By Catherine Raynock

Special to The Press

The Viking nation joyfully awaits the start of a new school year. Welcome to the Allentown Central Catholic High School Class of 2027 and all new transfer students.

The ACCHS New Viking Social will be held 2-4 p.m. Aug. 27 in the ACCHS parking lot at the corner of Chew and Jute streets. All freshmen, transfer students and their families are encouraged to attend and meet their classmates, teachers and the administrators.

Aug. 28 is freshmen and new student orientation, including Mass and a full day of activities.

All students will report back to school Aug. 29 for a full day and the school will close Sept. 1-4 for the Labor Day holiday.

The Viking boys soccer team is hosting a fundraiser 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 23 at PJ Whelihan’s, 4595 Broadway, Allentown. The team will receive 15% on all dine-in and take out sales, so enjoy some great food while supporting the boys soccer team.

The ACCHS Vikings for Gold Club is participating in the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley 5K/8K. Join the team to walk a 5K or run an 8K to benefit pediatric cancer research. Register at https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Coplay/ReadySetGold. When prompted to choose a team, select “ACCHS Vikings for Gold Club.” Please consider donating to help the team reach a $1,000 fundraising goal. All funds benefit The Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley. If you’re not an athlete but would still like to help, sign up to volunteer at https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/70a0e4fafaa29a0fe3-2023. To further support pediatric cancer patients, listen for more information about the Vikings for Gold Club at school this fall.

The 13th annual Matthew J. Spade Memorial Tournament will occur Sept. 9 at Green Pond Country Club, 3604 Farmersville Road, Bethlehem. Auctions will begin 1 p.m., the shotgun start will take place 1:30 p.m. and a buffet dinner will be served 6 p.m.

Sponsorship spots are available, including Gold, Silver, Bronze and Cart Sponsor openings. Visit https://matthewspade.webs.com for more information. Profits from the event will fund financial aid and scholarships for ACCHS students.

Today is the last day to purchase apparel from the summer ACCHS online store. The store closes this evening with delivery around Sept. 15. Go to https://corporateimagesinc.chipply.com/ACCHSSchoolSpiritWear/ to place an order.

The Viking football season commences 7 p.m. Aug. 26 at J. Birney Crum Stadium, 2027 Linden St., Allentown. The Vikings will face Northampton in this exciting season opener. The team will travel to play Easton Area High School 7 p.m. Sept. 1.

ACCHS athletics is holding a season pass sale for all loyal Central fans. The sale begins 5:30 p.m. Aug. 26 at the J. Birney Crum Southwest Gate. All year passes are also available, providing free entry to all football and basketball games. All current ACCHS students are admitted free to games with their ID. Pay with cash or check or purchase your pass in the ACCHS athletic office.

The following games are some of the season openers for Central fall sports. Please come and support our talented athletes.

The Vikette volleyball team will face their first opponent 5:30 p.m. Aug. 29 at Northampton Area High School.

The girls soccer team will travel to play North Penn High School (Lansdale) 3 p.m. Aug. 26 and will play at Whitehall High School 7 p.m. Aug. 28.

The boys soccer team will face Whitehall High School at home 7:45 p.m. Aug. 28.

The girls tennis team already began their season against Freedom High School Aug. 21, but will compete at Emmaus High School this afternoon 3:30 p.m. and will face East Stroudsburg North High School at home 3:30 p.m. Aug. 25.

The Central Golf Team will compete in several matches against area high schools, as well as the cross-country team, with league meets throughout their fall season. Stay updated with Viking athletics by following the school’s social media pages.

All students must read the required summer reading novels before school starts. Novel selections vary based on CP, Honors or AP level classes, so check your course placement to confirm you read the proper book(s). The summer reading list is available at acchs.info/summer-reading.

Every student and parent/guardian, (including returning students), are required to read and understand the updated ACCHS student handbook. The handbook details policies surrounding conduct, dress code, attendance, extracurriculars and Diocesan procedures.

Beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, ACCHS will utilize a demerit system to respond to discipline violations. Visit acchs.info/student-handbook to view the 2023-2024 ACCHS student handbook.

All students should log into the Sapphire Portal to access their courses and schedules for this school year. Students should check their courses’ class pages and determine their homeroom.

Teachers post assignments and grades through Sapphire and report cards are also issued through Sapphire every quarter. Students and parents should become familiar with Sapphire to ensure a successful school year.