All academic, artistic, and athletic programs will be represented. Meet with administrators, teachers, coaches, and moderators of co-curricular activities. Learn about Ursuline’s extensive financial aid program. Take a student-led tour

of our first-rate facility and hear from the Ursuline Concert Band, Choir, and Speech and Debate Team.

All 8th grade families in attendance have the opportunity to enter a raffle for one of four $1,500 tuition credits!

330-744-4563 | www.ursuline.com

URSULINE HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER — JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020

Discover The Ursuline AdvantageWe invite you to join us at the 2020 Open House and see why Ursuline is

the best choice for high school in the Mahoning Valley.

Our Extracurricular Offerings

Our Catholic Identity

Our College Prep Curriculum

Our Love of the Arts

Our School Spirit

Learn more on pages 3 & 4

Our Outstanding Faculty

2 The Irish Update— January / February 2020

Class of 2023 Admissions

Open HouseOn Sunday, February 9, join the Ursuline community from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. for our annual Open House. Learn more about

Ursuline’s curricular and co-curricular programs, visit with teachers, administrators, and coaches, tour the Ursuline facility, and begin the financial aid process. Eighth grade families may register to win one of four $1,500 prizes for next year’s tuition. Please RSVP for the Open House by visiting www.ursuline.com/calendar and select February 9.

8th Grade RegistrationThe Ursuline administration will begin 8th Grade Registration for students following the Ursuline Open House. Registration

materials will be sent to families of eighth graders in our database. Registration materials, as well as EdChoice Scholarship applications, will also be available at the Open House on Sunday, February 9.

Catholic school students, regardless of their feeder school affiliation, may visit Ursuline on Thursday, February 27 at 6 p.m. or Saturday, March 14 at 10:00 a.m. to register. Individual registration meetings will be held for each family with an Ursuline administrator. These events will be held in the Ursuline Library / Learning Center on the second floor of the school. Please use the Bryson Street parking lot and entrance. If you are unable to attend one of the two events, please contact Maggie (Matune) Damore, Assistant Principal, to complete the registration process. She may be reached by calling 330-744-4563 or by email at mmatune@youngstowndiocese.org. Please RSVP for one of the registration events by visiting www.ursuline.com/calendar and selecting either February 27 or March 14.

Students who attend a public or other private school should bring completed applications to Ursuline High School for review. Upon review by the administration, an administrator will contact you with follow up registration information. Only completed applications will be reviewed by the administration. An interview may be requested.

Financial Aid Applications / EdChoice ScholarshipsThe Ursuline Financial Aid Form (yellow) and the FACTS Application (online) will be available at the Open House on Sunday,

February 9 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. or can be picked up in the main office beginning Monday, February 10. To be eligible for all financial aid opportunities, including need-based aid, parents must complete the FACTS Application and the Ursuline Financial Aid Form. Parents interested in academic or merit based scholarships only should complete the yellow Ursuline High School Financial Aid Form, but are not required to complete the FACTS Application. The FACTS (online) must be completed by March 20. The yellow Ursuline High School Financial Aid Form must be notarized and is also due March 20 to the Ursuline main office. If you have any questions, please call the school at 330-744-4563. Notification of financial aid awards will be mailed in early June. In order to be eligible for financial aid, a student must be officially registered at Ursuline. EdChoice applications are due April 6, but families are encouraged to turn in the EdChoice application and supporting materials as soon as possible. EdChoice scholarships may be depleted before the April 6 deadline.

Placement TestThe placement test will be given on Saturday, February 22 to any eighth grader who has not yet taken the test. Students

in all diocesan elementary schools have taken the test. Please call the school office to make a reservation at 330-744-4563. Eighth graders are asked to arrive by 8:45 a.m. in the cafeteria so the test can begin at 9:00 a.m. The test will conclude by approximately 12:00 p.m.

Shadow Days8th Graders are always welcome to come for a shadow day. During a shadow day, eighth grade students are paired with

a current freshman for the day. Please call the school office, 330-744-4563, to make arrangements for the day or for more information. You may also visit www.ursuline.com for more information about shadow days under the Prospective Families section of the site.

Class of 2024 Admissions

Financial Aid Applications are due March 20, 2020.

3 Ursuline High School Newsletter

Financial Aid Applications are due March 20, 2020.

• Our Catholic faith permeates every aspect of the Ursuline experience.

• Each day begins with prayer and each class begins with prayer.

• Ursuline students have the opportunity to live their faith as lectors, members of El Fuego (liturgical choir), servers, and Eucharistic Ministers.

• Students help to plan each liturgy and prayer service.

• Ursuline students have the opportunity to participate in a biennial international mission trip through Students of Stewardship (S.O.S) where members have traveled to Mexico, Nicaragua, and El Salvador.

• S.O.S. & Interact Club also perform over a thousand hours of community service each year. The Beatitude House, Casa Madre, Easter Seals, Special Olympics and many more area agencies benefit from the Ursuline service clubs.

• Ursuline’s Christian Service Class was the first in the diocese and continues to give seniors the opportunity to serve children, the elderly, and the needy each school day.

• Ursuline students participate in a four-year retreat program.

• Ursuline is committed to teaching and living the charisms of St. Angela Merici, foundress of the Ursuline Sisters, through prayer, hospitality, and resilience.

• Rigorous academics and college preparation define the Ursuline culture. We offer a wide variety of challenging courses, including 24 Advanced Placement (AP) and honors courses taught at Ursuline.

• The pass rate on AP exams taken by Ursuline students of 81% far exceeds the global average of 60%.

• All students at Ursuline experience a college prep curriculum that challenges students to do their best. Ursuline’s academic program is based on a traditional liberal arts curriculum designed to develop each student’s ability to write well, think logically, and make informed decisions.

• Following our school’s mission, dedicated teachers challenge students to work to their God-given potential. Students are supported in their academic endeavors with extensive resources including a library-learning center, on-line research databases, preparation for the ACT and SAT, teacher and peer tutoring, a full-time intervention tutor, university math tutors, guidance counselors, and a Freshman Success Mentor program.

• 98% of the Class of 2019 (115 students) enrolled in a four-year college or university and earned 22 million dollars in merit-based scholarships.

• Ursuline students’ scores on standardized tests, including the ACT, SAT, and PSAT exceed state and national pass rates.

• Ursuline has had more National Merit Scholars than any other high school in the area. Continuing that tradition, four members of the Class of 2020 are National Merit Commended Scholars.

• Ursuline students enroll in some of the nation’s most prestigious universities and colleges including Dartmouth, Harvard, Notre Dame, Georgetown, and Boston College.

• In the last four years we have invested in SmartBoards, iPads, wireless laptop carts, and computer labs.

• Ursuline participates in a 1:1 Chromebook program, giving each student a Chromebook computer upon admission.

• We utilize updated, secure Wi-Fi access, online databases, curricular support programs, online courses, iPads, Chromebooks, Google Apps for Education, SmartBoards in each academic classroom, and a Distance Learning Lab.

• Ursuline is home to the world-renowed Anatomage Virtual Dissection Table.• Ursuline’s Distance Learning Lab connects our students with museums,

science centers, universities, and experts throughout the world. • By offering lesson plans and assignments that incorporate innovative and

exciting uses of technology, Ursuline prepares students to be successful in college and beyond.

• Ursuline offers support for those students who need extra help by offering daily tutoring by the teachers, as well as three, full-time tutors, a developmental reading teacher, and an intervention teacher.

Catholic Identity

College Prep Curriculum

The Ursuline Advantage

4 The Irish Update— January / February 2020

• Student safety and wellbeing is always the top priority at Ursuline.

• Ursuline High School is a welcoming, family-oriented school community that fosters healthy relationships.

• The relationships that students form at Ursuline High School are lifelong, and are truly the foundation for every student’s success.

• All freshmen students have a senior mentor as a guide for their first year at U.H.S. Meet-ups are held regularly during the school year to foster these important relationships.

• In a recent parent satisfaction survey, Ursuline parents overwhelmingly praised the family-like environment at Ursuline and cited it as a major strength of the school.

• Ursuline High School encourages many student activities to foster relationships among students and faculty and develop leadership skills.

• We encourage students to recognize their God-given gifts and we provide multiple outlets through which they can realize their full potential.

• Students have the opportunity to join the marching and concert bands, participate both on and off the stage in three theatrical performances a year, perform with the choir, take a variety of art classes, such as Advanced Placement (AP) Studio Art, ceramics, photography, printmaking, and multi-media art, and compete as members of our award-winning Speech and Debate Team.

• Emerging artistic talents are cultivated through participation in art, band, choir, and theatre courses. All of Ursuline’s artistic programs are of the highest quality using first-rate facilities.

• Ursuline High School offers the athlete 17 different varsity sports. It is not uncommon for a freshman to be a part of a varsity team. Ursuline programs are built on a long-standing tradition of athletic success. Ursuline athletes annually receive accolades for their performances both on and off the athletic field.

• For many student-athletes their participation in Irish athletics opens doors for scholarships to play at the collegiate level.

• Students have the opportunity to lead as a member of Student Council, serve as a Student Ambassador, participate in Quiz Bowl, design the yearbook, travel to Europe and much more!

• Ursuline is the place where every student finds his/her niche in a wide variety of co-curricular programming.

•

• The experience of the Ursuline faculty is second to none, as a majority of UHS teachers holds an advanced degree.

• Many of the faculty are Ursuline alumni and have made a conscious choice to teach at their alma mater. Combined with an experienced Guidance Department, students receive top-notch instruction and guidance during their four years.

• Appropriate teacher-student relationships are created at Ursuline. It is regular practice for teachers to attend student events, concerts, games, service projects, and plays.

• Beyond the academic expertise the faculty brings to class each day, the commitment and care they have for individual students sets them apart.

• Students know they can count on their teachers to go above and beyond to meet their needs.

School Culture

Extracurricular Offerings

Outstanding Faculty

Speech & Debate Team Travel the world with UHS!

Choir Athletics

5 Ursuline High School Newsletter Feast of Saint Angela

Merici ~ Our Patroness

The Feast of Saint Angela Merici prayer service took place on Tuesday, January 28 at 10:00 a.m. in the gym. The Prayer Leader was Ursuline senior Andrew Gerchak and a reflection was offered by Sister Nancy Pawlen, O.S.U. Saint Angela Merici founded The Company of Saint Ursula in 1535. This group of forward-thinking women served the needs of the women and children of their Italian community. The order was named for Saint Angela Merici’s “go-to” saint, Saint Ursula. Today, we continue the tradition of Saint Angela Merici and our founders, the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown, by exhibiting the charisms of Saint Angela and celebrating her life’s work. We aspire to live our lives as Saint Angela instructed, “Strive to be faithful to that which God has called you.” Soli Deo Gloria!

Sr. Nancy told the students, “Your GPS in life should be God, prayer, and service.”

Students were charged with “Acts of Kindness” in honor of

Saint Angela.

Olivia read from Saint Angela’s Counsels.

Drew served as our Leader of Prayer.

El Fuego, the liturgical choir, provided beautiful music.

Niko, Renee, & Abigail served as Ministers of the Word.

6 The Irish Update— January / February 2020

Coming Soon!The Summer 2020 Camp Series will include...

• Art Camp - Grades 1-3 & 4-8• Book Club - New for 2020!

• Bowling Camp - New for 2020!• Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer CampTo be held at the new Cafaro Field on Bryson Street

• Boys’ and Girls’ Tennis Camp• Boys’ Basketball Camp• Girls’ Basketball Camp

• Football CampTo be held at the new Cafaro Field on Bryson Street

• Summer Softball Camp• Spanish Camp

• STEM Camp - New for 2020!• Speech and Debate Camp

• Theatre Camp

Softball CampWho: Girls in grades 4-8

When: March 28, 2020 and March 30, 2020

Where: March 28 - Ursuline High School*Camp may be outside if the weather permits. Dress appropriately!

March 30 - YSU Softball Field, home of the Fighting Irish

Time: March 28 - 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

March 30 - 3:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.

Cost: $55 perchild (includes both sessions)

Registration: Visit http:/ursulinehighschoolcamps.myonlinecamp.com

Learn about softball basics of hitting, bunting, fielding, throwing, and base running from Coach Kernan and the Lady Irish Softball Team on March 28 at UHS. Then, join the Lady Irish for Opening Day, March 30. The game will be held at the YSU Softball Field against Labrae. Go through pre-game warmups with the team as well as team post-game activities at the YSU Field, home of the Fighting Irish. An Ursuline softball t-shirt is included in the cost of registration.

Baseball CampWho: Boys in grades 3-8

When: March 21, 2020

Where: Glaciers Baseball Dome276 State StreetStruthers, Ohio 44471

Time: 3rd - 5th Grade - 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.6th - 8th Grade - 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Cost: $35 per child

Registration: Visit http://ursulinehighschoolcamps.myonlinecamp.com - registration due March 13

Learn about baseball basics of hitting, bunting, fielding, throwing, and base running from Coach Weymer and the Irish Baseball Team.

An Ursuline baseball t-shirt is included in the cost of registration.

2020 Spring Camp Series

A look back at Summer 2019!

7 Ursuline High School Newsletter

Ursuline News & Notes

School closings due to inclement weather will be announced on local TV. Parents and students will also receive a text alert via the school’s texting system. Parents or students who do not currently receive and would like to receive the text alerts should call the school office at 330-744-4563.

Ursuline students will attend a presentation by the non-profit, “Love Doesn’t Shove” on Wednesday, February 12. The mission of Love Doesn’t Shove is to educate the community about the dynamics of healthy relationships as a means to end teen dating violence and promote a safer,happier society.

Ursuline High School will not be in session on Friday, February 14 and on Monday, February 17 in observance of Presidents’ Day. Friday, March 20 will be a professional development day for our teachers and, therefore, students will not attend school.

Ursuline will mark the first day of the Lenten season with Ash Wednesday Mass on Wednesday, February 26 at 10:00 a.m. in the gymnasium. More information on our Lenten activities will be included in the next newsletter.

The Ursuline Home and School Association will host the annual Reverse Raffle on Saturday, March 7 at 6:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel. There are a few tickets remaining for the event. Included in

the cost of your ticket is dinner, beer and wine bar, and raffle entry. $3,000 in cash prizes will be awarded at the dinner! Please email Mrs. Michelle Carosella, mcarosella@youngstowndiocese.org, for ticket information.

Ursuline High School’s Students of Stewardship is planning their biennial mission trip. This year’s trip will take the group to Puerto Rico for the Easter break. To offset the expenses of the trip, a March Madness Fundraiser Party has been scheduled for Thursday, March 19 at The Magic Tree. Tickets are $10 and include an appetizer buffet. Block pools, raffles, and other games of chance will be available at the event. Please contact Maggie (Matune) Damore at mmatune@youngstowndiocese.org to purchase tickets or block pools.

7th Grade Beach Night

2020 Spring Camp Series

2020 Shamrock RafflePrizes:1st Prize - $5,0002nd Prize - $2,5003rd Prize - $1,0004th Prize - $1,0005th Prize - $1,000

Students are encouraged to return their quota of 10 Shamrock Raffle Tickets. The following incentives are in place for students who turn in their quota by the designated return days.Return Day # 1 (February 20) - Be entered into a drawing for $100 cash, a ‘20-’21 season pass for basketball, football, and soccer, two Cedar Point tickets with Extreme Fast Pass, a gift card tree, and a $150 Irish Cottage Gift Card.

Return Day # 2 (March 5) - Receive 5 Dress Down Days

All students who sell their tickets will be entitled to an Auntie Anne’s Pretzel Buffet. The top seller in each class will receive $50.If the student returns his/her quota, he/she will be entered into “Monday Money Madness,” a cash drawing held on February 10, February 24, March 2, March 9, and March 16.

Questions? Need More Tickets? Please call the Office of Alumni and Advancement at 330-744-4563.

2020 Ursuline High School Open House

Return Service Requested

Sunday, February 9, 2020 ~ 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.RSVP today by visiting www.ursuline.com/calendar & selecting Feb. 9

Ursuline High School is a family of faith, achievement, and promise.

Ohio Tennis Coaches Association Sportsmanship Award

Coach Kent Blacksher and the 2019 Ursuline High School Boys’ Tennis Team have been awarded “The Claire Muscaro Team Sportsmanship Award.” The award is voted on by the officials during the 2019 State Team Tournament. The team was state runner-up at the 2019 tournament. They will be honored at a banquet in Columbus in March.We are very proud of this accomplishment and look forward to a wonderful 2020 season!

2019 Boys’ Tennis Team