AThis page offers the most current SPX updates. Please note to the left you will find SPX FAQ's, Supporting Student Learning, local, county, state and federal resources. 
#warriorproud  #thewarriorway
SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTERS

2020 Catholic Schools Diocesan Theme
Returning God’s Gifts
September 18, 2020





September 17, 2020

ABSENT VS VIRTUAL:
We know this is a confusing time, with lots to juggle.  We wanted to clarify our current “virtual” vs “absent” attendance policy.  We have remote studying as an option for extended absences, but if you are home for a day or two we ask that you do not use this option. Please email your teachers for lecture and homework material rather than rely on “online learning”.  IF you utilize online learning please contact the office, not your teachers directly to arrange for online learning.  If you have any questions please feel free to ask.  Thank you!

HOCO 2020:
 

Congratulations to your 2020 Homecoming Court, announced today at our Pep Rally!
Sophomores:  Molly Cernich, Cadence Sizemore
Juniors:  Ashley Hall, Amaras Pernice, Kintzli Wagner
Seniors:  

Ladies:  Lauren Bohr, Anna Cernich, Nicole Conforti, Noelle DeFabio, Maggie Marshall, Natalie Rippy

Gentlemen:  Nnamdi Anyanike, Joel Birchmier, Connor Daily, Luke Feucht, Peter Perlik, Tyler Racy

**Dress throughout the week MUST NOT be disruptive to classroom activities.**

• DRESS UP DAYS MUST INCLUDE A MASK.  Although you are able to wear a non uniform mask this week, no offensive images including--profanity, drug, alcohol, skulls etc. images on masks. Stick with simple styles.
• No sleeveless or bare skin.
• Please wear nothing with references to profanity, drugs or alcohol.
• No shorts shorter than the dress code shorts.
• NO FACE PAINT or HAIR COLOR.

**If you question whether you should wear it, DON’T.  If any dress is inappropriate, students will be sent home to change and will receive ZEROS for missed work.**

Sunday: Hallway decorating 10 AM - NOON
Monday Dress Up:  Favorite childhood character (dora, sesame street, curious george, etc)
Tuesday Dress Up: Favorite disney, nickelodeon, or cartoon network character 
Wednesday Dress Up: Favorite netflix character  
Thursday Dress Up: Zoom classroom attire (fancy shirt and crazy pants)
Friday Dress Up: Powderpuff (Mass, Pep Rally, and Powderpuff all on field) 
Each day will end with a pep rally on the football field. 

Order your CLASS POWDER PUFF shirt BY THURSDAY: 
It's a long standing tradition here at SPX to hold a Powder Puff game as part of Homecoming Week! Each class sports it's own unique shirt, and the students get to wear their shirts as part of HOCO Dress Up Days!  This year's shirts are Comfort Colors, unisex sizing. Here is what each class shirt looks like!

FRESHMAN ORDER HERE:   https://spxpowdersufffreshmen20.itemorder.com/

SOPHOMORES ORDER HERE:  https://spxpowdersuffsoph20.itemorder.com/

JUNIORS ORDER HERE:  https://spxpowdersuffjuniors20.itemorder.com/  

SENIORS ORDER HERE:  https://spxpowdersufffseniors20.itemorder.com/ 

HOCO Week Schedule:
M-TH Schedule
Hour 1 7:50-8:34
Hour 2  8:39-9:19
Hour 3  9:24-10:04
Hour 4 10:09-10:49
5A  10:53-11:16
5B  11:21-11:44
5C  11:49-12:12
5D  12:17-12:40
Hour 6  12:45-1:25
Hour 7  1:30-2:10
Assembly  2:10-2:45

Friday
Period 1 8:00-8:20 Family Time
Period 2 8:30-9:30 Low Mass (Stadium)
Period 3 9:30-12:00 Pep Rally & Powder Puff (stadium)
Period 4 Report back to Family Time for dismissal. 

CONCESSION OBLIGATION:
Parent Concession Obligation
The St. Pius X Parent Association (SPXPA) assists in complimenting the needs of students with the development of spirit and involvement in the high school community. In order to fulfill the needs of events where concessions are open, every parent is required to fulfill a shift at least one time per school year. We ask this of you in setting the example of educating our children on the importance of giving within the school community. Please review the guidelines below for completing this obligation.

General Obligation

• One adult (parent/guardian) from each family is required to work 1 scheduled shift per school year. However, both parents are encouraged to attend as a way to be involved in the SPXPA.
• The Master Schedule is located: https://spxkc.org/concession-schedule
  • The concession scheduler is Toni Calcara. She works diligently to ensure a fair schedule and remind you of your scheduled time. Please note, Toni is a messenger on behalf of the school/SPXPA and ensures everyone participates.
• Families with unique situations such as parent separation, divorce, or guardians will be required to define who will fulfill the obligation by Back to School Night. The shift will be assigned to whichever parent is listed as the responsible party in the school office unless Toni is notified in writing (email or letter), confirmed/signed by both parents who are defining the obligation for a specific family.
• There is a $200 nonrefundable fine associated with an inability to meet this obligation. You may also choose to buy out of your obligation for $200. HOWEVER, if you choose the buy-out option you must contact Toni before September15, 2020. If you contact Toni after September 15, 2020 the buyout option is increased to $300. Scheduling the families is not a simple process. The Fall schedule is usually set immediately before school starts and the Winter Schedule is set in early November.”Buying Out” at a later date makes it difficult for everyone.  
• We always need more concession workers than we have parents. Most parents find it an easy obligation. If you like the experience, we would gladly welcome your assistance more than once!

Parent Responsibility

• Please sign in and out with your Concession Lead. If the Concession Lead is not there to open the Concession Stand, please contact Angela Wendel, Concession Lead Coordinator at 816-804-4212 immediately.
• Please work your entire shift from start to finish. Signing in and then attending an event without working the concession area will require you to be rescheduled in the future.
• The start time is always listed on the Concession Schedule. Please note, the end time varies depending on the sporting event and how many games are scheduled. Each shift is typically 3-5 hours.
• A reminder email is sent approximately 1-2 weeks prior to your assigned shift. PLEASE REPLY indicating that you have received the reminder and confirm your attendance. This diminishes the workload Toni has to contact you to confirm receipt.

 

Rescheduling Assignments

• If you determine that you are unable to keep your obligation of your assigned shift, please note the following:
  • YOU are responsible to contact another family to trade with you. You can review the Master Concession Schedule on the website. If you need contact information please let Toni know.
  • Changes are not tracked by the SPXPA so if you switch with someone, it is your responsibility to track yourselves.
  • Please do not contact the school office to change or cancel your concession obligation. You must notify Toni by email at tcalcara@kc.rr.com or call or text at 816-522-0498.
  • If you do not show up for your assigned shift, and do not contact Toni at least 6 hours prior to the assigned shift to explain why you cannot work your shift, you will be automatically assessed a $200 nonrefundable fine.
  • Concessions are tied to school events, most frequently sports, which can be cancelled or rescheduled. Please understand that the SPXPA has no control of this and we, along with the school, will do our best to notify parents by email when we know changes occur.
  • If a game or event is cancelled, you will be rescheduled for your concession obligation on another day and notified by Toni.

  
We highly encourage you to review the Master Concession Schedule periodically throughout the year as dates of assigned shifts can change.
If you have questions or need clarification, please contact Toni Calcara at tcalcara@kc.rr.com or Kim Revnew, SPX Parents Association President, at revnew05@gmail.com.
Have Spirit. Be Involved. #warriorproud
 

OUR OWN MR. MONACHINO TO BE FEATURED ON CATHOLIC RADIO 

BASKETBALL PARENT MEETING--GIRLS AND BOYS:
Wednesday, Oct 7, 2020--in the SPX Gym 
Girls: 5:45 
Boys: 7:00

MURPH’S NEWS:

• Any sophomore or junior student that desires to take the PSAT on Saturday, October 17th, must respond to Mr Murphy and pay the online payment of $20 by the end of this week.
• The registration deadline for all ACT October testing is September 17th.

 

CAMPUS MINISTRY:
Check out our webpage HERE.

 

FIRE FOUNDATION NEWS

Get jazzed for the 2020 Virtual FIREBall-Roaring 20's Revival Raffle contest, and change children’s lives!

Just a generation ago, there wasn’t a place at most Catholic schools for students diagnosed with Down syndrome, for youngsters on the Autism spectrum or children with other special learning needs. Thanks to generous support from people like you, our schools are able to welcome students who need extra support to learn and thrive, as well as educate and enrich the lives of ALL of our students. Proceeds from FIRE Ball support our mission of inclusion.

 The FIREBall Raffle Cup contest is a strong tradition between the 13 FIRE partner schools.  It is another way to support the FIREBall and the FIRE Foundation on a smaller scale.  Every single $10 ticket matters, as last year, our stretch goal of $50,000 raised in raffle sale contributed to a record year for the FIRE Foundation!! 3 years ago, the winning school won the Cup by only 3 tickets! Tickets are calculated on a student population ratio, so no matter how big or small your school is, everyone has a fair chance!  Bragging rights are on the line. Who will knock off the reigning champ, St Elizabeth Irish?

So let's go Dolls and Gents!  Online sales are OPEN and will close at 4pm on October 7th!  Contact Ms. Daniels for Raffle Tickets!! For questions contact Nina Troester, 2020 FIREBall Raffle Chair, at nltroester@gmail.com or (816) 550-4970.

For more information about the FIRE Foundation or the 2020 Virtual FIREBall go to www.firefoundation.org.

PICTURE RETAKES
ALL Students need to have their picture taken for their ID’s & yearbook--even seniors (ID only)!  If you did not have your picture taken on Orientation Day in August, you need to plan to have it taken on October 19th BEFORE school. 

YEARBOOK:
2020-2021 YEARBOOK ORDERING IS OPEN NOW!

SENIOR ADS (2020-2021 YEARBOOK):

THEATRE:
2020 Broadway Musical Review
What is it? 
All your favorite songs from different musicals tied into one performance! We are going to be exploring the musical world from classic to contemporary musicals and the students will guide us through this exploration one song at a time with safe social distancing. 

When are auditions? 
Auditions will be held in room 109 on Thursday (Sept. 17th) from 3PM to 6PM. You will be able to sign up for an audition slot outside of room 109 on Monday (Sept. 14th).  If you are unable to make that day please have a parent email me at ahuggins@spxkc.org. 

What do I prepare!?
About a 2 minute cut of a song (a verse or two and the chorus) - preferable from a musical. I am looking for you to act out this song and have fun with it! Try to pick a song that best shows off your voice. I may give you a direction and have you do your cut twice. 

Anything else I should know?
The performance will be held on the week of November 9th - 14th, you MUST be available all week to be considered for the show. I will be recording the audition session, no one else will see it except myself. This is in order for me to pair you with the best song for your voice when I am casting! Try to be early for your time as I will have an audition sheet for you to fill out. Be sure to have fun, because that’s what this is all about!! Questions please contact:
Abigayle Huggins, Theatre Director (573)286-2264 ahuggins@spxkc.org
 

COVID 19:

LINKS FOR PARENTS:
Waiver of Liability Relating to Coronavirus/COVID-19
Daily Health Check Form
News from SPX
CDC
State of MIssouri
Clay County MO
Children’s Mercy (as of 08.05.2020)
Considerations for Testing and Management of Children Returning to School-CMH
KCMO Return To School

September 15, 2020
It's POWDER PUFF time!  THE LINKS WILL BE OPEN ONLY UNTIL THURSDAY THIS WEEK!  This gives the supplier time to order and print the orders before HOCO week! ONLINE ONLY THIS YEAR. 

FRESHMAN ORDER HERE:   https://spxpowdersufffreshmen20.itemorder.com/

CELEBRATING OUR WARRIORS - A FEW SHOTS FROM THIS WEEK:
#warriorstrong

TRAVEL FORM:
If you and your family will be traveling out of state please remember to complete the form below and send to SPX 72 hours prior to departure.  This will help us determine any possible quarantine requirements upon your return. Thank you for helping to keep our community safe.

FROM THE ARMOURY: 
If you placed a uniform order after school began they are IN!  Your student may pick your order up beginning FRIDAY 09.11.2020.  The Armoury will be open 30 minutes before class and 15 minutes after school. Please go to the Armoury and if it’s not open wait just a few minutes outside and it will be open. Thank you!

HOCO:
Student leaders are hard at work planning Homecoming! We know it’s right around the corner, but watch for some exciting news very soon!  Please note--Powder Puff T Shirts will be ordered ONLINE this year ONLY--we will send the link when it is available to order!  All students are eligible to wear the t-shirts the day of Powder Puff!  Each class will have it’s own design and Comfort Colors T-shirt color!  SO fun!

YEARBOOK:
2020-2021 YEARBOOK ORDERING IS OPEN NOW!

SENIOR ADS (2020-2021 YEARBOOK):

THEATRE:
2020 Broadway Musical Review
What is it? 
All your favorite songs from different musicals tied into one performance! We are going to be exploring the musical world from classic to contemporary musicals and the students will guide us through this exploration one song at a time with safe social distancing. 

When are auditions? 
Auditions will be held in room 109 on Thursday (Sept. 17th) from 3PM to 6PM. You will be able to sign up for an audition slot outside of room 109 on Monday (Sept. 14th).  If you are unable to make that day please have a parent email me at ahuggins@spxkc.org. 

What do I prepare!?
About a 2 minute cut of a song (a verse or two and the chorus) - preferable from a musical. I am looking for you to act out this song and have fun with it! Try to pick a song that best shows off your voice. I may give you a direction and have you do your cut twice. 

Anything else I should know?
The performance will be held on the week of November 9th - 14th, you MUST be available all week to be considered for the show. I will be recording the audition session, no one else will see it except myself. This is in order for me to pair you with the best song for your voice when I am casting! Try to be early for your time as I will have an audition sheet for you to fill out. Be sure to have fun, because that’s what this is all about!! Questions please contact:

Abigayle Huggins, Theatre Director (573)286-2264 ahuggins@spxkc.org

 

FROM THE DIOCESE:
A message from Bishop Johnston
In English:  https://vimeo.com/451945419
En Espanol:  https://vimeo.com/453096194

CAMPUS MINISTRY NEWSLETTER:  
HERE!

CONFIRMATION:
Any 9th Grade students seeking to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation are invited to sign up for online sacrament preparation with one of our partner parishes, St. Therese Parish. Go to www.sttheresenorth.org/confirmation for more information. Contact Sam Ford, Director of Youth Ministry, with any and all questions - sford@sttheresenorth.org

HELP WANTED:
Divine Mercy Thrift Store known as ANGELS ATTIC is in great need of volunteers - both students and parents.  Angels attic is a proud supporter of St. Pius X. Your volunteering helps St. PIUS X  financially.Contact Jackie @ jacib@angelsattic.org, or 816-820-9797

CLASS SIGNS:
Do you have a class sign? We ordered a few extra in case you missed the chance last year! They’re FREE and you are welcome to pick one up in the foyer (between the glass doors) for your house!  #warriorproud


September 2, 2020
FRIDAY AT HOME EARLY DISMISSAL:

• This Friday we will enact our first all school run going to distance learning. All students will attend school through Zoom or Meet from home.  We will run our Early Dismissal Schedule, and students will be in each hour just like they were here, but will be at home on their computers.
• This is NOT a day off, attendance will be taken each hour.
• Teachers will send links to your students to join each class.  
• We will not have teacher’s afternoon “office” hours this Friday.  Office hours would be an option if we ever have to go to actual total virtual classrooms this year. 
• Friday’s Schedule:

LET’S CELEBRATE OUR WARRIORS:
Now more than ever we celebrate every day as a Warrior!  Please share your photos with our community!  We have a shared drive on smugmug.  Upload links below.

Classes/Clubs/Activities

Debate:               https://spxkc.smugmug.com/upload/PFS9mL/debate
Fall Play:             https://spxkc.smugmug.com/upload/mjh4MW/fallplay
Robotics:             https://spxkc.smugmug.com/upload/C9ScKc/robotics
Sarton Singers & Mixed Chorus:  https://spxkc.smugmug.com/upload/Pzrf4n/sartons
Scholar Bowl:      https://spxkc.smugmug.com/upload/7zhDXq/scholarbowl
Spring Theatre:   https://spxkc.smugmug.com/upload/VdRHb5/springtheatre

General

Candids:             https://spxkc.smugmug.com/upload/ZtrG8z/candids
Ministry Team:    https://spxkc.smugmug.com/upload/Sh2jzS/ministryteam
Service:              https://spxkc.smugmug.com/upload/VG8nnb/service
Seniors:              https://spxkc.smugmug.com/upload/FDfhnL/seniors

Sports
Baseball:             https://spxkc.smugmug.com/upload/9CXqhb/baseball
Boys Basketball: https://spxkc.smugmug.com/upload/wZ3kV2/bbasket
Girls Basketball:  https://spxkc.smugmug.com/upload/L7wTTP/gbasket
Cheer:                 https://spxkc.smugmug.com/upload/Z3R7HW/cheer
Cross Country:    https://spxkc.smugmug.com/upload/sDfQdt/ccountry
Dance Team:       https://spxkc.smugmug.com/upload/7W3KbB/dance
Football:              https://spxkc.smugmug.com/upload/HHD4Pm/football
Golf:                    https://spxkc.smugmug.com/upload/b4TmJJ/golf
Boys Soccer:      https://spxkc.smugmug.com/upload/LKDSW9/bsoccer
Girls Soccer:       https://spxkc.smugmug.com/upload/SvPqqf/gsoccer
Softball:               https://spxkc.smugmug.com/upload/snjHNS/softball
Boys Swim:         https://spxkc.smugmug.com/upload/SrLF8t/bswim
Girls Swim:         https://spxkc.smugmug.com/upload/RSgFxq/gswim
Girls Tennis:        https://spxkc.smugmug.com/upload/ShLCzW/gtennis
Boys Tennis:       https://spxkc.smugmug.com/upload/MjpL3C/btennis
Track:                  https://spxkc.smugmug.com/upload/XhdJPS/track
Volleyball:           https://spxkc.smugmug.com/upload/Zsjr7w/volley
Wrestling:           https://spxkc.smugmug.com/upload/Q5CFcK/wrestling

OUR MATH MOMS ARE FAMOUS!
Here's a link to the entire story: https://citylifestyle.com/kansas-city-mo/articles/life-and-culture/heroes-on-the-front-line

Here's the part of the story that's just about them!
The Math Moms, St. Pius X High School
Things are always stronger in threes: earth, wind, and fire. Peter, Paul, and Mary. Kelly Wilson, Kathy Bonadonna, and Patti Pearson--the Math Moms of St. Pius X. 
This trio of math teachers has shared a hallway for years, taught each others' kids over the years, sharing teaching ideologies, and checking in on the best ways to communicate complex ideas with their students. When the shutdown came, they dove in headfirst to teaching a subject that requires an understanding of the process through a medium that is occasionally limited by bandwidth.  

They may be skilled mathematicians, but initially, the technology was daunting. But math doesn't bend to viruses. Math goes on. 
"We worked more hours that first couple of weeks than we ever had. We had tech issues, but we figured it out. And then we decided, we're the math department and we're going to teach as much as we ever did. A lesson a day, which was hard, but we did it," says Wilson. 

Each teacher recorded videos of themselves teaching the theory, which for some students, was helpful. 

"If you were struggling with something, you could go back and watch it over again. It was probably more beneficial for some students. We didn't teach live, but we would have a Zoom call to answer questions, and we could work things out on the board," says Bonadonna. 

Grading, though, was more difficult. Apps that the trio had introduced their students to as aids were soon being used to do the work rather than check the work. Giving partial credit is part of grading math homework, which is made even tougher by unclear copies being turned in. 

While some schools didn't allow grades to drop after distance learning kicked in, the Math moms were not so lenient. All three teachers expected students to show up, participate, and learn to the best of their ability. And they did. 

Now, they are ready to get back in the classroom, as all of our teachers are. While safety measures are important, not one of the teachers spoke of the fear of going back to school. Quite the opposite. They all expressed a strong desire to get back into the classroom and be able to connect with their students again. And that's what makes them heroes. Thanks to all the educators out there!

FROM THE ARMOURY:
SPX Armoury Student Team Member Application

Qualifications: Students who apply should be spirited and proud of St. Pius X High School. You must be able to operate a POS (point-of-sale) cash register, organize, tag and keep the Pius Armoury clean and tidy.

Any sophomore, junior or senior may apply. Work Study student and those students need SPX service hours may apply.

Please complete the information below to apply to be a SPX Armoury Student Team Member.
HERE!
 

• Please make sure you have money in your student's Armoury account, for those days when your child forgets to bring a mask.  They will need to purchase one in the Armoury for $6. To add $$ click HERE. 

 

FROM THE CAFETERIA:

• If you would like to see your students daily transactions or balance, please create a LunchLink account to view online.  Currently, the automatic email when a student account becomes negative is not working.  Please email Marcia Witherow at mwitherow@spxkc.org if you have any questions. 
• LUNCH MENU:  Subject to change.  Please click HERE for the most up to date menu. 
  • Thurs:  Cheeseburger, chips, fruit/veggie, dessert
  • Fri:  NO LUNCH (virtual school from home, early dismissal)

 

CAMPUS MINISTRY:

THIS WEEK:

Wed. Sept. 2: In School Adoration (Sign up Here) & Confessions at Lunch
Thurs. Sept. 3: 7:30am Mass in Logan Hall

SEPT. PRAYER INTENTIONS:
Pope Francis’ September Prayer Intention: We pray that the planet's resources will not be plundered, but shared in a just and respectful manner.
Bishop Johnston’s September Prayer Intention: For a safe beginning to a new school year for students, teachers and staffs.

WASH YOUR MASKS REGULARLY:
Here are some recommendations from the CDC for mask laundering.  HERE.

MURPH’S NEWS:

• Seniors and Juniors:

Rockhurst HS is having their annual college fair on September 9th.  This year, it will be virtual.  Go HERE to register.  6-8:30pm.  Recruiters will be "live" and available to talk with interested students.

HOMECOMING:
Although we aren’t sure (yet) exactly what HOCO week (including the dance) will look like this year, rest assured your TRIBE Leaders are working hard on some super fun events to celebrate SPX HOMECOMING--STAY TUNED!

PARENT’S ASSOCIATION:
All are welcome to attend! Get involved!  Meetings will be held on Wednesdays, @ 6pm. Here are the dates for the year.  Thank you!
2020:  Oct. 7, Nov. 4, Dec. 2
2021:  Jan. 13, Feb. 3, Mar. 3, April 7