February 28, 2021
Dear Cardinal Parents, Guardians, and Students:
We do hope that you are doing well after the unprecedented winter storms we experienced. If you are in need of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Return to Campus: From JPII Chief Operations Officer, Bob Gharis. Mr. Gharis has given the green light for students and staff to return to campus on Tuesday, March 2nd. If this changes, we will let you know on Monday evening. The students who are supposed to be online will continue with online learning. If you have questions regarding this, please contact me at the direct line or my email address listed below or our administrative assistant for attendance, Mrs. Kim Smith at
kimsmith@johnpauliihs.org.
The fourth quarter is almost here.
The 3rd quarter ends on Friday, March 12; the 4th quarter begins Monday, March 22nd. Even though it has certainly been a challenging year for everyone with the pandemic and the most recent snow storms, we feel that for the most part, the year has been successful for both our on campus and online students. And as Deacon Jake said in his letter regarding re-enrollment, JPII has not wavered in our commitment to an excellent college-preparatory education for your student, while following all of the safety protocols in place to keep your students and our staff safe during this time. Please make sure to complete the
commitment form for the last quarter with your selection of on campus or online learning. If you decide to go online, then the commitment is from March 22 through May 28. For seniors, it will be an earlier date because of graduation.
The deadline to turn this in will be March 5. CLICK HERE to complete the form for Quarter 4. This is a strict deadline and if not met, your student will be automatically placed to on campus learning.
Some information as we begin the last nine weeks of school:
Finances: Please make sure that your financial obligations to JPII are in order and caught up.
Seniors must be caught up on all financial obligations before they are cleared for graduation or participation in the graduation ceremony. If you need to speak with our business office, please contact Mrs. Belloni at
lizettebelloni@johnpauliihs.org.
Spring Break: Friday, March 12 will be an early dismissal day at 12:30. Please be sure to pick up your students on time.
Spring Break is from Monday, March 15 through Friday, March 19. We will return from Spring Break on Monday, March 22. Let me repeat again what we have said in all of our communications---if your student is not feeling well or there is someone in your family who is sick, please do not send your student to school. This is now a diocesan policy. If you travel, please follow all of the CDC recommended guidelines. Click this link to
Travel During COVID-19 | CDC. Keeping our students and staff safe and well is our number one priority.
Senior Information: This will be sent in a separate communication to seniors and their parents/guardians with all of the senior dates and graduation requirements for seniors. An important reminder: Seniors cannot wait until the last minute to pass a required course for graduation. They must do their part to assure their graduation.
Summer School: This will also be in a separate communication. At this time, we will be offering Health, Speech, and Computer Science online.
If students fail required classes: Students will need to meet with his/her counselor to see what courses the student will need to take in the summer.
Re-enrollment for the 2021-2022 school year has begun: Please make sure to complete this. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Kris Thurston at
kristhurston@johnpauliihs.org.
Thank you for your continued support of our efforts this year; thank you for your prayers which have helped to guide us; thank you for your patience, flexibility, and understanding. We have been able to do what we have done because of everyone working together---teachers, students, staff, and parents.
As the Cardinal Family ---
“If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.” 1 Corinthians 12:26
Blessings and Continued Prayers,
Dr. Marlene Hammerle
Principal
John Paul II High School
469-229-5178
_______________________________________________________
February 18, 2021
Dear Cardinal Family,
I hope that this email finds you safe and warm. The weather forecast looks very promising and the reports show that fewer households are without power, both encouraging. However we’re not out of this yet! If you are still without power and in need of help please click
HERE to request assistance. Someone from our Cardinal Family Connection team will respond to you soon.
No Classes Tomorrow - Friday, February 19
Due to the continuation of power outages, internet issues and the need for many families to regroup from this historic winter storm, there will be no classes tomorrow. Hopefully the weather tomorrow will be pleasant so that you can clean up from the storm, run errands and/or enjoy some outdoor recreational time. Please rest assured that this past week’s school closings will not delay graduation or the end of the academic year.
Virtual Classes
I regret to inform you that our school building sustained water damage in a few non-academic areas of the main floor due to broken plumbing pipes caused by the sustained freezing temperatures. Repairing the pipes will require us to cut-off the water supply in the building until the repairs are complete. We have been advised that these repairs will take longer than usual due to the high demand for service providers; e.g. plumbers, HVAC, water extractors, etc. Our insurance adjuster and other service providers have advised us of numerous such incidents in other schools and commercial buildings throughout the Metroplex. These providers have also warned of the potential for additional water damage as pipes begin to thaw.
As such, beginning next Monday, February 22, all classes will be held virtually until further notice. Currently, we believe that it will take approximately two weeks to make these repairs, and this timing estimate could change subject to the availability of service providers and the possibility of more damage as pipes thaw.
Safety First
Since we have no water on campus and there is the potential for additional pipes to burst at any given time, only essential personnel will be allowed inside the school building. Therefore, no students will be allowed in the building and all other non-essential personnel must have permission to be in the building.
Co-curricular Activities
All co-curricular activities will be allowed to resume immediately, however, no practices or competitions will be held in our school building until further notice. Outdoor campus facilities usage is still being assessed. All students will receive updates and next steps from their respective coaches and sponsors as soon as possible.
Prayer Services Tomorrow
We invite all members of the Cardinal Family to join us for Lenten prayer services as we come together in prayer during these challenging times. All parents, students and faculty/staff are welcome. Please click here to join our Friday prayer services:
Prayer 8am and/or
Prayer 2pm.
We’re Up to the Challenge
We continue to be faced with unexpected challenges and disruptions. Fortunately, we are well prepared! We will get through these new challenges, just as we have with all the challenges since last March. We remain relentless in our commitment to an uncompromising Catholic college preparatory education, no matter the obstacles.
We ask God to continue to bless us, and the Holy Spirit to guide us, as we draw closer to the graduation of the Class of 2021!
Yours in Christ,
Deacon Jake Schroepfer
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February 16, 2021
To Parents/Guardians, Staff, and Students:
With the weather calling for additional snow, along with sleet and possible ice for tonight and Wednesday, we have decided to call off school on Thursday. The decision about Friday will be made early Thursday evening.
Please pray for all those without power at this time.
Continued Prayers for the Cardinal Family.
Dr. Hammerle
_______________________________________________________
February 15, 2021
Dear Parents, Students, and Staff:
Because of the power outages, people are experiencing along with weak or no internet and to assure everyone is on a level playing field, there will be NO CLASSES ON TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY. Yes, good old fashioned snow days.
Decisions about Thursday and Friday will be dependent on the weather forecast, temperatures, and will be made on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
Thank you again for your patience and flexibility. Stay warm and stay safe.
Blessings,
Dr. Marlene Hammerle
Principal
___________________________________________________________
January 24, 2021
Dear Parents:
We hope that your students who have returned to campus have made a smooth transition and are doing well. And for our online students, we wish the same success for you. Both groups - Please commit yourself to doing your very best this semester and making really good grades!
* Students' 1st progress report for the third quarter will be available on Monday, January 25. We strongly encourage you to stay informed of your student's grades. If you have questions, please communicate with your student's teachers and counselor. Remember that students are required to pass the spring semester of a full year course, even if they passed first semester and their overall average is 70+. If the student does not pass the second semester, the student must attend summer school to make up the credit.
* The diocese has asked us to remind you to make sure that your student's mask is 3-ply which is the minimum required to keep your student safe, not only at school but at all the places he/she may be.
* We will be having students take a survey in their science classes at the end of the week to get their thoughts on how the first semester went for them. A survey asking for your thoughts and input will also be sent out for you to take. Please take time to complete the survey. It is short and will not take long.
* For the past four years, the University of Oklahoma has sent a survey for parents, students, and teachers to find out your thoughts on the different aspects of the school. Every school in the diocese takes this survey. This year the survey will be sent by OU to parents in the early part of February. When you receive this survey, please take time to complete it. Students will take their survey at school. We can only get better with input from the people we serve.
* If you have a negative balance in your student's dining hall account, please either put money in the
mealtime account or have your student drop off a check in the dining hall. Remember that all financial obligations need to be cleared every quarter.
* I have said this in all of my correspondence to you. I want to emphasize again that if your student is not feeling well, even if they do not have a fever, please, please do not send them to school. They risk the health and well being of their teams and students and staff.
* Friday, January 29 is a student holiday and professional development for JPII Staff.
Thank you for your continued support of JPII and all that we are doing for your students. Yes, this has been a challenging year, but I cannot say enough about our students and staff. We are open and the students are successful because of the herculean efforts everyone puts in every day.
Blessings and Continued Prayers,
Dr. Marlene Hammerle
Principal
John Paul II High School
214-469-5178
___________________________________________________________
January 10, 2021
Dear Cardinal Parents:
We hope that your students have had a successful start to second semester online. Just a few areas to note as we bring the students back on campus this Wednesday.
* For All Students: Report Cards for your students will be available on Monday, January 11. If you have questions about your students' grades, please contact their teacher and/or their counselor.
* On Campus Students: Will return on Wednesday. Please make sure that your students are here on time. As was done in the first semester, all students will be screened - taking their temperatures and asking the COVID questions. Masks are required at all times for everyone in the building (covering nose and mouth). When they enter, students should use the sanitizers at each entrance as these are good for 24 hours, along with washing hands frequently during the day. On arrival, students will report to their grade level presentation hall. They are not permitted to stand in groups before or after school inside or outside the building or in between classes. All safety protocols will be followed. Lunch procedures will be the same. If this is the first time for your student to return to campus, please contact Ms. Melissa Downs (melissadowns@johnpauliihs.org) and she will have one of our senior mentors meet your students to orient them on our procedures.
* Dress Code:
- On campus students must be in full uniform, including blazers and must also be in compliance with the dress and grooming code. (clean shaven)
- Online students must wear a uniform shirt or a JPII spirit shirt and must also be clean shaven. Students must sign in ON TIME. This was one of the main reasons that students had to make up time first semester in order to receive their credit for classes.
* No visitors or volunteers, per diocesan policy, are allowed in the building during the school day.
* Classes begin at 8:40 and the day will end at 2:45. Dismissal bells will continue to be staggered at the end of the day. Students must keep their masks on until they are in their vehicles. Please make sure to be here on time to pick up your students and it would be helpful if you text them when you arrive and where you are located. Students whose rides are not here must report to the junior presentation hall until you text them. They are not allowed to wait outside. Remember again that the school closes at 5:00 unless your student is in a practice/meeting that lasts longer.
* Spring Semester Grades: It is required for all of the diocesan high schools that students pass the spring semester of their classes, regardless of whether they passed first semester. Their average for the year must be a 70+ overall, but they must receive a passing grade for the spring semester in the class. Otherwise the student will be required to attend summer school. Please encourage your students to keep up with all of their work and to turn in their assignments on time.
* Students' Health: We want all of our students to be healthy while here at school. If your students are not feeling well, even if they do not have a fever, please keep them at home. This is for the health and well being of all students and staff. Notes for student absences are required within 24 hours of the absence.
* Monday, January 18: Is a school holiday for both staff and students since it is Martin Luther King Day.
Thank you again for your continued support. We are looking forward to a successful second semester. Hang on...spring semester always goes fast!
Blessings and Continued Prayers:
Dr. Marlene Hammerle
Principal
469-229-5178
___________________________________________________________
Dear Cardinal Parents:
We hope that you had a joyous Christmas with your family. We are all looking forward to a better 2021! Please read through these reminders as we begin the second half of the school year.
- All families must select the learning environment you wish for your student for 3rd quarter - On Campus or Online. This is required. If you choose online, the commitment will be through March 12.
- Student schedules will be available on Cardinal Connect for students if they are up to date with finances owed the school. If you have questions regarding money owed, please contact Mrs. Lizette Belloni, lizettebelloni@johnpauliihs.org.
- 2nd semester begins on January 5. Here is the updated school calendar for the spring. Students should check their schedules on Cardinal Connect. Counselors are still balancing classes; so there may be changes. All students will be online from January 5 through January 12. The schedule will be the same as 1st semester - 8:40 to 2:45. Students must be in compliance with dress and grooming code and sign in to class on time. If not, this is considered a tardy and will be excused or unexcused depending on the reason. If a student signs in 20 or more minutes late, this will be considered an excused or unexcused absence depending on the reason.
- Students will return to campus on January 13 with the same 8:40 - 2:45 schedule. Students must be in complete uniform, including blazers and be in compliance with the dress and grooming code. Those students who selected to be online must also meet the dress and grooming code and meet the attendance guidelines.
- Grades will be available to parents on Monday, January 11. Eligibility rules will go into effect on Friday, January 8 at 2:45 for students who fail one or more classes for the 2nd quarter.
- Seniors: Make sure that you are passing all of your required classes for graduation. Keep up with your assignments and any makeup work you may need to turn in. Receiving a passing grade does not happen at the last minute. If you wish to be considered for spring exam exemptions, you must meet all of the requirements regarding grades and attendance.
- Juniors: If you wish to qualify for early dismissal or late arrival as a senior, your grades and your attendance will play an important role in being able to receive this privilege. Make sure that you do not have unexcused tardies/absences and that you are here every day.
- Practices/rehearsals during the week of January 5 - 12. Students will be allowed to practice for their sports or for fine arts such as theater. But coaches and directors will be required to take student temperatures and conduct Covid screening before students will be allowed to participate in practice. If your student is not feeling well, please do not send them to practice and risk the safety of their teams or groups.
- Lunch - For on-campus students purchasing lunch: We will continue to require that students use their badges daily to access their mealtime account through the end of the school year. Cash will not be permitted because of the handling of money and change. Please make sure that you have deposited money into your student’s account or have your student drop off a check to the dining hall so that your student does not have a negative balance.
- Please pick up your students on time after school or after practice if they are involved in athletics, fine arts, or meetings. The building closes at 5:00 this year.
Thank you again for your commitment to John Paul II High School and for your continued support. We are looking forward to a successful 2nd semester!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
Continued Blessings and Prayers,
Dr. Marlene Hammerle
Principal
John Paul II High School
469-229-5178
___________________________________________________________
November 30, 2020