March 2010

Ashes to ashes....

Marist teacher Andrew Oldham places ashes in the form of a cross on the forehead of freshman Jonathan Wildish during Ash Wednesday's school Mass. The ashes, a symbol of repentenance, also remind us of our mortality, that we will someday return to dust. Parents and students are invited to join us at Friday morning Lenten Mass on March 5, 12 and 19 at 8:00 A.M. in the cafeteria. (Photo by Toni Cooper)

back to top

Jay Conroy, Principal

Principal's notes,

Lasallian Heritage for Marist—School as “Community”

Much current educational leadership theory emphasizes schools as organizations, requiring structuring like a business, a retail outlet, a manufacturing company. But there is a growing support for using a different approach in parts of our work. That alternative suggests that moving a school from competent to excellent in certain key areas means defining the school as an educational community. Ironically, this is exactly what we have learned through a century of Catholic education here in Eugene and a long history nationwide that anchors our success as Catholic schools.

The Marist administration, school board and staff have agreed that the already exceptional atmosphere and community feel of Marist should be cultivated and given deliberate attention and effort in order to both make it a better school and to insure that the essential qualities we love and value will continue.

At a recent parent presentation, Rick Martin, Director of Campus Ministry, and I set forth a brief sketch of how the Marist Brothers nurtured this community from 1969 through 1993 (when they left the school to the Archdiocese of Portland). We described the new initiatives aimed at forming a relationship with the Lasallian Christian Brothers, a religious order with over 300 years of experience running schools throughout the world. It is our plan to “walk with”, not formally associate with, the Lasallians with the goal to serve our school and community by strengthening the foundation and heritage that the Marist Brothers began in this particular building.

A description of that relationship and those plans is set forth below:

1. Consistent with our Marist strategic plan initiative related to Catholic Identity (2009 Strategic Planning Process), Marist will be “walking with” the Christian Brothers of De La Salle. “Walking with” enables access to resources, events, networking, and inservices conducted by the Christian Brothers. This participation is at their invitation and at our discretion.
2. There is no commitment by either party or formal official association by Marist Catholic High School with the Christian Brothers through this “walking with.” Marist remains a Catholic school of the Archdiocese of Portland; our property is owned by Marist Catholic High School (a nonprofit corporation with a Board of Directors, with the sole shareholder being the Archbishop). The principal (Jay Conroy, today) is responsible to and works under the supervision of both the Marist School Board of Directors and the Superintendent (in the Archdiocesan office).
3. This does not imply a name change or any future obligation on the part of Marist Catholic High School. We will pay costs of participation in Lasallian programs—meals, motels, etc.
4. There will not be any level of oversight or administration assumed by the Christian Brothers and no Christian Brothers will be brought onto the Marist staff.
5. Marist retains its heritage related to the Marist Brothers, and the practices that have their origins with the Brothers, at the discretion of school leadership as these practices serve the best interest of Marist students.
6. Resources, events, networking, and staff in-services supporting the distinctive work of Catholic education are not available to us through the Marist Brothers. Such services through the Archdiocese are limited. “Walking with” the Christian Brothers allows greater access to significant services. Potential services available to us include: (a) institutes forming lay staff in the charism, spirituality, pedagogy, and leadership practices of Catholic schools as expressed through the heritage of the Christian Brothers. (b) Attendance at district meetings based on function, i.e., Principals, Campus Ministry Directors, Deans of Discipline, Activity Directors, etc. (c) Networking with other persons in the field of Catholic education to discuss issues and challenges, and to share resources and ideas.
7. Most interaction with the Christian Brothers will support the formation of our staff as Catholic educators, enabling them to better communicate what is distinctive about Marist as a Catholic school. This helps current staff members to embody the style of relationship, values, and practices typical of the Marist Brothers.
8. Immediate planned activity is primarily participation in the Lasallian Leadership Institute (LLI), a three-year educational and formational offering that immerses lay educators into the unique model exhibited by Lasallian schools. Marist staff attending will use the learning they receive to share with other staff members through our internal meetings, as well as developing special projects appropriate to our context.
9. We do not expect there to be substantial visible changes in the daily operation of the school, including classes, athletics, and activities. But our “walking with” will allow us to measure our cultural activity against the Lasallian standards and practices, and to bring about change as we deem appropriate through our internal assessments. The more tangible expression will be a sharpening of cultural norms pertaining to values that guide our activities, our interactions, and ways that we connect all activities to a foundation of faith. Possible connections could include greater infusion of religious reflection within non-theology courses, greater efforts to connect non-academic activities with our spiritual foundations, and efforts to enable interaction with students from other Catholic schools.
10. Non-Catholic students should expect to see the same level of openness and respect afforded to them regarding their religious tradition as has been the custom at Marist over the years.

Watch for further information in upcoming issues of the Marist Newsline, or contact Jay Conroy or Rick Martin to learn more.

back to top

Jeff Dreiling, Campus Supervisor

No parking, drop-off or pick-up areas

Spring sports have started and that means more traffic around campus. We remind students and parents that the access driveway behind the tennis courts and leading to the "AC" are off-limits. The area behind the tennis courts and all parking toward the softball and baseball fields are for Marist staff and coaches only. Please do not use this area as a drop-off or pick-up point.

Please make arrangements for pick-up and drop-off in the main student and visitor parking lot. Also, during softball and baseball games, there is no parking out near the fields. This area is reserved for coaches and officials. Please park and walk into the games.

If you are unsure about any of these areas, please see our online "Campus Parking" map.

Exception: Families with a state disability hang tag, please make arrangements with the coaches.

Thank you for your help with this issue.

back to top

Principal's Honor Roll: grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 and above for 1st semester 2010

back to top

Honor Roll: grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 and above for 1st semester 2010

back to top

You won’t want to miss these dates!

• March 3 at 9:25 A.M. - Marist Talent Show We have 17 different acts performing and we will honor the 2010 State Championship Swim Team.
• March 8 - Student body office elections meeting This is an informational meeting in room 371 at 2:45 P.M. for all "rising" juniors and seniors. Elections are on April 7. If you will be a junior or senior next year and are interested in running for office but cannot make the meeting, please see Mrs. Pimental. Elections for the Class offices are at the end of April.
• March 17 & 18 - Music concerts The strings, concert/jazz band and Reflections voices are performing on Wednesday, March 17. The next night Marist's two rock bands are playing the music of "Journey," Hendrix and Michael Jackson. Both shows are free and all are invited! The downbeat is at 7:30 each night.
  
• Tuesdays at 7:15 A.M. - Any junior wanting to help with Prom, meetings are held every Tuesday morning in Room 317 just off the Library. This year’s theme is "Masquerade." The Prom is May 8 at the McDonald Theatre.
• Parent volunteer opportunities for the Prom include: coat room (4-6 people), decorating (4-6 people), clean-up (10-12 people) after the Prom at midnight Saturday. Also, we are looking for Prom decorations: silver and black masks, candelabras, artificial roses, and a rose garland. The main color scheme is black, silver and red. If you have ideas or would like to help please email me at spimental@marisths.org.
• After Spring Break - Powder Puff shirt orders for juniors and seniors will be collected through the month of April to get the shirts here in time. Checks only please (no cash) made out to "Marist Catholic High School." See Mrs. P for information and shirt order forms.

back to top

Signing day

Seniors Macky Dennis and Nick Gammie inked their National Letters of Intent on Feb. 3 - Dennis with Carroll College (Helena, Montana) Saints Women’s Soccer and Gammie with Western Oregon University (Monmouth) Wolves Football. Dennis’ Marist coach, Jennifer Konyn, said that “Macky’s a truly special person. She’s quite an impact player. I know that there will be a big hole for us to fill come next season.” A KMTR Prep Athlete of the Week, Dennis was voted to First Team All League this year. “Carroll College is everything I ever wanted – great people, teachers, and, of course, a strong soccer program,“ said Dennis when asked her reaction after signing her letter. “I’ve always dreamed of playing college soccer and studying nursing, and Carroll  seems to be the best place I can make those dreams a reality.” Gammie was voted to First Team in both the All-Sky-Em Conference and All-State as a linebacker for the 2009 season. He was also Marist’s Athlete of the Month in football this past September. (Photos by Toni Cooper)

back to top

Chris Deffenbacher, Registrar

AP Exams

AP test registration has begun. The AP bulletin and order form will be handed out to students in AP classes on Monday, March 1. Please indicate which tests you wish to take and the amount due. Bring both the form and your check to Ms. Deffenbacher in the Main Office by Monday, March 15.

If you are a spring sport athlete, be sure to check with your coach about state meets and playoffs that might conflict with the AP testing dates below.

back to top

Terrie Clemens, Administrative Assistant; Campus Ministry Assistant

Campus Ministry

Upcoming events:
March 5, 12, 19: Lenten Friday Masses, 8:00 A.M. Cafeteria
April 14: Sophomore Parents Choices Meeting, 7:00 P.M., Library
April 26-27: Sophomore Choices Day-Away @ St. Mary Catholic Church

Retreat News: On March 1 we concluded our retreat season with the final day of the Junior Girls’ Encounter at St. Benedict’s. It’s been a great year of retreating, with a very positive response from sophomores, juniors, and seniors who attended. We thank all adults and student team members who helped make this year such a success. Although there are no trophies to display, much treasure has been laid up in the hearts of those who attended; and on goes the Lord’s work!

We now begin the work of preparing for the 2010-2011 retreats. On March 1 & 2, Mr. Martin will be orienting our sophomores and juniors about the application process for next year’s Retreat Team. Like all extra-curricular activities, Retreat Team requires a commitment to the work of the team, stretching from next September on into March of 2011. We will be looking for about 24 juniors and 14 sophomores to fill out our team. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, March 17. For more information on the class, please visit Mr. Martin’s teacher web or contact him directly at (541) 686-2234, Ext 1525 or rmartin@marisths.org.

For those who had a positive experience this year and would like to help create that kind of experience next year, this is the team for you. One current member has this to say about her experience: “I have been honored to participate on the Retreat Team. I have been able to create the same wonderful experience I had on retreats for other people to experience. This sometimes laborious job is one that I truly enjoy. I feel like my passion is here, on the Retreat Team. I love doing things for others and this is a great way for me to extend my experience and my faith journey to others.”

The due date for applications is Wednesday, March 17. No late applications will be accepted. For more information, please see the Campus Ministry section on the Marist website or contact Rick Martin at either rmartin@marisths.org or (541) 686-2234, Ext. 1525.

Christian Leadership Class: Along with other course considerations, current sophomores are invited to think about applying to be a part of the Christian Leadership Class during their Junior/Senior year. This class satisfies the Theology requirement for students and allows them to focus their spiritual work in the area of leadership and service. It combines study with project work in which students actively carry out leadership and service tasks in the school and the community.

One current senior had this to say about her experience in Christian Leadership over the last year: “Christian Leadership Class is the implementation of all of the ideas that have been learned about in previous religion classes. It is in Christian Leadership that I get to practice all of the qualities I have learned about in a Christian leader. I have learned how to be a better leader and the importance of leading a Christian lifestyle and how that makes me a better leader. In short, through my class I have become one. One with friends. One with community. And most especially one with God.”

Sophomore Choices Day-Away: On April 26 and 27 the Campus Ministry, Theology, and Health-Physical Education Departments will conduct the annual “Choices Day-Away” for sophomore students. This is a component of the Theology Department’s sexuality education. It is designed to help young Christians think through the many choices and decisions they must make in order to develop healthy, loving relationships. By devoting one full school day, we are able to help our students genuinely focus on their values and decision-making process regarding their sexuality.

In order to help parents understand this program, we are offering an informational meeting on Wednesday evening, April 14 at 7:00 P.M. in the Marist Library. We invite parents to come and learn more about “Choices Day-Away.”

Christian Service: Thank you Class of 2010 for your 6,500 hours of Christian service!

Juniors should have their second 10-hour requirement met by the beginning of April. These service hours must be done in the local community. Juniors should also have a plan in place for the remainder of their core service (30 hours). Parents, have your students show you their plans and encourage them to begin if they have not done so.

Any questions you may have can be directed to Julie Ferrari, the Christian Service Experience Coordinator, by calling (541) 284-7533 or emailing jferrari@marisths.org.

She will visit sophomore classes this month to get students started with their research and reflection on service opportunities for their Christian Service Experience.

back to top

Kayla Braud, '09

Marist alum honored by the Crimson Tide

Feb. 22, 2010

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Alabama softball player Kayla Braud, Marist Class of 2009, was named the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week as announced by the conference office today. Braud was a consistent force in the Alabama lineup in the Hatter Invitational, batting .615 (8-for-13) in the tournament.

"You can see with experience that Kayla is becoming more and more comfortable at the plate," head coach Patrick Murphy said. "Her last game against a very good Ohio State team was her best. She set the table with a 3-for-3 performance and got our offense going in the right direction. Kayla is one of our true triple threats who will get better each weekend."

The newcomer did not disappoint in her first career collegiate game on the road. Braud went 2-for-3 with three RBI in the first game of the Hatter Invitational against Rhode Island.

Braud batted .615 (8-for-13) with five RBI and five runs scored. Braud went a combined 5-for-6 in the final two games of the Hatter Invite, including a 3-for-3, two run performance against Ohio State in the final game of the tournament. The freshman also stole two bases over the span of the five game tournament.

Reprinted with permission of The University of Alabama Department of Athletics

back to top

Who will be “Mr. Spartan” for 2010?

The Mr. Spartan program is part of the Kids Helping Kids program which benefits the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN). The funds we raise help numerous Sacred Heart hospital departments meet their needs, especially the needs of the babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Please support our Track Town Pizza fundraiser on March 15 (flyers will be available at the Main Office and from any Mr. Spartan Team member) and plan on attending the Mr. Spartan vs. Staff B-ball game on April 7 and the 2010 Mr. Spartan Pageant on April 10. Thank you for helping us save the babies! The 2010 Mr. Spartan candidtates are (l to r) seniors Jordan Hughes, Scott Graham, Luke Vanderville, Henry Harper, Zach Brandon, Dillon Oldham, Nick MacKinnon, Jacob Guckenberger, James Weilbrenner. (Photo by Toni Cooper)

back to top

Tracy Muilenburg	Shari Pimental	Jerry Ragan

Counselors’ Corner

Several of our students are receiving information regarding “Who’s Who Among American High School Students” as well as a nomination to the National Youth Leadership Conference. Since the Counseling Office receives numerous phone calls regarding both organizations, we felt it was important to give families more information.

“Who’s Who Among American High School Students” recognizes students who have met the minimum GPA requirement as well as demonstrating their involvement in extracurricular activities and community service organizations. It does not cost a student anything to have their information published, however the company does charge for the actual book. There have been concerns about how students are nominated as well as the accuracy of the information given by students. College admissions officers do not place value on such an honor one way or another.

Another organization that many of our students receive information from is the National Youth Leadership Conference. The conferences are held all over the United States on college campuses. The conference offers forums regarding medicine, law, politics and government. The cost of the conference is approximately $2500.00, airfare not included. Generally the conference lasts for 7-10 days. It is very similar to a summer institute program without college credit.

The NYLC works with educational organizations, such as the College Board, to identify high-achieving students who possess an interest in a career in medicine, law or diplomacy, intelligence and defense. We assume the organization obtains our students’ information via the College Board.

It is important for families to make decisions based on their individual student. Marist will not encourage nor discourage students from participating in these organizations. However, we felt it was important for you to have more information on which to base your decision.

The Eugene Fire & EMS Department is presenting a high school career day for any student who has thought about becoming a firefighter or a career in emergency medicine. The event is on April 9 from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. at the 2nd and Chambers Training Center. The deadline to sign up is April 5. Interested students should download the information and signup form (PDF) by clicking here.

Two important events for all sophomore and junior parents:

• Junior Parent Night on March 10 at 7:00 P. M. in the Bob Devereaux Theatre. We will be discussing the college admissions process. We will also have a guest speaker from the University of Portland.
• Sophomore Parent College Night on March 15 at 7:00 P.M. in the Theatre.
  

back to top

Marist players win state chess honors

Marist senior Austin Anderson (at left in photo) and junior Blaine Patrick Werner (seated to the right of Anderson)) won individual honors at the 2010 state chess tournament, held February 26-27 in Cottage Grove. Anderson’s 4-1 record at state was best among first-board players from 4A schools, earning him honors as first-board champion for 4A schools at the tournament. Werner was 3-2 at state, making him 4A second-board co-champion. Overall, Marist players won 11 of the 20 games they played at state, but forfeits due to illness-related absences cut into Marist’s overall team record at among the 16 teams at state—though Marist can claim honors as the only Catholic high school in Oregon to enter this year’s tournament. Over 170 students played in the tournament, sponsored by the Oregon High School Chess Team Association. Senior Alice Rear, junior Alex Clarke and sophomore Graham Simon rounded out the five-person varsity chess team, coached by Marist teacher Jon Nuxoll and Marist alum (Class of 1971) and retired Cottage Grove chess coach Mike Wolfe. Marist freshman Katie Rose Badeau and O’Hara students Zak Oldham and Ian Adair also competed for Marist in junior-varsity play in the nine-school Midwestern Chess League this season. (Photo by Ann Simon)

back to top

To all Marist families and friends

The 2010 Marist Auction is planned for Saturday, May 15. The theme is "Marist: Gone Country!" Some of you have been attending for years, and some will be experiencing it for the first time. Either way, it is always a very fun night for the Marist community. As Silent Auction chairs, we are asking our friends to put together a basket for the auction. If you have done this before, thank you! You know that we like to have theme baskets full of goodies and surprises that just "rope in" bidders. If you are a newcomer, and you are not sure what type of basket to put together, please contact us or Ellen Brown in the Developemt Office at (541) 681-5470. We can answer your questions, make suggestions, and/or pair you with someone who wants to donate a basket. Heck! We can even round it up and corral it for you.

We have included a list of ideas for baskets below, and a few answers to frequently asked questions:

• Yes, we can help you with an idea for a basket.
• No, you do not have to keep to western-themed baskets.
• Yes, you can do a basket with your friends.
• No, you do not have to spend a fortune to put together a basket.
• Yes, we are having fun with this and hope you will, too.
• No, we will not turn down gift certificates or single items.

We know this is a very busy time of year for everyone, so we are trying to make this as simple as possible. If you have questions, please email...our email addresses are listed below. If you would like a personal call, we can do that, too. Though this date is negotiable, it would be so helpful if you could have your donations in to us by April 15, 2010.

We appreciate your dedication to Marist High School!

Sincerely,

Tina Auld - mrauld@comcast.net – (541) 431-1713
Molly Hope Elder- mollyelder@comcast.net - (541) 485-1669
Ellen Brown - Ebrown@marisths.org - (541) 681-5469

Basket Ideas (or go ahead and be clever; we won't mind!)

1. Woof! (Dog/Puppy) Basket
2. Meow Mix (Cat) Basket
3. Make Mine a Latte (Coffee Basket) **Mary Boyd/Cafe Aroma
4. Thatsa Nice! (Italian Dinner) Basket
5. Dim Sum (Chinese Cooking) Basket **Michele Vinson
6. Wine About It! (Wine) Basket
7. Pretty Pretty Princess (Girl) Basket
8. Slugs & Snails & Puppy Dog Tails (Boy) Basket
9. Kitchen Kaboodle (cooking accessories) Basket
10. At The Movies Basket
11. Pink Martini Basket (or blue, or green or chocolate for that matter)
12. Up In Smoke (cigars and scotch) Basket
13. Curtis Restaurant Supply (Basket) **Curtis Restaurant Supply!!!
14. The Writer's Block (Stationery) Basket
15. Wrap 'Er Up (Gift Wrap) Basket
16. A Good Read (Barnes & Noble or Border's) Basket
17. Tea Party Basket (does not have to be political!)
18. Cookie Monster Basket
19. Pass The Cupcakes
20. Running Wild (Runner's) Basket **Diza Hilles/Cathie Bellamy
21. Tee to Green (Riveridge?)Basket
22. Tee to Green (Fiddlers?) Basket
23. What a Doll! Basket
24. What's For Dinner? Basket
25. Celebrate! (Champagne) Basket
26. Wash Me! (Car Washing) Basket
27. You're Toast! (toaster/jam/napkins/towels, etc.) Basket
28. When Hell Freezes Over (we just thought this one had possibilities...)
29. Light Up Your Life (Candle) Basket
30. Christopher Radko Ornament Basket ** Jennifer Werner
31. Tiny Dancer (Ballet) Basket
32. Ole ! (Mexican fiesta) Basket
33. Rollin' In Dough (Pizza or Bread) Basket
34. Bread Basket (we just like the sound of that....)
35. It's A Wrap (Towels) Basket
36. Down 'N Dirty (Soaps) Basket
37. Don't Blow It! (Hair Care) Basket
38. Star Bangled Banner (4th of July) Basket
39. Know When to Fold 'Em (Poker/chips/card) Basket
40. Who Done It? (Board Games)
41. Tennis Anyone?

We have more ideas if you need them.

back to top

Opens at Marist March 5!

Click here to order your tickets online today.

back to top

back to top