This Week in Terrier Nation

UPDATE: Due to an electrical strike, a piece of equipment on our main power source failed. The front office will be closed Thursday. The main buildings do not have electricity. Brothers’ Hall will be open for business, but we do not have access to wifi or phones on campus. Because the weightroom has power, weightlifting will continue as normal. We are making alternate plans for other practices and events on campus. You will receive updates or directions directly from your sponsor or coach. At this time, we are working to reopen for business on Monday but will send out an update on Sunday afternoon.

We are in the final countdown to the start of school! As such, there is a lot of important information to share with you. The Principal's Updates will be published weekly on this site with a clickable "table of contents" at the top of the site and a "return to top" button at the bottom of each section to facilitate easier navigation. Previous weeks' versions of this hub update are always available at the bottom of the News/Information section for your reference. Please don't hesitate to call us at school if you have any questions!

This week's main takeaways are: 

1. Summer "To Do"s- hair cuts, uniforms, ChromeBook info, summer reading, service hours, immunizations

2. Orientation Info - times, what to wear, what to bring, etc.

3. Course schedule information 

4. The Student-Parent Handbook is being moved to a new platform. The final version will be posted before the start of school, but any policies we remind you of in this update are NOT changing from last year and are therefore linked to last year's handbook. 

I hope you and your families enjoy the remaining few weeks of summer before we kick off what is sure to be an amazing school year.

In Christ,

Dr. LeBoeuf

Rooted in Religious Values

Service Days are still underway! Don't forget that every student must attend one of our school-scheduled Service Days as part of the service hour requirement. Don't wait until it's too late to sign up! Click the links below for all the details about Service Hours.

Save the Date!

The Senior Overnight Retreat will take place at St. Stanislaus in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, and is quickly approaching.

• Girls: August 14–15

• Boys: August 15–16

All parents received an email in June with specific information. Please review the information linked below and contact Katie Champagne at kchampagne@htdiocese.org with any questions or concerns. 

• Senior Girl Retreat Information

• Senior Boy Retreat Information

• Parent Letters for Seniors

Our Senior Mass will be on Friday, August 14, at 9:20 a.m. Parents are invited to attend all school masses. We look forward to seeing you in the parent section, which is at the rear of the floor sections.

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"To Do"s

☐ New Parents: You will receive an email on Wednesday to sign up for your PlusPortals account. Please follow the instructions in the email to be able to access PlusPortals (including the course schedules that will be posted tomorrow).

☐ Course Fees: Please review the linked letter to ensure that any supplemental course fees for your child are paid prior to the July 20 deadline. Fees not paid will result in a schedule change. Fees for AP exams will be assessed at a later date, and dual enrollment fees are assessed by the college/university awarding credit.

☐ Hair cuts / Uniforms: Please thoroughly review grooming and uniform policies (handbook p. 49-52) and schedule hair cuts to ensure that students are in compliance with policy PRIOR to orientation/pictures. Any violations on orientation/for pictures will count as the initial warning in the process described in the handbook (p. 50).

☐ We're currently looking for volunteers to serve on our 2026 Terrier Tailgate Planning Committee. Whether you have experience planning events or simply want to get involved, we'd love for you to join us!  Please complete this interest form. Thank you! 

☐ [repeat] Do Summer Reading!! Summer reading information is posted on the web site!

☐ [repeat]  Do Service Hours!! Don't forget that every student must attend one of our school-scheduled Service Days as part of the service hour requirement.

☐ [repeat] Drop off newly purchased Chromebooks: If you are purchasing a new Chromebook for your child independently (not through school), you may begin dropping them off June 1st. Summer Office hours are Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The deadline to drop a newly purchased Chromebook off will be Thursday, July 16th at 1 p.m. Chromebooks dropped off after this date/time may NOT be ready for the first day of school.

☐ [repeat] Join the Mothers' Club! We invite all mothers and grandmothers to join the Vandebilt Catholic Mothers' Club for the 2026-2027 school year.  Our mission is to support the school through volunteer service, with all funds, including membership dues, directly benefiting our students and enhancing the academic and spiritual life of the school community. 

☐  [repeat] Book an appointment for Senior Week with Romaguera: If you have not done so yet, please use this link to schedule your Senior Session this summer with Romaguera Photography. If you would like a Yearbook photo only, please call 504-828-3064.

☐ [repeat] Submit 8th grade Kindergarten Pictures: In preparation for the 8th Grade Induction, we are requesting that parents submit a Kindergarten photo (professional yearbook photo or a traditional first day of school photo) of your child by Friday, August 7. Digital or scanned photos may be emailed to vchsvideo@gmail.com. (Please include your child’s name in the subject line of the email.)

☐ [repeat] Update Immunizations: Now is a great time to make sure that your child is up to date on immunizations. All students must provide proof of immunization of the following vaccines: Tetanus Diptheria Acelluar Pertussis vaccine (tdap); two doses of Varicella; two Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR); thee Hepatitis B (HBV); and two doses of the Meningococcal vaccine. As of July 1, 2019, two doses of Meningococcal vaccine will be required for school entry into the 11th grade or for students 16 years of age. Also if you are exempting your child from being vaccinated, an exemption form needs to be filled out and emailed or mailed to carli.pitre@htdiocese.org.

☐ [repeat] Get your parking permit: If you are a licensed driver and have not secured a parking spot for the 2025-2026 school year, you may still do so. A "Parking Permit" form must be completed by your parent before arriving to school to select your spot. The $60 permit fee may be paid online on the form or in the office. This form can be accessed through the "FORMS" link on Plus Portals. *Please note: Your parent will be required to upload a copy of your current driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance.* PHYSICAL PERMITS will be given out at orientation.  Any licensed driver who has completed all forms and did not secure a permit by 5/29 will be able to come to the front office on Monday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. from 7/13 - 7/31 to select a parking space.

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News/Information

There are a few spots left! The school will be offering an ACT prep session next week (Monday through Thursday, noon to 3 p.m.) for juniors and seniors If you are interested in participating, please reach out to Dr. LeBoeuf. 

Summer Office Hours: Both the school’s front office and Brothers Hall will be open M-Th from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. until July 23. Both offices will resume normal hours on Monday, July 27.

The Student-Parent Handbook is being moved to a new platform. The final version will be posted before the start of school, but any policies we remind you of in this update are NOT changing from last year and are therefore linked to last year's handbook, but please review this slide deck to see the important changes for the upcoming school year that will be in the updated handbook posted in the next couple of weeks. Two items that may impact upcoming purchases for you include school ties (Only the "new" tie will be permitted and is available in the Dawghouse.) and Homecoming attire (Dresses for Homecoming will be floor length.) and are included in the slide deck above.

School pictures for the yearbook and student IDs will be taken at orientation for grades 8th-11th. Seniors will take their picture during "Senior Week" through Romaguera Photography July 27-31 at school. If you have not done so already, please use this link to book your appointment for senior portraits. Please note that students must be in full compliance with uniform and grooming policies in order to be photographed. Administrators will be on site to check for compliance prior to portraits being taken. (No senior portraits will be taken at Orientation.) Questions may be directed to kanderson@htdiocese.org. 

Romaguera Fall Sports/Activities Photos: Football, Band, Dance, Color Guard, and Volleyball will take their individual and group photos on Monday, July 27. Cheer will take their individual and group photos on Tuesday, July 28. Coaches and moderators will send out details to each group.

Yearbook order forms for 2026-2027 will be available in the next Hub update.

[repeat] Mothers' Club will be hosting a Uniform Swap Shoppe on Wednesday, July 22 & Thursday, July 23 from 4:00pm-6:30pm in the Richard "Dickie" Barker Student Union. You can swap uniform for uniform or purchase slightly used uniforms for $5 per item. Uniform donations will also be accepted.

[repeat] Important ChromeBook information:

• Dropping off newly purchased Chromebooks: If you are purchasing a new Chromebook for your child independently (not through school), you may begin dropping them off June 1st. Summer Office hours are Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The deadline to drop a newly purchased Chromebook off will be Thursday, July 16th at 1 p.m. Chromebooks dropped off after this date/time may NOT be ready for the first day of school.

• Chromebook Pick Up dates will be Wednesday, July 15th and Tuesday, July 21st each beginning at 6:00 PM in the Student Union. This includes both packages purchased through us and Chromebooks purchased on your own. The evening includes a short presentation, followed by handing out the devices and finishing with verifying setup. It is highly recommended that the students attend.

🏈💎 Grab Your Girls and Join Us for Pigskins & Pearls! 💎🏈

Whether you're a football fan, married to one, or just want to learn more about the game, Pigskins & Pearls is for you! Whether you've been cheering from the stands for years or you're still trying to figure out what a first down is, Pigskins & Pearls is for you. Our Terrier Football coaching staff will break down the game in a fun, easy-to-understand way while sharing what goes into building the Terrier Football program. Tickets available here. Your registration includes:

✨ Brunch and drinks

🛍️ Chance to purchase Dawghouse merchandise

🏈 A fun, interactive football presentation

📸 Take photos with friends and make memories

💙 Support Vandebilt Catholic Football

No football experience is necessary, and this event is open to all women in our community, so invite your friends, coworkers, neighbors, moms, sisters, and daughters and make it a girls' day out! Come enjoy a relaxed, fun afternoon, meet new people, and leave knowing a little more about the game. Seats are limited, so grab a friend and sign up today! We can't wait to see you there.

Orientation Information

Orientation is counted as a school day, and attendance is mandatory. Students are to report to the upstairs gym dressed in school uniform with young men wearing a Vandebilt tie, long sleeved shirt, and in compliance with grooming and uniform guidelines. (Please see p. 49-52 in the updated handbook.) Students not in full uniform may not be allowed to take their school picture, and they will receive their warning for the semester. Students will not wear sweatshirts, sweaters, or jackets for school pictures.

Students should attend according to the following schedule.

Thursday, August 6

○ 8th Grade: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

○ Seniors: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Friday, August 7

○ Freshmen: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

○ Sophomores: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

○ Juniors: 1 - 3 p.m.

Thursday, July 30 from 8:00 - 9:30 a.m.: NEW 9th-12th Graders ONLY will meet in the front office dressed in full uniform. Please bring all technology.

Drop off/Pick Up Line: See graphic below for carline instructions to be used at orientation and all school days.

Previous Weeks in Terrier Nation

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Save the Dates

Upcoming Events:

Chromebook Pick Up: Wednesday, July 15 & Tuesday, July 21 (Union) 6 p.m. 

Uniform Swap Shoppe: Wednesday, July 22 & Thursday, July 23 (Union) 4 - 6:30 p.m. 

ORIENTATION: 

Thursday, August 6

○ 8th Grade: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

○ Seniors: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Friday, August 7

○ Freshmen: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

○ Sophomores: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

○ Juniors: 1 - 3 p.m.

Girls Senior Retreat: August 14–15

Boys Senior Retreat: August 15–16

Parent Meetings:

Senior Parent Meeting: Monday, August 17th (Kolb) 6 p.m.

8th Grade Parent Meeting: Monday, September 14th (Kolb) 6 p.m.

9th/10th/11th Grade Parent Meeting: Monday, September 21st (Kolb) 6 p.m.

College Night: Monday, September 28 (Kolb) 6 to 8 p.m.

Terrier Tailgate: Friday, October 9, 2026

Counselor's Connection

2026-2027 Course Schedules

• Schedules will be posted in Plus Portals on Wednesday, July 15th.  In order to access your schedule, please click on the E-Locker tab in the blue bar on the home page.  Once in the e-locker, you will see "Class Schedule”. Click the blue arrow on the right side and the schedule will download as a PDF file.  

• Any outstanding balances for the 25-26 school year need to be paid before students are able to receive their 26-27 schedules. If you have any questions regarding balances, please email Lori Liner at lori.liner@htdiocese.org.

• Schedule changes will ONLY be made if there is a scheduling error or conflict. Course drops/adds must have approval from the Counseling Center and administration before any changes will be made. Changes requesting a specific teacher, subject/time convenience or a different lunch period CANNOT be honored. 

• Please complete the UPDATED: Schedule Change Request Form linked here if you need to request a schedule change. This form must be completed and turned in by Monday, July 20, 2026 at 11:59pm. 

• Verbal, phone or email requests will not be considered.  Once your form is processed, a school counselor will contact you via your school email with next steps by Friday, July 31st. 

Save the Date!

The Counseling Center hosts informational meetings for parents each year. Topics covered in this meeting are listed below. Please mark your calendars to join us.

• Academic changes to the handbook (grading scale, quarter and semester grade calculation)

• Diploma and TOPS requirements

• Transcripts

• GPA

• ACT/PreACT/ PSAT

• College and Career Readiness

• Make Up Testing Policy

• Helpful Resources

Senior Parent Meeting: Monday, August 17th at 6:00pm in the Kolb Center

*This meeting covers all of the important senior year information such as college applications, scholarships, FAFSA and more. 

8th Grade Parent Meeting: Monday, September 14th at 6:00 pm in the Kolb Center

9th/10th/11th Grade Parent Meeting: Monday, September 21st at 6:00 pm in the Kolb Center

Mark your calendars for College Night on Monday, September 28th, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm in the Kolb center. 

College Application Workshops

Mrs. Katie will offer two college application workshops after senior orientation. All seniors will receive information during regularly scheduled classroom visits in the beginning of the school year. However, these workshops will provide additional assistance for students interested in completing applications early. Workshops are divided by Common Application and General Applications. The Common Application is required for students applying to LSU. Eight universities in Louisiana use the Common App and include LSU, UNO, ULL, Tulane, Loyola, Centenary, Xavier and Dillard. Several out of state universities utilize the Common App also. A full list of schools requiring the Common Application can be viewed here. Additional workshops will be added as needed. Use the link below to schedule your student for a workshop. This is optional and an additional resource for students if desired. Registered students will receive an email with a classroom location prior to the workshop. Register here: College Application Workshop Registration

[repeat] Counselors will be available throughout the summer on Mondays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. when the school is open. Please contact the school office if you need assistance or would like to schedule a meeting. 

[repeat] The PreACT and PreACT 8/9 score reports are now available for pickup. Students or parents may report to the front office during summer hours to collect their scores. When reviewing the results with your student, please keep the following information in mind:

• The scores provide an indication of current academic achievement using the ACT scoring scale and predict future performance on the ACT.

• PreACT scores range from 1–35.

• PreACT 8/9 scores range from 1–30.

• Students will receive their complete testing booklet, which includes all missed questions and the correct answers. This information can be used to identify areas for improvement and assist with future test preparation.

If you have any questions regarding your student's scores, please contact the Counseling Office.

[repeat] Please reach out to your student's assigned counselor with any questions or concerns via phone, email, or using the Counselor Request Form.

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Daily Announcements

Daily Announcements will be posted here each day.

Important Links/Files