Holy Cross High School (Waterbury, Connecticut)
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| Holy Cross High School | |
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Our Only Hope
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| Location | |
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| Waterbury, Connecticut |
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| Information | |
| Headmaster | Mr. Timothy McDonald |
| Principal | Mr. Amadeo Rinaldi |
| Enrollment |
800 - 1000 |
| Type | Private |
| Campus | Suburban |
| Athletics conference | Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference |
| Color(s) | Green/Gold |
| Established | 1968 |
| Homepage | Official Website |
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. It is not part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hartford.
Holy Cross has a total enrollment of just under 800 students and an average class size of 200 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.
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[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. Tuition is currently $8,050 and tends to rise each year. Holy Cross awards several scholarships each year. These include three full scholarships and two partials.
[edit] Academics
Holy Cross aims to prepares students for college placement and a successful professional life while stimulating intellectual and spiritual growth. The Vice Principal for Academics and the Guidance Department attempt to recommend courses based on students' educational background, ability, needs and maturity. The curriculum is structured so that students' interests and abilities are recognized.
Most Holy Cross graduates enroll in a college or university[citation needed]. Recent graduates have been accepted by Boston College, Central Connecticut State University, Cornell University, Duke University, Georgetown University, Gettysburg College, Fairfield University, Fordham University, Harvard University, Marist College, Naugatuck Valley Community College, New York University, Post University, Quinnipiac University, Sacred Heart 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 through sponsorship and staffing of the school, in association with the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame and many dedicated lay men and women. The administration and faculty comprise 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 is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and meets Connecticut certification standards. The School belongs to the National Catholic Education Association and the Connecticut Association of Schools.
[edit] Block scheduling
To allow classes to delve more deeply into subject matter and increase activity-based and group-oriented learning, the school began Block Scheduling in 1997, increasing classroom periods to 80 minutes.
[edit] Core program
The curriculum is continually evolving to remain current with trends and educational standards. Core academic classes include English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, Foreign Languages and Theology. Enrichment courses and specialized programs include:
- Advanced Placement - courses in English, Mathematics, Foreign Languages, Social Studies, Art and Science.
- Honors Program - provides qualified students with extended requirements.
- Elective Courses - are offered in Creative Writing, Journalism, Concert Band, Choir, Computer Programming, Technology, Fine Arts and Art and Film.
- First Year Program - helps freshmen focus on study skills, daily planning, time management, self-esteem, peer pressure and relationships, test taking strategies and early career planning.
- 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, acknowledgments, 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) , Mike Mannetti (Offensive Line),and Steven M.Croce(offensive coordinator) 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 has a rich tradition in basketball. Since beginning varsity play in 1970-71, the Crusaders have captured 13 NVL titles, made 9 state final appearances and won 3 state championships (1987-88 Class LL, 1994-95 Class LL and 1999-2000 Class L). 13 different Crusaders have been named first team all-state, with Tony Hanson, Kelly Monroe, Edmund Saunders and Mark Konecny being 2 time selections. There is also a strong rivalry against Sacred Heart High School, its intra-city rival located a few miles away. Over the years Holy Cross has dominated both on the court and off the court with superior play and chants such as "We Got Houses"
[edit] Girls
The girls have a strong tradition of their own. They have captured 11 NVL championships, made 4 state final appearances, and have 1 State Title to their name (2006-07 Class M).
[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.
Holy Cross formerly had an excellent, award-winning newspaper, the Cross Chronicle, which was cut by current school leaders in 2002.
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.
