Knight Notes

Weekly Academic Status Communications Each week, the Student Support Team (Becky Savage, Casey Raybourne, Erin Springstead, Kelly Hogan, Kate Kennedy) runs reports on students' grades/assignments and collects data on academic habits. Students' academic status is determined for the upcoming week based on the information collected. Students placed on Academic Warning, Academic Probation, or Academic Ineligibility will now receive notification through the email address academicaffairs@popeprep.org. Students, parents, coaches, and teachers will be notified each Friday of students' academic status for the upcoming week. The Student Support Team will regularly monitor and respond to emails on the academicaffairs@popeprep.org account. Contact academicaffairs@popeprep.org with questions.

iPad Portable Charger (optional) If students find that they need to charge their iPad during the school day, it is recommended they bring a portable charger. There are many options to choose from on Amazon or in retail stores; just make sure the power adapter will work with their iPad. As a reminder, all students are expected to come to school with a fully charged iPad daily. 

2022-2023 Semester Calendar We are happy to share with you the calendar for the next school year, listing important dates by semester, i.e., the first day of school, fall break, holidays, spring break, etc. You can access it here. NOTE: the calendar was UPDATED on 9/12/22. 

Beneficial to Donate to Pope Prep Do you know that if you currently use the standard deduction for taxes, you can claim an additional deduction of up to $300.00 (couples can claim up to $600.00) for cash donations to places like Pope John Paul II Preparatory School? As always, check how this ruling impacts you personally with your tax advisor. Make a gift to Pope Prep here. Thank you!

Estate Planning Now is a good time to establish a plan for you and your loved ones or update an existing plan. You can also make a difference in the lives of others by including Pope John Paul II Preparatory School in your plan and possibly take advantage of some unique tax-saving opportunities available for the remainder of 2021. Interested? If so, please contact Michelle Barber, Director of Advancement, at 615-772-1331. 

Contact the Armory (armory@popeprep.org) with questions. 

2022-2023 Wednesdays After School Open Studio After School Open Studio is a space for students to work on visual arts projects or assignments. Open to high school and middle school students looking to engage their visual creativity after school on Wednesdays beginning 9/7! Contact Ms. Finaly (margaret.finaly@popeprep.org) with questions. 

Baseball Brick Sale Become a part of Pope Prep's baseball history by purchasing an engraved, customized brick to be placed on a wall down the first or third base foul lines at ServPro Field. This is a great, lasting gift for current and alum families. Purchase 4x8 bricks for $150 each and 8x8 bricks for $250 each. Start your purchase HERE, or visit Baseball Bricks for details and the ordering process. Contact Mr. Dempsey (john.dempsey@popeprep.org) for more information. 

Campus Reminder for Knight Fans This is a reminder that Pope Prep is an alcohol-free campus where students are present. No outside beverages are permitted at any event, including athletic events. No bottles, cups, tumblers, etc., will be allowed in the stadium. Our staff and security personnel will be monitoring fans at gate entries, and you will be asked to dispose of any beverage before entering the stadium. Thank you!

GoFan for 2022-2023 Athletics is using GoFan for all home sporting events. Purchase tickets at https://gofan.co/app/events/622612?schoolId=TN71312. To create an account, visit https://gofan.co/sign-up. Contact John Dempsey (john.dempsey@popeprep.org) with questions or if you do not have a cellphone.  

Pope Prep App The Athletics department encourages you to download the Pope Prep app to access up-to-date information on all school events, upcoming athletic events, and recent scores. Visit your app store and search for Pope Prep. 

Live Streaming Athletics Pope offers live streaming for all athletic contests in our stadium and Main Gym. Please visit NFHSnetwork.com for information on various packages.

Financial Aid Applications for 2023-2024 The 2023-2024 school year application process opened on November 1, 2022, and the deadline to apply was February 1, 2023. The application process remains open, and families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Families applying after February 1 are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please visit www.factstuitionaid.com to apply and the website for details. Families are required to apply annually for financial aid. Contact Mrs. Dorr (vicki.dorr@popeprep.org) with questions.

Emergency Notification System Pope Prep uses an SMS text messaging system for emergency notifications which pulls phone numbers from Veracross. Please make sure your contact information is current at all times. 

Pope Prep App The Pope Prep App is available in the App Store. The weekly schedule is always current and listed on the front page, and the school calendar is listed under "School Events." Visit your app store and search for Pope Prep. 

The Shield Magazine is now available! We hope you will take a few minutes to celebrate 2021-2022 with us by reading The Shield, Pope's annual magazine highlighting our community, including students, alums, special events, and a gratitude report. Visit The Shield to access the magazine online. 

FAMILY GUIDE The Communications Team is happy to share with you a Family Guide for all new and current families. The guide is a great resource for parents and provides quick access to a list of contacts, all sources of communications, a summer to-do list, available parent organizations, uniform guidelines, important semester dates, etc.

Pope Parent Communication - Stay Informed! We are continuously evaluating options for the best ways to keep our parents informed of current happenings at school. To stay current, get your questions answered, and for weekly/daily reminders, make sure you are following these social media resources.

Facebook Page: Official Pope John Paul II Preparatory School: https://www.facebook.com/JPIIKNIGHTS 

Instagram: Official Pope John Paul II Preparatory School- https://www.instagram.com/jpiiknights/

Pedestal Foods - all about dining services, meal plans, and MySchoolBucks.  To create a Declining Balance Account, visit MySchoolBucks. *The student ID # is found in Veracross next to the student's name (see image). New registering parents should use DOB as 01/01/2000 to create a student account.

If you have questions or concerns about your MySchoolBucks account or other needs concerning the dining hall, please email Dining Hall Manager Jeffrey at jeffrey.hennen@pedestalfoods.com.

Substitute Teaching If you are interested in substituting for the 2022-2023 school year, or would like to learn more about the opportunity, contact Melissa Baxter (melissa.baxter@popeprep.org). All substitute teachers must complete Safe Environment Training and have an up-to-date background check.  

Substitute Bus Drivers We are creating a list of substitute bus drivers. If you or someone you know is interested, contact Dustin Papendick (dustin.papendick@popeprep.org). 

Substitute Nurse We occasionally need a substitute nurse during the school day. Contact Susan Snyder (susan.snyder@popeprep.org) at 615-423-9385 if you are interested in learning more about this opportunity. 

Student Medication If medication is to be taken during the day, parents must bring the medication in its original container to the office for the school nurse to administer during school hours as prescribed. Students are not permitted to have medication on their person, including Tylenol, Ibuprofen, allergy medicine, etc. Any medication prescribed by a doctor that requires the student to carry on their person, i.e., inhaler, epi-pen, or glucagon, requires a doctor's note. Contact Susan Snyder (susan.snyder@popeprep.org) with questions. 

Illness and Return to School Policy Please follow the guidelines in deciding when to keep your student at home: If your student has a fever > 100.0 F, diarrhea not caused by diet or medications, vomiting, or has been diagnosed with the flu, you will need to keep your student at home for 24 hours AFTER symptoms resolve and your student is fever-free. Contact susan.snyder@popeprep.org with questions. 

Inclement Weather It is winter, and we want to remind you of our notification process for school closings and delays. Pope Prep follows an independent policy regarding school closings for inclement weather. The safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our priority. We will do our best to make decisions as soon as possible, preferably the night before. We will notify parents and students via email, the school website, Instagram, and local news channels 2, 4, and 5. Decisions about athletic events will be updated on the Athletic Calendar on the school website and mobile app and communicated by the coach via email or text. 

Changes for the 2023-2024 school year

• Bus Route changes include consolidating routes based on ridership. Please visit our website for details. 

• Student Lanyards We will have different color lanyards for high school students and middle school students. 

• Uniform skirt length will change to three inches above the knee. Please keep this in mind if you plan to purchase new skirts now and wear them in 2023-2024. 

• Earrings will not be permitted for male students.

Lunchtime and Outside Food Students are not permitted to have lunch deliveries (from family or delivery services). Please do not order or bring your student outside meals for lunch. You can, however, deliver food for after-school activities.

Morning Drop-off and Afternoon Pick-up

• The building opens to students at 7:15 a.m. MS students are supervised in the dining hall beginning at 7:30 a.m. With the heaviest traffic between 7:30 and 7:50 a.m., dropping off your student earlier may be helpful.
• Do not drop off your student at the flagpoles in the circle drive or anywhere else on campus. Parents must drive through the student parking lot to drop students off. 
• Please drop off and pick up your student in the parking area of the parking lot. When students are picked up or dropped off further back in line, traffic backs up and causes further delays.
• As a reminder, the top and middle tiers are available for pick-up. Please use whichever tier is moving more quickly. Trying to use only the top tier causes longer delays further back on campus.
• The dismissal bell rings at 3:10 p.m., and students do not exit the building until 3:12 p.m. Arriving between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. is not beneficial and can cause confusion as traffic begins to stack up for 3:10 dismissal. Waiting to pick your child up a little later will help alleviate the frustration of waiting in a long line.

Game Day We are having a great turnout for athletics this year for both high school and middle school. Please remember that parents are responsible for their students during athletic events. Although it is a school event, our staff is involved with other duties or are attending as fans. 

2022-2023 Semester Calendar Significant dates for the 2022-2023 academic year are available here. **NOTE: The calendar was updated on 9/12/22 to reflect the following:

• May 10, 2023, Senior Honors Night at Pope from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. 
• May 14, 2023, Baccalaureate Mass at OLOL at 2:00 p.m.
• May 15, 2023, Graduation at the Grand Ole Opry House at 6:30 p.m. 

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

We also have pedestrian safety concerns. The parking lot can be dangerous, so please be aware of pedestrians. Students must observe the following safety procedures.

1. Students must use the center walkway as they move from one tier to the next. 
2. Students must not cross the parking lot anywhere except at the crosswalk.  
3. Students can only enter the building through the chapel doors using their ID badge, except for bus riders. 
4. Students must exit the building on the student lot side, specifically through the doors leading to the courtyard. 
5. Students must wait in the center, near the walkway, for their parents to pick them up. Do not walk across the parking lot to the parent's vehicle. 

Who do I ask? Visit the Parent webpage for a quick guide on who to call with questions.

Veracross Parent Portal Veracross parent portal accounts have been launched for parents who are new to Pope Prep. Veracross is where you'll link to Magnus, view your student's schedule*, classes, assignments, grades, report cards, and more. The website to access your parent portal is portals.veracross.com/jp2. If you've previously enabled a Veracross account (during the Admissions process or with another child) your username (usually first.last name, example: john.smith) and password are the same. If you cannot remember your password, click "Can't access your account?" on the log-in page and follow the instructions there. Please note: this will only work if there is a unique email address associated with your account, i.e., parents do not share an email address within the system. For problems logging in, please contact Karen Brown (karen.brown@popeprep.org). 

Fine Arts Booster (FAB) FAB partners with parents, school administration, alumni and community supporters, and the fine arts faculty to promote and financially support the visual and performing arts programs at Pope Prep. FAB supports the arts programs by supplementing the non-budgeted aspects of the programs, such as improving facilities and providing wish-list items and materials for all arts programs. To register for FAB, please complete a FAB Membership Form for $30 (annually per family). Please visit the FAB webpage for a letter from FAB President Kelly Smits and more information about FAB.

Knight Athletic Club (KAC) KAC is the sole supporter of athletics at Pope Prep. The KAC strives to improve the programs through equipment and facility upgrades and any other needs that may arise during the year. The KAC works closely with the administration and coaches to identify and fulfill these needs. There are many ways you can support the KAC. Membership packages are detailed on the KAC webpage and can be purchased at KAC Membership. Please visit the KAC webpage for a letter from KAC President Mike Donovan and more information about membership, events, and marketing opportunities.   

Parent Association Committee (PAC) The Parents Association Committee (PAC) supports the Pope Prep Community in many ways throughout the year. The PAC works concessions and ticket booths, helps with the annual gala, provides refreshments at special events, acts as a welcome committee for new parents, among many things. The PAC is an essential part of our community, and we couldn't get by without their support. If you are interested in volunteering your time and talent, please contact Cherie Cline, PAC President at tctj99@gmail.com. Visit PAC webpage for more information and meeting dates. 

MS SEL Curriculum "Friendzy" The MS Counseling Office launched "Friendzy," a social-emotional character development program. Please see an introductory letter from Mrs. Kennedy and contact her with questions (kate.kennedy@popeprep.org). 

Community Service Opportunities Students can log in to www.x2vol.com to see the Bulletin Board of service opportunities. Mr. Dion regularly posts upcoming non-profit service opportunities; sign-up links and contact emails are included in each post. Make sure and check the Bulletin Board frequently to find the service opportunity that is right for you. Contact Mr. Dion (daniel.dion@popeprep.org) with questions.

Southern STARRS Volunteer and help exceptional needs students during a one-hour horseback-riding class that includes games and educational activities. Volunteers walk or jog beside the student or lead the horse. No experience is necessary, and training is provided. Help is needed Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday evenings from 5:00 to 7:30-8:00 p.m. and Saturday mornings from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. Download a volunteer application at www.southernstarrs.org, text 615-428-3347, or call us at 615-453-2592 (24-hour voicemail.)

Cottage Cove Madison has started their out-of-school program that provides free aftercare to Taylor Stratton Elementary School students from 3:00 to 5:40 p.m. on the weekdays. They are always looking for more volunteers (students 15 years and older can volunteer without parental supervision). Volunteers can help with everyday activities such as Playdough, peg boards, Legos, computers, homework help, reading, game room, and music. Complete a volunteer application, and contact Maya (maya@cottagecove.org) with questions. 

Momma B's Kids Lisa Brocco is looking for volunteers to help after school and on weekends for nonprofit service hours! Please text or call Lisa at 615-714-2417. Momma B's is a nonprofit organization and one of Pope Prep's approved community partners! Contact Mr. Dion (daniel.dion@popeprep.org) with questions.

Inclement Weather It is winter, and we want to remind you of our notification process for school closings and delays. Pope Prep follows an independent policy regarding school closings for inclement weather. The safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our priority. We will do our best to make decisions as soon as possible, preferably the night before. We will notify parents and students via email, the school website, Instagram, and local news channels 2, 4, and 5. Decisions about athletic events will be updated on the Athletic Calendar on the school website and mobile app and communicated by the coach via email or text. 

Changes for the 2023-2024 school year

• Bus Route changes include consolidating routes based on ridership. Please visit our website for details. 

• Student Lanyards We will have different color lanyards for high school students and middle school students. 

• Uniform skirt length will change to three inches above the knee. Please keep this in mind if you plan to purchase new skirts now and wear them in 2023-2024. 

• Earrings will not be permitted for male students.

Yearbook Photos - share your memories! Students and parents can upload pictures to be considered for the 2022-2023 Yearbook throughout the school year. Access the QR code HERE to upload photos. Contact Nick Nitsch (nick.nitsch@popeprep.org) with questions. 

Parent and Student Handbook updates for the 2022-2023 Parent and Student Handbook will be published soon. In the meantime, students are presented with policies, procedures, and expectations during Assemblies. We are re-establishing the traditions and norms central to all students' faith and character development. Contact Andrew Griffith (andrew.griffith@popeprep.org) with questions. 

Uniform Enforcement Student Life is enforcing uniform guidelines; please make sure you are following the uniform policy. YOUNG MEN must have an appropriate haircut (short and conservative, above the top of the ears, above the eyebrows, and above the collar. No buns, top knots, ponytails, or hair tucked behind the ears). YOUNG LADY's skirts cannot be more than 6" above the knee. Contact Mike O'Neill (mike.oneill@popeprep.org) for middle school and Luke Diamond (luke.diamond@popeprep.org) for high school. 

Knights on a Mission - Student Shout Outs We are encouraging our students to live out our mission! Faculty and staff will be recognizing students who are upholding our mission by being "Strong in Mind, Body, Character, and Spirit"! Recognitions will be monthly - stay on the lookout! Contact MS Counselor Kate Kennedy (kate.kennedy@popeprep.org) with questions.

Uniform Reminder Retired JPII logo oxfords, polos, and outerwear is not permitted Monday through Thursday but may be worn on Spirit Dress Fridays with uniform bottoms or jeans free from holes, tears, rips, or frays. 

Parking Permit All students driving to school must have an up-to-date parking Permit. Please complete the Parking Permit Form if you are registering a new driver or did not update your parking pass last year. Contact Melissa Baxter (melissa.baxter@popeprep.org) with questions. 

Replacement ID & Lanyard Returning students who need a new ID and or a new lanyard can purchase them electronically at ID & Lanyard. The replacement cost is $5.00 for an ID and $5.00 for a lanyard ($10.00 if you need both). Contact Melissa Baxter (melissa.baxter@popeprep.org) with questions. 

Aftercare Staff needed at St. Henry School in the fall Attention seniors who will attend college locally in the fall! St. Henry School is hiring Aftercare staff to care for Pre-K through 8th-grade students from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., Monday - Friday. Starting pay is $18/hour, and scheduling is flexible. This is a great part-time job for college students! For more information and to apply, please email Aftercare Director Christie El-Shishini (afterhours@sthenry.org).

Lifeguard openings at SoundWaves in Nashville, Now-May Interested students must be 15 or older. Training will be provided, and certifications will include Lifeguard, CPR, AED, BLS, and First Aid. Click SoundWaves for more information about the water park. Lifeguards receive a free meal for every six-hour shift and discount tickets to the park. Visit Ellis Life Guard to fill out an application. Contact Rachel Reed (rachel.reed@jeffellismanagement.com) with questions. 

Union University Nursing Camp, 7/20 The nursing camp will be on Thursday, July 20, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the Union University campus, 205 Indian Lake Blvd., Hendersonville. The camp is open to students who have completed the 10th, 11th, or 12th grades and are interested in exploring a career in nursing. Students will learn from nursing faculty and guest speakers and participate in hands-on interactive experiences through skills development, Simulation and Gross Anatomy labs, and more. The cost is $30, which covers all materials, a light breakfast and lunch, and a camp t-shirt). Space is limited. To register and for additional information, visit UU.EDU/HENDERSONVILLE. 

Summer Nanny Opening The family of Rachel Winkski (Class of 2008) is seeking a part-time nanny for their two children, ages 2 and 4. The children attend preschool on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, but the family is looking for a high school or college student to babysit on Tuesdays and Thursdays this summer. Please contact Amanda Winski O'Dell (Amanda@monge.lawyer) with any questions or interests. 

Girls Who Code Summer Program The program is optional, free, and open to 9th-11th grade girls who would like an introduction to computer science and an overview of the tech industry. The Summer Immersion Program is a two-week session for girls who want to become coders by learning game design basics. The Self-Paced Summer Program is a six-week self-paced program for girls who want to learn data science, cybersecurity, or web development. No prior computer science experience is required. Girls can apply at Girls Who Code. 

Part-time work at Island Fin Poke Grand opening of a new location is quickly approaching, and they need some hard-working, friendly, and FUN team members ready to spread the love of 'Ohana (and the love of Poke) to Nashville. Email IFPCWhiteBridge@IslandFinPoke.com with your resume, or apply via the Indeed link. Visit the restaurant at 70 White Bridge Pike, Nashville, TN 37205.

England/Scotland - Spring Break 2023 to England and Scotland for our high school students over Spring Break (March 13-17, 2023). Please contact trip coordinator Amy Cash (amy.cash@popeprep.org) for information.

Italy - Fall 2023 Info Meeting Anyone interested in traveling to Italy over fall break 2023 , please contact Joshua Strope (joshua.strope@popeprep.org) with questions.

International Travel Rotation Schedule Spring Break '23 England/Scotland, Fall Break '23 Italy, Spring Break '25 Spain, Fall Break '25 France.

Camp Marymount Summer Counselors Needed Camp Marymount is searching for the perfect team for Summer 2023. They are hiring rising seniors as Counselors in Training and graduated seniors and above as Cabin Counselors and Support Staff. Male staff will be in the cabins with campers during the boys' sessions, while female staff will play a supporting role in making it the best summer ever. Contact Ashley Hill with questions (programdirector@campmarymount.com). Website: www.campmarymount.com. Application: campmarymount.campbrainstaff.com.