
Marie Meis, Logan Henn, Sydney Kerkman
Although, September isn’t usually the month when most high school seniors are making college scholarship decisions, three Pope John XXIII Central Catholic seniors find themselves making school history with multiple full-tuition offers already. Logan Henn, son of Denis and Jan Henn, Sydney Kerkman, daughter of Steve and Becky Kerkman and Marie Meis, daughter of Jim and Anne Meis, all of Elgin, have a total of seven University of Nebraska Regents Scholarship offers between them. Logan and Sydney have been offered the scholarship at all three of the University’s campuses (Lincoln, Omaha and Kearney) and Marie has been offered the scholarship at Kearney.
The Regents Scholarship is awarded to superior incoming freshmen who are graduates of Nebraska high schools. The scholarship is valued at full tuition for the completion of a bachelor’s degree. Based on 2017-18 tuition rates, the Regents Scholarship has a value of $32,062 at UNL, $23,968 at UNK and $29,193 at UNO. Altogether, the seven scholarships offered have a total value of $194,414. “Pope John has never had so many students receive this many Regents offers, especially so early in the school year. It’s really a testament to the quality of students being formed here at Pope John and the individual work Logan, Sydney and Marie have put in.” said Pope John Principal, Betty Getzfred.
Henn, Kerkman and Meis have all excelled at the ACT test, which was beneficial when being considered for the Regents Scholarship. The ACT is the nation’s most popular college entrance exam accepted by all universities and colleges in the United States. The ACT is based on what students learn in high school and provides personalized information about their strengths for education and career planning. Pope John school data from the past six years (2012-2017), shows that students at Pope John XXIII Central Catholic have exceeded both the state and national averages on the ACT. During this time frame, the average scores for all Pope John seniors has ranged between 21.8 and 24.5. The 2017 state of Nebraska’s average is 21.4 and the national average is 21. “We have been pleased with the consistently high ACT scores our students have received, as it’s one way to make sure they are prepared for college-level work and can do well at the next level of their education.” Mrs. Getzfred explained.

Pope John School Counselor, Julie Schiltmeyer added, “Looking at early test scores from their junior year, we are anticipating that the class of 2018 may have one the highest ACT averages that we have seen yet. They have set a class goal to obtain one million dollars in college scholarship offers, which would be quite an accomplishment for a class of 16 students, but at this rate they may achieve that.”
Catholic Schools Week Schedule 2018
Sunday, January 28
MASS- Students have active roles in their home parishes.
Evening WITH FRIENDS- 5:00 PM at KC Hall
All Week
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE- Catherine Witt
Made possible by a grant from the Nebraska Arts Council & Friends of St. Boniface
Monday, January 29th
All-school prayer service ï 8:05 am
Tuesday, January 30th
Student APPRECIATION DAY – Snacks brought by teachers
Wednesday, January 31st
LIVING ROSARY-9:00 a.m. at the gym led by Isidore House followed by class promotion videos
Thursday, February 1st
ALL SCHOOL BREAKFAST
BUSINESS APPRECIATION LUNCH ï 11:00 AM-12:30 PM
For all local businesses at KC Hall
Friday, February 2nd
PARENT VISITATION DAY with lunch beginning at 11:30 (Families can eat together)
ALL SCHOOL MASS at 8:15 AM
GAME TOURNAMENT at 2:00 PM
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Students Learn the Joy of Giving
Students at Pope John XXIII and St. Boniface Catholic Schools participated in the collection of Christmas gifts for the needy of Antelope County. The gifts were delivered to Antelope County Social Services on Thursday for distribution. St. Boniface and St. Bonaventure Parishes also took part in the appeal for gifts.
New National Honor Society Members join Pope John XXIII Chapter
( l to r:) Lauren Seier, Nickol Payne, Maddie Schrage
At a special National Honor Society Induction Ceremony held during school mass on Friday, December 1st, three new members were welcomed into the Pope John XXIII Central Catholic High School Chapter. New members include Senior Nickol Payne and Juniors Maddie Schrage and Lauren Seier.
The National Honor Society (NHS) is the nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students. More than just an honor roll, NHS serves to recognize those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character. These characteristics have been associated with membership in the organization since its beginning in 1921.
PJ Grocery Certificates Fundraiser A Success
Luke Henn, Logan Henn, Grace Henn
Pope John students recently concluded another successful year of grocery certificate sales. Students sold $116,325 worth of grocery certificates to four area grocery stores. The participating stores were Thriftway in Neligh/Tilden, Dean’s Market in Elgin, Ewing Family Foods and Rae Valley Market in Petersburg. The fundraiser allowed students to donate $12, 678. 50 to the CCPJ Annual Fund Drive which supports the operation of Pope John. The top individual salesperson was Grace Henn, who sold $8,100 in certificates, she was followed by Kyle Schumacher with $7,800 sold, and Maddie Schrage with $6,700 worth sold. The top family salespeople were Logan and Luke Henn who sold $6,650 worth of certifcates, followed by Heather, Austin and Natalie Bauer with $5,000 worth sold, and Lane and Sharon Bartak with $4,450 worth sold. Thank you to all who supported the school!
Pope John Students Win Championship at UNL Math Day
Pictured front row (l. to r): Wenting Yu, Calli Krebs, Paige Meis, Wenting Yu back row: Logan Henn, Cole Preister
1,441 students from 99 Nebraska high schools participated in the 28th annual UNL Math Day on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017, on the UNL campus. This event is designed to spark high school students’ interest in math, to encourage them to pursue a career in mathematics or the mathematical sciences, and to recognize outstanding mathematical ability.
Treats for Troops Collected
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Parents as Catholic School Marketers
As a parent, you know the importance of making an informed decision. It is not uncommon for you to talk with your neighbors, friends and family about the pros and cons of any choice. Why not talk about your Catholic school experience as well? Parents are a key part of a Catholic school’s marketing plan. Your firsthand experience provides a valuable perspective that can help build a strong, vital community. Here are some suggestions on how you can serve as a Catholic school marketer.
Make a connection with teachers: When you volunteer at school, attend sporting events or pick up your students from school, take a moment to ask what’s new. Faculty and staff are happy to share the school’s accomplishments: notable test scores, acceptances to competitive high schools or colleges, or outstanding service examples. Share these accomplishments with your friends and neighbors. Ask if there are targeted ways to help such as connecting with prospective families by writing notes and/or make follow-up phone calls or you can volunteer at the next open house.
Have a few good news stories that illustrate your school’s Catholic identity: “Marketing storytelling” is a great way to engage families not yet enrolled in Catholic schools. By sharing anecdotes about how your school’s focus on faith and discipleship has provided a positive impact on your child, you can help friends and neighbors see the return on investment. In addition to touting academic excellence, powerful testimonials can be shown through examples such as older students helping younger students prepare for the sacraments or how all the classes take turns making sandwiches for the homeless.
Know where to find information: Familiarize yourself with the school website and social media. Did you know that a parent is already 57 percent of the way toward choosing a school by the time they make personal contact with the school? That means much of their research is being done online. Let friends and neighbors know where they can find your school on social media and direct them to the school webpage. If you find yourself in a conversation with someone in a casual setting, send an email later that day with a direct link to the school page.
Groom successors: We know your child will not always be a student. Make connections with the parents of younger students to pick up where you might leave off. Keep the tradition alive by sharing your own stories and relaying the school’s mission. As a parent of a younger student, ask these “graduating parents” if there are ways you can help by serving as the next generation of storytellers and marketing champions ready to proclaim the good news of Catholic education. When it comes to marketing in a Catholic school, we are all stronger and more impactful when we work together!
Courtesy of 2017 © NCEA PARENT NEWS is published monthly by the National Catholic Educational Association, 1005 N. Glebe Road, Suite 525, Arlington, VA 22201. www.NCEA.org.
Pope John Seniors Making School History
Marie Meis, Logan Henn, Sydney Kerkman
Although, September isn’t usually the month when most high school seniors are making college scholarship decisions, three Pope John XXIII Central Catholic seniors find themselves making school history with multiple full-tuition offers already. Logan Henn, son of Denis and Jan Henn, Sydney Kerkman, daughter of Steve and Becky Kerkman and Marie Meis, daughter of Jim and Anne Meis, all of Elgin, have a total of seven University of Nebraska Regents Scholarship offers between them. Logan and Sydney have been offered the scholarship at all three of the University’s campuses (Lincoln, Omaha and Kearney) and Marie has been offered the scholarship at Kearney.
The Regents Scholarship is awarded to superior incoming freshmen who are graduates of Nebraska high schools. The scholarship is valued at full tuition for the completion of a bachelor’s degree. Based on 2017-18 tuition rates, the Regents Scholarship has a value of $32,062 at UNL, $23,968 at UNK and $29,193 at UNO. Altogether, the seven scholarships offered have a total value of $194,414. “Pope John has never had so many students receive this many Regents offers, especially so early in the school year. It’s really a testament to the quality of students being formed here at Pope John and the individual work Logan, Sydney and Marie have put in.” said Pope John Principal, Betty Getzfred.
Henn, Kerkman and Meis have all excelled at the ACT test, which was beneficial when being considered for the Regents Scholarship. The ACT is the nation’s most popular college entrance exam accepted by all universities and colleges in the United States. The ACT is based on what students learn in high school and provides personalized information about their strengths for education and career planning. Pope John school data from the past six years (2012-2017), shows that students at Pope John XXIII Central Catholic have exceeded both the state and national averages on the ACT. During this time frame, the average scores for all Pope John seniors has ranged between 21.8 and 24.5. The 2017 state of Nebraska’s average is 21.4 and the national average is 21. “We have been pleased with the consistently high ACT scores our students have received, as it’s one way to make sure they are prepared for college-level work and can do well at the next level of their education.” Mrs. Getzfred explained.
Pope John School Counselor, Julie Schiltmeyer added, “Looking at early test scores from their junior year, we are anticipating that the class of 2018 may have one the highest ACT averages that we have seen yet. They have set a class goal to obtain one million dollars in college scholarship offers, which would be quite an accomplishment for a class of 16 students, but at this rate they may achieve that.”
Pope John Students and Faculty Member Mandated by Archbishop Lucas
PIctured back row (l to. r.) Julie Schiltmeyer, Kyle Schumacher, Taralyn Baum, Calli Krebs Front row (l. to r.) Nickol Payne, Maddie Schrage, Archbishop Lucas, Lauren Seier
Six Pope John XXIII high school students and one faculty member were mandated as lectors and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) Wednesday night, September 6th at a special 7:00 pm Mass. Archbishop Lucas along with many area priests conducted the Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Norfolk.The Archbishop thanked the candidates for their willingness to serve both their school and home parishes.
Mandated as a lector was Calli Krebs, daughter of Jeff and Lynette Krebs of Neligh and Nickol Payne, daughter of Ray and Peggy Payne of Elgin. EMHCs were Taralyn Baum, daughter of Chris and Jeanine Baum of Elgin, Maddie Schrage, daughter of Jerry and Tami Schrage of Petersburg, Kyle Schumacher, son of Kevin and Lisa Schumacher of Petersburg, Lauren Seier, daughter of Craig and Gini Seier of Petersburg, and faculty member Julie Schiltmeyer of Elgin. The group consists of students from the parishes of St. Boniface in Elgin, St. Francis of Assisi in Neligh and St. John the Baptist in Petersburg.
Announcements Wednesday, August 16, 2017
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Wednesday: Stromboli Scalloped Potatoes Green Beans Fruit Milk OR Chef Salad
Thursday: Bar-b-qued Pork/Bun Macaroni Salad Baked Beans Rice Krispy Bar Fruit Milk OR Chef Salad
Friday: Chicken Casserole Peas Blueberry Muffin Fruit Milk OR Chef Salad
Lunch Order: 12, 11, 10,9,8,7
Welcome to the 2017-18 school year. We would like to welcome the new students to our school community.
We will have an All School Prayer Service at 8:15 this morning in the front hall. Classes will meet on shortened schedules with the Eucharist celebrated at 11:20 a.m. followed by lunch. Dismissal is at 1:00 p.m.
Schedule:
Period 1 8:40 a.m. P. 2 9:00 a.m. P. 3 9:20 a.m. P. 4 9:40 a.m. P. 5 10:00 a.m.
Period 6 10:20 a.m. P. 7 10:40 a.m. P. 8 11:00 a.m. Mass 11:20 a.m.
No after school football practice for JH students until Tuesday, August 22nd.
FFA meeting/supper/fun – Thursday, Aug 17th in Ag room at 7pm. Officer be here by 6:45pm if possible!
Absent
Lane B.-ex.
Tardy
Early Dismissal
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