Beginning of Year Letter to Families - August 1, 2025
Beginning of Year Letter to Families - August 1, 2025
August 1, 2025
Dear CCHS Students, Parents and Families,
I hope you have been having a restful and joyful summer! It’s hard to believe the start of the school year is just around the corner. This week marks the return of student athletes for fall sports, musicians for band camp, and teachers who are already preparing to welcome everyone back to campus.
As we gear up for the 2025-26 school year, I’m reminded daily of the dedication, talent and spirit that makes Charlotte Catholic so special. Our success as a school community is truly a shared effort – students, parents, faculty, and staff each play a vital role in the strength of Charlotte Catholic.
The first day of school is Wednesday, August 20. Below you will find important information to help you and your family prepare for a smooth and successful start to the year.
We are excited to welcome you back to campus and look forward to a great year ahead!
Prayerfully yours,
W. Kurt Telford, Head of School
Welcome new faculty!
It has been a pleasure to get to know our new Chaplain, Fr. Chinonso over the summer, as well as our new Assistant Principal, Mr. Steven Knight. Please join me in welcoming them, along with the following new faculty and staff members:
· English: David Cornwell, Mary Eberhardinger and Josie Messinger
· Math: Lance Queen (also Computer Science) and James Whitsell
· Engineering: Michael DePalma
· Theology: William Vann Silvey
· Social Studies: Macy DalCerro
· Science: Patrick Regan
· Campus Ministry: Anthony Quintero
We are also pleased to welcome back Kara McManus (Science), Kara Rauch Fisher (Counseling), and Anthony Turnbow (Science), who served as a long-term substitute last year and is now joining the faculty full time.
· Freshmen Orientation: Monday, August 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Students only).
· Orientation for New Upperclassmen (grades 10-12): Monday, August 18 1:00 -2:00 p.m. (Students and Parents)
Optional Family Social (grades 10-12): 2:00-3:30 p.m. in the cafeteria.
Uniforms
· Flynn O’Hara is the official uniform supplier for CCHS.
· Uniform approved outerwear and ties are available in the CCHS Spirit Store.
· New this year: a kilt-style skirt and new pant options for girls.
· Uniform approved hoodies may be worn on Fridays only.
· Please refer to the CCHS website for full and updated school uniform guidelines.
Mass
· Mass uniforms are required on All-School Mass Days, which are listed on the CCHS Calendar.
· The first All-School Mass is Friday, August 22; most others will be celebrated on Wednesdays.
Summer Reading, Course Lists and Books
· Course lists and book purchase information were emailed to students and parents July 31.
· Students should make sure they are up to date on suggested summer reading and required AP summer reading and assignments.
Cafeteria Services
· We are pleased to introduce Aramark Student Nutrition as our new cafeteria services provider.
· As part of their Food Services, Aramark is offering a new digital menu program, Nutrislice.
· MySchoolBucks is the new financial system to pay for school meals. Students may create a free account with myschoolbucks.com by adding their school name and student ID. Student ID #s are found in the course list email sent July 31.
Parking and Carpool
· Students who have pre-purchased parking spots on campus may pick up parking tags between 10 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on the following dates:
- Seniors – August 5
- Juniors – August 6
- Sophomores – August 7
· After August 21, any available parking spots may be purchased through the school store.
· New this year: Seniors may decorate their parking spots with washable chalk August 23-24 from 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
- All cars must enter through the Pineville-Matthews Road entrance.
- There are two lanes of traffic for drivers to use once on campus.
- Please follow instructions for drop off and pick up instructions.
- Please be patient and allow extra time during the first few weeks of school as students and families learn the traffic pattern.
- Note: the Pineville-Matthews Road entrance to CCHS is one-way during the school day.
· Important note: The CMPD has reported to CCHS that they will no longer issue warnings to students parked illegally on Little Avenue. Violations will result in tickets. Students are also reminded to observe all posted speed limits.
Student IDs
· All students will receive a student ID and are expected to carry it at all times.
- Incoming freshmen and new students will have their ID photos taken during orientation and will receive their IDs during the first week of school.
- Returning students will receive IDs in homeroom on the first day of school.
· Student IDs will be used for attendance throughout the school day.
Student Activity Pass
Students may purchase a digital Student Activity Pass from the HomeTown Box Office.
The Student Activity Pass is good for
- ALL regular season home athletic events, any sport (Fall, Winter and Spring).
- Entry into plays and musical put on by CCHS theater and drama department.
- 10 dress down days per school year.
- Limit 1 per CCHS student.
- Upon purchase, students can access their pass using the HomeTown Ticketing app (please enter the CCHS student name and mobile number at checkout).
Athletics
· Fall Sports started this week!
· Visit each sport’s section of the CCHS website for coach contacts and additional information.
· All student-athletes must complete required forms through DragonFly to participate.
· Join the Cougar Booster Club!
· Purchase Cougar Club Memberships and game passes through Hometown Ticketing.
School Hours and Bell Schedule
· The first bell rings at 7:35 a.m., and the last bell at 2:35 p.m.
· The full daily schedule is on the CCHS website.
Office Hours
· CCHS office will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. from August 4-19.
· The office will be closed Friday, August 15 in observance of the Solemnity of the Assumption (a Holy Day of Obligation.)
· Regular office hours of 7:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. will resume Wednesday, August 20.
PTO
· Learn more about the CCHS PTO.
· Get involved with the PTO by signing up for a committee!
· Pay your PTO dues.
Parent Guide:
· Additional information may be found in the Parent Information Guide.
The official school website is charlottecatholic.org.