Meet the New Faculty...

Catholic High School GAMECHANGERS - February 2, 2012, 6:30pm...

From the Principal's Desk...

See what Principal Mike Palmer has to say about McGivney! Check back every few weeks or so to learn more about McGivney's progress, recruitment, activities, and developments.

January 2012 - The Christmas holidays have passed and the Church moves to Ordinary Time.  Students are returning to their school routines.  2012 seemed so far away and now it is here.  It is decision time for 8th graders and their families.

It is so easy to go with the crowd.  It is easy to be awed by big buildings, the thoughts of being a sports star, or taking the easy way.  One can even think that I’ve put in my time in a Catholic school and I don’t need to continue in Catholic schools.  The Most Rev. Roger Foys, Bishop of Covington, KY has said, “While there may be alternatives to Catholic education, there are no substitutes.”

I have begun to interview prospective faculty and staff.  I have been impressed with the excitement of these candidates.  Not only do they possess outstanding academic and teaching credentials, but they have an enthusiastic zeal for sharing the faith.

Father McGivney Catholic High School Opening in Fall 2012!

The Board of Directors of Father McGivney Catholic High School has announced it is actively recruiting students, hiring faculty, and raising operating funds to open in the fall of 2012.

Where will the first classes of FMCHS be held?
The school’s initial location will be in a dedicated wing at St. John Neumann Catholic (SJN) grade school in Maryville, IL.  The school will have its own entrance, signage, and the classrooms will be remodeled to match those of a new facility to accommodate the academic curriculum of the school.  In addition to SJN, FMCHS will also rent the Maryville YMCA facilities located next door during the day for its athletics and physical education programs including the gym, pool, and workout facilities.  Work to establish permanent athletic fields at the Glen Carbon location will commence as well.

When will the new school facility be built?
FMCHS intends to utilize the temporary space for two to four years while it establishes its enrollment and secures a building loan for a permanent facility to be located at its previously announced location a couple miles away in Glen Carbon at the corner of Bouse and Old Troy Roads.  “I’m excited to see the community rally around the early students and families who choose McGivney,” Fr. Jeff Goeckner, pastor of St. Boniface and Dean of the Alton Deanery, said.  “Their success will lead to a permanent facility for generations to come.  And, the plans for faith formation and academics will make this a real showcase.  We’re very proud of what McGivney will have to offer and we can’t wait to show it to kids and their families.”

Who will be the first students of FMCHS?
The inaugural class of McGivney students will be pioneers – leaders who won’t shy away from studying hard, starting traditions, taking the lead, and paving the way for generations of alumni.  McGivney students will primarily come from the eight most local Catholic grade schools:  St. Boniface and St. Mary in Edwardsville, St. John Neumann in Maryville, Ss. Peter & Paul in Collinsville, St. Paul in Highland, St. Michael in Staunton, and St. Elizabeth and Holy Family in Granite City.  The first classes of FMCHS will be from families that believe in the importance of college preparatory education that includes faith formation, cutting edge technology, leadership opportunities, a culture of service, and an atmosphere of excellence. Parents and students interesting in enrolling in McGivney are invited to arrange an appointment with the principal...

What kind of teachers and faculty will FMCHS have?
FMCHS has announced its first principal, Michael V. Palmer.  His first tasks include hiring staff and recruiting students.  There is a mandate to only hire dedicated and experienced teachers who give 110%.  The students will get individualized attention allowing each to achieve their best with an expectation for most of not just attending college, but doing so on scholarship. McGivney is currently accepting applications for faculty and staff...

What kinds of sports and activities will FMCHS have?
Athletics, arts, and extracurricular activities will be available from the start and those programs will increase over time along with enrollment.  Griffin pride would be nothing without its athletes and fans. You can look forward to sports and activities for all interests at McGivney.  As the first classes to pave the way on the fields and courts, as well as in the hallways, FMCHS students will have the opportunity to form the traditions, lead the teams, and set the records in whatever they do. Go Griffins!

What kind of faith formation program will FMCHS have?
FMCHS will have a unique faith formation program for faculty, staff, parents, and students to make McGivney a Catholic high school, not only in name, but in spirit and faith.  Catholic identity is integral in every aspect of the high school, and not just an added component.  McGivney's Faith Formation program will create lifelong Catholic citizens, inspiring and challenging students by fostering spiritual growth, Catholic moral values, and the development of individual gifts and talents.  A dedicated Faith Formation Committee has established the mission statement for McGivney around the four pillars of the Knights of Columbus — Unity, Charity, Fraternity, and Patriotism.  These pillars are particularly evident in theses specific aspects of McGivney's Faith Formation:  House Model organization, community service, theology curriculum, and faculty faith formation.

What will tuition be at FMCHS?
Tuition for the school is expected to be $6,000 per year.  Financial aid and scholarships will be available.  The school expects to open with 40 freshmen.  If significant sophomores are interested, they will be considered as well.

What kind of technology will FMCHS have?
Having the advantage of remodeling the temporary space and building the new facility from scratch gives McGivney an edge when it comes to planning for a high-tech learning environment.  Every student will have a laptop and carry few, if any, textbooks.  Classrooms will be finished with workstations that facilitate group study, laptop charging, and smartboard technology.  Modern technology also allows for FMCHS to expand its curriculum with a wealth of online classes monitored by faculty.

Does FMCHS have the support of the Catholic Diocese of Springfield?
Yes!  Bishop Thomas Paprocki has approved the plan to open FMCHS at SJN in consultation and upon the request of area pastors and feedback from parents.  “I am excited to announce a new opportunity to share the gift of our Catholic faith with high school students in the southern Madison County area,” Bishop Paprocki said.  “I am very grateful to all who have been involved in this process, especially the committed board members and countless volunteers who have worked so diligently toward the establishment of this Catholic school.”

How much money does FMCHS still need?
Monies raised to date have gone toward construction plans and site prep work for the permanent location of FMCHS.  With that in place, donors prefer this plan of a temporary location which requires an additional $1.5 million to take the school to an operational “break even” as opposed to the $6 to $8 million to build a new facility before recruitment can even take place.  “With the state of the economy the last few years, our donors are telling us this plan makes more sense,” Doug Villhard, president of the FMCHS Board, said.  “New donations now will go right toward teacher salaries and classroom materials.  Bricks and mortar will come and most likely with a loan.”

When will FMCHS recruitment begin?
FMCHS will be recruiting in earnest this fall with details continually released on its website, Facebook fan page, and to members subscribed to its newsletter.  Click here for a Letter of Intent...

Click here for an Admission Application...