NEW PARENT GUIDE
2020-21
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL Dear New Parents, Welcome to The Regis School of the Sacred Heart! It is an honor and a privilege to have you join our community. We are so pleased that you have chosen a Regis education for your son for the upcoming school year. Sacred Heart schools around the globe believe in educating all aspects of a child’s development with the Five Goals of the Sacred Heart—faith, intellect, service, community and maturity— serving as the foundation for everything we do. There is a lot to learn as you and your son prepare for a new school year at Regis, so we offer this guide as a way to assist you in your transition. Our community is a warm and welcoming one, and we stand ready to help with any and all of your questions. In this guide, you will find more information about the Five Goals, Sacred Heart traditions, general campus information and rules, and much more. Be sure to check out our event list—there will be plenty of opportunities next school year for you to get to know your fellow parents and for your sons to make new friendships that will last a lifetime. I look forward to getting to know you, your son and your family. Please do not hesitate to reach out if I can be of any assistance at any time. Sincerely,
Dennis P. Phillips Head of School
GOAL I: FAITH
A personal and active faith in God.
GOAL II: INTELLECT
A deep respect for intellectual values.
GOAL III: SERVICE
A social awareness that impels to action.
GOAL IV: COMMUNITY
The building of community as a Christian value.
GOAL V: MATURITY
Personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom.
TABLE OF CONTENTS PRIMARY CONTACT LIST. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 TRADITIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 CAMPUS INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 CARPOOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 CARPOOL TIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 ATHLETICS PROGRAM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 REGULAR UNIFORM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 FULL DRESS UNIFORM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 LITURGIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 SPIRIT DAYS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 COMMUNICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 PARENTS' ASSOCIATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 BOARD OF DIRECTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
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7330 Westview Drive Houston, Texas 77055 (713) 682-8383 Fax: (713) 682-8388 www.theREGISschool.org
PRIMARY CONTACT LIST Dennis Phillips dphillips@theregisschool.org Head of School Sheila Messina smessina@theregisschool.org Assistant to the Head of School & Admissions Associate Wendy Canales wcanales@theregisschool.org Head of Early Childhood and Lower School Adam Farnie afarnie@theregisschool.org Head of Middle School P.R. “Mac� McStravick Dean of Students
pmcstravick@theregisschool.org
Betsy Hurst Director of Early Childhood
bhurst@theregisschool.org
Sarah Davenport sdavenport@theregisschool.org Director of Admissions Tara Wuthrich twuthrich@theregisschool.org Director of Advancement Lori Paredes lparedes@theregisschool.org Director of Communications Jackie Orosco* Accounting Manager
jorosco@theregisschool.org
*handles accounts/tuition
Scott Young Facilities Director
syoung@theregisschool.org
Angela Scott Website Director
ascott@theregisschool.org
Laurie Cook, R.N. Denine Whalen, R.N. Clinic
clinic@theregisschool.org
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TRADITIONS
Regis is part of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools in the United States and Canada. Network schools share a strong bond and many common traditions. Regis celebrates the following Sacred Heart traditions: BIG BROTHER/LITTLE BROTHER
Boys in 5th-8th grade are paired with boys in Pre-K 3–1st grade. The Big Brothers serve as role models for their little brothers throughout the year at liturgies, special events and service projects.
CONGE
A special Sacred Heart tradition—this is a surprise day of fun and games. Only announced after students arrive at school, congé is a day that they look forward to all year.
GOUTER
A snack or treat that is given out on special occasions.
MATER
(“mah-tare”) A painting of the Virgin Mary depicting Mary in a rose-colored dress. All Sacred Heart schools have a rendering of Mater; Regis’ is a statue in the Kelley Building. During Advent and Lent, Mater Medals are given out each morning at morning prayer assembly by homeroom teachers to one student in the class as a way to recognize those who are practicing Mater’s spiritual example.
PRIZE DAY
The last day of the school year when students are recognized for academic achievements and Sacred Heart Goals. Parents are invited and encouraged to attend.
ST. JOHN FRANCIS REGIS
A 17th century Jesuit priest and favorite saint of Philippine Duchesne. Our school is named after him, and we honor his birthday in January.
ST. MADELEINE SOPHIE BARAT
The foundress of the Society of the Sacred Heart. Her Feast Day is May 25.
ST. ROSE PHILIPPINE DUCHESNE
A member of the Society of the Sacred Heart who brought Sacred Heart education to the United States over 200 years ago. Her Feast Day is November 18.
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CAMPUS INFORMATION
CAMPUS
The Regis campus is comprised of three buildings: 1. The Milestones Administration Building 2. The Kelley Building 3. The Miller Family Student Life Center
PARKING
Parking is available in the Milestones Parking lot (entrance off Antoine) and in the Whispering Pines parking lot across from Lower School/Middle School carpool. Overflow parking for certain events is available in the lot on the corner of Shadyvilla and Antoine.
BEFORE SCHOOL CARE
Before school care is available from 7:00-7:30AM. Charges of $5 per visit apply and are added to the tuition statement.
AFTER SCHOOL CARE
Regis works with iKids to provide engaging and age appropriate after-school care until 6:00PM. Visit iKidsinc.com for information regarding enrichment classes such as chess, robotics, karate and more. Registration information is forthcoming.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
All visitors must check-in with the receptionist in the Milestones Building during school hours. For security reasons, badges will be printed for visitors to wear to indicate they have checked in. An off-duty officer is on campus at all times when Regis students are present.
BACKPACKS
Only regular sized backpacks are permitted. Rolling backpacks are not allowed. Students may bring a lunch box of their choice.
SNACKS
All students should bring a healthy snack to school each day. Regis is a nut-free campus, so please check labels carefully.
LUNCHES
Students are welcome to bring a lunch from home or lunches may be purchased online. Simply Fresh Kitchen* is our lunch provider for the 2020-21 school year. Review monthly menus on their website: new.thesimplyfreshkitchen.com *Instructions will be provided to you in an email prior to the start of school about how to create a lunch account for your son.
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CARPOOL DROP OFF BEFORE 7:30AM Drop off at the Milestones Building. A $5 per day charge applies for before school care.
7:30AM-8:00AM Pre-K students and their siblings are dropped off at Milestones Building carpool. Kindergarten-8th grade students are dropped off in the Whispering Pines carpool on the west side of the school. This carpool line closes at 7:55AM. Those arriving after this time need to proceed to the Milestones Building.
AFTER 8:00AM Students arriving late must be signed in by a parent with the receptionist in the Milestones Building.
PICK UP 3:00PM Pick up for 3 Pre-K and 4 Pre-K students at the Milestones Building. If a Pre-K student has an older sibling, they will be escorted to their sibling's carpool line.
3:20PM Pick up for Lower School (Kinder-4th grade) in the carpool line on Whispering Pines.
3:30PM Pick up for Middle School (5th-8th grade) in the carpool line on Whispering Pines.
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CARPOOL TIPS CARPOOL SIGNS
Each family will receive two (2) copies of color coded carpool signs. These signs will be distributed during the first week of school. If you need extra copies, please contact the front office. Place these signs in the front windshield of your car upon entering carpool line for pick up.
CARPOOL ETIQUETTE
You may not enter the carpool line on Whispering Pines any earlier than your son(s)’ pick up time. This ensures a proper flow of traffic.
NO CELL PHONES
The carpool line is a no cell phone zone.
APPROVED PICK UP LIST
It is necessary for parents to email the homeroom teacher if your son is going home with someone other than those on the approved pick up list.
KEEP IT MOVING
Keep the line moving. Carpool line is not a time to ask a faculty member lengthy questions.
CAR SEATS
Boys still in car seats cannot be buckled into the seats by faculty/staff due to liability issues.
LATE PICK UP
If the carpool line is over before you arrive, your son will go to after school care.
"IT MATTERS MUCH MORE TO OUR LORD THAT YOU SHOULD BE PATIENT AND KEEP PEACE OF SOUL, THAN THAT EVERYTHING SHOULD BE DONE PERFECTLY, EFFICIENTLY AND TO THE MINUTE." -JANET ERSKINE STUART, RSCJ
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ATHLETICS PROGRAMS
PRE-K 4 – FOURTH GRADE SPORTS
Regis competes in the West Houston Christian Association. The program relies on parent volunteers and parent coaching.
FIFTH – EIGHTH GRADE SPORTS
Middle School students may participate in a competitive interscholastic athletic program. Note: Middle School soccer tryouts usually begin the first day of school. Physical forms need to be returned before the start of tryouts.
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REGULAR UNIFORMS EARLY EARLY CHILDHOOD CHILDHOOD 3PK-4PK Pre-K 3 – Pre-K 4
LOWER LOWER S S Kindergarten Kindergarten
Flynn O'Hara is Regis’ official uniform supplier. Uniforms may be purchased online at w 322). The only items that must be purchased from Flynn O'Hara are the tie and logo purchased elsewhere. Our Used Uniform Store is housed in the Milestones Building a
EARLY CHILDHOOD
SHIRT Grey or white collared knit (short or long sleeve) or white performance knit with or without Regis logo SHORTS Navy dress shorts or navy pleated shorts (elastic waist permitted) PANTS Navy twill or corduroy (elastic waist permitted) BELT Dark leather belt required unless elastic waistband is worn SHOES Mostly white, black or grey athletic shoes and shoelaces—no other colors. No sandals or high tops, no low cut boots or blinking lights. Velcro is required on shoes for students who cannot independently tie their shoes.
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LOWER S
SHIRT Grey or white collared k or white performance kn SHORTS Navy dress shorts or nav style not permitted PANTS Navy twill BELT Dark leather belt is requ SHOES Black, white or gray athle No other colors permitte Students may also wea shoes. No sandals or hig blinking lights.
SCHOOL SCHOOL n-4th n-4thGrade Grade
MIDDLE SCHOOL MIDDLE SCHOOL 5th Grade-8th Grade 5th-8th Grade
www.flynnohara.com/school/TX131 or in person at Flynn O'Hara (1022 Wirt Rd, Ste. o polo for Lower School and Middle School. All other required uniform pieces may be and is open during school hours. Gently used uniform items may be purchased here.
SCHOOL
knit (short or long sleeve) nit with the Regis logo
vy pleated shorts—cargo
uired (black or brown)
etic shoes and shoelaces. ed even in small amounts. ar brown or black dress gh tops, low cut boots or
MIDDLE SCHOOL
SHIRT Grey or white collared knit (short or long sleeve) or white performance knit with the Regis logo SHORTS Khaki dress shorts or khaki pleated shorts—cargo style not permitted PANTS Khaki twill BELT Dark leather belt is required (black or brown) SHOES Black, white or gray athletic shoes and shoelaces. No other colors permitted even in small amounts. Students may also wear brown or black dress shoes or boots. No sandals or high tops, low cut boots or blinking lights. P.E. UNIFORM Any Regis shirt with navy, grey, black, or red athletic shorts
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FULL DRESS UNIFORM
3PK-4PK
K–8
Regis students are required to wear dress uniform on liturgy/mass days and other designated days throughout the school year (i.e. Grandparents’ Day). Please reference the online calendar for ‘Full Dress’ days. SHIRT White oxford, button down collar (short or long sleeve) PANTS Khaki twill (elastic waistband OK for Early Childhood students) BLAZER Navy blazer with Regis Crest Patch (patch available for purchase through Spirit Wear—see opposite page) TIE (EARLY CHILDHOOD) Blue and red striped bow tie (available for purchase through Spirit Wear—see opposite page) TIE (LOWER AND MIDDLE SCHOOL) Blue/red striped tie (Flynn O'Hara)—no clip-on ties in Middle School BELT Dark leather belt required (unless elastic waistband is worn) SHOES Brown or black dress shoes or boots
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LITURGIES & MASSES
Liturgies are held at least once a month at Regis, with additional liturgies celebrated throughout the year. Please check the online calendar for specific dates. REQUIRED UNIFORM All students must wear full dress uniforms on liturgy days. See opposite page for details. PARENT ATTENDANCE All parents are invited to attend our liturgies. START TIME All liturgies begin at 8:00AM in the Miller Family Student Life Center.
SPIRIT DAYS
Spirit Days are scheduled throughout the school year. Please check the online calendar for dates. On these days, students may wear any Regis shirt with jeans or uniform shorts. Regis logo items can be purchased through the Parents' Association SPIRIT WEAR COMMITTEE, in the Used Uniform Store or on the Regis website.
WWW.THEREGISSCHOOL.ORG/SPIRITWEAR 15
COMMUNICATION Regis understands the importance of accurate and on-time communication with the Regis parent community. Read more about the school's various communication mechanisms below: REGIS WEBSITE The Regis website offers the most up-to-date information including: school and athletics calendars; grades; links to faculty/staff email addresses; Parents' Association information; Parent/Student handbook; events and updates; and ways to support Regis. Visit the website at: WWW.THEREGISSCHOOL.ORG TUESDAY NEWSDAY Regis' weekly parent email sent out on Tuesdays at 9AM is your go-to for all information regarding upcoming events, activities, and campus updates. This email includes a weekly note from the Head of School, the school calendar-ata-glance and division specific information for the coming weeks. Make Tuesday Newsday part of your weekly reading! REGIS NEWS Published bi-weekly, Regis News provides an in-depth look into specific projects and activities going on in the classroom at Regis. HEAD OF SCHOOL BLOG Published bi-weekly, the Head of School blog offers insight into and best practices in boys education. Either written by the Head of School or a guest blogger, the Head of School Blog is a great way to learn more about what makes Regis unique. CLASS COORDINATORS Looking for specific information and can't locate it? Contact your helpful volunteer Class Coordinator, and they can point you in the right direction. Coordinators will introduce themselves via email over the summer. IRIS EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM In the event of an emergency or school closure, Regis will communicate with parents via the IRIS Emergency Alert System. This automated system calls cell phones and landlines and text messages cell phones with information. Please note that Regis follows the Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD) for most closures related to weather, etc. REGIS ON SOCIAL MEDIA Social media is a great way to stay in touch with what's going on at Regis. Follow us on the following platforms: INSTAGRAM: @theregisschoolofthesacredheart FACEBOOK: facebook.com/RegisSacredHeart TWITTER: @RegisKnights LINKEDIN: linkedin.com/school/TheRegisSchool
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PARENTS' ASSOCIATION
The Parents' Association is a diverse, active and important organization that supports Regis is many significant ways—get involved! The Parents' Association offers a volunteer sign-up opportunity at the beginning of each school year, so stay tuned for more information. Parents' Association meetings occur on the second Tuesday of each month at 8:00AM in the Milestones Boardroom. 2020-21 PARENTS' ASSOCIATION BOARD PRESIDENT: Becky Wrona, 3rd & 4th grade parent PRESIDENT-ELECT: Kate Hays, 1st grade parent IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT: Toni Ridolfi, 4th grade parent VP-COMMUNICATIONS: Sarah Stai, 6th grade parent VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES The Parents' Association hosts different events and assists in different ongoing activities on campus throughout the school year. Here is a list of some of our volunteer opportunities:
Box Tops for Education Family Fun Knight (Fall & Spring) Go Texan Day International Day
Parent Prayer Group Spirit Wear Uniform Resale 7th & 8th Grade Dance
"HAVE ALWAYS ON HAND SOME USEFUL OCCUPATION AND GIVE YOUR WHOLE ATTENTION TO IT." -MARY ALOYSIA HARDY, RSCJ
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE WHILE HONORING OUR SACRED HEART TRADITION WHAT DOES THE REGIS BOARD OF DIRECTORS DO? -Sets policy while focusing on long-range and strategic issues -Interacts with the Board's sole employee, the Head of School The Board is charged with planning for the future of the school by focusing on strategic planning, including areas such as enrollment, fundraising, financial planning and campus improvements.
WHO SERVES ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS? -Parents of both current and alumni Regis students -Representatives from St. Thomas High School and Strake Jesuit College Preparatory -Religious of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ) -Regis Head of School, Mr. Dennis Phillips (ex-officio) The Board typically meets six times during the school year. Directors commit to serve a three-year term. There is no set number of trustees, as the appropriate number is dependent on the current needs of the school.
FOCUSING ON THE FUTURE! The Regis Board of Directors uses the school's strategic plan as a road map to focus their decision-making process. The Board's strategic goal is to build a strong, stable, mission-focused school for the future. Utilizing the Sacred Heart Goals as a guiding compass ensures that Regis Board members consistently act in the best interest of the entire Regis community and for the future of the school.
Toiletries donated by the Board of Directors for the Pre-K Star of Hope Toiletry Drive in February 2019.
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2020-21 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mrs. Lauren Summerville, Chair Mr. Ed Sullivan, Vice Chair Mrs. Megan Long, Secretary Mrs. Anna Charlton Mrs. Julie Davis Mr. John Fahy Mrs. Mimi Foerster Mrs. Ana Lee Sanchez Jacobs Sr. Sharon Karam, RSCJ Mr. Tom Lloyd Mr. Victor Longo Mr. Alton McDowell Mr. Kendall Miller Ms. Melissa Moore Fr. Jim Murphy, CSB Sr. Lucie Nordmann, RSCJ Mr. Trip Norkus Mr. George Rizzo Mr. Charlie Shears Ms. Alison Vasquez Mr. Dennis Phillips, ex officio
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EVENTS & ACTIVITIES AUGUST 2020
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12 -Early Childhood Orientation for parents and students -Middle School Laptop Program Pick-Up (6th Grade and New Students in 7th & 8th Grade) -New Middle School Student Orientation THURSDAY, AUGUST 13 -First Day of School! THURSDAY-FRIDAY, AUGUST 13-14 -Early Childhood Dismissal at 11:00AM MONDAY, AUGUST 17 -Early Childhood and Lower School Parent Night at 6:00PM TUESDAY, AUGUST 25 -Middle School Parent Night at 6:00PM FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 -Donuts with Dad at 7:30AM WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26 -Parents' Association Welcome Back Coffee & Volunteer Sign-Up at 7:45AM -Back-to-School State of the School Address at 8:15AM
SEPTEMBER 2020
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 -Mass of the Holy Spirit at 8:00AM and Yearbook Portraits -Fall Family Fun Knight: www.theREGISschool.org/FamilyFunKnight TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 -First Parents' Association Meeting at 8:00AM in the Milestones Boardroom FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 -Fall Family Fun Knight: www.theREGISschool.org/FamilyFunKnight FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 -Grandparents' Day -Half-day dismissal after Grandparents' Day festivities
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OCTOBER 2020
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13 -October Parents' Association Meeting at 8:00AM in the Milestones Boardroom WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 -International Day Fair: sign-up in August to represent a country TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20 -Feast of Mater Liturgy at 8:00AM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29 -Fall Conferences in the Evening FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30 -Fall Conferences continue until 1:00PM -No School
NOVEMBER 2020
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2 -All Souls' Day Liturgy -Make-up Yearbook Portraits FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6 -Father-Son Bowling Knight: www.theREGISschool.org/Bowling TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 -November Parents' Association Meeting at 8:00AM WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18 -Feast of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Liturgy at 8:00AM THURSDAY-FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19-20 -3rd-8th Grade Students will go complete off-site Social Awareness Projects MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23–FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27 -Thanksgiving Break
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EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES DECEMBER 2020
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4 -Advent Liturgy at 8:00AM -7th & 8th Grade Dance TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15 -Early Childhood Christmas Program at 8:15AM -Lower School Christmas Program at 10:00AM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20 -Half-Day Dismissal: Early Childhood, 12:15PM; Lower School, 12:20PM; Middle School, 12:30PM MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2020–MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021 -Christmas Break
SPRING 2021
JANUARY -Epiphany Liturgy -January Parents' Association Meeting -MLK Day Holiday on January 18, 2021 -Catholic Schools Week Liturgy at Regis -Feast of St. John Francis Regis FEBRUARY -Father-Son Liturgy on February 5, 2021 -February Parents' Association Meeting -Presidents Day Holiday on February 15, 2021 -Ash Wednesday Liturgy -Spring Family Fun Knight -Go Texan Day
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SPRING 2021
MARCH -Spring Social Awareness Service Projects -Spring Break, March 15-19, 2021 -Spring Conferences APRIL -Spring State of the School Address -Easter Break (half-day on April 1, no school April 2-5, 2021) -April Parents' Association Meeting -Field Day -Annual Auction & Gala: www.theREGISschool.org/Auction -8th Grade Trip MAY -Book Fair -Mother-Son Liturgy on Thursday, May 6, 2021 -May Parents' Association Meeting -Baccalaureate Liturgy on Friday, May 14, 2021 -8th Grade Graduation on Friday, May 14, 2021 -Feast of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat Liturgy -Prize Day The calendar listed in this guide is a helpful tool when it comes to learning about all that goes on at Regis. Unfortunately, dates and times do change. For the most up-to-date calendar, visit the Regis website where you can access the all-school calendar, division specific calendars, liturgy and full-dress calendars, athletics calendars and more! WWW.THEREGISSCHOOL.ORG/CALENDARS
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