Holy Cross High School (Waterbury, Connecticut)

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Holy Cross High School is a Catholic secondary school founded in Waterbury, Connecticut in 1968 by the Congregation of Holy Cross. Presently, Holy Cross is the largest Catholic secondary school in Connecticut, situated on thirty seven acres in the West End of Waterbury, Connecticut, accessible via Route 8 and I-84.

Holy Cross has a total enrollment of just under 800 students and an average class size of 21 students. Originally an all-boys institution, it became co-educational in 1975 when it merged with the Waterbury Catholic High School, an all-girls school. The Holy Cross High School campus maintains a computer-equipped, Internet-connected library, a large instrumental and choral music room with adjacent practice rooms, science labs, a foreign language lab, a guidance complex, a 750-seat tiered auditorium, a full-service cafeteria, a gymnasium, the Stephen J. Ross Fitness Center, and state-of-the-art digital classrooms and art studios in a newly constructed two million dollar Art and Technology Center.

Contents 1 Mission statement 2 Admission 3 Academics 3.1 Faculty and accreditation 3.2 Block scheduling 3.3 Core program 4 Athletics 4.1 Football 4.2 Basketball 4.2.1 Boys 4.2.2 Girls 5 Student activities 5.1 Clubs and organizations 5.2 Extracurricular activities

[edit] Mission statement

The Holy Cross High School mission statement is as follows:

"The Congregation of Holy Cross has established schools, as a continuation of the legacy of the Reverend Basil Anthony Moreau, to cultivate minds and hearts and to serve the needs of the Church and the World. Educational institutions sponsored by the Eastern Province of Brothers of the Congregation of Holy Cross are entrusted with the stewardship of the vision of Father Moreau. These institutions, their boards and faculties, employ their resources in partnership with students, parents, guardians and other members of the wider community.

As effective educators, we assist others to view all reality through the eyes of faith. Holy Cross schools offer educational programs to a diverse group of students, fostering the gifts of those with whom and for whom we work. We teach the Catholic faith; we encourage the pursuit of academic excellence; we nurture a commitment to integral growth by focusing on Christian values and the intellectual, creative, social and physical development of those we serve. We spur those whom we serve to challenge prejudice, as well as unjust networks of power and privilege. Holy Cross sponsored schools exist to promote the legacy and vision of Father Moreau by developing leaders among the People of God for the good of the Church and society."

[edit] Admission

Admission to the school is competitive, requiring a 3.5 hour placement test. At $8,050 per year, tuition is also a roadblock to acceptance.

[edit] Academics

Holy Cross prepares students for college placement and a successful professional life while stimulating intellectual growth. The Vice Principal for Academics, in conjunction with the Guidance Department, takes an active role in recommending courses for students based on their educational background, ability, needs and maturity. The curriculum is structured so that the interests and abilities of the students are fully recognized.

Upon graduation, over ninety-nine percent of Holy Cross students enroll in a college or university to further their education. Recent graduates have been accepted by some of the country's leading institutions such as Boston College, Central Connecticut State University, Cornell University, Duke University, Georgetown University, Fairfield University, Fordham University, Marist College, New York University, Post University, Quinnipiac University, Salve Regina University, Tufts University, the University of Connecticut, Wesleyan University, and Yale University.

[edit] Faculty and accreditation

The Brothers of Holy Cross, Eastern Province continue Basil Moreau's vision at Holy Cross High School through sponsorship and staffing, in association with the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame and many dedicated lay men and women. The administration and faculty is comprised of two Brothers, two Sisters and lay men and women, most of whom hold advanced degrees and/or certificates of advanced study.

Holy Cross High School enjoys full accreditation status of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and meets all the standards of certification of the State of Connecticut. The School holds membership in the National Catholic Education Association and the Connecticut Association of Schools.

[edit] Block scheduling

Holy Cross believes in creating an environment that is most conducive to learning. Consequently, Block Scheduling was implemented in 1997, and quickly became popular among the students and faculty.

The instructional model of Block Scheduling calls for the extension of classroom periods to 80 minutes. An increased time period allows teachers and students to delve more deeply into subject matter and increase activity-based learning and group-oriented learning strategies.

[edit] Core program

The concentrated curriculum is continually evolving to remain current with trends and educational standards. The core academic classes include English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, Foreign Languages and Theology. Students take electives as part of a well-rounded, college preparatory program, and are exposed to the disciplines of art, business, computer science and music.

Holy Cross offers an array of enrichment courses and specialized academic programs, such as:

1. Advanced Placement - courses are available to qualified students in English, Mathematics, Foreign Languages, Social Studies, Art and Science.
2. Honors Program - provides qualified students in grades nine through twelve with extended requirements in an already challenging intellectual environment.
3. Elective Courses - are offered in Creative Writing, Journalism, Concert Band, Choir, Computer Programming, Technology, Fine Arts and Art and Film.
4. First Year Program - helps freshmen develop the skills to become better students by focusing on developmental topics including study skills, daily planning/time management, self-esteem, peer pressure and relationships, test taking strategies and early career planning.
5. PU Cooperative Program - allows qualified seniors to take college courses on Post University's nearby campus.

[edit] Athletics

Holy Cross is a member of the Naugatuck Valley League (NVL) and the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Council (CIAC). The Holy Cross athletic program is respected statewide for its competitiveness and the positive attitudes and good sportsmanship of its players and coaches. The Crusaders have a history of success as evidenced by the many awards, acknowledgements and trophies displayed throughout the building. The Crusaders compete in 22 varsity sports for boys and girls.

[edit] Football

Holy Cross High School is well-known in Connecticut for its football program. Mike Phelan, head coach of the team, with the help of assistants Mike Giampetruzzi (Defensive Coordinator) and Mike Mannetti (Offensive Line), has led the team to the first football state championship in Holy Cross High School's history. They recently won the Class SS State Championship, defeating Stratford 40-0. This win finalized their title as 3rd in the state, following Greenwich and Ansonia.

[edit] Basketball

[edit] Boys

Holy Cross High School is not as popular for its basketball program as it is for their football program. The boys head coach, Ed Generali, is working hard on leading the team to victory this year. Last year, Holy Cross went to the state championship against Torrington. There is a rich tradition in basketball, however, as the Crusaders have won 13 NVL titles, made 9 State final appearances and captured 3 State Championships (1987-88 Class LL, 1994-95 Class LL and 1999-2000 Class L).

[edit] Girls

The girls are a different story. In the 2005 - 2006 season, the final record was 27-1, losing only in the final game of the State Championship. Led by Frank Lombardo, the team went one better in 2006-2007, capping an undefeated season by winning the Class M state championship.

[edit] Student activities

Holy Cross student activities are open to all students. Student activities offer the opportunity to explore lessons presented in class, learn new skills and develop leadership ability. More than thirty co-curricular organizations exist in conjunction with a well-respected Student Government.

Community service is a major component of every Club and Committee’s activities. Some projects are school-wide while others are particular to the organization. Holy Cross has a history of strong student leadership and community service as evidenced by their recognition as a State of Connecticut Gold Council of Excellence recipient and as a National Gold Council of Excellence designee.

[edit] Clubs and organizations

Art Club	Athletic Council	Au Chocolat	Audio-Visual	Bowling	Chess Club
Comedy Club	Crosstones	Dance Club	Debating Team	Diversity Club	Extreme Sports
Fashion Club	Film Club	Fine Arts Exploration	Freshmen Committee	Girls Choir	Green Thumb Club
Guitar Ensemble	Holy Cross T.V.	Jazz Band	Junior Committee	Mock Trial Team	Model UN
National Honor Society	Pep Band	Photography Club	Presidents Council	S.A.D.D.	S.A.F.E.
Senior Committee	Sophomore Committee	Student Ambassadors	Student Council	Student Theatre	Table Tennis
Ultimate Frisbee	Visions	Yearbook	Yoga Club

[edit] Extracurricular activities

Holy Cross students not only participate outside of school, but are very dedicated to school spirit on the inside as well. Along with activities such as preparing Christmas gifts for senior citizens, or even getting a pep rally started, the students maintain positive attitudes throughout any activity they come to.