Wednesday, September 16, 2009

ARCHDIOCESE — Amid the football and soccer games, band performances and drama productions, admissions administrators at Catholic high schools across the Archdiocese of Cincinnati have their eye on another fall event — the annual open house.

Schools welcome prospective students and their parents to visit their campuses, tour the facilities, meet with faculty and staff and learn about the curriculum and activities. They also showcase new programs or facilities, and teachers often conduct demonstrations in their classrooms. In addition, visitors are able to obtain information on clubs and other extra-curricular activities.

The open house is a key marketing tool for high schools, particularly since school boundaries were dissolved in the archdiocese in 2007, allowing schools to recruit students from across the region.

“We think it’s absolutely critical,” said Dirk Allen, director of admissions and media relations at Badin High School in Hamilton. “We think a lot of students . . . are uncertain as to where they are going to high school, and open house is a great opportunity for you to convince them your school is the place to go.”

An open house visit can confirm the decision of a junior high student who is considering a particular school. It can also sway other students.

“If they come to your open house you know you’ve got a chance,” Allen said. “What we find is that student-to-student contact at open house is very valuable.”

Following is a list of high school open houses in the Cincinnati archdiocese:

Archbishop Alter High School
940 E. David Rd., Dayton, 45429-5597
937-434-4434   
e-mail: [email protected]
http://www.alterhighschool.org
Father James Manning, president
Nicole Brainard, principal
1 priest, 1 Sister for Christian Community, 47 lay teachers; 655 students; school colors: brown and gold; mascot: Knight.

• Open house: Nov. 15, 1-4 p.m. Highlights include tours of the building and interactions with administrators and faculty.

• “I think we would like for [visitors} to walk away with truly the Alter spirit,” said Mary Shearer, director of admissions. “We want them to realize we really are building on tradition and focused on [our] students’ future.”

Carroll High School
4524 Linden Ave., Dayton, 45432-3067
937-253-8188
e-mail: [email protected]
Joseph R. Sens, principal
1 Sister, 61 lay teachers; 910 students; school colors: red, white and blue; mascot: Patriots

• Open house: Dec. 2, 7:15-9 p.m. The school will introduce new classes in renewable energy, robotics and advanced microbiology. Administrators will discuss the addition of MATLAB by Mathworks. MATLAB is a software tool that is utilized on the college level, including at Wright State and the University of Dayton, and in high-tech arenas such as Wright Patterson Air Force Base.

• Parents will also have the opportunity to find out more about Carroll’s engineering problem-solving class and Project Infinity, which is supported by SMU, Texas Instruments and the National Science Foundation. Parents in attendance will have a chance to win a $500 tuition certificate.

• The school is also hosting eighth grade visitations days Nov. 16, 18 and 20.  The days are open to any eighth-grader. Call 937-253-3338 to reserve a spot.

Catholic Central Jr./Sr. High School
1200 E. High St., Springfield, 45505-1124
937-325-9204
www.ccirish.org
Kenith Britt, president
David Perin, principal
25 lay teachers; 365 students; school colors: green and gold; mascot: Shamrock

• Open house and community festival: Nov. 1, 1-4 p.m. The day will include games operated by school clubs, displays by the fire and police departments and tours of the school. Visitors will be able to interact with administration and coaches. Teachers will offer demonstrations.

• “It’s just another one of those things that we’ve implemented to continue the spirit of unity,” said Kathy Sahle, director of communications at Catholic Central School. “It’s amazing the people who come from the general public, and it converts to enrollment. It’s an unusual open house, but it works for us.”

Chaminade-Julienne High School
505 S. Ludlow St., Dayton 45402-9847
937-461-3740
http://www.cjeagles.org
John Marshall, principal
55 lay teachers; 760 students; school colors: blue and green; mascot: Eagle

• Open house: Nov. 1, 1-4 p.m. The school is encouraging visitors to take the afternoon to meet faculty and administrators, interact with current students and feel comfortable touring the building.

• “We want our prospective families to receive an appropriate introduction to the Chaminade-Julienne community and throughout the course of the afternoon better appreciate how we strive for Catholic faith, excellent academics and to be partners of an inspiring community that will ultimately prepare young men and women for life experiences,” said J.P. Gregory, admissions coordinator and a 2002 C-J graduate. “It gives us a chance to meet the young men and women that carry out what Chaminade-Julienne does.”

Fenwick High School
4855 State Rte 122, Franklin, 45005
513-423-0723
Michael Miller, principal
e-mail: [email protected]
1 priest, 1 deacon, 1 Sister of Charity; 35 lay teachers; 540 students; school colors: crimson and gold; mascot: Falcon

• Open house: Nov. 1 from 1-3 p.m. Student ambassadors will lead tours throughout the afternoon, and principal Michael Miller will be meeting with small groups as they visit the facility. Video presentations will run in classrooms, and coaches and club moderators will be available to answer questions about activities.

• “Our student ambassadors take one family at a time on a tour. The prospective students can ask any kinds of nitty-gritty questions. You can really get a lot of specific questions answered that way,” said Connie Moorman, director of development. “We’ve grown, but we’ve chosen to purposely stay a small school so we can maintain that student-centered focus in all that we do. It enables the faculty to really get to know the students.”

Elder High School
3900 Vincent Ave., Cincinnati, 45205-1699
513-921-3744
http://www.elderhs.org
Thomas R. Otten, principal
1 diocesan priest, 60 lay teachers; 900 boys; school colors: purple and white; mascot: Panther

• Open house: Nov. 1, noon-2:30 p.m. Prospective students will have opportunities to meet with faculty, tour the school and visit the school’s Panther Athletic Complex.

• “The most important thing for us is to convey the family environment that’s here,” said Maureen Regan, director of admissions at Elder. “When the young men are here as students, the students and parents feel as part of a family and know that we’re here to support one another and help them grow into young Catholic adults.”

La Salle High School
513-741-3000
3091 North Bend Rd., Cincinnati, 45239-7696
e-mail: [email protected]
http://www.cincinnatilasalle.net
Thomas A. Luebbe, principal
Sixty-two lay teachers, 1 diocesan priest; 775 boys; school colors: red and white; mascot: Lancer

• Open house: Nov. 1, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Lancer Leaders will take our visitors on a guided tour around campus and introduce them to members of administration, academic departments, campus minister, coaches, and club moderators from 65 co-curricular activities.

• “La Salle welcomes prospective students and their families to our annual open house where they can meet and greet the La Salle faculty, staff, administration, and also current Lancers,” said Andre Gibson, director of admission and tuition assistance at La Salle. “Open house is a great opportunity for students to see firsthand the excellence that awaits that within the La Salle family and the outstanding technology and facilities that enable our Lancers to excel spiritually, academically and socially.”

Lehman Catholic High School
2400 St. Marys Ave., Sidney, 45365-8902
937-498-1161   
e-mail: [email protected]
http://www.lehmancatholic.com
Michael Barhorst, president
Denise Stauffer, principal
1 archdiocesan priest, 1 Sister of Charity, 19 lay teachers; 240 students; school colors: blue and gold: mascot: Cavalier

• Open house: Nov. 15, 5-7 p.m., with a performance by the Limelighters show choir beginning at 7:30 p.m. Activities will include student-led tours, administrators and teachers will be available, and school clubs and organizations will have displays set up in the gym.

• “Our hope is always to let people see what we do at the school and get people interested in a Catholic high school education,” said Denise Stauffer, principal. “People in the community also get a chance to see what we do.”

McAuley High School
6000 Oakwood Ave., Cincinnati, 45224
513-681-1800   
e-mail: [email protected]
http://www.mcauleyhs.net
Cheryl A. Sucher, president
Christoper Pastura, principal
1 Sister of Mercy, 63 lay teachers; 720 girls; school colors: gold and brown; mascot: Mohawk

• Open house: Oct. 4, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. The day will include tours, interaction with faculty, administrators and alumnae, an opportunity for students to register for the high school entrance test, and information on school clubs.

• “Once [prospective students] get in the building our school sells itself,” said Kathy Dietrich, director of admissions. “The purpose is to really show what we [offer].”

McNicholas High School
6536 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati, 45230
513-231-3500   
http://www.mcnhs.org
Gregory R. Saelens, principal
e-mail: [email protected]
56 lay teachers; 700 students; school colors: green and gold; mascot: Rocket

• Open house: Nov 1, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Families will have an opportunity to tour the school with current students and interact with faculty and administrators. The open house is intended to provide visitors with a mission of the school and a sense of community.

• “It’s a great way for the students to find out what the school has to offer and the programs that are available,” said Cathy Sherrick, director of recruitment and retention for the school.

Mother of Mercy High School
3036 Werk Rd., Cincinnati, 45211-7042
513-661-2740
e-mail: [email protected]
Sister Nancy Merkle, RSM, principal
1 Sister of Mercy, 58 lay teachers; 570 girls; school colors: royal blue and white; mascot: Bobcat

• Open house: Oct. 25, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. The day will include tours, interaction with faculty and administrators and an explanation of the curriculum. Visitors will also experience the school’s sense of community.

• “We always call it the Mercy family,” said Lisa Fluegeman, the school’s public relations director. “It’s a very welcoming atmosphere. We have a focus on the individual student, on the wider community, and helping each student achieve her greatest potential is our goal.”

Mount Notre Dame High School
711 E. Columbia Ave., Cincinnati, 45215-3998
513-821-3044    
Sister Rita Sturwold, SNDdeN, president; e-mail: [email protected]
Maureen Baldock, principal; e-mail: [email protected]
4 Sisters of Notre Dame, 71 lay teachers; 750 girls; school colors: blue and white; mascot: Cougar

• Open house: Nov. 1, noon-3 p.m. The day will include guided tours and an opportunity for visitors to meet students, faculty and coaches. Information on the Billiart Scholar Honors program, the My Action Plan and the tablet PC program will be provided.

• “Mount Notre Dame (MND) High School’s open house will provide prospective students and their parents an opportunity to receive a personalized campus tour and interact with students and staff,” said Cheri Stacey, director of admissions. “Visitors will learn about MND’s strong Catholic tradition, challenging college-preparatory academics, our championship athletic program, and a wide array of extracurricular and community service activities.”

Archbishop Moeller High School
9001 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, 45242
513-791-1680
http://www.moeller.org
e-mail: [email protected]
Blane Collison, principal
3 Brothers of Mary; 1 Sister of Mercy; 60 lay teachers; 920 boys; school colors: blue and gold; mascot: Crusader

• Open house: Nov. 1, 2-5 p.m. Highlights of the day include continuous tours led by students, interaction with faculty and staff and information on the school’s personal computer tablet computer program, house system and extra-curricular activities.

• “We want [visitors] to come away with a good idea of what makes Moeller special,” said Marianist Brother Ronald Luksic, assistant principal/director of admissions at Moeller. “We hope that when they walk in here they get a sense of family and community.”

Purcell Marian High School
2935 Hackberry St., Cincinnati, 45206
513-751-1230   
Al Early, president
Paul Ramstetter, principal
1 archdiocesan priest, 2 Brothers of the Society of Mary, 1 Sister of Charity, 1 Franciscan Sister, 31 lay teachers; 410 students; school colors: crimson, gold and blue; mascot: Cavalier

• Open house: Nov. 15, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. The day will include tours, examples of technology in the school and an explanation of the curriculum.

• Prospective students will also have the opportunity to meet faculty and staff. “They get to interact with teachers [and] ask questions as well,” said Brian Miller, admissions director. “When they walk out of here I want them to see themselves as [Purcell Marian] students. You want them to feel that this is the place where they belong.”

Roger Bacon High School
4320 Vine St., Cincinnati, 45217
513-641-1300   
e-mail: [email protected]
Father William Farris, OFM, president
Rick Sollmann, principal
2 Franciscan priests, 2 Franciscan Brothers, 42 lay teachers; 298 boys; 248 girls; school colors: brown and white; mascot: Spartan.

• Open house: Nov. 1, noon-3 p.m. The event will give prospective students the opportunity to meet current students and staff, learn about programs at Roger Bacon and tour the facilities.

• “It allows you to interact with students and teachers, tour the building and see if it is the right fit for you,” said Brandon Cowans, director of admissions. “It’s the overall package within one day.”

Seton High School
3901 Glenway Ave., Cincinnati, 45205-9986
513-471-2600     
http://www.setoncincinnati.org
Sister Patricia Cruise, SC, president
Susan M. Gibbons, principal
7 Sisters of Charity, 43 lay teachers; 545 girls (grades 9-12); school colors: green and white; mascot: St. Bernard

• Open house: Nov. 1, with Mass at 11 a.m., and tours beginning at noon. Activities include tours by current students and alumni, interaction with faculty, coaches and administrators, and presentations. Elder and Seton students will be performing in Seton’s renovated performance hall.

• “Open house is an opportunity for students and their families to explore Seton, meet our faculty and staff, students and alumni, and experience first-hand what Seton High School all about,” said Kathy Ciarla, marketing and public relations director. “There’s this spirit in the building that you can’t imitate. I want them to leave with a great understanding and knowledge of what Seton High School has to offer their families and they leave knowing that our students receive an exceptional Catholic education that will prepare them for their future.”

Stephen T. Badin High School
571 New London Rd., Hamilton, 45013-3654
513-863-3993   
e-mail: www.badinhs.org
Frank Margello, principal
35 lay teachers; 450 students; school colors: green and white; mascot: Ram

• Open house is Nov. 1, 1-4 p.m. Current students will lead tours, and faculty and parents of current students will be available.

• “It’s a good opportunity to learn what an outstanding experience students have all across the board at Badin High School,” said Dirk Allen, director of admissions and media relations. “When prospective students come to our open house they really get a great look at the school. We think it really confirms for many students that Badin is the place for them.”

Summit Country Day School
2161 Grandin Rd., Cincinnati 45208
513- 871-4700     
e-mail: [email protected]
Patricia White director, upper school
50 lay teachers; 385 students; school colors: blue, silver and white; mascot: Silver Knight

• Open house: Nov. 19, 7-9:30 p.m. Activities include tours of the facilities, teachers conducting lesson demonstrations and interaction with faculty, parents and students.

• “We just want to give families a glimpse of why we feel our school is so special,” said Barnard Baker, associate director of admission. “We want them to really be impressed by everything that’s involved in our school.”

St. Ursula Academy
1339 E. McMillan St., Cincinnati, 45206
513-961-3410   
e-mail: [email protected]
Judith Wimberg, president
Judy O’Donnell, principal
60 lay teachers; 707 students; school colors: blue and gold; mascot: Bulldog

• Open house: Nov. 8 from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Activities include one-on-one interaction with faculty and staff, teachers conducting demonstrations and tours of the facilities.

• “It think the open house is the best way to get a comprehensive look at the school,” said Sarah Catlin, director of admissions and retention. “You have an opportunity to really explore all things that make up St. Ursula.”

• St. Ursula Academy is also holding four “showcase” nights Sept. 22, and Oct. 5, 14, and 27, from 7-8:30 p.m. These events will provide an opportunity for customized interaction with faculty.

Ursuline Academy of Cincinnati
5535 Pfeiffer Rd., Cincinnati, 45242
513-791-5791   
e-mail: [email protected]
Sharon L. Redmond, president
Adele Iwanusa, principal
1 priest, 2 Ursulines of Brown County, 65 lay teachers; 729 girls; school colors: green and gold; mascot: Lion

• Open house: Nov. 1, 11-1 p.m., with Mass beginning at 10 a.m. in the school theater. Highlights include a presentation in the school’s video production course, presentations by faculty, tours of the facilities, including the new gymnasium, and interaction with administrators, faculty and staff. Details on extra-curricular activities will be available.

• “The benefit of open house is you can talk to a member of any department. You get to meet teachers and know what the whole community is all about.” said Molly McClarnon, admissions director.  “I want [visitors] to take away that Ursuline is a very strong faith community, and they should feel very welcome here by our faculty and staff. I’m confident they will.”

St. Xavier High School
600 North Bend Rd., Cincinnati, 45224-1499
513-761-7600
e-mail: [email protected]
http://www.stxavier.org
Father Timothy A. Howe, SJ, president
David B. Mueller, principal
4 priests of the Society of Jesus, 1 Sister of Divine Providence, 123 lay teachers; 1,570 boys; school colors: royal blue and white; mascot: Bomber.

• Open house: Nov. 15, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Highlights include tours of the facilities, interaction with students, faculty and administrators and performances throughout the building.

• “The most important [element] of the open house is the interaction that the parents and the students have with their tour guides,” said Michael J. Dehring, assistant director of admissions. “When parents and students get to see what a typical St. Xavier student is like, they are very impressed with the kinds of kids that we have at our school.”