PUBLISHED ON September 9, 2025

Let the Penny Wars Begin!

It’s that time of year again—Penny Wars is officially underway! 🎉 This annual Chapelle tradition brings excitement, competition, and a whole lot of fun as grade levels face off in a battle for bragging rights and a good cause.


What is Penny Wars?

Penny Wars is a school-wide competition where each grade level works to have the least amount of negative money in their container by the end of the week. Every grade has a teacher representative, and the stakes are high: the winning grade’s teacher escapes the pie, while the representatives of the other grades get pied by their class officer! 🥧


This Year's Grade Representatives:

Seniors: Kyle Wooderson 

Juniors: Beth Hook

Sophomores: Lisa Reames 

Freshmen: Vinny Giovingo 

8th grade: Wendy Zucconi 


The Rules of the War

Here’s how it works:

  • Each grade has a container where coins and bills are dropped.
  • Pennies are positive points for the grade: every penny adds to the grade’s total.
  • Other coins and bills (like nickels, dimes, quarters, or dollar bills) are negative points: these subtract from the grade’s total. (Pro tip: Drop those nickels and dollar bills into your rival grade's jar to sabotage their score!)
  • The grade with the least amount of negative money in their container at the end of the week wins!

It’s a strategic game of adding and subtracting points, all while keeping the competition fun and lighthearted.


This Year’s Theme: "Electives Know the Objectives"

Get ready to see this year’s theme come to life as grades unite to support their teacher representative and take down the competition!


Why We Do It

Penny Wars isn’t just about pie and points—it’s about giving back. All proceeds from Penny Wars will support The Giving Tree, which helps families in our community during the holiday season.


Let the War Commence!

Bring your pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and bills to school this week and help your grade claim victory! Whether you’re defending your own jar or sabotaging another, every coin counts.


Good luck, Chipmunks—and may the most strategic grade win! 💚

Recommended Posts

By Jamie Hanzo September 9, 2025
Mr. Troy Roddy Brings Learning to Life with Interactive True Crime Project This year, Mr. Troy Roddy introduced an innovative and personalized project to his AP Language and Composition and English IV Honors students, blending academic rigor with creative engagement. As part of his newly earned Master’s in Education with a focus on Learning Experience Design , Mr. Roddy designed an interactive e-learning module that brought the excitement of True Crime into the classroom. The Project: Who Stole the Crown and Sash? The assignment asked students to explore a fictional crime, analyze evidence, and argue, defend, or qualify the guilt or innocence of one of three suspects. Using critical thinking and argumentation skills, students worked through the scenario while staying true to their curriculum. Objective : The students were tasked with mastering the ability to argue, defend, or qualify their position on the suspects’ guilt or innocence, honing their persuasive writing and reasoning skills in the process. Making Learning Personal and Fun Mr. Roddy’s goal was to create a lesson that felt personal, engaging, and relevant to his students. Knowing many of them are fans of true crime, he designed a lighthearted yet rigorous activity that incorporated their interests. Here’s how he made it special: School Culture & Catholic Identity : Mr. Roddy took pictures around the school and used AI to redesign them with a unique Comic Detective Noir feel, seamlessly integrating Chapelle’s culture and values. Favorite Teachers as Characters : Students were delighted to see their favorite teachers woven into the storyline! Interactive Environment : The module mimicked exploring the school, creating a fully immersive experience. Sense of Humor : Mr. Roddy’s signature humor added fun and personality to the project. The Five E’s of Learning Design To ensure a high-quality e-learning experience, Mr. Roddy followed the Five E’s of Learning Design : Engage : Students were hooked by the True Crime theme and the personalized school setting. Explore : The interactive module encouraged them to investigate evidence and suspects. Explain : Clear instructions guided students on how to craft their arguments. Elaborate : Students applied their skills to defend their positions. Evaluate : The final step involved presenting and justifying their conclusions. A Learning Experience Tailored for Chapelle Mr. Roddy explained the significance of personalized learning in his project: “Learning Experience Design is all about making personalized, relevant learning experiences tailored to our students’ learning preferences. I wanted to integrate our Catholic identity, school culture, and the students’ interests into one seamless experience.” An Exciting Future for E-Learning at Chapelle This project is just the beginning of how Mr. Roddy plans to use his expertise in Learning Experience Design to create interactive and meaningful lessons. By combining technology, creativity, and Chapelle’s unique culture, he’s redefining what it means to engage students in the classroom. Congratulations, Mr. Roddy, on this incredible accomplishment, and thank you for bringing such an exciting and innovative learning experience to our students!
By Jamie Hanzo September 9, 2025
Alumnae Career Engagement Presentation Recap: Medical Sonography On Tuesday, September 9, Archbishop Chapelle High School was excited to host the first session of our new Alumnae Career Engagement Presentations ! This program brings successful alumnae back to campus to share their career journeys and inspire our students to explore future possibilities. For our first presentation, we welcomed Samantha Zimmerman Morris ’07 and Brooke Meyer Zimmerman ’11 , both accomplished Medical Sonographers . Students from all grade levels had the opportunity to sign up for this engaging and informative session based on their interest in healthcare and technology. What We Learned Samantha and Brooke captivated the audience with their discussion on the field of medical sonography. They explained how they use sound waves to create images that help doctors diagnose a wide range of medical conditions—not just pregnancy-related issues! They highlighted how ultrasound technology is a fast, effective, and non-invasive tool for diagnosing medical problems, offering quick answers that are critical in patient care. Students were fascinated to learn about the intersection of healthcare and cutting-edge technology in this field, as well as the profound impact sonographers can have on patients’ lives. Samantha and Brooke also shared their personal experiences, including what led them to choose this career, the education and training required, and the rewarding moments they’ve experienced in their work. Their passion for making a difference in patient care was truly inspiring, leaving students not only informed but also motivated to consider medical sonography as a potential career path. Looking Ahead Thank you to Samantha and Brooke for returning to Chapelle to kick off this exciting new program! Their expertise and enthusiasm set a high standard for future presentations, and we are so grateful for their willingness to give back to the Chapelle community. We can’t wait to welcome more alumnae to campus as part of the Alumnae Career Engagement Presentations series. Stay tuned for announcements about upcoming speakers and topics—there’s so much more to learn and explore!
By Jamie Hanzo September 9, 2025
With hearts on fire for Christ, students from Archbishop Rummel High School and Archbishop Chapelle High School came together to serve the people of San Marcos Village in Belize. This past May, students and faculty worked side by side to build school kitchen walls, paint classrooms, visit the sick, lead a youth retreat, and celebrate the sacraments, bringing the love of Jesus to the heart of the community.  This mission was more than service. It was an encounter with Christ through faith, community, and service. We humbly ask for your continued prayers and support for our Belize Mission.
By Jamie Hanzo September 9, 2025
Bravo to Mrs. Chokr's French Students Our French students brought grammar to life with creativity and enthusiasm! Under the guidance of French teacher Ghada Chokr , the girls performed cheers celebrating French accents. Each accent got its own shout-out: Aigu Grave Circonflexe Cédille Tréma Through their cheers, the students learned how these accents change both the sound and the meaning of words in French. Who knew grammar could be this much fun? 😊 Bravo to our French students for turning learning into an exciting and spirited experience!
By Jamie Hanzo September 9, 2025
Chapelle Volleyball Team Surprises Coach Giovingo with a Baby Shower The Chapelle Volleyball team recently came together to celebrate a very special occasion—surprising Coach Giovingo with a baby shower! 💚🤍 The event was filled with love, laughter, and plenty of fun as the team and their families gathered to honor Coach Giovingo and her growing family. A Shower Full of Fun and Games The volleyball team made sure the celebration was as memorable as it was heartwarming. They played several hilarious baby-themed games, including a blind baby food taste test and a pacifier hunt , bringing out the competitive spirit that the team is known for both on and off the court. Coach Giovingo was truly touched by the thoughtful effort put into the event. She shared her gratitude, saying: “Thank you to Jodee, Katie, Micheal, Aubreanna, and all of the parents (especially Chrystan and Brad) that helped put this together! Meagan and I are extremely blessed to be in the Chipmunk family, and Pius is ready to be the Volleychips’ #1 fan in the stands.” Celebrating Family and Team Spirit This special day was a testament to the incredible bond shared by the Chapelle Volleyball team. It wasn’t just a baby shower—it was a celebration of family, teamwork, and the strong community that defines the Chapelle experience. Congratulations to Coach Giovingo and her family on this exciting new chapter! We can’t wait to welcome baby Pius as the Volleychips’ #1 fan . 💚
By Jamie Hanzo September 8, 2025
Show Your Chapelle Pride with a Chapelle License Plate! Looking for a way to represent your Chapelle pride everywhere you go? 🌟 Jefferson Title currently has over 100 Chapelle-branded license plates in stock and ready for you—but only until October 31, 2025 ! How to Get Yours From now until October 31, you can visit Jefferson Title to pick up your Chapelle license plate on-site. After this date, you’ll still be able to order through Jefferson Title or directly through the state, but keep in mind that shipping fees will apply . Important FAQs Here’s everything you need to know about purchasing and registering your Chapelle plate: Plates and Registration: The plate must be placed on a vehicle registered under the same name submitted to the state with the car title. Gala Reserved plates will be held by Jefferson Title indefinitely until registered—please plan to pick yours up ASAP. Picking Up Your Plate: Plates cannot be picked up or taken home unless they are registered to a vehicle. Using the Plate for Decoration: If you would like a Chapelle plate for decorative purposes only, you must: First register the plate to a vehicle and pay all associated fees. Suspend the plate with the state. Purchase a different Louisiana plate for your vehicle and pay the associated fees. Once suspended, the Chapelle plate can be used as decoration and will remain suspended indefinitely. Reactivating a Suspended Plate: To reactivate a suspended Chapelle plate for vehicle use, you’ll need to pay all back annual plate fees to the state. For example, if the plate has been suspended for 5 years, you must pay 5 years of fees before reactivation. Questions? For additional information or assistance, please contact Rayne Morehead at rmorehead@archbishopchapelle.org . Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your Chapelle pride everywhere you drive! 💚 Get your plate today and let the world know you’re part of the Chapelle family.
By Jamie Hanzo September 8, 2025
Loyal to Green & White Brunch Recap This past Saturday, September 6, we welcomed alumnae moms, grandmothers, and dear friends to our campus for the Loyal to Green & White Brunch ! This special event was designed for our alumnae to invite 6th and 7th graders —our Future Chipmunks —to experience the magic of Chapelle through their eyes. A Morning of Memories and Fun The day began with a delicious brunch and a special activity that sparked sweet memories of Chapelle days gone by. Alumnae shared stories and experiences with their Future Chips, creating meaningful moments that bridged generations of Chapelle love. After brunch, everyone participated in a campus-wide scavenger hunt , where alumnae and their Future Chips strolled down memory lane, rediscovering cherished spots while exploring the exciting new additions to Chapelle’s campus. Thank You for Joining Us! We are so grateful to everyone who attended the Loyal to Green & White Brunch —your love for Chapelle and the way you share it with the next generation of Future Chipmunks is truly inspiring.  Events like this remind us that Chapelle isn’t just a school; it’s a family that lasts a lifetime. We can’t wait to see many of these bright young faces back on campus as official Chipmunks in the future! 💚
By Jamie Hanzo September 8, 2025
Chapelle Students Honored with PSAT National Recognition Awards We are thrilled to announce that several of our Archbishop Chapelle High School students have earned the prestigious PSAT National Recognition Award ! This incredible achievement highlights their academic excellence, dedication, and commitment to success. The PSAT National Recognition Program , awarded by the College Board, celebrates high-achieving students who excel on standardized tests and in challenging coursework. This honor not only acknowledges their hard work but also provides a valuable addition to their college applications, helping them stand out to universities across the nation. What is the PSAT National Recognition Program? The PSAT National Recognition Program is an academic award—not a scholarship—that recognizes students for their exceptional performance. Eligibility is determined by a combination of: PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10 scores AP exam scores GPA In addition to its traditional honors, the program has expanded to include: School Recognition Awards for top-performing students in their high schools. First-Generation Recognition Awards for students on track to be the first in their family to complete college. How Our Students Qualified Students at Chapelle qualified for this award through two pathways : Scoring in the top 10% nationally on the PSAT/NMSQT (10th or 11th grade) or PSAT 10. Achieving a score of 3 or higher on two or more AP Exams taken in 8th, 9th, and/or 10th grade . These accomplishments reflect not only their individual talent and determination but also the supportive environment of academic excellence at Chapelle. Why This Matters This recognition is more than an award—it’s an opportunity. By earning this distinction, our students: Stand out to colleges and universities , showcasing their academic abilities. Highlight their hard work and dedication in competitive fields of study. Open doors to future opportunities , connecting with institutions that actively seek outstanding students. We are incredibly proud of our Chapelle students who have earned this honor and represented our school with distinction. Their achievements are a testament to their hard work, the dedication of their teachers, and the support of their families. First-Generation PSAT National Recognition Award: Alexandra Daigre Kayla Palacio PSAT National Recognition Award Madison Adams Chloe Arnold Gabrielle Bush Gia Chester Allyson Dardar Kelsey Doyle Penelope Haley Abby Hebbler Anh Dao Le Kate Marks Riyan Meilleur Julie Mullen Elise Mulvihill Mackenzie Ory Miley Perkins Emma Rogers Hannah Sarver Kaliegh Scheve Leanne Siverd Emma Tran Julia Turnipseed Aashna Varkey Molly White Marlee Williams Grace Wilson Alexandra Young Evelyn Zajac 💚 Congratulations to our PSAT National Recognition Award recipients! 💚 We look forward to seeing all you will accomplish in the future.
More Posts