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Communications |
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Front Desk/Reception
This is a great place to start if you have a question. The main school phone number is 301-365-0955. Items for students, teachers, and staff should be left here as well. A note is placed on the message board for the students to let them know they have something at the front desk. Items left for faculty and staff will be placed in their mailboxes. When visiting campus, it is important and required that you sign-in when you visit during school hours. Mrs. Ellen Kumm is there to help you most days; other staff and students fill in when she can't be there.
Holy Child Happenings
You'll get your weekly dose of news every Wednesday with the Happenings newsletter. It's chock full of upcoming events, with easy clicks to sign-ups, information on field trips, student reminders, and general announcements of a timely nature. Parents are encouraged to provide updates on their email address to the Communications Office, preferably kely@holychild.org. We love to include news on your daughter's accomplishments, so if you share with us, we will pass it on!
Message Board
Message boards are used to communicate information for upcoming events (mixers, club news, meetings, etc.) directly to the students during the day. You can also have a message posted for your daughter. The Middle School message board is located outside of the Middle School office and the Upper School message board is located across from the hot lunch service window. Call the main school number, and let the receptionist know you would like to post a message for your daughter. Students should check the board periodically throughout the school day.
Parents Association
The mission of the Parents Association at Holy Child is to further the interests and aims of the school, to act as a forum for communication between the parents and the administration, to develop and implement fundraising activities in coordination with the Development Department, and to encourage participation and provide parent volunteers for a variety of efforts on behalf of the school. See the tab at left for all the meetings during the year, as well as the names of all of the class captains and individual homeroom reps.
Meetings are held throughout the year, with general information and occasional guest speakers. They are your opportunity to hear from the Headmistress, Division Heads and Dean of Students as well as teachers and staff. The January meeting is historically the "State of the School" meeting, with members of the Board of Trustees speaking on the financial health and particulars.
Fathers Club
The Fathers Club is a membership organization for dads interested in networking, social gatherings (with each other and on daughter outings), and general support of the school and the Parents Association at large.
Mailboxes
Mailboxes for teachers and staff as well as a designated Parents Association mailbox are located at the Front Desk.
Tiger Times
This the name of the daily announcement flyer read to the students during homeroom each day. Reminders, events occurring that day, birthdays, upcoming events, and general announcements are included. Tiger Times is also posted on the website for the parent community to view.
Website
The Holy Child website, www.holychild.org, is integral in our daily communication at the School. Please be sure to review the school website and become familiar with the information that is available.
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Traditions |
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First Day of School
Put this under, "I’m glad I knew that"…On the first day of school, expect a little bit of noise! The night before this first full day of classes, the senior class exerts their prominence at the top of the school chain. They gather to decorate the campus, both inside and outside, drenching all in their class color. Seniors enter the School with great gusto and remind everyone they are now seniors. They spend the day reminding freshmen (all in good fun) who’s boss!
Also, look for a special treat from the Parents Association if you are the lucky driver of the day.
Big Sisters/Little Sisters
Each Holy Child freshmen is a Little Sister, assigned a junior Big Sister. Big Sisters welcome their Little Sister, ease their transition to high school at Holy Child and act as a contact to answer any questions they may have about the School. The Dean of Student Life pairs Big Sisters/Little Sisters over the summer. This has also been expanded to include a Middle School Little, Little Sister, creating Holy Child "families."
Prayer Partners
Early in the school year, each student is assigned a Prayer Partner, another student whose identity is kept secret for the entire school year. A student is encouraged to secretly support her Prayer Partner with prayers and other small gestures. Suggestions include a card or baked good on her birthday or a holiday. Students secretly deliver these cards/gifts to their Prayer Partners via other students. Identities are revealed at the end of the school year.
Advent Angels
This is an annual tradition at Holy Child. During the week before Christmas break, students, faculty and staff who wish to participate in the program submit their names. They are then given the name of another student, faculty or staff member to whom they become a secret "Advent Angel." During our special week, everyone brings in the assigned treats/surprises for their angel. It might be to decorate a locker, or deliver a baked good. The week culminates with the students bringing in assigned items that are contributed to a group of those less fortunate in the area. These are often as simple as socks and warm gloves. The identity of the angels is revealed on the last day.
Tag Days
These are "non-uniform" days designated by the Head of Middle School and Upper School Dean of Students, most often to raise money. Often there is a club sponsoring the Tag Day and they collect $1 from each student who does not wear her uniform that day to support charities designated by the students. Breast Cancer research, tsunami or earthquake victims, American Soldiers in Iraq, Leukemia research and other medical needs have been recent recipients of student raised Tag Day funds. In some cases, these are special prizes to classes who have won the privilege by participating in an event.
Spirit Week
"The best week of the year!" is how most students would dub it; this exciting four days of mayhem is held in late February/early March each year. Classes and the Middle School compete with one another throughout the week to score points. The class with the highest amount of points is declared the class with the “most spirit.” There are a variety of activities, but the highlight tends to be the daily theme selected by the students…examples include Roll Out of Bed Day, 70’s Day, Hawaiian Day, Disney Day. Students dress according to the theme of the day and many faculty members join the fun as well. The Middle School participates as one “class.” The last "color" day is a wild culmination, with the senior entrance and all classes dressed head-to-foot in their color, sparring in tugs-of-war, pie-eating contests, musical chairs,and more. Somehow the seniors always manage to win!
Class Color
Each class of the Upper School (e.g., senior, junior…) is awarded a class color, and it remains with them throughout their tenure. 2010 graduated as "Purple Reign," so the class of 2014 took that over; 2011 is blue, 2012, green, 2013, pink, and then it revolves back throught. The Middle School is always orange, proudly, and the faculty dons red on their color days. (This is a class privilege, distinctly different from our BLUE/GOLD families...)
Ring Day
It's a long-standing tradition that every junior is paired with a senior, who presents her with her onyx school ring in a special ceremony in the chapel. The "unofficial" tradition often involves the seniors dressing their junior “ring sisters” in funny outfits, silly antics and sometimes a celebratory dinner. Information on ordering class rings is provided to juniors in the fall.
Senior Lounge
It's off the beaten path, by design--the Senior Lounge is the special getaway privilege for seniors only, located on the lower level of the Main Building. This room is exclusively for seniors to have lunch and socialize; it's definitely “off limits” to all other students. The girls ake great pains to decorate and make it their own, with their school color. Former classes have left behind special reminders of their class years, and often return to check out what has happened since their graduation.
Senior Privileges
Each year, the senior class is allowed to select some key privileges that, by virtue of their upperclasswomen status, they alone can enjoy. These privileges are presented to the Dean of Students (who holds the final decision). These privileges often involve the dress code, often including being allowed to wear a “senior color” polo shirt with their uniform skirt, wearing sneakers with the winter uniform, college sweatshirts and slacks.
Senior Pictures/ Yearbook Page
Senior pictures are taken in the summer prior to the beginning of the school year. Information is mailed from Stone Photography with the information regarding the photo session. Seniors each have their own page in the yearbook. Shortly after the school year begins, forms are distributed for the seniors to design their page. The turnaround time for the page design is rather short, so it’s helpful to start as soon as it’s received. Families can purchase space in the yearbook for their personal messages to their daughters as well.
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Events |
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Welcome Reception
Held in the library, this event is for ALL Holy Child Parents to welcome both the start of the school year and the new families in our community.
Back-To-School Nights
These programs are held for parents shortly after school begins in the fall. The Middle and Upper School events are held on separate evenings. Parents rotate through their daughter’s classes following her schedule. The main goal of the event is to get an overview of the curriculum and to have a sense of the daily activities of your daughter, as well as to meet the teacher and hear their approach. One-on-one time with teachers is available at Parent/Teacher Conferences held later in the fall.
Parent Association Coffees
These early morning gatherings are held throughout the school year for parents. These socials offer opportunities for parents to meet with the Headmistress, as well as other parents and administrators.
Parent Socials
These "get togethers" are held for each grade in the fall and hosted by a volunteer Holy Child family. The evening provides an unhurried chance for parents to socialize, meet the parents of their daughters’ friends, and connect with one another. They can be just a happy hour, or a full dinner; information and an invitation is sent to each family with details about the evening.
Blue/Gold Games
Held first weekend of October: A day of powderpuff football, soccer, and more, with a barbecue and moon-bounces; fun for the whole family and winning points for the color team.
Annual Golf and Tennis Classic/Party at the Classic
This Holy Child fundraiser is typically held in October. Parents, grandparents, alumnae, friends of the School and community supporters play a round of golf or participate in the tennis tournament. There are registration fees for golf and tennis as well as various sponsorship opportunities for the event. Proceeds from this event support our school. This year we have added a dinner/dance party for all, whether or not you hit the links or the tennis court.
Open Houses
Open House provides prospective students and their families a comprehensive overview of our school. The event consists of welcome remarks by the Headmistress followed by tours throughout the campus to meet the teachers. Students participate as tour guides and parents are encouraged to volunteer to greet prospective families. There is an all school Open House in the fall and a Middle School Open House in January. In addition, there are Discovery Days--mini-Open Houses held during the active school day--in November and December.
Father/Daughter Communion Breakfast
This is a very popular event held for students and their fathers or special friends on a Sunday morning in November, now run by the Fathers Club. There is a liturgy, breakfast and often a choral performance; this year they have added a guest speaker. Invitations and information are sent in the fall so that reservations can be made in advance.
Mayfield Market
This shopping extravaganza before Christmas (taditionally the weekend before Thanksgiving) is a great opportunity to purchase unique gifts for friends and family. Vendors sell everything from home décor to jewelry to clothing and a percentage of the sales are given to the School. Holy Child alumnae return for an evening reception on Saturday after the market closes.
Leadership Reception
This early December event is held at the Headmistress’ home in recognition of the Leadership Donors for their generous contributions of $1500 or more to the Annual Giving Fund.
Lessons and Carols
A holiday celebration including the singing of carols by the Holy Child chorus and audience to celebrate the coming of Our Lord. It is held at the end of classes before the break and provides all with a joyous start to the Christmas vacation.
Middle School Valentine’s Luncheon
This luncheon is held on a Friday close to Valentine’s Day. Fathers or special friends join their daughters for a luncheon in the Gym. RSVPs are requested and there is a small charge to cover costs. Middle School students provide the entertainment.
Annual Gala
The social event of the year at Holy Child, the Annual Gala is our major fundraising event. All parents are welcome to become involved by volunteering for a committee, which offers a great opportunity to meet fellow parents. Gala committees include advertising, soliciting for donations, decorating, copy writing, etc. All the preparation culminates in a fantastic fun filled evening for parents, faculty, alumnae and the community when all gather to socialize, raise funds and support Holy Child. The evenings festivities include dinner, Silent and Live auctions and a car or tuition raffle.
Middle School Mother’s Spring Conference
The Middle School girls create presentations on a theme, present to their peers and their moms, and follow all with a lovely luncheon in the gym.
Upper School Recognition Assembly
Upper School students and faculty assemble to recognize those students who have made outstanding achievements in academics, community service or school organizations.
Spring Athletics Banquet
Changing from the in-school model, this year we will celebrate the seniors and the other award-winners in athletics with an all-school banquet in the gym.
Middle School Closing
This event is held for the eighth graders and their families on their last of school. The girls are provided guidance on requirements for their dresses for the day. A liturgy with closing ceremony is held, followed by a reception. The sixth and seventh grade classes attend the closing as well. Scholarship awards are made at the closing ceremony for rising eighth graders.
Baccalaureate Mass
Held the Thursday before graduation, this evening ceremony is designed by the seniors and campus ministry to celebrate their transition from students to alumnae. A bit more intimate than graduation, it gives the girls and their families a time to reflect on their Holy Child experience without the pomp and circumstance of the graduation ceremony and to celebrate a final Liturgy as students.
Graduation
This joyous event speaks for itself. The ceremony for the graduating seniors, their families, and guests takes place at the local church, Our Lady of Mercy, followed by a reception. All the girls wear white dresses (information is provided early in the year about how to find proper ones).
Used Book & Uniform Sale
A used book and uniform sale is held the week following graduation in the library. The students are requested to price and bring their books in to be organized on “Clean out your locker day” at the end of the school year. Middle and Upper School uniforms are donated to the school and are sold for modest prices at this sale.
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Dances |
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Mixers
These dances are held throughout the year for students in grades 9 through 12. They are held on Friday nights at various Independent Schools. Flyers are usually posted to advertise the events. There is a nominal charge to attend and students must show their school ID card.
Sophomore Dance
The sophomore class sponsors this first mixer of the year. This is a casual dance, which may have a theme. This dance is open to students in grades 9-12. No contracts are required, and admission is open to other high school students. Tickets may be purchased at the door.
Holly Ball
This is the Holy Child winter formal and is held on a Saturday night in early December at the School. The seniors transform the gym into the theme of their choice. Students in grades 10–12 may attend either with or without a date. A contract with the School reiterating the alcohol and drug policy, the name of the student’s date and parent contact numbers must be completed by each student and turned into the Dean of Students by the prescribed deadline. Dress is formal. Gentlemen are required to wear a jacket or suit and tie and the young ladies wear formal attire of various lengths, though not as formal as prom. A receiving line with administrators is held. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
March Dance
This dance is less formal and generally has a theme, which may determine the dress code. Students in grades 9-12 may attend either with or without a date. For this dance, a student may bring more than one friend. A contract with the School reiterating the alcohol and drug policy, the name (s) of the student’s guest (s) and immediate parent contact numbers must be completed by each student and turned into the Dean of Students in advance of the event. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Junior/Senior Prom
This is a formal dance held on a Friday night in May at a local hotel for juniors and seniors. The juniors “give” this dance to the seniors. A contract with the School reiterating the alcohol and drug policy, the name of the student’s date, and parent contact numbers must be completed by each student and turned into the Dean of Students in advance of the event. Dress is formal for the girls (various lengths); dates typically wear tuxedos.
Middle School Dance
Holy Child 7th and 8th grade students invite young gentlemen from local area Independent Schools to join them for a fun evening of music and games in the gym in the Spring.
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Campus Ministry and Service |
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Sandwich Brigade/Martha’s Table
Holy Child contributes sandwiches to the Martha’s Table organization each week. Students in both the Middle and Upper Schools are asked to bring in sandwiches every Friday morning. Students often participate in the distribution. Over the school year, thousands of sandwiches are collected. Peanut butter and jelly or bologna sandwiches are suggested. Sandwiches should not be prepared with condiments. The recipients prefer white bread (vs. whole wheat). Please wrap sandwiches individually in plastic bags. Many place the wrapped sandwiches back into the bag the bread came in for ease of carrying.
Junior Service Project
“Actions not Words” ---Cornelia Connelly
Holy Child Juniors have the chance to put Cornelia Connelly’s words to use in a service project of their choice. This is a unique opportunity to learn more about their community, their hearts and their faith. The learning experience is a part of their Christian Ethics class and the completion of this project meets the service requirement for graduation.
Liturgies
Masses and prayer services are held throughout the year. The Holy Child Campus Ministry team plans each Mass along with students from the senior class who participate in a special academic class in ministry. The first of the year is the Back-to-School Mass of the Holy Spirit, followed by All Saints Day, Thanksgiving (where grandparents are included in alternate years), Advent Liturgy, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Ash Wednesday, and the farewell, End of Year Liturgy held in June. Prayer services are held throughout the year. Daily Mass is celebrated every morning at 7:30 a.m. in the Chapel.
Retreats
Each class goes on one retreat during the school year. The locations/times vary each year. These retreats are organized by the campus minister and provide the students in each class the opportunity to get to know one another better. The senior retreat is a special and bittersweet event with letters from family members and friends sent into Campus Ministry for distribution at the retreat.
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Athletics |
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Hotline
The Holy Child sports hotline is available by calling 240.644.1202. The Athletic Department posts information on game cancellations due to weather, time or location changes, or other last minute information. This information can be found on the website as well, or with special alerts from www.viewmyschedule.com.
Secret Psyches
Each team player is assigned the name of another team member as her Secret Psyche. The player is then responsible for bringing a snack/drink for her Secret Psyche at each game/match played that season. Her identity is kept secret until the end of the season and another team member gives the snack to the Secret Psyche. Secret Psyches are similar to Prayer Partners.
Upper School Tryouts/Practice
Mandatory Upper School fall sports tryouts are the week prior to the start of classes, typically before Labor Day. Winter and spring tryouts are held prior to the start of each season and publicized at school. Practices are typically scheduled after school from 3:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. There is at least one sport each season that has a “no cuts” policy and any student who wishes to participate is welcome to play on that team.
Middle School Tryouts/Practice
Middle School tryouts take place shortly after school starts. Practices are usually during Activity Block on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons from 2:30-3:30 p.m., with games on those days and occasional others.
Sports Assemblies
Holy Child Athletes are recognized at separate assemblies held for both Middle and Upper School participants during the year. Students are recognized for their contributions to their teams and their efforts on behalf of their sport. Upper School Sports Assemblies are held once each semester. The Middle School Sports Assembly is held at the end of the year.
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Fine Arts |
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Middle School Arts Nights
The Middle School Arts blocks culminate in a variety of productions. They could include Shakespeare plays, a Musical, dance performances, Chorus, Orchestra, Art and many other activities. There is typically one performance during the school day and a Thursday evening performance. The play is often a musical, and the students have the opportunity to perform or work in the technical crew. Rehearsals are held on Mondays and Wednesdays, with a few extra rehearsals closer to the performance.
Upper School Drama Production
The Upper School play begins preparation for their play during the winter, with auditions in November. Boys from local Independent and public schools audition for male roles in the play, which is typically a musical. Students have the opportunity to perform or work in the technical crew. Practices take place after school and become more extensive as the performance approaches. Weekend technical days are scheduled for the performers to assist with the set, props, and costumes. The week before the play full dress rehearsals run until about 9:00 p.m. During the week parents provide dinner for the cast/crew.
Fine Arts Month
Though we previously featured Fine Arts week, this year April has been designated Fine Arts Month. Student artwork decorates the hallways on campus. Choral, instrumental and dance performances are held during the school day, as well as one on an evening weeknight. A Dance Concert, Choral and Instrumental Concert, Talent Show, and a Drama Production, showcase the talents of our Holy Child students.
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On Campus |
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Lost and Found
Lost and found items are located outside of the Middle School locker room and the Upper School Dean of Student Life office. At the end of the year, a $1 sale is held for any unclaimed items.
Parking
Parking on the Holy Child campus is at a premium. Seniors have priority for parking spaces with juniors next in priority. Some parking is off-campus and shuttle buses bring the students to the campus in the morning and return them to their vehicles in the afternoon. Sophomores who drive are not eligible to park their cars on campus during the school day. The remaining spaces are for faculty and staff. Parking spaces that are marked with a reserved sign are in fact reserved at all times, including special school events. Parents who are visiting campus are asked to park in the front Visitors Lot or if the lot is full, along the Main Building driveway at the curb or on the front circle.
Tiger Shop
This is the school store where parents and students can purchase a variety of Holy Child items. The Physical Education uniform is sold here as well (not available from uniform company), as well as sweatshirts that can be worn in class. There are a variety of items available for purchase, Holy Child logo clothing, sports jackets, window stickers, ribbons, frames, etc. The shop is open school days during lunch hours and during various Holy Child events, as well as one Friday a month after school.
Hot Lunches
Our hot lunch program, run by Diane Boragno, the Hot Lunch Lady, is catered by Vignola's, and can be ordered online ahead of time. Each day's menu (posted on the website) features a salad bar, soup, sandwich or entree, and a fruit/dessert choice; it includes bottled water. See Hot Lunch section of the website under Parents.
Microwaves
Microwaves are available in the lunchroom for students to heat food brought from home during lunch.
Vending Machines
There are vending machines for drinks and snacks available in the cafeteria. The machines do accept $1 bills.
J Block
The J block is a one-hour block of time at the end of each Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday that is designated for students to study or attend club meetings (Chorus, Dance, Newspaper, Yearbook; numerous others). The Wednesday J block is considered a free block for students to attend club meetings.
Homeroom in the Gym
Every Wednesday morning, students report to the gymnasium for an all school meeting. Both students and faculty make announcements about a variety of subjects.
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