PUBLISHED ON August 26, 2024

By: Rhylee, Aubrey, Molly, and Charlotte

 Your first week of 8th grade can usually be nerve-wracking. You never know what could happen. Here at Chapelle, we ensure that your first week as an 8th grader is enjoyable, educational, and feels like a fresh start for all of our chipmunks. 

  In order to live up to these expectations, we have so many exciting events happening on campus!  First, we like to start the first day off with an assembly. At this assembly, we revealed the STUCO theme (this year it was “Krewe De Stuco”). We also like to recognize everything our chipmunks did over the summer. For example, students volunteered to help children in Belize. We also play line dance songs in the gym so everyone has fun before classes! As an 8th grader, this will help you start your day with an open mind and an exciting sensation. After all of the fun in the morning, we run through our classes. At the end of the day, we hold a Chapelle/Rummel BBQ! This is a great opportunity to get to know people from other schools and eat some delicious food complimentary to our amazing cafeteria Krewe. We always have a theme that students can use their creativity to plan outfits!

             The rest of the week is the time when you can start to get to know the school. 

This is the time to bond with your classmates and form relationships with your teachers. If any 8th graders feel lost or stressed, any upperclassmen and teachers can help them figure out their schedules. At Chapelle, we are there for anyone who needs any sort of assistance. Toward the end of the week, we hold a mass where our Seniors, 8th graders, and transfer students,  get recognized. One of the best things about 8th grade is your big sis. A big sis will pin their little sis, and a transfer buddy will pin a transfer student at this mass. The pin says “Deus Providebit” (God will provide), which is our school motto. This is known as a very special moment for our 8th graders, as well as seniors and transfer buddies. Another special moment that is shared with the whole school, is when the seniors sing their Senior Song for the first time. As an 8th grader, seeing your big sis having a bittersweet moment with her class, makes you look forward to all of the memories you will make at Chapelle. 

                       Now, for the last day of the week, we have so many exciting things planned for our chipmunks! One major event is the Back To School Pep Rally!  At this pep rally, we have performances from the Hi-Steppers, Chapellettes, and cheer team! We also play games that are so much fun. Being an 8th grader and going to your first ever real Chapelle pep rally, really makes you feel like you have chosen the right place. That same night, we hold the Chapelle Back To

School Dance!  This is such a fun event where new students can get to know even more people and make even more friends.  There is always a theme to the Back To School Dance. For example, this year's theme was sportsman's paradise where everyone came in their school-appropriate hunting/fishing attire!  The theme changes every year, which makes it so much fun to see everyone's creativity! 


                     A message that we would give to our 8th graders, is to cherish every single moment here at Chapelle. As an 8th grader, you don’t realize that these 5 years will go by so fast. You will make so many amazing memories and meet people who will be your lifelong friends. We suggest that you make the most of these years because they go by very quickly. The years will pass by, but the memories you make here last forever. We know that you will achieve so much with your years at Chapelle. Chapelle will always be your forever home. Lastly, we would like to say, welcome to the Chapelle family.




Recommended Posts

By Jamie Hanzo October 13, 2025
Chipmunks Attend Annual Respect Life Meeting 💚✨ At Archbishop Chapelle High School, we are proud to support our students as they live out their faith and commitment to the dignity of life. Recently, three of our dedicated Pro-Life Club members—Layla Diaz, Mia Impastato, and Ava Kissinger—had the incredible opportunity to attend the Annual Respect Life Meeting, hosted by the Archdiocese of New Orleans and Catholic Charities' Respect Life Office. A Special Gathering at the Archbishop’s Residence This meaningful event, held at the residence of Archbishop Gregory Aymond, brought together young leaders and advocates from across the Archdiocese to discuss the importance of respecting and protecting life at every stage. The meeting provided a unique space for students to learn, reflect, and engage in conversations about how they can make a positive impact in their communities. An Unforgettable Experience Layla, Mia, and Ava represented Chapelle with grace and enthusiasm, joining other Pro-Life advocates in prayer and dialogue. They had the opportunity to hear inspiring messages from Archbishop Aymond and leaders from the Respect Life Office, emphasizing the importance of compassion, advocacy, and action in building a culture of life. The meeting also provided valuable resources and ideas for the Pro-Life Club to bring back to our school community, empowering them to continue their work in spreading awareness and promoting the sanctity of life. Thank You, Students and Leaders! We are so proud of Layla, Mia, and Ava for representing Archbishop Chapelle High School with such passion and purpose. A special thank you to the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Catholic Charities, and Archbishop Aymond for hosting this inspiring event and providing our students with this incredible opportunity.  Together, we continue to pray for and work toward a world that values and respects the dignity of all human life.
By Jamie Hanzo October 13, 2025
Celebrating Academic Excellence: All-Academic Composite Team 🎓✨ At Archbishop Chapelle High School, we strive to cultivate leaders who excel in all areas of life—spiritually, socially, and academically. Today, we are thrilled to honor three extraordinary students whose dedication, hard work, and perseverance have earned them a spot on the prestigious All-Academic Composite Team! This recognition is awarded to students who have achieved All A’s for four consecutive years—a remarkable accomplishment that reflects their commitment to academic excellence and their unwavering dedication to success in the classroom. Congratulations to Our Academic Aces! 🏐 Chloe Arnold 🏐 Ava Landry 🏐 Lillian Weaver These three Chipmunks have demonstrated incredible focus, resilience, and discipline throughout their high school journey, and we could not be prouder of their achievements. Balancing rigorous academics with extracurriculars and personal growth is no small feat, and their hard work serves as an inspiration to their peers and the entire Chapelle community.
By Jamie Hanzo October 10, 2025
Chapelle Volleyball Shines in Historic District Victory 🏐💚 The Archbishop Chapelle volleyball team is proving that hard work, heart, and determination can lead to incredible achievements. On Thursday, the Chipmunks pulled off a thrilling upset, defeating a powerhouse opponent, Dominican, 25-22, 18-25, 25-15, 25-19 in a key District 8-I match at home. This victory marks the first time Chapelle has defeated Dominican since October 16, 2018—a true milestone for the program. A Program on the Rise Under the leadership of legendary head coach Jodee Pulizzano, now in her second year at Chapelle, the volleyball program is experiencing a resurgence. Pulizzano, who boasts an incredible 1,025 career wins over 35 years, has been a part of six state championships and nine finals appearances during her illustrious career. “This one ranks very high,” Pulizzano said of the victory. “You preach to your team that they are good. Until they actually achieve that goal, then they start believing. The energy was great. You have to learn how to win the big game. That’s a culture thing. I think we’re turning the corner. It’s a phenomenal group of kids.” A Team Effort The Chipmunks’ performance on Thursday was nothing short of extraordinary—a true demonstration of teamwork and grit. 🏐 Victoria McCann led the way with an impressive 26 kills, showing her dominance at the net. 🏐 Blythe Bonnaffons was everywhere on the court, tallying 41 assists and an incredible 22 digs. 🏐 Ava Landry anchored the defense with 35 digs, proving her reliability in high-pressure moments. 🏐 Audrey Dubuc added 13 kills, while Chloe Arnold contributed with 8 blocks to shut down the opposition's attack. 🏐 Lilly Carmadelle served up 3 aces, adding to the Chipmunks’ momentum. This was truly a complete team effort, with every player stepping up to contribute to the monumental win. The victory was more than just a win—it was a statement. It showed that the Chipmunks are ready to compete at the highest level in one of the toughest volleyball districts in Louisiana. “Why not us?” Pulizzano said. “This was a complete team effort. It’s about what players come out to play. It was phenomenal. It was great. We have players willing to give it up for their teammates.” Looking Ahead With the win, Chapelle improves to 15-7 overall and remains undefeated in district play at 3-0. The Chipmunks will face another formidable challenge on Monday, taking on defending state champion Haynes Academy at home at 5:30 p.m. As for the team, they are ready to embrace the challenge and continue building on their momentum. This victory is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and belief that defines the Chapelle volleyball program. Congratulations to Coach Pulizzano and the entire team. Let’s keep the energy high and continue to cheer on our Chipmunks as they take on the best in the state!
By Jamie Hanzo October 9, 2025
Hands-On Learning in Veterinary Science: Exploring Rhino Conservation At Archbishop Chapelle High School, we believe in bringing education to life through hands-on learning, and our Veterinary Science elective is no exception. Recently, students in Judy Merrill’s Veterinary Science class took part in an innovative lab that combined science, conservation, and real-world applications. A Look Into Rhino Conservation The lab centered on the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s groundbreaking contributions to rhino conservation efforts, specifically through reproductive endocrinology research. Students were introduced to the critical role that hormone studies play in preserving endangered species like the rhinoceros. As part of the lab, students worked with mock progesterone hormone samples from a female rhino. By analyzing this data, they were able to: - Diagnose the reproductive state of the rhino. - Understand how this information is used to help manage breeding programs. - Learn how reproductive science can contribute to saving a species from extinction. Real-World Veterinary Science Applications This lab provided students with a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of wildlife conservation and veterinary science. Through studying reproductive cycles and hormone research, students gained real-world insight into how science and technology help protect endangered animals. Judy Merrill explained the importance of this hands-on experience: “This cutting-edge curriculum allows students to see how veterinary science plays a crucial role in species preservation. It’s about more than just learning facts—it’s about understanding how their future careers can make a difference in the world.” Inspiring the Next Generation of Conservationists This lab is just one example of how Chapelle’s Veterinary Science elective fosters curiosity and passion for science. By engaging in meaningful, real-world learning experiences, students are inspired to think critically about their future and the impact they can have on the environment.  Congratulations to our Veterinary Science students for their hard work and to Mrs. Merrill for creating such an engaging and impactful curriculum!
By Jamie Hanzo October 8, 2025
Celebrating Creativity: Payton Morris Designs the 2025 Pink Month T-Shirt! 🎨💗 At Archbishop Chapelle High School, we are always amazed by the incredible talent and creativity of our Chipmunks. This year, we were excited to see so many beautiful design submissions for our 2025 Pink Month T-Shirt, and we are thrilled to announce the design selected to represent this special tradition. Congratulations to Payton Morris, a talented sophomore, for creating the winning design! 🎉 A Tradition of Talent Each year, members of the Chapelle community submit their own designs for the Pink Month T-Shirt, and the Chapelle Administration selects the winning entry. Payton’s design was chosen for its creativity, meaning, and representation of the spirit of Pink Month. A Chipmunk to Celebrate We are so lucky to have such talented students in the Chapelle family, and Payton’s design is a shining example of the unique gifts our Chipmunks share with the community. Her artwork will now be worn proudly by students, staff, and families throughout the month of October as we raise awareness and show support for an important cause. Congratulations again to Payton Morris on this amazing achievement! We can’t wait to see your design come to life and celebrate Pink Month together. 💗 All t-shirt proceeds will go to the Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center.
By Jamie Hanzo October 8, 2025
Congratulations to the Chapellettes and Raider Band! 🎶💚 This past Saturday, October 4th, the Chapellettes and Raider Band took the stage at the Fête de Musique Marching Competition at Central Lafourche High School—and they did not disappoint! They brought home 2nd Place in Class 2 and the award for Overall Best General Effect, showcasing their incredible talent, precision, and teamwork.  We are so proud of our Chapellettes and Raider Band for their hard work and dedication. Thank you for representing Chapelle with such excellence and spirit!
By Jamie Hanzo October 8, 2025
Welcoming Future Chapelle Chips to Future Scholars Night🌟💚 On October 1st, Archbishop Chapelle High School welcomed prospective families to our campus for Future Scholars Night, an exciting evening designed for 5th, 6th, and 7th grade girls and their families. This special event gave families a chance to explore Chapelle’s academic programs, experience hands-on learning, and discover what makes our school such a unique and inspiring place for young women. A Warm Welcome to Future Chips The evening kicked off with a warm welcome from our Associate Head of School, who set the tone for an insightful and fun-filled night. Families then split into groups, with parents and their daughters participating in tailored activities to help them get a taste of the Chapelle experience. Hands-On Activities for Future Scholars While parents met with Chapelle teachers to learn more about our academic programs, the students got to dive into hands-on learning experiences. Some of the exciting stations included: - Future Focus : Students explored their future at Chapelle by creating vision boards and learning about college prep opportunities. - STEM : A highlight of the evening, students worked on robotics, experimented with 3D printing in the ARC, and conducted fun science experiments. - Tech and Media : Guests got a behind-the-scenes look at Chapelle’s technology and media program, showcasing how creativity meets innovation. - Experiential Learning : Students learned about Chapelle’s exciting electives and field trips that take learning outside the classroom and into the real world. These stations gave Future Chips the opportunity to experience the vibrant and diverse learning opportunities that await them at Chapelle! Informative Sessions for Parents While the students were busy exploring, parents had the chance to hear directly from Chapelle teachers about the curriculum, programs, and resources that make our school a leader in Catholic education. Families also received handouts with valuable information about scholarships and course studies, helping them envision their daughter’s future as a Chapelle student. A Night to Remember Future Scholars Night was an overwhelming success, giving prospective families a firsthand look at the supportive, faith-filled, and academically enriching environment that Chapelle offers. We loved seeing so many bright, curious young women and their families on campus, and we hope they left feeling excited about the possibilities of becoming part of the Chapelle family! To all of our Future Chips: Thank you for joining us, and we can’t wait to see you again soon! 💚
By Jamie Hanzo October 8, 2025
Celebrating Chipmunk Excellence: Fun Friday Assembly 🎉💚 At Archbishop Chapelle High School, we love celebrating the incredible accomplishments of our students, faculty, and staff. On Friday, October 3rd, the Chapelle family gathered for a Fun Friday Assembly to honor our Chips who shined in September and to get excited about all the fun ahead this month! Recognizing Excellence: Students of the Month One of the highlights of the assembly was celebrating our Students of the Month, who demonstrated outstanding character, leadership, and dedication in September. Congratulations to these amazing Chipmunks: - Sarah Karcher - Josie Dubuc - Emma Batson - Jayla Aucoin - Abby Naquin These students have gone above and beyond in academics, extracurriculars, and their contributions to the Chapelle community. We are so proud of you! 🎉 Honoring Our Faculty and Staff It’s not just our students who go the extra mile—our teachers and staff are also incredible role models for excellence and dedication. We were thrilled to recognize these outstanding members of the Chapelle family: - Staff Member of the Month : Kaylyn Bourgeois - Teacher of the Month : Will Thompson Thank you, Mrs. Bourgeois and Mr. Thompson, for your hard work and commitment to our students. Your passion for education and support for the Chapelle community do not go unnoticed! 💚 Looking Ahead In addition to celebrating September’s accomplishments, we also looked forward to all the exciting events and activities coming up in October. From sports games to campus ministry opportunities, there’s so much to be excited about as we continue to grow together as a Chapelle family. A Community of Faith and Fun Our Fun Friday Assemblies are more than just a chance to celebrate—they’re a reminder of the vibrant, supportive community we have at Chapelle. Whether we’re cheering for a fellow Chipmunk or setting goals for the month ahead, these moments bring us closer as a school family. Congratulations to all of our honorees, and here’s to a fantastic October at Chapelle! 🎉✨
More Posts