Week of August 23

Weekly Schedule:

Announcements

• The PTO is looking to fill board positions for this school year. The upcoming year is full of activities for both the students and staff and we would love your help. The first meeting will be held September 14th, but if you are interested in serving on the board or have questions, please reach out to Erika Broenner at pto@rogerbacon.org prior to the meeting.
• Please consider adding Roger Bacon Athletics to your Kroger Plus Card for their Community Rewards program! This does not take long to sign up and does NOT take away any fuel points. We are in 186 households currently and set a goal of getting to 250 by the end of this school year! Easy steps can be found below – if you have any questions, contact Brandon Spaeth, at bspaeth@rogerbacon.org
  Here is how to sign up:
  -Visit https://www.kroger.com/account/enrollCommunityRewardsNow
  -Sign in or create your FREE online account
  -Go to “My Account” then select “Community Rewards” on the left tab
  -Search for “Roger Bacon Athletic Association” or enter our organization ID which is FL801
  -Click here to watch a video on how to do this!
  -Send to parents/siblings/friends as well!
• Roger Bacon Athletics is looking for students who are interested in joining RBSN (Roger Bacon Sports Network). This includes helping stream and announce sporting events over Twitch. If you are interested, email Mr. Spaeth at– bspaeth@rogerbacon.org.
• The Drama Guild is meeting on Wednesday, August 25th after school in the FAC. If you are interested in being the cast or crew for either Alice in Wonderland or Newsies, plan on coming. The meeting will last no more than an hour. See Ms. Murray with questions.
  
• The SVDP Thrift Store will be held in the Fine Arts Center on August 25th, during Flex, for juniors and seniors and August 26th, during Flex and directly after school, for freshmen and sophomores. This is a great opportunity to purchase clean, gently used RB spirit wear, polos, and skirts at drastically reduced prices. We accept cash and check payment, and all money raised helps our neighbors in need - at our preview sale alone, we raised enough to provide rent or utility assistance to one family. We are still collecting clean, gently used RB spirit wear, polos, and skirts to be sold at the Thrift Store. Donations may be brought to the Main Office. Clean out your closet, keep clothes out of the landfill, help your fellow Spartans save money, and help your neighbors in need! For questions or additional information, contact SVDP Faculty Advisor Julie Vehorn at jvehorn@rogerbacon.org.
• Anyone interested in being a lector or a Eucharistic Minister for the Roger Bacon masses should come to a training, during flex, in the FAC, on Thursday, August 26th! This training is required, even if you are trained in your parish. Any questions, please contact Mrs. Becker (jbecker@rogerbacon.org).
• Coffee with Christ will be held, again this year! We will offer this on Thursdays, in the Spiritual Life office, at 7:20 am. All are welcome! These will begin after Labor Day.
• Attention Freshmen: Senate will be hosting a Freshman Mixer next Friday, August 27th, directly after the home football game vs Aiken. The theme will be the same as the game - Jersey Night - and will take place in the cafeteria from 9:30-11:00 pm. Admission is $1, and drinks will be provided. Admission is limited to Roger Bacon freshmen. Hope to see you all there!
• Girls Basketball. Any girl interested in playing basketball this season is invited to a meeting during Flex on Wednesday, September 1st in Mr. Wiegand’s classroom (room 43). This meeting is mandatory if you plan on trying out for basketball this year. Contact Coach Finn or Coach Wiegand if you have any questions.
• The Roger Bacon Underwater Hockey Team is presently accepting new team members for the 2021-2022 school year. All incoming Freshmen and returning and new Upperclassmen are invited to play underwater hockey for Roger Bacon. Students need to be able to swim, but they do not have to be an exceptional swimmer to play underwater hockey. Any student who is interested in playing underwater hockey for Roger Bacon is encouraged to speak to the team’s coach, Dr. Wittekind, in Room 33 either before or after school or email him at pwittekind@rogerbacon.org . If parents or guardians have any questions, they may also email Dr. Wittekind at pwittekind@rogerbacon.org . See you in the pool!

Pick-up / Drop-off Information

• Drop off and pickup of students will be easier if the following guidelines are followed:
  • School begins at 7:45 am. Students can arrive as early as 7:00 am (report to the cafeteria). Students will be released from the cafeteria at 7:35 am to report to class.
  • School dismisses at 2:45 pm. After school study tables will be held in the cafeteria from 3:00 to 4:15 pm. The Fitness Center will be open 3:00 – 6:00 pm Monday through Thursday. It is closed on Fridays.
  • You can avoid traffic congestion by avoiding the front circle all together. Students can be dropped off or picked up directly from Vine Street. Please note: Please do not use Leonard Ave entrance to Roger Bacon to drop off students.
  • Adhere to the “No Left Turn” sign at the end of the circle. Turning left during prohibited times backs up the circle and causes unnecessary congestion.
  • When dropping off, pull all the way to the front of the sidewalk. The goal is to offload 4 cars at one time.
  • We dismiss at 2:45 pm – students will not be out front to be picked up until they go to their lockers, etc. There is no need to arrive early. Parking, especially in the circle, is limited. Pick-up a couple minutes later and avoid the traffic.
  • When picking up or dropping off, do not block the front circle.

Cafeteria Information

WG Grinders, the operators of our cafeteria, will partner with MySchoolAccount.com for the managing of our lunch service software and payments. Some of our parents may remember this service – we used it two years ago. MySchoolAccount.com offers you the ability to make deposits directly into your student’s account online or via their Mobile App. You can track what your student has been eating for the past 30 days, transfer funds between students and have an email reminder sent to you when an account balance gets low. Deposits and payments can be made through ACH (checking/savings) or Credit/Debit Card. We will still accept checks sent to the school (made out to WG Grinders), credit card payments at the register, and cash. Each child’s account will be updated in real time, so account balance information will be current daily.

In order to take advantage of this service, you will need to create a new parent account. This requires you to:

1. Go to www.myschoolaccount.com.
2. Click “Create Account” on the top menu bar.
3. Fill in the required information on the “Parent Account Sign-Up page.”
4. Select OH for the state
5. Create a User ID and Password
6. Choose WG Grinders from the “School District” drop down menu.
7. Click the “Accept” box, and then click “Signup.” An email will be sent to your email address that will contain a “verification code.”

After you receive the “verification code,” you may begin to add your student’s information. To do this, you will need to:

1. Go to www.myschoolaccount.com and login using your previously created user ID and password.
2. Enter the “verification code” to verify your account and email address.
3. Begin adding your children’s information according to the guidelines provided. You will need each of your children’s student ID numbers to add each student (this is the same as their school ID). Add the prefix “RB” to the beginning of the ID number. Ex. RB123456. Note: You can find student ID numbers on SpartanLink.
4. After the students are added you will be able to make payments to the student account(s) and view transaction history.

Note: A parent account can be linked to many children, but a child can only be linked to one parent.

We urge you to take full advantage of this system prior to the start of school on Wednesday, August 18^th so your student’s account is funded and current.

Please be aware there are convenience fees when using MySchoolAccount.com. There are no convenience fees if you pay at Roger Bacon using cash, check and/or credit/debit cards.

Any money that was left on your student’s account at the end of the 2020/21 school year will show up on your new MySchoolAccount for the 2021/22 school year automatically. There is nothing that you need to do for this to happen. Also, any money that is not spent by the end of the school year will be available the following school year.

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Mark Jones, IT Director, WG Grinders Catering and Cafeteria Operations at wggrinders@wggrindersdayton.com.

Picture Day

Picture Day is Wednesday, September 1st. Pictures will be taken in the Fogarty Center (gymnasium) during Bells 1 - 4.

Schedule. Take note of the photo schedule and be aware of when your picture will be taken. You will be called down when it is your turn.

7:00 -7:30 Picture set-up
8:00 – Freshmen A-L
8:30 - Freshmen M-Z
9:10 – Sophomores A-L
9:35 - Sophomores M-Z
9:55 – Juniors A-L
10:20 - Juniors M-Z
10:40- all Seniors who are having their pictures taken

Reminders:

• Everyone (Freshmen through Seniors) will have their picture taken. Students will receive a picture day order form during Flex (except seniors) duirng the week of August 23rd. If you wish to purchase pictures, please complete the form and payment, and bring it back on picture day. If you are not planning to buy pictures, all students will still have a free photo taken for the yearbook.

• Seniors: Wednesday, September 1st is your only opportunity to have your yearbook picture taken free of charge. If you are going to have your picture taken with Executive Studios (at their studio), you do not have to have your picture taken. If Executive has not taken your photo, even if you have had your senior photo taken by another photographer or company, you must get a yearbook photo on picture day. Again, this photo will be taken free of charge on Picture Day!

Dress Code

• Ladies
  - Dress, romper/jumpsuit, or skirt of appropriate length (same expectations as the school skirt) or dress pants
  - You are permitted to wear your school skirt or pants as your picture will only be taken from waist up
  - No stretch pants, leggings or tight pants or jeans of any kind
  - For your top, make sure shoulders are covered and is not low cut, and does not contain words or graphics.

• Gentlemen
  - Dress pants, NO jeans or stretch pants
  - Collared shirt with tie (jackets are optional) You must wear a tie! If you do not own a tie, please let Ms. Krebs know ASAP!

Please contact Mr. Zlatic if you have any questions about the outfit you plan to wear. If you have other questions, please contact Ms. Krebs at kkrebs@rogerbacon.org.

COVID-19 Policies and Protocols

On July 26, 2021, the Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Department of Education published “COVID-19 Health and Prevention Guidance for Ohio K-12 Schools.” The goal of the guidance is “to keep students back in school, in-person five days a week.”

The guidance contains several key recommendations to help ensure the safety of students, staff and volunteers:

• “Vaccinations for staff and eligible students.”
• “Those who are unvaccinated wear masks while in school.”
• Additional measures be implemented, “including improving ventilation, maximizing distance between people and practicing good hygiene.”

Vaccinations. Roger Bacon does not require students or staff to be vaccinated to attend school or participate in school activities and extracurriculars. However, Roger Bacon recommends that all students and staff be vaccinated. Guidance from the State emphasizes that “vaccination is the leading public health prevention strategy to the end the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Face Coverings

• The wearing of face coverings, to include face masks, will not be mandated to start the school year. Consistent with policy recommendations from the Catholic School Office, Archdiocese of Cincinnati: The wearing of face masks is “recommended for those unvaccinated but is also a personal decision for parents and is therefore not being mandated.” However, Roger Bacon recommends that all students and staff not vaccinated wear a face covering while at school or participating in activities.
• Even though Roger Bacon is not requiring the wearing of face coverings, parents still have the option to have their children wear masks while in school or participating in school activities.
• Students must wear face coverings on all public transportation, including school busses.
• Mask use is not necessary when outdoors, including participating in outdoor play and physical education activities.
• Disposable masks will be available at all primary entrances to school facilities.

Ventilation. The CDC calls ventilation “a key part of maintaining healthy environments, and is an important COVID-19 prevention strategy for schools.” In this light:

• Virtually all the classrooms in the main building have had new steel reinforced PVC “Tilt and Turn” window systems with a ventis on the top sash specifically designed to increase ventilation within the classroom. This state-of-the-art window system works in conjunction with already installed ceiling fans and, for the majority of classrooms, window air conditioning units to improve ventilation.
• Classrooms on the first floor have just installed Mitsubishi Electric Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) zoning systems to provide cooling /heating and increased air ventilation. It is anticipated that these systems will be installed in all classrooms in the main building by the end of the summer in 2022.
• High performance filters have been installed in all existing air-conditioning units to improve air filtration in areas such as the cafeteria, Fine Arts Center, Fitness Center and Thomas J. Fogarty Center.

Social Distancing. Per the guidance from the State, social distancing can “reduce the spread of infectious disease.” However, this physical distancing “should not hinder student participation in in-person learning.” In that light:

• Classrooms will be configured with all students facing the same direction with a target goal of 3 feet between students when feasible.
• Roger Bacon has purchased 660 new student desks and chairs which have a smaller footprint than the current sled desks. This new furniture will help promote social distancing within the classroom. A December 2021 installation is anticipated.

Hand Washing and Sanitizing. Roger Bacon will provide adequate hand-washing supplies and hand-sanitizing opportunities in classrooms and high-traffic areas throughout school facilities.

Quarantine.

• If a student/faculty member tests positive for COVID-19:
  • Quarantine for 10 days from the date of the COVID-19 test with the last three days symptom-free. The person cannot attend in-person school or extracurricular activities during the quarantine period; OR
  • Quarantine for 7 days if they receive a negative viral (PCR or antigen) test that was performed at least 5 days after exposure.
    
• If a student/faculty member (whether vaccinated or not vaccinated) comes in close contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19:
  • Self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days following exposure. Unless symptoms develop, individuals can continue attending in-person class and participating in sports and extracurriculars.
  • If symptoms develop, it is recommended that the student/faculty member self-isolate and consult with a physician to determine if a COVID test is necessary/desired. If the test is negative, no quarantine is required. Do not come to school or participate in activities or extracurriculars while symptoms persist.

Remote Learning. Roger Bacon does not offer full-time remote learning. This option is only available to those students while in a quarantine status.

Sports. The use of face coverings will not be required to attend sporting events. There will not be capacity limits at sporting events. The State does indicate that “the use of masking and social distancing to the extent possible is recommended during indoor sports and other higher-risk activities to protect students who are not fully vaccinated.”

Symptoms. Families are reminded of the importance of keeping students out of the classroom if they are sick. Anyone with symptoms or a temperature above 100 degrees Fahrenheit should stay home. COVID-19 symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• Loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Repeated shaking with chills

Guidance Department

College Visits. We already have 17 colleges scheduled to visit Roger Bacon starting in September! Please sign up for these visits on Naviance. If you have any questions or need help, contact Ms. Smith at jsmith@rogerbacon.org.

College	Date
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute	September 7th	Virtual
The University of Tampa	September 8th	Virtual
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College	September 9th
Mount Saint Joseph University	September 13th
Wabash College	September 14th
Saint Mary's College	September 15th
Hanover College	September 16th
Ohio Northern University	September 20th
University of Toledo	September 21st
Marian University	September 22nd
University of Louisville	September 23th
The University of Alabama	September 28th	Virtual
Miami University-Hamilton	September 29th
Savannah College of Art and Design	September 30th
Bellarmine University	October 5th
Trinity Washington University	October 14th	Virtual
University of Alabama in Huntsville	October 27th

Fine Arts Department

DRAMA GUILD

The Drama Guild will hold their first meeting of the year on Wednesday, August 25th at 3:00 pm in the Fine Arts Center. All current students are welcome to come for games and information on our current season. We can’t wait to see what this year’s Spartans will bring to the stage!

Alice in Wonderland – Fall Play

- There will be an informational meeting on Monday, August 30th during Flex for those interested in being in the Cast and Crew.

- Auditions will be held in the FAC on September 7th and 8th. Sign-ups and audition requirements will be listed on the Fine Arts website (link below).

- Crew Applications will be due by 6:00 pm on September 7th. Forms will be online and available on the Fine Arts website (link below).

- The Drama Guild is proud to present Alice in Wonderland November 19-21st. Tickets will be available starting November 1st. Email drama@rogerbacon.org with any questions.

Follow Us - rogerbaconfinearts.com

Facebook – Roger Bacon High School Fine Arts

Instagram – @RBFineArts; @RBDramaGuild

Twitter – @RBFineArts; @RBDramaGuild; @rb3official

YouTube Channel – CLICK HERE!

Community Outreach

Service Opportunities

Our department continues to provide service opportunities for our students via the various monthly projects. These projects are communicated via student email and daily school announcements.

For a comprehensive guide to Roger Bacon’s Community Service program click here. You can email our department with any questions at: Outreach@RogerBacon.org.

Freshmen Service Day

Freshmen year is a time in which Roger Bacon would like to provide students with the opportunity to learn more about our Christian call to serve. This will happen in two parts. First, freshmen had their Freshman Community Day called Koinonia on August 13, 2021 to help them reflect on the connection between faith and service. Second, we will divide the freshman class into quarters for a Freshman Service Day. Information was sent home on August 18, 2021. Your child will be participating on an assigned service day in Over-the-Rhine that are:

October 8, 2021: Andrews - Glover

October 22, 2021: Goecke - King

November 5, 2021: Kleinfeldt - Schaber

November 9, 2021: Schmidt - Woodrum

Sophomore Service Day

The Sophomore Service Day will mirror the freshmen, since they were not able to have their service day last year. Information was sent home on August 18, 2021. We will divide the current sophomore class into quarters with their days in the second semester. Your child will be participating on an assigned service day in Over-the-Rhine that are:

February 22, 2022: Allen – Farmer

March 4, 2022: Fasbender – Lanser

March 11, 2022: Lee – Rohling

April 1, 2022: Rolfert - Zestermann

School Nurse

An important part of our safety plan is ensuring that students who are sick are not permitted to come to school. If you are sick, please stay home. Check the temperature of students before leaving home. Students with a temperature of 100.4 degrees of higher should stay at home.

Primary symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, shortness of breath and/or loss of taste/smell. If you have multiple symptoms or symptoms persist, please consult your family health provider.

Immunization Requirement for Senior Year. Senior students, if you have not received your meningococcal vaccine yet, please make an appointment with your physician. These can also be given at Kroger’s or Walgreens’ clinics. Proof of this vaccine or an updated immunization record should be turned in to the nurse’s office by the end of September. Thank you! If you have any questions, please contact our school nurse, Karin Herold, via email or leave a voice message 513-641-1300, ext 1140.

Alumni/ae News

First Friday Mass. Mass is at 8:15 am in the Information and Technology Center. Parking is available in the back lot (off Leonard Ave.). Pastries and coffee are served after Mass. We usually have 40-50 OLA and RB alums, friends and relatives on a regular basis. Contact a fellow alum and enjoy a morning of prayer and fellowship. Reservations are not necessary. The next First Friday Mass will be on Friday, September 3rd.

Alumni Association Meetings. All alums are welcome to come and help support the students at RB. The next meeting is Thursday, September 9th, at 6:30 pm in the ITC.

Bron Bacevich Memorial Engraved Bricks. Support the Roger Bacon/OLA Alumni Association by purchasing a brick which can be designated for placement in the new stadium. For more information, contact Rick Sollmann at 641-1313 or rsollmann@rogerbacon.org.

Important Upcoming Dates:

Sep 01: Picture Day / Meet the Teacher Night (Virtual)
Sep 06: No School (Labor Day)
Sep 09: Alumni Association Meeting
Sep 10: Grandparents' Day
Sep 14: PTO Meeting
Sep 24: Homecoming
Sep 25: Homecoming Dance
Sep 27: No School (Professional Development)
Sep 28: Financial Aid Night
Oct 04: Feast of St. Francis
Oct 06-08: Kairos
Oct 08: Freshmen Service Day (1/4)
Oct 12: PTO Meeting
Oct 13: PSAT - Sophomore Assisi Scholars and Juniors Only
Oct 15: End of 1st Quarter
Oct 20: Student/Athlete College Information Night / Board of Directors Meeting
Oct 22: Freshmen Service Day (1/4)
Oct 24: Open House
Oct 25: No School (Professional Development)
Oct 26: Early Dismissal - Pre-ACT/Practice ACT Testing / Job Shadowing
Nov 01: All Saints Day Mass
Nov 04: Fall Band Concert
Nov 05: Freshmen Service Day (1/4)
Nov 08: PTO Meeting
Nov10: Veterans' Day Assembly
Nov 11: No School (Veterans' Day)
Nov 12: No School - Professional Development
Nov 19: Freshmen Service Day (1/4)
Nov 19-21: Fall Play
Nov 20: 8th Grade HSPT
Nov 24-29: No School - Thanksgiving Break
Dec 08: Feast of the Immaculate Conception Mass
Dec 09-10: Junior "J.O.Y." Retreat
Dec 15: Board of Directors Meeting
Dec 17: Christmas Assembly / Christmas Concert
Dec 20-21: 1st Semester Exams
Dec 22 - Jan 02: No School - Christmas Break
Jan 07: End of 2nd Quarter/1st Semester
Jan 12: PTO Meeting
Jan 17: No School (Martin Luther King Day)
Jan 20-23: March for Life
Jan 20: Early Dismissal - Sports Stag
Jan 21: No School - Professional Development
Feb 07: No School
Feb 09: PTO Meeting
Feb 16: Board of Directors Meeting
Feb 18: No School (Professional Development)
Feb 21: No School (Presidents' Day)
Feb 22: Early Dismissal - ACT (Juniors) IOWA Testing (Freshmen)
Mar 08: PTO Meeting
Mar 21: No School (Professional Development)
Apr 11: PTO Meeting
Apr 14-24: No School - Easter Break
Apr 18-26: Assisi Scholar Pilgrimage to Italy
Apr 27: Board of Directors Meeting
Apr 29: No School - Prom
Apr 30: Evening for Excellence
May 09: PTO Meeting
May 23-24: Senior Exams
May 26-27: Underclass Exams
May 30: No School - Memorial Day
Jun 02: Graduation
Jun 15: Board of Directors Meeting