Student Life
At Nativity, students are encouraged to participate in sports and other extra-curricular school activities that build body, mind and spirit. Our extensive programs provide opportunities for them to mature in areas beyond strictly academic studies. Every student is empowered to discover their aptitudes and express them in group activities in athletics, clubs and community service. This engenders a sense of cohesion and solidarity with others.
Community Service
The Diocese of Allentown mandates that all students complete Community Service tasks during each of the four academic years. Community Service is about more than fulfilling a requirement for a number of hours. It is about being called to service. It is about taking time to serve others. It is a call from our Lord who reminds us that He created us to know, to love and to serve Him by loving and serving our neighbor as ourselves.
The Diocesan Community Service requirements for all students include service to the school, to the church/parish and service to the Community at large. Each year Nativity students complete more than 5,000 hours of community service.
Our Community Service Coordinator maintains all service records.
Mrs. Toni Holohan, Community Service Coordinator
570-622-8110
tholohan@nativitybvm.net
The following are the minimum hours required for each grade:
Grade 9: 10 hours
Grade 10: 20 hours
Grade 11: 30 hours
Grade 12: 40 hours
Student Forms
Counseling Department
Parents and Guardians may join their student’s Google Classroom for daily updates.
Seniors and Juniors can schedule college visitation days during the school year. Please obtain a college visit form from the Main Office. Completed and Signed forms are to be returned to the Main Office 48 hours before the scheduled visit. Please view the student handbook for the college visitation policy.
For more information, visit financialaidtoolkit.ed.gov.
FSA ID Application – Before you fill out the FAFSA (www.fafsa.gov), you and your student need to apply for a FSA ID (your electronic signature) at www.fsaid.ed.gov. It takes about five minutes. The DEADLINE for applying for the FAFSA is May 1st, but certain colleges require students to apply earlier. There is an annual Financial Aid Night hosted in the Fall Semester at Nativity BVM.
Important Dates for High School Seniors
May 1: The FAFSA filing deadline for the Pennsylvania State Grant Program for all new applicants who plan to enroll in baccalaureate degree programs, including those who enroll in college transfer programs at two-year public colleges or junior colleges (excludes community colleges and designated Pennsylvania Open-Admission institutions).
August 1: The FAFSA filing deadline for the Pennsylvania State Grant Program for all new applicants who plan to enroll in designated Pennsylvania Open-Admission institutions; business, trade, and technical schools; hospital schools of nursing; or two-year non-transferable career programs at two-year public, junior or four-year colleges.
PHEAA provides several different avenues for students and their families to use if questions arise concerning the FAFSA application process, how to apply for grants, student employment, guidance on career planning and other important issues. They may call 1-800-692-7392 and a representative will personally assist them. Information is also available at several Websites including pheaa.org, educationplanner.org, and MySmartBorrowing.org. For the latest financial aid information, we encourage students to join us on Facebook at facebook.com/pheaa.aid. Printed materials may also be requested by telephone or online.
Email HINT: Students should add “StateGrantsandSpecialPrograms@pheaa.org”, “StateGrantsandSpecialPrograms2@pheaa.org” “and “StateGrantsandSpecialPrograms3@pheaa.org” to their email address book so that they do not miss any important electronic communications.
When you graduate, your diploma is your only copy. Nativity does not keep copies of graduates’ diplomas. However, if proof is needed of graduation a transcript and/or a letter on school letterhead can be provided. To request graduation verification please fax a signed release with your name, year of graduation, an address of where the information is to be sent and number to contact you if there are questions to 570-622-8110 to the attention of Mrs. Yaneck in the Main Office. There is a $10.00 fee per transaction
International students are encouraged to work through an outside agency to obtain acceptance into Nativity High School. All international students must apply through the Development Office and be accepted by the Administration. All international students seeking acceptance must be fluent in English. Once accepted, international students may obtain an I-20 Visa form from Mr. Naffin in the Studies Office.
All student athletes looking to compete at the Division 1 or Division 2 levels of athletics in college must register through the NCAA Eligibility Center. Most but not all major courses at Nativity are NCAA Core Course Approved. Please check with the School Counselor starting in your junior year that enough core courses are being taken to be eligible for college athletics. See NCAA Eligibility Center.
Nativity offers an in-house SAT prep course for one quarter during the Sophomore year. The course is co-taught by a faculty member from the Math and English departments. Other information regarding outside testing preparation opportunities in the local community can be found in the Counseling Office.
Khan Academy is an excellent, free website for practicing the SAT or ACT. Tutorials and practice tests are available for both the English and Math component. Mrs. Brensinger will walk you through the website if you need assistance. See Khan Academy.
PSAT Code – Nativity administers the PSAT to all underclassmen in October. Upon completion of the PSAT, the student grade reporting packet includes an individualized code to connect to Khan Academy for specialized practice/tutoring for the SAT. This is an excellent tool for SAT Preparation.
Juniors and Seniors, it is never too early to start looking into and applying for scholarships. Here is our up-to-date scholarship packet.
Nativity Counseling Department | Lead Counselor: Mrs. Liz Brensinger
Phone: 570.622.8110 | Email: guidance@nativitybvm.net
Pot of Gold Drawing
First Place
$250
Date of Drawing:
September 20, 2023
October 25, 2023
December 7, 2023
January 24, 2024
February 21, 2024
March 20, 2024
April 10, 2024
April 24, 2024
Winner:
Ashley Graver
Tammy Joseph
Rose Ekhart
Alexandria Mark
April Krerr
Chrissy Salem
Joey Jane Vernay
Joe Smith
Seller:
Conner Kanute
Ryan Examitas
Tammy Bartashus
Madison Thompson
Nicholas Clarke
A. Jansson
Cole Wagner
Jacob Rosenberger
Second Place
$150
September 20, 2023
October 25, 2023
December 7, 2023
January, 24, 2024
February 21, 2024
March 20, 2024
April 10, 2024
April 24, 2024
Lorna Palerino
Chuck Sherman
Ahna Robertson
George Shimko
Eddie Zembas
Jeff Fisher
Jodie Kulp
Kevin M Sborz Sr.
Callie Palerino
Lily Baran
Mariahna Robertson
George Shimko
Anna Jansson
Rushannon
M. Seltzer
Emily Conroy
Third Place
$50
September 20, 2023
October 25, 2023
December 7, 2023
January, 24, 2024
February 21, 2024
March 20, 2024
April 10, 2024
April 24, 2024
Krissy Wensock
Wendy Kunkel
Pepa Baldino
Ziolkowski
Beth
Gene Pasker
Sue Kelly
Lori Gurlavage
Pinkey Family
Felty
Pepa Baldino
Bailey
Chloe Zulick
Layne Pasker
Brandon Smith
Stephen Karinch
Fourth Place
$50
September 20, 2023
October 25, 2023
December 7, 2023
January, 24, 2024
February 21, 2024
March 20, 2024
April 10, 2024
April 24, 2024
Colleen Rosenberger
Karen Harder
John Williams
Angela Balicki
Dean Gherghel
Dennis Crim
Cory & Tania Vance
April
Andrew Verchick
Autumn Gehrman
Jacob Williams
Janelle Zigmont
Jack Gherghel
Makenzie Seltzer
Irene Brennan
Rushannon