p.m. The Commons

February5 Parent Association Meeting 6 p.m. 11 Progress Report Conferences 4-7 p.m.

March5 Parent Association Meeting 6 p.m. 17-21 Spring Break

April 2 Parent Association Meeting 6 p.m. 3 Scholarship Dinner 6:30 p.m. Auditorium9 Freshmen Registration 3:30-9 p.m.

May4 Veritas Ring Ceremony 10:30 a.m. Auditorium23 Senior Breakfast 10 a.m. The Commons/Frost Cafeteria

June8 Mothers’ Meet and Greet 6-8 p.m. The Commons

If interested in volunteering for any of these events, please contact Cathy Pawlowski in the Office of Advancement at 713.579.7515, pawlowskic@stpiusx.org.

2013-14 Parent Association Calendar of Events

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Student/Parent/Guardian HandbookThe Student Handbook, with the complete set of rules and regulations, is printed at the front of the student Time Tracker organizer and can be found online. Students are issued this book at the beginning of the school year and are encouraged to use it as directed. Parents must sign the acceptable computer use policy and the AlcoholEdu release form and return it to their theology teacher in mid-August.

Pius X NewsPius X News is the St. Pius X High School magazine published three times a year with a fall, spring and summeredition.PublishedbytheOfficeofAdvancement,ithighlightseventsandpeopleduringtheschoolyear, including students, faculty/staff, alumni, current parents and friends of the School. Please contact Deanna Werner at wernerd@stpiusx.org for newsworthy information you would like submitted to the maga-zine. Alumni Class Notes should be submitted for these publications to Denise Meschwitz Lloyd ‘84 at lloydd@stpiusx.org.

St. Pius X WebsiteThe Administration of St. Pius X is committed to making the website a viable resource for students, parents, alumni and donors. Please remember this as a source of the latest information St. Pius X needs to com-municate. Sports schedules, lunch menus, the school calendar and virtually everything else relating to St. Pius X is posted on the website. In addition, many teachers post homework assignments on their own web pages. Go to the St. Pius X website, stpiusx.org, for more information.

Reference Sources

Other InformationAlcohol EDUAlcoholEduisrequiredofallstudents,includingtransfers.Itisfirstadministeredearlyinthefirstsemesterofthe ninth grade year, or early in the fall semester for transfers. All ninth graders, as well as transfer students must complete it in order to attend the Homecoming Dance. Graduating seniors are also required to complete the second part of the program in order to attend Prom and/or Project Prom.

Drug TestingSt. Pius X High School has a random drug testing program in place. The program seeks to promote the health and safety of our students, to weaken the effects of peer pressure by giving a student a legitimate reason to refuse to partake in drug use, and to encourage students who uses illegal drugs to seek appropriate help and treatment.

Anti-Bullying InitiativeInfulfillmentofthemissionofSt.PiusXHighSchoolto“celebratethecommunity’sdiversegiftsandheritage”each person is recognized as a unique individual bringing gifts and talents to share and having a right to be respected and bearing the responsibility to respect others. Therefore, we do not tolerate bullying or harassment in any form. All members of our community are committed to ensuring a safe and supportive environment which promotes personal growth and fosters positive self-esteem. We aim to maintain a setting in which everyone feels valued and respected and where individual differences are appreciated and accepted.

St. PiuS X HigH ScHool MiSSion StateMent

Prayer, Study, Community, Preaching - this is Dominican education at St. Pius X High School. Inspired by Veritas, young men and women embrace academic excellence and integrity, celebrate the community’s diverse gifts and heritage, and embody social justice and service.

St. Pius X High School811 W. Donovan Street

Houston, TX 77091-5643Phone 713.692.3581 Fax 713.692.5725

stpiusx.org