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Upcoming Events for the Start of the School Year

As we prepare for the new school year, our priority is to ensure that students and families have clear information and are ready to begin the year academically and spiritually.
This year’s theme, “Rooted & Rising,” asks students to stay grounded in our shared values while continuing to grow as leaders, learners, and members of the school community.
 
Please review the schedule carefully so that the opening of the 2026–2027 school year is organized, intentional, and consistent with our mission.
Tuesday, August 11 & Wednesday, August 12:
  • Breakaway
    • Details: Breakaway is an opportunity for the Class of 2030 to begin their four-year journey of friendship and bonding by meeting new people, and having fun. The day consists of activities and building community and friendships. The Class of 2030 will choose one of the following dates to attend: August 11 or August 12. The event will start at 4:30pm and end at 9:00 p.m. Bellarmine sophomores, juniors and seniors on our Breakaway Team and Crew will spend their day hanging out with the Class of 2030! Drop-off and pick up will be in the student parking lot outside of the Connelly Campus Center.
    • Contact: Abby Lopez, Director of Admissions 
Monday, August 17 -20 & August 24-27: Summer Readiness
  • Bellarmine Summer Readiness
    • Designed primarily for incoming freshmen, these programs focus on preparing students for a successful transition into Bellarmine. With courses aimed at building foundational skills, fostering confidence, and familiarizing students with the school’s expectations, Academic Readiness ensures students start their high school journey on the right foot. Course offerings include: English Readiness, Math Readiness, Biology Boost, and College Application Advantage: Essay & Resume (incoming seniors). 
    • Courses are still available! For course details, registration, and more information, please visit: www.bellarmineprep.org/jumpstart-summer-readiness 
    • Questions: Lauren Doscher, 253-752-7701 ext. 749 
Tuesday, August 18: 
  • Welcome Coach Hershel Dennis
    • We invite everyone to meet our new Football Coach, Hershel Dennis.  Coach Hershel will share his vision for the football program - refreshments will be provided
    • 3:30 p.m. on Memorial Field 
    • Football Parents meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. in the Connelly Campus Center
    • Contact: Hershel Dennis, Football Head Coach and/or Ron Cheatham, Director of Athletics & Activities 
Wednesday, August 19: 
  • First Day of Football
    • All participating students MUST have a current athletic physical uploaded to their account.  Physicals are valid for 24 months. All incoming freshmen will need to register for their respective sport in myBellarmine and complete the clearance process.  Varsity, Junior Varsity and Freshmen teams offered. No cuts. 
    • Contact: Hershel Dennis, Football Head Coach and/or Ron Cheatham, Director of Athletics & Activities 
Thursday, August 20:  Academic Prep 
  • Power of Parent Partnership
    • Details: The Power of Parent Partnership is a one-hour, parents-only workshop designed to help new families support their students at home and connect with Bellarmine’s administrators and key leaders.  6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Campus Center.
    • Contact: Bill Baerg (baergb@bellarmineprep.org)
    • Register here
Monday, August 24:  Academic Prep & Athletics 
  • Power of Parent Partnership
    • Details: The Power of Parent Partnership is a one-hour, parents-only workshop designed to help new families support their students at home and connect with Bellarmine’s administrators and key leaders.  8:00-9:30a in the Campus Center.
    • Contact: Bill Baerg (baergb@bellarmineprep.org)
    • Register here
  • First Day of Fall Sports
    • All participating students MUST have a current athletic physical uploaded to their account.  Physicals are valid for 24 months. All incoming freshmen will need to register for their respective sport in mybellarmine and complete the clearance process.  
    • Fall Sports include the following:  Boys and Girls Cross Country; Girls Soccer; Girls Volleyball; Boys Tennis; and Football (addressed above).  Tryout information is below: 
      • Boys Cross Country (Program Head Matt Ellis): One program for all levels. No cuts.  Tryouts take place 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM thru August 28.  Athletes should meet above the track at the JV baseball field.
      • Girls Cross Country (Program Head Matt Ellis): One program for all levels. No cuts.  Tryouts take place 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM thru August 28.  Athletes should meet above the track at the JV baseball field.
      • Girls Soccer (Program Head Derek Woodworth): Varsity and Junior Varsity teams offered. Cuts are dependent on the number of interested student-athletes. 
      • Volleyball (Program Head Caroline Meines): Varsity, Junior Varsity and C-Team teams offered. Cuts are dependent on the number of interested student-athletes.  Tryouts take place in the Booster Gym at 3:30 PM.
      • Boys Tennis (Program Head Morgann Crook):  Varsity and Junior Varsity Teams offered. Cuts are dependent on the number of interested student-athletes.  Tryouts take place from 2:45 PM - 5:00 PM thru August 26.
    • Contact: Ron Cheatham, Director of Athletics & Activities 
  • 2026 Bellarmine Booster Golf Classic
Tuesday, August 25: Transfer Student and Family Welcome Event
  • Event Details: New transfer students and families, please join us for the Transfer Student Orientation and Family Welcome on Tuesday, August 25 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Academic Center of Excellence located in Orell Hall.
    Students and families are invited to come meet other transfer families and school life administrators. You will learn about the resources available to help start the new school year off strong! During the event, you will also connect with current students and will have a chance to walk your class schedule, so you are all set for the first day of classes. Attendance is highly encouraged.
    Light refreshments will be served.
    When you arrive to campus, feel free to park in any parking lot and follow signs for the Transfer Student Welcome.
    We look forward to welcoming you to campus and connecting you with your fellow Lions!
  • Contact: Abby Lopez, Director of Admissions 
Thursday, August 27: Fall Sports Parent Meeting
  • Event Details: We encourage all fall sports parents and guardians to attend our Fall Sports Parent Meeting. This gathering is a valuable opportunity to connect with school leadership and coaches, learn more about expectations for the season, and understand how we can work together to support our student-athletes. We will cover important information about communication, schedules, eligibility, safety protocols, team responsibilities, and ways families can help create a positive and meaningful athletic experience. Your presence helps ensure that our students, coaches, and families begin the season informed, connected, and ready to compete with pride, and purpose. Meeting will take place in the Connelly Campus Center from 5:30- 7:00 pm 
  • Contact: Ron Cheatham, Director of Athletics & Activities
Friday, August 28:  Employee Opening Day/Retreat
  • School offices are closed as staff and faculty will participate in the employee retreat.
Sunday, August 30:  Link Crew Training
  • Link Crew training will be from 12:00-6:00 p.m. All Link Crew Leaders must attend.
Monday, August 31s:  Faculty In-Service
  • School offices will be open; however,  faculty will be participating in a day in-service. 
Tuesday, September 1:  Freshmen Orientation/Picture Day/Community Mass & BBQ
  • Freshmen/New Student Orientation
    • Details:  8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Drop-off at Names Gym. Parents, please do not drop off earlier than 8:15 a.m.
    • Contact: Jim Dempsey, Director of Student Leadership
  • Picture Day
    • Picture Day will be on September 1, 2026, from 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Pictures will take place in the Academic Center of Excellence (ACE) in Orell Hall.  
    • Sophomores, juniors, and seniors will have their pictures taken according to the schedule below, based on the first letter of their last name. Freshmen will have their pictures taken during Freshman Orientation. Please click here to view the schedule. 
    • Contact: Willie London,  Dean of Student Life
  • Community Mass & BBQ
    • Details:  5:00-7:00 p.m.
    • This event is a wonderful way to kick off the school year and bring together the entire Bellarmine community! We look forward to welcoming new and returning students, families, faculty, staff, and friends for an evening of connection and celebration. We'll begin with Mass, followed by a BBQ, games, and opportunities to learn about ways to get involved throughout the school year. Be sure to stop by the Lions Den to pick up your back-to-school swag and show off your Bellarmine pride as we celebrate the start of another great school year!
    • Contact: Tory Lamb, Events Coordinator
Wednesday, September 2:  First Day of Classes (Unified Day with Formation)
Thursday, September 3: A Day
Friday, September 4: B Day
Stay up to date: 
Visit myBellarmine Resource Boards for important school-wide information, including the school calendar, bell schedule, transportation, student devices, food services, key contacts and other essential resources.
 
Upcoming Dates: 
  • 9/4: All-School Mass/Mass on the Grass (all are invited)
  • 9/15: Senior Parent & Guardian Night
  • 9/16: Back to School Night (attendance encouraged for all parents/guardians)
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