Shamrocks, school starts Monday, August 17, 2026. Before you walk through the doors, make sure you've checked these 10 things off your list.

1. Finish Your Summer Reading

If your summer reading is finished, congratulations. If it isn't, this is your final warning.

Catholic Central students are required to read all assigned books, and the summer reading test will cover all three. So, yes, you're going to want actually to read them.

Not sure what you're supposed to read? Check the official Catholic Central Summer Reading page for the books assigned to your grade and course.

2. Check MyCC — and Know Your Schedule

Before the first bell rings, make sure you can access MyCC and know where you're supposed to be.

Students use MyCC to access their schedules, teacher pages, homework assignments, grades, and extracurricular information.

Check your schedule. Look over your classes. Make sure you know your homeroom and have an idea of where your classrooms are located.

And freshmen: Friday's New Student Orientation is your chance to get the lay of the land before the entire student body arrives.

New Student Orientation

Friday, Aug. 14 | 8 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

If you're new to CC, don't skip it. You'll have a chance to become familiar with campus and start getting comfortable before your first official day.

Log in to MyCC and review the technology/MyCC information.

3. Follow Catholic Central on Social Media

Want to know what's happening at CC? Follow us on social media.

Throughout the school year, we use social media to share important announcements, reminders, event information, photos, videos, athletic updates, student achievements, and plenty of the everyday moments that make up the Shamrock experience.

In other words, if you aren't following us, you're probably missing something. Make sure you and your family are following Catholic Central before the school year begins:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• X 
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

And don't just follow us — turn on notifications so important updates don't get buried between your other posts.

4. Get Your Sleep Schedule Back on Track

Summer schedules are great until you realize you have to be up for school at 6 or 7 a.m.

If you've been staying up late and sleeping in this summer, start getting back to a normal routine now. Go to bed a little earlier each night and set your alarm for the time you'll need to wake up for school.

The first day of school is not the time to find out how many times you can hit snooze.

With school starting Monday, Aug. 17, give yourself a few days to adjust. You'll be glad you did when that first alarm goes off.

5. Know the Dress Code

This is Catholic Central. That means you need to be ready to show up in the school-approved dress code.

Before Monday, make sure your uniform pieces are clean, fit properly, and are ready to go. Don't wait until Sunday night to discover that your pants have mysteriously shrunk since May.

Need something new?

Shop the Catholic Central School Store, either online or in person, for school-approved items and Shamrock gear.

Shop the School Store

6. Have Your Mass Outfit Ready

When Mass is on the schedule, students need to be dressed appropriately, including a white-collared shirt and tie.

So make sure you have a tie that hasn't been living at the bottom of your closet since last spring. Better yet, put your Mass outfit somewhere you can actually find it.

Be sure to check the school calendar for Mass dates and other faith events.

7. Know Your Service-Hour Goal

At Catholic Central, service isn't something you do only when someone tells you to.

It's part of being a Shamrock.

Every student is required to complete community service hours each school year:

• Freshmen: 12 hours
• Sophomores: 15 hours
• Juniors: 20 hours
• Seniors: 20 hours

So before the school year gets busy with classes, sports, clubs, Boys’ Bowl and everything else, start thinking about where you want to serve.

Learn more about Christian Service at Catholic Central.

8. Make Sure Your Laptop Is Ready for Action

Before Aug. 17, make sure your laptop is charged, updated, and ready for class. Check that you can log into your Catholic Central accounts and access the tools you'll need for school.

If you're getting a new computer, review Catholic Central's technology requirements before making a purchase. The school recommends a full-featured Windows laptop, MacBook Air or Pro, or Microsoft Surface/Surface Pro and notes that Google Chromebooks and Apple iPads are not suitable devices for learning at CC.

Review the Catholic Central Technology & Devices page.

And remember: Monday morning is not the time to discover that your password doesn't work.

9. Put the Important Dates on Your Calendar

The first day of school isn't the only date you need to know. Here are a few important dates already on the Catholic Central calendar:

• Friday, Aug. 14 — New Student Orientation
  8 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
• Monday, Aug. 17 — First Day of School
  8 a.m.–2:45 p.m.
• Thursday, Aug. 20 — Spring Sports Championship Assembly
  1:43–2:45 p.m.
• Tuesday, Aug. 25 — Photo Day
  All day
• Thursday, Aug. 27 — Brothers Day

And that's only the beginning.

Bookmark the Catholic Central Calendar and check it regularly.

10. Find Your Fit in the Brotherhood

You don't have to join 14 clubs on the first day. But you should find something.

Catholic Central offers students opportunities to get involved in athletics, the arts, service, academic teams, student organizations, and a wide range of clubs and activities.

Maybe you've always wanted to try robotics. Maybe you're interested in the band. Maybe you want to compete academically, get involved in service, or try a sport you've never played.

Whatever it is, this could be the year you stop saying, "I've always wanted to try that."

Catholic Central is a community where students are encouraged to grow beyond the classroom. Find something you're passionate about, get involved, and make this year the best it can be!