A message from Mrs. Calisesi and Mrs. Jacobs

We are very excited about the upcoming school year!  If at any time you have any questions, please contact either one of us. We will send more information for each of these special 8th-grade events throughout the school year, but we wanted to let you see them at a glance as well. :) 

Class Shirts 

• Each year, the eighth graders will purchase a student-designed class shirt.  These shirts are to be worn during community service projects, the Beaverdale Fall Fest, and the Walk-a-thon Mass.  Your Blackbaud account will be charged.  An email will be sent to families with specifics asap.   

Retreats

• Throughout the school year, students will participate in retreats.  Our first retreat will be held at St. Thomas Moore Center, Sept 2nd.  We will participate in team-building activities, faith formation, and leadership. Students will need to wear dress-down clothing.  We will need parent volunteers to drive. Students will need to bring a cold lunch and a water bottle. Your Blackbaud account will be charged $10.00. 

Community Service

• Each trimester, the students will have an opportunity to participate in community service projects as a class.  Last year, we made and served a meal at Connection Cafe, volunteered at Bidwell Shelter, did yardwork at CYC, and cleaned the Diocese of Des Moines Pastoral Center.  We will communicate in advance of all service opportunities.

Fall Fest Parade

• Date:  Saturday, September 20, 2026 (Time TBD)

• Clothing:  Class T-shirt and dress down attire bottoms; weather permitting, you may want to bring a jacket; wear shoes that are good for walking.  There will be more details in an email very soon. 

• Candy:  Bring candy or items to pass out during the parade (optional). 

Walk-a-thon

• Date:  Saturday, October 4, 2026

• Drop Off: 4:00 pm at the Church

• The 8th-grade students will host Mass at 4:30 pm.  Following Mass, there will be a neighborhood walk led by the 8th grade, followed by a meal and carnival games.  The 8th grade will then help clean up the event.  

• Clothing:  Class T-shirt and dress-down bottoms

Masses Hosted by 8th Grade

• 8/27 

• 10/3 (Friday)

• 12/3

• 3/25

• 5/6 (May Crowning)

May Crowning

• Eighth grade will host the May Crowning Mass on May 6, 2026. Eighth-grade students will select a court for Mary and Joseph based on the traits they embodied. Students are encouraged to dress up for this celebration. See the guidelines in the graduation section for dress code. 

Graduation

• Date:  Wednesday, May 27, 2026

• Practice Drop Off:  9:50 am at the church 

• Practice Pick Up: about 11:00a.m. at the church, lunch provided

• Pictures/Ceremony Drop Off:  Students may be dropped off starting at 6pm. Students must be in the 8th-grade rooms no later than 6:20 pm; class photo at the church at 6:30 pm. 

• Ceremony and Mass:  starts at 7 pm with a reception in the social room to follow

• Clothing:  

  • Gentlemen -- Dress shirt and tie, dress pants, and dress shoes. A suit is not required, but may be worn if you wish. 

  • Ladies -- Dress or dressy slacks outfit and dress shoes. Skirts should be no more than three inches above the knee. No backless or strapless dresses; shoulder straps should be at least an inch wide. If girls are wearing a sleeveless dress, their shoulders must be covered while at Mass (i.e. cardigan, shawl, shrug, etc.).

Contact Information: 

Mrs. Calisesi (HR teacher) - ccalisesi@htschool.org                                                                               

Mrs. Jacobs (HR teacher) - cjacobs@htschool.org    

Ms. Brott (Religion teacher) - ebrott@htschool.org    

Mrs. Wilwerding (Youth Minister)- gwilwerding@htschool.org