Salpointe Catholic High School

Last updated
Salpointe Catholic High School
Salpointe logo.png
Address
Salpointe Catholic High School
1545 East Copper Street

,
Pima County
,
Arizona
85719

United States
Coordinates 32°15′14″N110°56′57″W / 32.254009°N 110.949170°W / 32.254009; -110.949170
Information
School type Private, coeducational High school
MottoPrayer, Service and Community
Religious affiliation(s) Catholic,
Carmelite
Patron saint(s)Jean-Baptiste Salpointe
Established1950(74 years ago) (1950)
StatusActive
OversightCarmelite Order
School code030510
CEEB code 030510
PresidentKay Sullivan
DeanKeith Shinaberry, James Flannery
PrincipalArdemis Martin
ChaplainFr. Edgar Lopez, O.Carm
Faculty173 (as of 2020)
Grades 912
GenderCo-Ed
Age14to 18
Enrollment1,284 (2024)
   Grade 9 339
   Grade 10 317
   Grade 11 320
   Grade 12 288
Average class size300
Color(s)Maroon and gold
  
SloganPrayer, Service, Community
Fight song The Lancer Fight Song
Sports Arizona Interscholastic Association
MascotLancer
Nickname Salpointe
Team nameLancers
Rival Catalina Foothills High School
Accreditation North Central Association of Colleges and Schools [1]
NewspaperThe Crusader
YearbookHorizons
School fees$12,660
Tuition$12,660 (24-25 school year)
Website www.salpointe.org

Salpointe Catholic High School is a college prep Catholic high school in Tucson, Arizona. Although located in the Diocese of Tucson, it is administered by the Carmelite Order.

Contents

History

Salpointe Catholic High School is named for Arizona's first Bishop, Jean-Baptiste Salpointe, who worked as a missionary in the Arizona Territory from 1866 to 1885.

In the late 1940s, Tucson's parochial grammar schools had nine grades. The desire to build a Catholic high school for these graduates prompted the diocese to purchase the 40-acre (160,000 m2) Florence Addition. Salpointe Catholic High School began in 1950 as a modest school consisting of what is now the Farr Patio and cafeteria. On the first day of school, Salpointe opened to 100 students. At that time, Tucson High School and Amphitheater High School were the only other high schools in Tucson. Salpointe had nine classrooms, a library and administrative offices. The first principal was Rev. Victor Stoner. He was followed by Rev. Edward Carscallen and Rev. George Dyke.

In summer 1952, Msgr. Francis Green, pastor of Ss. Peter and Paul Parish, visited the Chancery Office in Chicago, where he met Rev. Romaeus O'Brien, O. Carm. He mentioned that Bishop Daniel Gercke of Tucson was thinking about asking a religious order to operate Salpointe. In spring 1953, Green made a formal request that the Carmelites come to Tucson. Rev. Joseph Bonaventure Gilmore, O. Carm., Provincial Counselor, and Rev. Kenneth Moore, O. Carm., Assistant Provincial, met with Green, Msgr. Don Hughes, president of the Salpointe School Board, and other pastors. Gilmore became the first Carmelite principal in summer 1953. In August, he wrote to Rev. Raphael Kieffer, O. Carm., Carmelite Provincial, asking that the two promised Carmelites arrive as soon as possible.

The day school opened, Fr. Frank Florian McCarthy, O. Carm., and Fr. Carl Pfister, O. Carm., arrived from Mt. Carmel High School in Chicago. The original faculty consisted of three Carmelites, six Sisters of St. Joseph, three Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill, two Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and one Benedictine. Two laymen and one laywoman were also on the staff. On September 8, 1955, Bishop Gercke transferred ownership of the forty acres and buildings, then known as Salpointe High School, to the Carmelites for "$10.00 and other valuable considerations".

Much of Salpointe's early development (1954–1966) was due to the generosity of Helena S. Corcoran (with the support of her husband), who donated $8–$10 million for expansion of the Salpointe campus. Under her sponsorship, the school grew from 400 to 1,000 pupils, and the physical infrastructure that forms much of today's campus was established. [2] [3]

In 1993, the Catalina Foothills Unified School District went before the U.S. Supreme Court to argue that it did not have to provide an American Sign Language interpreter to a deaf student attending Salpointe Catholic High School. The district argued that, while the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act would normally require such services if the student attended public school, providing it for religious instruction at Salpointe would be unconstitutional. In Zobrest v. Catalina Foothills School District , the court found "that the Establishment Clause does not bar the school district from providing the requested interpreter." [4]

Admissions

Policies and procedures

Admissions decisions are made on the basis of information provided on several application forms, recommendations, transcripts, and a personal interview. [5]

The admissions process starts in the fall of each year, [6] before a student intends to enroll at Salpointe. Several important admissions-related events are held at Salpointe including Open House [7] and Step Up Day. [8]

Transfer and mid-year applications are accepted for consideration throughout the year. [9]

Administrative structure

"President/principal" model

The administration of the school consists of nine members headed by the president. Answering to the president are the principal, director of operations, the director of athletics, the director of campus ministry, the assistant principal for faculty development and supervision, assistant principal for student services, the director of counseling and the director of advancement. [10]

Board of members and board of directors

The board of members consists of the members of the Provincial Council of the Society of Mount Carmel of Illinois (the Most Pure Heart of Mary Province of the Carmelite Order). Members serve for a term of three years.

The purpose, philosophy, and mission of Salpointe Catholic are the responsibility of the Board of Members. They also select and terminate the president of the school and the slate of candidates for principal. Certain financial measures require the approval of the Board of Members as well as any changes to the Articles of Incorporation and changes in the bylaws. [11]

The board of directors is a committee of up to 18 members serving as the policy-making body for the school. Membership consists of up to four representatives of the Carmelite community and at least 10 members of the community at large. As trustees for the Carmelite Order, this board oversees the administration of the school, makes policies affecting all areas of school operations, oversees its financial well-being, and plans extensively for the future. [12]

Academics

Overview

Salpointe offers a four-year program with seven classes per year for all students. Salpointe curriculum requirements for the class of 2022 included four credits in English, four credits in Mathematics, four credits in Theology, three credits in Science, three credits in Social Studies, two credits in the same World Language, half a credit in Exercise Science, one credit in Fine Arts, a half credit Technology, and four credits in electives. Twenty-six credits are required to graduate. [13] The student/teacher ratio is 15:1. The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools named Salpointe the first college preparatory school in Southern Arizona in 1987 because of its cumulative college prep curriculum. Salpointe was the third school in the state to receive this classification following Brophy and Xavier High Schools in Phoenix. [14] [15] The school is also certified by the Western Catholic Educational Association.

College preparatory education

A selection of students from Salpointe's graduating class of 2015 Salpointe Catholic High School Graduating Students 2015.JPG
A selection of students from Salpointe's graduating class of 2015

All courses are college-preparatory. Humanities, Advanced Placement and honors courses are offered. Salpointe has a high school to college conversion rate of 95%. 245 students in the Class of 2015 were admitted to 175 colleges, universities and military academies. 80% matriculated to four-year institutions, 15% matriculated to two-year institutions and 5% selected military service or work. 56% of seniors participated in varsity athletics and all 24 athletic teams averaged a 3.5 GPA or higher. [14] [16]

Humanities program

The Humanities program is a challenging two-year program offered to highly motivated students, featuring Advanced Placement and Honors courses. Established in 1978, the program provides an integrated, interdisciplinary, multi-cultural approach needed by students to actively take part in their communities and a complex global universe. Students in the Humanities program are required to partake in the Humanities Project, a culmination of coursework across all classes. All final placements in Humanities require department approval. This program fulfills English, History, Theology and Fine Arts requirements for graduation. [17]

STEM program

Salpointe's Robotics Class as part of their STEM Center Salpointe Catholic High School STEM Center 1.JPG
Salpointe's Robotics Class as part of their STEM Center

In 2015, Salpointe opened their Cracchiolo Family Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Center. The 8,000 square-foot building was part of a $12 million capital campaign that also funded a new athletics complex and student center. The STEM center focuses on engineering, robotics and biotechnology and includes a 3D printer, a biomedical lab, classrooms and outdoor work spaces. [18] Salpointe's STEM program is one of the first integrated STEM high school curricula in Southern Arizona. [19]

As of 2016, the courses offered in the STEM program include Engineering 102, Engineering Fundamentals, Intermediate Robotics, Mechanical Engineering and Design, Advanced Robotics, Biotechnology, and Environmental Engineering. [19]

Drama and theater

In addition to widely notable athletics, Salpointe's drama department is recognized by the Arizona State Thespian Board, and has been invited to perform school productions on the "main stage" at the Arizona State Thespian festival. [20] In 2012, Salpointe was the first-ever Southern Arizona school to receive state selection of a one-act performance to be performed at a national level. [21]

In 2013, Salpointe's drama students, with their production Cash on Delivery, were invited to perform in front of thousands of their peers at the State Thespian Festival, under the direction of Dana Milne, the school's Director of Fine Arts. [22]

In 2022, Salpointe student Chloe Harris competed in the 2022 Jimmy Awards for her role as Sister Mary in Salpointe's production of Disaster! [23] The following year, Salpointe student Samia Posadas competed at the Jimmy Awards for her role as Elle Woods in the school's production of Legally Blonde: The Musical . She was then chosen as one of eight finalists out of 96 total nominees, [24] and gave a solo performance of the song "Stupid With Love" from the musical Mean Girls. [25]

Band and orchestra

Salpointe also has a band and orchestra, which have, on multiple occasions, been featured on a local Tucson, Arizona-based news station, for their weekly "wake up call". [26] In 2016, one of Salpointe's brass musicians, Alexander Melnychuck, was included as part of the GRAMMY Camp — Jazz Session and GRAMMY in the Schools Media Team. [27]

The Instrumental Music program has undergone changes since 2019 with the coming of a new director, Jim Howell, Salpointe alumnus of 1991. The ensembles available to students include Jazz Band, a zero hour course dedicated to the history behind jazz as well as playing pieces from throughout the history of jazz, and learning fundamental jazz theorems. Drum Line, a class dedicated to the playing of marching-style drums that coincides with the Lancer Marching Band. In Drum Line, students learn drum rudiments, as well cadences in preparation for athletic events and assemblies. Concert Band, where students can learn music history and play exciting and challenging arrangements in the traditional concert-ensemble style. Orchestra, where students can play any of the traditional orchestral instruments and delve into the history behind each piece. Marching Band, an after school class period where students play their instruments to support the Salpointe sport teams, learn fundamentals of marching, and compete against other schools in Southern Arizona, all whilst excelling through and showcasing their musical talents. All performing music courses offered at Salpointe offer units in music theory, scale theory, and complex understandings of rhythm.

Aspire Capital Project

in 2019, Salpointe implemented the Aspire Capital Project, an 11-million-dollar fundraising campaign with focuses on academics, arts, and athletics.

The new Stearns Center for the Arts features the Ginny L. Clements Dance Studio, Czarina and Humberto S. Lopez Visual Arts Rooms;,Pocono Music Room, Foundation Choir Room, Stevens Art Gallery, Carmelite Plaza, and the Helena S. Corcoran Theater.

The renovation of four multipurpose learning spaces and two digital educational classrooms also took place, including the Tim and Jane Garigan Room 411, Mike and Gracie Quiroz Marum Room 424 and Ashton Expansion of the STEM Patio.

The renovation of existing facilities meets the needs of 85% of Lancers who participate in extracurricular activities: Kalil Family Gymnasium including the Pat Sniezek Wall of Champions and Rev. Msgr. John Lyons Bistro, Stevens Strength and Conditioning Center, Michael Geddes Wrestling Facility, Alumni Hall, as well as installation of lights on the baseball, softball and track fields. [28]

Athletics

Over 85% of students participate in co-curricular activities each year. Salpointe sponsors 24 varsity athletic teams competing primarily at the Division II level. Lancers have accumulated the largest number of AIA Scholar-Athlete awards in Arizona and have won 259 region championships, 46 state runner-up and 27 state championships in various sports, including a football state championship in 2013. [29] On-campus facilities include a gymnasium, weight room, wrestling room, football, soccer, rugby, track, baseball and softball fields. Tennis, cross-country and swimming utilize off campus facilities. [30]

The Lancer Fight Song

(sung to the melody of the Notre Dame Victory March) [30]

We're going to tell you something tonight,
About the team that you're going to fight,
We're the Lancers, Salpointe High,
If we don't win we're willing to try!
Out on the field we're ready to fight (FIGHT!)
We're going to fight with full force and might (MIGHT!)
Win or lose we'll stick together,
Onward to victory!
Lancers, Lancers, Let's Take State!

Support services

Campus ministry

Under the guidance of the Carmelites, Salpointe has developed an active campus ministry. Students are encouraged to attend a number of retreats throughout their time at Salpointe, culminating in the Kairos retreat experience during their junior or senior year. [31] Students at Salpointe also attend periodic all-school mass, worshipping the Holy Trinity under the direction of the school chaplain, Fr. Emanuel Franco Gomez O. Carm.

Counseling services

In addition to routine academic counseling and schedule management, the school counselors are actively engaged in helping students mature in their decision-making, values clarification, and interpersonal relationships. [32] Salpointe's Counseling and Guidance Department has undertaken a number of novel initiatives in recent years such as the Community of Concern [33] program. The Community of Concern committee sponsors annual forums to inform parents about medical, legal, criminal and social aspects of drug and alcohol abuse. [34]

Salpointe has implemented an anonymous tip-line to report suspected drug use. [35] The school has also established a mandatory drug testing program to screen every student at least one time during the school year for drug use. [36]

Notable alumni

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of Arizona</span> Public university in Tucson, Arizona, US

The University of Arizona is a public land-grant research university in Tucson, Arizona. Founded in 1885 by the 13th Arizona Territorial Legislature, it was the first university in the Arizona Territory. The University of Arizona is one of three universities governed by the Arizona Board of Regents. As of Fall 2023, the university enrolled 53,187 students in 19 separate colleges/schools, including the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson along with the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix and the James E. Rogers College of Law.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roman Catholic Diocese of Tucson</span> Diocese of the Catholic Church

The Diocese of Tucson is a Latin Church ecclesiastical territory – or diocese – of the Roman Catholic Church in southern Arizona in the United States. It is a suffragan diocese of the ecclesiastical province of the metropolitan Archdiocese of Santa Fe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts</span> Public residential high school in Hot Springs, Garland County, Arkansas, United States

The Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts (ASMSA) is a public residential high school located in Hot Springs, Arkansas that serves sophomores, juniors, and seniors. It is a part of the University of Arkansas administrative system and a member of the NCSSSMST. The school was originally known as The Arkansas School for Mathematics and Sciences. The school is accredited by AdvancED.

Carmel Catholic High School is a co-educational, college preparatory, Catholic high school run jointly by the priests and brothers of the Order of Carmelites and the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Located in Mundelein, Illinois, Carmel serves all of Lake County, as well as some of the surrounding counties, and southern Wisconsin. An institution of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago, Carmel Catholic is one of three Carmelite-run high schools in the Chicago area, the others being Joliet Catholic High School and Mount Carmel High School.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pima Community College</span> Community college in Arizona

Pima Community College (PCC) is a public community college in Pima County, Arizona. It serves the Tucson metropolitan area with a community college district consisting of five campuses, four education centers, and several adult education learning centers. It provides traditional and online instruction for over 144 programs. The college also offers workforce training, non-credit personal interest classes and post-baccalaureate certificates. PCC is one of the largest multi-campus community colleges in the United States, with relative ranking varying between fourth and tenth largest. PCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Sabino High School is a public secondary education school located in Tucson, Arizona. Located on the northeast side of the city, it is a part of the Tucson Unified School District. The principal is Kevin Amidan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jean-Baptiste Salpointe</span> Catholic bishop (1825–1898)

Jean-Baptiste Salpointe was the first Bishop of Arizona and the second Archbishop of Santa Fe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holy Names High School (Oakland, California)</span> Private, all-female school in Oakland, , California, United States

Holy Names High School is a private Catholic girls college preparatory high school located in the Oakland Hills in Oakland, California. It is located in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Oakland. The campus is also home to Aurora Elementary School and the former home to the convent for the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. Holy Names High School is sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary.

Jerry J. Davitch is a former college football coach and secondary school administrator. Since 2004, he has served as the superintendent of schools in Richland Township, just northeast of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Davitch served in a similar capacity for eight years (1996–2004) in nearby Conemaugh Township in Davidsville. He was previously the principal of Conemaugh Township High School and its head football coach.

Catalina High School is a public high school, located on the north side of Tucson, Arizona, United States. Catalina is a magnet high school in Tucson Unified School District and serves approximately 750 students in grades 9-12. The school name originates from the Santa Catalina Mountains north of Tucson. The school mascot is the Trojan, and the school colors are royal blue and white.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tucson High Magnet School</span> Public school in Arizona

Tucson High Magnet School, commonly referred to as THMS, THS, or Tucson High, is a public high school in Tucson, Arizona. It is part of the Tucson Unified School District with magnet programs in Technology, Visual Arts, and Performing Arts. The school is located adjacent to the University of Arizona and is close to the Downtown Arts District. It is the oldest high school in Arizona, having been established in 1892 and then re-established in 1906. The school celebrated its centennial in 2006. In terms of enrollment, THMS is the largest high school in southern Arizona and the eleventh-largest in Arizona, with more than 3,200 students enrolled.

Catholic High School of New Iberia, Louisiana, has predecessors dating to 1918 and was opened in its current form in 1957 by the Brothers of the Christian Schools, and is located on De La Salle Drive, a road named after Saint Jean-Baptiste de la Salle, the man who founded the Brothers in 1680. De la Salle, an innovator in the field of education, was canonised by the Catholic Church on 24 May 1900, and in 1950 Pope Pius XII declared him to be the Patron Saint of teachers. The school was once boys-only.

St. Anthony Catholic High School is a private, Roman Catholic high school located in the Monte Vista Historic District in Midtown San Antonio, Texas, United States. It is located in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Antonio.

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, located in Tucson, Arizona, is one of three MD granting medical schools in the state of Arizona, affiliated with the University of Arizona. The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix was initially established as a branch campus in 2007, but became an independent medical school in 2012. The College of Medicine – Tucson campus is located at the University of Arizona Health Sciences (UAHS) center on the campus of the University of Arizona and is governed by the Arizona Board of Regents. Traditionally, the college accepted Arizona residents exclusively. However, beginning the 2009–2010 incoming class, the school changed its policy to allow for admission of "highly-qualified," non-residents.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sunnyside High School (Tucson, Arizona)</span> Secondary school in Arizona, United States

Sunnyside High School, opened in 1955, is home to two thousand students located on the south side of Tucson, Arizona. Sunnyside offers a variety of extracurricular programs, advanced placement courses, and specialized career and technical training programs. It is a part of the Sunnyside Unified School District.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Catalina Foothills Unified School District</span> School district in Tucson, Arizona

The Catalina Foothills Unified School District #16 is the PreK-12 school district for the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson, Arizona. Established in 1931, it has eight schools: one high school (9-12), two middle schools (6-8), four elementary schools (K-5) and one early learning center (PreK). The district educates over 5000 students who live throughout the greater Tucson metro area. Mary Kamerzell, Ph.D., has served as superintendent since 1996.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Patrick Kenneth Leahy</span>

The Very Reverend John Patrick Kenneth Leahy, O.Carm. D.Ph. S.T.M. was a Roman Catholic priest, Prior of the Carmelite College of Pius XI, Assistant General and Procurator General of the Carmelite Order, and a Professor of Moral Theology in Rome.

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix was initially established as a branch campus of University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson in 2007. It became an independent medical school in 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jerry Stitt</span> American college baseball coach

Jerry Lewis Stitt is a retired American baseball coach, predominately in college baseball. Regarded as one of the top hitting coaches of his era, Stitt spent 18 seasons as an assistant coach to Jerry Kindall at the University of Arizona.

References

  1. NCA-CASI. "NCA-Council on Accreditation and School Improvement". Archived from the original on April 29, 2009. Retrieved 2009-06-23.
  2. "The History of Salpointe Catholic High School".
  3. "Salpointe Catholic High School Directory Listing".
  4. Rehnquist, William (18 June 1993). "LARRY ZOBREST, et ux., et al., PETITIONERS v. CATALINA FOOTHILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT". Legal Information Institute . Cornell Law School . Retrieved 21 April 2014.
  5. "Admissions Applications".
  6. "Important Admissions Dates".
  7. "Open House".
  8. "Step Up Day".
  9. "Transfer Students".
  10. "Salpointe Administration".
  11. "The Salpointe Board of Members".
  12. "Salpointe Board of Directors and Subcommittees".
  13. "Curriculum". Salpointe Catholic High School. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  14. 1 2 "Salpointe Catholic High School". 6 February 2014.
  15. "School Profile".
  16. "Salpointe Catholic High School Profile 2015–2016".
  17. "Humanities Department" . Retrieved November 7, 2012.
  18. Dale, Mariana. "Salpointe opens new STEM center". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved 2016-03-15.
  19. 1 2 "STEM - Salpointe Catholic High School". www.salpointe.org. Retrieved 2016-03-15.
  20. Huicochea, Alexis. "Salpointe drama class takes main stage at state festival". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved 2016-03-17.
  21. "Salpointe Catholic High School drama troupe". www.carmelites.net. Retrieved 2016-03-17.
  22. "Salpointe Catholic High School Fine Arts Department - Salpointe Catholic High School". www.salpointe.org. Retrieved 2016-03-17.
  23. "2022 Jimmy Awards Nominees". www.jimmyawards.com. Retrieved 2023-11-08.
  24. Higgins, Molly. "Photos: Take a Look at the 2023 Jimmy Awards Ceremony". www.playbill.com. Retrieved 2023-11-08.
  25. "2023 Jimmy Awards Solo Performance - Samia Posadas". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 2023-11-08.
  26. "GMT Wake Up Call: Salpointe Catholic HS". KGUN. Retrieved 2016-03-17.
  27. "Students Selected For GRAMMY Camp — Jazz Session And GRAMMY In The Schools Media Team". GrammyInTheSchools. Retrieved 17 March 2016.
  28. "Salpointe Catholic HS | Aspire Capital Project". www.salpointe.org. Retrieved 2022-02-02.
  29. "SALPOINTE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIPS".
  30. 1 2 "Welcome to Salpointe Athletics".
  31. Salpointe Catholic High School Campus Ministry Main Menu
  32. "Counseling and Guidance".
  33. Community of Concern
  34. "The Community of Concern".
  35. "Salpointe Catholic HS | Emergency Notifications". www.salpointe.org. Retrieved 2022-02-02.
  36. "Drug Testing Program".
  37. hokiesports.com :: Women's Soccer :: Kelly Cagle
  38. "John Fina profile". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved April 28, 2022.
  39. Patricia Preciado Martin talks about her work based on her Mexican-American family
  40. "Frank Garcia profile". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved April 28, 2022.
  41. Player Bio: Tairia Mims, Official athletic site of the UCLA Bruins
  42. Home Web Page for Antonio Nagore, tenor
  43. "Donovan Olumba profile". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved April 28, 2022.
  44. Sarah Garrecht Gassen (2010-01-09). "A man of faith and devoted to rule of law". Arizona Daily Star . Retrieved 2011-01-09.