SMC FAQs
The answers to common questions in the areas of athletics and co-curricular activities, tuition and financial aid, religion, student life and general inquiries are below. Please note that the topics are listed alphabetically, not in order of importance.
If you are unable to find the answer you are looking for below, please submit your question. You will receive a personal response, and your question may be added to our list of frequently asked questions.
Future Zephyr FAQs
Current Zephyr FAQs
Future Zephyr FAQs
For more information, please use the links below or contact Shelley Wautlet , Michael Sullivan, Jennifer Miller or Patrick Batey.
ATHLETICS
Q: Will my child be able to compete in sports?
A: As long as he or she has not transferred from another WIAA high school within the last year, every SMC student is eligible and encouraged to participate in a sport.
Q: How does my child sign up for sports at SMC?
A: We have a spring sign up and an opportunity to meet the coaches in the spring (usually in April, depending on Easter). Students are always welcome to come out for sports at any point during the season.
Q: Does everyone make the team?
A: In certain sports everyone makes the team. In some, cuts are made depending on the number of students trying out. Some sports have teams at the varsity, junior varsity (JV) and freshman level, and some have a team only at the varsity level.
Q: When does the fall sport season begin?
A: Usually the first week in August, well before the first day of school.For more information about the SMC sports program, click on Zephyr Teams.
CO-CURRICULARS
Q: What kind of social, spiritual and academic co-curricular opportunities does SMC offer?
A: A complete list detailing the opportunities available can be found at Zephyr Teams.
FAITH
Q: How often is Mass?
A: The liturgy is celebrated by the entire SMC school community once a month. A Mass is also celebrated each Wednesday morning in the chapel at 7:00 a.m., and all faculty, staff, students and families are invited to attend. Prayer services are held periodically as well.
Q: How can I sign up for the monthly Eucharistic Adoration?
A: Please contact the school office. Someone there will put you in touch with the person in charge of making out the schedule.
Q: Can parents attend Mass and prayer services?
A: Parents and community members are welcome to join SMC students and faculty for liturgy, the rosary and prayer services at any time.For more information about the faith life at St. Mary Central, click Faith Formation.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Q: How much does it cost to attend St. Mary Central?
A: The cost of tuition for the 2008-09 school year is $4,700 for in-parish families. Out-of-parish families should add $1000 per child to determine their costs. Further details are available by visiting the Admissions page.
Q: Is financial assistance available?
A: Yes, we at TCCES believe that every family that desires a Catholic education for its children should have one. Consequently, more than 60 % of SMC families benefit from direct subsidies and/or scholarship assistance. Multiple child discounts are available, and tuition assistance and scholarships are distributed confidentially--no family who wishes an SMC education for their child(ren) will be turned away due to an inability to afford tuition.
Q: How does one apply for financial assistance?
A: Assistance in the amount of $350,000 was allocated for the 2008-09 school year to SMC students alone. The deadline for assistance for the 2009-10 school year was February 29, 2009.Specific information regarding the confidential scholarship and tuition assistance application procedures are available by clicking Affording TCCES.
Q: Is the application process confidential?
A: Yes, applications for financial assistance go directly to TCCES President Michael Sullivan and are handled in a completely discreet manner.
Q: Are scholarships available without providing financial information?
A: No. In order to ensure that funds are distributed in an equitable manner, financial information is required to complete the application process for assistance. However, the information is viewed only by the system president.
Q: Who do I talk to about assistance?
A: You may speak with Director of Financial Services Shelley Wautlet for general information and to TCCES President Michael Sullivan about your personal circumstances. Mrs. Wautlet may be reached at 920-967-0021 or swautlet@tcces.k12.wi.us and Mr. Sullivan at 722-7796 or msullivan@tcces.k12.wi.us.
GENERAL
Q: Do students have to be Catholic to attend SMC?
A: St. Mary Central welcomes all students, regardless of church affiliation.
Q: How many students attend St. Mary Central?
A: Approximately 230 students currently attend the school.
Q: What are your school colors and mascot?
A: Click here for Zephyr Essentials information.
STUDENT LIFE
Q: What opportunities does my child have to participate in both sports and academics?
A: The size of the student body and the structure of co-curricular activities allow SMC to offer a unique opportunity for Fox Valley students to participate in a number of activities simultaneously. It is not unusual for SMC students to be an active member of a different sports team each season, a participant in a service- or academics-oriented group and a performer in a band, choir or drama ensemble. Rather than being relegated to a single interest as is required at many larger local schools, SMC students are able to fully explore their physical, spiritual and academic capabilities, often excelling in several areas simultaneously.
Q: Do the teachers get to know the students personally?
A: One of the greatest benefits of the 11:1 student to teacher ratio at SMC is the mutually appreciative and respectful relationships that develop between students and faculty. Both in the classroom and out, SMC teachers concern themselves with individual studentsí interests, challenges, struggles and successes. The small class sizes allow faculty to get to know studentsí learning styles and to develop presentations and learning assessments that best help struggling students to learn. Accelerated students also benefit as teachers have the time to recognize their abilities and challenge them to stretch to their full potential.
Q: Are the teachers available to work with students individually?
A: SMC teachers are committed to helping each child reach his or her full academic potential, and a part of that commitment is to make themselves available to students for extra assistance or to push beyond them the planned curriculum. SMC also employs a dedicated Learning Specialist whose job it is to work with students to develop effective study habits and to work with students, their parents and teachers to address specific learning challenges.
Q: How can I have someone contact me about a specific question or concern?
A: You may obtain more information or ask a specific question by completing a Request for More Information form or by phoning the TCCES Recruitment Director, Jennifer Miller, at 722-7796 ex. 206. You may also contact Principal Patrick Batey at 722-7796 or pbatey@tcces.k12.wi.us.
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Current Zephyr FAQs
ATHLETICS
Q: What does my child need to participate in sports?
A: Each student needs a WIAA physical card signed by a physician, an SMC emergency card and a co-curricular code of conduct agreement form that has been signed by both the student and his or her parent/guardian.
For more information, visit Zephyr Teams.
EVENTS
Q: Can parents come to the pep rally at school for homecoming?
A: Yes, parents are welcome at and encouraged to attend all school activities.
Q: How should I enter the building to attend activities and liturgies?
A: Please enter through the main doors located on the west side of the building by pushing the button to the right of the door and pulling the door open when the lock clicks. All visitors should check in at the front office (to the left), as they enter the building.
For a complete listing of events scheduled for this school year, click on Calendar.
FAITH FORMATION
Q: How often is Mass?
A: The entire SMC school community celebrates a Liturgy together once a month. See the school calendar for specific dates. A Mass is also celebrated each Wednesday morning at 7:00 a.m. in the chapel. All faculty, staff, students and families are invited to attend. Prayer services are also held periodically--check the calendar for dates.
Q: Can parents attend Mass and prayer services?
A: Parents and community members are welcome to join SMC students and faculty for Liturgy, the Rosary and prayer services at any time.
For more information about faith-enriching opportunities, visit Faith Formation.
GENERAL
Q: Can you please explain the ala carte menu?
A: Ala Carte items are priced separately and may be purchased individually or in addition to a traditional lunch. A traditional lunch/ meal consists of one entree, up to three side selections and one carton of milk.
Q: How does a student get into jazz band?
A: The SMC jazz band is a premier group that has competed at the state level every year. Membership is by audition only. For more information, contact director Dave Sawall.
PARENT-TEACHER RELATIONSHIPS
Q: What is the procedure for parent/teacher conferences?
A: As conference time draws near, instructions are provided in the Daily Bulletin and on the SMC homepage. Generally, conferences occur over two nights, with a basic time frame of 3:30-7:30 p.m. Teachers are stationed in the commons area with enough space between to provide privacy, and parents are encouraged to visit with the teacher from each of their child(ren)ís classes. Approximately 15 minutes is allotted for each teacher. Each teacher provides a copy of the studentís Edline report for the class and is prepared to discuss each individualís progress. First quarter conferences are mandatory for all students, and students are strongly encouraged to participate in all subsequent conferences, whether requested by their parents or teachers.
Q: What is the best way to contact a teacher?
A: Teachers may be reached directly by phoning during their free periods, by leaving a message or via email. See the staff directory for contact information.
Q: What if I don't feel comfortable speaking my mind to the teacher?
A: Students, parents and teachers are encouraged to work together to resolve conflicts. However, any party may request the assistance of the principal.
PROCEDURES
Q: How can I get a message to my student? (urgent/non-urgent)
A: Any message can be left with the administrative assistant in the front office by phoning 722-7796. Urgent messages will be delivered in person immediately and non-urgent messages will be relayed between classes or during other breaks.
Q: Where can I drop off items for a student (e.g. lunch, sports uniform, money, homework etc).
A: Although we encourage students to remember to bring all of the materials necessary for their school day, we realize that people do occasionally forget. Items may be left at the front office where students may retrieve them between classes or during free time.
Q: How are chaperones chosen for school social events?
A: At the beginning of the school year, a parent night is held. Sign up sheets are available at this event, and parents are encouraged to sign up to volunteer at any/all functions they are available to help out with. As the event draws near, a faculty member or student contacts those on the list to see who is available to chaperone.
Q: Can SMC students leave for an appointment on their own?
A: A student must submit a written note from his or her parent or guardian giving permission for the student to leave campus at a specific time. The student must sign out and back in at the front desk.For more information, visit Policies and Procedures.
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