SAM - 02/24/2025

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT MEMO

Everything You Wanted To Know

Week of 02-24-25

A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL:

Each year our budget and tuition is set through a collaborative process with our School Advisory Council (SAC), School Advisory Council Finance Committee, Parish Finance Committee, Father Valentine and myself. When discussing priorities for the upcoming school budget we wanted to keep our commitment to maintaining our high-quality academic program. Our program offerings not only include a solid core curriculum, but a focus on educating the whole child through electives and specialists. Additionally, our support services with Instructional Assistants and two Academic Support Coordinators, help students reach their full potential. Finally, we are committed to supporting families that have financial need and offer a robust tuition scholarship program for those who are eligible. 

Following our strategic financial plan established during the 2022 - 2023 school year, we have been working towards addressing the gap in tuition cost for those that receive in parish subsidy, particularly as it relates to the actual cost of education. For example, this current year, our in-parish families receive a $2,675 per student discount. However, the parish subsidy to make up this differential attributes just over $500 per student, leaving $2,165 that has to be covered. This amount, combined with reduced overall parish giving and inflation, all plays into us setting the cost of tuition.

Therefore, after thorough review of our anticipated income and expenses, we have determined that our tuition increase for 2025-26 will be:

• In Parish Rate: $9,925 
  • 3% increase + additional $500 to begin to narrow the difference between in/out of parish rate
• Non-Parish Rate: $12,175 
  • 3% increase

Looking ahead, our School Advisory Council has laid out a five year plan to eliminate the in parish tuition discount. We plan to communicate our entire strategic plan to the community during our “Cardinal Chat” (similar to a State of the School Address) on Tuesday, March 18th at 6:30pm. Additional details regarding this informational meeting will be communicated as it gets closer. 

Finally, tuition assistance allocations will be determined early next week so should you have any questions and/or concerns regarding this increase, please contact me directly at [email protected].

CALENDAR REMINDERS:

Tuesday 2/25:  3:15-3:45pm Gr 5-8 Study Hall, 3:15-4:30pm Xanadu rehearsal in CFC

Wednesday 2/26:  7:30am Glee Club in parish music room, 1:00pm School Mass (7th Gr), 2:05pm Dismissal, Chess Wizards

Thursday 2/27:  7:30am Glee Club in library, 3:15-3:45pm Gr 5-8 Study Hall, 3:15-4:30pm Xanadu rehearsal in CFC

Friday 2/28:  Read Across America Spirit Day - PJs,  8:20-8:50am Family Group Reading Activity, Student Enrollment & Re-enrollment packets for 2025-26 due

Tuesday 3/4:  7:15-8:05am LeadHERship in library, 3:15-3:45pm Gr 5-8 Study Hall, 3:15-4:30pm Xanadu rehearsal in CFC, 7:00pm Cardinal Club Annual Dinner

Wednesday 3/5: 7:10-8:00am High School Prep Class in library, 7:30am Glee Club in parish music room, 1:00pm School Mass (6th Gr), 2:05pm Dismissal, Chess Wizards

Thursday 3/6: 7:30am Glee Club in library, 3:15-3:45pm Gr 5-8 Study Hall, 3:15-4:30pm Xanadu rehearsal in CFC

Saturday 3/8: Happy Birthday to Ms. Strine & Mrs. McCarthy!!

PLAYGROUND DUTY: 

Playground duty is from 11:25am - 1:00pm. If there is a conflict with your scheduled playground duty date, please notify Holly Hunt, our playground duty coordinator, as far in advance as possible so that she can reschedule your duty. Thank you for your help in the lunchroom and on the playground.

Tuesday 2/25:            CORRADO

Wednesday 2/26:        DOLAN

Thursday 2/27:        GENTILE (DAGGETT)

Friday 2/28:            GENTILE (DAGGETT)

Monday 3/3:            NEED COVERAGE

Tuesday 3/4:            DUNNE

Wednesday 3/5:        BACKER

Thursday 3/6:            NEED COVERAGE

Friday 3/7:            HATCHER

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT 

THANK YOU PARENTS! You have done well showing up for your playground duty assignments this year! It truly is a huge help for our faculty, staff and children as it ensures we have proper safety protocols in place and allows you the opportunity to see your child in an unstructured environment with their friends. As we approach the final half of the school year, there are some  dates where we need playground parents. To volunteer, please reach out to Holly Hunt at [email protected]. Volunteering for additional playground duty shifts counts towards your overall Family Volunteer Requirement of 30 hours per year (20 for new families).

SIGN UP FOR MARCH EXTENDED CARE

Parents, it’s time to sign up for your March 2025 extended care coverage.  There is a signup calendar attached to the SAM, on your FACTS Family Portal under Resource Documents, and a

M.U.S.E. WINTER BAND CONCERT

M.U.S.E. Band’s 38th Annual Winter Concert - This Sunday, March 2

@Central Catholic High School(Gym)

2401 SE Stark St. Portland

1:00 Beginning Band (Students arrive by 12:30)

2:00 Intermediate/Advanced (Students arrive by 1:40)

CYO TRACK & FIELD UPDATE - REGISTRATION STILL OPEN
 It's time to register for the Spring 2025 SJF Track & Field Season! This is a great opportunity for kids to run, jump, and throw for fitness and fun.  Athletes of all skill levels are welcome to develop and compete on a large team.
 Register your athlete here: https://www.cyocamphoward.org/content/16606/SJF-Track-Field

The registration fee is $240 per participant (LATE FEE: $290 Effective 4/2/2024)

If necessary, depending on current inventory: Uniform order link will be sent to registrants at a later date.

Practices will be at Valley Catholic High School on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:00-7:30 pm

Meets are on four Saturdays beginning April 5th plus the championship meets on May 10 (younger grades) and May 17-18 (older grades).

If you're interested in coaching, or have questions, email: 

Justin Reel- CYO Club AD at [email protected]

Will Marra- Track and Field Coordinator at [email protected]