Billings Central Catholic High School

January 14, 2022

Parents, Staff, and Students:

Happy New Year! I hope you all are having a wonderful 2022 so far. We had an outstanding first semester and are looking forward to continued success throughout the second semester. As a reminder, for the sake of all of our students and staff members, please make sure that any students who are sick are not coming into school. Thanks so much, and thanks for everything you do to make Billings Central Catholic High School the special environment that it is. May God continue to bless us all in 2022.

Consistent random drug testing will begin again second semester. During the past 18 months our collective focus has been on Covid, and as a result it has been difficult to navigate the logistics of administering the drug testing program. However, we recognize this program is an essential tool in helping us maintain a level of high expectations at BCCHS. In recent months we have seen an increase in the side effects of substance use, including lowering grades, lack of commitment, lack of interest, and changes in personal behaviors. With new laws in Montana potentially resulting in easier access, it may become even more of a challenge. You can review the BCCHS drug testing policy in the student handbook you signed in the fall by clicking HERE. Please know that as a parent you have the option of requesting a school drug test for your child anytime. If you have concerns about your own child or another student, those concerns can also be anonymously identified via the See Something, Say Something link on the BCS website.

Catholic schools across the nation are preparing to celebrate Catholic Schools Week at the end of this month. The theme for the year is Catholic Schools – Faith. Excellence. Service. This is the perfect time of year to celebrate Billings Catholic Schools by taking some time to promote our schools throughout the community. Please encourage interested families to click the ‘Come See For Yourself’ button on the home page of our website at billingscatholicschools.org. On that page families can view virtual tours of both BCCHS and SFC, as well as submit an inquiry form or register for a tour or Shadow Day. More information on the enrollment process for currently enrolled students will be sent from the Admissions Department.

The following is a list of events from my calendar for the next few weeks.

  • Tuesday, January 18th
    • Second Semester Begins
  • Sunday, January 23rd
    • BCCHS Class of ’22 Cake Auction
      • Doors open at 2:30, Auction starts at 3 (Nelles Center)
    • Monday, January 24th
      • Chapel Mass (7:20am)
    • Wednesday, January 26th
      • Mass-9:45 (Mass Dress)
      • Enrollment opens for the 2022-23 school year
      • 6:00 Junior Class College Information Night with Mrs. Hirt
    • Sunday, January 30th – Saturday, February 5th
      • Catholic Schools Week
      • Please see daily announcements for various activities on campus
    • Monday, January 31st
      • Chapel Mass (7:20am)
    • Friday, February 4th
      • All System Catholic Schools Week Mass at BCCHS
        • 9:00am – All are welcome to attend
        • Please note this is subject to change based on current health trends throughout the school community.

Best of luck to all of our students in upcoming competitions and events, as well as in their academic endeavors. We are proud of the accomplishments so far this year and are looking forward to their successes throughout the New Year. Good luck!

God Bless,

Shel Hanser
Principal BCCHS