Website Tips and Notes
Academic Matters
Financial Matters
Busing
Attendance
Dress Code
Miscellaneous
Religion Department
Campus Ministry
Counseling & Advising
Student Council
Council Activities
National Honor Society
Interest Clubs
Interscholastic Athletic Program
Galluzzo Media Technology Center
Q. Is there "ability grouping" at Xavier?
A. Xavier has only one course of study, and this is to prepare all of our students for college. In order to provide a quality educational experience for our students, Xavier has developed three curriculum levels within our program-College Prep, Accelerated, and Honors-which differ in the speed and depth to which the material is covered by the teachers. Other differences are related to special courses (Pre-Algebra, Reading, Calculus, Wesleyan Humanities Seminar, Advanced Placement Courses), which are offered on a particular level.
Q. What are the advantages of having three ability levels?
A. The ability levels allow us to tailor our curriculum to the abilities of our students. Additionally, by placing students in an appropriate ability grouping, students at all levels are eligible for academic awards. Likewise, students throughout each of the ability levels are eligible for membership in the National Honor Society.
Q. What is the basis for assigning students to the various levels?
A. In general, the composite score ("national" percentile) your son received on the entrance exam is used to determine the initial placement in one of our three levels. The cut-off for each level placement depends on the number of students who register and on the distribution of their scores.
Q. Can a student who achieves well change levels?
A. Yes. Freshmen are evaluated during the sixth week of the first marking period and again at the end of the year. If a student has done very well (an A average would be required) AND his teachers, guidance counselor and Academic Dean for Freshmen Studies recommend a move AND there are available spaces, a student can change levels in one or more courses.
Q. What is the average class size at Xavier?
A. The average class size is about 24 students.
Q. How much homework can my son expect to receive?
A. The general rule is two to three hours per night (about a half hour per subject). Homework includes not only the daily written assignments but also reviewing and re-writing notes and material covered in class that day, studying for quizzes and tests, and working on long-term assignments and projects. If your son spends significantly less time each night on his homework, one or more of the elements of the definition of homework is being neglected.
Q. My son is currently taking Algebra I. Does Xavier have any courses that take that into account?
A. Those students who have had a full-year and rigorous Algebra I course in eighth grade may take an Algebra placement exam in late May at Xavier to determine if they are qualified to skip Freshmen Algebra I and begin with Geometry in September. You will receive information about this placement exam in April. The number of students who qualify to skip Algebra I usually averages about twenty. These students will take a mandatory honors math class during our summer school program. The remaining freshmen take Algebra I, which is a more thorough and intensive course than most would take in eighth grade.
Q. My son is taking either French/Spanish in eighth grade. Can he be scheduled into a French/Spanish II course in September?
A. Again, those students who have taken a full-year and rigorous course in French or Spanish I may sit for a foreign language placement exam in May. Information about this exam will be mailed in April. About a half dozen freshmen per language each year do well enough on the language placement exam to qualify for a second year language.
Q. Can my son choose which foreign language he will take?
A. A student should indicate his choice preferences for foreign language on the Studies Office portion of the registration form. Every effort is made to honor this preference. Spanish will be offered on all levels; French will be offered on the Honors and Accelerated level. Latin, however, is an option only for those students who have qualified for the freshmen honors program as it is only offered on the honors level.
Q. Can my son take two foreign languages simultaneously?
A. No. Scheduling constraints preclude this.
Q. My son is not Catholic. Will this put him at a disadvantage in religion class?
A. Certainly not. All of Xavier's student body, approximately 20% of which is non-Catholic, is expected to participate fully in the religious life of the school. However, since religion courses are academic, and testing is done of the materials presented in class and not on any previous religious instruction, non-Catholic students are at no disadvantage.
Q. What electives might be available to freshmen?
A. In addition to the required six core courses (Religion, English, Math, Science, Foreign Language, and Civics), freshmen take a half-year of Phys. Ed. And then can choose from one of the following half-year electives to fill out their seven period day: Computer Essentials, Basic Drawing, Art Appreciation, Pottery Techniques, Performing Arts, or Understanding Music. Full year Beginning Band, Concert Band, and Chorus electives are also offered to freshmen. The Curriculum Guide that you also received outlines the dozens of other elective courses offered sophomore through senior year.
Q. What percentage of Xavier graduates go on to college?
A. Typically, 99% of our graduates go on to college.
Q. What kind of service does the Guidance Department offer to freshmen?
A. Each student is assigned a guidance counselor in his freshmen year who will normally remain his counselor for his four years at Xavier. In freshmen year, counselors meet with students to discuss their initial adjustment to Xavier and their academic program. Students experiencing academic difficulties meet with their counselors who work closely with teachers, parents and the Academic Dean for Freshmen Studies.
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Q. When will we be sent information about busing?
A. Information about busing will be sent home during the month of April.
Q. What towns provide free busing for Xavier students?
A. Currently only the town of Middletown provides free busing to our students. Students from all other town served by our bus company must pay for the bus transportation.
Q. What is the cost for using the "out of town" bus?
A. The cost for the current school year is $790. An initial down payment of half the cost is due on June 1st. Payment for the remaining balance is done through the tuition plan you select.
Q. If we sign up for the bus in June, can we change our minds before September?
A. Yes. The bus deposit is then transferred to your tuition account. WARNING: If your son rides the bus at all in September or receives a bus pass, no refund is possible.
Q. Can we receive a refund if we use the bus for only a portion of the year?
A. NO. The terms of our agreement with regards to payment for out of town busing states that there will be NO REFUND for those who drop bus service at any time during the school year. The entire bill must be paid for each student who rides the bus for ANY portion of the school year.
Q. Are there any late afternoon buses for those students who participate in sports or other after-school activities?
A. Unfortunately, no. Most boys manage to use car pools for rides home after these activities.
Q. Does the bus stop in my town?
A. Probably. Our routes cover all the towns in the triangle bordered by I-91 (as far north as Wethersfield), I-95 and Route 9 as well as the towns of Wallingford, Meriden, Hamden, Glastonbury, Cheshire, Southington, Lyme, and all the towns along Route 66 as far as Hebron.
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Q. What are the attendance policies in effect at Xavier?
A. The following explanation is taken from the 2009-2010 Student Handbook.
Regular attendance at school is necessary for academic success. Makeup assignments and makeup time do not adequately replace class attendance. Students who are absent can access teacher web pages for assignments through our website www.xavierhighschool.org. It is the responsibility of each student upon returning to school after an absence to see each of his teachers about any missed work. Students arriving to school after the start of third period will be marked as absent from school, but will be required to stay in classes for the remainder of the day. Students who arrive at school after the start of third period will not be allowed to participate in or attend any athletic or extra-curricular activities on that school day. Exceptions to this rule may be granted by Mr. Cerreta.
A. Procedures to Follow When a Student is Absent
- Each day a student is absent his parent or guardian is expected to call the school (860-346-7735) between 7:45 and 9:00 a.m.
- A student who has been absent is required to bring a note to the office by 8:10 a.m. on the day of his return. These "explanatory notes" are to be specific and complete explanations of the reasons for the student's absence and should be dated. Students may not write the explanatory note themselves. Any student who forges a note will face the possibility of suspension.
B. Excused Absences
A parent may not absent his/her son from school for any frivolous reason. Any instance of this nature will be looked upon as an "unexcused" absence and treated accordingly. Upon returning to school, students are required to bring a note to the main office. However, such procedure does not automatically excuse the absence. The decision to classify an absence as "excused" or "unexcused" is at the discretion of Mr. Cerreta.
Acceptable excused absences include serious medical illness, death or serious illness in the immediate family, a school trip or function, mandatory court appearance, attendance at a retreat and absences excused in advance by Mr. Cerreta. All other absences are considered "unexcused".
C. Family Vacations
The school feels very strongly that neither parents nor students should be allowed to adjust the official school calendar for their own convenience. In light of this, absences for vacation reasons are to be avoided whenever possible. Parents who decide to extend the beginning or end of a vacation or weekend, or who arrange to take trips and/or vacations during times when Xavier is in session, should note that such absences are "unexcused." As such, the student will not be excused from any material that was covered or from any tests and/or exams that took place during such absences. Parents need to contact Mr. Cerreta when these situations arise. Mr. Cerreta will determine the length of time the student will be granted in order to make-up all missed work.
D. College Visitations
College visitations should be planned for faculty days, holidays and school vacations. In extraordinary circumstances, permission to visit a college during the school week may be granted by Mr. Cerreta. Permission must be requested one week in advance and in writing. Failure to do this will result in the absence being considered "unexcused". The school reserves the right to limit the number of college visitations. No visitations will be allowed after the April vacation.
E. Excessive Absences
In the interest of keeping absences to a minimum, parents will be informed of excessive absence problems as they arise. In cases resulting from absences due to serious illness, parents are expected to assume the responsibility of reporting such situations to Mr. Cerreta.
Many times a student’s attendance has a direct bearing on his academic performance. As a result, students who are absent (this includes both excused and unexcused absences) more than 20 days for a full year course and more than 10 days for a half year course, may risk losing academic credit, subject to review by the administration. The student may be required to make up missed days in order to complete academic requirements and to receive full credit for his course.
Any student who has an excessive absence problem without a valid reason will be placed on disciplinary probation. A student who has, in the judgment of the school administration, an excessive absence problem during two school years may be dismissed from Xavier as soon as the problem becomes apparent during the second school year.
F. Absences on days of Mid-Year and Final Examinations
No student will be excused from taking a mid-year or final examination on the day and time scheduled without a legitimate reason and communication between parents and Mr. Cerreta. In certain circumstances, a note from a doctor attesting explicitly to the student's inability to attend school may be required.
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Q. What is the dress code at Xavier?
A. The following explanation of the dress code is taken from the 2009-2010 Student Handbook.
In an effort to foster a sense of pride in himself and his school, the Xavier student will adhere to the following standards of grooming and dress. The following dress code is in effect upon arrival at school, throughout the day and when leaving in the afternoon. Mr. Cerreta has the right to amend the dress code at anytime.
Students are expected to be properly dressed and neatly groomed at all times. The standard of dress is traditional dress pants, buttoned down dress shirts, tie, dress belt, over-the-calf dress socks, and dress shoes. Neatness is the objective, therefore a disheveled appearance will not be tolerated. Shirts must be tucked in, and buttoned at the neck and cuffs. Clothes must be clean, pressed and free from tears. Shoes must be dress shoes either black, brown or cordovan. Outer jackets are not to be worn to class; they must be kept in the students’ locker during all class periods. Sweaters may be worn during the winter months.
On specific occasions, such as days of school-wide masses or days when the student is representing the school, a sports jacket may be required.
Not Permitted
No recreational or casual clothing or clothing with garish designs or labels is permitted. Pants cannot have frayed hems or cuffs nor can they be oversized. Dickies style pants, pants with sewn on pockets, bright or pastel colored pants are not permitted. Belts with any symbols, extreme designs in style or color, or writings are not permitted. Casual or sport style belts, belts with large buckles and metallic studs, and chain linked or rope wallet protectors are not permitted. Multi-colored plaid shirts, denim or flannel shirts, sweatshirts, oversized or turtleneck sweaters, fleece style or other jackets may not be worn. Undershirts must be all white, short-sleeved without any form of writing on the front or back. No sneakers, walking shoes, new age hiking boots, clogs, mules, moccasins, sandals, slippers or work boots are permitted. Casual styles of shoes that include, but are not limited to, I-paths, KSwiss, Sketchers, Clark Wallabees, Birkenstocks, or any type of Top-Sider or boat shoe are not permitted. Ankle and sports socks are not permitted. No earrings, ear protectors, eyebrow rings, tongue rings or ear studs are permitted. Casual styles of necklaces, which include but are not limited to metal studded dog collars or seashell necklaces, are not permitted. Hats are not allowed to be worn or carried around during the school day.
Grooming
Hair must be neatly kept and well groomed. Hair will be trimmed to a length not to exceed the collar, not to cover the ear, or cover the eyebrows. Extreme or trendy styles will not be permitted. Inappropriate styles would include shaven heads, “fades”, ”soup-bowl” cuts or corn rows, designer lines or mohawks.
The coloration of hair is not permitted. Students are expected to be clean-shaven each and every day of the school year. Sideburns are not to exceed the middle of the ear in length. Students must come to school and leave school in dress code. They must be in dress code on buses, at Mercy, arrival in the morning by car and at dismissal. All matters of questionable dress and hair styles will be referred to Mr. Cerreta. He will decide if a student may remain in school, go home to properly dress, or stay out of class until proper clothes are brought to him from home. All lost time will be made up in detention.
Tattoos: Any student who tattoos their body will be expected to cover such tattoos via long sleeve shirts during the school day and during all extracurricular
activities.
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Q. When does school begin for the school year?
A. During the summer you will receive information about the exact dates for Orientation Days, and the beginning of regular classes. Orientation days usually occur during the last full week of August.
Q. When does the school day begin and end?
A. Classes begin at 8:15 and end at 2:24. Athletic practices do not begin officially until 3:15 p.m. so that students have sufficient time for extra help if needed.
Q. When we receive our son's course schedule and booklist?
A. Course schedules and booklists are mailed to students in mid-August.
Q. When does the remedial summer school begin and what is the cost?
A. Both the three-week remedial and enrichment summer schools for freshmen will run from June through mid July. Courses run from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 12:00, Monday through Friday. The cost of summer school will be determined at a later date. Information about the remedial summer school (pre-algebra and verbal skills) and the enrichment summer school (algebra and foreign language) programs will be mailed to all incoming freshmen in April.
Q. What kinds of food are served in the dining hall?
A. A wide variety of hot and cold foods are available at reasonable prices. Many students bring a bag lunch and buy something extra in the dining hall. Breakfast is served from 7:30 to 8:10 a.m. Most freshmen have lunch from 10:59 to 11:24.
Q. What extracurricular and athletic programs are available at Xavier?
A. Xavier offers an extensive intramural program for its students including basketball, golf, volleyball, weight training and conditioning, wrestling, mountain biking and ping pong. Offerings vary each year based on student interest. Special interest clubs vary with student interests. See Clubs and Activities.
Q. Are there any academic scholarships?
A. Yes. The highest-ranking eighth grader on the November entrance exam receives a full four-year scholarship. The Brother Robert, C.F.X. Scholarship, named after Xavier's founding principal. A 3.0 or B average must be maintained for this scholarship to be renewed annually. Eight four-year partial scholarships named in honor of Xavier's founding Bishop, Vincent J. Hines, are also granted. These scholarships in the amount of $2,000 are awarded to the next eight highest-ranking boys on the November entrance exam. A 3.0 or B average must be maintained for the Hines' scholarships to be renewed.
At the conclusion of each school year, a full scholarship is awarded to the highest-ranking student in the 9th, 10th and 11th grade for his next school year. In the case of a tie involving two or more students, the scholarship is divided accordingly.
Q. Are there athletic scholarships?
A. No. All aid in the form of scholarships or grants is based on either academic excellence or financial need.
Q. What does the Xavier bookstore sell?
A. The bookstore sells school supplies and a complete line of clothing. Our motto is, "If it doesn't have XAVIER stamped all over it, it isn't worth wearing!"
Q. Why would I do well to send my son to Xavier?
A. You would do well to send your son to Xavier because Xavier is a value-oriented school with a solid college preparatory curriculum and an excellent faculty. We provide an environment conducive to learning and to academic success. While our faculty are not miracle workers, they are very good at motivating young men. They provide a caring atmosphere in which your son can develop, to the best of his ability, the potential that God has given him.
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All students are required to take academic religion courses which meet daily for the entire year. All courses are conducted in an academic setting, and the usual academic grades are awarded.
Pastoral Advising
Each student is assigned a pastoral advisor from the membership of the religion department. For each freshman, the pastoral counselor is usually the student's religion teacher. The pastoral advisor will meet with each student at least once a year. The role of the pastoral advisor is to discuss, in strict confidence, the student's views of himself, his relationships with others, and his understanding of God and the possible relationships with Him. Parents are encouraged to contact their son's pastoral advisor with whatever concerns they may have about their sons. More information available on the Religion Dept. Page.
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Programs/Retreats:
Peer Ministry: Peer Ministers are seniors who work on the retreat programs and do various service work both inside and outside the Xavier community. They are called to be leaders as Jesus led, by being a role model for others. These young men work to show their peers how to integrate the Gospel and Gospel values into their lives.
Freshmen Retreat Day (required) is a time for the youngest Xavier men to come to know their classmates better and to do service in the community. This retreat is followed with a reflection paper as part of the religion class curriculum on the student's personal service experience.
Sophomore Weekend Retreat (required) is a two-day time period spent in reflecting on an awareness and appreciation of the self and important relationships with family, friends and God.
Junior Retreat (voluntary) is conducted by a pastoral team of faculty members and a peer minister. This three-day program places emphasis on the role of faith and trust in our life. It also encompasses the stresses that mount as the year comes to a close.
Senior-Xavier Leadership Institute/XLI (voluntary) is a five-day program conducted in mid-August designed to train seniors in leadership techniques and also to help them develop a deeper relationship with one another and the Lord. Students who have participated in this program are later invited to work in peer ministry programs and to become peer mentors for the freshmen class.
Senior Retreat (voluntary) offers seniors a quite time to reflect on the tone and direction of their lives as they near the conclusion of their high school careers.
Student Service Projects:
Freshmen: Five hours of community service (two are completed on freshmen retreat) are required. The other three hours need to be completed in the larger community or at extra-curricular service activities (Open House, for example) or service clubs.
Sophomore: Ten hours of community service are required and must be completed by March. Service should be pre-approved by the religion teacher and should serve and affect the larger community. Students can choose to fulfill this requirement at extra-curricular service activities or clubs at Xavier, or they can find a service opportunity on their own.
Junior: Fifteen hours of service are required. Many of the juniors are involved in Junior Volunteer, a program that allows them to visit patients at the Middlesex Convalescent Center on Randolph Road. The program is run on a semester basis during school hours with juniors devoting an hour a week in voluntary service.
Xavier Senior Service Program: All seniors are required to give two and a half to three hours of service each Wednesday in a school-accredited service project. Students do service at hospitals, day-care centers, centers for the retarded or elderly, parish youth leadership programs, and schools as teacher aides tutoring students in small groups, providing companionship and attention for students with learning or emotional problems, aiding with crafts, musical, physical or athletic programs. Seniors are freed from classes on Wednesday until 11:10 a.m. to fulfill this service requirement. The Senior Service Program is a graduation requirement for the awarding of a Xavier diploma. The program runs from October through mid-May.
MYARC Volunteer Program: MYARC (Middletown Your Association for Retarded Citizens) is dedicated to the philosophy that growth and personal development occur as a result of social interactions. This takes place between persons with mental retardation and the students of Xavier and Mercy High Schools. MYARC is an independent organization that is affiliated with the Middlesex Association for Retarded Citizens (MARC). Under the direction of Brother J. Robert Houlihan of Xavier High School and the Director of Leisure Services for MARC, recreational activities are held bi-weekly throughout the school year at Mercy. On Tuesday afternoons, adults participate in square dance therapy, an activity that requires one-on-one volunteer involvement. In the Thursday afternoon program, adult participants learn ceramics. This program encourages creativity and a real sense of accomplishment for those who participate. The high lights of the year include several parties. MYARC volunteers of Xavier and Mercy are a group of young people with a unique sense of responsibility and dedication to community services.
Sacramental Life: Father Gregory Galvin serves as chaplain to students here at Xavier. In addition to celebrating Mass on Holy Days and other special occasions, he is available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Pastoral Advising. The communal celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a part of the sophomore, junior and senior retreats. Holy Day and special occasion liturgies are required of all students as are Class Masses and school-wide morning prayer.
Also see the Campus Ministry Page.
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The Guidance Department, the Religion Department, the administration and the faculty carry out the counseling and advising programs.
The Guidance Department consists of Mr. Richard Magner, Director, Mr. Mark Lambert, Mr. David Morrow and Mrs. Joan Tomasiello. Each counselor is responsible for a quarter of the student body that he or she follows from freshman year through senior graduation. Counselors provide adjustment and academic counseling as well as college placement, career choices, and other post-graduate pursuits. In addition to maintaining students’ permanent records, the Guidance Department administers the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT), the SAT Reasoning Tests, the SAT Subject Tests and AP Exams. Throughout the school year, the department holds a number of programs for parents and students to provide them with academic and testing information and college planning.
Members of the Religion Department have time provided in their day for pastoral advising, during which time a student may discuss personal problems relating to his own human and spiritual growth in strict confidence. Pastoral advisors will keep confidences so long as no one’s life, health or safety is at risk. The Religion Department is primarily responsible for the development of Christian community within the school and for conducting numerous programs involving extensive group work as well as pastoral advising.
The school administrators also advise students in personal, social and academic areas. The Academic Deans, Mr. Brendan Donohue and Mr. Andrew T. Gargano, will perform the task of scheduling and assigning students to classes as well as advising in this area. The Dean of Students, Mr. Nicholas Cerreta, is in a position to advise students having emotional, social and family issues.
Individual teachers, coaches and moderators are also available to counsel students who seek their advice.
All advisors will keep confidences so long as no one’s life, health or safety is at risk.
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Students are involved in decision-making through their elected representatives who constitute the Student Activities Council or SAC. SAC officers are elected each spring and include a senior president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer; a junior president and vice-president; and a sophomore president and vice-president.
The Student Council coordinates and generated enthusiasm for class activities and assists faculty and administration in establishing policy as it pertains to the student body.
Each homeroom has two representatives whose responsibility it is to report to the Student Council all suggestions arising in the homerooms. All such suggestions are considered by the executive council of eight officers in consultation with the moderators. The moderators may make a decision on such matters of may recommend a decision to the administration.
SAC officers meet with the moderators weekly and periodically with homeroom representatives to discuss student activities, upcoming events, and their coordination, and any student-related questions and/or problems.
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Dance Committees: These committees are composed of student council officers plus homeroom representatives and volunteers from any of the four classes. Meetings are scheduled prior to each of the dances the student council runs.
Class Activities: The Student Council will organize and run class activities. Although they may vary from year to year, class activities can include such events as field days, dances, semi-formals, class nights, and such events as Big Falcon/Little Falcon get-togethers.
Prom Committees: The Xavier Prom committees consist of junior and senior student council officers and any junior and senior volunteers who are interested in planning the annual Xavier Junior and Senior Proms. They have input regarding decorations, prom favors, programs, music, site, menu, etc.
Xaverian Missions Spirit Week: During this week in March, SAC, in conjunction with the Ryken Service Society, sponsors numerous activities designed to help generate Xavier spirit. Highlights of the week include an intramural championship basketball game and collections for the Xaverian Brothers' Missions.
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The Monsignor Wilson Chapter of the National Honor Society includes qualified sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Besides honoring outstanding students, the main thrust of the local chapter is to give service to the school community. Members of the society are expected to tutor students and to assist at parent programs, the entrance test, career night, Alumni Associations events, and whenever called upon by any segment of the school community. Miss Jayne Vitale is the moderator of the Honor Society.
Tutoring is perhaps the society's chief activity. Tutoring is done on the basis of need and at a convenient time for both parties in Room 104; it is perfected by the moderator. At the end of each marking period, tutors write reports of each student for his teacher and guidance counselor. Tutoring is done in addition to the extra help that is given by the subject teacher.
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