Holy Cross High School (Waterbury, Connecticut)

Infobox High School
name=Holy Cross High School


headmaster=Mr. Timothy McDonald
principal=Mr. Daniel Scavone
motto=Our Only Hope
established=1968
type=Private
location=Waterbury, Connecticut
enrollment=800 - 1000
campus=Suburban
colors=Green/Gold
nicknames=Crusaders
conference=Naugatuck Valley League
website= [http://holycrosshs-ct.com 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.

Mission statement

The Holy Cross High School [http://www.http://holycrosshs-ct.com/about/mission.shtml 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."

Admission

Admission to the school is competitive, requiring a 3.5 hour placement test, a transcript from applicant's grammar school (including a letter of recommendation), and an essay. Additionally, once admitted, students have the opportunity to take proficiency tests in mathematics and/or foreign language to advance their freshman year placing. 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. Financial Aid is also given to those in need in the form of grants. Holy Cross also has an installment program so that parents can pay tuition in increments over the academic year.

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 Fact|date=May 2007. 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.

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.

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.

Core program

. 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.

Athletics

(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.

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.

Basketball

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"

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).

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. The Student Government at Holy Cross includes an Executive Board made of four elected class officers from each class, a liaison from the Presidents' Council, a liaison from the Athletic Council, and seven members of the Senior Life Board appointed by the institution's administration. The Student Government also consists of the Presidents Council, which is made up of the president from every club at Holy Cross and the Athletic Council, which contains various members of the school's many athletic teams. This large Student Government is headed by one Student Government President who is elected at the end of his or her Junior year by that years Executive Board to preside over the following year.

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.

Clubs and organizations

Extracurricular activities

started, the students maintain positive attitudes throughout any activity they come to.