OCTOBER IS THE MONTH OF THE ROSARY

October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary, a form of meditative prayer. Catholics are encouraged to pray the Rosary more frequently, meditating on the life of Jesus Christ through the Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous Mysteries.

ATTENDANCE OFFICE - EARLY DISMISSAL

Students may be dismissed early only with written authorization from a parent/guardian. Submit requests to Mrs. Collins in the Attendance Office. For emergencies, call Mrs. Collins at extension 1020. Text messages cannot be accepted as authorization.

SENIORS: 2ND MENINGITIS VACCINATION

New York State law requires all seniors to have documentation of their second meningitis (MenACWY) vaccination on file. Submit vaccination records to Ms. O'Grady, School Nurse, immediately. The deadline is October 16. Students not in compliance will not be permitted to attend classes or participate in school activities.

EDUCATION FREEDOM TAX CREDIT

Contact Gov. Kathy Hochul to support the Education Tax Credit for New York families, which provides a $1,700 tax credit for private school families. Visit: https://vtr.vc/n9al60

COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITY

St. John the Baptist School in Yonkers seeks Juniors or Seniors to volunteer with their 5th grade boys basketball team. Contact Mr. Jason Ford at 914-965-2356.

AFTER-SCHOOL HELP

Teachers offer after-school help sessions. Encourage your son to take advantage of this resource to ask questions, review material, and strengthen understanding.

BOX CITY - NOVEMBER 10TH

Students will participate in Box City, an event raising awareness and funds for families experiencing homelessness in Westchester County and New York City. Students will build temporary shelters from cardboard boxes and spend the evening on campus.

Guest speakers include officers from the White Plains Police Department and representatives from Lifting Up Westchester, an organization supporting homeless individuals. Stepinac will donate to this organization.

Over the years, Stepinac students have raised more than $125,000 through Box City and other charitable efforts. Students who raise a minimum $100 earn 10 community service hours. Submit funds at: https://bngn.blackbaud.school/?id=3cdyynvyamy

Schedule:

• 4:00 PM: Students bring cardboard boxes and set up encampments
• 4:30 PM: Assembly with speakers in auditorium
• Freshmen/Sophomores: Visit encampment outside
• Juniors/Seniors: Watch "The Pursuit of Happyness" in auditorium
• Groups switch halfway through
• 10:00 PM: Event ends

For questions, email pcarty@stepinac.org

COLLEGE VISITS

October 13: Iona University (9am), George Washington University (10am) October 14: Loyola University (10:30am), Muhlenberg College (11am) October 15: Michigan State University (9:30am), St. John's University (11:30am) October 16: Springfield College (10am)

Students must sign up with their Guidance Counselor. Dress appropriately for all visits.

ANNUAL SCHOOL RAFFLE

Each student receives 100 raffle tickets to sell at $1 each. Deadline: December 22. Keep proceeds from ticket sales; return only the portion with buyer information. The $100 raffle fee will be billed in your February tuition statement.

Prizes: $1,000 (1st), $750 (2nd), $500 (3rd)

Incentives for selling more than 100 tickets:

• Senior with most sales: 5 additional graduation tickets with premier seating
• Junior with most sales: Named parking spot for Senior year
• Sophomore with most sales: Free parking spot for Junior year
• Freshman with most sales: $50 cash gift

Return sold ticket stubs to the Main Office.

UPCOMING EVENTS

October 12: School closed for Columbus Day

October 13: Lady Crusaders Meeting, 7pm (Mr. Griffith, Coordinator of Clubs & Activities, guest speaker)

October 13-16: Student Government Spirit Week with themed dress-down day competitions and prizes

October 14: Student Assembly - Author David Grann, acclaimed author of "The Wager" (school-wide summer reading), will speak. Parents welcome.

October 15: Tuition Payment Due. General activity fees and sport fees (Football, Fall Baseball, Fall Track) will be billed. Accounts in arrears result in locked Student Portals and restricted extracurricular participation. Questions? Contact Mrs. Arrichiello, Finance Office, extension 3015.

October 15: College applications with November 1st deadlines due to counselors by 10/15.

October 16: Student Government Bake Sale during lunch periods. Support at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4BA5AC2DA4FEC61-60611785-stepinac#/

October 16: St. Columbanus School Visit - Students from Bangor, Co. Down, Ireland, will tour campus, lunch with GFC members, and play a friendly Gaelic Football match.

October 16: Dress Down Day - Makin' Strides Breast Cancer Walk. Bring $3 donation to 1st period teacher.

October 17: Homecoming Weekend - Varsity football game vs. St. Peter's, 1:30pm

October 17: ACT Exam (interested students speak with counselor)

October 17: Varsity Football Senior Breakfast, 9am cafeteria

TYLER RUSH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show, Sunday, October 18. All proceeds benefit the Tyler Rush Memorial Scholarship. Trophy sponsorships available for $100 (sponsor name displayed on trophy and announced during presentation). For details and registration: https://tylerrushmemorialfund.com/

OCTOBER 23: WALK FOR HEROES

Students Nick Clark, Sean Daly, Liam Luby, and Johnny Lynch are organizing Walk for Heroes to support Tunnel to Towers Foundation and Wounded Warrior Project. See separate email for details.

NOVEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS

Remembrance Prayer List: During November, we pray for deceased family members, friends, alumni, and staff. Add names at: https://forms.gle/nk3R9gbEqYxVX1dc6

November 1: Winter Sports Tryouts Begin - Email coaches for information. All athletes must register and be cleared on Arbiter Sports.

November 2: Regular Dress Code Begins - Beige or tan pants, white or light blue dress shirt with tie, and school V-neck Under Armor sweater. Seniors may wear school golf shirt year-round and Stepinac sweatshirt in place of school sweater.

November 10: Advancement Office Fall Celebration Raffle - Win $10,000! Tickets $50 each or four for $150. Early Bird: Purchase four by October 26 and receive four FREE. Tickets due by November 6. Contact Paul Thomas for details.

November 14: Special Olympics Polar Plunge - Sean Fisca, William O'Brien, and Kieran Ward organizing school participation.

SENIOR INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Now in its 5th year, this successful program runs April 5-23. We seek mentors willing to provide seniors invaluable field experience. Contact Mrs. Donahoe at adonahoe@stepinac.org

Best,

Paul Carty